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Michigan’s LGBT News Source since 1993 PrideSource.Com Sept. 23, 2010 Catching up with Cazwell Out rapper talks Detroit, sex and homophobia

LISA LAMPANELLI AIDS WALK DETROIT DADT DECISION DAY How did we ruin Teen turnout largest Anti-gay policy repeal the comedian’s life? in 20-year history dies in U.S. Senate

4 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 5 6 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Sept. 23, 2010 Vol. 1838 • Issue 680

Publishers Susan Horowitz Jan Stevenson

EDITORIAL

Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz

Entertainment Editor Chris Azzopardi

Associate News Editor Jessica Carreras 14 17 20 34 Arts & Theater Editor Donald V. Calamia 16 California gay marriage ban 20 Lisa Lampanelli: Contributing Writers News Charles Alexander, Paul Berg, backers target judge One Mean Queen Wayne Besen, D.A. Blackburn, Written argument submitted; anti-Prop. 8 Comedian on gay marriage, roasts and how we Dave Brousseau, Michelle E. Brown, 9 Between Ourselves John Corvino, Jack Fertig, Mike Odom responses due next month screwed up her life Joan Hilty, Lucy Hough, Lisa Keen, Jim Larkin, Anthony Paull, Crystal Proxmire, Bob Roehr, 10 AIDS Walk Detroit surges on 17 International News Briefs 24 Book Marks Gregg Shapiro, Jody Valley, Teen turnout larger “than ever in the history” of Russian gay leader Alekseev abducted, Reviews of “The Twin” and “Gender Outlaws: D’Anne Witkowski, Imani Williams The Next Generation” Rex Wockner, Dan Woog fundraiser released

Contributing Photographer 11 Iowa-based American Future 25 Curtain Calls Andrew Potter Reviews of “Beyond Therapy” and “A Closer Fund runs attack ads in state Webmaster & MIS Director Opinions Walk with Patsy Cline” Kevin Bryant ‘Swift Boat’-affiliated group targets Michigan’s 7th District; Schauer campaign blasts org 12 BTL Editorial ADVERTISING & SALES 26 Happenings Feds committed to fighting hate Featured: Michigan Pride hosts golf outing on Director of Sales 11 Obituaries Sept. 26 in Williamston Jan Stevenson Community members Steven William Swan, 12 The Gay Moralist Susan Sanborn North die Sales Representatives Marriage and iconography Linda Brincat Ann Cox 14 “Diversity is our greatest 13 S/he said Rear View National Advertising strength” DADT, Montana and homophobia on Facebook Representative DOJ assistant AG promotes safety, civil rights 28 Dear Jody Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 for all at MIchigan hate crimes conference 13 Parting Glances Business Office Life’s a drag, then you... 29 Horoscopes Diane Smith 15 OutFest continues its Nancy Blankenship tradition in A2 14 Creep of the Week 30 Puzzle Circulation & Distribution Speakers, musicians help event to raise Tony Perkins Diane Smith $2,000 for WRAP 31 Classifieds CREATIVE 15 Cox chastises employee for Graphic Designer Life 32 Queeries David Ano anti-gay blog No further action taken by Michigan AG’s office Pride Source Media Group 19 Catching up with Cazwell 33 Scene Check 11920 Farmington Road 16 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” fails Out rapper talks Detroit “flavor,” being sex Livonia, Michigan 48150 crazed and having the power to kill Phone 734.293.7200 in Senate 34 Deep Inside Hollywood Fax 734.293.7201 Dems fall short on votes to break defense www.pridesource.com spending filibuster Our rate cards are available online

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Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 7 8 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 News BETWEEN OURSELVES byBy Jessica Jessica CarrerasCarreras Mike Odom is an account supervisor at Marx Layne, and has been the co-director of the Motown Invitation Classic for four years, which brings over 200 LGBT and allied bowlers to the tournament each year. Odom will be co-directing his last MIC tournament in October.

How did you first get in- From the national perspective, volved with LGBT bowl- the International Gay Bowling Or- 1 ing leagues? ganization’s 30th Mid-Year Tourna- A friend encouraged me to ment will take place Nov. 10-15 in join the local LGBT league back Washington, D.C. Next year, bowlers in the early ‘90s after learning will compete in the “World Series” I was an avid bowler. At that of gay bowling at the IGBO Annual time, the Detroit-based league XXXI May 25-30, which will be was the largest bowling league hosted in Toronto. in the world – gay or straight – with more than 400 bowlers. It What positive element do you was called Betterment of The think MIC and the affiliated Individual and was held at State 4 leagues bring to the gay com- Fair Lanes. munity? After several years, BTI The gay leagues have MIC and the local LGBT ultimately separated into leagues have created a tremendous smaller leagues throughout given us a great sense opportunity for people to meet and metro Detroit, which is what of pride. We have develop long lasting friendships. we have today. Over the years, I have made many been there for each friends with people from all walks Why do you enjoy being other when times of life. involved in the Motown The gay leagues also have 2Invitational Classic? are tough and when given us a great sense of pride. It is truly a privilege to be times are great, like We have marched together in a part of an organization that AIDS walks, supported numerous has a 25-year history of pro- one big family. nonprofits with donations of food, moting LGBT bowling and the blankets, our personal time and spirit of friendly competition in finances, rallied around friends southeast Michigan. Each year, the MIC hosts who have been attacked in the streets for being on average 200-plus bowlers from Michigan, the gay, and have supported others who are fighting U.S. and Canada. We are a welcoming committee cancer and are struggling to survive. We have on behalf of our community and we are proud to been there for each other when times are tough roll out the red carpet for local and out-of-town and when times are great, like one big family. visitors alike. Year after year, the MIC committee works This will be your last year as co-direc- very hard to raise the necessary funds to cover tor of MIC. What are your “parting the cost of hosting one our region’s best LGBT 5 words”? competitive events. Whether we are coordinat- These past four years have truly been a ing a bar crawl, boat cruise or bar of the week, I rewarding experience. Although it has been chal- am always humbled by the wonderful group of lenging at times, in the end it is always worth it. dedicated committee members that help make To the new MIC co-directors: Allow the MIC possible. They are a major part of the reason opportunity for fresh ideas and news ways of why I have been involved for so long. thinking to encompass everything that you do, whether it is through fundraising, building What’s coming up in the world of gay relationships in the community or interacting bowling? with your fellow committee members. A good 3 Most LGBT bowling leagues have leader is one that listens to every suggestion already started or are scheduled to begin soon. carefully and presents opportunities for people Metro Detroit is home to five LGBT bowling to be included in the decision making process. leagues: BTI Sunday Mixed, Westside Sunday To tournament sponsors and community Mixed, Metro Detroit Friday Night Mixed, supporters: Thank you for your generous sup- Wednesday Pride and The Rainbow League. port of the MIC tournament. You have helped us The 25th MIC tournament is scheduled to become one of the best LGBT bowling tourna- take place Oct. 8-10. Whether you want to stop ments in our region. by Thunderbowl Lanes to watch the competition To my family: Thank you for your patience. or swing by MotorCity Casino Hotel to check Yes, NOW we can spend more time together. out the party at our host hotel, we welcome you Visit www.mictournament.org for information to join in the fun. about joining a local league.

Between Ourselves is a weekly feature that highlights members of Michigan’s LGBT and allied community. To recommend someone for Between Ourselves, e-mail Jessica at jessica@ pridesource.com

It’s easy to win Just find the ad Find the in this issue and enter online. See fake ad p.48 for details. & win Hit ‘Click to Win’ on our home page @ PrideSource.com

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 9 News MICHIGAN AIDS Walk Detroit surges on Teen turnout larger ‘than ever in the history’ of fundraiser

BY JESSICA CARRERAS ROYAL OAK – Though the weather was predicted to be rainy, the sun once again came out for the annual AIDS Walk Detroit, which took place Sept. 19 in downtown Royal Oak. Thousands of people gathered at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market to ready for the 5K walk, to watch pieces from the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt be unfolded, and to remember loved ones lost to HIV/AIDS. Over 90 teams walked, raising over $100,000 for Steppin’ Out – and counting. It’s money that will all go back toward metro Detroit HIV/AIDS organizations, promised Steppin’ Out Board President Bill Thomas, owner of Royal Oak restaurant Pronto! “It takes a lot of people to put this walk on, and for all of you who have been participating, the money that’s raised stays right here in metro Detroit,” he told participants at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, where the walk begins and ends each year. “I want to thank you, from the board of directors of Steppin’ Out. It goes to people who need food, medicine, clothing, shelter – it’s re- ally, really important that you participate today.” U.S. Sen. Carl Levin reminded participants that the Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison and Ferndale numbers that really matter, beyond dollars, are reducing the number of infections and deaths due to HIV/AIDS. Mayor Craig Covey made their usual appear- ance at the event, with Covey making a special plug for the upcoming elections. The longtime Ferndale politician is making a run for a seat on gency Lifeline Programs. the Oakland County Commission, on which he But the numbers that truly matter, U.S. Sen. would represent the 25th District, which includes Carl Levin reminded participants, are numbers Ferndale, Hazel Park and parts of Royal Oak. of infections, and of deaths due to HIV/AIDS. “We appreciate you being here, we’re glad Those, he pointed out, serve as a sobering re- that you’re here, and after you’re done walking, minder that the disease is still a killer – even in there’s one more thing you’ve gotta do if you America. want to keep fighting HIV/AIDS: I need you to “As we celebrate some successes – we’ve vote on Nov. 2,” Covey implored the walkers. seen a reduction in the amount of infections “If you can vote, please vote.” of AIDS – we also have a long way to go, and Unable to vote, but certainly able and that’s the reason you’re here today,” said Levin, a willing to help the cause of HIV/AIDS, were longtime supporter of both LGBT and HIV/AIDS hundreds of teens from a myriad of local high causes. “We have a million or more Americans schools, including Grosse Pointe North, Lincoln with HIV/AIDS. Perhaps 20 percent of them High, North Farmington High and Ferndale’s don’t even know they have it, which is an addi- Franklin High School, which had raised close tion to that tragedy.” to $900 at last count. The school with the most Levin recapped the past year’s federal money raised by the Oct. 20 deadline will win policy gains in the arena of HIV/AIDS treatment a free dance at their school, sponsored by AMP and prevention, which included the reauthoriza- 98.7, which provided a live DJ for AIDS Walk tion of the Ryan White CARE Act and the end Detroit. of the national policy that prohibited the travel According to Thomas, this year’s student of HIV-positive people into the country. participation set an AIDS Walk record. “This But the true measure of success, noted year, we have had more high school teams than Levin, will come when there is no need for fund- ever in the history of Steppin’ Out and AIDS ing or AIDS walks at all. “As we look forward ... Walk Detroit,” he said, drawing large cheers from to coming out every year to support your great the teens. “You guys rock it out.” effort – and this is a great day when we come But beyond the energy of youth, the Extra together to do that – we also look forward to the Mile Club honored three participants who serve day when we no longer have to march to end the as an inspiration to other fundraisers. This year, scourge of HIV/AIDS,” he said. “You are bring- walkers raising over $1,000 as of Sunday’s count ing that date closer by marching today.” included Ron Northrop, who raised $3,580; To keep track of the total number of funds Frank D’Amore, who raised $7,600; and David raised at the 2010 AIDS Walk Detroit, or to make Agius, who single-handedly raised an astounding a donation by the Oct. 20 deadline, visit www. Above: Members of local HIV support group WINGS look on as pieces of the Names Memorial Quilt are unfolded. $13,000 for AIDS Walk Detroit. aidswalkdetroit.org. Below: Ferndale-based Lincoln High School currently leads the AIDS Walk High School Challenge with close to $1,000 raised. The school that raises the most funds will be rewarded with a free dance, hosted by radio Teams raising over $10,000 each included station AMP 98.7. BTL photos by Jessica Carreras Affirmations, Dignity Detroit and Health Emer-

10 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 The individuals behind American Future Fund are also allied with the “family values” Salesman, former Aff youth crowd. The board president of the organization is Iowa Republican state Senate candidate Steven William Swan dies Sandra Greiner. On June 25, Greiner held a fundraising event for her campaign, the Steven William Swan, 38, passed away suddenly Sept. 4 after guest speaker for which was anti-gay former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. suffering acute chest pains. He was rushed to the hospital from his St. Clair Shores home and was pronounced dead. Swan, born Oct. 28, 1971, was a 1990 graduate of Grosse Pointe North High School where he was an accom- plished member of the swim team. He Iowa-based American Future later attended Oakland Community College. He worked as an ad sales rep- resentative for Pride Source Media Fund runs attack ads in state Group and Between The Lines from 2004 to 2005. Before that, he was a top salesman at Art Van Furniture. During his high school years, he worked at ‘Swift Boat’-affiliated group targets Michigan’s Bill Knapp’s restaurant and Jacobson’s Department Store. 7th District; Schauer campaign blasts org He is survived by his sister, Susan Swan of Colorado, brother Paul Swan of Texas, nephew Jack Hunter Swan, 2, and niece Ada Catherine Swan, 5. By Susan Horowitz Future Fund are also allied with the “fam- American Family Association. Fischer’s Swan’s body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held ily values” crowd. The board president remarks to the gathering were anti-gay With the last of the primaries over, at Christ Church, 61 Grosse Point Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms at 1 of the organization is Republican state and anti-Muslim, emphasizing that p.m. Sept. 25. the right-wing funding machine has mo- Senate candidate Sandra Greiner. On Christians need to be involved in politics bilized into high gear. One of the newest When Swan was 18 he attended the Affirmations Youth Group. June 25, Greiner held a fundraising event or else the “pagans and atheists” will run The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to players in the 2010 campaign cycle is the for her campaign, the guest speaker for government. Des Moines, Iowa-based conservative Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI, 48220 (www. which was anti-gay former Pennsylvania Fischer is working with partners goaffirmations.org). organization American Future Fund. It Sen. Rick Santorum. Santorum has been in Iowa that include the Iowa Family was founded in the spring of 2008 to seen a lot in Iowa and there has been Policy Center. help campaigns across the country elect speculation that he is testing the waters He told the gathering that the candidates who believe in “conservative for a presidential bid. He will be returning American Family Association had al- Community activist Susan and free market ideals.” to Iowa for the American Future Fund ready spent “several hundred-thousand In an interview with the Center for speaker series on Oct. 1. dollars” to defeat three Iowa Supreme Public Integrity last month, American Fu- Last week, Greiner was in the Court justices because of their “activ- Sanborn North dies ture Fund spokesman Nick Ryan said his national spotlight joining a chorus of ist” role regarding the decision to allow Susan North, 70, passed away Sept. 7 while vacationing in Cali- group plans to spend between $20-25 mil- Republicans that have been calling the same-sex marriage. fornia. She had suffered a severe stroke just days before. lion on political ads this fall. On Sept. 15, president’s religion into question. She Having lost the primary election North was a staunch supporter of Michigan’s LGBT community, that spending began in Michigan when told KTVO, “I am saying I don’t know. ... for Republican candidate for governor serving on committees at Affirmations, the Triangle Foundation and the group purchased TV ads targeting the He says he is a Christian. If he says he is of Iowa, Vander Plaats is heading up the others. In the 1990s, she became well known as the leader of a group state’s 7th and 1st U.S. House Districts. a Christian I will take his word for it until Iowa Family Policy Center (www.ifpc. of financial planners at Ameriprise The cookie-cutter attack ad, an ad- somebody proves to me otherwise. I don’t org). On Aug. 6, the website Bleeding Financial Services that specialized in aptation of which is running in 13 other have time to do the research right now.” Heartland (www.bleedingheartland. the unique financial needs of the LGBT U.S. congressional districts, is targeting The Republican candidate for gover- com) reported that Vander Plaats will be community – the first of its kind in the incumbent Rep. Mark Schauer (D-Battle nor of Iowa, former Gov. Terry Branstad, leading the charge in a public campaign greater Detroit area. Creek) who is running against former is a board member of the American Fu- against retention of the Iowa Supreme North also shepherded countless Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton). The ad cost ture Fund. While seen as more moderate Court justices. requests from LGBT and HIV/AIDS over $500,000 and is expected to run over than his primary contestant, Bob Vander Eastern Iowa Government’s web- agencies for financial support from 4,000 times in the district through Elec- Plaats, who lost in June with 42 percent site (http://easterniowagovernment. Ameriprise Financial through direct tion Day. It targets Schauer for his votes of the primary vote, Branstad has flip- com) indicated that Vander Plaats has gifts and event sponsorships. on health care reform and energy taxes, flopped regarding the Iowa Supreme the support of the Republican Governors Born in Laconia, N.H., in 1940, attacking him as a “liberal” who needs to Court justices’ unanimous decision to Association in his efforts to defeat the North was a graduate of Hunter Col- “disappear.” In 2008, the Human Rights allow same-sex marriage. Supreme Court justices. IFPC hopes to lege in New York. She was a computer Campaign gave Walberg a rating of zero In May 2009, Branstad told the set a precedent that other Republican programmer and author in her early life, and endorsed Schauer. Des Moines Register, “I do respect the governors can follow in the future. writing 12 books on topics covering In a press release, the Schauer existence of the separation of powers.” The IFPC identifies a key issue on computer programming and New England cooking. campaign called American Future Fund However, candidate Branstad is now the website (www.ifpcaction.org) as fol- Later, North became a financial advisor and indulged her pas- a “shadowy special-interest group,” that endorsing changing Iowa’s merit-based lows: “Sexuality: IFPC affirms sexual re- sion for art, entering and winning national art quilt competitions. Her has hired consultants who were behind system for selecting judges, considered lations within the bond of marriage, and work was displayed as part of a traveling exhibit shown in the U.S. the 2004 “Swift Boat” ads. one of the best systems in the nation. opposes distortions of sexuality or spe- ambassadorial residences worldwide. Examples can be seen at www. The Iowa Independent investigated cial rights to those practicing distorted SusanSanbornNorth.com. the American Future Fund in 2008 and Right wing eyes Iowa Supreme sexual behavior.” The Family Research North is survived by her daughter, Sarah Lydia Sanborn North, reported that Ben Ginsberg of the Wash- Council’s Tony Perkin’s has recorded sister Bonny Smith and 23 first cousins. She is also survived by her ington, D.C., law firm Patton Boggs is the Court justices a short disinformation commercial ad- three beloved English Bulldogs. group’s legal counsel. Ginsberg provided Meanwhile, as another Focus on the dressing “why gay marriage matters” No funeral arrangements have been made per North’s request, as advice to Swift Boat Veterans for Truth Family Values Voter Summit ended last in Iowa, in an attempt to alarm voters. she bequeathed her body to science. Sarah North said she is planning in the 2004 presidential campaign that er- weekend in Washington, D.C., attracting In a video on the website, IFPC a celebration of her mother’s life and art in the Detroit area in a few roneously attacked John Kerry’s military most of the 2012 Republican presiden- Action Board Chairman Danny Car- weeks. At press time, details were not yet available. service record. Another American Future tial hopefuls, the Iowa court decision roll addresses a gathering to discuss The family requests that donations in honor of Susan Sanford Fund adviser, Larry McCarthy, produced was cited at the podium by a number of the April 2009 Supreme Court ruling North go to these three organizations: The Roeper School, Mariann the infamous 1988 racially tinged Willie speakers. which he said “violated God’s design Hoag Financial Aid/Scholarship Program (www.roeper.org/donate); Horton TV ad that helped defeat Michael One of the most onerous was Bryan for a successful and healthy society” Equality Michigan (www.equalitymi.org); and The Bulldog Club of Dukakis, the democratic presidential Fischer, the director of Issue Analysis and he emphasized the need to reverse America Rescue Network (www.rescuebulldogs.org/donations). candidate that year. for Government and Public Policy at the the opinion as soon as possible. The individuals behind American

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 11 Opinions Jan Stevenson, Publisher • Susan Horowitz, Publisher/Editor

The Gay Moralist

Marriage and iconography

BY JOHN CORVINO iconography and marriage-as-meeting-concrete- needs, I’d pick the latter every time. ome weeks ago I wrote a piece responding Second, Tushnet complains that “If lots to a Ross Douthat column which draws on and lots of differences are as important to mar- Sthe celibate lesbian author Eve Tushnet. riage as sex differences, or sex differences are Tushnet had written, as unimportant to marriage as lots and lots of “If you have a unisex model of marriage, differences, it’s exceptionally difficult to un- which is what gay marriage requires, you are no derstand how marriage could be an institution longer able to talk about marriage as regulating which regulates sex at all.” heterosexuality and therefore you’re not able No, it isn’t. Sex (the activity) is a powerful to say: Look, there are things that are different and risky force, and thus there are reasons to about heterosexual and homosexual relation- regulate it in and through marriage. (Of course, BTL Editorial ships. There are different dangers, there are the stakes are higher when that activity can different challenges, and, therefore, there are also result in children.) Furthermore, sex brings probably going to be different rules.” people together and marriage helps keep them My ultimate complaint was (and remains) together, even as their sexual interest waxes and Feds committed to fighting hate that neither Tushnet nor Douthat explains why wanes. What’s so difficult to understand? extending marriage to gay people would some- Here Tushnet proffers the usual false di- very year, the Michigan Alliance Against how warp it to where it could no longer meet the lemma: Either marriage is solely male-female or Hate Crimes brings the Response to Hate It cannot be stated emphatically needs of straight people – especially since gays else it “means whatever you want it to mean.” EConference to Lansing, and a slew of law and straights share so many fundamental needs But there’s plenty of reasonable middle ground enforcement officials, students, nonprofit repre- enough that the Shepard and and challenges. between those polar (and false) alternatives. sentatives, lawyers and concerned citizens meet Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention In a recent blog post, Tushnet responds Third, Tushnet speculates about my world- to discuss and learn about hot topics and ways (http://bit.ly/9rmKy1). Her response is organized view. (She could have asked; I’m not that hard to combat hate crimes in Michigan and beyond. Act was not simply a token law around four points. I’ll address each of them to find.) She suspects that, for me, men and briskly here, with the hope that I might delve On Sept. 16, the conference was held again, passed to say, “Look! Here, we women are nothing more than functions: “If we and the surprising focus of the day? Protecting into some of them at greater length later. can figure out the function of a father, we can LGBT citizens. did something!” but a very real First, she responds to my chiding her and replace biological fathers with father figures or Although hate crimes based on sexual ori- Douthat for ignoring the myriad differences that male role models and no harm done.” entation and gender identity or gender expression commitment to including LGBT exist within the category of heterosexual rela- I hold no such thing. Indeed, I’ve written are always included in hate crimes discussions, people in the equation when it tionships – some with children, some without; about the fact that I believe biological bonds are last October’s passage of the Matthew Shepard some involving young lovebirds; some involving special, which is not to say that they are the only and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act comes to fighting hate crimes. mature companions; some domestic, some long- kind of parent-child bond deserving of support. pushed the issue to the forefront of the minds of distance, and so on. But what I also believe – and have repeated- everyone interested in preventing, prosecuting Tushnet complains that my perspective re- ly argued – is that it’s unfair to saddle marriage- and educating the public about hate. the jurisdiction.’ quires one to believe that sex/gender difference is equality proponents with the donor-conception It was heartening to hear presenters and “But now, the good news is that we are here just one difference among others, rather than the debate. Tushnet does this again in her fourth participants alike nod their heads in agreement and we can help and we are helping.” difference. As she puts it, my view requires deny- point, where she complains that members of the that yes, it’s important for our country to protect It cannot be stated emphatically enough that ing that sex difference is “iconic.” She writes, “’family diversity’ movement” lack “aesthetic people from anti-LGBT hate crimes and yes, the Shepard and Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention “I genuinely believe that sex difference sensitivity” to biological connectedness. we as a society recognize and respect that fact. Act was not simply a token law passed to say, is sublime in a way that age difference, for ex- If she’s right, she’s only half right: It’s in But perhaps most impressive was the fact “Look! Here, we did something!” but a very real ample, is not. Its sublimity stems in part, though part because of such aesthetic sensitivity that that a high-up representative of our federal gov- commitment to including LGBT people in the I think only in part, from its danger, its potential some gay couples – as well as many infertile ernment was at the conference, discussing his equation when it comes to fighting hate crimes. for horror, and its simultaneous potential for straight couples – choose donor-conception over personal vested interest in prosecuting LGBT The federal government wants to help, exceptional beauty.” adoption. (There are other reasons, including the hate crimes. and LGBT hate crimes victims – nay, the entire I’m not sure that Tushnet is aiming at my hurdles placed in front of gay couples seeking Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights LGBT community, victimized or not – should central complaint here. But if she is, then she’s to adopt.) at the U.S. Department of Justice Tom Perez was know that this venue to justice is there for them, saying that the problem with extending marriage I understand why Tushnet worries that the keynote speaker for the day, and he spent even if their community or local law enforce- to same-sex couples is that doing so renders it some individuals’ desires for “their own” bio- much of his time at the podium discussing both ment are not. unable to express the “iconic,” “sublime” and logical children renders them less sensitive to the importance of the newest hate crimes act and Moreover, Perez and his team – along “beautiful” male-female difference it tradition- children’s interest in “their own” biological the federal government’s drive to protecting and with the people at MIAAHC – are working to ally expressed. mother and father. But I cannot see how she serving LGBT citizens. ensure that community organizations and local It’s hard to respond to that, except to note (or anyone) convincingly connects the dots “I prosecuted a lot of folks, and I refer to police departments, which are often the first to that it depends on a radically different worldview between that premise and the conclusion that the term “equal opportunity bigot” – they hate hear about a hate crime, are properly trained not from mine: As I see it, of the many important gays shouldn’t be allowed to marry. African Americans, they hate Latinos, they hate only to contact federal attorneys for anti-LGBT purposes of marriage, iconography is pretty low It’s not about iconography. It’s about Jews, the hate Muslims, they hate everyone hate crimes cases, but to simply respect LGBT on the list. the real needs of gay and lesbian individuals, who is different, including people who are gay, people and to build bridges so that victims feel I value marriage because of the concrete couples, and families. lesbian, transgender or bisexual,” Perez told con- safe enough to come forward. ways in which it recognizes and fortifies fami- lies, helping them to sustain relationships that ference participants. “There is nothing worse as a It’s so wonderful to know that the highest John Corvino, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, and prosecutor than looking someone in the eye and do them – and society – palpable good. It serves office in our country is on our side when we are philosophy professor at Wayne State University in saying, ‘Your son or daughter has been the victim victimized, hurt or killed; that crimes against us people’s deep needs for intimacy, care, support in Detroit. His current fall speaking schedule is posted of a brutal gay-bashing incident, and there’s not will not go unnoticed. It’s reassuring to us as child-rearing, and so on. Gay and lesbian people a darn thing we can do about it, because we lack LGBT people, and to our community overall. have those needs, too. at www.johncorvino.com. So if it’s a choice between marriage-as-

12 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress Parting of grievances. – First Amendment, U.S. Constitution Glances Then & Now S/he said BY CHARLES ALEXANDER The 1930s through 1940s were the heyday of “pansy” DADT, Montana and homophobia on drag queens. Forbidden fruit for viewer sampling. Facebook COMPILED BY HOWARD ISRAEL Life’s a drag, then “I had a roommate who told me, ‘Whenever I see two gay people walking down the street, it makes me want to throw you... up,’ I was like, ‘Little do you know, I’m gay.’” - A senior female cadet, quoted in an article titled “At n the 50-some years I’ve been out, I’ve seen more female imperson- West Point, Hidden Gay Cadets Put in Spotlight,” about ators than you can shake a rhinestone tiara at. If I never see another the closeted lives of cadets, www.nytimes.com, Aug. 24. Igay deceiver – let alone play drag queen bingo with one – that will not be a failure on the part of my continuing search for cultural enrichment. (I don’t consider lip-synching a talent. Creating an illusion of beauty, “’Black Lesbians Matter’ accentu- complimenting or interpreting the style of famous female celebs, or hon- ates the importance of using our est live singing is another matter. I remember one of the all-time best voices to define us for ourselves. It “ladies with talent”, Detroit’s legendary Gail Sherman. More of her later.) is our opportunity to speak and have I was celebrating my 21st birthday birthday when I saw my first our voices heard and acknowledged; drag show at the Flame Show Bar, located on Detroit’s Brush Street in our issues and concerns validated the city’s famed Paradise Valley. (I went with my new partner, Ernie, and defined in our own words. We three years older, a foot shorter. An intellectual top to me, a skinny-guy must continue to find and use our bottom.) voices, for to remain silent is no The Flame Show Bar was a black-and-tan venue. A club to which longer an option.” whites felt comfortable – even daring – frequenting. The performance Vallerie D. Wagner - Vallerie D. Wagner, board that night of nights at the beginning of my own reasonably long gay member of the National Black run – with many mental costume and professional changes in the wings Justice Coalition, in a press release for me – was the internationally famous Jewel Box Review. about “Black Lesbians Matter,” a study of the unique Headliners of the 12-member, Miami-based touring company experiences, perspectives and priorities of the black formed in 1939 were nationally famous female impersonator T. C. lesbian community, http://zunainstitute.org, July 27. Jones and male impersonator Storme DeLarverie. (Storme, 90, now living in New York City, is its equivalent of our Ruth Ellis. Jones died in 1971, age 51.) “I looked at that and said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ Should In the late 1950s, public cross-dressing was confined only to Hal- it get taken out? Absolutely. Does anybody think we should be loween. Anyone caught in drag any other time of the year might be ar- arresting homosexual people? If you take that stand, you really “If you’re a white, heterosexual rested. (Two early impersonators who played Detroit’s Diplomat Club, probably shouldn’t be in the Republican Party.” Billy & Maurice, wore elaborate hairdos and pancake makeup. Men’s - Sen. John Brueggeman, (R-Mont.), in an article titled woman like me, your chances of be- black shirts. Men’s black slacks.) “Montana GOP policy: Make homosexuality illegal,” In the 1960s, the Diplomat had its own star-struck retinue of drag about the state GOP’s recently adopted official platform ing infected by HIV/AIDS are very queens: Bobbie Johns, former baseball shortstop; Lola Lola, ex-army which supports making homosexual acts illegal, low – just one in 50,000. But if you’re sergeant, whose routine included humping the stage curtains; Chunga, Associated Press, www.ap.org, Sept. 18. who danced with a 6-foot snake; Vicki Marlene, who lip-synched songs a gay Hispanic man, your chances that allowed her to cry, and Fat Jack, “a quarter ton of fat and fun”, who “We actually achieve what we set out are 350 times higher. In some U.S. wore a yellow polka-dotted bikini while butt-wobbling to music of the to do. We’ve gotten 1,566 homopho- same title. bic pages removed from Facebook, cities, it’s estimated that almost half The earlier mentioned Gail Sherman was stunningly beautiful. and we have a real sense of commu- She “clocked” decades before the expression came into use. She was nity building in the group. Know how of all gay, black men are HIV-posi- vivacious, a talented vocalist, a gorgeous tease. She jilted a straight guy we did it? We listened to the mem- tive. Part of what this strategy says I knew. Jeffrey took a gun and killed himself in the club’s parking lot. bers, and we got rid of the bigots, and Gail, who later transitioned into a woman, must now be in her ambula- Kevin Patrick the self servers and the haters. We is that we’re going to intensify our tory 70s, if still around. O’Neil kept the genuine, nice, normal, aver- Perhaps the most famous impersonator to play the Diplomat was age, wonderful people that we have prevention efforts in the communities Ray (later Rae) Bourbon. He got his big start in 1927, appearing in Mae today, and we all worked together to where infections are concentrated. West’s police-raided Broadway play, “The Drag.” He followed that make our voices heard.” success with bookings on what was then derisively called the “Pansy - Kevin Patrick O’Neil, interviewed in a column titled We’re going to put our resources Circuit.” “Wipeout Homophobia on Facebook: Taking a Stand for The 1930s through 1940s were the heyday of “pansy” drag queens. Tolerance,” about the Facebook page O’Neil launched to where the risk is.” Forbidden fruit for viewer sampling. A safe taste of gay life imitating combat anti-gay, racist and sexist Facebook pages, www. – and often damn well besting – the genuine female article. (Chicago’s polarimagazine.com, Sept. 9. - Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Baton Club has for years carried on the drag queen glamour tradition to tourist packed weekend houses.) Department of Health and Human When Bourbon (now Rae, though he lied about actually having “The next time the gay community starts pointing fingers in Services, in a speech addressing a sex change) played the Diplomat, his glory days were over. He was regards to black homophobia, I would suggest it take a more paid daily to avoid IRS complications. He was older, heavier, booze sobering look at racism within its own ranks. There is no group, federal efforts to combat HIV/AIDS bloated, mascara fluttered, still doing his infamous “Around the World regardless of who you sleep with or what skin color you have, in 80 Ways” LP record routine. Sadly pathetic. Soon to be forgotten. that is either exempt or free of bigotry and bias.” in America, National Minority AIDS Rae loved dogs. He boarded at least a dozen with a vet, but neglected - Devona Walker, in her column titled “Gay marriage, the Council, www.nmac.org, Sept. 13. to pay for the animals upkeep. Patient too long, the vet found shelters for legacy of Civil Rights and the black community,” www. the barking menagerie. A pissed-off Bourbon hired two thugs to rough theloop21.com, Aug. 5. up the vet. They accidentally killed him. Rae was arrested. Died without makeup in prison. (Rye Bourbon on the rocks.) [email protected]. Facebook, too.

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 13 News MICHIGAN Tony Perkins BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI ‘Diversity is our greatest verybody loves a parade, don’t they? Especially gays. And gay-loving militaries the world over. I mean, with Ehomos in the ranks, they aren’t much for fighting, but strength’ they can build a fabulous flotilla of floats. Or so Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council thinks. On Sept. 17, Perkins hosted a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” panel at the Values Voters Summit, which DOJ assistant AG promotes safety, civil rights for is basically a circuit party for social conservatives – except there’s no danc- all at Michigan hate crimes conference ing, since gyrations of any kind are the devil’s movements. BY JESSICA CARRERAS Perkins claims “our military is under immense attack from within our LANSING – Much discussion and country” because Obama has made it a celebration at the Michigan Alliance priority to “force the military to embrace Against Hate Crimes’ 2010 Response to homosexuality” regardless of “what the Hate Conference, held Sept. 16 in Lansing, military thought.” centered around the Matthew Shepard Tony Perkins And to explain what the military and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Preven- thinks, Perkins was flanked by retired tion Act, which was signed into law last Lt. Col. Robert Maginnis, a senior fellow for defense policy October by President Barack Obama. The at FRC, and Sgt. Brian Fleming, a young man injured twice in act both strengthened current federal hate Afghanistan. crimes law and added gender identity, sexual orientation and disability to the list of protected classes. Sgt. Brian Fleming claims that gay soldiers The reach of the law, the importance can’t be trusted because you wouldn’t of it and what it meant in terms of enforce- ment in hate crimes cases on the local and know if they had “inappropriate” motives federal level all came up in various parts for wanting to be your friend. Never of the conference. Judy Levy, who heads up the civil rights division for the U.S. at- mind that DADT is a recipe for mistrust torney’s office for the Eastern District of Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice Tom Perez was the since it’s a policy based on dishonesty. Michigan, discussed the specifics of the keynote speaker for the Michigan Response to Hate Conference on Sept. 16 in Lansing. Photo act during the day’s LGBT-focused break- courtesy of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights out session, and Eastern District Attorney Fleming claims that gay soldiers can’t be trusted because Barbara McQuade made mention of it as communities like LGBT people. Michigan doing in middle schools across America?’” you wouldn’t know if they had “inappropriate” motives for well when addressing attendees. is one such state. he shared. “I have learned from the experi- wanting to be your friend. Never mind that DADT is a recipe But perhaps the most rousing speech Nonprofit organizations, he said, are ence of prosecuting hate crimes that today’s for mistrust since it’s a policy based on dishonesty. of the day, which focused largely on the crucial to that effort. “Our community- bullies are often tomorrow’s civil rights Maginnis calls the U.S. military a “moral-based organiza- Hate Crimes Act, was given by Assistant based organizations are indispensable part- defendants. I don’t want to wait for (that). tion” (because it’s moral for a dude to kill another dude, so long Attorney General for Civil Rights at the ners in our efforts to combat hate crimes,” I want to prevent them from becoming to- as he doesn’t kiss another dude). U.S. Department of Justice Tom Perez, the Perez insisted. “We know that sometimes morrow’s civil rights defendants by getting And since no moral person would want to be around a bunch conference’s keynote speaker. we have issues when Tom Perez says, ‘Hi, into the middle schools today.” of queers, Perkins claims that if we let gays into the military Perez related not only the 13-year I’m Tom Perez. I’m from the government He added vehemently, “I’m the father “we will see Bible-believing chaplains being forced out of the journey the bill took to becoming law, and I’m here to help.’ That doesn’t always of three ... and they have a right as students military and not joining the military, leaving a huge vacuum.” but also the pain he felt as a prosecuting resonate in certain communities and so we and I have a right as a parent to know that Letting gays serve openly would be to “just stab (service attorney before it was passed. recognize the bridge that is our nonprofit when children go to school, they’re going members) in the heart” and would be “suicide for an all-volunteer “I prosecuted a lot of folks, and I refer partners. to go to a safe and nurturing environment.” force,” according to Maginnis. to the term “equal opportunity bigot” – they “That is a critical component to com- The good news, Perez explained, is “That’s why countries ... that have the 10 largest militaries hate African Americans, they hate Latinos, bating hate crimes.” that organizations and communities inter- in the world say, ‘No, this isn’t the thing to do,’” Maginnis says. they hate Jews, the hate Muslims, they Also important, Perez added, is using ested in stopping hate crimes and promot- Perkins chimes in: “Well, those that do (let gays serve), hate everyone who is different, including prosecution as only one tool in the arsenal ing civil rights for all – including LGBT they’re the ones that participate in parades, they don’t fight wars people who are gay, lesbian, transgender to combatting hate crimes. people – now have a support system in the to keep the nation (and) the world free.” or bisexual,” Perez shared. “There is noth- “We must have a holistic strategy that federal government, that includes Perez and The crowd bursts into applause and Maginnis responds, ing worse as a prosecutor than looking includes prosecution, that includes preven- his team, as well as U.S. Attorney General “Right.” someone in the eye and saying, ‘Your son tion, that includes education, that includes Eric Holder and President Barack Obama. Except, you know, not right. In fact, not only are the coun- or daughter has been the victim of a brutal training, that includes the use of other “Civil rights is not simply an academ- tries that allow gays and lesbians to serve openly more than gay-bashing incident, and there’s not a darn civil tools at our disposal,” he said. “That’s ic issue for Eric Holder, or for President glorified color guards, several of them are actually U.S. allies. thing we can do about it, because we lack what we’re thinking about and that’s what Obama. This is something that they care Take Israel, for example, where gay and lesbian troops have the jurisdiction.’ we’re implementing at the Department of about to their core,” Perez assured attend- been serving openly since 1993. And then there are countries that “But now, the good news is that we are Justice.” ees of the hate crimes conference. “We have sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, including Australia, here and we can help and we are helping.” One of the most important prevention will use every tool in our law enforcement the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The key, he added, is educating com- tactics, Perez insisted, is teaching youth arsenal – enforcement, prevention, the Now, I’m not a military expert, but I have a feeling these munities, individuals, law enforcement before they become adults who will com- bully pulpit. We must make sure we speak allied troops are doing more than dressing up as clowns and rid- officials and attorneys that the federal mit hate crimes. forcefully – as this president has done, ing unicycles while throwing candy to smiling Iraqi and Afghan government’s civil rights division wants “I spend a lot of time in middle as this attorney general has done – to tell children lining the streets (although I do admit I think soldiers to help prosecute hate crimes – especially schools and people often wonder, ‘What’s America that our diversity is our greatest dressed as mimes would be an excellent psychological warfare in states that have no local protections for the assistant attorney general for civil rights strength.” tactic. This responsibility would obviously fall to the French). Oh, by the way, those countries “that have the 10 largest militaries in the world” and who also reject homos include China, “I have learned from the experience of prosecuting hate crimes that today’s bullies are often Russia, North Korea and Egypt. As Matt Gertz of Media Matters says, “That’s generally not a list you want your country to be on tomorrow’s civil rights defendants. I don’t want to wait (that). I want to prevent them from where human rights issues are concerned.” becoming tomorrow’s civil rights defendants by getting into the middle schools today.” But that would be a real bummer. So Perkins makes a hilarious joke about tranny soldiers trying to figure out which - Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice Tom Perez uniform to wear. And everybody laughs. 14 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 News MICHIGAN Holland is Ready to host film series Holland is Ready, a group of community leaders working for the safety and rights of LGBT people in the Lakeshore area, will kick off its free 2010-11 film series with a documentary that was a Sundance Film Festival grand jury prize nominee. “For the Bible Tells Me So” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave., in downtown Holland. The documentary, which also won the audience award for best documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, explores how five very normal, very Christian families handle the realization of having a gay child. Among the families featured are those of former U.S. House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson and Mary Lou Wallner, whose 29-year-old lesbian daughter, Anna, committed suicide after becoming estranged from her fundamentalist family and relatives. “She didn’t accept herself because we didn’t accept her,” Wallner said. Initially rigidly opposed to homosexuality, Wallner and her husband now travel throughout the country with TEACH- Left, emcee Gabe Javier welcomes the crowd in Braun Court Saturday. Speakers and muscians came out to support WRAP. Photos courtesy Keith Orr. ministries, an acronym for To Educate About the Consequences of Homophobia. Robinson, who was consecrated as the first openly gay Episcopal bishop in 2003, was a key figure in making and OutFest continues its tradition in A2 promoting the film. ANN ARBOR – Hundreds of people Dave Garcia, the executive director Two delightful bagpipers serenaded “It talks about the power of families and the power of love. danced, ate, drank, mingled and celebrated of the Kalamazoo Resource Center, spoke the crowd to start the program, and several In a very odd, ironic sense, it’s about family values and how in Braun Court, the de facto LGBT commu- about how important grassroots organiz- local bands performed, including Drag love trumps long-held beliefs, when you’re confronted by a real nity center of Ann Arbor, to commemorate ing can be in the everyday lives of people. King Rebellion and (the) fundamentalists. person,” Robinson said in one interview . “And I mean, none the 16th annual OutFest. The event was “HRC (Human Rights Campaign) and Keith Orr and Martin Contreras, own- of the five families featured in this film began positive towards billed as a celebration of National Coming NGLTF (the National Gay and Lesbian ers of \aut\Bar and Common Language the notion of gay and lesbian people. Out Day and as a fundraiser for WRAP, the Task Force), for all the good work they Bookstore, both located in Braun Court, Other films in the free series are “Big Eden” on Friday, Nov. area’s actual community center project. do, cannot touch our lives in a personal were the primary organizers of the event, 5; “8: the Mormon Proposition” on Friday, Dec. 3; “Transam- Gabe Javier emceed the event that way,” he said. “That is up to us – the local which raised about $2,000 for WRAP. erica” on Friday, Feb. 4; “Seven Passages” on Friday, March 4; featured speakers, bands and a live DJ. organizers and community centers.” and “the Bird Cage” on Friday, April 1. All films start at 7:30 p.m. at the Park Theatre. Cox chastises employee for anti-gay blog No further action taken by Michigan AG’s office

Attorney General Mike Cox last week re- Kosofsky. Shirvell later exchanged words with sponded to revelations that one of his employees Joe Sylvester of the Log Cabin Republicans. has a peculiar pastime: attacking openly gay Then, on Feb. 7 of this year, a blog called University of Michigan student body president “Cox Watch” purported to have e-mails between Chris Armstrong, along with other similar pro- Shirvell and the Log Cabin Republicans where he life and anti-gay endeavors. was again slamming the group. “You are all sick Andrew Shirvell, a graduate of U of M and freaks,” the Feb. 3 e-mail from Shirvell began. He lawyer in Cox’s appellate division, runs a blog went on to say of LCR that “the grassroots will called the “Chris Armstrong Watch,” in which never let you and your butt-buddies ... hijack our Armstrong repeatedly is referred to as a “radical pro-life, pro-family (Republican) party in pursuit homosexual activist.” of your perverted radical homosexual agenda.” Shirvell was also elected as a Republican A second e-mail from Shirvell stated that, precinct delegate for Charlotte. Mich., in the “What I do on my own time – during lunch or Aug. 3 primaries. here at home – is my business.” Between The Lines first reported on Shirvell But apparently, Cox isn’t happy with how in May, when he was seen disrupting a rally of Shirvell spends his free time. “All state employ- which Armstrong was a part. The May 8 event ees have a right to free speech outside working was a counter-protest to the Westboro Baptist hours,” the AG said in a statement Sept. 15. “But Church’s planned protest of the Ann Arbor Civic Mr. Shirvell’s immaturity and lack of judgment Theatre’s production of “The Laramie Project.” outside the office is clear.” Westboro never showed, by Armstrong and over A “Fire Andrew Shirvell” Facebook page 100 local activists gathered outside the theater to has also recently popped up, with over 300 fans. show support for the play. Assistant Attorney General Andrew Shirvell’s protested against openly gay University of Michigan student President Several have also pushed for Shirvell’s firing Chris Armstrong, whom he called a “racist liar,” at a May 8 rally outside of the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s production Shirvell was there as well, holding up a sign of “The Laramie Project.” BTL photo by Jessica Carreras directly on Cox’s Facebook page. calling Armstrong a “racist liar” and heckling The reprimanding, however, stopped there, him throughout his speech to rally participants. newspaper the Michigan Daily reported on the attention of Michigan’s LGBT community when, with Cox’s office offering no comment as to Shirvell has been seen on U of M’s Ann conflict, which brought the issue to the attention according to the Michigan Messenger, he posted whether or not Shirvell would be fired. He works Arbor campus and at several events since the fall of other media outlets, as well as Cox. a piece on RightMichigan.com in 2008 bashing as a civil service employee, a position that carries semester started, criticizing Armstrong. Campus Shirvell, a licensed lawyer, first caught the then-Triangle Foundation Director of Policy Sean more job security than at-will employees.

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 15 News NATIONAL ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ fails in Senate Dems fall short on votes to break defense spending filibuster BY BTL STAFF maneuvering dictated by the mid-term elections. Let’s be clear: in November, Opponents to repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ did not have the as many are Buoyed by a federal court ruling declaring the military gay votes to strike those provisions from the bill. Instead, they had the beginning to ban unconstitutional on Sept. 9 and by Lady Gaga’s aggressive votes for delay. Time is the enemy here.” predict, SLDN adoption of the cause of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal at MTV’s Sarvis suggested activists’ next move: “We now have no doesn’t see Video Music Awards on Sept. 12, gay advocates stepped up their choice but to look to the lame duck session where we’ll have a (John) Boehner push Sept. 13 for the full U.S. Senate to vote on DADT repeal slim shot. The Senate absolutely must schedule a vote in December (who would Lady Gaga addresses the crowd at the #4the14k Rally this month. when cooler heads and common sense are more likely to prevail become speak- in Portland, Maine. Photo: Terry Richardson Hours later, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) once midterm elections are behind us. Servicemembers Legal er) pushing a announced that he was planning a vote on the defense spending Defense Network will continue to take this fight to the American vote on DADT next year.” bill, of which DADT repeal is a part. However, on Sept. 21 the people, the vast majority of whom support repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Even if DADT repeal passed and President Barack Obama Senate failed to garner the votes to break the filibuster created by Don’t Tell.’” signs it, nothing could have happened right away because language Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a staunch opponent of “Don’t Ask, If the defense budget bill slides into the lame-duck session, in the bill delays repeal until three things take place: the Pentagon Don’t Tell.” many Republicans have suggested they will agree only to a “con- completes a study by Dec. 1 on how to implement DADT repeal; The cloture vote needed 60 votes, but only obtained 56. tinuing resolution” to keep the Defense Department funded. That Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff When the repeal effort will be up for vote again is unclear. The would kill the version of the bill that contains the repeal of DADT. Chairman Michael Mullen certify that the military will not be repeal measure has already passed the House of Representatives. “If the defense budget bill doesn’t move to the Senate floor harmed by implementing DADT repeal in accord with the Pen- “Today’s Senate vote was a frustrating blow to repeal this by the end of September, DADT repeal may not happen for several tagon’s plans; and 60 additional days pass after the certification. horrible law,” said Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of Service- more years,” said SLDN. “If Republicans take back the House National reporter Rex Wockner contributed to this report members Legal Defense Network. “We lost because of the political California gay marriage ban backers target judge Written argument submitted; anti-Prop. 8 responses due next month BY LISA LEFF an uncritical acceptance of the evidence submitted by plaintiffs’ for the institution, presumably one that is entirely indifferent to experts, and simply ignored virtually everything – judicial author- the gender of the spouses,” they wrote. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Backers of California’s same-sex ity, the works of eminent scholars past and present in all relevant They also characterized as defamatory the judge’s conclusion marriage ban urged a federal appeals court to overturn the trial academic fields, extensive historical and documentary evidence that “moral disapproval” of gay men and lesbians was the main judge who struck down Proposition 8 by arguing that his consid- – that ran counter to its conclusions,” they wrote in their 134-page reason voters passed Proposition 8 in November 2008. eration of evidence was “egregiously selective and one-sided.” opening brief. “The district court decision is an attack on the many judges In written arguments to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Ap- Lawyers for the two couples who successfully sued in Walk- and lawmakers and millions of Americans who rightly and reason- peals submitted Sept. 17, lawyers for the ban’s sponsors alleged er’s court are due to file their responses next month. A three-judge ably understand that marriage is the unique union of a man and a that Chief U.S. Judge Vaughn Walker “quite willfully” disregarded Ninth Circuit panel has scheduled oral arguments in the case for woman,” said Alliance Defense Fund attorney Brian Raum, who a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court precedent and other relevant informa- the first week in December and put Walker’s order requiring the is part of the legal team fighting to uphold Proposition 8. “The tion when he decided the voter-approved measure was an uncon- state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples on hold until Hollywood-funded opposition wants to impose – through a San stitutional violation of gay Californians’ civil rights. it renders its own decision. Francisco court – an agenda that America has repeatedly rejected.” “The district court based its findings almost exclusively on The court papers filed last Friday contained unbridled criti- American Foundation for Equal Rights President Chad Grif- cism of Walker’s handling of the first federal trial to examine if fin, whose organization organized and funded the lawsuit that the U.S. Constitution prevents states from limiting marriage to a led to Walker’s ruling, said he remains confident that it would be man and a woman. upheld in the Ninth Circuit and ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court. The appealing attorneys, who called two witnesses compared “The fact remains that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, as to 18 for the plaintiffs, asked the Ninth Circuit to ignore the trial was proven conclusively and unequivocally through a full federal testimony on which Walker laboriously based his opinion, calling trial,” Griffin said. “There is no getting around the fact that the it “unreliable and ultimately irrelevant” to whether Proposition 8 court’s decision was based on our nation’s most fundamental passes constitutional muster. principles, and that the Constitution does not permit unequal “Having blinded itself to the genuine animating purpose of treatment under the law.” marriage, the district court was obliged to offer a different rationale

16 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 News INTERNATIONAL By Rex Wockner Russian gay leader Alekseev abducted, released oscow Pride founder and leader Alekseev was released on the outskirts Nikolai Alekseev has reported of Tula early the morning of Sept. 18, made Mthat he was abducted by gov- his way to the city center and took a bus to ernment agents of some sort at Moscow’s Moscow, he said. Domodedovo Airport Sept. 15 and held for “I intend to sue the Domodedovo more than two days. Airport and its aviation-security services, He was seized after passing through which violated international law and forced passport control and taken to a room by me back under Russian jurisdiction,” security officials and an airline worker, he Alekseev said. said. There, his luggage, documents and “In addition, my ticket was bought in computer were examined for more than Switzerland. Thus, the contract between two hours. Swiss Air Lines and the passenger falls Alekseev then was turned over to what under Swiss law. In this regard, I will seek he called “hulking men in civilian clothes, a trial in Switzerland. I will also demand with faces not disfigured by intellect,” a complete investigation into the basis of who removed him from the airport via crimes against me in the form of illegal nonpublic passageways and drove him to deprivation of freedom and kidnapping.” a police facility two hours away, where he (Though he speaks English fluently, was further searched. In a moment when Alekseev’s primary lengthy account of he was left alone, Alekseev used his iPad his ordeal was written in Russian on his to discover where he was. Russian gay leader Nikolai Alekseev. GayRussia. LiveJournal blog, and the quotations here “I got my iPad and with two taps ru photo have been translated. On Facebook, Alek- learned my location,” he said. “If I did seev said he would “get mad” if he tried not have this device, I would have never Mayor Yuri Luzhkov’s bans of gay Pride to translate it.) found out where I was the first day. Thanks, parades. He didn’t sign it, “despite persis- In a five-year battle with Luzhkov, Apple! The location showed up as the tent ‘advice’ not to enter into conflict with who has banned the gay Pride march each city of Kashira. I began frantically finger- the authorities.” year and sent police to arrest small groups zooming the map to find the exact address, The second night, Alekseev was of activists who defied the bans, Alekseev, but there was no 3G Internet there and the moved to another police facility in the a lawyer, has filed a series of lawsuits at EDGE network loads maps very slowly. ... city of Tula, farther south of Moscow, he the European Court of Human Rights. The Afraid that they would catch me, I discon- said. Around the same time, someone used court has merged the cases and is expected nected the iPad completely. Then they tried his cell phone to text false information to to deal with them this year. to get into it, but couldn’t, because it was the media – saying that Alekseev was in “It appears the Russian authorities password-protected.” Belarus, had sought political asylum there, realize their inevitable humiliating defeat Alekseev said he was mocked and and was dropping his European court cases. at the European Court of Human Rights insulted, called “faggot” and “pederast,” When this was reported in the media, and employ such desperate methods as probably drugged via a glass of water and activists and journalists around the world intimidation, threats and abduction to pre- eventually presented with a paper to sign, who have regular contact with Alekseev vent it,” said the European Region of the which said that an agreement had been strongly suspected that the information had International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans reached to drop his lawsuits at the Euro- not come from Alekseev or that he was no and Intersex Association, or ILGA-Europe. pean Court of Human Rights over Moscow longer in control of his own mind. Gay Saudi diplomat seeks U.S. asylum he former first secretary of Saudi laws treat gay asylum-seekers as members in employment, housing, statelessness, or Arabia’s consulate in Los Angeles of “a particular social group.” access to education or health care. Sexual Thas requested asylum in the United Saudi Arabia’s entry in the United orientation could constitute the basis for States because he says he’ll be executed for States’ 2009 State Department Human harassment, blackmail, or other actions. being gay if he returns home. Rights Reports says: “Under Shari’a as No such cases were reported.” “If I go back to Saudi Arabia, they interpreted in the country, sexual activity The entry continues: “On June 13, will kill me openly in broad daylight,” Ali between two persons of the same gender Riyadh police arrested 67 men from the Ahmad Asseri e-mailed media outlets in is punishable by death or flogging. It is Philippines for drinking and dressing in mid-September. illegal for men ‘to behave like women’ or women’s clothing at a private party. Ac- Asseri said Saudi officials ordered to wear women’s clothes and vice versa. cording to their embassy, police released him home after finding out he’s gay and is There were few reports of societal discrimi- the men to their employers while charges friends with a Jew. He apparently has been nation, physical violence, or harassment were being processed. In 2007 the news- in hiding since. based on sexual orientation. There were no paper Okaz reported the public flogging of The U.S. does grant asylum to foreign organizations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and two men in the city of Al-Bahah after being gays if the U.S. is convinced they face transgender persons. There was no official found guilty of sodomy. The sentence was genuine harm in their native lands. The discrimination based on sexual orientation 7,000 lashes.” Honduran policeman sentenced for stabbing trans woman onduran police officer Amado “The case was fraught with acts of The Inter-American Commission on Rodríguez Borjas will spend 10- intimidation, with police, a witness and Human Rights ended up providing pro- H13 years in prison after being prosecutors, as well as Nohelia, threatened tection to Flores and some other people convicted Sept. 9 in a stabbing attack on a by anonymous attackers and callers,” involved in the case. transgender woman in Tegucigalpa. said HRW researcher Juliana Cano Nieto. Human Rights Watch says that “nearly The woman, Nohelia Flores Álvarez, “On March 21, unknown men kidnapped every” transgender person it has spoken was abducted and stabbed 17 times on Nohelia and threatened to kill her if she with in Honduras has told of personal Dec. 18, 2008, after she refused to have continued with the case. She was shot in “harassment, beatings and ill-treatment at sex with Rodríguez when he approached the arm in the ensuing struggle with the the hands of police.” her in public, Human Rights Watch said. kidnappers but managed to escape.”

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 17 18 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 CazwellCatching up with Out NYC rapper talks Detroit ‘flavor,’ being sex crazed and having the power to kill BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI alifornia gurls aren’t the only ones who can melt your popsicle. When Cazwell Ccarts his “Ice Cream Truck,” the summer song Katy Perry might’ve dropped if she were a horny, gay rapper, to Detroit – along with several others from his campy, hypersexual discography – he’ll demonstrate that Big Apple boys can, too. The New York City musician will ap- pear at 10 p.m. Sept. 25 at Ice Nightclub, performing songs from his major label de- but, last year’s “Watch My Mouth,” full of the fun and frivolous novelty singles, like “I Seen Beyoncé...” and “All Over Your Face,” that have defined his irreverent, homoerotic style. Cazwell rang us before his local gig to chat about producing his and Amanda Lepore’s new albums, em- powering the gay community and why Lady Gaga was humping him.

So you’re out in New York now? I just got out of a fashion show (as part of New York Fashion Week). I’m not trying to name drop, but I was in the front row and I’m carrying the gift bag right now.

By all means, name drop. Yeah, Kanye West was in the front row … and he was looking at me.

Do you lust after Kanye West? I don’t lust after him, but I admire him.

Even after all the crap he’s pulled? What did he do?

Oh, you know, the Taylor Swift drama. And everything else. Oh yeah. In a way I liked him more (laughs). Everyone knew he was an asshole. I’ve acted like a drunken asshole too, but there just happened to be a lot of cameras there (at the VMAs).

Have you been to Detroit before? No, but I did see a documentary on Detroit, so … (laughs).

Photo: Marco Avando See Cazwell, page 22

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 19 Life PERFORMING

Lisa Lampanelli One Mean Queen Comedian on gay Lisa Lampanelli 8 p.m. Sept. 26 The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor marriage, celebrity $28-51 (Canadian) www.insultcomic.com

roasts and how we grandma as she does. Ridicule doesn’t exactly express a tender fondness, but Lampanelli dishes it out fairly, so screwed up her life at least nobody feels left out. Now that’s love. BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI She’s experiencing the real thing lately, fall- ing for a guy she wouldn’t typically go for if you There’s nothing like hearing a familiar voice know Lampanelli: a white one. “I know – I’ve on the other end of the line, and Lisa Lampan- disappointed everyone,” she pouts. “But he’s elli’s is just as I remember it: loud and mean, like Italian, so when I tour the South he’s still looked she’s burping up Sue Sylvester. at like a colored, so it all works out.” “What’s up you big fag face?” she razzes The wedding is set for October at the histori- in her bawdy blurt. And I’d be shocked, like I cal Friars’ Club in New York, and unlike most admittedly was during our first interview just stars, the Connecticut-born comedian’s hungry over three years ago, had this not been our fourth for any kind of publicity. Her people even sug- chat together. So how she’s doing now? gested it as a talking point. “Sick of straighties!” she says. Which is “I’m whoring out everything, are you kid- unusual for the self-dubbed “Lovable Queen of ding?” Lampanelli admits. “Who wants to talk Mean,” who’s typically trashing the minorities. about their wedding? Me! ’Cause I’m, like, But the insult comic’s bad-mouthing, like the fucking romantic, okaaay?” greeting she swooned me with, is just her way of Like any good gay, I ask about the big day, scooping you up into a big bear hug and gently wondering if it will be as lavish as Liza Minnelli placing a soft kiss on your forehead, like you’d and David Gest’s. She only cites the differences: imagine from someone who looks as bingo “Well, I’m not marrying a queer,” she says, “and

20 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 I haven’t broken two hips yet. Other than that, ing up about her self-esteem battle in her book I’m just like Liza!” “Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Will she hire a gay wedding planner? Fat, and Freaks,” recently out in paperback, you “Nooo! Screw those dirty faggots. I’m not going might wonder if she was more affected than she to support you and your gay lifestyle. You guys looked. Not this time, she says. should’ve listened to Howard (Stern) and heard “If they’re funny, I don’t mind them. And my price because I’m not telling you, because they were funny,” Lampanelli says, naming you fucking faggots are all jealous of me and my Gilbert Gottfried as her favorite that night. “In $300,000 wedding … oh, did I let that slip out?!” the past there’s been jokes that aren’t that great Then we logically jump into gay marriage, and you’re just like, that kind of hurts. But when and in her own lovingly backward way she won- the joke is really good, you almost appreciate the ders why it’s such a big deal to us because “you comedy more than what they’re saying. These have the best out in the world.” were really clever and I said, ‘OK, this is not She continues: “We should say yes to gay affecting me.’” marriage but outlaw gay divorce and see how Lampanelli breaks off for a bit, mulling over you like it.” her thoughts a little more until she swings back Does that mean divorce is imminent for the in: “I mean, it hasn’t yet. Oh my god, maybe soon-to-be newlyweds? now that you mention it I’ll go and binge this “I got my prenup all set,” she says. “Signed, afternoon. You faggot, leave it to you to fuck sealed and delivered!” up my life!” Lampanelli’s always on top of it, always Payback’s a bitch, Lisa. getting the last laugh; she clobbers the hell out of mankind (gay kind, black kind, old kind, handicap kind) with a mouth that never lets up – onstage, during TV interviews, during this in- terview. She toned her dirtiness down for a recent “Chelsea Lately” appearance, but that wasn’t all More with the that seemed unusual: Viewers, myself included, sensed awkwardness between the comedian and ‘Queen of Mean’ the show’s host, Chelsea Handler. Lampanelli settles that: “No, you read it wrong, because when we came off we were like, On her upcoming comedy ‘Oh my god, wasn’t that so much fun?!’ like two giddy schoolgirls. You know what it is? You special, ‘Glamour-Puss,’ faggots love to stir up trouble! Like, ‘Hey, let’s make Kathy Griffin hate Lisa; hey, let’s make out in early 2011 Lisa hate Margaret Cho.’ Well, guess what? You I’m sure it’ll be nominated for a Grammy, don’t have to make me hate Margaret Cho … but I won’t win again because I like to be because I already do!” consistent. I like to never win anything and Lampanelli backpedals, slipping out a light always be slightly less than everyone. I’m an laugh that’s more sweet than sour, and says she insult comic, so I will never depart from those doesn’t really abhor Cho, a constant among her roots because they are so precious to me – and targets. She doesn’t even know the fellow queer- by precious, I don’t mean the fat, black chick. loved comedian, but “I always have to make fun of her because she’s a dirty Asian.” So there’s no rivalry among female come- dians? On her reality show “Not from where I sit, because I’m, like, I have to shut my mouth because I got in better than them all,” she explains, mentioning trouble last week. They’re like, “You’re that Handler is actually producing her upcoming gonna queer the deal by yapping about it reality show that’s still in negotiations and can’t and naming the network.” And I’m like, “I be talked about. “There’s none between me and gotta be proud of something!” Shit, all I Kathy because she’s tough, man. She doesn’t care lost was two pounds for my wedding – and whom she fucks with; that’s beautiful! A lot of (my fiancé) Jimmy lost 60. Fucking AIDS! people allude to celebrities, but she just says it, and I’m like, that’s balls! I love that.” But Lampanelli’s own saucy remarks sweep up lots of attention, too, just as they did after On Jimmy’s testicles she opened the “Roast of David Hasselhoff” in His nuts are huge. It looks like that thing August on Comedy Central, where she’s also a hobo ties on a stick and puts over his roasted Joan Rivers, Pamela Anderson and Wil- shoulder; it’s freakin’ enormous. You gays liam Shatner (next up, she hopes: “The fat lesbian like the big nuts; I’m not crazy about ’em, roast. I’d love to do Rosie O’ Donnell … and but what can I do? It’s more painful for Oprah Winfrey.”) him; he got one caught in the zipper … of During Hasselhoff’s time in the hot seat, his boot, which was really fucked up. Lampanelli said his black and bloated liver could’ve starred in “Precious” and that his career “has crumbled worse than downtown Haiti.” Even Perez Hilton thought it was too much. On doing the talk show “Oh, she just had her period! She was just a little annoyed, and I get it,” Lampanelli says. circuit “But where’s the line? And who’s gonna draw They let you talk about anything edgy, you it, some arbitrary FCC or whatever? If you can just can’t use language, which is really make it funny – which I obviously did, because easy. That would be hard to go on and kind I’m, like, the best comedian who ever lived! – of just be sweet … because sweet don’t then obviously it has not gone too far.” come naturally. When Lampanelli was on the receiving end, the roasters went for the obvious – her love for black men and her voluptuous size. After open-

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 21 Life PERFORMING

® Cazwell I think you should bring your ice cream Continued from p. 19 truck here. You know, I went to a gig by ice cream truck What did you learn with all my dancers. Maybe they could hook it Cazwell from the documen- up at Ice. tary? 10 p.m. Sept. 25 Are those your dancers in the “Ice Cream Ice Nightclub Well, I actually have Truck” video? 11425 Joseph Campau some friends from St., Detroit Well, they’re the dancers for that particular video. Detroit, so I know The two dancers that I think I’m bringing with www.cazwell.com the city has a lot of me are the ones I typically tour with. Either way, flavor. And, of course, I’m going to have cute dancers with me. there’s the recession and, you know, the motorcar industry. I just think Good – that’s all that matters. How do Detroit should be the first city to start the electric you know the guys in that video? car and get ahead of everybody, to tell you the We all work in the same club scene, and I wanted truth. People are over gasoline. Start doing solar to do a video that was dedicated to hot Latino cars. Detroit should just get it together and be boys of New York, because that’s what I love to the first to do that shit. People there are smart! watch in the summertime. So yeah, we all know What’s your plan for your Detroit show? each other. I didn’t just pick people off the street. Everybody there just wants to fucking party, I hope you slept with them all. right? It’s going to be a high-energy show. Ev- I’ll keep that to myself. I don’t want to get any eryone will forget their troubles, but actually I Latin ex-boyfriend in a fucking tizzy. think that – sorry, I’m walking down the street, so if you can’t hear me, just let me know. You’ve said you started rapping because you couldn’t sing or act, but I have to say Well, I’m glad you’re walking and talking you make a pretty convincing straight and not driving. dude in that “Tonight” video. Cazwell (front center) and his “Ice Cream Truck” dancers. Photo: Marco Ovando You know, I don’t even have a license. You don’t Really? Well, I was trying to do more tranny- want me to have one. I’m so fucking ADD that chaser. I was just trying to be really angry and up- I’ll just stop to look for something in the middle set because I’m supposed to have an infatuation made you think you could rap? She moved to Seattle, and then I went solo. I of traffic and hit somebody. I don’t want to drive with someone else. Maybe people act straight Oh, did I say I could rap? (Laughs) Well, first, basically just started rapping because I can’t sing because I have the power to kill somebody. when they’re stressed out? I started off in a rap group called Morplay; me and I like to perform and I like music, you know? So how are you getting to Detroit? and this butch dyke used to rap together on, like, So since you couldn’t act or sing, what mixed CDs and stuff for our friends’ birthdays. Why didn’t it work out between you two? Not driving!

22 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 My priority was music, and her priority was have a better idea of what people actually move I wouldn’t trade it, though. I do, actually. I showed up at this crummy bar her relationship with her girlfriend, which is to. It’s going to be very, very New York. in Avenue C and we were going to do a song typically more on the lesbianic side, you know Have you encountered any kind of ho- together. She was like, “When it comes to this what I’m saying? Not that I was against it, but I Are you as much of a hornball as you mophobia within the genre? part, I’m going to throw you, and I’m going to was just like, my dream comes first; this is what make yourself out to be with your music? I don’t really focus too much on it, but everyone’s get on you, and I’m going to start riding you – I want to do, so anyone I’m with has to be along Umm… who isn’t a hornball? All my friends are a fucking hater on a blog. Everyone will smile to and then we’re going to roll off the stage.” And for the ride. sluts. I don’t think I’m any more of a hornball than your face on the street, but then go home and type that’s exactly what we did. anybody else I know. I just think I talk about it. all this bullshit about you just because they’re You’re finishing up Amanda Lepore’s fucking feeling it. Everyone turns into a badass So Gaga rode you? upcoming album, right? Wait, so just your friends are sluts? when they’re behind the keyboard and nobody Well, I was on my back, like a cowgirl-type thing. You’re not? Yeah, thank fucking god, right? When we drop can see them. I remember her song “Just Dance” had just been the album we really want it to be good, but it just No, it doesn’t mean I’m not (laughs). Everybody starting to get pushed to radio and no one in this takes money and time, and Amanda is really busy. is pretty hypersexual, but some people don’t How did growing up in Massachusetts gay club had heard it. All the gays were kind influence your career choice at all? Another reason we’ve been taking a bit of time like to talk about it, especially in their music of just looking at her, not really getting it. No is because we just cut a track with Mya. Mya is – especially if they’re gay (laughs). So maybe I don’t know, but in some ways I just think it’s one really went crazy or anything. But now if a fan of Amanda’s work and mine, and I wrote that’s why I’m standing out a bit. shaped my personality, making me more out- she were there, she’d get assaulted. It’d be like a song called “Convertible” for Amanda. I was I remember I played in Portland and I had spoken and giving me more of a ballsy attitude. a mob scene! just like, “Let’s try to get Mya on it,” and we did. a lot of gay guy fans come, and I just remember Worcester is very bad – you know, Denis Leary’s Now everyone wants to work with her, and the feeling of empowerment that I felt they had from there? (Laughs) So he kind of encapsulates she can do whatever she wants. She has my back, How involved are you with Amanda’s when they knew all the words to “All Over Your the whole cigarette-stained vibe of the city. and I respect that to the fullest because there are project? Face.” I kind of feel like gay people really need I mean, I’m very grateful I grew up in so many artists out there who are in the closet. I’ve been producing a lot of the tracks – writing, that, that feeling of empowerment of their sexual- Worcester because it made me who I am, but I That really offends me. getting her in the studio. I’m the executive pro- ity. I mean, I’m not trying to sound corny about could never live there. Last time I was there, I ducer behind it, so I just have to make sure she it, but it made them feel good about the fact that had an anxiety attack and left. But maybe a lot Who’s in the closet? gets her shit done. I actually think it’s coming out they want to suck dick. of people do that when they go back to their It really offends me that Queen Latifah is holding at the perfect time – the anniversary of Marilyn hometown? hands with her girlfriend and going to gay bars – Do you think being gay has held you Monroe’s death, and she (Lepore) has this new I’m not saying she’s gay, but I see her looking like back in any way career-wise? Bad memories? video “Marilyn.” she’s a lesbian. And I’m pretty damn sure she is. It’s not holding me back now. I don’t think I No, just a lot of people I was friends with had No, she’s gay! I know what a lesbian looks like. Are you working on an album of your own? could’ve got shows the way I am now. It’s all died of heroine overdoses. It’s one thing if you’re So that type of thing really offends me, She has her full-length album coming out either about the Internet, and that’s just a fact. I hon- a drug addict, it’s another thing if you’re a drug when people are struggling for their rights and at the end of this year or the beginning of next estly think gay people would be in the closet 50 addict in Worcester (laughs). doing what they can – and then what, you’re year, and then in February I’m going to have a times more than they are now if it wasn’t for the going to be on your deathbed someday taking You performed with Lady Gaga before full-length album. I’m already putting pieces Internet, without a doubt. your last breath and you faked who you are for she became a megastar. Do you find of that together right now. I just want people to It does make it a little less colorful on the what? A fucking job?! play the whole thing through. DJing five nights outside, on the sidewalk and in the clubs because her to be the same person as when you knew her? a week has really inspired the direction of it. I people don’t have to go to a bar to find somebody.

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Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 23 Life BOOK MARKS Visit pridesource.com to find footnotes on LGBT books by Richard Labonte

“The Twin,” by Featured Excerpt “Gender Outlaws: “The More I Owe You,” by Michael Sledge. Gerbrand Bakker, The Next Genera- Counterpoint Press, 336 pages, $15.95 paper. translated by David The poet’s life is just so much crenellated waste, tion,” edited by Kate Colmer. Archipelago nights and days whipping swiftly or laboriously Bornstein and S. Fascinating fact is transformed into sumptu- Books, 343 pages, past the cinematic window. We’re hunched and Bear Bergman. Seal ous fiction in Sledge’s debut novel, based weaving over the keys of our green our grey our $16 paper. Press, 302 pages, primarily on a slice of poet Elizabeth Bishop’s pink our blue manual typewriter maybe a darker $16.95 paper. stone-cold authoritative selectric with its orgasmic life – the 15 years she lived in Brazil in the Middle-aged Dutch 1950s and 1960s, tumultuously in love with expectant hum and us popping pills and laughing Transpeople. Gen- farmer Helmer lives the aristocratic architect and activist Lota de over what you or I just wrote, wondering if “that” derqueers. Trannies. a life of unfilled Macedo Soares. Drawing on Bishop’s letters line means insult or sex. Or both. Usually both. Sex/gender radi- loneliness. For and journals – though not her correspondence cals. Transsexuals. companionship he -from “Inferno (A Poet’s Novel),” by Eileen Myles with Soares, which was destroyed by Soares’ They’re all repre- has his invalid father, who he loathes and loves ex-lover Mary (who lived for a time with the sented, in many in equal measure; a neighbor and her young “Inferno (A Poet’s Novel),” by Eileen Myles. O/R two women) – Sledge re-imagines the poet’s forms and flavors, son, who chat with him on occasion; and two Books, 256 pages, $16 paper. South American years with extraordinarily in this prose-and-poetry collection of intense, donkeys, bought in a fit of whimsy. The hole atmospheric prose and unflinchingly emo- A young girl, dazzled by English professor Eva painful memoirs and breezy, joyous mini- at the center of his heart is Henk, his identical tional intimacy. Both women were beset by Nelson’s ass, relocates from sedate, Catholic biographies addressing the fluidity – sometimes – but far more outgoing – twin brother, dead demons: Soares, manipulative and controlling, Boston to the mad mix of creative genius and hard-won and often wholly fabulous – of the decades earlier in a car accident. As boys, was prone to tantrums; Bishop struggled with sexual exploration that is Manhattan as the era of sexual self. Back in 1994, Bormstein published Henk and Helmer slept together – whether alcohol and bouts of deep, paralyzing depres- punk dawns. She works in a bar, sleeps with men, “Gender Outlaw,” a frank critique of society’s sexually is never made clear – until Henk sion. Brazil itself is depicted as intensely as the drinks in taverns, smokes dope, meets women, attitudes toward the transgendered, based on fell in love with a girl. That first separation central characters, as Sledge infuses the story discovers Patti Smith, segues from “female” to her own sexual and artistic life. In this eclectic pained Helmer; his brother’s death shattered with the country’s political turmoil of the time “hunk” to “dyke,” and over the years evolves into collection of almost 50 essays, older generation him. But when Henk’s former lover contacts while evoking both the urban bustle of Rio de the poet-as-rock star. That is, she grows up to be meets newer as younger writers address the same him after many years to ask if he will house Janeiro and the lush landscape of the remote Eileen Myles, narrator of this gruff and graceful landscape – or, more appropriately, genderscape. her wayward teenage son, also named Henk, mountain retreat where Soares designed an work of artistic self-examination. “The place Every contributor illuminates an aspect of iden- the lonely farmer’s life takes on new dimen- eccentric glass-walled house. sion – particularly in one of many powerful I found was carved out from sadness and sex tity: Kyle Lukoff writes about gender confusion connections between past and present – when and to write a poem there you merely needed to contributing to an eating disorder; Joy Ladin teenage Henk slips into bed with Helmer one gather,” she writes. The result is this comic and writes about the “Daddy voice” coming from Richard Labonte has been reading, editing, selling, melancholy collection of gathered memories, a the woman she has become; Mercedes Allen night. Bakker’s brilliant novel – yes, brilliant, and writing about queer literature since the mid- and sublime, and subtle, and seductive – is a lusty, vivid chronicle of a rowdier time and place. honors the “aesthetic beauty of the transfemale ‘70s. He can be reached in care of this publication triumphant balance of delicacy, complexity The book will be hard to find in bookstores (the body”; Cory Schmanke Parrish wonders, wittily, and simplicity. publisher even eschews amazon.com) but can be “what does my wiener do on the days I don’t or at [email protected]. ordered directly from www.orbooks.com – and wear it?” This anthology of many voices mulling there’s even a choice of two different covers, one a singular theme brings today’s gender outlaws literarily sedate, the other quite fiery. into the queer literary mainstream.

24 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Life CURTAIN CALLS For the latest professional theater news, log on to www.EncoreMichigan.com. Everyone’s ‘beyond therapy’ at The Acorn BY DONALD V. CALAMIA REVIEW At some point in our lives, everyone has experienced a very bad or extremely ‘Beyond Therapy’ weird first date – and that goes doubly true The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., for anyone who’s ever answered a person- Three Oaks. Friday-Saturday through Sept. als ad in the newspaper or on the internet. 25. $20. 269-756-3879. So I suspect theatergoers everywhere can www.acorntheater.com relate in one form or another to the trials and tribulations of Bruce and Prudence, the scarred, yet very likable central char- a personals ad; she’s to respond to one. John Bonner and Katie Dufresne play two lost acters in Christopher Durang’s “Beyond And as fate would have it, that’s how the souls fated or jinxed to cross paths in “Beyond Therapy” now on stage at The Acorn two first meet. Therapy.” Photo: The Acorn Theater Theater in Three Oaks. Of course, their dinner doesn’t go As Durang points out in no uncertain well. Bruce wears his feelings on his Although the date crashes and burns, terms, it’s not easy to forge an intimate sleeve and blurts out whatever thoughts the two find themselves reunited when connection with another person in this cross his mind - whether appropriate or Prudence once again answers another fast-paced, mixed-up and very imper- not. And if he feels like crying, he does personals ad - this time written for Bruce sonal world. Yet Bruce (John Bonner) - which is a major turn off for Prudence, by his touchy-feely therapist, Charlotte and Prudence (Katie Dufresne) put aside who likes her men a little more macho. (Megan Kelleher). their personal qualms and take the advice Which means Bruce’s live-in boyfriend, of their respective shrinks: He’s to place Bob (Sean Kinslow), is also problematic. Cline’s music, not life, takes center stage BY JUDITH COOKIS RUBENS REVIEW Country music legend Patsy Cline’s life was a mixture of struggle, success ‘A Closer Walk with and tragedy. Her journey to break into the Patsy Cline’ male-dominated music business of the ‘50s and achieve pop crossover success has all Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, the makings of great theater. Kalamazoo. Extended through Oct. 10. $25- $29. 269-343-2727. That, combined with her enduring songs and tragic ending - she died in a www.farmersalleytheatre.com 1963 airplane crash at only 30 - make it no surprise that Farmers Alley Theatre Thee.” Hawkins is backed by a hugely chose the musical tribute “A Closer Walk talented five-piece band, featuring guest with Patsy Cline” to open its third season. fiddler Amberly Rosen. Cline’s backup If you’re looking for more backstory vocalists, the Jordanaires, are recreated about the singer’s personal life or profes- here with a winning male quartet. sional hurdles, you’ll be disappointed. Sanctioned by the Cline estate, the Lana Hawkins stars in “A Closer Walk with Patsy However, as a polished concert of some Dean Regan-created “A Closer Walk” Cline.” Photo: Farmers Alley Theatre 20 songs, it’s a triumph, thanks to Lana made its U.S. debut in 1991. The prem- Hawkins’ stunning interpretation. ise is simple. A ‘50s/‘60s radio DJ and dive bars to The Grand Ole Opry, Las Ve- Hawkins, primarily a jazz and stan- admitted Cline fan, Little Big Man, spins gas and Carnegie Hall. There’s only scant dards singer, takes on Cline’s daunting Cline’s tunes at radio station WINC in her mention of her marriages, family life and song catalog with conviction. She finds Winchester, Va., hometown. As he ticks off illnesses/injuries. her voice and rhythm best in slower bal- her hits (not necessarily in chronological lads such as “Always,” “Crazy” and the order), we get surface commentary about gospel-tinged “Just a Closer Walk with her performances and career upswing from Bach Dor shrewishly slays comedy BY BRIDGETTE REDMAN pany failed to achieve comedy with their REVIEW disjointed and distasteful presentation. It was not merely the small size of ‘The Taming of They neglected to provide any real sexual the audience at the Hannah Center Friday tension, instead portraying abusive power night that muffled the laughter one would the Shrew’ struggles between people who never con- expect from the clever and bawdy comedy Bach Dor Shakespeare Company at Hannah nected. The physical comedy was forced, “The Taming of the Shrew” — it was the Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East robbing all the characters of their authen- lack of humor and an interpretation that Lansing. Through Friday-Sunday through ticity. There were some clever movement was offensive from first to last. Sept. 26. $15. 517-333-2580. bits, but they devolved to physical tics Even with the problematic final when they substituted for any real char- speech, “The Taming of the Shrew” earns by suitors who disguise themselves and acter work or relationship connections. its place among Shakespeare’s most popu- quarrel amongst each other until one is “The Taming of the Shrew” requires lar comedies. Petruchio is looking to wive triumphant. It is filled with fiery sexual careful direction in the modern world lest wealthily, while Kate is scaring away all of tension, disguises and physical comedy. it turn into exactly what this production her sister’s suitors. Both man and woman At least, that’s what it is supposed to have. was — a play that glorified the abuse of are strong-willed individuals who fight It did not. women. tooth and nail until they end up falling The Bach Dor Shakespeare Com- in love. Meanwhile the sister is besieged

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 25 Happenings

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art CONCERTS University Musical Society “La Capella Michigan Pride will be hosting its first- “Brunch & Banter” A brunch with ArtPrize Detroit Institute of Arts “Friday Night Reial de Catalunya” A concert of classic artists where guests can learn about Live” Music by electronic duo ADULT, as Mexican and Latin music, with Hesperion ever golf outing on Sept. 26 at the Wheatfield the contemporary art. Urban Institute XXI and Tembembe Ensamble Continuo, EDITOR’S PICK Valley Golf Course in Williamston. The event a soundtrack to their horror films. Detroit for Contemporary Art, 41 Sheldon Blvd., Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., directed by Jordi Savall. Tickets start at will raise funds for the annual Lansing-based Grand Rapids. 1 p.m. Sept. 26, 1 p.m. Detroit. 7 p.m. Oct. 1. 313-833-7900. $35. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Pride parade, rally and festival. Oct. 3. www.uica.org www.dia.org 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 30. www.ums.org The day will include 18 holes of golf with a Detroit Symphony Orchestra “Michel Camilo’s Big Band Caribe” A performance University Musical Society “Jordi cart, lunch halfway through the game and a CLASSICAL with the jazz and Latin pianist and Svaal” With Mexico’s Tembembe six-pack of beer with every cart. In addition, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra composer. Tickets: $19-71. Orchestra Ensamble Continuo. Tickets start at $35. “Made in Michigan” A Michigan-centered Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, there will be a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. golfing contests and a BBQ dinner after the concert with music, art and a lecture 8 p.m. Oct. 1. 313-576-5111. that tells the history of the state. Hill www.detroitsymphony.com Sept. 30. www.ums.org outing. Participants can register in teams of Auditorium, 825 N. University, Ann Arbor. four, or can be paired up with other golfers. 4 p.m. Sept. 26. 734-994-4801. MotorCity Casino “B-52s” A performance by the world-famous new wave pop band. www.a2so.com FESTIVALS Registration fees are $65 per person. Partici- Tickets: $32-45. Sound Board Theater, Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings Motor City Casino, Detroit. 8 p.m. Sept. 23. Kerrytown Concert House “Edgefest” pants should e-mail team members’ names to “Baroque to Bolcom” Tickets: $25 www.motorcitycasino.com The annual festival, with a focus on brass [email protected] and register online adults, $22 seniors, $10 students. Christ performances. Tickets: $135 Edgepass, at www.michiganpride.org. Church Grosse Pointe, 61 Grosse Point MSU College of Music “Collage IV” With $15-25 individual concerts. Kerrytown Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms. 4:30 p.m. performances of classical, contemporary Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Sept. 25. 248-559-2095. and jazz work. Tickets: $20 adults, $18 Arbor. Sept. 29 - Oct. 2. 734-769-2999. Tuesday, Sept. 28 AIDS Walk Michigan “Central www.detroitchamberwinds.org seniors, $10 students. Wharton Center, www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com Michigan AIDS Walk” One of eight walks Michigan State University, East Lansing. Flint Symphony Orchestra “From Northville Chamber of Commerce Paid Piano Accompanist, 7 p.m. Sing to raise funds to help fight HIV/AIDS. 8 p.m. Sept. 24. 517-432-2000. the Eternal City” Performing works by “Car Tunes Festival” A classic car show, Out Detroit is looking for a paid piano Island Park, Mt. Pleasant. 9 a.m. Sept. 25. www.music.msu.edu OUTINGS accompanist for rehearsals starting in Rossini, Paganini and Respighi. Tickets: live entertainment, food and an outdoor www.aidswalkmichigan.org Thursday, Sept. 23 September through July. Contact Linda $8-55. The Whiting, 1241 E. Kearsley, Olympia Entertainment “The Men movie. Downtown, Northville. 12 p.m. for info. Sing Out Detroit, Royal Oak. 248- AIDS Walk Michigan “Northern Michigan Flint. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2. 810-238-1350. of Soul” With Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Oct. 2. www.downtownnorthville.com Kaleidoscope, 6 p.m. A fundraiser for 943-2411. [email protected]. AIDS Walk” One of eight walks to raise www.thefim.org Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Howard Pastways “A Community Remembers” the Ruth Ellis Center with appetizers, www.singoutdetroit.com funds to help fight HIV/AIDS. Medalie Hewett. Tickets: $29.75-75.75. Fox Fontana Chamber Arts “Tokyo String A festival with art, flower show and drinks and a video presentation about Park, Traverse City. 11 a.m. Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Quartet” The opener to the FCA’s 10th performances that will take guests back vogueing. Tickets: $125, and $50 for Sept. 26. www.aidswalkmichigan.org 8 p.m. Oct. 1. www.ticketmaster.com guests under age 30. Scarab Club, 217 Wednesday, Sept. 29 season. Tickets: $28-30. Dalton Center to historic Farmington. Heritage Park, Farnsworth, Detroit. 313-252-1950. Anger Management Group Workshop, AIDS Walk Michigan “Detroit AIDS Walk” Recital Hall, Western Michigan University, Palace Sports and Entertainment Farmington. 4 p.m. Sept. 24, 10 a.m. www.ruthelliscenter.com 3 p.m. A 10-week course for men only to One of eight walks to raise funds Kalamazoo. 8 p.m. Sept. 24. 269-382- “Eddie Money” A performance to close Sept. 25. www.pastways.info learn about anger and their relationship to help fight HIV/AIDS. Palmer Park, 7774. www.fontanachamberarts.org out the summer concert season, with Woldumar Nature Center “American Unnatural Causes, 6 p.m. A viewing of with it. Cost: $15 per session. Hosted by Detroit. 8:30 a.m. Sept. 25. special guest Jesse Money. Tickets: $10- Lansing Symphony Orchestra Heritage Festival” A weekend of events the documentary that explores whether Lansing Association for Human Rights. www.aidswalkmichigan.org 34.50. DTE Energy Music Theatre, 7774 inequality is making LGBT people sick. Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, 1712 “Tchaikovsky & Sibelius” Part of the Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. 7:30 p.m. remembering Michigan’s cultural Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 517-410- AIDS Walk Michigan “Jackson AIDS MasterWorks series. Tickets: $12-45. Sept. 24. www.palacenet.com heritage. Tickets: $7 adults, $5 members, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 9494. www.lahronline.org Walk” One of eight walks to raise Wharton Center, Michigan State University, $3 children under 12. Woldumar Nature www.goaffirmations.org funds to help fight HIV/AIDS. Riverwalk East Lansing. 8 p.m. Oct. 1. 517-487- Palace Sports and Entertainment “Lyle Center, 5739 Old Lansing, Lansing. 11 Amphitheater, 1 Energy Plaza Drive, 5001. www.lansingsymphony.org Lovett and His Large Band” An eclectic a.m. Sept. 25, 11 a.m. Sept. 26. Financial and Estate Planning Thursday, Sept. 30 Jackson. 9 a.m. Sept. 25. performance by the country/folk/blues www.woldumar.org MSU College of Music “Faculty Workshop, 6:30 p.m. Discussing such Gateway Open House 6 p.m. A chance www.aidswalkmichigan.org singer-songwriter. Tickets: $10-45. topics as life insurance, estate planning, to get to know more about programs at Concert” Anne Nispel, soprano, and Meadow Brook Music Festival, 3554 investments and more for LGBT people. Gateway Services and how they help AIDS Walk Michigan “Flint AIDS Walk” Harlan Jennings, baritone, with James E. Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. 8 p.m. Free. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile local youth. Kevin Moody Youth Home, One of eight walks to raise funds to Wilhelmsen on piano. Tickets: $10 adults, Sept. 24. www.palacenet.com FILM & VIDEO Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. help fight HIV/AIDS. UM-Flint University $8 seniors, free for students. Music Ann Arbor District Library “Believe In South Waverly Road, Lansing. 517-351- The Magic Bag “Michelle Shocked” A www.goaffirmations.org Center, Flint. 12 p.m. Oct. 2. Building Auditorium, Michigan State Me” A film showing and discussion about 4000. www.gatewayservices.org performance by the Texan singer- www.aidswalkmichigan.org University, East Lansing. 3 p.m. Sept. 26. mental health awareness. Mallets Creek The Apple Tree, 8 p.m. A performance songwriter. Tickets: $23. The Magic Supreme Court Forum, 6 p.m. A 517-353-9958. www.music.msu.edu Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, of the play, performed in three one-act AIDS Walk Michigan “Lansing AIDS Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. discussion with attorney Jay Kaplan Ann Arbor. 2 p.m. Oct. 2. 734-327-4200. musicals. Tickets: $20, with proceeds about the importance of the Michigan Walk” One of eight walks to raise funds MSU College of Music “Guest Artist 8 p.m. Sept. 24. 248-544-1991. benefiting the OutCenter. Twin Cities Supreme Court elections. ACLU of to help fight HIV/AIDS. Valley Court Park, Recital” A performance on piano by www.themagicbag.com Dancingstar Productions “Naked Angel” Players, 600 W. Glenlord Road, St. Joseph. East Lansing. 10 a.m. Sept. 26. Sarkis Baltaian. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 A sneak preview of the film, shot entirely Michigan, 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit. The Magic Bag “An Acoustic Evening www.outcenter.org www.aidswalkmichigan.org seniors, free for students. Music Building in southeast Michigan. Tickets: $10 www.aclumich.org with Rik Emmett” A concert with the Auditorium, Michigan State University, adults, $7 members. Michigan Theater, AIDS Walk Michigan “Bay City/Midland/ singer/songwriter from hard rock band East Lansing. 8 p.m. Oct. 1. 517-353- 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 Friday, Oct. 1 Saginaw AIDS Walk” One of eight walks Triumph, with Dave Dunlop. Tickets: $20. 9958. www.music.msu.edu Sept. 24. www.michtheater.org Womyn’s Film Night, 7 p.m. “Drool” After Womyn’s Film Night, 7 p.m. “Fun in Girls’ to raise funds to help fight HIV/AIDS. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., beginning a romance with her neighbor, Shorts” An eclectic anthology from LGBT Wenonah Park, Downtown, MSU College of Music “Wind Ferndale. 8 p.m. Sept. 26. 248-544-1991. Michigan Theater “Suspiria” The Italian housewife Anora accidentally kills her film festival Frameline with six of their best Bay City. 9:30 a.m. Sept. 25. Symphony” Tickets: $10 adults, $8 www.themagicbag.com horror film by Dario Argento. Tickets: $9 abusive husband and then sets out on a www.aidswalkmichigan.org seniors, free for students. Wharton adults, $7 students, seniors and veterans. lesbian-themed shorts. Affirmations, 290 The Magic Bag “Bettie Serveert” A road trip with her new lover and kids to Center, Michigan State University, East Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398- Collingwood Arts Center “A Night @ The performance by the Vancouver-based dispose of the body. Affirmations, 290 W. 7105. www.goaffirmations.org Lansing. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30. 517-353- 10 p.m. Oct. 2. www.michtheater.org Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Races” A birthday celebration for the CAC 9958. www.music.msu.edu rock band. Tickets: $12. The Magic www.goaffirmations.org with live music, live painting, auctions, Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. University of Michigan Museum of Saturday, Oct. 2 raffles and dinner. Tickets: $40 each, or MSU Symphony Orchestra “William 8 p.m. Sept. 30. 248-544-1991. Art “Police, Adjective” With a talk by Youth Talent Show, 7 p.m. A youth Anger Management Group Workshop, $70 per couple. Raceway Park, 5700 Tell Overture” Also performing works www.themagicbag.com American Romanian Festival Director talent show with big prizes for winners! Telegraph Road, Toledo. 5 p.m. Sept. 25. by Prokofiev and Shostakovich. Tickets: Marian Tanau. Admission: $10. University 9 a.m. A 5-week workshop for men The Magic Bag “Savoy Brown” Featuring Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, 419-476-7751. www.cactoledo.com $10 adults, $8 seniors. Wharton Center, of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State, only to learn about anger and their Kim Simmonds, with special guest Paz Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Michigan State University, East Lansing. 8 Ann Arbor. 7 p.m. Sept. 24. 734-763- relationship with it. Cost: $30 per session. Downriver Council for the Arts Man’s Supersession. Tickets: $20. The www.goaffirmations.org p.m. Sept. 25. 517-353-9958. UMMA. www.umma.umich.edu Hosted by Lansing Association for Human “Salute to Excellence” An event to Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Rights. Women’s Center of Greater www.music.msu.edu honor individuals who have supported Ferndale. 8 p.m. Oct. 1. 248-544-1991. University of Michigan Museum of Lansing, 1712 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. Saturday, Sept. 25 and promoted the arts and culture in University of Michigan Museum of Art www.themagicbag.com Art “Gently Anastasia Was Passing” 517-410-9494. www.lahronline.org Anger Management Group Workshop, the Downriver area. Grosse Ile Golf and “Chamber Music Concert” Closing of the Admission: $10. University of Michigan University Musical Society “Rosanne 9 a.m. A 5-week workshop for men only Country Club, 9339 Bellevue Road, American Romanian Festival with works Museum of Art, 525 S. State, Ann Arbor. Aerial Fitness Program, 11:30 a.m. A Cash” A selection of covers from a list of to learn about anger and their relationship Grosse Ile. 7 p.m. Sept. 24. 734-720- by Enescu and Schumann. Tickets: $10. 4 p.m. Sept. 25. 734-763-UMMA. six-week course that will cover stretching, 100 essential country songs given to her with it. Cost: $30 per session. Hosted by trapeze, aerial hoop, circus rings and more. 0671. www.downriverarts.org University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 www.umma.umich.edu Lansing Association for Human Rights. S. State, Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. by her father, Johnny Cash. Tickets start Cost: $85. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Elizabeth Makeup and Modeling at $10. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University, Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, 1712 Road, Ferndale. www.goaffirmations.org 734-763-UMMA. www.umma.umich.edu E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 517-410-9494. “Catwalk for Cancer” A fashion fundraiser Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Sept. 25. www.ums.org www.lahronline.org Men’s Discussion Group, 6 p.m. A group to benefit the national program Look for adult gay, bi or trans men. Topics Good...Feel Better, which helps the self- Aerial Fitness Program, 11:30 a.m. A range from public displays of affection esteem of cancer patients. Tickets: $35. six-week course that will cover stretching, or LGBT images in advertising to movie Uptown Grille, 3100 West Maple Road, At 6 p.m. Sept. 28, Evolution Marketing and trapeze, aerial hoop, circus rings and more. nights and picnics. Affirmations, 290 W. Commerce. 6 p.m. Sept. 28. Elizabeth Makeup and Modeling will present Cost: $85. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www.catwalkforcancer.info EDITOR’S PICK Catwalk for Cancer, an event to show that self- Road, Ferndale. www.goaffirmations.org www.goaffirmations.org Flint Institute of Arts “Art on Tap” A beer- esteem and feeling beautiful can go a long way Men’s Discussion Group, 6 p.m. A group tasting event with over 60 craft and import in helping cancer patients. for adult gay, bi or trans men. Topics brews. Tickets: $20. Flint Institute of Arts, range from public displays of affection 1120 E. Kearsley, Flint. 4 p.m. Sept. 25. Catwalk for Canter will showcase the latest or LGBT images in advertising to movie 810-234-1695. www.flintarts.org nights and picnics. Affirmations, 290 W. fall trends in clothing, hair and makeup, while Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Kalamazoo Deacons Conference “ raising funds for Look Good...Feel Better, a na- www.goaffirmations.org Run for the Son” A 5K run/walk to benefit the conference, a ministry to people in tional program dedicated to helping individuals , 8 p.m. An MUSIC & with cancer improve their self-esteem and cope Lavender Dance Party Michigan living in poverty. Registration: all-women fall kickoff event. Cover: $5. $18 before Sept. 18, $20 after. with treatment and recovery in style. Held at Holiday Inn, 3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Bicentennial Park, Portage. 9 a.m. Sept. the Uptown Grille in Commerce, the event will Arbor. www.lavenderevent.com 25. 269-344-7333. www.kazoodc.org MORE feature dinner, music and a fashion show. BENEFITS/SOCIAL EVENTS Northville Chamber of Commerce Sunday, Sept. 26 “Ghoultide Gathering” A juried show AIDS Walk Michigan “Ann Arbor AIDS Tickets are $35 and are available for purchase Golf Outing, 9 a.m. The first annual featuring Halloween art. Admission: Walk” One of eight walks to raise funds to online, or at participating business locations. outing, with lunch, BBQ dinner, raffle, $5. Mill Race Village, 215 Griswold, help fight HIV/AIDS. Detroit Edison Building auction and contests. Cost: $65. Michigan Northville. 9 a.m. Oct. 2. www. To learn more, or to buy tickets, visit www. Lot, 425 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor. 1 p.m. Pride, 1600 Linn Road, Williamston. downtownnorthville.com catwalkforcancer.info. www.michiganpride.org Sept. 26. www.aidswalkmichigan.org

26 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 For expanded listings, visit www.pridesource.com

OTHER A Midsummer Night’s Dream $16-$18. Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! Stagecrafters, 415 S. Lafayette Ave., : $15 per show; “Dark Matter” is free. Dawn Farm “How to Support Recovery In its 55-year history, Stagecrafters Royal Oak. Through Oct. 3. 248-541- Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine and Not Addition” A presentation for 6430. www.stagecrafters.org Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. has never performed Shakespeare – until family and friends of addicts with www.gocomedy.net EDITOR’S PICK now. Stagecrafters will present “A Mid- therapist Ronald Harrison. Free. St. Crossing Delancey $15. The Players Joseph Mercy Hospital, 5305 Elliott Drive, Guild of Dearborn, 21730 Madison St., Hay Fever : $20-$30. Hilberry Theatre, summer Night’s Dream” through Oct. 3 Ypsilanti. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. 734-485- Dearborn. Through Oct. 3. 313-561-TKTS. 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Plays in rotating at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette, 8725. www.dawnfarm.org www.playersguildofdearborn.org repertory Oct. 1 - Dec. 4. 313-577-2972. in downtown Royal Oak. www.wsushows.com Everybody Reads “Raw Food Doubt $15, plus $1 surcharge. Center Demonstration” A workshop and meal with Stage Jackson at Ruth Day Theatre Keely & Du : $18. UDM Theatre Company Passing on Shakespeare’s plays came to raw vegan chef Chris. Cost: $6. Everybody at Potter Center, Jackson Community at Marygrove College Theatre, 8425 W. an end when Ryan S. Moore threw his di- Reads Bookstore, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., College, 2111 Emmons Rd., Jackson. McNichols Rd., Detroit. Oct. 1 - 10. 313- rector’s hat into the ring for the 2010-11 Lansing. 2 p.m. Sept. 25. 517-346-9900. Sep. 24 - Oct. 3. 517-796-8600. 993-3270. www.theatre.udmercy.edu season. A 10-year Stagecrafters’ veteran, www.becauseeverybodyreads.com www.centerstagejackson.org Last of the Red Hot Lovers : $28-$30. Moore was thrilled that Stagecrafters had Everybody Reads “Banned Book Fortinbras $12. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E Cady St, decided to plunge into Shakespeare’s Week Celebration” A presentation and Museum Drive, Lansing. Oct. 1 - 10. 517- Northville. Through Oct. 16. 248-347- select reading of books by the ACLU of 482-5700. www.riverwalktheatre.com 0003. www.tippingpointtheatre.com works. “Presenting this play connects Michigan Lansing branch. Everybody us to an important tradition and to the Godspell $24. Grosse Pointe Theatre, Play It Again, Sam : $18. Magenta Reads Bookstore, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., well of genius from which everything Lansing. 7 p.m. Sept. 29. 517-346-9900. Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Giraffe Theatre Company, 1515 Broadway www.becauseeverybodyreads.com Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. Through St., Detroit. Sep. 24 - Oct. 17. 313-408- we perform ultimately springs. I think Oct. 2. 313-881-4004. www.gpt.org 7269. www.magentagiraffe.com Shakespeare-averse audience members National Kidney Foundation “Personal Action Toward Health Class” A free Godspell $10-$22. Kalamazoo Civic Sonia Flew : A co-production with The will be surprised at how sexy, comical class to help individuals learn how to Theatre, Civic Auditorium, 329 South Park Jewish Ensemble Theatre Company. and fun the bard can be,” said Moore. manage long-term health conditions. Pre- St., Kalamazoo. Sep. 24 - Oct. 10. 269- $22-$41. Performance Network registration required. Royal Oak Township 343-1313. www.kazoocivic.com Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. Advance tickets for performances are Through Oct. 17. 734-663-0681. Recreation Department, 21272 Mendota, Kiss Me, Kate $18. Spotlight Players at The $16-$18. For reservations or information, www.performancenetwork.org Ferndale. Sept. 17 - Oct. 22. 734-222- Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry call 248-541-6430. 9800. www.nkfm.org Hill Rd., Canton. Through Sep. 26. 734-394- Sundays at Go Comedy! : $7 for the Sole Sisters “Sole Sisters Shoe Party” A 5300. www.spotlightplayersmi.org evening. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “Beauty Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit shopping event for shoe-loving women. 261 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248- Leaving Iowa $13-$15. The Farmington amid Thunder” The past two centuries of “Mobile Homestead” Celebrating the Sole Sisters, 87 E. Canfield, Detroit. 1 327-0575. www.gocomedy.net Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile Rd., Chinese art, in the new Joy Light Gallery maiden voyage of the new public p.m. Sept. 26. 313-808-3614. Farmington Hills. Oct. 1 - 17. 248-553- Susurrus : Times vary; groups of of Asian Art. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, sculpture by local artist Mike Kelley. 2955. www.farmingtonplayers.org four admitted every 15 minutes. ART ‘N’ United Health Organization “Project 314 S. Park, Kalamazoo. Aug. 28 - Oct. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Recommended for ages 16+; contains Healthy Living” A day of free and low- ‘night, Mother $16. PTD Productions at 17. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 12 p.m. adult themes. $30. University Musical cost health care services. Registration Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Sep. 25. www.mocadetroit.com Society, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “Wondrous recommended. Eastland Mall, 18000 Ypsilanti. Sep. 23 - Oct. 2. 734-483- 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor. Through AROUND ink” Selections from the Richard Fabian Pink Pump “Sweet Feet 2” The grand Vernier Road, Harper Woods. Sept. 22 - 7345. www.ptdproductions.com Collection, held in the new Joy Light opening and art exhibition for Pink Sept. 25. 313-581-8913. Oct. 3. 734-764-2538. www.ums.org ART & ARCHITECTURE Prelude to a Kiss $25. The Croswell Gallery of Asian Art. Kalamazoo Institute Pump’s newest location. Free. Pink Pump, www.projecthealthyliving.net The Breaking Point : Black Smith Charles H. Wright Museum “Portraits Opera House & Fine Arts Association, 129 of Arts, 314 S. Park, Kalamazoo. Aug. 28 - 601 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. 7 p.m. Sep. 25. Enterprises, Charles H. Wright Museum, of Life and Landscapes” The Art of Frank United Health Organization “Project E. Maumee, Adrian. Sep. 24 - 26. 517- Kelley Jr. Charles H. Wright Museum, Dec. 5. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org www.pinkpump.com Healthy Living” A day of free and low- 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit. Sep. 25 - 26. 264-7469. www.croswell.org 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit. Aug. 27 - Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “Strong Riverside Arts Center “Great Lakes cost health care services. Registration 734-634-3151. Dec. 12. 313-494-5800. Women, Beautiful Men” Japanese Portrait Small Works” A 2D and 3D juried exhibit. recommended. Northwest Activities Starry Night Dinner served at The Last Great British Sex Farce www.charleshwrightmuseum.org Prints from the Toledo Museum of Art, Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Center, 18100 Meyers Road, Detroit. 6 6:30 p.m.; reservations required. $33; Ever! $14-$16. Broadway Onstage Live held in the new Joy Light Gallery of Asian Ypsilanti. Sep. 2 - Sep. 25. 734-480- a.m. Sept. 28. 313-581-8913. show-only: $18. Starlight Theatre at Community Arts @ Paramount Gallery Theatre, 21517 Kelly Rd., Eastpointe. Art. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S. 2787. www.riversidearts.org www.projecthealthyliving.net Waverly East Cafetorium, 3131 W. “Custom Guitar Exhibit” Works by Steve Through Oct. 9. 586-771-6333. Park, Kalamazoo. Aug. 28 - Oct. 31. 269- Michigan, Lansing. Oct. 1 - 9. 517-243- Brook and Daniel Cascardo. Paramount Riverside Arts Center “On the Wild United Health Organization “Project www.broadwayonstage.com 349-7775. www.kiarts.org 6040. www.starlightdinnertheatre.com Bank, 22635 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Aug. Side - Art of Nature” Presenting the Healthy Living” A day of free and low- The Taming of the Shrew : $15. Bach 13 - Sep. 24. www.paramountbank.com Kerrytown Concert House “In The artwork of Lisa Ramlow, Marie Rust and cost health care services. Registration The Drowsey Chaperone A Michigan Dor Shakespeare Company at Hannah Studio” Paintings and drawings by local Lori Taylor. Opening reception held 5-7 recommended. Westland Mall, 35000 W. premiere. $17. Village Players of Detroit Institute of Arts “In Your Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East artist Sarah Innes. Kerrytown Concert p.m. Oct. 2. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Warren Ave., Westland. 10 a.m. Sept. 30, Birmingham, 34660 Woodward Ave., Dreams” 500 years of imaginary prints Lansing. Through Sep. 26. 517-333-2580. House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Huron, Ypsilanti. Sep. 30 - Oct. 30. www. 10 a.m. Oct. 1, 12 p.m. Oct. 2. 313-581- Birmingham. Through Sep. 26. 248-644- from Europe and America. Museum Aug. 26 - Sep. 27. 734-769-2999. riversidearts.org 8913. www.projecthealthyliving.net 2075. www.birminghamvillageplayers.com The Underpants : $16. The Box Theatre, admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $4 70 Macomb Place, Mt. Clemens. Through youth. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com The Receptionist A staged reading. Sherry Washington Gallery Sep. 25. 586-954-2311. Woodward Ave., Detroit. Sep. 8 - Jan. 2. No charge, donations welcome. Center Kerrytown Concert House “Cycles” “Summer Solstice X” An exhibition of 313-833-7900. www.dia.org SHOWS Stage Jackson at The Bon Ton Room Thursdays at Go Comedy! : $10 for the An exhibition of works by multi-media paintings, drawings and sculpture by (All Play and No Work), 3017 Wildwood artist McCabe Ash. Opening reception 13 artists. Free. Sherry Washington MotorCity Casino “Paul Rodriguez” A evening. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 Downriver Council for the Arts Ave., Jackson. Oct. 1 - 2. 517-787-6733. held 5-7 p.m. Oct. 13. Kerrytown Concert Gallery, 1274 Library, Detroit. July performance by the stand-up comedian. E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327- “Creative Bead Attitude” An exhibition www.centerstagejackson.org 0575. www.gocomedy.net of beadwork by members of the Great House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. 17 - Sep. 25. 313-961-4500. www. Tickets: $35-37. Sound Board Theater, Sep. 27 - Oct. 25. 734-769-2999. sherrywashingtongallery.com 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. Lakes Beadworkers Guild. Costick Center, True West : Free; by donation. The 28600 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com Oct. 1. www.motorcitycasino.com Abreact Performance Space, 1301 The Butcher’s Daughter Gallery Sep. 13 - Oct. 15. 586-945-4620. Kresge Art Museum “2010 Faculty “Paycheck to Paycheck, part two” A MotorCity Casino “Hypnotastic” A COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY W. Lafayette Blvd., #113, Detroit. www.downriverarts.org THEATER Through Sep. 25. 313-378-5404. Biennial Exhibition” Featuring works by group exhibition in two parts, each contemporary performance in hypnotism MSU faculty. Kresge Art Museum, Michigan running for the length of a worker’s In The Blood $5-$20. Western Michigan www.theabreact.com Downriver Council for the Arts “The by Todd Newton. Tickets: $15-20. Sound State University, East Lansing. Sep. 10 - pay cycle. Opening reception held 6-9 University Dept. of Theatre, Gilmore Soul of New Orleans” Photographs Board Theater, 2901 Grand River Ave., Wednesdays at Go Comedy! : $5 for the Oct. 10. www.artmuseum.msu.edu p.m. Sept. 25. The Butcher’s Daughter Theatre Complex’s York Arena, 1903 W. of music and life by Joe Crachiola. Detroit. 7 p.m. Sept. 26. evening. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 Gallery, 22747 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo. Sep. 23 - Oct. Wyandotte Arts Center, 81 Chestnut, www.motorcitycasino.com E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327- Kresge Art Museum “Luces en Alba” Sep. 25 - Oct. 9. 248-890-6536. www. 3. 269-387-3220. www.wmutheatre.com Wyandotte. Sep. 17 - Oct. 8. 0575. www.gocomedy.net Dawning Lights in Mexican Photography. thebutchersdaughtergallery.com www.downriverarts.org Held in the Perspectives Gallery. Kresge The American Clock $8 - $12. West Side Story : $39-$89 (includes Art Museum, Michigan State University, The Lunch Cafe “Curiouser” Works by Michigan State University, Auditorium Flint Institute of Arts “Unbroken Ties” parking and facility fees). Fisher Theatre, East Lansing. Sep. 7 - Oct. 4. photographers Mary and Ken Marzorati. Arena Theatre, 113 Auditorium, East Dialogues in Cuban Art, presenting works 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. Sep. 30 - www.artmuseum.msu.edu Runs through Nov. 13. The Lunch Cafe, Lansing. Sep. 22 - Oct. 3. 517-355-3351. of artists who have remained in Cuba Oct. 16. 1-800-982-2787. 3116 12 Mile Road, Berkley. 11 a.m. Oct. www.theatre.msu.edu alongside works by those who have left www.broadwayindetroit.com Lawrence Street Gallery “Celebrate the 2. www.aestusimaging.com/curiouser the country. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Print” Works by 40 local printmakers. THEATER Women in Love : $15-$25. Blackbird Kearsley, Flint. Sep. 9 - Dec. 7. 810- Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 University of Michigan Museum of BENEFITS AND FUNDRAISERS Theatre, 325 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 234-1695. www.flintarts.org Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Sep. 1 - Sep. Art “On Beauty and the Everyday” The PROFESSIONAL THEATER Through Oct. 16. 734-332-3848. 24. 248-544-0394. prints of American artist James McNeill Mitzi’s Abortion A compelling play A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline Gallery Project “Politics of Fear” A www.blackbirdtheatre.org multimedia exhibit of works by 35 artists www.lawrencestreetgallery.com Whistler. University of Michigan Museum about a young woman who struggles to $25-$29. Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 of Art, 525 S. State, Ann Arbor. Aug. 21 - define herself in a world where others Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo. Extended visualizing fear in American society. The Lawrence Street Gallery “Glenn “Fuzz” Gallery Project, 215 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Nov. 28. 734-763-UMMA. www.umma. are determined to make choices for her. through Oct. 10. 269-343-2727. Corey and Gary Van Gorp” An exhibition umich.edu A fundraiser for Planned Parenthood of www.farmersalleytheatre.com THEATER FOR YOUNG Arbor. Sep. 8 - Oct. 17. 734-997-7012. of new works by the resident artists, South Central Michigan. Sept. 17 - $25, AUDIENCES www.thegalleryproject.com including drawings and paintings. Urban Institute for Contemporary Art which includes reception and silent Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Fats Waller Aesop Bops : $8. Wharton Center, Pasant Opening reception held 6-9 p.m. “Pecha Kucha” A presentation format Musical $48.55 (which includes brunch Gallery U “Beyond Design” A mixed auction beginning at 6:30 p.m.; Sept. Theatre, Michigan State University, East media group show. Gallery U, 310 Fourth Oct. 1. Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 where artists show 20 images, each for 18 - $100, which includes an exclusive served from 1-2:30 p.m.). Jazz Cafe at Music Lansing. 1:30 p.m. Sep. 26. 517-353- Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Sep. 29 - 20 seconds, and talk about their work. Hall, 350 Madison St., Detroit. Sep. 26. 313- Street, Royal Oak. 5 p.m. Sep. 30. 248- reception, silent auction and the 1982. www.whartoncenter.com 399-7322. http://gallery-u.blogspot.com Oct. 30. 248-544-0394. Free. Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 playwright, Elizabeth Heffron, beginning 887-8500. www.jazzcafedetroit.com www.lawrencestreetgallery.com Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids. 5 p.m. Sep. at 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 24 & 25 - $15, which Kolobok : $10 adults, $5 children. Holocaust Memorial Center 23. www.uica.org Beyond Therapy $20. The Acorn PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture includes a talkback. Planned Parenthood of Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three “Synagogues in Germany: A Virtual South Central Michigan, Epic Theater, 359 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit. Saturdays Reconstruction” Computer aided design Museum “Artists Portray Artists” Women’s Caucus for Art-Michigan Oaks. Through Sep. 25. 269-756-3879. through Sep. 25. 313-961-7777. An exhibition of 35 portraits and “Balance: An Artist’s Collaborative Game” S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 205, Kalamazoo. www.acorntheater.com reconstructions of 14 synagogues Through Sep. 25. 269-372-1200. www. www.puppetart.org destroyed during Kristallnacht. Holocaust self-portraits. Marshall M. Fredericks With works by 38 women artists, all from plannedparenthood.org/ppscm Blue Door Previews Sept. 23-26 & 30 Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Sculpture Museum, 7400 Bay Road, Michigan. Closing reception held 6-10 ($15). $15-$24. Williamston Theatre, Road, Farmington Hills. Aug. 29 - Nov. 29. Saginaw. Oct. 1 - Jan. 29. 989-964- p.m. Sept. 26. River’s Edge Gallery, 3024 122 S. Putnam Rd., Williamston. Sep. 248-553-2400. www.holocaustcenter.org 7096. www.marshallfredericks.org Biddle, Wyandotte. Sep. 8 - Sep. 26. AUDITIONS & CLASSES 734-246-9880. 23 - Oct. 17. 517-655-7469. www. MSU Museum “Sticks, Strings and CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER williamstontheatre.org AVON PLAYERS - auditions for “Forever Jewish Community Center of Metro Christmas: A Christmas to Remember,” Detroit “The Green Show” Sculptures, Shadows” A collection of puppets of 84 Charing Cross Road $12. SRO Asia. Runs through Nov. 7. MSU Museum, Productions, 26060 Berg Rd., Southfield. Criminal Hearts $20. Planet Ant Theatre, Sept. 26-27, 248-608-9077; MATRIX jewelry and other art created from recycled 2357 Caniff Ave., Hamtramck. Through Oct. THEATRE - offers an awesome autumn of materials. Jewish Community Center, 6600 Michigan State University, East Lansing. Oct. 1 - 17. 248-796-4645. 517-432-1472. http://museum.msu.edu www.srotheater.org 2. 313-365-4948. www.planetant.com theater and arts classes for ages 5-18, W. Maple, West Bloomfield. Sep. 2 - Oct. 14. call 313-967-0999 for details. 248-432-5579. www.jccdet.org

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 27 Rear View DEAR JODY

Got problems? Send letters to: “Dear Jody,” C/O Between The Lines, 11920 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48150. E-mail her at [email protected]

Mom and her girlfriend Hear me out, Democrats I am a gay Republican – and I’m proud of make out in front of me Q:it. I know many people think I am crazy but I am 14 years old. My mom is a lesbian. I am it is what I believe in – for the most part. I’m like Q:writing this letter to you because I know my most people; I don’t believe in every little thing, but mom always reads Dear Jody, and I think she will I do go along with most party lines. I am fiscally listen to you because she talks about what you have conservative as well as pretty conservative when it to say about people’s problems. She agrees with comes to things like immigration, gun control and you – most of the time. freedom of speech. I know most Republicans are She doesn’t listen to me, even though I’ve tried against gay marriage and so am I. I was raised to to tell her over and over again what the problem is. believe a marriage is between a man and a woman, The problem I have with her is that she and her girl- and I don’t know why gay people think they need friend are always smooching on the couch when my to get married, anyway. I have lots of friends that friends are over. They are, like, all over each other. I are Democrats, and they keep thinking if they just don’t care that she is gay, but my friends make fun of badger me enough, they can change what I believe. them because of the way my mom and her girlfriend They don’t seem to hear what I have to say, but they act. It’s so embarrassing! If she doesn’t cut it out, I do want to tell me what they think about everything will just not have my friends over anymore. I’ve told that’s political. her that, but I don’t think she cares. I don’t care if you agree with me or not, I just Could you tell her they should not act like that want suggestions on how to make my point and get when people are around? Thank you. my friends to listen to me. Embarrassed Daughter Republican and Proud

I’m glad you wrote to me. Have your mom Most often, with something as controversial A:read this letter. Hopefully, it will open up a A:as politics or religion, it is difficult for either productive dialogue between the two of you, so you side to hear or understand the other side. There is no can let her know what behaviors are bothering you way you can get others to listen to you if they don’t and why. It will also give you a chance to listen to choose to listen. It is better not to discuss politics her thoughts, and hear how she feels about this issue. with friends that don’t listen to your beliefs, or if In any disagreement, it is important for both people you’re not willing to listen to theirs. In these cases, involved to listen and try to understand the other’s let them know that politics is off limits as far as you point of view. are concerned, and if they bring up political things, Mom: It’s important to listen to your daughter remind them that you don’t wish to talk about it. and see if the two of you can come up to an agree- If you want to discuss politics, it might behoove ment regarding this problem so that your daughter you to find some other like-minded individuals with is not embarrassed to have her friends over. I’m sure whom you can talk and discuss issues. you’ll agree that it is important to have your child feel comfortable in her home with her friends; and it’s great that she wants to be around the home – not all Jody Valley spent 12 years as a clinical social 14-year-old kids do. This is an opportunity for both worker. She worked with the LGBT community both of you to hear each other’s feelings and understand as a counselor and a workshop leader in the areas how this is affecting each of you. of coming out, self-esteem and relationship issues. For most – probably all – 14 year olds, having The “Dear Jody” column appears weekly. Reach their parents “smooching” in front of their friends Jody at [email protected]. Letters may would be embarrassing; it doesn’t matter whether the be edited for clarity and length. parents are gay or straight. This is not a gay parent issue; it’s a parent issue.

28 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Rear View HOROSCOPES by Jack Fertig Breathe, Aries!

Saturn in Libra is squaring the lunar nodes, showing necessary steps in the relationships that are most important in our life’s lessons. Mars is in Scorpio, offering insights to those problems, but those insights can feel more urgent and be more complex and distracting than strictly helpful.

ARIES (March 20 – April 19): efforts to do too much could be Your control issues can wreck antagonizing the people who your relationship. Step back. really matter to you. Breathe. Be responsible for yourself, and let your partner SCORPIO (October 23 – No- do the same. Domestic issues vember 21): Cool your jets, are an easy distraction. Work is Hot Stuff! Before charging in where you need to focus your “where angels fear to tread,” energies and sense of mastery. reconsider your premises and re-examine details. Don’t let TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): anxiety urge you forward or par- You’re fine on the details; don’t alyze you. Look ahead thought- worry about those! Work on see- fully and proceed accordingly. ing the big picture. There, you need some help that you’ll get SAGITTARIUS (November if you want it. Be gracious and 22 – December 20): Whatever pay attention! Criticism from it is you’re worried about, your your boss shows investment in friends will help you get things your success. into perspective. Don’t let it grow out of proportion. Your GEMINI (May 21- June 20): problems are simpler and the While being your own harshest solutions more pragmatic than critic has benefits, you may be you realize. too hard on yourself. Expressing your personal values is impor- CAPRICORN (December tant, but you’ll have more to say 21 – January 19): Helping and be better heard speaking others can be an easy way to from the shared values of your avoid your own issues. Balance tradition and culture. healing yourself with nurturing others to strengthen your pursuit CANCER (June 21- July 22): of your goals. Shrewd network- LGBT folks often struggle with ing will ameliorate the stress of definitions of “family.” Draw a your career. picture of yours. Don’t write a list; draw a picture! Who’s in? AQUARIUS (January 20 – Who’s out and why? Those you February 18): Find opportuni- have to think about may or may ties to promote yourself. Getting not belong, but work on clarify- ahead is still hard work, but ing those relationships. you’re up for it. To sustain energy for the longer run, be conscious of LEO (July 23 – August 22): how your own success can and There’s so much you want to should be helpful to others. say and so much more to your message than is apparent. Don’t PISCES (February 19 – blame your audience for not get- March 19): Sometimes you ting it! Work on your own com- really are Little Miss Innocent, munication skills and welcome but it won’t wash now! Put this constructive criticism. troublemaking phase to good work. Focus on political ends VIRGO (August 23 – Septem- or community building. If you ber 22): The most important really need to get nasty with things you need to express are someone, there’s a politician not coming out logically and who deserves it. won’t be accepted on pure logic anyway. Take it as a creative Jack Fertig, a professional challenge to let your passions astrologer since 1977, is clarify – not cloud – your reason. available for personal and LIBRA (September 23 – Octo- business consultations in person ber 22): Your work and ambi- in San Francisco, or online tions could be a distraction from everywhere. He can be reached domestic issues that require at 415-864-8302, through his more attention. At least take a website at http://www.starjack. good, close look at your pri- com, and by e-mail at QScopes@ orities and your limits. Your qsyndicate.com.

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 29 Rear View ETCETERA

Q P U Z Z L E Faith of Our Mothers

Across 42 Like a Merry Christmas in 2 “Gone With the Wind” 30 Curly-leafed veggie St. Louis heroine Scarlett 31 Come out 1 Cross-dresser in a Kinks 44 “Bewitched” director Nora 3 Willy the salesman 32 They put thermometers in song 46 Klingons, e.g. 4 Encouraging words your boxers 5 Purse attachment 47 Dottermans of “Antonia’s 5 Garbo’s homeland 35 Reid of “Josie and the 10 Like a milquetoast Line” 6 Cowpoke’s nickname Pussycats” 14 “Hey, sailor!” 49 Justice Fortas 7 Smash into 36 Club for Sheehan 15 “___ Family” 50 Writer Castillo 8 Notre Dame’s Parseghian 37 Children’s caretaker 16 ___ angle (not straight) 51 Cole Porter’s “Let’s ___” 9 Empire conquered by Al- 39 In between partners? 17 Ceremony performed by 52 Popeye and Bluto exander 40 Banned from 12-Down? 28-Across 54 Parishioners of 28-Across 10 Critically injure 43 Tolstoy and Sayer 20 Used rubbers 59 On the calm side 11 International Male’s busi- 45 Roz portrayer on “Frasier” 21 “Queer as a three-dollar 60 “Are you calling me ___?” ness, e.g. 48 Did salon work bill,” e.g. 61 Pride member 12 Name of many a gay bar 49 Military position 22 Tried to get elected 63 Letter opener 13 “You’ll be back on your 51 Farm gear pioneer 23 Triangular 64 In need of a backrub ___ in no time” (“As Good 53 Mixed-up fruits 27 Guitar master Paul As It Gets”) 65 Top 54 Court petition 28 Gay religious icon 18 Roomy vehicle 66 Edna, for one 55 Make a hole bigger 30 Kline of “De-Lovely” 19 Wealthy, to Mauresmo 67 Tidied the lawn 56 Metallic sound 33 Pump purchase 24 Linking toy 68 Title document 57 “Good one!” 34 Try a Susan Feniger cook- 25 Poet ___ Wu 58 “ ___ Like It Hot” book, e.g. 26 Cathedral of Hope area 59 Get sum 38 Jump for Doug Mattis Down 28 Send a Dear John letter, 62 Composer Rorem 39 Whispered sweet nothings 1 Weapon pointed at James but not to Elton 41 Gilbert or Teasdale Bond’s crotch 29 Talc target Solution on 33

Pet of the Week:

i there! I’m Taylor, and as you can see, I am Hone wrinkly dog. I’m a one-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei/Hound mix who’s looking for his forever family. I am very friendly and love to be cuddled, and if we had a chance to meet, I know that we could be best friends. The adoption fee includes sterilization, age-appropriate vaccinations and much more. Visit or call the Michigan Humane Society’s Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care at (248) 852-7420 and provide the pet ID number, 11462625.

30 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Rear View CLASSIFIEDS To place an ad, go to www.pridesource.com or call us at 888.615.7003

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Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 31 Rear View QUEERIES by Steven Petrow

school. No doubt, they’re worried about potential ing that’s the case for your daughter). When someone because I’m gay” line, ask questions about the guy: name-calling or bullying. As for the family tree les- comes out to you – especially a child of yours – keep How old? What line of work? Truly single? Funny? son, this topic has likely come up for them already, in mind that she has given this matter much thought Smart? Red-headed? Why do you think we might so they may have some good ideas on how to handle and has also put great trust in you. It’s not likely to be interested in each other? Don’t make it into an it smoothly. Let the parents know that you respect be a “phase,” just as your own sexuality, when it inquisition, but find out a little about the potential their family structure and want to honor it in a way first came into bloom, probably was not. And you date – besides the fact that he’s gay. If you like what that instills pride in their child – which is, after all, probably knew at 17 that you were straight, right? you hear, ask for an introduction – on e-mail, through the whole point of the lesson. a social media site – or let your friend know it’s OK Finally, when it comes time to start the proj- to give out your phone number. And even if you don’t ect, do your best to explain to the entire class that My friends want to set me end up going out with a particular fellow, thank your families come in all different shapes and sizes, even friend for trying to help you out. And keep trying. presenting some varied examples that include gay up with every gay guy they Teaching kids of gay families and others. And then see where your new student takes the exercise himself, with your guid- know Looking for a second date parents ance if necessary. I moved east about six months ago as a single but don’t want to beg I teach fifth grade, and every fall we study Q:guy. While I do happen to be looking for a Q:genealogy and create what are called “family How does my daughter boyfriend, I find it very annoying that every straight I had a wonderful evening earlier in the week trees.” I have a new student this year who has two person I’ve met knows one gay man to set me up Q:with this woman I met in the neighborhood dads, and I think he’s adopted. How do I handle this with. You know the drill – the gay neighbor, the wine store. The sex was great, too. I called her a topic appropriately in class? know she’s gay? gay hairdresser, the gay mechanic, the gay lawyer. I couple of days later and haven’t heard back. How Last week my 17-year-old daughter told me certainly appreciate all the good intentions, but how many times can I call back before I look like a loser? First of all, kudos to you for being sensitive Q:that she’s gay and has a girlfriend. I think she’s do I explain that just because I am gay it doesn’t A:to this subject; the family tree project can be really too young to fully understand her sexuality and mean I want to be matched up with every gay man Give it one more shot. She may have lost your a tough one for adopted children – and for anyone want to ask her whether this lesbian relationship is they know? A:number, been out of town or been distracted. whose roots don’t match the classic format, whether really just a phase. Is that OK? If she still doesn’t respond after a second attempt, that means kids with two LGBT parents, single Hey, be thankful that you have so many it’s much more likely that was a one-night stand and parents of any kind, or grandparents and any other Not really. This question is usually posed as A:friends who care enough to try and set you she’s not interested in a second outing. adults serving as their guardians. A:a means to deny or object to someone’s true up. And while another man’s sexual orientation is Steven Petrow is a past president of the National sexual orientation, and it can be perceived as either not enough to make him the match of the century, The wisest approach is to discuss the lesson Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association and writes with the child’s parents in advance so you can de- uninformed or, at worst, hostile. Even those who may it’s also true that meeting someone through a friend for the Huffington Post and The Advocate. He’s also velop a plan as partners. In fact, don’t be surprised if be “questioning” their own identity or experimenting gives you a leg up over a chance encounter online the dads approach you directly about how the larger have a right to decide whether they want to embrace or at a club. Definitely don’t be snarky with your the author of “The Essential Book of Gay Manners topic of how their sexuality may affect their child at some particular term or identity (and I’m not suggest- matchmaker friends. Instead of giving them the “just & Etiquette.” Learn more at www.gaymanners.com.

32 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 Rear View SCENE CHECK @ MENJOS BTL photos by Danielle 1 2

1. Chris and Scott 3. Happy Birthday, April 3 Summers! 2. Raw Slik

Club connection DETROIT AREA Gold Coast, Detroit, Soho, Ferndale (810) 767-7550 (810) 985-9349 Necto (Friday), (269) 857-1401 Adams Apple, Detroit, (313) 366-6135 (248) 542-7646 The Heidelberg, The State Bar, Flint, Ann Arbor Partners, (313) 240-8482 Hayloft Saloon, Stilettos, Inkster, Saginaw, (810) 767-7050 (734) 994-5436 Battle Creek, Amici’s Living Room, Detroit, (734) 729-8980 (989) 771-9508 The Zoo, Flint, WESTERN (269) 964-7276 Berkley, (313) 581-8913 Stinger’s, Detroit, Merry Inn, Flint, (810) 249-0267 MICHIGAN Pub 43, Grand Rapids, (248) 544-4100 Innuendo, Detroit (313) 892-1765 (810) 234-9481 The Apartment, (616) 458-2205 LANSING AREA Body Zone Health (313) 891-5798 The Works, Detroit, Mixx Nightclub & Grand Rapids, Rumours, Club, Palladium, Detroit (313) 961-1742TNT Metro Grille, Club 505, (616) 451-0815 Grand Rapids, Detroit, (313) 865-9766 Health Club, Saginaw, (517) 374-6312 Club Mo’z & (616) 454-8720 (313) 366-9663 Pandora’s Boxx, Detroit, (989) 498-4022 X-Cel, Pauly’s Pub, Tradewinds, Como’s, Ferndale, Detroit (313) 341-5322 North Star, Flint, (517) 484-2399 Muskegon Hts., Kalamazoo, (248) 548-5005 (313) 892-8120 The Woodward, (810) 235-2752 Esquire Club, (231) 830-0190 (269) 383-1814 Detroit Eagle, Detroit, Pronto!, Royal Oak, (313) 872-0166 The Pachyderm Pub, (517) 487-5338 Diplomat Health Club, The Zoo, Kalamazoo, (313) 873-6969 (248) 544-7900 Off Broadway East, Flint, Spiral Grand Rapids (269) 382-9966 Diamond Jim’s, R&R Saloon, Detroit, Detroit (810) 744-4960 (517) 371-3221 (616) 452-3757 NORTHERN Detroit, (313) 849-2751 (313) 526-8401 Pub 43, Diversions, ANN ARBOR MICHIGAN (313) 336-8680 The Rainbow Room Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, FLINT/SAGINAW/ Side Traxx, Gigi’s, Detroit, Detroit, (616) 458-2205 aut\ Bar, (616) 451-3800 PORT HURON Traverse City, (313) 584-6525 (313) 891-1020 Seekers, Ann Arbor, The Dunes Resort Club Triangle, Flint, (231) 935-1666 Port Huron, (734) 994-3677 Douglas,

PUZZLESolution SOLUTION to puzzle from page 30

Between The Lines • September 23, 2010 33 Rear View DEEP INSIDE HOLLYWOOD by Romeo San Vicente

ing Simon Le Bon,” the story of teenagers doing Margaret Cho and Jennifer Queen Latifah’s latest anything it takes to get to a Duran Duran show in the mid 1980s. The band has already given their blessing Grey go ‘Dancing’ ‘Dilemma’ to the project and it looks as though cool, underappre- “Dancing With the Stars” is such a weird No, the dilemma is not the recent “I’m not gay” ciated gay filmmaker Jim Fall (“Trick,” “The Lizzie phenomenon. It gives audiences the thrill of interview that her personal trainer and frequent com- McGuire Movie”) will be taking on directing duties. seeing celebrities they like (or loathe) in a panion Jeanette Jenkins just gave to AfterEllen.com. Now all they need is Robert Pattinson to play one of new light, for better or worse, as ballroom Queen Latifah’s new movie is simply called “The the bandmates – he won’t need to fake an American dancers. And yet, it’s also hands-down the Dilemma.” It’s the story of two best friends (Kevin accent either – and they’ll get a whole new generation dorkiest show on television “because” it James and Vince Vaughn), one of whom comes to of fans on board. features ballroom dancing. A new cast of believe that his buddy’s wife is cheating on him. But celebs has been announced and it’s that to tell or not to tell? That is the question. The comedy loveable mix of old favorites, wan- is from veteran director Ron Howard and, unlike a ‘Yank!’ yanked until 2011 nabes, jokes and cult heroes. For lot of his recent fare, it’s not going to be aimed at “Yank!,” the off-Broadway musical that was gay audiences, the two biggest holiday/awards season audiences. It opens next Janu- due to move to Broadway soon, has had its premiere draws will surely be bi- ary, usually the month where misfit films go to die or delayed a year to give the creative team time to revise sexual comedian Margaret find themselves poorly marketed. But who knows, the script. Now the show is due to open during the fall Cho and “Dirty Dancing” this might be calculated counter-programming. In any 2011 season with current lead Bobby Steggert still sweetheart Jennifer Grey. case, Latifah, James and Vaughn are of part an all-star committed to star. The story is one that will be familiar But wait, there’s more: ensemble that includes Channing Tatum, Winona to anyone who’s seen the documentary “Coming Out Bristol Palin, Audrina Ryder, Jennifer Connelly and more. Call it this year’s Under Fire,” about gay men and lesbians serving in Patridge, basketball “Valentine’s Day,” but with more infidelity. the armed forces during World War II and how the end star Rick Fox, Mi- of the war marked the beginning steps toward modern chael Bolton, The urban gay communities. “Yank!” follows two Ameri- Situation, Brandy, ‘Stalking Simon Le Bon’ takes can servicemen as they fall in love in the middle of David Hasselhoff and their tours of duty and will be helmed by award-winner the most beloved TV a fall stage director David Cromer. The retro-yet-still-timely mom of all time, Florence To be a “Durannie” in the 1980s was more than subject matter sounds worth the wait, no matter when Henderson. Just be ready a hobby for some young girls (and boys). It was an it opens. And it will still probably beat the repeal of to finally be made sick all-consuming lifestyle. Duran Duran did, after all, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to the punch. of “baby in a cor- make the most exotic videos MTV had to offer, and it ner” jokes by the didn’t hurt that the hit-making band appeared to consist Romeo San Vicente has felt like punching quite a few time the winner’s solely of male models. So now that that generation of announced. people over “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” He can be reached superfans has grown up, it was only a matter of time care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@ before their collective coming-of-age crush found its qsyndicate.com. way into a script. Enter the upcoming feature “Stalk- Margaret Cho. Photo: David C. Lee for Asiance

34 Between The Lines • September 23, 2010