Hoadley Announces 2020 Run for Congress Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Star Opens Up Before Detroit Show

Photo: Julian Broad

PRIDESOURCE.COMPRIDESOURCE.COM APRIL 18, 2019 | VOL. 2716 | FREE

VOL. 2716 • APRIL 18, 2019 • ISSUE 1107 PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Phone 734.293.7200 PUBLISHERS Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson EDITORIAL Editor in Chief 14 Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 [email protected]

Entertainment Editor Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106 [email protected]

Feature News Editor Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 108 [email protected]

Editorial Assistant Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105 8 22 [email protected] News & Feature Writers Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown, Ellen Knoppow, Jason Michael, Drew Howard, Jonathan Thurston CREATIVE Webmaster & MIS Director Kevin Bryant, [email protected]

Columnists Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski, Gwendolyn Ann Smith

Cartoonists Paul Berg

Contributing Photographers 20 24 Andrew Potter, Andrew Cohen ADVERTISING & SALES Director of Sales NEWS OPINION Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101 4 Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State Over 8 Parting Glances [email protected] Adoption Case Settlement 8 Let’s Win the Election First Sales Representatives Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 6 Connor Berdy: Macomb County’s First Openly Gay [email protected] Candidate Hits the Ground Running 10 Creep of the Week: Donald Trump National Advertising Representative 8 Justice Elizabeth Clement: On Politicizing the Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Courts, Child Welfare, the LGBTQ Community and LIFE MEMBER OF RBG 16 This Is Ben Platt Michigan Press Assoication National LGBT Media Association 12 State Rep. Jon Hoadley Announces 2020 Run 19 NFL Star Wade Davis and Allan Gilmour to National Gay & Lesbian Chamber for Congress, Listening Tour Headline Ford GLOBE 25th Anniversary Dinner Q Syndicate

14 Massachusetts Becomes 16th State to Ban 20 Use Your Home to Save Money on a Wedding ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy COVER 24 Happenings 14 Mayor Pete Buttigieg Declares 2020 Presidential “Between The Lines Newspaper” 16 This is Ben Platt Campaign 27 Puzzle & Crossword Follow us @YourBTL 15 Trump’s Transgender Military Ban Now in Effect 28 Deep Inside Hollywood Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright Email your op–eds to law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without [email protected] the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is 22 LGBTQ People Urged to Be Counted in 2020 supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept US Census COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor Sign up online to receive our E–Digest can we accept responsibility for materials provided by 30 Art Show Grand Rapids Is Calling All LGBTQ advertisers or their agents. Artists Copyright 2019 30 Friday Night Socials at the Salus Center www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 3 NEWS Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State

BY BTL STAFF filed – that challenged the state’s practice her team of legal experts and determined of allowing state-contracted, taxpayer- that MDHHS could be subject to liability recent Michigan settlement that funded foster care and adoption agencies on the claims of the plaintiffs. As a result, bans state contracts with foster to use religious criteria to exclude same- Nessel strongly recommended resolving and adoption agencies that sex couples. the case on terms consistent with the Arefuse to work with LGBTQ couples has The plaintiffs, Kristy and Dana law and existing agency contracts and sparked backlash. Dumont and Erin and Rebecca Busk- that best serve the health, safety and On Monday, April 15, The Becket Sutton, wanted to become foster parents well-being of children in need of state- Fund for Religious Liberty filed a lawsuit with the intention of adopting children contracted foster care case management in federal court on behalf of St. Vincent who are wards of the state, but they and adoption services. Catholic Charities and two adoptive were turned down by two faith-based The plaintiffs and the attorney general’s families it’s served. agencies Bethany Christian Services office, on behalf of its client MDHHS, Todd Evans, left, and Leo Cusimano, right, the co-chairs of the National The lawsuit, alleging the new rules and St. Vincent Catholic Charities. The entered into negotiations and agreed to LGBTQ Media Association, with Kevin Heard, president of the Detroit violated the group’s First Amendment adoption agencies have contracts with settle the case. Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Heard stopped by to greet rights, was filed against the Michigan the state of Michigan to act on behalf of the publishers’ group at the Detroit Institute of Arts. According to reports, as of February, Department of Health and Human the state but turned the plaintiff’s down Bethany Christian Services, Catholic Services Director Robert Gordon, because of their own religious objections Charities and St. Vincent were Children’s Services Agency Director to accepting same-sex couples. BTL Hosts National LGBT Publishers responsible for more than 1,600, or 12 Herman McCall, Attorney General Dana “Discrimination in the provision DETROIT – Publishers of the 12 largest LGBT newspapers in percent, of the state’s 13,000-plus foster Nessel, the federal Health and Human of foster care case management and America met in Detroit on April 10 and 11 for the annual meeting care and adoption cases. Faith-based Services department and its secretary, adoption services is illegal, no matter of the National LGBTQ Media Association. Jan Stevenson and agencies have said they will shut down Alex Azar. the rationale. Limiting the opportunity Susan Horowitz, co-publishers of member paper Between The their adoption and foster care services Lines, hosted the two-day gathering. “Faith-based agencies like St. Vincent for a child to be adopted or fostered by rather than violate their religious beliefs. consistently do the best work because of a loving home not only goes against “It was wonderful to show off Detroit and the community I love to Kelly Rossman-McKinney, a this group of professional journalists and thought leaders,” said their faith, and we need more agencies the state’s goal of finding a home for Stevenson. like them helping children – not fewer. every child, it is a direct violation of spokesperson for Nessel, told MLive, “We have not had a chance to review The Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau helped The actions by the Attorney General the contract every child placing agency sponsor the meeting space and lunch at the Detroit Institute of of Michigan do nothing but harm the enters into with the state,” said Nessel the complaint. Based on the information Arts. Christopher Pokorski, Manager at the DMCVB, welcomed thousands of at-risk children in desperate at the time. provided during the plaintiffs’ counsel’s the group with some highlights of Detroit and its recent need of loving homes,” Mark Rienzi, According to MDHHS, each press conference, it appears that the resurgence. Becket’s president, said in a statement. agency was providing foster care case plaintiffs’ attorneys do not understand In attendance was Todd Evans of Rivendell Media New York, The lawsuit was brought following management or adoption services for the settlement agreement.” Paul Schindler of Gay City News in New York City, Mark Segal of Nessel’s announcement in March that one or more children referred to them Rossman-McKinney explained, Philadelphia Gay News, Lynn Brown of The Washington Blade taxpayer-funded adoption agencies with by MDHHS. Because the plaintiffs were according to the MLive report, that “the and the Los Angeles Blade, Leo Cusimano of Dallas Voice, Jason religious objections to placing children not seeking direct-placement or private state does not take action against faith- Parsley of South Florida Gay News, Michael Yamashita of Bay in homes of same-sex couples will no adoption services and because they were based adoption agencies that don’t take Area Reporter in San Francisco and Rick Claggett of Watermark a state referral. If the agency accepts a in Orlando. (Not present were the publishers of Windy City Times longer be able to cite their faith as a not referred to the agencies through in Chicago and Bay Windows in Boston.) legitimate reason to opt out of providing MDHHS, the agencies could not reject state referral, however, the agency cannot refuse to provide the child with foster The group enjoyed a comfortable stay at The Inn on Ferry Street that service. them under existing state law. in Midtown Detroit. Nessel settled a lawsuit with the ACLU When Nessel took office in January, care or adoptive services that conflict of Michigan – that the ACLU of Michigan she reviewed the facts of the case with with its religious beliefs.”

This week, during Holy Week, one of the most special times Rev. Tijuana Gray, Reconciliation Metropolitan Community of the year for so many people, we are reminded that we are Church, Grand Rapids We Are All Gods’ Children all God’s children, called to build welcoming, inclusive spaces Rev. Joseph Summers; Pastor, Episcopal Church of the that invite our neighbors in. LGBTQ-Affirming Clergy Across the State Show That’s why we stand together this week and call for the Incarnation, Ann Arbor Support for Community in Joint Statement passage of policies that protect our LGBTQ friends, neighbors Pastor Matthew Bode, Zion Lutheran Church, Ferndale and fellow congregants from discrimination. A majority of Pastor Lindsey Anderson, Detroit Cooperative Church, Deroit Americans from nearly every faith support these protections, BY BTL STAFF including Christians, Jews, Hindus, Mormons, Buddhists Pastor Jeffrey Ogonowski, Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran and Muslims. Church, Detroit lergy across Michigan released a joint statement this It is time for faith communities across the country to speak Rev. Adrain Mobley-Bowie, Breath of Life Center, Saginaw week in honor of Holy Week, seeking unity and support out about our support for the LGBTQ community, open Linda and Tom Karle Nelson, Co Presidents of Fortunate Families for protective policies for all — including LGBTQ doors, and heal wounds. No one should face mistreatment or Cpeople: (Catholic), Detroit discrimination just because of who they are or who they love. Let us share that message more stridently than ever during Randy Block Director, Unitarian Universalist Social Justice As Christian faith leaders across denominations, we are this holy season. united in the understanding that we must all be free to worship Network of Michigan Rev Dr.Roland Stringfellow, African-American Roundtable as we wish. Freedom of religion is one of the most important Sincerely, freedoms we enjoy as Americans — that’s why it’s already Coordinator,Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies, Religion protected by the U.S. Constitution. But that freedom doesn’t Pastor PJ Anderson, Space for Grace Fellowship Ministries, Pacific School of Religion mean that we impose our beliefs onto others, or discriminate. UCC, Lansing

4 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Connor Berdy: Macomb County’s First Openly Gay Candidate Hits the Ground Running

BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW governor represented their values. And when place where he said he graduated with a the announcement was made, there was little transgender student who didn’t experience time to respond. problems there. Obama’s Influence “We organized and got people to show up Berdy himself was not out at the time, It’s not every 17-year-old who gets to at the board meeting the next day,” Berdy because he said he wasn’t aware of an attend a dinner party at the White House said. “They said, ‘No public comment, no LGBTQ “presence” in the area. with his mom. That was the fortune of one can talk, we’re just gonna push this vote “So I didn’t have something to look up to Connor Berdy, currently a candidate for through.’” or model myself after,” he said. “But coming Warren City Council, after President Barack However, Berdy refused to let that happen. to know the city more intimately, now that Obama was re-elected in 2012. Berdy and his After Berdy told his friends, “We should I’m older, I know a lot of gay and lesbian brother often joined their mother when she go sit up on the table and block the vote,” couples that live in the city. volunteered for Obama’s campaign that year. that’s exactly what he did, climbing up on “I’ve never seen Warren as being an “That’s when I got my introduction to the table to make his comments. Headlines anti-LGBT-friendly place,” he continued. politics,” Berdy said, adding how exciting it and photos of Berdy reached across the state “I just don’t think our leadership at the was to be civically engaged in his community and, having broken the ice, other students moment embraces that or reflects that. That’s for the first time. Obama won; thus, the aired their opinions as well. something [where] the campaign becomes dinner party. “It was definitely an empowering personal to me, because if I can be that role “At that point, I was just like, ‘Wow, I never experience to be able to stand up for what model for that high school student that’s thought I would be in this kind of space,’” he I believe in,” Berdy said. “I spoke my truth looking for something, then that means said. “I got to shake his hand, and Michelle’s. in the situation, and then a year later, we a lot to me. I think there are institutional It was a very inspirational moment.” won. Things have changed.” barriers in the city government that are wary Berdy’s mom, Leah Berdy, was inspired, about embracing that, and that’s what city too, as she’s now a trustee on the Warren elections are for.” Consolidated School Board. “It’s the City That Made Me” Berdy doesn’t anticipate negativity about Later, Berdy named Obama as his primary “Moving Warren Forward,” Berdy’s his sexuality during his campaign, saying, “if political role model, citing Obama’s capacity campaign slogan, is at the heart of the lifelong they plan to use [that] as something to attack to encourage and empower people. He Warren resident’s vision for his hometown, me, I don’t think that will go over well.” said his trademark ability to bring people at a time that Berdy acknowledges can be “The residents of the city, they’re together was something in particular that difficult for people his age to find jobs there, supportive,” Berdy said. “My campaign’s struck a chord for Berdy, who is openly gay. and the reason why many of his peers have not about my sexuality, my campaign is “I remember his last State of the Union moved away. about my vision for the city, how I want to speech almost brought me to tears, when he “It’s the city that made me; it’s the city that help my community.” was talking about all the fathers out there raised me,” Berdy said, calling his decision who support their gay sons,” Berdy said. to return home after college and utilize his Warren Pride “It was just so cool to be able to hear that experience in government and his political coming from the president of the United savvy a “unique opportunity ... to turn things Could a pride festival be coming to the States, that I personally could feel that around.” city of Warren in the near future? If Berdy connection with him.” “I definitely think there’s so much work is elected this November, and has his say, WARREN’S HRC SCORE that can be done,” he said. “There’s no reason that’s definitely on his to-do list. Not just Warren, Michigan, can’t be a word-class city.” as a way to publicly celebrate the LGBTQ Not a Newcomer “The biggest thing is diversifying the city’s residents of Macomb County on their own In 2018, the city of Warren scored 14 out of While Berdy is 23, and 2018 graduate economy,” Berdy said, when asked to name turf for the first time, but it also has great 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal from Michigan State University, this Gen Z the number one challenge he’d like to tackle potential to boost business in Warren as Equality Index, which evaluates how inclusive candidate is no newcomer to politics. After if elected to one of the two at-large seats well. Everybody wins. municipal laws, policies and services are of changing his major to political science and open on city council. The GM Tech Center “If I’m elected, I want to have a pride event LGBTQ people who live and work there. How transferring to MSU, Berdy interned for is by far the city’s largest employer, followed for the city,” Berdy said. “I think Warren Warren’s score breaks down: Twelve points for state Sen. Steve Bieda and was vice-chair of by TACOM. is one of the perfect places to start doing reporting 2016 hate crimes statistics to the FBI, College Democrats of America. Managing “Especially with the auto industry so up something like that. Having a pride event plus two points for county-wide protection Nate Shannon’s successful campaign for in the air, with its future so unknown, I brings people to the city, it brings people against gender identity discrimination in public state representative came next, and now really think we need to start looking right spending money to the city. We can get local accommodations. It should be noted that Sterling Berdy works in Lansing for his own state now about what we can do to promote small businesses to partner and sponsor – these Heights, the other large city in Macomb County representative, Lori Stone, as her legislative business in the city, to attract new business, are all things that we should be doing.” scored by HRC, received 20 points. Its breakdown director. Not only that, Berdy serves on to attract young people to the city,” Berdy “I’ve tried to promote things like this, but was identical to Warren’s, plus additional points the Warren City Crime Commission; said. I’ve definitely been shot down at some levels for its leadership’s public position on LGBTQ he is involved in other Macomb County He stressed the urgency of being pre- of city government, and so this is something equality (5 points) and pro-equality legislative or Democratic organizations as well. emptive when considering the city’s long- I will spearhead if I am on city council,” policy efforts (1 point). Further, the MEI offers During his college years, Berdy was never term survival in a globalized economy, he said. “Not just for a pride event, but to two bonus points for openly LGBTQ elected or shy about standing up, literally, for causes he particularly in light of the prospect that promote other diversity we have in the city, appointed municipal leaders. Therefore, because felt strongly about. Advocacy and activism the tech center could close. other community events and organizations. Berdy was appointed to the crime commission were Berdy’s passions. As a senior last Berdy recognizes and appreciates Warren’s [It’s] something that I’m very passionate in 2017 and is openly gay, the city of Warren January, Berdy made national news when growing diversity, which has accelerated a b out .” should technically have a score of 16. Berdy said he interrupted the proceedings of an MSU rapidly over the past 20 years or so. It’s not he was not aware of this, and suggested that the meeting to appoint John Engler interim too long ago that Michigan’s third-largest Find out more about Connor Berdy by accuracy of Warren’s MEI may not be a priority president after Lou Anna Simon resigned city was notable for being overwhelmingly following him on social media. Twitter: @ for the mayor’s office. amid the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. white. Further, he described his high school’s connorberdy. Numerous students did not feel the former diverse community, a largely accepting 6 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Justice Elizabeth Clement: On Politicizing the Courts, Child Welfare, the LGBTQ Community and RBG BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW system as it relates to the foster care system.” She called the ability to be involved with both parts of her legal career that she has been passionate about “an amazing opportunity.” An Unlikely Scenario Given Clement’s background in family law, Why would Between The Lines request an she was well-versed in Michigan’s equitable interview with a Republican justice on the parent doctrine, which relates to parenting Michigan Supreme Court? To begin with, rights for one’s nonbiological children. This Justice Elizabeth Clement, like many in the can be a challenging issue in custody disputes, judiciary, would bristle at labeling judges and its impact on the LGBTQ community, Republican or Democrat. Yet in Michigan, in particular, cannot be overstated. Marriage justices are elected, not appointed, and they equality has shifted the landscape somewhat, are nominated by party – although their names however, Michigan remains the only state that appear on the nonpartisan section of the ballot. recognizes the parent-child relationship solely Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2017, in the context of a legal marriage. Knowing Clement spent a 1 1/2 years on the bench prior that she could not weigh in, either way, we to the 2018 midterm elections; therefore, she asked Justice Clement whether she would be had a record to evaluate. And consider this: interested in the Michigan Supreme Court should you and your partner split, and your taking up a case to look at this issue in the custody battle becomes part of a case that makes future. “Yes,” she replied. “Having said that ... we its way up to the highest court in the state, Justice Elizabeth Clement with her family. Clement could be one of seven justices deciding have statutes today that do not account for the future of your family. what families look like in general. And I think the Detroit Free Press, she was the top vote- “... the story was, four Republican-nominated there is a lot of work that can and should be getter of the four candidates on the ballot for justices, three Democrat-nominated justices done across the board. Whether it’s custody and Controversy two available seats. and a Democrat is now the chief. How did that parenting time and all of that, when it comes At the same time, some point to the fact that happen?” Clement recalled. “I’ll be frank, it to any family, regardless of what the makeup I wanted to wake up the day Clement served in the Snyder administration happened because we picked the best person of that family looks like. “ after the election whether from 2011 to 2016, during the early years of for the job. And it was unanimous.” “In my mind, we don’t want the court the Flint water crisis. She stated that she has, Democratic-nominated Megan Cavanagh is stepping into each and every different situation I won or lost, knowing I and will continue to, recuse herself from cases the newest addition to the court and Clement ... [because] there’s never gonna be a perfect involving Flint. Regarding other matters during said that “we are so lucky to have her.” case that will cover all of it, just address a piece had done my job the right her time there – she served in succession as She called Cavanagh hard-working, open- of it,” she continued. “And we’re gonna be left way. deputy legal counsel, deputy chief of staff, legal minded and down-to-earth. with questions.” counsel and chief of staff – she will evaluate “It’s great for the chief justice and I to have She said she believes there are legislators who and make decisions about recusal as they arise, another woman on the court,” she said, and are passionate about this issue and hopes they ” – Justice Elizabeth Clement, she said. reflected on the changes she’s witnessed since will educate people on the need for statutes that regarding her ruling on Proposal 2 January, describing the group as collegial, protect parents and children, “because families respectful when they disagree and commented look very different than they did when these In the run up to the 2018 election, Clement A New Era for the Michigan on the “renewed excitement” she sees. laws were enacted years and years ago.” was praised by some and vilified by others for Supreme Court? The foster care system is an institution her independent streak during her short tenure whose role is to protect children. And policies on the Michigan Supreme Court. Given that The Michigan Supreme Court ranked dead Child Welfare that allow foster and adoption agencies to she was nominated by the Republican Party, last in independence in a 2008 study conducted After graduating from Michigan State discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, worked for Republican politicians and was by the University of Chicago School of a Law University Law School, Clement began her legal gender identity, religion, etc., have been endorsed by conservative groups, there were – a finding that came as no surprise to many career in private practice, focusing on family a minefield for the state. As court liaison, certain expectations. attorneys actively practicing in Michigan at law. That was part of her interest in serving on Clement said she’s witnessed this herself. Nevertheless, she, along with one other the time and since. That is, certain justices the court, an interest she described as twofold. “I don’t know that you can balance them,” she Republican-nominated justice, voted with were unquestionably influenced by partisan “My passion has also been researching said, when asked if she envisioned a workable the two Democrats on the court in a case that pressures. Eleven years later, Clement said she and writing, and I’ve always been kind of an solution. “Do you get to discriminate against a challenged the fitness of Proposal 2 for the hopes the current justices have the same desire introvert,” she said, adding that she has had to gay couple, or do you get to discriminate against ballot, which passed, thus enabling voters she does: to keep politics out of the equation. come out of her shell somewhat in her new role. an organization that has religious beliefs? ... to decide whether to end gerrymandering “I think our court looks very different than And while that is a significant part of her job, This is something that is definitely happening in Michigan and establish an independent it did 10 years ago,” she said. “And I think the she explained that each of the seven justices in our state, where there’s agencies that have redistricting commission. For that, plus her public is going to continue to see that direction also serve as liaisons with oversight over the very strong beliefs that they should be able to decision in a case that permitted schools to ban ... [where] it doesn’t matter who nominated state’s trial courts. select foster parents or adoptive parents based guns on school property, she was booed at her them. They’re making decisions as a collective “... the other part of my job is acting as liaison on set criteria.” party’s nominating convention, there was talk body, based on the law, based on the facts.” for the Michigan Supreme Court for problem- She added, “I anticipate that a case could of choosing another nominee and her name As an example, she described when the solving courts,” she said, “which involves mental very well percolate up to our court.” was removed from campaign literature. In the court nominated Bridget McCormack as Chief health issues, drug addiction, alcohol addiction end, endorsed by both The Detroit News and Justice. and our veterans, as well as our child welfare See Justice Clement, continued on p. 12 8 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

Parting Glances BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

ave a hateful Easter for Jesus Just in time for Easter 2019, Fools for Christ (and Donald Trump) — an American Bible GOP group Hheadquartered in Lumbago Falls, Texas — held a press conference on Palm Sunday to publicize “National Hate Someone Special for Jesus Week.” Fools for Christ spokesperson Rev. Franklin Falwell Robertson called the press conference, “a clarion trumpet call to all true believers marching as to war with the double cross of Jesus going on before.” The militant media event — covered by a coalition of several tax-free televangelist broadcast stations and nosey shopping market tabloids — followed a stirring sermon by Rev. F. F. Robertson called succinctly: “Hate the sin. Don’t forget to hate the sinner. (For Jesus).” “As twice-born true believers, we’ve been turning our other cheeks far too long,” said Rev. Robertson. “With a fast- approaching time of the Left Behind just around the corner, we need to return to militancy values of Christian centuries long, long gone by. “When it comes down to it, in God’s eyes, refusing to serve gays in your place of business because of your Trinitarian beliefs, or to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, or to deny adoption rights to gays and lesbians are all socially redemptive actions.

“Say what you will, doubting Thomases, but the Crusades (especially the Children’s Crusade), the Inquisition with its Viewpoint beacon of repentance, the burning stake and an occasional pogrom now and then, had merit in saving souls, no matter how harsh or seemingly bigoted the Christian strategy. “For a time, slavery seemed a viable option, too. (It does have Let’s Win the Election First New Testament blessing, by the way.) But, for whatever reason of divine intervention, God permitted the Civil War. Don’t get me wrong — war has its place. (Thank Heaven for Christians BY MARK SEGAL Trump and Pence. And hopefully Mitch.) “So that there’s no misunderstanding where Fools for Christ is coming from on its Last Day’s strategy of hating sinners for Jesus, let me emphasize: we are not engaging in our own honest hatred because we of late have been the persecuted minority f you are like me, your position on the 2020 presidential Republicans historically win the White House by using fear, following our policy on shunning gays, speaking out against election might come down to this: You will elect any of and fear is a successful strategy. Here’s the proof: feminism and telling other religions they are satanic or too the Democratic candidates for president, no matter how Ifar they stray from your views, because the current occupant Nixon: I will maintain law and order, stop the student financially competitive. “Oh, no. Our interest is solely making America a Christian is flawed and an embarrassment to our country. demonstrations and implement a ‘secret’ plan to end the nation. If active hate does the trick, so much the better. If creative After a big week on the issue of our time — the #MeToo Vietnam War. Christian hate can change things for national uniformity sake, movement — Joe Biden is still a 7-percent favorite among it’s just steps away from making church attendance mandatory Democrats to be the nominee. This fact might provide answers Reagan: I’m the one to stop the spread of radical Iranian for citizenship; making America’s leaders religiously Republican for other Democratic candidates. thugs. in their economic outlook. Theocracy with a capital ‘T.’ Many of us live in the bubble of urban America. Nominees in “But in all fairness to sinners in need of a touch or two that bubble have done everything possible to be as progressive H.W. Bush: I’ll protect American women against rape. of blessed hate: there are degrees of sin. It’s easy to hate a as possible, easily surpassing Bernie Sanders, the leader of (Remember the infamous Willy Horton ad, which told voters murderer or someone who commits adultery, or, someone who progressives four years ago. While this may be popular for that Democratic rival Michael Dukakis would allow convicted those of us in the urban bubble, the majority of Americans See next page may not agree. See next page

10 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com Creep Of The Week It’s time to get serious about the upcoming election. I said the same thing when the orange-haired man descended the escalator Donald Trump BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI three years ago. This is not going to be a walk in the park. Start s I write this the Notre Dame cathedral “At this difficult moment for transgender in Paris is on fire. It is a terrible loss listening to all of America, not just urban America. to anyone who cares about history. service members and those wishing to ADonald Trump’s response, however, was to serve their country, every transgender Tweet to try to tell French firefighters how to patriot should know that a grateful Americans are so frightened, they buy it. do their jobs. Trump probably sees the fire as a nation supports you,” said HRC National “The criminals are storming the border business opportunity. Maybe he dreams that the ® Viewpoint again” and “The Green New Deal will take latest Trump Hotel will spring up in its place. Press Secretary Sarah McBride. “The Continued from p. 10 away your fast cars, the steak on your table Just in case it isn’t clear, Trump is a terrible Trump-Pence transgender troop ban is and give you cancer caused by windmills.” person. dangerous for both transgender people It’s time to get serious about the rapists out of jail?) Want more proof? Trump’s totally needless and our national security, which is why upcoming election. I said the same thing transgender troop ban went into effect on April when the orange-haired man descended the 12. The ban will effectively save America from a bipartisan chorus of members of G.W. Bush: My re-election is about escalator three years ago. This is not going protecting American family and values, ... checks notes ... people who voluntarily serve Congress, leading military experts and to be a walk in the park. Start listening to in it and are willing to risk their lives for the marriage between one man and one all of America, not just urban America. overwhelming majorities of Americans woman. country. Progressive values are good policy but Oh, and in addition to kicking out trans oppose this despicable policy.” maybe not good politics. To get elected, Trump: We need to protect our borders troops, the Trump administration is also hell- you need to practice both. Get elected first bent on kicking out immigrant troops. But don’t transgender troops; rather, they can argue that from the rapists, killers and drug lords who and then work toward more progressive are storming our country. worry, the military is addressing the problem they are simply pushing out people with gender policies. Don’t push those policies on an by relaxing recruit standards making it a great dysphoria.” electorate that is already frightened. Hold Trump’s people are already road-testing place for white supremacists who are currently “That’s disingenuous because the Venn back on educating the public until after you unhappy with their current access to weaponry diagram of transgender people and people the fear campaign and, when former are governing and can make real change. President Barack Obama spoke earlier this in their civilian lives. who experience gender dysphoria, while not Or learn how to talk about progressive Whew. I know I’ll sure be sleeping more a perfect circle, is pretty damn close to one,” week in Berlin, he expressed concern that issues in a way that doesn’t frighten the progressive Democrats may be helping soundly. Allen writes. average voter, because as we’ve seen, many As you’ll remember, this whole thing started Allen argues that this ban is basically “don’t them by creating an ideological purity Americans vote based on emotions rather that excludes any candidate who does not with a Trump tweet in 2017, because that’s ask, don’t tell” for transgender service members. than issues. how we make sweeping policy decisions that Just as DADT was harmful and wrong when adhere exactly. One last point: Relating to this Republicans claim that Democrats want directly impact people’s lives, FFS. Many entities it applied to all LGBTQ members, it is still conversation, some LGBTQ pundits have immediately came out against such a ban and harmful and wrong now. socialism. made statements that the out mayor of “They’ll take away your money and two years of wrangling in court followed. But One of the biggest complaints Trump and South Bend, Indiana, running for president the Supreme Court let the plan go into effect other anti-trans bigots have about transgender property,” they say. It’s not that the is “not out enough.” I believe statements Republican perception of progressives is in a 5-4 decision further highlighting the fact people serving in the military is the cost of like this are dangerous and divisive, and I that ELECTIONS MATTER, especially when their medical care. And it’s true, the cost of, true — but it’s not meant to be. These kinds want more for our community. of conservative talking points are meant to a heartless madman gets elected. say, a gender affirmation surgery can be pretty frighten voters. The Human Rights Campaign, not expensive. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s surprisingly, denounced the ban. And so there’s this right-wing conservative Republicans embellish. Let’s just say most-award-winning commentator in LGBT it as it is: They lie. The problem is that “At this difficult moment for transgender idea that transgender folks are flocking to the media. service members and those wishing to serve military in order to get their surgeries paid for. their country, every transgender patriot should This is not true. But even if it were, SO know that a grateful nation supports you,” said WHAT? If you’ve got someone who is qualified HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride. and capable who is volunteering to serve their ® Parting Glances “I want to thank all of you for being “The Trump-Pence transgender troop ban is country, even going so far as risking their lives, Continued from p. 10 here today. It’s your turn now to go out dangerous for both transgender people and then we should be thanking them not kicking and be a Fool for Christ. Just for practice our national security, which is why a bipartisan them out because we fear their health care costs. sake, turn to the person seated on your chorus of members of Congress, leading But, of course, this isn’t really about money. masturbates or watches porn. Worse yet, left or on you far right and say, ‘You’re military experts and overwhelming majorities It’s about bigotry. Letting a transgender person someone who fails to tithe to the church. going to Hell!’ of Americans oppose this despicable policy.” wear a uniform of the United States military is “It’s important to express hatred that gets “Have a joyful Easter! Hate rises with The majority of Americans also oppose tantamount to saying, “This country does not national soul-saving publicity. The more the Late J. C. Amen. (Oh, yes. The disciple Trump, but here we are. discriminate and care more about someone’s outrageous. The more nefarious. The better! whom Jesus loved was an exception. McBride is also the author of “Tomorrow qualifications than we do their gender identity.” “When it comes down to it, in God’s That disciple was bisexual. He loved tax- Will Be Different: Love, Loss and the Fight But under Trump, we aren’t that country. eyes, refusing to serve gays in your place of collectors and Roman coin collectors.” for Trans Equality,” a book I really cannot Sure, the majority of Americans might disagree business because of your Trinitarian beliefs, recommend highly enough. with the ban, but they aren’t the people running or to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex Charles Alexander is prolific both as a Now, some conservatives will argue that the country. We’ve got a radical minority at couple, or to deny adoption rights to gays BTL columnist (700-plus columns) and as this isn’t a transgender troop ban. But as the helm hell bent on hurting the people they and lesbians are all socially redemptive a well-known LGBT community artist (1000 The Daily Beast’s Samantha Allen points don’t like. actions. Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit out, they’ve “made gender dysphoria [a] If you feel like each day under Trump gets “Biblically speaking, it’s just the Old Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT disqualifying condition.” This allows the worse and worse, rest assured. You are 100 Testament ritual of scapegoating. A time- CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect Trump administration to “ban transgender percent correct. honored tradition, by the way. Stars in with him at [email protected]. troops without admitting that they are banning your crown. www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 11 State Rep. Jon Hoadley Announces 2020 Run for Congress, Listening Tour

BY EVE KUCHARSKI Fred Upton’s official decisions. And nothing hits closer to campaign statement said, home than when we’re talking about ow in his third and final term as a among other things that things like education or protecting state representative in Michigan’s he understands “there our environment or even fixing the 60th House District, Jon Hoadley are those excited to start roads. These are choices that are being Nannounced last week his intentions to politicking, but right now made in the budget that are saying represent Southwest Michigan nationally. In Fred’s energy and efforts given the choice on how to spend 2020, Hoadley plans to run against Republican taxpayer dollars, I think the better U.S. Rep. Fred Upton who currently sits in are focused on solving problems.” What is your investment is in our kids or making Michigan’s 6th District seat. Additionally, in an sure that we have clean water and response to that? effort to reach out to his potential constituents, clean air. Or health care that keeps Hoadley has started a month-long listening With the urgency of every family safe, secure and healthy tour with stops all across Southwest Michigan the challenges that our instead of yet another tax cut to yet during April. country is facing we another profitable corporation or Hoadley found time in-between tour stops cannot wait. So, I’ve been billionaire that doesn’t need it. And to fill BTL in on some of his national legislative working to solve problems so, that’s what I talk about and I think goals if elected, his takeaways from the state in the state legislature for maybe it comes from the fact that I legislature and what he’s learned as an openly the last five years and I’m grew up talking about education and LGBTQ politician. going to continue working from a family of teachers that, for me, to solve problems in the when you pencil it out and you look at What was your motivation to do a listening tour state legislature until my the lesson plan, this is one of the most after announcing your campaign? last day there. At the same important values that we need to be The reason that we’re doing the listening time, when we’re talking talking about. tour is because everybody can be the hero about politicians and the of their own story, and there are so many Trump administration What does it mean for the Michigan LGBTQ great solutions that are out across Southwest trying to take away our community in your eyes that an openly gay Michigan to the problems that we’re facing. health care and that we man is running for Congress? And so, I firmly believe that elected officials, have major impacts of Michigan’s 60th House District representative Jon Hoadley. I think it’s an exciting moment that if you want to represent people, you’ve got to climate change coming Southwest Michigan could elect a be willing to listen to people. So, that’s exactly and there are still plenty of to serve folks across Southwest Michigan. The member of the LGBTQ community. As what we’re out here doing. We launched with places throughout Southwest Michigan where work takes a lot of energy and passion, and a gay man in the legislature, it matters that our our video on Monday and now we want to people aren’t sure they can’t drink their water, what I’ve found is that over the last five years, community has representation, it matters that make sure that we’re both taking our message now is absolutely the time to start facing our I really feel great when I get to be serving we have folks who are sharing our stories as out on the road and hearing what people challenges head-on and bringing some fresh people, when I get to be connecting with decisions are being made and so I’m running want to talk about. We launched on Monday ideas to this conversation. constituents, when our team gets to solve because the way that we solve problems is and immediately, the National Republican problems and so I’m really excited about the What is something you’ve learned during your going to help people regardless of who they Committee, the Michigan Republican Party, opportunities ahead. are, who they love or what their family looks started attacking me and we know [in] this time in office? You come from a family of educators, will that like. But I also think it matters that LGBTQ race, that people will spend millions of dollars Day one we’re ready to hit the ground running folks see members of their community also be a large focus of yours if elected? telling people what to think about me. And and working on the change people are asking making decisions and in these positions instead, I firmly believe, ‘Why don’t voters for. But things that I’ve learned are that, I’m Absolutely. Education is going to continue to representing all of our friends and neighbors. make up their own minds?’ So, come meet the type of person who believes we can find be a strong priority in our campaign. Overall, me, shake my hand, say howdy and decide if I common ground if we put our head down I talk about the fact that, for every decision can earn your vote. and get to work we can make good things that’s being made, whether in Lansing or To find out more about Hoadley’s campaign or happen, even in divided government. And in Washington, D.C., we should be putting where to see him during his listening tour visit I’m hopeful that I can use many of those skills people and communities at the center of our jonhoadley.com.

® Justice Clement Continued from p. 8 “I tell people that I am a listener,” she said. me the same. That if they have questions, they at least be willing to be open-minded to me as “Someone that does not have their mind made want to get to know me, invite me to things or well,” she said. Author’s Note: The day following our interview, up, that does not bring bias or their personal ask me to come speak. Because I don’t think Attorney General Dana Nessel reversed the state’s opinion to a case. But someone that rather is there’s anything that divides us.” Outtake policy which allowed state-contracted agencies prepared, looks at the law, looks at the cases and Clement said also that although she can’t to discriminate against LGBTQ couples. This then comes and listens. ... One of my favorite answer specific questions on how she would “You’re gonna print this and I’m gonna get decision was challenged again with a suit on things is talking to my colleagues that share rule on a case, her track record shows that she in big trouble, and I just don’t care. Ruth Bader April 15. their perspective on something, and get me to is an open-minded justice, too. Ginsburg,” Clement said, when asked to name see something in a way that I wasn’t looking “And until those cases come before the court, the sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice she most at it before. they’re not gonna have that confidence that admires and why. “She’s a rock star. I know Bottom Line “I feel that every single person, regardless of they see it in practice, but I think that there’s everything about her, I’ve read every book about anything about their background or who they enough cases out there in the last year and a How Justice Clement might rule on issues her, I’ve watched every documentary, every are today or what they believe in deserves to half they can look to and say, ‘It doesn’t matter that affect LGBTQ Michiganders is not yet movie. She, to me, as a woman, as a woman in be treated the exact same as the next person what her career path was here, or who she known, and she is the first to acknowledge that. the law, as the mother of four children ... she’s that walks into a courtroom,” she continued. worked for, this is who she is as a justice, and She only asks that the community consider amazing, she’s brilliant, she’s hard-working…a “And that’s just who I am at my core. So I would what she’s telling us is her philosophy on how her record and the value she places on open- trailblazer for women, not just in the law, but hope that your readers would actually afford to do her job and who she is as a person.’ And mindedness. for women everywhere. And men, too.” 12 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 13 NEWS Mayor Pete Buttigieg Declares 2020 Presidential Campaign

Massachusetts Becomes 16th BY CHRIS JOHNSON At one point, Buttigieg invoked his inner “Folks, in short, he’s the polar opposite in State to Ban ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy Bill Clinton (and crticized him) by disparaging every way to Donald Trump,” Whaley said. efore a crowd of adoring supporters in the Reagan economic policies of supply-side Annise Parker, CEO of the LGBTQ BY CHRIS JOHNSON South Bend who braved the rain to hear economics he says were embraced by both Victory Fund, was in South Bend for the him speak, Pete Buttigieg made his 2020 Republican and Democrats. announcement and said in a statement Bpresidential campaign official by declaring he’d “That era, too, is now over,” Buttigieg said. Buttigieg “shattered a lavender ceiling once assachusetts became the 16th state in pursue the Democratic nomination to run for But much of Buttigieg’s speech was deeply thought unbreakable, becoming the first the nation to ban “ex-gay” conversion the White House. personal. He told the story of his immigrant openly LGBTQ Democratic presidential therapy on Monday after Gov. Charlie “I’m here to join you to make a little news,” father who died last year after a battle with candidate in American history and our first MBaker signed a measure into law prohibiting the Buttigieg said. “My name is Pete Buttigieg. cancer, his mother who needed heart surgery real shot at the Oval Office.” widely discredited practice for youth. They call me Pete Buttigieg. I am proud son as well as his personal story of accepting his “There is enormous power in an openly Brendan Moss, a Baker spokesperson, of South Bend, Indiana, and I am running sexual orientation. gay presidential candidate stumping at town confirmed via an email to the Washington Blade for president of the United halls in Iowa and speaking his boss signed the legislation against conversion States.” to Americans from the therapy. Previously, the South presidential debate stage – “Gov. Baker today signed HR140 into law and is Bend mayor had formed it changes perceptions of proud of the commonwealth’s history of support an exploratory committee our community and raises for equal rights and protecting all citizens against for a possible presidential the bar for candidates who discrimination,” Moss said. run, but hadn’t yet seek LGBTQ support,” Mathew Shurka, strategist for the National declared a candidacy. His Parker said. Center for Lesbian Rights’ Born Perfect national announcement changed that, A Victory Fund campaign to end conversion therapy, said in making his campaign official. spokesperson said the a statement the signing represents “a huge The crowd responded to organization has not yet victory for LGBTQ youth and their parents in Buttigieg’s announcement endorsed the candidate, Massachusetts.” with roaring applause, but “we recognize the “These unethical practices destroy families and chanting, “U-S-A! U-S-A! power of this moment for cause lasting harm to young people who urgently U-S-A!” as they waived our community and have need acceptance and support,” Shurka said. American flags. been working with his team A survivor of conversion therapy, Shurka A key component of quite closely.” testified before the Massachusetts legislature Buttigieg’s was the economic The newly official about his firsthand experience with the practice recovery of South Bend candidate – who was and urged lawmakers to pass the bill. under his watch as mayor unheard of when he started Other jurisdictions that have enacted similar after stagnation following exploring a presidential run laws against conversion therapy are Connecticut, the loss of manufacturing – a situation with Buttigieg referenced about the struggles of at the start of the year – has enjoyed a size California, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, the which many cities in the Midwest are familiar. his youth – in terms of his sexual orientation boost in the polls in race for the Democratic District of Columbia, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont, More people are moving into South Bend and intellectual curiosity – when he said the presidential nomination. New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington State, than we’ve seen in a generation,” Buttigieg only time he’d go back to the past was 20 years Dazzling many supporters with his Maryland, Hawaii and New Hampshire. (Last said. “Thousands of new jobs have been added ago to allay the fears of his youthful self. demeanor and skill at answering questions, month, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló signed in our area, and billions in investment. There’s The candidate said he tell his younger Buttigieg also has a captivating personal story an executive order against conversion therapy a long way for us to go. Life here is far from self he’d be “all right” and “one rainy April as an openly gay mayor, Harvard graduate, after the legislature failed to pass legislation perfect. But we’ve changed our trajectory, day, before he even turns 40, he’ll wake up Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan war veteran. against it.) and shown a path forward for communities to headlines about whether he’s rising too A Monmouth University poll published on Legislation banning conversion therapy has like ours.” quickly as he becomes a top-tier contender Thursday found Buttigieg was in third place in enjoyed bipartisan support. Baker is the seventh Touting the reinvigoration of his city for the American presidency, and to tell him Iowa with nine percent support behind Joseph Republican governor to sign into law a measure under new economy, Buttigieg – without ever that on that day he announces his campaign Biden and Bernie Sanders, who polled at 27 against therapy. (Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage mentioning President Trump by name – also for president, he’ll do it with his husband percent and 16 percent respectively. Following last year became the first governor – Democrat criticized the American Dream can be restored looking on.” Buttigieg was Elizabeth Warren, Kamala or Republican – to veto such a measure.) by seeking to go back to the past under a Prior to his speech, campaign staffers Harris, Beto O’Rourke, Amy Klobuchar and Shannon Minter, legal director of the National “Make America Great Again” mentality. warmed up the crowd at the rally with Cory Booker. Center for Lesbian Rights, said in a statement the “Because there is a myth being sold to a chant holding up three separate signs In New Hampshire, Buttigieg is also effort to pass the Massachusetts law “has been a industrial and rural communities: the myth guiding attendees in saying Buttigieg’s often running in third place. Biden had 23 percent truly bipartisan effort to address one of the most that we can stop the clock and turn it back,” mispronounced name: “Boot-Edge-Edge.” support and Sanders had 16 percent, but important public health issues of our time.” Buttigieg said. “It comes from people who Nan Whaley, mayor of Dayton, Ohio, Buttigieg followed at 11 percent support. The practice of therapy aimed at changing an think the only way to reach communities like heaped praise on Buttigieg during the rally Parker said Buttigieg’s “meteoric rise is individual’s sexual orientation or transgender ours is through resentment and nostalgia, in a speech explaining her support for her most notable for the support he’s receiving status is considered ineffectual at best and harmful selling an impossible promise of returning fellow mayor. from diverse groups of voters.” at worst. Major medical and psychological to a bygone era that was never as great as “He’s someone who’s both a great friend to “There are enormous minefields and hurdles institutions – including the American advertised to begin with. The problem is, me, someone who is a compassionate leader to running as an openly LGBTQ candidate, Psychological Association, the World Health they’re telling us to look for greatness in all for everyday people who have elected him to and so far, Mayor Pete has gracefully leapt over Organization, the American Medical Association the wrong places.” office, he is the smartest person I know and he them on the world’s largest political stage,” and the American Academy of Pediatrics – widely Policy items Buttigieg mentioned were is deeply committed to serving our country,” Parker said. “He’s the real deal.” reject the practice. ensuring climate security, abolishing the Whaley said. After Buttigieg concluded his speech, his Electoral College, preserving the right to Whaley concluded with a zinger about the spouse, Chasten Buttigieg, joined him on the These articles originally appeared in the Washington abortion, ensuring access to health care current occupant of the White House that stage, where the two had a quick smooch and Blade and is made available in partnership with and confronting a growing threat of white generated significant applause from rally the National LGBT Media Association. nationalism. attendants. See next page

14 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com Trump’s Transgender Military Ban Now in Effect

BY CHRIS JOHNSON to every service member, even though the policy applies to conditions faced solely by he Pentagon initiated Friday the transgender people, and is not a ban, even transgender military ban in accordance though it bars many transgender people from with Trump administration plans for service. Tthe policy, returning the U.S. military to As described by the Pentagon, the policy restrictions on LGBT service that harken to discharges service members who are diagnosed the days of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” with gender dysphoria or are prescribed Transgender service members – who had transition-related care at a later time. For been able to serve openly and obtain transition- enlistments, a history of gender dysphoria related health care since the final year of the unless the individuals are willing to serve Obama administration in 2016 – will now face in their biological sex (an extremely small significant impediments on their service and an number of transgender people), and people outright ban for many of them seeking to enlist. who obtained transitioned genders are outright Aaron Belkin, director of the San Francisco- banned. based Palm Center, said in a statement Friday The transgender ban contains an exemption the policy marks a retreat on civil rights after that allows transgender people who came out three years of transgender service with no during the Obama-era policy to continue to problems. serve and receive transition-related care. But “In implementing “don’t ask, don’t tell” those troops could face complications, such for transgender troops today, the Trump as if they seek promotions, want to change administration has put petty politics above services or drop out to pursue educational military readiness, and personal prejudice opportunities and seek to re-enlist. above the genuine judgment of military leaders, Lt. Col Carla Gleason, a Pentagon who have made clear that inclusive service spokesperson, confirmed to the Washington has succeeded for the last three years,” Belkin Blade Friday the policy is now in effect, said. “Today our nation lurches backwards in but insisted transgender people will be a disgraceful retreat from the arc of our civil grandfathered in service when asked about rights history.” any denial of enlistments or discharges on Although the Trump policy is now in effect, the first day. Belkin foresaw a day in which the ban would “Transgender members currently serving come to an end. will be able to continue serving so we do not “Our hearts break for the courageous anticipate any discharges,” the spokesperson transgender patriots who want nothing more said. “I am not yet aware of any denials.” than to defend their country, and we pledge The American Medical Association, which not to rest until inclusive policy is restored,” previously said there was no medical basis on Belkin said. “The transgender ban won’t stand which to ban transgender people from the for long.” armed forces, issued a statement on Thursday In 2017, President Trump announced via condemning the principles on which the policy Twitter he’d ban transgender people from the is based. military “in any capacity.” Months later, former “The DOD regulation also instructs service Defense Secretary James Mattis produced secretaries to add gender-dysphoria to service- a report on the implementing the policy – specific lists of ‘administratively disqualifying allowing limited retentions of transgender conditions’ that DoD regulations label troops – after an internal study at the Pentagon. ‘congenital or developmental defects,’” AMA Although courts had previously barred the President Barbara McAneny said. “The only Trump administration from enforcing the thing deficient is any medical science behind policy as a result of lawsuits filed by LGBT this decision. The AMA has said repeatedly that legal groups, the orders were lifted after the there is no medically valid reason – including U.S. Supreme Court essentially green-lighted a diagnosis of gender dysphoria – to exclude the policy by allowing to go into effect as transgender individuals from military service. litigation proceeds against it. Subsequently, Transgender service members should, as is the the Pentagon issued guidance announcing it case with all personnel, receive the medical care would implement the ban on April 12. they need. There is a global medical consensus The Defense Department has insisted the about the efficacy of transgender health care, new policy is a medical-based policy applied including treatment for gender dysphoria.”

® Buttigieg “If you and I rise together to meet this Continued from p. 14 moment, one day they will write histories, not just about one campaign or one presidency but about the era that began here today in embraced as the crowd cheered – but not before this building where past, present, and future the candidate offered encouraging words to meet, right here this chilly day in South Bend,” his audience. Buttigieg said. www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 15 ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Star Talks Telling His Story With Debut Album & When Coming Out Is a Problem BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI out in his personal life when he was 12, then because that’s what I grew up loving the coming-out announcements. landed his Broadway debut in “The Book of most,” he says, “and singing live is my favorite t comes up casually, as Ben Platt Mormon” as Elder Cunningham in 2012. He thing to do.” How do you process the fact that you’ve been prefers. Tucked into “Older,” a theatrical went on to bag a Grammy and a Tony (he has In addition to a 12-city tour, Platt will making so many people cry with this album? juggernaut that doesn’t even try to hide an Emmy too, putting him on EGOT watch) also star alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica You know, it’s a strange thing. I think it’s Ithe fact that the actor-singer introduced Evan for his moving portrayal of the titular teen Lange and Bette Midler this year as a high Hansen to the world (because why would it?), in “Dear Evan Hansen,” also on Broadway. school go-getter who’s eager to be the actual just nice to see that people are finding ways the line is a personal aside expressed on an And, of course, he brought literal magic to president – but first, student government – in to connect to it. I tried to make it as sort otherwise universal ballad about wishing to the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, as super nerd the forthcoming Netflix comedy series “The of specific as possible because usually that speed up time in your youth, only to hope Benji Applebaum. Politician,” which debuts Sept. 27. The series, kind of thing begets the most universality, for more of it as you age: “And will I get to But Platt’s earnest and emotional Atlantic he says, is, “in true Ryan Murphy fashion, and it’s been really nice that that’s really know myself in the place I am / Get to fall debut “Sing to Me Instead” is his first public very queer-positive.” been the case. And I hope it’s all good, in love with another man, and understand.” expression of self, at 25. “The main reason I During our recent conversation, Platt also cathartic-type tears and not the bad kind! If you didn’t already know Ben Platt is gay, wanted to make this music was to have the discussed being the reason so many people (Laughs) this is how he wishes you’d find out. Casually. opportunity to go around the country and are crying, LGBTQ stigma in Hollywood The theater star turned pop crooner came play it live and have that live connection, and why he thinks we should move beyond 16 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com You say there’s a stigma to be out if you’re an INFO actor. Do you think gay actors and musicians are asked to keep their sexuality quiet when Ben Platt promoting projects and has that ever happened 7:30 p.m. May to you? Fisher Theatre I’m sure that’s something people encounter. 3011 W Grand Blvd., Detroit I know that’s definitely not something we’ve broadwayindetroit.com moved forward from in general. I have been really lucky personally to work pretty much only in environments where it was incredibly How did these songs come to you? In waves? All accepting and open – and, I mean, I grew up at once? in the theater where everyone is gay, so it was never an issue (laughs). And I don’t necessarily First in waves. I think when I first sat down think that an actor’s private life, regardless to write the album I tried to just lean on what of their sexuality or any of that, is pertinent came in terms of what I thought deserved when you’re playing a different character. I to be sung about, because I come from the think when you’re promoting something, theater, so I feel like my philosophy has it’s about the project and the work. What always been that you only really sing when was beautiful about this experience was the there’s something emotionally valuable work: It was sort of built into the work itself, enough to sing about, and that ended up and it was part of what the content is. And I being largely the relationships that I’d had think it gave me an opportunity to discuss it and a couple I was in while writing. So I think in the context of art rather than sort of trying it was a mixture of trying to lean on those to interject it into a conversation about work experiences and those emotions, then also that was really sort of irrelevant to it. accruing phrases and ideas and conceptual But I do maybe think there is pressure things that I felt hadn’t been necessarily stated to present a certain accepted form of that way before or said that way before and masculinity, or to feel like you can still fit finding a way to join them. into certain boxes so you don’t limit yourself. What hadn’t been conveyed that you wanted to I’m hopeful that is slowly fading away and say with this album? that everybody can just accept that actors are chameleons and we can play who we can play. “Grow as You Go” is the one that comes to mind only because I had never really heard Is it necessary to still make a coming-out a song that addressed this cop-out thing announcement in 2019? I gather that you think that always tends to happen when you’re in it’s not? a relationship and you get to a point where it gets a bit too scary and the person backs I just don’t think it should be perceived as out with the excuse of, “I need to go find who an abnormality at all, and in and of itself, I am and I don’t have enough legs to stand having to announce something suggests on as my own person.” Of course that’s valid that it’s departing from the norm or that it’s in many cases, but I’ve also found out that it’s something that needs to be addressed. I think kind of something to hide behind. it should just be part of who we are – same as I think if the connection is strong enough, that I’m Jewish, and I’m also gay. The more and theoretically if it’s a special enough that it can become an assumed part of reality, person and it’s the right person, then it the better. shouldn’t really keep you from experiencing So, for example, it’s time to move on from calling personal growth and finding who you are just you “gay musician Ben Platt.” We don’t need that because you happen to be with someone else identifier anymore, do we? who is also figuring those things out. I agree. Yes, indeed. Was there ever a time you didn’t think an album like this, where you could be your out, authentic In putting forward your own authentic self with self, would be possible? this album, have you consciously had to work against the sort of nerdy-kid persona that’s been I think, yeah. If we’re all realistic about the your staple? world, it’s not all roses and it’s not all fantastic and we don’t live in a vacuum where it’s all Sure – sure! Less the archetype and more pure acceptance. And particularly as an actor, so the specific role of Evan Hansen, I think, there’s a lot of stigma surrounding what you’re especially in the context of music, just because castable as when you’re out of the closet, and I think most people, as far as my voice, are sort of what characters you can play and how most familiar with that album. So I’ve tried people will view you going forward. to really embrace the emotionality of that and But as far as the decision (to be out), it how beautiful it is that people connected to really was a no-brainer, because if I was that character and my interpretation of that gonna try to do something that felt authentic character, and try to use that as a fire under to me and was gonna sort of express any kind my butt to create my own stuff and to put of truth in my own life then there would be my own self out there rather than a road no room to edit it or change it just because I block of, “Let me try to change the way that hadn’t expressed those things before. See Ben Platt, continued on p. 18 www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 17 the way it’s being received. There are so many different measures of that, but definitely as I give the social a scroll, if you will, there are beautiful messages from people. Of course there are messages from youth, particularly LGBTQ youth who feel really affected by the representation and feel really seen and like they can see themselves in the art, which is something that’s obviously very beautiful to me. But what’s been the most heartening to me is how innocuous that aspect of it has been and how it’s really been about the music itself, and how regardless of walk of life or ® Ben Platt sexuality or age, people are really finding ways Continued from p. 17 that these songs fit into their lives, and that’s the ultimate gift: that they become so malleable. That’s been really beautiful. I’m viewed.” Hopefully just by virtue of the That songs that are very specific to your own life fact that I’m now presenting myself free of any character, that’s just gonna change the can have universal appeal? perception regardless of how I posture myself. For sure. And that I can sort of express an experience that can then make it maybe Does maturity explain the beard? easier for someone else to go through that Yeah – well, I just prefer to have a beard same experience or an experience like that. whenever possible. I’ve just been playing teenagers so much, like in “The Politician,” What have you learned from other out artists, like Sam Smith and Troye Sivan, when it comes CAGE FREE 24 / 7 HAPPY HOUNDS that I’ve not been able to have one. I’m enjoying it while I can. to navigating the music world as an out artist? BOARDING IN COMFORT Day & Overnight Care! One YouTube commenter wrote: “Ben’s beard I would say from all artists, not just queer artists. But certainly all of my favorite artists, grows as his heart breaks.” queer or not, are sort of the ones who are true (Laughs) That’s about right! to themselves and more singular to themselves and not really wasting any time trying to fit Alongside Blake Shelton and Zac Efron, you were into a preconceived box. Something that’s included in People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 2017, as been really wonderful about working with Sexiest Broadway Performer. Were you prepared Atlantic is they’ve been so reverential to my for that moment in your career? vision, allowing me to lead the way creatively Certainly not! (Laughs) That wasnot and really trusting my instinct and my gut something that was ever on my sort of feeling, and allowing me to be the kind of preconceived bucket list! I mean, it’s very artist I wanna be and not sort of “pick a lane” FORWHO DON’T LIKE TODOGS BE TREATED LIKE ANIMALS flattering and very nice, but it was never a in any way. conscious goal. It was not like the Tony and I think the only reason it’s been successful GROOMING pet care extraordinaire BOARDING the Broadway of all of it, but it was lovely to thus far and people are connecting with see! And it made me feel good – and made me it is because they’ve allowed me to be want to go out and go on some dates! individualistic. And so I certainly admire any A SECOND HOME FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND ACCOMMODATIONS artist, queer or not, who is able to blaze their Did it get you some dates? own path in that way. Just if you’re authentic, Well, not necessarily from it but it restored a I think that’s the most attractive quality bit of confidence. It was a nice boost. beyond just a beautiful voice, feeling like this is undoubtedly exactly who you are. And then you were on “Ellen” recently, noting you’re single, so that couldn’t have hurt. As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has Yeah, exactly! Whenever possible. I’m around. interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Are LGBTQ youth reaching out to you expressing Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. 24/HR SUPERVISION what this music means to them? Are you seeing His work has also appeared in GQ, Vanity the same tweets that I’m seeing? Fair and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi. (734) 459-3647 or visit 673 S. Main, Plymouth, Michigan www.HappyHoundsDayCare.com It’s hard to gauge. This is the first time I’ve released music on my own, so this is the first time I’m experiencing, like, how to experience 18 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com NFL Star Wade Davis and Allan Gilmour to Headline Ford GLOBE 25th Anniversary Dinner Chamber of Commerce. Senior Ford executives, groups at the big three automakers. He was Ford GLOBE current and former members president of Wayne State University from 2010 and hundreds of ERG members from dozens to 2013 and has served on numerous corporate of other Detroit area companies will join in boards including Dow Chemical, Whirlpool, the celebration. DTE and the Henry Ford Health System. The The night will feature former NFL player and Affirmations building in Ferndale is named openly gay diversity consultant Wade Davis and after Gilmour and his husband, Eric Jirgens, former Ford Vice Chairman Allan Gilmour, in recognition of their key role in the capital who will accept the Inaugural Allan D. Gilmour campaign that funded the center’s creation. Award for Outstanding Leadership in Inclusion. Gilmour has also been a driving force behind Gilmour was the highest ranking out gay the HOPE Fund at the Community Foundation, executive in the mid-’90s, and supported the formation of LGBT employee resource See Ford GLOBE, continued on p. 23

Former NFL star Wade Davis (left) will talk about being openly gay in professional sports. Allan Gilmour (above) will be honored for his decades of support to Ford BY BTL STAFF GLOBE and the Detroit area LGBTQ community. company for LGBTQ equality and to help DEARBORN – Twenty-five years ago the company reach out to potential LGBTQ a group of dedicated LGBTQ employees of customers. the Ford Motor Company came together to Now, a quarter century later, Ford GLOBE form Ford GLOBE, the automaker’s LGBTQ will celebrate its 25th anniversary at a gala employee resource group, to unite and network dinner June 6 at The Dearborn Inn, in LGBTQ employees, to advocate within the partnership with the Detroit Regional LGBT

www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 19 Use Your Home to Save Money on a Wedding BY VALERIE BLAKE just in case. studio apartment while their new home Once you’ve agreed on who and how was being built. Their wedding was as lmost everyone on HGTV who is many will attend, send out your Save the small and as cheap as that apartment. hunting for a house wants “space Date e-cards, add the guest list to your Two friends served as best man and to entertain,” but what do they website with a link to confirm attendance, maid of honor. The ceremony was Areally use it for, other than Thanksgiving plan your menu, and follow up with conducted by a justice of the peace in dinner and other holidays? formal invitations as you get closer to her living room, followed by a reception How about a wedding? the actual wedding date. at Bob’s Big Boy for their all-you-can-eat The average cost of a wedding is Wow! I’m exhausted and broke already, breakfast buffet. more than $33,000 and, in some areas and there’s still a lot of stuff to check The next wedding took place in 2005 of the country, as much as $70,000. off the wedding planner’s cheat sheet. in the bride’s backyard. The officiant Engagements last for a year or more Thankfully, the price of a wedding can was a city councilman who had been while people prepare for their lavish and be reduced by using your home for such ordained on the internet just for this expensive wedding. things as rehearsal dinners, receptions, purpose. While the bride and groom Costs are skyrocketing – a $12,000 and space for overnight guests. were reciting their vows, a jetliner flew Oscar de la Renta dress, matching $2,000 My favorite wedding was in 1976, overhead, drowning out the ceremony. Jimmy Choo heels, and $3,500 Armani before people began to spend their life The reception made up for it with suits for starters. Wedding planners are savings, inheritance, or trust funds for authentic Mexican food prepared by the there to help you spend your money on one day of happiness. groom’s family. a pre-wedding checklist. It was an unconventional church The pictures of the event came out The venue for the reception is one of wedding, held at 9 p.m. The bride wore badly and the videographer took his the first decisions a couple will make, flowers in her hair instead of a veil and payment of $350 and was never seen or even basing the wedding date on the carried candles instead of flowers. Her heard from again. Lesson learned: don’t availability of the chosen reception dress was made by her mother’s best rely on Craigslist to find your wedding hall. Booking the photographer and friend and the bridesmaids wore halter professionals. videographer is also high on the list, as dresses made from a Simplicity pattern So, as the season approaches, make well as finding a caterer, a florist, and – something they would be able to wear your wedding memorable but less either live music or a DJ. post-wedding. expensive by including something Wedding websites with names like The reception was held on the screened personal – grooms in matching, yellow herbandjohngethitched.com are very porch of the family home. Food and tennis shoes, brides in tuxedos, barefoot popular. You can tell the story of how alcohol flowed freely. The bride’s mother, on the beach with margaritas, or maybe a you met, include information about the who was getting her master’s degree in reception on the roof deck of your condo. wedding and reception destinations, music therapy at the University of Miami, You’ll find many ways to conserve your create a photo gallery, and post the ever- hired their jazz combo to play at the cash, but whatever you do, get the Jimmy popular gift registry, where people can reception. Choo shoes. I’ll look for you at our annual see what’s on your wish list, then go on The bride’s father, however, left a lasting high-heel race. Amazon to buy it much cheaper. impression when he dove into the pool in You’ll also need to create a guest list. his tuxedo, swam to the other end, raised This article originally appeared in the This exercise will be in the running for his glass and asked, “Will somebody get Washington Blade and is made available “first big fight of the engagement,” so kiss me a Scotch?” in partnership with the National LGBT and make up, attend the cake tasting, and The next wedding of note was in 1988. Media Association buy insurance for your engagement ring, The bride and groom were living in a

20 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 21 LGBTQ People Urged to Be Counted in 2020 US Census BY LOU CHIBBARO JR. questionnaire questions asking about a and federal government; and enforce our person’s sexual orientation and gender civil rights.” he D.C.-based National LGBTQ identity so that non-coupled LGBT The Williams Institute, an LGBT think Task Force was part of a coalition people could be counted. tank affiliated with the UCLA Law School, of more than 15 national civil Nevertheless, the National LGBTQ has used data on same-sex couples Trights and progressive advocacy groups Task Force has said it’s important for all obtained from the 2000 and 2010 U.S. that launched a campaign last week to LGBT people to take part in the 2020 Census to extrapolate an estimated count encourage members of marginalized census. communities to make sure they are “Over-counts of privileged people of all LGBT people in the U.S. But former counted in the 2020 U.S. Census. and undercounts of marginalized Williams Institute official Gary Gates has In a development that LGBT activists people reinforce systems of power and said it would have been far better if the view as a positive change, the 2020 U.S. oppression in this country,” the Task Force Census counted LGBT people directly. Census questionnaire will explicitly ask said in a statement. “That’s why the Task National LGBTQ Task Force couples living together to define their Force is working with our colleagues in spokesperson JR Russ said the group relationship to their partners in a new the LGBTQ and social justice movements has created a “Queer the Census 2020” way – as “same-sex” or “opposite-sex” to ensure that all of us, and especially page on its website that will be updated partners. people from marginalized communities, each month to inform LGBT people on Although the 2000 and 2010 U.S. are counted in the 2020 Census.” how the Census will impact them and Census counted same-sex couples through “Although the Census doesn’t explicitly how they can best participate in the questions about gender and relationships, ask about our sexual orientation and the newly worded questionnaire in 2020 gender identity, it is still critical for us to Census. The page can be accessed via is expected to provide a more accurate be counted on the 2020 Census,” the Task the taskforce.org. count of the number of same-sex couples Force statement says, adding, “We need in the United States. to be counted so our communities can: This article originally appeared in the However, to the disappointment of Get access to federal funds for programs Washington Blade and is made available LGBT advocacy organizations, Census like SNAP, Medicaid, and public housing; in partnership with the National LGBT officials declined to include in the 2020 have representation in our state, local, Media Association. COMING IN OCTOBER: 2019 BTL Same-Sex Wedding Expo Michigan’s Definitive LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding & Anniversary Guide MiLGBTWedding.com

A PROJECT OF See To learn more contact [email protected] Page 27 Call 734-293-7200 ext. 22101

22 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com This is the first of what will be an annual ® Ford GLOBE dinner hosted by the Detroit Regional LGBT Continued from p. 19 Chamber of Commerce to celebrate and acknowledge LGBT inclusiveness in Detroit’s workplaces. one of the largest funders of LGBT projects in This inaugural dinner is supported by Ford southeast Michigan. Motor Company as a gold sponsor, silver “I am excited to celebrate 25 years of Ford GLOBE with the current and former Ford GLOBE members, allies, and executives along with the rest of the LGBT community,” said Bill Peters, president of Ford GLOBE. “The partnership with the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce highlights to me the importance of working together to achieve the inclusion we desired 25 years ago.” sponsors include Henry Ford Health System “Allan Gilmour’s support at Ford, at and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, bronze sponsors the HOPE Fund, with Affirmations and are The Community Foundation for Southeast countless other projects has altered the very Michigan, EY Accounting, the United Auto landscape for LGBTQ people for the better,” Workers, Wayne State University and Herman said Jan Stevenson, co-publisher of Between Miller. Table sponsors include Pride Source The Lines and vice president of the Detroit Media Group, Flagstar Bank and BASF among Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “He others. has inspired me and led many others to follow him in supporting LGBTQ people and the Tickets are open to the public, start at $50 and projects and organizations that serve them. It’s are available online at detroitlgbtchamber.com/ a real thrill to be able to honor him at the Ford Ford25. GLOBE 25th Anniversary dinner.”

www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 23 Pink at Little Caesars Arena April 26-27 Grammy Award-winning pop star Pink is known the world over for her critically acclaimed vocals. Fans will be able to see her perform for two nights in a row, April 26 and 27, at Little Caesars Arena. Joining her in her performance is Julia Michaels, whose platinum- selling debut single “Issues” garnered her “Best New Artist” and “Song of the Year” Grammy Award nominations. Tickets start at $47.45. More information about the show can be found online at 313presents.com and at ticketmaster.com.

Night is an opportunity for all LGBT and support each other through your people and allies to come play a board journeys. We meet the 2nd Monday of game, drink coffee and socialize with each An event every month that begins other LGBT individuals. Java Hut, 165 at 6:30pm on day Second of the month, W NIne Mile,Ferndale. 248-632-8274. repeating indefinitely Dakota High School, [email protected]. 21051 21 Mile Road,Macomb. 586-723- 2700 http://www.chippewavalleyschools. Tuesday, April 23 org/schools/high-schools/dhs/ Strand with Trans Support Groups – Ann Arbor – Washtenaw 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 Free. Parent Support Group Facilitator – Stand with Trans Support Groups – Yma Johnson, [email protected] or Livonia – Wayne County 6:30 p.m. Free 734-780-4092. Journey of Faith Christian to all, group meets the 3rd Wednesday Church, 1900 Manchester Road,Ann of each month @ Emmanuel Lutheran Arbor. standwithtrans.org. Church. Parent Support Group Faciitators Karen Sessler, [email protected] Wednesday, April 24 or 734-673-3590 and Scott Sessler, [email protected] Affirmations Senior Koffee Clatch! or 734-673-2485 Trans Youth Support 1:00 p.m. A discussion and networking Group (12+) Emmanuel Lutheran Church, group for people 45 and older. Various 34567 7 Mile Road,Livonia. http://www. discussion topics, social outings, and standwithtrans.org potlucks are held throughout the year. With age comes wisdom but, for LGBTQ seniors, loneliness can often come along, too. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine MUSIC & Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105. goaffirmations.org MORE People Like Me: Mutual Aid and Thursday, April 25 Recovery from Substance Use Disorders Toastmasters International SpeakOUT! April 23, 7:30 p.m. Dawn Farm staff LGBTQ Meeting 7:00 p.m. Professional member Todd Diana will provide an & personal communication skills overview of mutual aid addiction recovery development.Jim Toy Community Center, programs, research supporting the 319 Braun Court,Ann Arbor. 734-995- efficacy of mutual aid participation, and 9867. [email protected]. include a panel discussion by members of speakout.toastmastersclubs.org. a sampling of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Thursday, May 2 Drive,Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725 www. Pride Night at Thunderbowl! 7:00 p.m. dawnfarm.org/programs/education-series Meet & Greet First Thursday of every Barking to the Choir: The Power of month, unlimited bowling, shoe rental, Radical Kinship April 30, 7:30 p.m. Father private room, private bar area, drink Gregory Boyle; founder of Homeboy specials, billiard room, 250-foot video Industries and best-selling author, will wall. Come as you are! Thunderbowl share how compassion, kindness, and Arena, 4200 Allen Road,Allen Park. 313- kinship are the tools to fight despair 928-4688. thunderbowl.org. and decrease marginalization. All will be reminded that no life is less Towsley Friday, May 10 auditorium, 4800 East Huron River Cinetopia Film Festival 8:00 a.m. The Drive,Ann Arbor. www.dawnfarm.org/ eighth annual CFF kicks off a month programs/education-series earlier this year starting on Friday, May Flint Symphony Orchestra Presents 10, and concludes on Sunday, May 19. ‘Mahler’s Resurrection’ May 11, 7:30 p.m. Spanning 10 days, Cinetopia brings films FSO bringing you yet another Classical to local theaters and venues. Michigan Concert featuring Enrique Diemecke, Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. conductor with the Flint Symphony 734-668-8397 info@cinetopiafestival. Orchestra. Pre-Concert talk at 6:30pm. 165 w 9 mile,Ferndale. 248-632-8274. “POSE” with The HOUSE of FRIENDSHIP Group for Trans Youth and Parents of org [email protected] http:// These fun and informative talks take [email protected]. – Clarence Xavier Davis. Guest Artist Trans Individuals 4:00 p.m. Free. For cinetopiafestival.org the mystery out of classical music. Flint OUTINGS 8:30 p.m. Dance party. Club attire. Cash Parent Support Group information, contact LGBT Social Meet Up 6:30 p.m. A meet Institute of Music, 1025 E. Kearsley Saturday, April 20 bar. Westin book cadillac detroit, 1114 facilitator Kim Tooley, 734-747-4363. St. Street,Flint. 810-238-1350 https://thefim. up group for all lgbt people who want Washington Blvd.,Detroit. 313-442-1600. Stephens Episcopal Church, 2803 1st Monday, May 13 LGBT Community Chat 11:00 a.m. org https://thefso.org/calendar#/?i=6 to meet have light-hearted discussions marriott.com. Street,Wyandotte. standwithtrans.org. Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups Saturday LGBT Chat is an ongoing and social activities. Hazel Park – Macomb County 6:30 p.m. Macomb Cabaret 313 Presents Kate Baldwin May social discussion group meets every Community Center, 620 West Woodward Teen/Youth Support Group: All youth are week to discuss issues LGBT people Sunday, April 21 Monday, April 22 18, 6:30 p.m. Kate Baldwin makes her Heights,Hazel Park. 248-632-8274. welcome to attend this FREE group. Come Cabaret 313 debut in How Did You Get face. CJava Hut Ferndale Michigan, 7:00 p.m. LGBT Game [email protected]. Stand with Trans Wyandotte Support LGBT Game Night and meet other trans* youth and teens This Number?, a new stage show featuring

24 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com Easter Eggstravaganza On Saturday, Apri 20, from 1 to 5 p.m., Beacon Park Detroit will host the 2nd Annnual Easter Eggstravaganza. Attendees will experience an afternoon of free activities including an egg hunt, make-and-take crafts, Peep s’mores and a live DJ. The Beacon Parkcade will also be open with more than a dozen classic arcade games like air hockey, NFL Blitz and Spider-Man. Food truck fare and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Beacon Park is located at 1901 Grand River Ave. in Downtown Detroit.

signature songs from her acclaimed Gagnier, a heroin addict, haunted by her performances in Finian’s Rainbow, Giant, role in her lover’s overdose death, seeks Big Fish and Hello Dolly!. The Marlene THEATER out the grave digger and coffin maker. Boll Theatre, 1401 Broadway,Detroit. They become each other’s best hope to http://cabaret313.org/shows-tickets/kate- Williamston Theatre Presents ‘The live. Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 baldwin/ Gin Game’ April 203:00 p.m. Winner of Woodrow Wilson,Detroit. 313-868-1347 the 1978 Pulitzer Prize for Drama!Weller [email protected] [email protected] Relapse Prevention May 21, 7:30 p.m. Martin is playing solitaire on the porch of a http://www.detroitreptheatre.com/aubrey/ Erik Anderson, LMSW, CAADC, will discuss seedy nursing home. Enter Fonsia Dorsey, the dynamics of relapse from substance Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Presents a prim, self-righteous woman. Williamston use disorder recovery, how to develop “Farenheit 451” April 25, 7:30 p.m. Theatre, 122 S. Putnam Road,Williamston. a relapse prevention plan and creative, In a dystopian none-too-distant future, 517-655-SHOW info@williamstontheatre. effective strategies to handle both “firemen” don’t extinguish fires, they start org [email protected] http:// every-day and high-risk situations. St. them. And they know that 451 degrees www.williamstontheatre.org/the-gin-game Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Fahrenheit is the temperature at which Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive,Ypsilanti. Detroit Repertory Theatre Presents paper ignites – because that is how you 734-485-8725 www.dawnfarm.org/ “Aubrey” April 20, 3:00 p.m. Aubrey destroy books. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 programs/education-series

See Happenings, continued on p. 27

www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 25 26 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com 29 Starts 7 Tug on a fishing line 30 Opponent of Wade 8 Barely make 31 Comic strip named for a vine 9 Out partner 33 Online prostitution? 10 1953 Marilyn Monroe film 35 The Orlando shooting, for example 11 “Some of My Best Friends” network 40 Go across 12 Shrek’s shoe size, perhaps 43 On-line ‘zine 20 Lines through 44 Two queens, e.g. 21 Unexpected victory 48 Terse oral refusal 22 Boat with a pair of bears 49 Disney’s “That ___ Cat!” 23 Lucy of “Charlie’s Angels” 50 Rubik of cube fame 26 Rimbaud’s king 51 “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” peak 27 Animation unit 52 Ana Brnabic’s country 32 Billy of “Titanic” 54 Dam agcy. 34 Be a hunter and pecker 55 Susan Feniger may pleasure it 36 Christ the ___ (Rio landmark) 57 Bear or bull 37 Sharif of “Funny Girl” 59 Gay leaders of three countries in 38 Prep for a marathon, with “up” this puzzle 39 Arsonist activity 62 Positions for Patty Sheehan 40 Type of fruit juice 63 Emma Donoghue’s country 41 Shiny part of the Little Bear’s tail 64 Official records 42 Brings to bear 65 Petrol station choice 45 Erte’s style 66 Initiated phone sex 46 Turns inside out 67 “Methinks thou ___ protest too 47 Guffaws about, as a Kate Gay World Leaders QPuzzle much” McKinnon skit 16 His brother laid him in his grave Down 52 Sault ___ Marie Across 17 Garb for Troy Perry 53 Caesar’s arts 1 Khan’s title 1 Early AIDS play 18 The life of Riley 56 Schoolyard retort 2 Where to put your meat, in a deli 5 Weathercock 19 Xavier Bettel’s country 58 Not much 3 Leo Varadkar’s country 9 Fairy tale start 22 Home st. of Tallulah Bankhead 60 “Got a Rainbow” lyricist Gershwin 4 George Takei’s role on “Star Trek” 13 Wise guy 24 Make airtight 61 Anais who went both ways 5 Dancer Ben 14 Debussy contemporary Satie 25 Rainbow shape 6 They come from pansies Find solution on page 22 and 15 Vague sense 28 ___ Tin Tin at www.pridesource.com

Pride at The Corner April 23 Ferndale Pride at the crew at Detroit Axe invite you to show off your Axe-throwing skills or learn how to throw in support of Ferndale Pride. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated directly to Pride as well as to providing Pride supporters with a deal on Detroit Axe Tickets. Axle Brewing Co. beer will also be available. Find out more by following the Ferndale Pride Facebook page.

Approaches, Perestroika continues the Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre Presents ® complex and fantastical examination of “Oklahoma!” May 17, 8:00 p.m. Baldwin Happenings homosexuality, race, and AIDS in 1980s Theatre, 415 South Lafayette,Royal Oak. Continued from p. 25 America. Hillbery Theatre, 4743 Cass 2485418027 https://www.stagecrafters. Ave.,Detroit. (313) 577-2972 https://www. org/on-stage/main-stage/38-oklahoma. wsushows.com html

Murfin Ave.,Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538 Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre Second Jersey Boys at Music Hall! May 17, 8:00 http://smtd.umich.edu/about/facilities/ Stage Presents “Southern Comfort” p.m. They were just four guys from Jersey, north_campus/walgreen/arthurmiller/ April 26, 8:00 p.m. Baldwin Theatre, 415 until they sang their very first note. Detroit http://www.a2ct.org/shows/fahrenheit-451 South Lafayette,Royal Oak. 2485418027 Music Hall, 350 Madison St.,Detroit. 313- https://www.stagecrafters.org/ 887-8501 www.musichall.org https://www. Angels in America – Parts I and II broadwayindetroit.com April 26, In this two-part epic, Prior Angels in America: Part One – Walter, a young man living in NYC in Millennium Approaches May 5, Cabaret 313 Presents Kate Baldwin May 1985, is diagnosed with AIDS. Hillbery 3:00 p.m. In Part I of this two part 18, 6:30 p.m. Kate Baldwin makes her Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave,Detroit. http:// epic, Prior Walter, a young man living Cabaret 313 debut in How Did You Get theatreanddance.wayne.edu/theatre/ in NYC in 1985, is diagnosed with This Number?, Electrifying works fill the AIDS. Hillbery Theatre, 4743 Cass program with gorgeous One event on May Angels in America: Part Two – Ave.,Detroit. (313) 577-2972 https:// 18 at 8:45pm The Marlene Boll Theatre, Perestroika April 26, 8:00 p.m. www.wsushows.com/TheatreManager/1/ 1401 Broadway,Detroit. http://cabaret313. Following the events of Part I: Millennium online?performance=188 org/shows-tickets/kate-baldwin/ www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 27 cruel, one healing – who travel from pre- important and enduring gospel music quartets. Deep Inside Colonial West Africa into the far away future, They are, in fact, the bestselling gospel group it’s an epic of supernatural struggle that spans on the planet. So far the only casting news is Hollywood history and shapes life on Earth. No cast Aunjanue Ellis (“If Beale Street Could Talk”), is set yet – though, obviously, we know we but come on, if Mary J. doesn’t get in on this want Viola in there, please and thank you – and sing it until it breaks then what’s going on BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE but it will be co-written by Nnedi Okorafor in Hollywood? Excited about this one. and filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu, who will also direct. More on this one as it develops, Christmas terror with because America is literally starving for Diva alert: Judith Light! ‘NOS4A2’ and Zachary Quinto lesbian-created sci-fi TV content and there will be no peace until that hunger is sated. Bette Midler! Janet Mock! Christmas is coming early this year and Ryan Murphy has yet another new show in it’s going to be horrifying. AMC premieres the works. It’s called “The Politician,” it’s coming the new series “NOS4A2” on June 2, starring Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott to Netflix, and it stars that adorable (and now Ashleigh Cummings (this fall’s Oscar-bait, openly gay) Ben Platt as a high school student “The Goldfinch,” from which you’ll no doubt and Mary J. Blige spread the convinced he’s going to be president someday, be hearing more) and, as the baddest Santa of gospel but who must first navigate the choppy, ruthless all, Zachary Quinto. Cummings plays a young waters of student government. And in a cast Judith Light. Photo: KathClick woman who discovers she has a supernatural Among the 150 films on Lifetime’s production already packed with names like Gwyneth gift for finding lost things, which puts her at slate – yes, you read that correctly, one hundred Paltrow, Jessica Lange and Zoey Deutch, new cross purposes with and battling against one Viola Davis brings Octavia and fifty – one certainly stands out, and that’s additions Judith Light and Bette Midler will Charlie Manx (Quinto). Manx is a creature because it’s from a power trio production team be taking their own turns on set. Even better, who feeds off the souls of children before Butler to TV comprised of Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott and “Pose” writer and director Janet Mock will leaving them in Christmasland, a place Mary J. Blige. We’re not here to tell you that Viola Davis A-list status means she has a be at the helm for at least one episode of the where it’s literally Christmas every day and there’s anything explicitly queer about this season. With “Glee” gone for a minute already, production company now. It’s called JuVee, unhappiness is against the law. It’s all based news because at least two thirds of that triangle and with “Popular” now a fond memory of the and she and her production partner, Julius on the best-selling 2013 novel by Joe Hill, remain, after all this time, for so very long, quite early 2000s, we’re ready for Murphy to head and we’re pleased to know that it will serve Tennon, have something in store for Amazon: quiet about their sexuality, which is their right back to high school, especially with this kind as a vigorously dark rebuke to the Hallmark a drama series based on the novel “Wild and we absolutely respect their privacy, but still, of diva power. Channel’s insistence on showing bland, white Seed,” the first of the “Patternist” series from when Latifah and Missy do anything our ears bread Christmas-themed TV movies every legendary lesbian sci-fi author Octavia Butler. prick up, you know? Anyway, it’s a film about Romeo San Vicente would vote for Judith Light other night of the year. The story of two African immortals – one The Clark Sisters, one of the 20th century’s most for president.

28 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Art Show Grand Rapids Is Calling All LGBTQ Artists

BY EVE KUCHARSKI “It’s got to go hand-in-hand with what you’re applying to present,” he said. “The art won’t be accepted if you say that you nown for its biennial ArtPrize competition, Grand have oil paintings and you show up with papier mache dolls.” Rapids has long been considered a hub for Michigan artists who get to display their work across the city When asked why this year was chosen for the Lounge’s Kduring the 19-day event. However, as prolific as many of the inaugural Art Show, Zuniga said that it’s been in the works for competitors are, artwork from LGBTQ creators isn’t a direct a long time, but 2019 felt right. focus, that’s why The Apartment Lounge, a Grand Rapids gay “We’ve thought about doing it for quite some time, [but] we bar, is putting on Art Show this coming June. didn’t really have the resources as far as personal connections,” he “Art show is an outlet and market for LGBTQIA artists to sell said. “And people in our community that could help us out with and share their works with our community in Grand Rapids,” the planning process and actually getting the correct wording wrote event organizers. “We found that there wasn’t a large-scale out and getting people that have actually been participating in of the bar, from Sheldon Avenue NE and Fulton Street E, to event for our community to be represented and celebrated with art shows before, so that we could actually use that as a skeleton allow for artist’s booths and “we’ll have a food truck, a little bar their art. There are more and more people in our community for our event.” with White Claw and some beers, and we’ll also have free water that are identifying as queer and with that come many things: He said one of the most rewarding parts of putting on a show stations to make sure people are staying hydrated.” A grand culture filled with diversity and inclusivity, stemming like this is because it’s allowed him to not only form closer Zuniga said that what he’s most excited for on the day is to from the vein of acceptance. But most importantly, to say relationships with the regular clientele at The Apartment Lounge, expose the local community to the talent of LGBTQ creators ‘We’re here!’” but with the Grand Rapids art community. and to bring them closer together, too. Though the show’s official date is Sunday, June 9, applications “The [pieces] we’ve gotten here have actually been cool,” he “I just haven’t seen a big venue that is mainly focused on are being accepted now, with a deadline for submissions of said. “Because I am the GM here at the Apartment Lounge, I see LGBTQIA, so that was kind of our whole thought process going May 5. Eric Zuniga is the General Manager of The Apartment a lot of these people [that], unbeknownst to me, they’re actually into this like, ‘What can we do? How can we create a space Lounge. He said that besides paying the $50 application fee, artists. So, when the work comes in, it’s really cool; it’s kind of for people in our community to be able to share their work?’” submitting artists should be aware of two rules: a little window into looking past people as patrons and now seeing them as artists in our community. It’s very eye-opening To apply to present artwork in the upcoming event visit The 1.) All work must be original and produced by the artist. what they’re sharing and what they want to share at our art Apartment Lounge’s Facebook or email wh.artshow@gmail. 2.) Artwork displayed must reflect the category for which show that’s coming up.” com with any questions. The Apartment Lounge is located at 33 the artist applied. The free event will involve shutting down the streets in front Sheldon Ave NE in Grand Rapids. Friday Night Socials at the Salus Center

ansing’s dedicated LGBTQ community center, the Salus Center, Lis hosting a weekly Friday social night that’s aimed at getting local LGBTQ folks together to socialize and get to know each other. The next available events are Friday, April 19 and April 26. “Join me (Mercuri, one of Mercuri the Salus Center’s awesome interns) on Friday nights for fun times and new friends in a LGBTQIA+-affirming atmosphere!” wrote event organizers. “Activities will change each week. You’re encouraged to bring a snack to share, this is not required. Everyone, kids included, (are) welcome for these free fun nights!” Previous activities have included a game of Unstable Unicorns, book binding and card making. Attendees are encouraged to reach out in advance of the event to suggest activities, too. “Have a hobby or skill you’d like to share? Just generally enjoy planning social events and want to help out? Contact Mercuri! Always happy for the help!” organizers wrote.

To find out more about the event visit the Salus Center’s Facebook page or go online to saluscenter.org. The Center is located at 408 S. Washington Square in Lansing.

30 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com Licensed Swedish Massage Auburn Hill Kansonn 248-672-0669 [email protected]

www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 31