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MSU Professor Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Study: Religious Exemption Especially Harsh on LGBTQ Seniors

DAN LEVY IS DOING US ALL A

Out ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Creator Gets Candid

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM FEBRUARY 1, 2018 | VOL. 2605 | FREE February 1, 2018 2 BTL | www.PrideSource.com HUMAN RIGHTS ARTS

COVER Dan Levy NEWS 4 Dignity Denied: Study Finds LGBTQ Seniors Especially Vulnerable to Religious Exemptions 9 MSU Investigating Allegations of Sexual Harrassment Against Prof. Sue Carter 10 Log Cabin Assails Dems for Blocking Ric Grenell Local Survivor Sheds Light p. 19 Nomination 11 Pence Breaks Tie to Confirm Anti-LGBT Brownback on Human Trafficking p. 14 Nomination 14 Local Survivor Sheds Light on Human Trafficking 15 Biden Foundation Sets Up Advisory Councils for COMMUNITY CONNECTION MARRIAGE HAPPENINGS Women, LGBT Rights OPINION 12 Parting Glances 12 Viewpoint 13 Creep of the Week LIFE 16 Dan Levy is Doing Us All a Big Favor 26 Moss Earns LGBTQ Support in 24 Best of LGBT Events 19 Michigan Native Releases Photo Book of NYC Bid for State Senate Drag Queens ANN ARBOR 23 Mary Lambert Thinks You’re a Babe 24 Happenings 26 A Safe Space for Comedy Mary Lambert 28 Classifieds Thinks You’re 27 From Outlaw to Conformist 29 Puzzle & Crossword Biden Foundation Sets A Babe COOL CITIES: ANN ARBOR Up Advisory Councils for 27 Inclusive Justice Urges p. 23 22 Ypsi Pride Hosts Turnabout Fundraiser Educators to Support LGBTQ Women, LGBT Rights p. 15 22 Necto Pride Night Features BenDeLaCreme 23 Mary Lambert Thinks You’re a Babe

VOL. 2605 • FEBRUARY 1, 2018 EDITORIAL News & Feature Writers ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 1052 Editor in Chief Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown, Director of Sales Todd A. Heywood, Jiquanda Johnson, Ellen Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” Knoppow, Jason Michael, David Ryals PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Entertainment Editor CREATIVE Sales Representatives Phone 734.293.7200 Follow us @YourBTL Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Webmaster & MIS Director Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] PUBLISHERS [email protected] [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson Feature News Editor Columnists Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 [email protected] MEMBER OF Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 10 Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, [email protected] [email protected] Mikey Rox, Dan Woog, D’Anne Witkowski Michigan Press Assoication National Advertising Representative Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Gwendolyn Ann Smith National LGBT Media Association Editorial Assistant Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 10 Cartoonists Q Syndicate [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, Contributing Photographers but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Andrew Potter, Alexander Godin Copyright 2018 Pride Source Media Group

February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com | BTL 3 If religious exemption laws expand, services at risk of disappearing in many health organizations include same-sex visitation rights, Dignity Denied admitting LGBTQ adults to emergency medical care or providing Study Finds LGBTQ Seniors Especially care, giving loans or housing vouchers and Medicare and Medicaid- Vulnerable to Religious Exemptions funded hospitals could refuse service to LGBTQ seniors. NEWS

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

icture someone in the LGBTQ community, and the image is often of Pa young and affluent person. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the nation’s people aged 65 years and older is set to double by 2050, to almost 84 million. And, public perception aside, it is estimated that there are nearly 3 million LGBTQ adults who are 50 years or older living in the U.S. today. These statistics are part of a December 2017 report conducted by the Movement Advancement Project, Public Rights/Private Conscience Project and SAGE: “Dignity Denied: Religious Exemptions and LGBT Elder Services.” These three groups worked together to create a study highlighting that LGBTQ seniors are an especially high-risk group in the battle for and against religious exemptions. MAP is an independent think tank that provides research to aid LGBTQ people in attaining equality, The Public Rights/Private Conscience Project examines how religious liberty rights conflict with fundamental rights to equality and liberty and SAGE is Worried gay couple standing outside White House. Photo by David Advertures IStock. the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ based on a resident’s involved verbal or groups, are those who stand to lose the most. older adults. physical harassment from other residents. There are four main avenues to increasing this Executive Orders and Agency What follows is a summary of the study’s - 20 percent involved refusal to admit discriminatory behavior: Guidance findings, and how they relate to Michigan: or re-admit a resident. - Executive orders and agency - 14 percent of incidents were guidance that permits discrimination by In October 2017, both the U.S. Departments committed by staff. federal contractors and grantees, as well as of Jusice and Health and Human Services Harassment is Alive and Well government employees. released “sweeping” religious exemption in Senior Care Facilities These seniors frequently find themselves at - State religious exemption laws guidance and regulation. (Though not included the mercy of organizations that are religiously- that in some states already permit medical in the report, an example of regulations like The study found that the majority of involved. According to the American Civil professionals to decline service to LGBTQ these happened at the start of 2018. The healthcare services for the aging are offered Liberties Union, 14 percent of hospitals in the people. HHS announced a new department called by religiously-affiliated organizations — about U.S. have a religious affiliation and make up - Increasing permissions to deny Conscience and Religious Freedom.) Based 85 percent. This affiliation could be part of the almost a fifth of all hospital beds in the country. service, and potentially serious implications off these rulings, any employer or insurance reason that LGBTQ older adults have reported from the Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. company is now able to refuse to provide discrimination when accessing a variety of Colorado Civil Rights Commission, in which coverage for contraceptives due to religious or services like “at work, at the doctor’s office, Religious Exemption Laws Only a baker refused to bake a wedding cake for an “moral” reasons, regardless of being publicly within residential communities and when Stand to Expand LGBTQ couple. The case is currently under funded. seeking housing and when accessing social consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court and The report found that in 2014 alone, the supports like community centers.” According to the study’s findings, federal a ruling is expected by the end of June. federal government gave $1.88 billion to Of the group of nearly 800 LGBTQ seniors and state policymakers and activists are - Court Cases that permit providers in the aging networks through grants, who were surveyed, almost half of those who working to allow religious organizations discrimination in employee benefit plans, that contracts or reimbursements, serving almost had entered long-term care had experienced across the U.S. the ability to discriminate “could result in discrimination in pension and 11 million older Americans. some type of discrimination or mistreatment. against LGBTQ people. LGBTQ seniors, insurance benefits.” If religious exemption laws expand, services - 23 percent of these incidents were who frequently rely on the services of these at risk of disappearing in many health

4 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com organizations include same-sex visitation Though a decision is not expected by rights, admitting LGBTQ adults to emergency SCOTUS until June, if the court rules in the medical care or providing care, giving loans favor of the baker, the study reports that the or housing vouchers and Medicare and implications could be far-reaching. Medicaid-funded hospitals could refuse “An older LGBT person could be denied service to LGBTQ seniors. any service that might remotely be seen to include a ‘creative’ element, including long- term care, programming at senior centers, State Religious Exemption congregant meal sites and even health care,” Laws in Michigan the report stated. The study also reported that businesses Currently, 21 states in the U.S. have laws could also potentially even refuse to provide in place that allow people, churches and basic services like meals, or as in a recent nonprofit organizations to seek religious case where an LGBTQ widower was refused exemptions. For now, Michigan has no broad service by a funeral home. religious exemption law. According to the report, the “broad” language of these rules allows for those seeking exemptions to test Discrimination in Employee the boundaries of their state’s discrimination rules. Benefits Plans Currently, Michigan is one of seven states Currently, organizations that are based upon to permit child welfare agencies to “refuse religion, like houses of worship or religious to place and provide services to children and schools, are legally allowed to hire people families, including LGBT people and same- who follow the same religion as long they sex couples, if doing so conflicts with their do not discriminate around race or disability. religious beliefs.” Michigan is also one of 29 The study reports that recent court rulings states to have “no public accommodations are paving the way for this to extend to non-discrimination law covering sexual religiously-affiliated health service providers orientation or gender identity.” This means like Catholic hospital systems. Organizations that organizations could continue to receive like these are arguing that their affiliation funding while actively discriminating. could qualify them to gain similar exemptions to places of worship. A 2017 court case in which SCOTUS ruled The Implications of the in favor of a religiously-affiliated hospital that Masterpiece Cakeshop Case had a “church plan” which regulated employee benefits, and sought religious exemptions on The Colorado baker involved in the U.S. it. The ruling found that “church plans” neither Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop, must be established, nor maintained, by a Lt. v. Colorado Human Rights Commission, church to qualify for the exemption.” is directly challenging Colorado’s statewide The study estimates that the U.S. has law that prohibits discrimination on the basis hundreds of thousands of employers that of sexual orientation and gender identity. identify as religiously-affiliated, and provide He argued that his position as a baker gave work to millions of employees. If employers him the “artistic” free speech under the were able to prove that they too followed a First Amendment to refuse service to the “church plan,” the plan may not be subject to gay couple who requested a wedding cake, federal anti-discrimination rules. because the cake conveyed a message with which he did not agree. Conclusions Overall, MAP found that LGBTQ Overall, the study found that LGBTQ seniors are among the most vulnerable group seniors are among the most to be impacted by religious exemption rules vulnerable group to religious because of their reliance on regular services in the arenas of health, employment and exemption rules because of their general care. Should religious exemption rules extend further, they stand the risk of reliance on regular services in losing access to critical benefits that they the arenas of health, employment rely on at a higher rate than younger LGBTQ adults. and general care. Should religious The full report can be found online at lgbtmap. exemption rules extend further, org/dignity-denied-lgbt-older-adults. they stand the risk of losing access to critical benefits that AGING RESOURCE they rely on at a higher rate SAGE Metro Detroit is a Ferndale based branch of the national organization. than younger LGBTQ adults. >> www.sagemetrodetroit.org

www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 5

MSU Investigating Allegations of Sexual Harassment Against Prof. Sue Carter

BY TODD HEYWOOD

Sue Carter, an out lesbian professor at Michigan State University is being investigated by the Office of Institutional Equity over allegations of sexual harassment. Carter resigned from the MSU Athletic Council for the NCAA last week, in the wake of the child sex abuse scandal of former MSU Dr. Larry Nassar. “As both professor and priest, I am profoundly saddened by Michigan State University’s public posture and seemingly callous regard for these girls and women,” Carter wrote in her resignation letter. SUE CARTER She is accused by Ellen Fedon-Keyt of an inappropriate sexual relationship 26 “She was putting herself out there as years ago. if she couldn’t imagine this happening at Jason Cody, spokesman for MSU, MSU and as if she was all above this,” confirmed by text message the university Fedon-Keyt said in an interview. “It made was investigating Carter over the allegation. me feel ill and I just thought, ‘You don’t Between The Lines does not normally get to do this.’” identify the victim of sexual assault or Carter confirmed in a phone call the harassment, but Fedon-Keyt, in interviews relationship had occurred, but declined to over the weekend, agreed to be identified for address the specifics of the complaint. this story. Fedon-Keyt is a psychologist in Fedon-Keyt alleges that she was a Wayne the Detroit area in private practice. State University student at the time the She said she came forward with her relationship began, and Carter was teaching allegations after seeing Carter’s quotes journalism at both Wayne State and MSU. related to her resignation from the Athletic Lori Randlett, a friend of Fedon-Keyt, Council. recalls the relationship as something her “After reading the recent Detroit News friend was not willing to discuss at the time. article, I am stepping forward to say from But she said she was concerned about the personal experience that Sue Carter has no power dynamic between Fedon-Keyt and room to make self-righteous statements Carter. about the sexual predations and moral “I mean, she was her professor,” Randlett responsibilities of others,” Fedon-Keyt said. wrote in a letter to MSU this weekend. “I apologize. I am deeply sorry for any That letter triggered the investigation by harm that our consensual relationship the Office of Institutional Equity. caused Ellen 26-years ago,” Carter said.

www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 9 Log Cabin Assails Dems for Blocking Ric Grenell Nomination NEWS

BY CHRIS JOHNSON immediately clear which Democrat, if any, is objecting to bringing the Grenell nomination Log Cabin Republicans officials are to the Senate floor. assailing Democrats for blocking the Chris Harris, a Murphy spokesperson, confirmation of Richard Grenell as U.S. denied the senator has blocked unanimous ambassador to Germany. consent on Grenell and said Murphy is The Grenell nomination, President Trump’s deferring to Senate leadership on bringing most high-profile openly gay appointment, the nomination to the floor. is being held up purportedly over comments “Such a request has not yet been made this Grenell made years ago on Twitter about year by the way,” Harris said. “And just for the appearance of women, including Hillary your information, the same was true when Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Callista leadership’s request eventually went around Gingrich and Rachel Maddow. in December.” The Log Cabin missive, dated Jan. 29, The absence of a U.S. ambassador to attributes the hold up over Grenell to Germany may complicate U.S. foreign policy. “Democratic dithering,” asserting actions When Trump visited the World Economic from the Senate minority are holding up Forum in Davos, David Martosko, political an important nomination and the historic director for the U.S. Daily Mail, commented confirmation of an out gay ambassador. on Twitter with the position vacant “the U.S. “In earlier times confirmations such as Mr. had no German ambassador there to follow Grenell’s were perfunctory, made swiftly with up with the appropriate CEOs.” deference to our nation’s commander-in-chief Besides the signatories of the Log Cabin in a way that transcended partisanship,” letter, others have expressed support for the the letter says. “Sadly, time and time again confirmation of Grenell. Among them is the over the course of the past year, Democratic But Grenell is perhaps best known on he again apologized. Obama administration’s U.S. ambassador to senators have abused procedural courtesy to Twitter for his combative relationship “Anybody who knows me knows that I am Russia Michael McFaul and “Ellen” show prevent votes by simple acclamation.” with reporters, including those from the a very caring person and very sensitive — and executive producer Andy Lassner. The letter has 22 signatures from Log Washington Blade. Taking a cue from Trump, I also appreciate good humor,” Grenell said. But other LGBT groups have remained Cabin members as well as prominent who has declared war on the media, Grenell “Unfortunately, there are times where what silent. The Human Rights Campaign and Republicans and commentators. Among often accuses reporters of harboring biases was intended to be humorous turned out to be the Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute haven’t them is the George W. Bush administration’s that undermine their reporting. not so humorous, and, again, that was never come out in favor of the Grenell nomination former White House press secretary Ari The dispute over Grenell’s confirmation is my intention and I regret that.” and didn’t respond to a request to comment Fleischer; Phil Karpen, president of American purportedly over mean tweets the nominee That wasn’t enough for Sen. Chris Murphy for this article. Commitment; and Heather Higgins, CEO of made and unfolds in the context of the (D-Conn.), who led Democrats on the Senate There are few out LGBT appointees in the Independent Women’s Voice. #MeToo movement in which women are Foreign Relations Committee to oppose Trump administration. Two were confirmed First nominated by Trump in September, coming forward with allegations of sexual advancing the Grenell nomination to the unanimously in the Senate: James Abbott, Grenell founded the international consulting misconduct. Senate floor. The party-line committee vote who was confirmed to the Federal Labor firm Capitol Media Partners in 2010 and served One 2011 tweet directed at Maddow, a took place in October, but months later the Relations Authority; and David Glawe, under in various roles as a public communications lesbian news anchor on MSNBC, said she nomination has yet to come to the Senate secretary for intelligence and analysis at the adviser and a Fox News commentator. Under “needs to take a breath and put on a necklace” floor. Department of Homeland Security. the George W. Bush administration, Grenell and another compared her look to that of pop Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Claudia Slacik, was nominated, but not yet was the longest serving U.S. spokesperson singer Justin Bieber. One tweet directed at (R-Ky.) could force a vote on the nomination, confirmed, to the board of the U.S. Export- at the United Nations and served four U.S. Gingrich questioned whether she “snaps on” but it’s unclear if the votes are present to Import Bank. Trump also re-nominated ambassadors. her hair. At around the same time, Grenell confirm Grenell. lesbian Democrat Chai Feldblum to the U.S. For a period of less than two weeks, tweeted “Hillary is starting to look like Stephanie Penn, a McConnell Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Grenell served during the 2012 presidential Madeleine Albright.” spokesperson, said “there are still Democrat which by law requires appointments of campaign as a foreign policy spokesperson (Those tweets echo comments he reportedly objections, but we don’t yet have a scheduling different parties. for Republican nominee Mitt Romney, made in 1992 as a young aide for the re- announcement.” The office of Senate Minority Leader but resigned amid pressure from social election campaign of George H.W. Bush, Although the Senate no longer requires Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), to whom the conservatives over his sexual orientation. according to a Washington Post article in 60 votes to break a filibuster on presidential missive is addressed, didn’t respond to the Grenell never had the opportunity to speak 1995. A fellow staffer recalled Grenell telling nominees, any individual senator can still Washington Blade’s request for comment. publicly in the role. a female aide wearing a red shoes flowery refuse to give unanimous consent. That Grenell, who has described himself as a dress, ‘Didn’t your mother ever tell you means it will require 30 hours of debate to gay conservative Christian, has a same-sex only whores and very small children wear move forward. This article originally appeared in the Washington partner, Matt Lashey. According to The red shoes?‘”) According to Murphy’s office, Republicans Blade and is made available in partnership with Atlantic, the two have been together for 15 Although Grenell deleted the tweets and sought consent to move forward with the the National LGBT Media Association. years and Lashey himself is a conservative apologized for them, they continued to haunt Grenell nomination on Dec. 12, but the Christian who graduated from Jerry Falwell’s him through his confirmation hearing, where confirmation vote never happened. It wasn’t Liberty University. 10 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Pence Breaks Tie to Confirm Anti-LGBT Brownback Nomination

BY CHRIS JOHNSON at the State Department. Traditionally, the appointee in that role has advocated for In his role as president of the U.S. Senate, religious minorities facing persecution Vice President Mike Pence had to break the overseas. tie Jan. 24 to confirm Sam Brownback as U.S. The confirmation of Brownback, whom ambassador at-large for religious freedom. Trump first nominated last year, was opposed Brownback was approved on party-line by LGBT groups. 50-49 vote. Pence’s tie-breaking vote Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, said was necessary to end the filibuster on his in a statement Brownback is unfit for the nomination and the confirmation itself. (For position, but complement other anti-LGBT presidential appointees, only a majority vote appointees in the Trump administration. is necessary to overcome a filibuster.) Sens. “There is a vast difference between Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and John McCain combating the real and horrific persecution (R-Ariz.) were absent from the votes. facing religious minorities across the globe Both Pence and Brownback, who and Brownback’s own record of distorting represented Kansas in Congress as a religious freedom to promote anti-LGBTQ congressman and senator becoming governor discrimination,” Ellis said. “Brownback of the state, have long anti-LGBT records. now joins the ranks of an administration As Kansas governor, Brownback rescinded fully committed to promoting religious an executive order barring anti-LGBT exemptions as a weapon of discrimination discrimination in state employment and against LGBTQ people and other vulnerable signed into law a “religious freedom” communities.” allowing religious groups at taxpayer- nationwide and opposed “Don’t Ask, Don’t (D-Va.), Brownback refused to say laws in funded public universities to exclude LGBT Tell” repeal. foreign countries criminalizing LGBT status This article originally appeared in the Washington members. Brownback’s anti-LGBT history was on were always unjustified. Blade and is made available in partnership with As a U.S. senator, Brownback championed display during his confirmation when queried The U.S. ambassador at-large for a proposed U.S. constitutional amendment about his past by Senate Democrats. Upon international religious freedom heads up the the National LGBT Media Association. that would have banned same-sex marriage repeated questioning from Sen. Tim Kane Office of International Religious Freedom

www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 11 LGBTs ‘Our Misfortune’ Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

ell-known Spanish philosopher Jorge Agustin Nicolas Ruiz de Santayana y Borras – known succinctly in WEnglish as George Santayana – was born in 1863 and died in 1952. He was gay – lived through the worldwide nightmare of Hitler and Nazism that took the lives of 50 million people, 6 million of them Jews, thousands of them, homosexuals – and famous for warning all who cared to listen: “Those who do not learn the lessons of the past are doomed to relive them.” Having so jogged our own LGBTQ memory with his warning – and with Trump and his right-wing religious cronies stage center – step back in this nefarious Parting Glances to the year 1933 in Germany. Within months of Adolf Hitler’s appointment as Germany’s Chancellor, Nazi SS thugs in Berlin stood menacingly in front of Jewish-owned businesses. They held up signs in their grubby, beat-opponents-to-a-pulp hands. “Kauft nicht bei juden! (“Don’t buy from Jews!”).” Nationwide the Nazi slogan was, “The Jew is our misfortune.” Sieg heil! Germany has had a history of Jew-baiting dating to the 16th century. There’s an infamous, seven-point tract called: “On the Jews and Their Lies.” It circulated widely in 1543. It urged Germans to “ ... set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever see a stone or cinder of them.” It’s no stretch of imagination to say that for those historians who have documented the history of the Holocaust, a variation can happen again. They see cautions, hints and alarming similarities between times then and now. Viewpoint It continued. “This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom, so that God might see that we are Christians, and do not condone or knowingly tolerate such public lying, blaspheming of his Son and of his Christians.” LGBTQ Rights in Era Its author was Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant movement. It is, one can say without fear of contradiction, an embarrassment to the many protestant denominations that have of Marriage Equality evolved since Luther’s time (1483-1586). Many but not all. In 1935, Nazi Germany decreed the notorious Nuremberg Laws. BY JAY KAPLAN & JOSHUA MAGALLANES Jews were made non-status residents with no rights. They were excluded from practicing any medicine, law or teaching of Aryan citizens (non-Jews). t’s been more than two and half years since the U.S. their families. In 1938, Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues were Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges held that our And yet, we know that the goals of complete LGBTQ vandalized, burned and destroyed during the November weekend Constitution guarantees us both the fundamental right equality have not been achieved. Michigan, like 29 other that lives in lasting infamy as “Kristallnacht.” Translated literally I to marry and the ancillary benefits associated with a legal states, lacks civil rights laws that specifically prohibit as the “night of crystal,” or the “night of broken glass.” Soon Jews marriage. The Williams Institute reports that as of June discrimination based and sexual orientation and gender were required to wear yellow stars. 2017, there are approximately 550,000 same-sex couples identity. Failure to do so meant death. Soon, Jewish property was married nationwide, including 157,000 who married We know that current Michigan family law fails confiscated. Jews were deported to lice-ridden ghettos. since Obergefell. It is not possible to over-emphasize to recognize LGBTQ parent-child relationships that German city after city was declared, “Judenfrei.” Free of Jews. the historical significance of this legal decision, which were established prior to marriage equality. We see our It was hard not to know what was going on. But most Germans acknowledges that LGBTQ people are entitled to be a opponents attempt to justify unfair treatment of us because part of society’s oldest and most traditional institutions, which provides more than a thousand state and federal See next page See next page legal benefits and protections to same-sex couples and 12 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com ® Viewpoint: Brown Now that we have to access Continued from p. 8 to the most traditional and conventional institution, do we BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI of their “religious beliefs,” maintaining that David Kupelian those beliefs provide them with a license to feel less LGBTQ? If so, could this discriminate — in employment, in public t seems like every second there’s a Much better, surely, to repress and accommodations(a bakery and medical have negative consequences new story about sexual harassment or services), in foster care and adoption and in abuse. The most recent being Larry deny all things sexual in the name our public schools. for addressing the remaining I Nassar, the USA Gymnastics and Michigan of “Judeo-Christian morality.” The Trump Administration Justice challenges to full equality? State doctor Department has given tacit approval and who sexually between sex of any kind. support for this position, arguing in courts assaulted “Leftists have been dreaming, scheming, that there is a constitutionally protected right over 150 preaching, protesting, demanding, to discriminate LGBTQ people, regardless of consequences for addressing the remaining girls and litigating and legislating total sexual civil rights laws and other legal protections. challenges to full equality? women over freedom – complete sexual anarchy, no The struggle continues and it is essential On Thursday, February 8, 2018 Seattle two decades. rules whatsoever – for decades,” he says. that the LGBTQ community works with other therapist Joshua Magallanes and myself will He was This is not true. But it’s hard for coalitions and organizations to ensure that our be offering a workshop that explores the sentenced Kupelian, who appears to want iron-fisted civil rights movement continues beyond the both the current state of LGBTQ rights post- to up to 175 sexual repression in the name of his God, right to legally marry. Obergefell, as well as addresses the impact DAVID KUPELIAN years in to distinguish between two adult dudes Part of our ability to both successfully of marriage equality on both our identity and prison. kissing on the lips and the molestation of a educate, organize and advocate for ourselves relationships. But, by the child. Really, I think he’s the one with the is dependent upon how strong we identify as We hope to have both a lively and thoughtful time this column is published, I’m sure morality problem. LGBTQ individuals and as part of the LGBT discussion about how this historical Supreme it’ll be eclipsed by another story of sexual In his column Kupelian makes the Community. But how has marriage equality Court decision has not only changed our lives abuse and scandal. And we all know who favorite claim of the anti-gay right that impacted that identity and our affiliation with (in having the choice and opportunity to we can blame: the gays. “older males” initiate and convert “younger the LGBTQ community? marry), but also the way we view ourselves See, if only we hadn’t let gays start males into homosexuality.” He also claims For years both society and laws as LGBT people. We hope to see you there getting married maybe we could’ve that “pedophiles see their cause as the next marginalized us – considering our lifestyle at Affirmations Community Center at 7 P.M. prevented much of this wave of sexual great civil rights movement.” and relationships to be both unhealthy and harassment, abuse and assault. First of all, you can’t “convert” someone unstable. This forced us to develop our Jay Kaplan is a staff attorney at the ACLU Or so says WorldNetDaily’s Vice into being gay. That’s not how it works. If own unique LGBTQ identity and to form of Michigan. You can reach him at jkaplan@ President David Kupelian. anything, the outpouring of women coming relationships and a community that some aclumich.org. Joshua Magallanes is a Seattle- Kupelian writes in a Jan. 29 column that forward to speak out against the men would view as unconventional, in order for based therapist specializing in the LGBTQ abortion, out-of-wedlock births, casual sex, who sexually assaulted them only serves us to live as our authentic selves. Now that community. He can be reached at joshuatherapy. STDs and porn “testify to the wholesale to strengthen the argument that sexual we have to access to the most traditional com. Affirmations Community Center 2889 E. abandonment of the Judeo-Christian orientation isn’t something that changes and conventional institution, do we feel less Maple Road, Troy. morality of previous generations. Not to depending on one’s mood. Otherwise, LGBTQ? If so, could this have negative mention the glorification of homosexuality straight women wouldn’t continue to have (indeed, its elevation to the status of sex with straight men in this sexist trash specially protected class), the redefinition culture. of marriage and the creation of dozens And unless thousands of pedophiles ® Parting Glances of bizarre new genders that never before march on Washington, Kupelian can stuff Continued from p. 8 These AFA boycotts have not as yet been existed in all of human history.” his “next great civil rights movement” effective. Ford Motor Company has not “All of human history” is a little too nonsense. gone under. Disney World still has popular broad to tackle in this column, so I’ll just It’s important to note that when Kupelian looked the other way. gay days. And, so far, The Home Depot or say that I doubt Kupelian has researched thinks “pedophiles” he thinks “gays.” Most minded their own business. Shoah, Target — God Bless them! — have not been gender identity going back that far. I’d also But the majority of pedophiles are men the Holocaust, was underway. “Kauft nicht affected significantly. (Lesbian shoppers will like to say to the homo Deep State: glory, who abuse girls. See, for example, Roy bei Juden” visibly began. It ended with six see to that.) glory homo-lujah. Moore, a pedophile who most Republicans, million deaths. What’s disturbing is that it’s all too easy to “The predictable result of all this including Donald Trump, supported It’s no stretch of imagination to say that picture an AFA Bible bully carrying a sign, wild ‘sexual freedom?’” asks Kupelian. because even a pedophile was better than for those historians who have documented “Don’t Buy from Gays or Gay Supporters!” “Confusion, immorality, insecurity, pain, a Democrat. the history of the Holocaust, a variation can And, standing theocratic thug to thug guilt, addiction, mental illness, infidelity, Sexual abuse and assault thrives in happen again. They see cautions, hints and with them: Trump, Pence, Franklin Graham, divorce, family breakdown, depression, darkness. It is not because gays can alarming similarities between times then Pat Robertson and hundreds of so-called self-destructive behavior and suicide.” get married that Larry Nassar sexually and now. Christians who choose to remain silent. In other words, the radical left dared say assaulted so many young women. It was Trends to take note of and warnings to Choose to look the other way. One gay less that sex is normal and we should maybe because, in large part, of the shame and watch out for. Especially for LGBTQ citizens. to think about. (WWJD?) not criminalize relationships between secrecy that surrounds sex, coupled with (Trumps new victims?) consenting adults and ended up ruining the the power and influence of an abusive man. Having reviewed as much, it’s noted with Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL world and making Jesus very sad. The same is true for Harvey Weinstein or acute interest that the American Family columnist (700-plus columns) and as a well- Much better, surely, to repress and deny Trump. Association has demanded its 180,000 known LGBT community artist (1000 Face all things sexual in the name of “Judeo- Kupelian would like to go back to a time members boycott The Home Depot, Target, Book images). He is a Spirit of Detroit Award Christian morality.” when we didn’t talk about this stuff. And Ford Motor Company and Walt Disney World recipient and an Affirmations LGBT CENTER One of the problems with Kupelian’s wouldn’t you know it, “don’t talk about for their generous support of the LGBTQ Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect with him at argument – and there are many – is that he it” is strikingly similar to what abusers tell community. (81 percent of evangelical/ claims that “the left” makes no distinction their victims. fundamentalists voted for Trump.) [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 13 Local Survivor Sheds Light on Human Trafficking HUMAN RIGHTS

BY EVE KUCHARSKI It was February of my n the well-to-do suburbs of Birmingham, it can be difficult to imagine something sophomore“ year of high school. I Icriminal taking place on the streets. had a crush on this guy, and he said, However, for the then 15-year-old Theresa Flores, that was not the reality. At 15 years old, ‘Would you like a ride home from she fell victim to human trafficking. “It was February of my sophomore year school?’ I was so naive; I really though of high school. I had a crush on this guy, and he was going to take me home. He he said, ‘Would you like a ride home from school?’ I was so naive; I really thought he gave me a pop that was laced with was going to take me home,” Flores said in a biopic about her experience. “He gave me a drugs, and then I got raped. He said pop that was laced with drugs, and then I got they took these pictures, ‘We’re going raped. He said they took these pictures, ‘We’re going to show these to your dad. We’re going to show these to your dad. We’re to show these to his boss. And you have to going to show these to his boss. And earn them back.’” For the next two years, under the cover of you have to earn them back. her trafficker being her friend, Flores was forced regularly into sex work around Detroit. She told no one in her family about her secret. – Theresa Flores She credits her father’s promotion at work ” with saving her life. What are some of the impacts that sex “My dad was transferred 1,000 miles away, trafficking has on its victims? we were able to move and I didn’t tell anybody The S.O.A.P. project, which stands for Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution, is in 13 state and over 25 cities. we were leaving,” Flores said. “I don’t think In our most recent 2016 YES Survey, I’d be alive today if they hadn’t moved.” when comparing the life experiences of Today, Flores works to fight against what What are some common pitfalls for LGBTQ youth Why is the LGBTQ population particularly sex trafficked LGBTQ youth vs. non-sex she fell victim to, with the S.O.A.P. project, to watch out for, to avoid getting involved in susceptible to falling victim to this crime? trafficked LGBTQ youth, the sex trafficked which stands for Save Our Adolescents from human trafficking? The understanding of the intersectionality LGBTQ youth were significantly more likely to report a history of meth use, and a health Prostitution. And the name isn’t a random Traffickers meet the needs of an LGBTQ between LGBTQ homeless/runaway youth history of PTSD, asthma and chronic pain. acronym, six years ago, Flores realized that youth by manipulating and exploiting their is an emerging field of knowledge. What we The sex trafficked LGBTQ youth were hotel bathrooms were a good way to reach vulnerabilities. According to the Trafficking do know is that LGBTQ youth account for significantly more likely to report a history of out to victims. Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, a disproportionate rate of the runaway and self-harm, characterized by cutting, drinking “Because they usually clean up after each sex trafficking is defined as a situation “in homeless youth population, and experience alcohol excessively, using drugs, not eating man that they have to be with, and they’re in which a commercial sex act is induced by disproportionately high rates of victimization. for long periods of time and vomiting. the bathrooms alone,” Flores said. “So, every force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the In a three-year analysis, from 2014-2016, Furthermore, LGBTQ youth who had been hotel has different kinds of items, so it’s really person induced to perform such an act has the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention sex trafficked were significantly more likely an opportunity to get them alone, and they’re not attained 18 years of age.” It is always sex Research completed a longitudinal study to report negative lifetime experiences of going to see that number.” trafficking when under age 18 if there is an titled the Youth Experiences Survey (YES): physical abuse and emotional abuse by a Now, S.O.A.P. has spread to 13 states and exchange. Males, females and transgender Exploring the Sex Trafficking Experiences of parent or guardian, sexual abuse (both in is in over 25 cities nationwide. persons can be victims of sex trafficking. Homeless Young Adults in Arizona. childhood and young adult years), harassment Although Flores’ story might seem like a Common recruitment methods used (The study) ... explores the sexual by peers and dating violence. rare occurence, human trafficking can occur by traffickers include forms of deception exploitation experiences of homeless youth anywhere and to anyone, and, especially, to like seduction and romance, false job and young adults, including LGBTQ youth. Hogan also provided a list of warning signs members of the LGBTQ population — who advertisements and lies about educational or LGBTQ participants were increasingly that includes poor physical health, a lack of are considered to be at higher risk. travel opportunities. likely over the three years to report being a control of one’s possessions or money, poor January is the annual, Human Trafficking sex trafficking victim and went from being mental health or abnormal behavior and a Awareness Month, and though it is over, there Can social media play a part in trafficking? 38.4 percent in 2014 of the sex trafficked restrictive work environment. are still many steps one can take to avoid What I have seen in our research is an older group, to 54.4 percent in 2016. falling victim to it, or help someone who has. male offering a younger male a place to stay. Research from the True Colors Fund, Between the Lines spoke with Kimberly A. They meet up on a social media app and what from the Serving Our Youth Study in 2015, A full list of these warning signs can be found Hogan, who is the research project director the younger male believes to be a safe place indicated that the number one reason for online at humantraffickinghotline.org. For at the Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention to stay for the night, turns into being brought LGBTQ youth homelessness is they were more information about S.O.A.P., please visit Research in Phoenix, Arizona, to understand into the life of sex trafficking. The young forced out, or ran away from their homes. soapproject.org, or call (614) 216-1619. The the issue further, and how it relates specifically male has to engage in a sex act for a place This was for both LGBQ and Transgender national Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-(888) to the LGBTQ population. to stay. youth. 3737-888.

14 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Former Vice President Joe Biden has created advisory councils for women and LGBT rights. Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key Biden Foundation Sets Up Advisory Councils for Women, LGBT Rights BY CHRIS JOHNSON Biden Foundation, said in a statement each council member “has made it their life’s work Former Vice President Joseph Biden, to protect and advance the rights of the most among the potential Democratic candidates vulnerable.” for the 2020 presidential election, announced “We’re honored to have them volunteer on Monday the creation of two new advisory their knowledge to the Foundation as we councils for his foundation: One to advance work together to build a more just society,” LGBT rights, the other to end violence against Terrell added. women. Biden has a record of highlighting the Members of both councils are made up of issue of violence against women. As a U.S. prominent advocates on women’s and LGBT senator, he was author of the Violence Against issues, many of whom are supporters of the Women Act, a law that was reauthorized in Democratic Party. 2013 when he was vice president to include Individuals named to the LGBTQ Equality LGBT-specific protections. Advisory Council include singer Cyndi On LGBT issues, Biden was also at the Lauper, former NBA player Jason Collins, forefront. The vice president famously came transgender activist Sarah McBride, Judy out for same-sex marriage days before former Shepard, marriage equality advocate Evan President Obama and called transgender Wolfson and former U.S. ambassador to issues the “civil rights issue of our time” Romania Michael Guest. and was active in championing international Biden said in a statement members of the LGBT human rights. councils “have devoted their lives to that Lauper, co-founder of the True Colors creed, and we’re lucky to have them lend their Fund, highlighted the issue of LGBT expertise to this mission.” youth homelessness in a statement on her “By working together, we can do more to membership of the LGBT council. protect the rights of all people, expand access “In America, up to 1.6 million youth to opportunity and give every American a experience homelessness each year. 40 chance at a middle-class life,” Biden said. percent of them identify as LGBTQ, compared “I am eager for what we will accomplish to the seven percent of the general youth together.” population that is LGBTQ. The True Colors According to a statement from the Biden Fund is working hard to change that,” Lauper Foundation, the advisory councils will said. “As a lifelong ally and advocate, Vice recognize the power of public-private President Biden gets it — and today, I’m proud initiatives, serve as ambassadors for the Biden to join the Biden Foundation as we work to Foundation and guide strategic partnerships to make equality a reality.” create societal change. See article online for complete list of Louisa Terrell, executive director of the council members. www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 15 Out ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Creator Talks Show’s Beloved Gay Relationship and Living More Like His Free-Spirited Pansexual Character

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

ext time you see Dan Levy, thank him. Thank him for “Schitt’s Creek,” his super- Nbingeable comedic riff on a once-affluent family forced to live like fish out of Perrier in the podunk Canadian town the show is named after. And thank him, he who created and developed the series, which premiered in 2015 on Pop TV (and can also be seen on Netflix), for willfully remaining single only to craft and deliver more rib-tickling bons mots for the show’s fourth – and most affectionate – season. Thank him again while you’re at it, because the 34-year-old former MTV Canada co-host has somehow found the time to create yet another queer-themed project that he tells me is in the works. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, for now we have David Rose (Levy), replete with his color-averse apparel and drop-crotch pants, general distaste for people, and his animated and generally disgusted facial contortions worn like memes in the making. Johnny, David’s perpetually on-edge father, is played by real- life father and “American Pie” and “Best in Show” actor Eugene Levy, who also serves as the comedy’s co-creator. Together they’ve developed both a comedic knockout and a rich what-if satire of Kardashian life. “Schitt’s Creek” also stars Catherine O’Hara, as the deliciously histrionic wig-loving family matriarch and former soap star Moira, and Annie Murphy as Alexis, the self-involved-but-somehow-sweet daughter who once argued with David over who would get murdered first in their sketchy new motel digs. Via an allegorical wine conversation with hotel co- owner Stevie Budd (Emily Hampshire) presented in the show’s first season, “Schitt’s Creek” expertly tackled David’s pansexuality (“I do drink red wine, but I also drink white wine; I like the wine, not the label”). Then there was a throuple, and now there’s Patrick (Noah Reid), a yin-yang match so absolutely perfect for David – notice all the ways he challenges David, especially with the potential mortification of this season’s open- mic night at the store they co-own together – you’d be heartbroken if they didn’t last. Read on as Levy freewheeled his way through our conversation about living vicariously through David and Patrick’s loving relationship, opening the minds of parents with queer kids, and how David has influenced him to “to try to live my life more out loud.”

As a gay man, how personally rewarding is it to you to have one of the healthiest, most normal relationships on the show be between two queer men? You know, all I really can do is think back to a time when I didn’t think being myself was ever going to be a possibility. It’s such a full circle moment for me right now to be writing this love story for them and to Photo: Vanessa Fein look back at it and just remember that there was a time in my life when I honestly didn’t think that would be a 16 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com possibility for myself. So, it’s incredible. And to more rewarding takeaway from the experience. have the network support to really be able to tell the kinds of stories that I want to tell with it and Did you need characters like them when you were not have any interference is rare and a privilege. younger? When you have that kind of freedom, there’s It’s interesting, because it’s still kind of an also a certain level of responsibility to try and ongoing conversation on the show in terms tell the most authentic story you possibly can. of Patrick being fresh out of the closet and I think with these two characters I didn’t want exploring what that means. There’s fear on to reduce it to caricature. I didn’t want it to be either side. And, yes, I grew up knowing some kind of lesson that we’re trying to ram that my parents ultimately would not have a down someone’s throat. It was really about problem with it, but when you’re going through presenting a story of two people who have that and you’re internalizing that much fear you found love with each other. get to a point where you ask yourself, “Well, maybe they will have a problem with it; maybe You’ve made very deliberate choices regarding the I’m misreading the situation.” There are so treatment of David’s sexuality both as it relates to many questions that I think we’re forced to ask him but also as it relates to the other people in ourselves because we’re alone in that process. his life. Which show with queer themes did you gravitate Personally, I never learn when someone is toward most as you were coming into your own? trying to teach me something. I learn through experience, and presenting complete tolerance I guess it would be “Will & Grace.” I think “Will and acceptance across the board is the only & Grace” really opened up the conversation. scenario that should be existing right now. I “My So-Called Life” affected me more just want to show this without trying to make it feel because I was such a huge fan of the show. I like an educational lesson for people who don’t think we’ve come a long way, and there’s still quite understand it. a long way to go, but all you can really do is The letters that I’ve gotten from families seize the opportunities that are given to you and who are more conservative leaning and who try and make good with the power that TV can have never quite understood the fight – to offer. have letters from these people explaining that I watched the sixth episode of the new season, they’ve never had a point of entry before, that was the most amazing and eye-opening part of “Open Mic,” and it was the first time that I ugly cried this whole conversation. In a way, it opened my watching the show. In fact, until then, I hadn’t cried eyes to understanding them a little bit better and listening to Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” either. understanding that sometimes I look at it with When is the last time you serenaded a man? “how can I not see the bigotry?” but at the same Never! Because the intention is always to keep time, if people do not know what they do not them! (Laughs) (That scene) all stems from a know, all you can try to do is guide them with conversation I had with a friend of mine who a gentle hand. was seeing someone who chose to sing to them You guided Larry King with a gentle hand last year and it really just disrupted the whole momentum of their relationship because, unlike Noah who when you were on “Larry King Now” to talk about has such a beautiful voice, this person did not, the show. It was really interesting to watch the and it just didn’t work out in the end. But I knew dynamic between you and Larry as you explained Noah could sing, and I knew he was a musician pansexuality to him – that must’ve opened up going into it, so it was always my intention to a lot of eyes who hadn’t even heard the word somehow find a way for him to sing. “pansexual.” You know, I don’t love writing dialogue It’s about having conversations. We should have where people are talking about their feelings. I more of them. Talk to people instead of coming would much rather bring some fun, interesting at things with bats swinging – and don’t get me and dynamic ways of showing that kind of wrong, there are times when that is absolutely feeling, and the idea that David would be so off- necessary. But I think when it comes to the put and embarrassed by his partner choosing to world of sexuality, which is ever-changing, try sing in front of a room full of people – and then to have a conversation with people and lead to know that Noah has this voice, and that in them down the path of acceptance by way of the end we could use this as a device to really setting an example. cement them as a couple in ways that I don’t I’ve had great conversations with people on think they even expected – was really special. the streets who’ve come up and told me that And I had always had this fondness for when they came out of the closet their parents the lyrics for that song, and for a long time didn’t quite understand them, but by watching whenever it came on at a bar or something, I the show and seeing how accepting Johnny and would always be the person turning to someone Moira Rose are to their kids – the fact that it saying, “The lyrics to this song are really was never a question – allows them to feel safer, beautiful.” When you’re listening to the Tina allows them to feel like, “Oh, why am I having Turner version it’s just a pop song and people such a problem with it when these people who are like, “Yeah, I know, it’s fine,” and it’s like, I’ve come to know and love are not asking “No, no, no – the lyrics are really beautiful.” the same questions that I’m asking? Why am So, when we thought of this idea, it was the I asking them then?” And it’s changed the only option, this idea that Patrick would sort of conversation in their house. You can’t ask for a See Dan Levy, page 18 www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 17 ® Dan Levy such a tender thing; it’s a very sensitive thing for people, and there should be no pressure to Continued from p. 17 do anything until you’re ready. I do know that there’s obligation, obviously, that comes with tease David with a flashy pop song but make it being someone who’s in the public eye and his own. being able to use that, but for me it was just that you grow into yourself and you grow into What is so lovely about that scene is it really what you want to share with people publicly. subverts stereotypes about small town small- Because yeah, I do think that conversation is a mindedness – the townies are there, and they’re tricky one, and actually, I am sort of naturally celebrating Patrick and David’s love for each other quite private and don’t like attention. (Laughs) right along with them. Last year your co-star Emily Hampshire, who plays It was our intention from the get-go to never Stevie, told me men expect her to be Stevie on make the town the butt of the joke and to always dates and that she feels bad she’s not. make the family sort of the joke. We wanted the town to always be this safety net for these I know. She always says that: “Stevie’s so cool people, and for them to always feel safe there. … and then I show up.” (Laughs) Well, it gave me lots of hope. Do you have an example of that happening to you? Oh, good! That’s what we’re aiming to do, to Being a disappointment to people? Yes! be just a bit of a safe place for people for 21 (Laughs) No – I think David has brought out minutes and 50 seconds a week. the best in me as a person in terms of what I want to stand for and the kinds of things I want Where does the line between Dan Levy and David to fight for. I also have realized in ways that I Rose start and end? never did before the reach that this show has Uh, there’s a big one! It’s interesting. Yeah, I to actually affect change in people’s homes, would kill for his confidence. and you know, you have to run with that and you have to wave that flag proudly because I’d kill for some of his style. Every time I watch him there’s a lot of opposition out there. You have I’m like, “Clearly, I need more black and I need more to constantly make sure that your megaphone flow.” is being heard over all the noise, which is why (Laughs) It’s funny, ’cause in promoting the it was such a thrill for GLAAD to sponsor our show we talked to someone who was going LA event and to participate in the fundraising through some of the outfits and it was sort of campaign. And again, you get to see people a “yay or nay?” situation and it came upon coming out of the woodwork and people of all the outfit that we wear when we’re doing the different sort of backgrounds sending love to number (in episode three, “Asbestos Fest”). David and Patrick. It’s incredible to watch. I’m in, like, black with a baby’s breath sweater They’ve instilled hope that, maybe, people aren’t with matching pants and the person decided to just looking for a quickie on Grindr. “nay” the outfit and I had to gently tell her that those pants were actually my own from home Exactly. (laughs). Generally speaking, I wouldn’t wear It’s refreshing. it with a matching top, but I did wear it at one point in my real life. Yeah, it’s been really fun to play, and in a way, I think I’ve always been excited about I often wonder if I wrote that as almost some fashion, so to be able to style the show with kind of personal manifestation. If you write it, our costume designer really just scratches that they will come. (Laughs) itch for me. As a character, though, I don’t Are they coming? think we’re alike. I think some of our neuroses probably exist – the lack of patience (laughs) Not at the moment, but hopefully soon. It’s all – but you know, it’s funny, you start the first so tricky because we put so much of our time season of the show and these people are on into this show and, for me, it’s a 13-month paper at least really hard pills to swallow, and commitment, so it’s hard to be open and the intention of the show was to always make available to someone in a relationship when the takeaway “love doesn’t cost any money” my eye will always tend to wander back to the and these people will slowly start to realize show. It’s finding the balance. But yeah … one that. My takeaway from David has been to try day. to live my life more out loud because I think Are you interested in creating or playing more his unabashedness when it comes to just being realistic portrayals of queerness that cut beyond authentically himself at all times is something I caricature in the way David has? wish I employed in my own life. Of course, yeah. There is a new show that I’m But you do seem to be much more open about your working on right now with quite an amazing sexuality than before the show. queer character that I quite love. I wish I could I think when you start out it’s a really tough tell you more about it. It’s pretty fun, and if it all track to navigate. You can be really comfortable works out we will talk again and I will give you in your personal life, but the professional world the lowdown. But yes, if all goes to plan then is a very different beast. When gossip blogs there might be a new show coming out in the were outing people – I really do feel like it’s next couple of years.

18 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Michigan Native Releases Photo Book of NYC Drag Queens BY JASON A. MICHAEL Presented in the style of classic said. “After looking through it, I thought, ‘That’s it. I want to do a photo book on New ashion and fine arts photographer fashion portraiture, “DRAGS” features York City’s drag scene.’” Gregory Kramer might be at ease in legends – and up-and-coming Getting started, Kramer said, was not FNew York City’s fashion scene now, difficult. but – as with many artists – he had humble legends – in glamorous, black and “The book started with a small list of beginnings. Originally from the village of performers and a portrait of the legendary Pewamo, Michigan, Kramer always knew white, full-length studio portraits. Linda Simpson,” he said. “Linda, whom I he had an artistic eye. After graduating from had become friends with over the years, was Pewamo Westphalia High School, Kramer pivotal in putting me into contact with the enrolled at Lansing Community College and Syndey, Australia, to pursue shooting. Over other performers. From there the list grew decided to put his vision to good use. There, the course of that year I began shooting for organically. It was recommendations from he began studying photography, and soon put various publications. Then when I returned to people I just shot and searching social media any of his doubts to rest. New York I had a portfolio to start showing to fill in the gaps.” “While attending college I had the prospective clients.” Just as effortlessly as it had begun, Kramer opportunity to attend a few fashion workshops Eventually, Kramer would go on to shoot said the shoots followed suit. at Parsons in New York City,” recalled Kramer. for Harper’s Bazaar, Jane, Cosmogirl and “Every session was filled with gaiety,” he “Those workshops confirmed my career other publications. He also shot ads for clients said. “The subjects would arrive in various choice, and I knew that eventually New York such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales states of drag, or get ready at the studio. City would be my home.” and Macy’s. He said that part of what drives After hours of transforming themselves into By 1992 Kramer was settled in New York, him to continue shooting is New York’s rich their persona, dressing would begin. Zippers but he still didn’t have much to show to environment. were forced to their limits, pantyhose ran, “Aside from being the hub for the American potential clients. He decided to throw himself with NYC drag queen culture. To that end, he feet would be squeezed into heels and nails fashion industry, New York is a true melting into the world of photography and gain as recently released his first photo book, the aptly would be constantly falling off. And then, the pot,” said Kramer. “There’s real diversity much experience as possible. titled “DRAGS.” His fascination began when shooting began.” here, and a thriving subculture of artists and “My early years there were spent assisting he was looking for a new subject. Still, as lacking in conflict as the shoots performers that I find inspiring.” various photographers and during that time I “I was looking for a project, and got inspired were, there were no shortage of memorable Among those artists and performers that worked on my personal portfolio,” Kramer by Irving Penn’s book ‘Small Trades’,” he spark his creativity, Kramer is fascinated said. “Once that was together, I moved to See Drag, page 22

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20 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Mary Lambert Thinks You’re a Babe BY EVE KUCHARSKI perform songs throughout your tours? Absolutely. Yeah, if there’s one thing that I Unafraid to speak her mind, Mary Lambert is try to be firm with myself about it’s to be sure proud to say that in her eyes, everyone qualifies that I’m connected when I’m performing. I as a babe. Conveniently, “Everyone is a Babe” is cannot stand lying through a song that I don’t the name of her tour, where she’ll be showcasing believe in. If I don’t feel a song, I’m not going her newest EP “Bold.” to perform it. There’s quite a few songs that I Lambert, who is openly gay, got a kickstart to don’t feel, so I don’t perform. I’m performing her career in 2012 when she had just graduated it, because whatever the desire is, it has to be college and had begun setting herself up as an there. Otherwise, I’m a phony. I don’t want to artist in Seattle. Her friend was working with be a phony. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis on a song called “Same Love.” The track was missing both an If you had to sum it all up, what’s the one message LGBTQ voice and its hook. In less than three you hope fans get from your tour? hours, Lambert wrote it and it translated to a That it’s OK to be where you’re at. I feel track that got 189 million views on YouTube. whether you just got out of college and you Since then, Lambert has been hard at work don’t know what you’re doing, or you’re promoting her newest tour and her latest music dealing with trauma and you feel like you project. BTL caught up with Lambert while she haven’t come far enough, or you’re continually was en route to her Houston, Texas, performance making bad decision in relationships, it’s OK to chat about her exploration of various mediums, to be where you’re at. Everybody is doing their not being a phony and the importance of being “babe” means. As a femme, I feel like it’s very during the day. I wanted the absurdity to be part best. And come to my show and cry! (Laughs) OK with one’s emotional state. prevalent in our world, and I think there’s been of the humor, and I had met Sara Ramirez a this resurgence of the word which I love. I’m year prior to that and I had asked if she wanted “Bold” takes the listener on a journey. It starts off working on the next album, and it’s dark and to do it. She was super into it, too. Mary Lambert will be at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor sad, which is good. It’s cathartic and important, on Feb. 8. More information about the show and ticket with a spoken word piece, goes into high-intensity By the time you’ll be at the Blind Pig, your tour will but I wanted to have a celebration before I just information can be found at marylambertsings.com. pop, and ends with a peaceful duet with your be nearly over. Do you find you change how you mother. Was that wave-like approach intentional? punch everyone in the throat. (Laughs) I wanted a good arc. My passion is in music Where did you get the idea for your latest single, composition, so I’m really focused on orchestral “Know Your Name”? writing and symphonic composition. I feel like I just wanted to start partnering with different that’s always in my blood a little bit, so I think producers, and I would love to write some of things in terms of a mathematical quality, of pop songs. And so they (Kobalt Publishing) a balance, of making sure that things always introduced me to Tobias Karlsson who was sort come out to zero (laughs). And I think that’s of from the Max Martin camp. why that arc is really necessary that there’s I went to his house and the musical track balance. I’m also bipolar (laughs) – that’s got to was already done and I thought, “Oh, this is so also be part of the equation. punchy and fun.” And it’s a familiar narrative of Did you always have plans to include a spoken word – I don’t know if anybody else does this, maybe piece as the second track? I’m just totally delusional – but if someone cute walks into a room, I’ve created an entirely new Spoken word is just a part of my artistic life (laughs) and we have children, and we have expression. I love songwriting, but there is dogs! I just wanted it to be fun, and I wanted sort of desire to think pragmatically about how people to crank it in the summertime and think something functions or the techniques, “Does about their crush, too. this fit right here in the chorus?” I just feel like there’s a bit more freedom with spoken word. Where did the arcade setting come in for the music They’re just different beasts, and I love the video? ability and the privilege to do both recording- There’s a barcade by my house that I love so wise and performance-wise. I just feel like much, and I was there with my assistant and she if I could do pottery, I would also do pottery kind of was like, “Hey, what if the ‘Know Your (laughs). I just have so many feelings and I Name’ the tag was about someone having the need to get them out. I need two art forms to do best score and you don’t know who they are, it, because there’s so much. but you know their initials,” and I loved it. I Do you really think everyone is a babe? love the “Bad Blood” music video. I just think it’s so badass, and I was like, “I want to make Everybody is a babe is something that I tweeted my own girl group!” three years ago (laughs). It’s just something that I knew I wanted it to be very queer and diverse I always felt like saying: “Everybody is a babe!” and so I had to have some of my friends in it Of course, it’s the same theme of like, “Beauty and have this sort of hilarious, post-apocalyptic is in the eye of the beholder,” and those sort of vibe in an arcade, and just have these babes that things. There’s just so many great things that were taking over the arcade in modern time, www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 21 Cool Cities Necto Pride Night Features BenDeLaCreme

BY BTL STAFF

ans of BenDeLaCreme will expect nothing less than Y NHBHD Y AT her “terminally delightful” Pinpoint our ad doars here the i do the most good F outlook when she visits Ann Adertise in the net Coo Cities T PLAC AN AD CALL 22 Arbor’s Necto Pride Night. For over a decade, “DeLa,” as fans call her, has mixed a unique blend of performance art and comedy together for a “sweet as pie and Ypsi Pride Hosts Turnabout Fundraiser sharp as cheddar” mix. BenDeLaCreme is the the stage number in their chosen garb. BY BTL STAFF name of Benjamin Putnam, a Although performers have not Seattle-based performer. Putnam n preparation for the second yet been officially announced, shot to international fame as annual Ypsi Pride, Ypsi is Ypsi Pride has already chosen a a contestant on season six of holding a fundraiser. However, lineup of local drag performers “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Since I BenDeLaCreme Courtesy of YouTube. it won’t be just a boring evening to take the stage. finishing fifth, Putnam has of donations. Instead, they’re The show will be held at Bona Sera performed all over the U.S., putting on a drag show. This show Europe and Australia and is slated to be a contestant ‘Beware the Terror of Gaylord Manor,’ which enjoyed is a bit different than normal, it’s Underground at 200 W. Michigan, for season three of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars.” a month of sold-out audiences last year and will return a turnabout. Turnabout shows Ypsilanti. Doors open at 9 p.m. and Putnam has also written three critically acclaimed to ACT Theatre this October.” are when a drag king or queen the show starts at 10 p.m. The show solo shows, “Terminally Delightful,” “Cosmos” and Doors open at 9 p.m., the show is at 9:45 p.m. with an encore dresses up or does their take on is for ages 18 and up, and admission “Inferno A-Go-Go,” each premiering Off-Broadway. a person who doesn’t perform in is $8 at the door, with a $2 discount at midnight. Meet and Greet tickets are available for $25. According to bendelacreme.com “She has produced, drag. At the Ypsi Pride fundraiser, Necto is located at 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Tickets for attendees with student IDs. More written, directed and performed in many of Seattle’s each participating king and queen are available online at ticketbrite.com. information can be found online at favorite shows including her most recent creation, will then perform their favorite gaybe.am/mc.

® Drag Continued from p. 19

moments. “I remember a time when one of my models, Bobbie, arrived with baggage that a porter would have trouble handling,” Kramer said. “After hauling it all into the studio she realized she had left one piece of luggage in the cab. That piece of luggage held every piece of clothing that Bobbie owned. Fortunately the cab driver Bobbie remembered Bobbie, and, in the end, her luggage arrived.” Presented in the style of classic fashion portraiture, “DRAGS” features legends – and up-and-coming legends – in glamorous, black and white, full-length studio portraits. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Ali Forney Center, a New York-based non-profit that is dedicated to helping homeless LGBTQ youth. While basking in the success of the project, Kramer has already moved onto his next series of subjects. “I just started shooting a project called DOWNTOWN,” he said. “It’s studio portraits of the downtown scene including burlesque dancers, cabaret performers, writers, influencers and of course a few more drag kings and queens.” To learn more about Gregory Kramer’s DRAGS, visit dragsbook.com.

22 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 23 Valentine’s Day with OUTINGS your special someone First Aid Kit to Perform at St. Andrew’s Hall and French cabaret Thursday, Feb. 9 vocalist Cyrille Aimée. Sisters Klara and Johanna Soderberg became internationally famous in Swing Dance Party 9:00 pm Dust off TICKETS: $49 – VIP 2008 when their cover of “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” went viral. Since those dancing shoes and come decked Experience -Includes out in your best vintage attire for the reserved section then, the indie folk duo has released four albums, along with their latest, ultimate swing dance party at The Cube premium seating and “Ruins,” which dropped in the middle of January. First Aid Kit is kicking off Max M. & Marjorie S. in Midtown Detroit. Arrive early for a the start of its international tour with some North American dates, and will dance lesson and your favorite Max M. Fisher Music Center, & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 3711 Woodward be performing at St. Andrew’s Hall on Feb. 3. Doors open at 7 p.m., all ages Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 3135765162 Avenue,Detroit. welcome. Tickets start at $89.01. More information can be found online at https://www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. 3135765162 https:// aspx?id=4971&prod=4970 www.dso.org/ firstaidkitband.com and livenation.com. ShowEventsView. Tuesday, Feb. 20 Does Addiction Treatment Work? aspx?id=4760&prod=4759 legendary jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon, “The Breasts of Tiresias” Feb. 23, 7:30 7:30 pm By Carl Christensen, MD, Ph.D., François Cluzet,and Herbie Hancock pm Tickets: $25 adults, $15 students Jam D-FASAM. Learn about the relative Le Ciné Cube Feb. 16, 10:30 pm Film and captures the Paris jazz scene of Handy, 2900 E. Grand Blvd.,Detroit. 313- efficacy of various treatments for Shorts + Live Music by the Andrew the1950s. Martin Scorsese, Max M. & 451-0806 http://www.operamodo.com addiction. Free. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Alden Ensemble Silent French films Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 come to life with live music performed Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 3135765162 Ravel’s “The Child and the Spells” and Education Center Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Poulenc’s “The Breasts of Tiresias” Drive,Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725 http:// by the Andrew Alden Ensemble. From https://www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. 1920’s Avant-Garde horror to famous aspx?id=4762&prod=4761 Feb. 24, 7:30 pm Tickets: $25 adults, www.dawnfarm.org/programs/education- $15 students Jam Handy, 2900 E. Grand series shorts by French Filmmaker Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Ravel’s “The Child and the Spells” and Blvd.,Detroit. 313-451-0806 http://www. Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 3135765162 Poulenc’s “The Breasts of Tiresias” operamodo.com Saturday, Feb. 24 https://www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. Feb. 22, 7:30 pm Tickets: $25 adults, $15 students Jam Handy, 2900 E. Grand Les Nubians + DJ Cambeaux 9:30 pm The Erotic Poetry & Music Festival 8:00 aspx?id=4765&prod=4764 Vocal Duo Les Nubians, comprised of pm “An eclectic celebration of the erotic Blvd.,Detroit. 313- arts!” The infamous “Erotic Poetry & Music Le Ciné Cube Feb. 17, 5:30 pm Screening 451-0806 http://www. Festival” is Detroit’s oldest community arts of Round Midnight + Q&A Bertrand operamodo.com festival. “An eclectic celebration of the Tavernier’s 1986 American-French musical drama film Round Midnight stars Ravel’s “The Child and erotic arts!” it features provocative poetry, the Spells” and Poulenc’s dirty spoken word, erotic Tangent Gallery, 715 East Milwaukee Avenue,Detroit. 2484451277 http://www.facebook.com/ EroticPoetryandMusicFestival Tuesday, Feb. 27 Galerie Camille’s GeometriX Open Relapse Prevention 7:30 pm By Erik Anderson LMSW, CAADC will describe Explores Form, Light and Color creative, effective strategies to handle both every-day and high-risk situations When artistic mediums converge it can be a beautiful in recovery from addiction. Free. St. thing. With Galerie Camille’s lastest exhibition GeometriX Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Art by James Benjamin Franklin. Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive,Ypsilanti. just that happened. Artists James Benjamin Franklin, 734-485-8725 http://www.dawnfarm.org/ Clark Goeman and Franklin Jonas merged their collective programs/education-series skills in working with steel, ceramics, lacquers and resins into a mathematically-oriented exhibition. GeometriX challenges audiences to perceive geometric MUSIC & MORE concepts artistically. Open now through Feb. 24, the exhibition is free and open to the public. Galerie Valentine’s Day With Cyrille Aimée Camille is located at 4130 Cass Ave., Detroit. More information about the exhibition can be found Feb. 14, 7:00 pm “A massively talented international chanteuse,” exclaims online at galeriecamille.com, or by calling 313-974-6737. the New York Observer. Spend this

24 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com D-Cyphered: Portraits by Jenny Risher at the DIA Famous for its prolific techno and Motown scenes, Detroit changed the face of music history. However, Detroit native Jenny Risher’s D-Cyphered series pays homage to the city’s deep history of hip-hop. The exhibition consists of 75 portraits taken in the span of two years, and was made in collaboration with some of the city’s most influential artists, producers and DJs. This exhibition is free with museum general admission — admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The Detroit Institute of Arts is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. More information about the exhibition can be found online at dia.org.

sisters Hélène and Célia Faussart from production, industrial manufacturing, and District Library for “Community Show Paris France, brings their distinctive contemporary design. Independently and and Tell: Music that Inspires.” Join us Afropean, Urban, R&B sound to The Cube Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann and share a song or piece of music that for an evening not to be missed. Max M. Arbor. 734-668-8397 https://stamps. inspires you or your life. This ferndale & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 umich.edu/stamps/detail/stephen_burks public library, 222 E 9 Mile Rd,Ferndale. Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 3135765162 2485462504 https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.dso.org/ShowEventsView. Satori Circus: These Are My Friends events/108153576658387/ aspx?id=4749&prod=4748 7:00 pm Performance Artist SATORI CIRCUS, performs with The Theatre A2CT Auditons for Arcadia Feb. 8, 7:00 A2CT’s 9th Annual Chili Cook – Off Bizarre Orchestra under the leadership pm Ann Arbor Civic Theatre announces Feb. 25, 2:00 pm Ann Arbor Civic Theatre of Joshua James. Featured acts opening auditions for its main stage production announces its ninth Annual Chili Cook-Off the show include: Michigan artists Josie of Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, directed by on Sunday, February 25 from 2-5 pm at Pace, Lushes LaMoan, Scott Dambacher Melissa Freilich. Auditions will take place The Wolverine State Brewing Company at (Scotty D.), The F.A.H. Corps The Crofoot, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 8 and 9, at 7 2019 West Stadium Blvd, A2, MI, 48103. 1 s. Sagina,Pontiac. 248-850-9333 www. A2CT Studio Theatre, 322 W. Ann St.,Ann Tickets for the event Wolverine State thecrofoot.com https://www.facebook. Arbor. 734-971-2228 www.a2ct.org/ Brewing Company, 2019 W. Stadium com/events/149039172418719/ audition Blvd,Ann Arbor. 734-369-2990 www. wolverinebeer.com http://www.a2ct.org Penny Stamps Series presents Jaime Hayon: Design Follows Function, and Ravel’s “The Child and the Spells” and then What? 5:10 pm Spanish artist- Poulenc’s “The Breasts of Tiresias” designer Jaime Hayon was born in Madrid Feb. 25, 7:30 pm Tickets: $25 adults, in 1974. From his very first collections, $15 students Jam Handy, 2900 E. Grand Hayon has been at the forefront of a new Blvd.,Detroit. 313-451-0806 http://www. wave that blurs the lines between art, operamodo.com decoration, and design, leading Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397 https://stamps.umich.edu/ ART ‘N’ AROUND stamps/detail/jaime_hayon Monet – Framing Life 9:00 am One ticket The Erotic Poetry & Music Festival 8 pm sends you on on two artistic adventures “An eclectic celebration of the erotic arts!” — Monet: Framing Life and Church: A The infamous “Erotic Poetry & Music Painter’s Pilgrimage. Travel to distinct Festival” is Detroit’s oldest community places and time in history to experience arts festival. “An eclectic celebration the world as these two artists did. of the erotic arts!” Tangent Gallery, Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward 715 East Milwaukee Avenue,Detroit. Ave.,Detroit. 313-833-7900 http://www. 2484451277 http://www.facebook.com/ dia.org EroticPoetryandMusicFestival The Art of Containment 12:00 pm 50 plus Vessels from Bloomfield Hills resident Sidney Swidler’s Collection, curated & THEATER amassed over 30 years! Tickets: Adults Into The Woods pm Tickets $23- $7, Kids $5, Senior Citizens $5, Free under $26.50 Baldwin Theatre, 415 South 12, FREE SATURDAYS! Flint Institute of Lafayette,Royal Oak. 2485418027 http:// Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St.,Flint. 810-234- www.stagecrafters.org 1695 https://flintarts.org Our Lady of Poison pm Giulia Tofana Joseph Keckler: Dragon at the Edge of and her daughter Girolama are beloved a Flat World, Penny Stamps Speaker apothecaries, and skilled poisoners. This Series Special Event 5:30 pm Special mother-daughter team run an infamous Event: Wednesday, February 7 at 5:30 pm underground operation to provide / Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washingon unfortunate wives with an escape from St, Ann Arbor 48109 Straddling the worlds untenable marriages. Based on historical of music, art, and performance, Joseph events. Check Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Keckler has garnered acclaim for his rich, Putnam Road,Williamston. 517-655- versatile Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. SHOW http://www.williamstontheatre.org Washingon St,Ann Arbor. (734) 764-8572 http://www.rackham.umich.edu/rackham- A2CT Junior Theatre Audition building/amphitheatre https://stamps. Workshop Feb. 3, 10:00 am A2CT will umich.edu/stamps/detail/joseph_keckler2 hold a workshop on auditioning for Junior Theatre productions on Saturday, Penny Stamps Speaker Series February 3, from 10:00am to noon at the presents Stephen Burks: Towards a A2CT Studio, 322 West Ann Street, Ann New Perception of Design 5:10 pm Arbor, MI, 48104. As a part of A2CT Studio Stephen Burks believes in a pluralistic Theatre, 322 W. Ann St.,Ann Arbor. 734- vision of design that is inclusive of 971-2228 http://www.a2ct.org all cultural perspectives. His ongoing Man Made project bridges the gap DMTC Library Series: Community Show separating authentic developing-world and Tell Feb. 7, 7:00 pm Join Detroit Mercy Theatre Company at Ferndale Area www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 25 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS A Safe Space for Comedy

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

f you ask Kai Quix what her comedy strategy is, it’s simple: Ibe honest. “I try to just speak about myself basically. Nearly all of my jokes are 100 percent true,” she said. “Like a thought I actually had, or something that happened to me. You know, just dates I’ve had or public reactions to my being a visible trans person.” Moss Earns LGBTQ And, after being an active member of Detroit’s comedy scene for a year now, 30-year-old Quix Support in Bid for has not only been developing her own style of comedy, she’s been providing a platform for other people like herself who might not State Senate be heard in the mainstream: her monthly Quix, Women & Queers BY BTL STAFF Comedy Showcase. “It’s old news that the comedy A photo of the first Quix Women & Queers Comedy Showcase. Photo by Nicholas McComber. LGBTQ Victory Fund announced their endorsement scene in itself is predominantly today of Democrat Jeremy Moss, candidate for “I’m going to try to cut Michigan’s 11th State Senate District. male. I think that it’s, currently, that back, so I have 8 comics “Victory Fund is thrilled to endorse Jeremy Moss,” not being fixed, but improved by It’s old news that the comedy scene in itself total, so that everyone has said Victory Fund President and CEO Annise Parker. more women hosts, more women “Jeremy’s record of taking on the big issues facing booking the events, as well as more is predominantly male. I think that it’s, currently, a little bit more time. Just a men being aware of featuring more “ rule of thumb that comedy Michigan residents makes him the best candidate for not being fixed, but improved by more women the State Senate. He has been a vital LGBTQ voice women comics and the events and shows shouldn’t be over two in the Michigan House and we’re ready to work on whatnot,” Quix said. “I feel like hosts, more women booking the events, as well as hours,” Quix said. “They his campaign to serve in the Legislature’s upper what my show is more so trying to say 90 minutes, but I won’t chamber.” address is not necessarily the gender more men being aware of featuring more women keep it over two hours, so the Victory Fund is a national organization dedicated demographics, but the types of jokes comics and the events and whatnot. audience doesn’t get antsy.” to electing openly LGBTQ people who can further that seem to keep women away from Quix said she can also equality at all levels of government. comedy events pretty effectively, foresee her comedy showcase like rape and sexual assault and just evolving into a multi-media Moss was first elected to the Michigan House – Kai Quix in 2014 with Victory Fund’s support and became general degrading.” ” platform. the state’s second openly gay legislator alongside So, Quix has decided to exclude “Another way I’d like to Kalamazoo Rep. Jon Hoadley. With the election of the group that she feels perpetuate expand the show is moving Rep. Tim Sneller of Burton in 2016, the three-member these kind of jokes the most. beyond stand-up comedians House LGBTQ Caucus introduced legislation this “I don’t want to tell people what having all these comebacks ready for it. and moving into spoken word term to protect Michiganders from discrimination in they can and can’t say, so the simple But, I think I’m not entirely sure why that and music that has an element of humor housing, employment and public accommodations solution in my mind is to just exclude the is. I would imagine it’s because I’m trans. to it,” she said. “I want to re-encourage because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. straight male demographic that’s been Or, other comics have noticed, because I people who feel kind of disillusioned to go Hoadley and Sneller also announced their basically the root of nearly all of the draw the attention of the room a little bit back into the larger comedy scene, and to endorsement of Moss’ candidacy. complaints from women that I hear about better due to my differentness. But nothing have a space for women who are just sick “I’m excited to hit the 2018 campaign trail to the comedy scene in general,” Quix said. transphobic or hateful or anything like that of it, where they know they’re not going become Victory Fund’s first endorsed candidate to And so far, Quix said she has been at all. I’m fortunate.” to walk away offended or bummed out.” serve in the State Senate,” Moss said. “Our LGBTQ pleasantly surprised at the lack of heckling And that “differentness” is what drew community can count on me to be a strong voice in the comics to her first show last December. she’s received about the idea for her show, The Quix, Women & Queers Comedy Showcase State Senate, not only to push for our civil rights but or the fact that she is an out transgender The lineup consisted of 14 female or will have its next event on Sunday, Feb. 11. The also to continue to fight for government accountability woman onstage. LGBTQ comics that she met over the event is BYOB and free with a $5-10 suggested and transparency that will benefit every Michigander.” “People very rarely actually yell things course of her career. Right now, she’s in Michigan’s 11th State Senate District includes 11 out to me. It’s not frustrating, it’s fine,” the process of refining the show’s setup donation. It is located at the Trumbullplex at communities in southern Oakland County. The seat she said with a laugh. “I’ve actually told in preparation for her upcoming Feb. 11 4210 Trumbull Ave., Detroit. More information will be open in 2018 due to term limits. a joke about expecting to be heckled and showcase. can be found online at gaybe.am/va.

26 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com From Outlaw to Conformist LGBTQ Identity in the Age of Marriage Equality

BY BTL STAFF those relationships? ACLU of Michigan Attorney Jay Kaplan or years the LGBTQ population has and Seattle therapist Joshua Magallanes been considered to be a group of are offering a workshop to answer these Foutlaws, living outside the margins of questions. It explores both legal and public what are considered to be healthy and stable policy changes regarding LGBTQ rights, relationships. LGBTQ relationships and the while addressing the impact that these changes families of those within the community were have on LGBTQ identities and relationships. disregarded by the law and disapproved by This workshop is both informatio- and interaction- society. In some ways, this forced LGBTQ people to develop a unique identity, living driven, and will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7p.m. life on their own terms. On June 26, 2015 (registration begins at 6:30). Refreshments will things changed legally, when the U.S. be provided. For more information, contact Jay Supreme Court held that same-sex couples Kaplan at [email protected]. have a constitutional right to marry. Now, the LGBTQ population can revel in the fact that its members can have relationships accorded SEE RELATED OP-ED the same legal protections and societal From Outlaw to Conformist recognition as heterosexual couples. Still, Viewpint on p. 12 questions remain: How does that impact the LGBTQ identity? How does marriage impact Inclusive Justice Urges Educators to Support LGBTQ Students, Sign Letter

BY BTL STAFF Questioning (LGBTQ) Students. We strongly encourage the adoption of lthough based out of Ann Arbor’s these guidelines for all public and private LGBTQ Jim Toy Center, Inclusive K-12 schools, colleges, and universities in AJustice describes itself as a “state- Michigan. wide, faith-based coalition, inclusive of all Our schools are an integral part of our traditions that affirm the inherent dignity communities, reflecting our values and and worth of every human being as a matter commitment to our children’s lives and of spiritual conviction.” The charity dates their education. We believe these guidelines back to 1993, when it began motivating reinforce safe and supportive learning religious communities to accept the LGBTQ environments for all students in Michigan, population. Now, it is using its influence in and offer the best path forward to reduce the religious circles to aid LGBTQ students. unique obstacles our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, “The State Board of Education approved Transgender and Questioning students supportive guidelines for LGBTQ students in encounter in pursuit of their education. September of 2016. Schools want to know if We support these guidelines because they people of faith support these guidelines,” said protect the dignity of all students, helping an Inclusive Justice press release. to ensure that all students are treated with The group is urging religious people who respect and understanding. support the LGBTQ community to sign a Our diverse faith traditions and lived letter to affirm their support for LGBTQ experiences teach us to love our neighbor youth. Details about the letter and a means to and honor all life. We take this obligation sign up can be found online at gaybe.am/2W. seriously and believe strongly that the Its full text is below: guidelines support this belief by thoughtfully addressing family and school engagement, as Dear Education Professional, well as student needs. Those signed below are in agreement As Faith Leaders and People of Faith that these guidelines should be adopted in Michigan, we urge you to consider without delay and we, along with our faith immediate adoption of the State Board of communities, urge your full support. Education Statement and Guidance on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments for Visit gaybe.am/2W for more information about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and the letter, and a means to sign it. www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 27 Classifieds Call 734-293-7200 ext.22 301 EMPLOYMENT - 320 EMPLOYMENT – 1102 EROTICA - GENERAL WANTED MASSAGE

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808 ARTS & LEISURE - PSYCHICS

Psychic Maggie Kelly, renowned Irish clairaudient, defines Detroit: 18+ relationships, insures suc- 313-481-9301 MegaMates.com cess. 832-358-7464.

28 BTL | February 1, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Q Puzzle 39 Position in Bernstein’s 10 “Billy Elliot” epithet orchestra 11 Rent alternative 41 Gilbert or Teasdale 12 Stroke your furry one 42 Amy chaser Ben 13 New Age music pioneer 44 ...and because 20-Across is 21 Dating from probably this 22 “...our gay apparel, ___...” 46 Where “Aida” premiered 25 German sub 47 Butler of “Gone with the 26 Our, in “Les Miserables” Wind” 27 Can’t bear the thought of 48 It may follow directions 29 Essen exclamation 49 Personal-ad stat 30 Cary Grant’s real last name 51 Desists 32 Recess at St. Peter’s 56 What it’s hard to keep when 33 Lickety-split you read the claims of McInnes 34 Be a success in life 59 Hoofbeat of a stallion 35 “ ___ the Family” 62 “Frasier” pup 36 River near Dunkirk 63 Rock’s Jethro 37 Like grumpy Bert on Sesame 64 Enjoy phone sex Street 65 Speed skater Blanchart 40 Suffix with duct 66 Red rind contents 43 Bear’s fur 67 “Climb ___ Mountain” 45 Editor’s word 68 Former Mouseketeer Don 47 Woolf’s “The Common ___ “ 69 Meter maid of rock 50 Allman ex of Cher You’re Fired, and Furiously 52 Last word of a fairy tale Down 53 Gulf war ally Across and Fury” 23 Mary Cassatt, for one 1 S, as in Socrates 54 Fame 1 Filed for palimony, e.g. 24 Three R’s supporter 2 Old line for cockpit workers 55 1965 voter registration drive 5 Gay rodeo accessory 25 And, in Aachen 3 Log Cabin Republican’s poster site 10 Jeremy Irons title, in “The 28 Tests that could make you word 56 Able to bend over Borgias” go down? 4 New ___ (birthplace of 57 It comes out of your head 14 Lesbos, for one 31 What a surrogate mom goes Urvashi Vaid) 58 What you do to loins 15 Ike’s opponent into 5 Where Eliza cheered for Dover 59 Broadway role for Antonio 16 Wilson of “Zoolander” 33 Gavin McInnes claims you 6 Ryan of porn 60 “Little Miss Evil” writer 17 Man in a skirt, perhaps can’t trust 20-Across because 7 What there oughta be Raphael 18 Pieces of Porter’s fuel? he has this... 8 Chicken hawk’s weapons 61 Water sports accessory Find Your Tools of Engagement 19 “I’m ___ your tricks!” 37 Hoffman title role 9 Gay partners can walk this in 20 Author of Trump expose “Fire 38 Tammy Baldwin and others every state Find solution to this puzzle at www.pridesource.com

There are hundreds of businesses and nonprofits in this edition of Pride Source Magazine & they welcome everyone. Invest in equality and work with organizations that support Michigan’s LGBTQ community!

128 Pages of Essential Michigan Resources In print & online @ www.pridesource.com www.PrideSource.com February 1, 2018 | BTL 29 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Find over 300 Non-Profit Listings Serving Michigan’s LGBTQ Online @ pridesource.com

Editor’s Note: This is a sampling U-M Ann Arbor Ferndale, MI of the hundreds of Michigan Spectrum Center 248-398-7105 non-profits working with the [email protected] Legal LGBTQ community across the http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu state. From time to time this print 734-763-4186 American Civil Liberties Union resource will emphasize different Oakland University Gender of Michigan sectors as space permits. & Sexuality Center Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney, LGBT Project 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI [email protected] www.aclumich.org AIDS/HIV www.oakland.edu/gsc 313-578-6800 248-370-4336 Fair Michigan There are dozens of AIDS/HIV organizations Eastern Michigan University and resources listed at www.PrideSource. PO Box 6136 com. Here are just three of them: LGBT Resource Center Plymouth, MI 48170 AIDS Walk Detroit emich.edu/lgbtrc 877-432-4764, 313-556-2300 734-487-4149 fairmichigan.org Contact [email protected] or FtM A2 Ypsi The Lawrence Tech LGBT Facebook.com/fairmichigan2016 248-399-9255 for more information. [email protected] The walk takes place this year on Resource Center Know Your RIghts Project https://www.facebook.com/ Sunday, Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. at the ltu.edu/student_affairs/lgbt.asp Outlaws U-M student group ftma2ypsi/ Royal Oak Farmers Market Wayne State JIGSAW [email protected] Transgender Michigan Find a digital version of PrideSource Macomb County STD Clinic 734-995-9867 Facebook.com/groups/WayneStateJIGSAW 23211 Woodward Ave. Magazine online under Our LGBT 27690 Van Dyke [email protected] Older Adults Ferndale, MI Yellow Pages Warren, MI 48093 SAGE Metro Detroit [email protected] 586-465-9217 Community Centers www.transgendermichigan.org http://health.macombgov. Michigan has nine active LGBTQ 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI Find these resources online 313-578-6812 800-842-2954 org/Health-Programs-HPDC- community centers, with a tenth planned Adoption Services HIVAIDSCounselingTesting sagemetrodetroit.org Trans Sistas of Color Project in Lansing. Here are three of them. AIDS/HIV Hotlines Facebook: SAGE Metro Detroit 19641 W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit Matrix Ryan White Jim Toy Community Center AIDS/HIV Organizations 313-537-7000 Ext 107 Political Alzheimer’s Association HIV/AIDS Program Ann Arbor [email protected] Animal Shelter 120 Parsons Street www.jimtoycenter.org. The LGBT and Allies Caucus of the www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ Anti-Violence Detroit, MI 48201 www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter Michigan Democratic Party or follow them on Twitter @ Youth Archives/Collections 888-226-6366 Facebook.com/TheLGBTA- 248-545-1435 JimToyCenter. Ruth Ellis Center Campus; Student and Alumni Groups 319 Braun Court CaucusoftheMDP Cancer Support Groups www.matrixhumanservices.org/ 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI programs/ryanwhite/ Ann Arbor, MI Stonewall for Revolution Choruses 734-995-9867 48203 www.facebook.com/ Community Centers UNIFIED - HIV Health and Beyond [email protected] Employee Resource Groups LGBT Detroit stonewall4reolution Facebook: Ruth Ellis Center 3011 W. Grand Blvd. Suite 230 Families and Parents 313-252-1950 Detroit, MI 48202 Detroit Professional Groups Foster Care www.lgbtdetroit.org. 313-446-9800 Ozone House Foundations and Funders www.facebook.com/lgbtdetroit Detroit Regional LGBT www.miunified.org 102 N. Hamilton Street Hotlines & Switchboards Michigan HIV/STD Hotline or follow them on Twitter @ Chamber of Commerce LGBTDetroit. Ypsilanti, MI Labor Union 800-872-2437 P.O. Box 32446 20025 Greenfield Road 734-662-2265 Legal Organizations Detroit, MI 48232 Advocacy Detroit, MI 734-662-2222 Museums detroitlgbtchamber.com Phone: 313-397-2127 Music Groups Equality Michigan 1-800-DET-LGBT Stand With Trans Affirmations National Organizations 19641 W. 7 Mile, Detroit, MI Ties Like Me Farmington, MI Political Organizations 313-537-7000 Ferndale www.standwithtrans.org Professional networking events Professional Organizations equalitymi.org http://goaffirmations.org 248-739-9254 third Weds. 5:30 - 8 p.m. Religious & Spiritual Facebook.com/equalitymichigan www.facebook.com/Affirmations/ TiesLikeMe.org Senior Living Campus or follow them on Twitter @ Seniors GoAffirmations. Suits And The City Social/Community Organizations Currently there are 19 organizations listed 290 W. Nine Mile Road Lansing, MI Sports as active online at www.pridesource.com/ [email protected] yellow pages. The following are some in the Substance Abuse www.suitsandthecity.org southeast Michigan area: Transgender Groups/Services Transgender Women’s Health Youth Services Get Listed, Promote Your Events FtM Detroit You can add or update any listing by going to www.PrideSource.com and https://www.facebook.com/ clicking on Yellow Pages. Once you submit your listing, our staff will contact FtMDetroit/ you to confirm your information. [email protected]. You can add your event to the Pride Source Calendar online and in print by going to www.PrideSource.com and clicking on Calendar, then “Add Event.” Send any press releases and announcements to [email protected]

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