Ron Owens: Right-Hand Man and Rising Star Gretchen Whitmer’S Deputy Political Director Is Democratic Standout

Ron Owens: Right-Hand Man and Rising Star Gretchen Whitmer’s Deputy Political Director is Democratic Standout

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM SEPT. 13, 2018 | VOL. 2637 | FREE

Join The Conversation @ Pridesource.com

NATIONAL NEWS THE INTERVIEW

Ron Owens with Gretchen Whitmer at Motor City Pride 2018. Photo courtesy of Ron Owens. COVER 6 Ron Owens: Right-Hand Man and Rising Star KAVANAUGH HEARINGS, NO COMMENT, NO COMFORT NEWS 4 BTL History Wheel See Page 16 6 Ron Owens: Right-Hand Man and Rising Star See Page 12 8 Wayne State to Host Opioid Awareness Day Sept. 18 8 The Struggles of Organizing as Trans Women of INTERNATIONAL NEWS THEATER SAVE THE DATE Color 9 Stand with Trans Youth Empowerment Workshop OPINION 10 Parting Glances 10 Viewpoint 11 Creep of the Week LIFE 16 Anna Kendrick: Fresh with a Twist 24 Deep Inside Hollywood 25 Puzzle and Crossword 26 Happenings COOL CITIES: ANN ARBOR INDIA SUPREME COURT DR JEKYL AND MR. HYDE HAPPENINGS 21 Penny Seats Theatre Company Features ‘Dr. Jekyl RULING DECRIMINALIZES and Mr. Hyde’ 22 Jim Toy Community Center September LezRead HOMOSEXUALITY Features ‘The Stone Sky’ 22 Aut Bar Celebrates Anniversary See Page 14 See Page 21 See Page 26

VOL. 2637 • SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 EDITORIAL News & Feature Writers ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 1078 Editor in Chief Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown, Todd A. Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 Heywood, Ellen Knoppow, Jason Michael, Drew Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] Howard, Jonathan Thurston [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 CREATIVE Phone 734.293.7200 Entertainment Editor Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL Webmaster & MIS Director Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106 Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] PUBLISHERS [email protected] [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Columnists Feature News Editor Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 104 MEMBER OF Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 108 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski, Sign up online to receive our E–Digest [email protected] National LGBT Media Association Gwendolyn Ann Smith National Advertising Representative National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Editorial Assistant Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Q Syndicate Cartoonists Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105 Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau [email protected] 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 Contributing Photographers fine advertisers, 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, Andrew Cohen Copyright 2018 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 3 February - Detroit AIDS Housing Approved by City January - Let It Be 0 S – Council: Resolved: ‘ 9 1 9 E 9 Wellness House and Cass Corridor A proposed resolution intended to H 8 Group collaborated to renovate Temple help stop anti-gay attacks in Ferndale T Towers. The housing development with was both presented and unanimously 60 housing units was only the second adopted by the Ferndale city council. project in the nation to bring together This is the first time that any elected a neighborhood-based organization body in Ferndale has ever passed and AIDS service agency to provide anything to do with gay and lesbian affordable housing for homeless people people, according to Craig living with HIV/AIDS. Pictured: Rob Covey, president of the Friends Fetzer, executive director of Wellness and Neighbors of Ferndale. House This was in response to an upsurge in the number FLASHING April - Greek History:

Greg Gruley, a 22-year-old BACK TO psychology major, became the first openly gay man at Central Michigan University to be initiated into a Greek social THE PAST: fraternity on April 26.

November - Vanity Plate Okay:

In an effort to increase LGBT visibility and to support his gay son, PFLAG member Mike Neubecker purchased a state of Michigan license plate that reads “GAY SON.” The Secretary of State delayed the July - Serving LGBT process, stating the controversial auto tag Students: “might be offensive” and that it “might not be in good taste.” With help from statewide E. Frederic Dennis, coordinator for organization, the Triangle Foundation, the Residence Life at Emory University plate was issued and delivered on Nov. 5. in Atlanta, was named director of the Office of LGBT Affairs at the University of Michigan. He was the first African-American to head the office in its 27 year history.

GAYS IN announced it will extend medical benefits partners benefits to same-sex partners of to domestic partners of gay and lesbian faculty members on March 17. Michael employees. They joined Time Warner, Xerox, McGuire (pictured), co-founder of the LGBT THE Apple and Eastman Kodak, among others. Faculty and Staff Advocacy Coalition, was instrumental in getting sexual orientation WORKPLACE 1997: On June 15, Chrysler Motors officially added to all EMU policies. recognized People of Diversity (POD), a gay and lesbian employee group. 1999: Marquette’s Internet Bagel Cafe made it clear that it will not discriminate during 1995: GLOBE became an official ERG 1998: The Eastern Michigan University hiring or service to customers. The Cafe in 1995 for salaried, hourly and retired Board of Regents granted domestic is known in Marquette as one of the more employees of Ford Motor Company, its subsidiaries and agency personnel who are LGBTQ and their allies who support an inclusive and safe workplace for all employees. GLOBE has expanded to more than 480 members with chapters as far reaching as Mexico, Germany and the progressive employers in the city because United Kingdom. it states up front that it will not discriminate for any reason, including sexual orientation. 1996: On Sept. 19, “Big Blue” IBM The Cafe joined two other gay-friendly (International Business Machines) employers, Taco Bell and the Metz Bakery.

4 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com

Ron Owens: Right-Hand Man and Rising Star Gretchen Whitmer’s Deputy Political Director is Democratic Standout BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW the LGBTQ community, along with people in his hometown. Still, he remains positive. “There are a lot of beauties that come with being a black gay man in America ... I think that Political Beginnings there just needs to be some exposure in order t 22 years old, Ron Owens is a force to get folks comfortable with people standing to be reckoned with. Last September, in their own light and loving who they love,” the openly gay, politically active, he said. “I think there are some challenges, Athen-student decided to take time off from but I see a path to us all eventually being on his senior year at Michigan State University’s the same page.” James Madison College to seize the opportunity Today, Owens is confident and seems to be to hit the road with Gretchen Whitmer’s comfortable with his identity, but that self- gubernatorial campaign. Known for her 15- assuredness wasn’t easy to build. He came out hour days and campaign stops in each of to himself and some friends only a few years Michigan’s 83 counties, Owens has been with ago, and, even at his first inklings of being gay, Whitmer every step of the way. But as her Owens had a hard time accepting that truth. deputy political director, Owens is far more “My mom made sure we were at church than just a travel companion. He is tasked with every Sunday, and I remember, at night, hoping maintaining existing relationships and fostering that it wasn’t true. That God did not make me new ones to help propel Whitmer toward a gay,” he said. “But … ever since I have come out November win and then on to govern in 2019. to myself and to my friends, I love the person “I am always on the phone talking with I am. I am proud to have stayed true to the our elected officials making sure that they are values that my mom instilled in me, and did looped in on the things that we are doing on it while being fabulous.” the campaign, and making sure that we get Now that Owens is able to embrace who he feedback so that we can better run a campaign is, he has a message to share with others who here in Michigan,” Owens said. “Also, early on I may be questioning themselves. helped with the endorsement process, getting a “If there is anyone out there that’s reading lot of the endorsers on board for Sen.Whitmer. this article, that has had similar experiences I’m also kind of like her right hand.” as me, or is struggling to come out to other Owens expresses nothing but praise for Ron Owens (right) next to his friend Charlie Callis celebrating pride. When not on the campaign trail, Owens folks, I say just stay true to yourself. Stand in Whitmer and loves his work joining her on enjoys spending time connecting to the LGBTQ community. Photo courtesy of Ron Owens. your light, but do it at your own time,” Owens the campaign trail. He said that the experience said. “And make sure that you have a support has given him an even greater appreciation House Democratic Leader Sam Singh and was interview, I told her about the struggles that system that has your back.” for the state. an organizer for Hillary for America. have come with trying to come out to my mom.” “Every day is different on the road. One thing Owens’ passion for public service is rooted Owens also admires President Barack Obama that I’m really grateful for is Gretchen’s energy. in the values that his mom, a single mother as well, calling him one of the U.S.’s greatest She is always energized and loves talking to of three, taught him by example. His mother, presidents. A Progressive Future voters. I thrive off of her energy, and her love grandmother and great-grandmother are all “He beat the odds,” said Owens, “and Accepting himself has made Owens more for Michigan. Before jumping on this campaign, nurses. accomplished so much for our country.” confident in his career, too. While he doesn’t I was always thinking of, ‘What are my goals? “One thing that my mom instilled in my Owens was in Washington D.C. when have a set plan for his future yet, when asked What do I want to do next?’” Owens said. “But siblings and me, was to one: always be kind to marriage equality became the law of the about it, he recalled the words of a favorite working on this campaign and being so close other people; two: always work twice as hard land, and that experience became one of the teacher, “A goal without a plan is just a dream.” to Gretchen has given me such a love for our as anyone else; and three: whenever you’re highlights of his early career when he saw the “I am usually looking at, ‘What are my next state. We have such a beautiful state, and it’s working you should always be doing something White House lit up in Pride colors. steps?’ he said. “Hopefully, not getting ahead filled with such amazing people. And this is a that is benefiting others,” Owens said. of my skis here, but if Gretchen is elected place that I want to continue to grow my career When asked to name his role models, Owens Not Without Obstacles governor, I would love to, after being on this and my life and my family.” cited his mom as one of his greatest inspirations. campaign for so long, help set an agenda. A “With the odds against her, with a lot of Like Obama, Owens said he has experienced progressive agenda, here in Michigan that issues that may have come up in the household, the kind of racism that presents itself when moves families forward.” Passion for Politics she taught us to stay true to our values,” he said. white people seem to act “pleasantly” surprised And his own political campaign is definitely “But she also made sure that we drove to go the Owens grew up in Saginaw, and it was that black people can be “well-spoken.” Owens something that Owens has been considering. extra step … made sure that we know that all there, in high school, that he discovered his went on to describe those microagressions. “One day I could see myself running for the dreams that we asked can be accomplished calling. It began with fulfilling a high school “I remember interning in D.C. at one point, office. I think that Michigan is a beautiful state as long as we put a plan forward.” requirement for community service hours, and people are always like, ‘Oh my gosh, you with beautiful people, and I would love to be Owens’ other role models are political ones. for which he knocked on doors for some local talk so well!’ So those were always things that able to serve people in any capacity that I can There’s Whitmer, of course, and he said he is candidates. In his freshman year of college, came up since … I remember in high school to throughout my lifetime,” Owens said. “But grateful for the friendship they’ve built. Owens interned for state Rep. Adam Zemke, now,” he said. “That kind of stuff still happens.” right now, I am determined to win this election “I talk to her about … anything that I then for Congressman Dan Kildee and Sen. Because of his sexuality, Owens has faced in … November and see what happens next.” want, because … we have that comfortable Debbie Stabenow in Washington, D.C. the additional challenges, too. He said his extended relationship,” he said. “I told her about this following summer. He has also worked for State family can sometimes be closed-minded about 6 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com PRIDE SOURCE | ANNUAL LGBTQ&A EVENTS JUST VOTE on Nov. 6, 2018

“People have to get active and get involved in the political process - only way you’re going to change things.” – State Rep. Tim Sneller, District 50

“Unfortunately, we haven’t had an openly gay voice in the Senate. As we talk about the issues we need to tackle Vote for Candidates Who Will as a community, especially expanding civil rights to the LGBT community in Represent the LGBTQ Community Michigan, it has to be a two-chamber strategy – we have to make sure we have If the LGBTQ community doesn’t come out to vote on Nov. LGBT voices in the Senate.” 6, they forfeit the opportunity to impact change. – State Rep. Jeremy Moss, District 35 To help you vote for candidates who will represent you and fight for the things you care about most, Between The Lines has put together the 2018 Progressive Voter Guide. A project of Available Sept. 20 Between The Lines since 1996, the guide offers a comprehensive list of key endorsements for candidates who will fight for progressive values like equality for the LGBT community, women and people of color, and will stand up for unions, be good stewards of the environment and more. Plus, the guide identifies candidates who are actively anti-LGBT, anti-choice and anti-union, or would otherwise seek to trample the rights of Americans if elected. The guide also offers voters an opportunity to support the candidates who share our values by donating to their campaigns or volunteering to get out the vote. The 2018 Progressive Voter Guide will make voting for the right candidates easy. The online Guide mivoterguide.com will be updated now through Election Day, and it’s easy to find theJust enter your zip code and see candidates in your area. All you have to do is enter your zip code. who suuports equality. Please take this guide when you vote Nov. 6 PRIDE SOURCE | ANNUAL LGBTQ&A EVENTS MiVoterGuide.comJUST VOTE on Nov. 6, 2018

“People have to get active and get Available Fall 2018 In Print and OnlineWWW.PRIDESOURCE.COMinvolved in | the 1 political process - only way you’re going to change things.” – State Rep. Tim Sneller, District 50

“When you find LGBT candidates that you agree with, since a lot of times those candidates have to do just a little bit extra, do a little bit extra and support them. Support them in social media. Tell others about them ... We win when people get involved.” Vote Nov. 6 – State Rep. Jon Hoadley, District 60 “Unfortunately, we haven’t had an openly gay voice in the Senate. As we talk about the issues we need to tackle Vote for Candidates Who Will as a community, especially expanding civil rights to the LGBT community in Represent the LGBTQ Community Michigan, it has to be a two-chamber strategy – we have to make sure we have If the LGBTQ community doesn’t come out to vote on Nov. LGBT voices in the Senate.” 6, they forfeit the opportunity to impact change. – State Rep. Jeremy Moss, District 35 To help you vote for candidates who will represent you and fight for the things you care about most, Between The Lines has put together the 2018 Progressive Voter Guide. A project of Between The Lines since 1996, the guide offers a comprehensive list of key endorsements for candidates who will fight for progressive values like equality for the LGBT community, women and people of color, and will stand up for unions, be good stewards of the environment and more. Plus, the guide identifies candidates who are actively anti-LGBT, anti-choice and anti-union, or would otherwise seek to trample the rights of Americans if elected. The guide also offers voters an opportunity to support the candidates who share our values by donating to their campaigns or volunteering to get out the vote. The 2018 Progressive Voter Guide will make voting for the right candidates easy. The online Guide mivoterguide.com will be updated now through Election Day, and it’s easy to find the candidates in your area. All you have to do is enter your zip code. www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 7 MiVoterGuide.com

Available Fall 2018 In Print and OnlineWWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM | 1 NEWS The Struggles of Organizing as Trans Women of Color Wayne State Founder, Executive Director Gets Flak for Relocating Out of State BY JASON A. MICHAEL instance, we gave $300 to a trans young woman what we do is we find a lot of operating non- to Host Opioid of color who was doing prom, one woman from restrictive grants, capacity building grants, rans Sistas of Color Project Detroit Detroit was involved in the shooting in the Las and then instead of paying staff we hold it for Awareness Day (TSCOPD) Founder and Executive Vegas club so we gave her funds. We usually emergency funds. Every time we’ve gone into Director Bre’ Campbell shocked many do housing costs, court courts, medical costs, a funding situation it’s always been ‘We can’t Tat the beginning of the summer when she transition costs, name change costs. You fill out give you money so you can turn around and Sept. 18 announced in a post on Facebook that she something online, and within 10 days you’ll give it back out to the community.’ So we’ve had actually left Detroit and relocated to New have your check.” kind of given up on anything local.” BY BTL STAFF Mexico more than six months ago. She made The current program was not the initial Reyes credits Campbell for generating much this announcement while expressing resentment direction in which the agency intended to go of the funds they do receive from outside of he opioid epidemic has devastated toward a funder, whom she did not name. when Campbell created it three years ago, but Michigan. families across the nation, Campbell said they had threatened to take upon examining the needs of the community “Ninety percent of our grants have come prompting Wayne State University back their money upon learning that Campbell they served, TSCOPD was compelled to create from organizations that literally have worked Tto host an informative day on Tuesday, was no longer living in Michigan it. with Bre,’” said Reyes. “She’s literally going to Sept. 18 from noon to 5:30 p.m. to educate “I get the [funder’s] concern but I often times trainings and to conferences with different others about the misuse, abuse and feel like the conversation often doesn’t come funders so they can see us on a national consequences of opioids. Through this from a place of concern,” Campbell said. “People platform. Really, her face is the reason we get day-long event, Wayne State University threaten to take away my funding without a lot of the funds. They know her. They can aims to better understand the scope of actually asking me if I’m OK. So I think that speak to work. this crisis and how it impacts the local for me is the bigger problem. People expect us “It started when she got really big in the community. All students, faculty, staff and to perform miracles. They expect us to do work national HIV movement,” Reyes went on. community members who are interested on behalf of communities who don’t support “When she was doing work with MTV it pushed in gaining insight on opioids are welcome. us and don’t really understand the work that her into a space where more funders were saying The opioid awareness day event will we’re doing.” we want to support your work. So she used that be hosted in two segments: informative Campbell said for the last three years before to catapult Trans Sistas of Color.” tables and a panel discussion. The four leaving Michigan she was spending large Jerry Peterson is executive director of the informative tables will have engaging periods of time out of the state on actual work Ruth Ellis Center, TSOCPD’s current fiduciary. activities and demonstrations aimed for the agency. She was literally zigzagging He agreed that’s imperative that Campbell at further understanding the opioid across the country in search of funds. continue to keep a national presence. epidemic. “We don’t get supported in Detroit,” Campbell “In some larger cities where acceptance, The panel will consist of physicians said. “I actually moved around to work for support and protections are more widely who interface with the epidemic, a family us. For the last three years, I’ve literally been available, trans women of color are organizing member of a victim of opioid abuse, a traveling across the country to get money for successfully,” Peterson said. “Bre’ and Lilianna former Drug Enforcement Administration our organization so that we can do the things Trans Sistas of Color Project Detroit (TSCOPD) Founder are connected with those communities and agent and others who have experienced the that we do.” and Executive Director Bre’ Campbell bring that learning from the national landscape crisis firsthand. The varying perspectives Since leaving Michigan, Campbell named the to impact their work in Detroit. Participating in of the panel members should promote interim executive director of Affirmations, an “When we first started TSCOPD, a lot of national networks and collectives is vital to the conversation and offer insight into the LGBTQ community center, Lilianna Reyes the our funders at that time and even Equality long-term health and well-being of the Trans complexity of opioid use. co-executive director of the TSCOPD. Michigan, who was our fiduciary, were really Women of Color Project. As a result, Detroit Panel members include Dr. Mark “We get no local Michigan funds,” Reyes said. pushing polices,” Reyes said. “I think some benefits from Bre’s standing and influence in Greenwald, the associate chair for research “Not one foundation in Michigan supports people think if you change policies you’ll change those circles.” in the department of psychiatry and us. Most of our support comes from either all of this. When we started to do that lots of Yet for what she’s getting, Campbell said the behavioral neurosciences at WSU; Dr. New York or D.C. They come from either trans women of color were like, ‘We don’t care need is still far greater. Melissa February, assistant professor of AIDS-focused grants or they come from (the) about policy. Policy is this long, drawn out “I’m always in a place where I have to say this pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of marginalized Third Wave Fund, and there’s battle. I’m working on Six Mile and Woodward is not enough,” she said. “I feel it’s wrapped into Michigan; Richard Isaacson, community some other smaller funding that goes into and I’m selling my body and I’m going through this whole anti-blackness. We don’t trust black outreach specialist at Links Global USA; specifically marginalized communities. So, all this stuff. You think I’m going to wait a year? people with the things that they say they’re and Mike Hirst, the founder of Andy’s it’s very intentional money that we get. We You think I’m going to help you canvas? It’s just going to do,” she said. “And especially with black Angels. don’t go after the DTEs or the GMs because not happening.’ trans organizers, we’re fighting for scraps and there’s so much red tape, and most of those “So, we asked the girls, ‘What do you when we get those scraps those same funders The informative tables will be located in grants have strict requirements about not giving need?’” Reyes continued. “They said, ‘We who give other people hundreds of thousands Gullen Mall. Should there be inclement money out.” need money. We need some kind of economic of dollars expect us to produce the same results weather, the event will be held in the Student However, giving money out directly has re-disbursements, because, otherwise, the on a fraction of what others received.” Center at 5221 Gullen Mall, Detroit. The become TSOCPD’s first priority. Through their reason we’re in this is because we can’t eat, we Peterson said he still meets regularly with panel discussion will be held in the Spencer emergency assistance program, the agency don’t have transportation and we don’t have Campbell – at least once a month – and that M. Patrich Auditorium, located in the allows trans women of color who were either sustainability with economics.” wherever she may be calling home these days, Wayne State Law School located at 471 born in or live in the city of Detroit to access That’s when their goal became clear. But, she is still very much a part of the Detroit scene. Palmer Ave., Detroit. For more information, funds quickly. to fund the emergency assistance program, “Bre’ handles national networks and contact Brittanii Lyons by phone at 586- “You can get up to $500 a year,” Reyes said. Campbell and Reyes quickly learned they’d relationships and Lilianna handles local issues,” 260-9746 or by email at brittanii.lyons@ “Every now and then in dire circumstances we’ll have to look outside of Michigan. he said. “Bre is highly engaged with Lilianna and wayne.edu. do two. But that doesn’t mean they’ll get $500. “The grants at a bigger level that are their community and her activities on a national They could get $250 or they could get $300. It emergency assistance grants still come with scope benefit the work here. Bre’’s presence and depends on how much we have on hand at the lots of red tape and lots of bureaucracy and impact are still very real and active in Detroit’” moment and how many girls are applying. For don’t just give out the money,” said Reyes. “So 8 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Stand with Trans Youth Empowerment Workshop

BY JASON A. MICHAEL Accepting led by Monica Sampson who Parents feel really lost and are hungry is the director of Second Stories program for the information. It is important for he fourth annual Stand with Trans at the Ruth Ellis Center. the parents to meet other parents who Youth Empowerment Workshop is Parent programming includes Social are in the same boat,” Keith said. “The scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6. The and Medical Transition led by Antonia connection strengthens the community Tworkshop is open to gender expansive Caretto, Ph.D. and Dr. Dan Shumer; bond and the parent child bond. And, young children, trans youth ages 12 to Navigating the Legal Process led by while it’s become more prevalent in 24 and parents and caregivers of trans attorney Erica Moise; Self-Care led by the news to hear about transgender youth. It will once again take place at Tejinder Gill; You’re Human and This individuals, each person has their own the Orchard United Methodist Church Is Hard led by Lisa Goyette and John journey to navigate. There are still in Farmington Hills. This year’s theme Ball; Trans and How To Prioritize personal hurdles and family hurdles even is “I Am.” Your Children’s Needs led by Melissa though we are talking about it.” “We are so much more than our Farrell, Psy.D.; and Therapy – When Is The workshop can accommodate gender,” said Stand With Trans Founder it Appropriate and How to Find the Best approximately 25 young children and and Executive Director Roz Keith. “This Fit? led by Nicole Law, Ph.D. the trans youths and trans parents tracts is about encouraging youth to identify all “Every year the theme is different and can accommodate 75 each. There are that they are.” all content is youth and parent informed,” three choices of session at each time slot Youth sessions offered this year include said Keith. “Many of the sessions are throughout the day. This year’s sponsors How Do I Know When to Transition? new as we learn from the prior year. include Springmatter, Mercedes Benz and What to Do? led by Anthany Beasley, We get feedback via surveys and then Financial Services, Cripps & Silver LMSW, MSW; Struggling with Self-Harm we bring youth and parents together Law, The Human Rights Campaign, led by Nick Zielke, MSW; Being Trans and for brainstorms/focus groups to better Premier Pet Supply of Novi, Trans Kids Dealing with Law Enforcement led by understand their needs.” Purple Rainbow Foundation, Nakisher Corp Dani Woods, LGBT Liaison to the The youth, Keith said, are very smart. Orthodontics, Arbonne Charitable Detroit Police Department; Job Hunting “They have a lot to say and they want Foundation, Sephora, Between The Lines – What Do I Have to Disclose? led by to be heard. They want to make friends and Dominos. the ACLU’s Jay Kaplan; Improv run by and look forward to this event to connect Go Comedy! Improv Theatre; and How with others like them who understand To register in advance, go to online to to Cope When Family Members Aren’t what it means to be transgender. gaybe.am/lC.

www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 9 Parting Glances

BY CHARLES ALEXANDER The Queer Occasion of Sin It’s been almost 125 years since the story, “The Priest and the Acolyte” was published in a collegiate, gay magazine, “The Chameleon,” in London, England. It was quickly labeled banned, shocking reading. The tragic tale was actually written in 1894 by John Francis Bloxam, a gay Exeter College undergraduate. The so-called romance, once attributed to Oscar Wilde, is about a Roman Catholic — or Episcopalian — priest and an altar boy who fall in love and eventually die in each other’s arms by a touching agreed-upon suicide. Since that “fairy tale” point of demarcation, so to speak, all hell has broken loose for the RC Church worldwide, because of priests who sexually abuse boys, and occasionally girl acolytes and youth parishioners, in, and out of, their dioceses. It’s no exaggeration that the cost of lawsuits, punitive legal actions, embarrassment, resignations, incarcerations, defrocking and attempted cover-ups by priest relocations has cost the Church billions and billions of dollars. One published estimate this year alone has reached $8 billion, and that 300 priests in Boston were recently identified as sexual abusers! Viewpoint And, a week ago, the New York attorney general’s office issued subpoenas to every Catholic diocese in the state to embark on an expansive investigation of sex crimes committed and covered up by Catholic priests. And on rare, but impious occasions nonetheless, by offending 12-inch ruler nuns. A Look at Accessibility for Disabled A few journalists, sexologists, social workers and gay priests, to be sure, saw the handwriting on the wall, almost two decades Members of the LGBTQ Community ago, when an innovative and shocking blog first appeared: bishopaccountability.org. It started in June of 2003, and the blog was kept by the courageous, lone voice of journalist Kathy Shaw. For 15 years, BY JEM ZERO Pride she researched, reported and exposed priest abuse of the young. She died this year, age 72. Some Pride events are more accessible than others. For The site has grown from cautious documentation, including he LGBTQ community markets itself as one of instance, Ferndale Pride takes place along a strip of businesses, breaking news coverage and articles in several foreign language inclusion and acceptance, but there are visible holes featuring vendors lining the streets and performance stages newspapers, and first-person accounts by victims whose families in the mainstream model. Queer visibility is largely that are built onto the ground. Compare this with Motor City Tlimited to people who are white — primarily those who are have been denied counseling, legal action and advocacy in too Pride, which takes place in Hart Plaza. The pavement in the many instances where a victim’s story has little or no validity. also thin, conventionally attractive and young. And there Plaza is uneven and sometimes comprised of cobblestones, Rendered so because “God’s servant — the priest — is “without are often exclusionary debates on who “gets” to be in the which make it extremely difficult to operate rolling ambulatory sin.” community. Some people think inclusion should stop at LGBT, devices, or navigate with crutches or a cane. Worst of all, some Today, the blog is forthright in its exposure of abuse wherever leaving out a variety of other identities such as pansexual, of the best performances are conducted within large stone it is uncovered worldwide, including numbers and names of asexual, and nonbinary and there are even stricter mindsets stages comprised of tiers of stairs that are insurmountable perpetrators, cities where they serve, the number of times claiming that trans and intersex people don’t belong in the to disabled people. The rear entrance to Hart Plaza also does they have been shifted around or relocated, where they are LGB community at all. not have a ramp; only more stairs. imprisoned, and the shocking, skyrocketing dollars it has cost. These phenomena are more than oversights, but there’s yet Additionally, all events have large cords strung around to Categories include: survivors’ accounts, international coverage, another level of exclusion that is usually unintentional. So connect food trucks and sound equipment to power sources, bankruptcy, settlements, seminaries and data on the crisis. Under much so, that many people don’t even think about it: disabled but only some put small ramps over the cords to make it easier the accountability category, users can find accused bishops, LGBTQ people. for mobility devices to roll over them. removed bishops and their criminal charges. They exist. Why, then, do so many queer events make it Readers are encouraged to send photos of survivors, offenders, difficult, if not impossible, for disabled participants to enjoy affected parishes and important meetings and events. Along with communal activities? Cafes and Bookstores clippings and other memorabilia “to post online.” (One, perhaps, Let’s look at common LGBTQ-friendly events: These are popular gathering place for LGBTQ socialites. is made to wonder whether, the new formating — bannered And while these can be accessible, often the venues chosen are

See Next Page See Viewpoint, continued on next page 10 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com ® Viewpoint community, disabled people don’t factor Continued from p. 10 into their image of what ‘queer’ looks like, Creep Of The Week but the fact that it isn’t always intentional, just seen as inconsequential, is perhaps the BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI tiny, and stuffed with closely-packed tables most hurtful. Brett Kavanaugh and chairs that must be moved for anyone However, just like for all minorities, a ell, gay sex was decriminalized “Brett Kavanaugh’s refusal to answer very operating a motorized wheelchair. For many major key to reducing the stigma against in India, so that’s great news. For disabled people, they would prefer to stay disabled LGBTQ people is representation. basic, very direct questions about the those of you saying, “Well it’s about home than be seen as an annoyance for Creators seeking to depict queer people W TIME, India!” I’d like to Supreme Court’s historic ruling bringing simply wanting to participate. in their art or writing should consider narratives that feature individuals with both remind you that the U.S. marriage equality nationwide is alarming didn’t decriminalize gay cognitive and physical disabilities. Their and completely unacceptable,” said HRC Art Venues stories should be authentic, but fit into the sex until 2003 (Lawrence v. Texas, holla!). We’re Frequently, these places do not have tone of the piece. In a sensual, idyllic story President Chad Griffin. about LGBTQ love and culture, disabled also still arguing about elevators to carry disabled people between whether women can be in floors — and often displays span across people should not be jarringly exempt from abortion all over again. To have women who any steamy content — or worse, assigned charge of their own bodies are desperate to terminate pregnancies do it three or four levels. Sometimes, even the and if black people’s lives first level is only reachable after traversing the dreaded token straight role. by any means necessary. I mean for Chrisssake More importantly, disabled people should actually matter. So, don’t we’ve all seen “Dirty Dancing!” a steep staircase — Metro Detroit doesn’t give the U.S. too much credit here. see the need for very many ramps. be given opportunities to take leadership Put simply, Trump is their best shot. That’s positions where they can make decisions Especially not while we’re staring down the why he can screw all of the porn actresses So, in the spirit of inclusion, LGBTQ possibility of Brett Kavanaugh becoming a organizers should make it a responsibility for themselves. Abled allies are great, but he wants. That is why he can cheat on all of disabled people should be handed the reins Supreme Court Justice. his wives. That is why he can have so many to pick venues that are as accommodating That we allowed Donald Trump, a man as possible — even for disabled LGBTQ to make their own decisions about what is marriages and divorces. That is why he can accessible in terms of representation and who should never in a million years have been brag about grabbing women by the pussy. That people. More importantly, organizers trusted at the helm of this country, the chance should put an effort into making disabled physical environments. is why he can shrug off multiple accusations No LGBTQ person deserves to be to reshape not only our Supreme Court but the of sexual harassment and assault. That is why participants feel welcome, not like it is entire federal court system IS NOT A GOOD inconvenient to include them. excluded from having support and this utterly immoral piece of garbage we call friendship within the community. It’s long LOOK, AMERICA. YET HERE WE ARE. And President has the complete and unwavering Disabled people are often lonely. It yes, I’m yelling. can be a struggle to socialize with abled past the time when many of these problems support of the so-called Moral Majority (spoiler should have been addressed. As the Human Rights Campaign puts it, alert: they are neither moral nor the majority). people, especially when so many of them “Brett Kavanaugh poses a direct threat to have negative attitudes toward the disabled. For straight folks or younger LGBTQ folks, Jem Zero is a disabled queer person with an LGBTQ equality, reproductive rights, affordable marriage equality (which has translated into Dating is especially hard. In the whole of health care, immigrants’ rights, workers’ rights society, disabled people are desexualized art degree and poor volume control. By day, broader equality for LGBTQ people overall) ze masquerades around the local community and so much more.” is “settled law.” Meaning the fight is over with and seen as incapable of having or enjoying This was made clear when Kavanaugh was sex and intimacy — the LGBTQ community college disguised as a mild-mannered & done, and the law is permanent, forever and accounting major. All other times ze can asked by President (whoops, I mean Senator but ever amen. is no exception. And, while straight and President sure sounds good) Kamala Harris if cis disabled people have it difficult finding be found hissing at technology or having an But that’s not how laws work. Which can be existential crisis about the vastness of space the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, both good and bad. But in this case, it’s bad. partners, it’s even harder for a gender which legalized marriage equality, was decided non-conforming person in an area with and sea. Zir writing and art can be found I’m 40 years old. I didn’t think I would see on zir website at jemzero.com or facebook/ correctly. Kavanaugh refused to give a straight marriage equality in my lifetime. But when the an already tiny dating pool. (no pun intended) answer. It seems that for a large part of the jemzero.art Connect with Jem at jemzero. Supreme Court came through, man did they [email protected] “I’m asking you a very specific question. come through. Either you’re willing to answer it or you’re not,” And yet. Harris said. “There are already cases across the country sometimes 70s and 80s, are male and human ® He was not willing. where our opponents are working to undermine Parting Glances and presumably in reasonably good health. “Brett Kavanaugh’s refusal to answer very the Obergefell decision and the recognition Continued from p. 10 Sometimes they are subject to the demands basic, very direct questions about the Supreme of that decision,” Griffin told Variety. “There of non-reproductive biology. They too, get Court’s historic ruling bringing marriage are also cases rising to the court that relate horny. equality nationwide is alarming and completely to existing federal law and the question of if by the pictures of respectable appearing One also wonders. Was priest/acolyte unacceptable,” said HRC President Chad current federal law protects people on the basis Catholic clergy — and invitation to readers abuse ever a ploy to fill the RC priesthood Griffin. “The Obergefell decision is settled law. of sexual orientation and gender identity. These to participate — is either an embarrassing ranks, and save the altar boys from the If this nominee cannot so much as affirm that are all things that are headed to this court, and showbiz plus for the RC Church, or an greater sin of having sex with women or the fundamental equality of LGBTQ people sooner rather than later. There is significant ongoing, shaming, subliminal minus.) outside of marriage? and our families, he should not and must not be reason to believe … that he is on the wrong It’s obvious that the priesthood attracts a Don’t let your left-behind, biblical brain granted a lifetime appointment to our nation’s side of all of these issues.” percentage of gay males. Some important know what your right-at-hand is — or, highest court.” Call your senators. Call senators who reasons might include: supposedly isn’t — doing. Ora pro none- And yet it’s pretty likely that he will. Trump’s are supposedly undecided, too. But most - Priests are not expected to marry, but to of-your-business! Et cum spiritu tuo a go-go Supreme Court list was made by the extremist importantly, vote in November. Vote for appear to remain celibate. This is a perfect boy! (WWJD?) cover for a homosexual male. anti-LGBTQ group the Federalist Society, after Democrats, however imperfect, because they’re all. We’ve seen the kinds of lawyers Trump literally our only defense. - Priests — at least before the advent of Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL surrounds himself with. It’s clear he’s not I’m not willing to go back to when my wife public confessions — heard daily repetitious columnist (700-plus columns) and as a picking these guys himself. A willingness, even and son were legally just random people I confessions, many times of a sexual, well-known LGBT community artist (1000 an eagerness, to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, shared a home with. If you’re privileged enough mastubatory nature, from Catholic school Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit maybe even Lawrence, is absolutely required. to not worry about which party is in charge, at boys. Some priests actually watch and Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT Oh, and Roe v. Wade, too. It’s been the goal least have the decency to vote to protect families collect porn. Some imagine it secondhand. CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect - Priests in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and of the extremist right from the moment the that hang in the balance. with him at [email protected]. case was decided to overturn it. To criminalize www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 11 Kavanaugh Hearings, No Comment, No Comfort

BY LISA KEEN LGBTQ people and our families, he should not and must not be granted a lifetime appointment t was the third day of a four-day to our nation’s highest court,” said Griffin. confirmation hearing for federal Judge Brett An HRC paper on Kavanaugh last month Kavanaugh to join the U.S. Supreme Court characterized the nominee as a “direct threat Ibefore a senator really pressed hard for him to to the constitutional rights” of LGBTQ people account for his commitment to equal rights and other Americans. for LGBTQ people. U.S. Senator Cory Booker “Judge Kavanaugh’s record on reproductive (D-NJ) started off, trying to get Kavanaugh to rights, the right to privacy and religious agree that he wouldn’t fire somebody because liberty indicates a potent combination of of the color of that person’s skin or their gender. ideological views that could significantly and “Of course,” Kavanaugh agreed. unnecessarily reshape constitutional doctrine “Would it be wrong to fire somebody ... if and nondiscrimination protections as they the person is, gay?” asked Booker. apply to LGBTQ persons,” said the paper. The Kavanaugh could have said, “I wouldn’t do paper notes that Kavanaugh has frequently that.” Instead, he said, “in my workplace, I hire cited the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who led people because of their talents and abilities. ...” the dissent to Obergefell and many anti-LGBT The response implied — but did not assert — opinions, has one of his legal heroes. that sexual orientation would not be a factor Kavanaugh himself has not participated in for him. an LGBTQ-specific case in the U.S. Court of Booker pressed on. He asked whether, as a Appeals for D.C., but HRC, like Senator Booker, matter of law, Kavanaugh would “have a legal believes he likely does have a record on LGBTQ right to fire someone just because they’re gay?” issues from his tenure in President George W. Kavanaugh could have said that the law varies amendment or same-sex marriage. hesitate to call Brown v. Board of Education, Bush’s White House from 2001 to 2006. HRC’s from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Or he could Kavanaugh said that things related to Bush’s which ended segregation of public schools, the paper on Kavanaugh said, “It is reasonable have said, as he did in response to a question remarks on the issue “would have crossed my “greatest moment in Supreme Court history.” to infer he was involved, given the central about how his personal religious beliefs might desk. ...” Harris echoed that remark, pushing Kavanaugh function of the White House Staff Secretary impact his work, say that his private beliefs Noting that many documents related to to express his opinion on Obergefell. and Kavanaugh’s record of participating in so “have no relevance to my judging.” Kavanaugh’s work in the White House between But Kavanaugh continued to evade answering many of the politically consequential decisions Instead, Kavanaugh said, “The scope of 2001 and 2006 were being withheld by the Bush Harris’ questions and tried to simply eat up the of the Bush campaign and first term.” employment discrimination laws is being archive. Booker pressed again: senator’s limited time by recounting the history Papers that have been released from litigated right now and, therefore, while I’d “Did you ever express your opinions about of retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority Kavanaugh’s work in the White House have like to talk to you about this more, because same-sex marriage?” pressed Booker. opinions in various LGBTQ-related cases. illustrated that his acceptance of Supreme Court that issue is in a variety of cases right now, it’d “I don’t recall,” said Kavanaugh. “Of course, Kavanaugh did paraphrase a significant precedent in regards to abortion is tenuous. be inconsistent. ...” at that time, as you are well aware, there has statement in Kennedy’s opinion in the 2018 During last week’s confirmation hearing, he Booker interrupted to say that some people been a ... sea change in attitudes in the United Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado that, told Senator Feinstein that the Supreme Court’s have “real concerns that, if you get on the court, States of America. ...” “The days of discriminating against gay and ruling in abortion rights cases is “precedent.” folks who are married right now really have Booker pressed again and again for lesbian Americans, or treating gay and lesbian But with the release of some documents from a fear they will not be able to continue those Kavanaugh to say what his attitude was about Americans as inferior in dignity and worth, are his time in the White House, the public could marital bonds.” same-sex marriage at that time. But Kavanaugh over.” (In his opinion, Kennedy worded it this read that, in 2003, he opined, “I am not sure Booker then noted that, in a majority of dodged each inquiry, saying only that there way: “Our society has come to the recognition that all legal scholars refer to Roe as the settled states, an employer can fire someone for posting had been “debate” about the issue in the White that gay persons and gay couples cannot be law of the land at the Supreme Court level a picture on social media that indicates they House but that he could not “recall” what his treated as social outcasts or as inferior in since Court can always overrule its precedent, have a same-sex spouse. opinion had been. Asked what his opinion is dignity and worth. For that reason the laws and three current Justices on the Court would He then probed Kavanaugh about what “now,” Kavanaugh would say only that, “I apply and the Constitution can, and in some instances do so.” personal views Kavanaugh may have expressed the law ... the law of the land protects that right, must, protect them in the exercise of their civil One particularly interesting moment about same-sex marriage when he served as staff as dictated by the Supreme Court.” rights.”) during the four-day hearing came when a secretary to President George W. Bush. Bush “Do you agree with that statement?” asked Republican, Senator Thom Tillis of North spoke out in favor of a federal constitutional Harris. Carolina, following on the heels of Booker’s amendment to ban marriage for same-sex No Answer is No Comfort. Kavanaugh would not answer the question, questions, looked into the camera — not at couples. That exchange did nothing to quell concerns stating only that Kennedy’s opinion was Kavanaugh — and said, “Quite honestly, if firing Earlier in the day, when Senator Dianne in the LGBTQ community that Kavanaugh precedent. someone because of their gender identification Feinstein (D-Calif.) asked Kavanaugh whether is an ultra-conservative, maybe even anti- Shannon Minter, legal director for the is immoral ... if anybody even suggested it that’s he worked to support Bush’s pro-life agenda, LGBTQ, jurist who will almost certainly give National Center for Lesbian Rights, called ever worked in my organization, they’d get fired Kavanaugh responded that he “had to assist him the Supreme Court’s existing four conservative Kavanaugh’s “refusal to confirm that Obergefell before the sun set.” in pursuing those policies” and acknowledged justices the fifth vote they need to vote against was correctly decided” as “chilling” and said it “I’ve been very passionate about this issue that “some of those things might have crossed the equal rights interests of LGBTQ people. “poses an unprecedented threat to the liberty since 1997, when I set up a gay and lesbian my desk. I don’t remember specifics.” He Nor did a similar exchange with Senator and equality of LGBT people.” recruiting practice at Price Waterhouse. That is gave a similar response on the constitutional Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). She asked repeatedly Human Rights Campaign President Chad becoming the norm,” said Tillis. “But, he added, amendment: “When I was in the White House, whether Kavanaugh thinks the decision to Griffin said Kavanaugh’s refusal to answer “It’s on us [presumably referring to Congress] that was ... something that [Bush] talked about.” strike state bans on marriage for same-sex questions about the Obergefell decision was to fix it. It’s not on the judge to determine how Booker interrupted him again, asking couples (Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015) was “alarming.” we’re gonna get it done.” if Kavanaugh, on the White House staff, correctly decided. “If this nominee cannot so much as affirm “expressed an opinion” about the constitutional Earlier in the hearing, Kavanaugh did not [Obergefell] or the fundamental equality of

12 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 13 LGBTI activists in India celebrate a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the country’s colonial-era sodomy law. (Photo courtesy of Meera Parida) India Supreme Court Ruling Decriminalizes Homosexuality

BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS Kinnar Mahasangh, a group that India is the latest country to advocates on behalf of India’s transgender decriminalize consensual same-sex sexual he India Supreme Court on and gender-variant communities, told the relations. Thursday ruled consensual same- Washington Blade on WhatsApp. “It is a A judge on Trinidad and Tobago’s High sex sexual relations are no longer win for humanity.” Court in April struck down the country’s Tcriminalized in the country. Omkar, an engineer from Bangalore colonial-era sodomy law. The chief justice The ruling, which was unanimous, who did not provide his last name to the of the Belize Supreme Court in 2016 ruled struck down India’s colonial-era sodomy Blade, recently moved to Norway. He a statute that criminalized consensual law known as Section 377. said in an email on Thursday that Section same-sex sexual relations in the country “We hold and declare that in penalizing 377 “was one of the important factors in is unconstitutional. such sexual conduct, the statutory the decision-making process when I was British Prime Minister Theresa May in provision violates the constitutional looking for other options outside of India.” April said she “deeply” regrets colonial- guarantees of liberty and equality,” reads “I am really really happy and content era sodomy laws the U.K. introduced the ruling. “It denudes members of the that I will no longer be considered as a in Commonwealth countries. Jamaica, LGBT communities of their constitutional criminal at least in the eyes of law,” said Barbados and Kenya are among the right to lead fulfilling lives. In its Omkar. “It is a huge moral boost and it dozens of countries in which consensual application to adults of the relieves that hidden mental and emotional same-sex sexual acts remain criminalized. same sex engaged in consensual sexual stress that the existence of Section 377 “We welcome the Indian Supreme behavior, it violates the constitutional had caused me.” Court judgment on Section 377,” said guarantee of the right to life and to the Ruth Baldacchino and Helen Kennedy, the British Embassy in India in a tweet. equal protection of law.” co-secretaries general of ILGA, in a “Nobody should face persecution or The Delhi High Court in 2009 struck statement also welcomed the ruling. discrimination because of who they are down the statute, but the Supreme Court “We rejoice with all sexual, gender and or who they love. The U.K. continues to in 2013 overruled the ruling. Indian sex minorities communities in India,” support LGBT and equal rights across lawmakers in 2015 rejected a bill that they said. “As of today, a shameful part the world.” would have repealed Section 377. of an enduring colonial legacy is finally Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and The Supreme Court in January said it history. We hope that this ruling, which Defense Secretary James Mattis arrived would reconsider its 2013 ruling. It held was made possible by the tireless work in India hours before the court issued oral arguments in a case that challenged of many human rights advocates, will its ruling. Section 377 in July. have an impact also on other countries The Blade has reached out to the State Activists across India, which is the around the world where our communities Department for comment. world’s second-most populous country, continue to live under the shadow of and around the world celebrated oppressive criminal laws, especially those This article originally appeared in the Thursday’s landmark ruling. that share a common legal heritage with Washington Blade and is made available “Today we are feeling very proud,” India, as far afield as Africa, the Pacific in partnership with the National LGBT Meera Parida, president of All Odisha and Caribbean.” Media Association.

14 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 15 ‘A Simple Favor’ Actress on Her Fluid Sexuality, Kissing Blake Lively and Advocating for ‘Pitch Perfect’ Lesbian Love

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

he pitch is perfectly crazy in Anna Kendrick’s walk on the dark side of filmmaker Paul Feig’s warped sense of humor, “A Simple Favor.” It’s Tmartini-sipper mom versus martini-swigger mom. Target mom versus Met Gala mom. Aspirational versus extra. It’s regular mom-meets-mom business, a modern mom-com – until Emily (Blake Lively) goes missing. Emily’s sudden disappearance prompts Stephanie (Kendrick) to mount an investigation by employing her keen Nancy Drew smarts and posting distressed clips of herself on her dorky craft vlog. (Friendship- bracelet tutorials are just gonna have to wait.) A bit camp? Yep. A bit queer? Obviously. And naturally so, as Kendrick’s 15-year career is steeped in queerness: at age 17, she cut her acting teeth on “Camp,” the 2003 teen musical-comedy directed by out filmmaker Todd Graff; as Beca, she brought covert aca-gayness to the three-part “Pitch Perfect” franchise; and in 2014, the 33-year-old Oscar-nominated actress slipped into Cinderella’s glass slippers for Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” And her long, impulsive kiss – “just another Tuesday,” Emily notes – with Lively in “A Simple Favor,” well, it’s not exactly straight, she says. Here, the longtime ally talks about attempting to allow the lesbian love to bloom between queer-coded “Pitch Perfect” leads Beca and Chloe (Brittany Snow), what irks her about self-congratulatory reactions to celebs coming out and, when it comes to her own sexuality, being open like Emily.

A car sing-along, a little camp, some martinis and a mom makeout sesh: Anna, you sure know what the gay community wants at this point in your career, don’t you? (Laughs) Oh my gosh! I wasn’t thinking of it in that way, but yeah, it is kind of camp. It takes itself a little seriously, but we’re always winking or having fun. It’s bright and colorful, and there’s an unabashed campiness to it – even though the stakes are very real in places. You didn’t recognize a queer sensibility going in? To be honest, when I was going in, there was just so much to play with. I remember having one of those conversations with Blake where we both felt like, Photo: RalphLionsgate Lauren. “Are we high right now? Are we having a stoner

16 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com conversation?” Because we were talking You once met a guy at a Gelson’s market who about how in a traditional comedy there’s a told you he does your “Camp” character, Fritzi, in slider that you’re on from how subtle to how drag. First of all, how often do you run into drag broad, and with this it felt like you weren’t queens at grocery stores who tell you that you’re just on this linear slider – you were in three their inspiration? dimensions, and you could go to all these (Laughs) Not often enough! That was one of places. my favorite moments of being recognized, It was so much fun as actors to have that, ever. And I’m sorry, what’s the second part of and I know that sounds really stoner-y and your question? I got too excited. existential and dumb. But the world Paul created had so much possibility, and so I Which other characters of yours might make wasn’t really thinking about one group. I good drag material? was barely getting my brain around what Stephanie has a real Sandy-in-”Grease” the movie was in the first place! But I think vibe, where she doesn’t become the bad girl, Stephanie is very much an underdog and she’s exactly, but she loosens up and shakes it off finding her place in the world. I feel like that’s a little bit. But I do always still like Rizzo in something that queer people can relate to at “Grease,” who is more fun than Sandy, so I’m one point in their lives or another. not sure that Stephanie is necessarily the one. What was it like coming to set for the first time She’d have to really just be letting her hair and seeing the giant painting of Blake-as-Emily’s down. vagina front and center in Emily’s front room? You’ve said you downplayed Fritzi’s sexuality OK, this is actually really interesting: So that when you filmed “Camp.” painting – fun fact – was never once on set. The thing that made me uncomfortable about That is all post effects. Sometimes it was Fritzi was I was 16, but it wasn’t so much that green screen, and sometimes it was this other she was gay – it was that unrequited gay love painting that was very nice but very Tumblr situation. I think if she’d been crushing it and art. It was actually Blake’s idea to have it be getting girls, I would’ve been like, “Awesome, a little bit more, um, obscene. Certainly it’s awesome, awesome!” It was just, at 16 you art, but a little more shocking for Stephanie to don’t want to be playing the girl that nobody see. Not so polished, not so pretty, not so coy. likes, which I totally recognize as I get older is I thought that was really brilliant. such a silly insecurity issue. But at the time I Regarding “Pitch Perfect”: Are we ever gonna was definitely like, “Can’t somebody just have get the Beca and Chloe love story that they so a crush on me in a movie – god!” deserve? Would you have approached Fritzi differently in I know. I definitely wanted to have an ending retrospect? that was a Bechloe ending, and we did shoot The truth is, I think would have just enjoyed one version where Brittany and I tricked myself. Todd Graff is amazing, and I’m so everybody into just shooting one that was lucky to have had him as my first film director. just the two of us getting together. We knew it And he really got me to do everything was a long shot. It meant so much to us that that I think that I would’ve done as a more there was this following around their latent experienced actor, regardless, but I guess I relationship and, yeah, I thought it would’ve regret that I didn’t enjoy myself more. been really cool if it would have ended up coming to fruition in the end. If we ever do a You recently won the Choice Twit award at this four, I will fight tooth and nail for it, but I’m year’s Teen Choice Awards, and I wouldn’t be not sure it’s gonna happen. surprised if this was your crowning tweet: “Lot Because the studio doesn’t want to go there of people seem really proud of themselves for with their sexuality? announcing they ‘already knew’ Barry Manilow was gay. Yeah……ur the true heroes today guys.” It wasn’t like Universal was like, “There can be no lesbians in ‘Pitch Perfect’!” Because When a public figure comes out, taking obviously Cynthia Rose is an openly gay the attitude of like, “Duh, we knew,” is the character. But I think they were just confused weirdest thing to me. Even when celebrities by it because they weren’t listening to all the announce that they’re pregnant, people aren’t online chatter about it, whereas I see it every like, “Duh, we could tell three months ago.” day, and I’m like, “Are you kidding? This is They’re like, “Aww, she’s finally ready to talk what they want!” about the fact that she’s pregnant! That’s amazing!” Best lesbian Bechloe fanfiction you’ve read? And you would think that your sexuality OK, I’ve actually only tried to ever read one. It would just be really supported (because) they was so sweet and puppy-lovey that I was like, feel comfortable talking about it now. It’s a “Aww, I wanted to read some sauciness!” I really weird topic to feel a sense of superiority thought I was gonna get scandalized! Instead, that you figured it out first. I was like, “Aww! This is, like, so sweet! This So much of what you do is just a bit gay. Was reminds me of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ books.” that the case for your role as Santa Claus’s But I haven’t actually followed up on it. See Anna Kendrick, continued on p. 18 www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 17 ® there’s just this moment and they both get Anna Kendrick caught up in it and it’s a little uncomfortable. Continued from p. 17 Yeah, it was a fun day. You’ve been open about your girl crushes over daughter in the forthcoming “Noelle”? the years. Have you ever had a girl crush that Again, I would say “Noelle” has a touch of was or could have been romantic? camp, so hopefully that will be enjoyable. It’s Let me think about that. I definitely – there’s been so long and I haven’t even seen a cut somebody I’m still friends with, and when we of it, so I’m like, “What did we make?” Oh, met we kissed. This was after high school, and but they did make a point to have same-sex it was the first time I had kissed a girl where couples wherever we went, whether we were it wasn’t just like, we’re at a party and boys are at the North Pole or outside the North Pole. watching! That horrible performance silliness. Getting back to “A Simple Favor”: Where do you But I think I haven’t had that emotional love for a lady, which isn’t saying it could never think Stephanie and Emily fall on the Kinsey happen to me, but I think I’m more of an Scale? Emily than a Stephanie. That’s a good question. I think Emily is a And your lip-lock with your longtime girl crush surprise for Stephanie, and she is completely in love with her in a way that she can’t Blake Lively in this movie – thoughts? totally understand. I do think that Stephanie (Laughs) I mean, all I’m ever thinking about probably would define herself as straight, in (kissing) scenes is, who has gum? Who except that there is this woman and she really has a mint? And I think Blake is probably the is kind of in love with her and there is a part same because I’ve never experienced a guy, of her that is attracted to her. like, searching for a mint and searching for That scene: I remember Blake and I both gum. So, we were the mintiest, freshest two feeling like neither of us wanted to be the people to have ever kissed in the history of aggressor in the scene. Blake was worried that America. she would come off as taking advantage of me in that scene because I’m in a very vulnerable Congratulations! place, and I was worried that I would come Thank you. Call Guinness. off like I wanted so much more, and that Blake is just kind of playing and Emily is As editor of Q Syndicate, the international very comfortable with the fluid aspects of her LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has sexuality, whereas Stephanie has more of an interviewed a multitude of superstars, including emotional component to it. So, I was worried Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach it would be, like, really sad. We definitely him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi.com struggled to find that perfect balance of, and on Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). 18 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 19 13

10 6 Cool Cities 3 18 11 17 Ann Arbor 9 16 4 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET 14 Pinpoint your ad dollars where 20 1 they will do the most good . . . 21 15 12 5 Advertise in the next Cool Cities 22 TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 2

19 Ann Arbor Advertisers Brookside Veterinary Hosptial.* HIV/AIDS Resource People’s Food Coop...... 16 Bassett & Associates...... * Center (Harc)...... * PFLAG Ann Arbor...... * Abracadabra Jewelry & Common Language...... 6 Humane Society of Rock Shoppe...... * Gem Gallery...... 1 Delux Drapery...... * Huron Valley...... * Spectrum Center...... 19 Anderson, PLLC, Mary K...... 2 Dependable Collision Center. * Iglesia Martell Law...... 11 Three Chairs Co...... 20 Ann Arbor City Club...... 19 Esquire Interiors...... * Jim Toy Resource Center...... 6 Tios Mexican Cafe...... 21 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 3 First Unitarian Church Lewis Jewelers...... 12 Trillium Real Estate...... 6 Ann Arbor Symphony of Ann Arbor...... * Lord of Light Lutheran Church.* UMHS Comprehensive Orchestra...... 4 Gail van Langen Ph.d...... 9 Merkel Carpet One...... * Gender Services Program.... * The Ark...... 5 Greene, LMSW, ACSW, Michigan Theater...... 12 University Musical Society....22 /aut/ Bar...... 6 Marge...... 10 Necto...... 15 * Not shown on map

20 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Penny Seats Theatre Company Features ‘Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde’

BY BTL STAFF such as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” “Audiences members have shown starting this year, as part of its new up in costumes. They’ve had massive ANN ARBOR — The Penny Seats Penny Dreadful Series. Created and Halloween parties ... it’s everything I Theatre Company offers “Dr. Jekyll curated by award-winning local love about theater, a real sense of fun and Mr. Hyde,” an adaptation of the playwright Zettelmaier, the Penny and excitement.” classic Robert Louis Stevenson story Dreadful Series aims to add theater Inspired by the success of last by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher from to the yearly tricking and treating of year’s “The Turn of the Screw,” Penny Oct. 12 through 28 at the College Michigan audiences. Seats will be bringing these stories Theater located at Washtenaw “The primary focus is on the gothic, to locales around Ann Arbor, each Community College. the sort of horror that evokes images fitting in some way the theme of the “The play absolutely thrilled me,” of decrepit mansions, gargoyles, play. This year’s selection is “Dr. Jekyll said play curator Joseph Zettelmaier. foggy London streets, wolves and Mr. Hyde.” “It’s incredibly theatrical, the kind howling in the woods ... atmosphere Over the last year, Zettelmaier of play that only works as a play. over gore,” said Zettelmaier. “I’ve has been collecting a wide variety of In particular, Hyde is actually been fortunate enough to work gothic horror plays in preparation for played by four different actors in many times with Illinois’ First future Penny Dreadful productions. the ensemble, really riffing on the Folio Theatre, a gorgeous (Actors’) “I have to keep the secrets in the concept of identity. And like all the Equity (Association) company set crypt, but I can say you’ll see a lot of great horror stories, it speaks to in an honest-to-God mansion. Every classic horror stories presented and something fundamentally human year, they do horror-themed plays in reimagined in the coming years,” he in us ... the idea of what we become October and it’s gone from being just said. “From classics like ‘Dracula’ to when our worst selves are brought to a night at the theater to a legitimate uniquely American horror like the the forefront. Hyde is brutal, sinister event.” Salem witch trials.” ... but he’s a part of us all, the part Zettelmaier’s plays “The that holds nothing back, that acts on Gravedigger: A Frankenstein Story,” The event will be held at 4800 E. pure instinct.” Johnson, Alysia Kolascz and Josie has announced that it will be bringing “Dr. Seward’s Dracula” and “The Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. Tickets The cast features David Galido, Lapczynski. classic gothic horror stories to Man-Beast” have all haunted First for “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” will be Julia Garlotte, Michael Herman, Dan The Penny Seats Theatre Company Ann Arbor stages every October, Folio’s stage. available online at pennyseats.org.

www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 21 Jim Toy Community Center September LezRead Features ‘The Stone Sky’ BY BTL STAFF about this two-time Hugo Award-winning author! Most book club members agree that ueer women looking for an LGBTQ- the books live up to the hype. Jemisin has friendly book club can stop their search truly changed the face of science fiction. Don’t with the Jim Toy Community Center’s worry about where you are in the books. All QLezRead group. Meeting every fourth Saturday are welcome to join the discussion!” of the month from 4 to 6 p.m., attendees will Interested new members should email spend the first hour of the meeting chatting [email protected] to join the private about literature and then spend the second Facebook group. Potential attendees are half getting drinks and snacks at Aut Bar. This reminded to bring a small cash donation for time around, the book club will read the third the use of the community center. novel in the Broken Earth Trilogy. “For September, we’re revisiting N.K. The event will be held at 319 Braun Ct. from 4 Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy. ‘The Stone Sky’ to 6 p.m. in Ann Arbor. More event information is the third novel in the series,” write event can be found on the event’s Facebook page. organizers. “We can’t say enough great things Aut Bar Celebrates 23rd Anniversary

BY BTL STAFF Since the late ‘90s, locals have been seeking out Aut Bar as a place to grab drinks, dance longtime mainstay for Ann Arbor’s a litte and meet up with friends. For more LGBTQ community, Aut Bar is set information about the event and about the bar, to celebrate its 23rd anniversary on visit its Facebook page or head to autbar.com. ASaturday, Sept. 29 with a homecoming party.

Michigan’s Definitive LGBTQ-Friendly Wedding and Anniversary Guide MiLGBTWedding.com

A PROJECT OF

To learn more contact [email protected]

Call 734-293-7200 ext. 22

22 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com

Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE White) as their lives are impacted by internet porn. Holofcener alone makes this appointment television, because if anyone can deal with Thought they were goners? adult sexual entertainment thoughtfully, it’s Nope, the ‘Cats’ have a her, and we love this cast, as well. One question: will there be promotional tie-in events with release date. Pornhub? When Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats,” Actor Garrett based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Clayton comes out Cats,” was the hottest ticket Millennial-aged actors are in musical theater, film coming out in numbers that studios weren’t exactly feel overwhelming compared lining up to make any sort to the not-so-recent past when of movie musical, much less virtually no one did, and they do one that involved the entire it on Instagram, which is always cast frolicking about in a nice, casual touch. So this is an kitty costumes. And when unofficial LGBTQ+ welcome they did decide to make to 27-year-old Garrett Clayton, one, it was “A Chorus Line.” whom you’ve seen in “Hairspray But that was before the Live,” “King Cobra,” on shows film musical resurgence; like “The Fosters,” and – if you’re before “Chicago,” before very young – in Disney Channel “Les Miserables,” before productions like “Teen Beach “Dreamgirls” and whatever Movie.” He sings, acts, dances, “The Greatest Showman” and looks like Zac Efron’s little was supposed to be. It’s brother, which doesn’t hurt at been so long that the Garrett Clayton. Photo: KathClick all. And he has half a dozen show became a pop culture upcoming projects under his joke for decades before belt, including the bullying regaining some revival respect. It’s been so long drama “Reach” and the Nicolas Cage drama that rumors of film versions died more than “Between Worlds,” both slated for this year, and nine times, and at least one of the upcoming the horror film “Killing Games,” currently in movie version’s stars, Taylor Swift, hasn’t been production. We’re always happy to report news alive long enough to even know about all this like this, so go forth and conquer, young gay dude. stuff. But now there’s a release date: December 20, 2019. It’s going to go head to head with a new “Star Wars” movie, unafraid. It’s got “Les ‘Boy Erased’ promotes Mis’” Tom Hooper as director, Ian McKellen co-starring, and Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, responsible podcasting so at least you know “Memory” is in capable The upcoming fall film “Boy Erased,” which hands. Now it seems almost real, and it only stars Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and Russell took almost 40 years. Crowe, is the true story of a Baptist pastor’s son forced into discredited conversion therapy run ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ goes to series by conservative Evangelical Christians. And the filmmakers have hit upon a unique and truly at HBO valuable bit of promotional content. They’ll be launching a four-part podcast, “UnErased” to We write about pilots sometimes, and then coincide with “Boy Erased”’s release. Author that piece of TV hope vanishes into the ether Garrard Conley, whose memoir forms the basis without a trace, abandoned by the network of the film, will participate in the podcast, which suits, leaving you thinking thoughts like, will focus on real stories of young people forced “Wasn’t “The Corrections” supposed to be a into the abusive programs, which have affected show at some point? Did it happen? Is it on an estimated 800,000 people since their inception. Starz and nobody told me?” So it’s a pleasure to “UnErased” will be made available exclusively to see one we were hoping would go the distance Stitcher Premium subscribers in the weeks before actually get a series order. The latest project the film’s Nov. 2 release, and available everywhere from the amazing Nicole Holofcener, “Mrs. podcasts are hosted coinciding with that release. Fletcher,” starring Kathryn Hahn, has an HBO There are already laws on the books in some states pickup with no set air date. The show co-stars banning these programs for minors. Let’s hope “Happy Endings” alum Casey Wilson and projects like this help turn the tide and protect transgender actress Jen Richards (“Her Story”) queer youth in even more places. in currently unknown roles, and the series will follow the lives of an empty-nester Mom Romeo San Vicente is happy to give your podcast’s (Hahn) and her college freshman son (Jackson Patreon at least one dollar. 24 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com 40 “It’s showtime!” 12 Polynesian paste 41 NASDAQ rival 13 Word on a dipstick 42 Aretha song from the “Young, 21 Caspian Sea land Gifted and Black” album 22 Lesbian character in “She’s Gotta 44 Hyundai rival Have It” 45 Pub offering 25 No zip 46 Places for sweaty embraces, 26 Fruit in a slot machine perhaps 27 Tried to hit a pitch 47 Leaves quietly, with “out” 28 Election fixer for the Homophobe- 49 Saloon seat in-Chief 52 Aretha song that won a Grammy 29 Trojan hero Hall of Fame Award 30 Active partner 58 Albee’s “Three ___ Women” 31 Michelangelo’s David, e.g. 61 Stallion’s sound 33 San Francisco event of 1906 62 Stonewall memory 34 By word of mouth 63 “Baby Doll” director Kazan 35 “Mommie Dearest” star Dunaway 64 Rita Mae Brown output 36 Risk with careless sex 65 Cinder suffix in a fairy tale 40 Got on one’s knees and begged 66 “It ___ Necessarily So” 42 Sprint at the Gay Games 67 Place atop 43 Dating from 68 One of Cary’s exes 48 Dazzling success 49 Some stick it where it doesn’t belong Down 50 Trunk of Charles Atlas photos Peppermint Twist QPuzzle 1 Tube opening? 51 “I have ___ walked down the 20 Aretha song featured in the movie 2 Barry Humphries’ Dame street before...” Across “Goodfellas” 3 Leopold’s partner 53 Venom sources 1 Homeland of the Singing Nun 23 Crawled out of bed 4 The South, in “Gone with the 54 With respect to (abbr.) 24 Laughter at a Margaret Cho routine Wind”? 55 Ready to be rubbed the right way 5 Cockeyed 28 Avis adjective 5 Like the Jets, in “West Side Story” 56 “Damn Yankees” girl 10 Madonna’s “___ Don’t Preach” 30 Hereditary chain 6 Missile housing 57 Trey does his voice on “South 14 A strong one found in the gym 32 “Orange Is the ___ Black” 7 Thief of the tarts of the Queen of Park” 15 Lauren Wright Douglas’ “ ___ Life” 33 “Title” for Aretha Franklin Hearts 58 Drink with jam and bread 16 Apple that isn’t a fruit 37 Bird from down under 8 To be, in Brest 59 Hillary’s Wellesley classmate MacGraw 17 Super’s apartment, maybe 38 Annapolis sch. 9 Milk component 60 Memorial designer Maya 18 Look at someone using hate speech 39 Judged “Dancing with the Stars,” 10 Prick 19 A pound of Rupert Everett e.g. 11 “The Simpsons” storekeeper

www.PrideSource.com September 13, 2018 | BTL 25 120 Artists to be Featured at 2018 Funky Ferndale Art Fair From Sept. 21 through 23, art admirers can attend an event that organizers write is “twice as funky as the average art fair.” The fair will feature 120 juried artists who are showcasing a variety of 2D, 3D and wearable art. Additionally, attendees can listen to live music and attend the “little sister event” across the street, the DIY street fair. More information can be found online at funkyferndaleartfair.com.

LGBTQ Meeting 7 p.m. Professional St.,Wyandotte. standwithtrans.org. Tig Notaro at Masonic Temple 6:30 OUTINGS & personal communication skills p.m. Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, development. Jim Toy Community Center, Wednesday, Sept. 19 producer and director. Detroit Masonic Thursday, Sept. 13 319 Braun Court,Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Temple, 3011 W. Grand Blvd, #f100,Detroit. speakout.toastmastersclubs.org. Livonia, Wayne County Stand with Trans 800-854-2196. templedetroit.com. Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Support Groups 6:30 p.m. Free. Group themasonic.com. Commerce Merge & Mixer 6:30 p.m. All meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month are welcomed to network. Check website Saturday, Sept. 15 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 34567 7 for monthly location, RSVP is Required. U.P. Pride Fest 12 p.m. Featuring a deaf Mile Road,Livonia. standwithtrans.org. Saturday, Sept. 29 Soho, 205 W. 9 Mile Road,Ferndale. 248- speaker, kids activities, a drag show Mega March for Animals, Presented 542-7646. [email protected]. and more. [email protected]. Tuesday, Sept. 25 by Sellers Subaru 9 a.m. Join 1,000 uprainbowpride.org. Farmington Stand with Trans 2018 Ann Arbor, Washtenaw, Strand with attendees and their dogs. Cullen Support Groups 7 p.m. Free. This Trans Support Groups 6:30 p.m. Trans Plaza,Detroit. 313-566-8200. events@ youth group meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday, Sept. 16 Support Group meeting the 4th Tuesday of michiganhumane.org. MichiganHumane. org/megamarch. Thursday of the month at Orchard United Wyandotte Stand with Trans Support each month at Journey of Faith Christian Methodist Church. 30450 Farmington Group 4 p.m. Free. Meets 1st and 3rd Church. 1900 Manchester Road,Ann 10th Annual Fall Fundraiser – An Road, Farmington. 248-626-3620. Sundays of each month @ St. Stephens Arbor. standwithtrans.org. Evening with Ozone House 6:30 p.m. standwithtrans.org. Episcopal Church. 734-747-4363. St. Food, drinks, music and performances. Toastmasters International SpeakOUT! Stephens Episcopal Church, 2803 1st Friday, Sept. 28 Domino’s World Resource Center, 30

Michigander at Blind Pig Nostalgia-infused Americana with a twist of alternative rock sums up Michigander’s sound. The group, led by Grand Rapids-born Jason Singer, has graced sold-out shows in New York and Chicago, as well as the stages of Audiotree, Daytrotter and Detroit’s Mo Pop Festival. Now on tour, the group is heading to Ann Arbor’s Blind Pig on Friday, Sept. 21. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door. More information can be found online at blindpigmusic.com.

26 BTL | September 13, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Native American Heritage Day Contest Pow-Wow The North American indian Association is hosting a Native American Heritage Day Contest Pow- Wow on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. featuring dance categories for men, women and children with cash prizes as high as $300. Native American food will be available for purchase, along with arts and crafts. More information can be found by calling 313-535-2966 or by emailing [email protected].

Frank Lloyd Wright Drive,Ann Arbor. 734- Enjoy the Howl-a-ween Costume Contest p.m. Social workers discuss addiction 930-3030. [email protected]. and more. One event on Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. in older adults. Free. St. Joseph Mercy Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward,Royal Hospital Education Center Auditorium, Tig Notaro at Fountain Street Church Oak. royaloakchamber.com. 5305 Elliott Drive,Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. in Grand Rapids! 7:30 p.m. Stand-up dawnfarm.org. comedian, actor, writer, producer, and Health is The Gift You Give Yourself director. Rolling Stone Fountain Street Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m. Learn about the health The Firebird Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. Experience Church, 24 Fountain Street NE,Grand benefits of a good diet. Groves High Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” under the Rapids. 616-459-8386. fountainstreet.org. School, 20500 West 13 Mile Road,Beverly dynamic Fabian Gabel, plus Stravinsky’s Hills. 248-919-8726. pbnsg.org. beguiling “The Song of the Nightingale, Tuesday, Oct. 2 and Tchaikovsky’s stormy. Orchestra Hall, Addiction 101 Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m. An 3711 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5111. Lake Orion, Oakland County Stand overview of substance use disorders.. dso.org. with Trans 2018 Support Groups 7 p.m. Free. Sponsored by Dawn Farm. St. Free. For parents of transgender kids, Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center this group meets the 1st Tuesday of each Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive,Ypsilanti. month @ St. Mary’s In The Hills Episcopal 734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org. Church, 2512 Joslyn Court,Lake Orion. ART ‘N’ 248-391-0663. stmarysinthehills.org. Michigan Burlesque Festival – Dirty Martini Sept. 21, 7 p.m. Honor one of Detroit’s own burlesque legends and burly AROUND Sunday, Oct. 7 “mama,” inspirational Toni Elling! Hastings Star Wars and the Power of Costume 10 Stand with Trans 2018 Support Street Ballroom, 715 E. Milwaukee a.m. Explore the challenges in dressing Groups – Adrian-Lenawee County St.,Detroit. 313-873-2955. tangentgallery. the Star Wars universe from the Galactic 6:30 p.m. Hilltop Counseling, 115 W. com. michiganburlesquefestival.com. Senate and royalty to the Jedi, Sith and Maumee Street,Adrian. 313-909-5408. Droids™. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 standwithtrans.org. hilltopcounseling.org. Addiction and Families Sept. 25, 7:30 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-833-7900. p.m. Dr. Lynn Kleiman Malinoff, Ed.D. St. dia.org/starwarsattheDIA. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Wednesday, Oct. 10 Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive,Ypsilanti. 16th Annual Michigan Renaissance Culture Lab: Screening of Original 734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org/programs/ Festival 10 a.m. Take a time-travel ‘RoboCop’ 8 p.m. Senate Theater, 6424 education-series. adventure into the 16th century. 12600 Michigan Ave., Detroit. 313-894-0850. Dixie Hwy.,Holly. 248-634-5552. info@ senatetheater.com 2018 Voices – A Detroit Legacy Sept. michrenfest.com. michrenfest.com. 27, 6 p.m. Save the date for 2018 Voices, tickets.vendini.com. VIP Reception at 6pm, Main Event at 7 Thursday, Oct. 11 p.m. Tickets available at ruthelliscenter. Osborne Macharia with Blinky Bill 7 p.m. Culture Lab: ‘The Aesthetics of org. Motor City Casino Sound Board, 2901 Artists will discuss their recent creative Tomorrow’ 6 p.m. Features artists Grand River Ave.,Detroit. 313-309-4700. collaboration entitled: “Remember The and theorists working on the cusp of motorcitycasino.com. ruthelliscenter.org. Rude Boy.” Charles H Wright Musuem, technological innovation: Mark Pauline 315 E. Warren Ave.,Detroit. thewright.org. and Eyal Weizman’s. Senate Theater, 6424 Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert Sept. pennystampsevents.com. Michigan Ave.,Detroit. 28, 8 p.m. See “Star Wars: A New Hope” as the full feature film is projected onto a Passages Sept. 15, 6 p.m. Features large screen in Orchestra Hall, with John paintings by John Michaels and Ken Friday, Oct. 12 Williams.’ Max M. & Marjorie S,. Fisher Walker that explore themes of conflict Culture Lab: Seeing and Being Seen 6 Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. and oppression. Office Space Gallery, p.m. Three artists explore identity. The 313-576-5111. dso.org. 2870 E. Grand Blvd,Detroit. 313-478-6722. Church of the Messiah, 231 E. Grand mosaicproductionsllc.com. Blvd.,Detroit. 313-267-1010 Mega March for Animals, Presented by Sellers Subaru Sept. 29, 9 a.m. Morag Myerscough Sept. 20, 5 p.m. Join 1,000 supporters of the Michigan Myerscough explores the theme of Humane Society and their dogs. Detroit “belonging” in her work, using it to RiverWalk, Cullen Plaza (formerly Rivard transform public spaces. Michigan Plaza),Detroit. 313-566-8200. events@ Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734- MUSIC & michiganhumane.org. detroitriverfront. 668-8397. pennystampsevents.com. org. MichiganHumane.org/megamarch. Have We Met: Dialogues on Memory MORE Big 80s Flashback Bash! Sept. 29, 8 and Desire Sept. 21, 6 p.m. Curated by Srimoyee Mitra. Stamps gallery, 201 S. Osborne Macharia with Blinky Bill Sept. p.m. Big ’80s Flashback Bash celebrates 13, 5 p.m. Osborne and Bill will premiere all genres of 80s music all night long! Division St.,Ann Arbor. stamps.umich.edu/ “Remember The Rude Boy.” Stamps Proceeds to Hater Kitty Cat Rescue PJs exhibitions/detail/have-we-met. School of Art Michigan Theater, 603 E. Lagerhouse, 1254 Michigan Ave.,Detroit. Michigan Burlesque Festival – Dirty Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. 313-961-4668. Martini Sept. 21, 7 p.m. Hastings Street pennystampsevents.com. Gil Shaham and Enigma Oct. 5, 8 p.m. Ballroom, 715 E. Milwaukee St., Detroit. 313-873-295. tangentgallery.com. 23rd Annual Artworks Detroit Auction “Resplendent,” raves the Los Angeles michiganburlesquefestival.com. and Fundraiser Sept. 13, 6 p.m. Food and Times of Gil Shaham. “The performance drinks, live music, fashion show and more. of a lifetime.” Shaham plays Prokofiev’s Ariel Waldman Sept. 27, 5 p.m.She sits Wasserman Projects, 3434 Russell Street, blistering First Violin Concerto. Orchestra on the council for the NASA Innovative #502,Detroit. [email protected]. Hall, 3711 Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 313- Advanced Concepts Program that aims to matrixhumanservices.org/artworks. 576-5111. Dso.org.. nurture radical, science-fiction-inspired ideas. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty Matrix Theatre Presents the 7th Annual Dancing in the Street: A Symphonic St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. stamps. Cabaret Fundraiser Sept. 14, 7:30 Tribute to Motown Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. p.m. This year’s theme is “Tears and Celebrate Motown and artists like Marvin umich.edu/stamps/detail/ariel_waldman. Laughter.” Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Gaye, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Bagley St.,Detroit. 313-967-0599 info@ Diana Ross and The Temptations. matrixtheatre.org. matrixtheatre.org. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave.,Detroit. 313-576-5111..dso.org. Royal Oak Barktoberfest! Sept. 15, 11 a.m. Dogs, craft beers, music and more. Addiction and Older Adults Oct. 16, 7:30