Democratic Candidates for AG

BY KATE OPALEWSKI a tremendous amount of inluence over issues Republican candidates so far are House relevant to LGBTQ people and their families. Speaker Tom Leonard and state Senator Tonya emocrats are ielding candidates this That’s why the MDP’s nomination for Schuitmaker. year as they seize their moment to attorney general is so important for the Nessel is recognized as one of the premier Dwin back the state of Michigan before LGBTQ community. Accepting and voting for litigators of LGBTQ issues in the state and is the next round of redistricting starts in 2020. a person who believes in anything less than full known for taking the precedent-setting case Four statewide ofices are up for election in equality for all people irrespective of sexual DeBoer v. Snyder to the Supreme Court to win 2018 - senator, governor, secretary of state orientation or gender identity is not an option. same-sex couples the right to marry in 2015. and attorney general. There is no primary election this year for She has been adversarial at times, pushing Election 2018 While several attorneys general nationwide down ballot races so the MDP will nominate the LGBTQ community to take risks in the have been proactive in the ight against anti- under state law their attorney general candidate ight for equal rights. While not everyone has LGBTQ efforts, for the last five years in during a nomination convention Aug. 25-26 agreed with her strategy or tactics along the Michigan, Republican Attorney General Bill in Lansing. The nominee – which will be pre- way, Nessel said, “No one can question my Schuette has derailed any efforts made to determined during an endorsement convention commitment to helping the community in any extend rights to LGBTQ citizens. on April 15 in Detroit – will face statewide way I possibly can.” He is prevented by term limits from voters in the Nov. 6 general election. Since announcing her run in August last seeking a third term in 2018, but whoever In the race are Democratic candidates Dana year, Nessel has been pushing back against ills this position – which has been held by Nessel, Patrick Miles and William Noakes any notion that the MDP shouldn’t have an Republicans since 2003 – will continue to have who iled to run just before press time. The all-female ticket in 2018. U.S. Sen. Debbie

Attorney General Bill Schuette interfered while I was U.S. Attorney and I’ve really in the Civil Rights Commission interpreting always wanted to foster open communication Elliott-Larsen to include protections for between law enforcement and the various Patrick Miles Michigan LGBT residents. I believe that communities that it serves because if you Age: 50 interference was inappropriate. I believe don’t have a relationship you can’t have trust Occupation: Of Counsel and a member we should advocate for amending ELCRA and if you have a breakdown in trust, then of the Litigation Department at Barnes & to cover LGBT residents speciically, but bad things can happen in the community and Thornburg in Grand Rapids certainly the Commission can give its bad things can be made worse if an incident Education: Graduate of Aquinas College interpretation. arises. In terms of the Matthew Shepard and Harvard Law School hate crimes law, frankly is very limited in Experience: Appointed as the first African jurisdictions with the federal government. American to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in What would you say to those who don’t share We investigated several hate crimes, but there 2012 during the Obama administration, that same opinion in light of the current was really more authority at the local level serving as the chief federal law enforcement administration? for the county prosecutors and for the state officer covering 49 counties. I would say that we have a Constitution and to bring cases then at the federal level. There Personal note: Miles is a lifelong, fifth the Constitution gives people protection for were instances that if we felt the county did generation Michigander who grew up in all and we have to follow the Constitution not do something, we would ind a way to a family that believes in hard work and and follow what the law says. And when you take action. The job of the U.S. Attorney just service to others. selectively deny those rights to groups then like the job of Attorney General – the number Noteworthy: As U.S. Attorney for the we’re not following our American heritage. one mission – is to protect the public and we Western District of Michigan, Miles Tell me how you are going to play a major role have to protect everyone and ensure justice prosecuted the first-ever child sex in helping the LGBTQ community achieve full for all. trafficking case in the district and went on equality? Discuss a time personally or professionally to prosecute 11 other defendants for sex when you’ve assisted the LGBTQ community? The attorney general position is a very trafficking minors. Have you ever prosecuted a person for a hate Do you believe that the government and private powerful position. It’s the second most Priorities: Fighting government corruption, crime against the LGBTQ community? businesses can deny goods and services to protecting the vulnerable (children, seniors powerful in the state, after the governor. LGBTQ people, same-sex couples and their One instance where as U.S. Attorney I and veterans), combating the opioid crisis, You have the ability to speak out as well families? helped convene a meeting between law safeguarding consumers and improving as the ability to question laws that are not enforcement in Grand Rapids and the LGBT No, of course not. Once you’ve entered police and community relations. constitutional, and not in the public interest, community to talk about the treatment of commerce, to discriminate is wrong. That’s Some endorsements: Michigan Regional and challenge those laws, both laws coming LGBT residents by law enforcement and that to me an absurd example of an ideology Council of Carpenters and Millwrights; out of Lansing, and out of Washington D.C. was a very candid discussion. It was a very that’s run afoul. Where again, it’s contrary former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District We’ve seen in many instances things coming productive discussion as I think both sides to our U.S. Constitution where we have of Michigan Barbara McQuade; U.S. Senator out of the Trump Administration or things needed to hear the concerns of the other, but equal protection laws for a reason in the Carl Levin that were done by Attorney General Schuette that were contrary to equality for all people, it’s particularly law enforcement that needed Constitution and especially with someone especially our LGBT community. We saw an to hear how the LGBT community felt that that’s entered commerce and is in business Follow Pat Miles’ campaign online at interference with the civil rights commission it was being harassed and mistreated and and to be able to discriminate is just wrong. coming out of Washington, affecting the not fully served by law enforcement so that I, as an African American have been on the LGBT community as well as where the was a very important discussion that we had See AG: Patrick Miles, page 10

4 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Speak Out on LGBTQ Issues Learn More About Michigan Stabenow is up for re-election and Democrats record. Prior to his confirmation as U.S. the needs of the LGBTQ community. They Gretchen Whitmer and Jocelyn Benson are Attorney by the Senate, he served more than were asked to make their best arguments about State Conventions both front runners in their races for governor two dozen charitable and professional boards where they stand on particular issues such as Inside the Michigan Democratic Party, state and secretary of state, respectively. and committees, some of which champion anti- ighting against hate crimes, adoption, religion, conventions are a yearly occurrence that offer members Nessel sent a bold message via YouTube LGBTQ causes. One might question how his anti-bullying, and decriminalizing HIV. an opportunity to collectively make decisions on recently to elect more women. Her campaign past – intertwined with homophobic religious It is the attorney general’s job to protect and the future of the MDP. The nomination convention ad to vote for candidates “without a penis,” afiliations – has informed where he is today. serve the people and interests of Michigan will take place Aug. 25-26 in Lansing. To allow she said is meant to address the barrage of While many politicians “evolve” for the sake through a broad range of duties as the state’s candidates more time to campaign, the MDP has sexual harassment allegations making headline of political expediency, Miles said he “has top lawyer and law enforcement official. added an endorsement convention on April 15 at news. It has garnered national attention and has a heart for these issues” and “have been on While overseeing more than 500 lawyers, 9 a.m. at Cobo Center in Detroit. The nominee will received mixed reviews. the wrong end of discrimination myself so I investigators, and other employees, the attorney be pre-determined at this endorsement convention. While state conventions are open to all Democrats, Miles, the former U.S. Attorney for the deinitely empathize with what’s happening.” general’s responsibilities include safeguarding only those who have been members for at least 30 Western District of Michigan, is known for the public from violent criminals, helping If elected, Nessel would be the irst lesbian days prior to the convention may vote or run for party combating gang violence, child exploitation, and the second woman (Jennifer Granholm victims of crime, leading the ight against office. Members of the community who wish to vote inancial fraud and organized crime, among was the irst) in the attorney general’s ofice. human traficking and opioid abuse, preserving must fill out an MDP membership application via other civil and criminal matters. Miles said Miles would be the state’s irst black attorney Michigan’s spectacular natural resources, mail or online before March 15. Still have questions? as attorney general he will prevent and general. Beyond adding diversity to the protecting consumers and addressing illegal Contact the MDP by phone at 517-371-5410 or by prosecute crimes against the most vulnerable Democratic ticket, both Nessel and Miles business practices. email at [email protected]. The state members of society, but he has been silent agreed to answer various questions about what convention is explained online at michigandems.com/ on LGBTQ rights and lacks a pro-LGBTQ they can and will do as individuals to advance wp-content/uploads/2017/01/guide-to-convention.pdf.

we have underrepresentation of women in people in the court room. So, for people to ofice it’s not just bad for women, it’s bad say,for oh, she’s just an LGBTQ rights advocate, families...The fact of the matter is I think I’mthat’s all she is, not only is it unfair but it’s Dana Nessel the best candidate to this ofice and I think thatuntrue and I have far more experience than Age: 48 I’m the most exciting candidate to this oficemy democratic opponent who’s never tried Occupation: Managing partner of Nessel and I’m going to be the most aggressive a in criminal case in his career. So, to say all I & Kessel Law in Detroit; president and terms of protecting the rights of all minorities know is about LGBTQ rights despite the fact co-founder of Fair Michigan including the LGBTQ community. that I’ve tried dozens and dozens of irst- Education: Graduate of the University degree murder cases both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, I think it diminishes me as of Michigan and Wayne State University Why should the LGBTQ community vote for you? Law School a candidate. Experience: Nearly 25 years of legal As an openly gay person, I represent over half a million Michiganders. I think that experience covering a vast array of What would you say to LGBTQ people who you disciplines as both a defense and number is higher, but we know it’s at least haven’t always seen eye-to-eye with you on how prosecuting attorney. half a million people who have never had Personal note: Nessel lives in southeast that representation at the statewide level to best pursue equal rights for the community? Michigan with her wife, Alanna Maguire, before. I’m bringing diversity to the ticketI guess the statement that I want to make their twin sons, Alex and Zach, along with in a way that has never existed before ... I to everyone in the community is that I various cats. think some people are excited about that. understand there are people in the LGBTQ Noteworthy: In less than a year the Some people aren’t. What bothers me is thatcommunity here in Michigan that have not Fair Michigan Justice Project has You’re not the only LGBTQ candidate running for a for people who don’t support my candidacy,always appreciated my methodology when secured eight convictions for hate-based statewide office, but you are the most visible. Yet they consider me a one-trick pony as though I it came to achieving LGBTQ rights. And crimes against members of the LGBTQ people are far more concerned with you being a have no ideas about anything else, as though people who are allies, people who are in the community. woman than being a lesbian. Thoughts? I’ve never practiced in any other ield. I have community – like any community of people, Priorities: To protect the environment, more experience in practicing criminal law like any group of activists – we have our I was very taken aback by that, and all I can both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney senior citizens and consumers while think about is one giant step forward for the differences of opinion of how best to support than anyone whose ever held the ofice of addressing marijuana laws and fighting gays and one backwards for women. Of course the community and how to best achieve rights attorney general. I’m the only person who for civil rights. that’s very concerning and upsetting to me, that don’t exist. has this amount of experience not just as a So people have questioned my process Some endorsements: LPAC; Wayne but I honestly believe that if the most qualiied County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy; Ellis prosecutor, but also representing indigent of doing that. But no one can question my and the most progressive and the most people who were too poor to ever afford an Stafford, retired Deputy Chief of the exciting ticket that the Democrats could come commitment to helping the community in Michigan State Police and president of attorney. I’ve represented people who were any way I possibly can. Just know this – I am up with is an all-female ticket then I think that addicted to crack and opioids and alcohol. the Metro Detroit Chapter of the National that is going to be a winner in the November going to do everything I possibly can to be Organization of Black Law Executives I’ve represented veterans who have post- supportive of the LGBTQ community and to elections because I think people are tired of traumatic stress disorder. In terms of criminal seeing women so vastly underrepresented ensure that voices are heard. reforms or alternative programs I know At a time where the community is under Follow Dana Nessel’s campaign online at in ofice. In the state of Michigan only more 20 about this than just about anybody percent of the legislature is represented by assault, if the worst thing you can say about dana2018.com. who has been in this position because I’ve women so we have an enormous amount of me is that I’m too aggressive in my efforts practiced on both sides so I know the laws underrepresentation and we know that when in the system that exist on both sides in both See AG: Dana Nessel, page 12 www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 5

Holly made an attempt to live the life her parents wanted. She found a wife and started drinking to dull the pain of suppressing who she was.

Holly, who hasn’t had a drink in 29 years. “It was a short-term ride for me. I started drinking at work because of where I worked. I found that I was not only able to suppress who I was but it also gave me false courage to be super macho.” Holly was roughly 25 and a virgin when she started dating. “That’s when I met my wife,” she says. In the 31 years of their marriage, the few precious moments when Holly felt like herself were behind closed doors in women’s clothing. “I told her exactly who I was, and she understood off and on,” says Holly. “She pierced my ears, bought me makeup, bought me clothes; hot and cold, going in and out of Paula Holly, 63, came out two years ago as a trans woman. BTL Photo: Alex Godin understanding. I think she understood, but I think she just didn’t like it. She accused me of ruining her life, which I take full responsibility for.” Being Paula Holly Emotionally torn over her own identity, Holly says she was in no position to be a proper role model for her two children. “I feel very guilty because of this,” she A Trans Woman, Long-Suppressed, Reclaims Her Time says. “I feel I got more out of it than the kids did.” BY EMELL DERRA ADOLPHUS for guidance, she went on to suppress her you’re teaching them,” she says. “I want to As painful as the realization is, Holly true self for more than six decades. Now educate people.” said her story is hardly unique in the trans ain wells up in Paula Holly’s eyes at 63, Holly is just beginning to reconcile Holly came of age in northwest Detroit community. as she recounts the life that she was her life (after coming out two years ago) around the Castle Rouge neighborhood. “In the trans community, you hear only Pnever meant to live. As early as 3 by getting involved in her community. Her After her father – “the SOB,” she said, – two or three stories because it’s the same years old, she remembers trying to articulate hope is to inspire others to not let their harsh took off when she was 16, she quit school story only different names and different what it meant to be misgendered. realities be the norm. and started working full-time as a mechanic times. The backgrounds parallel so close,” “I was a disappointment to them,” Holly “What my community needs is for more in a garage to help support her mother and says Holly. Accepting herself has enabled says of her devout Eastern European to come out to be visible,” says Holly, who sisters. her to better accept others and forgive, she parents. Her birth name, Gary – which she thanks the weekly Senior Koffee Klatch “Here I am a girl, and I have this explains. “I’ve also come to notice, we are now calls her “dead name” – was as ill- discussion group at Afirmations in Ferndale mechanical ability,” she recalls. “That all lawed.” itting and uncomfortable to her as boy’s for bringing her out of her shell and into the caused some kind of inner turmoil within Soon, Holly will undergo gender clothing. And, though she was caught many community. “I owe that group a lot, and me. But I liked pushing a wrench.” conirmation surgery. Although the surgery times in her sisters’ clothing, she was never I love them dearly. These are my chosen Holly would go on to work in the won’t make her lawless, she will inally be confronted or comforted. family.” automobile industry as a mechanic, but not whole. The time was the late ‘50s, early ‘60s, Holly recently joined SAGE Metro before the death of her mother. “I am not changing my gender. I am only when people were largely intolerable of Detroit as a board member to help advocate “She said, ‘Gary, you’re not a hippie. correcting a birth defect,” said Holly, in a LGB community, much less of the T. for the rights of other LGBT older adults You’re worse,’” remembers Holly. matter of fact tone. “So I consider myself trans woman now, and, after my surgery, I will just “They still are!” Holly adds with who may be in isolation. From that moment, she made an attempt be a woman.” frustration. “My belief is you have to be willing to to live the life her parents wanted. She found In the eyes of her family, Holly’s true be visible and you have to be able to open a wife and started drinking to dull the pain his story is two of 50 in the BTL “50 Shades of identity was something to be stowed away up and answer all the questions no matter of suppressing who she was. Gray” Aging Series, dedicated to sharing the stories and ignored. And, with no one to conide in how personal they are because that’s how “I did all my drinking at my house,” says of LGBT older adults in Metro Detroit. www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 9 AG: Patrick Miles beliefs. I would enforce laws that I personally ® don’t agree with, but not that I believe are Continued from p. 4 unconstitutional. There is a difference there. wrong end of discrimination myself so I deinitely empathize with what’s happening. Why should the LGBTQ community choose to vote for you over someone who helped the Can you tell me how your experience being on LGBTQ community win the right to marry? the wrong end of discrimination will influence The attorney general’s job is deinitely one the way you address some of the problems of a broad scope of challenges and issues. faced by LGBTQ African Americans who live at Whether it’s ighting crime, protecting the intersection of racism, homophobia and consumers, restoring the consumer protection transphobia? division to where it needs to be and was Oh, no question they do. And I even formally, and looking at the experience of the addressed some of those issues when I was a individual running to do the job and to know U.S. Attorney. I was co-chair of the Michigan what will work and what won’t work in terms Alliance Against Hate Crimes as a U.S. of implementing policies and programs. I’ve Attorney and I spoke at all of the [MIAAHC] been U.S. Attorney so I’ve done the job and conferences. And, I also, as I mentioned, I’m able to have a record of not what I say I helped convene a session between the will do, but what I’ve done and so I hope that LGBTQ community and law enforcement carries the day with every community, but to talk about police harassment, and re- particularly the LGBT community to trust that my values are in alignment with theirs victimization, and how that community feels Patrick Miles campaigning. Photo courtesy of Patrick Miles campaign. like it really doesn’t have support from law and that I will work to protect their rights. enforcement – in fact, feels the opposite, feels Can you talk more specifically about how you sometimes persecuted by law enforcement Can you be more specific about what you’ve believe SCOTUS should rule on the Masterpiece as well – the discrimination that people in If you were attorney general right now how done? the community face day to day in their lives Cakeshop case? would handle the case the ACLU has brought I guess I would refer back to the example and the struggles they face in housing, and Oh, I absolutely believe that someone in a against the state of Michigan alleging the 2015 of the Grand Rapids law enforcement – that employment, and in other facets of daily commerce like a bakery, they’re not a church, adoption bills are unconstitutional? would be one example and then say that again living. And so, I’m very much aware of those they’re not a religious institution, they’re Right, well I would say that the attorney that I was a very proactive, progressive U.S. challenges. And, I don’t just see them once a business. And, they certainly should be general – and I don’t want to get into too attorney in terms of a variety of policies and in a while. That’s my framework. That’s my serving everybody equally under the law. many speciics on what I would do with so whether it was on the reentry programs or prism. I can’t help that, being an African And, so that is something that is, to me, very individual cases without having all the facts reaching out to various communities – and I American, seeing racial discrimination when objectionable that a bakery would say, “We’re and evidence, but I would deinitely say that did this proactively, reaching out to various it’s happening. not gonna do a cake for a same-sex couple.” the point of adoption is something that again, communities to say when I became U.S. That’s just absurd to me, and that should be to be parents, it beneits both children and Attorney that if there are civil rights issues given strict scrutiny by the Supreme Court. Can you discuss why you didn’t support same- parents who are loving and want to provide in your community, let me know as U.S. Because, I do believe that LGBTQ people sex marriage in 2010 and why you’ve changed a loving and nurturing environment for Attorney and that’s something that really should be classiied as a suspect class, and your mind since then? children. I don’t think that I would support hadn’t been done before in this Western they should be given rights under Elliott- the current position of the state government. District and we increased a number of civil Like a lot of people, my views have changed. Larsen, as well. So, I hope that’s clear. My position in 2010 was the same as many I would say that it should be constitutional. rights cases – more than doubled them in elected Democrats at the time, including my tenure other than in the prior few years. The conservative strategy will continue to be We deinitely wanted to work with every President Obama. Just like the President, my Would you support the decriminalization of pitting religious freedom against LGBTQ equality. community to make sure that they were position has evolved on that, where I believe HIV status? More specifically, State Rep. Jon With that in mind, please explain your time protected. in full equality under the law for everyone and Hoadley’s (D-Kalamazoo) legislation that would that includes the right of same-sex couples to at Aquinas in 2008 when you supported the repeal Michigan’s HIV specific felony law and get married. decision to uninvite Dr. John Corvino, “The Gay replace it? On Off the Record recently, you said you were Moralist,” to speak on campus. Why did you “satisfied” with Attorney General Bill Schuette’s think that was a good decision? I have a tremendous respect for Rep. Jon OK2Say program... You have talked about being a devout Christian. Hoadley and would deinitely look to support Is it possible to close the chasm between Well, at the time, I was the chairman of the the legislation he is sponsoring based on that The program, created in December 2013, is a the LGBTQ community and some religious board of trustees and was supporting the respect. Michigan’s current law was passed multimedia outlet for students to conidentially communities? president who made the decision. But then, in 1988. I support updating the law to relect report acts of violence among their peers, Aquinas, it’s a faith-based institution. And themselves or in their surroundings. It should be possible because the basis for unity current science on HIV transmission. what I did, personally, I went and heard Dr. Satisied that Attorney General Schuette is love and loving other people as yourself. Corvino give his speech, which he did off had begun it, but it certainly can be better and It’s also not to be judgmental of others. Judge campus and spent time with him. And because Would you enforce laws you don’t agree with? we can do better. We deinitely need to look at Not, Lest Ye Be Judged. So, that’s to me – I felt it was important to hear his viewpoint, schools discriminatory policies and especially those fundamental tenants really should be I think the attorney general has to enforce and I believe very strongly in that and I think when they’re coming out of the education the basis of reconciliation and should be the the law of the people, but he doesn’t have to it’s important to have the freedom to speak department in D.C., and that’s again where basis of embracing all people even if there enforce unconstitutional laws. So you can’t like that. Now, I personally, am not Catholic, the attorney general can push back against are differences. I also, again have come to the bring your personal beliefs – I think we’ve but Aquinas is a Catholic institution. And the Trump administration. Bullying deinitely realization that we cannot enforce religious had too much of that with Bill Schuette – so I wasn’t really in a position to say to the affects the LGBT community and children to belief through government. We really need to where he’s had personal beliefs and he’s Catholic deities and others that they were a great degree and that’s something I’d like keep church and state separate. The church’s gone on some of these ideological crusades wrong in terms of how they were gonna to see the OK2Say program expanded to job is to evangelize, and the governments job and wasted taxpayer dollars based on them handle their institution. But, I went and heard speciically address that challenge. I don’t is to make sure that we have equal justice for and not based on what is constitutional and Dr. Corvino and I was very impressed by him. think that’s something that has been done and all people. not constitutional, based on his own personal

10 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com needs to be done. ing nday March The Matt Epling Safe School Law passed in 2011 without religious exemption language. Many I would definitely say LGBTQ community members say that without “ BTL’s LGBT Wedding enumeration, it has no real teeth against that the point of adoption is bullying based on bias. What is your view on something that again, to be & Anniversary the current law and should it be expanded to parents, it benefits both children include enumeration? n- • Mtrity asin Detrit I think that I would agree with you on that. and parents who are loving and So, yeah, I think that bullying is obviously want to provide a loving and something that youth who are discovering FR TT ith de BTL who they are, those are tough years, those nurturing environment for children. teen years, especially. And so, for someone who’s different, is expressing themselves and I don’t think that I would support Register at then being bullying for it, that’s wrong. And, the current position of the state that can lead to suicide, it can lead to a lot of bad things. And so, I was subject to bullying government. I would say that it myself when I was a teen, so I know how Mi .com that can be...In some ways, even the teachers should be constitutional (for same- LGBTWedding would even, you know when the popular sex couples to adopt.) kids do what they want to do, the teachers support the popular kids, right? It was almost like, you really feel helpless when even the ” - Democratic Candidate for teachers and the people who are supposed to Attorney General Patrick Miles be there to protect you and help you aren’t supporting you. So, I have a heart for these issues.

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24/HR SUPERVISION Fr nsr & endr (734) 459-3647 or visit 673 S. Main, Plymouth, Michigan www.HappyHoundsDayCare.com Ortnities all Tday www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 11 ® AG: Dana Nessel With the Masterpiece Cakeshop case in mind, Continued from p. 5 do you think it’s possible to close the chasm between the LGBTQ community and some to support the LGBTQ community, same- religious communities? sex couples, their families, etc., then Boy, that’s a tough one. We just added to the maybe that’s what we need right now. I’m board of Fair Michigan a woman by the name not backing away from it ... There’s about of Kelle Shepherd and she is also a pastor. a hundred other issues that I think are I know something that we’re seeking to do incredibly important, but if people see me is to educate religious communities as much as being incredibly eager and interested and as possible on the importance of accepting anxious to assist the community in terms of LGBTQ people and there are a lot of religious protecting the community then so be it. That organizations that have changed their views is who I’m gonna be and I’m not gonna shy on this over the course of time, right? More away from it. No matter who you are in the times than not, they’ve changed their policies community, even if you’re a person who has and I think there is room for growth...I’ve not seen eye-to-eye with me on how to best seen it, and I’ve seen it happen pretty rapidly. proceed in terms of gaining protection, I will I do think that we need to continue to always do everything I can to protect the work on education as it pertains to religious lives of LGBTQ residents in this state. organizations and religious people of various religious faiths. One of the things that I saw Dana Nessel holds up the U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming same-sex marriage June 26, 2015. BTL file publicly about Patrick Miles was as the What have you learned while prosecuting people photo. chairman of the board for Aquinas College, I for hate crimes against the LGBTQ community know there was that issue where they refused and representing LGBTQ people who have been an arsenal, to combat the rise in hate crimes Will you support legislation to repeal and to allow a speaker [Dr. John Corvino] in discriminated against that will help you in your that we’re seeing. replace Michigan’s HIV-specific felony law? who wanted to basically say that the belief role as AG? Is there something about the way in I support repealing and replacing it. I support that homosexuality or being LGBTQ is which our system currently works that you would not inconsistent with Christian faith. They What can an attorney general do to help with [State Rep.] John Hoadley’s [D-Kalamazoo] like to change? legislation. refused to allow him to come in to speak and the amendment of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Patrick Miles supported that decision and How many hours do you have? There are so Act? to me, that is not furthering the education many things that I think the AG needs to take Take the current challenge by the ACLU in Michigan was named the state with the biggest process. You ought to be able to have a debate an active role in. I certainly think that the regards to challenging the adoption bills of bullying problem in the nation in September and be able to have both sides present on that way we treat people who are addicts and the 2015 – as attorney general, I take an oath to 2016. What can you do as AG to address GLSEN’s issue and I think when you stymie education way we treat people who have mental health uphold the Michigan Constitution, but also on LGBTQ issues you’re doing a disservice issues – putting people in jail or prison – is findings, which show that many LGBTQ students to uphold the United States Constitution. to everyone in the community – whether not a viable solution to many issues which are still reporting discriminatory policies and My job is to protect the residents of the state you’re LGBTQ or an ally, or you’re not – to plague the criminal justice system and it’s not practices in their schools? of Michigan. Not to persecute them, but to at least be educated on the issues. cost-effective either. There’s a human cost protect them. The AG’s ofice can always be used as a bully In terms of this position, anyone can say and then there’s a inancial cost and we’re not pulpit in order to educate on these issues. This is a perfect example of a case I support the LGBTQ community...But being smart about it in either accord. There’s no question about that. In the same where there is no doubt in my mind that the question is what have you ever done to So, I would like to advocate as much as this cluster of laws that allows state-funded way that you have the AG’s ofice work on support the community? If the answer is possible the expansion of sobriety courts, adoption agencies to discriminate, not just education in human traficking issues or nothing, especially if you have a history drug courts, mental health courts, veterans opioid issues I think they have to do the same against same-sex couples, but you can also of taking stances that are harmful to the courts ... There are a lot of people that are thing on issues of bullying. discriminate against people of different faiths community, that is worrisome and troubling not inherently bad people, but they’re people Bullying in schools, obviously it’s an – even a Christian agency who discriminates to me. who have some sort of, again, a mental illness incredibly important area, but I happen to against somebody who is Christian that just or an addiction and we can treat those things. know that when you look at a lot of the kids practices Christianity differently. That’s something that’s very important to in the LGBTQ community that end up being While there are some benefits to endorsements, Well, I absolutely agree with the ACLU’s me – programs for individuals once they’ve homeless, sometimes all of that starts from contention that this practice violates the it’s up for debate whether or not they help gain served their time, once they’ve been paroled being bullied – or kids who have drug or establishment on equal protection clause in votes. Are you at all concerned about being from a prison sentence and we’re going to do alcohol problems, and so forth – it starts at the the Constitution. As such, if I was the AG, winnowed out of the race because of your everything that we possibly can to support school, often times. At home, too –- I mean, I would concede their argument. I would opponents big endorsements? and expand those programs. We know that I’m not diminishing the importance of having concede that these laws are unconstitutional, for a lot of convicted felons it’s very hard a safe home, but it’s hard. I think, nowadays It depends. Endorsements can be important, and I would not defend them because I think for them to ind gainful employment and that even when you’re at home you can’t get however the way those endorsements were it’s my obligation as the attorney general to leads to recidivism. We need to have as many away from school bullying because of the secured is also important. I think it’s more defend the United States Constitution, and programs as possible that permit people, internet, because of Facebook and Instagram, important that we listen to the candidates and not to arbitrarily defend any law that state once they’ve served their time to become part text messaging and all the rest of it. see what their points are more importantly legislature passes and the governors signs of our communities again. We need to make sure that anti-bullying then to see who speciically has endorsed irrespective of its unconstitutional nature. And I know you’ve heard me talk about laws are being enforced. There’s a lot of laws them. You never know what political favors So, if the governor, or if the House or the this before, but I really want to do a full-on that are stalking-related laws, for instance, or people are paying off behind the scenes and Senate, if they wanted to, themselves, hire attack on hate groups and against hate crimes. harassment over use of telecommunication that’s a lot of times what happens with these and pay for an attorney in order to defend Not just for the LGBTQ community. Of devices, that can be prosecuted and are not political endorsements by the way. this law, they are still welcome to do so, but course, for them as well, but I mean African being prosecuted right now. I think we need But the fact of the matter is, what utility I would not defend it on behalf of the people Americans, Muslims, ethnic minorities and to use every tool we have in our tool belt to does an endorsement from someone have of the state of Michigan. I absolutely would people of different national origins. People aggressively ensure protection of students if you don’t even know what the positions not. So, there’s an example right there of are under attack in this state and across the who are being bullied. No students are are of the candidate who’s being endorsed? something that the AG can do. country. I know that the ofice of the attorney bullied worse, frankly, than LGBTQ kids. And I think that’s the most important thing. general can be utilized as a tremendous force, We know that. What I’ve tried to do with my candidacy is

12 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com I’ve tried to be as transparent as possible. A lot of that stems from the fact that I’m not a politician. I don’t know that the ofice of the attorney general really should be a political I would like to advocate as one anyway because you’re there to enforce “ much as possible the expansion of the law and I don’t know that that should be a political position. I don’t know if it should sobriety courts, drug courts, mental be a partisan position, which is what it’s health courts, veterans courts ... become unfortunately ... If you look at many of my contributors, you see a lot of everyday, There are a lot of people that are not working-class folks who are supporting me or public defenders or assistant prosecutors inherently bad people, but they’re that support my candidacy. Yeah, you don’t people who have some sort of, again, see many CEOs or you don’t see people at the silk-stocking law irm, that are the same a mental illness or an addiction and law irms, by the way, that [Gov. Rick] Snyder and [Attorney General Bill] Schuette we can treat those things. That’s employ. Maybe that’s important to take something that’s very important to a look at. Who are those lawyers that are supporting other candidates? me – programs for individuals once So, do you want the candidate that’s willing to work hardest to protect everyday they’ve served their time, once they’ve working people in this state? I think that that been paroled from a prison sentence should be of greater importance, and at the end of the day, the people of this state, the and we’re going to do everything voters of this state, will have the biggest say that we possibly can to support and who the next attorney general is, and I think they should want somebody that is devoted expand those programs. to working on behalf of everyday people, and not just who was able to raise the most corporate money. ” - Democratic candidate for Attorney General Dana Nessel

www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 13 Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER Ex-Gay Fairy Farewell his is the story of Dorian Lavender who has vanished from the party scene of music, stimulants, sex and is now Tironically beyond the saving grace of suddenly-discarded friends of which there are many. (Perhaps you knew him too.) While no tracing of his family tree to Victorian times exists, it’s rumored that Lavender is related to fabled youth made famous by Oscar Wilde in “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. I, for one, believe it to be so. Dorian Lavender was gifted of looks so well-proportioned, so stunning in effect, as to be spellbinding upon all who met him. (I was too old to consider inviting him out for an evening of adventuring.) Surprisingly, Dorian was not spoiled by his looks. “My looks are pleasant,” he’d laugh. “If faces are fortunes, my bank account’s modest but drawing interest at the ATM.” Dorian wrote poetry. Composed songs. Painted. He line danced superbly. His dinner parties were wonderful. He went to the gym three times a week. He was golden in the summer. Fashionably, seductively tinted in winter. His fate was sealed at an ofice party. “You’re gay,” said an artist whom he met. “Would you mind if I did a portrait of you, and how heaven must see you? I specialize in portraits of the soul. I’m sure you have one.” Intrigued, Dorian agreed. It was Dorian’s undoing. When the portrait arrived weeks later he was shocked. It was framed in mortice black, and quite, quite ugly. Viewpoint “Why have you done this to me,” he texted the artist. “That Dorian is how God sees your soul. You’re lost, damned, must mend your wicked ways.” For weeks the portrait haunted Dorian, He was mesmerized. “He’s right,” said Dorian, returning home from a night of dancing and toked ecstasy. “I’ll pray. Go to church. Be born again. My gaiety’s over with.” Dorian proved resolute. The portrait scared him. He hid The Social Media Exposure of it away. Each day he prayed. Each day the portrait began to change. As did he. It crossed my mind when passing his condo that I had not Perpetrators Leads to the Catalyst seen him in months. I buzzed. A vaguely familiar but hideous man appeared. “Yes?” he hissed. “Is Dorian home?” I asked. of Sexual Assault Social Change “Dorian is banished forever!” he snarled. “Good riddance to BY JACQULYN HIPPE my past forever!” As I turned to go, the miscreant shouted, “Hey there! Wait. This image scares me. Take it.” Alone that night I opened the package. It was a portrait of Dorian. Young. Beautiful. Smiling. he lack of moral decency in this administration and together to strategically address the next steps to take Serenely radiant. Obviously gay. their supporters has reenergized social activists control of the abuse and violence in our communities. Tand advocates here to maintain those rights. Social Sexual assault is an instrument perpetrators use for justice leaders working for people who have been stripped power and control over their victims. Many believe that of their voice and power are mobilizing, especially strangers perpetrate sexual assaults, but the Department Charles Alexander is proliic both as a BTL columnist (700-plus advocates for survivors of violence. of Justice shows that eight out of 10 rapes in the U.S. columns) and as a well-known LGBT community artist (1000 Face Human rights and the ability to control our lives is are perpetrated by someone the survivor knows. They Book images). He is a Spirit of Detroit Award recipient and an not afforded to everyone contributing to society. Within also report that one in five women are raped within Airmations LGBT CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect with the current administration, the rights of the survivors their lifetime. Approximately 45 percent of women in him at [email protected]. of violence, LGBTQ communities, immigrants, the abusive relationships will also face sexual abuse within economically disadvantaged and people of color are back on the chopping block. Nonetheless, we are standing See next page

14 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI ® Viewpoint Brian Brown Continued from p. 8 This bravery of women disclosing magine you are in a grocery store Brown and other Trump sexual harassment and assaults parking lot loading groceries into your cheerleaders are very the duration of their relationship. Survivors Icar when up behind you comes an old dealing with sexual abuse may suffer from has ended the careers of many, man. He looks confused, seems agitated determined. They want to severe and long-lasting physical and mental and his clothes don’t it him right. He says re-criminalize homosexuality health complications. from entertainment to political to you, “Don’t Sexual assault has long been embedded in worry. I am and ban same-sex couples our culture. Even before the sexual assault figures, for their decades of mentally stable. movement started showcasing the issue In fact, I’m a from getting married or in 1978 at the first American Take Back abusive and inappropriate genius.” Chances are good that your having children ... They want the Night marches in New York and San behavior. Many are in disbelief of Francisco. Nonetheless, 40 years have passed first impression to abolish abortion. And of will be that the while sexual assault and harassment are still the problem’s scope. Identifying course they want tax cuts for major issues. Today, this issue has been at the man before you forefront of the media due to quick access of individuals and their patterns is, in fact, not the richest people in America. information. The movement and people like mentally well. Tarana Burke, the creator of the #MeToo of abusive behavior while So when the President of the movement, allows women to ind community As far as he’s concerned, it’s just a matter with others affected by this issue; to know making them accountable for U.S. taps America on the shoulder by way of time before he gets a “friendly” (read: they are not alone. of Twitter to make such a pronouncement, anti-LGBTQ majority) court. This bravery of women disclosing sexual their actions is very important it is, to say the least, very worrying. “[We are] working to the point where we harassment and assaults has ended the careers for survivors seeking justice. And yet we have Trump, the idiot that can get another court decision by a friendlier of many, from entertainment to political millions of Americans were dumb enough court that can overturn Obergefell. And figures, for their decades of abusive and to vote for. I didn’t think we could do worse that may take some time, although one inappropriate behavior. Many are in disbelief than George W. Bush. But I was wrong. important success over the last year was of the problem’s scope. Identifying individuals lifetime. And let me stop you right there if you’re the appointment of a good justice to the and their patterns of abusive behavior while Gay and bisexual men experience sexual about to make a “I never thought I’d miss Supreme Court,” Brown said, referring making them accountable for their actions is violence other than rape at rates of 40 George W. Bush” comment, spare me the to Gorsuch, “and ultimately Obergefell is very important for survivors seeking justice. percent and 47 percent, respectively. The nostalgia. I don’t miss him. At all. The going to be overturned by getting a decision But to end the prevalence of violence occuring 2015 Transgender Survey found that 47 man lied in order to start a war that we’re to the Supreme Court.” in the workplace, classrooms, on the streets percent of transgender people are sexually still god damn ighting. Not to mention the The thing is, he’s not wrong. Overturning and in our bedrooms takes an entire nation. assaulted in their lifetime. We must ensure fact that he was terrible for LGBTQ rights. Obergefell could absolutely happen. I To have a larger impact on the prevalence that resources and supports for survivors of Many of the right-wing movers and shakers once read a post on Twitter by a woman of violence, we must re-evaluate how we abuse or sexual assault afirm and support all currently wreaking havoc on civil rights assuring a gay friend worried that Trump are socialized and how we teach the next sexual orientations so that survivors are less on behalf of Trump were fed and watered being elected would lead to the reversal generation about relationships, consent and likely to be retraumatized when seeking help. during the W. reign. of marriage equality decision. She assured respecting one another as human beings. As a community advocate and counselor Like Brian Brown, for instance. Brown him that such a thing could never happen From Harvey Weinstein to Roy Moore, for survivors of violence by the hands of is the president of National Organization because once a Supreme Court ruling is the number of perpetrators being exposed of their partners, trafickers or discriminatory for Marriage, which was founded in 2007 made, that’s it, no going back. Except that’s sexual assault and harassment is growing. systems, I believe community advocates in order to combat the scourge of marriage not how the Supreme Court works. It is a The women speaking out stand together to are ighting intensely for those who have equality. And though that battle seems over good advertisement for why civics classes reclaim their voice and remove the shame been stripped of their voice or power. LGBT with equality on the winning side, Brown are important, however. and confusion they felt while enduring those Detroit informs the larger community about and his ilk are still ighting. Brown and other Trump cheerleaders assaults. Yet, what about those who do not the intricacies of the LGBTQ culture through And Trump has been a real gift to them. are very determined. They want to re- have the agency or ability to speak out? What education, cohesion and advocacy that affords Not just Trump, though. Mitch McConnell as criminalize homosexuality and ban same- about those who have been marginalized one to identify, accept and honor their truths, well. Stealing a Supreme Court appointment sex couples from getting married or having due to their race, sexual orientation, or sense of self and foster humanness. Our from Barack Obama, McConnell managed children. They want to punish transgender lifestyle? Partner abuse and violence in the crisis intervention services assist LGBTQ to tee up the appointment for Trump to make people for having the temerity to challenge LGBTQ community is unique and affects individals, speciically people of color, with a in-between trips to the golf course. Which their precious male/female binary. They our community in extensive ways. Our space for healing and support. LGBT Detroit is how we wound up with Supreme Court want to abolish abortion. And of course voices are often left out of the conversation has empowerment-based services to help with Justice Neil Gorsuch. He’s 50, so assuming they want tax cuts for the richest people and narrative, especially people of color, survivor-centered counseling and community he doesn’t eat Big Macs in his bed and in America. undocumented individuals and people with advocacy. If this is happening to you, your watch TV all day like the president, he’ll And they will literally stop at nothing to disabilities who identify as LGBTQ. story matters and we believe you. When you likely be on the bench a long, long time. make these things happen. They are willing These rates are similar or even higher are ready, we are here to support you. Brown sees it as a good step toward to literally risk the fall of Democracy, the for LGBTQ individuals, like bisexuals and overturning Obergefell v. Hodges, the failure of the U.S. as a country. They are lesbians. The Centers for Disease Control decision that made marriage equality the happy with a dictator, which Trump so Jacqulyn Hippe, LLMSW, has been working with and Prevention (CDC) stated that 61 percent law of the land. “The Supreme Court is not desperately wants to be. LGBT Detroit as a counselor and community of bisexuals and 44 percent of lesbians our ruler, so we don’t view the Obergefell as The only way to stop them is to throw the experience rape, physical violence and advocate since December 2017. Learn more about legitimate law, it’s illegitmate law,” Brown Republicans out of ofice. You. Must. Vote. stalking by an intimate partner within their LGBT Detroit at LGBTDetroit.org. said on a Jan. 5 podcast. www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 15 NEWS Fight for Restaurant Worker Wages and Tips Extended 30 Days

BY EVE KUCHARSKI

In a bustling restaurant mid-shift, a server’s main focus is to get orders illed, food served These are jobs that don’t and checks resolved. But in the middle of “ that, it’s also not uncommon to hear a phrase even get time off when you’re sick, like, “Hey, baby. Would you get me a cup of no vacation pay, no retirement pay. coffee?” Because restaurant workers often have low-paying jobs and rely on tips, rarely I doubt if all of those benefits are will they have an option to do anything else but suddenly going to appear and make continue illing that order, though they’d most likely want to respond with something along these jobs a little bit better. the lines of, “No problem, jackass.” That speciic scenario is part of a video ilmed in Michigan by media site Attn:, titled ” – Dr. Sylvia A. Allegretto “This is what servers would say if they didn’t rely on tips.” The video features actresses Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin undergoing sexual Labor proposed a new rule that could allow harassment as restaurant wait staff, and iring employers to pool and take their employees’ back verbal and sometimes physical retorts. tips, so long as they pay minimum wage. “Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin chose to According to Allegretto, this would only stand with us to promote One Fair Wage, exacerbate dificulties like sexual harassment which is raising the minimum wage to $12 in the workplace. “Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin chose to stand with us to promote One Fair Wage, which is raising the minimum and eliminating the lower wage for tipped “Some people actually do very well on tips, wage to $12 and eliminating the lower wage for tipped workers,” Said Saru Jayaraman, co-founder of the workers,” Said Saru Jayaraman, co-founder of but they’re making it legal to make sure that all Restaurant Opportunities Centers United union. “There’s a whole campaign to put that on the ballot and pass that in November 2018 in Michigan.” Photo courtesy of ROC. the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United of these jobs are low-paying jobs. This is really union. “There’s a whole campaign to put that important that (these jobs) typically have very measure, in addition to their One Fair Wage on the ballot and pass that in November 2018 to take all of their potential extra income. For low beneits if beneits at all,” Allegretto campaign. in Michigan.” servers like Marcelle Wallace, that’s a dificult said. “These are jobs that don’t even get time “So, this made the need for a ballot measure In fact, ROC found in a 2014 study called reality to face. off when you’re sick, no vacation pay, no much more important than before, because “The Glass Ceiling,” that 37 percent of “I’ve been a server for the past three years retirement pay. I doubt if all of those beneits and tips supplement all of my income. If it now, federally, tips will be the property of “all sexual harassment claims to the Equal are suddenly going to appear and make these came to be that I would just be getting paid employers, but in Michigan, if our ballot Employment Opportunity Commission jobs a little bit better.” minimum wage, I am better off working at measure passes, we’re completely protected (EEOC) come from the restaurant industry.” If bosses are given freedom to decide McDonald’s,” Wallace said. “That’s so scary from that rule,” Jayaraman said. And although sexual harassment is fairly what can happen with employee tips, they to think about working 40 hours a week, I can Jayaraman now encourages supporters dificult to track, labor economist and former could decide to share tips with back of house usually make about $1,000 to $1,300. That of the measure to publicly comment on the waitress Dr. Sylvia A. Allegretto said that it’s workers. However, they could also choose just shows you how much of a difference it Department of Labor’s Tip Regulations under deinitely an issue especially for jobs with to pocket the money. Gage Domke has held would be.” the Fair Labor Standards Act on regulations. low beneits. several positions as a tipped worker. He was Since visiting Michigan in September 2017 gov. Though the original commentary period “This is a problem that’s deeply ingrained also a former dishwasher at a Lansing brewpub to campaign for a higher minimum wage, was scheduled until Jan. 4. it has been in our culture to begin with, and then certainly that was investigated for illegally pooling both Fonda and Tomlin have made a series extended to Feb. 5. So far, over 100,000 people embedded in something that all working tips before the proposed rule. He said that he of similar tongue-in-cheek videos in an effort have commented on the proposed rule. women have to deal with,” Allegretto said. wouldn’t be surprised if many business owners to raise awareness about the disproportionate “Trump is unlikely to listen even if you But as huge and as complicated as ROC’s began taking all tips. levels of harassment that tipped workers must submit hundreds of thousands of comments, joint campaign to end sexual harassment “Maybe not family restaurants where the is, it became even more tangled on Dec. 4 face for their low wages and lack of beneits, (but) we have to try,” said Jayaraman. “And if ‘Mom and Pop’ are there the whole time, but along with media about the importance of tips he doesn’t listen, then it’s really the state ballot 2017. That’s when the U.S. Department of from what I’ve seen, when people who make to supplement income. Jayaraman said that measure that will overcome that federal law. money are given the opportunity to make the well-known duo was a perfect pick for the So, we need people to come out and support more money, they take that opportunity,” TAKE ACTION campaign, particularly Tomlin. and move this ballot measure to not just raise Domke said. “She’s not just a Michigan native, she’s the minimum wage from $3.52 to $12, but also If you would like to leave a public comment Currently, Michigan’s minimum hourly a former waitress herself, so she’s got some ensure that tips are the property of workers in wage rate is $9.25, but only $3.52 for tipped for the U.S. Department of Labor to review, go experience,” Jayaraman said. “She shared a Michigan.” to regulations.gov, or find the page directly at workers assuming that hourly employee tips lot of that when she was with us in Michigan.” The U.S. Department of Labor did not gaybe.am/AE. All comments are due before Feb. average at least $5.73. In order to “cash in” on ROC is now making sure to include the respond to a request for comment before the 5 at 11:59 p.m. this potentially new law, employers might give issue of employer tip pooling on a ballot publication of this story. their servers a “raise” to minimum wage, only

16 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Nominee Would be First Openly Gay State Chief Justice

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – Connecticut 2008 state Supreme Court ruling. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s nominee for state McDonald, who must be confirmed by chief justice would be the irst openly gay the legislature, thanked his family, teachers, leader of a state Supreme Court. colleagues and husband Charles Gray during The Democratic governor announced Monday’s announcement with Malloy. Monday that longtime friend and current “When I was born here in Connecticut Associate Supreme Court Justice Andrew a little more than 50 years ago, loving McDonald was his nominee for the court’s relationships like the one Charles and I highest post. Chief Justice Chase Rogers is cherish were criminal in 49 states including retiring next month after more than 10 years Connecticut,” he said. on the job. “When I came out in the early 1990s, I had While McDonald would be the irst openly family members who loved me deeply but gay state chief justice, Puerto Rico Chief still counseled me against pursuing either a Justice Maite Oronoz Rodriguez became the career in law or in public service because irst openly gay Supreme Court leader in U.S. of the deeply ingrained prejudices held by history in February 2016. some people at that time,” he said. “But now, The 51-year-old McDonald has served on because of changes brought about by evolving the Supreme Court for ive years and was understanding of people, new statutes passed nominated by Malloy. Before that, he was by legislators and important court cases – general counsel for the governor’s ofice under indeed by the rule of law – this day was made Malloy, a state senator from Stamford and possible.” corporation counsel for the city of Stamford Malloy called McDonald a long-time friend when Malloy was mayor. who “has proven himself to be a consummate, McDonald was co-chairman of the revered jurist who has an exceptional ability legislature’s Judiciary Committee in 2005 to understand, analyze, research and evaluate when lawmakers approved same-sex unions. legal issues.” Gay marriage in the state was legalized by a

www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 17 NEWS Supreme Court Won’t Hear Challenge to Mississippi Anti-LGBT Law

BY CHRIS JOHNSON, Clauses. Kaplan told the Washington Blade she’s The U.S. Supreme Court won’t take up legal “not in the business of trying to understand challenges to a Mississippi “religious freedom” or read tea leaves” into the Supreme Court’s law enabling sweeping discrimination against actions, but said the denial of cert may be LGBT people, leaving extremely limited related to consideration of the Masterpiece recourse to combat the anti-LGBT statute. Cakeshop case. In an orders list on Monday, the Supreme “They’re speciically different, but they both Court announced it had rejected two petitions raise at a very high general level issues about for certiorari – one iled by legal groups in religious freedom and civil rights protections,” the lawsuit Barber v. Bryant, the other iled Kaplan said. by legal groups in Campaign for Southern One narrow opportunity remains for LGBT Equality v. Bryant – as well as a series of other legal groups to challenge the law in the court. petitions pending before the Supreme Court. At the district court level, Reeves in October Both petitions sought Supreme Court allowed up to ive written interrogatories to review of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of identify which of the 82 clerk’s ofices in Appeals decision in favor of the Mississippi Mississippi have sought to recuse themselves anti-LGBT law, which enables businesses from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex and individuals to discriminate in the name couples HB 1523 and the process by which of “religious freedom.” The law was signed they intend to handle those recusals. in 2016 by Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant, who If a Mississippi clerk was found to have has vowed to defend the statute against legal recused themselves from issuing marriage challenges in court. licenses or if any such recusal impaired The orders list provides no explanation for the ability of a same-sex couple to obtain a the rejections of these petitions, nor the vote marriage license, that could form the basis for by they were rejected. It takes a vote of at certiorari seeking review of the law before the pass laws to roll back LGBT civil rights. a new challenge to HB 1523. least four justices to grant certiorari, or agree Supreme Court last year after a three-judge Unfortunately, the Supreme Court’s decision Kaplan, however, said the order is more to take up a case. panel Fifth Circuit upheld the anti-LGBT law today leaves LGBT people in Mississippi in about creating a “uniform system” to allow The law, HB 1523, prohibits the state from on the basis plaintiffs lacked standing. The full the crosshairs of hate and humiliation, delaying clerks to opt out of issuing same-sex marriage taking action against religious organizations court refused to review that decision in an “en justice and equality.” licenses while ensuring no couple is denied one that decline employment, housing or services banc” review. Representing the Campaign for Southern as required under the law. to same-sex couples; families who’ve adopted Those decisions overturned a ruling from Equality in other lawsuit is Roberta Kaplan, “I think a much more greater concern, a foster child and wish to act in opposition to U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves, who the lesbian New York-based founding partner frankly, is that a couple goes into a clerk’s same-sex marriage; and individuals who offer determined the law violates the Establishment of Kaplan & Company who successfully ofice somewhere and they make a big deal wedding services and decline to facilitate a Clause by endorsing a particular religious view argued against the anti-gay Defense of about the fact that the person who’s supposed same-sex wedding. on LGBT issues and the Equal Protection Marriage Act before the Supreme Court. to be giving them a license is recusing, and the Additionally, the bill allows individuals Clause by enabling anti-LGBT discrimination. Kaplan said in a statement an additional couple and their family are humiliated, but the working in medical services to decline to afford Both the district court and the appeals legal opportunity to challenge may emerge law makes it very clear that no county can deny a transgender person gender reassignment court rendered those decisions as a result of despite the Supreme Court’s action. a marriage license to a couple on the basis that surgery. The bill also allows state government a consolidated case of two lawsuits, although “While we are obviously disappointed that their gay,” Kaplan said. employees who facilitate marriages the option the legal groups behind the litigation iled two the Supreme Court denied cert in our case, the The Mississippi anti-LGBT law took effect to opt out of issuing licenses to same-sex petitions for certiorari for review separately ruling below was based on standing, not the on Oct. 10. The Washington Blade wasn’t couples, but the person must issue prior written before the Supreme Court. merits so the ight is not over,” Kaplan said. immediately able to ind reports of anti-LGBT notice to the state government and a clerk’s Representing plaintiffs in the Barber case – “Every day that HB 1523 remains in effect in discrimination as a result of the law. ofice must not delay in the issuing of licenses. LGBT people, Mississippi ministers and the Mississippi, we will keep ighting to ensure Littrell encouraged LGBT people in Masen Davis, CEO of the LGBT group Joshua Generation Metropolitan Community that this blatantly unconstitutional law is Mississippi facing discrimination as a result Freedom for All Americans, said in a statement Church – are Lambda Legal, Mississippi relegated to the dustbin of history.” of the law to seek legal recourse. the denial of certiorari “is a missed opportunity civil rights attorney Rob McDuff and the The Supreme Court rejects the challenge “The government-approved beliefs outlined to swiftly strike down the nation’s most Mississippi Center for Justice. to the Mississippi anti-LGBT as it considers by HB 1523 target LGBT Mississippians and extreme anti-LGBTQ law.” Beth Littrell, counsel for Lambda Legal, arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, leave the state’s most vulnerable in harms “The court’s inaction today means that said the Supreme Court rejection of the petition which was iled by a Colorado baker asserting way,” Littrell added. “If you are among LGBTQ Mississipians will continue to face “is not an endorsement of HB 1523 or the a First Amendment right to refuse to make those targeted for unequal treatment by the harassment and discrimination,” Davis said. wave of similar discriminatory laws across the custom-made wedding cakes for same-sex state of Mississippi and have experienced “HB 1523 fails to honor the tradition of country” and doesn’t change rulings in favor marriages. The court in that case has yet to discrimination based on HB 1523 or fear that religious freedom in America – instead, it of same-sex marriage nationwide. render a decision, which is expected in June. you will be, please contact Lambda Legal’s allows people to use religion as a license to “Twenty years ago we fought a similar Although some issues in the case are similar Help Desk.” discriminate. The LGBTQ community remains battle in Colorado against an anti-LGBT law because the Mississippi law would enable the in harm’s way every single day that this law that singled out LGBT people for unequal baker to refuse to make case for a same-sex his article originally appeared in the Washington is in effect, and we are committed to working treatment, in Romer v. Evans and we won,” weddings, the lawsuit against the Mississippi Blade and is made available in partnership with with our legal partners to strike this draconian Littrell said. “We will keep fighting in law is different because the law is broader the National LGBT Media Association. measure once and for all.” Mississippi until we overturn this harmful and challenges the law on the basis of the LGBT legal groups filed petitions for law, and in any state where antigay legislators Establishment Clause and Equal Protection

18 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Judge Rejects Request to Bar Trans Kids from Restroom at Ill. School BY CHRIS JOHNSON Supreme Court broadly interpreting federal prohibitions on sex discrimination to apply A federal judge over the holidays rejected to sex stereotyping as well as a U.S. Seventh a request from an anti-LGBT legal group to Circuit Court of Appeals decision in favor of block transgender kids from using the school allowing a transgender kid in Kenosha School restroom in a Chicago-area high school District to use the restroom consistent with his consistent with their gender identity. gender identity. On Dec. 29, U.S. District Jorge Alonso “The school district in Whitaker in a 14-page decision rejected a request unsuccessfully defended its policy with the from parents who objected to the policy at same argument as plaintiffs advance here, Township High School District 211 to overturn i.e., that allowing transgender students a magistrate judge’s determination in favor access to restrooms based on their gender of the school allowing trans kids to use the identity infringes on the privacy rights of restroom of their choice. other students with whom they do not share “Notably, District 211’s practice of allowing biological anatomy,” Alonso writes. “The transgender students to use the restrooms court here is similarly unpersuaded. This of the gender with which they identify was case does not involve the forced or extreme implemented nearly three years before the invasions of privacy that the courts addressed iling of this action,” Alonso writes. “As the in the cases cited by Plaintiffs.” magistrate judge observed, either student Alonso also points out each of the school plaintiffs did not notice that transgender restrooms at Township High School District students were using restrooms consistent 211 has privacy stalls that can be used by with their gender identity, or they knew and students seeking an additional layer of privacy tolerated it for several years. The passage of and single-use facilities are also available time therefore further undermines plaintiffs’ upon request. claim of irreparable harm.” “Given these protections, there is no Citing the ruling of the magistrate judge, meaningful risk that a student’s unclothed Alonso writes he agrees “[t]here is no body need be seen by any other person,” indication that anything has negatively Alonso writes. impacted girl plaintiffs’ education.” Representing the plaintiffs who sued over A group calling itself Students and the school policy was Alliance Defending Parents for Privacy as well as ive current or Freedom, an anti-LGBT legal group designated prospective students of Township High School a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law District 211 initiated the complaint after Center. the Obama administration issued guidance Gary McCaleb, a senior counsel with requiring schools to allow transgender kids to Alliance Defending Freedom, said in a blog use the restroom consistent with their gender post an appeal to the 7th Circuit was likely identity. The basis of the guidance was Title IX after the decision. of the Education Amendment of 1972, which “School policies should promote the rights bars sex discrimination in schools. and safety of all students, no matter who they Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert upheld are, but the school district placed its political the policy last year. Although much of preferences ahead of that and ahead of the the magistrate decision’s decision was law,” McCaleb said. “Because the court should rendered moot after the Trump administration have suspended the district’s privacy-violating subsequently revoked the Obama-era guidance policies, we will likely appeal.” last year, the plaintiffs continued their his article originally appeared in the Washington objections in federal court. Alonso, however, rejected the request for Blade and is made available in partnership with relief on the basis of rulings from the U.S. the National LGBT Media Association.

www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 19 NEWS These Two Anti-LGBT Republicans May Run for Senate in 2018

Shakeups in the U.S. Senate led to news Tuesday that two prominent Republicans and former presidential candidates who have anti-LGBT records — Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann — may run in 2018. Following passage of tax reform legislation, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) announced he’d retire after four decades in the Senate, opening the door for Mitt Romney, who had publicly mulled the idea of running for the seat. Meanwhile, former Rep. Michele Bachmann said on the Christian Broadcasting Network she’s considering a run for the seat in Minnesota being vacated by Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) amid allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Bachmann, however, said she’s not certain and would consult God on Mitt Romney and Michele Bachmann may run for U.S. Senate. (Washington Blade file photos by whether she’s being called to pursue the Michael Key) open seat. marriage law; and appoint a presidential “If you’re going against the tide in 2006 said he doesn’t support ENDA and commission to “investigate harassment D.C., if you’re trying to stand for biblical in 2007 called it a state issue. of traditional marriage supporters.” principles, and you stick your head up, A longtime favorite of social But after his defeat in the 2012 the blades come whirring and they try conservatives, Bachmann has an anti- election, Romney made some surprising to chop you off,” Bachmann said during LGBT record that has animated her statements that struck a different tone the interview. “We’re trying to be wise. career as far back as 2004 when she in contrast to his anti-LGBT record. Should we do this? Shouldn’t we do also championed the Federal Marriage Romney recommended Arizona Gov. Jan this?” Amendment and said “Gays live a very Brewer veto a “religious freedom” bill Both Romney and Bachmann have sad life” and “it’s part of Satan.” seen to enable anti-LGBT discrimination. extensive anti-LGBT records as public In the course of her career in Congress, Bachmann voted against hate crimes (Brewer took that advice and vetoed the oficials. bill, unlike Mike Pence, who as Indiana As Massachusetts governor, Romney protections legislation, repeal of “Don’t governor signed a similar measure and most famously sought to limit the 2003 Ask, Don’t Tell,” and a version of the Goodridge decision at the Massachusetts Employment Non-Discrimination Act. was forced to sign a “ix” amid criticism from the LGBT community and business Supreme Court making the Bay State the She was elected to Congress too late to have voted on the Federal Marriage advocates.) irst with marriage equality and became After the mass shooting in 2016 at a national spokesperson in favor of the Amendment in either 2004 or 2006. the gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla., that Federal Marriage Amendment, which In 2012, both Romney and Bachmann killed 49 people and wounded 58 others, would have banned same-sex marriage in pursuit of the Republican presidential Romney took to Twitter to say he and his nationwide. nomination staked out anti-LGBT positions and continued their push for wife would “say a special prayer for the According to MassEquality, Romney LGBT community that was the focus of abolished the Governor’s Commission a U.S. constitutional amendment that this attack.” on GLBT Youth and rescinded an would have banned same-sex marriage But Romney hasn’t publicly turned executive order prohibiting sexual nationwide. Bachmann ended up losing around from his opposition to same- orientation discrimination in the state the nomination to Romney, but Romney sex marriage. In 2014, Romney said workforce. came up short in his bid to unseat President Obama, who went on to serve he still opposes same-sex marriage and True to his reputation as a lip-lopper, it could be “generations” before the Romney has also stated contradictory a second term. positions on LGBT issues. As a U.S. Both candidates signed a pledge with negative impact of marriage equality is determined. Senate candidate in 1994, Romney told the anti-LGBT National Organization Fred Karger, a gay consultant to Log Cabin Republicans he’d co-sponsor for Marriage committing themselves to Republican presidential candidates and the Employment Non-Discrimination back a Federal Marriage Amendment; Act and would seek to expand it to defend the anti-gay Defense of Marriage include housing and credit, but later in Act in court; support legislation allowing D.C. residents to vote on its same-sex See next page

20 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com in the country would have to have the girls’ ® Anti-LGBT Republicans bathrooms open to the boys and the boys’ Continued from p. 20 bathrooms open to the girls.” The advancement of transgender rights, himself a candidate for president in 2012, said Bachmann said, was too much for God, Hatch is retiring to make room for Romney whom she “answered the prayers of believers because the Mormon Church pushed out the beseeching him, and he’s given us a reprieve.” former “in favor of a more obedient Mormon Both Romney and Bachmann would be Church member.” running in a mid-term when Democrats have “Mormon Church leaders have been on a considerable momentum amid discontent with full-time mission for over a year to do just Trump. But Romney might be a shoe-in to win that,” Karger said. in the conservative state of Utah. Bachmann Noting the history of antagonism between would likely run against Minnesota Lt. Gov. President Trump and Romney, who has called Tina Smith, whom Gov. Mark Dayton tapped him unit to serve in the White House, Karger to succeed Franken on an interim basis. predicted friction between the two if Romney Lucas Acosta, director of LGBT media for is elected. the Democratic National Committee, said “It’s a case of the Mormon Church trumping voters won’t forget the anti-LGBT records of Trump and his desire to keep Mitt Romney Romney and Bachmann as they head to the 2,000 miles away from Washington,” Karger polls in the congressional mid-terms. said. “It will be fun to see Romney try and “Americans have already rejected the take on President Trump as he has in the past, anti-LGBTQ extremism of Republicans like only to be annihilated by the far more savvy Michele Bachmann and Mitt Romney,” Acosta politician.” said. “Not only are their hateful views out-of- Bachmann hasn’t changed her tune at all. step with the country, but with a majority of Earlier this year, Bachmann said President Utahns and Minnesotans alike. Voters deserve Trump was elected to the White House despite candidates who will fight to protect their the odds against him because the Obama freedom to serve, work and love whomever administration issued guidance requiring they choose regardless of gender.” schools to allow transgender kids to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity, his article originally appeared in the Washington or as she put it “just issued a sheet of paper Blade and is made available in partnership with and said, overnight, every single public school the National LGBT Media Association.

www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 21 Pop Icon and Emblem of Perseverance Has a Queer Movie, Queer Award, and Now a Queer Daughter

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI

Why of course global queer icon Gloria Estefan – subject of Broadway musical “On Your Feet,” muse to drag queens worldwide – has a daughter who is not straight. To close out 2017, Gloria’s 23-year-old daughter, Emily, celebrated – for the first time publicly – her one-year anniversary with girlfriend Geremy Hernández via Instagram. Emily’s snap of the couple was captioned, “Happy anniversary to my delicate, bold, intelligent, important, honest, loving, funny (but not funnier than me), brave, compassionate, patient, badass, talented, and the most beautiful… Moon Flower. I love you.” Considering Gloria’s everlasting love and support for the LGBTQ community, Emily’s refreshingly matter-of-fact coming out, then, must’ve been the sweet, sweet icing on her pop-legend mother’s already-queer year. Gloria, who left an indelible stamp on ’80s pop music with trailblazing crossover hits like “Conga” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” starred in last year’s seemingly made-for-Trump-voters, empathy-spurring dramedy “A Change of Heart,” winner of the OUTshine Film Festival Audience Award for

22 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Best Feature. The Queen of Latin Pop portrays DJ Pablo Flores, remixer of Gloria’s Dr. Fajardo (her “alter ego,” as she originally megahits “Dr. Beat” and Conga,” spun songs studied psychology at the University of Miami she produced with Emilio at a Puerto Rican and planned to be a doctor), the therapist who gay club during the onset of her career with advises Jim Belushi’s bigoted, Fox News- the Miami Sound Machine, when she joined watching dad character, Hank, as he comes to in 1977 as the band’s frontwoman (talk about terms with the foolish possibility that his new gay – the band was originally called the Miami heart from a recent transplant is, as Gloria puts Latin Boys). Gloria describes Flores and the it, “pumping gayness into him.” gay clubs who took them under their wings in Hank’s youngest daughter, Josie (Aimee the ’80s as “cutting edge and very supportive Teegarden), also just happens to be a lesbian, of us and our music in the beginning.” but neither Estefan nor her husband Emilio Gloria was spurred to action on behalf (both produced the film, while longtime of the LGBTQ community around that Gloria-collaborator Kenny Ortega directed) time, when AIDS took the lives of many never mentioned Emily’s own queerness when of her dearest friends and music-business we met up at a red carpet event at the festival colleagues. in late April in their hometown of Miami to “In the ’80s, when the AIDS epidemic discuss the queer-themed project – the woke was huge, we were losing a lot of our top Estefans know you let your children make that people and people were becoming even more statement when they’re good and ready. But scared,” she recalls. “We lost many close they did express, as always, their passion for friends and coworkers. I just think when equality, with Gloria acknowledging – because someone is under attack, anything I can do she is oficially Global Mother to the Gays to support them is a good thing.” now – “I just felt natural in the role.” In a statement to press, Gloria said, “I feel “To us we’re allies because we’re human incredibly honored to be receiving the National beings,” Gloria simply stated. “That’s the LGBTQ Task Force’s Leadership Award and bottom line. Everybody is a human being. feel doubly blessed that it (is) in my beautiful We’re all the same. We always see everyone hometown, Miami Beach. I look forward to the as the same, whatever their preference is for day when no task forces are necessary in order love, sex, religion, culture. That’s always been to ensure that each individual is considered important to us.” equal in every respect.” That creed extends to their roles as equal- On Dec. 26, 2017, Gloria was recognized opportunity business owners. Regarding yet again for her unwavering support and Estefan Enterprises, which comprises their empathy for every kind, becoming the irst entertainment company, restaurants, hotels and Cuban-American to receive the prestigious a beach resort, Emilio says, “(Whether) you’re Kennedy Center Honor Award during the Latino or gay – you have to see somebody event’s 40th year. based on the kind of work they’re gonna do, Her now-out daughter, Emily, a fellow and I think that’s happening now. I think it’s musician, attended with her girlfriend and a lot better – much, much better.” performed Gloria’s inspirational official Gloria’s life- and career-long commitment song for the 1996 Summer Olympics, to stand for racial and economic justice, “Reach,” a dreamer anthem with strong immigration equality and marriage equality, ties to people within the queer community. culminated in October 2017, when Gloria was Two of Gloria’s biggest singles, “Always honored by the National LGBTQ Task Force Tomorrow” and “Coming Out of the Dark,” (Miami) with the National Leadership Award have also long served as LGBTQ lifelines. for being a staunch LGBTQ ally and “for her “(Gay people) tell me wonderful things, work to support … the issues that affect their but not just because they happen to be gay, lives every day,” the press release noted. but because they were going through tough “Her recent work, such as ‘A Change in things in their lives and my music inspired Heart,’ serves as a testament of her humble them to push forward or to stay positive in beginnings as a Cuban immigrant and as an a situation,” Gloria relects, passionately. artist who has always held her LGBTQ fan “My fans – I have a lot of gay fans. I still base in her heart,” said Josue Santiago, chair look out into the audience and I have fans of the Task Force’s Miami Gala. from 2 years old to 80. I have very young Gloria’s gay-aligned ventures don’t stop kids on my Twitter – young gay kids who there: Given her 2017, the singer’s contribution for some reason my music speaks to them. to the queer update of Netlix’s endearing Maybe the empowerment, or they use reboot of “One Day at a Time” – the show’s it to get through tough moments. That’s theme song, advising that you “keep doing what music is about. That’s what makes what you do” – seems right in step with her me happy about getting to make music.” gay-adjacent career. Her musical roots are, after all, steeped in queer fandom. As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ “The gay community was one of the irst communities that supported us because we wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a were huge in the clubs and in the gay clubs, multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, particularly, because the gay community is Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his usually a little bit ahead of trends and musical website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on trends and fashion trends,” she recalls. Twitter (@chrisazzopardi). www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 23 Slipstream’s ‘Tales from the Mitten’ Sends Up Acting with Laughter and Truth

BY PATRICE NOLAN, ENCORE MICHIGAN universal and relatable. There trafic standstills clogging the major freeways is plenty of self-effacing humor that theoretically connect the tri-county cities FERNDALE – – Slipstream Theatre and crushing self-doubt. There and the small professional theaters they Initiative has created an original, home-grown are the awkward exchanges support. Michigan has a thriving professional theatrical experience that explores the unique and professional occasions that theater community, but it spreads from Detroit aspects of pursuing an acting career in the Pure require a faux bon homie. And to Jackson and sweeps north to the U.P. Enjoy Michigan manner. Tales from the Mitten was there are some dark moments – the commute. created by – and is performed by – the talented chillingly relevant – when the Luna Alexander and Dan Johnson carry this duo of Luna Alexander and Dan Johnson. actors must decide what they fast-paced production with compelling energy, Both are native Michiganders; both come with are willing to forfeit for a shot creative invention and emotional integrity. serious theater creds. at the brass ring. Sexual favors? STI Artistic Director Bailey Boudreau directs, In lieu of a formal plot, the play cycles Playing to demeaning ethnic Ryan Ernst provides Technical Direction and through a succession of scenarios culled from to stamp the actor as a “type;” the challenge stereotypes? These are choices undisclosed artists handle the convincing the actors’ personal and collective experience to switch things up just as the actor launches that can delate dreams and cripple careers. voiceovers. as theater professionals. The device used into a prepared monologue; the physical and There are sweet moments – Luna Alexander This is a play for people who have a heart to unify these Tales from the Mitten is that emotional stamina required to make it work. describing her irst time seeing a play – at the for theater, a begrudging love for the Mitten gut-wrenching, demoralizing ritual known as The actors invite us to laugh and cry at the all late great Boar’s Head – when she was six. State and an empathetic understanding of the audition. The scene opens as Luna runs too familiar reality of the starving artists who There are poignant moments – Dan Johnson’s what it means to put everything on the line in late for an audition for Shakespeare’s “A work a day job in order to pursue their true soul-baring analysis of what drives him as an for the chance to do that one thing we are Midsummer Night’s Dream.” She is curtly told craft by night … second-guessing themselves actor. And there are tender moments – when a meant to do. Very few of us understand what to take a seat, where she discovers her friend and their chosen metier along the way. silly, over-the-top reading of Romeo and Juliet it takes to make a living as an actor in our Dan waiting his turn. Each scene begins with These stories are clearly about life in the magically becomes an intimate, sensitive and fair state. But most will appreciate and enjoy the same exchange – hoping the job will at stage trade – with some pretty meta humor. sparkling gem. these “Tales from the Mitten,” presented with least cover a month’s phone bill, if not the cost There’s a funny piece probing the Catch-22 Between each of these “audition” scenes, we uniltered, unlinching veracity by two actors of commuting to and from rehearsals. (It never of joining Actors’ Equity. There’s some are treated to a palate-cleansing Pure Michigan who transform the personal sacriice into an does.) Over the 90-minute running time, these audience interaction with a warm-up game of commercial parody. These folksy audio clips act of joy. scenarios unspool with remarkable variation. tape-ball. That said, if you like theater enough progress through the seasons with the expected Most bits are wryly funny – focusing on references to favorite Michigan attractions. to attend this show in the irst place, you will truisms of the trade: the casting director’s need But, each concludes with a description of the Find more theater reviews and information at certainly ind the actors’ emotional journey www.encoremichigan.com

24 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com The Ringwald Theatre Presents Midwestern Cool Cities Debut of ‘Let the Right One In’ Ferndale

BY BTL STAFF the people and the society,” he said. “It turned out that the vampire was the best Usually horror and romance don’t mix, creature to use, and I was also fascinated but they blend perfectly in the classic by the concept which is where the title Swedish story, “Let the Right One In.” comes from which is a lesser-known fact Originally a novel, the story has been of vampire mythology that the vampire, adapted into two ilms, a television show in order to enter a building or a house, and a stage production. has to be invited.” The story follows a 12-year-old boy The play is directed by brandy Joe named Oskar in Stockholm, who makes Plambeck, and stars Shane Nelson friends with a young girl named Eli and Tiaja Sabrie as Oskar and Eli. An after she moves in next door. Now, the ensemble cast features Sarah Burcon, production, which has been described Sean Ceglarek, Ryan Ernst, Artun Kircali, as “dark” and “visceral,” makes its way Jeffrey Shawn Miller, Joel Mitchell and to Ferndale’s Ringwald Theatre for its Mike Suchyta. Greg Eldridge is stage Midwestern debut. manager, Casey Hibbert is set designer, Internationally lauded, the 2008 ilm costume design is by Vince Kelley and adaptation has received a 98 percent ight choreography is by Sydney Lepora. rating on Rotten Tomatoes and much critical praise. John Ajvide Lindqvist, “Let the Right One In” will be at the Ringwald the novel’s author, said he wrote the story because he wanted to portray the suburb heatre from now until Jan. 29. Tickets range I want to portray the suburb at this time, from $10 to $20. Show times on Fridays, where he grew up. and let something terrible at that time Saturdays and Mondays are at 8 p.m., with “It’s set in 1981 so that the protagonist come there, to see what happens with of the story is the same age as I was, and 5 p.m. Sunday showings.

www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 25 The Fisher Theatre Presents The Bodyguard Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox stars as Rachel Marron in the award-winning musical “The Bodyguard.” Cox stars alongside Judson Mills who plays Frank Farmer, a Secret Service Agent who is tasked with protecting Marron from a stalker. When both Type A characters meet, conflicts arise. The show will be at the Fisher Theatre from Tuesday, Jan. 16 to Sunday, Jan. 28. Tuesdays through Saturdays, doors open at 8 p.m., 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $39. The Fisher Theatre 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit.

January 18, 2018 actions for family, friends and age 45 and up. Play games and Park, 2660 Woodley Road D.C.. http://www.thetaskforce.org OUTINGS others to avoid enabling addiction socialize in the Affirmations’ Game NW,Washington, D.C.. http://www. 45+ Club 12:00 pm Activity and and support recovery. Free. St. Room. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine thetaskforce.org Friends and Families 12:30 pm January 11, 2018 community group for persons Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 Support group for friends and age 45 and up. Play games and families of LGBTQ identifying 45+ Club 12:00 pm Activity and Center Auditorium, 5305 Elliott http://www.goaffirmations.org January 27, 2018 socialize in the Affirmations’ Game Drive,Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725 persons. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine community group for persons Room. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine 2018 Creating Change Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 age 45 and up. Play games and http://www.dawnfarm.org/ January 26, 2018 Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 programs/education-series Conference 1:00 am Alexa http://www.goaffirmations.org socialize in the Affirmations’ Game http://www.goaffirmations.org 2018 Creating Change Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ben de Room. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine January 24, 2018 Conference 1:00 am Alexa Guzman, Eliot Sutler, Rodney January 28, 2018 Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 January 20, 2018 Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ben de McKenzie, Jr., and Terrance Laney http://www.goaffirmations.org 2018 Creating Change Guzman, Eliot Sutler, Rodney will be serving as host committee 2018 Creating Change Friends and Families 12:30 pm Conference 1:00 am Alexa McKenzie, Jr., and Terrance Laney co-chairs. Marriott Wardman Conference 1:00 am Alexa January 13, 2018 Support group for friends and Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ben de will be serving as host committee Park, 2660 Woodley Road Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ben de families of LGBTQ identifying Guzman, Eliot Sutler, Rodney co-chairs. Marriott Wardman NW,Washington, Guzman, Eliot Sutler, Rodney Friends and Families 12:30 pm persons. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Support group for friends and McKenzie, Jr., and Terrance Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 Laney will be serving as host families of LGBTQ identifying http://www.goaffirmations.org persons. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine committee co-chairs. Marriott Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 LGBTQ with HPV 6:00 pm Support, Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley http://www.goaffirmations.org discussion and activity group for Road NW,Washington, D.C.. http:// anyone with HSV1/2 and HPV. www.thetaskforce.org January 16, 2018 Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road,Ferndale. 248-398-7105 January 25, 2018 The Devil Makes Three at St. Safe and Effective Management http://www.goaffirmations.org of Pain and Addiction 7:30 pm 2018 Creating Change Andrews Hall By Carl Christensen, MD, Ph.D., Winter Gala 7:00 pm Kalamazoo Conference 1:00 am Alexa D-FASAM; and Mark A. Weiner, Institute of Arts, 314 South Park Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ben de Founded almost 20 years ago, the Santa Cruz, MD, D-FASAM. Learn techniques St.,Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234 Guzman, Eliot Sutler, Rodney California band The Devil Makes Three is famous for for effective pain management for http://wintergala2018.eventbrite. McKenzie, Jr., and Terrance Laney an interesting musical blend. Classed as Americana, people in recovery from addiction. com will be serving as host committee co-chairs. Marriott Wardman the group vacillates between bluegrass, country, folk, Free. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital jazz and many more genres. On Sunday, Jan. 22, Education Center Auditorium, 5305 January 23, 2018 Park, 2660 Woodley Road Elliott Drive,Ypsilanti. 734-485- NW,Washington, D.C.. http://www. The Devil Makes Three will be at St. Andrews Hall, How to Support Recovery 8725 http://www.dawnfarm.org/ thetaskforce.org 431 E. Congress, Detroit. Doors open at 7 p.m. More and Not Support Addiction programs/education-series 7:30 pm By Chuck Gehrke, MD, 45+ Club 12:00 pm Activity and information can be found online at ticektfly.com. FACP, FASAM. Simple, effective community group for persons

26 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com McKenzie, Jr., and Terrance Laney 3711 Woodward Avenue,Detroit. 11 - March 18. 810-234-1695. will be serving as host committee 3135765162 https://www. https://flintarts.org co-chairs. Marriott Wardman dso.org/ShowEventsView. Park, 2660 Woodley Road aspx?id=4760&prod=4759 THEATER NW,Washington, D.C.. http://www. thetaskforce.org The Explorers Club by Nell ART ‘N’ AROUND Benjamin 7:30 pm It’s London, MUSIC & MORE Detroit Institute of Arts “Church 1879, and the hapless members of - A Painter’s Pilgrimage” One the Explorers Club must confront FIA Hosts The Scale 2 The Novi Home Show January ticket sends you on on two artistic their most lethal threat yet: the 24-26, 2018 2:00 pm Suburban adventures -- Monet: Framing Life admission of a woman into their Physical labor can be rewarding, but push the body too far, and it can easily turn into punishment. Collection Showplace, 4,Novi. and Church: A Painter’s Pilgrimage. hermetically-sealed ranks. But Artist Kawita Vatanajyankur explores just this concept with her 2015 piece The Scale 2 while 5867526381 gmonette@ Travel to distinct places and time the intrepid Phyllida Spotte-Hume commenting on the prevalence of manual labor, particularly performed by women, in her native turns out to One event on January allseasonscommunications. in history to experience the world Thailand. Her work can be seen at the Flint Institute of Arts from now until January 31. The FIA is com gmonette@ 12, 2018 at 8:00pmOne event on as these two artists did. Check located at 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org. allseasonscommunications.com website for details! Detroit January 13, 2018 at 8:00pmOne www.novihomeshow.com Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward event on January 14, 2018 at Ave., Detroit. Nov. 9 - Jan. 14. 2:00pm A2CT Studio Theatre, 322 41st Ann Arbor Folk Festival 313-833-7900. www.dia.org W. Ann St.,Ann Arbor. 734-971- 6:30 pm The 41st Ann Arbor Folk 2228 http://www.a2ct.org Festival, a fund-raiser for The Ark, Detroit Institute of Arts “Monet Ann Arbor’s non-profit home for - Framing Life” One ticket sends A2CT Presents The Explorers folk, roots, and ethnic music. Doors you on on two artistic adventures Club Presenting: The Explorers Open: 6:00 pm Show Starts: 6:30 -- Monet: Framing Life and Church: Club by Nell Benjamin, directed pm Ticket Price: $42.50-$200 A Painter’s Pilgrimage. Travel to by Brodie H. Brockie. Tickets are (one night); $75-$360 One event distinct places and time in history available online at www.a2ct.org, on January 27, 2018 at 6:30pm to experience the world as these by calling the office at 734-971- Ann Arbor Hill Auditorium, 825 N. two artists did. Check Website for 2228 or at the door. Additional University Ave,,Ann Arbor. 555- more info. Detroit Institute of Arts, information is available by visiting 555-5555 http://www.theark.org 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. www.a2ct.org. Ann Arbor Civic Nov. 9 - March 4. 313-833-7900. Theatre, Arthur Miller, 1226 Murfin Valentine’s Day With Cyrille www.dia.org Ave, Ann Arbor. Jan. 11 - Jan. 14. Aimée 7:00 pm “A massively 734-971-2228. www.a2ct.org/ talented international chanteuse,” Flint Institute of Arts “The Art shows/explorers-club exclaims the New York Observer. of Containment” 50 plus Vessels Spend this Valentine’s Day with from Bloomfield Hills resident Into The Woods Tickets $23- your special someone and French Sidney Swidler’s Collection, $26.50. Stagecrafters, Baldwin cabaret vocalist Cyrille Aimée. curated & amassed over 30 years! Theatre, 415 South Lafayette, TICKETS: $49 – VIP Experience Tickets: Adults $7, Kids $5, Senior Royal Oak. Jan. 19 - Feb. 11. -Includes reserved section Citizens $5, Free under 12, FREE 2485418027. www.stagecrafters. premium seating and Max M. & SATURDAYS! Flint Institute of Arts, org Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Oct.

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28 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Photos: “Call Me By Your Name”(credit: Sony) Deep Inside Hollywood

Streets?” from directors Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis. It told the stories of Ferguson, The Best of 2017 Missouri, protestors, some of whom were queer people of color putting their beliefs into actions for the cause of justice. BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE In theaters, the gay hot ticket was (and still is) “Call Me By Your Name,” a beautiful post- The past 12 months have seen us inding ”Brokeback” love story between young men refuge in our own queer selves. The sheer volume not having to hide their affection quite as much of LGBT-themed cultural content allowed a lot as those vintage cowboys. Making a smaller of us to see taking the occasional break from the cultural splash was the UK indie “God’s Own harsh political and social climate of this year as Country,” but it was no less moving or sexy. a form of self-care, even if it was just to swoon When it hits home video, go ind it (and turn to the “TRL”-endorsed, girl-loves-girl pop of on the captions because those Yorkshire accents upstart singer Hayley Kiyoko. Her summer are tough). single “Feelings” was the bounce we needed and “Will & Grace” came back, as though it had we want 2018 to make her a household name. never left the ’90s, and it felt like comfort food; And on the subject of amazing lesbians, if “American Gods” gave us two queer Muslim you haven’t had a chance to get into Netlix’s characters (Omid Abtahi and Mousa Kraish) and “Godless,” a western that involves a town a mind-blowingly tender and wildly explicit sex populated almost entirely by women, then you’re scene that scorched its way into our hearts while late to the romance between Mary Agnes (“Nurse serving a big, erect, middle inger to the current Jackie”’s Merritt Wever) and Callie (newcomer belch of anti-immigrant ideas swirling around the Tess Frazer). Michelle Dockery (“Downton cultural swamp; “Talk Show the Game Show” Abbey”) is in this one, too, so stop what you’re was the weirdest, queerest, big-word-havingest doing and watch. They have riles. thing on deep cable thanks to creator and host We’re also very here for the bisexual journalist Guy Branum refusing to dumb it down for you; and herbal healer Nova (Rutina Wesley) on the a middle-school-aged character (Joshua Rush) amazing and gorgeous “Queen Sugar” (not came out in a sweetly moving sequence on the hit to mention transgender actor Brian Michael Disney Channel show “Andi Mack”; “Star Trek: who played a trans male police oficer on that Discovery” inally put gays in space, and “The show), for the comics-nerd-power lesbian Exorcist” inally gave us a priest making out Maggie Sawyer (played by Floriana Lima) on with a man on national television. Triumphs, all. “Supergirl,” and for Melanie Chandra on CBS’s Last but not least, Broadway, which matters “Code Black.” The medical drama is, OK, ine, deeply if you can afford the ticket prices. kind of for your parents, but we can’t get enough “Dear Evan Hansen” won Tony Awards, of Chandra’s lesbian doctor. And she’s the only made audiences cry, and turned Ben Platt into Indian lesbian character on network TV, so she’s a Millennial heartthrob, which works for us. vital (also crush-worthy, as several woman- And the Spongebob Squarepants musical (yes, loving women we know have informed us). automatically queer, don’t argue with us) has Lesbians behind the camera made a dent people all turned on by the guy who plays the in year-end critic’s polls, with Dee Rees’s plankton. “Mudbound” (also on Netlix, see how easy this So here’s to 2018, which promises more queer is?) earning acclaim and a Golden Globe acting rebellion, an all-Cher jukebox musical, and the nomination for Mary J. Blige, while Angela possibility of a Trump indictment. Now, why did Robinson’s ambitiously polyamorous “Professor Hulu have to go and cancel “Dificult People”? Marston and The Wonder Women” earned critical respect if not the huge audience it deserved. We Romeo San Vicente is accepting champagne also loved the powerful documentary “Whose donations for New Year’s Eve. www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 29

___ “ short Q Puzzle 39 Stan’s straight man 13 Jump for Doug Mattis 41 Former Chicago Cub Sammy 18 Nero’s land 42 “More!” on Broadway 22 Surfer’s paradise 44 Pigged out (on) 24 “To ___ a Mockingbird” 46 Census goal helped by gay 25 Number one hit for Vandross sex (abbr.) in 1988 47 Singer LaBelle who recently 27 It’s for skin outed Vandross in an interview 29 The whole shebang 48 Czech composer AntonÌn 30 Grating sound 50 Comes to terms 31 Pull a boa behind you? 52 Center 32 Have an emotional discharge 56 Liberace portrayer Douglas 33 John Travolta’s “Hairspray” 59 Barber composition role 60 Estefan’s eight 34 Religious offshoot 61 Song that earned Vandross 36 Will of “The Waltons” his first Grammy Award 38 See 10-Down 64 The Minnesota Lynx, for one 40 LGBTQ people can now say 65 Went down on with gusto them in Australia 66 Finance major’s subj. 43 Latvia’s capital 67 Verb of Verlaine 45 Ripley portrayer Matt 68 Hairy, stocky men 48 Cut 69 Trust in, with “on” 49 More charitable Down 51 Get straight 53 “___ with My Father” My Father Would Lift Me High 1 “Bust a Nut” band (Vandross song quoted in the 2 Emulated Miriam Margolyes puzzle title) 3 Triangular treat Across 20 Of the season after Mardi 54 Seat in a gay bar Gras 4 Disney dwarfs, e.g. 55 Of the Cowardly Lion’s hue 1 Old news agency of Nureyev’s 21 Reaction to a hottie 5 Bird in a simile about being 56 Tiny speck nuts land 23 “Do” equivalent for the von 57 Thespian rapper 5 Rock Hudson roles, usually Trapps 6 Eliza Doolittle’s ‘ades? 58 Burn a bit 10 Band that goes either way? 24 Dorothyís home 7 Busy activity 59 Suckers 14 A word from Pilate 26 Subway vehicles 8 Love seats 62 “Ready to Wear” actor 15 Any song by Patsy Cline 28 Like phone sex 9 Voyeurs, e.g. Stephen 16 Trick 32 Bentley of “American Beauty” 10 With 38-Down, Dionne 63 Cont. of gay Paree Warwick song covered by 17 2nd number one hit of Luther 35 Bedfellow Vandross Vandross 36 Etheridge instrument 11 ___ mots (witticisms) Find solution to this puzzle at 19 Janis Joplin’s “Down ___” 37 Rosie O’Donnell’s “Exit to 12 Tallulah’s home state, for www.pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 31 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Lansing Rapper Talks Social Justice With New Mixtape BY EVE KUCHARSKI

ever one to take it slow, 21-year- old Lansing rapper Mikeyy Austin Nhas released a full-length album, a mixtape and multiple singles in two years. For me, being a fan of what Now, the emerging artist is cooking up another “ project, a mixtape called Art4Sale. Always Hip-Hop is, and the origins of it, lyrically-minded, the self-described storyteller is using Art4Sale as a platform to bring social justice issues to the forefront. it was meant to be a platform to “A lot of it is kind of inspired by my experiences,” Austin said. “So, I kind of wanted to talk about real issues, whether it’s talk about real-life issues. stuff in my personal life, or things that I’ve seen with family or friends.” ” Some of those topics include mass incarceration and gentrification. Austin is unafraid to broach dificult topics, and he said met a man named Carleton in Washington that he rejects the idea that Hip-Hop doesn’t D.C. a few years ago. come with a message. “... (he is) a homeless street artist who once “I hear people saying the same statement lived on H St., but the district’s ‘renovations,’ a lot, but I think what it is, is a lot of times might have experienced,” he said. “For me, Austin said that although his current increase on property taxes and rent and new people base the artist’s truth off of their truth, being a fan of what Hip-Hop is, and the origins project’s themes are drawn from a variety of so they say there is no message in a song, of it, it was meant to be a platform to talk about experiences throughout the course of his life, See next page because it’s not something that the listener real-life issues.” he got his inspiration for the project when he

32 BTL | January 11, 2018 www.PrideSource.com Affirmations Offers Self-Breast Exam 101 Session With Gyneca

BY BTL STAFF prevention. In the Journal of Women’s Health, a 2011 study found that self-detection remains Rarely are formal medical examinations an important means of cancer detection for comfortable, but seeing a qualiied medical U.S. women. The research found that 25 practitioner is key to maintaining good health percent of women asked were able to detect and preventing the spread of potentially deadly breast cancers through self-examination, while diseases. Luckily, even for those without 18 percent did so by accident. In addition, 57 access to a doctor, there are steps that one can percent of women in that study reported a take to screen for abnormalities. detection method of breast cancer other than Afirmations in Ferndale is teaming up with traditional mammographic examination. Gyneca Health Educators Detroit, a group that teaches medical students how to make medical Self-Breast Exam 101 with Gyneca will be held examinations more comfortable, to teach at Airmations at 10 a.m. to Noon at 290 W. 9 people about the importance of self-breast Mile Road, Ferndale. More information about the examinations. As a part of its Healthy Living event can be found online at goairmations.org. Series, on Saturday, Jan. 13, Afirmations is he event’s contact for questions is Heather Aymer, inviting anyone, regardless of gender identity who can be reached at [email protected] or expressions, to join a Gyneca representative or at 248-398-7105. in learning about breast health and disease Assembly Line Theatre to do Staged Reading of Sean Paraventi’s ‘Seven Castaways’ BY ENCORE MICHIGAN STAFF The cast is loaded with local acting veterans including Allison Megroet, Andrea FERNDALE – Assembly Line Theatre Konsoer, Dez Walker, Jason Bowen, Jeff Company is kicking off the new year with Priscorn, Mitch Koory and Sonja Marquis. a staged reading of the musical, “The The staged reading will be directed by Patrick Seven Castaways” by Sean Paraventi. The Nelson Hanley. performance is a fundraising effort to help the 501(c)(3) produce its second full-length “The Seven Castaways” will be performed production in fall of 2018. on Jan. 12, at 8:00 p.m. at ComedySportz “The Seven Castaways” is a full-length, Detroit. The venue is located at 1100 modern parody of an iconic, 1960s sitcom Woodward Heights, Ferndale. Reach out to that many grew up watching. [email protected] for “I don’t want to give too much away, but it more information about the show, or call 734- involves seven castaways stuck on an island. 788-3457. It’s raunchy and fun and it is not your parent’s ‘Gilligan’s Island,’” said Paraventi.

® Lansing Rapper this Brooklyn neighborhood,” Austin said. Continued from p. 32 “Now he’s homeless and a street artist, and seeing that conirmed that Art4Sale route.” Austin doesn’t yet have a release date homes/businesses catered towards middle- locked down, but he plans to have the class and business professionals forced him mixtape ready by the end of January. Whether and many others out,” Austin wrote on his someone begins listening to his newest Facebook page. “He now sells his paintings project because of its message or simply at the corner of what used to be his home, in because they like the music, Austin hopes that hopes of small dollars for food for the day.” he can shed a little awareness with each play. Still a little unsure of the scope of his “Because it’s more than just trying to project at that point, after meeting Carleton talk about issues and making people feel Austin began taking note of issues he should good, it’s using a platform to bring light on write about. Soon after, Austin got the sign issues that need to be talked about,” Austin he needed to convince him of the project’s said. “At the end of the day, no matter what validity. accomplishments might come from what I “I think I was watching ‘She’s Gotta Have do, that’s my ultimate goal.” It’ which is a Netlix original series by Spike Lee, and there’s a guy named Pablo. He’s a street artist, and he’s just like the guy who is For more information on Art4Sale’s release, music a victim of gentriication. He once lived in videos and more, visit mikeyyaustinmusic.com. www.PrideSource.com January 11, 2018 | BTL 33