Ann Arbor Took a Diplomatic Approach When Members Pose a Risk to Others and Speaking on the Issue of the Split

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17 LGBTQ Activists Celebrate Ratification of Equal Rights Amendment

20 Life in the Dollyverse

6 New Coalition Seeks to Amend ELCRA Via The Risk Citizen Initiative of Good Intentions ‘White Feminist’ Creator Lee Minora Talks Painful Truth of Well-Meaning, No-Impact Activism

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PRIDESOURCE.COM JANUARY 23, 2020 | VOL. 2804 | FREE 2 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com VOL. 2804/05 • JANUARY 23, 2020 ISSUE 1139 PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Phone 734.293.7200 PUBLISHERS Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson EDITORIAL 24 Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102 [email protected]

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8 4th Circuit Rules in Favor of HIV-Positive MEMBER OF LIFE Michigan Press Assoication Service Members National LGBT Media Association 18 The Risk of Good Intentions National Gay & Lesbian Chamber 10 Inclusion in Prevention: MI Suicide Prevention Q Syndicate Conference Puts Focus on LGBTQ Issues 20 Life in the Dollyverse

12 Judge William McConico: ‘Social Engineer 24 The Ark Hosts 43rd Annual Folk Fest for Justice’ 26 The Not-So-’Unsung’ Stephanie Mills 16 Win in Birth Certificate Fight for Indiana Married Same-Sex Couples 30 5 Ways to Get a Loan That’s Not From a Bank or Loan Shark 16 US Supreme Court to Review Religious “Between The Lines Newspaper” Exemption Appeals in Health Insurance Coverage 32 Deep Inside Hollywood COVER Follow us @YourBTL 18 The Risk of Good Intentions 17 LGBTQ Activists Celebrate Ratification of 28 Happenings Equal Rights Amendment Email your op–eds to 33 Puzzle [email protected]

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06 IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have } Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual that causes AIDS. muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. that contains: } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. } dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these } rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, } any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY } The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side eects of BIKTARVY. } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. } Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side eects of } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. KEEP provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines PUSHING. you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider } This is only a brief summary of important information about and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat } BIKTARVY and other medicines may aect each other. Ask } HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. visit BIKTARVY.com.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP PUSHING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x11_BetweenTheLines_KeepPushing2_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 4/2/19 9:19 AM IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x11_BetweenTheLines_KeepPushing2_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 4/2/19 9:19 AM NEWS FEATURE

New Coalition Seeks to Amend ELCRA Via Citizen Initiative BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW of an individual.” LGBTQ people for the first time in the [Elliott- Michigan, is a member of Fair and Equal Adding “religious beliefs” to the language Larsen] civil rights act here in Michigan,” Michigan’s honorary leadership committee. of the ballot initiative should not be confused said Thomas, who is also board chair for the She agreed to the necessity for amending with inserting a religious exemption. “Religion” statewide Equality Michigan Action LGBTQ ELCRA for the reasons cited above. On behalf BOLD New Campaign is already a protected class in the civil rights advocacy group. “The legislature has continued of Equality Michigan, she had this to say: Earlier this month, a citizen-led campaign is act; for example, Jewish people are protected to not take action. And so, I think what inspires “I think the group of individual citizens underway that seeks to initiate legislation that from anti-Semitism. Trevor Thomas, president me is over those 37 years, people have been able that came together are tired of the logjam. So would expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights and co-chair of Fair and Equal Michigan noted to share their stories in a way that many people perhaps modeled on what we saw in 2018, with Act and ban discrimination based on sexual that nowhere in ELCRA is there a definition in the state can now say they know someone the gerrymandering ballot initiative, folks felt orientation and gender identity or expression of “religion” and they felt it was important who is LGBTQ. And that has resulted in an enough’s enough. Take it to the voters. There across Michigan. Twenty-one states already to provide one. The Michigan Constitution extraordinary swing in public opinion where hasn’t been an appetite in the legislature to provide such protections. defines “religion” as “the religious beliefs of more than 77 percent … support getting this advance this work. Created by a group called Fair and Equal an individual,” so that seemed the appropriate through the legislature, and if not, having a “As an honorary committee member, I have Michigan, it has received support from activists, option. vote of the people to settle it once and for all.” participated in discussions about the strategy. nonprofit organizations and business leaders “We are simply making sure to avoid any Fair and Equal Michigan co-chair Alanna I will be at the table, but again, I represent around the state, listing people like Jerry Norcia, confusion in the future definition of religion Maguire added that they are confident it will Equality Michigan and we remain laser-focused president and CEO of DTE Energy, Lansing within the civil rights act,” Thomas explained. “I pass. Maguire is also President of Fair Michigan, on working with pro-equality friends within Mayor Andy Schor and LGBTQ Activist Jim think it’s really important for all parties, actually. an organization dedicated to advocacy for the the legislature to hopefully find a path forward Toy as members of its Honorary Leadership We have members of the faith community on LGBTQ community. to amend ELCRA,” she continued. “And if that Committee. If the petition receives 340,047 our honorary leadership committee and we “I’m proud to co-chair this effort that doesn’t present itself, then we will definitely valid voter signatures by May 27, the proposed have members who are agnostic.” is led by so many prominent businesses, be working with Fair and Equal Michigan on legislation could be adopted by the Legislature. ELCRA already provides for a religious community leaders, civil rights organizations the signature collection, and then ultimately a If not, it would appear on the Nov. 3 ballot. exemption. It applies to religious, educational and individuals dedicated to equal justice for public education campaign so that voters have and other private institutions. For example, all,” Maguire said via email. an opportunity to decide on this in November women are not permitted certain leadership “It’s also good for the Michigan economy,” 2020.” The Details roles in some religious organizations, and that said Michael Rowady, Equality Michigan Board The legislative strategy supported by Equality This legislation would “extend the [Elliott- is permissible under this provision. Chair. “One of the reasons we’re experiencing Michigan and others is currently led by Sen. Larsen Civil Rights] Act’s prohibitions “It’s pretty limited in scope,” Thomas said. brain drain in Michigan and why young Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Rep. Jon on discriminatory practices, policies and people are leaving is they don’t feel safe here. Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo). The two lawmakers customs in the exercise of civil rights to Response from Community The environment here is not one favoring issued a statement regarding HB 4688 and SB prohibit discrimination based upon (1) sexual diversity. And you don’t have to be a gay person 351. Rep. Hoadley addressed the need to amend orientation, or gender identity or expression, Leaders to experience that. You could have friends or ELCRA, then concluded with the remarks, or (2) the religious beliefs of an individual, family … and [feel], ‘You know what, I don’t “The Legislature has everything it needs to “In Michigan, we have continued to work by defining ‘sex’ to include gender, sexual want to be here if we don’t have those types of act immediately to prohibit anti-LGBTQ at this for 37 years, since Rep. Jim Dressel orientation, and gender identity or expression, protections.’” discrimination, except for the willingness of first introduced a bill that would … recognize and ‘religion’ as including the religious beliefs Erin Knott, executive director of Equality the majority party. We need to fix that in 2020.” 6 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com Sen. Moss expressed his frustration with Thomas said. “Lee [Chatfield] and Mike the Legislature as well, adding, “[This] [Shirkey] can do the right thing.” announcement of a prospective ballot proposal also serves to renew our call for the Legislature to move swiftly to pass the bills we sponsored This legislation would “extend the because Michigan residents are fed up with inaction.” [Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights] Act’s Support and Concern prohibitions on discriminatory practices, policies and customs in For his part, Dave Garcia, executive director of Affirmations in Ferndale, said he and the the exercise of civil rights to prohibit community center were on board with the effort. discrimination based upon (1) sexual “Affirmations supports the initiative,” Garcia said. “We will try as best we can to engage our orientation, or gender identity or volunteers to help in whatever way is best, including perhaps gathering signatures. I’ve expression, or (2) the religious beliefs reached out to Trevor Thomas and … we’re willing to help with our volunteers and we’re of an individual, by defining ‘sex’ to willing to help get the word out, and we’re willing to give you space if you need campaign include gender, sexual orientation, space in Southeast Michigan. [However,] I want to make it clear we will only support and gender identity or expression, this initiative so long as there is no religious exemption.” and ‘religion’ as including the religious There is indeed reason for concern regarding religious exemptions. Senate Majority Leader beliefs of an individual.” Mike Shirkey and Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield are on the record with their adamant opposition to expanding LGBTQ rights, most notably Shirkey in his sponsorship of Call to Action a statewide Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Chatfield has stated that pro-equality Roland Leggett, chair of the LGBT & Allies legislation amounts to reverse discrimination. Caucus of the Michigan Democratic Party, Both are term-limited. stressed the importance for the LGBTQ Further, some have questioned the community to come together to amend possibility that once the signatures are ELCRA — by whatever method it takes. collected, Michigan could see a repeat of the “I think any time we’re able to tackle it in a fate suffered by the minimum wage and paid robust way is a good thing. And I commend sick time ballot initiatives of 2018. Following the folks around the table that are bringing signature collection, the Legislature adopted it to the forefront and making it an issue this those measures and they were signed into law, election cycle. We definitely need to make this then lawmakers wrote their own legislation a top priority with the candidates and officials that in effect undid or “gutted” the original that we as a community support.” proposals. That possibility is highly unlikely He said he would be talking to the organizers because Michigan now has a governor who of Fair and Equal Michigan about speaking supports LGBTQ rights and would not with caucus members regarding how they sign legislation unfavorable to the LGBTQ can get involved. Then Leggett made a final community if it came across her desk. call to rally the LGBTQ community at large. There exists one other possibility that “I’d encourage folks when they are thinking Thomas shared for the sake of transparency, about this issue, which we know is incredibly but suggested is highly unlikely. The Michigan important, to focus on direct action. Collect Constitution allows for the state legislature to ballot signatures. Donate money. When you propose their own citizens’ initiatives, with a have conversations with family members, majority vote in both chambers. Therefore, at talk to them about how important this issue any time in this effort’s process, it is within is,” he said. “When you’re in the community lawmakers’ power to propose their own and you meet folks that are running for initiative that could counter Fair and Equal office or thinking about it, let them know Michigan’s. this issue is a top priority for you. I just really After the verified signatures are submitted, want to encourage folks to get involved. Any the Legislature has 40 days to simply adopt reservations that folks might have, we’re here the initiative as-is, or it will be decided by the now. Let’s do all we can to support the folks voters. But, at any time from now until eight in our community that are most vulnerable. months after the signatures are collected, they They’re counting on us to get this done. Let’s may decide to take up the existing, languishing just do it.” bills before the election. “We hope we don’t have to go to the ballot,” www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 7 NEWS 4th Circuit Rules in Favor of HIV-Positive Service Members Michigan Church Leaders Respond to Proposed Split of United Methodist The 4th Circuit panel, which Church included two Democratic BY JASON MICHAEL and one Republican he United Methodist Church made headlines when it revealed a proposal by church leaders to split the appointee, said the policy church over the issue of LGBTQ clergy and same-sex was based on “outmoded” Tweddings. At a contentious church general conference last year, the UMC voted to stick to its stance forbidding the information about HIV ordination of LGBTQ clergy or the performance of same- sex weddings. transmission The Rev. Mark Thompson, the senior pastor of Lansing Central United Methodist Church, attended that conference. But, he said, he does not plan on attending this year’s conference, which will take place in May in Minneapolis, where the proposed split will be taken up. BY LISA KEEN “I am not going to attend the general conference because the abilities, fitness and deployability.” outmoded and at odds with current results of the previous one broke my spirit,” said Thompson, three-judge panel of the 4th The decision was written by Judge science. Such obsolete understandings who is openly gay. “I do not believe I can withstand much Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals James Wynn — a Clinton appointee — cannot justify a ban, even under a more pain caused by persons who are homophobic and have on Jan. 10 unanimously and joined by Judges Albert Diaz — an deferential standard of review and even myopic vision.” Aupheld a national injunction to stop Obama appointee — and Henry Floyd according to appropriate deference to When asked his opinion on the proposal, which calls for the U.S. Air Force from discharging — an appointee of George W. Bush. the military’s professional judgment.” In the opinion, Judge Wynn took The lawsuit was filed in December a new traditionalist Methodist denomination to be spun service members just because they off from the main United Methodist Church and given $25 time to explain some of the history 2018 by Lambda Legal and the Modern have HIV infection. of HIV infection, including the Military Association of America, million to regroup, Thompson was frank. The ruling immediately helps at least “The proposed protocol that would allow for a significant “stigma, fear and misinformation” formerly known as OutServe-SLDN. six service members with HIV who about the disease that persists today. A district court in Alexandria, splinter group to leave the United Methodist Church is only have faced discharge for having HIV one of many proposals going to the general conference this He noted that the “pre-exposure Virginia, ruled the discharges violated infection, stopping the military from risk of transmitting untreated HIV the men’s rights to equal protection coming May,” he said. “This protocol that was created by an discharging them until a trial can be ad hoc group has some significant flaws. It might be good during the riskiest sexual activity — under the U.S. Constitution and held on their lawsuits challenging the receptive anal intercourse” is only 1.38 violated the federal Administrative enough to pass through the process of legislation and be military’s policy. adopted. I grieve that significant funds will be given to the percent, according to the U.S. Centers Procedure Act. It granted a national Unless the Trump administration for Disease Control and Prevention. injunction barring the Air Force from splinter group that is indeed homophobic and narrow-minded appeals the Jan. 10 ruling to the U.S. in its interpretation of scripture.” Infection through “biting, spitting discharging them. Supreme Court, the case now goes back and throwing bodily fluids,” notes the According to court documents, The Rev. Dr. Jill Hardt Zundel, the senior pastor of Central to U.S. District Court in Alexandria, United Methodist Church Detroit, agreed. opinion, is “technically possible” but Richard Roe, is a staff sergeant Virginia, for consideration of policy. “negligible.” who enlisted in 2012 and has “This proposed split is just that, a proposal,” Zundel said. The military policy bans people with “However, what I don’t like in the proposal is that it gives Treatment for most people infected earned “numerous awards.” He was HIV from enlisting but allows people with HIV, wrote Wynn, requires taking diagnosed with HIV infection in 2017, $25 million dollars to start a new denomination that willfully already in the military to stay as long as harms LQBTQ siblings. That is unconscionable to me and one pill a day that dramatically reduces immediately began treatment, and has they are fit for duty and deployable to the amount of virus in the body, achieved an undetectable viral load. would be to Christ as well.” assignments in foreign military arenas, No matter the fate of the proposal, Zundel said, it’s time produces “minimal side effects” and Despite the support of his commanding such as the Middle East. requires no special handling or dietary officer and primary care doctor, two to resolve the issue for good. But the Air Force has interpreted “We continue to be in the fight for full inclusion and will limitations. Medical monitoring can Air Force panels recommended he be the policy to be a de facto ban on any be done by a general practitioner. discharged. not accept anything less.” HIV service member by claiming, The Rev. Nancy Lynn, lead pastor of First United Methodist And once viral suppression is The plaintiff identified as Victor among other things, that such service achieved, people on the regimen Voe enlisted in 2011, was deployed Church of Ann Arbor took a diplomatic approach when members pose a risk to others and speaking on the issue of the split. “have effectively no risk of sexually twice, and diagnosed with HIV in noting that some foreign nations ban transmitting the virus,” except through 2017. He, too, began treatment and “If the question is how I feel about the proposed split, I people with HIV. would say I feel a mix of relief, grief and cautious optimism,” blood transfusions. People with HIV succeeded in reducing his viral load The 4th Circuit panel, which are barred from donating blood. to undetectable levels. The Air Force Lynn said. “Relief because if something like the protocol that included two Democratic and one has just been released is approved by our general conference “Those who are timely diagnosed panels recommended his discharge, Republican appointee, said the policy and treated ‘experience few, if any, too. in May, those of us who believe in full inclusion of the LGBTQ was based on “outmoded” information community will finally be free to be the church we believe noticeable effects on their physical The Jan. 10 opinion noted that about HIV transmission and that health and enjoy a life expectancy MMAA identified at least four other God calls us to be. Grief because, like marriage, splitting up the military cannot justify banning means you couldn’t find a way to live with your differences approaching that of those who do not members of the Air Force discharged a person with HIV from all military have HIV,’” noted Wynn. for HIV status alone. Lambda and and there is a sense that, as followers of Christ, we should be arenas just because some countries able to do that. And cautious optimism because this seems “A ban on deployment may have been MMAA have filed two other lawsuits have an HIV ban. justified at a time when HIV treatment on behalf of other service members to be the closest we’ve come to finding a way out of a conflict A discharge for HIV, said the panel, that has caused so much harm for so long. However, there was less effective at managing the virus with HIV. “must be based on objective evidence and reducing transmission risks,” The panel affirmed the injunction are still a lot of unanswered questions and nothing will be in the record and must consider the definite until we see what happens in May.” wrote Wynn. “But any understanding and said the servicemembers are “likely individual service member’s physical of HIV that could justify this ban is to succeed” in their lawsuit.

8 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 9 Inclusion in Prevention: MI Suicide Prevention Conference Puts Focus on LGBTQ Issues

BY EVE KUCHARSKI Introducing yourself with your pronouns also speaks volumes.” Additionally, Law said she has observed A National Epidemic many LGBTQ students feeling discomfort Claiming the lives of nearly 50,000 Americans when their rights come up for political debate annually, calling suicide an epidemic is by no as part of classroom discussion. She suggested means a stretch, and it’s certainly not a silent educators be mindful of how political debates issue. Even for those people who haven’t been in the classroom are treated for this reason, touched by suicide personally through close- and because it can help prevent a long-term knit friends or family, it’s likely that they can sense of apathy and anxiety around political recall well-known public figures who have discussions. taken their own lives — fashion designer Kate “Often, people look at the higher risk of Spade, chef and writer Anthony Bourdain, suicide and the higher risk of depression, and musician Keith Flint might come readily ideation and anxiety and … think it’s dangerous to mind. And for those within the LGBTQ to be trans because you are going to have a community, the National Alliance on Mental higher risk of suicide. And I think it’s really Illness has found that rates of suicide are important to clarify … it’s not about identifying drastically increased. with the LGBTQ community, it’s about the It’s undeniable that tackling the problem interactions with the outside world,” Law said. of this scale will require a multi-faceted “It’s about discrimination. It’s about the way approach across various fronts, but proactive One of the purposes for they’re treated, and a constant sense of, ‘Laws steps are already being taken. In Southeast are being written about me and my rights are Michigan, organizations like the nonprofit “ the conference was to draw even up for negotiation.’ Their interaction with Kevin’s Song are working to prevent suicide the outside world that feels rejecting and harsh on a local level. From Jan. 23 through 25 the attention to the problem, is what creates the risk for suicide, not the organization will be hosting its fourth annual because suicide is a public actual identification of the youth themselves.” Conference on Suicide. Themed Advocacy in Action this year, Kevin’s Song representatives health crisis and some people say that the conference is geared toward Ending Stigma “unified, collaborative coalitions of community say it’s an epidemic. But also However, even mindful actions taken in a resources.” And this year for the first time, the ... so that people would know classroom, among friends, family or co-workers event will include an educator-focused School won’t always be enough to prevent suicidal Summit to tackle youth suicide. Kevin’s Song that this is something that ideation. When asked how to spot the signs of Vice President and Co-Founder Gail Urso said a lot of people confront and suicidal thoughts, Urso said drastic changes in that the Conference is open to anyone with an behavior are often the main signifiers. interest in suicide prevention across all careers deal with, “A lot of people are concerned about their and walks of life. teenagers. For instance, someone who was “One of the purposes for the conference, in ” - Gail Urso a good student, had a lot of friends, was an the beginning, was to draw attention to the athlete who all of a sudden loses interest in problem, because suicide is a public health Gail Urso, Kevin’s Song co-founder. those statistics really point us in a direction that things; that could be a sign,” Urso said. “It’s the crisis and some people say it’s an epidemic. But we can concretely say, ‘OK, here are some of same thing with a co-worker: someone who is also to put it out in the general public so that outgoing and friendly and a hard worker might year and he will be here again this year.” the things we can set out.’ How do we actively people would know that this is something that create safe spaces? How do we help schools suddenly seem very quiet or doesn’t come to a lot of people confront and deal with,” Urso Along with Joiner, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell work or things of that nature.” (D-MI) will be the event’s keynote speaker. She help families to learn that it’s not enough to said. “We have just found over the years that say, ‘OK, I love you no matter what,’ but [they Beyond this, paying attention to casual there is a great interest from the general public, will take time to talk about the importance of references to suicide in conversation is vital, too. mental health advocacy. should say], ‘I love you for who you are and from professionals, educators. And we just keep you are perfect the way that you are?’” “Any reference to, ‘I just don’t want to live deepening the level of information, research, When asked how to foster accepting anymore.’ If someone says something like that expertise that’s presented at the conference.” Taking Positive Steps environments for LGBTQ people, Law or, ‘Life isn’t worth living,’ a casual statement Urso co-founded the organization with her suggested posting things like inclusive artwork, made in an upset time, those things you have A local presenter scheduled at the conference husband John in honor of their son Kevin, who wording and posters that immediately let to pay attention to. I’ve heard people say, ‘Oh, is Rochester Hills-based Psychologist Dr. Nicole died by suicide. She said that the conference, students who enter the space know that they they’re just looking for attention.’ No. That Law. She has presented at the conference for which has drastically increased in popularity are going to be treated with respect. She added is a serious sign,” Urso said. “And what we three years running and this year will contribute in recent years, stemmed from the fact that that taking care not to use limiting gendered have learned, and this is fairly new — 20 years to the School Summit on suicide risk reduction many existing suicide prevention organizations language when assigning students work is a ago they would not have said to do this — for LGBTQ youth in schools. Much like their weren’t collaborating as much as they could. She great way to avoid accidental alienation. but now we’re being encouraged to ask that adult counterparts, The Trevor Project has added that besides the potential networking “Often, I hear stories of a gym class or family member or ask that co-worker, ‘Have found that LGBTQ youth is at a significantly opportunities, she’s particularly excited for the an exercise in which there’s going to be an you thought about suicide?’” greater risk for suicide than those who are public to attend this year’s presentation lineup. interactive quiz game and the teacher will Urso said that even a simple question like that straight and cisgender. “One of our key experts is Dr. Thomas break students into two different halves of the can “remove the secrecy” and be the catalyst “I think also some of the statistics show that Joiner, and he really is respected as one of the room and say, ‘OK, boys over here and girls for healing. LGBTQ kids are [at a] 40 percent [lower] risk foremost authorities on suicide,” Urso said. over here.’ Well, someone who is trans or non- in a suicide attempts if they have at least one “He’s a researcher, he’s a psychologist, he’s from binary will sit in the middle and go, ‘Which To find out more about Kevin’s Song and to accepting adult, and they’re 2/3 less likely to Florida State University, and he has literally side do you want me to go to?’” Law said. “… register and purchase tickets for the conference even report suicidal ideation if they have high written books on suicide that are widely been So, being mindful of the daily language that we visit kevinssong.org. levels of family acceptance,” Law said. “So, quoted and read. He has been with us every use on a daily basis can be hugely supportive. 10 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 11 Judge William McConico: ‘Social Engineer for Justice’

‘Well, that’s not me.’ I can’t do that.” something in the court that day. It would have PROFILE McConico suggested his motives sometimes been great to do it in the legislature. We tried aren’t understood. that starting in 2001.” that he, Buzz Thomas and Chris Kolb “I’ve had other people ask me, ‘Bill, why are McConico called this a test case. Indeed, it introduced in 2001. you focused in on that? Why aren’t you just was heard by the Michigan Court of Appeals His bill added protections for hate dealing with our struggle, African-American which, shortly before print, overturned his crimes, Thomas’ would have been the struggle?’ And my thing is, struggle is struggle.” ruling by a 2-1 decision. That decision was first of any kind to address bullying and He pointed to the original makeup of the appealed and it is predicted that the Michigan Kolb’s would amend the Elliott-Larsen NAACP that included a number of white and Supreme Court will rule on the case; if so, Civil Rights Act to include LGBTQ Jewish members. ultimately it will become settled law. McConico people in its employment provisions. “A lot of times people think, ‘If I’m African- won’t predict the outcome, but based on the For McConico, LGBTQ rights were also American, I have to fight against racism.’ ‘If I current makeup of the Michigan Supreme personal: when he was younger, a friend am a woman, I have to work on women’s rights Court, he trusts that it will receive a fair hearing whom he looked to as an older brother issues.’ But if we all get to the table, we can all on both sides. There exists one other possibility, was brutally beaten on two occasions just spread it out and just work to knock this out however. In the Appeals Court decision, a for being gay. The attackers were never together.” comment was made that this was a matter for found; those crimes were not a priority. the Legislature to decide, not a panel of judges. “I thought it was important to have a Sen. Adam Hollier (D-Detroit) introduced a person who was a married man, a father, The Right Case, Right Time bill this October that would amend Michigan’s an African-American in this package, so Ethnic Intimidation Law, just as McConico this is not a gay issue, this is an issue of “This is the definition of a hate crime,” BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW himself attempted in 2001, and others have civil rights,” McConico explained. “Who could McConico thought when he first heard about since. Hollier’s bill could receive a hearing and be against extending rights to protect someone the case involving a transgender woman in even an up or down vote. At this time, the A Landmark Decision from being discriminated against?” Detroit who was attacked and shot, weeks before he learned it would be on his docket. legislation as well as the legal case hang in “There’s a special obligation that you have as The young lawmaker would soon find out. “The woman was in a gas station, minding the balance. a black attorney. You have a special obligation Following a press conference with the her own business, someone struck up a to fight for civil rights. You have a special Triangle Foundation, Equality Michigan’s conversation, thinking she was born a woman. obligation to fight for those who don’t have predecessor, McConico approached the Activist Judge [It] comes out that she’s transgender, and he this opportunity. And you have a choice. You committee chairs about the bills receiving a attacks her and, ultimately, shoots her because There are those who decry “legislating from are either going to be a social engineer for hearing. He was met with silence. Then, the she was transgender. And that is the definition the bench” or use the term “activist judge” as justice — or you’re going to be a parasite.” three were offered a deal: strip out LGBTQ of a hate crime,” he said. an unflattering moniker. McConico not only Judge William McConico spoke those protections from Thomas’ bullying bill, and Of the four judges who could have heard the owns those descriptions, he wears them like a words by Charles Hamilton Houston when they would allow it a hearing. Their answer case, it was assigned to McConico. And as it badge of honor. he accepted the Catalyst Award at Equality was an emphatic “no.” happened, Jamie Powell Horowitz of the Fair “I am an activist judge,” McConico said Michigan’s annual fundraiser last fall. As he “We had people who said, ‘Well, make this a Michigan Project was the prosecutor. When proudly. “I don’t take it as a criticism. I believe recalled the courtroom decision for which he first step,’” McConico said. “‘Do this, and add McConico found she was charging it as a hate the courts have always been there for unpopular earned the evening’s honor, McConico added, it later.’ No. No. I would never want to be the crime, he thought to himself, “Well, I am the causes; they have always been the vehicle to “And I thought about that. And I said, ‘Today, person to say, ‘Well, let’s do this and we’ll add only judge in this building that would allow extend civil rights and civil liberties. Those are I’m going to be a social engineer.’” African-Americans later.’ No.” this charge to go forward.” Republican and conservative terms, and I don’t The day in question occurred in the summer In his three terms in the House of McConico recalled sitting in his chamber that fight any battles on someone else’s grounds. of 2018, when McConico ruled that a brutal Representatives, the bills never had so much day, looking at a picture of Charles Hamilton When people say that, they’re talking about attack on a transgender woman in Detroit as a hearing. McConico added that even some Houston. me! They’re talking about when rights were could be classified as a hate crime and the Democrats confessed to him privately they “He always gave a charge to African- extended to African-Americans; they’re talking perpetrator sentenced accordingly. As it stands, would hesitate to vote in favor of the legislation American lawyers and law students, that if about when rights were extended to women, Michigan’s Ethnic Intimidation [i.e. hate crime] should it come up for a vote, who he chose you’re not a social engineer for justice, you’re a when rights were given to poor people — like Law does not protect LGBTQ people because not to name. mere parasite. We’ve got a calling that we’ve got there’s something wrong with that. I’m not it only specifies crimes based on race, color, to sometimes make the stands that others aren’t allowing that.” religion, gender or national origin, but not going to,” McConico said. “The way African- McConico said he was very surprised that gender identity or sexual orientation explicitly. “Struggle is Struggle” Americans received most of our civil rights in the case garnered the attention that it did. He’s Between The Lines recently sat down with Raised in Detroit by parents from the South this country were not through legislation, it encouraged because it shows that people are McConico to learn how a career fighting for surrounded by symbols of the civil rights era, was through courts.” taking the issue seriously. the civil rights of marginalized people led to McConico’s earliest heroes included Justice He named ending segregation and securing “When I got the call that I was getting the that decision, beginning with his experience in Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King Jr. voting rights as two examples, then compared [Equality Michigan] award, I was stunned. the Michigan State Legislature at the forefront He sought a career as a lawyer and a politician that to the way LGBTQ people were granted And it showed me that sometimes things take of LGBTQ rights. because he said he’s always gravitated to people the right to marry. a long time. And that’s why you’ve got to be who don’t have anyone fighting for them. “If you have to wait for the majority of people patient. You can’t get so frustrated at the time “When minority groups are left out and to change their minds where people’s civil rights and the pace and just give up. I’m very excited Idealistic but Undeterred people think that no one cares or that they’re and civil liberties are in the balance, that’s what about all of this, but it’s not for me. It just shows different, that is how people are allowed to Recently named chief judge for Michigan’s courts are for,” he said. “I made a decision that people that we started something 19 years ago be picked off and targeted and it’s happened 36th District Court — the third-largest in the day that I was gonna take a stand on this.” and we’re finally getting movement on it. So I throughout history. African-Americans are country — it’s hard to imagine McConico as McConico allowed Horowitz to present was pleasantly shocked, bewildered — all of targeted for certain things and other people an idealistic freshman lawmaker who was the case and ultimately let the charge move that — by the attention. And I tell people, you sit back and watch it. The next thing you “shocked and startled” nearly 20 years ago forward because she proved that the woman do things for the right reasons, you get good know, your community will be targeted. As when legislation that would protect the LGBTQ was attacked because of her gender. results. So, it wasn’t done to get attention or an African-American, as a person who has community was dead on arrival. “So now, there’s a precedent in the state notoriety or anything of that nature, but it dealt with some discrimination, I can’t watch “I thought that this was common sense,” of Michigan. Now others are gonna have to just — the case came to me at the right time.” and let someone else get discriminated and say, McConico said, of the three-bill package make the decision,” McConico said. “We started 12 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 13 Canes, Walkers and Rehabilitations Parting Glances BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

y brand-name watch battery quit after six years of service. I replaced it last week for another six years of second-by-second, hour-by-hour, day-by-day, Mmonth-by-month timeline reassurance. It occurs to me that the battery replacement is something of a metaphor for myself in my advanced age of 83 — although mentally I feel like I’m in my mid-40s or thereabouts. In fact, 83 read counterclockwise is 38. As many readers of BTL know, I had a stroke on Memorial Day 2019. It left me visually compromised on my left side, and for many weeks restricted in my walking mobility. I now have new glasses compensating for short-sightedness in one eye and for distant visual intake in the other. As for walking, my walker is a godsend that allows me to stride with two-stepping ease and, if you’ll pardon the play on words, some limbic freedom of movement and mental merriment. I spent two weeks in the Detroit Receiving Hospital following the onset of my stroke. I have no recollection of my first week’s stay there. None. The blanks have been filled in my caring friends who were at my bedside offering prayers, hope and their whispered messages of love, concern and recovery encouragement. Viewpoint Following my stay at Detroit Receiving Hospital, I spent three weeks of focused and sustained rehabilitation at the Henry Ford Village Rehabilitation Center. I received both physical and occupational all-encompassing therapies. Childhood Sexual Abuse: Physical therapy included use of weights, pulleys and an exercising machine. I seemed to thrive on its challenging usage: the NuStep body tension push/pull monitor, with a The Silent Shame dozen strength resistance levels — I got up to number eight. Occupational therapy was doing standing folding of linen, clothes and picking up items laid out around the room to BY MARK MCMILLAN challenge and encourage balance and movement. The rehabilitation staff at all times were encouraging, Warning: this column may contain content that may be consent to, or is not developmentally prepared for and cannot professional, caring, compassionate and complimentary as triggering for some readers. give consent to any form of sexual activity.” progress was gained and moved closer to the goal of go-home For the general American population, the numbers are independence and self-regained respect, his past year in my practice, I began to see both male staggering; here are just a few: Rehabilitation is, to say the least, a real challenge for those and female clients who presented with a past history of senior citizens for whom the aging process has made its child sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the statistics prove • Approximately 3.7 million children experience child Tthat someone misusing alcohol or other drugs most likely sexual abuse each year in the U.S. demands. (Keep in mind, beloved PG readers, it happens to all of us sooner or later). has some form of child abuse in their past as well. Add that • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse Across from my assigned room at the rehab center was a this person identifies with the LGBTQ community, and the at some point in childhood. gentleman who coughed a lot. When I asked why I was told, numbers change dramatically. • 90 percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone “We do the best we can to help him out.” He’s 100. We are all familiar with the broad term “child abuse.” the child or child’s family knows. And just down the hall from was a woman of years and years Usually, the focus is on the physical abuse inflicted on a who could repeat nonstop only one word that no one could child. There are actually several forms of childhood abuse Unfortunately, these numbers are much worse if the child interpret exactly. HELP. HELP. HELP? Hope? Hope? HOPE? besides physical, including sexual abuse, emotional abuse identifies LGBTQ. As actual numbers are difficult to come by Over and over ... and over yet again. and neglect. For this column, I will be focusing on sexual and remembering that most research is flawed by definition In contrast, a Henry Ford Village senior resident, where I abuse, specifically for individuals that identify in the LGBTQ when researching our community due to an inability to now am spending my retirement years, came riding down the community. capture true LGBTQ numbers, in general terms, most research hall on her motorized chair. “It’s my birthday!” She happily According to the Centers for Disease Control and shows that LGBTQ youth are more likely to have experienced announced. “I’m 101 today!” Prevention, child sexual abuse is a significant but preventable sexual abuse than heterosexual youth. For example, national It was all an ongoing adjustment for me. (Still is.) I was both a adverse childhood experience. By the organization’s definition, estimates range from 40 to as high as 80 percent of homeless spectator and a reluctant participant. I had, so to speak, tumbled “child sexual abuse refers to the involvement of a child (person youth identifying as LGBTQ, which also leads to higher rates into a world that I, just weeks before, I never knew existed. less than 18 years old) in sexual activity that violates the of sexual trauma. laws or social taboos of society and the child does not fully Continued on next page comprehend, does not consent to or is unable to give informed See Viewpoint, continued on next page 14 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com consequences include substance misuse, risky ® Viewpoint sexual behavior and increased risk for suicide Continued from p. 14 attempts — not to mention the increased risk Creep Of The Week of suicide ideation. For LGBTQ adults, another consequence BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI It’s also important to keep in mind that one’s associated with child sexual abuse is re- sexual orientation or perceived orientation victimization during adulthood. This Paul Gazelka has nothing to do with child sexual trauma. may include higher risk of sexual trauma/ Gazelka apparently assumes A good question here though is why are victimization, intimate sexual partner enna Gazelka, a 31-year-old who these youth more vulnerable? Many experts violence and engaging in sexual practices that identifies as bi-gender, knows firsthand that the only way to help a gay believe it’s about acceptance from family and are re-traumatizing for the person. Coupled the pain of conversation therapy, other important systems like school, friends, Gcalling it “harassment” and “torture.” adolescent would be to de-gay with our community’s statistically higher rates religion, community and more. This non- of substance use — including the current According to a May, 2019 interview with acceptance leads one to hide their true self, opioid crisis — and mental health therapy the Star Tribune, as a teen they were sent to them, not help them accept which in turn leads to all sorts of mental focusing incorrectly doesn’t allow for a safe the counseling center of Marcus Bachmann, themselves. health issues, including shame and low self- space of trust for the victim to disclose past the husband of former U.S. Rep. Michele worth. child sexual abuse. Bachmann, an outspoken opponent of LGBTQ love. I want them to know that I care for them Consider that perpetrators target their Still, if it seems that these statistics are rights, and also to Janet Boynes Ministries, and I’ll help them any way I can.” victims, including, of course, the process of painting a bleak and stark picture, they which claims to “help those who are trapped Like by championing their dehumanization grooming them. Given the intense rejection don’t have to anymore. We can begin to in the sin of homosexuality and yearn to be and furthering the stigma against them? By by family members and others, it makes sense talk about this more openly, to show unity set free.” convincing them that the love they feel for that most perpetrators would believe they and support. Though there is research and In November, Minnesota Senate Majority another person is sinful and gross? Gosh, with can abuse queer youth with little to no fear studies being done that focus on treatment Leader Paul Gazelka was interviewed by Truth love like that, who needs hate? of consequences. after abuse occurs, there has been little done & Liberty Coalition’s Andrew Wommack and Gazelka then told a story about hearing a Our LGBTQ youth are already labeled as on preventing abuse from occurring. This Richard Harris on their Truth and Liberty speaker talk about “a lady who was lesbian, different by society and when rejected by means that our community can continue live stream. They had quite the conversation and he said before you judge her let me just peers as well as family, who will believe them those efforts and work toward acceptance, about conversion therapy, something Gazelka tell you her backstory. He was a counselor and if they come forward? There is also fear of especially the rejection still happening in stopped a ban of last year. He was also the he said she was chained to a toilet as a like 2-, being found out if they were to tell a trusted families. author of the Minnesota’s anti-gay marriage 3-, 4-, 5-year-old girl and raped by her dad, for adult about what happened to them. This Today, more and more informed therapists amendment, which failed. years and years. How do you think she’s gonna leads then to shame; shame is most often are trained in “trauma-informed care.” This The Truth and Liberty stream doesn’t have feel?” he asked. “I really took that one to heart.” what prevents us from talking about this now includes trauma from growing up the widest audience. So it took until Jan. 16 Being chained to a toilet is horrific. Being significant but preventable adverse childhood LGBTQ as well. If you have child sexual abuse of this year for the Minnesota Reformer to raped by your dad is horrific. But neither of experience. in your past, know that you are no longer uncover and report on Gazelka’s interview. these things, alone or combined, turn someone Shame by definition is a condition of alone; know that there is help. Please consider A live stream viewer submitted a question into a lesbian. It’s telling, though, that Gazelka humiliating disgrace, intense guilt or finding a clinician trained in trauma-informed about how to prevent conversation therapy believes something really truly heinous must’ve shortcoming. In my practice, I often phrase care and also gay-affirmative therapy. Know bans, particularly in Minnesota, “and help happened to someone in order for them to be the feeling of shame as feeling like “being the that you can move away from shame and the youth live godly lives.” gay or lesbian. He says he “took that one to mistake.” Shame lives in fear and darkness; so toward your authentic self. There is Hope! “There’s a policy sweeping across the heart.” I wonder if he has one. now is the time to bring the shame around country that says a counselor or pastor cannot Gazelka recalled a time he asked a gay man this traumatic experience into the light. talk to a youth, an adolescent, about their who’d come to his office, “Were you raised by Shame can affect and eventually permeate Mark McMillan, LMSW, CAADC is a sexual, uh, feelings of identity,” Gazelka replied. your mom and dad or was it just your mom?” every aspect of one’s life if left untreated. behavioral health therapist and certified “For example, if a gay boy or girl came into “Because a lot of times [with] same-sex More common mental health consequences addiction therapist at the Center for a counselor’s office or a pastor’s office, under attraction there’s not a good connection to from child sexual abuse include depression, Relationship & Sexual Health. He can be that law they wouldn’t be able to help them the biological parent of the opposite sex,” anxiety and PTSD; common behavioral reached by phone at 248-399-7447. if those were unwanted same-sex attractions. Gazelka continued, then corrected himself. Think about that: don’t offer any help, you “Of the same sex, I’m sorry. And he said, ‘It’s know, wing it.” funny you say that because my mom and my ® are LGBTQ, aging is a second coming Parting Glances out process that sooner or later we must That’s not the most accurate portrayal of grandma raised me.’ And the point I’m trying Continued from p. 14 all face. Indeed, since my stroke, I have conversion therapy. Also, Gazelka apparently to make is we actually had a conversation that learned of two friends that have had assumes that the only way to help a gay we could talk about the issues around the why similar strokes. adolescent would be to de-gay them, not help and the what.” Before my stroke I had what I thought I remember when I was a teenager them accept themselves. What? Gazelka’s belief that homosexuality was a comfortable routine: friends, familiar hearing the caution, “Nobody wants you “I think the best place to land is let the is caused by a lack of both a mom and dad places, creative timelines. Interludes of when you’re old and g(r)ay.” church have the total freedom to do as they isn’t how sexual orientation works. LGBTQ church and lighthearted frivolity. Yes! I have a new battery in my brand- please,” he continued. Gazelka’s thoughts on sexuality and In rehab, I saw and learned firsthand the name watch. It should last another six years. Ah, yes. Let the church have “total freedom conversion therapy are backwards and harmful courage that being a senior really requires, In the meantime, I’ll make each precious to do as they please” with adolescents and for all LGBTQ people, but especially for Genna living life one day at a time. Bravery to be minute count. I may exercise alone, but I LGBTQ people. What could go wrong? Gazelka, his child. sure. won’t exercise in the closet. Old age is a Gazelka then mentioned suicide rates for “He says that he loves me, and I question I witnessed the determination of many challenge. I’ll give it my best. LGBTQ youth, as if the harmful practice of that,” Genna Gazelka told the Tribune of her in their 70s, 80s and 90s doing the best conversion therapy doesn’t contribute. father. “Because I’m like, ‘How can you say they could with the exercises given to aide, Charles Alexander is prolific both as a BTL “Some people never shake a sexual attraction you love me and still do this? And do this strengthen and to possibly bring about the columnist (700-plus columns) and as a that the Bible would say is sin,” Gazelka said. at the governmental level, exercise your functioning of seemingly useless limbs. well-known LGBT community artist (1000 “They never shake it. You know, that doesn’t governmental authority because you can’t For many, it’s a challenge that’s too difficult Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit mean they have to give into it. Others find a stop me in my individual life?’” for them to meet. It takes courage and Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT way to have total freedom. But my job is to Really hoping that Paul Gazelka finds it determination. CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect walk alongside them speaking the truth and within himself to take this to heart. The truth of the matter is that for we who with him at [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 15 LEGAL NEWS Win in Birth Certificate Fight for Indiana Married Same-Sex Couples

BY LISA KEEN

A federal appeals panel of Republican appointees ruled Friday that the state of Indiana must treat same-sex married couples the same as male-female married couples when determining who to list on a child’s birth certificate. The case, Henderson v. State of Indiana, originated when the state of Indiana refused to list the non-biological mother of a child born by her female spouse on the birth certificate of her son. The lesbian couple sued, noting that Indiana would list a non-biological father on a birth certificate of a child born by his wife. US Supreme Court to Review Religious Exemption Indiana argued that birth certificates were meant to reflect biology, but the appeals panel noted that Indiana law states that a “man is presumed to be a Appeals in Health Insurance Coverage child’s biological father if [he] and the child’s biological mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage.” The state, BY LISA KEEN Pizer characterized as have a compelling interest in it said, was refusing to provide a similar presumption if the child’s biological “deeply worrisome” the Trump “protecting the health, wellbeing mother was married to a woman. That, it said, contradicted the U.S. Supreme n a move that LGBTQ legal regulations’ “effectively limitless and economic security of their Court’s ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which struck down state laws treating activists see as “deeply religious exemption.” residents.” same-sex couples differently in marriage licensing. worrisome,” the U.S. Supreme The Supreme Court The brief was joined by ICourt on Friday said it will review consolidated both cases out of California, New York, Michigan, The appeals panel said the Indiana laws governing birth certificates “are products of a time when only opposite-sex marriages were recognized in two appeals in which the Trump Pennsylvania, both of which were Illinois, 15 other states and the Indiana” and that they also fail to recognize the “possibility” that a female- administration is seeking to make lost by the Trump administration District of Columbia. female couple could have two biological mothers (one who donates an egg it much easier for employers to at the 3rd Circuit U.S. Court of Healey, who is expected to and one who carries the child to birth). exclude health insurance coverage the Appeals. lead a brief on the Supreme The panel said Obergefell does not allow a state to provide all husbands the for some medical procedures by The 3rd Circuit panel upheld Court appeal, too, said her presumption of being fathers “while denying an equivalent presumption to saying such procedures violate a national injunction issued by office would “urge the Supreme parents in same-sex marriages.” Obergefell held that same-sex couples must their religious beliefs or moral the district court to stop the Court to protect access to no- have the same rights and protections under state marriage laws as opposite- conscience. new Trump regulations from cost contraception for women sex couples. The cases, Trump v. taking effect. The regulations across the country.”“We will The Henderson decision also noted that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Pennsylvania and Little Sisters sought to enable a wide array of keep fighting for equality and Pavan v. Smith in 2017 that same-sex couples are entitled to marriage “on the of the Poor Saints Peter and employers to deny coverage for do everything we can to protect same terms and conditions as opposite-sex couples.” The Pavan case involved Paul Home v. Pennsylvania, procedures, by saying they have personal health care decisions,” a refusal of the Arkansas health department to issue a birth certificate for a originated as lawsuits by a wide “conscience-based,” religious or said Healey. same-sex couple’s child that included both mothers. variety of groups to stop new moral objections. Pizer said that Lambda The Indiana case panel included Judge Joel Flaum and Judge Frank Easterbrook Trump administration regulations The National Center for Legal has warned that “from — both appointed by President Reagan — and Judge Diane Sykes — an appointee around the Affordable Care Act. Lesbian Rights and GLBTQ Legal the beginning, the dangers of President George W. Bush. Easterbrook authored the opinion. Original ACA rules required most Advocates and Defenders joined for LGBTQ and HIV-positive Sykes, who has been considered one of President Trump’s short-list nominees employers to include full coverage other civil rights groups in a brief people, and others, of the religious for a U.S. Supreme Court seat, appeared to ready to rule against the lesbian for certain preventive care, such as at the appeals court level. They exemption arguments pressed by couple during oral argument. According to reports, she said, “You can’t overcome contraception. The ACA excluded argued the Trump regulations employers.” biology.” churches from the requirement, would provide an exemption “We believe the 3rd Circuit The couple who pressed the challenge, Ruby and Ashlee Henderson, lived in and a later Supreme Court ruling, to “nearly every employer or gave proper answers to these Lafayette, Indiana, and had one child before they were able to marry, following in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, university with a religious or questions and was on solid legal the Obergefell ruling. After they married, they tried to get their child’s birth Inc., extended that exemption to moral objection from complying.” ground when blocking the Trump certificate amended to show them both as parents; the state refused. corporations owned and operated The Trump administration’s administration from enforcing its The 10-page opinion took an extraordinary amount of time to produce: 2.5 by families. petition to the Supreme Court outrageous rules,” said Pizer. years. The case was argued in May 2017. But the new Trump regulations argued that the administration These two cases will likely be The 7th Circuit jurisdiction includes Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. propose to extend exemptions was trying to resolve lawsuits argued in March, with decisions Meanwhile, in the same week the Henderson decision was released, Lambda to “conscience-based,” religious brought by “many employers” coming out in June. LGBTQ legal Legal argued in federal district courts in Georgia and Maryland that a similar and moral objections to a larger who have religious and moral activists also expect the Supreme disparity is taking place for same-sex couples whose children are born abroad. more wide-ranging variety of objections to certain coverage. It Court to rule in June — though it “Children born abroad to married different-sex parents who are U.S. citizens employers. said the federal Religious Freedom could rule sooner — on whether are routinely recognized as U.S. citizens,” said Lambda in a press release about “The Trump rules set the stage Restoration Act requires its Title VII of the Civil Rights Act the cases, “but the State Department is deliberately misapplying federal statutes for targeted, discriminatory proposed regulations. The RFRA prohibits discrimination against to deny similar treatment to the marital children of same-sex couples.” exclusions of insurance coverage says the federal government employees because of sexual In Georgia on Jan. 16, Lambda filed suit on behalf of an Atlanta male married for reproductive care, gender may not “substantially burden orientation or gender identity. The couple whose child was denied U.S. citizenship because she had been born in transition care and family health a person’s free exercise of justices heard oral arguments in England where the surrogate mother lives. And in Maryland earlier this month, benefits for workers with a same- religion without demonstrating October and is expected to issue Lambda filed suit for another male couple who married in California who had sex spouse, among other things a compelling interest in doing so.” two opinions on those matters, their daughter using a surrogate mother in Canada. The State Department in about which an employer might But openly lesbian probably in late June, when the both cases is claiming the children were born “out of wedlock” even though claim a religious objection,” said Massachusetts Attorney General 2019-20 session ends. both couples were legally married at the time they had their children. Jenny Pizer, senior counsel at Maura Healey led a brief at the Lambda Legal. district court level, saying states 16 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com LGBTQ Activists Celebrate Ratification of Equal Rights Amendment BY PHILIP VAN SLOOTEN the rights of all — not just some — in the the Virginia Senate,” said Virginia Democratic commonwealth.” Party Chair Susan Swecker. “I am overjoyed GBTQ activists in Virginia and across Kate Kelly, a human rights lawyer for Equality that our Commonwealth has finally ratified the country continue to celebrate Now, told the Blade the ERA’s ratification the Equal Rights Amendment.” the ratification of the Equal Rights protects the rights of “women, girls, non- Swecker added watching the measure pass LAmendment in the state’s General Assembly. binary folx, our transgender siblings and all under the leadership of a House speaker and Vee Lamneck, executive director of Equality marginalized genders.” Virginia Senate president pro tempore who Virginia, told the Washington Blade in a “As a queer woman, I cannot tell you how were both women made her “unbelievably statement their organization is “encouraged by elated I am to finally see myself reflected in proud to be a Virginian and a woman today.” the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment our nation’s most foundational document,” Nevada in 2017 became the 36th state to here in the commonwealth” on Wednesday. added Kelly. ratify the ERA and Illinois followed suit the “This sends an important message that all Virginia is the 38th state to ratify the ERA, an following year, but Virginia last year again Virginians deserve equal rights under the law,” important milestone needed to formally ensure failed to ratify it. they said. “We are one step closer to creating gender equality is part of the Constitution. The ERA passed in the House by a 59-40 a Virginia where everyone can live, learn and “Putting gender equality in the Constitution vote margin and in the Senate by a 28-12 vote work free from fear of discrimination.” does not right the wrongs of the past, nor fix margin. Gov. Ralph Northam has signaled his Lamneck added Equality Virginia urges all forms of discrimination,” cautioned Virginia support for the measure. “our lawmakers to carry this spirit of equality House of Delegates Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn Attorney General Mark Herring in a press forward and pass the Virginia Values Act, which (D-Fairfax County). “But it lays down a marker release described the vote as “historic” and a will update and strengthen our laws to protect on a map that leads us to a more just and equal “major milestone in the fight for equality in all people, including LGBTQ Virginians, from f utu re .” this nation.” discrimination in housing, employment and Currently, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights “I am preparing to take any steps necessary Equality Virginia Executive Director Vee Lamneck public spaces.” Act prohibits employment discrimination on to ensure that Virginia is recognized as the 38th said ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in “It’s heartening to see Virginia pass the ERA the basis of race, religion, national origin and ratifying state,” Herring said. “That the will of the Virginia General Assembly sends “an important and affirm the importance of equality under sex. The U.S. Supreme Court is still considering Virginians is carried out, and that the ERA is message.” (Photo courtesy of Vee Lamneck) law,” said Human Rights Campaign Deputy if “sex” includes sexual orientation and gender added to our Constitution, as it should be.” Commincations Director Nick Morrow, who identity. pointed out to the Blade the 2020 legislative Still, many view the ERA’s ratification as session began eight days ago on Jan. 8. “Already, both historic and a step in the right direction. This article originally appeared in the Washington the new pro-equality majorities in the Virginia “As someone who was a young legislative aide Blade and is made available in partnership with General Assembly are working on behalf of in 1980 when the ERA went down in defeat in the National LGBT Media Association.

www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 17 The Risk of Good Intentions BY EVE KUCHARSKI

‘White Feminist’ Creator Lee Minora Talks Painful Truth of Well-Meaning, No-Impact Activism

Photo: John C. Hawthrone

he road to hell is paved with well- in Ann Arborwith “White Feminist” at the pretty repelled by her, and that stayed true intentioned white women. Or at least, University Musical Society’s No Safety Net I think I have a curiosity seeing the film. I was thinking, “Yeah, she’s it’s paved with those white women 2.0 series, Minora filled Between The Lines enduring a good amount of misogyny, but Tactivists who don’t consider the impact of in on what it took to develop Becky Harlow’s “ about the next step, which is, she’s also sort of hoist by her own petard.” their intentions. Lee Minora is the creator of character, the “hygiene” required to practice ‘How do we make sure that By nature of working at Fox News, a place “White Feminist,” a show that unapologetically true intersectionality and her technique for that is white supremacist, heteronormative, slices through the failings of non-intersectional calling out hypocrisy in activism. that participation is actually fearmongering, you’re going to be feminism and its inherent hypocrisy. participating in old models of our society that Throughout the course of the show, audiences, For those who don’t know, who is Becky Harlow? creating change?’ hurt women. She holds those models up, so and ideally the white female liberal activists (Laughs) When I started making this show it’s very confusing. I did think the film was who will attend, are forced to ask themselves it was after Trump had won and Hillary ” interesting and I was glad I saw it. the unspoken question, “How do white women Clinton had lost the election, as the #MeToo navigate their dual roles as oppressed and started to move her on the political spectrum Because Becky’s character has a lot of blind movement was sort of at its peak. And I to be more of a left-leaning character. So she oppressor?” was really fascinated by Megyn Kelly who spots when it comes to her activism she Though the answer to that question may vary is a well-meaning talk show host who has reminds me of the quote, “The road to hell is had kind of made her way to the front of very little awareness of her actual impact, depending on the audience members who see it paved with good intentions.” Did you start to the #MeToo movement just by being a very despite wanting to help and make the world presented and choose to take it on, one thing is flawed person. So, I started working on the think about your own blind spots as the creator? certain: Becky Harlow’s approach to feminism a better place. piece with her in mind for Becky Harlow, First, I literally used to have my press release is far from ideal. Minora’s one-woman show someone who I didn’t agree with politically Did you see the movie “Bombshell”? centers around the fictional Harlow, who is subject line with, ‘The road to hell is paved who still, of course, needed feminism and Yes! with well-meaning white women’ (laughs). the host of “Becky’s Time,” a talk show that had benefitted from it and had also hurt it attendees “participate” in as a pseudo studio But in regard to blind spot, I was thinking in a number of ways. My interest is to make It showed Megyn Kelly’s story during the a lot when I was making this piece about audience. At least on its surface, the show theater that’s challenging for people who downfall of former Fox News executive Roger unintentionally showcases both the hilarity intention versus impact. So, you may mean actually attend the theater, and that doesn’t Ailes for sexual misconduct. Three years after to do something that you think will have a and painful truth of well-meaning activism tend to be people who sympathize with you started developing the show, did that causing harm without accountability. Audiences really positive outcome, but that may not be Megyn Kelly. And so, when Becky was a little change your opinion of her at all? the impact of what you’ve done. And I think are invited to “sit back, relax and watch” Harlow too right-leaning — which I workshopped “make progress.” I don’t think it’s changed much of my opinion being someone who is socially conscious her a little more conservative initially — she or interested in intersectional feminism Before her scheduled week-long stretch wasn’t as challenging for audiences. So, I on her. There’s parts of me that has sympathy for her and there’s parts of me that are and making sure your feminism is always 18 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com How do white women navigate their dual roles as oppressed “ and oppressor? ” intersectional is a form of hygiene. And you “How do we make sure that that participation have to participate in hygiene all the time in is actually creating change?” I do think that order to be hygienic. You don’t get to brush sometimes that means that there needs to your teeth once a year and be like, ‘That’s it, be infighting or correcting people or taking I brushed my teeth this year.’ It’s a constant time to do labor where someone can educate process of turning over, so that’s one prong. someone. Hopefully, people can find ways to I’d say another prong is when, in reference to do that without putting burdens on people intention versus impact, you have to honor who are constantly having to do it, but it does and listen to the impact that you may have require knowledge. had if someone tells you. So, rather than, “Oh, you stepped on my foot.” “Well, I didn’t mean Do you think the outspoken Becky Harlows of to step on your foot.” Well that doesn’t really the world might be part of the reason why some matter, does it? Because that’s what you did women refuse to call themselves feminists? ultimately. (Laughs) Becky Harlow calls herself a Have you found that sometimes people feminist. She does in the show entirely, but is she like the cousin of someone who attending the show don’t realize they share might not call themselves a feminist? Sure. many of Becky’s blind spots? I think so. But she’s pretty outspoken about Yes! Yes, definitely. That’s sort of a satire the fact that she’s a feminist, she just has paradox, I think. That people can have very little intersectionality in her feminism blind spots so glaring that they can’t quite despite not realizing that she has very little see themselves in there. I think that there intersectionality in it. I think she’s maybe are some elements of the show where I just a generation too young to be part of the think it’s unavoidable that you get sort of women who don’t call themselves feminists. caught realizing that you might have some I don’t think I have an answer to this, but I contradictory beliefs because of the way it’s certainly have a curiosity about how we take crafted. So, a question is asked, you answer care of other generations of differing opinions it affirmatively. And then another question and just people who are just struggling to is asked, and if you have to answer that one keep up inside of that conversation. Can affirmatively you realize you may have some you still be doing it right? Can you still be a beliefs that are in conflict or done some good ally if you’re not necessarily abreast of things that are in conflict. everything? Like, where does that come back to that hygiene thing I said earlier? The show regularly takes on new meaning as current events develop. Do you find yourself There does seem to be a priority shift for some adding and changing content regularly? people who over time, willfully or otherwise, fall (Laughs). Yes, exactly. Luckily, Becky doesn’t out of touch with social justice movements of know that much a lot of the time. So, there’s the day. always that available to you, but I do have Exactly, which is why it’s so important to go to stay informed. I just did a show in New to the second thing, which is listening to the York and was making changes to the show people around you and how your behavior is day-of. I’m always updating based on what’s impacting them. So, maybe you don’t have happening, and I’ll probably get some feelers the time to do the keeping up, but you need about what’s happening in Ann Arbor. to find the time to do the listening. Did creating this show change your view of “woke culture” as used by activists — well- intentioned or otherwise? INFO I think I have an interest in my work — as opposed to me personally, I’ll say from the perspective of what I’m creating — I have a “White Feminist” big interest in hypocrisy. I spent some time studying this very specific type of clown, not Feb. 3 to 9 clown like you think of at the circus, but it’s Tickets start at $35 with discounts for more of a theater-making technique called students available. bouffon. And the bouffon doesn’t quite have Video Studio, James and Anne Duderstadt any allegiance to anyone, but they have a large Center interest in hypocrisy. And that’s where I live U-M North Campus in that work. My questions around wokeness 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., Ann Arbor. is that you absolutely have to know what’s ums.org. happening to participate and then I think I have a curiosity about the next step, which is, www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 19 LIFE IN THE

Netflix Dollyverse ‘Ms. Dolly’ on How Her LGBTQ-Inclusive Netflix Series Is Rooted in the ‘Golden Rule’

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI the 3D image of our honky-tonk goddess dove- stepped out of a Saturday-morning cartoon – or by Jad Abumrad on his podcast “Dolly Parton’s coos about holding onto special memories and out of that holographic screen. She whooshed America” (having experienced Dollywood, olly was there, almost, holding court keepsakes; then, she asks you to remember one into our room of journalists with a hearty, “Well including some of its otherworldly cinnamon despite her lack of humanness, as queer thing, breaking out some a cappella lines to hello eve’ybody!” and zinged up to the front of a bread, I can also say he’s spot on in coining her writers on assignment huddled giddily let you know “that I will always love you.” She throng of already-seated journalists, making an universe the “Dollyverse”). Din front of her, awe-stricken by the realness of blows kisses and bids farewell: “I’m outta here,” astute observation on her jolly way: “Y’all like Expanding her ditties into full-on mini a fake Dolly. she says. And poof, there she goes, melting into a bunch of kids: quiet, waiting for Ms. Dolly, movies, the eight episodes produced for I stood, out of body, piled into the country the most magical cloud of blue fairy dust, falling Ms. Teacher, to come in.” the series extend hearty lessons inspired by legend’s Chasing Rainbows Museum as the tech to the floor. Dolly transforms into a soaring Then Ms. Dolly got down to business, talking a mixture of both iconic and more obscure magic that is Dolly Parton’s hologram welcomed butterfly. Because... Dolly Parton. about her new Netflix anthology “Heartstrings,” Dolly Parton songs; they gently and sneakily me to a Dolly shrine, perhaps the most holy site When human Dolly descended upon a where lessons are carefully taught with a school the ignorant, the blissfully unaware and I’ve seen since my parents took me to church conference room at her DreamMore Resort steady hand and her unique ability to unify the downright bigoted, all told in Ms. Dolly’s as a kid. A regular experience at the museum, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it was like she’d just America, a topic recently explored in depth preferred socio-political manner: through her 20 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com stories. hotel room was butterfly embossed) – happy The “Jolene” episode tells the tale of the endings are also ubiquitous in the Dollyverse. eponymous misunderstood woman that Dolly And so it’s no surprise that “Heartstrings” is fears will take her man in the song (played by an extension of that world. A world Netflix Julianne Hough), though the episode concludes knew the streaming population needed more that it’s the cheating men who are the real of, a series that Ms. Dolly said “really did tug problem. Forbidden love is the crux of “Down at your heartstrings.” from Dover,” centered on a young black soldier In her mind, her songs are already movies and a white reverend’s daughter during the anyway: “I grew up way back in the mountains, Vietnam War. The lesson of the “Two Doors and early in my early days we didn’t even have Down” episode is classic Dolly because it’s the electricity and we listened to the Grand Ole gay one. If you’re a queer Dolly-head, you won’t Opry on a battery radio.” She didn’t watch be surprised to discover her introduction to the movies, and there was no TV, so to pass the episode, which spotlights a same-sex love story. time she would “paint pictures in my songs and But your homophobic uncle might be – in fact, tell stories,” she said. “So it was just a natural he might even finally learn what non-binary fit, I thought, to do a series based on songs means and that transgender people are real that I’ve written.” people, all thanks to Ms. Dolly’s Queer 101 Ms. Dolly could’ve tapped into her most classroom introduction. well-known songs for “Heartstrings” – you The “Great Unifier,” as she’s been called, may have noticed there’s no “Heartstrings” introduces every episode centered on episode – and it is “I Will Always Love always the best part You” (maybe next of each installment. time, she says) – but Here, she explains What it all comes down aside from featuring that even when she a few of her biggest couldn’t be with “ to is love is love, in road hits, “we wanted her blood family on families and in real families. to pick songs that the road, she was are also different.” with “a whole new Now life might not always She loves Westerns family, with bands and dressing up in and crews that were be a party, but you are Wild West get-ups, made of all kinds of better off if you can just so since she’s Dolly people who were Parton and she can, different colors, gay, enjoy yourself, have fun and she did a “J.J. Sneed” lesbian, transgender episode. Also, she and all different accept and love the people loves dogs and “so faiths. But it didn’t around you. I had a little song matter as long as we I had written years all loved each other ” ago called ‘Cracker and got along. And Jack,’ so we wanted we did. And we still to get one of those in do. Because what it all comes down to is love as well. We wanted to cover all the emotions.” is love, in road families and in real families. At one point during the press conference Now life might not always be a party, but you Ms. Dolly sneezed, which is a non-story except are better off if you can just enjoy yourself, have that this was Dolly Parton sneezing, so it was fun and accept and love the people around you.” an event. She asked for a tissue and whooped What a wise teacher we have in Ms. Dolly. a laugh, teaching us all another lesson: even She reiterated a similar sentiment that day honky-tonk goddesses are susceptible to in the conference room, talking about the seasonal sickness. “With this weather changin’ “golden rule” – that is, once she reached the and all that,” she explained, before a man stage. “I’m gonna need another lift,” she chirped. who was, I believe, a journalist – but looked “These are not the kind of shoes you want to like he could’ve easily been in one of these take chances in. These boots aren’t made for “Heartstrings” episodes – passed her a tissue. walkin’.” She stomped the floor, then we were She thanked him, calling him “cowboy.” off. According to Ms. Dolly, that rule is treating Like she was throwing the “Cracker Jack” dog people right – and that if know your values, a bone, she dangled the tissue out in front of our your morals, and you know what to sacrifice group of journalists, joking that she was going and what not to, “you’ll be all right.” (When to fling it out so someone could sell it on eBay. asked about goddaughter Miley Cyrus, she Non-holographic Ms. Dolly, extraordinarily further illustrated this point by saying: “People human at this point, called it “star snot.” say you need to talk to Miley; I say, no, I don’t need to talk to Miley. Let Miley be Miley, I’ll As editor of Q Syndicate, the international be me and everybody needs to do their own LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has thing.”) interviewed a multitude of superstars, including “Heartstrings” practices the golden rule, Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. and like her brand emblem – the butterfly, His work has also appeared in The New York which is everywhere at Dollywood and at Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach the DreamMore (even the toilet paper in my him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi. www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 21 13

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22 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 23 The Ark Hosts 43rd Annual Folk Fest Jan. 31-Feb. 1

Folk Fest’s lineup:

Friday, Jan. 31 Calexico and Iron & Wine Ingrid Michaelson The Lone Bellow Cedric Burnside Rainbow Girls Elliott BROOD Willy Porter, Emcee

Saturday, Feb. 1 Nathaniel Rateliff (solo) Mandolin Orange Bettye LaVette Molly Tuttle John Moreland Cold Tone Harvest Willy Porter, Emcee

Brandi Carlile performing at the 42nd annual Folk Fest. Photo by Andrew Rogers.

BY EVE KUCHARSKI us as an organization not only because at The Ark,” she said. of the music it presents but it’s also And the venue’s programming mutual love of campus, coffee bringing in a big piece of the funding extends far beyond music, too. and community merged in 1965 that keeps us operating over 300 nights Fans of comedy might be interested when four Ann Arbor churches a year throughout the whole year. ... in the venue’s 50 First Jokes show Acreated The Ark. Originally a meeting But the other thing that’s really special that highlights local comedians, its house and creative outlet for artistic about it is that we basically take what storytelling festival, mindfulness students, it wasn’t long before music we do every other day of the year in meditation Tuesdays or even the sound acts became a staple of the gathering our 400-seat listening room and we production workshops that happen place’s programming. Fast forward to bring that into this much bigger venue biannually. All of this is wrapped up today, and The Ark is regarded as one of Hill Auditorium, which seats about in an inclusivity-focused package, too, of Michigan’s premier Americana music 3,500 people,” Authier said. “We get to because Authier said the organization venues that’s hosted artists ranging from display what we do on a much grander strives to book artists and events that Patti Smith to The Dustbowl Revival. scale, and we’re able to have bigger are LGBTQ- and diversity-affirming. At the end of the month, that tradition name headliners that bring in people “Certainly, we’re not a place where continues as the nonprofit organization that might not be aware of The Ark or everybody who comes to The Ark Shop The hosts its 43rd annual Folk Fest from following some of the up-and-coming has one particular outlook, but it’s Friday, Jan. 31, through Saturday, Feb. artists that we’re presenting.” important to us that we are a welcoming Rainbow 1. Headlining the event will be acts And because the venue displays some space. ... The LGBTQ community for There are hundreds like Ingrid Michaelson and Nathaniel of those up-and-coming talents, Authier sure has been a community that we of businesses that Rateliff. said that the event not only directly have had a close relationship over the advertise in BTL and Barb Chaffer Authier is the venue’s benefits the venue but it’s a great way years, hosting women’s dances and we’ve welcome everyone. marketing director. She said that over to give back to the area’s local music been a media partner with Pridesource the years, the Folk Fest has become The scene as well, which Authier said is the and Between The Lines for many, many Invest in equality and Ark’s signature event and number one venue’s “bread and butter.” years.” she said. “And many of the artists work with businesses fundraiser, encouraging both longtime “So, you can come to the Folk Festival, that perform at The Ark are coming that support fans and first-timers to come and take get a taste of all the kinds of music that from the LGBTQ community ... so it’s Michigan’s LGBTQ a listen to the lineup. we present, discover something new something that we’re very, very happy community! “So the Folk Festival is important to and then come back to see the event and proud to be a part of.”

24 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 25 The Not-So-‘Unsung’ Stephanie Mills BY JASON A. MICHAEL

ew artists can claim a career so storied as singer Stephanie Mills. Although she doesn’t claim the Flabel, Mills is by all accounts an rhythm and blues legend. Her career has taken the Brooklyn-based artist from a role as the original Dorothy in the Broadway production of “The Wiz,” to a whopping five No. 1 R&B hits during the ‘80s like “Home,” “I Feel Good All Over” and “I have Learned to Respect the Power of Love.” In addition, she’s worked with other music legends like Teddy Pendergrass, Anita Baker and Mary J. Blige. And Stephanie Mills will be appearing Detroit fans will be pleased to know she at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at the made the city her home for a period of five Sound Board at Motorcity Casino years. Now, both longtime and new fans Hotel. Tickets start at $44 and can can see her live in concert on Thursday, be purchased at ticketmaster.com. Jan. 30, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel Sound Board stage. Mills joined BTL over the phone from her North Carolina home in advance of the show to talk about her about him.” did to him was wrong.” career, her time in Detroit and various And she’s serious about that. Just ask Mills said that she has continued to be new projects. British crooner Sam Smith who, in 2018, politically active throughout her career. said he didn’t like Michael Jackson’s music. Regarding the upcoming 2020 election, Mills attacked. she said she hasn’t chosen a candidate to Career Beginnings “Don’t come for MICHAEL JACKSON support yet. Long before Mills was gracing when you wish you have sold as many “I’m not liking anybody yet, but I’m Broadway stages, however, she was records and you wish you were the hoping somebody will appeal to me signed with ABC Records to record King of Pop like he was,” Mills said in because we’ve got to get this man out her debut album “Movin’ in the Right an Instagram post. “Go sit your one-hit of office.” Direction.” Although that failed to wonder ass down.” Somebody she’d gladly throw her generate much buzz, for her sophomore Speaking about the incident now, Mills support behind is Billy Porter, Broadway effort, “For the First Time,” Mills signed does not regret her words. star and recent Emmy winner for his role with Motown Records. The label, now “Sam Smith, for him to say, basically, on the FX series “Pose.” based in Los Angeles, paired her up with that he didn’t like any of Michael’s music, “He was unsung, but not anymore,” super songwriters and producers Burt including all that great Motown music, I Mills said. “The world knows his talent Bacharach and Hal David. Despite these didn’t believe that,” she said. now. He is doing it his way and he is efforts, it didn’t do well commercially. getting all the props he deserves. I love Mills said that might have been because Longevity and him.” it diverted from her preferred genre. Regarding her own career being “It was very pop,” Mills said. “I think Recognition considered legendary, Mills disagrees. But it was ahead of its time. There were some unlike Porter, Mills most certainly does Following her string of No. 1 records, not consider herself unsung. So, when great songs on it though.” Mills married WJLB program director Stiil, Mills enjoyed making the album. the producers of the TV One musical Michael Saunders and moved to Detroit. docuseries “Unsung” came calling on her “I was a huge fan of The Jackson 5, and “I loved living in Detroit,” she said. Diana Ross I love dearly. So, I was just door to do an episode about not being “I kind of took five years off from recognized for her successess, Mills flatly thrilled to be on the same label as they performing while I lived there and just were,” Mills said. “And to sit across from turned them down. focused on being a wife.” “I wasn’t interested. I don’t consider Berry Gordy in a meeting ... it was really After she and Saunders split she found something.” myself unsung. I’ve had a great career. I herself back om the road. To this day, she wasn’t interested in going down that road, It wasn’t long after that that Mills got a continues to light up stages across the big break on the Broadway stage with the rehashing everything,” she said. globe. And she certainly hasn’t allowed That’s right. Can’t nobody make Ms. lead role in “The Wiz.” She earned great her commercial success to distract or reviews during the show’s run, and it was Mills do what she does not want to do. detach her from issues that matter. For her So what does she want to do? Make some during the show that Mills and Michael tour last year, Mills had her entire band Jackson, who was living in New York at new music to please her long-waiting dress up in black Nike warmup suits to fans perhaps? the time, actually began dating. pay homage to former NFL quarterback “He was such a king, sweet soul, very “I haven’t been in the mood to create Colin Kaepernick and his struggle with music,” she said. “But the other day gentle,” Mills said. “I never heard him say the NFL. a bad word about anybody. We were really something hit me, and I began to think “I wanted to stand up for Colin, who about it. I’d like to do backing vocals on friends, which is why I feel the need to was really taking a knee to oppose police defend him if someone says something a record or sing the hook. Yeah, sing the brutality,” Mills said. “I thought what they hook. That would be great.” 26 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com Cool Cities Lansing YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200

www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 27 JAX ANDERSON AT EL CLUB FEB. 8 Previously known as Flint Eastwood, Jax Anderson is a Detroit-based alt-pop artist who has built up an international fanbase championing “authenticity in a world filled with fake news” and empathy. Famous for hits like “Queen,” “Glitches” and “Real Love,” find out more about Anderson’s music at iamjaxanderson.com and catch her live at El Club in Detroit. Ticketing information can be found online at elclubdetroit.com. OUTINGS Trans Individuals 4 p.m. There is no fee Tuesday, February 4 Lansing, 2316 S Cedar. 517-887-4597. Saturday, January 25 to attend the groups. For Parent Support [email protected]. hd.ingham.org. Group information, contact facilitator Stand with Trans 2018 Support Groups Queer Conversations 11 a.m. Saturday Kim Tooley, 734-747-4363. St. Stephens – Lake Orion / Oakland County 7 p.m. LGBT Chat is an on going social discussion Wednesday, February 12 Episcopal Church, 2803 1st St.,Wyandotte. FREE and OPEN to the community. St. group meets every week to discuss issues 734-747-4363. standwithtrans.org. Mary’s In The Hills Episcopal Church, 2512 Stand with Trans Youth Support Group LGBT people face. Coming out, dating Joslyn Court,Lake Orion. 248-391-0663. – Flint – Genessee 6:30 p.m. Free to and much more. Affirmations, 290 W. stmarysinthehills.org. standwithtrans.org. all, Trans Youth Support Group meets Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Monday, February 3 the 2nd Wednesday of each month @ [email protected]. White Feminist 7:30 p.m. Gender and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of privilege collide in this scathing comedy Friday, February 7 Flint. Facilitator Sara Griffin, MA,LPC Sunday, January 26 that will grab you by the pussy hat. As Michigan Tobacco-free Coalition for is a psychotherapist and a parent of the host of a morning talk show, “Becky’s People Living with HIV (MiTCH+) 10 a transgender son, [email protected] Community exhibition opening Time,” Lee Minora skewers and dissects a.m. A new community-led organization Unitarian Universalist Congregation of featuring poet Semaj Brown 1:30 p.m. the failings of non-intersectional feminism. comprising community stakeholders, Flint, 2474 S. Ballenger Hwy,Flint. 810- Join the Flint Institute of Arts and Flint James and Anne Duderstadt Center, 2281 including People Living With HIV and 232-4023. uuflint.org. standwithtrans.org. Poet Laureate Semaj Brown to celebrate Bonisteel Blvd,Ann Arbor. 734-763-3266. people who use tobacco products. Forest the opening of Community. Flint Institute dc.umich.edu. ums.org. Community Health Center, of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 810-234- 1695. flintarts.org. Tuesday, January 28 Strand with Trans Support Groups – Ann Arbor – Washtenaw 6:30 p.m. Trans Support Group meeting the 4th Tuesday of each month @ Journey of Faith Christian Church. Parent Support Group Facilitator – Yma Johnson, [email protected] or NICOLE BYER AT THE 734-780-4092. Journey of Faith Christian Church, 1900 Manchester Road, Ann MAJESTIC THEATRE Arbor. standwithtrans.org. FEB. 14 Wednesday, January 29 Is This A Room: Reality Winner Verbatim Comedian, writer, actress and host Nicole Transcription 7:30 p.m. June 3, 2017. A 25-year-old former Air Force linguist Byer is perhaps best known for her role on named Reality Winner is surprised at her the “Nailed It” baking show on Netflix. She home by the FBI, interrogated, and then charged with leaking top-secret evidence also has a sitcom called “Loosely Exactly of Russian interference in our voting system. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Nicole” based on her life, and Byer has earned the Time Out LA “Comic to Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538. smtd. Watch” title. Now, local fans can get excited because she’s heading to Detroit’s umich.ed. ums.org. Majest Theatre on Feb. 14. To find out more about the show and get tickets visit Sunday, February 2 majesticdetroit.com. Stand with Trans Wyandotte Support Group for Trans Youth and Parents of 28 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com JOSH GROBAN AT CAESARS WINDSOR FEB. 9 An internationally renowned singer, songwriter and actor, Josh Groban’s signature baritone voice is instantly recognizable to most fans and the reason behind his millions of records sold. Catch him at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9 at The Colosseum stage at Caesars Windsor. Learn more online at caesars.com.

Wednesday, February 19 764-3464. ums.org. Ratmansky brings a fresh perspective to one of the oldest and most iconic ballets. Stand with Trans Support Groups – Martin Katz & Friends – What’s in a Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Livonia – Wayne County 6:30 p.m. Free Song: Hugo Wolf’s Complete Mörike Arbor. 734-668-8397. ums.org. to all, group meets the 3rd Wednesday Song February 5, 8 p.m. There are of each month @ Emmanuel Lutheran many important art song composers, Church. Parent Support Group Faciitators chief among them Schubert, Schumann, Karen Sessler, [email protected] Brahms and Richard Strauss, but Hugo ART ‘N’ or 734-673-3590 and Scott Sessler, Wolf occupies his own special place. [email protected] or 734- Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North AROUND 673-2485 Emmanuel Lutheran Church, University, Ann Arbor. 734-763-3333 Community exhibition opening 34567 7 Mile Road,Livonia. http://www. ums.org. featuring poet Semaj Brown January 26, Join the Flint Institute of Arts and Flint standwithtrans.org Cecile McLorin Salvant February 6, 7 Poet Laureate Semaj Brown to celebrate p.m. Though only 29 years old, Cécile Transgender Support Group – Westland the opening of Community. This exhibition McLorin Salvant has spent the last decade 6 p.m. Held on the third Wednesday features works in multiple mediums evolving from a darling of jazz critics and of each month at the Westland Public from some of the most important artists fans to a multi-Grammy Award winner and Library Meeting Room B, 7-8:30pm. 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 810-234-1695. a prescient and fearless voice in music. Westlan Public Library, 6123 Central flintarts.org. City Parkway,Westland. 734-326-6123 Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North westlandlibrary.org University, Ann Arbor. 734-763-3333. ums.org. THEATER Friday, February 21 Mandy Patinkin in Concert: DIARIES Bright Colors and Bold Patterns January Dorrance Dance: Myelination 8 p.m. February 6, 8 p.m. Mandy Patinkin in 20, 8 p.m. Bright Colors and Bold Patterns Founded in 2011 by MacArthur “Genius” Concert: DIARIES, presents the acclaimed is a play by Drew Droege is described as Dorrance Dance honors tap dance’s actor, singer, storyteller in his most a “hyper-verbal and tragicomic one-man uniquely beautiful history in a new and electrifying role: concert performer. Fisher show that asks some essential questions dynamically compelling context. Power Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd.,Detroit. 313- about contemporary gay life.” The Center, 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor. 734- 872-1000. broadwayindetroit.com. Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., 647-3327. smtd.umich.edu. ums.org. Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan February Ferndale. 248-545-5545. theringwald. 14, 8 p.m. No other mariachi in history com. has had a trajectory or influence remotely A Bronx Tale January 21, 8 p.m. Three MUSIC & comparable to theirs; they are widely years ago, Academy Award nominee considered the finest in the world. Hill Chazz Palminteri teamed up with Academy MORE Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Award® winner Robert De Niro, Tony® Arbor. 734-764-3464. Toastmasters International SpeakOUT! Award winner Jerry Zaks and Tony® Award LGBTQ Meeting January 23, 7 p.m. Angelique Kidjo’s Remain in the Light nominee Sergio Trujillo to create this Focusing on professional and personal February 16, 7 p.m. Global pop star streetwise musical. Fisher Theatre, 3011 communication skills development. Angélique Kidjo has partnered with super W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. 313-872-1000. Jim Toy Community Center, 319 Braun producer Jeff Bhasker (Rihanna, Kanye broadwayindetroit.com. Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. West, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Drake, January [email protected]. speakout. The Believers are but Brothers Jay-Z) and an international band to create 22, 7:30 p.m. A multimedia show toastmastersclubs.org. Remain in Light. This new project finds that weaves together stories of three the Benin-born Michigan Theater, 603 Minnesota Orchestra January 25, 8 disaffected men and their journeys to p.m. The Minnesota Orchestra returns for E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397. radicalization and indoctrination via its first UMS performance since its 1972 ums.org. online extremism, anonymity and hate debut in an all-Sibelius program, including HD Broadcast: Bolshoi Ballet Giselle speech. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin the stunning and rarely heard Snöfrid with February 23, 7 p.m. In this brand new Ave.,Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538 the UMS Choral Union. Hill Auditorium, production by the Bolshoi Ballet, February 4, 8 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 734- Jesus Christ Superstar renowned choreographer Alexei p.m. An iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St.,Detroit. 313-237-SING http:// broadwayindetroit.com/shows/jesus- christ-superstar Robert Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory February 18, 8 p.m. It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St.,Detroit. 313-237-SING http://broadwayindetroit. com/shows/roald-dahls-charlie-and-the- chocolate-factory HD Broadcast: Bolshoi Ballet Giselle February 23, 7 p.m. In this brand new production by the Bolshoi Ballet, renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky brings a fresh perspective to one of the oldest and most iconic ballets. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St.,Ann Arbor. 734-668-8397 PUZZLE P. 33

www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 29 The Frivolist 5 Ways to Get a Loan That’s Not From a Bank or Loan Shark BY MIKEY ROX money for anything you’d like, including debt consolidation, and the interest you pay on the Hard up for cash but afraid you won’t qualify loan will be tax deductible.” for a traditional bank loan? You’re not alone; However, using your house to pay off unsecured not every LGBTQ person is the financial guru debt can be very risky. If you choose this route, the media makes us seem. You can, however, make sure you leave yourself some financial get the cash you need – and quick – with these breathing room so that if something unexpected alternatives that won’t drive you years into debt. does happen, you will not risk losing your home.

1. Borrow From a Life Insurance Policy 4. Secure a Personal Loan If you’ve been paying into a life insurance “Personal loans are best for people who know it policy, that money is already yours. Certainly will take them longer than a year to pay off the it’s intended to cover the costs of your death and debt,” say Gallegos. “This is because personal perhaps alleviate some of the financial strain on loans typically charge an origination fee of 1% to your loved ones and/or dependents once you’re 5% of the loan amount, and that must be taken gone, but if you need to tap into those funds into consideration when calculating overall while you’re still alive, it’s an option. Whatever interest savings. If the timeframe is only a year, you withdraw will be deducted from your with the origination fee, the cost is generally beneficiaries’ payout, which makes them SOL too high.” upon your death, but at least you don’t have to Keep in mind, too, that personal loans are worry so much about paying back what you’ve not good for people who are unable to make taken out – because, ya know, you’ll already be minimum payments on current debt. If that’s the six feet under. case, you should look into other help, such as debt negotiation (settlement) or credit counseling. 2. Borrow Against a Vehicle With a Clear Title 5. Friends & Family A clear title on a vehicle means that there’s no financial lien against the car being sold. If it’s As a gay personal finance expert, I don’t usually rightfully yours – and you need cash – borrow recommend asking for money from friends or against it, says debt and credit expert Kevin family – it rarely goes off without a hitch – but if Gallegos of the Freedom Financial Network. you’re in a serious pickle and you’ve exhausted This tactic probably won’t work against your all other options, you may need to bite the bullet. beat-up hoopty, so exercise solid judgment before You can negotiate a lower interest rate than you contacting a financial institution. can elsewhere (probably), but that doesn’t mean that you should take advantage of someone’s goodwill. To make this work as best as possible, 3. Refinance Your Home and Take Out set repayment terms and dates and stick to Cash at Closing them. There are few things people hate more than lending somebody they love money and Though a risky move and not possible for all not being paid back on time. Be a decent human homeowners, if you’re in dire need of a loan, being by doing right by the relative or good friend you have the option of refinancing your home willing to help you out. Otherwise, you run risk and taking cash out at closing to pay whatever of ruining that relationship and a host of other impending fees for which you need the money. consequences – like potential legal action and But you really, really need to know what you’re being branded an A-hole. doing in this case, lest you want to be homeless shortly thereafter. If you don’t want to refinance, you also could Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and borrow against your home. Still risky, but less LGBT lifestyle expert whose work has been ride-or-die than refinancing. published in more than 100 outlets across the “If you own your home and have enough equity, world. He currently lives in his van, saving money you may be able to take out a home equity loan and traveling the country. Connect with Mikey on or line of credit,” says Gallegos. “You can use the Instagram @mikeyroxtravels. 30 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 31 Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE Netflix delivers Jake Gyllenhaal queer YA movie invites you to ‘The Half of It’ the ‘Fun Home’ In 2005, the romantic comedy-drama “Saving This is not a drill: Face,” directed by “Fun Home” is going Chinese-American lesbian to be a movie. The filmmaker Alice Wu, broke autobiographical, ground for its realistic bittersweet musical about portrayal of queer issues a young lesbian’s coming- in Chinese-American of-age in her family’s families (Wu wouldn’t funeral-home business – sell the script to a studio in one run by her difficult order to maintain artistic yet loving and deeply control). Naturally, this closeted father – will Jake Gyllenhaal. means it took 15 years continue its evolution Photo: Starfrenzy for her to be able to make from Alison Bechdel- another film. But now she’s created graphic memoir back with whatx promises to Tony Award-winning stage musical to to be a sweetly queer Netflix YA film, “The big-screen production, thanks to producer Half of It.” It’s about a shy, bookish, high school Jake Gyllenhaal. The musical, adapted by girl named Ellie (Leah Lewis, “Nancy Drew”) Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori, will also star hired to script some love letters and articulate Gyllenhaal as the father. Every time a queer romantic dialogue for a kind but not-too-bright project gets a big screen push, we worry jock (Daniel Diemer, “Sacred Lies”) who needs a little that heterosexual hands will dilute help getting the attention of his opposite-sex their strength, but we trust the “Brokeback crush (newcomer Alexxis Lemire). And then Mountain” star here. He’s a proven ally and Ellie realizes she has feelings for the same girl. clearly knows that we’re a picky population We’re going to guess that this ends up one for when it comes to our stories being told well. our team, but you know what, anything can So far there’s no other cast, no production happen in 2020. So we’ll be sitting our John information or release date, but we can wait Hughes-loving selves down to watch it on patiently for something worth waiting for. Netflix later this year when it drops. ‘Steven Universe’ sees a The fourth coming of ‘Future’ with Indya Moore ‘Jackass’ More Indya Moore! The transgender, It has been more than 20 years since “Jackass” non-binary actor who plays model Angel entered our lives, asking us to love it, and Evangelista on “Pose” has a new side gig making the world a better place with idiotic and we’re very happy about that. They’re stunts. The men of that television and cinematic the voice of Shep, a non-binary character universe – Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, introduced in “Steven Universe: Future,” the Ryan Dunn (R.I.P.), Chris Pontius, Steve O., continuation of Cartoon Network’s queer- and others – risked good sense and bodily inclusive animated series “Steven Universe.” well-being in the pursuit of plotless comedy The groundbreaking original series about the mayhem. That they also won the attention of magical space adventures of a young boy who LGBTQ+ audiences with their idiosyncratic is half-human, half-alien already featured form of queer allyship and goofy male intimacy characters who were transgender and intersex was just part of a collective stance. They were – imagine, if you can, if Peppermint Patty too cool to care about “no homo” bro culture. So and “Scooby Doo”’s Velma had actually been now that there’s a fourth “Jackass” movie in the written as lesbians and what that would have works from Paramount, slated for a spring 2021 meant to earlier generations of queer kids – release, our official position is one of happy and the new show upholds the foregrounding anticipation. And a little fear. These guys are of queer characters leading lots of the action. all in their 40s. Bouncing back from spinal The story takes place in Steven’s adolescence injuries is no joke. and there’s little question that it will continue to push the boundaries of cartoons aimed at young audiences. The future is here.

Romeo San Vicente’s idea of a dangerous stunt is carrying a cup of hot tea from the kitchen to the table. 32 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com gay couple that runs a drag club winter 41 Lodge man 18 Cole Porter’s Miss 42 Couch potato’s tool 22 Madrid museum 43 Alan of “The Aviator” 24 Like the bodies of ballet dancers 44 Big name in cutters 26 Needing some South Beach rays 45 “The Celluloid Closet” author Vito 27 List ender 46 Eat alive 28 Batman word like “Pow!” and 49 “Terminal Bar” playwright Paul “Bam!” 52 Mary Cassatt and Michelangelo 30 Shout at an open call 55 Gets a foamy head 31 Colette’s coffee 59 “We ___ a Little Christmas” (song 33 Baldwin’s “The Evidence of from 19-Across) Things Not ___ “ 60 Song from 38-Across that became 34 Alpo alternative a gay anthem 35 Start of a Shakespearean title 62 Madonna’s “Truth or ___” 36 They may start a dragnet 63 Plumed wader 37 ___ Wu of verse 64 Pennsylvania city 39 Big squares above crossword 65 Biathlete’s slats clues 66 Portia de ___ 40 Response to Margaret Cho MiLGBTWedding.com 67 Actor Auberjonois 44 Moves like Rudolf Nureyev 45 Novelist ___ Mae Brown Down 46 Smooths Q Puzzle 1 Newspaper publisher Adolph 47 Need lubricating, maybe Remembering Jerry 2 Co-founder of MGM 48 “Scary Movie” Cheri Work with equality-minded businesses 3 First name in detective stories auntie 50 Cary of “Robin Hood: Men in when planning your special celebration. 4 Word sung with a long O? Tights” x Across 20 Top choice 5 Changed from red to pink 51 “Gross Anatomy” actress Christine 1 Spread out on the breakfast table 21 Stopped sitting for Diana Davies? 6 It comes ahead of mentioned 53 Stadium level 5 What Trump calls “fake news” 23 Leather pelts, e.g. Find hundreds of resources online today! 7 KFC rank 54 Palm starch 10 Meadow sounds 25 Hotel quote 8 Outed, for example 56 Land of Emma Donoghue 14 Stick it in your bunghole 26 Kahlo’s cash 9 Lid problem 57 Prince’s purple precipitation 15 Online exaggeration? 29 Early Peruvian 10 Grieve over 58 Nemesis of Tinkerbell 16 Like some twins 32 “Exotica” director Egoyan 11 Word used to stop seamen 61 Dalloway title 17 Jerry Herman musical based on 33 Singer O’Connor “The Matchmaker” 12 Anouk of “Lola” 35 Rear on board Find solution on page 29 and A Project of PrideSource Media Group 19 Jerry Herman musical about an 13 You can go down on them in 38 Jerry Herman musical about a at www.pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 33 Find over 300 Non-Profit Listings Serving Michigan’s LGBTQ Online @ pridesource.com

AIDS/HIV Campus Legal Get Listed, Promote There are dozens of AIDS/HIV Currently there are 19 American Civil Liberties organizations and resources listed organizations listed as active Union of Michigan Your Events at www.PrideSource.com. Here are online at www.pridesource.com/ Jay Kaplan, Staff Attorney, LGBT You can add or update just some of them: yellow pages. The following are Project any listing by going to some in the southeast Michigan 2966 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI www.PrideSource.com Metro Care Coordination area: www.aclumich.org and clicking on Yellow Network U-M Ann Arbor 313-578-6800 Pages. Once you submit Free, comprehensive services for Spectrum Center your listing, our staff will those living with HIV/AIDS. [email protected] Fair Michigan contact you to confirm your 877-931-3248 http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu PO Box 6136 information. 248-266-5545 734-763-4186 Plymouth, MI 48170 You can add your event to Metrocarenetwork.org Oakland University Gender 877-432-4764, 313-556-2300 the Pride Source Calendar & Sexuality Center fairmichigan.org online and in print by going UNIFIED - HIV Health & [email protected] Facebook.com/fairmichigan2016 to www.PrideSource.com Beyond www.oakland.edu/gsc and clicking on Calendar, 3968 Mt. Elliott St. 248-370-4336 Know Your RIghts Project then “Add Event.” Send Detroit MI 48207-1841 Eastern Michigan Outlaws U-M student group any press releases and 313-446-9800 University [email protected] announcements to editor@ www.miunified.org LGBT Resource Center 734-995-9867 pridesource.com Michigan HIV/STED Hotline emich.edu/lgbtrc 800-872-2437 734-487-4149 Older Adults The Lawrence Tech LGBT Matrix MAC Health SAGE Metro Detroit 429 Livernois St. Resource Center Find a digital version of PrideSource Magazine ltu.edu/student_affairs/lgbt.asp 290 W. Nine Mile Rd. Ferndale, MI Ferndale, MI 48220 313-578-6812 online under Our LGBT Yellow Pages 888-226-6366 Wayne State JIGSAW Facebook.com/groups/ sagemetrodetroit.org 248-545-1435 Facebook: SAGE Metro Detroit FtM A2 Ypsi http://www.matrixhumanservices. WayneStateJIGSAW Find these resources online [email protected] [email protected] Adoption Services org/programs/matrix-mac-health/ https://www.facebook.com/ AIDS/HIV Hotlines Community Centers Political ftma2ypsi/ Macomb County STD Clinic AIDS/HIV Organizations Michigan has eleven active The LGBT and Allies 27690 Van Dyke Caucus of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Association Warren, MI 48093 LGBTQ community centers, with Animal Shelter a tenth planned in Lansing. Here Democratic Party Transgender Michigan 586-465-8440 Anti-Violence are three of them. Facebook.com/TheLGBTA- 23211 Woodward Ave. http://health.macombgov. Ferndale, MI Archives/Collections org/Health-Programs-HPDC- CaucusoftheMDP Jim Toy Community Center Stonewall for Revolution [email protected] Campus; Student and Alumni Groups HIVAIDSCounselingTesting www.transgendermichigan.org Ann Arbor www.facebook.com/ Cancer Support Groups 800-842-2954 Oakland Livingston Human www.jimtoycenter.org. stonewall4reolution Choruses Service Agency (OLSHA) www.facebook.com/jimtoycenter Community Centers or follow them on Twitter @ Trans Sistas of Color 196 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. Professional Groups Project Employee Resource Groups Pontiac, MI 48343 JimToyCenter. Families and Parents 319 Braun Court Detroit Regional LGBT 19641 W. 7 Mile Rd. in Detroit 248-209-2647 313-537-7000 Ext 107 Foster Care www.olhsa.org Ann Arbor, MI Chamber of Commerce 734-995-9867 P.O. Box 32446 [email protected] Foundations and Funders www.facebook.com/TSCOPD/ Hotlines & Switchboards Arab Community Center Detroit, MI 48232 for Economic and Social LGBT Detroit detroitlgbtchamber.com Labor Union Service (ACCESS) Detroit 1-800-DET-LGBT Youth Legal Organizations www.lgbtdetroit.org. Museums Sterling Heights Center Ruth Ellis Center 4301 East 14 Mile Rd. www.facebook.com/lgbtdetroit Ties Like Me Music Groups 77 Victor Street, Highland Park, MI Sterling Hts., MI 48310 @LGBTDetroit. Professional networking events National Organizations 48203 586-722-6036 20025 Greenfield Road third Weds. 5:30 - 8 p.m. [email protected] Political Organizations www.accesscommunity.org Detroit, MI TiesLikeMe.org Phone: 313-397-2127 Suits And The City Facebook: Ruth Ellis Center Professional Organizations Lansing, MI 313-252-1950 Religious & Spiritual Advocacy Affirmations [email protected] Senior Living www.suitsandthecity.org Ozone House Seniors Equality Michigan Ferndale http://goaffirmations.org 102 N. Hamilton Street Social/Community Organizations 19641 W. 7 Mile, Detroit, MI www.facebook.com/Affirmations/ Ypsilanti, MI 313-537-7000 Sports or follow them on Twitter @ Transgender 734-662-2265 equalitymi.org Substance Abuse GoAffirmations. 734-662-2222 Facebook.com/equalitymichigan FtM Detroit Transgender Groups/Services 290 W. Nine Mile Road https://www.facebook.com/ Women’s Health Ferndale, MI FtMDetroit/ Stand With Trans Youth Services 248-398-7105 [email protected]. Farmington, MI www.standwithtrans.org 248-739-9254

34 BTL | January 23, 2020 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com BTL | January 23, 2020 35