‘Idol’ Kimberley Locke: Aiding In The Fight Will Supreme Court Resolve Marriage Debate? How HIV Stigma Is Damaging The Gay Community W RLD AIDS DAY

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‘Idol’ Kimberley Locke: Aiding In The Fight Will Supreme Court Resolve Marriage Debate? I was doing other projects, the How HIV Stigma Is Damaging The Gay Community gay community was always the W RLD AIDS community that supported me as a DAY brand new artist. – Kiesza, page 28 FREE NOV. 27, 2014 | VOL. 2248 |

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NEWS Cool Cities 4 Amber’s journey Lansing 5 Grand Rapids’ The Network sees GIFT GUIDE ENTER TO WIN COOL CITIES advocacy facelift 11 Transgender services in Michigan 12 Will U.S. Supreme Court resolve same-sex marriage debate? 14 A doctor’s journey working with HIV/A IDs over 30 years 16 Tainted love: how HIV stigma is damaging the gay community... OPINION 10 Parting Glances 10 Turning remembrance into action 11 Creep of the Week LIFE Access The HoliGay Gift Guide And More Online Win Two Tickets To SeeYOUR NEIGHBORHOODLearn More About •This YOUR MARKET 21 Kimberley Locke: Aiding in the Paula Poundstone Week’s Cool City: Lansing fight Pinpoint your ad dollars where 21 World AIDS Day Calendar Enter to win two tickets to see This holiday season, use BTL’s Holiday Gift Guide to get the perfect Paula Poundstone, Dec. 13 at theyAccess will dothe the online most Coolgood City. . . 22 Mr. LA Leather 2014 to promote gifts! Find out who’s family at Pridesource.com via the Pride Source the Royal Oak Music Theatre .Advertise pages inat thePridesource.com next Cool Cities PrEP in Michigan Yellow Pages. Enter only at www.pridesource.TO PLACEto learn AN AD about CALL 734.293.7200upcoming 28 No hiding from Kiesza com/tickets_contest.html events, featured advertisers 31 Variety is the spice of ‘Caroled!’ and community news. 32 Happenings 33 Don we now our gay apparel 34 The Frivolist 36 Puzzle

VOL. 2248 • NOV. 27, 2014 • ISSUE 891 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Arts & Theater Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Donald V. Calamia, Eric W. Rader, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Christopher J. Treacy Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate National Advertising Representative Assistant Editor Cartoonists Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Calendar Editor Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Staff Writers made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Copyright 2014 Pride Source Media Group, LLC AJ Trager, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 7 Amber’s Journey Freedom And Anxiety In Shadow Of Legislature Debate On Nondiscrimination

BY TODD HEYWOOD

LANSING – Amber is looking forward to the new year, but she is also fearful of what 2015 will bring her. She plans to transition to living her life as she was meant – as a woman. But the ongoing debates at the state capital about adding gender identity to the state’s civil rights law makes such a move terrifying. “The big thing I am worried about is losing my job,” the 23-year-old told BTL. “Say I lose my job, I might have to move back to my parents’ house and my transition would be put on hold.” Between The Lines has agreed not to use Amber’s last name or the exact location of her anxiety,” she notes. hometown in order to give her some protection Amber plans to transition to living her life as she was meant – as a She says the current debate at the state level and the ability to come out to people at her is “dehumanizing.” own pace. woman. But the ongoing debates at the state capital about adding gender “It’s crazy to me people would like to think Amber hails from conservative west identity to the state’s civil rights law makes such a move terrifying. it’s OK to exclude a group of people from a Michigan. Her parents and three brothers are nondiscrimination law,” she said. unaware that she is preparing to transition. As for the lawmakers talking about They will learn of her life change through a transpeople, but not with them, she has a letter crafted by Amber with the assistance of message. her therapist. That letter will be delivered after like five years down the road, and I couldn’t,” partners that they must adhere to LCC “I’d talk to them about how many trans the holidays. she said. policies, including nondiscrimination rules. people are losing jobs,” she said. “It’s crazy we The revelation may not come as a surprise. She moved to Lansing in June and began Spring Arbor bowed out of the running for a are already so discriminated against.” Amber says she fought with her parents about the process of transitioning. That includes partnership as a result. her gender when she was a child. counseling. She has a letter to begin hormone Amber still has not discussed her transition “I really thought I was a female when I was therapy and has fixed her transition date in with the bio-engineering company where she TAKE ACTION 4 or 5 and I ended up getting into an argument the beginning of 2015. Despite feeling more works. She is terrified that her new life will be with my parents,” she says. “It ended with confident in her gender, and being excited to cut short by an economic dagger in her back; them saying I was male, and me crying.” begin life fully as Amber, her apprehension she worries she will be fired for her transition. Freedom Michigan She did what she could to fit herself to her grows as her transition date comes closer. Amber is more than a little aware of the >> www.freedommichigan.org gender assigned at birth – including playing Lansing has a nondiscrimination law which economic struggles of many transgender football in high school. She studied criminal includes gender identity and expression. The women in America. She rattles off the Freedom Michigan is a coalition of business justice in college and has worked a series of ordinance has been on the books since 2006, statistics related to unemployment and leaders, lawmakers, faith leaders, grassroots warehouse type jobs usually associated with but it has never been tested. It has, however, underemployment as well as homelessness. activists, members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and men. been used in negotiations between Lansing She know she faces a potentially hostile world. transgender community and concerned residents “I was trying to prove to myself something,” Community College and Spring Arbor Among her ten transgender friends, two who have come together across party lines for one goal: To update the landmark Elliott-Larsen Civil she says of her masculine choices in her teen University as the community college prepared are unemployed. Neither can find a job. The Rights Act (ELCRA) to protect LGBT Michiganders years. “I never felt the same. I felt like an to open a university center, sharing publicly gender markers on their identifications out from discrimination. outcast.” financed space with some of the state’s private them as trans, leading to a bias in hiring, The state legislators are scheduled to vote on this When she was 18, she began dreaming and public universities. she says. Amending Elliott-Larsen might of herself as a woman. Then the moment of right after Thanksgiving. Contact them and tell them Spring Arbor had come under fire for firing ease her fears. “It would make me feel more to support a fully inclusive amendment. revelation happened. Julie Nemecek when she transitioned; LCC comfortable, it would ease a little bit of that “I was trying to picture myself as a male also reminded all the potential university 8 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Grand Rapids’ The Network Sees Advocacy Facelift BY AJ TRAGER

GRAND RAPIDS – As announced in mid- October, the Network, the LGBT community People ask me, ‘Are you crazy?’ center in Grand Rapids, has undergone an ambitious restructuring. As a trans person I am in a very unique The structure and progress of LGBT rights “ in the state has done everything but slow position. Coming out as transgender, you down. The DeBoer v Snyder case may see can’t go back in the closet. ...It means the Supreme Court of the United States and Michigan may have a bill pass this fall to I am free to be an advocate. include full, statewide LGBT protections. “Today, we have more rights than we have ever had, more acceptance and more allies, - Chief Executive Director. Krishnan although many challenges remain, and it ” is clear these changes have not benefitted all LGBT people equally,” President of the Many LGBT community groups go through Network, Mike Hemmingsen, wrote in a press restructuring. Funding and board members are release announcing changes to the Network. often shifted around and the mission statement As part of the restructuring of the center, changes in direction. Under Krishnan’s some positions have been shifted. Mira leadership, the Network has hired skilled Krishnan, who was hired on earlier this year as young professionals to be leaders in the group a board member, will become Chief Executive and sought out people who had specific talents Director. Krishnan is a leader in autism instead of following a traditionally board- diagnosis and treatment and brings non-profit motivated chain of command. The Network administration and leadership, grant funding now has a clinician for support groups, an and strategic planning experience. experienced event planner and non-profit “We will recommit to lifting up those in our professionals to handle media development. community who are struggling, recognizing A goal for the Network is to have enough that until all of us are safe, none of us are staff to provide evening and holiday services safe. We will continue to celebrate LGBT to the community. lives and loves. And we will take our rightful “It’s a work in process to develop evening place as community stakeholders. We will help. And it’s easy to shut down on Christmas, reaffirm and increase our commitment as but that’s when people need us the most,” LGBT Grand Rapidians to making this a great Krishnan pointed out. city, to enhancing the stability and prosperity She feels the Grand Rapids LGBT of our industry and our neighborhoods and to community is still in the process of embracing doing this for all people, gay and straight,” visibility. Under her leadership, she plans on Krishnan said. strengthening that. The Network will work towards solidifying “People ask me, ‘Are you crazy?’ As a trans groups for LGBT youth and transgender person I am in a very unique position. Coming individuals, providing services for LGBT out as transgender, you can’t go back in the individuals with mental illness, fostering closet. If people know you, you are a known activities that nurture families and looking at quantity. It means I am free to be an advocate. areas of marginalization and how other factors It’s a lot of work, but I don’t feel like, as an affect LGBT people. LGBT professional, that I can live without the “It’s positive and exciting,” Volunteer LGBT community being represented well.” Coordinator Larry DeShane said. “It is important for the Network. This is a Krishnan wants the Network to host bigger visible commitment that this is about the entire and better Pride celebrations in Grand Rapids. LGBT community. We have lots of invested Her and her team are comprising a calendar trans people; we launched a new membership of events for the year that will be more program. It’s a new era. We do need to do more aggressive, adding in stronger recognition to have leadership and groups that represent for smaller communities like asexuals, the community, including racial diversity and demisexuals or a-romantics. including all the letters (of LGBT).” “We are continuing the idea that we need a Follow the Network as it changes and develops into different approach to get to where we are all a stronger community center, and get connected included. If there is anything going on, we are with LGBT events in west Michigan by checking involved; the LGBT community is involved,” out www.grlgbt.org Krishnan said. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 9 Pilgrim Stuffing, Anyone? Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

RUMSTICK #1: If you’re looking for a ploy to come out to your family this Thanksgiving, you might casually remark that according to “Biological Exuberance” by animal behavior Dspecialist Dr. Bruce Bagemihl, the female domestic turkey often engages in same-sex courting and mounting activity before, during and after the holidays. DRUMSTICK #2: Contrary to popular belief, the 102 Pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 did not eat Thanksgiving turkey or pumpkin pie. Flour for baking bread and pie crust was all used up during the three-months ocean crossing. Guinea hen – whose same-sex courting and mounting status is unavailable as BTL goes to press – was the main dinner staple. LIGHT MEAT: Pilgrims were too straight laced to wear silver buckles, and they didn’t land at Plymouth Rock. Thomas Faunce, a popular preacher, started that PR story in 1740. He claimed his father, who arrived in this country three years after the Mayflower first dropped anchor, pointed the site out to him as a kid. According to Harvard historian spoilsport Edward Channing (no relation to “Hello Dolly” Carol), a ship could never have landed .at Plymouth Rock, given the strong direction of the surrounding currents. (Note: New England Pilgrims – America’s original “love the sinner, Turning Remembrance Into Action hate the sin” do gooders – would be appalled if they had an inkling of the direction the current flows around P’Town these days. Especially at n observation of Transgender OPINION BY CARMEN GARCIA AND gender identity and expression. the Boat Dock!) Day of Remembrance, a service Find your legislators at www.senate. DARK MEAT: In 1647, Puritans – who, it turns out, actually enjoyed was held at Central United mi.gov and www.house.mi.gov. only missionary position sex – outlawed the preaching of wedding IMethodist Church in Detroit last crowd was attentive and in quiet We can be forceful allies who sermons. Marriage for brimstone Calvinists was not a sacrament but Friday evening. When the service reflection. Prayers and poems were push for a bill that doesn’t continue strictly a secular matter to be conducted by civil magistrates, and so it concluded, I thanked Michelle offered to help all of us navigate the to marginalize the members of our remained well into the 1700s. Fox-Phillips for a wonderful service pain of facing the brutal reality of so community who are Trans*. Having Puritans quoted Martin Luther, who cautioned, “Marriage is a secular and she said, “And who is absent many precious lives lost – some of the opportunity to do something and outward thing, having to do with wife, children, house and home, and AGAIN? The media.” whom died nameless, all of whom allows me to direct the anger and with other matters that belong to the realm of government, all of which I thought about that for a while. suffered greatly. sadness that I felt for each person have been completely subjected to reason.” (AFA, please take note, and The truth is: this was an easy event It’s gut-wrenching to hear name whose name I heard and each pass the turkey stuffing.) for area journalists to dismiss. after name, feeling sad and wishing description of a nameless casualty BREAST: From 1702 until 1708 the governor of New York, Lord There was the tree lighting event that we could turn the clock back of transphobia. Remembering is Cornbury, was a cross dresser. He appeared gowned at public ceremonies, at Campus Martius. There were and somehow prevent each death. important. Turning remembrance wore elaborate hairdos, let his fingernails grow long. A favorite of Anne, countless entertainment events There is also great sadness in into action honors the lives lost Queen of England, he was a bit too, too much for the puritanical colonists taking place just steps away from knowing that this is not going and also honors the efforts of who booted him – and his silver buckle – out of office. Central United Methodist Church to to be the last such service. Next each person on the committee GIZZARD: Puritans were a mean spirited bunch. They didn’t celebrate cover. Those events offered holiday year, more candles will be lit as which prepared the event and each Christmas, and nobody dared work on Sunday for fear of being put in music and lights, hors d’oeuvres more names will be spoken aloud. presenter who thoughtfully led part the stockade, Children’s games were deemed unbiblical, and unmarried and photo ops of smiling faces. In More creative, loving members of of the service. courting couples risked public beatings if they were discovered sitting a region that has such a deep need our community will be lost. It’s Moveon.org has a petition you can alone or holding hands unchaperoned. for healing, it’s probably natural important to pause, reflect and sign to help our Trans* friends and Children who disobeyed their parents in Colonial Connecticut got stoned for the media to run toward “feel remember. What do we do when the family: http://petitions.moveon.org/ (and not on pot), and those Massachusetts rakehells who were caught in good” events. service is over? sign/expand-michigans-civil adultery got the final head chop in the mid-1600s. Salem witch hunts Here’s what the media missed: The media also missed an If you want to do more, came soon after. a well-planned and beautifully opportunity to hear a call to action. Affirmations, S.P.I.C.E., Equality PARSON’S NECK: In 1642, 17-years-old Thomas Granger was at presented hour-long memorial More than one speaker reminded us Michigan and the ACLU of Michigan various times seen cuddling up with “a mare, a cows, two goats, five service. The names of over 200 that there is something very important have prepared a toolkit for action. sheep, two calves and a turkey.” But not necessarily in that poking – er, Trans* people, whose lives ended each of us can do to support our See it at www.miroundtable.org/ pecking – order. For his post-pubescent bit of animal husbandry, he was violently in the past 12 months, Trans* brothers and sisters. We can Roundtabledownloads/Elliott- hung – beg pardon: hanged – and each of the aforementioned amorous were read aloud as candles were let the members of the Michigan Larsen%20Toolkit.pdf. playmates was “kild” for making hey, nonny non with a minor. lit – a candle to commemorate each legislature know that we want them Carmen Garcia joined Metropolitan Happy Holiday! Gobble your drumsticks to your heart’s content, but life lost. Every speaker was eloquent, to support amending the Elliott- Community Church of Detroit in 1990 please leave your domestic birdies behind the barn alone.. the music that filled the beautiful Larsen Civil Rights Act to include [email protected] sanctuary was comforting and the protections for sexual orientation and is an active member.

10 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Transgender Services In Michigan Racism OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Transgender Michigan, founded in 1997, provides The Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center services to the transgender communities of Michigan (KGLRC) is focused in on providing trans services to West including advocacy, support and education and creating Michigan. TransCend provides group support meetings, h, hey guys. I was just surfing aren’t. Nor is there a queue for social coalitions to unify and empower transgender and gender mentoring, informational resources, educational the Interwebs looking for justice where LGBT folks have to non-conforming communities. The online calendar hosted resources and advocacy for Southwest Michigan and anti-gay idiots I can write wait in line until racism is defeated on their site lists transgender activities and meet ups meets at 6:30 p.m. every second Wednesday of the Osnarky comments about. But then I before there can be marriage equality, from around the state. BTL’s calendar also documents month and at 4:30 p.m. every fourth Saturday of the read that Darren Wilson – you know, for example. various events for the group. The first Thursday of each month. the cop that shot 18-year-old Mike I would argue, however, that most month, TGMI hosts Perceptions – a support group hosted www.kglrc.org by Char held at Populace Coffee in Bay City. Brown in Ferguson, Missouri back white LGBT folks, no strangers to 269-349-4234 in August? – will not be indicted. discrimination, are not doing enough www.transgendermichigan.org In other words, he won’t face any to combat racism in America. I say this 855-345-8464 The Network in Grand Rapids provides west Michigan criminal charges for killing an because most white Americans aren’t [email protected] with Own Your Gender, a social group for transgender, unarmed black kid in the middle of doing enough, and to be white is to non-gender binary or gender non-conforming individuals a fucking street in front of witnesses. have privilege unavailable to people The Spectrum Center, the LGBT services office at to engage in conversation and collaboration. The group Because justice. of color, even if you’re LGBT. And the University of Michigan, offers Gender Explorers, a meets from 7-10 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday. You know what? This is why we can’t too often white people are oblivious social group for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, www.grlgbt.org have nice things like marriage equality to this privilege, and this obliviousness TG-questioning people and those who transgress gender 616-458-3511 and anti-discrimination binaries, held from 8-10 p.m. every second and fourth Monday in the Spectrum Center at the University of protections for LGB and T Michigan. TransYouth Family Allies partners with educators, people. Because we live in http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu service providers and communities to develop supportive a country where it is still environments where gender can be exposed and basically fine and dandy to 734-763-4186 ...most white Americans respected and provides educational programs for shoot to kill black children. [email protected] healthcare providers, media experiences and transitioning You don’t even have to be aren’t doing enough, and to be white youth. They partner with schools, help with coping, “ problem solving and personal and safety skills for gender a police officer! Just ask is to have privilege unavailable to Ruth Ellis Center offers Trans*Peace, a supportive and variant trans youth and for allies supporting trans youth George Zimmerman. He’s a inclusive group for young transgender men and women, and their families. TransYouth provides a brochure, online free man after shooting and people of color, even if you’re LGBT. which meets from 7-8 p.m. every Monday. support forums and speakers. killing 17-year-old Trayvon And too often white people are www.ruthelliscenter.org www.imatyfa.org Martin who was armed with 313-252-1950 888-462-8932 a pack of Skittles and an iced oblivious to this privilege. [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] tea. We really haven’t made much progress since 1955 when 14-year-old Emmett Transgender Women of Color (TWOC) group meets at Transitions, a gender variant support group is held from Till was beaten, shot and 7 p.m. every third Thursday at Full Truth Fellowship in 7-9 p.m. every Friday evening and from 2-4 p.m. every ” Detroit and is focused on embracing womanhood and Sunday. It is an open support group, free of charge, then tied to a cotton gin fan and sunk in means that we only notice overt racism, developing sisterhood. providing participants a safe, equal and inclusive non- the Tallahatchie River all for supposedly like when someone uses the “N-word,” Contact Salina: 313-931-2975 judgmental atmosphere to discuss and harvest resources whistling at a white woman. yet are blind to the institutional racism Contact Tiffany: 313-526-3737 and information on all topics that affect the transgender There are people who bristle at the that plagues this country. It prevents and gender variant communities. The group is held at idea that LGBT people are fighting us from seeing how totally fucked up Rockafellow Psychological Services, Suite 210, 1055 E. for civil rights, as if the only civil Eastern Michigan University holds EMU Trans* & South Blvd, Suite 210, Rochester Hills. things are for African-Americans. Gender Queer Group which meets from 12:30-1:30 p.m. rights struggle that can legitimately It is impossible to live in America 586-838-0825 every Wednesday in the EMU Student Center, Room 354 exist is for African-Americans. I reject and not be touched by racism. This and is open to all students from EMU and Washtenaw this distinction and think it is foolish. country is steeped in it. It is on you. Community College. Civil rights are civil rights, whether You’re either benefiting from it or www.emich.edu/lgbtrc you’re fighting racism or you’re fighting being hurt by it (or both, for some). To 734-487-4149 heterosexism. It all comes down to not challenge racism is to be complicit [email protected] respect. If you’re treating somebody in it. To not challenge racism is to be like they’re less than you, whether it’s racist. Affirmations offers an array of services for the because they’re gay or because they’re White Americans benefit from transgender community. Transgender Life Support is black, that’s a problem. And, of course, racism every day yet get defensive hosted from 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday, offering an open if you’re an LGBT African-American at the very idea that they could be conversation for trans identified individuals and allies. you’re all the more marginalized and racist. They say things like, “I’m not From 6:30-9:30 p.m. on every other Thursday are Gender discriminated against. racist, I voted for Obama” or, “I’m Hormone Counseling Sessions hosted by Pharmacist But I get it. I can guess why support not racist, but…” (you can fill that in Darnell Jones, who conducts one-on-one counseling sessions and assists in the specific health concerns and for LGBT equality often doesn’t poll well with whatever you want. It’s probably needs of the transgender population. Sessions are either with heterosexual African Americans. I racist). Ignorance is no excuse. But by appointment or walk-in and are free of charge. Jones mean, racism isn’t exactly over in ignorance also isn’t incurable. is an RPH with 30 years professional experience and has America, no matter what Ann Coulter So, yeah. I’m feeling sick and spent the last one and a half years focusing on trans says, and if you’re being oppressed from sad and frustrated. And I know full health. every fucking angle because of the color well that some will dismiss this as www.goaffirmations.org of your skin, I can see how whether two “white guilt.” But in a country with Phone: 248-398-7105 ladies or two dudes can marry might not dead black boys lying on our streets [email protected] be your primary concern right now. and sidewalks, feeling a little guilt Find these and hundreds of Michigan nonprofit resources It’s a mistake, however, to see these is literally the least white people online at www.pridesource.com/yellowpages, along with hundreds of LGBT friendly businesses. fights as mutually exclusive. They can do. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 11 Will U.S. Supreme Court Resolve Same-Sex Marriage Debate? Current State Numbers And Legal Predictions

BY LISA KEEN change again, even before the U.S. approved initiative banning laws that Supreme Court makes a ruling on the prohibited discrimination based on Trying to keep up with the number constitutionality of such bans. Many sexual orientation. Sutton contended of states now issuing marriage licenses expect that ruling will lead to marriage that, in Romer, the Supreme Court to same-sex couples has been tricky equality in all 50 states. Some state was motivated by the “novelty” of business the past few weeks. The number political leaders – including opponents Colorado’s ban and its “targeting of a of new states coming “on line” with of same-sex marriage – have bluntly single group for disfavored treatment marriage equality changing almost every predicted that outcome. under it.” Although he acknowledged day – sometimes back and forth. But Harvard law professor Laurence that the state bans against marriage for Just last week, for instance, Arizona’s Tribe says he wouldn’t give odds much same-sex couples were passed in recent attorney general, who said in October he over 60-40 that the Supreme Court will years (most between 2004 and 2006), would not appeal a district court decision overturn the 6th Circuit decision. he argued that they codified a “long- striking the state’s ban, filed a notice of appeal with the 9th Circuit saying he would. One week earlier, the U.S. Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe says he wouldn’t Supreme Court granted a stay on a court order for same-sex marriage in Kansas on Monday and then lifted that stay on give odds much over 60-40 that the Supreme Wednesday. Just last week, the U.S. Supreme Court Court will overturn the 6th Circuit decision. refused South Carolina’s request to stay a lower court order requiring it to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples even though the state, like Kansas, is That decision, written by Republican existing, widely held social norm already still appealing that lower court decision appointee Judge Jeffery Sutton, relied reflected in state law.” to the federal appeals court. And in both heavily on an argument that the right of Evan Wolfson, head of the national of these states, the relevant circuit court people in a democracy to vote their own Freedom to Marry group and a lawyer has already ruled for same-sex marriage. laws trumps the right guaranteed by that who has been working on marriage Just last week, a federal judge in democracy’s constitution that all citizens equality litigation since 1993, said he Montana ruled that state’s ban is have equal protection of the law. thinks the Supreme Court will resolve unconstitutional and, though the state “Is this a matter that the National the conflict between the circuits in favor attorney general said he would appeal Constitution commits to resolution by of equal protection. to the 9th Circuit (which has already the federal courts or leaves to the less Tribe expresses some concern that declared such bans unconstitutional), expedient, but usually reliable, work some justices may experience “internal he has decided not to block same-sex of the state democratic processes?” ambivalence about just how rapidly the couples from obtaining marriage licenses asked Sutton. His opinion, joined by Court should move when the nation is now. his Republican colleague on the three- already moving in the same direction Most calculations put the number of judge panel, predicted the Supreme with considerable speed.” states now allowing same-sex couples Court might well affirm the democratic The New York Times this week made to marry at 35, plus the District of process used by voters to uphold an old, note of the fact that the number of states Columbia. This reporter calculates 36 traditional definition of marriage (one still banning same-sex marriage is (counting Missouri where couples can man-one woman) in the same way that, roughly equivalent now to the number marry in St. Louis), with a caveat. earlier this year, the Supreme Court of states still banning interracial marriage The caveat is that eight of the 36 upheld the right of a town board meeting in 1967 when the Supreme Court struck states (Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, to carry on its “tradition” to open with a down bans against interracial marriage. Missouri, Montana, North Carolina prayer (Town of Greece v Galloway). Ditto for when it struck down laws, in and South Carolina) still have appeals And he pointed to the Supreme Court’s 1954, providing for segregated public seeking to preserve the bans alive. repeatedly expressed “reluctanc(e) schools. And, of course, litigation is also still to upset this traditional practice” of Appeals from five of 14 states with alive in the 14 states where same-sex presidential recess appointments (NLRB intact bans against same-sex marriage couples cannot yet obtain marriage v Canning), at least a tradition that have been filed already with the U.S. licenses. (Those 14 states are Alabama, limited when those appointments could Supreme Court. Lambda Legal Defense Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, be made. and others filed appeals of a 6th Circuit Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, What Sutton had trouble reconciling, panel’s decision upholding such bans in Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South however, was the Supreme Court’s four states (Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio Dakota, Tennessee and Texas.) decision in Romer v Evans, where, in The numbers will almost certainly 1997, it struck down a Colorado voter- See Marriage Debate?, next page

12 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com questions are finally resolved,” stated the ® Marriage Debate? Kansas Supreme Court, “this court will be Continued from p. 12 in a position to determine whether (a stay The longer same-sex couples are forced to live in a country of the federal district court decision)… is and Tennessee). And last Friday, Lambda took appropriate.” the somewhat unusual action of asking the “divided by where their families are respected and where they So, the waiting game continues. Supreme Court to review a decision by a U.S. aren’t, the more apparent the injustice will become – and that There is no indication yet when the Supreme district court judge who ruled that Louisiana’s Court justices will discuss whether to take ban was constitutional. (The Louisiana case, clarity will come at a price for thousands of families. the appeals from the 6th Circuit and/or Robicheaux v George, is currently awaiting Louisiana. The next scheduled conferences argument in the 5th Circuit in January.) are Friday, Dec. 5 and 12. In the meantime, “We are asking for the Supreme Court’s - Lambda Senior Counsel Kenneth Upton Jr. the 14 states that ban same-sex marriage and review now while it is considering the 6th ” the eight others that still want to do so appear Circuit decision because together these cases as determined in their efforts as civil rights present the full gamut of aberrant arguments and hoisted the other eight into compliance, As Lyle Denniston at scotusblog.com attorneys are to eradicate those bans. supporting these discriminatory bans,” albeit under protest. pointed out, both Kansas and South Carolina explained Lambda Senior Counsel Kenneth But most importantly, the denial of those tried to pitch their cases as different from the Upton Jr. “… The longer same-sex couples are appeals on Oct. 6 signaled that at least six rest of the states in the 10th and 4th Circuits, forced to live in a country divided by where of the nine justices (it takes four to accept a respectively – circuits which have ruled the their families are respected and where they case) did not believe those states had an appeal bans unconstitutional. MI MARRIAGE CASE aren’t, the more apparent the injustice will worthy of consideration. But all eyes are on the U.S. Supreme Court become – and that clarity will come at a price Then, on Nov. 12 and Nov. 20, Justices to resolve the conflict – whether they be states for thousands of families.” Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas publicly (like Louisiana) in circuits that still allow bans indicated they disagreed with the other justices on same-sex marriage or states (like Kansas Follow Michigan Marriage Case Reason For Optimism in denying requests from Kansas and South and South Carolina) in circuits that don’t. >> www.michiganmarriagechallenge.com Carolina to stay orders to issue marriage The Kansas Supreme Court echoed that Lambda has reasons for optimism at the licenses to same-sex couples. expectation Nov. 17 when it ruled that the The Michigan Marriage Challenge, a non- U.S. Supreme Court. First, the Supreme Court These two facts don’t guarantee the outcome state should comply with the federal district profit 501©(3), is asking for financial was under no particular deadline or need to of the 6th Circuit or any other appeal will be court decision and noted that the U.S. Supreme support in the DeBoer v Snyder case. To rush when it announced on its first day of the a 7 to 2 victory for the right of same-sex Court had denied the Kansas stay just six days get involved or donate money to help the couples to marry. As any veteran Supreme after the 6th Circuit panel decision created 2014-15 session that it would not take appeals DeBoer legal team get to SCOTUS, visit www. from states seeking to preserve their bans. Court watcher would warn and Tribe stated, a “conflict” among the circuit courts on the michiganmarriagechallenge.com. That act alone quickly increased the number “It’s tough to be sure in advance of how the matter of state bans. of states with marriage equality from 19 to 28 discussion within the Court will go.” “Once the underlying federal constitutional

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 13 A Doctor’s Journey Working With HIV/AIDS Over 30 Years Gulick Says Stigma To Testing And Access To Care Persists W RLD BY TODD HEYWOOD AIDS LANSING – Dr. Peter Gulick was extremely uncomfortable as the Lansing City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night declaring Dec. 1 “Dr. Peter G. Gulick DAY Appreciation Day” in the city. While he has toiled on the front lines against HIV since it was first reported, the public accolades for his commitments remain difficult to hear. side effects, Gulick and his patients pushed Randy Hannan, chief of staff to Lansing through. Mayor Virg Bernero, noted that Gulick He said at times he mislead some patients preferred to stay behind the scenes. to keep them taking the complicated and toxic “But that’s not what we do here,” he said. regimes. “I didn’t know it at the time, but I told “We want to highlight people who are doing them the drug companies were working on new things to improve this community.” drugs. I did it to keep their hopes up – keep a And no one can argue that Gulick has little light in the distance,” he said. not had a significant impact on the Lansing And he was right. Now, those toxic and community throughout the last 30 years. But complicated multi-pill treatments are mostly his fight against the HIV epidemic was not gone. In their place, once-a-day pills that his first choice. were just as effective but with less side effects Gulick was not looking at a career in became available. In fact, while prior to infectious disease in the very early 80s. He these treatments life expectancy for a person wanted to be a medical oncologist. Lansing Councilmember Wood looks on as Dr. Peter Gulick addresses the audience after a resolution declared diagnosed with AIDS was two years or less, He even put in a year at a hospital in Buffalo Dec. 1 “Dr. Peter G. Gulick Appreciation Day” in the city. BTL photo Todd Heywood. today a person with an AIDS diagnosis is working on cancer, but family issues brought expected to live at least 40 years. A person him home to Cleveland. Because he was late defenseless bodies of those infected. Mortality “Prior to HAART (Highly Active diagnosed with HIV is expected to live a in applying, he was unable to get into oncology was significant, Gulick recalls. Antiretroviral Treatment, the first generation completely normal life span. at the preeminent Cleveland Clinic, but he did “Back then, when someone came in with a of multi-drug treatments that were effective The infectious disease doctor says the get a fellowship in infectious disease. diagnosis of AIDS, you knew they were going in treating HIV) or ART (Antiretroviral treatment has gotten so good that he now “I just kind of did infectious disease, and I to be dead in two years. You didn’t know what treatment, as the treatments are known today), spends a lot of time worrying about patients’ fell into treating HIV,” he says. “That wasn’t would kill them, but you knew they would be I was almost at the point where I needed some aging issues – things like heart disease, one of something – obviously – I planned, because it dead,” he said. help psychologically,” he said. “It was hard to America’s number one killers. wasn’t even a recognized disease yet.” His colleagues knew how dispiriting the go home every night and say, ‘Well, we lost Gulick also witnessed what he called the In fact, Gulick now has the largest patient infection was. His interns would joke that another two people, or three people.’ My wife “good news, bad news” of the new treatment. caseload in Michigan. He serves over 800 Gulick was doing his rounds on “the morgue.” could see the change in me. I mean, I would “The good news, ‘Good, you’re on medicines people living with HIV at three separate He distinctly recalls how that attitude not talk too much. I had trouble sleeping. I was that are going to save your life,’” he said. “The clinics in the state. One, located in Lansing; a impacted one patient, many years ago. just in a real depressive mood.” bad news was, most of these people had given second in Saginaw. His third is located in tiny He visited the patient who had posted a sign up everything. They’d sold their houses, their Harrison, the county seat for Clare County and in his room declaring that, unless visitors were life insurance. They had nothing left because a town of just over 2,000 people. The Harrison going to smile, they were unwelcome. The Welcome 1995 they were preparing to die.” Clinic is the only rural HIV clinic in Michigan. patient informed Gulick he would no longer But then, in 1995, the discovery of protease Through his career, Gulick has also Getting there has been a journey for Gulick – allow his two interns to treat him. Apparently inhibitors, a new class of anti-HIV drugs, developed a deep sense of respect for the gay both scientific and personally. they had not smiled. changed everything. Used in combination with community. This, despite never having had “He said, ‘I know I’m dying, and I don’t earlier classes of drugs, the so-called cocktail contact with gay people prior to starting his The 80s need somebody to come in here and make had a miraculous impact on patients. T-cells career treating HIV. me feel that way,’” Gulick recalls the patient rose, viral loads dropped, people who were at He said it was watching the gay patients and In the very early 80s, HIV had not even telling him. “And you know what, he was death’s door became well. Historically this is their partners fight the disease together that been discovered. All the medical experts right.” known as the Lazarus Period in HIV. And that helped him the most. knew was that young men were dying from Gulick chastised the two interns – both new treatment changed Gulick as well. “Many times their families had totally given a host of bizarre infections. They discovered incredibly gifted and well trained doctors “For me, it was like taking something that up on them, didn’t want to talk to them, just those men’s immune systems were, for all – reminding them that until they could deal could make you high,” he says of his elation abandoned them. But yet what I found was practical purposes, decimated. When Gulick with patients, they would fail at medicine. at having a weapon in his arsenal that was able that their partner stayed at the bedside. Stayed began treating these mostly young men, the The interns, he recalls were shocked by this to beat back the virus. “(The drugs) changed with their loved one, just through the worst of disease was still called Gay Related Immune revelation. people’s lives.” it and didn’t give up on it,” he said. “They were Deficiency Syndrome (GRIDS). Well into the The mounting death toll hit Gulick he says. Despite those drugs being a complicated just a support for the partner and for me as a 90s, the disease was devastating. There were “In retrospect, yes I was dealing with PTSD treatment protocol requiring, sometimes, doctor because it was so hard for me to treat no treatments for the virus – even after it was (post traumatic stress disorder),” the doctor dozens of pills a day taken on strict time young individuals that were dying and that I identified in 1984 – just prophylaxis for the said. frames, and the drugs carrying significant bizarre diseases that took advantage of the See One Doctor, page 18

14 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 15 W RLD Tainted Love: How HIV Stigma Is AIDS Damaging The Gay Community people. People just look at you as a status, as currently making the rounds at festivals. positive since. DAY a virus. It can also stop people from going to “The biggest problem is it inhibits open “It’s a little upsetting I don’t know who it the doctor or seeking treatment, because that’s communication, and we still in this society is,” he admits. admitting they have the virus.” have a difficult problem talking about sex.” Colon, who promotes a monthly superhero/ At best, HIV stigma can lead to an emotional Longtime AIDS activist Peter Staley, a spandex/lycra-themed party at NYC’s Pieces sting, lost connections and deep blows to subject of David France’s Oscar-nominated bar (called Skintight USA), found some BY LAWRENCE FERBER self-esteem, and at worst, life and career- documentary “How To Survive A Plague,” immediate support amongst a couple of friends threatening discrimination and dangerous, describes stigma as, literally, a “viral divide who, coincidentally, also tested positive at destructive behavior to others and oneself. between those who perceive themselves to be about the same time. Staley feels that a major Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated A recent study by Houston, Texas’ LIVE negative and those who are positive. There failing with most anti-stigma campaigns with a particular circumstance, quality Consortium on the topic of HIV stigma are a lot of negatives to living with HIV the play to the choir and fail to reach their target or person. within the gay/bisexual male community rest of your life – having to keep your health audiences, like gay millennials, whose new was published in the International Journal of insurance in order, meds, side effects – but the infection rates are, as illustrated by Colon’s Hearing the words “I’m HIV-positive” made Sexual Health (read it here: http://www.ncbi. big one now is the stigma.” social cluster, rising. Bryan* (names and some details have been On the ACT UP NY Alumni Facebook changed) freeze. A 23-year-old graphic designer, Bryan had met a guy at a Manhattan gay club, a svelte 25-year-old tourist, Zach, with whom he danced, drank and laughed. Around 1 a.m., just Honestly, anyone can get before heading to Zach’s hotel for more private activities together, Zach disclosed his positive “HIV. The whole problem with HIV status. His viral load was undetectable, successfully suppressed with a drug regimen to stigma is (it perpetuates that) the point it was low to no risk for transmission. He was clear of other STDs, and he packed an someone had to do something ample supply of condoms. Bryan declined to go back with him, though, offering up a politely worded excuse wrong to get HIV. rather than saying what he really thought: “I don’t sleep with HIV-positive guys.” Zach, however, had heard those words, or variations -Matthew Rodriguez of comprehensive HIV/AIDS ”resource site, The Body of the same, more than a few times since his diagnosis a couple of years ago, and he could see them clearly in Bryan’s green eyes. He felt like shit, judged, tainted, and while Zach nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4136678/). “I think a large number of negative men, page last month, member Rebecca Reinhardt wouldn’t lie and tell someone he was negative, It concluded that, “because it is realistic to especially if younger, try to avoid HIV just by reported some flabbergasting, ill-informed he understood why so many others in his shoes expect that in a climate in which HIV has avoiding people with HIV,” he explains. “They comments and opinions she overheard have and do. become increasingly invisible and closeted think they’re protected by a kind of moral code at a West Hollywood happy hour for Ivy Bryan ended up getting lucky a couple and in which infections are on the rise (due where a positive guy would disclose. On the League 20-somethings. Pearls of overheard of hours later at another bar with Alex, an to stigma), gay and bisexual men will be flipside, the positive guys are so threatened by misinformation included: condoms are useless architect-in-training from Chicago who said increasingly affected and infected by HIV.” that stigma that they keep their status a secret, since they always break and you have only he was negative. Numerous organizations and campaigns are and that perpetuates the false assumption by a two percent chance of getting HIV from There’s a twist: Bryan, in fact, was positive, addressing HIV stigma, from those created many negative guys there isn’t a lot of HIV unprotected sex anyway, and PrEP, if even although he wouldn’t find out until six months exclusively for that purpose, including the in their world. They think it isn’t something aware of it, entails a waste of money since it’s later when he got tested for the first time in two-year-old The Stigma Project and HIV playing out in their generation that much, even just for sex addicts anyway. almost three years – something he put off Equal, to online resources like The Body, though it is.” “I’m not wagging my finger at these guys,” because, in the back of his mind, he was Avert.org and HIV Plus, to hookup apps like New Yorker Steven Colon, a 21-year-old Staley interjects. “This generation of young concerned about a bareback encounter with MISTER. The latter, in collaboration with videogame design student who was diagnosed gay men is not worse than mine. They’re just someone he met on Grindr who deleted his Michigan’s Mr. Friendly HIV non-profit, with HIV this past summer, now knows living in different times. When I was twenty, profile the next day, disappearing as if in a allows members to declare a commitment to this sobering reality firsthand. Prior to his I also perceived risk very differently and was poof of smoke. “Live Stigma-Free” and date individuals of seroconversion, discovered during routine very dismissive of things that happened earlier “Stigma is really damaging on both ends,” any HIV status on their profiles. HIV testing (preferring to bareback with in history and didn’t think applied to me.” says Matthew Rodriguez of comprehensive Despite these, stigma is only getting worse some partners, he frequently kept tabs on One exception when it comes to prevalence HIV/AIDS resource site, The Body. “For within the gay community, which LIVE’s his status), Colon only had sex with partners of stigma and misinformation seems to negative people, stigma can sometimes stop disheartening study backs up. “I find often that who identified as HIV-negative. Not due to be San Francisco, where many early PrEP them from getting tested. If they feel they did stigma is self-imposed, out of underserved and stigma, he asserts, but by virtue of the fact that adopters live. Even those who argue that PrEP anything that put them at risk, they may not unwarranted shame and guilt,” shares Olympic nobody ever informed him they were positive. encourages reckless behavior that can cause want to get tested because the result may be gold medalist swimmer Greg Louganis. HIV- After receiving his results, he contacted these upticks in other STD infections, like Hepatitis devastating. I think it also stops people from positive since the 1980s, his life is chronicled partners, but none have come forward to say interacting with those living with HIV as full in the new documentary, “Back On Board,” they were actually positive or have tested See Tainted Love, page 18

16 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Study Finds Significant Racial Disparities For HIV Infection Among Black And White MSM BY TODD HEYWOOD W RLD A study published in the journal The Lancet HIV reports that there is a significant disparity in HIV prevalence between black and white AIDS men who have sex with men. The study was published on Nov. 18 and found a startling 32 percent prevalence rate for black men who have sex with men, compared with only eight DAY percent for white men who have sex with men. The study also found a significant disparity along the continuum of care for HIV-positive persons. While 51 percent of white MSM of any agency receiving Ryan White funding are retained in care, the study found only to ensure that clients have improved health 33 percent of black MSM were retained. outcomes.” Achieving viral suppression saw even The new study confirms what MDCH has greater disparities: just over one third of found in its own data analysis of Michigan white MSM had achieved viral suppression HIV cases, Smith says. compared with just 16 percent of black MSM. “First let me say that that I find the Viral suppression, or an undetectable viral information presented in the article distressing load, indicates antiretroviral medication is but not wholly surprising. We have known controlling the activity of HIV and preventing about disparate rates of HIV among black a clinical decline in health. Studies have also MSM for quite some time. Similarly, we have indicated that viral suppression is an effective had research for at least the last seven years preventative measure in relation to HIV that indicates that black MSM have similar transmission as well. or less risky behaviors than white MSM, use The Michigan Department of Community condoms more consistently and generally Health says it is drilling down on state level have greater knowledge about HIV than data to drive program changes to address such white MSM. These things we have known disparities. “We are taking a closer look at the for a while, and in this respect, Michigan treatment cascade items along race/ethnicity, and particularly Detroit (the epicenter of gender, HIV risk factor and age criteria for the epidemic) are no different,” says Hank Ryan White eligible clients to assess health Milbourne, chief program officer at AIDS disparities, and this will be the focus of our Partnership Michigan. upcoming RFP in early summer 2015,” says “What we (the HIV community, HIV newly appointed MDCH Public Information researchers, etc.) haven’t done a very good Officer Jennifer Smith. job at is telling these things to the community The department is also in the process in ways that they can understand nor have we of finalizing a new round of grants of done a very good job of letting them know that “care coordination” for state AIDS Service it is because of the higher prevalence of HIV Organizations. among black MSM that they are more likely “Ryan White federal funding, including to encounter and have sex with someone who funds utilizing ADAP rebate funding, must is positive and probably doesn’t know their be directed toward people living with HIV status,” he continued. “We haven’t made it who are eligible for Ryan White services,” known nearly wide enough that the margin Smith says. “In addition, this funding must of error for them is much smaller and their demonstrate that clients are indeed becoming chances of acquiring HIV and other STDs healthier and their viral load is suppressed. It is is greater.” no longer enough for agencies receiving Ryan Knowing this information, Milbourne White or ADAP rebate funding to warmly says, lead the organization to change many hand off a client to a provider, or simply of its policies. The organization has changed make a referral to care. It is the responsibility See Disparities, page 18 www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 17 ® Tainted Love prevention-forward purposes? To replace ® Disparities – a time when someone died daily and despair took over emotional wellbeing.” Continued from p. 16 fear and loathing with understanding and Continued from p. 17 empathy, and to ultimately humanize HIV- “If black, gay and bi men continue to die disproportionately, matrimony will mean C, are at least having open communication. positive individuals? Perhaps – and in a its messaging for HIV testing frequency – nothing. This impacts all of us,” Lipscomb “San Francisco is the shining example handful of sizes. Milbourne says they now recommend testing continues. “How can we move together if one of where, if you put stigma on a locality “It would be useful to set someone every three months – as well as discussions of our segmented community is disengaged? ranking scale, you’ll find the least stigma down and say, ‘Imagine you are positive,’” about the prevalence pool of HIV, particularly Marriage will then only become a luxury ‘for of anywhere in the country,” Staley says. Mackenroth muses. “You want to know for black MSM. In addition, for those who do those that can afford it.’” “They also have a very low HIV infection what it feels like – wear a T-shirt saying you test positive, they are immediately connected Milbourne agrees there needs to be a shift rate because guys there talk and think about are positive all day long. You will feel that to care – even before there is a confirmatory in focus, particularly from funding entities HIV and have a much more reasoned risk that’s like.” antibody test done. like MDCH. “Unfortunately, our work with analysis. There will be a negative guy That’s exactly what founder Kevin But getting better at addressing the HIV high risk negative MSM (black or white) sleeping with positive guys, but asking Maloney’s Rise Up To HIV is doing with epidemic in Michigan in general and Detroit is not funded and is thus limited,” he says. about their viral load and making certain its “No Shame About Being HIV+” T-shirts. specifically is going to require attention to decisions and positions determined by that. Members of NYU’s First Year Queers & more complicated issues – not just That sophistication is lost on many young Allies leadership program wear these to the virus, but structural issues which gay men outside San Francisco and New experience reactions from those who would impede access to York City. I want to figure out the best way perceive their shirt as a status announcement. testing, prevention If black, gay and to reach them, and it’s likely going to come It’s a start, and an experiment that more options and even from (within) their generation, not mine.” schools and colleges should look into. care. “bi men continue to Activist Jack Mackenroth, who was “I’ve worn it and gotten mixed responses,” “Retaining open about his HIV-positive status while a says The Body’s Rodriguez. “Honestly, persons in care die disproportionately, contestant on Project Runway, agrees that anyone can get HIV. The whole problem with is a challenge it’s difficult to get people who don’t think stigma is (it perpetuates that) someone had unless there is also matrimony will mean (or want to think) that HIV directly affects to do something wrong to get HIV. But we collateral work and them engaged. He feels that once PrEP use know from science that, with gay men, two- resources dedicated nothing. grows more widespread, medical treatments thirds of infections happen within the context that impacts the advance and positive people become more of relationships. I applaud people who don’t other contextual let status stand in the way of having a sexual visible, HIV stigma will dissipate. Yet, with factors in a person’s – KICK Executive Director Curtis Lipscomb stigma winning the battle today, is it possible relationship. It’s usually not the positive and life, i.e. employment, livable wage, ” to take this destructive force and, like with on treatment guys one should be second- stable housing, transportation etc.,” the Terminator model T-800, reprogram guessing. It should be the ones who don’t Milbourne says. “Additionally, we are just now beginning and somehow wield it for constructive, know. The only ones who know their status For Curtis Lipscomb, the study shows that to figure how to incorporate the talk about for sure are positive.” HIV education programming has to be scaled PrEP (a once-a-day pill shown to be at least up “right now,” and LGBT organizations have 92 percent effective in preventing an HIV- a significant role to play. “We have seen the negative person from being infected) into our dominate issue of marriage equality front and HIV testing encounters, because we realize center in our movement. Although marriage we must, even though there is no standardized is important to the stability of households, guidance from MDCH to do so. This is one it is one of many issues we must organize of the prevention efforts mentioned by Greg around – such as poverty, housing and Millett in his statement about scaling up employment,” Lipscomb says. “The LGBT prevention measures to HIV-negative black organizations must challenge significant MSM. That requires resources to do. But this racial disparities in HIV. To read that the type of education must not be limited to HIV prevalence will likely persist for decades due testing encounters but needs a more widely to an alarmingly high concentration of HIV disseminated education campaign. Currently, in black gay men frightens me. It suggests a the majority of our HIV prevention and care further disappearance of my population and resources, as well as funding, are directed the return of the 80s scare of homosexual men towards HIV positive persons.”

® Saginaw are the most adherent, he says. Doctor’s Journey “I take the time to talk to them about why Continued from p. 14 they need to take this drug, what it does,” he says. “I explain how it will make them could do nothing about.” healthier and prevent them from transmitting He said the commitment of those gay the virus to others. That works.” couples was something he had never witnessed. He noted that the advent of PrEP (pre- He said with other diseases, including cancer, exposure prophylaxis, a once-a-day-pill to he witnessed partners abandoning their loved prevent HIV) is also changing the landscape ones. But not so with HIV. of HIV. And while the way we treat HIV has Gulick told the Lansing City Council on changed in the past three decades, he says Monday night that he has hope that there will some things remain the same. There remains a be a cure in his lifetime and during his career. stigma to testing and access to care. One thing It was not a false hope, he said. There are he has noticed is that the much ballyhooed treatments in the pipeline being referred to as crisis in treatment adherence, particularly a cure – although he would not elaborate on among black men who have sex with men, is those drugs. simply not true for his clinics. The young black MSMs in his clinics in

18 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 19

Kimberley Locke Aiding In The Fight HIV, she jumped at the chance. ‘American Idol’ Finalist “They’re kids,” she begins. “They don’t understand HIV, but they are judged because of Debuts Company’s First it. Empowering them in a safe place where they feel like they can talk about it without having to Charity Event In Detroit hide or be afraid, that’s what’s most important.” From there, her passion grew, and so did her involvement. She traveled with EGPAF to For World AIDS Day South Africa, and in 2010 was elected to the board of directors for youth outreach non-profit BY JEROME STUART NICHOLS One Heartland. “One of the most exciting things at One Heartland was to see us have to change fter finishing in third place on our mission statement,” she says proudly. “It “American Idol” in 2003, Kimberley started out purely focusing on mother-to-child ALocke could have taken her HIV transmission – that’s preventable now. I newfound notoriety anywhere she desired. think that’s nothing short of a miracle.” Of course she took it to the recording studio, Now, she’s putting her own entertainment but she didn’t stop there. She became an company – I Am Entertainment – to work, HIV/AIDS activist. Eleven years later, her producing charitable shows for worthy causes. direction and dedication are unchanged. The first of those shows is the World AIDS For World AIDS Day 2014, Locke is Day Detroit concert, with performances from bringing her passion, awe-inspiring singing “American Idol” contestants including herself, chops and a few fellow “Idol” alums to the Malaya Watson, Keri Lynn Roche, Ben Briley, Detroit Opera House at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Melinda Doolittle and Devin Velez. HIV It’s certainly not the first time she’s given activist Jeanne White-Ginder will also make back. Even before “Idol,” generosity was a special appearance after speaking at another always a part of Locke’s life. She credits her WADD event earlier in the day. mother for teaching her the importance of Often a person’s passion for a particular charity. cause stems from a personal connection. Until “My mom was always one of those people Locke got involved with HIV/AIDS charity that, if somebody in the community needed work, she actually had very little experience something, they knew that they could call with the disease. Regardless, she still felt her and she would make it happen,” Locke the need to lend her star power. remembers. “People feel like if they don’t After “Idol,” though, Locke found herself have a direct connection to it, then with a new level of exposure and a platform there’s nothing that they can do, but that could potentially change lives. When youth that’s not true,” she says. “People HIV organization Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric need to know that any of us could AIDS Foundation invited her to perform at a carnival for children and families affected by See Kimberley Locke, page 24 WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT CALENDAR W RLD COMPILED BY with special guest Jeanne White- Photo Shoot. Detroit Opera House Main Lansing Area AIDS Network. The Hannah Grinder, mother of Ryan White. Tickets: Stage, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, SHELBY CLARK PETKUS $75. Detroit Opera House, 1526 www.worldaidsdayus.org. East Lansing. 517-394-3560. Broadway St., Detroit. 313-757-1733. www.wadbreakfast.eventbrite.com. 11:30 a.m. The Ryan White Story 3 p.m. World AIDS Day Testing Tour. Dec. 1 and Youth Symposium with keynote Safe Sex Store (S3), 1209 S. University All day. NAMES Project AIDS 9 a.m. World AIDS Day Testing Tour. speaker, Jeanne White-Grinder. Detroit Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-961-1083. Memorial Quilt and “Orphan Walgreens, 2170 Washtenaw Ave., Opera House Main Stage, 1526 www.hivaidsresource.org. AIDS Tower.” Quilt and beaded Ypsilanti. 734-961-1083. Broadway St., Detroit. dolls representing AIDS victims www.hivaidsresource.org. www.worldaidsdayus.org. 4 p.m. Free STI & Rapid HIV Testing. and orphans. Michigan State St. John’s Providence Park Hospital, University Museum. 409 W. Circle 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. AIDS Quilt 12 p.m. World AIDS Day Testing Tour Assarian Cancer Center. Newland Dr., East Lansing. 517-355-2370. Public Viewing and Facing AIDS Open Harmony House Motel, 615 E. Michigan Medical, Suite 2 South, 47601 Grand http://museum.msu.edu Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-961-1083. River, Novi. 248-941-5598. www.hivaidsresource.org. www.oakgov.com/health 8 a.m. The Fourth Annual World See AIDS Day Events, 1 p.m. Evening. DAY AIDS Day Detroit Mayors Breakfast page 22 World AIDS Day Observance. Fall Into The Red: World

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 21 ® Call to make an appointment; walk- AIDS Day Events ins also welcome. S3: Safe Sex Continued from p. 21 Store and HARC. 1209 S. University, Ann Arbor. 734-741-1434. www.s3safesexstore.com. AIDS Day. Social Hall Theatre at Mr. LA Leather 2014 To Ferndale First United Methodist, 5:30 p.m. Free HIV testing until 8 22331 Woodward Ave. www.fallitr. p.m. Everyone welcome. Call the com. Michigan HIV/STI hotline for more information at 1-800-872-2437. 6 p.m. Free HIV Testing until 9 Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile p.m. for men who have sex with Road, Ferndale. men (MSM) and transwomen. www.goaffirmations.org Affirmations and MAC. Affirmations, Promote PrEP In Michigan 6 p.m. Free, rapid HIV testing until 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 8 p.m. The Diversity Psychological www.goaffirmations.org. Services Building, 1310 Turner St., BY TODD HEYWOOD within the Detroit metro area,” Lansing. 517-394-3719, ext. 30. said Lydia Ahlum Hanson, 7 p.m. World AIDS Day Detroit Mr. LA Leather 2014, Eric Benefit Concert featuring Dec. 5 health and wellness manager at American Idols.Detroit Opera House, Paul Leue, is swinging through Affirmations. “Operating from a 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. 1 p.m. HIV antibody testing until Michigan to discuss pre- www.worldaidsdayus.org. 3 p.m. Walk-ins and scheduled sex positive and harm reduction appointments welcome. Free for exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) perspective, this working group 7 p.m. People Who Care About currently enrolled University of as an HIV intervention. He will views PrEP as a way to reduce People with HIV/AIDS Interfaith Michigan students; $20 for others. participate in panel discussions Service. Spirit of Hope Church, 1519 Wolverine Wellness, Suite 2110, HIV transmission and expand Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Detroit. Second Floor of University Health in Grand Rapids on Dec. 6, prevention opinions.” [email protected] Service, University of Michigan, Ann Lansing on Dec. 7 and Ferndale “There’s a lot of questions Arbor. 734-763-1320. Dec. 3 www.uhs.umich.edu/hivtesting. on Dec. 8. and misinformation surrounding 6 p.m. Free HIV Testing until 9 p.m. The Grand Rapids event will PrEP that prevents people from 6 p.m. Getting to Zero - Free and for men who have sex with men Anonymous HIV Testing. Rooms be held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 making the most informed (MSM) and transwomen. Affirmations 115 &116, Dominican Hall, Siena p.m. at Diversions, 10 Fountain choices to reduce risk of and MAC. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Heights College, 1247 Siena Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. St. NW. The Lansing event will transmission,” says Kevin Heights Dr., Adrian. 734-961-1083. www.goaffirmations.org. www.hivaidsresource.org. be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Geirman, prevention manager 6 p.m. Free, rapid HIV testing until at Esquire Club, 1250 Turner for Red Project in Grand Rapids. 8 p.m. Results ready in 15 minutes. Dec. 6 St., and the Ferndale event will “In PrEP, we have a valuable The Diversity Psychological 1 p.m. Free HIV testing until 4 p.m. begin at 7 p.m. at Affirmations new tool in the risk reduction Services Building, 1310 Turner St., Everyone welcome. Call the Michigan Community Center, 290 W. Lansing. 517-394-3719, ext. 30. HIV/STI hotline for more information arsenal and it’s important that at 1-800-872-2437. Affirmations, Nine Mile. PrEP is a once-a- those who are interested in it Dec. 4 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. day pill proven to be at least 92 know its limitations and how to 2 p.m. Free HIV testing until 8 p.m. www.goaffirmations.org percent effective in preventing access it.” HIV infection in HIV-negative “The one thing I hear people. It was approved by the repeatedly is ‘fear,’ not just See AIDS Day Events, page 25 FDA for prevention uses in 2012, HIV negative guys being afraid and in 2014, the CDC released of getting HIV, but also people clinical guidance on prescribing PrEP. Monday that it was preparing to launch living with HIV being afraid of their The clinical guidance put an estimated a program to create access to the drug partners getting infected by the virus,” W RLD 500,000 men who have sex with men as well. While MDCH has not created says Leue. “We have fought HIV in a position to need access to the drug. a specific PrEP policy, the department stigma since it first started. PrEP is Earlier this year, the Michigan is hosting two trainings for HIV testing a responsible safer sex choice, and Department of Community Health counselors in December to train them I believe if we want to make a real announced that Medicaid patients could how to integrate PrEP messaging into AIDS change in this epidemic, then people access PrEP through the state funded general HIV prevention messages. have the right to know about it. Facts, program. Other states, namely New York “Since February 2014, Affirmations not morality.” and Washington, have made access to has co-convened the PrEP Working The three Michigan panels are part of the drug a cornerstone of evolving HIV Group, which works to increase a nine-city national tour. DAY prevention strategies. Illinois announced understanding of and access to PrEP

22 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com 517 333-2222 • 800-678-6967

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For All Your Land & Cruise Vacation Needs Laura Wake – Franchise Owner & Your Personal Travel Concierge Toll Free: 855-468-3457 www.WakesWaveGoodbyeTravel.com Email:[email protected] Charles Alexander, Artist Charles Alexander, www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 23 ® Kimberley Locke INFO Continued from p. 21 World AIDS Day Detroit have a person in our lives who are affected by Concert with this virus.” American Idols By using her celebrity to encourage a 7 p.m. Dec. 1 (Doors at 6 p.m.) dialogue regarding the virus, she hopes to Detroit Opera House spur the conversations that will make a real 1526 Broadway St., Detroit difference. worldaidsdayus.org “There are celebrities who can lend their name to a cause and make an impact, but the for in that way. Wearing a condom is an extra most important conversation, I believe, is on step that will prevent you from changing your that interpersonal level – that we remind one life forever.” another of the risk,” Locke says. While she’s optimistic about what she’ll be Locke hopes to proliferate that message to able to do, Locke knows that just getting the everyone, including, she says, heterosexual conversation started will be tough. black women, like herself, who are one of the “Because there’s been so much progress most at-risk groups. made, people are talking about it less. “The reality is, in some shape, form or They’re like, ‘Oh, people are living,’ fashion we all engage in risky behavior,” she whereas 20 years ago people didn’t stand says. “Let’s be honest: Some people aren’t a chance. That’s why it’s so important to getting tested, and some people aren’t being continue the conversation. The virus hasn’t as honest as they should be. You should be on gone anywhere.” high alert. No one is worth risking yourself

24 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com welcome. Call the Michigan HIV/STI hotline ® AIDS Day Events for more information at 1-800-872-2437. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Continued from p. 22 www.goaffirmations.org A special highlight of the World AIDS Day events presented by World AIDS 6 p.m. Free, rapid HIV testing until 8 p.m. Day Detroit this Dec. 1 is the visit Jeanne White-Grinder, mother of Ryan Dec. 7 Results ready in 15 minutes. The Diversity White, will pay to Detroit. Ryan White (1971-1990) famously contracted 6 p.m. New Vision Ministries HIV 2.0: Psychological Services Building, 1310 Turner AIDS after receiving a contaminated blood treatment for his hemophilia. Promise Kept? Church of the Good Shepherd, St., Lansing. 517-394-3719, ext. 30. 2145 Independence Blvd., Ann Arbor. White was expelled from school because of the rampant ignorance about [email protected]. Dec. 12 HIV/AIDS at the time and, as a result, became a poster child for raising www.hivaidsresource.org 1 p.m. HIV antibody testing until 3 p.m. Walk-ins awareness of the disease during the late 1980s. White's mother, White- and scheduled appointments welcome. Free Grinder, founded the national nonprofit Ryan White Foundation in 1993, Dec. 8 for currently enrolled University of Michigan which raised millions of dollars in donations until it closed in 2000. More 6 p.m. Free HIV Testing until 9 p.m. for men who students; $20 for others. Wolverine Wellness, have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen. Suite 2110, Second Floor of University Health information on her work can be found at www.ryanwhite.com. Affirmations and MAC. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Service, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. 734- Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. 763-1320. www.uhs.umich.edu/hivtesting. White-Grinder will be the special guest of the Fourth Annual World www.goaffirmations.org. AIDS Day Detroit Mayors Breakfast at 8 a.m. Tickets for the event Dec. 13 are $75. The breakfast will be at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 1 p.m. Free HIV testing until 4 p.m. Everyone Dec. 9 Broadway St., Detroit. For more information, call 313-757-1733 or 5 p.m. Free STD and HIV Testing. Oakland County welcome. Call the Michigan HIV/STI hotline Health Division provides free testing for STIs and for more information at 1-800-872-2437. visit www.wadbreakfast.eventbrite.com. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. HIV by registered nurses. Everyone welcome. Also, at 11:30 a.m. at the Detroit Opera House, White-Grinder will be the Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. www.goaffirmations.org keynote speaker for the Ryan White Story and Youth Symposium. For more Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Jeanne White-Grinder with her son, Ryan White. information on this event, check out www.worldaidsdayus.org. 6 p.m. Free HIV Testing until 9 p.m. for men who 1 p.m. $0-20. HIV/AIDS Research Colloquium. have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen. Equality Research Center McKenny Hall - Guild Affirmations and MAC. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Room, Eastern Michigan University, 124 Quirk, Ypsilanti. 734-487-3032. www.emich.edu/equality. an appointment; walk-ins also welcome. S3: Safe Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Sex Store and HARC. 1209 S. University, Ann Arbor. www.goaffirmations.org. W RLD 6 p.m. Free HIV Testing until 9 p.m. for men who 734-741-1434. www.s3safesexstore.com. 6 p.m. Free, rapid HIV testing until 8 p.m. have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen. Affirmations and MAC. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine 5:30 p.m. Free HIV testing until 8 p.m. Everyone Results ready in 15 minutes. The Diversity welcome. Call the Michigan HIV/STI hotline Psychological Services Building, 1310 Turner Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www.goaffirmations.org. for more information at 1-800-872-2437. St., Lansing. 517-394-3719, ext. 30. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. AIDS 6 p.m. Free, rapid HIV testing until 8 p.m. www.goaffirmations.org Dec. 11 Results ready in 15 minutes. The Diversity 6 p.m. Free, rapid HIV testing until 8 p.m. 2 p.m. Free HIV testing until 8 p.m. Call to make Psychological Services Building, 1310 Turner St., Lansing. 517-394-3719, ext. 30. Results ready in 15 minutes. The Diversity an appointment; walk-ins also welcome. S3: Safe Psychological Services Building, 1310 Turner Sex Store and HARC. 1209 S. University, Ann Arbor. St., Lansing. 517-394-3719, ext. 30 734-741-1434. www.s3safesexstore.com. Dec. 18 DAY 5:30 p.m. Free HIV testing until 8 p.m. Everyone 2 p.m. Free HIV testing until 8 p.m. Call to make

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 25 We care. Deeply. Nonjudgmentally. Respectfully. We believe all people deserve high quality, affordable health care. Through HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, Planned Parenthood is fighting to create the healthiest generation ever.

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26 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 27 NO HIDING FROM KIESZA Photo: Renee Cox Pop’s Newest Queen Talks Gay Roots, How Babs Taught Her To Sing & Her Hit Song ‘Hideaway’

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI has certainly boosted her appeal within the friend, how Barbra Streisand taught her to sing was always the community that supported me community – who could resist the sports bra and her request for the drag queens. as a brand new artist. I always felt supported ven before making the streets of New and suspenders look? – but the gays and this by the gay community before anyone else, so York City her own private dance floor former sniper-in-training for the Canadian Have you been feeling the gay love yet? it’s a really special community to me. Efor “Hideaway,” Kiesza was courting Army actually go way back. I’ve been feeling it before any other love the queers. The lead single off the 25-year- On her way to the airport, Kiesza called actually. Even before “Hideaway,” when I When did you know the gay community was in old’s major-label debut, “Sound of a Woman,” to chat about pretend-marrying her gay best was doing other projects, the gay community love with you?

28 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com I would actually meet the people who were That was the idea – to have that nostalgia in coming to my shows and it showed me who the music, but also have it be very fresh and my audience was, and I had a very strong new at the same time. gay following, which is amazing. They’re so enthusiastic, and they come dressed in Speaking of the ’90s: ’N Sync or Backstreet Boys? clothes that emulate my own style. They’re I was a Backstreet Boys girl. always going the extra mile. Britney or Christina? You know you’ve made it when guys are doing Christina. you in drag. (Laughs) Yeah, I saw some people doing Whitney or Mariah? “Hideaway” in drag, which is amazing. I Whitney. I mean, Mariah’s an amazing wanna go to a drag show and see someone singer, but I was definitely more blown away performing “Hideaway” live! by Whitney. There’s one song on the album that a few people heard her influence on. What was your introduction to the gay Next time we talk I wanna see if you can pick community? it out. My best friend since I was 14 is gay, so my “Full House” or “Saved by the Bell”? whole teen experience was the gay bars. I mean, when we were obviously old enough. That’s a hard one! I feel like I was a bit more (Laughs) We used to pretend we were married of a “Full House” kid. Actually, I was very and go out. Through him, I was introduced to much a “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” kid! I was the gay community at a very young age. all about that show. In school I had a lot of gay friends as well; Destiny’s Child or TLC? now that I think about it I really had a lot! I’ve always been immersed in the community Let’s go with TLC. I listened to Destiny’s and really supportive of it, and also, I always Child a lot, but TLC had a lot of fashion felt really supported by the community. Even influence on me. before (I moved to) New York, when I was Growing up, who were some of your favorite in Canada and was a folk musician, I had a Canadian musicians? whole gay following with my folk music. No matter where I went, it was always the gay I was a big fan of David Foster growing community that discovered me first. up because I was really into songwriting. I I feel like they gravitated toward me. I actually was more focused on songwriting feel like the gay community is really open- first, and I was really inspired by all his minded and really supportive of new artists writing on all of those Toni Braxton songs. and new music and new ideas and just really Vocally, Celine – and you know also who I forward-thinking. As a new artist, because really loved growing up? Sarah McLachlan. of that mentality, I was just embraced much You’ve written some songs for Kylie Minogue sooner. The integrity of that community is unbelievable. and also Rihanna, for whom you penned a yet- to-be-released tune that’s said to have a very Because of your mom, you grew up on big voices particular message. What would that message like Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Etta be? James, and then later Mariah Carey and Whitney I don’t wanna give away the song, but it Houston. How did listening to them affect your reflects the way that people look at the world vocal technique? and the way that people mirror themselves Without realizing it, I learned a lot about my off of other people and live through other voice by singing along with them. I didn’t people’s eyes. actually learn to sing the way I sing now until Which songs on your album do you think have I started going to music college and really finding my voice as a songwriter, but I was the most powerful message? always singing along (to them) growing up, I feel like every song has its own message. My and I definitely developed my voice that way. album is a love story. To open up and become NO HIDING FROM KIESZA vulnerable on my first “for real” debut album, I “Hideaway” is obviously influenced by ’90s tapped into my own emotions and wrote about music; how about the rest of “Sound of a what I’ve been through. As a writer, I’ve been Woman”? writing about all of these topics, but when it Very influenced. Once I wrote “Hideaway,” came to me, it was very personal. I wanted to I had this vision of the whole album being open up and tell my own personal stories, so reminiscent of this era. I love the early ’90s, I would say “Sound of a Woman” is a very and not just the dance music. I like the R&B. strong song. I’d say they’re all very honest and I love all the ballads. I love the hip-hop. I just vulnerable songs, but “Sound of a Woman” wanted to pay homage to an era that I love is a standing-up-for-myself-in-my-mind type so much, but also take it and make it current. of song. It’s a song that could really inspire confidence in people.

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 29

Variety Is The Spice Of ‘Caroled!’

BY CAROLYN HAYES HARMER

Gather ‘round, children, for a bit of Christmas candor. In short, the parallels are scant between the world- premiere musical revue “Christmas Caroled!” (conceived and written by Daniel C. Cooney and Dayle Ann Hunt) and the classic Charles Dickens holiday tale. By this reviewer’s count, there’s an unpleasant grump agitated by seasonal cheer, a magical jump back in time, and a guy named Tim. Truly, the strengths of this Encore Musical Theatre Company production do not lie in adaptation. But rather, under Cooney’s direction, what does stand out is its throwback Christmas extravaganza, complete with a stream of variety show quirks and infectiously smiling faces. Jess Alexander is among the highlights of “Christmas Caroled!” Photo: The Encore Musical Theatre Company A swift prologue in a drab, anonymous room introduces a drab, anonymous man, Abner Z. Scruggs (William REVIEW proves just the right touch, casting silly Stutts, Jr.), whose entire agenda is proceedings into humorous relief, while to get stinking drunk and forget that Christmas Caroled! also achieving tonal shifts that lead to it’s Christmas. Clumsily established a few surprisingly affecting moments. as a world-class humbugger, he then The Encore Musical Theatre Company And although the performers are given experiences a seismic event that 3126 Broad St., Dexter little to work with in terms of text, their knocks him back into his past as part 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 11, 18 entertainment value is never in question. of a famous comedy duo, specifically 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12, 19 As Jack, Podolski sports effortless a ‘60s-era Christmas TV special with 3 & 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 6, rat-pack affability and a thousand-watt him and partner Jack Jacobs (Pete 13, 20 grin that eminently qualify him to lead Podolski) as hosts. 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 the audience and Abner through his To call whatever lessons or reparations 70 minutes; no intermission meandering journey. Greenway and Abner has in store half-baked would $15-32 734-268-6200 Alexander are at home in the spotlight, be generous. Indeed, without cue or www.theencoretheatre.org but also blend with the cheerful ensemble counsel, he jumps right back into the old (Sebastian Gerstner, Bryana Hall, Erika routine, and – other than some ham-fisted Jost, Colleen Kartheiser, Teola Lutsker, asides about the family he ignored in between takes (underusing Tim Brayman and Callen Snyder) in wholesome favor of showbiz – the show just goes on. and Michael Szymanski, MD, as behind- group numbers choreographed with Yet the sooner the viewer can put the the-scenes workhorse types), so the vigor by Kristi Davis. The mercenary framing device out of mind, the better. device stalls out instead. Stutts takes a rudderless protagonist Because in this production, “A Christmas But again, most of the focus remains and allows him to simply go with the Carol” might have inspired the title, but on the primetime show being filmed, grain instead of against it, enhancing the the exquisite TV variety special is its and the bulk of it is sensational, thanks staged entertainment at the expense of an exclamation point. in no small part to new arrangements already-wobbly story arc. Everything in the on-camera world and orchestrations by R. MacKenzie Although there’s little in terms of has the sparkle of spectacle to it, from Lewis. More than two dozen familiar Scrooge-y satisfaction in “Christmas transforming Daniel C. Walker’s set into tunes, devotional and secular alike, are Caroled!,” for most viewers, the a pristine studio-fake living room, to given innovative and complex treatments production’s massive Christmas adorning it with the tasteful perfection as Lewis toys gleefully with fugue catalogue and cheeky homage to TV of Anne Donevan’s set dressing and and genre and keeps the harmonies variety specials of old can make up the properties. Designer Sharon Larkey modulating. With Chris Rayis as music difference. The show tosses aside its Urick pulls out all the sartorial stops, director and conductor, the collective underdeveloped, perfunctory story in outfitting 10 performers in daffy vocals are strong, and featured soloists favor of a fully realized series of musical coordinated ensembles that would be Mahalia Greenway and Jess Alexander hits that keep on coming; the net result is well at home on “The Lawrence Welk both deliver repeated showstoppers. a single-act performance that, at just over Show.” Although the lighting design Cooney’s direction lovingly embraces an hour, feels at once too long and too (also by Walker) makes a cursory the sense of fun, hokey insanity that short. Yet anyone willing to overlook the distinction between dramatic on-camera passed for television entertainment weaknesses in the book can find melodic mood lighting and stripped back off- in a time before devastating cool satisfaction on the other side, happy to camera confrontation, the script offers and hyperbolic cynicism. The TV see the forest for the white go-go boots frustratingly little in these moments personas’ heightened faux earnestness and scarves gathered about the tree. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 31 Teens Using Drugs: What to Know 248-840-5107. Teacherspetmi.org “Depue Brothers Band Performs A and What To Do 7:30 p.m. A FREE, Magical Grassical Christmas Show” ongoing, two-part series designed to Mini Farmers Market 11 a.m. The highly respected and multi-talented Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Are you an LGBT senior with free Wednesday afternoons? help participants learn to understand, DePue Brothers Band will brighten identify and address adolescent alcohol/ Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857-2399. the holiday stage with their show A Head over to Ferndale’s Affirmations to meet up with other drug problems. Dawn Farm, 5305 Sc4a.org Magical Grassical Christmas. Free. Senior Koffee Klatch. Elliot Dr., Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. Getting to Zero 6 p.m. HARC, 1247 Nardin Park United Methodist Church, [email protected] Dawnfarm.org Siena Heights Dr., Adrian. 734-961- 29887 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington This lively discussion and social group invites LGBT adults 1083. Hivaidsresource.org Hills. 3 p.m. Nov. 30. 215-627-0801. Thedepuebrothersband.com over 45 to come and discuss topics pertaining to aging Wednesday, Dec. 3 First Friday @ Vinsetta Garage 6:15 (outside speakers are often invited). Potluck dinners, Trans & Gender Queer Group 12:30 p.m. p.m. Gay Professionals Social Group, Sound Board - Motor City Casino Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley. “Anjelah Johnson”. Motor City Casino, lunches out and holiday parties also fill the calendar of 734-487-4149. Emich.edu/lgbtrc Meetup.com/Gay-Professionals-Social- 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Dec. 4. 866-782-9622. Motorcitycasino.com events for the group. Senior Koffee Klatch 1 p.m. A lively, Group-MI/events/ discussion and social group for LGBT The Acorn Theater “Acorn Benefit Friday Night Vibe @ The AFF Cafe, Store Senior Koffee Klatch meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. every adults over 45. Group covers topics Concert featuring Cathy Richardson, Anne Wednesday at Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, pertaining to aging and outside & More 7 p.m. The Friday Night Vibe is Harris and Katie Todd” Proceeds go to speakers. Potluck dinners at members your original open mic night in downtown Harbor Arts “Support the Acorn” campaign. Ferndale. The group often meets on the upper level of the homes, lunches out and holiday parties. Ferndale, whether your singing, acting, The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Meets ever Wednesday on the upper Three Oaks. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29. 269-756- building. For more information on the group, email Johnny dancing or showcasing your talent. DJ ACE level of the Affirmations building. 3879. Acorntheater.com Jenkins at [email protected] or visit Senior Koffee Klatch, 290 W. Nine will be here playing the hottest club hits. www.goaffirmations.org. Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Free. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, The Ark “Matt Watroba” Tickets: GoAffirmations.org $15-25. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Ferndale. 248-398-7105. TylerBeltz@aol. Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. 28. 734-761-1800. HIV Testing 6 p.m. Free. Affirmations, com Goaffirmations.org Theark.org 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- 398-7105. goaffirmations.org/events/ Pride Friday 9 p.m. The one and only The Ark “Mr. B” Tickets: $20. The Ark, event_details. asp?id=430531 gay night. 18+. Guys with college ID 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Nov. get in free before 11 p.m. Cover: $5+. 29. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Intriguing Conversations - Wine Necto, 516 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Tasting 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $20. 734-994-5835. Thenecto.com The Magic Bag “The Verve Pipe” With Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Crashing Cairo. Tickets: $25. The Magic Culver St., Saugatuck. 269-857-2399. Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Nov. Sc4a.org MUSIC & MORE 29. 248-544-3030. Themagicbag.com The Magic Bag “Lisa Loeb” Tickets: Drag Queen Bingo 10 p.m. A fun Arbor. Hivaidsresource.org Thursday, Dec. 4 Classical $20+. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward alternative to your usual weekend hot Medicare Part D Assistance Days Detroit Symphony Orchestra Ave., Ferndale. Dec. 4. 248-544-3030. OUTINGS Free STI & Rapid HIV Testing 4 p.m. spots. Shows get out just early enough In-Person Counseling for LGBT “Copland & Bernstein”. Max M. Fisher Themagicbag.com St. John’s Providence Park Hospital, Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Thursday, Nov. 27 for you to hit the local clubs or bars! Only 10 a.m. Area Agency on Aging The Scarab Club “Planet D Nonet Third 47601 Grand River, Novi. 248-941- Detroit. Nov. 28 - Nov. 30. 313-576- Toastmaster’s International Refreshments from our full coffee bar 1-B and Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Annual Strayhom Centennial” Tickets: 5598. Oakgov.com/health 5111. Dso.org SpeakOUT! Club 7 p.m. Toastmasters (coffees, teas, smoothies), sodas, water, Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. $5. The Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, and more. Tickets: $20. 18+. Five15, will show you how to listen more World AIDS Day Detroit Benefit Goaffirmations.org Michigan Opera Theatre “The Detroit. 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29. 313-831- 515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak. Concert featuring American Idols effectively, think on your feet and speak Family & Friends 7 p.m. Topics vary Nutcracker” Tickets: $25-83. Detroit 1250. Scarabclub.org confidently Jim Toy Community Center, 248-515-2551. Five15.net 6:30 p.m. World AIDS Day Detroit, 1526 Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., from month to month. This is a gathering Wharton Center “Mannheim 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995- Broadway St., Detroit. 313-237-SING. Detroit. Nov. 29 - Nov. 30. 313-237- of people who have family or friends Steamroller”. Wharton Center for 9867. Jimtoycenter.org Sunday, Nov. 30 Worldaidsdayus.org SING. Motopera.org who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, the Performing Arts, Michigan State Transitions 2 p.m. Free transgender People Who Care About People With transgender, or who are questioning their University, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Saturday, Nov. 29 support group. Transitions, 1055 E. AIDS 7 p.m. Light refreshments. All are sexual orientation or gender identity. Concerts Lansing. Dec. 3. 800-WHARTON. South Blvd., 586- Pioneering Voices: Portraits of Rochester Hills. welcome. People Who Care About People Join us as we offer support, share Blind Pig “Tauk” 18+. Tickets: $10-12. Whartoncenter.com Transgender People Photographs by 838-0825. With AIDS, 1519 Martin Luther King Jr., our experiences, and learn about the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. issues impacting the LGBTQ and allied Jack Pierson and Gigi Kaeser. Interviews Drag Queen Addictions 10:30 p.m. Blvd, Detroit. [email protected] 9:30 p.m. Nov. 30. 734-996-8555. community. The Jewish Gay Network of by Jack Pierson and Peggy Gillespi. LaBelle and Aretha Franklin impersonator Blindpigmusic.com TransPeace 7 p.m. Ruth Ellis Center, 77 Michigan (JGN), 6600 W. Maple Road, THEATER Museum-quality traveling exhibit including April Summers brings her big personality Victor St., Highland Park. 313-867- West Bloomfield. 248-432-5661. Jgnmi. Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble photographs and interviews with people to the stage as she introduces a lineup of Civic/Community Theater 6932. Ruthelliscenter.org org “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” of all ages who are transgender. Through drag stars. 18+. Inuendo Nightclub, Corner Cinderella $5-7. Riverwalk Theatre, first-person accounts and positive of Nevada St. and Southbound I-75, 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. Nov. images, this exhibit seeks to challenge Detroit. https:// facebook.com/inuendo. 28 - Dec. 7. 517-482-5700. www. damaging myths and stereotypes about nightclub?rf=118209121607517 riverwalktheatre.com transgender people and to educate people about this marginalized, and often Monday, Dec. 1 Leading Ladies $14-16. Farmington invisible group of people. Congregational Imagine a cross between the hit film “Some Players, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Church of Birmingham, 1000 Cranbrook Fourth Annual World AIDS Day Detroit Farmington Hills. Nov. 28 - Dec. 20. Road, Bloomfield Hills. 248-646-4511. Mayors Breakfast 8 a.m. With special Like It Hot” and Shakespeare’s famous comedy 248-473-1856. www.farmingtonplayers. [email protected] Ccbucc.org guest Jeanne White-Grinder, mother “Twelfth Night.” The result: “Leading Ladies,” org of Ryan White. Tickets: $75. World Fouth Annual Black and Blue 2 p.m. AIDS Day Detroit, 1526 Broadway St., a hilarious farce playing Nov. 28-Dec. 20 at the Rock n’ Roll Santa $12. Spotlight on This is a weekend long scrimmage Detroit. 313-237-SING. Wadbreakfast. Farmington Players Barn Theater. Youth at The Village Theater at Cherry featuring skaters from all over Michigan. eventbrite.com Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton. Tickets: $15-20. Mitten Mavens, Dec. 4 - 7. 734-394-5300. www. 7868 Old M-78 Road, East Lansing . World AIDS Day Testing Tour 9 a.m. “‘Leading Ladies’ is about the crazy things we canton-mi.org/villagetheater Mittenmavens.net HARC, 2170 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti. do for love,” says director Tony Targan. “Despite Hivaidsresource.org Shrek, the Musical $13-24. The LGBTQ-Friendly Yoga Class Just our best (or worst) intentions, love can make us Kalamazoo Civic Theatre at Civic B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. Medicare Part D Assistance Days behave like fools.” Auditorium, 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo. Justbyoga.com In-Person Counseling 10 a.m. Area Nov. 28 - Dec. 14. 269-343-1313. www. Agency on Aging 1-B and Affirmations, The comedy focuses on a pair of struggling Shakespearean actors, Leo Clark and Jack Gable, kazoocivic.com Lez Read Ann Arbor 4 p.m. We read 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- fascinating books on all lesbian topics, 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org who wind up dressing as women to try and steal the fortune of a dying millionaire. Their quest Snow Queen $5-8. Ann Arbor Civic including books of local authors. And begins as they decide to impersonate her nephews and heirs “Max” and “Steve.” When Clark Theatre at The Children’s Creative our discussions are always lively and The Ryan White Story and Youth Center Stage, 1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann provocative. Jim Toy Community Center, Symposium 11:30 a.m. Keynote and Gable discover the nephews are actually nieces, they have no problem transforming to Arbor. Dec. 5 - 7. 734-971-2228. www. 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995- speaker: Jeanne White-Grinder, mother “Maxine” and “Stephanie.” a2ct.org 9867. Jimtoycenter.org of Ryan White. World AIDS Day Detroit, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit. 313-237- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever TODDS Thanksgiving Reunion! 9 p.m. SING. Worldaidsdayus.org Tickets are on sale now at the box office by calling 248-553-2955. $15-32. Richmond Community Theatre Time to revisit the club where the mix at Maniaci’s Banquet Hall, 69227 N. was perfect! Join us the Saturday after World AIDS Day Observance 1 p.m. Main St., Richmond. Nov. 28 - 29. 586- Refreshments will be served. Lansing Thanksgiving for this years TODDS Tickets: $10-15. Royce Auditorium at St. 727-9518. www.richmondtheatre.com Area AIDS Network, 819 Abbot Road, reunion featuring DJ Charles English Ladies Night 10 p.m. Third Thursdays: Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. East Lansing. 517-394-3560. The Music Man Jr. $5-10. Grosse and DJ Greebo kicking off the night of For women who love women. Pronto NE, Grand Rapids. Nov. 28 - Nov. 30. Tuesday, Dec. 2 Video Bar, 608 S. Washington Ave., Pointe Theatre Youth on Stage at Grosse revelry and remembrance! Hosted by AIDS Quilt Public Viewing and 616-459-2224. Scmc-online.org Talk Tuesdays 6 p.m. Free. KICK, 41 Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium, Stirling! Parking on the street or the Facing AIDS Open Photo Shoot 2:30 Royal Oak. Burroughs St. 109, Detroit. 313-285- Garden Bowl “Puce Mary” Featuring 32 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe lot across the street. Hope you will join p.m. World AIDS Day Detroit, 1526 9733. e-kick.org JS Aurelius, Ligature and more. Majestic Farms. Dec. 5 - 6. 313-881-4004. www. us! Tickets: $6 with a portion of the Broadway St., Detroit. 313-237-SING. Friday, Dec. 5 proceeds to the Michigan Aids Coalition. Theater, 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., gpt.org Worldaidsdayus.org Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Mistle-tails Black Tie Ball Fundraiser Static Network, 11625 Joseph Campau, Detroit. 10 p.m. Nov. 30. 313-833-9700. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Benefit for hard to adopt dogs. Tickets: Hamtramck. 313-305-7644. info@ World AIDS Day Testing Tour 3 p.m. Majesticdetroit.com Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. $60. Teacher’s Pet: Dogs and Kids staticrecords.com Staticrecords.com HARC, 1209 S. University Ave., Ann Goaffirmations.org Learning Together, Clinton Township. Sharla Feldscher Public Relations See Happenings, page 35

32 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Don We Now Our Gay Apparel Cool Cities BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS the organization became the LanSINGout Dodge House and commemorating World Gay Men’s Chorus in 2011, reflecting the AIDS Day with a special ceremony at the Lansing The LanSINGout Gay Men’s Chorus organization’s growth, while also presenting Hannah Center. will perform its winter concert, “Wishing the group’s new mission statement of Currently 36 members make up the You Peace and Joy: A Christmas Concert,” enriching the greater Lansing community chorus, granting the group a diverse makeup YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET on Dec. 6 and 7. Under artistic director through music and fellowship. of different voices and talents, with many Pinpoint your ad dollars where Peter R. Morse and accompanied by David Examples of that fellowship to the of the members holding tenure of over 15 Wiseman, the concert will be performed community include years of participation in years. LanSINGout has only seen consistent they will do the most good . . . in conjunction with the Lansing First the Lansing AIDS Walk. The group even held increases in the musicianship of its members Advertise in the next Cool Cities Presbyterian Bell Choir and Organist as well a concert to benefit the Lansing Area AIDS that ranges from the ability to perform as the Michigan State University student Network (the network awarded the singing Broadway musical selections to African TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 brass quintet. The concert will feature a wide group in 2010 for their work). Other charities processionals. variety of musical selections, from Handel that have been supported by LanSINGout “I created a musically diverse concert and sacred music to modern spirituals and include Ele’s Place in 2008, Lansing Food to highlight the many wonderful ways we secular tunes. A Christmas Carol Singalong Bank in 2009 and the Lansing Community celebrate the Christmas holiday season,” will follow the evening. College Music Scholarship Fund in 2010 Morse notes. “I’m thrilled that this concert Morse says, “Since late August, the men (all received a portion of concert proceeds is an exciting collaboration between have been hard at work preparing for our from the chorus). LanSINGout and the music program at next major concert. This is one of the biggest This emphasis on community Lansing First Presbyterian Church, our efforts yet, as we’re teaming with the First involvement stems from a strategic planning wonderful hosts and friends.” Presbyterian Church Bell Choir Organist process implemented years ago, when The LanSINGout Gay Men’s Chorus and the MSU student brass ensemble. The the chorus decided to widen its focus to winter performance will begin at 7 p.m. men and I are dang excited and ready to more of Lansing. By entertaining a diverse Saturday, Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, present the show.” audience and actively supporting area non- Dec. 7 at Lansing First Presbyterian Since December 1988, the Lansing gay profits, the enrichment of the community Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. chorus has helped portray a positive image is nurtured thanks to LanSINGout. Some Tickets range from $12-20 and can be of the gay community while also serving as further examples of this work includes purchased online. For more information, a safe space for gay men to meet. Originally singing Christmas carols in the atrium of email [email protected] or visit the Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus, Lansing City Hall, performing at Turner- www.lansingout.org.

www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 33 Puzzle solution on pg. 36 The Frivolist

Ho, Ho, Homo: 9 Affordable Ways to Make the Yuletide Gayer BY MIKEY ROX As an alternative, consider hosting a potluck where each of your guests 3. Schedule an at-home All that money you’ve saved for will bring a dish for everyone to enjoy. holiday movie marathon the better part of a year so you can You can make this a sit-down dinner or celebrate the holidays in style moves you can keep it informal by using the When the weather outside is frightful, a quickly when you’re buying gifts left potluck idea to host a small cocktail night on the couch is so delightful. Pick and right and planning your warm- party where everyone can chat, drink, up a few snacks and drinks, and invite weather escape as soon as the tree and dig into the expansive buffet. your besties over for a holiday movie is tossed out onto the curbed. Since marathon. Some of my favorites include you’ve already got a sizable chunk of classics like “National Lampoon’s cash allocated, it’s not a bad idea to 2. Attend an Ugly Christmas Vacation”; the “Home Alone” find ways to save some coin this season series; “A Christmas Story”; and “Make while still fitting in a ton of festive fun. Christmas Sweater the Yuletide Gay,” the adorable coming- Take a look at these nine ways you Party in town out-at-Christmas story by gay filmmaker can make the yuletide gayer without Rob Williams. You may be able to find breaking the bank. Ugly Christmas sweater parties have these movies – or whichever flicks suit become somewhat of a tradition over your fancy – on streaming services to the past few years, and I can almost which you subscribe, or you can find 1. Host a holiday potluck guarantee that there’s one in your them on the regular TV schedule and dinner area. Check your local LGBT bar record them on your DVR in advance calendars online to see if any are on of the movie marathon. Who doesn’t like to go out for a fancy the schedule this season. If you come dinner around the holidays to indulge up short in that area, widen your search in life’s tasty pleasures? I do, but I to include other establishments. If you 4. Start a Secret Santa can’t always afford a $100-or-more settle on a place that isn’t particularly restaurant or bar tab when Christmas gay, gather your gaggle for a guerrilla program among your friends is just around the corner. (It would effort to make a night to remember. If you’re strapped for cash this year, be quite selfish to cheapen the gifts I Find the ugliest Christmas sweaters quell some of the anxiety by suggesting planned to buy my friends and family imaginable at your local thrift shops or a Secret Santa gift exchange among because I wanted eat like a Trump.) at UglyChristmasSweater.com. See Frivolist, page 38

34 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Art comes in all mediums, be it clay or couture. Tthe Flint Institute of Arts showcases this principle with its current exhibition, “The Art of Video Games.” The unique exhibition, which runs until Jan. 18, 2015, showcases the roles that traditional art forms like painting, sculpture and music play in developing video games. Over 40 years of video game history are presented at FIA. Art from Atari VCS to games on the PlayStation 3 will be showcased. Five games, including “Super Mario Brothers” and “Pac-Man,” are even available to play on huge screens. The Flint Institute of Arts is located at 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint. For more information on FIA or the exhibit, call 810-234-1695 or visit www.flintarts.org.

20. 313-365-4948. www.planetant.com Ann Arbor Art Center “Workshop: Silk Dyed Scarves with Michele Montour”. ® Happenings It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St., Play $5-20. The Theatre Company at Continued from p. 32 Ann Arbor. Dec. 1 - Dec. 7. 734-994- University of Detroit Mercy at Grounds 8004. Annarborartcenter.org Coffehaus, 4001 W. McNichols Road, Professional Detroit. Dec. 5 - 7. 313-993-3270. www. Cranbrook Art Museum “Iris udmarts.com Eichenberg: Bend”. Cranbrook Art $33-39. Macomb A Christmas Carol Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Bloomfield Hills. Nov. 23 - Jan. 25. 877- Garfield Road, Clinton Township. Dec. 6. $8-15. Thunder Bay Theatre, 400 N. 462-7262. Cranbrook.edu 586-286-2222. www.macombcenter. Second Ave., Alpena. Nov. 28 - Dec. 14. com 989-354-2267. www.thunderbaytheatre. Detroit Institute of Arts “Guest of com Honor: Monet’s Waterlily Pond, Green $19-42. Meadow A Christmas Carol Harmony”. Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Jake’s Women $18-20 in advance; $2 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Oct. 1 - Jan. 4. Rochester. Through Dec. 21. 248-377- extra at the door. Two Muses Theatre 313-833-7900. Dia.org 3300. www.mbtheatre.com at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, 6800 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Flint Institute of Arts “The Art of Video All in the Timing $10-30. Hilberry Through Dec. 7. 248-850-9919. www. Games”. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. twomusestheatre.org Kearsley St., Flint. Oct. 25 - Jan. 18. Through Jan. 31. 313-577-2972. www. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org hilberry.com Mame $20. Riverbank Theatre, 358 S. Water St., Marine City. Dec. 5 - 21. 810- James Pearson Duffy Department of And The World Goes ‘Round $34-36. 278-1749. www.riverbanktheatre.com Art and Art History “Menagerie, or Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Artwork Not About Love”. Elaine L. Jacob Alley, Kalamazoo. Dec. 5 - 28. 269-343- Miracle on South Division Street Gallery, 480 W. Hancock, Detroit. Oct. 24 2727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com $15-35. Williamston Theatre, 122 - Dec. 12. 313-577-2423. Wayne.edu S. Putnam Road, Williamston. Nov. Annapurna $12-42. The Purple Rose 28 - Dec. 28. 517-655-SHOW. www. Janice Charach Gallery ” Pictures of Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea. williamstontheatre.org Resistance: The Wartime Photographs Through Dec. 20. 734-433-7673. www. of Jewish Partisan Faye Schulman” purplerosetheatre.org Pinocchio $12-18. Flint Youth Theatre, This exhibition presents one partisan’s 1220 E. Kearsley St., Flint. Dec. 5 - 21. $20. What A wartime story. Joining the partisans was Anne of Green Gables 810-237-1530. www.flintyouththeatre. Do Theatre, 4071 W. Dickman Road, Faye Schulman’s path to survival and org Springfield. Dec. 5 - 20. 269-282-1953. her chance to avenge the deaths of her www.whatado.org Rapture, Blister, Burn $15-20. Matrix family members. Jewish Community Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. Center of Metro Detroit, 6600 W. Maple $17-20. Detroit Repertory Buzz Through Dec. 7. 313-967-0999. www. Road, West Bloomfield Township. Oct. 19 Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. matrixtheatre.org - Dec. 14. 248-661-1000. Jccdet.org Through Dec. 28. 313-868-1347. www. detroitreptheatre.com Red $15-20. Open Book Theatre Michigan State University Museum Company at Penelope’s Venue, 12219 “Michigan and the Civil War” Exhibit A world premiere. Christmas Caroled Dix Toledo Road, Southgate. Dec. 5 - 13. highlights Michigan connections in the $15-32. The Encore Musical Theatre 734-288-7753. www.openbooktc.com Civil War. Michigan State University Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Museum, 409 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. Through Dec. 21. 734-268-6200. www. Stupid Fucking Bird $10-20. The Aug. 4 - Dec. 31. 517-355-7474. theencoretheatre.org Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward museum.msu.edu Ave., Ferndale. Through Dec. 8. 248- $42 with Cornwell’s Christmas Carol 545-5545. www.theringwald.com MOCAD “The People’s Biennial” It meal; $37 show only. Cornwell’s Dinner examines the work of artists and other Theatre, 18935 15 1/2 Mile Rd, Marshall. The Motherfucker with the Hat $5-30. creative individuals, who operate outside Through Dec. 20. 800-228-4315. www. 4TheatrSake at Doubletree Hotel Fort- the conventional art world. Museum turkeyville.com Shelby, Terrace Level, 525 W. Lafayette of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 Blvd., Detroit. Through Nov. 29. 800- $41.25-81.25. Woodward Ave., Detroit. Sep. 12 - Dec. Elf the Musical 838-3006. www.drama4change.org Broadway Grand Rapids at DeVos 31. 313-832-6622. Mocadetroit.org Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NE, This Wonderful Life $27. Performance Neighborhood Service Organization Grand Rapids. Nov. 28 - 30. 1-800-745- Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann “Through Our Eyes Gallery Opening” 3000. www.broadwaygrandrapids.com Arbor. Nov. 25 - Dec. 18. 734-663-0681. It is an emotional experience to see www.pntheatre.org Gift of the Magi $25-41. Performance life through the eyes of the once Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Turtle Island $5-10. PuppetART at homeless. Swords into Plowshares Arbor. Nov. 28 - Dec. 21. 734-663-0681. Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand River Gallery, 33 E. Adams St., Detroit. Nov. www.pntheatre.org Ave., Detroit. Through Nov. 30. 313-961- 20 - Dec. 13. 313-961-4890. ww. 7777. www.puppetart.org Nso-mi.org Home for the Holidays $35-41. The Dio - Dining and Entertainment, 135 E. River’s Edge Gallery “Virgo Rising” Main St., Pinckney. Nov. 28 - Dec. 23. Patricia Izzo and Martine MacDonald. 517-672-6009. www.diotheatre.com ART ‘N’ AROUND River’s Edge Gallery, 3024 Biddle, Ann Arbor Art Center “50 Years Wyandotte. Nov. 22 - Dec. 31. 734- Improv Mondays $5 at the door. Planet Building Ideas for the Future: A 246-9880. Artattheedge.com Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Celebration of Local Architecture and 313-365-4948. www.planetant.com Saugatuck Center for the Arts “Art Design”. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. ‘a Loan”. Saugatuck Center for the Invasion! $10-20. Planet Ant Theatre, Liberty St., Ann Arbor. Nov. 21 - Dec. 7. Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. Nov. 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. Nov. 28 - Dec. 734-994-8004. Annarborartcenter.org 18 - Dec. 7. 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org

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36 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 37 a few batches of your signature baked goods (I’m rather partial to Carolyn’s Chocolate Chip Cookies from Martha Stewart), package them in holiday-themed containers with nicely tied ribbons or bows, and deliver them with a note of holiday greetings. 7. See a special holiday performance at your local gay bar Hundred to one there’ll be a jolly drag show taking place at your favorite gay hangout between now and New Year’s. But if that’s not on the calendar, see what else is happening that’ll help you jingle all the way. Maybe it’s an ugly Christmas sweater party like I mentioned before, but there also may be toy drives; holiday-themed go-go boy nights; or game-based events, like trivia or bingo. 8. Round up your group of ® Frivolist Continued from p. 34 friends and volunteer Not everyone is as fortunate as we are, and your friends instead of a free-for-all that can those circumstances really start to take their quickly spiral your budget out of control. If toll on people around holiday time. That’s you currently only exchange a gift or two with why it’s important to give some of your a couple friends, this might not be for you, but time and energy to show you care about if you have a large group of comrades, it’s an your fellow Americans by volunteering. You easy-on-the-wallet avenue to explore. could try to locate an LGBT establishment that needs a few helping hands this season, and there are plenty of other options in your 5. Plan a gay-themed White community. The important part is that you Elephant party and your friends are getting out there and giving back. There are different names for this type of party – aside from White Elephant, it’s also referred to as a “Yankee Swap” in various 9. Snap up post-holiday regions – but the concept is the same… and simple. Each participant brings one wrapped clearance deals for next year gift to the gathering – the price of which is One of my all-time favorite parts of the usually capped at reasonable price, like $20 holidays is the post-Christmas clearance or so – and the group decides in which order deals on décor and other holiday participants will select from the pile of gifts, paraphernalia. I generally wait until about generally by numbers randomly drawn from five days after Christmas when Target has a hat. Once a gift is opened, it can be stolen slashed prices from the starting discount of by the next in line if they don’t particularly 50 to 75 percent, but it tends to be heavily like their gift or, in most cases, just like any picked through by that point. Nonetheless, of the previous gifts better. This practice you can still walk away with a bunch of continues until the last person has opened the incredible deals. Wait a little longer and the last gift, which ultimately gives that lucky discounts delve into the 90 percent-off range duck the pick of the litter. Lots of fun and at certain stores, and that’s just a no-brainer. laughter at this inexpensive, home-based The shelves will look like the apocalypse holiday event. has started, but you’re literally paying a few cents for whatever’s left to enhance your 6. Bake holiday goodies holiday home in the future. for your neighbors and co- Mikey Rox is an award-winning journalist and blogger whose work has been published in more workers than 100 outlets across the world. He lives in Get into the spirit of the season by dusting off Manhattan with his husband and their cuddle- those cookie sheets, muffin tins and loaf pans. buddy furbaby. Connect with Mikey on Twitter Turn up the holiday tunes and get cookin’ with @mikeyrox.

38 BTL | Nov. 27, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Nov. 27, 2014 | BTL 39