EQMI Challenges Michfest Trans Exclusion Policy

Summer Travel: Gay Games, Market Days

Aug. 5 Primary Critical To LGBT Equality

Talks Detroit, ‘Star Trek’ & Signing Private Parts (Oh Myyyy!)

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM JULY 31, 2014 | VOL. 2231 | FREE

COVER 22 It’s good to be Takei

EQMI Challenges Michfest Trans Exclusion Policy Summer Travel: Gay Games, Market Days Aug. 5 Primary Critical To LGBT Equality “

Talks Detroit, ‘Star Trek’ & – Equality Michigan Executive Signing Private Parts (Oh Myyyy!)

JULY 31, 2014 | VOL. 2231 | FREE Director Emily Dievendorf, pg. 13

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM

NEWS 4 LGBT equality debate used as campaign fodder by far right 5 Glenn causes more controversy ELECTIONS ONLINE EXTRA TRAVEL in 98th House race primary ” 8 The best of Hotter Than July 2014 10 Michigan marriage case gets 6th circuit hearing 11 Rallies and march for marriage equality planned in Michigan, Ohio OPINION 12 Parting Glances 13 Why trans exclusion at Michfest must finally end 13 Boycott Michfest till trans inclusion a reality 14 Creep of the Week TRAVEL Election 2014: Aug. 5 Primary Could See 20th Anniversary Season Access The Summer 16 Michigan goes to Ohio Openly Gay Candidates Advance Across Michigan Mich. Shakespeare Festival Travel Guide Online Today 18 Tips for your Market Days trip With elections just around the corner, several openly gay and hundreds Head over to Pridesource.com You can find all of our travel 21 Douglas-Saugatuck hosts gay prince of LGBT-affirming candidates are running across Michigan. Keep up for exclusive online reviews and vacation content online LIFE with the excitement online at www.Pridesource.com of the Michigan Shakespeare at Pridesource.com in the 26 Hear Me Out Festival’s upcoming shows. Travel Guide section. Find LGBT friendly motels, tours and more 28 The end of an era at Robert Kidd Gallery with the Featured Advertisers section – or check out previous 30 Happenings travel-related features! 32 Puzzle 34 All hail the drag queen

VOL. 2231 • JULY 31, 2014 • ISSUE 874 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 Calendar 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 Staff Writers 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 AJ Trager, [email protected] fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Copyright 2014 Pride Source Media Group, LLC materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 3 LGBT Equality Debate Used As Campaign Fodder By Far Right Aug. 5 Primary Snapshot Sees Critical Ideological VOTE AUG. 5 Battle Underway In Michigan Republican Party claims Republicans in Lansing are prepared Press reports that when polling participants implementation – expects to win the November to increase the gas tax – a move being were informed that Bishop had been endorsed general election by “6-7 points.” BY TODD HEYWOOD contemplated to fix Michigan’s crumbling by Rogers, his lead jumped to 52 percent over roads – and “pass legislation to discriminate McMillin’s 32 percent. McMillin tells the Free Right wing activists are targeting a pro- against Christian businesses that don’t Press his internal polling shows him down by 8 Governor’s Race Tightens, equality, northern Michigan Republican for want to participate in homosexual wedding points. He told the paper that his votes increase ouster over his support for adding sexual Peters In Lead For U.S. Senate ceremonies.” when voters are told he has been endorsed by orientation and gender identity to the state’s The latter allegation is an assault on the Tea Party Express. civil rights law. Conservative activist, Seat legislation to amend Michigan’s former Republican lawmaker and resident In the gubernatorial race, Democrat civil rights law, Elliot-Larsen, of Wisconsin Jack Hoogendyk sent a plea for Mark Schauer has closed a 9 point gap in to include sexual orientation funding for Lee Chatfield’s challenge of Rep. his challenge to Republican Gov. Rick and gender identity. Right wing Frank Foster (R-107) on July 23. Snyder. Schauer is now trailing Snyder advocates fear amending the “For those of you who are not aware, there is by only 3 points, within the poll’s four law will result in a floodgate of an election in Northern Michigan upon which percent margin of error. In the race complaints against businesses all eyes in Lansing are focused, and which to replace retiring Senator Carl Levin that refuse to provide services could have a huge impact in determining our (D-Detroit), Democrat Gary Peters is to people based on their real or future religious liberty,” the email, paid for by leading former Republican Secretary of perceived sexual orientation or The Institute for Conservative Enlightenment State and defacto Republican nominee gender identity or expression. PAC continues, “This election features for Senate Terri Lynn Land by 9 points. Advocates often cite the case Republican incumbent Rep. Frank Foster of a Colorado bakery that was of Petoskey who has become a crusader recently punished by the state for the homosexual agenda. Foster has Openly LGBT Candidates for refusing to bake a cake for a requested language for a bill, which would Four openly gay candidates seeking same-sex marriage celebration. add homosexuals to the Michigan civil rights state office Aug. 5 have been endorsed Equality Michigan said it From left candidates Rudy Serra (State Rep 27th District), Jon Hoadley (State code. The question in this election is whether by BTL as follows: was busy focusing “on moving Rep 60th District), Jeremy Moss (State Rep 35th District) and Garnet Lewis a Republican can champion the radical (State Senate 32nd District). • Garnet Lewis is running in the Michigan forward,” and would homosexual agenda and survive politically. 32nd District which includes Saginaw, not respond to the allegations in Many squishy Republicans are watching to Zilwaukee, Tittabawassee Township, the Madison Project release. Moving into the primary election in August, see how this will come out.” Frankenmuth and Swartz Creek. Check out according to July 15 financial reports filed with The email goes on to request financial the campaign website www.garnetlewis.com. the Federal Elections Commission, Bishop support for Chatfield, who works as a teacher Anti-Gay Tom McMillin Seeks had raised $344,525.91, with $231,073.50 on for a Christian academy in northern Michigan. • Jon Hoadley is running for State hand. McMillin raised $180,662.98 and had “People of faith have a lot riding on this U.S. Rep. Seat Representative in the 60th District which $129,351.99 on hand. election,” the fundraising request concludes. Meanwhile, conservative state representative includes Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo “You can help to send a powerful message to Tom McMillin is waging a campaign by U.S. Township. Hoadley is squaring off against Lansing about Republicans who embrace the mail to replace retiring 8th Congressional Attorney General Schuette David Buskirk and Pamela Brown Goodacre radical homosexual agenda, one with which Rep. Mike Rogers. Rogers announced earlier is a hotly contested seat. Hoadley has outraised the House Speaker, the Senate Leader and this year that he was retiring from Congress Faces Uphill Battle and outspent his primary opponents according the Governor are all currently flirting. Any after seven terms in order to pursue a radio In the race for Attorney General, incumbent to campaign finance reports. financial help you could give to Lee would be show. McMillin is in a pitched battle for the Bill Schuette, a Republican, got bad news last Check out the campaign website www. vitally important to the outcome of this race.” Republican nomination against former Senate week when a new statewide poll from EPIC- jonhoadley.com. Majority Leader Mike Bishop. Bishop is the MRA found he was facing an uphill battle in Equality Debate odds on establishment choice; McMillin is his bid for re-election. The poll found only 39 • Jeremy Moss is running for State being supported by Tea Party groups. percent of voters planned to cast their ballot Representative in the 35th District which While Foster has been a voice for equality McMillin has sent at least six mailings to for him. Democratic challenger Mark Totten includes Southfield and Lathrup Village. in the GOP dominated state house, he has voters in the district, which spans Ingham, got 33 percent, while 28 percent of voters Check out the campaign website www. not been endorsed by Equality Michigan’s Livingston and northern Oakland counties. were undecided. jeremyforsouthfield.com. PAC. The battle in the 107th is not the In the most recent piece, he promises to “stop Bernie Porn, pollster for EPIC-MRA, says only place in Michigan where equality is the invasion” of unaccompanied children from those numbers should concern Schuette, • Rudy Serra is running for State campaign fodder. On Monday, The Madison Central America. but MLive reports the AG is not worried. In Representative for the 27th District which Project PAC, a rightwing political action Despite his blanket mailings to the district, fact, Tim Skubick reports at MLive that the is made up of several South Oakland County committee run by Hoogendyk, issued McMillin is trailing Bishop by 12 points AG – who has fought marriage equality, the communities including Hazel Park, Ferndale endorsements in races across the state. In according to an EPIC-MRA poll. The Free Affordable Care Act and medical marijuana and Berkley. Check out the campaign website the endorsement announcement, Hoodendyk http://rudyserra.ngpvanhost.com. 4 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Glenn Causes More Controversy BTL Strongly Endorses Statewide Candidates BTL Strongly Endorses the following In 98th House Race Primary candidates this fall: Mark Schauer for Michigan Governor BY TODD HEYWOOD Information in the posting is sourced http://markschauer.com Glenn’s KKK Connection to propaganda written by Edward Fields. Gary Glenn, head of the American The rightwing radical has also Fields is an active participant in Georgia Mark Totten for Michigan Attorney General Family Association of Michigan, is once championed the writings of known white KKK activities, reported MLive’s Ken www.marktotten.com again causing controversy in state politics. nationalists. When Republican National Braun. He has also alleged the Holocaust This time, Glenn is a candidate for the 98th Committeemen Dave Agema came under was not nearly as bad as history teaches. Gary Peters for U.S. Senate House district of Michigan. He is running fire a year ago for relying on the writings The press release supporting Glenn from www.petersformichigan.com as a Republican. of Dr. Frank Joseph, Glenn posted a note black pastors was signed by, among others, But a DeVos family backed political to salute and thank Agema via Facebook Bishop Ira Combs of Jackson and Rev. Note that BTL endorsements for other statewide races group – The Great Lakes Education Project message for posting the letter. The letter Levon Yuille of Ypsilanti. Both Combs will happen after the state poltical conventions held the at www.glep.org – is not only supporting and Yuille, ironically, signed onto Glenn’s weekend of Aug. 23 - 24. his rival for the nomination, Karl Ieuter, failed federal lawsuit challenging the but also sending a mailing to the district federal hate crimes law, formally known BTL Strongly Endorses the following openly which has some of Glenn’s rightwing as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd gay candidates in Aug. 5 primary: ministerial supporters gnashing their teeth. Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Shepard The winner of the primary is expected to was a gay man who was robbed, savagely Garnet Lewis is running in the 32nd replace Tony Stamas, who has served three beaten and hung on a fence in Laramie, District which includes Saginaw, Zilwaukee, terms in the House and is ineligible to seek Wyoming in the 90s. Byrd was a black Tittabawassee Township, Frankenmuth and another term. Swartz Creek. Check out the campaign website www.garnetlewis.com The mailing, attacking Glenn on his support of the FAIR tax scheme, notes that The mailing, attacking Glenn on his Jon Hoadley is running for State Representative he has argued gays should be imprisoned support of the FAIR tax scheme, in the 60th District which includes Kalamazoo and that he has publicly supported essays and Kalamazoo Township. Check out the written by white supremacists. The latter notes that he has argued gays campaign website www.jonhoadley.com allegations sent a group of black pastors, with deep ties to Glenn’s anti-gay activism, should be imprisoned and that Jeremy Moss is running for State Representative into overdrive on Monday. in the 35th District which includes Southfield and “In retaliation, GLEP is now funding he has publicly supported essays Lathrup Village. Check out the campaign website false and malicious attacks that accuse written by white supremacists. www.jeremyforsouthfield.com Gary of wanting to imprison all gay The latter allegations sent a Rudy Serra is running for State Representative citizens,” the pastors wrote in a press for the 27th District which is made up of several release circulated by Stacy Swimp, a group of black pastors, with deep South Oakland County communities including minister from the Flint area who spent Hazel Park, Ferndale and Berkley. Check out the years in prison after being convicted of ties to Glenn’s anti-gay activism, campaign website http://rudyserra.ngpvanhost. assault with intent to murder. “Worse, com Gary Glenn, head of the American Family into overdrive on Monday. and this is where we come in, they Association of Michigan and longtime anti-gay unbelievably accuse Gary of endorsing crusader, has the support of conservative black ‘white supremacists’ and ‘Klan leaders.’” ministers who are downplaying his extremist views Important Dates & Resources Glenn has, indeed, said he believes people that are connected to the KKK and to imprisoning Tuesday, Aug. 5 – Primary Election gay people. should be imprisoned for homosexuality. man who was tied to a truck bumper and Monday, Oct. 6 – Last day to register for Nov. In February 2010, Glenn told the Michigan dragged to his death in Texas during that 4 General Election Messenger that he supported calls by same period. Both crimes were motivated Tuesday, Nov. 4 – General Election Family Research Council employee Peter from Joseph alleged, among other things, by animus, court records show. Check here for your current status as a Sprigg for re-criminalizing homosexuality. that homosexuals accounted for half of all Emails to Stacy Swimp seeking to registered voter in Michigan https://webapps. Sprigg had made the claim in support of murders in large cities, that a large swath clarify if the pastors supported Glenn’s call sos.state.mi.us/mivote his opposition to repealing “Don’t Ask, of homosexuals are infested with intestinal for re-criminalization of homosexuality Don’t Tell” – the law that excluded out parasites, homosexuals prey on children were not responded to by Swimp at press gay service members in the U.S. military. time. VOTER GUIDE 2014 and that 21 percent of lesbians die in traffic BTL LGBT & Progressive Voter Guide “The short answer to your question accidents, suicide or the result of murder. will be compiled and distributed online at www. is yes, we believe that states should be pridesource.com free to regulate and prohibit behavior that’s a violation of community standards Visit Pride Source Votes 2014 online as the and a proven threat to public health and election season moves forward for news and safety – including, as of the United States Glenn has, indeed, said he developments on candidates that will move did throughout its history, homosexual the state forward toward full equality for LGBT behavior,” Glenn wrote to Messenger at citizens. the time. He was responding to whether believes people should be Register to receive your digital voter guide or not he supported re-criminalizing online at www.pridesource.com homosexuality. imprisoned for homosexuality. www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 5 Lesbian Couple See Home Ruined In Hate Crime Attack BY AJ TRAGER of 18 states which does not include sexual orientation in its hate crime legislation and KALAMAZOO – A West Michigan lesbian one of 22 states that does not include gender couple came home to a hate crime coating identity in state hate crime legislation. their house. The Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian “When a hate crime happens to an individual Resource Center (KGLRC) reminds the or family in our community, it affects us Kalamazoo community that a state amendment all. The realization that it could have been to the Elliott-Larsen Act is imperative and any one of us quickly rises to the surface,” forms a hate crimes Awareness Coalition. Maddock said. He believes there is no doubt “Move Or Die.” That is what a Katrina that the couple was targeted for their sexual and Marashette Burks came home to on July orientation. 16, spray-painted all around their North side “They broke into the home, stole items, but residence. Thieves broke into their house, stole then they went the extra mile and included items, destroyed their belongings and coated a message of hate,” Maddock said. “I saw the walls with hateful and vulgar graffiti. the graffiti on the walls...This was a targeted “They didn’t even have the decency to crime.” bring their own spray paint, they got the stuff off my back porch, so its really ridiculous,” The vandals spray painted the walls and other property in the couples’ home, including a wedding photo of them said Katrina. on the shelf. The couple also lost their wedding album. Their wedding photo that hung in the living room was smashed – their wedding album- gone. The couple cannot go anywhere in their TOWN HALL AUG 13 home without seeing messages of hate. the crime, but there are currently no suspects. go along with that hate, and to not have us as “There’s been gay people since the beginning Hadley also stated that his department a protected class is a huge issue,” KLGRC Kalamazoo Resource Center of time. We’re not going away. Regardless of cannot seek a hate crime charge because of Executive Director Jay Maddock said. how you feel about lesbians or homosexuals Michigan’s statute which protects individuals There have been several incidences of hate The KGLRC has called for community action in general, keep them to yourself,” said against crimes due to “race, color, religion, targeted at the Kalamazoo LGBT community to stay informed and keep others informed to always be alert and look out for one another Marashette. gender, or national origin,” but not sexual in the past month, most of which have gone orientation and gender identity. unreported to media due to fear, Maddock and to get involved in LGBT community events. Despite the threats, the Burks say they aren’t A community forum will be held on Aug.13. moving. “It’s a problem, because the LGBT says, “And that’s a problem.” Check the KGLRC website for more information Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley community is a vulnerable population that is Over 50 percent of LGBT individuals live at www.kglrc.org. said that the force will continue to investigate target of a specific hate, and crimes like that in fear of targeted violence. Michigan is one Washtenaw County Candidates Rated On LGBT Issues

BY BTL STAFF The 25 candidates who responded were rated on a scale of 1-5, with Candidate Office Rating Ann Arbor’s Jim Toy Community 1 showing no support for LGBT Veronique Liem Washtenaw County Circuit Court 5 Center (JTCC) has released the equality and 5 showing the most Jane Bassett Washtenaw County Probate Judge 5 results from its first municipal support and understanding of LGBT Constance Jones Washtenaw County Probate Judge 5 candidate questionnaire for the equality and issues. Tracy Van den Bergh Washtenaw County Probate Judge 5 2014 Washtenaw County primary Kent Martinez-Krantz Washtenaw County Commission (D1) 4 Felicia Brabec Washtenaw County Commission (D4) 5 elections. The results found: Victor Dobrin Washtenaw County Commission (D5) 4.5 The survey was designed to gauge JTCC, as a non-profit, does not Wilma Gold-Jones Washtenaw County Commission (D5) 5 and elicit candidates’ commitments give out endorsements and has Ruth Ann Jamnick Washtenaw County Commission (D5) 4.5 to LGBTQ issues and equality. created the ratings system to aide Andrew LaBarre Washtenaw County Commission (D7) 5 Every candidate filed with the the LGBT community. The center Jeffrey Gallatin Washtenaw County Commission (D8) 2 Washtenaw County Clerk’s office is located at 319 Braun Ct., Ann Yousef Rabhi Washtenaw County Commission (D8) 5 was delivered the questionnaire, Arbor. Call 734-995-9867 or visit Conan Smith Washtenaw County Commission (D9) 5 which asked them to describe their www.jimtoycenter.org for more Amanda Edmonds Ypsilanti Mayor 5 level of personal involvement information. Peter Murdock Ypsilanti Mayor 5 with the LGBT community and Brian Robb Ypsilanti City Council (Ward 3) 5 Christopher Taylor Ann Arbor Mayor 5 also included statements where Sabra Briere Ann Arbor Mayor 5 candidates could agree or disagree Keep up with LGBTQ politics and politicians in your area at www. Sally Hart Petersen Ann Arbor Mayor 5 with certain topics. Those topics Sumi Kaliasapathy Ann Arbor City Council (Ward 1) 4.5 included same-sex marriage, pridesource.com/specialsection. Kirk Westphal Ann Arbor City Council (Ward 2) 5 domestic health benefits and same- html?section=guide-voter Nancy Kaplan Ann Arbor City Council (Ward 2) 4.5 sex adoption. Each candidate was Julie Grand Ann Arbor City Council (Ward 3) 5 allowed open-ended responses to Samuel McMullen Ann Arbor City Council (Ward 3) 3 each question or statement. Chuck Warpehoski Ann Arbor City Council (Ward 5) 4

6 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 7 The Best of Hotter Than July 2014 BY JASON A. MICHAEL

1 Nearly 60 people attended Hotter Than July’s annual Gathering on LGBT Issues Friday. 14 The conference took place at the Michigan State University Detroit Center in Midtown. Tim Retzloff, a longtime Between The Lines contributing writer and a doctoral graduate of Yale University, delivered the keynote address, which focused on African American LGBT History in Detroit from 1945 - 1985. “It’s history that’s slowly being forgotten,” Retzloff said. While he mentioned familiar names like Ruth Ellis and controversial minister Prophet Jones, Retzloff also spoke of lesser known early gay organizers in Detroit such as Leon DeMeunier and John Pierre Adams. He spoke of the separatism and racism that existed in Detroit’s LGBT community. “African Americans who were ‘in the life’ in the two decades after World War II had far different options for socializing than lesbian and gay whites,” Retzloff said. “They 121 were largely unwelcome at the white working class gay bars around Farmer and Bates 13 during the 1940s and 1950s.” Applause at the end of Retzloff’s presentation was thunderous. It was followed by a panel discussion on bridging the gap between the LGBT community’s past and future. Later, the Hotter Than July Milestone Awards were presented. Awardees included veterans of Detroit’s LGBT community Kofi Adoma, Hank Millbourne and Rev. Darlene Franklin as well as younger activists Bre’ Campbell and Royale Theus. “We believe that Hotter Than July is a space where we recognize not only our past but our future,” said Curtis Lipscomb, executive director of KICK, the agency that produces Hotter Than July. Visit www.pridesource.com for coverage of all 2014 HTJ events along with photo galleries.

BTL PHOTOS BY JASON. A MICHAEL 9

1 Rhiannon and Shawnda on the boat ride 2 Khaos Mizrahi at the picnic 3 Izaya Cole performing at the picnic 4 Bre’, John and David on the boat ride 5 The men of Kappa Psi Kappa at the Film Festival 6 Cierra Malone performing at the picnic 7 Robert Tate and Curtis Lipscomb pose with Democratic vice gubernatorial candidate Lisa Brown at the brunch 8 Drummers at the candlelight vigil 9 Innocence Rodeo at the picnic 2 10 Jerome feeling the rhythm on the boat ride 10 11 Logan Mario performing at the picnic 12 An up and coming drummer at the vigil 13 Chico Showboi performing at the picnic 14 Nkozi and Austin at the picnic 7

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www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 9 The DeBoer-Rowse family returns to court Aug. 5. They are seen here after the conclusion ot the trial in March that led to Michigan’s same-sex marriage ban being struck down. BTL file photo: Andrew Potter Michigan Marriage Case Gets 6th Circuit Hearing What Can We Expect From Aug. 6 Hearing?

BY JAY KAPLAN pending in Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The DeBoer plaintiffs are represented by With 92 federal and state cases currently private counsel Dana Nessel, Carol Stanyar, pending in 33 states, and with federal district Ken Mogill and Robert Sedler. You’ll recall courts striking down state law prohibitions that on March 21, Federal District Court Judge on same-sex couples marrying, almost on a Bernard Friedman struck down Michigan’s weekly basis, we are witnessing tremendous prohibition on same-sex couples marrying judicial progress towards marriage equality. as unconstitutional, in violation of the equal This could eventually lead to a decision by protection clause of the federal constitution. the U.S. Supreme Court on marriage equality Judge Friedman issued an order enjoining the for same-sex couples once and for all in all State of Michigan from continuing to enforce 50 states. Before we can get there, however, this prohibition. He did not “stay” (put on many of these favorable district court decisions hold) his Order and, for almost a 24-hour are being appealed to the next level of federal period, the law in Michigan was that same- courts, the Circuit Courts of Appeals. These sex couples could marry. During this short Circuit Courts cover several states, and the window, more that 300 same-sex couples (in Appeal Court decision involving one state can four counties - Ingham, Oakland, Muskegon impact all of those covered states. As of this and Washtenaw) legally married in Michigan. date, we have two favorable decisions out of Michigan’s Attorney General Bill Schuette and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding Gov. Snyder immediately appealed to the 6th federal district court decisions in Utah and Circuit Court of Appeals requesting a stay of Oklahoma in favor of marriage equality. Over Judge Friedman’s Order. It was granted by the the next several months we can expect more 6th Circuit pending the appeal by the State, decisions from the various Circuit Court of meaning that no further marriage licenses Appeals which will impact when and how the could be issued to same-sex couples. U.S. Supreme Court will take up this issue. The following is some basic information Currently, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals about the DeBoer Appeal in the 6th Circuit and has scheduled a hearing date next Wednesday, what we may or may not be able to expect at Aug. 6 in the DeBoer v Snyder case, Michigan’s the Aug. 6 hearing. marriage case, along with marriage cases See Marriage, next page 10 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com DeBoer is the only case on appeal challenging a state’s ban Rallies And March For Marriage Equality on the right to marry. The other cases involve appeals of Planned In Michigan And Ohio decisions ordering the states to recognize legal marriages BY AJ TRAGER between same-sex couples performed in other states. The 6th Circuit Court hearing is just around the corner and MI and OH marriage equality groups have worked hard to gather support for repealing the same-sex marriage ban. • The 6th Circuit covers four states: This would seem to make the federal district Several rallies and marches in both states Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. The decision less likely to be reversed on appeal. have been organized. LGBT and allies are Courtroom for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals An appellate court reviews findings of law, urged to bring their friends and family and where cases are argued is in Cincinnati, Ohio. not findings of fact. show their support. • There are five marriage equality cases on • It is highly unlikely that the panel will appeal before the 6th Circuit and all five cases issue a decision on any of these cases on will be heard on August 6. The DeBoer appeal Aug. 6th. All the cases have been thoroughly Ohio Gatherings oral argument will be heard at 1 p.m. An hour briefed, but it’s much more likely that an On Aug. 5, the eve of the hearing, a rally has been scheduled for the argument, with both opinion or opinions will be issued several for marriage will be held in downtown sides having 30 minutes. months after the hearing date. Cincinnati at Lytle Park. The rally will be held • DeBoer is the only case on appeal • The Court could issue one decision from 5:30-7 p.m. and will feature speakers challenging a state’s ban on the right to marry. covering all five states, could issue five like former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. The other cases involve appeals of decisions different opinions or could issue and opinion Organizers of the event have asked attendees ordering the states to recognize legal marriages addressing the issue of marriage equality to wear red in support of marriage equality. between same-sex couples performed in other (DeBoer) and an opinion addressing the issue Visit the Facebook website to sign up states. Ohio: Henry v Himes and Obergefill v of recognizing legal marriages between same- and get more info at www.facebook.com/ Himes (recognizing out of state marriages for sex couples granted in other states. events/328119387363737/. purposes of death certificate). • These decisions will impact all four states There will be a march at noon the following • Kentucky: Bourke v Beshear and in the 6th Circuit - so a favorable decision on day at the Cincinnati Federal Court House. Tennessee: Tanco v Haslem. These marriage marriage equality in DeBoer would impact The Midwest March for Equality will include Courthouse. Visit the Facebook page for more recognition cases have been allotted 30 not only Michigan, but Ohio, Kentucky and OH, MI, TN and KY. The march will include information and to RSVP at www.facebook. minutes - with 15 minutes for each side. Tennessee. a commitment ceremony and feature key com/events/589041154549579/. Those cases will be heard after the DeBoer • The panel could decide to uphold the speakers David Pepper, Joe Otis and Joshua The Rally for Marriage in Michigan will arguments. The 6th Circuit is expecting DeBoer decision – in favor of marriage Alan Snyder-Hill & Steven Steve Snyder- be held at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the First capacity crowds at these hearings and has set equality. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Hill. Coffee and donuts will be provided Presbyterian Church 510 W. Ottawa St., aside two overflow rooms for live streaming marriage licenses would have to immediately for those who participate early and arrive Lansing. of the arguments. be issued in these four states. Michigan could at 11:30 a.m. The march is expected to Another rally for Michigan has been • A three judge panel has been assigned to (and most likely will) appeal this decision conclude around 3 p.m. For more info, visit planned for the Detroit area, but a final the case, as is typical with the Circuit Court of to the U.S. Supreme Court, and in doing so, the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ location has yet to be decided. Follow Appeals, despite the fact that there are a total they could request a stay of the Appeals Court events/406902512782366/. pridesource.com to get up to date information of 14 sitting judges on the bench who hear favorable decision. They could also request on when and where to be for the 6th circuit cases (there is currently one vacancy on the an “en banc” rehearing of the case – asking rallies and marches. Court). Those three judges (who have been that the entire panel of the 6th Circuit Court Michigan Gatherings appointed by the President of the United States of Appeals review the appeal. If an en banc A marriage equality rally for those unable For more information on the events to be held for life terms) are Martha Craig Doughtrey (a hearing is granted, this would obviously to make it to the Ohio events will be Clinton appointee), Deborah Cook and Jeffrey further delay a final decision from the 6th in Michigan go to http://action.marriagemi.org/ held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, page/s/rally-for-marriage and sign up. Sutton (both appointees of George W.Bush). Circuit and any potential appeal to the U.S. Aug. 5 in Flint at the Genesee County This panel will be hearing and deciding all Supreme Court. (It should be noted that five of the marriage related cases before the Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette had 6th Circuit. It’s difficult to predict how they previously requested that the State’s appeal be Caspar v Snyder (2014) – a federal lawsuit filed by will decide based on the political affiliations heard en banc, bypassing a three judge panel. Mich. Marriage Cases the ACLU challenging the State of Michigan’s refusal of the Presidents who appointed them. Judge This request was denied. In addition to the DeBoer case, there are four other to recognize the legal marriages granted in Michigan Sutton is considered a leader of conservative • The panel could reverse the lower court marriage and relationship recognition cases in as a result of the favorable decision in DeBoer (prior jurists on the 6th Circuit (he was Supreme decision and hold that it is constitutional for Michigan that have been filed in the federal district to a stay being entered). A motion hearing has been court against Gov. Snyder and the State of Michigan. scheduled for Aug. 21 in Judge Michael Goldsmith’s Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s clerk) and he is states to deny same-sex couples the right court in Flint. a member of the Federalist Society. However, to marry. If that does happen, the DeBoer he also was the first Republican Judge on plaintiffs could also request an en banc Bassett v Snyder (2012) – a federal lawsuit brought a Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the review or could appeal directly to the U.S. by the ACLU challenging a Michigan law that makes Blankenship v Snyder (2014) – a federal lawsuit filed in the Eastern District challenging the State’s refusal constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Supreme Court. Usually the Supreme Court it illegal for certain public employers from offering health insurance benefits to same-sex partners of to recognize an out of state marriage, as a result of It’s safe to say, however, that there needs to is inclined to take a case where there are the decision in DeBoer. Plaintiffs are represented be at least two votes out of the three to uphold employees, even where - the eligibility criteria is differing opinions coming from Circuit Court unrelated to recognizing a same-sex relationship. A by Alec Gibbs. the lower court decision in DeBoer. of Appeals (and here we would have the 6th preliminary injunction was entered by Judge Lawson • What is unique about the federal district Circuit reaching a decision that is at odds with in 2013, preventing further enforcement of the law Morgan v Snyder – a federal lawsuit filed in the decision in the DeBoer case is that it is the the 10th Circuit). and we are awaiting a final judgment on the law Western District, challenging the State’s refusal to only marriage equality decision (other than which could permanently enjoin the law. recognize an out of state marriage, as a result of the Perry case in California) where there Jay Kaplan is an attorney with the ACLU of the decision in DeBoer. Plaintiffs are represented by was a full-fledged trial with both evidence Michigan and heads the LGBT project. He can be Stepanie Myott of Rhoades and McKee. and testimony supporting findings of fact. reached at [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 11 JHVH’s Door Bell Trade Equality Michigan Starts Parting Glances Petition To Change Michfest BY BTL STAFF has come; we are drawing a line in the 5. Requesting that any artists sand, this ‘intention’ can no longer participating this year speak against OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER Twenty-three years ago Nancy stand,” reads the petition page. the policy while on stage. Burkholder was asked to leave the Equality Michigan is asking for 6. Make it clear to any artists and t’s hard to say if it’s a good thing or an alarming thing, a Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival support through the petition page and vendors participating in the future plus or a minus for the city of Detroit, but there are 90,000 because she was not a “womyn- asking the public to sign the petition that until this policy ends, their IJehovah’s Witnesses in town for a second convention go born-womyn.” Since then, debate has which states, “We have listened to your participation will be seen as anti- around in two months. taken place with festival owner Lisa arguments over the past 23 years, and transgender discrimination. When the JWs – everybody’s unrelenting religious DBT (door Vogel and organizers of the festival feel that we have waited long enough 7. Share publicly a list of any future bell trade) – were here in June the downtown area swarmed with and community members and artists for you to catch up to the rest of us. The artists and vendors with entertainment 40,000 of these end times, apocalyptic zealots. across the country. On July 28, Equality time has come, this ‘intention’ must venues and LGBT event producers with From my studio front porch vantage point, I’m counting the Michigan called for an end to the come to an end. Until that happens, we an explanation as to why they are seen dozen or more Trinity Transportation buses that are dropping off “womyn-born-womyn” festival policy are committed to the following: as having committed anti-transgender and picking up these seemingly happy, conservatively dressed and is calling for and end to transgender “1. Demanding you end the ‘womyn- discrimination.” conventioneers in front of the parking structure across from me. exclusion at Michfest. It is asking the born-womyn’ intention at Michigan Two viewpoints follow on the next There’s a certain irony in the mode of pick up and deliverance public to support the policy change Womyn’s Music Festival. page. by these rental yellow buses in that the JWs do not believe in the by signing an online petition at http:// 2. Request that Lisa Vogel, as co- traditional Christian Trinity. eqmi.us/mwmf14. founder and owner, meet with leaders They also don’t believe in a literal Hell, don’t believe that “Finally, the reality is that the lesbian, of the transgender community and Jesus is God don’t celebrate Christmas or family birthdays,and gay and bisexual community cannot enter the space with an open mind to are looking forward – eagerly, warning all in earshot – that a stand by any longer and pretend that the notion that transgender womyn are vindictive, vengeful Armageddon is just around the corner. any form of transgender discrimination womyn too, and have shared in their (Misery loves company school of Christianity.) can be painted over as a feminist or experiences. Join The Conversation JWs, like so many end-times American-founded millennialist progressive issue. We must stand up, 4. Asking artists and attendees to Offer your viewpoint on the Michfest debate religions – Seventh Day Adventist, Christadelphians, Worldwide even if it is to our own, and make it act in harmony with their equal rights by visiting www.pridesource.com or the Church of God and a host of other Left Behind fundygelicals – clear that transgender women deserve values and NOT attend the festival until BTL Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ thrive and grow in times of global trouble, polar vortexes and to be treated as women in all settings. the transgender discrimination ends, BetweenTheLinesNewspaper. political Tea Bagger disasters. The comparison that a women’s only and instead support other women’s Back in the days of World War I, the JW recruitment campaign festival is similar to a transgender events which are creating a safe space See Lisa Vogel’s original statement slogan was, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die!” These biblical only or people of color only event is for transgender women so they can at www.pridesource.com/article. alarmists at Bethel World Headquarters, Brooklyn, New York, offensive and unacceptable. The time join as well. html?article=59817. predicted Jehovah’s army of avenging angels would settle the score in 1914, then changed battle dates to 1925, 1950 and 1975. The JWs no longer predict a specific trumpet shout for Armageddon, but tell any and all who will listen – or better still, purchase copies of Awake! and Watch Tower – ad nauseam – that it’s time to repent, especially gays and lesbians. (They’re currently sorting through ‘transgenderism.’ Oral sex was debated ten years ago.) May I say, to the JW’s credit, that a real plus for them as an American-based religion is that they don’t get involved in politics. Theirs is a faith that truly practices – albeit by doctrinal default – separation of Church and State. (JWs also don’t salute the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance or stand for the Star Spangled Banner, whether or not Aretha Franklin or Lady Gaga sings it. They do however drink alcohol. God knows it helps.) I’ve been privileged to become artist friends with two ex JWs, Carl and Mariuca Wilson. Carl’s a former elder; Mariuca, a once privileged member for several years of Bethel Headquarter staff. They met, fell in love, came to eventually realize that the JW theocracy was controlling and damaging to theirs and others’ wellbeing and mental health. Carl and Maricua left the JWs, married and have since been disfellowshiped. No JW will associate with them. Carl’s brother, well-known Ferndale massage therapist Steve, is gay, and Carl and Mariuca also left painfully saddened by the suicide death of a young gay kid who was told his life was an abomination to his doorbell ringing JHVH god. (Buzz off! Big Guy.) [email protected]

12 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Viewpoint Why Trans Exclusion At Michfest Must Finally End are rightfully insistent that how we identify are needing, desperately, a safe and validating in place to combat hate crimes and transgender is who we are and that who we are and how place to rest. women of color are disproportionately targeted we identify can be expressed in a multitude Many excuses for trans*exclusion at Michfest for the most violent hate crimes. The exclusion of ways along the gender continuum. If one are rooted in prejudice and ignorance. Painting of trans*people continues to make them islands of our allies in the struggle for equal rights trans*women as dangerous is drinking the or to ignore that they are left stranded on islands, identifies with the larger experience of being a extremist Kool-Aid. It naively ignores the even while we are finally acknowledging the woman/womyn, then they are with us and we violence we do to each other by claiming that danger they are in. are stronger together. we can be in a space that accepts intolerance Equality Michigan – as the statewide OPINION BY EMILY DIEVENDORF When women/womyn from all over the and degradation and still be safe. Painting advocacy organization for the LGB and T nation converge on one piece of land with the trans*women as foreign to our experience as communities in Michigan – asks that you live lofty goals of creating security, empowerment women when many of our trans*sisters have your values. Stop playing Fest. Stop sponsoring “We have said that this space, for this week, and inclusion for each other and one particular spent a lifetime feeling cast out simply because Fest. Stop attending and giving your money to is intended to be for womyn who were born group of women/womyn is clearly defined their identification with the female experience is an event that, in being passive in its bigotry, is female, raised as girls and who continue to as both not belonging and threatening the so very real, is to tell them that we don’t believe active in its exclusion – because your money identify as womyn. This is an intention for the attainability of that utopia, we are offering them when they tell us who they are. It is to say is its own passive acceptance of how your spirit of our gathering, rather than the focus of validation to the arguments of those who clearly with our dollars, our presence and our investment impacts those around you. Stop the festival.” – Lisa Vogel dehumanize and attack trans*women. In silence that we don’t see them as women. It uses making excuses. Supporting Michfest makes The problem with a clearly stated intention our exclusion we are ensuring that we know arguments that have been used against women us weapons against our own people. Until is that it is also a declaration of ideology and a trans*women less as humans and sisters of color, women of certain faiths, women who trans*women are invited to sit next to you as vision. In Lisa Vogel’s vision for the world that and are less likely to feel accountable to a are gender non-conforming and women of their authentic selves, it is hypocrisy and it she creates every year through the Michigan trans*woman’s suffering. different ethnicities against another group of is harm. Until the Michigan Womyn’s Music Womyn’s Music Festival, trans*women are Please, embrace and appreciate your “Fest our own. It hinders the safety of any womyn Festival’s “intention” is changed to a “policy not included. Her “intention” is that, were they family,” but reunite and grow your family attending that cannot or won’t fit themselves of full inclusion for all women,” we must stop to follow the vision she clings to, they would at an event that does not harm others. For into boxes. It makes us wrong. supporting Michfest. not show up, or they would show up and crawl marginalized groups, our close-knit support While our world is starting to more openly Sign our petition at http://eqmi.us/mwmf14. into themselves once inside the gates so as not system is commonly that which is developed celebrate trans leaders and pop culture icons, Contact the artists. Build the pro-woman/ to alarm other women with their presence. I over time with people who were once strangers we are not yet making the connection that womyn oasis you need, wish to see and that ask you not to respect the intention. It isn’t but who share our experience. Your found while anti-trans violence may most often ALL women deserve. respectable. family is invaluable. If you view Michfest as come from outside the LGB communities (not Emily Dievendorf is executive director of We are at a point in history where many of us, your safe space remember that trans*women are always) we are complicit in the vulnerability of Equality Michigan. She can be reached at Emily@ especially in queer and feminist communities, the least protected from violence among us and trans*people. Michigan has no legal protections equalitymi.org. Viewpoint Boycott Michfest Till Trans Inclusion A Reality

for all women can only mean that at first Vogel I’d love to simply ignore the largest become an “intention,” but official statements mistakenly assumed we weren’t women. Once still reinforce this hostility. After all this time, she realized we’d been attending all along, she women’s gathering in the world, and whom do you still expect to persuade? The year added the caveat “womyn-born-womyn” to her after this first started, a survey found that three definition, rather than examine why it might not be reminded of my second- quarters of attendees wanted us to stay, but the be that trans women felt the need to be there. class status, or listen to garbage only changes we see from the organizers today We are crushed under a unique and terrifying are the mildness of the phrases they substitute OPINION BY ZOE STEINFIELD blend of sexism and transphobia out here, that about “male energy.” But as a queer, for “NO TR***IES.” Because Vogel implies murders trans women at a rate several times that the festival’s future is your responsibility higher than other queer women. Meanwhile, feminist, Michigander woman, it’s and not hers, you want to change her perspective Our culture hates transgender women like the hyper-visible Michfest gives credence to from within. Instead, you are giving your me. If a TV is on, I can expect to be demeaned as the idea that our only refuges should turn us here in my backyard, and I witness assurance that as long as she feigns progress, disturbing and laughable, deceptively attractive away. We’re not demanding they let us in, my friends speaking of a place that you will never be too fed up on our behalf to and tellingly ugly, excessively feminine and but that they stop pushing us out. We’re not walk away from the Land you love. The vast unavoidably masculine. These stereotypes are invading women’s spaces with men’s bodies, invalidates me with reverence. majority of you support inclusion. This festival contradictory but persistent. Growing up, even we’re women banished from our own spaces. is yours too. Real change will occur when you friends repeated them, assuming that no one Any woman with a body has a woman’s body. are willing to stand in solidarity with us until who would mind could hear, and I was shamed To tell a marginalized woman that she’s Michfest apologizes and welcomes us home. into silence. not welcome in a women’s space because her As many groups of marginalized women People don’t see me. They see dehumanizing witness my friends speaking with reverence of body upsets you is not body-positive. To judge a place that rejects me. It’s so close to home in have taught us, there is no “universal woman’s images, which influence who they think a her an outsider based on a violent patriarchal experience.” But if you do the right thing, this trans woman is: certainly not any woman they every sense that it feels like a slap in the face. system of sex assignment is not feminist. To I know most of you want to change something patch of earth could flourish into a source of might know. In reality, we share communities – echo conservative paranoia about her isn’t strength for all women. If the Law of the Land including queer, feminist, lesbian and women’s you love so that I can love it too. But ask progressive. To attempt to speak in her stead – yourselves if, in the absence of our voices, can be changed, this is the only way. And if it communities. We share with other women a by wearing a t-shirt and attending a workshop can’t, what are you doing there? There are other need for healing space from a world that tells your efforts have been enough. None of this – while paying to enjoy the institution that is new. We first had this conversation over women’s festivals that include trans women. us, from our earliest memories, that being a silences her isn’t allyship. Please, don’t go to Michfest. girl is less. A world that punishes us for not twenty years ago when Nancy Burkholder I’d love to simply ignore the largest women’s was interrogated and ejected, and every year being something we aren’t with every sort gathering in the world and not be reminded of my of violence it can muster. In 1976, Michigan since. Meanwhile, trans women are jeered, Zoe is a trans* rights activist operating out of the second-class status, or listen to misconceptions misgendered, publically outed, and in a twist Womyn’s Music Festival founder Lisa Vogel about my socialization or some projected “male Lansing area. Support trans inclusion by signing advertised her event to fill this need. That Vogel of irony, accused of being abusive for speaking energy.” But as a queer, feminist, Michigander out against our own oppression. The ban has the petition at http://eqmi.us/mwmf14 claims a women’s festival was never intended woman, it’s here in my backyard, and I have to www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 13 Fourth Circuit Panel Strikes Down Michele Bachmann OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI

kay folks, let’s get a couple people with unique points of views Virginia’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban of things out of the way here. and life experiences or anything. OFirst, Michele Bachmann Nope. Just a bunch of dyke clones on (R- Minnesota) motorcycles and identical muscled is still a member guys wearing thongs on a rainbow The U.S. Court of Appeals for of the United parade float forcing everyone to the 4th Circuit July 28 affirmed a We recognize that same-sex marriage makes States House of worship their cocks. After all, if you district court ruling striking down Representatives don’t eat your meat you can’t have Virginia’s ban on marriage for some people deeply uncomfortable. However, inertia and no matter how any pudding. same-sex couples. The decision “ apprehension are not legitimate bases for denying same-sex many times Sorry, I think I was just channeling will not take effect immediately, I close my a Marcus Bachmann fever dream… but will go into effect in 21 days, couples due process and equal protection of the laws. eyes and wish My point is, unless the defendants file a motion to stay the ruling. The ruling will Michele Bachmann she would go As for financing the gay agenda, also be stayed if the defendants ask away. Second, she did not say that well, she’s right about that. For - Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd immigrant children should be forced example, my gay agenda currently the full court of appeals to review ” into work camps. It’s a story that is to buy a house and I need a the case. originated on a poorly done satire mortgage. Voila, my gay agenda is “We recognize that same-sex marriage makes some people deeply uncomfortable,” said Circuit Judge Henry F. Floyd. “However, inertia ruling for equality. Herring came ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and As for financing the gay agenda, well, she’s right about that. and apprehension are not legitimate out in support of the challengers of Transgender Project, who argued bases for denying same-sex couples the Virginia ban shortly after taking the case for the class before the For example, my gay agenda currently is to buy a house and due process and equal protection of office this year. federal appeals court. “In the 47 the laws. Civil marriage is one of “This is a historic ruling for our years since, committed same-sex I need a mortgage. Voila, my gay agenda is being financed. the cornerstones of our way of life.” Commonwealth, and its effect will couples in the commonwealth In a 2 to 1 vote, the panel of U.S. affirm once again that Virginia is a have been patiently waiting for Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit state that is open and welcoming the freedom to marry the person website and progressive sites such being financed. ruled that a fundamental right to to all,” McAuliffe said. “I want they love. Today’s decision sends as Think Progress got a little too Of course, right-wing loons like marry is guaranteed under the to thank Attorney General Mark a message that everyone deserves excited and published it as fact. Bachmann prefer to make up totally constitution regardless of sexual Herring for his leadership in this the dignity and protection that only In their defense, however, crazy shit that they claim is the “gay orientation. Circuit Court Judge case, and all of the men and women comes with marriage.” Bachmann says a lot of crazy shit. agenda.” Rodger L. Gregory joined Judge who fought for years to make this The couples representing the And the tenor of the Republican “I believe that we’re going to see Floyd in support of overturning the day a reality. Progress does not class in the case are Joanne Harris immigration debate is perfectly coming an effort for, uh, multiples in ban with Judge Paul V. Niemeyer always come as quickly as we hope and Jessica Duff of Staunton and suited to include an argument that marriage, not just two, but multiples in opposition. it will, but today is yet another Christy Berghoff and Victoria Kidd we should round these kids up and in marriage,” she says. “I think they “Civil marriage is one of the example of how justice, equality of Winchester. make ‘em work to teach them “about wanna legalize that. I think also they cornerstones of our way of life,” and the people who fight for those “We’re overjoyed that we’re a the American way of life.” want to abolish age of consent laws, Floyd said. “It allows individuals values will always persevere in step closer to being recognized by So sorry, not sorry, Michele which means children, uh, we will to celebrate and publicly the end.” our loved ones and community the Bachmann. do away with statutory rape laws so declare their intentions to form The case, Bostic v. Schaefer, same way that all of our opposite- Especially since Bachmann really that adults will be able to freely prey lifelong partnerships, which included a certified class made up sex married friends and relatives did say some incredibly awful things on little children sexually. That’s the provide unparalleled intimacy, of approximately 14,000 same-sex are,” said Harris. “Although Jessi during a July 23 appearance on the deviance that we’re seeing embraced companionship, emotional couples in the commonwealth who and I are absolutely committed to Filth and Liberty radio show. in our culture today.” support and security. The choice want to get married or want their each other and our son, marriage Bachmann and host Dave Garrison Uh, no. There is not a cultural of whether and whom to marry is out-of-state marriages recognized holds an unparalleled meaning, were having a sad discussion about embrace of polygamy or kid fucking an intensely personal decision that in Virginia and are represented both legally and emotionally.” how mean gays are to people “with and anyone who claims such a thing alters the course of an individual’s by the American Civil Liberties If the Supreme Court doesn’t a Christian world view” and how is an idiot. life. Denying same-sex couples Union, the ACLU of Virginia, grant review of the decision, the gays want “to punish people who “We need to stand up and as this choice prohibits them from Lambda Legal and the law firm of appeals court decision will be don’t agree with [their] viewpoint.” believers not be afraid to speak participating fully in our society, Jenner & Block. In addition, two final, and all same-sex couples in Because of how Christians are a the truth,” she says to her fellow which is precisely the type of plaintiff couples in Norfolk are Virginia who want to get married persecuted minority in “God we anti-gay Christians. “Don’t be segregation that the Fourteenth represented in the case by attorneys or want their marriages recognized trust” America. intimidated, there’s no reason to be.” Amendment cannot countenance.” Ted Olson and David Boies, their will be able to do so. The ruling “This is their ultimate goal, is to Unfortunately, Bachmann’s This ruling makes the 4th Circuit law firms, Gibson Dunn and Boies, could also impact similar bans in not allow for diversity of opinion on relationship to “truth” and facts the second appeals court to decide Schiller & Flexner LLP and the the remaining 4th Circuit states this issue, because they don’t want is pretty rocky. But that’s never that state bans are unconstitutional. law firm of Shuttleworth, Ruloff, (North Carolina, South Carolina to be celebrated, they want to force stopped her before. U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Swain, Haddad & Morecock, P.C. and West Virginia) that continue everyone to not only agree with Which is why so many people Circuit in Denverhas struck down “The historic Supreme Court to discriminate against same-sex them but also have to finance their believed it when they read that bans in both Utah and Oklahoma. case that allowed for people couples. agenda,” Bachmann wailed. Bachmann favored Americanization Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe of different races to marry, so praised Attorney General Mark providentially named Loving First of all, it’s cute that Bachmann labor camps for immigrant kids. More information on this case can be R. Herring for refusing to defend v. Virginia, started here,” said thinks that gays agree with each Because she’s a fountain of bad and found at: www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/ other about everything. Because, hateful and stupid ideas. the ban and applauded the court’s James Esseks, director of the harris-et-al-v-mcdonnell-et-a. you know, homos aren’t individual 14 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com

MICHIGAN GOES TO OHIO Meet The Athletes Competing At The Cleveland Gay Games events” – band and chorus – are also center and quarterback on offense and TRAVEL GUIDE held. The games run from Aug. 9-15, corner on defense,” he says. “We’re with the opening ceremony presented hoping we come home with a medal BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS from 6 to 10:30 p.m. on the first day like we did in 2006, but no pressure.” of the games. A live broadcast of the That pressure might subside as the The Ninth Gay Games will be opening ceremony can be viewed at team looks forward to several more coming to the Great Lakes this www.ccesportsnetwork.com. competitions after the games. “We August with the Cleveland Gay Ken Mammo, a Michigan-based participate in three annual, national Games. Considered the “LGBT athlete and a Gay Games Ambassador, tournaments against other state’s Olympics,” the event first began notes that the 2006 games in teams,” Kopleman adds. “In October, in 1982 when Dr. Tom Waddell Chicago had over 10,000 athletes we’ll be going to GayBowlXIV designed the event in San Francisco from over 100 countries. “Like the in Philadelphia, and in February as “a vehicle for change.” Olympic games, each country enters we’ll take in some sun at the Florida Out of this initial event has come the stadium followed by the U.S. Sunshine Cup. There’s also PrideBowl the Federation of Gay Games, which who enter by state. Exciting is an in Chicago next June.” serves as governing body, and ever- understatement!” Mammo says of Outside of the “Gay Olympics,” the growing participation and positive the opening ceremony. “I was never Michigan Panthers play as part of the change for the LGBT community. so proud of our community, seeing so Metro Detroit Flag Football League, This year’s games in Cleveland, many athletes coming together in the some players competing in other open to both LGBTQ and allied. The themed around “Go All Out,” will spirit of competition. The entire city Flag Football sports such as diving, rock climbing league has grown to eight teams, have over 8,000 participants – of Chicago was very welcoming and Flag Football is similar to American and soccer (on the Detroit Drive). including athletes from Toledo and LGBTQ or allied – competing for supportive. I’m sure Cleveland will be football except for tackling; instead of The group, which celebrated its eighth Windsor, and play in the spring and gold, silver or bronze. Events familiar just as welcoming.” more physical force typically found in anniversary on July 17, played its fall (the fall season begins Sept. 6). to Olympic-watchers, such as soccer, Michigan will be well represented the game, players have a flag hanging first game at the Chicago Gay Games Find out more about the MDFFL or swimming and track & field, will be at these games, and BTL spoke to from their belts removed in place of (where they won, 45-7). Head of the Michigan Panthers at www.mdffl. featured, as well as some more unique a few who will be competing in a tackle. The Michigan Panthers will the team, Leeron Kopleman, spoke org or www.michiganpanthers.org. sporting events like rock climbing, Cleveland. Here’s what they had be the LGBT team representing the with BTL. “I’ve been on the team flag football and more. Two “cultural since the beginning, playing receiver, to say: mitten state at the Gay Games, with See Gay Games, page 20

16 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 17 Tips For Your Market Days Trip

TRAVEL GUIDE $5 for the initial card and $10, $20 or $28 for a one-, three- or seven-day BY JEROME STUART NICHOLS pass, respectively. The card is good on all CTA busses and trains. After Each summer for the past 32 years, it expires, keep the card to refill for queers, freaks and friends from around up to four years. If cabs are more the world converge on downtown your thing, Uber and Lyft both offer Chicago to shop, eat and dance during flexible ride options. the Midwest’s largest street fair, Market Days. About 100,000 people Where to stay are expected to flood into the six- block stretch Aug. 9-10 for this year’s Where you stay in Chicago festival, many of them Michiganders. depends on much you’re willing With only a $10 suggested donation to spend. for entrance, and a selection of 400 For a city like Chicago, try food and art vendors, it’s well worth Priceline.com or Hotels.com for the few hours it takes to get there from more reasonable rates. If you need the Detroit area. non-traditional, home-style or “It’s an eclectic group of people,” last minute lodging, check out says Novi resident Kevin Griffin, Airbnb.com; pricing is often cheaper who attends Market Days annually. than hotels but with the comfort and “You see families – quite a few people privacy of staying in a home. with strollers – and I always run into When looking for a place to some friends out there. Then you have stay, try looking right outside the the people in leather (who are) really heart of Market Days (remember: scantily clad. It’s really fun!” public transportation can get you experience, Michael Durant of This year, the lineup includes in late morning or late night to avoid where you wanna go). In Griffin’s And with so much going on, it can Berkley recommends visiting Kit Kat headliners Belinda Carlisle, Deborah the rush-hour crunch. (Check out also be overwhelming. Here’s some experience, those hotels tend to be Lounge & Supper Club in Boystown Cox and Steve Grand on Aug. 9; on GasBuddy.com before you fill up to more expensive and not quite as tips from local attendees to help you (3700 N. Halsted St., Chicago; 773- Aug. 10, it’s Neon Trees, Mary find the cheapest gas around you.) navigate the gayness of Market Days: posh. Griffin recommends Hotel 525-1111). “I’ve eaten there a number Lambert, Rockell and Karmin. But it Alternatively, an Amtrak train ride Felix (HotelFelixChicago.com), and of times,” Durant says. “The food is won’t just be big names. Expect lots offers a chauffeured ride, comfortable both he and Durant suggest Club Drag good; the drinks are good. It’s a fun of queer indie bands, local treasures seating and great views; long delays on Quarters (ClubQuarters.com). atmosphere.” and, of course, street performers. the return trip, however, are common. No queer-centric event would be Regarding Club Quarters, Durant complete without some queens. “You says, “You’re within walking get to see a few drag queens walking Music Getting there Getting around distance of everything. The rooms are super clean and they’re about down the street,” Griffin says. “I can’t Market Days has hosted a myriad of For the greatest balance of value Getting around Chicago is a cinch understand how they survive in that three blocks away from the ‘L’ train musical acts, including Darren Criss, and control over your travel, Griffin if you rely on public transportation. station. For what you pay for the heat with all that stuff on!” Out of the En Vogue, Kat Graham, Jody Watley recommends driving. Taking the toll There are buses, the train and, if sun, and in their natural night-club room, you’re really getting your and Wilson Phillips. In 2011, Jennifer roads offers a much shorter trip, but you’re only in town for Market Days, money’s worth.” habitat, every gay club in the area will Holliday belted out her world-famous remember to have enough change Griffin suggests getting a Ventra card have their best ladies on display. Broadway classic “And I Am Telling for all the tolls. If you must take from the Chicago Transportation For more information on North Halsted For a drag-while-you-dine You I’m Not Going.” non-toll roads, schedule your arrival Authority (VentraChicago.com). It’s Market Days, visit Northalsted.com.

18 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Find more travel and vacation stories online at Pridesource.com!

www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 19 ® Gay Games Continued from p. 16

Swimming Many LGBT athletes will be heading I was never so proud to the games for solo feats. Ken Mammo of Royal Oak will be competing in the of our community, seeing swimming competition, of which he has “ been competing for 13 years. “My best so many athletes coming events are free style and fly,” Mammo says. “I’ve swam the 50, 10 and 200 fly together in the spirit of at swim meets. However, in the last year I’ve been working on swimming individual competition. medley (IM) events, where you swim all four strokes in the following order: fly, back, breast and free. My best time for the – Ken Mammo on the Chicago 400IM is 8:19:51, so I’m hoping to set a ”Gay Games in 2006 new personal best at the games by beating that time.” Mammo, who swam in the Chicago Gay Games in 2006 in addition to his work as a Gay Games Ambassador, will be swimming the 200 and 400 IM and 400, 800 and 1,500 free-style events at this year’s games. Soccer With the World Cup only recently over, those still yearning for soccer have the Gay Games to look to for continued “football” festivities. Michigan will be sending the Detroit Drive to represent the state and its LGBT citizens in soccer, with players from cities like Walled Lake, Pinckney, Detroit, Clawson, Ann Arbor – and even a previous Michigan resident to represent Detroit. Four years ago, the are more skilled always offer advice, tips who’s traveling from Texas – to play with games were in Europe; it’s great that it’s and help when needed.” The midfielder the Drive. At the Cleveland Gay Games, in driving distance this time.” and defenseman participates in the “Out 40-50 other teams from around the world Zach Randel, who will compete in both For Kicks” recreational soccer league, will be playing in either the competitive or flag football and soccer at the games, has where he initially heard about the Detroit recreational leagues; the Drive will play in been playing soccer since he was 4 years Drive. “Unfortunately the rules for the Gay the latter group. Though the team will play old, but has only been in flag football Games require our Detroit Drive team to in the recreational division, they played since last fall. “I participated in my first be comprised of men,” he says. In addition the Cleveland Fury, the city’s own LGBT tournament in Chicago, so I got my feet to this issue, Hansen worries about the soccer team heading to the Gay Games, to wet,” he notes. Randel joined the Detroit tendency for soccer to go overlooked in stoke the fires of competition. Drive after discovering them at Motor City the States. “I think I’m worried about the Members of the Drive and Shawn Pride last year. The Royal Oak native notes, foreign teams,” Hansen admits. “Most Conner, one of the founding members of “I’m hoping that both the teams I play with foreign countries live and breathe soccer, the team, spoke with BTL about the league, take gold; sports are one of the few things where as here in the U.S., soccer falls its history and its goals at the games. The that I have a strong passion for.” behind football, baseball, hockey and vice president of the “Out For Kicks” Another Drive player, Jon Hansen, basketball. I’m hopeful that we will be Find more travel Detroit Soccer League, which the Detroit spoke about his experiences with the team a strong competitor in the recreational Drive is a part of, Conner also serves as and the games. The Battle Ceek native has division and win several games.” the Detroit Drive’s assistant coach, referee played soccer on and off since his youth, For more information on Out For and vacation and sometimes player. Out For Kicks is a though he still had concerns about his skill Kicks and the Detroit Drive, visit non-gender specific soccer league open to level when joining the Drive. “I think my www.outforkicksdetroit.com all skill levels, with players’ ages ranging initial thoughts were being worried about stories online at For more information on the Cleveland Gay from 20-50; the league has been around for my skill level,” Hansen notes, “but Shawn Games and various event locations, visit two years. “It’s a once in a lifetime event,” and David (Carlini, the head coach) allocate Pridesource.com! Conner says excitedly. “We’re excited time to run drills, and other members who www.gg9cle.com.

Competing in most sports at the games involves signing up versus qualifying competition. It also involves a tremendous amount of support, financial or otherwise. Dr. Conner estimates it to be “about $1,000 per person to get everyone to the Gay Games. It’s very expensive.” In addition to fundraisers at places like Menjo’s in Detroit, the Detroit Drive, the Michigan Panthers and other teams and athletes have been hosting fundraisers to get the necessary funds. The Drive have a Fundly page to help raise funds at https://fundly.com/help-send-detroit-drive-lgbt-soccer-team-to-the-2014-gay-games

20 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Douglas-Saugatuck Hosts Gay Prince TRAVEL GUIDE

India’s Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil will be traveling to Douglas-Saugatuck on Aug. 17 to discuss his new public awareness campaign, “Free Gay India.” The event, which takes place at The Kirby in Douglas, will be hosted by Chicago human rights attorney Jay Paul Deratany, an accomplished author, playwright, screenwriter and movie producer who wrote the GLAAD-nominated play “Haram Iran,” based on the true story of the hanging of two Iranian teenagers who were alleged to be gay. “I have followed Prince Manvendra’s compelling story and the challenges he faced when he chose to come out about his sexual preferences in 2002,” says Deratany. “I’m honored to welcome him to The Kirby. I’m thrilled that he chose our community to discuss the important work he is doing with his Free Gay India campaign.” In 2002, the Crown Prince challenged tradition by coming out to his parents who then tried to change him with therapies and religious leaders. The Maharaja and Queen threatened to out him publicly if he did not “become straight.” He succumbed to the thought that if they were going to out him as a threat, he might as well out himself. He did so on the front page of a local newspaper on March 14, 2006. At that point, he was disowned by his family, burned in effigy and withstood calls to strip him of his title and make him an outcast. The Hindu Prince is the 39th heir to a 650-year-old Indian dynasty and is the only openly gay prince in the world. In 2006, Manvendra received the UNAIDS Civil Society Award from the United Nations, and has also appeared twice on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to share his story of struggle and how he ultimately found peace. After India recently re-criminalized homosexual acts, Prince Manvendra launched a global public awareness campaign (Free Gay India) to confront LGBT discrimination in his homeland and around the world. A royal brunch and Q&A session will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17 at The Kirby, 294 W. Center Street, Douglas. The Kirby is a historic mansion that Deratany recently purchased and renovated to create a boutique hotel and wine bar. Tickets are $30. Space for the brunch and presentation is limited and required reservations can be made by emailing Mindy Trafman, general manager for The Kirby, at [email protected]. www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 21 It’s Good To Be Takei

Actor-Turned-Activist Talks Social Network Resurgence, Closeted Actors & Autographing Private Parts

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Aug. 6 and also in select theaters and VOD asked whether any Republican candidate – I lived most of my life closeted because I later this summer. when he or she becomes president, and also wanted my career. That was a heavy price eorge Takei knows the power of a cat In the midst of traveling the Pride circuit, commander in chief of the military – would to pay for it, because you’re living with the meme. Because of all things, it’s the the cultural icon called in to chat about it being reinstate “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” It was a constant tension of exposure – somebody Gpussy that gave him a platform and set “high time” “Star Trek” cast a gay character legitimate question, and yet the Republican could expose me and that’s the end of my the stage for something more than just pervy (and why it hasn’t happened yet), how closeted people who gathered at that debate booed career. postings and silly jests: gay activism. actors are still common and – oh myyy! – an American soldier ... on the battlefield ... It must’ve been my early 20s when Tab Now, the 77-year-old, the iconic Hikaru autographing his fans’ private parts. dodging martyrs. It was a shocking thing. Hunter, who was a god of the box office at the Sulu on “Star Trek” from 1966-1969, isn’t But because of people like him who have time – blond, good looking, young – played only the voice of a generation – he’s the voice What’s the message you’ve been bringing with the courage to ask those questions and take the lead in almost every movie that was of generations. you to these Pride festivals? principled stands, we’re making the progress coming out. He was exposed as gay in one But how? That we’re making amazing progress, that we are. of the scandal sheets, and you never heard The actor, who swooshed out of the closet and that’s because all of the people in the from him again. That puts the fear in you, and at the age of 68 to become a powerful LGBT community are pulling at the same wagon. We You’ve been an integral part of that progress. you’re always living with your guard up. You advocate and social media magnate, reflects on have some special change agents, people like For someone who wasn’t out for most of his life, don’t know what or who might destroy your all facets of his life during “To Be Takei,” a Stephen Snyder-Hill, the soldier that spoke how surreal is it for you to be riding in a Pride career, and so when you come out, you’re documentary viewable on DIRECTV through at the Republican Debate in 2011, where he parade at this point? completely relieved of that tension. You can

22 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com live fully as who you are. some difficulties, but she knew who (my I had an interesting experience: the State now-husband) Brad was. Brad was in my life Department sent me on one big tour of already, and she thought of him as my friend, South Korea and Japan, which culminated but when I came out to her, the situation was with U.S. ambassador to Japan, Caroline changed. She already knew Brad for who he Kennedy, honoring me with a reception. As was and that he was a nice guy, so it wasn’t one of her guests, she had the first lady of really that difficult. As life would have it, Japan, the wife of Prime Minister Shinzo Brad and I took care of her in the last years Abe, who told me that she had ridden in of her life. She moved in with us. He became what she called a “Rainbow Pride Parade” in more a son to her than my own brother. Tokyo this summer. Can you imagine the first lady of Japan riding in a Pride parade? Your career resurgence is really something to Changes are happening. Not only in the marvel at. You know your way around social United States, but all over the world. It’s a media like no 77-year-olds I know. very optimistic time, but we still have the (Laughs) You’ve got a stereotype in your Employment Non-Discrimination Act before mind about 77-year-olds! There are a lot of us us – you can be fired for no other reason than who are very comfortable with social media. who you are. It’s the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” My generation is not as out of touch with of the civilian population. So, it is an exciting technology as you youngsters seem to think. time – a time to be optimistic, because we’re making progress – but we still have a long (Laughs) I’m very aware of this stereotype; way to go. I’m basing this off my own experience with my father. Recently, he posted a message for Your primary reason for staying closeted was to someone else on my wall. avoid sabotaging your career. How common do You talk about your father – I have a sister you think it is these days for actors to keep their who finally got a cell phone, but she leaves it sexuality concealed for that same reason? at home when she leaves! What’s the point? It’s still not uncommon. There are actors who (Laughs) So it’s not just you and your father. have to be living that double life. I won’t In my own family, I have that to deal with. name them, but you know, it’s a decision that they have to make. It’s a very personal What role has humor played in how you present decision. I don’t know the specifics, but with politics and social commentary on LGBT issues? society changing, they are seeming to be It is key to building your audience. The reason more and more like outdated dinosaurs who why I got so actively involved with social maintain that kind of life. media is, it’s been my mission in life to raise awareness of my childhood incarceration – Are you saying you know people in showbiz who imprisonment of Japanese-Americans simply are closeted? Friends of yours? because we happened to look like the people I do. You know, when I was doing “Star who bombed Pearl Harbor. So, I’ve been Trek” my colleagues knew, but they’re good going on speaking tours to universities and people, they’re cool, and they did not expose doing corporate events, and we founded me. (Laughs) Well, one of them ... the fact a museum called the Japanese American that I am who I am went right over his head. National Museum – we’re an affiliate of the I’ll leave it to you to guess whom. Smithsonian – and we developed a musical based on the internment called “Allegiance.” You’re a real tease, George. I thought I’d use social media (to promote (Laughs) it), but my base, when I started in 2010, was essentially made up of sci-fi geeks and nerds In the last 10 years, you’ve really become quite – my “Star Trek” audience – and I had to the accidental activist, and because your grow that. So, by trial and error I found that parents come up often in the documentary, I’m the humorous things, the funnies – or the cat wondering what you think they would say about memes – got the most likes and shares. Then your role as an LGBT role model? I started concentrating more on that, and it Well, they’re both gone now. My father had started to explode. passed long ago, and it’s one of my regrets It was really amazing how fast, and how in life – that I never came out to him. But I big, your audience base can grow in social know he would’ve supported me. (He said he media. I discovered that humor was the key to would) accept and support and love his son growing the audience, and once the audience going into the acting arena. I mean, he did had grown to a certain size I started zinging tell me: “Look at TV, look at movies, look at them with social justice issues, LGBT issues the kind of roles that Asians have to play – and the internment of Japanese-Americans, tiny roles to begin with, and stereotype roles as well as various other things ... like proper at that – is that what you wanna go into?” I grammar! told my father: “Daddy, I will change it.” He Do you think we’ll ever see an out LGBT human supported me in that. I think he knew deep down who I was; he was waiting for me to on “Star Trek”? come out to him. I think now it’s high time. I did very When I came out to my mother, she had See George Takei, page 33 www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 23 Strong Choices Dominate ‘Hamlet’

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN

Whether they are aware of it or not, everyone Hamlet knows “Hamlet.” It is so much a part of our Michigan Shakespeare Festival lexicon that people grow up hearing its words Baughman Theatre at Potter Center on the and phrases and memorize them even when campus of Jackson College ignorant of their origins. 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson It is because it is so well known and so 7:30 p.m. July 31, Aug. 1, 16 enmeshed in our culture that it becomes critical 2 p.m. Aug. 9, 10, 13, 17 $31-40 in this play – even more so than in most others 517-796-8600 – that actors and directors make strong choices. www.michiganshakespearefestival.com These choices differentiate each production and keep it from being a bunch of famous quotes Hamlet’s madness like he thinks. strung together. Edmund Alyn Jones as Rosencrantz and The Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s 20th Topher Payne as Guildenstern are a doomed anniversary production of “Hamlet” is bold twosome who are nonetheless authentic in their in its choices. Artistic director Janice Blixt desire to do service to both their monarchs and moves the famous Dane and his family’s court their school friend. That they cannot ultimately into the modern era, and each actor has clear serve both is no fault of their own nor due to a intentions and motivations in this most famous lack of desire. With Pfautsch, the three establish of Shakespearean tragedies. It is in the modern well that they were once beloved friends, and setting where Hamlet must determine how to we see that fall apart as the Wittenburg duo are avenge his father’s death, a death he learns was forced to choose their loyalties. murder committed by his uncle who then married Brandon St. Clair Saunders, whose voice his mother. resonates as Horatio, creates no such conflict It all starts and ends with the Dane himself, the in his character’s loyalties. Horatio is first and title character who is played by Shawn Pfautsch. foremost companion to Hamlet, and the two are Pfautsch is an emotional prince, ever caught up trusted, devoted friends. Their closing scene is in one mood or the next, whether it is sorrow, heartbreaking, and Saunders keenly shows that anger, feigned madness or grief. There are few while Horatio may survive the play’s bloody moments in which Pfautsch lets Hamlet have ending, he does not escape the tragedy. quiet or simpleness. He is a man caught up in Sam Hubbard is the impulsive Laertes, whose complex emotions, and he doesn’t hesitate to disposition is almost always a mirror opposite express them. to Hamlet’s. Like Hamlet, he has a father to Where he is most effective is in his delivery avenge, a father who was murdered and for of those all-too familiar lines. He makes each whom he wants justice. Even though he plots of the speeches his own, and he makes them with Claudius, Laertes remains likeable, in part seem comfortable tripping off the tongue of a because Hubbard makes clear that his choices man from this century. They are all internally are motivated by honor, and that his actions are consistent, part of the personality that Pfautsch coming from the same place as the play’s hero, creates for Hamlet. Hamlet. But neither is the play simply a collection of The Ophelia in this production is a serious, speeches. This production of Hamlet is filled deep one who keenly feels the bonds that prevent with characters who are intense in what they her from making her own choices, whether it be want and how they go about getting it. Even with Hamlet, her father or the king and queen those characters who are caught up in events of Denmark. Lydia Hiller creates an Ophelia beyond their ability to affect are still committed who is boxed in, for she has as much affection to the attempt. for her father as she does for Hamlet, and is torn David Turrentine’s Claudius and Janet Haley’s between the two of them. The scenes between Gertrude are a subdued couple, first as royals Pfautsch and Hiller are cold, as if they know who are consolidating power and then as guilty they are predestined to be separated. There is spouses whose feelings toward the Danish prince little of affection and much of challenge and split them in purpose. While together they are suppressed passion. the controlled monarchs of a realm not long out Helping to create each moment in this tragedy of mourning, apart they show passion that arises is Kate Hopgood’s original music composition out of fear – fear of being found out and fear for and sound design. It plays as a complex sound a son’s life. track that underlines each shift in mood and Alan Ball’s choice for Polonius is an unusual important choice. one, as he is not the typical comic relief or The final fight scene, designed by fight clown of the play. Rather, he is a councilor who director David Blixt, is a complex and intense is earnest in his desire to serve a stable state. He one. Laertes and Hamlet are two well-matched loves his children and looks after their welfare fighters, and they are fierce and quick in their in a way that does not seem at all absurd or battle. over-bearing. His advice sounds wise coming from Ball’s lips, and he brings the king and queen intelligence that is true if not the cause of For more Shakespeare, visit www.pridesource.com.

24 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com VOTE AUGUST 5 BTL Strongly Endorses Statewide Candidates BTL Strongly Endorses the following candidates this fall:

Mark Schauer for Michigan Governor http://markschauer.com

Mark Totten for Michigan Attorney General www.marktotten.com

Gary Peters for U.S. Senate www.petersformichigan.com

Note that BTL endorsements for other statewide races will happen after the state poltical conventions held the weekend of Aug. 23 - 24.

BTL Strongly Endorses the following openly gay candidates in Aug. 5 primary:

Garnet Lewis is running in the 32nd District which includes Saginaw, Zilwaukee, Tittabawassee Township, Frankenmuth and Swartz Creek. Check out the campaign website www.garnetlewis.com

Jon Hoadley is running for State Representative in the 60th District which includes Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Township. Check out the campaign website www.jonhoadley.com

Jeremy Moss is running for State Representative in the 35th District which includes Southfield and Lathrup Village. Check out the campaign website www.jeremyforsouthfield.com

Rudy Serra is running for State Representative for the 27th District which is made up of several South Oakland County communities including Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Berkley. Check out the campaign website http://rudyserra.ngpvanhost.com Important Dates & Resources Tuesday, Aug. 5 – Primary Election Monday, Oct. 6 – Last day to register for Nov. 4 General Election Tuesday, Nov. 4 – General Election Check here for your current status as a registered voter in Michigan https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote VOTER GUIDE 2014 BTL LGBT & Progressive Voter Guide will be compiled and distributed online at www.pridesource.com

Visit Pride Source Votes 2014 online as the election season moves forward for news and developments on candidates that will move the state forward toward full equality for LGBT citizens. Register to receive your digital voter guide online at www.pridesource.com

www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 25 Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Jason Mraz, Weird Al Yankovic Write in emoji,” Yankovic’s attack on Webster wrongdoers isn’t just clever repartee – it’s also a dorky little ditty so well-written (and yes, grammatically correct), you’ll be thinking “dangling participles” even when it’s Robin Thicke singing about “blurred lines.” Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” becomes a boastful plug for a skilled repairman (“I got 99 problems but a switch ain’t one”), and on “Tacky,” his rewrite of Pharrell’s “Happy,” he hilariously rags on faux pas. A nine-minute comedy epic performed like an Elton John piano jam, “Jackson Park Express” is that romantic flash-forward you have with yourself about somebody you haven’t actually met. Ridiculous inner dialogues that turn from cute to sick – yeah, no, but when it’s Weird Al’s fantasy, that’s something we can all agree is “mandatory fun.” Grade: B+ Also Out Ed Sheeran, ‘X’ Even if Ed Sheeran strips the “coffeehouse” Jason Mraz, ‘Yes!’ swoon effect, the adult-contemporary sound from his Here to make you feel better about your fluff of “Yes!” – recorded with girl venturesome Rick life is Jason Mraz, the Oprah of white- group Raining Jane – is full of honeyed Rubin-produced boy balladry. He’s got your “remedy,” acoustics and sentiments as subtle as sophomore LP, and it’s called “Yes!,” an album of one of those inspirational chain emails he’s not stupid – Sheeran’s still the life-affirming mantras expressed you get from your grandma. Grade: C+ boy you can bring home to mom. At simply by song name: “Rise, “You least for now. Because even though Can Rely On Me,” “Shine,” and on and the folk-pop bloke keeps it low key on Weird Al Yankovic, on. It’s true, Mraz is Mraz-ing us with those Starbucks ballads (see: “One,” ‘Mandatory Fun’ his lovey-dovies, which is just what “Tenerife Sea” and “Photograph”), he’s been doing since he dropped the Four decades of Taylor Swift’s part-time scribe pseudo reggae and wordplay. When “Lucky” using Top 40 to raps on “The Man” and, on the Justin and “I’m Yours” sent him and his mock the zeitgeist Timberlake-inspired “Sing,” gets down fedora into superstardom, he wasn’t and Weird Al like he’s ready to take his coffee to about to go back to his scrappy hipster Yankovic still the club. knows how to ways (though didn’t you just love him First Aid Kit, ‘Stay then?). Because if anyone can sell you make a funny. Sticking it to digital- Gold’ age satirists (yeah, YouTubers, you the warm and fuzzies, it’s the “geek Harmonies so in pink” – the same hopeless romantic didn’t brilliantly bridge “Blurred Lines” and “Schoolhouse Rock!,” tightly woven not who gives them to you when you’re even air could slow dancing at a wedding. “Love so there), the purveyor of pop-music parody returns with his 14th collection, pass through – Someone” fits that sensitive-guy-with- that’s why there’s a-guitar role, but so does most of the a standout in a career known for lampooning cultural obsessions. so much love for album: “Best Friend” is another ode to Swedish sister duo Johanna and Klara a confidante, “3 Things” is self-help According to Weird Al, nowadays those are leftovers (“Foil,” his take Söderberg, known collectively as First in list form and “Out of My Hands” Aid Kit. That emotional intimacy was imparts a let-it-go moral. What’s most on Lorde’s “Royals”), American woes (“First World Problems”) and the unmistakable on their last album, “The telling about his career at this juncture Lion’s Roar,” but less so here on their is that he’s covering a Boyz II Men ever-increasing persecution from the grammar police (“Word Crimes”). follow-up, a bigger-sounding outing song (his a cappella take on “It’s that emphasizes the psychedelia of Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” is Wisecracking that, “Your prose is dopey / Think you should only / their pretty, ’70s-centric folk-pop to actually quite lovely). For maximum solid-but-inferior effect.

26 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 27 The End Of An Era At Robert Kidd Gallery BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS Bertoia, Hans Hofmann and Marshall Fredericks. Robert Kidd Gallery also The renowned Robert Kidd Gallery offered services for the acquisitioning and will close its doors this summer. The de-accessioning of artwork by modern Birmingham institution, founded by Ray and contemporary artists such as Richard Frost Fleming and Robert Louis Kidd, Diebenkorn, Franz Kline, Alexander Calder, established “a vibrant institution that has Deborah Butterfield and Hans Hofmann. long been a distinguished leader in the world During its four-decade run, the gallery of contemporary art.” served as one of the finest collections of According to Benjamin Kiehl, director available artwork in the Midwest. From of the gallery for nearly a decade, the abstract to realist paintings to sculpture and gallery’s closing comes at the decision of drawings, diverse works of art have filled the administrators of the Ray Fleming estate. the halls of the gallery. Many notable artists “Fleming has been dead for two-and-a-half that have had works exhibited include John years,” Kiehl notes. “The gallery closing is Chamberlain, Sam Gilliam, Larry Rivers and how the asset settled in his trust. He had no Helen Rankenthaler. children, and the asset needed to be dealt Recent exhibits included the new paintings with, and as a result, the business is closing.” of Stephen Duren, the oil artworks of Robert Kiehl goes on to say, “The gallery is an Schefman and “Deep Thaw: An Emergence asset that will be greatly missed. Robert of New and Recent Acquisitions” that ran Kidd Gallery had been around longer than in the spring. Currently, a gallery exhibition so many other art galleries that have closed featuring a survey of the gallery’s extensive throughout the years. It’s the ending of an inventory will be held until Aug. 2. era.” “We appreciate your many years of The possibility of the gallery’s patronage and friendship and invite all to continuation is not off the table, though visit the gallery on Townsend Street during Fleming’s estate will have no part in the this time” is the fond farewell offered on the future. “The administration hopes to deal site following the news of its closing. with the gallery’s transition by the end of The gallery will continue to exhibit and the summer,” Kiehl states. “For now, we offer artwork through the summer. have no set closing date.” Robert Kidd Gallery is located at 107 Opened in 1976, the two graduates of Townsend St., Birmingham. Regular gallery the Cranbrook Academy of Art created a hours are 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday 5,000-square-foot space featuring room through Saturday or by appointment. for exhibitions, on-site inventory facilities For more information, visit www. and expansive viewer-accesible artwork robertkiddgallery.com or call 248-642-3909. archives. The two-level gallery was an original member of the Detroit Art Dealers For more information on Birmingham businesses Association as well as a direct representative and LGBT events, check out BTL’s Cool Cities for the estates of Milton Avery, Harry pages at www.pridesource.com.

28 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the Cool Cities most good. Advertise in the next Cool Cities Cool Cities Royal Oak TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 Royal Oak

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Pinpoint your ad dollars where they will do the most good . . . Advertise in the next Cool Cities TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200

www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 29 Thursday, Aug.7 Raising the Steaks: Dining Out at Logan’s Roadhouse 4 p.m.Support Affirmations by dining out at any of seven locations in metro-Detroit every First Thursday.Affirmations, Various. Cool Cities Games.Detroit Drive, 928 McNichols Road Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. Goaffirmations.org OUTINGS W, Detroit.313-863-3934. Affirmations, 290 W.Nine Mile Road, Ferndale.248-398-7105. Goaffirmations. Connections 6 p.m.Open to all LGBTQ W. E. T.Detroit Monthly Party 10 org and Ally youth from 13-18. Join us to meet Royal Oak Thursday, July 31 p.m.Party for Queer Women. First $6 at 6 a.m. 6 a.m.Cash only or class other LGBTQ and Ally teens and socialize Saturday of the month. Different theme in a safe space. Kalamazoo Gay and passes. Tickets: $6.Namaste Yoga, 309 for each event. Cover: $5.W. E. T.Detroit, Wednesday, Aug.6 Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer St., S.Troy St., Royal Oak.248-339-9642. 2906 Cass Ave., Facebook. Detroit. LGBT Summer Film SeriesDifferent Kalamazoo.269-349-4234. Kglrc.org Namaste-yoga.net com/W. E. T. Detroit film each date.Affirmations & GOAL, 200 Advanced Music, Dance and Theatre N.Main St., Royal Oak.248-414-1000. First Thursdays 6 p.m.Mixer.LGBTQ Workshops 10 a.m.Must audition to be Sunday, Aug.3 Facebook.com/murrayandpeterpresent Networking Group, Kalamazoo. Kglrc.org considered. Ages 15-22.Wharton Center for Grosse Ile - Another Favorite Island Stepping Stones Through Grief Family & Friends 7 p.m.Topics the Performing Arts, Michigan State University, Ride 10 a.m.Meet up at Grosse Ile High Support Group 9:30 a.m.Registration vary from month to month.This is a 750 E.Shaw Lane, East Lansing.800- School. Lunch at Bishop’s Cottage.Get Out required.Affirmations, 290 W.Nine Mile gathering of people who have family WHARTON. Whartoncenter.com Bike, Grosse Ile. Meetup.com/GOAL-Get- Road, Ferndale.1-800-832-1155. or friends who identify as lesbian, Should We Get Married? 7 p.m.A Out-And-Live-LGBT Goaffirmations.org gay, bisexual, transgender, or who are questioning their sexual orientation Free Seminar on the Legal and Tax Outpouring 12:30 p.m.LGBT-affirming HIV Testing 6 p.m.Free. or gender identity.Join us as we offer Consequencesof Same-Sex Marriages in service.Non-denominational Christian. Affirmations, 290 W.Nine Mile Road, support, share our experiences, and Michigan. RSVP.Einheuser Legal, 3179 Affirming Love Ministries, 9550 Oakland Ferndale.248-398-7105.http:// learn about the issues impacting Livernois Road, #301, Troy.248-398- Ave., Detroit. Affirmingloveministries. goaffirmations.org/events/event_details. the LGBTQ and allied community. 4665. Einheuserlegal.com webs.com asp?id=430531 The Jewish Gay Network of Michigan BenDeLaCreme Dinner and Euchre Tournament 7 p.m. Battle Creek Toastmasters Meeting 6 p.m.Do you (JGN), 6600 W.Maple Road, West Performance 9:30 p.m.Only 60 dinner Pride Resource Center, 16 E.Van Buren have fear of public speaking? Well Bloomfield.248-432-5661. Jgnmi.org reservations per seating will be accepted. St., Battle Creek. Battlecreekpride.org never fear Toastmasters is here! Come Red Robot 7 p.m.Ageplay group. Every Murray and Peter, 22726 Woodward, join us and learn to how to get over that Ferndale.248-268-2840. first Thursday.Jim Toy Community Tuesday, Aug.5 fear. Kick - The Agency for LBGT African Center, 319 Braun Court, Ann Because We Are Worth It (Sex Addicts Americans, 41 Burroughs St.Ste.109, Arbor.734-995-9867. Jimtoycenter.org Friday, Aug.1 Anonymous LGBTQ Meeting) 6:30 Detroit.313-285-9733. rma411@ Movie Night 7:30 p.m.Movies of an LGBT p.m. Jim Toy Community Center, 319 gmail.com nature. Free.Battle Creek Pride Resource Braun Court, Ann Arbor.734-995-9867. Dykes on Bikes - Monthly Planning MUSIC & MORE Center, 16 E.Van Buren St., Battle Creek. jimtoycenter.org Meeting 6:30 p.m.Monthly meeting to Battlecreekpride.org Concerts Life’s a Stitch 6:30 p.m.Open to those who plan rides and socialize.A great group Crochet, Knit, Quilt, Needlepoint, Macrame of women who welcome new members Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase Saturday, Aug.2 and Jewelry. 290 W.Nine Mile Road, with all levels of experience. Get Out “Comedy Jamm” It’s cut-loose comedy Outpouring 1 p.m.Every first Saturday. Ferndale.248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org And Live!, 290 W.Nine Mile Road, as we present the comedy of 12 of the Affirming Love Ministries, Ypsilanti. Ferndale.248-398-7105. meetup.com/ current rising stars in the Detroit Metro Affirmingloveministries. webs.com Should We Get Married? 7 p.m.A Free GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live-LGBT area and beyond. Tickets: $5.Ann Arbor Seminar on the Legal and Tax Consequencesof Comedy Showcase, 314 E.Liberty St., Como’s Patio 7 p.m. GOAL, 22812 Fundraiser for Detroit Drive 9 Same-Sex Marriages in Michigan. RSVP. Ann Arbor.Aug.8 - Sep.25. 734-996- Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Meetup.com/ p.m.Fundraiser to help send LGBT soccer Einheuser Legal, 31000 Telegraph, #200, 9080. Aacomedy.com team Detroit Drive to the Cleveland Gay Franklin.248-398-4665. Einheuserlegal.com GOAL-Get-Out-And-Live-LGBT

30 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com The Kings of Unionville $27-32; $20 previews. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. Through Aug. 24. 248-347- 0003. www.tippingpointtheatre.com The Last Romance $18.50-42. The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., The Detroit Artists Market (DAM) will host their Chelsea. Through Aug. 30. 734-433-7673. August exhibition, “If You Build It, They Will Come.” www.purplerosetheatre.org More than 175 Metro Detroit artists have each The Matchmaker $15. Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, DeWitt Theatre, 141 E. selected five wood pieces to incorporate into the 12th St., Holland. Through Aug. 8. 616-395- featured unique and collectible works of art. The 7890. www.hope.edu/hsrt exhibit will be shown until Aug. 29. The Sound of Music $15-30. Hope Summer Repertory Theatre at DeWitt All artwork displayed will be available for Theatre, 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Through purchase, with all items priced $250 or less. Aug. 7. 616-395-7890. www.hope.edu/hsrt Works of art include pieces from ceramicists, The Two Gentlemen of Verona $5-10. UnCovered Theatre Company at Rochester filmmakers, glass blowers, printmakers, painters, College, 800 West Avon Road, Rochester illustrators and more. Hills. Through Aug. 24. 248-218-2046. uncoveredtheatre.wix.com/uncovered The exhibit opens Friday, Aug. 1 with an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. DAM is located at 4719 The Wizard of Oz $7. Tibbits Popcorn Woodward Ave., Detroit. Call 313-832-8540 or visit www.detroitartistsmarket.org for more info. Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. Aug. 1 - 2. 517-278-6029. www.tibbits.org The World Goes ‘Round $15. Great Cranbrook Art Museum “Modern cityofeastlansing.com/allofus Three Oaks. Aug. 7. 269-756-3879. www. Escape Stage Company, 155 W. Michigan / Moderna: Amie Siegel and Terence acorntheater.com Ave., Marshall. Through Aug. 3. 269-781- Gower”.Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 The Wiz $12-15. Peanut Gallery 2700. www.greatescapestagecompany.com Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills.June 21 Players at Meadow Brook Theatre, Forever Plaid $35-41. The Dio - Dining 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. July and Entertainment, 135 E. Main St., Whatever, Baby Jane $10-20. The - Aug.31. 877-462-7262. Cranbrookart. Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., edu 31 - Aug. 2. 248-885-5129. www. Pinckney. July 31 - Sep. 7. 517-672-6009. peanutgalleryplayers.org www.diotheatre.com Ferndale. Through Aug. 4. 248-545-5545. Royal Oak Music Theatre “The Cult”. www.theringwald.com Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W.Fourth Guys and Dolls $28-32. Tibbits Summer Professional Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. [title of show] $31-33. Farmers Alley St., Royal Oak.Aug.7. 248-399-2980. Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo. Royaloakmusictheatre.com ...poems we tell ourselves... $10 at Through Aug. 2. 517-278-6029. www. the door; $5 more if staying for second tibbits.org Through Aug. 3. 269-343-2727. www. Saugatuck Center for the Arts performance in a different space. Satori farmersalleytheatre.com “Creativity Revealed” Free.Saugatuck Circus at Tangent Gallery / Hastings Hamlet $20. Water Works Theatre Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Street Ballroom, 715 E. Milwaukee St., Company at Starr Jaycee Park, 1301 West Saugatuck.May 7 - Aug.5. 269-857-2399. Detroit. Aug. 1 - 2. 313-873-2955. www. 13 Mile Rd., Royal Oak. July 31 - Aug. 10. ART ‘N’ AROUND Sc4a.org tangentgallery.com www.shakespeareroyaloak.com Cranbrook Art Museum “Modern/ Hamlet, Prince of Denmark $31- Moderna: Amie Siegel and Terence The Acorn Theater “Cracker”.The A Midsummer Night’s Dream Free. Gower” Witness an exploration of Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Shakespeare in Detroit at Grand Circus Park 40. Michigan Shakespeare Festival at Baughman Theatre at Potter Center on the Modernism through the examination of Three Oaks.8 p.m.Aug.1. 269-756-3879. (right outside Comerica Park), Detroit. 7 p.m. two contemporary artworks.Cranbrook Acorntheater.com Aug. 6. www.shakespeareindetroit.com campus of Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Through Aug. 17. 517-796- Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., The Ark “Liz Larin with special guest Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No 8600. www.michiganshakespearefestival. Bloomfield Hills.July 1 - Aug.31. 877- Antigone Rising” Tickets: $15.The Good, Very Bad Day $15. Hope Summer com 462-7262. Cranbrook.edu Ark, 316 S.Main St., Ann Arbor.7:30 Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Studio Theatre, Hot Mikado $15-30. Hope Summer Detroit Artists Market (DAM) “If p.m.Aug.3. 734-761-1800. Theark.org 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Through Aug. 8. You Build It, They Will Come” With this 616-395-7890. www.hope.edu/hsrt Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Theatre, 141 E. The Ark “We Banjo 3” Tickets: $15. 12th St., Holland. Through Aug. 9. 616-395- exciting open-call challenge, more than The Ark, 316 S.Main St., Ann Arbor.8 Alone Together $28-32. Tibbits Summer 7890. www.hope.edu/hsrt 175 Detroit area artists each selected p.m.Aug.5. 734-761-1800. Theark.org Theatre, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. Aug. five wood pieces to use in creating 7 - 16. 517-278-6029. www.tibbits.org Hughie $25. Three Oaks Theater Festival the unique and collectible works of art The Ark “Kruger Brothers” Tickets: $20. at Lakeside Inn, 15251 Lakeshore Road, featured in this fun, end-of-summer The Ark, 316 S.Main St., Ann Arbor.8 Can’t Sit Still $7. Tibbits Popcorn Theatre, Lakeside. Aug. 1 - 2. 866-811-4111. www. exhibition. Detroit Artists Market, 4719 p.m.Aug.1. 734-761-1800. Theark.org 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. Aug. 8 - 9. threeoaksfestival.com Woodward Ave., Detroit.Aug.1 - Aug.29. 517-278-6029. www.tibbits.org The Magic Bag “Live the Who” The Kolobok $5-10. PuppetART at Detroit 313-832-8540. Detroitartistsmarket.org Who Tribute. Tickets: $10.The Magic Bag, Carousel $15-32. The Encore Musical Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit Institute of Arts “Detroit -- Bruce 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.Aug.1. Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. Detroit. Aug. 2 - 17. 313-961-7777. www. Weber” Photographs.Detroit Institute of Arts, 248-544-3030. Themagicbag.com Through Aug. 10. 734-268-6200. www. puppetart.org 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit.June 20 - theencoretheatre.org The Scarab Club “Danny and the Romeo and Juliet $5-10. UnCovered Sep.7. 313-833-7900. Dia.org Darleans” Tickets: $8.The Scarab Club, ComedySportz Michigan Actors Studio, Theatre Company at Rochester College, 800 Downriver Council for the Arts “Hanging 217 Farnsworth, Detroit.8 p.m.July 31. 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 877-636- West Avon Road, Rochester Hills. Through with a Friend” Artists collaborations. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org 3320. www.comedysportzdetroit.com Aug. 23. 248-218-2046. uncoveredtheatre. Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, wix.com/uncovered Cymbeline $31-40. Michigan Shakespeare Wyandotte.July 25 - Aug.28. 734-720- Festival at Baughman Theatre at Potter So Long Until Tomorrow $0-10. The 0671. Downriverarts.org THEATER Center on the campus of Jackson AKT Theatre Project at James R. DeSana Henry Ford Museum “Women Who Civic/Community Theater College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Center for Arts and Culture, 81 Chestnut, Rock: Vision, Passion, Powert” Women Through Aug. 16. 517-796-8600. www. Wyandotte. Through Aug. 9. 734-258-8370. Who Rock is an unprecedented A Midsummer Night’s Dream $5-15. michiganshakespearefestival.com www.aktheatre.com chance to revisit the musicians who The Brass Tacks Ensemble at A2CT helped shape the soundtrack of your Studio Theater, 322 W. Ann St., Ann Arbor. Deathtrap Mason Street Warehouse, Suds $42 (show and meal); $37 show only. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, 18935 15 1/2 life - innovators like Madonna and Through Aug. 2. 734-971-2228. www. Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and Tina a2ct.org St., Saugatuck. Through Aug. 10. 269-857- Mile Rd, Marshall. Through Aug. 16. 269- 2399. www.sc4a.org 781-4293. www.turkeyville.com Turner and dozens of others.Henry A Midsummer Night’s Dream $5-15. Ford Museum, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., The Brass Tacks Ensemble at Kerrytown Detroit Improv Festival Go Comedy! The Big Bang $15-25. Williamston Dearborn.May 27 - Aug.17. 313- Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann and multiple other locations throughout Theatre, 122 S. Putnam Road, Williamston. 982-6001. Thehenryford.org/events/ Arbor. Aug. 7 - 9. 734-763-4186. www. Metro Detroit, 261 E. Nine Mile Road, Through Aug. 17. 517-655-SHOW. www. womenWhoRock. aspx kerrytownconcerthouse.com Ferndale. Aug. 3 - 9. 248-327-0575. www. williamstontheatre.org detroitimprovfestival.org One 313 Workshops “Printmaking Rabbit Hole $8-10. August Theatre The Doll People $15. Hope Summer (Experimental Methods)” For ages 4+. Free. Company at Congregational Church of Disney’s High School Musical $8-15. Repertory Theatre at DeWitt Studio Theatre, Number House, Heidelberg Project, 3632 Birmingham, 1000 Cranbrook Road, Thunder Bay Theatre, 400 N. Second 141 E. 12th St., Holland. Through Aug. 8. Heidelberg St., Detroit.12 p.m.Aug.2. 313- Bloomfield Hills. July 31 - Aug. 1. www. Avenue, Alpena. Through Aug. 17. 989-354- 616-395-7890. www.hope.edu/hsrt 974-6894. Heidelberg.org 2267. www.thunderbaytheatre.com Indiegogo.com/projects/august-theatre- The Importance of Being Earnest River’s Edge Gallery “River From the company-presents-rabbit-hole Ernie $20-25. City Theatre, 2301 $31-40. Michigan Shakespeare Festival Underground” Brings two unlikely artists The Little Mermaid $5-7. All-of-us Woodward Ave., Detroit. Through at Baughman Theatre at Potter Center, together: Johnny Bee Badanjek, from the Express Children’s Theatre at East Aug. 17. 313-471-6611. www. Jackson College, 2111 Emmons Road, world of rock, and Amy Chenier, originally Lansing Hannah Community Center, olympiaentertainment.com Jackson. Through Aug. 15. 517-796- from the world of sports and statement 8600. www.michiganshakespearefestival. art.River’s Edge Gallery, 3024 Biddle, 819 Abbot Road, East Lansing. Through First Thursday Improv Nights $10. Aug. 2. 517-333-2580, ext. 0. www. com Wyandotte.July 1 - Aug.31. 734-246- The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., 9880. Artatthedge.com

www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 31 24 Bi plus one 7 “Stick that bull!” Q Puzzle 25 Author Herman hated by Rivers? 8 Manhandle 26 Get ready for a Broadway show 9 Lesbian Herstory Archives co- 30 Dusk, to Dickinson founder Joan I Hate Everyone... Starting With Me 31 Cells for women only 10 Like Steven Greenberg 32 Cola choice 11 As a whole 34 Muscle Marys pump it 12 Gourmet mushroom 38 Singer Etheridge hated by 13 Nastily derogatory Rivers? 21 Rubbers on rims 40 Singer Freddie hated by Rivers? 23 Greeting to Maria 43 Mapa of “Switched at Birth” 25 Month in Madrid 44 ‘60s jacket style 26 Caesar’s city 46 Match a poker bet 27 Stunt man Knievel 47 Stalling sounds 28 In the pink 50 Photo of a bare bottom? 29 Nine inches 52 Shakespearean character hated 33 Point of view intro, at Gay.com by Rivers? 35 Come too quickly 56 Long in code 36 Bite it 57 Aroused in bed 37 Nikita’s no 58 Songwriter Stephin hated by 39 Split stuff Rivers? 41 Wash out 62 Big beer buy 42 Emulate George Frenn 63 Top of the head 45 Alt-rock genre 65 Singing Mann 48 Pirates’ drink 66 Katharine’s Butch Cassidy role 49 Plain in Nureyev’s country 67 “That was close!” 51 Penetrating 68 Nun influenced by St. Francis 52 Assaults with a spray 69 Clothing closure 53 Tickle pink 70 Years on end 54 Bob Marley, e.g. 71 Popular hero of Lorca’s land 55 “My Own Private ___ “ 15 River in Roehm’s country 58 Output from small pussies Across 16 Auth. unknown Down 59 Apple that isn’t a fruit 1 Gladiator’s defense 17 Circuit party, e.g. 1 Deep throat sound 60 Polo of “The Fosters” 6 “I Hate Everyone... Starting with 18 ___ ex machina 2 Like a great review on Broadway 61 Angry, with “off” Me” author Rivers 19 Adriatic seaport 3 Deportment 64 Caesar’s X 10 Puts the tongue between the 20 Composer Gian Carlo hated by 4 Deserving attention cheeks Rivers? 5 Dilapidated places 14 Port city north of Tel Aviv 22 In a stall 6 Knight protecting Princess Leia Solution on pg. 34

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32 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Takei Tells Detroit: ‘More Power To You!’

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI other side, you wanna be on the inside, and you can’t get the ripple effect of revitalization. George Takei isn’t foreign to the alien kind. There should have been retail pedestrian life As Sulu on the original “Star Trek,” he fended so that the investment being made in that Ren them off. Now, Takei’s taking on a different complex would ripple out to the rest of the city. kind of outsider – the Motor City – and But when you build a fortress wall around it, he’s glad to see a new generation of human that’s not gonna help at all. inhabitants safeguarding it. “You know,” he continues, reflecting on “Detroit is the urban basket case of the city as a whole, “there have been so many America,” Takei told me in our recent chat wrong decisions made.” to promote his documentary, “To Be Takei.” Though he’s aware Detroit filed for “There are people like you who really believe bankruptcy in July 2013, the actor says in the importance of not losing Woodward he’s hopeful the area can seek out new life. Avenue and its great public monuments. Like Takei is already observing change, and he the Roman ruins, I see evidence of a once specifically notes business entrepreneur great city.” Dan Gilbert, who’s purchased downtown Dropping area lingo like “Michigander” establishments in an effort to help the city (impressive, Sulu!) and even mentioning the live long and prosper. Renaissance Center, the actor’s no stranger to “Trying to get young people to live in the the city. In 2012, his inimitable speaking voice city and bring 24-hour life to Detroit – I think accompanied the Detroit Symphony Orchestra it’s fantastic,” Takei says. “And you’re one of for “A Sci-Fi Spectacular.” them. Congratulations, and thank you to you. Takei recalls his many visits to the Motor I’m hopeful and I appreciate people like you City, particularly time spent at the RenCen: putting up the good fight there. I think now “If they want to revitalize that area,” he that you’ve reached nadir, it’s gonna be all thought at the time, “they made the absolute uphill. The real pioneers, the early pioneers wrong decision. Here’s a beautiful complex, who are starting to revive Detroit – more and then you put Fort Detroit around it – the power to you!” utilities were built into a wall surrounding the You hear that Detroit? The power of Sulu complex – and so if the savages are on the is within you.

® George Takei Alas, Gene passed. It was in ’91 that he passed, and we’re 20 years-plus from that Continued from p. 23 time. We’ve advanced with unimagined speed, and I think now it is high time “Star quietly bring up the subject to (“Star Trek” Trek” deal with the issue of LGBT equality. screenwriter) Gene Roddenberry when we Now there are “Star Trek” actors who are were starting our movie series – our feature out. Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the film series – and he said with television he reboot, came out, and I am out. With the two had to walk a very tight rope. You know, we of us out, it is now safe for “Star Trek” to deal were dealing with issues at that time – the civil with LGBT equality. rights movement, the Vietnam War, the Cold Some fans have some very specific requests War – and that episode where Kirk kissed when they meet you. What’s been the most Uhura, a white man kissing a black woman, bizarre fan request you’ve experienced? that was blacked out in all of the Southern states: Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and (Laughs) This is not PG – and this isn’t “The Louisiana. Our ratings plummeted! Howard Stern Show” – so I will be more (Gene) said he knows that the LGBT issue circumspect about the bizarre requests that is a civil rights issue, but he had to keep the I get. I’ve been asked to autograph various show on the air as a television series, and if body parts. And some are, um, very private he pushed the envelope too far he wouldn’t parts. I’ll let your imagination go there. be able to address any of the issues. He’d Did you follow through on these requests? be canceled. Same thing with feature films now: bigger budget, higher risk. And he had I did! said he’s predicting a 23rd century when the Did these requests involve the front or the back? LGBT issue would not be an issue, but it is an issue of our times that we’re dealing with Both! (Laughs) And some have gotten a metaphorically in terms of science fiction and tattoo artist to trace my autograph on those he wants to deal with it and still be able to body parts. One woman displayed hers to me make movies. He had said he hopes for the at a convention ... in the flesh! time that he will be able to do it. www.PrideSource.com July 31, 2014 | BTL 33 HOTLINES & SERVICES ACLU of Michigan 313-578-6800 Affirmations Helpline 248-398-GAYS All Hail The Drag Queen Alcoholics Anonymous 248-541-6565 Eastern Michigan University LGBT Resource Center 734-487-4149 How Your Favorite Girls Are Giving New Life To Detroit’s Bar Scene Equality Michigan 313-537-7000 Flint Crisis Line 810-257-3740 bar owners and promoters. With “smart and so has the interest of nightclub phones” and the development of social owners in booking them. HIV AIDS/Resource apps, a new social environment for gay Take Sharon Needles, for instance. Center Toll-Free 866-HIV-TEST men was introduced. Meeting gay men After taking the Season 5 crown, the Jim Toy Community Center 734-995-9867 was more convenient than ever, and the star who broke the proverbial glass middle man – the bar – wasn’t the only ceiling of drag had her first performance Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian way to mingle in Detroit. A fan Resource Center (KGLRC) 269-349-4234 with our kind. favorite known Karibu House Community Center for LGBT OPINION BY TONY LOWE Then, in the for her ghoulish Persons of Color 313-865-2170 ext. 3 midst of this s each season of “Drag looks and non- social upheaval conformist attitude, Lansing Area AIDS Network 517-394-3719 s a young gay man just starting to hit the scene, it was common in Detroit Race” crowned a new queen, a who stands for all and across A the weird kids in Michigan AIDS Coalition to see a drag queen. Then, I had phenomenon took hold of gay A the country, the world, Sharon (MAC) Toll-Free 888-A-CONDOM barely even heard of RuPaul, let alone “RuPaul’s Drag was attracting Oakland County Health known of her accolades. I had seen “To bars and nightclubs all over the Race” debuted locals in droves. Division Toll-Free 888-350-0990 ext. 85416 Wong Foo” only once and, at the time, U.S. These queens had become was oblivious to big drag cameos from on Logo. It People had started OutCenter 269-925-8330 queens like Candis Cayne and CoCo was a smash, gay royalty, and the scene, to waiting in line as presenting a early as 4 p.m. PFLAG Ann Arbor 734-741-0659 Peru. I knew drag queens were a gay- club culture staple, but that was really guilty-pleasure some extent, had been revived. that afternoon in PFLAG Detroit 248-656-2875 the extent of it. mix of gays, their downtown Pontiac, girlfriends and where she’d later PFLAG Genesee County 810-496-8302 Going out to metro Detroit clubs, I realized something: DJs had their aspiring stars – perform to a sea of PFLAG Lansing 517-332-4550 in drag or otherwise. As each season of screaming ovations. home bar, or their “night,” but drag PFLAG Tri-Cities performance was a mainstay. The “Drag Race” crowned a new queen, a And not just from gay men. Bay City/Saginaw/Midland 989-941-1458 girls that I saw regularly were some phenomenon took hold of gay bars and The crowd that night crossed culture nightclubs all over the U.S. These queens spectrums, attracting underdogs, emos, Stonewall Bar Association of the names we still see running around town – names like Sabin, had become gay royalty, and the scene, punk rockers, the gays, the straights – (LGBT lawyers and allies) 313-578-6812 Trixie Deluxxe, Natalie Cole, and, of to some extent, had been revived. anyone that felt that Sharon had stood The LGBT Network course Nickki Stevens. Drag, though, Viewing parties fill bars with fans for them. of Western Michigan 616-458-3511 was still very much an underground that would normally be sitting at From Courtney Act and Adore home watching their primetime shows, Delano to Bianca Del Rio, this Transgender Michigan Help Line 517-420-1544 scene then, reserved for gay clubs and communities. Fame and recognition having a glass of wine and heading to continues to be the case with each Unity Michigan 269-290-1427 as a drag performer or entertainer bed. With a newfound patronage for passing season of the “Drag Race,” RuPaul’s girls each season, there is as their various talents attract sellout Wellness AIDS Services 810-232-0888 came most often from doing pageants regionally and nationally, hosting or undoubtedly a new and continuously crowds to bars, nightclubs, stages, running popular nights or casts, or, growing fan base for drag like never theaters and Pride. For the bar scene for some, being a traveling performer. before. People want to see them as we know it, RuPaul and her girls As time went on so, too, did the up close, performing on stage and are helping to keep gay nightlife alive. snapping selfies with them. The hype Find these organizations and hundreds of LGBT-friendly evolution of mobile phone technology Tony Lowe is a Detroit-area photographer businesses online at Pridesource.comcom/directory.html surrounding these queens has mounted, – much to the eventual outcry of gay and drag ambassador.

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34 BTL | July 31, 2014 www.PrideSource.com