DOMA DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL, PLUS: PROP 8 WON’T BE REHEARD!
TUPPERWARE QUEEN DOES BENEFIT
COUPLE GIVES BACK TO RUTH ELLIS
OUT FOR OBAMA DETROIT PRIDE MARCH SENDS CLEAR SIGNAL
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Cover story Opinions
18 | Motor City Pride returns to Hart Plaza 10 | Thinking Out Loud BTL Photo: Tih Penfil In praise of freaks and weirdos! 12 | S/he Said News American perception, continuing struggles 12 | Heard on Facebook 6 | Motor City Pride: The old and new Motor City Pride educate, celebrate 13 | Parting Glances 6 | Wade Davis out for Obama A thing of Beauty Former out NFL player on paying it forward in Detroit 14 | Creep of the Week Bryan Fischer 8 | Affirmations to host LGBT Job Expo
8 | Between Ourselves Life Meet Rick and Janet Glasgow 25 | Won’t you be my neighbor? 9 | Bully Chronicles: Film project Make your heart happy with Dixie seeks answers Longate to benefit Affirmations
11 | A Proclamation from the President of 29 | Hear Me Out the United States of America Regina Spektor’s best album yet. Plus: Scissor Sisters at their most inspiring
14 | Court rules DOMA unconstitional 31 | Great Gerwig: The new gay-loved girl Actress on new film, gay boyfriends 15 | Illinois lawsuits seek right to marry and filling Liza’s shoes for same-sex couples 34 | Happenings 16 | Prop 8 case will not be reheard by Featured: “Grease” sing-along at the Magic Bag Ninth Circuit
20 | Kalamazoo Pride to feature Pandora Rear View Boxx, Kimi Hayes 36 | Puzzle
37 | Horoscopes
38 | Classifieds
40 | Cocktail Chatter
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Receive our E–Digest – just sign up Chat on our FB Fan Page. Search today online “Between The Lines Newspaper” 6 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Michigan News www.PrideSource.com Motor City Pride: The old and new educate, celebrate
BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE Because he was never hidden, Tenney “I donate to HRC twice a year,” Tenney knows what it is like to experience the said. “They’re the best thing we’ve got DETROIT – A double rainbow discrimination and hatred that events like going for us in Washington. I give to appeared Sunday night over Detroit, with Pride are an answer to. local organizations too. We need to teach its beauty matching the radiant amount “In the 70s and 80s we could people even though it’s hard if you care of love shared by those at this weekend’s go to Chicago or New York and feel about a cause you need to give.” Motor City Pride. comfortable, but that was it. Then all of Mann said collecting donations “Bless the heart of the City of a sudden in the 90s it just opened up in is hard, but important work. “We’re Detroit,” said 72-year-old Brent Tenney. lots of places, and I didn’t have to leave facing groups like the American Family “This is the second year they have Michigan.” Tenney was among the first Association that are spending millions of welcomed us. Other cities say no, but I to volunteer at Affirmations, working the dollars trying to take away our rights. The don’t care if you’re black, white or purple Help Line and laying the foundation for only way we counter that is if people are everyone is welcome here.” acceptance, and access to information in willing to contribute.” After 20 years of living in a Ferndale the Detroit area. “I remember when we’d Dozens of groups and gay friendly apartment, and a lifetime of never being go into restaurants and people would businesses had booths at the giant annual in the closet, the flamboyantly gay senior refuse to serve us. Or if we were out in event. Motor City Pride had its origins in has moved to downtown Detroit where public people would call us names. Police a 1986 Pride Parade in Detroit. Over the he helps other seniors have access to wanted to arrest you for any reason they years, it’s had locations in Royal Oak and resources. “There is so much to love in could think of. People would throw eggs Ferndale, but in 2011 - and again this year this city. Look at all this,” he said. “We at us or worse. It’s not all better, but these - Motor City Pride has found its home in didn’t have this growing up. I never days, young people don’t seem to know Hart Plaza. thought I would see it in my lifetime.” what it’s like being treated like a second- As gays, lesbians, bisexuals, Tenney said he’s never come out. class citizen. transgender individuals, and allies “I’ve always just been myself. I don’t Tenney spoke with Jerome Mann of Ronn Reeder and Khalil hold onto Dubwrae during pride festivities Saturday. have to explain myself to anybody.” Ann Arbor, who was collecting donations See Motor City Pride, page 7 BTL photo: Crystal A. Proxmire on behalf of Human Rights Campaign. Wade Davis out for Obama Former out NFL player on paying it forward in Detroit
BY KATE OPALEWSKI Davis was in the crowd with “To be perfectly honest with you, Michiganders are one step closer to local Organizing for equality since President Obama affirmed America (http://www. because I was so afraid of my own his support for same-sex marriage in May. barackobama.com/mi) gender identity and orientation The goal now for many, is to get him re- volunteers, a grassroots elected for a second term. advocacy group growing up I was in fact an actual “We have to make sure he’s back within the Democratic in office because Romney wants to write National Committee bully. I was an athlete. I was popular. discrimination into our constitution which that works to advance will take people’s rights away from them. the Obama agenda. I was so afraid to be who I was, that I don’t understand how anyone can think “To come on this I poked fun at a lot of others.” that’s positive. Our constitution is built on day is great because equality for all,” said former NFL player I get a really good Wade Davis, an official surrogate and chance to experience speaker for President Obama’s re-election Detroit. It’s amazing - Wade Davis, former NFL player as of three months ago. to see the excitement. The president’s statement “I think The booth was packed same-sex couples should be able to get the entire day,” said most of his childhood in Louisiana and married” set the celebratory tone for Davis, who took action to register new spent his teenage years in Colorado, Pride Month despite the 2004 amendment voters, collect signatures from interested hiding the truth about who he is. “To be to Michigan’s constitution which bans volunteers, and provide the community perfectly honest with you, because I was same-sex marriage. Feeling energized, with information about what President so afraid of my own gender identity and thousands of LGBT people and their Obama has been doing for LGBT people orientation growing up I was in fact an Wade Davis working the Motor City Pride booth Saturday in Hart Plaza recruiting supporters attended Motor City Pride at since 2008. volunteers for the Obama campaign. BTL photo: Kate Opalewski Hart Plaza last weekend. Davis was born in Arkansas, spent See Wade Davis, page 17 www.PrideSource.com Michigan News / June 7, 2012 / BTL 7
® Motor City Pride Continued from p. 6 “Seeing how it builds up enjoyed three stages of entertainment, an the community like that abundance of resources and shopping, and plenty is one of the best things of festival food, couples like Kara from Clarkston and Alicia from Shelby Township found plenty about Motor City Pride.” of places to relax and enjoy both nature and community. The teens, too shy to share their last names, found bliss in being able to hold each other publically and sharing a waterfront kiss. - Dave Wait, MCP organizer and “It’s amazing,” Kara said. “I’ve never seen so Equality Michigan Board Member many people together like this before. I am just really, really happy.” “Me too,” Alicia said before giving her sweetie another kiss. fans, their months of hard work, practice and Another couple made the rounds in Hart teamwork came together. The youth, many from Plaza, among friends for their first Pride ever. places like Ruth Ellis Center and Affirmations, “We’ve been engaged over a year,” Nikki Bies not only moved the crowd with the music, but by of New Baltimore of her partner Nikki Wilkinson showing that young people are indeed capable of of Wayne. “We are waiting until 2015 and if it’s working together and accomplishing things when not legal to get married in Michigan we will given the opportunities to do it. go elsewhere for the certificate and have our Beyond the entertainment and fun, Motor ceremony here.” City Pride had a message of unity. Throughout Others found their bliss by showing off their the weekend, a legion of volunteers with neon dance moves. pink shirts and clipboards collected signatures Drag shows rocked one stage, with MTFs for the BTL Voter Education Project, a plan to and FTMs strutting their stuff and collecting unite voters across the state and have a more dollar bills from the people packed into the educated electorate. riverfront stage. Admirers filled the stone levels Judy Lewis led the signature gathering, of seating while others sat above on all sides “We had about 50 volunteers each day - and of the stage cheering on performers like Mary they were amazing,” she said. “We probably got Jane and Gage Gatlin from Stilettos. After just over 2,500 signatures, and everyone seemed very 15 months of training as a performer, Mary interested in finding out more about the election, Jane wowed the crowd with her Lady Gaga like the candidates and issues, and their record on entrance. Then kept them hooting and hollering LGBT issues. with sexy moves and poses, endlessly long “In addition to the volunteers we had from eyelashes, and her hot pink body suit. Following BTL, the Unity partners - Equality Michigan, Mary Jane, Gatlin came onstage with his black Affirmations, ACLU, Ruth Ellis Center, KICK western shirt, ample belt buckle and a cowboy hat and Michigan Roundtable - were also collecting that matched the color of his perfectly-trimmed signatures at their tables - so there was a good goatee, singing “I may be a real bad boy, but baby deal of educating going on.” I’m a real good man.” Dave Wait of Equality Michigan chairs Another stage had a J’Sette dance Motor City Pride, which he said is essentially a break-even event. Equality Michigan fights for human rights on many levels, including providing victim services and working to create change in Lansing. “The festival paid for itself and we look at it as a way to bring the community together. Any extra money we bring, it would go towards keeping Equality Michigan moving forward,” he said. The revenue totals are not yet in, but Wait is excited to report that attendance was on par with what it was last year at about 44,000. “The diversity we had, the entertainment, it was all very packed. I’m pleased to see how many people came together around the fountain and around the river deck and talked,” Wait said. “The other neat thing was after we ended the festival, about 300 people hung out over an Equality Michigan volunteers work the front gate at Hart Plaza. BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire hour after it closed and just stood around talking out on the sidewalk. Seeing how it builds up the community like that is one competition where teams danced off to win a of the best things about Motor City Pride.” gigantic trophy. The teams of three or more dancers were judged based on uniformity, march and creativity as they stepped, flipped, kicked, Find more Motor City Pride shimmied, strutted, stomped, split and moved in sync as they faced off against an opposing photos on pg. 18 and online team. Here, surrounded by thousands of cheering 8 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Michigan News www.PrideSource.com Affirmations to host first LGBT Job Expo June 21
BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE
FERNDALE – Who wants to hire gay people? Living in a state where people can be fired or discriminated against just for being gay or transgender, this question is on the minds of the thousands of out-of-work and underemployed people as they ponder whether Michigan is right for them. But even though the legislature has a long way to go, Affirmations Community Center wants people to know that LGBT workers are valued and sought after by companies that do work in the state. Up to twenty such employers are coming together for Michigan’s first LGBT Job Expo at Affirmations on June 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recruiters from companies like MetLife, GM, Chrysler, Comerica, Flagstar Bank, Deloitte and Merrill Lynch are among those who are actively seeking LGBT team members. They and others will be interviewing jobseekers and hopefully hiring directly from the LGBT community. Affirmations has also partnered with the Ferndale Career Center and Michigan Works office to provide training to applicants before the expo, and When Gardner White included Ruth Ellis Center as one of its featured charities, Janet and RIck Glasgow found a place to volunteer their cookies and time every support for people the day of the expo. Monday night. BTL photo: Crystal Proxmire “On June 12 at the Career Center they will have workshops that are 45 minutes each, one on “Resume Essentials” and the other is called “The Two Minute Interview,” said Events and Sponsorship Coordinator Between Ourselves: Meet Rick and Janet Glasgow Mark McMillan. “Then on the day of the event they will do ‘First Aid for the Job Seeker’ here at BY CRYSTAL PROXMIRE kitchen after dinner, help the youth in the Cyber Affirmations, so people that come can sit down with Center, assist with laundry and in general be a professional for a couple of minutes before they go Rick and Janet Glasgow bring more than “My brother’s partner good listeners and set a good example. out and start talking with employers. They can get fresh baked cookies and a home cooked meal The Glasgows give to the community in last minute feedback on how they look, maybe get when they come to the Ruth Ellis Center on was diagnosed with end other ways too. Janet, who works in an elder care facility, has done a 60 mile breast cancer some lint off their shirts, the stuff out of their teeth Monday evenings. They bring a sense of stage lymphoma. Even as or whatever. And they can do a practice interview or stability for the LGBT teens who use the walk, and the couple helps put on a Polish answer any last minute questions, so they can feel drop-in center. he was dying his family dinner benefit for their church, St. Daniel’s confident and ready to go get that job!” The at-risk youth, often homeless Parish in Clarkston. McMillan said attendees should come prepared or runaways, find safety and resources at didn’t accept him. I knew I “This is the most I’ve ever volunteered with their resumes and a confident attitude. Ruth Ellis. But it’s the steady staff and for one place, and that says a lot. I’m here to Another feature of the LGBTQ Expo is that regular volunteers that help the youth feel needed to be more active stay for the kids,” Janet said. “We really see companies will be taking a class in the morning comfortable enough to use the center’s and involved. When I heard the difference and we’re consistent factor in themselves before the event. The training has been services. their lives. When I leave here at night I know designed in house with volunteer and staff input. The Glasgows come from Sterling about Ruth Ellis, what a I’m giving something to the kids.” “’Trans 101 for the Employer’ will make sure Heights every Monday to share both food Rick is hooked too. “I feel guilty employers are comfortable meeting and talking with and support to an average of 30 teens each unique place it is, I knew.” sometimes coming here, I feel like I get more transgender people. We want to make sure they know week. When the weather is warm there are out of it than the kids do,” he said. to use preferred pronouns, and that they understand fewer, and on cold wintery days it can double. Ruth Ellis Center has programs to assist youth, including a street outreach program how things like name changes can affect someone’s Janet first learned about the Ruth Ellis - Janet Glasgow applying for a job.” Center in November 2011 when she saw called Second Stories, the Drop-In Center, Spots are still available for potential employers. that Gardner White, the furniture store, had and transitional living programs – all focused Affirmation hopes to have between 15-20 companies included Ruth Ellis as one of their featured on LGBT youth. They are always looking for represented. For more information about having charities. Having grown up in an affirming her a few months later after recovering from volunteers, particularly those who are able a booth, contact McMillan at mmcmillan@ home with three gay brothers, Janet had no back surgery. to make regular commitments. Volunteers goaffirmations.org. problem being comfortable in the LGBT Rick has built bonds with the teens also, undergo a background check and training. The Job Expo is free and registration is not community. It wasn’t until recently that the and he takes his volunteering seriously. “Being Volunteers are expected to accept young required, but Affirmations is asking that people pain of rejection hit home. gay, they’re not accepted at home. We didn’t adults as they are and where they are, commit RSVP so they can estimate how many will be “My brother’s partner was diagnosed with have that problem. The kids need somewhere to the youth and not “drop out” after a short coming. end stage lymphoma. Even as he was dying his to be accepted. They need an older person to time, value the team, be a good role model, family didn’t accept him. I knew I needed to be look up to and want to act like that gives them demonstrate maturity, responsibility and caring more active and involved. When I heard about respect.” and to be available to help Find out more and sign up at www.goaffirmations.org Ruth Ellis, what a unique place it is, I knew.” While there, the Glasgows assist in Find out more at www.ruthelliscenter.org. She started in November and Rick joined preparing meals and snacks, help staff clean the www.PrideSource.com Michigan News / June 7, 2012 / BTL 9 Bully Chronicles: Film project seeks answers
BY KATE OPALEWSKI issues and education. She was honored as the are free to play it out in their own words. A lot two young daughters, spoke up against Troy 2011 Michigan Filmmaker of the Year for her first of it will unfold and develop as it goes on. The Mayor Janice Daniels at a December Troy City Local filmmaker Amy Weber believes the feature film, Annabelle and Bear. She is a former kids are going to be awesome. I can just feel it.” Council meeting. In light of past events involving only way we’ll save the victim of bullying is to university educator, and the founder and owner of When asked how this film will help to Mayor Daniels and her anti-gay comments, save the bully. And while every single victim production company Radish Creative Group, Inc. combat the issue of bullying, Weber said she Weber was moved to create this film in a society of bullying deserves to share their story, Weber in Royal Oak where she is holding open casting understands it will take time, but hopes to lead where bullying has become a hot topic and social wants to shift our focus from the victim to the calls for hundreds of roles in the film. us in the right direction with education and behaviors need to be redefined. bully. “This is an unpaid, great experience for awareness. “When we allow public leaders and “Until we get to the heart of the issue, kids that really want to come out and make a “It starts with the way we speak to and treat prominent figures to use their position of power which is the bully, him or herself, we will not difference and be a part of a historical story each other. It’s so easy to let our feelings roll off and ‘popularity’ in any negative way toward solve this problem,” she said. “Have we ever had a person or group of people, we are sending a the opportunity to know a bully and learn from message loud and clear to our kids…bullying is them? Have we seen the experience of bullying okay as long as it is justified and the views are through their eyes?” shared by the majority,” she said. We will now. Weber is prepared to deal with the type of Through her most true-to-life fictional emotions this film may conjure up. She is building documentary, The Bully Chronicles, Weber relationships with counselors and organizations will give bullying a face. For the 100 percent like NOH8, Stop Bullying Now, and HIBhub Michigan-made project, Weber will work to provide connections and resources for kids with youth producers, including 17-year-old anti-bullying activist Katy Butler, who started the petition that changed the rating of the For the 100 percent Michigan- controversial movie Bully from R to PG-13. made project, Amy Weber will Together, they will develop script and story content, and will cast real high school students work with youth producers, in each role. The Bully Chronicles begins as a including 17-year-old anti-bullying documentary investigation into the story of activist Katy Butler, who started 16-year-old Jessica Burns, who lies in a coma after a nearly successful suicide attempt. The the petition that changed the filmmakers examine Jessica’s life to uncover the reasons why. Confessional tapes recorded rating of the controversial movie in secret by Jessica and her best friend Brian Bully from R to PG-13. surface. The recordings show an unblinking look into the world of bullying through the victim’s eyes. As she languishes in a coma, her story unfolds in the “found footage” style through self- who need support and encouragement. Locally, recorded interviews and actual confrontations youth advocate and national youth speaker Jim with her bullies. Jessica’s primary bully, Avery, Tuman is also on board. Tuman of Royal Oak is initially denies that she’s been tormenting the founder and director of Jimmy’s Kids charity, Jessica. But once given the opportunity to film started in 1989. her own thoughts and experiences, we see the “He is the greatest, most knowledgeable other side of the story for the first time – the gentleman I know. I absolutely welcome anybody bully’s side. that wants to help. We are just starting and my “It is absolutely impossible not to know plan is to have places online and within the these multi-layered characters inside and out community where these kids will have access to who show us their world. It will lead to emotions people who can help,” she said. that many people aren’t expecting to feel for a “This is a true example of a grassroots bully,” she said. effort. We need supporters and we have to A subject near and dear to her heart, Weber pull together as a community in order to make has made it her personal quest to discover what’s this happen,” she said. So far, supporters have really happening inside the mind of a bully. “I donated more than $20,000 toward making the was bullied and turned into a bully. I did not that is going to offer true solutions. Teachers, our tongues without thinking about what this will film at Indiegogo (http://www.indiegogo.com/ have the courage back then to admit it. There is administrators and parents who have an open do and how it will impact a child’s life. As adults, TheBullyChronicles), the world’s largest global no safe place for a bully to come forward and heart and a willingness to work with young we truly need to think before we speak. Everyone funding platform. Weber said she hopes to raise a explain their behavior. I was not happy and didn’t people are also invited,” said Weber. Many of is allowed to have their personal beliefs, but as total of $100,000 before filming starts at Seaholm have a lot of friends. I realized that if I am really the roles will be for teens under 18 years of age leaders, we are being listened to and watched. High School in Birmingham by the middle of going to make a difference, I have to give these and parental permission will be mandatory. The The manifestation of cruelty in our world has July, beginning of August. kids an opportunity to use their own voices and Bully Chronicles, LLC will be abiding by the fallen upon our kids. It’s not an innate thing. child labor laws of Michigan. “No experience Kids are not conscious of what they’re doing their past experiences to teach us,” said Weber, a To audition, select the character that you are is necessary. This is not scripted. I will set the at a young age. They are mimicking behavior,” Birmingham resident who has developed, written interested in at www.thebullychronicles.com, and and produced more than 40 award-winning actors up with a scenario, tell them what the scene she said. is and what the motive for the scene is and they That’s why Weber, with her wife Tina and email The Bully Chronicles at bullychronicles@ educational documentaries dealing with youth gmail.com to make an appointment. 10 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Opinion www.PrideSource.com Thinking Out Loud Vol. 2023 • Issue 767 June 7, 2012 PUBLISHERS IN PRAISE OF FREAKS Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson EDITORIAL Editor in Chief Susan Horowitz AND WEIRDOS! [email protected] Entertainment Editor Chris Azzopardi America needs you now more than ever. [email protected] Associate Editor Benjamin Jenkins [email protected] BY ABBY DEES My fellow riders and I screech to a halt to snap ring and butch swagger (thanks for the knowing Arts & Theater Editor pictures of each of us posing in front of whatever nod last week). They make me feel like the right Donald V. Calamia, or the last month or so I’ve been riding proud expression of individuality has appeared kind of freak. [email protected] my bike up the entire length of the upon the landscape, such as the fellow with the To anyone who can’t seem to relate to CREATIVE FMississippi river. This has not been a trip antique outhouse collection in his yard, or the what’s “normal,” or who dreams about going about amazing scenery – though there have been enormous church made entirely of scrap, or most somewhere else one day -- sure, do it, but Art Director David Ano, [email protected] moments of breathtaking beauty – nor does my recently, the improbably serious and well funded remember that you are a beautiful part of journey have any official theme or purpose. I’d Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, Iowa. Each the landscape today. You are saving us from Webmaster & MIS Director been wanting to see the “real” America for a time something loudly breaks up the monotony ourselves, even if the neighbors don’t get it at all. Kevin Bryant, [email protected] while now, and riding slowly up the middle bits I quietly sing the Sesame Street jingle, “One of Contributing Writers seemed like a good way to do it. these things is not like the others...” and smile. Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Dana Casadei, Abby Dees, Jack Fertig, Not that I haven’t lived in the U.S. my entire Thank God for whatever guts it takes to Todd Heywood, Howard Israel, Lisa Keen, life, but you know what I mean. The real America express oneself so joyfully, without any apparent When those proud weirdos do Richard Labonte, Michael H. Margolin, is “normal” America, the one politicians pander concern about the irony or absurdity of it. Jenn McKee, Jason Michael, Kate Opalewski, Honestly. As long as folks feel free to express Anthony Paull, Andrea Poteet, Crystal Proxmire, to, Fox News tries to frighten, and the one that appear, I feel like I belong too. I John Quinn, Eric W. Rader, Bridgette M. Redman, comes to mind when I (perhaps you) think of the themselves this way, then all the normalcy Leslie Robinson, Romeo San Vincente, idea, rather than the place, America. becomes like a pleasant canvas to paint on. But don’t just mean the ones with Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Jody Valley, without the weirdness, tedium sets in fast, and D’Anne Witkowski, Dan Woog I’m getting a lesson in my own culture. Mostly, I’ve been deeply moved by our goodness despite how nice everyone is, I start to feel like the oversized yard sculptures Cartoonists and unhesitating willingness to come to the aid a freak. The bad kind of freak. Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau, Joan Hilty either. I mean the boy who puts of a sweaty, middle-aged woman in tight, garish When those proud weirdos do appear, I feel Contributing Photographers Lycra, clackety cycling shoes, and covered in like I belong too. I don’t just mean the ones with pink food coloring in his hair Andrew Potter bruises and chain grease. It’s a deep part of our the oversized yard sculptures either. I mean the ADVERTISING & SALES national character that I’d like to see our leaders boy who puts pink food coloring in his hair and and lip-syncs Lady Gaga tunes ... Director of Sales appeal to so much more. lip-syncs Lady Gaga tunes in the mirror, or the Jan Stevenson, [email protected] That said, I’ve also been bored silly much cashier at the Family Dollar store with the nose of the time by the unrelenting sameness despite Sales Representatives Ed Bohach, [email protected] having traveled nearly 2, 000 miles so far. In the Ann Cox, [email protected] middle of Middle America, the aesthetic rarely changes. From the capri-panted women, to men National Advertising Representative Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 surgically attached to their baseball caps and trucks, to the country-quaint decorations, to the Business Office criminally random apostrophes and tortured puns Diane Smith, [email protected] Nancy Blankenship of every craft store name (“I’ll Bee Sewin’ You”), to the ubiquitous (and quite tasty at the end of a Circulation & Distribution long, hot cycling day) Dairy Queens -- well, at Diane Smith times I’ve felt stuck in a space/time loop. Pride Source Media Group I think this is what “normal” looks like here. 11920 Farmington Road And I’ve wondered more and more if I was also Livonia, Michigan 48150 seeing the American Way of Life that I’ve heard Phone 734.293.7200 • Fax 734.293.7201 so much about, whether it’s being threatened by www.pridesource.com Our rate cards are available online terrorists or gays, or just the crappy economy. If so, it’s the cultural equivalent of a grilled cheese All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without sandwich with the crust cut off. Sometimes it’s the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported just what you’re in the mood for, but you’ll soon by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for be desperate for a microgreens salad with goat claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility cheese and rosemary. I am, in any case. for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Amid this sameness, occasionally something Copyright 2012 Pride Source Media Group, LLC unusual springs up, usually in a fabulously out- of-scale way (this problem with appropriate scale also seems to be part of our American-ness). www.PrideSource.com Opinion / June 7, 2012 / BTL 11 A Proclamation from the President SIGN THE PLEDGE AT PRIDE of The United States of America
From generation to generation, ordinary Americans have led a proud and inexorable march toward freedom, fairness, and full equality under the law - not just for some, but for all. Ours is a heritage forged by those who organized, agitated, and advocated for change; who wielded love stronger than hate and hope more powerful than insult or injury; who fought to build for themselves and their families a Nation where no one is a second-class citizen, no one is denied basic rights, and all of us are free to live and love as we see fit. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the has written a proud chapter in this United States of America, by virtue of the authority fundamentally American story. From brave men and women who came vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of out and spoke out, to union and the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2012 faith leaders who rallied for equality, as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride to activists and advocates who Month. I call upon the people of the United States challenged unjust laws and marched on Washington, LGBT Americans to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to and allies have achieved what once celebrate the great diversity of the American people. seemed inconceivable. This month, we reflect on their enduring legacy, celebrate the movement that has made progress possible, and recommit to securing the fullest blessings of freedom for all Americans. Since I took office, my Administration has worked to broaden opportunity, advance equality, and level the playing field for LGBT people and communities. We have fought to secure justice for all under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and we have taken action to end housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We expanded hospital visitation rights for LGBT patients and their loved ones, and under the Affordable Care Act, we ensured that insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage to someone just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Because we understand that LGBT rights are human rights, we continue to engage with the international community in promoting and protecting the rights of LGBT persons around the world. Because we repealed “Don’t Ask, BTL is organizing a huge petition campaign, collecting Don’t Tell,” gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans can serve their country openly, honestly, and as many names and addresses as possible at all the without fear of losing their jobs because of whom they love. And because we must treat others the way we want to be treated, I personally believe in marriage equality for same-sex couples. pride celebrations around the state. We’re working More remains to be done to ensure every single American is treated equally, regardless of in collaboration with Unity Michigan partners, local sexual orientation or gender identity. Moving forward, my Administration will continue its work to advance the rights of LGBT Americans. This month, as we reflect on how far we have come community centers and other groups to identify LGBT and how far we have yet to go, let us recall that the progress we have made is built on the words positive voters and we are asking each of them to sign and deeds of ordinary Americans. Let us pay tribute to those who came before us, and those who continue their work today; and let us rededicate ourselves to a task that is unending - the pursuit of a Pledge to educate themselves on the issues and a Nation where all are equal, and all have the full and unfettered opportunity to pursue happiness candidates that are most supportive of our issues. We ask and live openly and freely. everyone to SIGN THE PLEDGE, pay attention to the BTL NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do Voter Guide coming out this fall and to VOTE on Nov. 6. hereby proclaim June 2012 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people. SIGN THE PLEDGE online IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. BARACK OBAMA June 2012 12 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Opinion www.PrideSource.com “My first reaction to that, aside from a little chuckle, is that it’s actually a S/he Said sign of the success of the movement for LGBT rights. We are a small American perception, minority, and we will never have full What did you think of Motor equality without the support of the continuing struggles majority, and a poll like that suggests City Pride last weekend? the majority is extremely aware of COMPILED BY HOWARD ISRAEL their gay neighbors, coworkers, and Other then the rain on Saturday it was fun! Next Stuard Gaffney friends.” year I’ll make sure to be off that weekend so I –Stuart Gaffney in an article titled can enjoy it. “Americans Have No Idea How Few Gay People There –Nicholas Bachu Are,” about a recent Gallup poll that found that Americans perceive there is a large U.S. gay population, one far larger than is likely reality. www.theatlantic.com, May 31. “The fight for LGBT Equality is not It was great. going to be won in the cities. It’s –George Jonte already mostly won there. It’s going to be won in small-town America, where people need to see gay people as human, normal and neighbors - not I attended from Cleveland and I thought it was just some characters on television. It’s well organized, the location allowed more space going to be won when the lady who and the line up was good. I had a wonderful time runs the local Holiday Inn meets real- at Motor City Pride this year. I actually prefer D. Gregory live lesbians and finds them to be just Hart Plaza over Ferndale as the space was just Smith like any other guests. When the casual amazing – not to mention the view! onlooker comes to the parade to see ‘freaks’ and walks away –Melissa Duchon disappointed, when he sees families and friends laughing and cheering. When a bi kid is accepted and loved instead of encouraged to ‘get off the fence’. When our rural and small- town legislators, see us simply as citizens with the same rights I love Pride being downtown, but I thought the as every other constituent. When kids don’t say ‘gay’ as an bad carnival food options were particularly epithet of scorn and derision. When we are seen as part of disappointing considering all the great local food a larger community. That’s when full equality will happen.” we have here in Detroit. We’ve been able to get Garance Franke-Ruta local food vendors for all sorts of other events, –D. Gregory Smith, blogger, in his posting titled “Such a misunderstanding of the basic demographics of “Why You Should Attend A Rural Pride Event why not pride? sexual behavior and identity in America has potentially This Year,” http://dgsmith.org, May 31. –Katherine D Maurer profound implications for the acceptance of the gay-rights “I think that hate violence against agenda. On the one hand, people who overestimate the these communities has been going percent of gay Americans by a factor of 12 seem likely to on for a very long time and the I was not impressed with the food options at all. also wildly overestimate the cultural impact of same-sex reports that we’re seeing may not Food trucks would have been awesome! There was marriage. On the other hand, the extraordinary confusion even be a reflection on the true lots of room to move around, though. over the percentage of gay people may reflect a triumph of pervasiveness of the violence. I think –Colleen A. Sondgerath the gay and lesbian movement’s decades-long fight against we’re really just getting the tip of invisibility and the closet. In recent years, as homosexuality the iceberg. Only a little over half of has become less stigmatized, pro-gay rights groups have the survivors reported their attacks come around to acknowledging that a smaller percent of Chai Jindasurat to the police. This sheds some light Need more Pride-themed merch vendors. Other people identify themselves as gay than some of the early on why it is so difficult to track true than that it was fun. gay rights rhetoric claimed.” levels of hate crimes: many victims simply never report the –Laura Sawgle –Garance Franke-Ruta, in her article titled “Americans crime. We feel that it’s not an actual increase in violence Have No Idea How Few Gay People There Are,” but that there are reasons this kind of violence is being about a recent Gallup poll conducted May 5-8, recognized for what it is. One big reason is that now it’s more 2011, that found that Americans perceive there is acceptable to talk about LGBT communities in general.” a large U.S. gay population, one far larger than is likely reality. www.theatlantic.com, May 31. –Chai Jindasurat, one of the authors of a new report titled “Hate Violence Against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Comments may be edited for grammar and length. Queer and HIV-Affected Communities in the United States Join the conversation ... in 2011,” released by The National Coalition of Anti- Violence Programs (NCAVP), www.avp.org, May 31. Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” www.PrideSource.com Opinion / June 7, 2012 / BTL 13 Parting Glances A thing of Beauty
BY CHARLES ALEXANDER
“You may drink my wine. You may eat my food. You may command my servants. But you must respect my dog!” So read the bronze plaque affixed to the door of the palatial London home of Sigmund Neuberger (1872-1911) – The Great Lafayette – the highest paid magician and quick change artist of the Edwardian Era. Mostly forgotten today, he was undoubtedly as gay as a pink (vanishing) elephant. The pampered object of The Great Lafayette’s affection was Beauty, a perky terrier once given to him as a pup by fellow conjurer and admirer Harry Houdini. Beauty had a suite of brocaded rooms, ate five course meals, wore a diamond studded collar. “The more I see of people, the more I adore my dog,” confessed TGL, who carefully avoided romantic entanglements, treated most people with disdain, lived a life of sybaritic luxury on a salary of 40,000 British pounds sterling per year. “If Beauty should die, I’m sure I shan’t live much longer,” he predicted – a prophesy that surreally came true. According to William Goldston, 19th/20th Century historian of magic, “Lafayette was the most hated magician that ever lived. He was so intensely unpopular that he was greeted everywhere with the most utter and open contempt.” This may reflect sour grapes on Goldston’s part, as TGL was on cordial terms with fellow big-name magicians Houdini, Harry Kellar, Howard Thurston, Chung Ling Soo (aka William Robinson). There was, of course, no complaint from Beauty. She, or was it he? was TGL’s wag-tail inspiration. Beauty lived like a king (or queen?), chauffeured about London in TGL’s silver-gray Mercedes, the radiator ornament of which was the little dog’s likeness. Beauty also had a private railway carriage, dog-sized settees, porcelain baths. TGL was more quick change artist than magician. He had campy flair. Exuberant panache! Audiences adored him. He entered to a trumpet fanfare, dressed in a close-fitting satin costume of pastel shades. Shake dozens of birds from a sequined cloth, then a bejeweled goat from its folds. Bow graciously and wave. His magic was laced together with switcheroo routines, in which he skillfully traded identities again and again with a staff of well-disciplined (well paid) assistants. The end of his career began May 1st, 1911 at the Empire Theater in Edinburgh, Scotland. Four days before opening Beauty died of apoplexy -- too, too much over feeding. TGL was grief stricken (but the show must go on). Beauty was laid out in his hotel room, surrounded by hundreds of lilies. The treasured pet was embalmed, and TGL bought side- by-side burial plots at nearby Piershill Cemetery. On May 9, 3000 people packed the Empire Theater. The finale was “The Lion’s Bride,” a popular audience pleaser, at the end of which TGL “magically” changed places with the lion. Suddenly scenery caught fire. The theater was hastily evacuated. Among three staff who perished was The Great Lafayette, identified only by his many rings. He had tried to rescue his animal menagerie. His funeral was “one of the most extraordinary internments of modern times”. That it must have been ...... as Beauty’s coffin was opened, and The Great Lafayette’s ashes were lovingly enfolded by his beloved, faithful, diamond- collared terrier. One hundred-and-one years ago last month.
[email protected] 14 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ National www.PrideSource.com Creep of the Week Court rules DOMA unconstitional Bryan Fischer BY LISA KEEN “suspect classification” to laws based on In its 33-page decision, “sexual preference.” And the panel said BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI A unanimous three-judge panel of it was neither empowered nor willing to the First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals the judges affirmed the “create such a new suspect classification nti-gay stalwart Bryan Fischer got ruled May 31, that the core part of the for same-sex relationships.” out a copy of Webster’s Dictionary Defense of Marriage Act, barring federal U.S. District Court ruling It also ruled that, while a 1972 Aso that he could remind any and recognition of marriages of same-sex that DOMA violates the U.S. Supreme Court dismissal of Baker all who have not yet fallen under the couples, is unconstitutional. An appeal of v. Nelson is “precedent binding on us,” spell of the “Homosexual Agenda” that that decision is expected to be filed fairly equal protection rights subsequent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, discrimination is actually a good thing. According to a June 1 quickly with the U.S. Supreme Court and in such cases as Romer v. Evans and column by Fischer, liberals have gone and messed up a perfectly is likely be before the high court this fall. guaranteed by the U.S. Lawrence v. Texas, make its usefulness good term by not allowing upstanding moral citizens like himself The First Circuit panel said that, Constitution. in the current cases limited. In Baker, to single out and treat LGBT folks unfairly. under simple rational review of the law, a gay couple in Minnesota appealed a Fischer is right when he says that discrimination isn’t always the same-sex couples seeking to overturn ruling of their state’s supreme court that bad. People have to be discriminating when, say, it comes to DOMA “cannot prevail.” But, importantly, state concern.” held the state could deny them a marriage whether or not to buy and eat a loaf of bread covered in green fuzz the panel also said that, because DOMA “To conclude, many Americans license. The U.S. Supreme Court, in 1972, or when a man dripping with blood and reeking of alcohol knocks implicates both equal protection and believe that marriage is the union of a dismissed the couple’s appeal. BLAG on the door in the middle of the night and asks to use the bathroom. federalism, the law requires “a closer than man and a woman, and most Americans attorney Paul Clement had argued the First But when it comes to Fischer’s defense of discrimination usual review based in part on discrepant live in states where that is the law today,” Circuit was bound to do the same with the against gays and lesbians, well, he’s not talking about the kinds of impact among married couples and in said the panel. “One virtue of federalism is DOMA challenge. decisions people make every day. He’s talking about oppressing part on the importance of state interests in that it permits this diversity of governance The panel stayed its decision, an entire group regulating marriage.” based on local choice, but this applies meaning the federal government is not of people based In its 33-page decision, the judges as well to the states that have chosen to obliged to immediately begin recognizing The idea that gays are born solely on the fact affirmed the U.S. District Court ruling legalize same-sex marriage. Under current same-sex marriages. But Mary Bonauto, that he doesn’t like that DOMA violates the equal protection Supreme Court authority, Congress’ denial lead attorney for same-sex couples on the that way is a load of hooey them. rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. of federal benefits to same-sex couples case, said she expects the decision will be In addition It did not agree that DOMA also violates lawfully married in Massachusetts has appealed in short order. in Fischer’s opinion to “rightly the spending clause or Tenth Amendment not been adequately supported by any The decision was written by Judge discriminating rights of states. While DOMA does permissible federal interest.” Michael Boudin and joined by Chief Judge against homosexuals,” Fischer says it’s the same as discriminating “intrude” into a realm of law “primarily U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) Sandra Lynch and Judge Juan Torruella. against “people who rip off convenience stores, burgle houses, confided to state regulations,” said the said the ruling “vindicates the decision by The panel heard oral arguments in the drive while drunk, eat the faces off homeless people, gun down panel, “Nevertheless, Congress surely the Obama administration not to defend two cases – Gill v. Office of Personnel servicemen on military bases, embezzle funds from employers or has an interest in who counts as married.” the “Defense of Marriage Act,” which Management and Massachusetts v. Health clients, or beat their wives.” “That Congress has traditionally denies rights to millions of Americans. It is and Human Services – on April 4. To Fischer, there’s no distinction to that guy in Florida who looked to state law to determine the answer also a tribute to the thoughtful, principled The “case” before the panel was a was shot because he wouldn’t stop gnawing on another man’s [to what defines marriage] does not mean legal strategy by Mary Bonauto and her consolidation of three cases, brought by face, and a man or a woman who wants to have sex with a person that the Tenth Amendment or Spending associates at Gay & Lesbian Advocates Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders of his or her own gender. Clause require it to do so.” & Defenders.” (GLAD) and by the Commonwealth That’s not to say Fischer has no compassion for gays. “However,” said the panel, “the denial “We think that this is a fantastic of Massachusetts. They are generally “We should not … discriminate against a man for his sexual of federal benefits to same-sex couples decision that is crisp and solid and well- referred to as Gill v. Office of Personnel inclinations, only for his sexual conduct,” Fischer writes. “We lawfully married does burden the choice reasoned,” said GLAD’s Bonauto. “And Management. don’t punish people for what they think about doing, or even for of states like Massachusetts to regulate it’s really rooted in the last 50 years In Gill, GLAD argued that DOMA’s what they want to do, but only for their actions, only for the times the rules and incidents of marriage.... of equal protection jurisprudence and ban on federal recognition of same-sex when they yield to socially destructive impulses.” These consequences do not violate the federalism jurisprudence.” marriages violates the equal protection Got that? Only homos who are getting some action will be Tenth Amendment or Spending Clause, “I am confident that the U.S. of same-sex couples. In Massachusetts v. subjected to discrimination in Fischer’s fantasy police state. All but Congress’ effort to put a thumb on Supreme Court will add its support for HHS, the state argued that it interfered with the other gays, just get into one of those “pray the gay away” the scales and influence a state’s decision this decision which is so firmly grounded the state’s authority to regulate marriage. programs and marry someone of the opposite sex and your life as to how to shape its own marriage laws in long-standing American constitutional In Hara v. OPM, GLAD argued a very will be just fine. does bear on how the justifications are principles,” said Frank. narrow case involving the benefits due to The idea that gays are born that way is a load of hooey assessed.” The universal reaction among LGBT one plaintiff, Dean Hara, the widow of the in Fischer’s opinion. He writes, “Regardless of one’s sexual It then proceeded to reject--using civil rights groups was similar. late U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds. ‘orientation,’ which might even be to have sex with children, an “intensified scrutiny” – each of the “Whether it is California’s Proposition U.S. District Court Judge Joseph sexual behavior is always a matter of choice. You can ask Tiger arguments put forth by the Bipartisan Legal 8 or the so-called Defense of Marriage Tauro ruled in July 2010 that Section 3 of Woods about what happens to an individual who yields to every Advisory Group (BLAG), a Republican- Act, court after court has affirmed that DOMA violates the U.S. Constitution’s sexual impulse that comes along.” dominated Congressional committee that marriage discrimination against gay and guarantee of equal protection, its Spending Okay, wait, did Fischer just disclose that Tiger Woods is gay authorized an outside attorney to defend lesbian Americans is unfair, unjust, and Clause, and the Tenth Amendment right of and/or that he had sex with kids? I mean, I get that Fischer is trying DOMA in federal lawsuits around the unconstitutional,” said Adam Umhoefer, states to sovereignty. to link the roundly disproven notion of homosexuality=pedophilia, country. Those arguments included such executive director of the American Section 3 of the federal law, passed but what does Woods have to do with this? Perhaps Fischer is just things as “preserving scarce government Foundation for Equal Rights which has in 1996, states that, for federal government confusing being gay with being a whore. resources,” “support child rearing,” and been pressing the challenge to California’s purposes, “the word ‘marriage’ means Actually, Fischer doesn’t know the difference. He is firmly to preserve the traditional definition of same-sex marriage ban. That challenge only a legal union between one man and wedded to the idea that homosexuality=rampant unstoppable sex marriage. has succeeded at the U.S. district court one woman as husband and wife, and the urges that, with God’s help, just need to be reined in so that gays “For 150 years, this desire to and Ninth Circuit panel levels. It is now word ‘spouse’ refers only to a person of can stop being such lonely, disease-ridden, non-human beings. maintain tradition would alone have awaiting word on whether the full Ninth the opposite sex who is a husband or a But don’t worry, it comes from the goodness of his heart. “We been justification enough for almost any Circuit will hear an appeal of those lower wife.” None of the First Circuit lawsuits should discriminate against this kind of behavior not because we statute,” said the panel. “... But Supreme court decisions. challenged the section of DOMA that hate people but because we love them,” he writes. Court decisions in the last fifty years call In coming to its decision, the panel enables any state to ignore valid marriage My goodness, if this is how Fischer says, “I love you,” I’d for closer scrutiny of government action decided that an earlier First Circuit licenses issued to a same-sex couple in hate to get on his bad side. touching upon minority group interests decision on a case challenging “Don’t Ask, other states. and of federal action in areas of traditional Don’t Tell” “has already declined” to grant www.PrideSource.com National News / June 7, 2012 / BTL 15 Illinois lawsuits seek right to marry for same-sex couples BY LISA KEEN couples to obtain civil union licenses and that law went into effect in June 2011, but Windy Lambda Legal Defense and the ACLU filed City Times, the state’s gay newspaper, has separate lawsuits Wednesday, seeking the right to documented a number of instances in which marry for same-sex couples in Illinois. “government entities, hospitals, organizations In Darby v. Orr in the circuit court for and employers either failed or struggled” to Cook County, Lambda argues that a state law afford due recognition to civil unions. A bill in banning same-sex marriages violates the state the state legislature seeking to repeal the same- constitution’s guarantee of due process and equal sex marriage ban, reports Windy City Times, has protection. The lawsuit also says the ban violates not moved this session. the state constitution’s prohibition against The two lawsuits in Illinois now join many creating laws that affect just one group when a others around the country, in state and federal law “is or can be made” that applies generally to courts, seeking to undo laws than block same- everyone, such as marriage laws. sex couples from equal treatment under marriage In Lazro v. Orr in that same court, the laws. In addition to Nevada, Lambda has a third ACLU made those arguments and more, saying marriage lawsuit, Garden State Equality v. Dow, the marriage ban law violated the right to equal pending in New Jersey state court, and that case protection based on sexual orientation and based includes some federal law issues. The ACLU on gender, as well as the right to privacy of same- has a lawsuit challenging the federal Defense of sex couples. Marriage Act (DOMA), pending in federal court Lambda’s lawsuit is the second marriage in New York. That lawsuit, Windsor v. U.S., and lawsuit the group has filed in less than two two by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders months. In April, Lambda filed a federal lawsuit (GLAD), challenges Section 3 of DOMA, which in Nevada, Sevcik vs. Sandoval, arguing that the bans, for any federal purpose, the recognition state’s denial of marriage licenses to same-sex of a legal marriage from any state or other couples violates their U.S. Constitutional right to jurisdiction. One of the GLAD lawsuits, Gill v. equal protection under the 14th Amendment. But, OPM, is consolidated with a lawsuit from the unlike Nevada, which bans same-sex marriage state of Massachusetts, Commonwealth v. HHS, through a state constitutional amendment, Illinois and is awaiting a decision from the First Circuit bars same-sex marriage through a state law only. U.S. Court of Appeals. The other, Pedersen v. Lambda also led the successful lawsuit, Varnum OPM, is pending in Connecticut federal district v. Brien, in Iowa that led to a state supreme court court. ruling in 2009 that said the state constitution And in California, a high-profile case, Perry guarantees equal treatment of same-sex couples v. Brown, challenging the Proposition 8 ban on under the state’s marriage laws. same-sex marriages, has succeeded in federal The Lambda lawsuit in Illinois involves 16 district court and before a three-judge panel of the same-sex couples, including 80-year-old Korean Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. The panel War veteran James Darby and his companion of decision has been appealed but the full circuit has 48 years Patrick Bova, 73, who live in Chicago. not yet indicated whether it will hear the case. David Orr is the Cook County Clerk, who is authorized to issue marriage licenses. The ACLU lawsuit in Illinois involves nine same-sex couples, including Chicago police detective Tanya Lazro and her partner of 15 years, Elizabeth Matos. The two lawsuits were apparently developed separately, but the groups are coordinating the announcement of them. The Illinois legislature passed a law permitting same-sex 16 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ National News www.PrideSource.com Prop 8 case will not be reheard by Ninth Circuit
BY LISA KEEN they will now file a petition to the U.S. Supreme recognize marriages licensed by states to same- views regarding the Constitution, especially as Court to review the Ninth Circuit decisions. sex couples. the President did not discuss the narrow issue A glimmer of politics showed through Ted Olson, a lead attorney for the gay couples David Boies, the other lead attorney for that we decided in our opinion.” Tuesday (June 5) when the full Ninth Circuit in Perry, said that, even if the Supreme Court the Perry couples, said that, while the questions “We,” said Reinhardt and Hawkins, “held U.S. Court of Appeals declined a request from refuses to hear that appeal, the litigation would in each case are very “distinct,” the issues are only that under the particular circumstances supporters of California’s ban on same-sex be a “complete victory” for the plaintiff couples. closely related and could – if both are accepted marriage to review a circuit panel’s decision that One looming question for the Perry case –be heard very close together. Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. is whether the Supreme Court, if it accepts the The three-paragraph order June 5 stated “A decision concluding that In a dissent from the order refusing to have case, would review the Ninth Circuit panel’s very that the request for a full court review “failed to same-sex couples have the the full Ninth Circuit hear the landmark Perry v. narrow reasoning to strike down Proposition 8 receive a majority of the votes” of active judges. Brown case, three judges signed onto a dissent, or the federal district court’s more sweeping It also noted that the order would be stayed for 90 same fundamental right noting that just a few weeks ago, President reasoning concerning equal protection, due days to enable proponents of Proposition 8 to file Obama had “ignited a media firestorm by process, and the fundamental right to marry. an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. as different-sex couples announcing that he supports same-sex marriage While Olson said upholding a narrow reasoning The dissenting judges did not mince words as a policy matter.” The three said the refusal to might still affect same-sex marriage in some in their three-paragraph dissent. They said the would call into question all review the circuit panel’s decision “silenced” states beyond California, upholding the broader circuit panel’s 2 to 1 decision striking Proposition the marriage restrictions President Obama’s suggestion that the nation reasoning could affect every state. 8 was a “gross misapplication” of the U.S. continue its “conversation” about same-sex With last week’s First Circuit decision Supreme Court’s decision in Romer v. Evans. states currently impose.” marriage “in a respectful way.” striking a core section of the Defense of Marriage In that 1996 case, the Supreme Court said states All three dissenters were appointees of Act (DOMA) also heading to the nation’s highest could not pass laws that excluded gays from court, it is now likely the Supreme Court will protection based on animus against the group. Republican presidents. - Williams Institute legal But politics or not, the refusal to give Perry have two major same-sex marriage cases on its The dissenters said refusing to give full v. Brown full circuit court review is a major docket in October. Ninth Circuit review to Perry v. Brown means scholar Jenny Pizer, “ victory for supporters of marriage equality and The Ninth Circuit case, if accepted, could the Ninth Circuit judges “have now declared that means almost certainly that the “final chapter” in ask whether states can take away the right to animus must have been the only conceivable the historic litigation can now begin, says Chad marry from same-sex couples or whether same- motivation for a sovereign state to have remained relating to California’s Proposition 8, that Griffin, co-founder of the American Foundation sex couples have a fundamental right to marriage committed to a definition of marriage that has measure was invalid. In line with the rules for Equal Rights which organized and funded and to be treated equally under marriage laws. existed for millennia.” governing judicial resolution of constitutional the lawsuit. The First Circuit case, if accepted, would ask Proponents of Proposition 8, known as Yes issues, we did not resolve the fundamental Attorneys for Proposition 8 supporters said whether the federal government can refuse to on 8, filed the Ninth Circuit full court appeal, question that both sides asked us to: whether the asking it to overturn a decision by the panel Constitution prohibits the states from banning last February. That panel decision found that same-sex marriage. That question,” they said, California’s ban on same-sex marriage violates “may be decided in the near future, but if so, it the federal constitution by stripping from same- should be in some other case, at some other time.” sex couples a right they had (to marry) prior to The “particular circumstances” they referred passage of Proposition 8. In order for a limited to were that the California Supreme Court had full court review to have been granted, at least ruled, in May 2008, that the state constitution 14 of the circuit’s 26 active judges would have required that same-sex couples be able to obtain had to say another review is warranted. marriage licenses the same as straight couples. The Perry v. Brown lawsuit is led by famed Thousands of couples did begin obtaining conservative attorney Ted Olson and preeminent marriage licenses, but, in November of that year, liberal attorney David Boies and organized and voters approved Proposition 8, amending the funded by the American Foundation for Equal state constitution to explicitly ban the recognition Rights. of same-sex marriage. In the case, two same-sex couples sued the While attorneys and activists uniformly state after being denied marriage licenses after called the February 7 panel decision a major the voter-approved constitutional ban on same- victory, they acknowledged that the decision did sex marriage went into effect in November 2008. stop short of saying that same-sex partners, like U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker straight partners, have a “fundamental right to ruled, in August 2010, that banning same-sex marry.” Instead, it said Proposition 8 deprived couples from obtaining marriage licenses violates same-sex partners only of the “right to use the the federal constitution’s guarantees of equal designation of ‘marriage.’” If it had ruled same- protection and due process. He agreed to delay sex couples had a fundamental right to marry, enforcement of the decision, pending an appeal said Lambda Legal Defense’s legal director Jon by Yes on 8 attorneys to the Ninth Circuit. Davidson, “the marriage laws of 44 states would In February 2012, a three-judge panel of the have been cast into doubt....” And by rendering Ninth Circuit, in a 2 to 1 vote, upheld Walker’s such a relatively narrow ruling, said Davidson decision but on much more narrow grounds. The and others, the panel reduced the likelihood the panel majority - Judges Stephen Reinhardt and U.S. Supreme Court would take the case. Michael Hawkins - said Proposition 8 improperly “The fundamental right to marry, as removed from a group of citizens (gays) a protected by the US Constitution,” said Williams right they already enjoyed (marriage) without Institute legal scholar Jenny Pizer, “has to have sufficient justification. the same contours throughout the country. So Reinhardt and Hawkins submitted a decision concluding that same-sex couples a paragraph with the June 5 refusal order, have the same fundamental right as different-sex saying they were “puzzled” by their dissenting couples would call into question all the marriage colleagues’ “unusual reliance on the President’s restrictions states currently impose.” www.PrideSource.com Michigan News / June 7, 2012 / BTL 17 them. There is no difference and there are conversations that are Darnell Moore and his partner of five and a half years. “I call him ® Wade Davis happening now on high school teams, on college teams, and on pro my little hero. He’s taught me to stop wishing and start dreaming Continued from p. 6 teams,” said Davis. “Leaving my NFL career is definitely worth and there’s a big difference between those two.” He is also obsessed it. I never thought I would say that. People often ask if I could go with James Baldwin. “I spent the entire Memorial Day weekend actual bully. I was an athlete. I was popular. I was so afraid to back, would I, and I can’t give an honest answer because I really listening to his speeches and reading some of his books and writing. be who I was, that I poked fun at a lot of others. By me having a love what I do now.” I’m just so inspired by him.” chance to work for the Obama campaign and work with LGBT And he’s getting results. During a recent trip to the At 34 years old, Davis has to pinch himself sometimes when youth everyday, it’s a chance for me to really give back and really Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference, Davis took a group of kids he thinks about the work he is doing. pay it forward,” he said. to run a workshop on how to be an ally. “After the workshop, one “To be able to work for the president in the capacity that I do is “We are really trying to get the word out. Because the of the youth said to me ‘you’ve been one of my biggest allies for surreal,” said Davis. “I want to do as much as I can and do more and president’s statement is a hot button, people may forget that our as long as I can remember and you’ve helped to change my life.’ work my fingers to the bone. I’ll fly here and fly there. I just don’t president is for everyone, not just for black, white, rich, poor, gay This let’s me know that I’m doing this for the right reasons,” he care. Whether I get to meet him one day or not doesn’t matter. The straight, for everyone. That’s what his platform is about, moving said, adding that because he is viewed as a celebrity, it’s important work that I’m allowed to do for him makes me feel as if I already this country forward. So equality is not just for sexual orientation for him to be authentic and consistent, and to make sure that our know him because of the way he carries himself. Just to be able to and gender identity,” he said. youth know there’s someone in their corner who’s an actual ally, talk about a man who I respect, who I look at as so relatable, who Davis played with the Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks who’s not afraid to be truthful to them and to allow them to grow. could be me, who has so many things that I admire and aspire to and eventually the Washington Redskins from 2000 to 2004 before Davis has a few allies of his own, including his great friend be is just one of the most amazing things in the world.” coming out as gay. He won an NFL Europe championship with the Berlin Thunder as well. He presently serves as the Director of Player Development for the New York Gay Football League. His public announcement coincided with his participation on the sports advisory board through the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network’s Changing the Game (http://sports.glsen.org/) program, which is designed to fight homophobia in K-12 athletics by starting a dialogue about the issue.
Through GLSEN, Davis found his second dream job as the Assistant Director of Job Readiness and Career Exploration at the Hetrick-Martin Institute (www.hmi.org) in New York where he resides. He works everyday with LGBT youth. “One of my biggest goals is to teach our youth how to think. Not tell them what to think, but teach them how to think and think critically. And to challenge assumptions and perceptions that are out there. Also to understand how important what the president did is for their lives. Yes, they may be 12, 13 and 14 years old now, but in 10 years they will see the impact,” said Davis, who wakes up excited every morning to go to work. Davis said he believes President Obama is changing a lot of the public perceptions around LGBT people and the issues faced by the community. While he felt the pressure to hide his sexuality in the NFL, and to avoid those who were suspected of being gay or bisexual, he encourages young LGBT athletes to be proud of who they are. “I think the great part about what the president did is that people really understand that gay and lesbian people are just like 18 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Pride www.PrideSource.com Motor City Pride returns to Hart Plaza 1 5
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View the Online Gallery www.pridesource.com 20 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Pride www.PrideSource.com K'zoo Pride to feature Pandora Boxx, Kimi Hayes
Pandora Boxx (Left), Kimi Hayes (Upper Right) and Funktion (Bottom Right) perform June 9 at Kalamazoo Pride.
KALAMAZOO — An entertainment showcases all aspects of funk: silky smooth R&B, lineup including drag queen Pandora Boxx and cool island dub rhythms, rowdy hip-hop or the Kimi Hayes' rock band will be featured at the fifth unhinged, guitar-fueled fireball of funk. Additional annual Kalamazoo Pride June 9 at Arcadia Creek afternoon entertainment includes DJ Matt House Festival Place. and the Neon Tetras, an original acoustic soul Live entertainment will feature Pandora quartet from Kalamazoo. “Vendor Alley” will Boxx from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pandora is best feature local affirming and inclusive organizations known as a contestant on the smash hit RuPaul’s and business goods vendors as well as various Drag Race (Season 2) on Logo and VH1. Despite food and beverage establishments from Southwest not winning, Pandora proved to be the breakout Michigan. Additionally, family friendly-activities star and was named by Entertainment Weekly “as will take place in and near the youth tent area. their America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Kalamazoo Pride is the biggest fundraiser for The Kimi Hayes Band will take the stage at the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center. Last 9 p.m. playing an exciting blend of current and year's Kalamazoo Pride attracted over 5,000 people. classic rock, and loads of crowd-pleasing favorites “Kalamazoo Pride is a time for this community from the 70s, 80s and 90s. The Kimi Hayes Band to rally around equality and inclusiveness," said is a high energy, rockin’ four piece unit, featuring Zachary Bauer, executive director at KLRC. “The power-house vocals, sizzling guitars, and a rock event is open to everyone, and our goal is to create a solid rhythm section. Kimi Hayes and her band welcoming and affirming event for the LGBTQ and have opened for Sugarland, Willie Nelson, Gavin ally communities. With over 100 local volunteers, DeGraw, Sarah Evans, Lucinda Williams, Blues this is truly a community event focused on diversity Traveler, and many more. and civil engagement.” Kalamazoo Pride will also offer more Gates open at 2 p.m. and admission is $5. entertainment during the day, including Entertainment is on the main stage from 2 p.m. to a performance by Kalamazoo-based R&B 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.kglrc. band Funktion. This popular seven-man band org/pride.
22 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Cool Cities www.PrideSource.com
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Make your heart happy with Dixie Longate to benefit Affirmations BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN
here is something endearing about a person who insists that you are “sweeter than poop.” T Maybe not the kind of endearing that makes it onto “Father Knows Best,” but little that Dixie Longate, one of the top-selling Tupperware ladies in the country, does would. She loves to talk about creative food storage, and calling their uses she promotes creative is a little like calling Rush Limbaugh somewhat conservative. Longate, a character whom actor Kris Andersson created, uses toy sorters as sobriety testers and spill-proof tumblers with lids for taking martinis in the car on the morning drive to school. She shot to the top of Tupperware’s sales lists by throwing her unconventional parties which are part drag show, part stand-up comedy and part female-empowerment, audience- participation theater. And now, Dixie is coming to Detroit for her second time ever. She’ll be performing up to six shows as a fundraiser for Affirmations at Five15 in downtown Royal Oak. Her first visit to the Motor City was last August when she won a Wilde Award for her Tupperware party performance at Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck. “I had so much fun and everyone was so neighborly,” she says. “There was such an amazing feeling of community. How fun it must be to be a part of that community. It made my heart happy.” The Wilde Awards made her put Detroit on the list of places she wanted to perform. She’s still looking for a venue to do her full show after doing the fundraiser at Five15. “These people need creative food storage. I can’t shirk my responsibility and not come,” she says, adding that the pre-award show dinner sealed the deal when she tasted a peanut butter and jelly martini for the first time. “I never had anything like that in my life. It’s like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich but it makes you take your pants off, and there’s no crust.” Working on her own, she said she doesn’t often get to participate in a community like the one found among Michigan’s theater folk. She does, though, get to participate in a global community, the one of Tupperware users ready for a different take See Dixie Longate, page 28 26 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Royal Oak www.PrideSource.com
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® Dixie Longate ‘That’s something you put your condoms in for a weekend.’ He showed me how to use Continued from p. 25 a colander. I thought it was the big round on their mothers’ oh-so-polite home parties. thing with a stick on it for doing something Dixie is just returning from a tour unneighborly.” Cool Cities of Australia and Great Britain, two of the She also doesn’t think other home 10 countries where Tupperware is sold party products would have the same Royal Oak through home parties. international appeal. “People know exactly what it is. It “So many people around the world is huge in Australia,” Dixie says, talking know what (Tupperware) is. If I had to go about the excitement that greeted her in to Russia and say, ‘Let’s talk about Mary with every show. “There are different Kay and how beautiful you can be,’ and things I would talk about in the show and I’m working with a lot of Russian ladies? different pieces of Tupperware. (People in Sometimes they’re not pretty – they’re real the audience would say) ‘I love that,’ ‘My good in sports, but they probably don’t momma had that.’ Different people had Tupperware Party understand lip liners.” Besides, the Tupperware products different connections and relationships to with Dixie Longate the Tupperware in every city, but everyone have served Dixie well both professionally knows what it is.” A benefit for Affirmations presented by and personally. Equality for a Cause, Inc. and Five15, It was the first time she’d taken “Sometimes when I’m doing a party upstairs at Fifth Avenue I end up having sex with people. It’s never her show international, and she said that 215 W. Fifth, Royal Oak. June 15-17 despite the differences in culture, her $25 general admission, $100 VIP intentional. You know what it’s like when reception was the same everywhere. www.five15.net/dixie you’re so neighborly. You never go seeking “For the most part, the sort of comedy it out. You know what it’s like when you I do is fairly universal,” she says. “People they always put smiles on when people ask are so pretty and people throw themselves are much more similar than you think. It about it. They are so supportive.” on you. It’s like, ‘Time out, senator, there’s isn’t that much of a stretch going from place It’s that support and the products enough to go around.’ You know; you’ve to place. That’s what made it fun.” themselves that has Dixie committed to been there.” YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET While her shows could double for a the brand, saying she can’t imagine leaving For all those who have been there, sex toy party, she said she’s had nothing them as other products simply wouldn’t be and even those who haven’t, they can Pinpoint your ad dollars where but support from the corporate folks at as much fun. experience Dixie’s shows on Father’s Day they will do the most good . . . Tupperware, and many of them have come “Half the stuff, I didn’t even know weekend in Royal Oak. The number of out to see her show. belonged in the kitchen. My reverend came shows will depend on ticket pre-sales, with Advertise in the next Cool Cities “They’ve been real neighborly, saying in and said, ‘What’s that under the bed?’ a total of six possible shows at 7 p.m. and TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 they’d get whatever I need to get going, and It was so sweet. He showed me: ‘That’s 9 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday something to put your cereal in.’ I was like, and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday.
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Hear Me Out BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Regina Spektor’s best album yet. Plus: Scissor Sisters at their most inspiring
Obispo,” swimming in island rhythms that beseech you to throw on a grass skirt, grab a mai tai and listen closely to the introspection brimming beneath. And who can blame them for “Only the Horses,” a Calvin Harris-produced shot at mainstream fame? With this album, they’ve earned it. Grade: B+ Also Out Sigur Rós, ‘Valtari’ Sigur Rós still hasn’t lost touch with its atmospheric washes of melancholy – even four years after releasing their last studio album. And so “Valtari” comes with few surprises. Not that there isn’t profound sound in the instrumental flamboyancy of the Icelandic quartet, but it’s a little like looking at the same starry night: Their defining orchestral whimsy, children’s choirs and unmatched ability at creating serenity all come into play. Fans of Jónsi Birgisson’s fantastic full-of-life solo album will be surprised at how little the frontman is utilized: Regina Spektor, ‘What We Saw from the Scissor Sisters, Often letting the ambience speak for itself, Cheap Seats’ ‘Magic Hour’ he opens the album’s best track, Varúð, with With 2006’s “Begin to Hope,” Regina Songs about his dreamy falsetto, and then lets it fall into a Spektor stepped out from the shadows of eternal solitude sonic fire. This is Sigur Rós doing their thing, the hipster underground for some pop- in the sky, horses and doing it as lovely as ever. world reach. That career opus struck a as our only fine balance that its follow-up, “Far,” escape from the Greg Laswell, overworked into vanilla mediocrity. Her apocalypse and a ‘Landline’ sixth disc, “What We Saw from the Cheap tropical getaway with “the backpack full of Seats,” is not only a significant upswing Captain Jack”: Not since the quartet’s first Greg Laswell’s on “Far” for the Soviet-born singer – and album, released nearly a decade ago, have biggest fault much more comfortable in being straight- they been this wholeheartedly inspiring. has always been up strange – but it shows that “Hope” And not inspiring in the make-sexytime writing songs wasn’t a one-time fluke: Spektor doesn’t way. Their last LP, “Night Work,” was like he has TV repress her idiosyncrasies (she beat boxes, all hyper-horny, like some pre-teen who network execs in speaks in an Italian tongue and lips a just discovered what a hand and mouth mind: They’re so very “Dawson’s Creek.” marching band) and finds ways to work can really do. Hormones aren’t raging More of the same finds the San Diego them more naturally into the handsomely on “Magic Hour,” but, naturally, they’re singer-songwriter fumbling through a stitched fabric without neutering herself. still there: “Self Control” is a musical series of overwrought emotions that don’t Of course, it helps having straighter-edged oxymoron (how can anyone get ahold of translate to memorable music despite a sentiments of endearing candor, like those themselves with Jake Shears telling them fuller sound and a few ladies. Sara Bareilles of “The Party” or “How,” to break up the to “feel the push”?), and the delightfully cameos on album-opener “Come Back queerness of her ode to a mass murderer raunchy “Let’s Have a Kiki” camps up its Down,” a back-and-forth between two on “Oh Marcello” and the eerie museum drag queen romp like some long-lost song exes that’s a refreshing breakup change- narrative “All the Rowboats.” Even without from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” up; “Dragging You Around” has Sia in “Firewood,” a beautiful ballad bringing her It’s clear the Sisters want to be about chirpy-voiced pop mode; and Laswell’s back down to earth that warmly concludes more than just sex; there’s also darkness, wife, Ingrid Michaelson, shows up for the “there’s still no cure for crying,” there’s loneliness and obvious signs of maturity chillingly stunning extended metaphor of no second-guessing it: This is Regina threaded throughout. Through the classic- emotional support on the title track. Too Spektor’s best album ever. Grade: A- rock aura of Elton John comes “San Luis bad the rest of the album can’t live up to it. 30 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Royal Oak www.PrideSource.com
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Be included in our Royal Oak Cool Cities Pages Call us today: 734-293--7200 x13 www.PrideSource.com Film / June 7, 2012 / BTL 31 What interested you in “Damsels in Distress”? I love Whit Stillman and the crazy universes he constructs. I just think he’s totally unique as a voice; there’s no one else like him. He’s almost like the Oscar Wilde of now, in a way. I don’t think there’s another person who writes quite like he does and has this strange, absurdist, satirical sensibility that is also somehow totally sincere. Greta How cool was it to exercise some of your musical-theater background in it? I feel like I’ve oversold my actual credentials in musical-theater. A lot of my credentials in musical-theater is just singing along to them in the car. (Laughs) I’m not like Lea Michele; I was not in “Spring Awakening.” I just loved musicals. Adam Brody had a great line in “Damsels in Gerwig Distress” that suggests he may have been homosexual in a different era, before it became The New Gay-Loved Girl so trendy. If you were lesbian, which era would you be lesbian in? Obviously 1992-1997. Sinead O’ Connor, Lilith Fair – that was a super good time to be lesbian, right? And Melissa Etheridge, baby doll dresses with combat boots – awesome! What was it like going to an all-girls college? I love Barnard. While I was at Barnard, they changed the policy – my RA was transgender and was starting the process of changing from Greta Gerwig in “Damsels in Distress.” Photo: Sony Classics (Bottom right) Gerwig with co-star Joel Kinnaman in “Lola Versus.” Photo: Fox Searchlight being a girl to being a boy. Barnard officially came out and said that’s totally cool and our students can do that and we support it, which Actress talks new film, gay boyfriends and filling Liza’s shoes was pretty awesome. You played opposite Russell Brand in “Arthur,” in BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Are we past having the gay guy be the proverbial meathead who just wants to touch your breasts. the part Liza Minnelli originated in 1981. How did shoulder to lean on for the damsel in distress? it feel stepping into Liza’s shoes? And did your It was only a matter of time before Greta So what’s your call on the one-night-stand It’s very stereotypical of that kind of movie. gay friends approve of your performance? Gerwig would enter gay consciousness. Roles rebound who was an incubator baby and has a I think we’re ready to have just a full-on They did. Although everybody was really in the “Arthur” remake, with Ben Stiller in thing for Ani DiFranco, who he plays during your mainstream rom-com that’s just guys. Someone sad that I didn’t get to wear this one pantsuit “Greenberg” and as Natalie Portman’s bestie sex scene with him in “Lola Versus.” Gay or not? in “No Strings Attached” made her a bona fide should make a rom-com about two guys falling that she wears in the original: this giant pink movie star, but it was “Damsels in Distress” – in love and then they can have a sidekick Yeah, no. I think he just really likes Ani pantsuit that’s shiny and crazy. It’s insane. They gleefully riffing on the power of dance in suicide straight girl best friend. DiFranco! (Laughs) One of my high school were sad I didn’t get to wear her outfits. prevention – that earned her queer cred. Why? Would you star in it? boyfriends loved Ani DiFranco. He did! He My favorite Liza movie is definitely Just ask her. “It’s like an absurdist college version learned how to play Ani DiFranco songs on the “Cabaret” – the ultimate. She’s so great in that, of ‘Mean Girls,’” the actress says. I would play the sidekick, and Bradley Cooper guitar, and he’s fully straight. It’s a real thing. and I used to watch that movie and wonder if Now Gerwig, 28, stars in Fox Searchlight’s would star in it. (Laughs) my legs were as long as hers. (Laughs) I just There’s the scene where you wander drunk into thought she was the most beautiful woman I’d “Lola Versus,” a post-breakup dramedy about That means no sex scenes with Bradley. one woman’s (reckless, slutty and drunken) a strip club. Was that your first time in one? ever seen. I used to do that with Cyd Charisse journey to self-fulfillment that opens June 15. I know. It would just be platonic. We’d make It was, actually. We didn’t have full-on with “Singin’ in the Rain” and Ann Reinking. The actress will also appear alongside Penélope milkshakes together in my cute apartment with strippers, though. I have been to places where All of those saucy girls that could get their legs Cruz, Ellen Page and Alec Baldwin in Woody my cat. there are naked people, but I’ve never been to way up there, I wanted to be like them. Allen’s summer release “To Rome With Love.” Tell me what you learned from having a gay a strip club. I always Charming and upbeat, Gerwig spoke to us first boyfriend. expect that to happen about the gay best friend she should’ve had in to me one day, but it’s “Lola Versus,” how even straight guys can like It’s a very good thing to have a gay boyfriend never happened to me. Ani DiFranco and the best era to be lesbian. as your first boyfriend. We really liked each I have only been in the other, and we liked all of the same things – he fictitious world. You’re really put through the wringer in “Lola loved musicals; I loved musicals. We had so Where else do you Versus.” Where’s a gay best friend when you much fun together. He didn’t want to have sex find naked people? need him? with me, which then – at 14, 15 – you don’t really want to be having sex anyway. We used The Box in New York; I know! What’s sad is that a lot of people who to go to dances together and, regardless of the it’s a club, and there saw the trailer assume that Hamish Linklater is theme of the dance, we would create our own were lots of naked my gay friend, and he’s actually not gay in the theme and go as whatever we had decided the people and I was movie. They just assume because he makes that theme was, so we went to dances as people working there. But it Rupert Everett joke. I don’t know what kind of from the Roaring Twenties – not the theme of wasn’t, like, proper New York girl I am that I don’t have a gay BFF. the dance, but very fun. We just had a great strippers. Just naked There’s something wrong with that. time. It was much better than dating some people. (Laughs) 32 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Theater www.PrideSource.com Third time’s a charm for Epicenter BY DONALD V. CALAMIA
I suspect that in the days of the caveman, people used to sit around the campfire entertaining one another with stories about the foibles of love. Not much has changed over the millennia, as storytellers in every culture have spun countless tales of love and the pursuit of love – and for good reason: People in love do crazy, weird, or wonderful things. If you don’t believe me, just ask Aldo Scalicki, the storyteller of John Patrick Shanley’s “Italian American Reconciliation,” who sums it up quite succinctly in the comedy’s second act: “We’re all crazy.” And he’s pretty much right. Except in the finely executed production courtesy of Epicenter Theatre Group, they’re also thoroughly identifiable and likable, no matter which culture or ethnic group you belong to. Set in New York’s Little Italy, Aldo (Marco Zaccagnini) and Huey Maximilian Bonfigliano (Michael Lopetrone) have been best friends since childhood. Aldo is what was Huey (Michael Lopetrone) gets lectured by his best friend Aldo (Marco Zaccagnini) on the nature of once known as “a confirmed bachelor,” while women in America in Epicenter Theatre Group’s production of “Italian American Reconciliation” by Huey – divorced three years earlier – has been John Patrick Shanley. Photo: Rachel Hull dating Teresa (Lauren Knox), an adorable waitress who works at Pop’s Soup House. REVIEW while striving to make connections and Huey has been MIA in recent days, so Aldo bonds with those around them. Most of all, goes to his house and finds his friend sitting at however, all of them are totally believable his desk, oddly dressed, listening to classical Italian American Reconciliation from start to finish. music on a music box and writing bad poetry. Zaccagnini sets the tone at the The problem, it seems, is this: Huey has come Epicenter Theatre Group at Varner Hall Studio beginning of the show. Aldo works the to believe his manhood was stolen three years Theatre, Oakland University, Rochester. audience with a sense of charm, self ago by his ex-wife, Janice (Erin Edgerton), Thursday-Saturday through June 9, plus confidence and a bit of cockiness, all of and he can’t move forward with his life until Sunday, June 10. 115. $10-15. 586-246-7546. which hide the fact he’s really a mama’s he woos Janice and gets her back. And he www.EpicenterTheatreGroup.org boy afraid of commitment. needs Aldo’s help with the conquest. Edgerton allows us to briefly see This scares the bejesus out of Aldo, conceptual and directorial problems that through Janice’s tough-as-steel exterior, who has been intimidated by the universally marred the otherwise hard work this young while Knox gives us the perfect girlfriend: disliked Janice since they were children – and and energetic company had put into their beautiful and understanding – but only up rightfully so: Her villainy includes shooting shows. But tough lessons have been learned, Huey’s dog and taking a shot at her then- and the result is a slick and heartwarming to a certain point. husband with a zip gun. But best friends do production that had me in the palm of its There’s a fifth character in the play, what a best friend has to do – and he agrees to hand right from the very beginning. Aunt May, who serves as its “raisonneur” or help Huey with his crazy plan – although with What struck me most on opening voice of the playwright. It’s a delicious role, a twist he believes is for Huey’s own good. night was the attention Sheridan paid to and played deliciously by Elizabeth DeWulf. As you can imagine, even the best- the emotional beats of the script. Each (Her costume, like all the others by Christa laid plans don’t always work out the way was carefully dissected to discern the Koerner, fits the character perfectly.) they’re supposed to. truth behind each character’s thoughts and The heart of the production, though, is Shanley – best known for the movie motivations, and as a result, each actor’s Lopetrone. Sweet, passionate, meek and a bit “Moonstruck” and the Pulitzer Prize-winning portrayal was as honest and as complete crazy, Huey rides a rollercoaster of emotions drama “Doubt” – once again crafts a script as it could possibly be. throughout the production, and Lopetrone filled with characters you can identify with, Also noticeable was Sheridan’s fine jumps into the role and finds every nuance relate to, and root for. Subtitled “A Comic integration of sound into the story – from he can to bring it to life. Watch how he Folktale,” “Italian American Reconciliation” the perfectly timed bell that rings every relates to – and plays off of – each of the is just that: a delightful lesson about time someone enters the diner to the music other actors: It’s masterful – and by the end relationships, taught by Aldo, who explains that underscores the story. And the lights by of the first act, he’ll have you glued to your to the audience (in the play’s unusual, stand- Kerro Knox 3 offer the perfect emotional seat in anticipation of the second. up-like opening) that he’s there “to teach you touch to the play’s pivotal moments. That was my reaction at intermission something.” We’re his class, he says, and he But what stood out most of all were – and the rest of the performance delivered keeps us thoroughly engaged as he steps into the accomplishments of the actors, each of the promise of the first. All in all, Epicenter the story and weaves his tale. whom sports a perfect and never-wavering has shaken off the shackles of inexperience That wouldn’t happen, however, if not Italian accent, and who paint with their and proven it has what it takes to become a for the excellent direction of Karen Sheridan. words and actions a vivid portrait of force to be reckoned with in Metro Detroit’s For Epicenter’s initial two productions, men and women who, like all of us, are professional theater community. I suspect fellow critic John Quinn and I pointed out struggling to overcome their fears and flaws it will be a fun and fascinating journey. www.PrideSource.com Theater / June 7, 2012 / BTL 33 Comedy-drama hits home at the Rep BY JOHN QUINN
Art encourages thought. Art invites exploration of the uncomfortable. Art allows an individual audience member to share personal emotions and experiences with others similarly touched. Art is hard at work in Marilynn Barner Anselmi’s provocative comedy-drama “Taking Care of Mimi,” opening this week at the Detroit Repertory Theatre. The plot is driven by the devastating effect of Alzheimer’s disease, both on its victim and on his or her family. For this writer, the emotion and experience are all too real. The subtitle of “Taking Care of Mimi” is “A morality murder mystery.” Mimi (Barbara Jacobs-Smith) may have been a vibrant, caring soul, but soon after the loss of her husband, she began the dark fall into dementia. Daughters Susan (Angela King) and Harriet (Nicole Michelle Haskins) have “split the caretaking.” Susan handles the finances and Harriet, assisted by Susan’s “Taking Care of Mimi” closes the Detroit Repertory Theatre’s 2011-12 season. Photo: Bruce Millan son Hal (Scott Norman), handle Mimi. And Mimi is a handful. Mimi dies in her sleep and foul play REVIEW is indicated. Detective Helms (David Glover) tries to determine which suspect had the best Taking Care of Mimi motive and opportunity to end the misery. Was it Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Susan, a real estate success story who becomes Detroit. Thursday-Sunday through June 24. 96 appalled at her mother’s extreme condition? minutes. $17-20. 313-868-1347. Was it compassionate, patient Harriet, long www.detroitreptheatre.com suffering primary caregiver who sacrificed her independence for her mother? Or was it young Hal, who gave up an education and social life for due to her impish turn as “mean old Momma” insults and dirty diapers? Was it an outsider, like Mimi. The script gives her a wealth of funny veterinarian Luis Ferraro (Harold Uriah Hogan), lines; I find myself uncomfortable laughing at who employs both Harriet and Hal part time? He a character when humor derives from mental regrets the emotional toll on his employees, and illness. But from personal experience, I know has access to the very drugs found in the autopsy. some situations are so tragic that the only sane Anselmi’s script is long on plot and response is laughter through the tears. character, yet short on dialogue. It doesn’t My mother and paternal aunts cared for distract with side plots; and the play, only my Alzheimer’s afflicted grandmother. I saw some 90 minutes, never lags. It helps to read my sophisticated, loving Grandma reduced the program before the houselights dim (an to communicating in gibberish, a panic in her oversight I’m going to correct), since that’s eyes. I can relate to Harriet’s observation that where we’re told the time is “The present and “she’s still in there,” trying to get out. My a few weeks in the past.” Detective Helms is mother cared for her mother, who did not have investigating the death in the “now;” scenes Alzheimer’s, but in old age became eccentric leading up to Mimi’s death are flashbacks. and manipulative. While no one in my family In this play, as in life itself, there are no pat would ever think euthanasia is “the good death,” resolutions, not even a conclusive conclusion. I know the thought “they’d be better off dead” So subtle is the playwright’s touch that a major often crossed my mind. Lately my mother has element of plot only fell into place for me as I experienced such severe short-term memory drove home. Even though I have to write this loss I have begun, as the child who lives nearest later, to be deeply mulling what I experienced her, to assume cooking duties. Will I eventually while driving is rare – and dangerous. live to be so dependent? If I do, I hope I have the Barbara Busby’s direction keeps us fortitude of my forbearers and take inspiration engaged and questioning; her cast turns in from poet Dylan Thomas: fine performances all around. If Barbara “Do not go gentle into that good night. Jacobs-Smith commands extra attention, it’s Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” 34 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Happenings www.PrideSource.com
support and social group will hold its Grand Rapids. WestMIPride.org Suggested Donation: $5. Motor City Bears, annual picnic in Ferndale. Planning is still 22635 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 248- underway, Please see full details on the Bisexual Peer Group 7 p.m. Meets 470-4449. MotorCityBears.com website. Crossroads, P.O. Box 1245, Royal monthly on the third Friday of each Happenings Oak. 586-738-4660. CrossroadsMi.com month. Discuss relating to bisexuality, Commitment Ceremony 12 p.m. Annual pansexuality, and/or omnisexuality. Allies commitment ceremony at the steps of Transgender Life Support 7 p.m. are encouraged and welcomed to attend. Lansing’s capitol building. Michigan prizes. Supports both Ruth Ellis Center and Ministry Service 1 p.m. Potluck style Offering support, education, resources Meeting usually followed by dinner at aut Pride, The Capitol Building, Lansing. Equality Michigan. Tickets available online. event. Bring “The 12 steps of Forgiveness and a social structure for Transgender Bar, two doors down. Bisexual Peer Group, MichiganPride.org OUTINGS Equality Michigan, 44045 Five Mile Road, by Paul Ferrini” and a Bible to worship individuals. Facilitated by Arlene Kish, 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. Plymouth. Equalitymi.org/golf in a diverse, welcoming community. Lorraine Brown, Jessica Manko, Tracy [email protected] Facebook. SlutWalk Detroit 2012 2 p.m. The first Thursday, June 7 Participants will use various books along SlutWalk took place in Toronto in early Kalamazoo Pride 2 p.m. Kalamazoo’s 5th Hoover, Helena Blakemore, Marty Howland com/groups/110918256984/ GLBT Professionals Network Happy with the Bible to gain practical tools for and Colt Stacer. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine 2011, after a police officer there stated annual Pride festival. Suggested Donation: daily living as we worship. Every second Cruise for a FUNdraiser 8 p.m. Join the that women should “stop dressing Hour 6 p.m. Socialize and beverages with $5 to benefit KGLRC. Performances from Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. other LGBT & Allied Professionals from the and fourth Sunday. Agape Spirit Life Transgenderlifesupport.org Forum Foundation for the annual river like sluts” to avoid being raped. The Funktion, DJ Matt House, Neon Tetras, Ministries, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. cruise to support their LGBT scholarship purpose of SlutWalk is to take a stand Kalamazoo area. KGLRC, 629 Pioneer St., Pandora Boxx, and Kimi Hayes. Kalamazoo Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org mission. Tickets are $40 each and and say “enough is enough.” SlutWalk Gay and Lesbian Resource Center, 145 E. Wednesday, June 13 include hor d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a 50/50 Detroit, Grand Circus Park, Detroit. Jewish Gay Network Family & Friends Water St., Kalamazoo. Kglrc.org/pride. See PFLAG St. Joseph/Berrien County Foster Care & Adoption Informational/ raffle and dance music by DoublePlay SlutWalkDetroit.org 7 p.m. JGN Family & Friends group our ad on page 21. Meeting 2 p.m. Meets the second Sunday Orientation Meeting 9 a.m. Family DJ Services. Tickets available at Just 4 meets the first Thursday of every month. of every month. PFLAG St. Joseph/Berrien Service & Children’s Aid invites you to Us and Five15. The Forum Foundation, Southeast Michigan Dyke March 2 p.m. Topics vary from month to month. This County, 4340 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph. come and learn more about foster care Diamond Jack’s River Tours, Detroit. To promote activism, safety and visibility is a gathering of people who have [email protected] and/or adoption. Informational/Orientation for the LGBTQ community and respond to male-focused pride events. This is family or friends who identify as lesbian, Lezread 4 p.m. Ann Arbors book group meetings are held the second Wednesday gay, bisexual, transgender, or who are of every month. Family Service and a family friendly, all-inclusive event, so for Lesbians. Meets the last Sunday of everyone is welcome to march. The march questioning their sexual orientation or every month. Lezread, 319 Braun Court, Children’s Aid, 330 W. Michigan Ave., gender identity. Offering support, sharing Jackson. 517-787-7920 ext. 54. will step-off from the Withington Lot (near Ann Arbor. 734-678-2478. lezread@ the northwest corner of Nine Mile and experiences, and learning about the yahoo.com Facebook.com/FamilyServiceChildrensAid issues impacting the LGBTQ and allied Woodward). A corresponding rally will community. Jewish Gay Network, 6600 W. Conversation Station 6 p.m. LGBTQI Coping with Disabilities 1 p.m. For be held at Geary Park immediately after Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248-432- (and allies) 25 and over, join GOAL each anyone with a mental or physical and will feature LGBTQ entertainment. 5661. Jgnmi.org week for discussion, food and fun. This illness that makes every-day life more Project XYZ, Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. week’s topic: If you could ask god one challenging. Discussions about LGBT 586-549-8054. Semidykemarch@gmail. question, what would it be? Get Out And friendly doctors, counseling, health com [email protected] Friday, June 8 Pandora Boxx to perform at Kalamazoo Pride Live!, 714 S. Washington St., Royal Oak. benefits, and activities. Every second and The LGBT Network at Grand Rapids’ XXX Cabaret 7:30 p.m. 30th annual 248-981-4227. MarciLWilliams@yahoo. fourth Wednesday. Affirmations, 290 W. Relay For Life 2012 1 p.m. The LGBT It Gets Better! Spring Concert 7 p.m. Spring Concert featuring songs celebrating com GetOutAndLive.me Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Network of Western Michigan is having a Please join “Sing Out Detroit” for their 4th Goaffirmations.org the chorus’ 30 years of bringing music team at Grand Rapids’ 2012 Relay for Life Annual Spring Concert! This concert is to metro Detroit along with some special and invites others to join. Find the Network dedicated to our youth with the powerful Monday, June 11 TransCend 6:30 p.m. Open to persons Cruise for a FUNdraiser guests. Tickets sold at Just 4 Us and Five on Facebook for more information. The message that it does get better. They Mysterious, Marvelous Monday 6 p.m. 18 and older. Younger are welcome with 15 Royal Oak. Detroit Together Men’s LGBT Network, 303 Pearl St., Grand will be singing songs by artists such as Mysterious, Marvelous Monday is the parent or guardian permission. Kalamazoo TheForumFoundation.org Chorus, 610 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Rapids. Facebook.com/TheLGBTNetwork Christina Aguilera, John Mayer, Natasha metamorphosis of Wild Wednesday. Youth Gay Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer Drag Queen Bingo 8 p.m. “This ain’t your Heights. 248-544-3872. Bedingfield, Coldplay. Tickets: $10-25. Sing group for ages 13-18. Fostering a kind Street, Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Black Lesbians Fifty and Over 6 p.m. The grandma’s bingo.” Hosts Sabin, Trixie Out Detroit, 610 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison and supportive environment. Dedicated to [email protected] kglrc.org Deluxxe or September Murphy. Open to all Sunday, June 17 new support/discussion group for Black Heights. 248-943-2411. Getoutandlive.me Make a Change, L3C, 319 Braun Ct., Ann lesbians who are gracefully transitioning Network Men’s Group 7 p.m. A support 18+. Refreshments and bingo food fare. The Rainbow Run 5k 9:30 a.m. The Motor City Bears 7 p.m. Monthly meeting Arbor. 734-657-1792. Gailwolkoff@gmail. group for bisexual, gay, and coming out Reservations available by phone. Five15, Rainbow Run is a 5k run/walk for into their 50s and beyond. Meetings cover com Dedicatedtomakeachange.com topics relevant to the aging process and for on every second Saturday. Motor City men, 21 and up. Single or partnered 515 S. Washington, Royal Oak. 248-515- acceptance and diversity. Spearheaded by include issues around self-care, family, Bears, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Sexual Compulsives Anonymous are invited to join the group. Weekly 2551. Five15.net the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Comerica Bank, the romantic relationships, travel, retirement, 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org 7 p.m. A weekly anonymous 12-step discussion topics and issues. The Michigan Pride White Party 8 p.m. One run will weave through the streets of eldership in the Black community, etc. and group for those who are facing sexually Network, 345 Atlas Ave., Grand Rapids. ticket for four venues throughout the Meet the Michigan Panthers 9:30 p.m. downtown Ferndale the morning of the are potluck. Contact Fela Smith for location compulsive behaviors. Affirmations, 290 616-458-3511. Grlgbt.org Lansing area. Michigan’s largest white The Michigan Panthers will be holding a Ferndale Pride Market Days as one of and information at 313-978-7918. Black W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. attire event. Michigan Pride, Festival Tent, fundraiser to help launch the Metro Detroit the many events taking place throughout Lesbians Fifty and Over, RSVP to receive GoAffirmations.org Thursday, June 14 Esquire, Grand Cafe and Spiral Dance Bar, Flag Football League and to go to Chicago the Ferndale Pride weekend. Ferndale address, Detroit. 313-978-7918. Lansing. MichiganPride.org. See our ad Pride Bowl. Metro Detroit Flag Football Transgender People’s Experience Legal Referral Services 4 p.m. Weekly Area Chamber of Commerce, W. Troy St., on page 23. Shall We Dance? 8 p.m. LanSINGOut, League, 40 W. Pike St., Pontiac. 248-454- in Counseling 7 p.m. Affirmations is advocacy program and referral services Ferndale. FerndalePride.com provided by AJ Skillman. AJ Skillman P.C., under the direction of Doug Armstead, 1006. [email protected] MDFFL.org looking for people who have ever been in Pride at Eve 8 p.m. Presented by West 290 W. 9 Mile Road, . 248-398- Ferndale Pride Festival 12 p.m. Booths presents “Shall We Dance?” a journey therapy and would like to contribute their Ferndale Michigan Pride and The Matthew Agency, 7105. Goaffirmations.org and entertainment. Ferndale Pride strives through time as they sing and dance some Sunday, June 10 opinion to regarding the dos and don’ts of hosted by The Princess of RuPaul’s Drag to recognize and promote pride for the well-known and not so well known songs counseling transgender clients-from the Race Season 4. Progressive drink specials, Run as One 10 a.m. West Michigan Pride Beyond The Bar 2012: Opening LGBT and ally communities, working with of dancing and moving to the music. client’s perspective. Affirmations, 290 W. masks capes and tights encouraged for the teams up with Gazelle Sports for a 5K fun Reception 7 p.m. Join Affirmations in residents, businesses, community groups, LanSINGOut-Gay Mens Chorus, 510 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. sexiest superhero costume contest. Cover: run/walk to celebrate unity. T-Shirts for celebrating a unique collection of applied and all segments of the community to Ottawa St., Lansing. LanSINGOut.org GoAffirmations.org $10. West Michigan Pride and Equality participants while supplies last. Followed by arts, during the opening reception at the welcome and promote the celebration Michigan, 20 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids. food and refreshments. Registration: $10, all Affirmations center. Appetizers, wine and of diversity. Ferndale Pride, W. Troy St., WestMIPride.org. See our ad on page 39. Saturday, June 9 proceeds of which go to West Michigan Pride Tuesday, June 12 beer, will accompany this showcase; along Ferndale. FerndalePride.com with musical selections from some of the Women’s Golf OUTing 10 a.m. Join Festival. West Michigan Pride, Richmond Crossroads Annual Picnic 6 p.m. Light the Night Against Hate 8:30 p.m. area’s finest DJs. Beyond The Bar, 290 W. PFLAG Ann Arbor Meeting 2 p.m. 3rd Equality Michigan for their annual women’s Park, Grand Rapids. WestMIPride.org Michigan’s oldest transgender peer Re-designed for 2012 as a self-directed Nine Mile Road, . 248-398-7105. Sunday of every month. Support group golf outing in Plymouth. Join more than Ferndale walking tour through downtown Ferndale Agape Spirit Life GoAffirmations.org and monthly speaker at each meeting. a hundred golfers competing for terrific and its adjoining neighborhoods. While PFLAG Ann Arbor, 306 N. Division St., Ann details of the route are developing, the KGLRC Youth Group 7 p.m. The Resource Arbor. Pflagaa.org Center Youth Group helps young people, plan is for walkers to visit welcome ages 13 to 18, who are trying to come to stations along the way where they PFLAG Tri-Cities Meeting 2 p.m. PFLAG Editor’s Pick terms with their sexuality in a sometimes- can learn more about historical and offers support, education and advocacy for unaccepting society. Meets every contemporary issues surrounding hate in equality. PFLAG Tri-Cities, 2525 Hemmeter It may have been over 30 years since Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at a confidential our schools and communities, including Road, Saginaw. 989-941-1458. Pflag@ this hit musical rocked theaters first, but the location. To attend, call or e-mail the hateful speech in social media and online pflag-mbs.org Pflag-mbs.org resource center. Kalamazoo Gay and bullying. Walkers may also participate Magic Bag assures you: “Grease” is still the Lesbian Resource Center, 629 Pioneer, in a candle lighting ceremony and carry Conversation Station 5 p.m. LGBTQI Kalamazoo. 269-349-4234. Kglrc.org colorful glow sticks to visibly unite against (and allies) 25 and over, join GOAL every word. On June 14, the Ferndale venue will host hate. Ferndale Pride, Various Venues, Sunday for discussion, food and fun. “Grease: Sing-A-Long” for its Thursday night Friday, June 15 Ferndale. FerndalePride.com See our ad This week’s topic: Does violence in films on page 15. movies affect the viewer? Do people brew and view. Motor City Bear Charity Dinner 5 p.m. get ideas or does watching violence This 1978 American musical hit, based on Motor City Bears’ 6th Annual Fundraiser cause them to act out? What affect does for Affirmations and Ruth Ellis Center. Saturday, June 16 violence have on our children? GOAL, Warren Casey and Jim Jacob’s 1971 music of Menu includes roasted pork loin and Michigan Pride 10 a.m. Vendors, 714 S. Washington St., Royal Oak. 248- chicken pasta primavera. Tickets: $15 entertainment and performances from 981-4227. [email protected] the same name, starred John Travolta and Olivia adults, $7.50 children. Accompanied by God-des & She and Chris Willis. Michigan GetOutAndLive.me Newton-John as two teenaged lovers, Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, who fell in love a silent auction of gift cards and donated Pride, Old Town, Lansing. MichiganPride. arts and services. Motor City Bears, 143 org. See our ad on page 24. one 1950s summer only to discovered they’ve enrolled in the same high school. Things Albany St., Ferndale. 248-470-4449. State Pride March 10 a.m. Staging at MotorCityBears.com become complicated when Zuko tries to maintain his bad boy reputation and continue 10 a.m. and kickoff at 11 a.m. Michigan MUSIC & MORE his summer romance into the school year. Pride Premiere Movie Night 6 p.m. World Pride, Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing. CONCERTS MichiganPride.org Premiere of the upcoming LGBT movie Magic Bag Savage Grace; Legendary Audiences are invited to sing along to captioned lyrics at the “Grease: Sing-A-Long,” “Jamie and Jessie are not Together,” Bears in Speedos Car Wash 12 p.m. Detroit rockers with Jagged Edge. Tickets: to be preceded by refreshments and beginning at 8 p.m. June 14 at the Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., in Ferndale. Tickets Motor City Bears’ popular speedo car $15. Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., a reception. West Michigan Pride and wash. Fundraiser for the Affirmations Ferndale. 8 p.m. June 8. 248-544-1991. are only $2. For more information, call 248-544-1991 or go to www.TheMagicBag.com. Equality Michigan, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, community center and Ruth Ellis Center. TheMagicBag.com www.PrideSource.com Happenings / June 7, 2012 / BTL 35
Max M. Fisher Music Center Neil Sedaka productions of four complex works by Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Theatre, 51 N. Walnut St., Mt. Clemens. pieces are “Lil’ Red Revised,” and from the Western tradition by Claude is rock ‘n roll royalty. His string of smash Igor Stravinsky. Tickets and a complete Mile Rd., Ferndale. Through Aug. 4. 248- Through June 10. 586-329-6570. “Almost,” the latter of which was Monet and an ink painting from the Eastern hits including “Calendar Girl,” “Breaking schedule available online. Venues 327-0575. gocomedy.net CenterStageMacomb.com inspired by the fight against Prop 8. Box tradition by Korean artist Sochi. As the Up Is Hard to Do,” “Happy Birthday Sweet throughout metro Detroit, Various Venues, Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. projected images change and interact, the Sixteen,” “Oh! Carol,” and “Next Door to Detroit. June 9-June 24. 248-559-2097. Gay Play Series $10-25 per event. The Sylvia $15-18. Two Muses Theatre at Joseph. June 15-July 28. 269-983- artist brings the paintings to life. Kalamazoo an Angel” dominated the radio airwaves in GreatLakesChamberMusic.org Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 6800 Orchard 3688. BoxFactoryfortheArts.org Institute of Arts, 314 S. Park , Kalamazoo. the early 1960s and defined a generation. Ferndale. June 15 - 25. 248-545-5545. Lake Road, West Bloomfield. June 9 - July May 1-Aug. 18. 269-349-7775. KIarts.org Tickets: $19. Max M. Fisher Music Center, OTHER TheRingwald.com 1. 248-850-9919. TwoMusesTheatre.org Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History “Great American Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Magic Bag “Grease: Sing-A-Long” A In the Next Room or the vibrator Taking Care of Mimi $17-20. Detroit Artists-Part II: The Branches” Exhibition of “Post-Industrial Complex” A survey, group “Grease” Sing-A-Long for the Thursday play Previews June 14-17 & 21 ($15- Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow new figurative works by artists Christopher exhibition, and source book that explores night brew and view. Tickets: $2. Magic $32). $25-$41. Performance Network Wilson, Detroit. Through June 24. 313- Batten, Endia Beal, Halima Cassells, Alonzo the ingenuity and adaptivity of human- Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Theatre, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor. 868-1347. detroitreptheatre.com Edwards, Sydney James, Gregory Johnson, scale production at the heart of Detroit. 8 p.m. June 14. 248-544-1991. June 14 - July 15. 734-663-0681. $26-30. Tipping Richard Lewis, Mario Moore, Sabrina Nelson Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, TheMagicBag.com PerformanceNetwork.org The Cemetery Club Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St., Northville. and Senghor Reid. 315 E. Warren, Detroit. 4454 Woodward Ave., Detroit. May 11-July Sing Out Detroit “Sing Out Detroit Spring Italian American Reconciliation $10- Through June 17. 248-347-0003. May 3-Sep. 1. 313-494-5853. TheWright.org 29. 313-832-6622. MOCADetroit.org concert” Join us for our Spring Concert. 15. Epicenter Theatre Group at Varner tippingpointtheatre.com Preservation Detroit “Charles N. Agree Tickets $10, $25 Preferred seating. Call Hall Studio Theatre, Oakland University, Bus Tour” A bus tour of celebrated Detroit for tickets or buy on-line at website Rochester. Through June 10. 586-246- architect Charles N. Agree-designed Lamphere High School, 610 West 13 Mile buildings such as the Grande Ballroom, the Road, Madison Heights. 7 p.m. June 9. Whittier Hotel, and the Vanity Ballroom. Learn 248-629-0355. Singoutdetroit.org Editor’s Pick about the life and work of this incredibly Zumba Fitness with Chandra Floyd Ann Arbor Civic Theatre presents the talented architect. Admission: $60. Cliff Bells, De-stress and party yourself into shape 2030 Park St., Detroit. 10 a.m. June 16. 248- Willam performs at Menjo’s with this calorie scorching, exhilarating, haunting Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd,” 884-5993. Preservationdetroit.org and easy to follow workout with Latin and June 7-10 at U-M’s Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre The Detroit Institute of Arts “Picasso international music. Admission: $8 per in Ann Arbor. and Matisse” Pablo Picasso (1881- 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. June 15- class. International Institute, 111 E. Kirby, June 17. 313-576-5111. DSO.org 1973) and Henri Matisse (1869-1954) Detroit. April 25-Sep. 26. 313-587-6203. “Sweeney Todd,” the Tony Award-winning were ground-breaking visionaries who Menjo’s “Ru Paul’s Drag Race’s Willam Facebook.com/ZumbaWithChandraMI Broadway musical, tells the story of Benjamin constantly experimented with techniques Performs” Ru Paul’s Drag Race star and Barker, a barber who was exiled from gritty, 19th- and materials. This exhibition features performer Willam comes to Menjo’s bar almost all of the works by Picasso and during Pride month. VIP booths available. century London by an evil judge who ravaged Matisse in the museum’s prints and Menjo’s, 928 W. McNichols, Detroit. 9 p.m. THEATER drawings collections. Detroit Institute of June 7. MenjosBar.com Barker’s wife and stole his daughter. Years CIVIC/COMMUNITY THEATER Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. June later, Barker comes back to London as Sweeney 11-Oct. 29. 313-833-7900. DIA.org Olympia Entertainment “Steve Harvey A Funny Thing Happened on the Way Comedy Tour” Entertainer, television host to the Forum $22. St. Dunstan’s Theatre Todd and vows revenge against the judge who The Scarab Club “Lake Erie Crosscurrents: of Family Feud, top radio personality, actor, Guild, 400 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield destroyed his life. Aided by Mrs. Lovett, a slatternly, diabolical baker, Todd enacts his Detroit and Buffalo’s Architectural History” comedian and best-selling author Steve Hills. Through June 16. 888-71TICKETS. Join speaker Martin Wachadlo, Architectural Harvey will bring his final comedy tour, stdunstanstheatre.com revenge as the (Demon) Barber of Fleet Street in a most gruesome way as unwitting Historian as he discusses Buffalo, New York “Steve Harvey Live: The Grand Finale” Londoners develop an insatiable appetite for “meat” pies. and its architecture. Buffalo stands as one Follies $18-20. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Tickets: $48-66. Fox Theatre, 2211 Performances are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on of only three cities with works by the three Woodward Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. June 9. Museum Dr., Lansing. Through June 10. greatest American architects (Richardson, 313-471-6611. Olympiaentertainment.com 517-482-5700. riverwalktheatre.com Sunday. Tickets and information are available through the A2CT office at 734-971-2228. Sullivan and Wright) and boasts an incredible Royal Oak Music Theatre “Beats Legally Blonde - The Musical $12-15. architectural legacy. Many of the nation’s Antique” An experimental world fusion Center Stage Jackson at Baughman leading architects contributed important and electronic music group. Formed Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson Community works to this urban environment. Kahn, in 2007 in conjunction with producer College, Jackson. June 15 - 24. 517-782- Saarinen, Yamasaki and other Detroit-area 8473. Centerstagejackson.org The Do Over $10. Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Flint Institute of Arts “Abstract architects designed significant works in Miles Copeland, the group has become 7546. EpicenterTheatreGroup.org Expressionism” Abstract expressionism noted for their mix of different genres Caniff St., Hamtramck. Through June 16. Buffalo, while several Buffalo firms have Sweeney Todd $12-22. Ann Arbor Civic Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild LIVE! 313-365-4948. PlanetAnt.com was the first specifically American art connections to southeast Michigan. The as well as their live shows, which mix Theatre at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, movement to achieve international samples and heavy percussives with $18-25. Matrix:Midland at Midland Center Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth , Detroit. 6 p.m. 911 N. University, Ann Arbor. June 7 - 10. for the Arts, 1801 W. St. Andrews Road, The Fox on the Fairway $34. Barn influence and put New York City as June 13. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub.org Tribal Fusion dance and performance 734-971-2228. A2CT.org Theatre, 13351 W. M-96, Augusta. June 5 the new center of the western art art. Tickets: $18. Royal Oak Music Midland. 7:30 p.m. June 14. 800-523- 7649. mcfta.org - 17. 269-731-4121. barntheatre.com world. Drawing on works from the University of Michigan Museum of Art Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal The Bad Seed $16-18. Stagecrafters at FIA’s permanent collection, along with “Judith Turner: The Flatness of Ambiguity” Oak. 8 p.m. June 12. 248-399-2980. Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave., Jason Huneke $10. Meadow Brook The Light in the Piazza $25-29. Judith Turner is a noted American Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, important loans from regional museums, Royaloakmusictheatre.com Royal Oak. Through June 17. 248-541- the exhibition surveys the art movement photographer whose subject matter is 6430. Stagecrafters.org Kalamazoo. June 8 - July 1. 269-343- The Ark “Heartland Klezmorim Band” from its origins in the post World War II mostly architecture. Turner’s training as a 2727. farmersalleytheatre.com designer allows her to visually understand Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann The Eelwax Jesus 3-D Pop Music Show period to the latest developments in the Arbor. 7:30 p.m. June 10. 734-761-1800. $10. Fancy Pants Theater at Studio 246, 246 The Understudy $20-25. Williamston 21st century. Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 an architect’s intention and to reveal it in TheArk.org N. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo. Through Theatre, 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. E. Kearsley, Flint. May 5-Aug. 19. 810- compositions that she constructs and edits June 9. fancypantstheatre.webs.com Through June 17. 517-655-7469. 234-1695. Flintarts.org through her camera work. University of The Ark “Anne Hills” Tickets: $15. The williamstontheatre.org Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St, Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. Feb. The Play’s the Thing Free. Ann Arbor Grand Rapids Art Museum “Cities in Ann Arbor. June 9-Sep. 2. 734-647-0524. 13, 8 p.m. June 13. 734-761-1800. Civic Theatre at Studio Theatre, 322 W. Thursdays at Go Comedy! $15. Go Transition” This suite of interdisciplinary Umma.umich.edu TheArk.org Ann St., Ann Arbor. June 15 - 17. 734- Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine exhibitions and programs explores the 971-2228. A2CT.org Mile Rd., Ferndale. 248-327-0575. many ways art, design, and history shapes University of Michigan Museum of The Ark “The Flatlanders” Tickets: $35. gocomedy.net our understanding and appreciation of the Art “Flip Your Field: Abstract Art from The Ark, 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor. 8 p.m. urban environment. A variety of vantage the Collection” Entitled Flip Your Field, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY Tupperware Party with Dixie Longate June 16. 734-761-1800. TheArk.org THEATER points provide insights into how the this series asks these guest curators to Proceeds will benefit Affirmations. $25 constant evolution of cities responding to consider artwork outside their field of The Palace “Radiohead” With special The 39 Steps $7-15. Eastern Michigan general admission, $100 VIP. Equality for a shifts in population, industry, and land use specialization from UMMA’s renowned guest Caribou. Tickets: $69.50. Palace of University Theatre, Sponberg Theatre, Cause Inc. & FIVE15 at Fifth Avenue, 215 - brings both challenges and opportunities. collections to challenge their own thinking Auburn Hills, 5 Championship Dr., Auburn Quirk Dramatic Arts Building, 103 Quirk, La Boheme at Arbor Opera Theater W. Fifth Ave., Royal Oak. June 15 - 17. Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe as well as that of UMMA’s audiences. Hills. 7:30 p.m. June 11. 248-377-0100. Ypsilanti. Through June 9. 734-487-2282. 248-515-2551. five15.net/dixie. See our Center, Grand Rapids. June 1-Aug. 26. 616- University of Michigan Museum of Art, Palacenet.com emutix.com ad on page 41. Theatre, 207 Wilson Hall, Rochester. 1 831-2904. Artmuseumgr.org 525 S. State St, Ann Arbor. June 9-Sep. 2. 734-647-0524. Umma.umich.edu FESTIVALS PROFESSIONAL p.m. June 9. 248-377-3300. Xanadu $30-$39. Meadow Brook Theatre, Heidelberg Project Gallery “Wall 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester. Through Michigan Pagan Fest “Pagan Fest 2012” Flowers” Quilts by Hilda Vest. Experience Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Chaps! $12-28. Hope Summer Repertory La Boheme $22+. Arbor Opera Theater June 17. 248-377-3300. mbtheatre.com This year’s festival will be a three-day Theatreat Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 E. at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. the vibrancy of Vest’s deft hand paired “Urbanity” A multidisciplinary series outdoor gathering featuring authors, 8th Street, Holland. June 15 - Aug. 10. University, Ann Arbor. June 14 - 17. 734- with her love of friends, family and investigating the complex dynamics musical entertainment, workshops, 616-395-7890. hope.edu/HRST 763-8587. arboropera.com storytelling. Heidelberg Project Gallery, of living peaceably and sustainably vendors, drumming, camping, and 42 Watson, Detroit. June 3-June 30. 313- together. In celebration of UICA’s 35th children’s activities. Ticket information Christopher Carter $20. The Acorn Macbeth $10-15. Blackbird Theatre at ART ‘N’ AROUND 974-6894. Heidelberg.org anniversary, the Urbanity exhibition at Mipaganfest.org. Wayne County Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three West Park Band Shell, 300 N. Seventh Ann Arbor Art Center “the PRINT” is inspired by the fact that nearly 80 Fairgrounds, 10871 Quirk Road, Belleville. Oaks. 8 p.m. June 8. 269-756-3879. Ave., Ann Arbor. June 15 - 30. The Ann Arbor Art Center’s annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts “A percent of Americans now live in urban 3 p.m. June 15. 734-697-7002. acorntheater.com exhibition the Print invites artists to Conversation between Money and Sochi: areas. Urban Institute for Contemporary Nunsense $18. The Encore Musical Video Art” In this exhibit Lee-nam Lee Arts, 2 West Fulton, Grand Rapids. May Mipaganfest.org Dreamtigers Free with museum Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., showcase experimental print techniques encompassing those of contemporary projects the images of a classic painting 3-July 5. 616-454-7000. UICA.org Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival admission. The Hinterlands & PuppetART Dexter. Through June 10. 734-268-6200. at Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 theencoretheatre.org standards as well as those of time “Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival” honored tradition. Ann Arbor Art Center, In a season titled White Nights: A Woodward, Detroit. 2 p.m. June 10. 313- 833-7900. DIA.org Sleeping Beauty $10 adult, $5 children. 117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. April 1-June musical journey through Russia, the PuppetART, Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. 10. 734-995-8004. Annarborartcenter.org 2012 Festival will present music by Ernie $20-25. City Theatre, 2301 Woodward Grand River, Detroit. Through June 30. Russia’s greatest composers including Ave., Detroit. Through July 29. 1-800-745- 313-961-7777. puppetart.org Box Factory for the Arts “Michigan Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, 3000. olympiaentertainment.com 10th Annual Art Competition” Two of and Shostakovich, among others. In 2012, Smoke on the Mountain $25. Center bisexual artist Ara Lucia’s photographs the Festival will collaborate with local Fridays and Saturdays at Go Comedy! Stage Entertainment at The Box have been selected in the MAAC. The artistic groups to undertake three major 36 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com
Across 50 Darrin Stevens, for one 11 Laura of “ER” A Boy Named Sues 53 Saudi Arabia neighbor 12 Some swingers 1 Home, to Glenn Burke 55 “Bear” that’s not a bear 21 “The Wizard of Oz” studio 5 Result of a sexually active Woody 56 “I’m not touching that!” 23 Think of it! 9 In the center of 57 Not a stat to brag about 25 Cause of harm 13 Piercing rebuke from Caesar? 61 Icon letters 26 Tops a cupcake 14 Stink up the place 62 Taylor of “I Shot Andy Warhol” 27 They touch the bottoms of believers 15 Barcelona boy 63 Gay nightlife district London 29 Early movie dog 16 Bahrain biggie 64 McKuen and his package? 32 Steffi of tennis 17 Some actors have big ones 65 Shake it or break it 34 Concerning 18 Bond foe 66 Survivor, sometimes 35 Word before admiral, in the navy 19 Peter on the piano 67 Sills’ solo 36 Like a Muscle Mary who does sit-ups 20 White as a ghost 68 “A Boy Named Sue” singer Johnny 38 Da Vinci signature piece 21 Come slowly 69 The late comedian Sues who was a 40 Words said with shame 22 Mother-and-son piece regular on the show that appears in 43 Type of mockingbird? 24 Common stain the circles 44 Snoopy and others 25 Two-footer? 47 “Cat ___ Hot Tin Roof” 28 Coal porter’s vehicles Down 49 “How Do I Live” singer Yearwood 30 Great service from Mauresmo 1 “It’s ___ real!” 50 “The Seven Samurai” director 31 “Great balls of fire!” Kurosawa 2 Melissa Etheridge’s “Don’t Look ___” 33 Rowers pull them 51 Word that may follow sperm or organ 3 Create a solution 37 Julie of “To Wong Foo ...” fame 52 Tuesday, in Tours 4 The Continent, to Britten 39 Prefix with town 54 Chicken cut 5 Question about one’s group 41 Bygone pump name 58 Coward of “Blithe Spirit” 6 Breezy competition 42 Chance to get a hit 59 Pet plant 7 Composer Bernstein 45 Randy’s skating partner 60 One to blow on 8 Brief endorsements 46 Difference between a slut and a 62 Lake, to fifty million Frenchmen whore? 9 Hans Christian of fairy tales 48 Seattle’s WNBA team 10 Moon of Uranus Solution on pg 37 www.PrideSource.com Rear View / June 7, 2012 / BTL 37
Horoscopes Do not flirt, Aries!
BY JACK FERTIG
Venus retrograding across the Sun in Gemini triggers bold flirtations that will probably go awry. Keep a sense of humor. As Mercury enters Cancer protective moods can shade your thinking. Ask older relatives for family recipes or share some new ones.
ARIES (March 20 – April 19): and unburden yourself with a Do not flirt at work. The gym therapist, a favorite aunt, or a maybe, but neither now. You seem good stand-in. to be mixing up flirtation with SCORPIO (October 23 – argument. Instead of trying to pick November 21): You can be a someone up you might rather pick fierce advocate for the queer a fight. Feistiness has its charm, community or your own part of if you can get the right balance. that. Be careful not to overplay TAURUS (April 20 – May your hand. Speak up for universal 20): You are cute, charming and rights and equality over privilege wonderful, but working it is going and you’re sure to make your case. to draw unwanted attention and SAGITTARIUS (November costs. Just be yourself without the 22 – December 20): Your self-conscious effort. If your usual partner or other connections can “divertissements” just annoy you, help you find a new job; move try out some new amusements. quickly. You may be a bit selfish GEMINI (May 21- June 20): in appraising your relationship, A new relationship may be in the but if you’re not good for each offing, or an old one is just off. other move on. Keeping your home together can CAPRICORN (December 21 – require hard work (the easy part) January 19): Focus on foresight and diplomacy (not so easy). and good behavior. Rash actions Focus your criticisms on yourself. and outspokenness can undermine CANCER (June 21- July 22): your work and get you into A new exercise program can do trouble with your boss or clients. you a world of good, but start Remember your colleagues are on out easy! Learning a new skill your team. Approach problems as can help you take advantage of a healer, not as a critic. changes at work. Your insights AQUARIUS (January 20 – to team dynamics can also February 18): You’re itching secure your position, but you for a good fight, but can too don’t have to share them. easily land in a bad one. To fix LEO (July 23 – August 22): economic problems be a healer, A binge with your friends can not a warrior. You can get more get mighty expensive and lead flies with honey instead of to arguments. Before going out, vinegar without compromising think hard about whose company your principles. you value and why. Sometimes PISCES (February 19 – March it’s best to “have previous plans.” 19): Where has your life been Political action is good. Criticizing heading and where do you want your comrades, not so much. it to grow? Reexamine your Solution to puzzle from page 36 VIRGO (August 23 – priorities and goals. Domestic September 22): You’re good comforts and lessons are a basis with the boss. Don’t do anything for growing in new directions, that could look like you’re kissing not a cozy nest to hide in. up. Tips from experts can make your work more effective and Jack Fertig, a professional less stressful. Some adventurous astrologer since 1977, is available fun with your family can also turn for personal and business things around for you. consultations in person in San LIBRA (September 23 Francisco, or online everywhere. – October 22): Temptation He can be reached at 415-864- to argue comes out of your 8302, through his website at www. own anxieties. Give yourself starjack.com, and by email at and everyone else a break by [email protected]. focusing on your own problems 38 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com Classifieds 101-ANNOUNCEMNTS LGBT AA MEETINGS
Ann Arbor-Friday 7:30 pm, St. Andrews Episcopal Church Gay AA, 306 N. Division St. Closed/Discussion. To place a classified ad with us, Bloomfield Hills- Thursday visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/classifieds 7:00 pm ,Sobriety in The Hills Gay AA, Kirk in The Hills Church, or call us at 888.615.7003 ext. 22 1340 W. Long Lake Rd. Closed/ Discussion. 301 EMPLOYMENT - 410 PROF. SERVICES - Detroit-Tuesday / Friday GENERAL GENERAL 8:00 pm, Downtown Gay AA, Fort Street Presbyterian Church, 631 West Fort St. Closed/ Dog Handlers RON & KEN’S GARAGE Discussion (Open 1st Friday of Mature adults to supervise Licensed Master Mechanics every month). dogs and clean areas inside LAWNMOWER/SNOW Farmington Hills- & out. Must be upbeat, flex., & BLOWER SALES AND SERVICE. Monday customer service oriented w/ 248-477-2922 FARMINGTON dog exp. Part time. Drug free, HILLS. 8:00 pm, Suburban West Gay No summer only help. Resume AA, Universalist Unitarian to: [email protected] Church, 25301 Halstead 428 PROF. SERVICES - (Between 10 & 11 Mile Roads) Closed / Discussion. 303 EMPLOYMENT - MASSAGE Ferndale-Monday / SALES Wednesday / Friday GROUP MASSAGE - For Gay and Bisexual Men. 11:30 a.m., Brown Baggers Gay Premier Auto Detailing Learn some massage techniques AA, Affirmations, 290 West 9 For that thorough professional Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion. and meet others in a safe and cleaning “we make house calls” caring environment. Tuesdays Ferndale-Wednesday Contact Mel at 313-938-5866 and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 per 8 p.m., Diversity Wednesday Gay session. 209 West Kingsley AA, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 306 EMPLOYMENT - in downtown Ann Arbor. 540 W. Lewiston @ Livernois. BUSINESS (734) 662-6282 or email Closed/Discussion. [email protected]. http:// Ferndale-Saturday www.trymassage.com Business Opportunities 1 p.m. Brown Baggers Gay AA, Earn extra money by selling Affirmations, 290 West 9 Mile Rd. Closed/Discussion. home carpet cleaning services. Call 248-796-1748 8 p.m. Go After Your Sobriety Gay AA, Drayton Ave Presbyterian Church, 2441 Pinecrest. Closed/ Discussion. Reservation Clerks Livonia-Friday For dog daycare. Office Exp. req’d. incl. Word & 8 p.m., West Side Story’s Gay Excel, talking & confirming AA, Providence Medical Center, reservations. Must love dogs! 7 Mile & Newburgh. Closed/ Part time, 25-30 hrs/wk. Resume Discussion. to [email protected] Pontiac-Tuesday / Thursday / Sunday 8 p.m., Pontiac Gay AA, Shrine of St. Joseph, 400 West South Blvd. Closed/Discussion. Warren-Monday 7:30 p.m., Eastside Serenity Gay AA, Faith-Trinity United Church of Christ, 12221 Martin Rd. East of Hoover. Closed/Discussion.
Visit our website! To place a classified http://www.pridesource.com ad with us, visit PRIDESOURCE.COM/ Add our fan page! classifieds Search: “Between The Lines Newspaper” or call us at 888.615.7003 ext. 22 Follow us! @YourBTL www.PrideSource.com Rear View / June 7, 2012 / BTL 39 40 BTL \ June 7, 2012 \ Rear View www.PrideSource.com Cocktail Chatter One for the flamers
BY ED SIKOV seared by its own dramatic presentation: I would set It was inevitable. How could I not flambé my masterpiece ablaze. something? I don’t mean to be What’s more dramatic than strolling mock- sexist here, but to employ casually into the dining room with a platter of a well-used folk myth to something on fire? Flames catch guests’ attention describe my decision to better than anything, with the exception of Brad create this specially for Pitt showing up at your party with no clothes on. the boys next door: It I caution you: flaming cocktails are took balls to try this dish dangerous, because you can broil your nose if for company without you’re too eager, and a trip to the emergency doing a dry run first. Had room is no fun. Flaming drinks turn out to be the dish been anything dull as well, since most if not all of the alcohol less than a complete burns away. You create a beautiful display but a success, we could kiss drink with no kick. What’s the point? our hot neighbors’ asses This is as good a time as any to announce on their way out the door an expansion of Cocktail Chatter’s mission and be the subjects of statement. I still vow to help the mixologically ridicule for the rest of the needy, those wretched souls who panic when summer. But it worked. tending bar, but I’ll be writing a bit more about Try it the next time you’re entertainment in general for Season 3. This isn’t having some folks over for a hard and fast rule, but I’ll be more like Martha drinks and dinner. Either serve Drunken Flaming Stewart, only gay and male and without the Salmon with the drinks (with toothpicks) or as a money and the rap sheet. first course (with knives and forks). We opened the beach house a few weeks ago, and last Saturday, Dan and I and our housemates decided we should get better Drunken Flaming Salmon acquainted with our new neighbors. Sure, they 1 salmon filet (not a steak!) don’t even nod when they walk past us on the Absolut Premium vodka boardwalk. But they’re all right out of central Fennel seeds – 1 TBS casting’s flat-stomach-round-rump department. Salt-packed capers, unrinsed – 1 TBS So I succumbed to my housemates’ entreaties A day before serving, place the salmon in a (some of which were downright embarrassing – container just large enough to hold it, cover with picture Craig on the floor licking my toes), and vodka, add fennel and capers, and seal it. Just we invited them. before serving, remove salmon from vodka, slice I prepared something I’d thought up out of sharply on the bias (leaving skin), and place on the blue: a combination of ceviche, sashimi and a fireproof serving plate along with fennel and seared salmon. It would be sashimi like in that it capers. Heat ¼ cup vodka in a small saucepan wouldn’t be cooked. It would resemble ceviche until warm. Bring the salmon into the living or in that it would be preserved in a liquid for a day dining room, turn off the lights, return to the or two before being served, and the liquid would kitchen for the warm vodka, ignite it in front of perform the “cooking” function; mine would your guests, pour it over the salmon. Add salt, soak for a day in vodka. And it would be lightly pepper and lemon juice to taste. A v a i l a b l e a t P r i d e
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