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Gay Men Sent to ‘Concentration Camps’ in Chechnya PAGE 12
Texas to Consider Anti-LGBT Legislation Based on HB2 Deal PAGE 5
Trump Likes Our Creep of the Week Alex Jones BILLYBILLY PORTERPORTER PAGE 15
Our Guide to the Best LGBTQ ININ FULLFULL BLOOMBLOOM Events Tony Award Winner Talks Arts Activism, His Play on PAGE 26 ‘the Lost Generation’ of Gay Men… April 20, 2017 and Returning to “Kinky Boots”?! VOL. 2516 | FREE WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM 2 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com
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COVER 20 Billy Porter: In Full Bloom NEWS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 28 Leon & Lulu Announces New Spring Edition Of Its Award-Winnings Event, TStudy Finds Married 4 REC Awarded David Bohnett Foundation CyberCenter Grant Books & Authors LGBT Older Adults 4 Disparate Identities Collide 30 NMAC Seeks Youth Leaders to Help End HIV Epidemic 4 Holland City Council Race Could Impact Pursuit of 30 OutFront Seeks Volunteers are Healthier, Happier Ordinance 30 OU Professor, Transgender Advocate to Serve on National LGBTQ Task Force 5 Washington State Reinstitutes N.C. Travel Ban After pg. 16 HB2 Deal 30 Gallery Welcomes Artists Outside the Mainstream 5 Texas to Consider Anti-LGBT Legislation Based on HB2 Deal 5 Lansing’s Sanctuary City Fight 11 DOJ Withdraws Lawsuit Against N.C. Anti-trans ONLINE: SPRING HEALTH & WELLNESS Bathroom Law 12 Gay Men Sent to ‘Concentration Camps’ in Chechnya YOUR HEALTH GUIDE 12 World OutGames Hosts Global LGBTQ Human Rights Conference Opening the Doors to LGBTQ-Focused Care OPINION AHIMA Practice Brief Stresses Importance of 14 Parting Glances Inclusive Healthcare Practices 14 Mombian Orchid Technology Helping LGBTQ People Feel 15 Creep of the Week: Alex Jones More Welcome in Hospitals
LIFE Dem Gubernatorial Candidates Call for Reform 20 Tony Award Winner Talks Arts Activism, His Play on of State’s HIV-Specific Law ‘the Lost Generation’ of Gay Men…and Returning to ‘Kinky Boots’?! Deep Inside Hollywood SAGE Metro Detroit Director Reflects on Two 24 Cool Cities: Lansing Busy Years in the State 26 Happenings 32 Classifieds p. 33 National LGBTQ Task Force Urges Congress to 33 Deep Inside Hollywood Stop Trumpcare 34 Puzzle and Comic
VOL. 2516 • APRIL 20, 2017 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT ISSUE 1011 Editor in Chief Webmaster & MIS Director Director of Sales Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP [email protected] [email protected] 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 Columnists Entertainment Editor Sales Representatives Phone 734.293.7200 Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Follow us @YourBTL Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Mikey Rox, Dan Woog Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 PUBLISHERS [email protected] Gwendolyn Ann Smith [email protected] Email your op–eds to Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson Senior News Editor Cartoonists Donelle Kremke, 734.293.7200 x 16 [email protected] MEMBER OF Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 10 Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau [email protected] [email protected] Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Michigan Press Assoication Contributing Photographers National Advertising Representative National Gay Media Association News & Feature Writers Andrew Potter Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 National Gay & Lesbian Chamber Emell Derra Adolphus, Todd A. Heywood, Alexander Godin Q Syndicate Jason Michael, Amy Lynn Smith Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for materials provided by advertisers or their agents. Copyright 2017 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 3 NEWS
Ruth Ellis Center Awarded David Bohnett Foundation Disparate Identities Collide CyberCenter Grant The David Bohnett Foundation, created in 1999 Student Panelists at by the philanthropist and technology entrepreneur bearing its name, has recently awarded the Ruth Ellis Center with a CyberCenter grant, which will MSU Provide Education provide 10 new fully loaded Mac workstations for use by youth in the organization’s Drop-In Center. on Inclusivity Among other initiatives, The Foundation provides state-of-the-art computing technology to roughly BY EVE KUCHARSKI 60 community spaces nationwide that directly serve people who identify as LGBTQ. REC received Faith and sexuality are rarely mentioned its first David Bohnett Foundation CyberCenter together. In fact, it is not uncommon that the grant in 2008 and has continued to reapply and two topics are viewed as entirely separate. receive new hardware every three years. The new Pair those topics with a discussion of race and computers will arrive later this month. for many they become inaccessible. Some of “The David Bohnett CyberCenters are places those barriers were broken on April 13 at where gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender The Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in people can comfortably get on a computer, access East Lansing during an undergraduate panel. services, and network with each other in a nurturing “It’s always a good opportunity to be able and supportive atmosphere,” says Paul Moore, to come and share that story and first of all Intersections between Faith, Race, Gender and Sexuality panelists. Pictured left to right: Nicole Bravo, Leon program officer at the David Bohnett Foundation. demystify what it is to be queer, what it is to Hister, William Alexander III, Heba Afaneh. BTL Photo Eve Kucharski “We are proud to be long-time partners with the be a person of color and move beyond that as Panelist Hister, a senior and dual major in Ruth Ellis Center in providing the lifesaving services well to what are the implications for people,” That was the point that I could no longer philosophy and social relations spoke about to our LGBTQ youth.” The “refresh” grants, he adds, said Nicole Bravo, a second-year graduate reconcile the two.” his own experience as a member of the queer allow the CyberCenters to keep pace with constant student and assistant for the Michigan State Bravo’s insight and experiences were community as well as his own understanding advances in hardware and software. University LGBT Resource Center. Bravo accompanied by that of Leon Hister, Heba of his biracial identity and the process of Incorporated in 1999, REC is a youth social has attended the panel several times. Afaneh and William Alexander III – each gaining confidence within it. services agency with a mission “to provide short- Bravo, who was one of four panelists MSU students who shared traditionally “I think that really truly we don’t do this term and long-term residential safe space and at the “Intersections between Faith, Race, conflicting stories about sexuality, faith often enough, we second-guess what we support services for runaway, homeless, and at- Gender and Sexuality” event, spoke about and race. know,” Hister said. risk” LGBTQ youth. The Second Stories Drop-In her experiences with, divergence from and But those were just some of the topics Taylor Schaar, a student affairs employee Center, located at its headquarters in Highland her process of recovery after being part of covered April 13 at MSU’s “Race in 21st in a program outside of MSU attended the Park, serves anywhere from 30-75 youth on any the Catholic faith. Century America: The 10th National event to aid her in her work and found the given Drop-In day. The computers will provide “Growing up I went to Catechism and Conference.” Post each presenter’s presentation insightful. young people access to vital technology to help Sunday school and was involved in youth introduction, the floor became an open “I think that there are a lot of structures them with academic achievement, job attainment, group. I was a ‘but Catholic.’ I believe this forum for audience members to pose in predominantly white institutions that and social supports. ‘but’ I don’t believe that there’s anything questions on anything from an explanation reinforce oppression, even if students who “Continued support from the David Bohnett wrong with …,” said Bravo. “The breaking of pansexuality, to broader queries about the have marginalized identities are given access Foundation has played an instrumental role in point was when I dated my first trans partner. intersectionality of those identities. REC’s ability to serve LGBTQ youth experiencing to education,” Schaar said. “I think that that is barriers to housing, health, and wellness,” says something that people aren’t really willing to Mark McCormick, director of Development & examine because it’s uncomfortable.” Advancement at REC. “As the Center continues to Holland City Council Race Could Impact Pursuit of Ordinance That push out of the comfortable set build upon its 17 years of service in this community, the tone of the panel, but the tension was use of the David Bohnett CyberCenter is expected to BY JIM LARKIN outweighed by the positive emotion that increase in the coming months and years.” filled the room post panel. First year masters The delivery of the computers will also coincide Will LGBTQ residents of the City of Holland have to wait another four years before they graduate student and panelist Alexander with #40toNoneDay, a campaign by the True Colors have the votes of the City Council to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance that will protect summed up the goal of the presentation. Fund that aims to support LGBTQ youth experiencing them? “When a student is from a privileged homelessness. Participants nationwide will post They’ll get their first indication on April 25, which is the deadline for filing for four open identity (learning about these identities), “unselfies” on social media on April 26 to bring seats on the council. All four seats are currently held by council members who voted against they’re going to be upset, but at the end of the attention to a startling statistic – 40 percent of such an ordinance in 2011: Mayor Nancy DeBoer, 1st Ward Councilman Myron Trethewey, day you have to be unapologetic about that,” LGBTQ youth experience homelessness, even 3rd Ward Councilman Brian Burch and 5th Ward Councilman Todd Whiteman. Alexander said. “But also open to working though they account for only seven percent of DeBoer and Trethewey have already filed to seek re-election. DeBoer will be opposed by with those students to help them learn and young people in the U.S. The True Colors Fund is Jay Peters, incumbent Ward 2 Councilman who voted for the anti-discrimination ordinance. grow as well.” Only three members of the nine-person council – Peters, Dave Hoekstra and Wayne working to end homelessness among the LGBTQ For more information about the MSU LGBT youth as well as working to create a world where Klomparens – voted for the ordinance six years ago. That means either both of the other Resource Center, visit the website www.lbgtrc. young people can be their true selves. current council members – Brian Lyon and Quincy Byrd – would have to support such an ordinance for it to pass or pro anti-discrimination candidates would have to file by April 25 msu.edu, check it out on Facebook www. For more information about REC, visit www. for Trethewey’s, Burch’s or Whiteman’s seats and then beat the incumbents. facebook.com/MSULBGTRC or follow the ruthelliscenter.org. As of April 17, none had. The primary election is Aug. 8 and the general election on Nov. 17. organization on Twitter @LBGTRC.
4 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Washington State Reinstitutes Lansing’s Sanctuary City Fight N.C. Travel Ban After HB2 Deal BY TODD HEYWOOD Facing a backlash from conservatives and a possible legal BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE legislature. Their agreement was intended to alleviate showdown with President Donald Trump’s administration, the city economic boycott to the state as a result of HB2 in of Lansing has rescinded a resolution declaring itself a sanctuary city. Washington State has reinstated its ban on state- time for a deadline set by the National Collegiate The reversal brings to an end weeks of contentious public meetings sponsored travel to North Carolina – first enacted Athletic Association to either repeal the law or lose which featured hours of testimony for and against the move meant over anti-LGBT House Bill 2 -- in the aftermath of the championship games for years to come. The NCAA to assure undocumented immigrants that city officials and police imposition of a new replacement law civil rights groups later announced the new law was “minimally” would not become “de facto immigration agents,” as Lansing Mayor say is still discriminatory. acceptable to again consider championships in North Virg Bernero put it. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a memo on Carolina. The label was adopted on a unanimous vote of the Lansing Thursday putting in place a new ban on state-funded Washington is the third state to declare its travel ban City Council of 6 to 0 April 3. Council Members At-Large Carol travel to North Carolina after his previous ban expired enacted over HB2 will remain in place in the aftermath Wood, Kathie Dunbar, Patricia Spitzley and Judi Brown Clarke when North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, of Cooper signing the replacement law. Other states were joined by 4th Ward Councilwoman Jessica Yorko and 2nd signed the new measure. that have similarly reaffirmed their bans are California Ward Councilwoman Tina Houghton to pass the resolution. Jody In the memo, Inslee says, like HB2, the new law, and Minnesota. Washington, the 1st Ward Council Member, and Adam Hussain, the labeled House Bill 142, “contains similar troubling, Unlike California and Minnesota, Inslee’s earlier ban 3rd Ward Council Member, were absent. discriminatory provisions and Washingtonians expired before he reinstated it because the first measure The short-lived declaration died when council members rescinded traveling to North Carolina on work-related matters had language keeping it in place “so long as the recently their resolution the following week on April 12. The resolution to may still experience discrimination.” approved HB2 exists in its current form,” which wasn’t rescind the declaration passed 5 to 2. Dunbar and Houghton cast “And though North Carolina formally replaced HB2, the case after Cooper signed the replacement deal. their ballots against the rescinded resolution, while Brown Clarke, the continued allowance of discrimination is inherent in The remaining states that enacted travel bans over Spitzley, Wood, Washington and Hussain cast their ballots in favor the spirit [of] HB142,” Inslee continues. “Consequently, HB2 – Vermont, Connecticut and New York -- haven’t of the move. Yorko was absent. I again order that no executive or small-cabinet agency yet declared the status of those policies with the new While Bernero has the option to veto the resolution, he told City shall allow publicly funded non-essential travel to North Carolina law in place. Pulse Newsmakers television show that he would not do so. North Carolina.” Municipalities that have declared they’ll keep their “To veto a symbolic resolution, which to me is a statement of The new law prohibits prohibits municipalities, state travel bans to North Carolina in place are Chicago; New will, just doesn’t sit well with me,” said Bernero. “To me, it’s anti- agencies and the University of North Carolina from the York City; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Seattle; Democratic. The council, albeit with all its worth, is a reflection of “regulation of access” to bathrooms, locker rooms and Portland, Ore.; Atlanta; Baltimore; Los Angeles; the people. I am and they are.” showers without the legislature’s permission. It also Oakland; Santa Fe; Cincinnati; Salt Lake City; Palm The reversal brings to an end weeks of contentious public meetings bans municipalities from enacting LGBT-inclusive Springs, Calif.; West Palm Beach; Portland, Maine; which featured hours of testimony for and against the move meant nondiscrimination measures that would apply to private Burlington, Vt; and Wilton Manors, Fla. to assure undocumented immigrants that city officials and police employment or public accommodations until 2020. This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade would not become “de facto immigration agents,” as Lansing Mayor Much to the consternation of LGBT rights supporters, Virg Bernero put it. Cooper, a Democrat, the law after closed-door and is made available in partnership with the National Gay Media Association. Council members and the state and local chambers expressed negotiations with Republican leaders of the state concern that the declaration had put a “spotlight” on the municipality for Trump’s Jan. 25 executive order directing the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to identify, label and potentially withhold federal dollars from “sanctuary jurisdictions.” Texas to Consider Anti-LGBT Legislation Based on HB2 Deal At stake was an estimated $3 million in federal Department of Justice dollars. City officials and the chambers argued that the city BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE ordinances would become null and void if they enacted could ill-afford to lose that cash, which is used to underwrite law prior to the passage of the law. That would eliminate enforcement activities. In a sign the new law in North Carolina that replaced non-discrimination ordinances already in place in But the removal of the label - which has no legal standing, House Bill 2 may be exported to other states, the Texas Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Piano and San since even the federal government has said in court filings it has legislature is set on Wednesday to consider anti-LGBT Antonio, according to the Human Rights Campaign’s no definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction - may not save the city legislation that bears a striking resemblance to the 2016 Municipal Index. from being placed on what the conservative Washington Times North Carolina deal. HB 2899 would take effect immediately if it receives calls Trump’s “Name and Shame” list. That list identifies various The bill, House Bill 2899, was introduced Friday by a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each municipalities that are not cooperating with immigration officials. Rep. Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton) as a compromise house as provided under the Texas Constitution. But Ironically, an executive order by Bernero, issued on April 3, may proposal for lawmakers seeking to enact anti-LGBT if the legislature approves it by a simple majority, it keep the spotlight on the city. Bernero’s executive order - Lansing’s legislation in Texas as the biennial legislative session in would take effect on Sept. 1, 2017. new, official policy - is that law enforcement will not detain people Texas winds down. The legislation is set for a hearing The law is proposed as alternative to anti-LGBT based on administrative immigration warrants — so- called retainer Wednesday in the House State Affairs Committee. legislation already approved in the Senate, Senate or detainer orders — and will not work to enforce immigration laws The measure would prohibit municipalities from Bill 6, which seems to have stalled out after House alone. The executive order, which was affirmed by the April 3 City enacting ordinances that would “protect a class of Speaker Joe Strauss said he opposed the bill and had Council resolution, also prohibits Lansing officials from contacting persons from discrimination” or reduce or expand the no intention of bringing it up. That proposal would bar ICE, except when a person is allegedly involved in “a serious crime.” classes of persons protected from discrimination under cities from enacting measures to bar discrimination Those policy stances have, particularly the detainer orders refusal, state law. In effect, the proposal would bar cities from against transgender people in restrooms and prohibit have landed other municipalities on the list. Ironically, the list was enacting ordinances barring anti-LGBT discrimination transgender people from using the restroom consistent supposed to be published weekly, but ICE suspended its publication because Texas state law affords no protection based on with their gender identity in public spaces, such as after only three weeks, and days after Lansing adopted its declaration. sexual orientation or transgender status. schools and government buildings. The proposal has explicit language stating city See Texas, page 13 www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 5
NEWS DOJ Withdraws Lawsuit Against N.C. Anti-trans Bathroom Law BY CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE non-discrimination protections for of us aren’t going to give up that easily,” LGBT people. Esseks said. “We’ll continue this fight as Although North Carolina replaced “The compromise to repeal HB2 took long as it takes to truly strike down this anti-LGBT House Bill 2 with a law an important step in the right direction,” disastrous law for good.” that critics say still enables anti- Porter said. “Gov. Cooper will continue The lawsuit the LGBT legal groups LGBT discrimination, the U.S. Justice to work to repair our state’s reputation filed against North Carolina, Carcano Department has withdrawn the lawsuit and add statewide protections for LGBT v. McCrory (now known as Carcano v. against the state filed last year under North Carolinians.” Cooper), is on hold until April 28, when Obama administration. The withdraw of DOJ’s lawsuit in a status report is due before the trial In a five-page notice, the Justice the aftermath of the switch court in the aftermath Department under U.S. Attorney is consistent with Sessions’ of the enactment of the General Jeff Sessions announced it actions against transgender replacement law to HB2. has voluntarily withdrawn the lawsuit rights since his confirmation Tara Borelli, counsel filed last year by former U.S. Attorney as U.S. attorney general. In Lambda Legal’s southern General Loretta Lynch. fact, the Justice Department regional office and “In light of the passage of North last month nixed its request attorney representing Carolina Session Law 2017-4, House for a preliminary injunction plaintiffs in the case, Bill 142, and pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. against HB2 in favor of an told the Washington P. 41, the Parties in the above-captioned existing injunction against Blade the withdrawal action hereby stipulate that all claims or the law that was significantly of the DOJ lawsuit will causes of action against Defendants and more limited and applied have no impact on the all counterclaims against Plaintiff which only to plaintiffs in a separate litigation filed by LGBT were the subject matter of this lawsuit lawsuit. The Justice Department legal groups. under Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) are hereby dismissed with prejudice,” Jon W. Davidson, legal has withdrawn its lawsuit “This won’t hurt the the notice says. director for Lambda Legal, over North Carolina’s HB2. merits of the lawsuit,” After North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement the Justice Washington Blade photo by Borelli said. “HB2 was signed into law the replacement measure Department is using the North Michael Key unconstitutional the day for HB2, whether the Justice Department Carolina’s new law as excuse it was enacted. HB142 would continue the lawsuit it filed to withdraw lawsuit even though the new was unconstitutional the day it was against the state over the initial law was statute still enables discrimination. enacted, and nothing about who’s sitting in question. As of last month, a Justice “Here is yet another instance of the at counsel’s table makes either of those Department said the U.S. government Trump administration and Attorney laws any more valid.” “reviewing its litigation posture” in the General Jeff Sessions withdrawing the Other anti-transgender actions the aftermath of the HB2 replacement. federal government’s support from Justice Department has taken under Lynch’s lawsuit alleged HB2, which transgender individuals, and they are Sessions are the withdrawal of school barred cities from enacting pro-LGBT using the fake repeal of HB2 as cover,” guidance assuring transgender kids ordinances and transgender people from Davidson said. “Sadly, this was not have access to the restroom consistent using the restroom consistent with their unexpected, now that anti-transgender with their gender identity and missing gender identity, contravenes federal law. forces are in charge of the Departments a deadline to appeal a court injunction The Justice Department alleged the law of Justice and Education. Once again, against an Obamacare rule barring violated Title VII of the Civil Rights the Trump administration continues to anti-trans discrimination in health care. Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education abandon transgender Americans.” President Trump himself has been Amendments of 1972 and the Violence Although the Justice Department may accused of weakening LGBT legal Against Women Reauthorization Act be reviewing its position now that HB2 protections in the workforce by undoing of 2013. has been replaced, that isn’t stopping President Obama’s Fair Pay & Safe The deal Cooper signed, House Bill LGBT legal groups who also filed a Workplaces Executive Order. 142, replaces HB2 with a measure that lawsuit against HB2 from continuing Borelli said the withdrawal of the LGBT advocates say is a bait-and-switch with their challenge. DOJ lawsuit against North Carolina attempt giving the appearance of repeal The trio of groups – the American “continues a pattern of the federal while doubling-down on discrimination. Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of North government continuing to abandon HB 142 prohibits state agencies, Carolina, and Lambda Legal – have transgender individuals,” citing among municipalities and the University of declared their lawsuit, which includes other things the decision by Sessions North Carolina from the “regulation claims for the damages inflicted by HB2, and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to of access” to bathrooms, locker rooms will continue, and they’ll seek to amend rescind the transgender guidance. and showers unless they have the the lawsuit to challenge HB142 as well. “This is no surprise given the anti- legislature’s permission. It also bans James Esseks, director of the ACLU’s transgender forces in charge of the municipalities until 2020 from enacting LGBT Project, said in a statement Departments of Justice and Education, LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination LGBT legal groups will press on in but it is very disappointing,” Borelli said. measures that would apply to private North Carolina even though the Justice businesses or public accommodations. Department has abandoned the fight. This article originally appeared in the Ford Porter, a Cooper spokesperson, “The Trump Administration may said in response to DOJ’s withdrawal of want to use the fake repeal of HB 2 as Washington Blade and is made available in the lawsuit against the North Carolina an excuse to further turn their backs on partnership with the National Gay Media law the governor still supports statewide the transgender community, but the rest Association. www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 11 NEWS Gay Men Sent to ‘Concentration Camps’ in Chechnya BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS, WASHINGTON BLADE “The State Department has called on Russia to investigate these abuses, but Secretary of A Russian LGBT advocacy group on State Tillerson can do more,” wrote Human Monday confirmed a report that gay men in Rights First in an email it sent to supporters on Chechnya have been sent to secret prisons. Monday. “As he travels to Russia this week, Novaya Gazeta, a Russian newspaper, on he should publicly demand that the Russian April 4 reported gay men have been sent to government bring the perpetrators of these the prisons – which reports have described horrific acts to justice.” as “concentration camps” – in the semi- “The United States must remain a beacon of autonomous Russian republic. It said one of hope and freedom – but it cannot do so if our them is located near Argun, a town that is leaders are silent in the face of gross human roughly 12 miles east of the Chechen capital rights violations,” it added. of Grozny. A State Department spokesperson on Novaya Gazeta said authorities beat the men Monday declined to comment on the Novaya and tortured them with electric shocks. Gazeta report that Chechen authorities have The newspaper published pictures of two sent gay men to “concentration camps.” The men who had bruises on their knees and spokesperson instead referred the Blade to buttocks. Novaya Gazeta said at least three a statement that Acting Spokesperson Mark men died inside the prisons. Toner released on April 7. The newspaper reported the family of “We are increasingly concerned about the one of the men who was arrested “had to The city of Grozny in the Russian republic of Chechnya. Authorities have sent gay men in the semi-autonomous situation in the Republic of Chechnya, where urgently” sell their apartment and property to Russian republic to secret prisons that have been described as “concentration camps. Photo by Alexxx1979. there have been numerous credible reports courtesy Wikimedia Common. “saved their loved ones.” Gay men were also indicating the detention of at least 100 men people.” reportedly forced to leave Chechnya. also called upon international institutions and on the basis of their sexual orientation,” said Rex Tillerson urged to ‘speak out forcefully’ “Unfortunately, we can confirm that there foreign governments “to pressure Russian Toner. “Some reports indicate many of those against arrests is kind of a prison next to one Chechen city authorities to intervene to immediately stop arrested have been tortured, in some cases The State Department last week described where homosexual men are detained,” Svetlana the abuse.” leading to death. We categorically condemn the arrests as “troubling” in a statement it Zakharova of the Russian LGBT Network told “The Kremlin has dismissed these reports, the persecution of individuals based on their sent to the Blade. It also urged the Russian the Washington Blade on Monday in response saying that those who were suffering could sexual orientation or any other basis.” government to investigate them. to the Novaya Gazeta article. ‘file official complaints and go to court,’ “We are deeply disturbed by recent public A spokesperson for the Russian government Novaya Gazeta on April 1 reported Chechen avenues that are highly unlikely to yield statements by Chechen authorities that has said the arrests are “a question of law authorities have arrested more than 100 men in positive results in a region without a strong condone and incite violence against LGBTI enforcement agencies.” Ali Karimov, a “connection with their non-traditional sexual track record in the rule of law,” said HRC persons,” he added. “We urge Russian federal spokesperson for Chechnya’s leader, Ramzan orientation, or suspicion of such.” The Russian President Chad Griffin in a letter he sent to authorities to speak out against such practices, Kadyrov, told a Russian government news newspaper said at least three of the men who Tillerson on April 4. “I therefore write to urge take steps to ensure the release of anyone agency in a statement that it is “impossible to were arrested were later killed. you to make clear to your Russian counterparts wrongfully detained, conduct an independent prosecute those who are not in the republic.” The Russian LGBT Network has established that such lawless detentions, arrests, torture and credible investigation into these, reports Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is scheduled a hotline that Chechens who feel threatened by and murders are unacceptable and will not and hold any perpetrators responsible.” to travel to Moscow on Tuesday. the arrests can call anonymously. Zakharova be tolerated.” Human Rights First and the Human Rights This article originally appeared in the Washington told the Blade her organization has received Human Rights First has launched a petition Campaign have both urged him to publicly more than 20 requests “for help.” that urges Tillerson to “speak out forcibly Blade and is made available in partnership with condemn the arrests while in the Russian “The number of requests is growing,” against these horrific human rights abuses the National Gay Media Association. capital. OutRight Action International has she said. “We have already evacuated some during his upcoming visit.” World OutGames Hosts Global LGBTQ Human Rights Conference BY BTL STAFF from the International Institute on Race, during the World OutGames Miami Global Equality and Human Rights; Dr. Cecile Conference on Human Rights,” said CEO Ivan The Global LGBTQ Human Rights Houry, Florida International University; Cano. “This conference, along with our other conference is positioned to be the most Haven Herrin, ILGA North America; Justin pillars, will offer an amazing experience and powerful global gathering of internationally Klecha, SAVE; Congresswoman Debbie serve as a powerful tool to promote unity and respected human rights activists, researchers, Wasserman Schultz, (D-Florida); Nadine inclusiveness.” legal scholars and trade organizations during Smith, Executive Director, Equality Florida; The World OutGames, a ten-day multi- World OutGames in Miami. Cyd Zeiglar, Commentator and Author; Chris sport, human rights and cultural event will The three-day conference May 26-29 will Mosier, Athlete and Transgender Activist; kick off May 27 with an opening ceremony feature as many as 40 speakers and more and Deondre Moore, HIV and LGBTQ Youth and continue through June 4 at the Miami than 35 topics under three specific tracks: Activist, among others. Beach Convention Center. Registration for promoting inclusivity in sports, health and “We are excited to bring together this stellar participants is available online at www. wellness, and global social justice. roster of speakers who can share their stories outgames.org. Organizations and business OutGames Miami are encouraged to contact Representing the U.S. are Carlos Quesada of strength and hope to a global audience that are interested in supporting World [email protected].
12 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com ® Texas Continued from p. 5
Matt McTighe, executive director for Freedom for All Americans, said in a statement lawmakers reject the measure because it would have the same discriminatory impact as SB6. “No one should be fooled by HB2899 - this is dangerous legislation that is just as discriminatory and economically perilous as SB6,” McTighe said. “Legal protections from discrimination are put in place for a reason, and rolling those protections back should never be on the table. Like SB6, this legislation is a solution in search of a problem that just doesn’t exist. There are no winners under HB2899 - it will create dangerous situations for transgender people, and like SB6 it will tarnish Texas’ reputation and economy.” Also condemning the Texas proposal on the basis of it being worse than SB6 was Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of the LGBT media organization GLAAD. “The newly proposed HB 2899 is even worse than SB6 because it invalidates all existing local non-discrimination ordinances that protect LGBTQ Texans and gives anti- LGBTQ state lawmakers full control over future LGBTQ local non-discrimination laws,” Ellis said. “HB 2899 is another harmful ‘solution’ in search of a problem and will accomplish one thing: Further putting the lives of all LGBTQ Texans in jeopardy.” The measure bears a striking resemblance to HB142, the replacement law that Gov. Roy Cooper signed as part of a deal with Republican legislative leaders to alleviate economic boycott in his state as a result of HB2. The replacement law, which critics say still enables discrimination, convinced major sports leagues like the NCAA to return to the state, although numerous states and municipalities have continued their bans on sponsored travel to North Carolina in protest over the law. HB2899 is similar to the HB2 deal because both of them bars cities from enacting pro-LGBT non-discrimination ordinances, although that language in the North Carolina law will sunset in 2020. The North Carolina law, however, is different because it bars state agencies from the “regulation of access” to bathrooms, locker rooms and showers unless they have the legislature’s permission, explicitly naming the University of North Carolina and the North Carolina Community College System as state agencies. The Texas proposal has no similar language, nor does it name any school. It remains to be seen whether Texas will move forward with HB2899, or whether lawmakers other states will seek to pass copycats of the HB2 replacement deal because they’ve seen such measures won’t rise to the level of economic boycott -- at least from major sports organizations. Ian Palmquist, director of programs for the Equality Federation, said after the NCAA agreed to restore games to North Carolina as result of the HB2 deal other states won’t pass copycats laws because they face boycotts from other entities. “While some organizations like the NCAA are backing down, many are standing firm,” Palmquist said. “Legislators in other states need to know that voters and businesses will rally against any new bills that diminish protections for LGBTQ Americans.” This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade and is made available in partnership with the National Gay Media Association. www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 13 What’s Prologue is Past Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER
t 19, I went to my first gay bar, The Silver Slipper, a dyke bar on Grand River, near downtown Detroit. I used borrowed ID, Awas escorted authoritatively by two lesbian regulars, Speedy and Draino. Lesbians sat in an upstairs balcony space. Gays and “tourists,” downstairs. Tourists came to gawk at the queers. Entertainer was porkulent Chi Chi LaTrine, aka Benjamin Ernest Franklin. He wore wide, be-ribboned picture hats, sang songs with lyrics of questionable OB-GYN soundness. (“Douche yourself with kerosene. Light it with a match. You will be the only queen with a blow torch for a snatch.”) Chi Chi’s comedy routines closed with his trademark insertion of a champagne glass into his ample facial cheeks and mouth. (Sidebar: Franklin had a sociology M.A., and in the early 60s was the first gay person to speak to Wayne State University psych classes. Caught having a “tryst” in a WSU John, he reluctantly bypassed further grad studies.) With teenagers friends Gary and Richard, I also hit the Scenic Bar in Toledo, Ohio. Soon our little circle – “Claudia,” (Richard) “Margo,” (Gary) and “Crystal” (!) – took our sing-along road show to Cleveland, staying at the Y-M-C-A! I met Marcus there, who took me home to his place, played Maria Callas arias from Verdi’s La Traviata, fed me a wonderful breakfast. It was magic – until I learned to my over-stuffed chagrin that my gourmet cook was yet another crossdresser. Two that summer! Mombian (Addendum: Heard Maria Callas in recital at Detroit’s Masonic Temple in 1960. Her conductor was arrested in the notorious Woodward Avenue Stone Burlesque, and had to be “negotiated” for the scheduled concert.) Love and Science: How Science Has Next came Big Apple week. Our threesome took the New York Central In 1955, we had no role models...These Senator Helped LGBTQ Families McCarthy witch-hunting years were terror for “known homosexuals.” We had no choice but the closet. BY DANA RUDOLPH
to “changing social norms” and the development of a train – playing gin rummy for 13 hours – and booked into the notorious his coming weekend, the March for Science in politically active gay community, says Gregory Herek, Sloan House Y. It was mid-July. No air conditioning. Heat, 90-plus. Sweat professor emeritus of psychology at the University of soaked outdoors in minutes. So, we slept at day; partied at night. Washington, D.C. and hundreds of other global locations will encourage science that “upholds California-Davis and a widely recognized authority on I had no sooner unpacked my things when the phone rang. “Hi! I’m T anti-LGBTQ bias, at his website (psychology.ucdavis. the common good” and allows evidence-based Jerry. I saw you in the lobby. Can I take you to dinner?” He left two days edu/rainbow/). later. Ever faithful at 19, I thought of Jerry for 36.5 hours, 36 seconds. policymaking in the public interest (marchforscience. com). I thus thought this was a good time to look at That move had a lasting effect. U.S. Supreme Court (Jerry, who?) Justice Anthony Kennedy mentioned it in his 2015 Our trio went to a Greenwich Village downstairs bar, the Sans Souci. how science has specifically helped LGBTQ parents and our children. ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, the case that established “Cry Me a River,” sung by Roberta Sherwood was the jukebox hit. Bar marriage equality throughout the country, and noted ambiance was intimate and discreet. I met a bona fide actor: Gunther First, and perhaps most obviously, science has helped create many LGBTQ families (my own included) that now, “psychiatrists and others [have] recognized Wilde. (Gunther, who?) that sexual orientation is both a normal expression of Richard reeled in two mid-30s Italians who invited us to Fire Island. We through assisted reproduction techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gestational surrogacy. human sexuality and immutable.” took the train to Babylon – three hours – and a ferry boat to Cherry Grove. Beyond the DSM, the research of psychologists, “Truman Capote’s there,” they lied. I experienced a toothache, a sunburn, Second, science has given us studies of LGBTQ families that can help us to be better parents and give sociologists, medical and mental health professionals, no sleep, a sore back. (It was worth it.) economists, demographers, and others has been used In 1955, we had no role models. We suspected certain movie stars. (Tab medical, educational, and other professionals a better idea of how to support us – for example, research that extensively in friend-of-the-court (amicus) briefs Hunter, Barbara Stanwyck, newcomer James Dean). All wishful thinking. in key LGBTQ cases including ones on marriage These Senator McCarthy witch-hunting years were terror for “known shows how we find resilience, how we deal with stigma, and how we relate to donors, birth parents, surrogates, equality, sodomy laws, military inclusion, and anti-gay homosexuals.” We had no choice but the closet. discrimination by the Boy Scouts. For those who could pass for straight, problems were few – vice cops, and donor siblings. Third, scientific analyses have helped drive policy In Obergefell, for example, the brief from the crabs, VD, job firing, shock therapy, excommunication, incarceration, American Psychological Association (APA) offered a media exposes – if you kept your “she this” and “she that” to yourself. and law around LGBTQ families. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from plethora of “scientific evidence” as to the normalcy and Travel was a revelation. We gradually realized we weren’t alone. We were stability of same-sex relationships, including numerous everywhere: doctors, stevedores, actors, professors, cops, nurses, Indian its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental chiefs, average Joes, exceptional Jills. Gaydar was a godsend. (Question: Disorders (DSM) list of mental disorders. They were Who needs gaydar these days?) swayed by “the weight of empirical data” in addition See next page 14 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Creep of the Week Alex Jones BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Last week, the Washington Supreme Court overturned a trial court decision that had improperly denied a mom custody because she was a lesbian. The ruling stressed that a parent’s sexual orientation may not be considered in custody decisions “absent an express showing of harm to the children.”
® Ruldoph: Continued from p. 15 studies that show “same-sex couples are no custody cases give expert testimony that less fit than heterosexual parents to raise trans parents do not have a serious mental Jones is a terrible person. He’s children, and their children are no less illness (and are thus unfit to parent) simply f you don’t know who Alex Jones is, psychologically healthy and well-adjusted.” by being trans. consider yourself lucky. delusional, hateful, and says things Demographic studies swayed the court, too. The ACLU and the National Center for I Picture a mentally unstable person that anyone with any sense knows In Obergefell, Kennedy cited demographer Transgender Equality have also produced boiling over in rage and ranting about Gary Gates of UCLA’s Williams Institute in a guide for parents and lawyers “to give conspiracy theories on a street corner. That’s are crazy and have no basis in noting, “Hundreds of thousands of children parents and their attorneys an idea of the Alex Jones, except instead of a street corner, are presently being raised by [same-sex] kind of scientific evidence that is available he has his own radio program and video show reality. Oh, and Donald Trump loves couples” – children who suffer stigma and if needed” when providing expert testimony on the internets. him. Who says opposites attract? financial strain if their parents cannot marry. in custody cases. Jones is a terrible person. He’s delusional, In family law, the decoupling of School policy as well as law has been hateful, and says things that anyone with any custody battle with his ex-wife for their three homosexuality and mental illness has also informed by scientific thinking. Herek, for sense knows are crazy and have no basis in children, ages 14, 12, and 9. According to helped in matters of child custody. Prior example, provided testimony for the U.S. reality. Oh, and Donald Trump loves him. his ex-wife, Jones broadcasts his show from to 1973, almost no lesbian mother could Commission on Civil Rights’ 2011 hearings Who says opposites attract? the home where he lives with the children gain custody when divorcing a husband, on ways to protect students from bullying Jones has a long history of anti-LGBTQ and she thinks being exposed to this radical because the DSM said she had a mental and harassment. GLSEN’s biennial National animosity. extremist rhetoric is bad for the kids. illness, explains Nancy Polikoff, LGBTQ School Climate Survey on LGBTQ students He’s ranted that the Pulse nightclub “He’s not a stable person,” she reportedly family law expert and professor of law at is replete with statistical analysis – and murders in Orlando were a government told the court according to NBC News. “He American University, on her blog. The was cited by the Obama Administration’s conspiracy and that the gay community says he wants to break Alec Baldwin’s neck. DSM change “transformed that mother into Education Department in a 2011 memo brought on themselves and/or was in on it. He wants J-Lo to get raped.” a parent with a legitimate claim that her reminding schools receiving federal funds He recently called Congressman Adam But hey, at least he’s not reading “Heather lesbianism should not be automatic grounds that they must provide all student groups, Schiff, a Democrat from California who has Has Two Mommies” to them. for denying her custody. Forward thinking including LGBT ones, with equal support. been investigating Trump’s ties to Russia, “an Now that the custody of his kids hangs in judges began awarding custody to openly And leading medical and mental health archetypal cocksucker” and “a fairy” who is the balance, Jones, who has basically been lesbian mothers.” In 1976, Polikoff adds, organizations as well as 60 other scholars, “sucking globalist dick.” a tin foil hat salesman and model for years, the American Psychological Association including demographers, economists, In 2015 he said that letting children read has changed his tune. He is, according to his “passed a resolution opposing use of sexual and psychologists, recently contributed “Heather Has Two Mommies” or being lawyer, a “performance artist” who takes orientation as a primary component in custody, amicus briefs in support of Gavin Grimm, a respectful of whether a child identifies as “powerful and aggressive and strong and adoption, or foster-parenting determinations.” transgender student fighting in federal court a girl or a boy “space-cult, suicide-cult, takes strident positions on controversial (beyondstraightandgaymarriage.blogspot. for the right to use the school bathroom that exterminism, craziness.” The ultimate plan, issues.” com) matches his gender identity. Jones said, “Is an asexual humanoid.” In other words, he’s like an interpretive That shift in thinking still resonates. This is but a brief sketch of how science has He promoted the story that Barack Obama dancer, if said dancer used hate speech and Last week, the Washington Supreme Court assisted LGBTQ families (and hasn’t touched and Rahm Emanuel were gay lovers and that lies instead of, say, dance moves. overturned a trial court decision that had on how it has benefited LGBTQ people in Michelle Obama is transgender. “I think it’s On April 15, a clip posted to the Internet improperly denied a mom custody because other ways, notably in enabling appropriate all an arranged marriage,” he said in 2016. of Jones saying that what he did was “satire” she was a lesbian. The ruling stressed that medical and mental health care for LGBTQ “It’s all completely fake and it’s this big and that he wasn’t being literal. “Yeah, I dress a parent’s sexual orientation may not be individuals), but I hope it helps show that sick joke because [Obama is] obsessed with up as the Joker and act all crazy and say crazy considered in custody decisions “absent an while love may make a family, science may transgender, just like some weird cult or stuff. That’s called satire,” he said, adding, express showing of harm to the children.” play a supporting role. Championing the something. I think Michelle Obama is a man. “I believe everything I’m basically saying.” Transgender parents, too, have benefited goals of the March for Science may be as I really do. I really do. I believe it.” Oh, he The reference to the Joker was an attempt from scientific backing. The DSM in important as any advocacy we do for our also believes that Michelle Obama murdered at humor, something Jones is not good at. 2013 stopped saying that trans people had families in the current era. Joan Rivers. He is also terrible at satire but very good at “Gender Identity Disorder” – “disorder” He’s called Lady Gaga a “goddess of believing and spewing complete bullshit. implying a mental illness – and instead said Satan” and claimed that Beyonce, with the Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of With credentials like that, he could very well they experienced “Gender Dysphoria,” a CIA’s help, wanted to eat children’s brains. Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media become President, or at least get a position discomfort or conflict between their assigned Did I mention Trump likes this guy? in the Trump administration. gender and the one with which they identify. Award-winning blog and resource directory for Anyway, Jones is currently involved in a This change has helped doctors in child LGBTQ parents. www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 15 YOUR MARRIAGE www.MiLGBTWeddings.com
Study Finds Married LGBT Older Adults are Healthier, Happier
BY BTL STAFF it may be one of the most profound changes to social policy in recent history,” said ame-sex marriage has been the law lead author Jayn Goldsen, research study of the land for nearly two years – and supervisor in the UW School of Social Work. Sin some states for even longer – but Some 2.7 million adults ages 50 and researchers can already detect positive health older identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or outcomes among couples who have tied the transgender – a number that is expected knot, a University of Washington study finds. to nearly double by 2060. Among LGBT For years, studies have linked marriage with people, marriage increased noticeably after happiness among heterosexual couples. But a a 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalized study from the UW School of Social Work is same-sex marriage nationwide. A 2016 Gallup among the first to explore the potential benefits Poll found that 49 percent of cohabiting gay of marriage among LGBT couples. It is part couples were married, up from 38 percent of a national, groundbreaking longitudinal before the ruling. study with a representative sample of LGBT For the UW study, more than 1,800 older adults, known as “Aging with Pride: LGBT people, ages 50 and older, were National Health, Aging, Sexuality/Gender surveyed in 2014 in locations where gay Study,” which focuses on how historical, marriage was already legal (32 states and environmental, psychological, behavioral, Washington, D.C.). About one-fourth were social and biological factors are associated married, another fourth were in a committed with health, aging and quality of life. relationship, and half were single. Married UW researchers found that LGBT study respondents had spent an average of 23 participants who were married reported years together, while those in a committed, better physical and mental health, more social unmarried relationship had spent an average support and greater financial resources than of 16 years. Among the study participants, those who were single. The findings were more women were married than men, and published in a February special supplement of the respondents who were married, most of The Gerontologist. identified as non-Hispanic white. “In the nearly 50 years since Stonewall, Researchers found that, in general, same-sex marriage went from being a pipe dream to a legal quagmire to reality – and See next page
16 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com In the nearly 50 years since Stonewall, same-sex“ marriage went from being a pipe dream to a legal quagmire to reality – and it may be one of the most profound changes to social policy in recent history.
- Lead author Jayn Goldsen, research study supervisor in the UW ”School of Social Work.
participants in a relationship, whether married or in a long-term partnership, showed better health outcomes than those who were single. But those who were married fared even better, both socially and financially, than couples in unmarried, long-term partnerships. Single LGBT adults were more likely to have a disability; to report lower physical, psychological, social and environmental quality of life; and to have experienced the death of a partner, especially among men. The legalization of gay marriage at the federal level opens up access to many benefits, such as tax exemptions and Social Security survivor benefits that married, straight couples have long enjoyed. But that does not mean every LGBT couple was immediately ready to take that step. According to Goldsen, marriage, for many older LGBT people, can be something of a conundrum – even a non-starter. LGBT seniors came of age at a time when laws and social exclusion kept many in the closet. Today’s unmarried couples may have made their own legal arrangements and feel that they don’t need the extra step of marriage – or they don’t want to participate in a traditionally heterosexual institution. Goldsen also pointed to trends in heterosexual marriage: Fewer people are getting married, and those who do, do so later. “More older people are living together and thinking outside the box. This was already happening within the LGBT community – couples were living together, but civil marriage wasn’t part of the story,” she said. The different attitudes among older LGBT people toward marriage is something service providers, whether doctors, attorneys or tax professionals, should be aware of, Goldsen said. Telling a couple they should get married now simply because they can misses the individual nature of the choice. “Service providers need to understand the historical context of this population,” she said. “Marriage isn’t for everyone. It is up to each person, and there are legal, financial and potentially societal ramifications.” For example, among the women in the study, those who were married were more likely to report experiencing bias in the larger community. At the same time, Goldsen said, single LGBT older adults do not benefit from the marriage ruling, and other safeguards, such as anti-discrimination laws in employment, housing and public accommodations, are still lacking at the federal level. Over time, Goldsen and colleagues will continue to examine the influence of same-sex marriage policy on partnership status and health. There are hundreds of businesses that The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health advertise in BTL and welcome everyone. and the National Institute on Aging. Other researchers were Invest in equality and work with Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, Amanda Bryan, Hyun-Jun Kim businesses that support Michigan’s LGBTQ and Sarah Jen in the UW School of Social Work; and Anna community! Muraco of Loyola Marymount University. www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 17 YOUR Inclusive Vendors Offer MARRIAGE ‘Relief’ for LGBT Couples Shop Equality Get Access to LGBT-friendly Vendors Minded Vendors on MILGBTWedding.com Year Round BY BTL STAFF
@ hannon D’Annunzio said she felt “a big relief” to find more than 100 LGBT-friendly vendors during the MiLGBTWeddings.com SUltimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo in March. She and her wife-to-be, Danielle Turner, were among more than 600 people who came out in search of inclusive vendors to help with their wedding planning. “It’s a relief to know that I can reach out to these people and I know that they’re not going to say ‘I’m not going to make you a cake,’” she said. This kind of reassurance exists beyond our annual event. Our new website, MILGBTWedding.com, is designed with same-sex couples and their allies in mind to make wedding planning accessible, easier and more fun. And it’s available all year round. We understand the needs of LGBT couples that are quite nontraditional in their wedding planning. The new website can help LGBT people write their own rules for their celebrations. Fully optimized for mobile devices, the new website for the Ultimate LGBT Wedding & Anniversary Expo allows wedding planners to learn more about what we do, how we do it and the LGBT-inclusive vendors we work with across the state of Michigan, whether you’re at your desk or on the move. MILGBTWedding.com is the place to find bakers, photographers, banquet halls, hotels, cruise lines, travel agencies, caterers, wedding planners, officiants and churches, and adoption agencies – all ready and willing to work with LGBT couples to make their celebrations the best possible. Find relief online at www.MILGBTWedding.com.
Find hundreds of LGBTQ-friendly vendors online at www.MiLGBTWedding.com, a project of Between The Lines.
18 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 19 Photo: Ron Cadiz / Sony Music Tony Award Winner Talks Arts Activism, His Play on ‘the Lost Generation’ of Gay Men… and Returning to ‘Kinky Boots’?!
BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Sociopolitical demonstrations have long In 2013, singer and theater performer Billy Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. She responded been woven into various musical genres – Porter left his mark on socially-conscious art conic soulstress Nina Simone questioned defiantly with “Mississippi Goddamn,” a even Katy Perry’s ironically shiny single, this while originating the role of Lola, a drag queen her place in the world as a black woman political anthem that acknowledged, “All I year’s “Chained to the Rhythm,” like Simone’s who finds common ground with a shoemaker, Iafter learning of four young African- want is equality for my sister, my brother, my “Mississippi Goddamn,” underscores in the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” American girls who were killed in the people and me.” continued minority suppression. which garnered the Pittsburgh native a Tony
20 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com You say it’s your “job” to reach across the aisle Award for Best Actor. – does that feel even truer after doing “Kinky This year, just days before President Donald Boots”? Trump’s inauguration, Porter married his Yeah, because when I was doing “Kinky longtime partner, Adam Smith – because Boots” the first time, it was about being in what if he couldn’t after Trump took office? the middle of change that was moving in our But acts of sociopolitical defiance in the face direction. Now, it’s about making sure our of a minority-deserting administration extend rights don’t get rolled back. It’s a different also to his latest album, “Billy Porter Presents: climate. It’s a lesson in understanding that it’s The Soul of Richard Rodgers.” Among the ongoing and forever. You have to fight for the classic selections: the hopeful “Edelweiss” rights and then defend the rights forever. If from “The Sound of Music,” intentionally we didn’t learn that before, we know it now. released as the album’s first single on Trump’s Inauguration Day. Are you going to any red-state cities on this tour? Why end the album with “Edelweiss”? This first leg, yeah, I am. I’m going to Florida I released (that song) the day of the and Indiana, and some other places all over inauguration as a single. If you’ve ever seen the country. I’m excited to do it because I “The Sound of Music,” “Edelweiss” is the lead with love, and I feel like no matter what song they sing as they try to escape Austria disagreement there may be, I’m leading during the Nazi regime. I was making a very with love. I’m here to hear you. I’m here to specific statement about that day. talk about it. And I’m here to actually have What statement were you making? rational conversation. But I’m not interested in having irrational We need to pray and we need to engage, and conversations, and that needs to get called we need to be visible and we need to be like out. I think we have sort of begun the first that Edelweiss flower and still bloom in the steps of doing that – recalibrating. The press darkest of times, in the coldest of times. thought he was such a joke that they didn’t What’s your past relationship with Richard pay attention to him, really, and then he got Rodgers music? away from us, and the world is in chaos. So, it’s a far more political show than I have been Richard Rodgers is from the Golden Era of doing recently. musical theater, when musical-theater music was what was on the radio. (He) had managed Political how? to crack through the zeitgeist in a way that I have some protest music in the old-school not a lot of composers can because still, tradition of the ones who came before me, even to this day, his music is very popular, like the Nina Simones, the Harry Belafontes so everybody knows a Richard Rodgers and Curtis Mayfields – that movement of song. When you hear how we deconstruct music that was about educating and speaking the material and try to update it for a new truth to power and making sure our voices millennium, you’ll hear them in a totally were being heard. That kind of art needs to different way than before. come back. Which song of Richard’s do you feel closest to? Tell me how you wound up reimagining these Probably “Edelweiss” just because it means songs within an R&B framework. so much every time I sing it, and it makes me It just kind of came together. It started out feel like I’m contributing. For some reason, as an idea. We did a concert back in 2009 society today thinks that artists should just at a theater in Los Angeles, where the focus shut up and not talk about politics, and I don’t was deconstructed arrangements. We went really understand that, because we’ve always from jazz all the way through to modern hip- been the people who illuminate – we speak hop, and so when the album came around, I truth to power in creative ways and create thought we should really focus on being fresh conversations and can change hearts and and innovative in terms of sound. I thought minds. So, I’m going back to that. You know, the R&B and soul versions of these was I’m just interested in the president not lying. something we hadn’t really heard a lot about. I’m just interested in that. To go from what we had to this is just horrifying. In the early aughts, you told The New York Times that you’re one of few Broadway performers to As a recently married man, how does it feel to have an R&B album. be “official” in Trump’s America knowing our rights may be in jeopardy? That’s why I did this album, because that’s really the biggest point I’m making: which Well, you know, we got married before he is, we sing like this. We do it like this. And took office for that very reason, because we we do it eight times a week. So, wake up and just wanted to make that clear. I mean, it’s listen, ’cause this album stands up next to weird because it’s my job, you know? My job any R&B soul album ever made. It stands up is to try to reach across and speak to people to it, and I know that. The new album, I’m who we don’t normally speak to and come to an understanding. Music is universal, and it breaks down walls and barriers. See next page www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 21 ® Billy Porter Continued from p. 21
really proud of it. We just need to embrace it and write more material now, and I think “Hamilton” kicked that door down. I’m writing a contemporary-gospel musical right I wrote it. It’s in development right now, so now – we have to show up and create the it’s the very beginning stages. But I’m also material. sort of speaking about it because that’s how How did the idea come to you? shit happens – you gotta speak it into action. I’ve always wanted to do it; I just needed Do you miss “Kinky Boots”? a way in, because religion can be so I do. Especially now, because I feel like polarizing. How do we remain authentic doing “Kinky Boots” in this political climate to the genre while embracing people who is an act of resistance. And it’s the best kind, don’t necessarily believe in the language of because, once again, it reaches out with love. the doctrine that gospel music sort of came It leads with love – it’s art, so it opens up a out of? How we different side of the tell it – telling blinds. People hear the audience and differently, people teaching them how see differently. to hear it, teaching I feel like doing ‘Kinky how to watch it – is Boots’ in this political climate Do you have any very important. “ interest in ever How do we teach returning to that role? people how to is an act of resistance. And it’s I do, and I may at watch us? How do some point in the we teach people the best kind, because, once very near future. how to hear us that And that’s all I’ll embraces them and again, it reaches out with love. say about that. not makes them It leads with love – it’s art, so it (Laughs) feel alienated? The focus is love. opens up a different side of the Late last year Vice That’s what’s in President Mike the room, and it blinds. People hear differently, Pence attended doesn’t matter a performance of what life you live people see differently. “Hamilton” and actor outside of there. We’re talking Brandon Victor Dixon about us right here, spoke out during right now. I don’t ” the curtain call know if that’s about whether this gonna work, but administration will that was the way protect minorities. that I could write If Pence attended it. And it’s not about religion at all, by the “Kinky Boots,” how do you think you would’ve way. It just happens to exist inside of the handled the situation? music that represents religion. I think Brandon was unbelievable. It’s like, How far into it are you? you represent us, you work for us and I I just finished the first draft, and I’m writing hope that you remember that. There are a lot it with (gospel performer and composer) Kurt of people who are nervous about what you Carr. We got about 17 songs, which is good. I may or may not do. The politics you ran on also have a play that’s in development at the do not feel like they include us, so we just Public (Theater) about what I call “the lost want you to know that as you move forward. generation” of gay men my age – 47 – who Remember us. came out in the ’80s and went straight to the The thing about Trump’s response was, frontlines to fight for our lives and here we you can’t be a dictator, boo. You can’t. We’re are 30 years later. Those of us who survived not gonna do that. Whatever it takes, we’ve have PTSD and we know how to fight a lot, done it before, so pull it together, people, and but we don’t really know how to live. I’m let’s start fighting. We gotta come together. excited to be talking about that in creative ways. As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a Both of these pieces sound very close to you. multitude of superstars, including Meryl Streep, Yeah. Very, very, very close. Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. Reach him via his This piece on the lost generation – what’s your website at www.chris-azzopardi.com and on role in its development? Twitter (@chrisazzopardi).
22 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com
Cool Cities Fashion Show Explores Classic Lansing to Avant-Garde Designs YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET The Michigan State University College Pinpoint your ad dollars where of Arts and Letters and the Department of Art, Art History and Design presents they will do the most good . . . their annual Apparel and Textile Design Advertise in the next Cool Cities Student Fashion Show at the Wharton Performing Arts Center, 750 E Shaw TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 Lane, East Lansing on April 28 at 7 p.m. This juried fashion exhibition is a culmination of creative explorations ranging from sustainable to classic to avant-garde fashion. The Apparel and Textile Design program emphasizes creativity and experimentation that mingles design with art. Students combine fine art, couture and technical design to create original garments, which reflect an understanding of global issues such as sustainability and cultural dress. The focus of the Apparel and Textile Design program is the research, design and creation of avant-garde fashion designs. The Department of Art, Art History and Design is dedicated to the creation and historical study of the visual arts through its undergraduate and graduate degree programs in studio art, art education, art history, and apparel and textile design. Students are encouraged to develop aesthetic and conceptual awareness, perceptual and creative problem-solving skill and informed judgment in a learning environmental that values the development of personal vision, critical inquiry and philosophical reflection.
Group, an accessories design firm. Her the featured judges for the Apparel and Meet Lauren Paulauskas work takes her across the world from Textile Design fashion show. Europe to Africa to South America doing MSU ATD Alum and Designer Lauren For more information or to purchase tickets, Paulauskas is a fashion designer, graphic textile research, and most recently, Hong visit www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/ artist and illustrator based in New York. Kong and Guangzhou for their seasonal She will share her design process and Trade Exposition. apparel-textile-design-fashion-show-1. fashion design experiences on April Architecture, graphic design and The ATD Fashion Design program can 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the B130 Wells Hall interior design inform her aesthetics, but be followed on Instagram, https://www. at the College of Communication Arts her goal as a designer is to accurately instagram.com/atdfashionshow/, Twitter and Sciences, 619 Red Cedar, in East bring form, function and seasonal trend https://twitter.com/atdfashionshow, and Lansing. directions together into designs for each Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ Currently, Lauren works as the Lead of her many prestigious clients. AtdFashionShow. Fashion Accessories Designer for Gina Paulauskas is also serving as one of
24 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Volunteer at Michigan Pride in Lansing
The 28th annual Michigan Pride attracts two and six hours – encompasses a variety thousands of people from around the state of duties and time commitments between 7 to celebrate the LGBTQ community and a.m. and 11 p.m. Opportunities to volunteer its allies. In order to make Michigan Pride with friends or family are available, and happen, more than 100 volunteers are needed. shifts are based on skill set or special needs, For the past 25 years, the Lansing festival, to if any. Michigan Pride volunteers will receive include a march and rally, have been sustained a T-shirt to wear during their shift. For more by the power of volunteers. Michigan Pride is information or to register, visit the Michigan looking for volunteers to become a part of their Pride website http://www.michiganpride.org/ rich tradition by helping out for a few hours on index.php/get-involved/volunteer/ or email June 17. A volunteer shift – anywhere between [email protected].
Cool Cities Lansing YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET There are hundreds of businesses that Pinpointadvertise your in ad BTL dollars and welcome where everyone . they willInvest do in theequality most and goodwork with . . . Advertisebusinesses in the that next support Cool Michigan’s Cities LGBTQ community! TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200
www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 25 It’s a Family Affair
Capital by James Armstrong, directed by Leah Smith is set in 1858. This farcical romp about Karl Marx, his daughter, a renowned celebrity, and money madness is on stage now through May 14. Performance times at 13103 Woodrow Wilson St. are Thursday-Friday, 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m. & 8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 313-868-1347 or visit www.detroitreptheatre.com.
lesbians. Jim Toy Community Center, Wednesday, April 26 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit. 313-870- Sunday, April 30 featuring mostly Michigan writers. Leon & 319 Braun Ct., Ann Arbor. kerenem@ 1500 Ext 107. [email protected] Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson. 248- OUTINGS Volunteer Meeting 7 p.m. Call for VegFest, Michigan’s biggest vegan jimtoycenter.org www.jimtoycenter.org/ www.miroundtable.org 288-3600. [email protected] www. volunteers. Visit website for more event 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $12-15. leonandlulu.com/ Thursday, April 20 information and to sign up. Ferndale Pride, Queer Prom 7 p.m. Tickets: $5. VegMichigan members admitted free. Community Give Back Night 5 p.m. Live Sunday, April 23 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Restrictions apply. Register online. For VegMichigan, 46100 Grand River Ave., Drag Queen Bingo 11 a.m. Tickets: $20- music with Dan Maxon. 10 percent of all Women Organize Michigan Summit 398-7105. www.ferndalepride.com LGBT+ high school students in Northwest Novi. 877-778-3464. www.vegmichigan. $30. Reservations required. 18+ Five15, sales benefit the OutCenter. OutCenter, 9 a.m. Senator Debbie Stabenow; Lower Michigan. Polestar LGBT+ org 515 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak. 111 W. Shawnee Road, Baroda. 269- Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence; Community Center, 263 West Grandview 248-515-2551. www.five15.net Thursday, April 27 Books & Authors Event 11 a.m. Check 925-8330. [email protected] www. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell; Gretchen Parkway, Traverse City. www.tcpolestar. 22nd Annual Lavender Graduation out Charlotte Fisher’s new book, “Take outcenter.org Whitmer, Gubernatorial Candidate, org/prom A Taste of Italy 1 p.m. Enjoy a delicious Michigan Progressive Women’s Caucus; 4:30 p.m. A celebration of LGBTQIA+ a Lesbian to Lunch.” Juried book fair pasta meal and dessert. All proceeds to Anniversary Celebration 5:30 p.m. More graduates. Register online at http:// information on Facebook @lgbtdetroit Lisa Cook, MSU Economics Professor; Danielle Atkinson, Mothering Justice; tinyurl.com/UMLavGrad17. University LGBT Detroit, 20025 Greenfield Road, of Michigan Spectrum Center, Detroit. www.lgbtdetroit.org Lisa Stern Peltz, Fair Michigan Women Organize Michigan Summit, 1 Washington 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor. Blvd., Detroit. www.facebook.com/ 7347634186. www.facebook.com/ Friday, April 21 events/345941492473861/ events/1918955791724650/ Annual Spring Luncheon 11:30 a.m. J-Serve Detroit: National Day of Service LGBTQ Book and Movie Club Tickets: $30. Join Equality Michigan for 7 p.m. Meets the 3rd and 4th the “Business Case for LGBTQ Equality” 1 p.m. Jewish teen volunteers needed. 6th-12th graders. Free of charge. Pre- Thursday of each month. Affirmations, event. Grand Rapids Area Chamber of 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Celebrate Arab Commerce, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, registration required. Kosher pizza lunch. Transportation provided. J-Serve Detroit, 398-7105. [email protected] Grand Rapids. 313-537-7000 Ext www.goaffirmations.org American Culture in Michigan 108. [email protected] https:// 7400 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills. equalitymi.org/spring2017/ 248-833-2527. [email protected] http:// Red Umbrella Support Group 7:30 p.m. The Wild Swan Theater features a new and original jewishdetroit.org/event/j-serve/ For individuals involved in the erotic production, “Marketplace Stories-Folktales from the Saturday, April 22 labor industry. Sex Workers Outreach Monday, April 24 Project Michigan, 290 W. Nine Mile Arab World,” developed in collaboration with the Arab Detroit River Clean Up 9 a.m. Orientation FtM Support 7 p.m. Support is limited Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. prior to boat launch and picnic lunch. goaffirmations.org American National Museum and the National Arab Orchestra. A 19th-century village marketplace Dress for weather and bring lifejackets. to transmasculine, AFAB people who comes to life through timeless stories and music, passed on from country to country and from Friends of the Detroit River, Foot of no longer identify as female, or are Harrison Street just off West Jefferson, questioning, and their guests. FtM Detroit, Friday, April 28 one generation to the next. The collection of tales will premiere on stage at Towsley Auditorium, Trenton. 734-676-4626. www.detroitriver. 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- 6th Annual Jim Toy Birthday Bash 6:30 Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. on May 4-6 at 10 a.m., and at the AANM’s org 398-7105. [email protected] p.m. Suggestion donation: $10 Jim Toy Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave., Aliya Hassan Auditorium, 13624 Michigan Ave. on May 9-10 at 10 a.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m. Foster Care and Adoption Orientation Tuesday, April 25 Ypsilanti. www.jimtoycenter.org/ Tickets are $8-10 for all performances that will be American Sign Language shadow interpreted 9 a.m. For more information please Free Family Acceptance Project for deaf patrons by Synergy on Stage. Those who attend the performance are invited to tour the call 877-529-5532 or visit the website. Saturday, April 29 Orchards Children’s Services, 24901 Training 9 a.m. Registration required Museum at the reduced price of $3 per student. For more information about the performance, call Northwestern Hwy., Suite 601, Southfield. online. Family Acceptance Project, Detroit. 64th Annual Youth Justice Leadership 248-258-0440. [email protected] [email protected] http://familyproject.sfsu. Conference 10 a.m. “From One 734-995-0530 or visit the Wild Swan website www.wildswantheater.org. www.orchards.org edu/ Generation to the Next: Bridging the Gap.” Featuring Youth Voice Art Project. LezRead 4 p.m. Email Kerene Moore to Pre-registration is required. Michigan join Ann Arbor’s premier book club for Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion,
26 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com ‘Taste of Italy’ Fundraiser to Benefit Ann Arbor Youth The LGBT Outreach Ministry at St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor will host a fundraising dinner, a “Taste of Italy,” on April 30 from 1-7 p.m. to benefit the Ozone House and Corner Health Center. Indulge in a delicious Italian meal and dessert while learning more about the emergency shelter, safe space, transitional housing and counseling for homeless youth, LGBTQ runaway teens and families in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Freewill offerings will be accepted. The parish at 331 Thompson St. is located two blocks from the central campus of the University of Michigan. For more information, call 734-663-0557, email [email protected], or visit www.stmarystudentparish. org to donate online.
benefit the Ozone House. LGBT Outreach a.m. Drop off your old, used eyeglasses Ministry, 331 Thompson St., Ann Arbor. to benefit New Eyes for the Needy. 20/20 THEATER (734) 663-0557. [email protected] www. Vision, 3110 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hill. stmarystudentparish.org/ 248-375-0040. www.new-eyes.org/ Civic/Community Theater Potluck 6 p.m. “Pasta-luck” - Bring your Relationship Skills Class 7 p.m. Build Morning’s at Seven Tickets: $17-22. Ann favorite pasta dish. Winner of the best stronger connections with co-workers, Arbor Civic Theatre, Arthur Miller Theatre, dish, following a vote, wins ten raffle family, friends and romantic partners. 1226 Murfin Ave, Ann Arbor. April 20 - tickets for FtM Detroit’s next Gender Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, April 23. 734-971-2228. www.a2ct.org Blender event. FtM Detroit, 313 W. Ferndale. 248-677-7226. bbudde@ Webster, Ferndale. [email protected] goaffirmations.org www.goaffirmations. Professional www.facebook.com/FtMDetroit/ org Special Staged Reading Series Revisiting the AIDS crisis through the Monday, May 1 Broadway lens. Pay what you can to UNPLUGGED Social and Support Group MUSIC & MORE benefit The Ringwald. The Ringwald 7 p.m. First Monday of every month. Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. For those shunned, disfellowshipped Benefits/Social Events Through April 24. 248-545-5545. www. or excommunicated from their religion, Dexter Senior Center “George Bedard & theringwald.com family or friends for being LGBTQ. the Kingpins Swinging into Spring” Benefit Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, for the Dexter Senior Center. Knights of Ferndale. [email protected] Columbus Hall, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea ART ‘N’ AROUND Road, , Dexter. 6 p.m. April 22. 734-426- www.goaffirmations.org Affirmations “Visibility & Artivism: A 7737. www.dexterseniors.org Factory Monday 9 p.m. Goth-industrial Showcase of Transgender Activism” night. Main room: DJ Void6 hosted by MC Freedom House of Detroit “A Benefit Exhibit highlights the activism, courage Yoda. Red Room: DJ Madisi. Tickets: $1-3. Concert” . Sainte Anne De Detroit Church, and artistry of the transgender community. Necto, 516 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. www. 1000 St. Anne St., Detroit. 5 p.m. April 30. Pittman-Puckett Gallery, 290 W. Nine Mile necto.com www.freedomhousedetroit.org Road, Ferndale. April 1 - May 27. 248- 398-7105. www.goaffirmations.org Moms Club of Anchor Bay “Fire & Ice Tuesday, May 2 Mom Prom” Tickets: $50. Purchase in Detroit Institute of Arts “Detroit Sexual Assault Survivors Support advance via email. Ladies 21 and over. After Dark: Photographs from the DIA Group 4 p.m. Facilitated by LGBTQ Victim Benefit for Turning Point to support victims Collection” Detroit Institute of Arts, 2100 Advocate/Counselor Brooke Lindley. Youth and families affected by sexual abuse and Woodward Ave., Detroit. Feb. 5 - April 23. group (13-17) from 4-5 p.m., adult group domestic violence. San Marino Club, 1685 313-833-7900. www.dia.org E. Big Beaver Road, Troy. 6:30 p.m. April (18+) from 5:15-6:15 p.m. OutFront FIA “Reaction: The Art of Social 21. www.turningpointmacomb.org Kalamazoo, 340 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo. Commentary” Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 269-345-5595. blindley@ywcakalamazoo. Project Beautiful - Inside and Out E. Kearsley St., Flint. March 9 - May 7. org www.outfrontkzoo.org “Rainbow Cabaret” Benefit for the Ruth 810-234-1695. www.flintarts.org Ellis Center. President and CEO of GLAAD LGBTQ in Uniform Support Group 7 Lawrence Street Gallery “Exposures: will speak. Tickets: $100. SCL (Newly p.m. Meets the first Tuesday of every Photography ‘17” Opening reception April renovated club above Bistro 82), 401 S. month. Open to current and former police, 7, 6-9 p.m. Mid-month reception April 21, Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. 6 p.m. April fire, emergency medical personnel and 6-9 p.m. Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 28. www.eventbrite.com/e/rainbow- military. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Woodward Ave, Ferndale. April 1 - April 30. cabaret-benefiting-ruth-ellis-center- Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. www. 2485440394. www.lawrencestreetgallery. tickets-32782110174 goaffirmations.org com Wednesday, May 3 Comedy Scarab Club “Under the Surface” Works by photographer Myles Gallagher. Opening Falling Down Stairs Productions Building Michigan Communities reception, April 7, 5-8 p.m. Scarab Club , “Comedy Extravaganza” Featuring Conference Speakers include Tahirih 217 Farnsworth , Detroit. April 5 - May 20. comedian and LGBT advocate Sampson Ziegler, Jim Edelman and Tom Daldin. 3138311250. www.scarabclub.org Tickets: $50-65. Early bird pricing McCormick. Benefit for Polestar LGBT until April 10. Michigan State Housing Community Center. The State Theatre & Development Authority, 333 E. Michigan Bijou by the Bay, 233 E. Front St., Traverse Promote Your Events Ave. , Lansing. 517-483-7400. http:// City. 9 p.m. April 22. www.facebook.com/ buildingmicommunities.org events/1473257799385053/ Online & In Print Tin Can Raffle 7 p.m. Last first Wednesday fundraiser before Pride. Concerts Ferndale Pride, 279 W. Nine Mile Rd., The Ark “Paula Cole” . The Ark, 316 S. Ferndale. http://ferndalepride.com/ Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 p.m. April 23. 7347611800. www.theark.org Submit Calendar Listings online Thursday, May 4 @ www.pridesource.com Recycle Your Old Used Eyeglasses 10
www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 27 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Leon & Lulu Announces New Spring Edition Of Its Award-Winnings Event, Books & Authors Popular Event Featuring Michigan Authors to be Held Twice Annually, Adding Live Reading at The Show marks from readers in and out of CLAWSON – Book on over to the LGBT community. This book is Leon & Lulu from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. a must read for anyone who’s ever Sunday, April 30 for a brand new felt out of place or uncomfortable spring edition of the retailer’s award- in their own skin. More than an winning Books & Authors event. anthem for gay rights and social This will mark the ninth Books & change, this collection of short Authors event at Leon & Lulu. The stories challenges individuals to event – formerly held only once a love themselves from the inside year in October – is a juried book fair out, and do the same for others. featuring mostly Michigan writers. Fisher calls the fresh collection Guests will now have the chance to of essays, set in her home state mix and mingle with up to 60 authors of Michigan, both heartbreaking who will sell and sign books, twice and heartwarming. Whether she’s annually. writing about Barbie, the devil or “Books & Authors has just her gay cat Edgar, you’re sure to exploded with popularity with laugh, cry or maybe both. Diverse changes in the industry, making audiences have connected with book publishing more accessible Fisher’s writing. She believes her to talented authors,” says Mary stories touch people regardless of Liz Curtin, co-owner of Leon & age, gender, ethnicity or sexual Lulu. “Hosting the event twice identity because they examine a year will allow new authors to real human conditions: rejection, meet their adoring fans. This year kindness and healing. “There are we’re again working with the those who might see the word wonderful folks at the Oakland ‘Lesbian’ and run,” she says. Literacy Council, who provide “This book is not a rainbow rally. the basic literacy and English door at The Show. There, writers hot dogs at Leon & Lulu’s Books com/leonandlulu. To learn more Rather, it challenges readers to language instruction necessary for will read excerpts of their work & Authors event April 30. For a about Three Cats Café, go to www. shed their long-held biases – adults in our community to find from 11:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. where full list of expected authors, please threecatscafe.com. Daily lunch whatever they might be – and employment.” patrons can enjoy baked goods and visit www.leonandlulu.com/meet- offerings are published here www. become willing to change. It is a With a nod to Independent Book coffee drinks, or lunch until 3 p.m., the-authors. Admission is free and facebook.com/threecatscafe. story of awakening, releasing and Store Day, the April 30 Books & while listening. the event is open to the public. Take a Lesbian to Lunch – forgiving.” Readers have called her Authors also will give guests the Shake the ink-stained hands For more information, visit www. author Charlotte Fisher’s highly first book, Mackinac Bridge Jesus, chance to check out Leon & Lulu’s of local authors and celebrate leonandlulu.com. Find Leon & Lulu anticipated follow up to Mackinac “poignant, “brave” and “roll-on- new Three Cats Café, which is next reading, writing and really good on Facebook at www.facebook. Bridge Jesus – is receiving high the-floor funny.”
Your Source for hundreds of LGBTQ- friendly vendors and non-profit resources available in print and online at:
28 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 29 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS OU Professor, Transgender Advocate to Serve on National LGBTQ Task Force
BY SEAN DELANEY training them to be effective allies in our struggle for equality.” Transgender advocate Charin Davenport will also be tasked with Davenport, who teaches writing and addressing access to safe educational rhetoric at Oakland University, has spaces, health care, what it means been hired to serve on the National to be an ally, employment, and LGBTQ Task Force, an organization training trans people to effectively that has been promoting equality for communicate and participate in their NMAC Seeks Youth Leaders the LGBTQ communities for more local communities. than 40 years. “A big issue will be to amend to Help End HIV Epidemic “This kind of experience is the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights invaluable not only to the OU campus, Act in Michigan, as well as local Young people, ages 18-15, who are passionate, fearless and willing to but in the lives of young trans people,” ordinances,” she said. “As it is now, learn are needed. The National Minority AIDS Council is looking for fierce said Davenport, who came out to her Trans people have no civil rights youth leaders who will commit to ending the HIV epidemic. Young people former employer in the summer of Photo courtesy of Oakland University protections in Michigan, except for living with HIV or on PrEP, LGBTQ, youth of color, and young cisgender and 2013. those communities with human rights transgender women are particularly encouraged to apply. Through the “It connects us to a larger community seminars for students, faculty, staff ordinances. Nowhere is this more NMAC’s Youth Initiative, young people can learn from peers and elders and delivers the message that OU is a and the administration,” Davenport evident than within the TPOC (Trans in the HIV movement. This will be the seventh cycle of this seven-month progressive and forward-looking said. “It also provides opportunities People of Color) community, where program with support from ViiV Healthcare, the Magic Johnson Foundation university that honors all of its students for students to be part of a statewide the intersections of race, education, and Advocates for Youth. The program will provide unique leadership and as equal partners in the pursuit of their educational opportunities through online webinars, peer-to-peer networking, grassroots effort to raise awareness and poverty and gender identity exist.” goals.” and advocacy training. This will support the building of new skills that will work toward equality.” Grace Wojcik, coordinator of OU’s Founded in 1973 as the National Gay allow the scholars to engage and carry out community level partnerships Davenport will serve on the Task Gender and Sexuality Center, called to address and advocate for persons living with and impacted by HIV. Youth Task Force, the organization became Force through June while continuing Davenport’s appointment to the scholars will have the opportunity to be paired with a mentor to support the National Gay and Lesbian Task to teach at the university, which was National LGBTQ Task Force a “huge their success throughout the program. Apply today online at https://nmac. Force in 1985 and adopted its current recently ranked as one of the state’s top asset” to the university community. z2systems.com/np/clients/nmac/survey.jsp?surveyId=40&. Applications identity in October 2014. Its stated LGBTQ-inclusive campuses. “It further demonstrates how are due April 28. Recipients will get one coach ticket for air, train or bus mission is to advocate freedom, justice “One of my roles with the Task committed faculty and staff are to to attend NMAC’s National Conference, USCA in Washington, D.C. Also, a and equality for LGBTQ people, and Force is to develop a statewide faith- making the campus a more LGBTQ- four-night stay in a hotel Sept. 6-10, per diem, and conference registration. to build a future where everyone is based network of allies that is inclusive inclusive place,” she said. For more information or questions, please contact Pavneet Kaur for more free to be themselves in every aspect and safe for trans people,” she said. To learn more www.thetaskforce.org. For information at [email protected] or visit the NMAC website, www.nmac.org. of their lives. “So many Trans people do not feel “For the OU community, the Task welcomed in those spaces. So, a lot of more information about OU’s LGBTQ- Force can be an incredibly valuable what I’ll be doing is raising awareness inclusive initiatives, visit www.oakland. OutFront Seeks Volunteers resource for training workshops and within the faith-based communities and edu/gsc. OutFront Kalamazoo at 340 S. Rose St. has an opportunity available for interested volunteers. The community center is looking for friendly, phone-savvy individuals to help out by joining the front desk staff. Primary responsibilities include answering the phone, directing calls and warmly Gallery Welcomes Artists Outside the Mainstream greeting guests. Training is provided. OutFront Kalamazoo is a community resource for services, groups, support and engagement with the LGBTQ In the up-swinging REO Town corridor is will be on display until May 28. It features and ally community in the greater Kalamazoo area – whether you’re a youth Casa de Rosado, a nearly 3,600-square-foot works by Bruce Thayer, John Gutoskey, Petra looking for other LGBTQ friendships, or a transgender individual seeking building in Lansing where art exhibits with Daher and more, including works by Rosado community. If interested, contact Margy at [email protected] or 269-349- political agendas speak volumes. herself. The exhibit highlights everything 4234. Visit www.outfrontkzoo.org for more information. Gallery coordinator and owner Theresa from LGBTQ issues to union rights through Rosado told the City Pulse that she hopes the paintings and photography. The gallery has gallery will became a haven for artists who also hosted live music events related to have been “ostracized” from the mainstream social justice. art community in Lansing and beyond. The gallery, which is free to enter, is open Rosado said that Lansing needs more on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 p.m. at outlets for difficult-to-digest artwork, and she 204 E. Mt. Hope Ave. in Lansing. A reception Got A News Tip? believes that local communities will support with Drew Howard will be held May 6 from edgy, message-driven art. 1-3 p.m. For more information, visit Casa Someone We Should Know About? Works by artist, designer, printmaker and collector The gallery’s latest show, “Raise Your Voice: de Rosado’s Facebook /www.facebook.com/ John Gutoskey will be on display during the “Raise A Social Justice Exhibit,” opened in April and Casa-de-Rosado-805030536302750. EMAIL: [email protected] Your Voice” exhibit at Casa de Rosado in Lansing.
30 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 31 Classifieds Call 734-293-7200 ext.22
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32 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE and creators, and we’re cheerleading hard right now for “Transparent”’s Silas Howard – one of Hollywood’s few trans directors – and his new ‘What happens at The Abbey’? project, “A Kid Called Jake.” The feature film, It looks like the usual. adapted from a Lincoln Center play by Daniel Pearle, will star Claire Danes and Jim Parsons Move over “Fire Island” – a show that as a married couple with a transgender child. hasn’t even aired yet but now has to move Their 4-year-old, Jake, prefers to dress up and over, anyway – because there’s another play princess rather than as male-identified queer-themed reality fantasy heroes, and series ready to be a it’s up to the parents to very bad influence on sort out a response that your summer viewing will allow their little habits. It’s called one to thrive. The film “What Happens at is in pre-production The Abbey.” It is not now, and it couldn’t about a monastery. It be timelier, as the is, however, about an current presidential exceptionally popular administration’s gay bar/restaurant in cruel anti-LGBT Dan Stevens. Photo: Starfrenzy West Hollywood that platform has already happens to be located started attacking trans right next door to Pump, the place you all know children by rolling back public school and hate-love from “Vanderpump Rules.” Lots restroom policies that would allow children of really pretty people work at the Abbey – to use the one that corresponds to their gender the one thing they all have in common – and identity. In other words we’re primed for a their respective sexualities, genders and races little art as activism, especially if it makes run the gamut, so a good variety of attractive Republicans lose their minds. couplings are sampled in the show’s preview trailer. Expect sex, screaming and very little sobriety (a disembodied voice yells “Penis!” Queer seniors are making in the trailer, so that’s promising). And if the show doesn’t deliver healthy amounts of all ‘Christmas’ three, then we’re going to be bored fast. It Every time a tween, teen or Millennial premieres on E! Sunday May 4. star comes out in Hollywood, our heart grows three sizes, because they’ll never have to worry about the celebrity closet. The ‘Claws’ come out But there’s a special place in our formerly We already miss “Big Little Lies.” And shrunken hearts for the senior queer actors “Feud” will nearly be over by the time you who blazed the trail, and we especially love read this. So now that we’re hooked on TV British character actors Simon Callow (“A featuring female-driven misdeeds, where Room With a View” – he was the skinny- are we supposed to go next for a dose of bad dipping vicar) and Miriam Margolyes (you behavior? Luckily, it’s TNT to the rescue with know her best as Professor Sprout in the “Claws.” Set in a Florida nail salon staffed by “Harry Potter” films). They’ve both been a group of women who seem predisposed to out forever, working for nearly as long, and setting it off, the show stars Niecy Nash, Judy we adore them. They’re the kind of people Reyes (“Devious Maids”), Carrie Preston that we scan IMDB credits for – look, it’s (“The Good Wife”), Jenn Lyon (“Justified”), perfectly normal to fixate on awesome and Karrueche Tran (“The Nice Guys”) as character actors, don’t let anyone tell you manicurists who find themselves involved in it’s not – and they’re the ones making us crime, murder and arson – you know, Florida watch something we’ve never heard of. stuff. We assume there will be adult language, Chances are you will hear of their upcoming adult situations, violence and nudity, all the project, director Bharat Nalluri’s (“Miss TV-MA qualities we crave the most. But if Pettigrew Lives For A Day”) “The Man not, at least there will be Nash, a woman we Who Invented Christmas,” a sort-of biopic would follow off a cliff, “Thelma & Louise”- about Charles Dickens and the events that style, if she demanded it. “Claws” premieres led him to write “A Christmas Carol.” Oh June 11, and to get in the mood we’re going yes, Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) and to go commit some victimless crimes and see Christopher Plummer are the leads in this if we like it. one. That’s nice. We’ll just be catching it (in late 2018) for the co-stars. Claire Danes, Jim Parsons and Romeo San Vicente recommends Miriam ‘A Kid Called Jake’ Margolyes as the weird landlady in the even We’re always rooting for transgender stories weirder New Wave disco cult musical “The Apple.” www.PrideSource.com April 20, 2017 | BTL 33 30 “The African Queen” director 13 Hard six and more, in Vegas Q Puzzle John 21 “Java” trumpeter Al 33 Paths through leaves of 24 Burial site of Macbeth grass 26 Sometime Capote associate 37 Prefix in a kids’ clothing line Chaplin 38 Corrosion coatings on 27 Former Chicago Cub Sammy statues 30 Owl’s cry 42 Water, to Debussy 31 Gomer Pyle’s branch 43 Melville novel 32 Rock Hudson’s “Gun Fury,” 45 AAA way for one 46 A girl named Frank 34 Big stick where Boy Scouts 47 More of the advice sleep together 52 Message sender of old 35 ___ Christian Andersen 53 The active crowd 36 Wicks once of the WNBA 54 Forest feline 39 Dangerous meat-eater 56 Geer role 40 Telecommunications giant 59 End of the advice 41 Have an opening for 63 Without give 44 Egg concoctions 64 Nickname of jazzman Earl 46 Like most of the moons of Hines Uranus 65 Bound gaily 48 Novel idea 66 Basketball to Eliza Doolittle? 49 Excuse 67 Group that goes cruising 50 Like skim milk 68 Rank Amelie Mauresmo, e.g. 51 Linda Hunt’s “The ___ of Living Dangerously” Down 54 Guy that goes either way? How to Have More Sex 55 “So long!” 1 George Takei’s role on “Star 57 “Oh, What a Beautiful Trek” Morning” singer While Binge-Watching 2 About to blow 58 Big Apple enforcement org. 3 Sum up not letting Netflix interfere with 60 Hoedown honey Across sex 4 Hocking site 61 Summer for Rimbaud 1 Title for Elton 19 Mouth-to-mouth pro 5 What hangs from a Cuban 62 Margaret Cho’s “I’m ___ One 4 Milk purifier Louis 20 WNBA Starzz fan, often 6 Goes lickety-split That I Want” 11 Use your tongue 22 “Id” follower 7 In need of a backrub 14 Script ending 23 “A League of Their Own” 8 Like a Mapplethorpe photo 15 Attack with a vicious tongue teams 9 Org. for your first mate 16 Fairy tale, so to speak 25 More of the advice 10 Gives a larger bosom, e.g. 11 Close of “Serving in Silence” 17 Varnish ingredient 28 P’s on Socrates’ writings Find solution to this puzzle at 18 Start of Ellen’s advice about 12 Anouk of film 29 Masked animal, for short www.pridesource.com
34 BTL | April 20, 2017 www.PrideSource.com