3 GOP Convention Rolls in With Most Anti- Platform Ever Attorney General Schuette Ignores the Facts in Lawsuit

Michigan Court's Decision Hurts Kids

WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM JULY 21, 2016 | VOL. 2429 | FREE

ELECTION 2016 Follow our RNC coverage online ANN ARBOR

COVER: Forever Fabulous: Over Drinks (Obvs), ‘Ab Fab’ Stars Dish on Their Day Darlings and Being Ahead of the Queer Curve Community Center NEWS throws a party See page 22 4 Great Lakes Bay Region Celebrates 6th Pride 4 Fair Launches Justice Project Michigan Attorney General Addresses RNC Convention - 6 GOP Delegates Ratify Platform, Express Support for Which Passed the Most Anti-Gay Platform Yet Anti-LGBT Language See page 6 See page 22 7 Trump Names Pence As Running Mate 12 GOP Convention Preview: What LGBT Viewers Can Watch For BREAKING 13 Annual Black Gay Pride Celebration to CREEP OF THE WEEK Take Place Next Week 14 Uniting Activism and Advocacy to Create Lasting Change in Rights OPINION 10 Parting Glances 10 Viewpoint: Jay Kaplan 11 Viewpoint: Charin Davenport, Coleen Young, Rebecca Jayne Veal, Lisa A. Goyette, Ginger Clifton, Sara Jacobs, Jayne Locke 11 Creep of the Week: Gov. Pence LIFE Indiana Gov. Mike Pence 18 Forever Fabulous: Over Drinks (Obvs), ‘Ab Fab’ is Trump’s VEEP pick ... a Stars Dish on Their Day Darlings and Being Ahead of staunch anti-gay advocate At presstime BTL reports online that longtime the Queer Curve 22 JTCC Hosts 22nd Annual OUTFest in Ann Arbor activist Jeffrey Montgomery has died 24 Happenings See page 11 Follow the story online at www.pridesource.com 29 Deep Inside Hollywood 30 Puzzle and comic

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Copyright 2016 Pride Source Media Group www.PrideSource.com June 21, 2016 | BTL 3 NEWS Great Lakes Bay Region Celebrates 6th Pride MIDLAND – June is over but LGBT education and fun area and multiple Michigan is not done celebrating pride. opportunities to connect with over 30 local Perceptions, the community center for the businesses, nonprofits and governmental Great Lakes Bay region will present its 6th resources. annual Pride festival July 23 in the Veteran’s Mid-Michigan TV-5 news anchor David Memorial Park in Bay City. Custer will act as master of ceremonies for “Our 2016 Great Lakes Bay Region the list of nationally recognized and locally Pride festivities have three simple goals,” acclaimed scheduled acts. Performances will said Christopher Lauckner, chairperson of feature singer-songwriter Steve Grand, the Perceptions. “To lay a foundational legacy for inaugural public performance of Michigan’s a fully inclusive culture across the Great Lakes newest LGBT choir the Harmony Diversity Bay Region; to bring unity to our diverse Choir, Louisiana native featured on HV1 and community through a celebration of life, MTV Eryn Woods, De’Borah from NBC’s equality and family - whatever your definition “The Voice,” Avenue 5, and local Drag of family may be; and most importantly, to favorites DeeDee Chaunte, Racine Alexander, drive action as we continue to advance equal Pollyanna High-Gloss and Dalylah Desmond. rights and acceptance for all - ensuring that our A Pride festival after-party will be at community and all its citizens can thrive and The Prime Event Center beginning at 9 prosper in a growing, affirming community. p.m. Eryn Woods will DJ with special There has never been a better time to get appearances by Steve Grand and De’Borah. involved and make great things happen.” General admission tickets cost $7. For the The festival will run from noon to 8 p.m. and most up-to-dateinformation visit www. according to organizers, Bay City Pride will greatlakesbaypride.org. shine a light on the local LGBT community Veterans Memorial Park is located in Bay by celebrating its accomplishments. City on McKinley street just west of the This year’s event will provide activities for Saginaw River. attendees of all ages including a children’s Fair Michigan Launches Justice Project DETROIT – A new project has started in LGBT individuals also experience extreme southeast Michigan working directly with city discrimination by the hands of the police, officials to investigate hate crimes against the both institutional and prejudicial. While LGBT community. LGBT cultural competency trainings have Fair Michigan, the relatively-new nonprofit been happening in communities and within organization whose literature describes police departments, more needs to be done its mission as “dedicated to transforming so that LGBT people are provided with equal Michigan to be a place where LGBT lives treatment under the law. are celebrated, valued and respected,” has In an effort to keep up on hot and “cold” developed a program working directly with LGBT cases, Deputy Dani Woods was Wayne County city officials. appointed in 2013 as the LGBT liaison to the At a July 12 press conference the Fair Detroit Police Department, office of Police Michigan Justice Project, a collaboration Chief James Craig. Since her appointment between Fair Michigan and the Wayne County Woods has worked to open communication Prosecutor’s Office, was announced. It will between the LGBT community and the police investigate and prosecute crimes against the force and regularly meets with LGBT leaders LGBT community, especially homicide cases, in the area. Last year the department held and those considered “cold” or those that lack a community conversation at Palmer Park eyewitness evidence. following the tragic murders of Amber Monroe According to the Detroit News, the project and Ashton O’Hara, two young trans women began months ago when Wayne County of color from the city. The event was attended Prosecutor reached out to Dana by over 200 people. Monroe’s case has yet Nessel to discuss how to better serve the LGBT to be solved. Woods also conducted multiple community. police trainings. “I noticed a national trend, ticking upward, The initial project launch will focus on of people being killed because of their sexual Detroit, but Fair Michigan plans on expanding orientation,” Worthy said. to other communities in Wayne County Nessel is best known as the lead attorney on according to Worthy. Monroe’s case is one of the Michigan same-sex marriage case, DeBoer 12 that the project will initially focus on, plus v Snyder, that was integral in the path towards five other homicides. marriage equality. The project is funded through a grant by the LGB and especially trans men and women Hertz Schram law firm. experience higher rates of hate crimes Learn more about the Justice Project at www. compared to their heterosexual counterparts. fairmichigan.org/fair-michigan-justice-project.

4 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 5 NEWS Election 2016 GOP Delegates Ratify Platform, Express Support for Anti-LGBT Language

BY CHRIS JOHNSON, REPORTER WASHINGTON BLADE CLEVELAND, – Delegates at the Republican National Convention ratified Monday afternoon with little opposition a party platform considered to have the most anti-LGBT language in history. As Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chair of the platform committee, presided over the convention, delegates approved the 66-page document by voice vote at 4:42 pm. The number of “ayes” among the 2,470 delegates seemed overwhelming compared to the barely audible “nays.” Despite efforts from pro-LGBT Republicans to remove opposition to same-sex marriage from the 2016 platform, the document seeks to reverse the U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality through either judicial reconsideration or a constitutional amendment returning the issue to the states. Virgil Goode, a Virginia delegate and former six-term members of the U.S. House, told the Washington Blade at the Republican convention he backs the platform language in opposition to the ruling. “I think the Supreme Court legislated,” Goode said. “The Supreme Court is not the decider of what marriage is. It should be the individual states have that right. They way overstepped their bounds on that.” Protestors outside the RNC Convention in Cleveland, Ohio Monday. Photo: Washington Blade: By Michael Key. Goode said under his view allowing same- sex couples to obtain marriage licenses and certificates, not their . unconstitutional “things like that should be Collins, who identified himself as a small having those relationship recognized “would “I support that because I believe it’s the duty left up to the individual states.” business owner, also voiced concerns about be up to the states.” of our government in order to protect people Delegates at the convention who spoke non-discrimination laws threatening the “You have in the , including for the cases where it may abused,” Knox said. about the language in the platform against livelihoods of those offering wedding-related California, the people voted for a definition “I understand where the argument is made for LGBT rights were largely in support of those services. of marriage, and I think that vote should people and their rights, and they feel they need planks. Many of the delegates and alternate “I feel intimidated by what the gay movement stand, that the Supreme Court shouldn’t be to use the bathroom of their choice. However, delegates at the Quicken Loans Arena refused is doing to my business,” Collins said. “I own overriding,” Goode said. in public schools, or taxpayer buildings, or to speak with the Washington Blade on the a wedding venue, OK? It’s privately owned. In addition to opposition to same-sex stuff like that, then it should be up to your subject of gay rights in the party platform. I rent it to people for weddings, but it’s got marriage, the platform also objects to use birth certificate, and that’s where you should Dwayne Collins, a delegate from the to be a man and a woman. Now in the state of federal law to ensure transgender people have to go.” Dallas-area in Texas, said he agrees with of Texas, I have a little bit of protection, can use the restroom consistent with their Knox said he also “absolutely” backs the platform’s opposition to the same-sex but in other states, if you don’t do that, you gender identity, indicates support for widely language in the platform in opposition to the marriage on the basis that “marriage between get sued. And that’s my business, they are discredited “ex-gay” and Supreme Court’s decision in favor of same-sex a man and a man, and a woman and a woman, infringing on my rights. That’s why we got endorses the First Amendment Defense Act, a marriage nationwide. is just not biblical.” to come to a consensus here and say, ‘Hey, “religious freedom” bill that critics say would “I believe as a conservative, as a Republican, In response to the platform’s veiled enough’s enough. You got your rights; we got enable anti-LGBT discrimination. that the federal government has taken leaps endorsement of “ex-gay” conversion therapy, our rights.’” Joseph Knox, a 20-year-old alternate and bounds that are involving themselves Collins indicated support for that language A North Dakota delegate, who refused delegate from Washington, N.C., said he within states rights way too much,” Knox said. as well. to offer his name, said in response to the agrees with language in the platform on “It wasn’t mentioned in the Constitution. Our “There should not be anything to force language, “I’m a live and let live guy.” Asked transgender restroom use – which is consistent Founding Fathers were not worried about that anybody to do such therapy, but if it’s out if he supports the platform calling for reversal with a law in his state signed by Gov. Pat along with a lot other things.” there and available, then, yes,” Collins said. of the Supreme Court decision and returning McCrory requiring transgender people to Knox added he believes the establishment “But to force somebody into therapy, no, no, the issue of same-sex marriage, he replied, “I certain public restroom according to their birth of the Department of Education is also not at all.” prefer that when states can make their own See GOP Anti-Gay Platform, page 16

6 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Indiana Governor Mike Pence has a long record of opposing LGBT equality. Trump selected him as his running mate Friday in what media outlets described as an “underwhelming” introduction. Trump Names Pence As Running Mate

BY LISA KEEN seeking to create a new center right party. Had Trump chosen someone more moderate, the INDIANA – If Indiana Governor Mike far right would say that’s why we lost.” Pence has one weakness in the eyes of the As a member of the U.S. House, Pence conservative Republican Party base, it’s that opposed every piece of pro-equal rights he’s too soft on LGBT people. legislation that came to the floor in the That seemed to be the general assessment House, including the Employment Non- of various commentators this week as Discrimination Act and the repeal of Don’t they imagined and then learned through a Ask, Don’t Tell. He also voted for amending post Friday morning that Republican the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex presidential candidate Donald Trump has marriage. In each of those years, his record on named Pence as his vice presidential running LGBT issues repeatedly earned him a zero on mate. the ’s Congressional Trump was scheduled to hold a press Scorecard. conference Friday morning to announce his Speaking at an event in Iowa in 2011, Pence choice of a running mate but abruptly canceled suggested that allowing gay couples to marry that plan Thursday night after a shocking would lead to an economic meltdown. He attack on Bastille Day revelers in Nice, France, told MSNBC that repeal of DADT amounted killed more than 80 people. Trump then to trying to “advance a liberal social agenda” posted a Twitter message late Friday morning, and “mainstream .” making the announcement official. In 2014, Governor Mike Pence led support Pence, who pondered a run for the behind a state bill to ban recognition of same- Republican nomination in 2012, is said sex marriages. The bill also called for also to be well-respected among Republican banning recognition of other forms of same- conservatives, but he is not well-liked by sex relationships, such as civil unions. And in LGBT activists. 2015, he supported and signed a bill that would Rich Tafel, former president of the national have allowed citizens to discriminate against Log Cabin Republicans group, called Pence LGBT people by claiming to hold a religious “about one of the worst people for gay equality belief that compelled them. based on his experience in the House and as Bob Vander Plaats, who has headed up anti- Governor.” gay campaigns in Iowa, told an Iowa television But, added Tafel, “There is an upside.” station that Pence will attract evangelicals to “Pence is a favorite of the evangelicals and the ticket because he is “pro-life” and against endorsed [Ted] Cruz. If this bus goes off the marriage for same-sex couples. cliff, which I think it might,” said Tafel, “it is But Pence disappointed some conservatives better to have the evangelicals and the white last year when - after first supporting and nationalists in it together. Whatever happens, signing the “religious freedom” bill - he signed they will blame others for their failure, but a “clarification bill” aimed at “resolving the fact that 85 percent of evangelicals are controversy” and “making clear every person on board with Trump is good for those of us feels welcome and respected” in Indiana.

www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 7 NEWS Families of Deceased Pulse Ethics Panel Wants Alabama Chief Justice Removed from Office Patrons to Get Highest BY KIM CHANDLER Alabama Court of the Judiciary. of judicial ethics. Moore urged the court to Payments The commission said Moore disrespected dismiss the case; arguments on his motion MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama the judiciary when he told probate judges are set for Aug. 8. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The families of the Chief Justice Roy Moore should be swiftly in January that a state injunction against In the response filed Friday, the commission victims slain at the Pulse nightclub June 12 will removed from office for a second time same-sex marriage remained in “full force argued there were sufficient grounds to get the most money from a fund established to because he urged the state’s probate judges and effect” even though the U.S. Supreme remove Moore from office instead of hashing help the victims’ families and survivors of the to defy federal courts on gay marriage, a state Court had ruled six months prior that gays out the matter in a trial-like proceeding. worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. ethics commission argued Friday. and had a fundamental right to marry Moore had argued the complaint is baseless A proposal on how to distribute the money The Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission and a federal judge had ordered the judges not and he never ordered state probate judges to was released July 14 by Kenneth Feinberg, the wrote in the court filing that Moore - who was to enforce the ban. refuse wedding licenses to gay couples. His OneOrlando Fund’s administrator. ousted from the bench in 2003 for refusing to The ethics accusations against Moore attorneys have said that Moore was correctly The fund has at least $17 million. The exact remove a boulder-sized Ten Commandments are part of a series of scandals engulfing summarizing the status of a state injunction amount each family will get is to be determined monument at a state building - was again Republicans at the helm of Alabama’s three in answer to questions from probate judges. by how much is raised by Sept. 26. flouting the rule of law, but this time he was branches of government. House Speaker “The Administrative Order of Chief Justice Omar Mateen opened fire at Pulse last urging 68 probate judges to do so with him. Mike Hubbard was removed from office Moore expressly said he could not provide month, leaving 49 victims dead and injuring “Because the chief justice has proven - in June after being convicted on corruption guidance to the probate judges because the 53 people. and promised - that he will not change his charges. The House Judiciary Committee matter was pending before the Alabama The proposal creates four classes for behavior, he has left this Court with no choice is investigating whether grounds exist to Supreme Court,” Moore’s attorney Mat distributing the funds: families of deceased but to remove him from office to preserve impeach Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley. Staver said in a statement last month. victims, people hospitalized for more than one the integrity, independence, impartiality of The Alabama Court of the Judiciary, a The commission responded that Moore was night, people injured but not needing overnight Alabama’s judiciary and the citizens who panel of judges, lawyers and citizens who playing “semantic gamesmanship.” hospitalization and patrons who were not hurt. depend on it for justice,” lawyers for the hear misconduct complaints against judges, Justice Dept. Reviewing commission wrote in the filing with the will decide if Moore violated the standards Police Response to Nightclub Rampage Analysis: Rule Shows Religious Objections Debate Not Over WASHINGTON (AP) – The Justice BY ANDREW DEMILLO issues that intrude upon their ability to be rights that could wade into similar territory Department said Friday that it will review the with a client,” Michael Loos told lawmakers. on religious objections. Hutchinson earlier Orlando Police Department’s response to the LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - For critics of But the rule is drawing criticism from this year recommended public schools in attack last month at a gay nightclub. Arkansas’ religious objections law, a new rule several groups, including the American his state disregard an Obama administration The city police department faced questions allowing counselors to refer clients elsewhere Counseling Association. The association, directive that they must permit transgender after the June 12 shooting at the Pulse nightclub, if they have a religious or moral objection to which represents more than 56,000 students to use bathrooms and locker rooms in which a gunman who pledged allegiance treating them shows the Pandora’s box the professional counselors, says the rule runs consistent with their gender identity, and has to the Islamic State killed 49 people, about majority-Republican Legislature opened last counter to its code of ethics. said he expects the issue to come up during whether it had waited too long after the rampage year. It also is a sign that the debate over the “This (rule) blatantly circumvents that next year’s session. Attorney General Leslie began to send in a SWAT team. law that was upended in the final days of last process and opens the door for discrimination,” Rutledge, a Republican, is among a number The Justice Department will examine the year’s legislative session is far from over. Richard Yep, the association’s chief executive of Republican attorneys general, including police department’s preparedness and response, A legislative panel last week approved officer, said in a statement last week. Michigan’s Attorney General , as well as strategies and tactics it used during the rule by the Board of Examiners and Though tame by comparison in tone and who have filed a lawsuit over the bathroom the massacre. Counseling, which regulates 2,800 counselors attention, the debate over the rule echoes directive. The review will be led by the Justice and marriage and family therapists in the last year’s fight over a religious objections The state has also asked the state Supreme Department’s Community Oriented Policing state. The rule will allow counselors and measure that was approved in the final days Court to strike down Fayetteville ordinance Services office, which offers technical assistance therapists to refer a patient to someone of the legislative session. Republican Gov. that bans discrimination based on sexual to departments who have experienced high- else over sincerely held “ethical, moral or Asa Hutchinson asked lawmakers to revise orientation or gender identity, saying it profile events and emergencies. religious principles” but only after careful the legislation in the wake of widespread violates a state law aimed at preventing local Among past reports from the office was one consideration and consultation, and only if criticism from groups like the Human protections for LGBT people. last year that examined the police response to the counselor is unable to effectively serve the Rights Campaign and businesses such as Opponents of the religious objections law protests in Ferguson, Missouri following the client. It also says counselors cannot abandon Bentonville-based Wal-Mart, who said the face an uphill fight in the Legislature to either shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed someone who seeks assistance. initial version was discriminatory against scale back the religious objections law or add 18-year-old black man. That report called The board’s executive director has called the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender protections for LGBT people to the state’s on police to strengthen policies for handling the rule a way for the panel to address any community. civil rights law. But they’re hoping that the protests and to improve training on diversity, complaints if such referrals occur and an Hutchinson has indicated little willingness attention Arkansas receives for such measures among other recommendations. attempt to head off a more far-reaching law to wade back into the issue when lawmakers could help make the case for revisiting the Orlando Police Chief John Mina requested like one recently enacted in that return to the Capitol. The two lawmakers issue. the federal review, said Ronald Davis, director allows counselors to refuse to treat patients behind the religious objections legislation “I just think, for the image of Arkansas, it of the COPS office. The lessons learned from the based on the therapist’s religious or personal - Sen. Bart Hester and Rep. Bob Ballinger - makes it seem as though we create rules here review will benefit not only Orlando police but beliefs. have said they’re not looking to reopen debate that are going to be unfriendly to members of “provide all law enforcement critical guidance “We’re going to be policing our own over the law either. the LGBT community and that’s problematic and recommendations for responding to future profession, making sure folks are doing what But they may not get much say in the for the image of our state,” Democratic Rep. such incidents,” Davis said in a statement. they’re supposed to be doing about those matter, with other fights looming on LGBT Clarke Tucker of Little Rock said.

8 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Clyburn: Election ‘most consequential’ of lifetime Democratic Convention Preview BY LISA KEEN and will commit the party to seeking equality members supported Clinton and how many BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS and respect for LGBT citizens. And a large supported Sanders. He's hopeful that Clinton, Both the Republican and Democratic national contingent of LGBT delegates will be visible in accepting the nomination next Thursday CLEVELAND – South Carolina conventions are marked this year by something on the convention floor. night, "speaks to the continued violence Congressman Jim Clyburn on Monday tantalizingly new. For the GOP, it's a nominee In fact, Earl Fowlkes Jr., chairman of the towards LGBTQ Americans and the need for described this year’s election as the “most essentially untethered from the party yet carried LGBT Caucus of the Democratic National full equality protections for our community." consequential” of his lifetime. along to the top of the ticket by voters who are Committee, predicts the Democratic convention The Vice President: Fowlkes said, "I think “I hear people telling me that they’re said to be "angry." For the Democrats, it's a in Philadelphia will be the "gayest ever." Senator Tim Kaine would be an excellent VP so upset about what happened in the candidate for the history books - the first woman "I am certain there will be a number of choice and would be a great vice president." primaries that they’re going to boycott to win a major party's nomination and, perhaps, speakers talking about the differences between Kaine has a strong record of supporting their voting in November,” said the South to win the presidency. the homophobic and transphobic GOP and the equal rights for LGBT people. As governor Carolina Democrat during a voting rights For Republicans, this "new" phenomenon is LGBTQ welcoming and supportive Democratic of Virginia, he signed an executive order to town hall at Cleveland State University Donald Trump, whose barker-like and volatile party," said Fowlkes. And it will likely include prohibit discrimination against state employees that U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) ramblings have promised something "huge" the largest number of openly LGBT delegates based on . He earned a 90 hosted. “Just remember this, on Nov. 8 and something "great," but something that, to and alternates -more than the 500-plus who rating from the Human Rights Campaign's you’re going to have national elections. many, sounds more ominous than it is specific. attended the 2012 convention. Congressional Scorecard. Other possibilities, When you wake up on the morning of For the Democrats, the historic candidate is So what should LGBT viewers watch for including U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and the 9th, somebody is going to be elected. Hillary Clinton, whose calculated climb to the at the July 25-28 convention in Philadelphia? Cory Booker, also have pro-LGBT records. Now whether or not you participate in top has overcome decades of push-back from Clinton is expected to announce her choice soon that process or not, there’s going to be Republicans and even a dynamic challenge What to watch for after the Republican convention ends, perhaps an election and somebody’s going to get from the progressive wing of her own party. as early as Friday. elected.” Trump is hobbled by his extremist solutions, Party Platform: The proposed Democratic LGBT community visibility: A number of “This is the most consequential election pugilistic temperament, and self-contradictory party platform this year commits Democrats LGBT groups will be hosting events around the of my lifetime,” he added. remarks. Clinton is hobbled by feuds that erupted to fighting for "comprehensive federal Democratic convention, including the Equality Clyburn specifically pointed to the U.S. between Republicans and the administration of non-discrimination protections" for LGBT Forum, which will hold its annual LGBT civil Supreme Court and cases around voting her husband, President Bill Clinton, and by a citizens. It promises to "combat LGBT youth rights conference in Philadelphia. and abortion rights, the DREAM Act and recent FBI report that said she was "extremely homelessness," "improve school climates" There will two LGBT caucus meetings open immigration. careless" in the handling of "very sensitive, protect transgender individuals from violence," to the delegates and the general public, said “These things are going to end up before highly classified information" during her tenure "promote LGBT human rights and ensure Caucus Chair Fowlkes. the Supreme Court,” he said. “Who will as Secretary of State. America's foreign policy is inclusive of LGBT And on Thursday night, a coalition of be sitting on that Supreme Court will be But for most LGBT viewers, much in people around the world." LGBT Caucus LGBT groups will again air a political ad that determined by who wins on Nov. 8.” convention watching will be familiar. Chair Fowlkes said the platform is the result of ran during the Republican convention and Clyburn did not mention the case of At the Republican convention, which got collaboration between the campaigns of Clinton explains the injury that is done by laws banning Gavin Grimm, a transgender student who underway Monday afternoon, the GOP will and her biggest challenger, U.S. Senator Bernie transgender people from using bathrooms that is challenging his Virginia school district’s once again approve a platform that is hostile Sanders, along with input from "hundreds of correspond to their sexual identity. The ad was bathroom policy, that could go before the to equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Democrats." funded by the National Center for Transgender justices during their upcoming term. transgender people. Its convention podium "I am satisfied with the platform," said Equality, the Movement Advancement Project, MSNBC anchor Joy-Ann Reid will host a parade of speakers who either share Fowlkes, "because I know that [Clinton] will and others. moderated the panel that took place on that hostility or, like Trump, show no sense of be a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights as Convention Speeches: Fowlkes said he the first day of the Republican National responsibility to confront it in the party. And the president and her administration will continue is "very hopeful" of seeing an openly LGBT Convention. emerging ticket - Trump and Indiana Governor to build on the pro-LGBTQ foundation that was speaker during a prime-time slot. Although a Ohio state Rep. Stephanie Howse Mike Pence – will promise nothing specific to laid by the Obama Administration." brief preliminary list of high-profile speakers (D-Cleveland), Julie Fernandes of the LGBT voters. does not include any LGBT speakers, likely Open Society Foundations, Camille At the Democratic convention, which opens The Nomination: Since the beginning possibilities include U.S. Senator Tammy Wimbish of Ohio Voice and Mike Brickner next Monday, the party will approve a platform of the primaries, the bulk of visible LGBT Baldwin of Wisconsin, one of 11 states that of the American Civil Liberties Union that is, once again, deemed more LGBT support in the Democratic primaries has been have been pegged as not clearly Democratic were also panelists alongside Mississippi friendly than the one previous. Its numerous behind Clinton. Fowlkes said he doesn't have or Republican. Congressman Bennie Thompson. speakers will include openly LGBT people any breakdown of how many LGBT Caucus “The greatness of this country is that we settle our differences at the ballot box,” said Thompson. “Nov. 8 will come, you choose your person, others choose theirs. It doesn’t matter on Nov. 9 other than who won, but we don’t have a coup. We don’t burn buildings or shoot people because we are a democracy.” “It’s inherent upon us to make sure that we promote our interests,” he added. The town hall took place a day after a gunman killed three police officers in Baton Rouge, La. Factions within the Turkish military over the weekend staged an unsuccessful coup against their country’s president. www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 9 My Nearly Forgotten Gay Twenties Parting Glances OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

went to my first gay bar, the Silver Slipper, a dyke bar on Grand River, near downtown Detroit. Just 19, I used borrowed ID, I escorted authoritatively by two ‘stone butches’: Speedy and Draino. Lesbians sat in an upstairs balcony. Gays and “tourists,” downstairs. (Tourists - straight guys and their giggly dates - came to gawk at 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 mouth and rouged facial cheeks. (Sidebar: Franklin had a sociology M.A., and in the ‘60s was the first openly gay person to speak to Wayne University psych classes. He had a scholarly typing service, and ran a second-hand bookstore.) With teenage friends Gary and Richard, I next hit the Scenic Bar in Toledo, Ohio. 3.2 Zing! beer. Soon our little circle - “Claudia,” (Richard) “Margo,” (Gary) and (groan) “Crystal” - took our sing- along road show to Cleveland, staying at the Y-M-C-A! I met Marcus, who took me home, played Maria Callas arias from Viewpoint 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! Next came Big Apple week. Our threesome took the New York Court’s Decision Harms Kids of LGBT Parents Central train - playing gin rummy for most of 13 hours - and booked into the notorious Sloan House Y. It was mid-July. No air The best interests of the children were not even conditioning. Heat 90-plus. Sweat soaked outdoors in minutes. So, BY JAY KAPLAN considered in this very flawed decision. All that mattered we slept at day; partied at night. was the marital status of the parties. And since LGBT I had no sooner unpacked my things at Sloan House when the ast week’s decision in the ACLU’s equitable couples could not marry in Michigan until 2015, LGBT phone rang. “Hi! I’m Jerry. I saw you in the lobby. Can I take you parent case, Lake v Putnam, was definitely a step co-parents could legally be denied this protection to dinner?” He left two days later. Ever faithful at 19, I thought of backward for LGBT rights in Michigan. of equitable parent, meaning these co-parents could Jerry for 36.5 hours, 36 seconds. (Jerry, who?) L A panel of three Michigan Court of Appeal judges be “erased” from their children’s lives according to Our trio went to a Greenwich Village downstairs bar, the Sans issued an opinion denying legal standing to our plaintiff, the whims - and, sometimes, vindictiveness - of the Souci. “Cry Me a River,” sung by Roberta Sherwood, was the Michelle Lake, to see her son, whom she had co-parented biological parent. jukebox hit. Bar ambiance was intimate but very discreet. I met a since birth with former partner Kerri Putnam. Putnam, the And in countless heartbreaking situations, too many bona fide actor: Gunther Wilde. (Gunther, who?) biological mother and the only legal parent recognized of these men and women were indeed “erased.” Richard reeled in two mid-30s Italians who invited us to Fire by Michigan, denied Michelle all contact with their son But the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell Island. We took the train to Babylon - three hour ride - and a ferry boat after their relationship ended. v Hodges should have changed things. Obergefell held to Cherry Grove. “Truman Capote’s there,” they told us. (Capote, “Equitable parent” is a legal doctrine wherein a not only that it was unconstitutional to deny same-sex who?) I experienced a toothache, a sunburn, no sleep, a sore back. person who has an established parent relationship with couples the right to marry, but also the benefits of (It was worth it.) a child that was encouraged and fostered by the child’s marriage. And if equitable parent is considered by the In the mid-50s, we had no role models. We suspected certain movie legal parent, is given legal standing to seek custody and to be a benefit of marriage then stars. (Tab Hunter - now 85 - Barbara Stanwyck, James Dean, Sal visitation in court. In Michigan, the equitable parent an LGBT co-parent like Michelle Lake should not be Mineo). All wishful thinking. These Sen. McCarthy witch-hunting doctrine was the result of a 1988 Michigan Court of denied this benefit. After all, she was unconstitutionally years were terror for “known homosexuals.” Gays had no choice Appeals decision, in Atkinson v Atkinson, that considered denied the right to marry her partner while they were in but the closet. the harm a child faces when he/she is denied contact with a relationship. For those who could pass for straight, problems were few. Vice one of his/her parents, due to the unilateral action of the In other words, Michigan courts have to grapple with cops. Crabs. VD. Job firing. Shock therapy. Excommunication. legal biological parent. the reality of the collateral damage caused by the state’s Incarceration. Media exposes. You kept your “she this” and “she This judicial doctrine was severely undermined by the adamant refusal to recognize LGBT relationships and that” as coded lingo. Michigan Supreme Court in the 1999 decision of Van v LGBT families, and included in this damage is the harm Travel was a revelation. We realized we weren’t alone. We were Zahorik, where the court said this doctrine can only be that can come to children when one parent is suddenly everywhere: doctors, stevedores, actors, professors, cops, nurses, recognized in the context of a legal marriage. The Court yanked out their lives. Children of heterosexual parents, American Indian chiefs, average Joes, exceptional Jills. majority railed against unmarried couples raising children who are subject of custody disputes, have the courts to Gaydar was a godsend. Question: Who needs gaydar these days? while in “meretricious relationships” and refused to arbitrate these disputes, and the courts to look out for their [email protected] recognize a heterosexual man who co-parented his former best interests. Not so for children of LGBT parents whose girlfriend’s children as an equitable parent. See KAPLAN: Courts, next page

10 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Atty Gen. Bill Schuette’s Viewpoint Creep of the Week Lawsuit Ignores the Facts: Transgender Students Thrive in Safe, Affirming Schools Mike Pence BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI comparable to the horrors of war. BY CHARIN DAVENPORT, COLEEN YOUNG, REBECCA And speaking of war, Pence didn’t JAYNE VEAL, LISA A. GOYETTE, GINGER CLIFTON, SARA Though it is true that no single group want any homos in the military because JACOBS, JAYNE LOCKE of students is more at risk in our public they would try to touch other privates’ privates. t some point during the typical school schools than transgender students, Oh, and speaking of the uncontrollable day, virtually every teacher is going to there is no good reason for that to sexual perversions of gays, Pence Agive at least one student a pass to use the thought that money for HIV/AIDS bathroom. When students visit the bathroom they continue to be the storyline. In fact, would be much better spent on anti-gay want privacy, safety and respect. It’s what every conversion therapy. Because if you stop student deserves and what parents trust their a significant body of research shows all those gays from being gay it’ll stop schools will provide for their children. this gay disease. Oh, he also was against Unfortunately, for many transgender students, that transgender students thrive Mike Pence needle exchange programs. Because he who already face high rates of harassment and socially and academically in safe and discrimination, something that should be a daily routine can subject them to even more affirming learning environments. as anyone really surprised The Republican platform this abuse when the bathroom they are made to use that Donald Trump picked year is one of most anti-gay in is not consistent with their gender. Some have Indiana Governor Mike W history. Clearly they are hoping suggested separate restroom accommodations curricular activities such as sports, field trips and Pence as his co-captain for the most for transgender students, but such a policy forces special events. Feeling more and more isolated, terrifying boat ride since the Titanic? that when voters go to the polls trans students to reveal their transgender identity many drop out altogether. Pence may be best known for signing and can make them even more vulnerable. Though it is true that no single group of Indiana’s “just say no to gays” law, the they will hate gays more than For too many transgender students, one way students is more at risk in our public schools intention of which was to give anti- to avoid having to use a gender inappropriate than transgender students, there is no good gay bigots free reign to discriminate they hate Trump. Hey, it worked bathroom has been to not eat or drink anything reason for that to continue to be the storyline. against LGBT people so long as their in the past. And the past – where for an entire school day. Having to make such a In fact, a significant body of research shows discrimination stemmed from a deeply choice is more than just disruptive; it can damage that transgender students thrive socially and held religious belief. In other words, if women can’t get abortions, a Transgender child’s health and can bring a academically in safe and affirming learning a baker doesn’t want to make a cake child’s education to a screeching halt. environments. Not only are they more likely to for some kind of homo wedding he just where brown people can’t vote, Ultimately, continued bullying and harassment, graduate high school, but they are also better needs to point out that “God hates fags” where gays can’t marry – is as well as discrimination, results in lower GPAs prepared for college and a meaningful adult life. and he’s in the clear. As God intended. and excessive absenteeism. Transgender students The truth is, transgender students deserve a fair This law gave anti-gay bigots major what the Republicans love best. are also less likely to participate in extra- See Viewpoint: Schuette, page 12 boners which they presumably showed off during the secret signing session Pence held for them. After the business community ® KAPLAN: Courts relationship that should afford our client this clearly was an HIV/AIDS expert. freaked out, Pence signed a little fix to Continued from p. 10 equitable parent protection. Remember when Donald Trump the bill to make it less anti-gay, but it Such a favorable decision could help many claimed that the gays loved him? That was basically window dressing. parents’ relationships ended before marriage LGBT co-parents, but the only way we are going he was actually a better champion of Ah, but Pence’s anti-gay record is equality was available in Michigan. to make sure that Michigan courts focus on the gay rights than Hillary Clinton? Wasn’t much longer than just some silly little Last week’s decision means another child of best interests of children of LGBT parents - true then, and even less true now. discrimination law that brought scorn LGBT parents finds his mommy torn from his instead of their marital status (or their marriage- “Donald Trump just doubled down on heaped upon his state and resulted in a life because of discriminatory policies of our like status) - is to have a law in Michigan that his agenda of hate and discrimination loss of millions of dollars. state, because of bad case law, and because of specifically spells out the requirements for by choosing the notoriously anti- In 2006 as a Senator, Pence supported the unwillingness of Michigan’s appellate courts equitable parent: a parental bond between an LGBTQ Mike Pence for his ticket,” amending the U.S. Constitution to to look out of the best interests of these children. adult and a child. Chad Griffin, president of the Human ban marriage equality. He said letting Yes, you could say that I’m angry, frustrated, I repeat: the parental bond between the adult Rights Campaign, said in a statement. same sex couples marry would bring disappointed and concerned about our Michigan and the child. But hey, doubling down on upon “societal collapse.” Clearly he courts regarding this issue. Given our present Michigan legislature, getting bad decisions is right in Trump’s was foreshadowing a Trump-Pence But I’m also not one to dwell on negativity. I this law passed will require a great deal of heavy wheelhouse, whether in business or presidential run. see a silver lining in Judge Shapiro’s concurrence lifting, including education of both our lawmakers politics. He was also against the Employment in Lake v Putnam, where he proposes that LGBT and the general public. However, it is worth that The Republican platform this year is Non Discrimination Act, claiming co-parents should be afforded the protection of heavy lifting to provide protection and stability one of most anti-gay in history. Clearly in 2007, “By extending the reach of equitable parent when they can demonstrate for children. they are hoping that when voters go to federal law to cover sexual orientation, factually that the couple would have married in Make no mistake about it. Last week’s decision the polls they will hate gays more than employment discrimination protections, Michigan had state law permitted them to. in Lake v Putnam hurts the struggle for LGBT they hate Trump. Hey, it worked in the in effect, can wage war on the free We have another case Mabry v Mabry, whose equality. It hurts LGBT co-parents. But most past. And the past – where women can’t exercise of religion in the workplace.” application for leave to appeal is pending importantly, it hurts and harms the kids of LGBT get abortions, where brown people can’t Because, you know, protecting before the Michigan Supreme Court. Should the parents. vote, where gays can’t marry – is what Supreme Court grant leave, we believe we have LGBT from discrimination is totally the Republicans love best. the strong facts to demonstrate a marriage-like ACLU of Michigan staff attorney Jay Kaplan runs the group’s LGBT Project.

www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 11 ® Viewpoint: Schuette including Michigan Attorney General Bill Continued from p. 11 Schuette, have a responsibility to protect our Online Resources: youth and those who are the most vulnerable “Harassment of Transgender People This isn’t complicated. shot at succeeding academically. However, in our public schools. The lawsuit only in Bathrooms and Effects of Avoiding until very recently, the vast majority of schools exacerbates the hostile climate that already Bathrooms”, National Center for Transgender Transgender students have had no policy on the use of bathrooms by exists for so many transgender students and Equality, www.ustranssurvey.org/preliminary- transgender students, and decisions were threatens to further undermine their education. findings always attended public schools. typically made on a case-by-case basis. At the This isn’t complicated. Transgender request of school administrators and school students have always attended public schools. The 2013 National School Climate Survey, Transgender girls are girls, and boards, as well as parents and community Transgender girls are girls, and Transgender A Report from the Gay, Lesbian & Straight leaders, the United States Department of boys are boys. Students should be able to Education Network, www.glsen.org. Transgender boys are boys. Education and Department of Justice issued use the restroom that is consistent with their guidance in the form of a letter sent to gender identity. Any alternative discriminates Safe Schools Policy for LGBTQ Students, Students should be able to use every school district. The letter provided against transgender students and puts them at A Social Policy Report from the Society for long-awaited guidelines and strongly urged risk of harassment and violence, and no child Research and Child Development,www.srcd. the restroom that is consistent schools to adopt policies in accordance with should ever be forced to decide between their org. Title IX regulations, stating that “transgender education and their safety. with their gender identity. students must be allowed to participate in such “Dear Colleague Letter on Transgender activities and access such facilities consistent Signed, Students”, U.S. Dept. of Justice and U.S. Any alternative discriminates with their gender identity.” Charin Davenport, Trans Advocate and Dept. of Education www2.ed.gov/about/ against transgender students Sadly, Michigan Attorney General Bill Lecturer at Oakland University, Hazel Park, offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201605-title- Schuette responded to this crisis in our MI ix-transgender.pdf and puts them at risk of education system by joining nine other Coleen Young, Ally Parent and Retired states in a lawsuit against the United States Teacher, Wayland, MI “Schuette Joins Coalition Challenging harassment and violence, government. Under the guise of “states’ Rebecca Jayne Veal, Transgender Advocate, Federal LGBT Youth Guidance In Schools,” rights”, the lawsuit claims that the Federal U.S. Army veteran. Flint, MI PrideSource.com and no child should ever be government has overstepped its authority. This Lisa A. Goyette, Ally Parent, Lake Orion, MI is an old argument and we have seen it before. Ginger Clifton, Ally Parent, Portage MI forced to decide between their We are all stakeholders when it comes to the Sara Jacobs, Ally Mom, Kalamazoo, MI education of our children, but the stakes are Jayne Locke, Transgender Advocate, Howell, education and their safety. especially high for Transgender students. All MI adults, especially those in leadership positions,

12 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Annual Detroit Black Gay Pride Celebration to Take Place Next Week

BY JASON A. MICHAEL “We are excited to present this year’s historic event,” said Cornelius A. Wilson, DETROIT – It’s that time of year again. committee chair of the Annual Gathering. Hotter Than July, aka Detroit Black Gay “Our community has made an important Pride, is scheduled for next week. Events run impact locally and nationally. These efforts Tuesday, July 26 – Sunday, July 31. have continued to be the groundwork for The week kicks off with the annual the next generation of LGBT folks to use candlelight vigil/opening ceremony Tuesday. as a foundation of continued growth. The The vigil will take place at Palmer Park near committee has worked very hard to put the blue spruce memorial tree (pond area). together a gathering for our community Longtime community activist Ron Doe will and our allies to come together and share in be speaking. education, inspiration and fellowship.” “The candlelight vigil sets the tone for Roland Stringfellow, senior minister and the whole week,” said Lawrence Pennymon, teacher for Metropolitan Community Church- coordinator for the event. “It’s a time for us to Detroit, will give the keynote address at the call upon the elders and reflect on those we’ve Gathering. In addition to his role at MCC-D, lost to HIV/AIDS, cancer and other illnesses.” Stringfellow also works with congregations Pennymon on LGBTQ said the vigil will inclusion as take on special the director significance this of ministerial year in the wake outreach for of the Orlando the African- tragedy. American “We will Roundtable, definitely be a program of honoring and the Center for remembering Lesbian and those souls lost Gay Studies in in Florida last Religion and month,” he said. Sexuality on Wednesday the campus of evening there Pacific School will be a media of Religion. reception at Stringfellow the Virgil Carr has been File photo: Jason Michael Center, where routinely the Poor Man’s Art consulted by Collective is currently exhibiting. The show media outlets regarding his work on marriage opened earlier in the month to great reviews. equality and the role people of color and The Carr Center is located at 311 E. Grand communities of faith have played in this local, River Ave. Following the reception, the party state and national debate. will move over to the Woodward Bar where The biggest event of the week will HTJ’s opening party will take place. The undoubtedly be Saturday’s picnic in Palmer Woodward, one of Detroit’s oldest gay bars, Park. The picnic, which draws thousands of is located at 6426 Woodward Ave. people, will be moved from the front of Palmer On Thursday, there will be a play entitled Park back to the pond area. “Before It Hits Home.” The play, written “Founded in 1996, the picnic remains one by playwright Cheryl West, first debuted in of the flagship events,” said Curtis Lipscomb, Seattle in 1990. The performance, like the executive director of LGBT Detroit, the media reception, will take place at the Virgil agency that produces HTJ. “The Picnic Carr Center. continues to pride itself as the ‘family reunion’ The Annual Gathering on LGBT Issues of social justice and equality celebrations. The will take place Friday at the Ecumenical focus is not only on fun, family, friends, faith Theological Seminary of Detroit, which and excitement of the event, but nurturing the is located at 2930 Woodward Ave. This minds and souls of all participants with the year’s gathering will feature several panel implementation of education and advocacy discussions including community engagement, to each event held.” experiences of the transgender and gender non- The picnic will be emceed by MC Tre conforming community, an inter-generational and Rahjn ‘Star-Studded’ King. The Hotter discussion, and caregiving, among other Than July Soundstage and Showcase will topics. These discussions will feed into the highlight sounds by DJ Romeo Milliown with overall theme of “Where do we go from here?” See HTJ Coming Up, page 16 www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 13 FEATURE Uniting Activism and Advocacy to Create Lasting Change in Transgender Rights

This is part two of a two-part Amy Hunter, a transgender series on transgender activists in woman who is spearheading the Michigan. ACLU of Michigan’s Transgender Advocacy Project. BTL photo: BY AMY LYNN SMITH Andrew Potter

For transgender rights, 2016 is turning out to be both the best of times and the worst of times. Significant progress has been made toward greater equality and inclusion, thanks to federal rulings affirming transgender people’s rights to equal treatment in schools, healthcare access and military service. What’s more, two openly transgender candidates won major- party Congressional primaries. But it’s impossible to ignore the Char Davenport has helped pass non-discrimination worst of times. Laws like North ordinances across Michigan and works with the National Carolina’s HB2 treat transgender Center for Transgender Equality. people like second-class citizens – or worse, presumed predators - and are inspiring similar “bathroom bills” in have much of a support system in many states, including Michigan, place. So she created one. where two such bills have been “Affirmations asked me if I introduced. wanted to start a support group for It can often seem like it’s two transgender people and I said yes,” steps forward, three steps back – but she says. “That’s when I came out progress will overtake backlash if of the closet and began identifying Michigan activists have anything as trans.” to say about it. Still active with Affirmations, According to Amy Hunter, a Fox-Phillips is a tireless advocate transgender woman who is for the transgender community. She spearheading the ACLU of served on the Board of Transgender Michigan’s Transgender Advocacy Michigan, which she helped Project (TAP), that requires fostering establish, and later co-founded not just activism, but advocacy. Transgender Detroit. She also served “Activism is certainly necessary on the Board of Crossroads and Michelle Fox-Phillips, arms raised, did not have much for the trans community, but worked with the Triangle Foundation of a support system when she began transitioning so advocacy is a long-term game,” she on their Equality Pride PAC (now all she created one. says. “Advocacy is about developing part of ), began relationships and a presence that a transgender support group for leads to systematic change.” parents and allies at PFLAG Detroit, Sanders/Clinton Town Hall debate A core element of TAP is which is ongoing. in Detroit. Transgender Advocacy University, About four years ago, Transgender Davenport also notably filed a which Hunter describes as an Detroit evolved into Gender-identity Finding the keys to equality is having a consistent federal lawsuit against Saginaw initiative “to provide transgender Network Alliance (GNA), with Fox- Valley State University (SVSU) for individuals and their close allies an Phillips as its Executive Director. presence with lawmakers, other lobbyists and advocates sex discrimination after losing a job “ because of her gender. in-depth training experience focused “GNA wants to make it as easy within the LGBT community. The goal of an effective advocate on learning how to strategically as possible for people to transition Davenport knows that being a advocate for issues that directly – we want to be a service activists’ shouldn’t necessarily be an immediate gain, but a long-term visible transgender woman has its risks. impact our daily lives and the organization,” she says. “There structural shift that also drives the broader cultural shift. transgender community as a whole.” are so many resources now for “I choose to be visible because Advocacy University’s first cohort transgender people. Just be proud that’s my defense,” she says. “If included trans people and allies who of who you are.” anybody’s going to do anything to ~ Amy Hunter are relatively new to activism, as Another highly visible activist is me, they’re going to do it in broad ” daylight and everybody’s going to well as long-time activists and Char Davenport, who has helped advocates who continue honing their pass non-discrimination ordinances know it. Choosing visibility can be skills, like Michelle Fox-Phillips. across Michigan and works with D.C. lobbying her representatives, Due, in part, to her activism, she dangerous. On the other hand, you When she began transitioning in the National Center for Transgender including a recent trip to support was invited by the want to be visible because you want measures to curb gun violence. Presidential campaign to attend the 1998 at age 50, Fox-Phillips didn’t Equality. She’s often in Washington, See Uniting Activism, page 16

14 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 15 platform language opposing transgender principles of the Republican Party with ® GOP Anti-Gay Platform people using the restroom consistent neutral language on LGBT issues. Continued from p. 6 with their gender identity. Although only 28 delegates are needed “I don’t think that should be for a successful petition, the efforts failed decisions.” politicized,” Jackson said. “It happens when the delegates who initiated the Joel Craig, an 18-year-old delegate already, right? No one says anything, report – Boyd Matheson of Utah and from Colorado Springs, Colo., and so to make it a political issue, I think, David Barton of Texas – disavowed it. pledged to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), it opens the doors for perpetuators, and Giovanni Cicione, a Rhode Island said he supports platform language that’s not fair, that’s not fair. So, if it was delegate who circulated the petition to in opposition to the Supreme Court’s just left alone, everything would be fine replace the platform, said afterwards decision on same-sex marriage because just as it is today.” the initiative failed amid disagreement “states should be allowed to choose what LGBT advocates blasted the platform on those behind it and queasiness in their definition of marriage is.” upon its ratification by delegates. The Republican leadership over a floor fight. “I think that this is a deal for the National Log Cabin Republicans, which “To have contentious floor votes on states,” Craig said. “The states are in had previously dubbed the platform the anything, content aside, is very disruptive charge of issuing marriage licenses, why most anti-LGBT in the party’s 162-year to the process that they’re trying to then are they not in charge of how the history, placed a full-page ad Monday lay out this week,” Cicione said. “In marriage licenses are issued?” in USA Today with the message against my opinion, that didn’t matter. This But Craig contested the notion the the document. was more important than us running a platform endorses conversion therapy, “LOSERS! MORONS! SAD! No, convention where each speaker gets their saying the platform mentions it, but these aren’t tweets from Donald Trump,” five minutes. I think we needed to try to doesn’t endorse it. The language says, the ad says. “This is what common-sense make a point here, but they were able to “We support the right of parents to conservatives are saying about the most pull back.” determine the proper medical treatment anti-LGBT platform the Republican Annie Dickerson, a New York member and therapy for their minor children.” Party has ever had. Out of touch, out of the platform committee and adviser “I believe that the current language, the of line, and out of step with 61% of to GOP philanthropist and LGBT rights way it is set, does not endorse conversion young Republicans who favor same-sex supporter Paul Singer, said the goal now therapy, as you’ve suggested, however marriage.” is to advance LGBT non-discrimination it is mentioned,” Craig said. “I didn’t Matt McTighe, executive director legislation regardless of the platform. exactly read how it was mentioned, but of Freedom for All Americans, also “Polling on non-discrimination is I do believe the platform as a whole condemned the platform, saying it going off the charts on the Republican represents the Republican electorate doesn’t represent the views of many side,” Dickerson said. “But those are just very well.” Americans. not the people that were those delegates, Not every delegate at the convention “It’s disappointing that the far right which is why Gio and I are here, to give was behind the anti-LGBT planks in the wing of the Republican Party has rise to that voice, so we can be a bigger Republican Party platform. successfully pushed for a platform that tent because this is not the ‘Big Tent’ Sharon Jackson, a 52-year-old delegate discriminates against LGBT Americans document.” from the Anchorage-area of Alaska and and their families,” McTighe said. pledged to Trump, said she’s against the “This platform just does not reflect the platform language and thinks same-sex direction that many Republicans - nor ® HTJ Coming Up couples should be able to wed throughout the majority of Americans - want to see Continued from p. 13 the nation. the party move.” “I feel that everyone should have the For a time, efforts among pro-LGBT live performances by Kai Edwards, freedom to feel and do what they choose, Republicans were underway for a Charlie B. Keyz, Ray Gifted Keyz, and that’s what American is all about,” motion on the convention floor to strip D.Woods, Antonia, and Famouz Jayy Jackson said. the platform of its anti-LGBT language. with Jermaine Lovesongz. The Hotter Asked if that applies to gay couples A minority report signed by 37 Than July Showcase is led by Miss seeking to marry, Jackson replied, “If delegates of the platform committee Seekers and Miss St. Clair County that’s what they want to do, they should petitioned the Republican National Raven Devine, and Miss Woodward be able to do that.” Committee to replace the platform Cierra Malone, with performances Jackson also said she’s against with a 1,200 word statement of 17 core by Mr. Gay Black Ohio Newcomer Christan Dior, Mr. Star City Noah M. Steele, Little Miss Woodward Isis Dupree, Davanna Couture Malone, Jasmine Dior and others. shouldn’t necessarily be an immediate HTJ will wrap up with two events ® Uniting Activism gain, but a long-term structural shift that on Sunday. The first is the worship Continued from p. 14 also drives the broader cultural shift. It’s service at Whosever Ministry, located critical for the trans community that we inside the Ecumenical Theological to be your authentic self.” build the relational structures that give Society of Detroit. Service starts at 10 In pursuit of safe visibility and equality, us a political voice.” a.m. Following worship service will the work continues. To Hunter, uniting Applications are now being accepted be the annual HTJ brunch sponsored activists and advocates is fundamental to for the second Transgender Advocacy by Imagine This Productions. The creating long-lasting change. University. The deadline to enroll is brunch will take place at the Charlevoix “Finding the keys to equality is having August 12 and space is limited. Enroll Gallery, which is located at 14505 a consistent presence with lawmakers - and get more details here: https://action. Charlevoix Street. Advance tickets are which I now have the opportunity to do aclu.org/secure/advocacy-university required for the brunch and may be - as well as other lobbyists and advocates This original series can be found at:www. purchased through the LGBT Detroit within the LGBT community,” Hunter office. says. “The goal of an effective advocate eclectablog.com/tag/trans-stories.

16 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 17 Fox Searchlight Over Drinks (Obvs), ‘Ab Fab’ Stars Dish on Their Gay Darlings and Being Ahead of the Queer Curve

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Lumley and a cast of familiar faces – Julia to have always been there. I always get such a nice response. Sawalha as Saffy, Jane Horrocks as Bubble and Joanna: But I think the great crash entrance Joanna: We get kissing and we get a bit of How to be a free spirit, why a wallet, not June Whitfield as Mother, plus star cameos – as was when we had “” and selfies, and it’s lovely. a toaster, is better suited to carry cash, the they continue to live their best, booziest lives. we were welcomed into New York to a certain Jennifer: I think we’re recognized more if power of a heavy pour – since 1992, fictional Pour yourself a Stoli-Bolli and read on extent. That was quite fantastic. we’re together. The response is more extreme. besties and Patsy Stone, played as Saunders, 58, and Lumley, 70, sip their Jennifer: Yeah. And the first time we saw our by and , signature cocktail and dish about their “great drag doubles was startling! (Laughs) Because How did “Ab Fab” come to be so gay? Did you respectively, have guided legions of outsiders crash entrance” into queerdom, being post- you realize quite how small we are, and short make the show for gay people? into the light. (And not just after a late-night gay before it was cool and how the LGBT and insignificant, when you’re standing next Jennifer: No, we didn’t. And we’ve been Stolichnaya vodka binge blackout.) community catapulted “Absolutely Fabulous” to your drag doubles. They’re more glamorous thinking about this a lot, and I think (the gay As the “Absolutely Fabulous” duo cheerfully into a global phenom. than we could even hope to be! fandom is) because of the friendship and imbibe from London, it’s a classic case of life Joanna: And occasionally with a beard! because they’re not in search of love – they’re imitating art – everyone wants to get these I don’t want to shock you with this news and I Jennifer: And often with a beard; yes, you’re not constantly looking for a man, they’re quite iconic ladies smashed as they “work” the promo hope you’re sitting down, but gay people really right! (Both laugh) happy with each other. They live life to the for their long-awaited return to the screen with like you. fullest, they live life without brakes and the “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.” Oh yes, You just made an appearance during London friendship is all (they need), I think. sweetie darlings, it’s a real thing now. Thank Jennifer: (Both laugh) And we love gay Pride. Because the gay fandom for “Ab Fab” is so Joanna: And I think because they’re god; thank vodka. people! intense, I’m surprised you can go anywhere with glamorous. Edina always longed for (her The film is Edina and Patsy’s first time For both of you, what was your introduction to the a sea of gays and it’s not a mob scene. When daughter) Saffy to come out as gay and she’s together since 2012, when the series celebrated gay community? gay fans see you in everyday life, what are those very proud of having a gay son, Serge. But its 20-year anniversary. In the premiere movie encounters like? there were always gay people in the show, adaptation of the BBC series, Saunders, making Jennifer: Oh! So long ago I can’t really think. good on her pledge to write more adventures It just seems like college; I had gay friends Jennifer: Really lovely, I have to say. Because then. To be honest, I don’t know. It just seems for the TV-born trainwrecks, stars alongside people love the show and love the characters, See Ab Fab, page 20

18 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 19 the PR industry on the show. What other ® poured a vodka into my champagne. Ab Fab business could use some mocking? Continued from p. 18 What cocktail do you recommend people Jennifer: I think politics is just making a order when they watch “Ab Fab: The Movie”? mockery of itself at the moment, so that’s Jennifer; you always had them written Joanna: I think it’s gotta be the Stoli- not much help. in. Bolli cocktail. Stolichnaya vodka slipped Joanna: Bankers have sort of been done, Jennifer: Yeah, ’cause it’s normal. into a glass of champagne – it’s almost with things like “The Wolf of Wall Street” half and half, actually, the way we drink and “The Big Short” and so on. All those When the show ran from 1992-1995 the it. (Both laugh) that have kind of taken on the financial word “gay” was barely uttered on television. Jennifer: It just knocks the bubbles out world. What else is there, Jennifer? Then you two came along and changed the and puts a little bit more alcohol in. Plenty? game. Joanna: But as they would not add: Jennifer: (Laughs) I don’t know! Jennifer: Good! Please drink responsibly. Joanna: But you didn’t really set out to Jennifer: It would damage your health. make a parody of it – you just had that as Was it your intent to introduce queer themes It would severely damage your health. the background. and people into the television zeitgeist? (Both laugh) Jennifer: Well, the great thing about PR is you can do anything. It can be any job, Jennifer: To be honest, we never Edina is always saying, “All my friends are you can go anywhere. It’s such a wide, analyzed it like that. It just seemed to me, gay.” How true is that for you in real life? if we were representing lives, especially wide field, so it was the perfect job for those in the fashion world and the creative Jennifer: (Laughs) All my friends are (Edina) because it meant that during any Shop The world – it’s full of gay people. And you gay! show you could do anything – you’re not stuck in an office. But I suppose know, Edina married one – one of her Joanna, let’s talk about Patsy being Rainbow husbands was gay! (Laughs) It’s just part nowadays the thing is, nobody’s stuck in There are hundreds transgender. Her gender change was of the fabric of society. an office anymore. You know, anyone can of businesses that addressed several times during the series. live online, live at home, work at home, advertise in BTL and But it wasn’t then, right? Why was it decided that Patsy should be do their own PR via social media. You welcome everyone. Joanna: Do you think it had a way of trans? could honestly do your job from your bed, making people feel more open toward Joanna: Yes, in series 2 (episode) and that’s fantastic. gays, Chris? Invest in equality and “Morocco” we had a flashback to when When doing Eddy and Patsy in drag what Patsy had indeed been taking hormones work with businesses I do think so. I also think it made gay people should a queen always keep in mind? that support and grown a mustache... feel comfortable in their own skin. I know Jennifer: (Laughs) Jennifer: Ohh, well, you know, the funny Michigan’s LGBTQ friends who call you their lifeline because Joanna: And cut her hair off, had thing is, when they do Patsy they used to community! they’re gay and grew up in small towns; something switched on. Sadly after a always do kind of trashy dressing. But they had no role models, no one who even year, it dropped off and she stopped the actually, I noticed yesterday at London acknowledged them or their sexuality. How hormones, had a quick shave and went Pride they were very well dressed. I think does it feel to know that you and these back to being Patsy again. But she goes in Patsys are becoming better dressed, and characters had an immense influence on and out of it. And I think she was slightly that’s quite important for Patsy because people in the LGBT community? dreading having to do it this time (for the you’ve gotta start off looking good, like movie), which is why she tried to resist. you’ve got somewhere to go. Always give Jennifer: I feel incredibly proud, then. We (Slips into character as Patsy) “No, Eddy, yourself somewhere to go. have a lot to thank the gay community for, no!” And indeed she managed to fool a And then by the end of the night? because I think the show largely started very, very old almost-blind woman that being popular in the gay community and she was a man. Jennifer: By the end of the night, you through that into the wider community. Jennifer: She makes a very good man. can be hopeless. I mean, literally. Spread So, it’s been a lovely relationship. We are basically like a married couple, eagle. Joanna: We had the most wonderful Edina and Patsy, in a funny way. (Laughs) What about Eddy? award given to us in New York from And they are sort of genderless. the LGBT community (the 2002 Gay, Joanna: Indeed. In one of the New York Jennifer: Oh, Eddy… everything’s Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Pride episodes we got married by Whoopi gotta be too small. Wear shoes that Award) and I’m totally proud of mine. Goldberg! (Both laugh) literally hobble you and costumes that It’s a wonderful citation which has made strangle you. Remember that Eddy us priestesses of New York forever. It I’ve always thought of you as gay men in has never woken and not been marked came from them thanking us for exactly women’s bodies. by her clothing; she’s always marked. what you’re thanking us for, and it makes Jennifer and Joanna: We are, yeah! Elasticated marks everywhere on her me feel so humbled because Jennifer body from the clothes. actually wrote these two characters and What advice do both of you have for gays the characters are the people who have who are on a quest to live their best life? Where can we expect to see Eddy and Patsy somehow become attached to us like in 20 years? Jennifer: Don’t listen to anybody an outer skin. It’s rather thrilling to be else. Kate Moss’s great thing: “Never Jennifer: In a home. attached to those characters. complain, never explain.” That’s a very Joanna: Attached to intravenous bottles How attached are you to those characters? good way of living. of Stolichnaya and Bolly. Still smoking Joanna: She’s adapted it from the like chimneys. Organs removed. Jennifer: Only in that it’s very hard original quotation, which was from the Jennifer: But having a fabulous time. to move without having a glass of 1930s: “Never apologize, never explain.” Joanna: Still having a fabulous time. champagne put into your hands. That Jennifer: Oh! makes life really, really nice. (Both laugh) Any final words for your gay darlings? Joanna: Never apologize – I think that’s Are you drinking at this very moment? a good one. Joanna: We love you, sweetie darlings! Jennifer: We are! Hugely! She’s just You’ve always had something to say about

20 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 21 JTCC Hosts 22nd Annual OUTFest in Ann Arbor

BY BTL STAFF hour with Jason Crawford and guest asylum rights, and the rights of special poets begins at 5 p.m. at The Bar. The education students. The Jim Toy Community Center pop-up Brillig Dry Bar hosts a board The 14th amendment states that all will host OUTFest, their annual pride game night at 6 p.m. serving non- persons born or naturalized in the U.S. celebration of the LGBT community and alcoholic, lively beverages and snacks. has equal protection under the law and its accomplishments, Aug. 5-7 in Ann This wouldn’t be a pride celebration that civil rights are provided to all people. Arbor’s Kerrytown District and Braun without a burlesque show and a couple This teaches an array of topics including Court. This year’s three-day event is of drag revues hosted by Jadein Black, constitutional and statutory protections the 22nd anniversary of OUTFest with Deja Dellataro and Sabin on the North for women, LGBTQ people, racial emphasis on how to build on the success 4th Avenue Stage. Other activities minorities and religious minorities. of establishing marriage equality and include a Kids Zone, Beer and Wine The weekend will conclude with the what to focus on next. Garden and Silent Auction. Necto will annual Washtenaw County Pride Picnic JTCC will offer an array of activities open their doors again on Aug. 6 to at Wheeler Park from 12-4 p.m. For more spread out over Friday, Saturday continue the Pride Night party, as will information about the weekend of events, and Sunday for the LGBT and allied the Cavern Club for the official OUTFest visit http://www.a2outfest.com. communities. “Rent” will be featured After-Party. All OUTFest proceeds benefit the Jim during movie night on Aug. 5 in Braun Attorney Eli Savit from the Citizen Toy Community Center, a nonprofit, to Court complete with free Domino’s Pizza Education Law Clinic will speak about provide information, education, social and popcorn, as well as a Pride Night at Civil Rights and Equal Protection with a events and advocacy for and by the Necto beginning at 9 p.m. with DJ’s Jace nonexclusive focus on LGBTQ identities LGBTQ and allied residents of Ann and Mark. on Saturday at 4 p.m. at The Bar on 327 Arbor, Ypsilanti and greater Washtenaw Attendees can enjoy a full day of Court St. in Ann Arbor. County. JTCC envisions an inclusive festival booths and exhibits on Saturday Savit is an attorney with a specialty in community where people of diverse featuring a variety of businesses, appellate and Supreme Court litigation. sexual orientation and gender identity organizations, and other community He has litigated cases in the U.S. are visible and live together in equality, partners. Live music in Braun Court Supreme Court, and in both state and respect and happiness. JTCC is located at returns with performances by Elemental federal trial and appellate courts. He 319 Braun Court in Ann Arbor. Contact Meaning, Alise King, the Out Loud has also litigated pro bono cases focused the Center at 734-995-9867 or visit them Chorus and Sam Tolson. A poetry slam on consumer protection, civil liberties, online at http://www.jimtoycenter.org.

22 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com 13

10 6 Cool Cities 3 18 Ann Arbor 11 17 9 16 4 14 8 20 7 1 21 15 5 22 2

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Ann Arbor Advertisers D’orio, Jd, Plc, Lynn B...... 7 Lewis Jewelers...... 12 Rosenberg, David ...... 12 Abracadabra Jewelry & Gem Gallery..... 1 Downtown Home & Garden...... 8 Lord of Light Lutheran Church...... * Sh\aut\ Cabaret and Gallery...... 6 Anderson, PLLC, Mary K...... 2 Esquire Interiors...... * Men’s Yoga...... 13 Spectrum Center...... 19 Ann Arbor Animal Hospital...... 12 First Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor.....* Merkel Carpet One...... * Three Chairs Co...... 20 Ann Arbor Civic Theatre...... 3 Frick, LMSW, BCD, CBT, Julie...... * Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams...... 14 Tios Mexican Cafe...... 21 Ann Arbor Saline Family Chiro...... * Gail van Langen Ph.d...... 9 Necto...... 15 Top of the Lamp...... * Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra...... 4 Greene, LMSW, ACSW, Marge...... 10 Orion Automotive Services Inc...... * Trillium Real Estate...... 6 The Ark...... 5 Groom N Go ...... * People’s Food Coop...... 16 Two Men And A Truck...... * /aut/ Bar...... 6 Hillers...... * Performance Network...... 17 UMHS Comprehensive Gender Services Program...... * Bassett & Associates...... * HIV/AIDS Resource Center (Harc)...... * Peterson, PLLC, Lisa J...... 18 University Musical Society...... 22 Common Language...... 6 Humane Society of Huron Valley...... * PFLAG Ann Arbor...... * Dependable Collision Center...... * Iglesia Martell Law...... 11 Polo Fields Golf...... * * Not shown on map Jim Toy Resource Center...... 6 Rock Shoppe...... *

Create Something Special 2gether

2000 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor 734.994.5111 www.lewisjewelers.com

www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 23 OUTINGS Thursday, July 21 Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Ladies who love Ladies Night The hottest lesbian DJ Team, $3 Drafts from Celebrates 57 Years of Originality all 18 taps all night, $3 Jack Fire and Jack Honey drinks from 10 p.m. to 12 From July 21-23, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair will a.m. served by the Jack Girls. Pronto!, 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak. host 200 artists, the Ann Arbor Potters Guild, and 248-544-7900. www.facebook.com/ seven or eight emerging college artists through the prontorestaurantRO/ New Art, New Artists program. Rehearsals for Metro Detroit LGBT Chorus 7 p.m. New members welcomed Established in 1960, the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is year round. One Voice Chorus uses the Original of the now four award-winning Ann Arbor singing to promote understanding outside of the LGBT community, and Art Fairs: The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original; unity within it. One Voice Chorus, The State Street Area Art Fair; The Ann Arbor Summer 1589 W. Maple Road, Birmingham. [email protected] http:// Art Fair; and Ann Arbor’s South University Art Fair. onevoicechorus.net Together, the fairs attract more than 500,000 attendees from across the nation. The Original Fair Saturday, July 23 was named the Number One Art Fair in the country by AmericanStyle magazine readers survey Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival 12 (October 2004) and has made the Top 10 Fairs and Festivals list every year since. p.m. Performances by both nationally recognized and local musicians and Their mission is to increase public knowledge and appreciation for contemporary fine arts and performers. Tickets: $7. A festival after- fine crafts by creating opportunities that connect artists, the Ann Arbor community and the general party will be held at the Prime Event Center at 9 p.m. Perceptions, a 501c3 public to their mutual benefit, culminating in a top quality juried street art fair. non-profit organization, Bay City. www. greatlakesbaypride.org The Street Art Fair is set on North University Avenue and on the University of Michigan’s Central Retro Fever Saturdays 9 p.m. The Campus, amidst elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped pedestrian walkways, including best dance music from the 80s, 90s, the landmark Burton Carillon Tower. and today mixed by DJ Beau Derek and Prime Minister. Red Door Night Don’t miss the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair July 21-23 from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and July 24 from 12-6 Club, 22901 Woodward Ave, Ferndale. 2485411600. events@reddoornightclub. p.m. For more information, visit www.artfair.org com http://www.reddoornightclub.com/ events/ Sunday, July 24 Paddle Group 1 a.m. Bring a kayak, Play 7 p.m. Details TBD. Hotter Than Hotter Than July, 2930 Woodward Wednesday, Aug. 3 canoe or whatever floats. The paddle July, Detroit. www.lgbtdetroit.org/ Ave., Detroit. 313-285-9733. www. group hits the watersheds known as hotterthanjuly/ Hotterthanjuly.org Healthy Moves: Workout Wednesdays Brighton, Huron-Clinton, Irish Hills, 5:30 p.m. Join the First Responders Jackson, Pinckney and Waterloo Sunday Brunch 12 p.m. $25. Hotter 4 Fitness, Metro Detroit’s emergency Recreation Areas. They paddle for two to Friday, July 29 Than July, Detroit. www.lgbtdetroit.org/ response professionals, who volunteer three hours most Sundays. Life jackets Annual Gathering on LGBTQ Issues hotterthanjuly/ their services to deliver a variety of free are required. Yak season is April through 8 a.m. Registration is required. fitness classes and wellness workshops. October. Yak Womyn, Ann Arbor. Hotter Than July, 3663 Woodward Quicken Loans, 662 Woodward Ave. , [email protected] Ave., Detroit. www.lgbtdetroit.org/ Beginner Yoga for Baby Boomers 7 Detroit. www.campusmartiuspark.org/ hotterthanjuly/ p.m. Taught by Charles Baber, R.Y.T. events Ann Arbor Street Art Fair 10 a.m. Classes are drop-in for $5 per person. Ann Arbor Art Fair, Ann Arbor. www. Red Hot Fridays 9 p.m. Top 40 and Foster Care and Adoption Orientation Bring a yoga mat and towel. Class Artfair.org current dance music mixed by DJ Beau 6 p.m. Orchards Children’s Services is Derek and Prime Minister. Enjoy $3 sizes are limited. RSVP is required. looking for adults from all counties to First Annual Farm Festival 1:30 p.m. mixed drinks until midnight and $1 “we Universalist Unitarian Church, 25301 provide temporary care in their home Tickets: $8 Zingerman’s Cornman call it” shot specials. No cover charge Halsted Road, Farmington Hills. 248- for children ages 0 to 17 for foster Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. before midnight. Use the password 345-4867. [email protected] care or independent living. Financial 734-619-8100. www.cornmanfarms. “Red Hot.” Red Door Night Club, 22901 reimbursement, training and support com Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 248-541- Monday, Aug. 1 system provided. For information please 1600. [email protected] www. Ann Arbor “Aut” Social Group 7:30 call 877-529-5532 or visit their website. Tuesday, July 26 reddoornightclub.com p.m. Ann Arbor area lesbians and friends Orchards Children’s Services, 24901 Candlelight Vigil 6 p.m. Free. Hotter gather to dine and socialize. Aut Bar, Northwestern Highway, Suite 601, Than July, Palmer Park, Detroit. 313- Saturday, July 30 315 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-769- Southfield. 248-530-5370. smarks@ orchards.org www.orchards.org 285-9733. www.Hotterthanjuly.org 14th Annual Orchard Lake Fine 8385. [email protected] www. Art Show July 30-31.Admission: autbar.com Middlepath Meditation 6 p.m. Guided Wednesday, July 27 $5. 12 and under free. Hot Works meditation covering various topics and Fine Arts Reception 6 p.m. Hotter Than LLC, 6900 Orchard lake Road, West Tuesday, Aug. 2 methods followed by silent meditations. July, 311 E. Grand River, Detroit. www. Bloomfield. 248-684-2613. social@ Care to dance? 7 p.m. Learn to urban $5 suggested donation. No registration lgbtdetroit.org/hotterthanjuly/ hotworks.org www.Hotworks.org/ ballroom every Tuesday night. Bring a needed. This is a drop-in event. orchardlakefineartshow/index.php partner, or not. There is no cover charge, Michigan Pagans, 224 W. Nine Mile Official Opening Party 9 p.m. but they do ask that you patronize the Road, Ferndale. 248-548-1415. www. Hotter Than July, 6426 Woodward Palmer Park Picnic 10 a.m. Free. Hotter bostontearoom.com Than July, Detroit. 313-285-9733. establishment by purchasing a beverage Ave., Detroit. www.lgbtdetroit.org/ or a meal from their kitchen. Sisterhood hotterthanjuly/ www.Hotterthanjuly.org Dykes on Bikes Planning Sessions Social Excursions, 8670 Grand River 6:30 p.m. This organization is committed Outdoor Games 12 p.m. Games offered Ave., Detroit. www.meetup.com to creating a local community of women Thursday, July 28 in the park include table tennis, chess, Detroit Metro Area Pagans Monthly motorcyclists and friends of women Hockeytown BrewHaHa “The Final checkers, beanbag toss, and more. motorcyclists. Dykes on Bikes Detroit, Quicken Loans, 662 Woodward Ave. , Meetup 7 p.m. This is an open pagan Fowl” 6 p.m. Tickets: $47.50-$129. One roundtable that has various discussions 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- last chance to experience fowling on the Detroit. www.campusmartiuspark.org/ 398-7105. https://dykesonbikesdetroit. events held on the first Tuesday of every month. floor level of The Joe. Detroit Red Wings Michigan Pagans, 150 Cass Ave., Mt. com and Olympia Entertainment, 19 Steve Clemens. www.meetup.com Yzerman Drive, Detroit. 313-396-7000. Sunday, July 31 See Happenings, page 26 www.olympiaentertainment.com Worship Service 10 a.m. Free.

24 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 25 AEG Live and The Crofoot “Halsey Ann Arbor Art Fair “Ann Arbor Street ® Happenings “ Special guest Oh Wonder performs. THEATER Art Fair” . Downtown Ann Arbor, Ann Tickets: $35. All ages welcome. Masonic Honk! The Youth Theatre musical is Arbor. July 16 - July 24. www.Artfair.org Continued from p. 24 Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit. 7 directed by Jody Florkowski and Theresa Cranbrook Academy of Art “John p.m. July 27. 313-832-7100. www. Williams. Tickets: $8 for youth, $14 for themasonic.com Glick: A Legacy in Clay” More than 200 adult. Stagecrafters, Baldwin Theatre, pieces representing all phases of Glick’s MUSIC & MORE AEG Live, React, The Crofoot and 415 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. July work. Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Elektricity “Disclosure” Tickets: $38- 21 - July 24. 248-541-6430. www. Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills. June Benefits/Social Events $45. 16 and over welcome. Masonic stagecrafters.org 18 - Nov. 30. 877-462-7262. www. Blue Water Folk Society “Thumbfest Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit. 8 LUBE: An Unauthorized Grease’d-Up cranbrook.edu 2016 Fundraiser Concert” A $15 p.m. July 28. 313-832-7100. www. Parody Tickets: $10-$20. The Ringwald themasonic.com Detroit Institute of Arts “Guest of donation supports Thumbfest 2016, a Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Honor: Gallery of the Louvre” Part premier acoustic music festival in the Blind Pig “iO Megaji and Bronze Ferndale. Through Aug. 8. 248-545- of a national tour organized by the thumb area of Michigan. Rain venue Mambas” With Echo of Silence, 5545. www.theringwald.com Terra Foundation for American Art. is Trinity Episcopal Church at 5646 Damascus and Arson Party. Tickets: $7, Miscast: Right Singer, Wrong Song The exhibition is free with museum Main St. in Lexington. McCarthy’s Lake under 21 $10. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., admission and free for residents of House, 6121 Lakeshore Rd., Lexington. Auditions held June 4 and 5 from 1 p.m. Ann Arbor. 9 p.m. July 29. 734-996- to 4 p.m. Barefoot Productions, 240 N. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb county. 2 p.m. July 24. 586-995-1974. www. 8555. www.blindpigmusic.com Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward bluewaterfolksociety.org Main, Plymouth. July 22 - July 30. 734- 404-6886. www.justgobarefoot.com Ave., Detroit. Through Sep. 18. 313-833- Live Nation “Russ” Tickets: $15. The 7900. www.dia.org Comedy Shelter, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit. 7 P.Y.G. Play inspired by George Bernard p.m. July 22. www.saintandrewsdetroit. Detroit Institute of Arts “The Open Detroit Opera House “FouseyTUBE” Shaw’s “Pygmalion.” Tickets: $12. com/ Road: Photography and the American YouTube kings of comedy Roman Slipstream Theatre Initiative, Slipstream Road Trip” Tickets: $12.50 for adults, Atwood and Yousef Saleh Erakat. Tickets: Theatre, 460 Hilton Road, Ferndale. MotorCity Casino Hotel “Colvin $8 for seniors, and $6 for youth. Detroit $28.50. Detroit Opera House, 1526 July 22 - Aug. 14. 3139869156. www. and Earle” Tickets: $30-$50. Sound Institute of Arts, 2100 Woodward Ave., Broadway St., Detroit. 7 p.m. July 27. slipstreamti.com Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Detroit. Through Sep. 11. 313-833-7900. 313-237-SING. www.michiganopera.org 8 p.m. July 29. 800-745-3000. www. Michigan Shakespeare Festival www.dia.org soundboardetroit.com Go Comedy! Improv Theater “The Go The Season of Rebellion includes “As Lawrence Street Gallery “Summer Comedy! All Star Showdown” Tickets: You Like It,” “Richard II,” and “The MotorCity Casino Hotel “The Invitational ‘16” Join us to celebrate $18. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, 261 E. Killer Angels.”. Michigan Shakespeare Whispers” Tickets: $35-$45. Sound over 50 area artists’ original artwork. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. June 25 - July Festival, The Village Theatre, 50400 Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. Reception Friday July 22 from 6-9 p.m. 30. 248-327-0575. www.gocomedy.net Cherry Hill Road, Canton. July 29 8 p.m. July 23. 800-745-3000. www. Gallery Hours: Wed & Sat 12-5; Thur olympiaentertainment.com - Aug. 14. 734-394-5300. www. Go Comedy! Improv Theater “BITS” MichiganShakespeareFestival.com & Fri 12-9 Lawrence Street Gallery, Tickets: $10. Michigan’s largest improv Royal Oak Commission for the 22620 Woodward Ave, Ferndale. June tournament. Go Comedy! Improv Theater, Arts “2016 Summer Concert Series” Shakespeare Royal Oak Outdoor 29 - July 29. 248-544-0394. www. 261 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. June Pre-Show with The Detroit School of Summer Theatre Festival Tickets: lawrencestreetgallery.com 29 - July 27. 248-327-0575. www. $12-$22. The festival features “Richard Rock and Pop Music followed by Duane Mo Pop Festival “Mo Pop Festival” gocomedy.net III,” “12th Night,” and “Tempest.” . Harlick, and the Twistin’ Tarantulas. See festival website for additional Center Street between Third and Fourth Water Works Theatre Company, Starr There are hundreds of Go Comedy! Improv Theater “Plot information. West Riverfront Park, Streets, Center Street, Royal Oak. 6 p.m. Jaycee Park, 1301 West 13 Mile Rd. Twist” Features Sheevani Desai, Chris West Jefferson Avenue between Rosa businesses that advertise July 28. 248-246-3201. http://romi. , Royal Oak. July 28 - Aug. 7. www. Fortin, Brad Hicks, Erik Heilner, Doug Parks Boulevard and Joe Louis Arena, gov/arts shakespeareroyaloak.com in BTL and welcome Kolbicz, Jessica Loria, and Janelle Royal Oak. July 23 - July 24. http:// Souilliere. Tickets: $15. Go Comedy! Summer Carillon Concert Series Summer Retreat by Annie Martin mopopfestival.com/ everyone. Improv Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Road, Tickets: $23-$25. Williamston Theatre, “Hylke Banning” Concert is free to Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Ferndale. June 30 - Aug. 5. www. 122 S. Putnam Road, Williamston. the public. Elliott Tower at Oakland “Methexis: Works by DEPE Space gocomedy.net Through Aug. 21. 517-655-SHOW. www. University, 2200 N. Squirrel Road, Resident Mitch McEwen” Museum Rochester. 6 p.m. July 29. www.oakland. williamstontheatre.org Invest in equality and Live Nation “Comedian Hari of Contemporary Art Detroit, 4454 edu/elliott-tower work with businesses that Kondabolu” Tickets: $22. Saint Andrew’s Xanadu Tickets: $10. Pre-show picnics Woodward Ave., Detroit. July 8 - Aug. 28. Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit. 6:30 The Carr Center “Evenings in Paradise” are encouraged for audience members. 313-832-6622. www.mocaddetroit.org p.m. July 29. www.saintandrewsdetroit. Penny Seats Theatre Company, West support Michigan’s LGBTQ Showcase of musical performances The Heidelberg Project and Detroit com/ Park Bandshell, Downtown between and entertainment by local and national Bikes “All About Bikes!” Unveiling of community! jazz and R&B favorites. Paradise Valley Miller and Huron, Chapin and Seventh, Ann Arbor. Through July 30. 734-925- a funked up art bike by Tyree Guyton. Concerts Beatrice Buck Park, See website for Bring your own bike, take a ride on location details, Detroit. June 7 - Aug. 101 WRIF “Zakk Wylde” Tickets: 5346. www.pennyseats.org the wild side during a bike tour led by 25. www.downtowndetroitparks.com $27.50-$35. All ages welcome. Majestic Guyton. 3632 Heidelberg, Detroit. 5:30 Theater, 4120-4140 Woodward Ave., The Fillmore Detroit “The Last Shadow p.m. July 23. www.heidelberg.org Detroit. 7 p.m. July 28. 313-833-9700. Puppets” Tickets: $20-$39.50. The The Scarab Club “The Magical Realism www.majesticdetroit.com Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., ART ‘N’ AROUND of Whitney Snow” The artist’s first Detroit. 7 p.m. July 25. 313-961-5451. AEG Live “Daughter with Julien Baker” Ann Arbor Art Center “Ann Arbor solo exhibition since his passing in www.thefillmoredetroit.com Tickets: $22-$25. All ages welcome. Street Art Fair, The Original” The Ann 2006. Large format paintings display Majestic Theater, 4120-4140 Woodward Arbor Street Art Fair hosts 200 artists, an outcropping of social realism. The Ave., Detroit. 8 p.m. July 26. 313-833- Film & Video the Ann Arbor Potters Guild, and seven Scarab Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. 9700. www.majesticdetroit.com Detroit Institute of Arts “Neon Bull” or eight emerging college artists through July 8 - July 30. 313-831-1250. www. DFT Auditorium, First Level. Detroit Film the New Art, New Artists program. scarabclub.org AEG Live “Parachute” Tickets: $25-$28. Theatre, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Downtown Ann Arbor, North University 18 and over welcome. The Magic Bag, July 15 - July 24. 313-833-7900. www. Avenue, East Washington Street and 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 8 dia.org Ingalls Mall, Ann Arbor. July 21 - July 24. p.m. July 22. 248-544-3030. www. 734-994-5260. www.theannarborartfair. themagicbag.com com

26 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 27 Classifieds Call 734-293-7200 ext.22 201 REAL ESTATE - 301 EMPLOYMENT - 428 PROF. SERVICES - REAL ESTATE AGENTS GENERAL MASSAGE

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28 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com Deep Inside Hollywood BY ROMEO SAN VICENTE ‘Vita & Virginia’ unites lovers HBO checks ‘The Trans List’ Sackville-West & Woolf Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, the director One of the 20th century’s most talked about of “The Out List” and “The Black List,” literary love affairs was the one between has returned with his latest interview-based Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West. Often documentary, “The Trans List,” which ignored by scholars, who tended to focus their focuses on the lives and stories of transgender attention on the two writers’ heterosexual people, some famous, some relationships, their story not. Produced for HBO has been told a few times (which will air it later this now in various media, year), the film is currently reclaiming a vital piece making festival rounds, and of queer cultural history. returns to the format of the A play by Dame Eileen filmmaker’s earlier work: Atkins is the basis for subjects looking directly this new project, “Vita into the lens and telling & Virginia,” which their stories without any will be produced in intrusion from off-camera. England and directed by It’s a simple, elegant way of Chanya Button (“Burn making interviews happen, Burn Burn”). More and one that the filmmaker news to come on this has perfected over time. one, obviously, since The community’s most the leads have yet to well-known faces will be cast. But this is just make appearances – people the kind of British like Laverne Cox, Janet period drama we live Kristen Stewart. Photo: KathClick Mock, Caitlyn Jenner and for now that “Downton Buck Angel – but the film Abbey” is no more, and will also focus on everyday trans Iraq War we were always not-so- veterans, surviving Stonewall participants, secretly hoping for a couple of well-spoken community activists, and people like Amos aristocratic women on that program to conduct Mac, publisher of “Original Plumbing” a clandestine affair. We’ll finally get our wish magazine. Fingers crossed that by the time it with this one. airs Ms. Jenner will be over her very public fixation on a certain reality show host-turned- Kristen Stewart is all about a Presidential candidate. And if not, well, we’re watching it anyway. female James Bond It’s funny how ideas take hold on the Steve Buscemi will ‘Lean On internet. Case in point: a female James Bond. Nobody from the world of James Bond-based Pete’ decision-making is really talking about this. Never forget, please, that back in the 1980s But Gillian Anderson did. So did “Game of when non-gay actors were usually too afraid to Thrones”’ Emilia Clarke. So did Bollywood play gay characters, Steve Buscemi launched star Priyanka Chopra. They’d all like their shot his film career with a classic piece of Queer at playing Bond, and who can blame them? Cinema, “Parting Glances.” So it feels right And now it’s a thing. So when the subject and fitting that after a critically lauded stretch came up at a recent press junket with Kristen of acting work these past three decades, Stewart, she didn’t exactly throw her hat in he’ll be joining forces with acclaimed gay the ring of speculative consideration, but she filmmaker Andrew Haigh (“Weekend,” “45 did express enthusiasm for the subject, which Years”). The film is titled “Lean On Pete,” is kind of the same thing. Calling the middle- and instead of a boy and his dog tale, this aged while male version of bond “stale” (and one’s about a boy and his horse. Well, maybe she’s right), she laid out her idea for how the not “his” horse, exactly. A personal project for next Bond film might introduce the change: a Haigh, he’ll adapt Willy Vlautin’s novel about Bond Girl becomes a Bond girlfriend becomes a 15-year-old boy looking for his long-lost Bond herself. It’s sort of perfect, really, and aunt, his only companion a stolen racehorse why didn’t we think of that? Now, Bond named Lean On Pete. One of Buscemi’s People, if Idris Elba is off the list (and we have former “Boardwalk Empire” co-stars, Charlie no idea if he is or he isn’t, but let’s all pause Plummer (“Granite Flats”), will play the boy, for a moment to shed a couple of tears), then with Buscemi playing a character named why not give one of these women the chance “Del.” More casting news to follow, no doubt, to prove her 007 chops? It’s certainly time. but look for this one sometime in 2017. Romeo San Vicente just wants James Bond’s gadget-filled car. www.PrideSource.com July 21, 2016 | BTL 29 Q Puzzle “What Women Want” 29 The vas, for one 47 F amily member, to a 31 Threaded fastener homophobe 32 “Iron Mike” of football 48 1976 song of ABBA 33 First appearance 51 Off-Broadway prize 34 Material for nice stones 52 Spud, in slang 36 Elizabeth Taylor’s “The Last 53 Lesbian character in “No ___ Saw Paris” Exit” 37 Rubbed with oil 57 Ice in the sea 38 Neighborhood 58 1979 Broadway debut 42 Hosted the Oscars, for 59 Beauty that’s only skin deep? example 60 Provide, as for oneself 43 Taunt with homophobic slurs, 61 Place for a pickup e.g. 62 1978 song of Village People 44 Caesar’s salutation 45 Pool parlor fixture 46 Cocktail ingredient Down 47 On account of 1 3-pointers to Kopay 48 Remove from the head 2 Lesbian opponent of Wade 49 Put out 3 Wing for Philip Johnson 50 Bit of gay advice? 4 Scarecrow and more 54 Locale for Brando’s 5 Lend a hand “Apocalypse Now” 20 1978 song of Gloria Gaynor 6 Didst reside 55 And that’s not all 23 Claim of some porn stars 7 Command to one’s bitch 56 Half of a Hollywood name Gay Anthems 26 Moon position 8 Stallion’s supper Across 27 Narcissist 9 Bet middler? 28 Lorca’s “Later!” 10 Kahlo painting, perhaps 1 1997 song of Ultra Nate 30 What you could get caught in 11 Erotic diarist Nin 5 For this, for Caesar 31 Brought into alignment 12 Easily screwed 10 Water-to-wine town 32 Film noir classic 13 Trucker’s rod 14 Spencer-Devlin’s sport 35 1992 song of kd lang 21 Bentley of “American 15 Word after “pinky” 39 Take too much of Beauty” 16 Some have it to grind 40 Alaskan language 22 Mary’s “MTM” girlfriend 17 Word with gratification or 41 Culture Club’s “___ Miracle” 23 Literary lesbian Sylvia abuse 42 Be a ham in _Hamlet_? 24 Home near polar bears, 18 Care for 43 It may be leather or strait perhaps 19 P olished surface, for drag Find solution to this puzzle at 45 She hoped Gibson was gay in 25 Auctioneer’s word queens 28 “Glee” character Abrams www.pridesource.com

30 BTL | July 21, 2016 www.PrideSource.com