Inside: 20-Page LGBT Voter Guide Lisa Kudrow Talks ‘The Comeback’ Fall Heatlh Guide: Body & Fitness

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COVER 4 Michigan races to watch on election night I think gay men are Inside: 20-Page LGBT Voter Guide Lisa Kudrow Talks ‘The Comeback’ Fall Heatlh Guide: Body & Fitness superior beings in my mind. I do believe that.

– Lisa Kudrow, page 26

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NEWS 5 LGBT guide to elections across the U.S. MIVOTERGUIDE.COM FALL HEALTH GUIDE ENTER TO WIN U.S. Congress LGBT X X 12TH DISTRICT Women Envir Labor ANTI- Between The Lines Strongly Endorses These Statewide Candidates District Candidate

6 Pastors declare challenge to civil Party BTL

Bowman, Terry LAHR

EQMI

NOW PAC R PP Sierra Dingell, Debbie MLCV AFL-CIO

UAW 12 D CTV Dashairya, Bhagwan LIB MI RTL Walkowicz, Gary NPA rights for Michigan LGBT community State Senate Berk, Barry 1 R Young, Coleman* D Keller, Matthew 3 R Hood, Morris* D 7 Taking on Gary Glenn Franklin, Keith 4 R Smith, Virgil* D Rynicki, Jennifer 5 R Knezek, David D McNeill, Darrell Mark Schauer 6 R Hopgood, Hoon-Yung* D Lisa Brown 13 LGBT seniors worry about Linden, Terry M. MI Governor 18 R Warren, Rebekah* Lt. Governor D Hune, Joe* + R 22 Pollesch, Shari - - D Wood, Jeff + retirement LIB State Representatives X Stephens, James 9 R Santana, Harvey* D Thompson, Kelly 12 R Geiss, Erika D Gary Peters Sawicki, Harry Mark Totten 13 R Godfrey Dillard Liberati, Frank U.S. Senate D Attorney General Inks, Nathan Secratory of State 14 R Clemente, Paul* Richard Berstein D HEALTH Salemassi, Johnnie R MI Supreme Court (8 yr. term) 15 Darany, George T.* D Deborah Thomas Londo, Charles A. 17 R LaVoy, Bill* MI Supreme Court (2 yr. term) D Fausone, Carol Ann R 21 Cassandra Ulbrich 18 Smoking a critical health issue for Pagan, Kristy D State Board of Education Somerville, Pat* 23 R Haener, David X Faylene Owen & George Perles D Hochstetler, John Clifford R 52 MSU Trustees Driskell, Gretchen* X D LGBT Michiganders Spisak, John J. Marilyn Kelly & Dana Thompson 53 R Irwin, Jeff* X WSU Governors D Moore, Ed 54 R Mike Behm & Katherine White Rutledge, David* D Burk, Leonard O. U-M Regents 55 R Zemke, Adam* 18 ‘Trans Girl Next Door’ documents D Proposal 1 Michigan Wolf Hunting Referendum Vote NO X X artist’s transition Go to www.MIVoterGuide.com and enter your zip code for local election endorsements. Proposal 2 Check back again for updated endorsements from your progressive organizations. *Incumbent Michigan Natural Resources VOTE ON NOV. 4, 2014 Commission Referendum Vote NO 20 Healthcare coverage round two WWW.MIVOTERGUIDE.COM www.MiVoterGuide.com | 15 OPINION 16 Creep of the Week Access The Michigan Progressive Voter Guide Access The Fall Health Guide Win Two Tickets To See The 14 Parting Glances Online All Year-Round Ann Arbor Symphony 14 BTL Editorial Go to www.MiVoterGuide.com to see who the progressive Get this issue’s health- Enter online to win two tickets organizations of Michigan are endorsing in the 2014 general election! related content online at to see the AASO perform LIFE Pridesource.com in the Pet “Tchaikovsky & Friends” Nov. 26 A Comeback to Cherish Guide section. Find LGBT- 15 at the MIchigan Theater. Go 29 ‘Motown the Musical’ comes to friendly fitness centers, doctors, to http://www.pridesource.com/ Motown the city dentists and more with the tickets_contest.html 30 Happenings Featured Advertisers section 32 Cris Williamson headlines Women – or even check out previous in the Arts health-related features! 34 Puzzle

VOL. 2244 • OCT. 30, 2014 • ISSUE 887 EDITORIAL CREATIVE ADVERTISING & SALES ONLINE AT Editor in Chief Art Director Director of Sales PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 12 Benjamin Jenkins, [email protected] Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 22 “Between The Lines Newspaper” 20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152 [email protected] [email protected] Phone 734.293.7200 Webmaster & MIS Director Entertainment Editor Kevin Bryant, [email protected] Sales Representatives Follow us @YourBTL PUBLISHERS Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 24 Ed Bohach, 734.293.7200 x 15 Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson [email protected] Contributing Writers [email protected] Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown, Email your op–eds to MEMBER OF Arts & Theater Editor Todd Heywood, Jerome Stuart Nichols, Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 13 [email protected] Michigan Press Assoication Donald V. Calamia, Eric W. Rader, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, [email protected] National Gay Media Association [email protected] Christopher J. Treacy Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Q Syndicate National Advertising Representative Assistant Editor Cartoonists Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863 Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Paul Berg, Dave Brousseau Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright law and Calendar Editor Contributing Photographers may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission Shelby Clark Petkus, [email protected] Andrew Potter of the publishers. Between The Lines is supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Staff Writers made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Copyright 2014 Pride Source Media Group, LLC AJ Trager, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 3 Check Out MiVoterGuide.com before you vote! Michigan Races To Watch On Election Night

BY AJ TRAGER couples that were married that day (March 22), many of whom “I also supported the repeal of the Defense of Marriage where married by Lisa (Brown his running mate), is a form of Act. I signed the amicus brief to support the overturning of ichigan takes to the polls Nov. 4 to vote for the discrimination and insensitivity. But then further, to hear his the DOMA, and I am a co-sponsor of the Employment Non- next local and statewide elected officials. BTL has hollow rhetoric about amending Elliott-Larsen underscores Discrimination Act and will continue to work on issues that I provided candidate information, a 20-page 2014 the fact that we need to change. Lisa and I, because of our think are important for us to address as a society. I think my MVoter’s Guide and has followed the races as they progressed core values, are about equality, and we will make sure that we opponent has clearly shown, not only will she not be a leader, through the election season. All of the interviews and analysis sign into law a very strong amendment to the Elliott-Larsen but she is opposed to these issues. When push comes to shove, can be found online at www.pridesource.com or www. Civil Rights Act.” she stays silent.” mivoterguide.com. Find our BTL interview with Peters online at www. A few hot races to follow this coming Tuesday include those pridesource.com. for governor, state attorney general, Michigan’s Supreme Court Race For Attorney General and the U.S. Senate. Each of the Democratic candidates from Another Mark on the ticket is Democratic candidate Mark U.S. House these races has come out in support of same-sex marriage Totten, running for state attorney general. Incumbent Attorney and LGBT inclusive policies and has been heavily endorsed General Bill Schuette has led the state’s appeal of the DeBoer Running in the 11th U.S. Congressional District is Democrat by Between The Lines. If the Michigan House shifts from v Snyder decision, something that Totten vows he will dismiss Bobby McKenzie, who seeks to prevail over Republican David Republican control, it will have a critical impact for LGBT once elected. The latest poll by Clarity Campaign Labs shows Trott from the foreclosure team of Trott & Trott. McKenzie citizens. the race tied, with Schuette and Totten both sharing 38 percent is widely regarded as an expert in foreign affairs and says he of the vote with a 3 percent margin of error. is a big believer in equality. When asked if he would fight for LGBT equality, McKenzie responded “without question.” Michigan Supreme Court Michigan House of Representatives The Michigan Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and has a chance to elect The trajectory of the November election changed dramatically Richard Bernstein, an LGBT ally and blind in August when each party chose who would be their lead justice. Bernstein walks through life with candidates for each race. In the 98th House district, which societal hurdles that he describes as close to the covers Midland and parts of Bay County, Joan Brausch (D) and LGBT experience. He has come out in strong Gary Glenn (R) differ immensely on LGBT issues. Glenn is favor of LGBT rights. Five candidates are adamant about refusing to allow same-sex marriage and LGBT listed for the 8-year-term judicial race. rights to pass easily in the Michigan legislature. Brausch, on “There are self-appointed experts who the other hand, has on many occasions come out in support tend to think that they know what is best for of LGBT rights. everybody. We all have our own stories, and In Lapeer county, the 82nd District, Democrats have a chance we all have our own experiences, and it really to take back the House seat with Marcus Middleton as he is is what makes us who we are. If you talk to a placed contrary to Republican candidate Todd Courser, a tea disabled person, or anyone in the circumstances party activist who believes in the “gay agenda.” that our communities are in, they’ll say people pre-judge us. We have to work harder to basically do basic things. I have found that to Gays In State House Democratic candidate for Governor Mark Schauer with his running mate Lisa Brown. be the case with nearly everything I have done. Democrats seem guaranteed a win with the historically And I am willing to bet that your constituency Democratic house seat of the 35th goes through the same thing,” Bernstein said in an interview District, which covers Southfield Governor’s Race with BTL, which readers can find online at www.pridesource. where openly gay candidate, Jeremy com. Moss, seeks the House seat. He has led Running for governor, Democratic candidate Mark Schauer Southfield as a City Council member has been tied in many polls this October with incumbent Rick U.S Senate and if elected will be one of the youngest Snyder. In his first term as governor, Snyder has setback LGBT elected officials in Michigan’s history. initiatives and is the named defendant in Michigan’s same- Democratic candidate Gary Peters is running for the U.S. Running for the Democrats in the sex marriage equality case. Just this year Snyder allowed the Senate seat that will be vacated by Sen. Carl Levin, who has 60h House district of Kalamazoo passage of a “rape insurance” bill, adding an insurance clause served for 35 years. As one of two representatives from the and Kalamazoo Township is openly that requires women to purchase an added package if they state, Peters, if elected, will have a chance to influence policy Jeremy Moss gay candidate Jon Hoadley. The seat want an abortion, regardless of the circumstances that led to on the national stage. also appears a guaranteed win for the the pregnancy. Mark Schauer, on the other hand, would not In an interview with BTL he said, “I take great pride that Democrats, with Hoadley, CEO of the pursue anti-woman policies like “rape insurance” and has I’ve been in the leadership on issues that are important to political strategy firm Badlands, hoping vowed to dismiss the appeal of the DeBoer v Snyder decision the LGBT community. I was very active in the repeal of the to win the seat and keep west Michigan made in March by Federal Judge Friedman. He said he would military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. I served as a former moving forward towards equality. endorse and push for an amendment to the state’s civil rights Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve and Get out and vote Nov. 4. Visit www. act, which would include gender identity and sexual orientation served with many men and women who are very patriotic, and mivoterguide.com to see which candidates protections. I wasn’t concerned with what their sexual orientation was. In a September interview with BTL, Schauer said, “We To me, the most important thing was that they were patriots in your area BTL has endorsed, as well as the need to change our state in some pretty profound ways, and that wanted to serve their country. So I was very pleased that candidate endorsements from other groups the fact that our current governor continues – even after the DADT was repealed. Jon Hoadley from around the state. U.S. Supreme Court decision – to not recognize those 300 4 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com LGBT Guide To Elections Across the U.S.

BY LISA KEEN Massachusetts: Former state Senator Richard Tisei almost made history two his year’s election night is likely to be years ago when he narrowly missed an important one for the LGBT history 3becoming the first openly gay Republican to books: voters in Massachusetts are be elected to Congress. He’s back this year, Texpected to elect the nation’s first-ever openly seeking the same seat, and he’s holding onto gay state attorney general, and voters in Maine a slight lead in some polls. The Democratic could very well elect the nation’s first-ever incumbent was the surprising loser in the openly gay governor. Two candidates for September primary, so Tisei’s competition is Congress could well become the first openly Iraq War veteran Seth Moulton, the Democrat. gay Republicans elected to the U.S. House LGBT newspaper publisher Sue O’Connell is and, if they both succeed, they will join what backing Tisei; former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank will number as the largest ever contingent of is backing Moulton. Congress has had gay openly LGBT members of Congress — up Republicans before: Steve Gunderson and Jim from seven to as many as 12 if all newcomers Kolbe. If elected, Tisei would become the first are successful. openly gay Republican elected to Congress. Add to this mix a large number of openly LGBT candidates around the country for California: Carl DeMaio is the second various state and local offices. person vying to become the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress, but These are the top 10 races to keep an eye on 4his effort has lost traction – first, by failing nationally Nov. 4: to win the support of the LGBT community, and second, by being waylaid by a former Maine: U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud is campaign aide’s claim that DeMaio sexually holding onto a narrow lead over incumbent harassed him. (San Diego County prosecutors Republican Paul LePage and progressive announced just this week that they would 1independent Eliot Cutler in a race for the not be pressing charges.) DeMaio, a former governorship. If he’s successful, Michaud will member of the San Diego City Council, is up become the first ever openly gay person elected against incumbent Democrat Scott Peters who governor. Collectively, the latest polls (see has won endorsement from the Human Rights RealClearPolitics) show a virtual tie between Campaign. Congressional District 52 is said Michaud and LePage, with Cutler siphoning to be evenly split between Democrats and off 16 points. But interestingly, the latest poll Republicans. The latest poll, in early October, from Bangor Daily News showed Michaud showed DeMaio with a three-point lead. up by six points over LePage. (Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey came out as New York: First-term U.S. Rep. Sean gay in 2004 while governor, then promptly Patrick Maloney (D-NY18) is in a tough resigned.) Michaud came out as gay one year fight for re-election against a Republican ago in an op-ed, saying he didn’t want his 5opponent he beat two years ago. Maloney campaign for governor to be undermined by won his first-term by defeating incumbent “whisper campaigns.” Republican Nan Hayworth, who’s back for another round. Hayworth earned only a 71 Massachusetts: Attorney Maura Healey, rating from HRC in her one Congressional a first-time candidate, won a stunning term. victory in the September primary against 2a well-entrenched incumbent Democrat – even North Carolina: Openly gay “American pro-LGBT Governor Deval Patrick endorsed Idol” star Clay Aiken, a Democrat, the incumbent. But Healey trounced former is struggling to replace incumbent state Senator Warren Tolman by more than 24 6Republican U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, who points. She is largely expected to do the same represents the 2nd Congressional District in with the Republican Party’s nominee, John North Carolina and earned a zero rating from Miller. And, if successful, Healey will become HRC for two terms. Aiken has done well in the nation’s first openly gay person elected as fundraising from individuals, while Ellmers a state attorney general. She is best known has relied on party funding, but polls still show in the LGBT community for her work as Ellmers with a sizable lead. assistant attorney general on the Massachusetts challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, a Massachusetts: A former aide to the lawsuit complementary to one led by Gay & late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy is hoping Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. 7to become the nation’s first openly gay See LGBT Election USA, page 17

www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 5 BRIEF Federal Funding Awarded To Improve Outcomes For LGBT Youth In State

The Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH), the statewide leader on adolescent sexual health, has been awarded a three-year federal grant for their project called Building a Movement for Michigan Gay Straight Alliances (BAMM GSAs). This project will bring together otherwise isolated stakeholders across Michigan, all of which are experienced in improving health outcomes of LGBT youth, to increase the number and capacity of GSAs in the state. Awarded early last month through the Mobilization for Health: National Prevention Partnership Awards (NPPA) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), “The homosexual movement is an anti-freedom movement,” declared Stacy Swimp above, a right-wing advocate and minister in Flint and Jackson. MOASH has already begun its work with six committed Swimp is also a convicted felon. He spent time in Michigan’s prison system after being convicted in 1994 of assault with intent to murder. BTL photo: Todd Heywood partners including Equality Michigan, Southeast Michigan Chapter of GLSEN, GLSEN-West Michigan Chapter, Kent Intermediate School District, Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the Neutral Zone (NZ). Pastors Declare Challenge To Civil This year, BAMM GSAs will conduct a situational assessment of Michigan GSAs, hold the first annual statewide Working Summit on GSAs and create a Michigan-specific model program for organizational development of GSAs. In future years, in-person advising Rights For Michigan LGBT Community and technical assistance will be provided to GSAs across the state. “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to work with such BY TODD HEYWOOD Ouellette pointed to a legal case in he said he wouldn’t do it. outstanding partners on a project that will have a significant Houston, Texas. “I would defend their rights,” he said. LANSING – Pastors and Christian impact on the youth of Michigan,” said Shelly L. Hoffman, There, ministers involved in a coalition He asserted that a person discriminated leaders gathered on the steps of the state MOASH’s executive director. to repeal the city’s non-discrimination against for their sexual orientation or Capitol the morning of Oct. 22 to demand GSAs are youth organizations that provide safe space act have sued the city over their failed gender identity had remedy in the courts the state legislature refuse to amend for LGBT young people and improve school climate ballot initiative. The coalition failed to already. Michigan’s civil rights act to include the for all students. According to GLSEN’s 2011 Climate garner enough signatures to qualify for Shirkey was not alone in saying he LGBT community. Report, Michigan LGBT youth report being victimized the ballot. The group is suing because a was unaware of a single case of anti- “The homosexual movement is an and excluded, as well as sexually, verbally and physically city official gave preliminary approval gay or anti-transgender discrimination anti-freedom movement,” declared harassed at dramatically higher rates than youth that of the signatures but eventually found in Michigan. Many of the pastors stated Stacy Swimp, a right-wing advocate and do not identify as LGBT. Based on results from the there were not enough valid signatures the same thing from the podium. But minister in Flint and Jackson. Swimp is Michigan Youth Risk Behavior Survey, LGBT youth are to approve the ballot measure. As part a June 2013 report from the Michigan also a convicted felon. He spent time in much more likely than their non-LGBT peers to miss of the defense litigation, the city has Department of Civil Rights found the Michigan’s prison system after being school, be physically injured, feel depressed, consider or subpoenaed a bevy of documents from opposite. convicted in 1994 of assault with intent attempt suicide, use substances and engage in risky sexual ministers involved, including sermons “We do not believe that this report to murder. behavior. GSAs directly impact these factors by reducing and emails. The Houston Chronicle mandates particular conclusions must Swimp spoke to about 150 people engagement in risky behaviors and improving health reports city officials have chastised the be drawn on the merits of particular gathered on the steps of the Capitol outcomes through social support, group affirmations and outside law firm for seeking sermons, legislation; instead we assert that the building, including three sitting GOP advocacy for supportive policies. with Mayor Annise Parker saying it report conclusively establishes that lawmakers. The group formed in response Prior to MOASH’s BAMM GSAs program, no plan went too far. the economic implications of LGBT to public conversations about amending was in place to develop a statewide Michigan strategy, Ouellette failed to mention the ongoing inclusion/exclusion are real, they are Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights network or resource for the promotion, implementation or litigation, or the fact it was initiated by substantial, they are predictable and they Act to include sexual orientation and development of GSAs. BAMM GSAs has the potential members of the failed ballot initiative. must be a part of any informed policy gender identity and or expression as to become a transformational intervention that will But that didn’t stop him from saying discussion,” wrote Daniel Krichbaum, protected classes in the law. address structural deficits in the quality and accessibility sermons had never been taken by the executive director of MDCR, in his letter Pastor Tim Berlin of Warren told of services and resources for LGBT youth in Michigan. government, except in “Nazi Germany” introducing the report to Commissioners. the crowd that inclusion of the LGBT Those who wish to follow MOASH’s progress are and “Communist Russia.” And just last month, the Equal community in the civil rights act was “a directed to sign up for the MOASH e-newsletter and Rep. Mike Shirkey (R-Jackson) told Employment Opportunity Commission dangerous slippery slope to an unknown press releases and like MOASH’s Facebook page to stay Between The Lines that he has not seen filed suit against Detroit-based R.G. & destination.” informed on this exciting and groundbreaking program. any evidence that LGBT people have G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, Inc. for Bridgeport minister R.B. Ouellette been discriminated against in housing discriminating against a transgender said the group did not seek “to deny or employment. Asked how many cases Visit this website to find out more: www.moash.org. anyone their rights,” adding, “Our rights he would require to support adding the are being threatened.” LGBT community to the civil rights act, See Pastors, page 12 6 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ELECTION 2014 Revealing Bigotry: Taking On Gary Glenn A Battleground For State’s Direction In 98th House District

BY SUSAN HOROWITZ of voters in Bay and Midland counties who WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY AJ TRAGER believe marriage should remain legally defined as a union of one man and one woman. As In a Sept. 27 op-ed in the Detroit News, Americans, we’re all guaranteed equal rights conservative Republican columnist Nolan as individuals, not as part of any particular Finley raised serious concerns about three group. People are free to live their lives Republican candidates running for the state however they choose, but they don’t have the house Nov. 4. Todd Courser of Lapeer, Cindy right to redefine marriage or to force taxpayers Gamrat of Plainwell and Gary Glenn of to subsidize beliefs with which they disagree,” Midland – all correctly identified by Finley Glenn wrote. as a “A trio (who) seeks tea party tyranny.” Unfortunately, the reporter did not ask any Nolan describes Glenn and Courser as follow-up questions, which could have shed “extremely anti-gay and (who) would turn light on Glenn’s extensive anti-gay activities the Republican Party into a fundamentalist during the past 14 years. Glenn employed denomination of the Christian Church if given plenty of pejorative and prejudiced language the chance.” Finley warned that the trio’s of his own toward LGBT people. Researching narrow views on the Legislature could cripple Glenn’s history, one does not have to search the government and its ability to work across the Internet for long before statements made Democratic candidate for the 98th District state house seat, Joan Brausch, with LGBTQ Democratic Caucus the aisle to move the state forward. Their Chair Mark LaChey. LaChey has helped organize fundraising under the Gays Against Gary Glenn project, to help by him, about LGBT people, are found. agenda also includes killing any expansion Brausch defeat anti-gay candidate Gary Glenn. BTL file photo: AJ Trager of the Elliot-Larsen act to include LGBT protections. Sending A Message of, including the charge of being extremely suggested by others?” In an Oct. 21 article “Glenn answers On Oct. 22, Michigan Information and anti-gay. Glenn responded to MDN via “Such pejorative and prejudiced name- Detroit News column,” Midland Daily News Research Service (MIRS) writer Craig Mauger email. In question 5, Kennett wrote, “Are calling, whoever’s guilty of it, demonstrates reporter John Kennett asked Glenn to respond covered the candidates for Michigan’s 98th you a ‘homophobic bigot’ who hates gays as an attitude of intolerance toward the majority to a number of things Finley accused him See Glenn, page 12

www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 7

® Glenn promotes the work of its parent organization, say: “Homosexuality gave us Adolph Hitler, “Gary Glenn has a lengthy history of anti- which was labeled a hate group in 2005 by and homosexuals in the military gave us the LGBT advocacy across Michigan which Continued from p. 7 the Southern Poverty Law Center. SPLC Brown Shirts, the Nazi war machine and six cannot be disputed, even by him,” LaChey said the group is known for the “propagation million dead Jews.” said. “Whether that qualifies Gary Glenn as District House race. In an article titled, “LGBT of known falsehoods” and the “demonizing Fisher has called for an “underground an ‘homophobic bigot’ is a matter of personal Community Aims To Send ‘Message’ In Race propaganda” against LGBT people. Many railroad” to usher children away from lesbian opinion. But it bears noting that by focusing Against Glenn,” Mark LaChey, chair of the and gay parents and has compared his rebuke on marriage equality, Gary Glenn Michigan Democratic Party’s LGBT and making the criminalization of LGBT chose to ignore the broader and probably more Allies Caucus, discussed the commitment people with bans on murder, stealing, impactful issues of adding LGBT protections and fundraising effort supporting Democratic child molestation and prostitution. to Michigan’s non-discrimination and hate candidate Joan Brausch, through its Gays Glenn has denounced none of this crimes statutes. Both of which are generally Against Gary Glenn project. The long history screed. recognized as being acceptable to the majority of Glenn’s blatant public assault on LGBT Glenn has stated that he will of Michiganders, presumably including those Michiganders, which began in 2000 when “faithfully provide representation and residing in Midland and Bay Counties.” he resuscitated the Michigan chapter of the constituent service to all residents of On his Facebook page, Glenn warns American Family Association, is why Glenn the 98th District regardless of party Midland constituents that Brausch was a gets all the attention. affiliation,” but has been so active local spokesperson for the Occupy Wall Street Since taking the helm of the organization, in his public dislike of the LGBT Movement, a people powered movement Glenn has intentionally misrepresented the community that it is impossible to take that began in 2011 and fights back against LGBT community and used intimidation him at his word. big corporations, while being the voice for tactics with local city officials who were Many in the Midland community minimum wage workers. Glenn asked voters considering non-discrimination ordinances are worried about Glenn serving in the to “do their part” and make sure Brausch is protecting LGBT community members. Glenn Statehouse and the message it sends not elected into office: “Will complacency regularly threatened officials with retaliation about the region. In a letter to the editor, among Republicans, conservatives and TEA at the voting booth and offered funding of Jen Rapanos of Midland submitted Party activists allow Democrats to elect the any candidates that would run against the her thoughts to the Midland Daily local spokesperson for Occupy Wall Street LGBT community’s “agenda.” Glenn attended News, “...Glenn and the American as our next state representative for Bay and local city council meetings across the state, Family Association have continued Midland counties?” threatening them with ballot initiatives if to expand their efforts to condemn For her part, Brausch says she will not run city officials did not stop considering non- and insult individuals in the LGBT an attack campaign. In a Sept. 24 MLIVE discrimination ordinances protecting their community across Michigan while story she said, “I have no intention of attacking local LGBT community. Longtime anti-gay activist Gary Glenn is seeking election to the state house. actively working towards denying Gary. I’m going to spend my campaign telling their rights as human beings. Our people who I am. The purpose of the next eight Long Anti-Gay Crusade community is at a real crossroads – weeks is to let people know who I am and what the person who is elected to the state I’m about. And the things that I want to go to Glenn began his anti-gay crusade in the state of these falsehoods and pseudo-science can House this November will have far-reaching Lansing to do.” 14 years ago. In a press release from 2001 he be found documented in a Michigan AFA consequences. Do we sit idly by and allow a Funds being raised for Gays Against Gary wrote, “Under homosexual activists’ political Amicus brief filed in the DeBoer v Snyder person with an inflexible agenda of intolerance Glenn are being directed to Friends of Joan agenda, our children would face a future in case currently under review in the 6th Circuit change what our community has always Brausch. There are no plans to use the money which traditional marriage and families have Federal Court, where the state’s marriage exemplified? Regardless of what political to run negative ads about Glenn. been legally devalued, while state government equality ruling is expected shortly. Glenn party individuals align with, I am hopeful – despite the severe threat it poses to personal coauthored the Michigan Marriage Act of that Midland will send a strong message that Anyone interested in learning more about Joan and public health – not only legally endorses 2004, which was declared unconstitutional by nevertheless we are an inclusive community Brausch’s campaign should check out www. but uses our tax dollars to subsidize deadly U.S. Federal Judge Friedman in March. that supports all families, all children and all homosexual behavior.” Glenn also concurred with Peter Sprigg individuals!” brauschforhouse.com or www.facebook.com/ Much of what Glenn has said about LGBT of the SPLC hate group, Family Research Brauschforhouse. To learn more about Gary people is misleading and factually erroneous. Council, when Sprigg said homosexuality Glenn’s hateful pursuit of LGBT Michiganders Although social scientists have long disproven should be criminalized. Homophobic Bigot? simply search his name in Google where a lengthy the AFA information, Glenn has failed to The AFA bills itself as being on the front So is Gary Glenn a homophobic bigot? BTL list of articles can be found citing his promotion amend his message. lines of the culture war. The AFA Director has a hard time concluding otherwise. LaChey of misinformation, pseudoscience and downright As the president of Michigan AFA, he of Issues Analysis, Bryan Fisher, had this to offers these thoughts. disrespect of gay people.

® Pastors Continued from p. 6 appropriate business attire at work, consistent Baptist Church in Highland Park, said he “The right side of history is on the side with her gender identity as a woman. Two supports amending the state law. of equality and that’s where Michigan will employee in violation of federal law. weeks later, Harris’s owner fired Stephens, “It’s hard to fathom a world where ultimately be,” said Lonnie Scott, executive “Harris is a funeral home operator with telling her that what she was ‘proposing to do’ discrimination was once justified by religion director of Progress Michigan. “Through our locations in Detroit, Livonia and Garden was unacceptable.” and that’s the argument being used to justify own Department of Civil Rights, we know City. Amiee Stephens had been employed by And right in Shirkey’s own backyard, bigotry today,” he said in a press statement. discrimination against the LGBT community Harris as a Funeral Director/Embalmer since Julie Nemecek was terminated from her “My faith and my beliefs tell me to support not only exists, but that it’s pervasive. We October 2007 and had always adequately position at Spring Arbor University when LGBT protections that align with my values to also know that discrimination hurts our state performed the duties of that position,” the she transitioned. She sued the university in prevent discrimination, show compassion and and amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights federal agency explained in a press release federal court, but settled out of court for an allow all to live without judgment.” Act would make us more economically announcing the lawsuit. “In 2013, she gave undisclosed sum. Swimp said if the amendment is passed, competitive. Equality is not only a moral Harris a letter explaining she was undergoing The pastors’ message was not accepted by Christians will disobey the law. issue, it’s an economic issue. Michigan needs a gender transition from male to female, and all faith leaders in the state. Rev. D. Alexander “We must be ready to go to jail if we resist,” to become a welcoming state.” would soon start to present (e.g., dress) in Bullock, senior pastor at Greater St. Matthew he told those gathered.

12 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Report: LGBT Seniors Worry About Retirement

BY BTL STAFF

A new report released Oct. 6, “Out and Visible: The Experiences and Attitudes of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Older Adults, Ages, 45-75,” shows high concern among older LGBT people about their ability to fund and care for themselves in retirement. The study found that 42 percent of LGBT older people are “very or extremely concerned” One in three (32 percent) of LGBT older people is very or extremely concerned that they will outlive the about “being lonely and growing old alone,” as compared to 19 percent of money they have saved non-LGBT people. for retirement. Among heterosexuals, only 25 percent share such a 43 percent of LGBT older people who are concern, the report noted. single and 40 percent of LGBT older people in The report is based on a national survey their 60s and 70s say their healthcare providers of 1,857 LGBT people and 519 non-LGBT don’t know their sexual orientations. Two- people, conducted in March 2014 by Harris thirds of transgender adults (65 percent) in the Poll on behalf of SAGE. study feel that there will be limited access to “This study should compel healthcare and healthcare providers as they grow older. aging providers, as well as leaders in the public The study also shows that about one in three and private sectors, to create services, policies, (34 percent) LGBT older people lives alone products and institutions that are responsive (as compared to 21 percent of non-LGBT to a growing, underserved demographic,” said people), while 40 percent of LGBT older Michael Adams, executive director at SAGE, people say that their support networks have a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting become smaller over time (as compared to 27 LGBT older people. percent of non-LGBT older people). Of note, The report explores five key areas: African American LGBT adults are three times healthcare, finance and retirement, support as likely as white or hispanic LGBT adults to systems, housing and sources of information say that people from their churches or faith and was authored by Robert Espinoza, are part of their support systems (26 percent SAGE’s Senior Director for Public Policy and vs. 8 percent and 8 percent). Communications. “Given the tremendous aging of the Among its many findings, Out and Visible population, the report highlights many critical found that one in two (51 percent) LGBT aging related needs of LGBT adults that must older people is very or extremely concerned be a priority as we move forward serving about “having enough money to live on,” as these diverse communities. It is a must-read compared to 36 percent of non-LGBT people; for service providers and policy makers one in three (32 percent) of LGBT older people alike,” noted Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, PhD, is very or extremely concerned about “being Principal Investigator of the National Health, lonely and growing old alone,” as compared Aging and Sexuality Study, Caring and Aging to 19 percent of non-LGBT people. with Pride over Time and Professor at the “This new SAGE report sheds a much- University of Washington. needed spotlight on the ways in which aging in the LGBT community may bring with it unique Some Other Key Findings vulnerability and challenges both for LGBT seniors and those who care for them,” said Finance and Retirement: Forty-two Gary J. Gates, PhD, Williams Distinguished percent of LGBT older people are very or Scholar at the Williams Institute, UCLA extremely concerned that they will outlive School of Law. the money they have saved for retirement, as Regarding healthcare, the study shows that See LGBT Seniors, page 17 www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 13 Imagine! If You Can. Parting Glances

OPINION BY CHARLES ALEXANDER

bout a dozen days ago tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow – at my age how can I be sure? – I was gifted with a pair of John Lennon type glasses. Gold rimmed. Sunset orange. Autumn Atinted, to be sure. Reflected in my hand-held vanity mirror, these magic spectacles make me look and feel younger. (To be honest, not an easy thing to do at my gravity-compromised age.) The two-circle Lennon spectacles came rainbow wrapped. Gay tasteful in a box filled with “magic sequins and let’s pretend glitter.” Oh, yes! With a note. And, surprise of surprise! Written in cursive writing – rapidly becoming a lost art form – one word: “Imagine!” Underneath the sequins and glitter is a folded patchouli-scented parchment. A map. Headline: “Things Once Happened at Farmer & Bates. Midnight’s the bewitching moment. Follow! In or out of high heels or leather.” And, in small lavender hand lettering, “Count the years backward. Say, the magic word. Put on these glasses. For a minute or two, be glad you were gay way back when.” Let me be honest. I’m a born skeptic. I arrive 15 minutes early – promptness is the courtesy of kings (or queens) as the old saying goes – and I discover to my chagrin two empty, dimly lighted downtown city blocks. Farmer & Bates. Come on, MoTowners, you’ve got to be kidding! I stop counting backwards at 50, which it turns out, is just a few BTL Editorial seconds before midnight. Looking about for safety’s sake, seeing I’m not In this election, voter turnout will determine in harm’s way, I – with just a touch of coming out nervousness – put on BY JAN STEVENSON my Lennon specs, and ... Oh, my God. Mary, you’ve got to be kidding! Farmer & Bates is suddenly alive with hundreds of tourists eagerly everything. Strong voter turnout could result watching from behind street-lined wooden barricades. There are shouts of approval. Loud applause, as one by one, gaudy costume by glorious in a pro-LGBT state government in Michigan. costume, drag queen by drama queen arrives, turns, bows, pauses regally for yet another take of in-your-face grandeur. “You like what you see folks? You bet your sweet straight bippies you do!” chants Lola Lola, pausing grandly before the entrance of one of the intersecting streets of several gay clubs. “This year’s trade, To Vote Or Not To Vote. What’s The Question? next year’s competition!” She blows a kiss to the crowd as imaginary light bulbs flash. And out of nowhere, blue side of the moon perhaps, a recorded band lip-synchs “Hello, Dolly.” n Michigan, 976,000 people did not vote in 2010 countries where they can’t vote. Try that excuse in Russia Even in this imaginary, make believe world of once-a-year royalty who had voted in 2008. That’s like almost a million where Putin has launched a reign of terror against LGBT on parade, there’s got to be a star. Just to be sure it’s all for real, I push for all you math whizzes! Just because it wasn’t a people. (By the way, has anyone else noticed that Gary Ipresidential election and Obama wasn’t on the ballot, Glenn could win a Putin look-a-like contest?) my Lennon glasses back on my nose. Oh, my. Yes! Of course, it’s Hazel Hobbs arriving by top-down, 1960-something red convertible. Her Michigan voters stayed home, did their hair, wrote their gown, a year in sewing. Sequin by sequin. She radiates class! And chic. memoirs – whatever was more important that day than Lame Excuse #2 – I don’t know who Her muscular Prince Charming holds up a sign. QUEEN OF exercising their right to vote. FARMER & BATES. The crowd – straight and gay – roars its once- If you are one of those that didn’t vote in 2010, we’re to vote for: a-year allied approval. not here to judge (what were you thinking???). We just Gotcha covered on that one. BTL’s 2014 online Voter I look at my self-winding watch. How quickly time runs down when want you to take this opportunity to redeem yourself and Guide has all your answers. Just go to www.MiVoterGuide. you’re having fun. Or so it seems tonight. Just as I reluctantly turn to do the smart, cool thing by voting this time. com, enter your zip code and your complete ballot will go, a parade passes by. Somehow gathered for my imagined benefit. To help all those hapless voters out there, BTL did an appear. It will show you which candidates are endorsed I’m gently touched. Perhaps one final farewell with feeling. They wave in-depth study to discover the reasons/excuses why a by BTL and by other LGBT, pro-choice, environmental in gaily passing ... I nod ... voter might sit out this election. Let’s look at the top five: and labor groups. We also show you which candidates are ... Big Red, Jean, Eve, Rusty, The Empress, Miss Bruce, Tall Dick, endorsed by anti-LGBT groups. All you need to know is Virgil, Tabu, Rita Hayworth, Fran, Flo, Uncle Jimmy, Little Mama, Lame Excuse #1 – It doesn’t matter your zip code – and if you don’t know that, then, well, Mack, Drano, Sky, Eve Taylor, Che Che, Fran and Wally, Bookie, Fat we give up. (No computer access: we have included our Jack, Bessie, Billie Hill. Rosie Bonham, Andy, Sam, Chunga, Bobby if I vote or not: 20-page printed version of the Voter Guide in this issue Johns, Billy & Maurice, Ruthie Ellis ... Hugs! So long! Godspeed! Tell that to the millions of people who fought and died of BTL! Use and pass it on...) Glitter and be gay! for the right to vote here and the millions more who live in See BTL Editorial, next page [email protected] 14 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ® BTL Editorial Lame Excuse #5 – Voting Continued from p. 14 makes me nervous; it feels like the SAT test: My personal school tragedy phobia stems Lame Excuse #3 – I’m busy from elementary school picture day. Can we that day: talk? Voting is the easiest test you’ll ever take. Vote absentee. It is really easy. Just Just fill in the little ovals next to the person’s download the absentee ballot application name. You’ll be OK. No one is going to at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/ grade you or yell at you for cheating off your AbsentVoterBallot_105377_7.pdf. Check neighbor’s test. You get an automatic A+ just the box that says you’ll be away the day of for voting! voting – nobody is going to check if you’re really home or not. Mail it to your city clerk’s In this election, voter turnout will determine office and they will send you a ballot. You can everything. Strong voter turnout could result do the whole thing without leaving your La- in a pro-LGBT state government in Michigan. Z-Boy. This Saturday, Nov. 1, is the last day If millions don’t bother, then we’ll probably you can apply for one. get a bunch of scary, right-wing maniacs in office who want to make it really hard to be LGBT in our state. Lame Excuse #4 – I hate If you are one of the almost million that politics and the ads drive didn’t vote in the last off-year election, and we still haven’t convinced you to vote this time, me nuts: then call one of our BTL voter counselors. OK – we’ll give you that. The ads are Clearly you just need a good yelling at! annoying and the negativity is boring. But life is like that. You have to take drivers’ education And please remember to direct all equality to get a license. You have to file your taxes. minded friends, family and co–workers to You have to call your mom at least once a mivoterguide.com! week. Buck up and vote anyway.

www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 15 Federal Gov. To Recognize Same-Sex Steve King OPINION BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI Married Couples In Six More States In the latest development the Administration to ensure that bans on same-sex marriage were don’t believe in God. But I tattoo (yes, even if it’s that one part of following the Supreme Court’s all applicable federal benefits are unconstitutional, but subsequent have a good enough handle on Corinthians) and working on Sunday. decision earlier this month to extended to those couples as soon developments created confusion his discography to know that Another thing that’s frowned upon: decline to hear any pending cases as possible. We will not delay about the status of those marriages. I“Heaven” is one of his greatest slander. And Lord knows (because regarding same-sex marriage, U.S. in fulfilling our responsibility Based on the Attorney General’s hits and that he’s gonna find out who’s naughty Attorney General Eric Holder to afford every eligible couple, announcement, however, for his fans and nice) King has said more than his announced Oct. 25 that the federal whether same-sex or opposite-sex, those couples married during Heaven is a fair share of shitty things about gays government will now recognize the full rights and responsibilities that period will now have their B.F.D. in his lifetime. (Note: he’s been Creep same-sex married couples in six to which they are entitled.” unions recognized by the federal So when of the Week many times over the new states: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Holder’s announcement means government. U.S. Rep. years.) Not to mention he’s not very North Carolina, West Virginia and couples married in these states “The steady progress toward Steve King fond of Muslims or immigrants or Wyoming, stretching the number will now qualify for a range of LGBT equality we’ve seen – and (R-Iowa) ladies who want reproductive rights of states where same-sex marriages federal benefits, including those celebrated – is important and told The or anyone who uses critical thinking are federally recognized to 32 and administered by the Social Security historic. But there remain too Jefferson skills. He is no fan. the District of Columbia. Administration and Department of many places in this country where Herald on Still, it doesn’t hurt my feelings that Last week, Holder issued the Veterans Affairs. men and women cannot visit their Steve King Oct. 22 that he thinks I’m hell-bound. I already following statement with respect “With each new state where partners in the hospital, or be he thinks know I’m not going to Heaven. Or to seven other states – Colorado, same-sex marriages are legally recognized as the rightful parents homos aren’t going to Heaven, some to Neverland, or the Island of Sodor, Indiana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Utah, recognized, our nation moves of their own adopted children; people were bound to get upset. for that matter. Virginia and Wisconsin: closer to achieving of full equality where people can be discriminated The remarks were in response to But you don’t have to even believe “We will not delay in fulfilling for all Americans,” Holder said. against just because they are gay. some rumblings that the Catholic in God (and yes, Mr. King, even our responsibility to afford every “We are acting as quickly as Challenges to marriage restrictions Church was all of a sudden some LGBT folks do), to find such eligible couple, whether same-sex possible with agencies throughout are still being actively litigated proclaiming that gays are OK-ish a declaration dickish – and definitely or opposite-sex, the full rights and the government to ensure that in courts across the country. And arrogant. responsibilities to which they are same-sex married couples in these while federal appeals courts have “Let me say entitled. With their long-awaited states receive the fullest array of so far been unanimous in finding While it’s easy to laugh off King’s comments it isn’t up to unions, we are slowly drawing benefits allowable under federal that bans on same-sex marriage are me to pass that as the ramblings of a zealot, the man is an closer to full equality for lesbian, law.” unconstitutional, if a disagreement judgment,” King gay, bisexual and transgender In addition, the Attorney does arise, the Supreme Court elected representative, which means he has told the Herald, Americans nationwide. I am General also announced that may address the question head- “and those who pleased to announce that the federal the Department of Justice has on. If that happens, the Justice actual power that he can use for evil. So when choose a lifestyle government will recognize the determined it can legally recognize Department is prepared to file that I’ll say is he says gays aren’t worthy of heaven, is it any same-sex marriages now taking marriages performed in Indiana a brief consistent with its past not one that’s place in the affected states, and I and Wisconsin this past June. support for marriage equality,” surprise that he also doesn’t think gays are anointed and have directed lawyers here at the These marriages were performed Holder issued in a press release favored by my worthy of anti-discrimination laws? Of marriage Department of Justice to work with immediately after federal district last week. faith – or their our colleagues at agencies across courts ruled that those states’ equality? Of protection from violence? faith, for that matter – that’s between them and God.” Reminder: Michigan Marriage ‘Decision Day’ (full disclosure: the Catholic Church Note to King: when you say that is saying no such thing). gays go to hell, you’re passing “I’ll just say that what was a sin judgment. And if you really believed Gatherings To Be Held Throughout State 2,000 years ago is a sin today,” that things for people you disapprove King said, “and people that were of were “between them and God,” A reminder as LGBT Michiganders await a ruling FLINT: Location TBD condemned to hell 2,000 years ago, you’d never have made the hell from the 6th Circuit, that Michigan For Marriage GRAND RAPIDS: St. John’s UCC, 1934 Bridge St. NW I don’t expect to meet them should I comment to begin with. (www.michiganformarriage.org) has called for KALAMAZOO: Bell’s Brewery, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. make it to heaven. So let’s stick with Here’s the thing. While it’s easy citizens across the state to join together on the day LANSING: Sir Pizza, 201 E. Grand River that principle.” to laugh off King’s comments as the the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals issues a ruling in the Mind you, King is talking not ramblings of a zealot, the man is an MARQUETTE: Location TBD Michigan marriage case, Snyder v DeBoer. just about homos there, he’s also elected representative, which means Mt.PLEASANT: UU of Central Michigan, All locations will gather at 5:30 p.m. in cities talking, according to the Herald, he has actual power that he can use 319 S. University Ave. including Allegan, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Ferndale, about “people who are divorced for evil. So when he says gays aren’t PLAINWELL: Biggby Otsego, 1307 E. M–89 Flint, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette or living together without being worthy of heaven, is it any surprise SAGINAW: Location TBD and Saginaw. The following locations have been married.” Because “lest ye be judged” that he also doesn’t think gays are identified as gathering places: TRAVERSE CITY: Cass and Washington Streets, and all that. worthy of anti-discrimination laws? Legion Park But back to “that principle” that Of marriage equality? Of protection ANN ARBOR: Jim Toy Community Center, if it was so 2,000 years ago, it is so from violence? Of course not. 319 Braun Ct. today. There are plenty of no-no’s in He’s just another bigot hiding Learn more at www.michiganformarriage.org the Bible like mixing fabric, trimming behind religion and the God he claims DETROIT: Location TBD your beard (proof that hipsters are to believe in so hard also just happens FERNDALE: Affirmations Community Center, some of the most devout among to hate all the same people he does. 290 W. Nine Mile Road us), touching dead rabbits, getting a How convenient.

16 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ® LGBT Seniors Continued from p. 13 Among its many findings, compared to 25 percent of non-LGBT people, Out and Visible found that and 44 percent of LGBT older people are very or extremely concerned that they will have to one in two (51 percent) work well beyond retirement age in order to have enough money to live on, as compared to LGBT older people is very or 26 percent of non-LGBT people. While most LGBT older people age 60 and older report being retired (70 percent), many of those who extremely concerned about are not retired anticipate working, on average, until age 69. Moreover, half of all single LGBT “having enough money to older people believe that they will have to work well beyond retirement age. live on,” as compared to 36 Housing: One in eight (13 percent) of percent of non-LGBT people. LGBT adults and one in four (25 percent) of transgender adults say that they have been discriminated against when searching for as their primary sources of information on housing on the basis of their sexual orientations aging. LGBT older women are more likely or gender identities, respectively. Forty-four than non-LGBT older women to look to percent of LGBT older adults are very or government sources for information on aging extremely interested in living in an affordable (26 percent vs. 15 percent), while LGBT older LGBT-friendly housing development at some men are three times as likely as non-LGBT point in the future. older men to rely on social media (11 percent vs. 4 percent). Sources of Information: Both LGBT and non-LBGT older people are most likely to rely on the internet (40 percent vs. 38 percent) and To download the full report, visit http://sageusa. family and friends (40 percent vs. 40 percent) org/resources/outandvisible.cfm.

closed a 28-point lead by Gibson in September ® LGBT Elections USA to 10 points as of Oct. 19. Continued from p. 5 California: Former State Senator Sheila person elected as a state lieutenant governor. Kuehl is in a tight race against Bobby Kerrigan has paid his dues through much work Shriver, a nephew of the late President 9Kennedy, for the District 3 seat on the in both the public sector and the Democratic Party. He’s currently president of the powerful Los Angeles County Board. Despite Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, a group her long history with the LGBT community, that serves the families of servicemembers Kuehl is struggling to keep up with Shriver, who have died in action. But his fate and who has raised twice the cash she has and his campaign signs are tied closely to that of won the backing of gay media mogul David Democratic gubernatorial candidate Martha Geffen. But she did win the most votes in Coakley, who is struggling to overcome a the June primary. And if elected to highly-funded Republican bid for the so-called the seat, she would become the first “corner office.” openly gay person to serve on the 0 Board. New York: Sean Eldridge is making an uphill climb to become a member Washington, D.C.: Popular openly of the LGBT Congressional Caucus gay D.C. Councilman David Catania is 8representing New York’s Hudson Valley mounting a strong campaign to become 1the capitol city’s first openly gay mayor. district (No. 19). His opponent is two-term Republican Chris Gibson. Eldridge, the Catania has been haunted somewhat by spouse of Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, the fact that he was a Republican in the has been criticized repeatedly for using the heavily Democratic city. But he switched couple’s personal wealth to fund his campaign, to independent 10 years ago after a long- while little mention is made that Gibson’s standing dispute with the Republicans over campaign depends primarily on finance, their anti-gay policies. Catania has earned a insurance and investment entities. Eldridge is, good reputation in his 17 years on the council, of course, pro-gay marriage; Gibson supports but his effort may be hurt by the independent only civil unions, claiming that marriage is a campaign of another former Republican religious institution. He earned a 76 rating council member, Carol Schwartz. And both from HRC in the last Congressional session Catania and Schwartz are up against the and a zero in his first term. The Eldridge camp African American Democrat Muriel Bowser, released a poll Tuesday showing that he had who won the endorsement of the local gay Democratic club. www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 17 Smoking: A Critical Health Issue For LGBT Michiganders

before the age of 18 and nearly every participant reported a desire to quit BODY & FITNESS ‘Hands Off Our or have attempted quitting during their smoking history. tobacco companies continually target Body, Love This Cigarette smoking is the leading LGBT communities by donating cause of preventable disease and to LGBT causes and offer an death in the United States, according undisclosed amount of financial And Smoke’ to the U.S. Department of Health support to LGBT festivals, bars, and Human Services. The American media and local organizations. BY AJ TRAGER Lung Association reports that gay Smoking has often been used as and bisexual men are 27 to 71 a way to deal with stress, especially A recent study by Affirmations percent more likely than their for lower income families and Community Center and the straight counterparts to be tobacco people with mental health problems. Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian users and lesbian and bisexual Smoking is a quick and easy way to Resource Center, funded by the women are 70 to 350 percent more take the edge off. But health concerns Michigan Department of Community likely than their straight counterparts with the inhalant are substantial. Health (MDCH), facilitated eight to use tobacco. There is tightness in the chest, loss focus groups with LGBT-identified of a sense of smell and effects on the individuals that helps shed light metabolism. Micro abrasions in the on tobacco use within the LGBT Health esophagus can also occur as well a community. “Lung cancer is 33 percent of provide as a trigger for depressive The study looked at three main every cancer out there. If smoking episodes or emotions. objectives: behavior and attitudes disappeared from this planet, 33 “Studies suggest LGBT people regarding tobacco use, tobacco percent of cancer would disappear have a higher risk for cardiovascular use cessation and awareness of as well. And it has more relationship disease and diabetes because of tobacco use campaigns and media with diabetes, surgeon generals higher tobacco use and stress. Stress messages. Participants were asked report. Who knows, as we research alone has so many immunological to evaluate the effectiveness of ads The anti-smoking character “CiggyButtz” stands where all other cigarettes must – outside of more, what we might find out,” the nonsmoking San Francisco LGBT Community Center. The Center received an award effects on the body because of from the Truth Campaign, CDC said Director of LGBT HealthLink for leadership in rejecting tobacco industry funding during the opening of the California endocrine risks. LGBT youth take Tips from Former Smokers and and an Adjunct Assistant Clinical LBGT Tobacco Education Partnership. longer to smoke, but they take to The Bill DeFrank LGBT Center and Professor at Boston University it for longer once they start. It’s the LGBT Center Orange County, School of Public Health, Dr. Scout. related to minority stress. They both based in California. Echoing LGBT HealthLink: Network one third of LGBT people smoke 68 percent higher than the general national findings, most participants for Health Equity 2013 shows that cigarettes. That rate is nationally population. But simultaneously the in this study initiated tobacco use See Smoking, page 24 ‘Trans Girl Next Door’ Documents Artist’s Transition

BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS including the happiness at being feeling like 14, sometimes called pretty and the immediate 44, but “never my actual BODY & FITNESS Online comics have existed fear when she’s forgotten to take age,” went to CalArts and roughly as long as the internet, and her hormones. She decided to studied Character Animation. multimedia and other user’s blog as a result of more freedom and start sharing her comics primarily In addition to her penchant entries. “I’m super bad with social accessibility to different groups because she enjoys sharing in for sharing her thoughts, Wu media, websites, tech,” Wu notes. of people, comics can now cater general, particularly if it’s a funny was inspired to make comics “Tumblr is very easy to use for me.” to everything from sexual fetishes story. “I like to talk a lot and share by the ease of reading short Though the majority of her to video game culture. This comes my opinions, so this is just another pieces. “I really like reading comics often include comedic as fortunate news for those who way of doing so,” Wu shares. “The those short and funny web takes on her transition process, discover Kylie Wu’s “Trans Girl fact that I didn’t know about my comics on the inter-web, so such as her girlfriends and even Next Door,” a comic documenting gender identity for so long, and I think they all inspired me. her mother asking for hormones Wu’s own experiences as a the way I kind of found out about And also my undiagnosed in attempts to grow their breasts, transwoman. Transwomen and it, they were all just so funny (but I’m pretty sure I have Wu edges into more serious cis women alike have expressed and interesting to me, so I kind Kylie Wu it) ADHD makes me draw topics. For instance, one comic gratitude at finding a comic that of just went, ‘You guys wouldn’t my comics really short,” she documents the unfortunate shares their experiences, with raves believe what had happened!’ to the laughs. reality of revealing her status to filling the comic’s Facebook page internet.” Washington D.C. metro area in Tumblr, the social networking people on dating sites, depicting along with hundreds of shares on Wu, who grew up in southern her teens, currently resides in site, operates with “microblogs” caricatures of the types of guy the comic’s Tumblr page. China (“Man, I miss the food!” southern California. The 24 year perfect for sharing Wu’s comics. she and other transwomen meet, In the online serial, Wu depicts she exclaims) and moved to the old artist, who admits to sometimes The site allows users to “reblog” the highs and lows of transition, See Comic, page 25

18 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 19 Healthcare Coverage Round Two ACA: Second Enrollment Period Approaches BY AJ TRAGER fits their budget. “It’s a non-partisan, non-profit BODY & FITNESS The second round of open enrollment program. With that said, we know that for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the ACA is used as a political football of 2015. Michiganders can currently about to begin in Michigan, and the for deliberate information to be put out sign up for coverage, but those plans campaign “Get Covered America” is there by people who have an interest will expire at the turn of the calendar working hard to get the word out to the in doing that,” Shawn Dhanak, the year. The Medicaid program, “Healthy LGBT community and the statewide communications lead for the Michigan Michigan,” has been expanded and a constituency at large. team, said. significant amount of money has been Erin Knott, the Michigan state director When Knott started this journey last awarded to community health centers of Get Covered America, was born for health insurance to be issued to and raised in Chelsea and came the homeless. out as a lesbian when she was “We are working with those health just 12 years old. Approaching 40, centers, we are helping to enroll the Western Michigan University he second round of open people. These are very critical graduate of criminology worked resources that serve the community,” in crime prevention post-college, enrollment for the Affordable Care Act Knott said. “Field staff and volunteers looked into public safety and worked T are going to soup kitchens and food for community development by (ACA) is about to begin in Michigan, pantries all in an effort to reach as organizing funding resources for and the campaign “Get Covered many people as possible.” neighborhoods across the state. After In a 2014 Gallup-Healthways the marriage amendment of 2004, America” is working hard to get the Well-Being Index Poll, LGBT people Knott backed out of community were anywhere from 8 to 10 percent development work. She has since word out to the LGBT community and more likely to be uninsured or gotten involved in Get Covered the statewide constituency at large. lack a personal doctor than their America, leading the Michigan team straight counterparts. They also of roughly 4,000 staff and volunteers experienced more hurdles accessing who connect with the state at large. health insurance and resources. “Folks have “We are aware been elated, that the LGBT because now individuals they don’t have have long to juggle rent faced barriers and pills to treat for obtaining diabetes,” Knott health care. said. “They We know that aren’t having to the community cut the dosage faces higher in half. They rates of non aren’t worried insurance and about it as much. discrimination Folks we are in the healthcare connecting with system,” Knott are enjoying the pointed out. “I fact that they know several have coverage, lesbian women and for the fist who have not time in many, many years, they can go to summer with Dhanak, the ACA was sought out health screenings because the doctor and get a prescription.” the law of the land and she thought that of that stigma or the fear of being Since October of 2013, 385,000 the narrative should focus on consumer discriminated against. I have tried to train Michiganders have received medical benefits and not the political atmosphere staff and volunteers in LGBT history health care coverage through the that was weighing down the ACA and the experience among the LGBT Medicare program and 272,000 under conversation. Since it was law, it was community by raising awareness when the ACA. Two years later there are now time to make it work for the consumer. working with folks.” fifteen different insurance companies that She focused on raising awareness for Get Covered America has partnered offer plans at different levels of coverage. deadlines, focused on talking to people with the LGBT agencies across the The marketplace is a one-stop shop who thought they were one accident state, including KGLRC, Affirmations, portal that helps to increase competition away from not having any insurance and CARES and One Royal Oak to kick off because consumers can now pick side- worked to inform the uninsured. the awareness campaign and get LGBT by-side comparisons that best fit their The second enrollment period starts lifestyle and shop for the plan that best on Nov. 15 and will run until February See ACA, page 25

20 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 21 Cervical Cancer Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Millions of Americans endure the pain Survey Seeks of chronic inflammation, and even when Natural Extracts BODY & FITNESS pain is not apparent, millions more run the Mainstream medicine offers drugs that Lesbian And risk of serious diseases triggered by chronic typically target a single aspect of acute into your routine, even if that just means a daily inflammation. inflammatory pain, and aren’t typically suitable walk. And inflammation is one more reason “Almost all chronic diseases – from arthritis for long-term use due to substantial side to quit a cigarette habit or avoid secondhand Bisexual Women to heart disease to diabetes to Alzheimer’s effects. Scientists, however, have identified exposure, as it can be a response to smoking, disease – have one thing in common: three compounds – curcumin, ginger and according to Harvard Medical School’s Family destructive, unchecked inflammation,” says Michael Johnson, a PhD student at turmeric oil – that inhibit multiple underlying Health Guide. Dr. Michael A. Smith, host of “Healthy Talk” Medical University of South Carolina, is factors behind inflammation, safely reducing Certain foods can promote inflammation. on RadioMD.com and senior health scientist seeking input from lesbian and bisexual both chronic pain and long-term disease risk. Shy away from too many highly processed with Life Extension in Fort Lauderdale, women on a study involving cervical “Numerous studies have confirmed that by foods such as white breads and pasta, and Florida. “Certain lifestyle measures and the use cancer and screenings. Johnson, who’s targeting inflammatory origins, these natural foods high in saturated fat, sugar and trans fat. of particular supplements, however, can help been involved with LGBT advocacy extracts reduce the symptoms, risk profiles and You don’t need to sacrifice flavor, however, by manage and reduce chronic inflammation.” and research for a number of years, will mediating factors of arthritis, cardiovascular loading up on herbs and spices. They are not According to Smith, here’s what everyone attempt to use the information from the disease, cancer and other diseases. And some only a low-calorie way to flavor your food; should know: study to improve healthcare services of these effects are observable in a matter of certain varieties even have anti-inflammatory and programs for lesbian and bisexual weeks,” says Smith. properties. women, specifically related to cervical Testing While you can find these compounds in More information about reducing your cancer screening services. Participants certain foods, scientists have discovered risk for chronic inflammation can be found at can help by taking a quick survey at An annual blood test for C-reactive protein a novel way to deliver almost seven times www.lef.org/curcumin or by calling the toll- www.CrushCervicalCancer.com or by can detect potentially high levels of systemic as much of these three extracts to your free number 1-855-820-9479. scheduling a photo interview with Johnson inflammation that may be boosting your risk bloodstream through supplementation. To dramatically minimize cellular aging my calling him at 702-301-1874. Women of a host of age-related diseases. If your and risk for lethal age-related diseases, many will be compensated for their time. Any C-reactive protein level is over 1.0 milligrams Healthy Habits doctors and medical experts urge taking action further questions or comments can be per liter (1.0 mg/L), this likely indicates you now to reduce chronic inflammation. emailed to [email protected]. have inflammatory activity occurring in your Even light physical activity has proven body and may be at increased risk for any benefits to reducing inflammation, according number of serious medical conditions – the to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease This article from Sitepoint. higher this number the greater the risk. Control and Prevention. Incorporate exercise MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC MICHIGAN PRIDE SOURCE MIC HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG HIG WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM/DIRECTORY.HTML WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM/DIRECTORY.HTM L WWW.PRIDE S NPIESO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE SO U PRIDE AN SO U PRIDE AN PRIDE S SO U PRIDE AN PR I PR I PR I DE DE DE SO U S SO U S SO U S SO U S O O O O O O O O O U U U U U U U U U RC R RC R RC RCE R RC R RC RCE R RC RCE R RC R RC RCE R RC E.C E E E E E E E E O M/ DIRE C TO RY.HTM L

22 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 23 demographics are using their products most. Earlier this year Scout trained staff at ® Smoking The tobacco industry spends $40 million per Changing The Conversation National Jewish Health, the vendor that runs Continued from p. 18 day exporting its advertisement legacy. And “The first thing I always say is you have the Michigan Tobacco Quit Line. Scout and Scout says that up to 60 percent of legislators to collect the data. The next step is to do it staff at Affirmations and MDCH have worked use tobacco as a coping mechanism,” said are taking tobacco money. So why isn’t there routinely for the state surveillance work,” to assess the cultural competency of the Quit Program Coordinator for National LGBT effective prevention legislation? Scout said. “What we know right now is Line over the past year and found that the Cancer Network, Michael Bare. “When people “They have targeted us. It has been a that the information still shows that smoking vendor does in fact use the best national talk about cancer, they talk about it in a care little more covert recently. They have ways rates are incredibly high. They are so high practices in collecting sexual orientation and continuum: prevention, screening, diagnoses, of advertising in our magazines. Their that smoking disparities are going to rise for gender identity information in counseling treatment and end of life treatments.” marketing has become quieter because they decades to come.” LGBT populations. Affirmations has led the Smoking is a socially transmitted disease. capture their information in a gay bar, scan Michigan is doing the data collection, but it push in the state to advance tobacco prevention Individuals with family members that drivers licenses and then you get things sent is now up to the residents to continue to make programs for LGBT communities by educating smoke are significantly more likely to begin to your house. A lot of advertisements are the progress. Scout suggests coming together state legislators on the need for more funding, smoking at some point in their lifetime. tailored and costumed,” Scout said. to train “tobacco quit lines” to be LGBT promoting the Quit Line and producing studies Smoking at bars and night clubs is also a The Michigan study found that tobacco friendly and to have custom advertising on like the one conducted last year. big part of what gets people interested in the campaigns were seen as more effective when the street, funding disparity networks to work In the upcoming years the center will make drug; they see a group interacting and want presented by counterculture or insiders of on continuing outreach and teach youth that simple media and tobacco sensation ads to be a part. Smoking has been proven to be the LGBT community and was extended to smoking is not a healthy life choice. based off of recommendations of the focus an easy social conversation starter. musical acts or celebrity figures that were “The more our state puts resources towards groups, disseminate the study’s findings to the “We find that lots of people are smoking considered to be part of counterculture. Anti- this, the more we will understand this is a community and policy makers and continue to and pass it along to the next generation. If smoking messages from LGBT identified huge burden for us. For HIV, the money connect people to tobacco cessation resources. you are a smoker, try not to smoke with artists and performers such as Tegan and has come down in a lot of different ways. “We’re excited and hopeful as we move other people. Give your community a gift,” Sara and RuPaul had a powerful impact. Tobacco should be just as robust. The type into an era were people have more and more Scout said. “You can have the young queer Participants in the study were less receptive of programming we see in every one of our access to healthcare and individuals have the people smoking and they say ‘It seems fine, to ads sponsored by governmental agencies organizations, we should be seeing ads all support that they need to quit. It gets us a lot what is the issue? Of course we know it’s and more receptive to ads sponsored by over the place. We should see that this is a big a farther than a picture of a tracheotomy on a freaking toxic.’” LGBT organizations. They were also more issue,” Scout said. pack of cigarettes,” said Lydia Ahlum Hanson, entranced by ads that reflected the diversity It isn’t about vilifying smokers; they are the health and wellness manager at Affirmations. of the LGBT community and portrayed ones who need the most support. Trying to Call the local quit line at 800-784-8669. A coaching Targets For The individuals in healthy and empowering quit tobacco is extremely difficult. It requires program is available over the phone through the Tobacco Industry environments. Highly sexualized images a lot of community support sometimes to were seen as ineffective and offensive and help someone get out of the cycle and break Michigan Tobacco Quitline which will provide a Tobacco companies and cancer departments participants asked for a focus on morbidity the habit. quit guide and materials to help quit smoking. look at national surveys to see which rather than morality. Visit the website at https://michigan.quitlogix.org/.

24 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com who enrolled in the last term received consumers. ® ACA financial assistance, and since then, The U.S. Department of Human Continued from p. 20 more opportunities have been added for Services found in August that the the coverage of transgender health care. price for the silver plan for the average New patient protections have been consumer was just $85, which brought people the health care that they need. The added such as lifetime limits on the cost of coverage down substantially campaign has been at a number of pride coverage, staging out annual limits and and has made the coverage affordable events and has been active in the LGBT forgiveness of preexisting conditions, for consumers. Despite the huge success community meet-ups and professional which guarantees coverage for HIV of the first open enrollment, there are networks that convene on a monthly positive individuals even if they lose still roughly one million uninsured basis to connect with people. their jobs. Michiganders. The first open enrollment period In September, Get Covered America “If you have a life changing garnered 272,000 Michiganders who partnered with Michigan House circumstance, don’t make assumptions; now receive health insurance. This is Representatives Adam Zemke of Ann go to healthcare.gov or call 800-318- now the time to renew one’s health Arbor and Phil Phelps of Genesee to 2596 and talk to the support staff,” Knott insurance policy. That could be as easy as lead the outreach effort and target more said. “We want to help consumers know getting a note and sending it back, or as demographics in the state. In the past that this is the law and that there are many Knott suggests, visiting the marketplace year, the campaign has worked with consumer protections and tax credits that to see what kinds of new plans are U.S. Rep. John Dingell and U.S. Rep. make ACA affordable for consumers available. Up to 87 percent of those Sandy Levin to amplify the message to across the state.”

® Comic Continued from p. 18 such as “the guy who sees you only as a fetish” and “the guy who wants to date you on the sly.” “I think I like to throw in some serious topics, such as transgender rights, in my comics from time to time,” she notes. “I want to make animation shorts as well, but that would take up a good chunk of time, and right now I need to focus my time on doing work and finding work to pay rent first.” Both serious and funny comics resonate with her audience, and Wu has found them equally beneficial to herself. “People send me messages and tell me my comics have helped them a lot, which is literally the best thing in transgirlnextdoor.tumblr.com the world. However, they don’t realize that making these comics and putting them out there has also been a very therapeutic thing for me too. I wasn’t People send me messages and tell me my comics have expecting this therapeutic experience helped them a lot, which is literally the best thing in the world. for myself. So I’d say my life has “ changed, in a sense that I don’t feel so However, they don’t realize that by making these comics and putting alone anymore, and there are people out there who get my sense of humor,” she them out there has also been a very therapeutic thing for me too. shares. “I’d like to take this opportunity I wasn’t expecting this therapeutic experience for myself and thank all my readers for their super sweet words and love and support. I love you guys!” - Kylie Wu The warm reception to her comics ” has spurred Wu to make a variety hand and read it, like when I’m in the thing they know, ‘Woop, Bam,’ they of plans for both her comic and her bathroom or something.” understand us and support us.” own future endeavors. “I really want She’s also interested in doing to release an actual comic book next collaborations and focusing on making “Trans Girl Next Door” can be read on year, collecting all the comics I’ve more art (like comics, animation and made since the start of my transition illustrations) to raise awareness of the Tumblr at www.transgirlnextdoor.tumblr. till a year later, and adding some new transgender community and the LGBT com and on Facebook at www.facebook. and fresh ones in there,” says Wu. “I’m community as a whole. “I want people com/transgirlnextdoor. Kylie Wu’s online kind of old school that way; I like to to look at my silly drawings and get portfolio and blog can be viewed at www. physically hold a comic book in my disarmed by them,” she says. “The next kyliesummerwu.blogspot.com. www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 25 Photo: HBO Lisa Kudrow On Valerie’s Return, ‘Romy And Michele’ & ‘Superhuman’ Gays

BY CHRIS AZZOPARDI Lisa, you don’t know how tempting it is to say “The Comeback” first came out, I think that I’ve been asking myself that too – not cause “hello” three times to you right now. How often gay men were the only ones who were like, it’s a mystery, but I wonder why. I was en years without our favorite cupcake- do people quote Valerie in your presence? And “Yes. I understand. I get it. It’s great, and I watching “Will & Grace” once and there wearing gonzo, Valerie Cherish, is 10 how often are they gay men? understand.” (Laughs) was this hilarious episode where Karen’s at years too long. But the wait’s over. You T You know, those are the people I care a theater and she throws her flask and it hits were heard. (Laughs) Frequently and frequently. You about the most – the people who really loved someone in the head, and there’s this joke A decade after “The Comeback” first know who the next group is after gay men? the show. That was my only fear after it was that gay men wouldn’t care because, “Eh, all premiered, the hilariously cringe-y HBO College students. all done. Doing it, writing it, shooting it, it in a day.” (Laughs) Getting, like, smacked trailblazer that lasted just one season in 2005 Are you surprised by that? was, “Yeah, this is right, this is right.” Then with something is “all in a day.” So I wonder – and starred Lisa Kudrow as Val, a D-lister afterwards, “Uh oh, what if it’s not?” if that’s what it is – because Valerie gets, you reaching for (everything underneath) the I was surprised… until I got used to it! But know, humiliated – or humiliates herself – all stars – returns to the network Nov. 9 with it’s fantastic. That’s really thrilling, and then When it comes to Valerie Cherish, what is it the time. And it’s like, “Yeah, well, that’s the the “Friends” actress back as our beloved it struck me: “Well, of course! They grew up about her exactly that we gay men are so drawn with ‘Housewives’ of everywhere, and people world.” hot mess. to? humiliating themselves on reality TV.” When The other thing that I love about Valerie is,

26 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com “All right, someone said something not nice, on celebrity culture and age and gender but you know what, can’t use that. Got this discrimination. When it comes to ageism in other thing I gotta do.” She just ignores that the industry – the fact that there are so many that happened and keeps going. talented older actresses not getting starring roles – what do you hope “The Comeback” That’s what it is too: She perseveres. accomplishes in spotlighting that issue? Completely perseveres! You can agree with her goal or not, but she’s got it and nothing I don’t know what to say about that. It’s is getting in her way. There’s something something that just is. I think it’s gonna admirable about that; there just is. Except, be a much longer process. I’m really not a you know, she’s willing to put up with a lot. revolutionary-type personality, you know what I mean? I’m not the activist type, When was it first apparent to you that gays were but mmm, my god. I’m really bad at this – on board with “The Comeback”? Did you know communicating this stuff. But we still… we instantly? still… (Laughs) Women still have a different place in our society, and it’s changing slowly Yeah, pretty much. (“The Comeback” co- but it’s still real slow. Because we’re so creator) Michael Patrick King said, “You interested in the male audience more than the understand how this will go: First it’s gonna female audience, the requirement for women be the gays, then the women, then everyone in entertainment is that she turn men on. That else.” really hasn’t changed much. RuPaul makes a cameo in the pilot episode… That’s particularly the focus of the third episode I know. Oh my god – so good! when – spoiler alert – you simulate oral sex on This means that Valerie could appear as a guest Seth Rogen. judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” right? Right! And then you have the two You know, I’ve been asked to, but I don’t (completely naked) girls standing there for know how Valerie works on a talk show or as an uncomfortably long time. a judge. I don’t know. I’m thinking about it. Did it feel uncomfortable for you on set? I’m trying to figure out how it works. I don’t Well, the girls seemed OK. But, you wanna say no! know, (it’s) always just about making sure And you obviously shouldn’t. All I’m saying is that everyone’s being treated with respect, right? I see many opportunities for you to say, “Note to Have you ever experienced the ageism that Val self: I don’t need to see that!” experiences in your own career? Roles you didn’t (Laughs) But she could say all kinds of – I get because of your age? don’t know what we’re allowed to (say on Not that I know of. I don’t know how to put “Drag Race”). I mean, she’s indelicate and it, but one of my biggest failings is that I gets things wrong and, you know, I don’t accept things the way they are, and then I just know how offensive she’s gonna be. try to adapt. I think it’s incredible people who Valerie is surrounded by gays, and so much say, “No, no. It doesn’t have to be this way, of your career has been gay adjacent. You did though.” It’s like, “Oh. Well, wow.” “Happy Endings.” You turned Meryl Streep into a Have you worked with someone like Valerie gay conversion therapist for “Web Therapy.” And Cherish? then, of course, there’s “The Comeback.” Are Yes! These people exist. There were people you as immersed in the gay community as your who were like, “Oh, I think I know who this career would lead us to believe? is,” and the answer is, “You don’t know who Yes and no. The people I work with are gay. this is, because this isn’t one person.” I don’t know who I’m going to offend by leaving them out, but I need to say that I think Did you have anyone in mind when you created gay men are superior beings in my mind. I do the character? believe that. No, not one person, because it’s an amalgam of people – men and women. I would love to hear why. It’s all so tricky. I studied biology and the What do you have in common with Val? brains are anatomically different. They Well, a lot. I think I do have a thing where, if just are. There’s a stronger connection with something negative is happening and it’s not the corpus callosum (in gay men). The two serving me, then I’m really not gonna let it sides of the brain communicate better than a in and address it because I gotta keep going. straight man’s, and I think that has to be really If something’s happening that’s negative, important. They’re not women – they’re still I try to think, “What’s OK about this?” so men – and women also have thicker corpus that I don’t get distracted by having to do callosums, so I think it’s the combination something about that. of those qualities that makes them like a superhuman to me. Which is exactly a Val characteristic. Right. And then it’s just exaggerated and Even more apparent during this season of “The Comeback” is the inherent commentary See Comeback, page 28 www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 27 Photo: HBO

that’s when things are finally OK – when ® Comeback everyone’s allowed to have flaws depicted in Continued from p. 27 entertainment. Mira Sorvino recently brought up a sequel to heightened in her. “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.” What Could you ever imagine turning your own life into are your thoughts on one, and do you think it’ll a reality show? happen at this point? No. (Laughs) The closest I came was doing I have no idea. Robin Schiff wrote and an episode of “Who Do You Think You Are?” produced “Romy and Michele,” and we all did get together years ago with a great idea: Do you watch reality shows? Are you a fan at all? “Romy and Michele Get Married.” And I do watch them. They’re so fascinating to yeah, Disney wasn’t interested in it at the me. I like “Top Chef,” “Project Runway” – time. Now, I don’t know what it would be. still like that. I watch “America’s Next Top My worry is, you know, wouldn’t it involve Model.” And then I watch the “Housewives.” plastic surgery? (Laughs) I watch certain “Housewives” of places. With a sequel like “Romy and Michele Get I am fascinated with the level of criticism young people can handle. I could not have Married,” does that mean they end up being handled it. I think I would’ve shriveled up lesbian lovers because of the pact they made to in a ball, so on one level I really admire the marry each other in the original? Teflon part of them that’s able to say, “OK. No, they’re not, but that’s always the other Thank you. Good note.” I constantly try to meaning. Because that’s the relationship. work against that judgmental part of me, That is the relationship. But I think by now and it’s not (easy), especially when it’s the it’d have to be “Romy and Michele Get judgmental part that gives you your sense of Divorced… Again.” humor. In the spirit of the meta show a la “The And all this is research for “The Comeback,” of Comeback,” if you could play a version of course. yourself playing Phoebe from “Friends” years Well, yeah, I can’t really say that. (Laughs) later, what would that character be like? It’s not research, but I am fascinated. I also Well, I did play a version of myself playing do have this other theory that, thanks to those Phoebe. (Laughs) Phoebe is a version of “Housewives,” we finally do have a point of myself. Valerie’s a version. And Fiona Wallice reference for how women behave. We need (of “Web Therapy”) is a version. And, well, to. It can’t just be reasonable, good behavior, Michele Weinberger is not a version, I have to because that’s how we depict the downtrodden say. I don’t know. I have a feeling if Phoebe so that no one thinks we’re sexist or racist, had to be revisited, she’d be closer to me. so you end up with all of these subgroups in our society that have to be dull. They’re Why do you say that? not allowed to have any flaws, otherwise I don’t know about you, but I don’t wanna see whoever wrote (that depiction) is accused a woman my age saying “floopy,” trying to be of having bad feelings about them. To me, cute. No, uh-uh. It’s too Baby Jane.

28 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ‘Motown The Musical’ Comes To Motown The City

BY MARTIN F. KOHN

The gala opening night of “Motown the Musical” at the Fisher Theatre found Berry Gordy, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and other luminaries watching themselves being portrayed onstage. Afterwards all three spoke to the audience, and Wonder even sang a bit of “I Wish.” It was a thrill for first-nighters, a once- Puzzle solution on pg. 34 in-a-lifetime experience. But what about second- nighters, third-nighters and everyone else who catches the touring version of Gordy’s autobiographical musical (still running on Broadway)? Well, prepare to be wowed by reincarnations of the Clifton Oliver as Berry Gordy abd Allison Semmes as Diana Ross Motown the Musical First National Tour. Photo: Temptations, Smokey Broadway in Detroit Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Jackie REVIEW show ran three hours on opening night, Wilson, Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, largely because a long intermission Martha and the Vandellas and ohmigod, Motown the Musical allowed all the VIPs to mingle. A young Reed L. Shannon as 10-year-old Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., more likely running time would be two Michael Jackson fronting the Jackson Detroit hours, 45 minutes. 5 in their prime. (Note: Shannon Performs Tuesday-Sunday through Nov. The songs aren’t the only stars. alternates with Leon Outlaw, Jr., no 16: Clifton Oliver is charismatic as doubt similarly impressive.) 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (no Gordy, and unlike the man himself, Essentially, “Motown the Musical” is performance Friday, Oct. 31) “Motown’s” Gordy sings. Allison a corporate history with a soundtrack. 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday Semmes captures young Diana Ross in But what a soundtrack! Come to think 7:30 p.m. Sunday voice and affect. Nicholas Christopher of it, what a corporate history: In 1959 is spot-on as Smokey Robinson, as is 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 Detroit songwriter Berry Gordy Jr. Rashad Naylor in a brief turn as Jackie borrows $800 from his family to launch Open Captioned performance on Wilson. Fine, too, are Elijah Ahmad Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. his own record company in a house he Lewis as Stevie Wonder and Jaran calls Hitsville USA and more or less 3 hours Muse as Marvin Gaye. changes history. $39-95 A large ensemble does topnotch Gordy literally changes history 313-872-1000 work as an assortment of performers. in “Motown the Musical,” implying www.broadwayindetroit.com Director Charles Randolph-Wright (he that the assassination of Dr. Martin also directed the show on Broadway) Luther King Jr. led to the Detroit oversees a striking re-creation of the riots (the riots took place in 1967, the golden age of Motown, with spot-on assassination in 1968). it to his marriages, or hers. vintage choreography by Patricia As a playwright, Gordy is a helluva But hey, this is Gordy’s story, as told Wilcox and Warren Adams; clean, songwriter. Character development is by Gordy in a show produced by Gordy clear and not earsplitting sound by minimal. In terms of story, his accounts (and Kevin McCollum and Doug Peter Hylenski (thank you, thank you, of his work with artists like Smokey Morris), and he could have called it thank you; Motown was never about Robinson, the Supremes and Marvin “Song of Myself” if he’d felt like it and volume), dazzling costumes by Esosa Gaye are intriguing, while other artists if Walt Whitman hadn’t stolen the title. and snappy scenic design by David like Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5 Not that it matters a whole lot. Korins, and complementary, protean get a few sentences but plenty of time Great Motown music is the star of lighting by Natasha Katz. to perform, and still others – among the show: “My Girl,” “My Guy,” If you missed the glory days of them, the Temptations, Gladys Knight, “ABC,” “What’s Going On,” “Ball Motown or want to relive them, now the Four Tops – receive time to perform of Confusion,” “Baby Love,” “Shop you can, and in a theater a 10-minute but no story. Much of the narrative Around”…the program lists almost 60, walk from where it all happened. is devoted to Gordy’s long romantic and many are necessarily performed in Chances like these don’t come along relationship with Diana Ross, none of condensed versions or fragments. The very often. www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 29 making agreements, accountability and building community connections. Tickets: $5-35. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Goaffirmations.org Family & Friends 7 p. m. Topics vary Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. What To Do 7:30 p. m. A FREE, ongoing, from month to month. This is a gathering OUTINGS jimtoycenter.org two-part series designed to help of people who have family or friends participants learn to understand, identify who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, Thursday, Oct. 30 Drag Queen Addictions 10:30 and address adolescent alcohol/other transgender, or who are questioning p. m. LaBelle and Aretha Franklin drug problems. Dawn Farm, 5305 Elliot their sexual orientation or gender 2014 MPAW-MAACO Animal Welfare impersonator April Summers brings identity. Join us as we offer support, Conference The Great Lakes Region’s Dr., Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. info@ her big personality to the stage as dawnfarm.org Dawnfarm.org share our experiences, and learn about premier educational and networking she introduces a lineup of drag stars. the issues impacting the LGBTQ and event for animal sheltering and 18+. Inuendo Nightclub, Corner of allied community. The Jewish Gay veterinary professionals, animal control Nevada St. and Southbound I-75, Wednesday, Nov. 5 Network of Michigan (JGN), 6600 W. agencies, rescue groups and individuals Detroit. https:// facebook.com/inuendo. 67th Annual Humanitarian Tribute Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248- interested in saving more animal lives. nightclub?rf=118209121607517 Luncheon 12 p. m. Honorees: Linda D. 432-5661. Jgnmi.org Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare, 6800 E. Soaring Eagle Blvd., Mt. Pleasant. Mpaw.org Friday, Oct. 31 Wellness Clinic New center offers spaying, neutering and more. Tail Waggers 1990, 28402 Five Mile Road, Do a downward dog or a warrior pose every Livonia. Tailwaggers1990.org Saturday with Just B Yoga’s LGBTQ-friendly Womyn’s Film Night 7 p. m. Film: classes. The Lansing-based yoga studio is Molly’s Girl - When emotionally volatile Molly meets Mercedes, a gay rights donation based and community driven, meaning activist, a one-night stand leads them they take only donations as forms of payment. down an unexpected path Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- Just B Yoga’s mission statement notes that they 398-7105. Goaffirmations.org/ represent, “diversity of shape, size, age, race, Saturday, Nov. 1 sexual orientation, gender identification and/or LGBTQ-Friendly Yoga Class Just expression, and is committed to making programs B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. accessible and affordable to all.” The inclusive yoga studio – which also offers salsa dancing – Justbyoga.com also follows a sustainable practice that is environmentally friendly. The Night of The Day of The Dead Show! 9 p. m. 18+. Cover: $6. Static The LGBTQ-friendly yoga classes are offered every Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Just B Yoga is located Network, 2932 Caniff, Hamtramck. 313-874-0909. [email protected] at 106 Island Ave., Lansing. For more information, visit www.justbyoga.com. Paycheckslounge.com Sunday, Nov. 2 Michigan Atheists Meeting 2 p. m. Forte, Terry A. Barclay, ALPACT. Tickets: Red Robot 7 p. m. Ageplay group. Every Please join us at our Sunday Gathering Monday, Nov. 3 $150+. Michigan Roundtable, 1777 first Thursday. Jim Toy Community in our private room for friendship, food, Center Open - Drop In 7 p. m. Jim Third St., Detroit. 313-870-1500, ext. 1. Center, 319 Braun Court, Ann Arbor. announcements and reports. Michigan Toy Community Center, 319 Braun Miroundtable.org 734-995-9867. Jimtoycenter.org Atheists, 39550 Ann Arbor Road, Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. Plymouth Township. 734-459-0880. Jimtoycenter.org HIV Testing 6 p. m. Free. Affirmations, Michiganatheists.org 290 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 248- MUSIC & MORE 398-7105. http:// goaffirmations.org/ Regardless Of (Narcotics Anonymous Tuesday, Nov. 4 events/event_details. asp?id=430531 Classical Meeting) 7 p. m. This is a closed Aff Action Night 6 p. m. Educating Detroit Symphony Orchestra meeting for addicts or those who think others about how to make Michigan Thursday, Nov. 6 “Beethoven’s Fifth”. Max M. Fisher they might have a drug problem. This an equality state. Pizza provided for Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., may be a Common Needs meeting, but volunteers. Affirmations, 290 W. Nine Raising the Steaks: Dining Out at Detroit. Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. 313-576-5111. any addict seeking recovery is welcome! Mile Road, Ferndale. 248-398-7105. Logan’s Roadhouse 4 p. m. Support Dso.org The time has come that any addict goaffirmations.org Affirmations by dining out at any of seven locations in metro-Detroit every seeking recovery in the Washtenaw Lansing Symphony Orchestra Because We Are Worth It (Sex Addicts First Thursday. Affirmations, Various. area can find it. The more diverse the “MasterWorks 3: Choral Fantasy” Guest Anonymous LGBTQ Meeting) 6:30 Goaffirmations.org fellowship, the more members we are Conductor: Dr. David Rayl. Wharton able to reach! The goal is to make the p. m. Jim Toy Community Center, 319 Relationship Skills Class 6 p. m. Center for the Performing Arts, Michigan message of recovery available to all so Braun Court, Ann Arbor. 734-995-9867. A series for LGBTQ people and their State University, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. 8 p. m. Nov. 1. 800-WHARTON. Whartoncenter.com Concerts Royal Oak Music Theatre Cranbrook Art Museum’s annual event, Crandemonium, “Amon Amarth” With Sabaton and comes to the museum this weekend. This year’s event bills Skeletonwitch. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak. Oct. 31. itself as “An Evening Where Anything Is Possible.” 248-399-2980. Royaloakmusictheatre. Many amazing experiences can be expected at this year’s com event; last year’s evening involved a fire performer, aerial The Acorn Theater “Karen Mason”. The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., yoga and roller derby girls. All proceeds from the event Three Oaks. 8 p. m. Nov. 1. 269-756- will benefit the museum’s education programs, which 3879. Acorntheater.com work to bring Cranbrook’s innovation and creativity to local The Ark “Luke Winslow King” Tickets: $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann undeserved areas. Arbor. 8 p. m. Nov. 3. 734-761-1800. Crandemonium will begin at 7 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 1 at Theark.org Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield The Ark “Michael McDermott” Tickets: $0-15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Hills. Ticket options range from $125 to $3,500 for a table of six. For more information, call 248-645- Arbor. 8 p. m. Oct. 30. 734-761-1800. 3579 or visit www.cranbrookart.edu/museum/crandemonium.html. Theark.org The Ark “Susan Werner” Tickets: $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 7:30 friends and loved ones. Topics include: p. m. Nov. 2. 734-761-1800. Theark.org that any addict can come to NA and feel jimtoycenter.org exploring personal and cultural that they too belong in this fellowship! The Ark “The Verve Pipe” Tickets: $25. Teens Using Drugs: What to Know and relationships, values, arguments and Jim Toy Community Center, 319 Braun The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 8 p. m.

30 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com Nov. 1. 734-761-1800. Theark.org E. Nine Mile, Ferndale. Oct. 4 - Feb. birminghamvillageplayers.com 7. 248-547-6001. Facebook.com/ The Magic Bag “David Bazan & The FerndalePublicLibrary The Addams Family $10-15. Center Passenger String Quartet” Tickets: Stage Jackson at Baughman Theatre at $20+. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Flint Institute of Arts “Call of Duty Potter Center on the campus of Jackson Ave., Ferndale. Nov. 5. 248-544-3030. Ghosts: 2v2 Tournament” Tickets: $20. College, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Themagicbag.com Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley Through Nov. 2. centerstagejackson.org St., Flint. 6 p. m. Oct. 30. 810-234-1695. The Whiting “Senegal St. Joseph Flintarts.org The Frog Prince and The Truly Gospel Choir” Tickets: $20. The Whiting, Remarkable Puss-in-Boots $5-7. All- 1241 E. Kearsley St., Flint. 7 p. m. Nov. of-us Express Children’s Theatre at East 1. 810-237-7333. Thewhiting.com Shows Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Berman Center for the Performing Abbot Road, East Lansing. Nov. 7 - 15. The Whiting “Black Violin” Classically Arts “Chita Rivera with Seth Rudetsky” 517-333-2580 ext. 0. cityofeastlansing. trained violinists Wilner “Wil B” Baptiste Tickets: $60-65. Berman Center for the com/allofus and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road, present a fresh fusion of classical music, West Bloomfield. 7 p. m. Nov. 2. 248- Twelfth Night $11-22. Ann Arbor Civic rock, R&B, pop and hip-hop with their 661-1900. Theberman.org= Theatre at Walgreens Drama Center at band BLACK VIOLIN. The Whiting, 1241 Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave, E. Kearsley St., Flint. 7:30 p. m. Oct. 30. Ann Arbor. Oct. 30 - Nov. 2. 734-971- 810-237-8689. Thewhiting.com THEATER 2228. a2ct.org Dance Civic/Community Theater College/University Theater Detroit Opera House “Giselle” Houston Blithe Spirit $8-15. Riverwalk Theatre, A Room With a View $5-15. Lansing Ballet. Detroit Opera House, 1526 228 Museum Dr., Lansing. Through Nov. Community College Performing Arts at Broadway St., Detroit. Nov. 1 - Nov. 2. 2. 517-482-5700. Riverwalktheatre.com Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., 313-237-SING. Motopera.org Lansing. Nov. 7 - 16. 517-483-1488. lcc. BUG $15. Monster Box Theatre, edu/showinfo Wharton Center “Eisenhower Dance: 2529 Elizabeth Lake Road, Waterford. The Light Show” Tickets: $15-20. Through Oct. 31. 248-872-7344. Cymbeline $5-20. The University Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, monsterboxtheatre.com/ Theatre at Williams Theatre located Michigan State University, 750 E. Shaw inside The Gilmour Theatre Complex, Lane, East Lansing. 7:30 p. m. Oct. 30. Haunted Theatre: 2730 $5-8. Matrix 2200 Auditorium Dr., Kalamazoo. 800-WHARTON. Whartoncenter.com Teen Company at Matrix Theatre Through Nov. 2. 269-387-6222. Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. Oct. 30 - Wmutheatre.com Other 31. 313-967-0999. matrixtheatre.org Farmington Players “Musical Theater Other Desert Cities $18-22. Professional Master Class Workshop with Seth Stagecrafters at Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. 9 x Nourished $12-16. Flint Youth Rudetsky” Tickets: $25+. Farmington Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak. Oct. 31 - Nov. Theatre at Flint Farmers’ Market, 300 E. Players Barn Theatre, 32332 W. 12 Mile 16. 248-541-6430. stagecrafters.org First St., Flint. Through Nov. 2. 810-237- Road, Farmington Hills. 12 p. m. Nov. 2. Parade $15-18. Peppermint Creek 1530. flintyouththeatre.org 248-473-1856. Farmingtonplayers.org Theatre Company at Miller Performing Alice $30-75. Nerve at Drayton Avenue Ferndale Public Library “Start HERE Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, Lansing. Presbyterian Church, 2441 Pinecrest Dr., Saturdays” Start HERE Saturdays will Nov. 6 - 16. peppermintcreek.org Ferndale. Through Oct. 31. 248-506- be hosted at the Ferndale Public Library Songs for a New World $20. 4335. http://gonerve.com after-hours on the first Saturday of the Birmingham Village Players, 34660 Annapurna $12-42. The Purple Rose month. Two local bands each playing Woodward Ave., Birmingham. a full set of music for an all-ages Through Nov. 9. 248-644-2075. See Happenings, page 33 audience. Ferndale Public Library, 222

www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 31 Cool Cities Cris Williamson Headlines Lansing Women In The Arts Festival

BY SHELBY CLARK PETKUS releases of all time. With her 30-plus storytelling. full albums of music, Williamson – once The festival also offers a huge artist The 29th Annual Women in the Arts described as “hearing honey dripped on a market, hosting 30 booths of women- Festival brings its two-day community cello” by Bonnie Raitt – will bring songs created and -inspired art. Local works festival to East Lansing this November. from her 2013 release “Pray Tell: Songs and services for sale include paintings, Known for its celebration of regional of the Soul.” She’ll also host a Saturday photography, jewelry, clothing, sculpture, women artists, the event will run Nov. workshop. pottery, knitted items, edible treats, 14-15 and feature iconic songwriter Cris Other workshops, held throughout books, music and even massages. The Williamson. Williamson will perform the day beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, market will run from 5:30-9:30 p.m. on at 8 p.m. on the Friday Night Stage, include “Abolishing Negative Self-Talk Friday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday. in addition to hosting a workshop on and Creating Self-Love,” “Out of the An open mic, delicious food from Saturday. Box and Into the Moment; One Family’s the Sistrum Cafe, film screenings and Williamson has been influential in the Journey,” “Introduction to Shamanism: a silent auction round out the festival indie music scene since her first album in Path of Empowerment and Healing,” roster of events. 1975, “The Changer and the Changed.” and more. The 29th Annual Women in the She recorded the album on her own Other performers include songwriter Arts Festival will begin at 5 p.m. on YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Olivia Records, the first woman-owned, Abigail Stauffer, all-girl string band Friday, Nov. 14 and 9 a.m. Nov. 15, woman-focused recording company. As Nobody’s Darlin, Sistrum: Lansing with stage performances running from Pinpoint your ad dollars where a result of the former schoolteacher’s Women’s Chorus and a story hour. The 1-6 p.m. The festival will be held at they will do the most good . . . musical contributions, the genre of story hour, billed as “personal herstory Edgewood United Church, 469 N. “women’s music” was born. “The that has never been so entertaining,” Hagadorn, East Lansing. Tickets range Advertise in the next Cool Cities Changer and the Changed” is currently features Laurie Hollinger, Tari Muniz from $5-20. For more information, visit TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 still one of the best-selling independent and their friends sharing off-the-cuff www.witafestival.com.

32 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com ® Happenings 2727. farmersalleytheatre.com Continued from p. 31 Turtle Island $5-10. PuppetART at Detroit Puppet Theater, 25 E. Grand Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea. River Ave., Detroit. Nov. 1 - 30. 313- Through Dec. 20. 734-433-7673. 961-7777. puppetart.org purplerosetheatre.org Cool Cities White People $15. Puzzle Piece Are You There God? It’s Me, Carrie Theatre at The Abreact Performance $10-20. The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Space, 1301 W. Lafayette #113, Lansing Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Through Nov. Detroit. Through Nov. 9. puzzlestage. 3. 248-545-5545. theringwald.com org Boogah and Hoogah $7.50-20. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD • YOUR MARKET Children’s Theatre of Michigan at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 ART ‘N’ AROUND Madison Ave., Detroit. 4 p.m. Nov. 2. Cranbrook Art Museum “Cranbrook Pinpoint your ad dollars where 313-887-8500. musichall.org Goes to the Movies: Films and Their Objects, 1925-1975”. Cranbrook Art they will do the most good . . . Buzz $17-20; $75 Black Tie Event Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., on Nov. 15. Detroit Repertory Theatre, Bloomfield Hills. June 21 - Feb. 28. Advertise in the next Cool Cities 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. 877-462-7262. Cranbrookart.edu Nov. 6 - Dec. 28. 313-868-1347. TO PLACE AN AD CALL 734.293.7200 detroitreptheatre.com Detroit Institute of Arts “Guest of Honor: Monet’s Waterlily Pond, Green Camelot $54-59. Macomb Center for Harmony”. Detroit Institute of Arts, the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Oct. 1 - Road, Clinton Township. Nov. 1 - 2. 586- Jan. 4. 313-833-7900. Dia.org 286-2222. macombcenter.com Flint Institute of Arts “Labyrinth” ComedySportz Michigan Actors Studio, The circuitous life of a miniaturist. Flint 648 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. 877- Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St., 636-3320. comedysportzdetroit.com Flint. Nov. 1 - Jan. 4. 810-234-1695. Flintarts.org Driving Miss Daisy $30. Performance Network Theatre at City Theatre, 2301 James Pearson Duffy Department Woodward Ave., Detroit. Oct. 31 - Nov. 2. of Art and Art History “Menagerie, 313-471-6611. olympiaentertainment.com or Artwork Not About Love”. Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, 480 W. Hancock, Detroit. Enter Laughing $41-48. The Jewish Oct. 24 - Dec. 12. 313-577-2423. Ensemble Theatre Company at Aaron Wayne.edu DeRoy Theatre on the campus of the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. MDGS “The Michigan Depression Maple Road., West Bloomfield. Through Glass Society 42nd Annual Show” Nov. 16. 248-788-2900. jettheatre.org Featuring nearly two-dozen dealers. Will also offer glass repair. Free Girls Night: The Musical $38. parking. Donation: $5. Ford Community City Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Detroit. Nov. 6 - 9. 313-471-6611. Michigan Ave., Dearborn. Nov. 1 - Nov. olympiaentertainment.com 2. Michigandepressionglass.com Harry the Dirty Dog $10. Flint Youth Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley St., Michigan State University Museum “Evolution in Action” New exhibit Flint. 7 p.m. Nov. 7. 810-237-1530. explores evolution of biological flintyouththeatre.org systems and technologies - evolution Motown the Musical $39-95. Fisher in living things, and also in computers Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. and engineering. A new exhibit, Through Nov. 16. 313-872-1000. “50,000” reveals an ongoing broadwayindetroit.com experiment where scientists have observed bacteria growing, competing, Nunsense Jamboree $8-15. Thunder and evolving for 50,000 generations Bay Theatre, 400 N. Second Avenue, in only 23 years. Michigan State Alpena. Oct. 30 - Nov. 16. 989-354- University Museum, 409 W. Circle 2267. thunderbaytheatre.com Drive, East Lansing. Aug. 4 - Dec. 31. Once $30+. Broadway Grand 517-355-7474. museum.msu.edu Rapids at DeVos Performance Michigan State University Museum Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NE, Grand “Michigan and the Civil War” Exhibit Rapids. Nov. 4 - 9. 1-800-745-3000. highlights Michigan connections in the broadwaygrandrapids.com Civil War. Michigan State University Romeo and Juliet $10-31. Hilberry Museum, 409 W. Circle Dr., East Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave., Detroit. Lansing. Aug. 4 - Dec. 31. 517-355- Through Dec. 13. 313-577-2972. 7474. museum.msu.edu finearts.wayne.edu MOCAD “Detroit City: Detroit Sister Act $35-58. Miller Affinities” Detroit: Affinities, Speaks Auditorium, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., and Stages. Museum of Contemporary Kalamazoo. Nov. 1. 269-387-2300. Art Detroit, 4454 Woodward Ave., millerauditorium.com Detroit. Sep. 12 - Jan. 31. 313-832- 6622. Mocadetroit.org Superposition $22. University Musical Society at Power Center for MSU Museum “Turtles in Trouble”. the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St., Michigan State University Museum, Ann Arbor. Oct. 31 - Nov. 1. 734-764- 409 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing. Oct. 2538. ums.org 21 - Nov. 9. 517-355-7474. Museum. msu.edu Swingtime $43-59. Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Saugatuck Center for the Arts Road, Clinton Township. 7:30 p.m. Nov. “Being, Belonging, Becoming” Tickets: 8. 586-286-2222. macombcenter.com $7. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. 10 a. m. Nov. 1. The Crucible $12-15. Great Escape 269-857-2399. Sc4a.org Stage Company, 155 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall. Through Nov. 2. 269-781- South Oakland Art Association 2700. greatescapestagecompany.com (SOAA) “Valerie Allen”. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 814 N. The Dogman Prophecies $10. Planet Campbell Road, Royal Oak. 7 p. m. Nov. Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. 3. Sooaklandart.com Oct. 31 - Nov. 8. 313-365-4948. Planetant.com The Scarab Club “Annual Photography Exhibition”. The Scarab The Tiger Who Came to Tea $15. Club, 217 Farnsworth, Detroit. Oct. 16 Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers - Nov. 22. 313-831-1250. Scarabclub. Alley, Kalamazoo. Nov. 1 - 9. 269-343- org

www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 33 23 Doug Mattis, for one 4 Playwright Jean Q Puzzle 24 Shape differently 5 Communicated manually 26 Cucumber wasted on the 6 Three-men-in-a-tub event kitchen? 7 Stick it in milk Family Affair 29 More silly 8 Lorca’s guy 31 Nemesis of Peter Pan 9 Passed (out) 35 Birch of Indiana 10 “Desperate Housewives,” 37 It goes on top in a trattoria for one 38 20-Across character who 11 Blood clots can cause them recently came out 12 Bonheur’s revolt 41 More frigid 13 Package carrier 42 Farm erection 21 Leather community, e.g. 43 Dog in “The Thin Man” 25 Have the blahs 44 Tater tool 27 Research rooms 46 YMCA, for example 28 Line from Porter 48 Former “Family Feud” host 30 Jaffe or Barrett Richard 31 The Queen Elizabeth, for one 50 Hoffman role 32 Alexander’s kingdom 55 Major or minor in music 33 She was Daisy Mae on 56 Actress who plays 38-Across Broadway 59 Sons of, in Hebrew 34 “Sound of Music” song 60 Clay Aiken, almost 36 Michael of “Six Feet Under” 61 Erected 39 Infuriates 62 Draws a bead 40 Certify, with “for” 63 Land of Emma Donoghue 45 More pink 64 Makeup maker Lauder 47 Menotti’s man 65 Smart-ass output 49 Conductor Boulanger 66 Catch them in South Beach 51 Take a breather 67 Takes a load off 52 Doesn’t use 16 Melville novel 53 Rent sign Across 17 Enjoying a hottie visually Down 54 Rob of “Melrose Place” 55 Corp. recruits 1 Balls, or chases balls 18 Volunteer St. 1 Many go down on them 57 “Gilmore Girls” daughter 6 Poppycock 19 Go to the edge of 2 Kahlo portrayer 58 Stein fillers 10 Splinter group 20 Gay-friendly NBC comedic 3 “The Seven Samurai” director 14 George of “Star Trek” family drama Kurosawa 15 Drama, to NoÎl Coward 22 Guy that wears a tiara Solution on pg. 29 Classifieds 202 REAL ESTATE - 428 PROF. SERVICES - Say Hello To HOMES FOR SALE MASSAGE Sakura! Home for sale in Royal Oak. GROUP MASSAGE 912 Mayfield. 2 bed 2-1/2 bath, - For Gay and Bisexual Men. Learn hardwood, ceramic, large windows, some massage techniques and recently updated. 2 car garage. meet others in a safe and caring Open House Sundays. 248-293- environment. Tuesdays and Saturdays 0097. at 8 p.m. Thursdays at 2 p.m. $10 Meet Sakura! This 2-year-old Pit per session. 209 West Kingsley in Bull mix is a lovely young lady. downtown Ann Arbor. (734) 662- 301 EMPLOYMENT - 6282 or email [email protected]. She’s very affectionate and GENERAL http://trymassage.com has some really nice manners! The adoption fee includes sterilization, age-appropriate MUST LOVE DOGS !! vaccinations, the MHS Adoption Guarantee and much more. For more information, visit or Happy Hounds Dog Day Care call the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care at (313) 872-3400 and provide the pet ID number, is now hiring part-time hourly dog 789998. lovers. Please call or stop in to fill out application. 734-459-DOGS 673 South Main St. Plymouth, MI 48170

34 BTL | Oct. 30, 2014 www.PrideSource.com www.PrideSource.com Oct. 30, 2014 | BTL 35