Voters Uphold Royal Oak Human Rights Ordinance Our Take On That Controversial Lesbian Drama Auto Companies Recognize Gay Marriages WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM NOVOCT 14,17, 2013 | VOL. 21462142 | FREE 2 BTL | Nov. 14, 2013 www.PrideSource.com COVER 14 Funny girl I am honored to take on this role and Photo by Robyn von Swank look forward to working on behalf of the millions of youth and adult members Voters Uphold Royal Oak Human Rights Ordinance Our Take On That Controversial Lesbian Drama Auto Companies Recognize Gay Marriages who make scouting what it is today – an organization providing life-changing opportunities to today’s youth. – Robert Gates, Former Sec. of Defense and key player in ending the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” on becoming Boy Scouts of America’s national president, pg. 12 NOVOCT 14,17, 2013 | VOL. 21462142 | FREE WWW.PRIDESOURCE.COM NEWS 4 Auto companies recognize gay Cool Cities marriages, regardless of state bans YELLOW PAGES ENTER TO WIN 5 Marriage equality equals financial FerndaleCOOL CITIES equality 6 #30: Royal Oak human rights ordinance upheld by voters 7 Duggan includes LGBTs in acceptance speech 9 Health risks high for LGBT people 10 Hawaii House clears way for marriage equality 11 Illinois marriage bill passes house, awaits gov. signature 12 Gates poised to lead boy scouts OPINION 8 Transmissions Find LGBT-Friendly Businesses In Your Area YOUR NEIGHBORHOODLearn More About • YOUR This MARKET Win Two Tickets To See ‘Elf 9 Parting Glances With The Pride Source Yellow Pages PinpointWeek’s your Cool ad dollars City: Ferndalewhere The Musical’ At The DOH 12 Creep of the Week theyAccess will do thethe onlinemost goodcool city. pages Enter online to win two tickets to LIFE Shop with businesses that support you and your family! 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Between The Lines is supported by many Andrew Potter fine advertisers, but we cannot accept responsibility for claims Providing Content and Community to LGBT Media Calendar Editor made by our advertisers, nor can we accept responsibility for Sign up online to receive our E–Digest Copyright 2013 Pride Source Media Group, LLC Shelby Clark, [email protected] materials provided by advertisers or their agents. www.PrideSource.com Nov. 14, 2013 | BTL 3 BRIEFS Auto Companies Will Recognize Gay DETROIT AREA New Americorp Team Will Continue Support of HIV-AIDS Work Michigan AIDS Coalition announced Nov. 8 it has Marriages, Regardless Of State Bans fielded its sixteenth AmeriCorps team in the metro- Detroit area. The new team will help non-profits BY CRYSTAL A. PROXMIRE enhance their services in the fight against HIV/ AIDS in the area. The program is operated locally in When Bill Huffaker and his husband collaboration with AIDS United, a Washington, D.C. Darin Severns moved from San Franscisco based national non-profit. AIDS United has provided to the Detroit area a year ago, they gave up grants, technical assistance, advocacy and policy the legal recognition of their marriage by since 1989, channeled through a network of twenty the state. They’d been married in 2004, and community partnerships across the U.S. MAC is its that marriage was ruled invalid. They were community partnership in Michigan. married again in 2008, a vow that was recently “We are enormously pleased to be one of only upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. But here in eight AIDS United partnerships fielding teams,” says Michigan, according to current state law, they MAC CEO Terry Ryan. “Being part of the AmeriCorps are single again. program has made an enormous impact locally. But now their employer, General Motors, When we began our first team in 1997, we had no is trying to make up for it. Since the Federal idea it would be this successful. We have become government is now recognizing married somewhat of an internship for new people to be couples, GM is following suit and allowing trained to enter the field of HIV/AIDS services,” he couples who are legally married in any state explained. to enroll as married in their benefits programs, More than 26 alumni of this program currently no matter what state they live in. work in non-profits in the metro area. In addition, MAC estimates the 144 members from the previous The big three – GM, Ford and Chrysler fifteen teams have completed nearly 250,000 hours are in the process of recognizing same- of service with an estimated in-kind value of nearly sex marriages. While they have long had $5 million contributed locally. domestic partner benefits in place, the AmeriCorps Host Agencies for team members marriage recognition adds significant benefits. this year include Alternatives for Girls, ACCESS, GM’s Chief Diversity Officer Ken Barrett Institute for Population Health, Community Health explained that the changes include pension Awareness Group, and Affirmations and Horizons plans, savings plans and health care plans. Project/WSU sharing a member. Each member will Being able to enroll as a spouse saves the work approximately four days a week at their Host couples in the amount of taxes that are paid on Agency and the fifth day of the week is reserved for benefits. For some this could mean a savings the team to collectively choose a variety of other of up to $1,000 a year. Bill Huffaker and his husband Darin Severns. left, moved from San Franscisco to the Detroit area a year ago. community projects. Those who are not legally married can still Huffaker said before moving to Detroit to work for GM, he did his research and made sure that GM was inclusive. Team recruitment begins in January each year retain their current domestic partner benefits, Photo courtesy of Bill Huffaker with team selection completed by May 1. For more which have been in place for years. LGBT employees explains the process for how to receive a credit for taxes paid on information, please contact Terry Ryan at www. “Likewise, the modification does not impact taxation on health care plans. imputed income. More information regarding michiganaidscoalition.org} or 248-545-1435, ext. other items, such as beneficiary designations “If you currently cover your domestic partner required documentation for proof of marriage 123. under the life insurance programs,” Barrett for health care benefits, you receive and are will be sent to you once the payroll changes said. UPCOMING EVENTS taxed on imputed income for state and federal have been implemented.” It also states that, “If tax purposes you are not legally married, there will be no Nov. 21 with respect impact to your benefit eligibility.” The HIV/AIDS Resource Center (HARC) in Ann to this For Huffaker and Severns it means a small Arbor will hold the 2013 Wine Cellar event founded by coverage. As economic savings that brings them almost Keith Orr and Martin Contreras of aut Bar. Proceeds There’s a financial aspect, but there’s of September back to the benefits they enjoyed in California. benefit care, prevention and outreach programs 16, 2013, But it is more a matter pride and feeling serving those living with or affected by HIV. Festivities also a pride aspect to it. It feels good that my if you are accepted. being at 6:30 p.m. at Vineyard Church, 2275 Platt “ legally “There’s a financial aspect, but there’s Rd. Reservations are $50 in advance, $60 at the company values my relationship. married also a pride aspect to it. It feels good that my door. Attendees will be treated to wines, appetizers to your company values my relationship,” Huffaker and sweets along with a chance to win over 100 domestic said.