Dear Evan Hansen' Star Opens Up Before Detroit Show - Hoadley Announces 2020 Run for Congress Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Hoadley Announces
2020 Run for Congress
Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Star
Opens Up Before
Detroit Show
Photo: Julian Broad
PRIDESOURCE.COM
PRIDESOURCE.COM APRIL 18, 2019 | VOL. 2716 | FREE
VOL. 2716 • APRIL 18, 2019 • ISSUE 1107
PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA GROUP
20222 Farmington Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48152
14
Phone 734.293.7200
PUBLISHERS
Susan Horowitz & Jan Stevenson
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief
Susan Horowitz, 734.293.7200 x 102
susanhorowitz@pridesource.com
Entertainment Editor
Chris Azzopardi, 734.293.7200 x 106
chrisazzopardi@pridesource.com
8 22
Feature News Editor
Kate Opalewski, 734.293.7200 x 108
kate@pridesource.com
Editorial Assistant
Eve Kucharski, 734.293.7200 x 105
eve@pridesource.com
News & Feature Writers
Emell Derra Adolphus, Michelle Brown,
Ellen Knoppow, Jason Michael, Drew Howard,
Jonathan Thurston
CREATIVE
Webmaster & MIS Director
Kevin Bryant, kevinbryant@pridesource.com
Columnists
Charles Alexander, Michelle E. Brown,
20
Mikey Rox, D’Anne Witkowski,
24
Gwendolyn Ann Smith
Cartoonists
Paul Berg
Contributing Photographers
Andrew Potter, Andrew Cohen
ADVERTISING & SALES
Director of Sales
NEWS OPINION Jan Stevenson, 734.293.7200 x 101
4 Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State Over 8 Parting Glances jan@pridesource.com
Adoption Case Settlement
Sales Representatives
8 Let’s Win the Election First Ann Cox, 734.293.7200 x 103
6 Connor Berdy: Macomb County’s First Openly Gay anncox@pridesource.com
Candidate Hits the Ground Running 10 Creep of the Week: Donald Trump
National Advertising Representative
8 Justice Elizabeth Clement: On Politicizing the Rivendell Media, 212.242.6863
Courts, Child Welfare, the LGBTQ Community and LIFE MEMBER OF
RBG 16 This Is Ben Platt Michigan Press Assoication
National LGBT Media Association
12 State Rep. Jon Hoadley Announces 2020 Run 19 NFL Star Wade Davis and Allan Gilmour to National Gay & Lesbian Chamber
Q Syndicate
for Congress, Listening Tour Headline Ford GLOBE 25th Anniversary Dinner
14 Massachusetts Becomes 16th State to Ban 20 Use Your Home to Save Money on a Wedding
‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy
COVER 14 Mayor Pete Buttigieg Declares 2020 Presidential
24 Happenings
“Between The Lines Newspaper”
16 This is Ben Platt
Campaign 27 Puzzle & Crossword
Follow us @YourBTL
Our rate cards are available online. All material appearing
15 Trump’s Transgender Military Ban Now in Effect 28 Deep Inside Hollywood
in Between The Lines is protected by federal copyright Email your op–eds to
law and may not be reproduced in whole or part without
22 LGBTQ People Urged to Be Counted in 2020 editor@pridesource.com
the permission of the publishers. Between The Lines is
supported by many fine advertisers, but we cannot accept
responsibility for claims made by our advertisers, nor
US Census COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
can we accept responsibility for materials provided by 30 Art Show Grand Rapids Is Calling All LGBTQ Sign up online to receive our E–Digest
advertisers or their agents. Artists
Copyright 2019
30 Friday Night Socials at the Salus Center
www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 3
NEWS
Faith-Based Adoption Agency Sues State
BY BTL STAFF filed – that challenged the state’s practice her team of legal experts and determined
A
of allowing state-contracted, taxpayer- that MDHHS could be subject to liability
recent Michigan settlement that funded foster care and adoption agencies on the claims of the plaintiffs. As a result,
bans state contracts with foster to use religious criteria to exclude same- Nessel strongly recommended resolving
and adoption agencies that sex couples. the case on terms consistent with the
refuse to work with LGBTQ couples has The plaintiffs, Kristy and Dana law and existing agency contracts and
sparked backlash. Dumont and Erin and Rebecca Busk- that best serve the health, safety and
On Monday, April 15, The Becket Sutton, wanted to become foster parents well-being of children in need of state-
Fund for Religious Liberty filed a lawsuit with the intention of adopting children contracted foster care case management
in federal court on behalf of St. Vincent who are wards of the state, but they and adoption services.
Catholic Charities and two adoptive were turned down by two faith-based The plaintiffs and the attorney general’s
families it’s served. agencies Bethany Christian Services office, on behalf of its client MDHHS,
Todd Evans, left, and Leo Cusimano, right, the co-chairs of the National The lawsuit, alleging the new rules and St. Vincent Catholic Charities. The entered into negotiations and agreed to
LGBTQ Media Association, with Kevin Heard, president of the Detroit violated the group’s First Amendment adoption agencies have contracts with settle the case.
Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Heard stopped by to greet rights, was filed against the Michigan the state of Michigan to act on behalf of
the publishers’ group at the Detroit Institute of Arts. According to reports, as of February,
Department of Health and Human the state but turned the plaintiff ’s down Bethany Christian Services, Catholic
Services Director Robert Gordon, because of their own religious objections
BTL Hosts National LGBT Publishers Children’s Services Agency Director to accepting same-sex couples.
Charities and St. Vincent were
responsible for more than 1,600, or 12
Herman McCall, Attorney General Dana “Discrimination in the provision
DETROIT – Publishers of the 12 largest LGBT newspapers in percent, of the state’s 13,000-plus foster
America met in Detroit on April 10 and 11 for the annual meeting
Nessel, the federal Health and Human of foster care case management and
care and adoption cases. Faith-based
of the National LGBTQ Media Association. Jan Stevenson and Services department and its secretary, adoption services is illegal, no matter
agencies have said they will shut down
Susan Horowitz, co-publishers of member paper Between The Alex Azar. the rationale. Limiting the opportunity
their adoption and foster care services
Lines, hosted the two-day gathering. “Faith-based agencies like St. Vincent for a child to be adopted or fostered by
consistently do the best work because of rather than violate their religious beliefs.
“It was wonderful to show off Detroit and the community I love to a loving home not only goes against
their faith, and we need more agencies the state’s goal of finding a home for Ke l l y R o s s m a n - Mc K i n n e y, a
this group of professional journalists and thought leaders,” said
Stevenson. like them helping children – not fewer. every child, it is a direct violation of spokesperson for Nessel, told MLive,
The actions by the Attorney General the contract every child placing agency “We have not had a chance to review
The Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau helped
of Michigan do nothing but harm the enters into with the state,” said Nessel the complaint. Based on the information
sponsor the meeting space and lunch at the Detroit Institute of
Arts. Christopher Pokorski, Manager at the DMCVB, welcomed thousands of at-risk children in desperate at the time. provided during the plaintiffs’ counsel’s
the group with some highlights of Detroit and its recent need of loving homes,” Mark Rienzi, Ac c ord i n g t o M D H H S , e a c h press conference, it appears that the
resurgence. Becket’s president, said in a statement. agency was providing foster care case plaintiffs’ attorneys do not understand
In attendance was Todd Evans of Rivendell Media New York, The lawsuit was brought following management or adoption services for the settlement agreement.”
Paul Schindler of Gay City News in New York City, Mark Segal of Nessel’s announcement in March that one or more children referred to them Rossman-McKinney explained,
Philadelphia Gay News, Lynn Brown of The Washington Blade taxpayer-funded adoption agencies with by MDHHS. Because the plaintiffs were according to the MLive report, that “the
and the Los Angeles Blade, Leo Cusimano of Dallas Voice, Jason religious objections to placing children not seeking direct-placement or private state does not take action against faith-
Parsley of South Florida Gay News, Michael Yamashita of Bay based adoption agencies that don’t take
in homes of same-sex couples will no adoption services and because they were
Area Reporter in San Francisco and Rick Claggett of Watermark
longer be able to cite their faith as a not referred to the agencies through a state referral. If the agency accepts a
in Orlando. (Not present were the publishers of Windy City Times
in Chicago and Bay Windows in Boston.) legitimate reason to opt out of providing MDHHS, the agencies could not reject state referral, however, the agency cannot
that service. them under existing state law. refuse to provide the child with foster
The group enjoyed a comfortable stay at The Inn on Ferry Street
in Midtown Detroit. Nessel settled a lawsuit with the ACLU When Nessel took office in January, care or adoptive services that conflict
of Michigan – that the ACLU of Michigan she reviewed the facts of the case with with its religious beliefs.”
This week, during Holy Week, one of the most special times Rev. Tijuana Gray, Reconciliation Metropolitan Community
We Are All Gods’ Children of the year for so many people, we are reminded that we are
all God’s children, called to build welcoming, inclusive spaces
Church, Grand Rapids
Rev. Joseph Summers; Pastor, Episcopal Church of the
that invite our neighbors in.
LGBTQ-Affirming Clergy Across the State Show That’s why we stand together this week and call for the Incarnation, Ann Arbor
Support for Community in Joint Statement passage of policies that protect our LGBTQ friends, neighbors Pastor Matthew Bode, Zion Lutheran Church, Ferndale
and fellow congregants from discrimination. A majority of Pastor Lindsey Anderson, Detroit Cooperative Church, Deroit
Americans from nearly every faith support these protections,
BY BTL STAFF including Christians, Jews, Hindus, Mormons, Buddhists Pastor Jeffrey Ogonowski, Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran
C
and Muslims. Church, Detroit
lergy across Michigan released a joint statement this It is time for faith communities across the country to speak Rev. Adrain Mobley-Bowie, Breath of Life Center, Saginaw
week in honor of Holy Week, seeking unity and support out about our support for the LGBTQ community, open
for protective policies for all — including LGBTQ Linda and Tom Karle Nelson, Co Presidents of Fortunate Families
doors, and heal wounds. No one should face mistreatment or
people: discrimination just because of who they are or who they love. (Catholic), Detroit
Let us share that message more stridently than ever during Randy Block Director, Unitarian Universalist Social Justice
As Christian faith leaders across denominations, we are this holy season.
united in the understanding that we must all be free to worship Network of Michigan
as we wish. Freedom of religion is one of the most important Rev Dr.Roland Stringfellow, African-American Roundtable
Sincerely,
freedoms we enjoy as Americans — that’s why it’s already Coordinator,Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies, Religion
protected by the U.S. Constitution. But that freedom doesn’t Pastor PJ Anderson, Space for Grace Fellowship Ministries,
Pacific School of Religion
mean that we impose our beliefs onto others, or discriminate. UCC, Lansing
4 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com
Connor Berdy: Macomb County’s First Openly Gay Candidate Hits the Ground Running
BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW governor represented their values. And when place where he said he graduated with a
the announcement was made, there was little transgender student who didn’t experience
Obama’s Influence time to respond.
“We organized and got people to show up
problems there.
Berdy himself was not out at the time,
It’s not every 17-year-old who gets to at the board meeting the next day,” Berdy because he said he wasn’t aware of an
attend a dinner party at the White House said. “They said, ‘No public comment, no LGBTQ “presence” in the area.
with his mom. That was the fortune of one can talk, we’re just gonna push this vote “So I didn’t have something to look up to
Connor Berdy, currently a candidate for through.’” or model myself after,” he said. “But coming
Warren City Council, after President Barack However, Berdy refused to let that happen. to know the city more intimately, now that
Obama was re-elected in 2012. Berdy and his After Berdy told his friends, “We should I’m older, I know a lot of gay and lesbian
brother often joined their mother when she go sit up on the table and block the vote,” couples that live in the city.
volunteered for Obama’s campaign that year. that’s exactly what he did, climbing up on “I’ve never seen Warren as being an
“That’s when I got my introduction to the table to make his comments. Headlines anti-LGBT-friendly place,” he continued.
politics,” Berdy said, adding how exciting it and photos of Berdy reached across the state “I just don’t think our leadership at the
was to be civically engaged in his community and, having broken the ice, other students moment embraces that or reflects that. That’s
for the first time. Obama won; thus, the aired their opinions as well. something [where] the campaign becomes
dinner party. “It was definitely an empowering personal to me, because if I can be that role
“At that point, I was just like, ‘Wow, I never experience to be able to stand up for what model for that high school student that’s
thought I would be in this kind of space,’” he I believe in,” Berdy said. “I spoke my truth looking for something, then that means
said. “I got to shake his hand, and Michelle’s. in the situation, and then a year later, we a lot to me. I think there are institutional
It was a very inspirational moment.” won. Things have changed.” barriers in the city government that are wary
Berdy’s mom, Leah Berdy, was inspired, about embracing that, and that’s what city
too, as she’s now a trustee on the Warren
Consolidated School Board.
“It’s the City That Made Me” elections are for.”
Berdy doesn’t anticipate negativity about
Later, Berdy named Obama as his primary “Moving Warren Forward,” Berdy’s his sexuality during his campaign, saying, “if
political role model, citing Obama’s capacity campaign slogan, is at the heart of the lifelong they plan to use [that] as something to attack
to encourage and empower people. He Warren resident’s vision for his hometown, me, I don’t think that will go over well.”
said his trademark ability to bring people at a time that Berdy acknowledges can be “The residents of the city, they’re
together was something in particular that difficult for people his age to find jobs there, supportive,” Berdy said. “My campaign’s
struck a chord for Berdy, who is openly gay. and the reason why many of his peers have not about my sexuality, my campaign is
“I remember his last State of the Union moved away. about my vision for the city, how I want to
speech almost brought me to tears, when he “It’s the city that made me; it’s the city that help my community.”
was talking about all the fathers out there raised me,” Berdy said, calling his decision
who support their gay sons,” Berdy said.
“It was just so cool to be able to hear that
to return home after college and utilize his
experience in government and his political
Warren Pride
coming from the president of the United savvy a “unique opportunity ... to turn things Could a pride festival be coming to the
States, that I personally could feel that around.” city of Warren in the near future? If Berdy
connection with him.” “I definitely think there’s so much work is elected this November, and has his say,
WARREN’S HRC SCORE that can be done,” he said. “There’s no reason that’s definitely on his to-do list. Not just
Not a Newcomer Warren, Michigan, can’t be a word-class city.”
“The biggest thing is diversifying the city’s
as a way to publicly celebrate the LGBTQ
residents of Macomb County on their own
In 2018, the city of Warren scored 14 out of While Berdy is 23, and 2018 graduate economy,” Berdy said, when asked to name turf for the first time, but it also has great
100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal from Michigan State University, this Gen Z the number one challenge he’d like to tackle potential to boost business in Warren as
Equality Index, which evaluates how inclusive candidate is no newcomer to politics. After if elected to one of the two at-large seats well. Everybody wins.
municipal laws, policies and services are of changing his major to political science and open on city council. The GM Tech Center “If I’m elected, I want to have a pride event
LGBTQ people who live and work there. How transferring to MSU, Berdy interned for is by far the city’s largest employer, followed for the city,” Berdy said. “I think Warren
Warren’s score breaks down: Twelve points for state Sen. Steve Bieda and was vice-chair of by TACOM. is one of the perfect places to start doing
reporting 2016 hate crimes statistics to the FBI, College Democrats of America. Managing “Especially with the auto industry so up something like that. Having a pride event
plus two points for county-wide protection Nate Shannon’s successful campaign for in the air, with its future so unknown, I brings people to the city, it brings people
against gender identity discrimination in public state representative came next, and now really think we need to start looking right spending money to the city. We can get local
accommodations. It should be noted that Sterling Berdy works in Lansing for his own state now about what we can do to promote small businesses to partner and sponsor – these
Heights, the other large city in Macomb County representative, Lori Stone, as her legislative business in the city, to attract new business, are all things that we should be doing.”
scored by HRC, received 20 points. Its breakdown director. Not only that, Berdy serves on to attract young people to the city,” Berdy “I’ve tried to promote things like this, but
was identical to Warren’s, plus additional points the Warren City Crime Commission; said. I’ve definitely been shot down at some levels
for its leadership’s public position on LGBTQ he is involved in other Macomb County He stressed the urgency of being pre- of city government, and so this is something
equality (5 points) and pro-equality legislative or Democratic organizations as well. emptive when considering the city’s long- I will spearhead if I am on city council,”
policy efforts (1 point). Further, the MEI offers During his college years, Berdy was never term survival in a globalized economy, he said. “Not just for a pride event, but to
two bonus points for openly LGBTQ elected or shy about standing up, literally, for causes he particularly in light of the prospect that promote other diversity we have in the city,
appointed municipal leaders. Therefore, because felt strongly about. Advocacy and activism the tech center could close. other community events and organizations.
Berdy was appointed to the crime commission were Berdy’s passions. As a senior last Berdy recognizes and appreciates Warren’s [It’s] something that I’m very passionate
in 2017 and is openly gay, the city of Warren January, Berdy made national news when growing diversity, which has accelerated about.”
should technically have a score of 16. Berdy said he interrupted the proceedings of an MSU rapidly over the past 20 years or so. It’s not
he was not aware of this, and suggested that the meeting to appoint John Engler interim too long ago that Michigan’s third-largest Find out more about Connor Berdy by
accuracy of Warren’s MEI may not be a priority president after Lou Anna Simon resigned city was notable for being overwhelmingly following him on social media. Twitter: @
for the mayor’s office. amid the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal. white. Further, he described his high school’s connorberdy.
Numerous students did not feel the former diverse community, a largely accepting
6 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com
Justice Elizabeth Clement: On Politicizing the Courts,
Child Welfare, the LGBTQ Community and RBG
BY ELLEN SHANNA KNOPPOW system as it relates to the foster care system.”
She called the ability to be involved with
both parts of her legal career that she has been
An Unlikely Scenario passionate about “an amazing opportunity.”
Given Clement’s background in family law,
Why would Between The Lines request an she was well-versed in Michigan’s equitable
interview with a Republican justice on the parent doctrine, which relates to parenting
Michigan Supreme Court? To begin with, rights for one’s nonbiological children. This
Justice Elizabeth Clement, like many in the can be a challenging issue in custody disputes,
judiciary, would bristle at labeling judges and its impact on the LGBTQ community,
Republican or Democrat. Yet in Michigan, in particular, cannot be overstated. Marriage
justices are elected, not appointed, and they equality has shifted the landscape somewhat,
are nominated by party – although their names however, Michigan remains the only state that
appear on the nonpartisan section of the ballot. recognizes the parent-child relationship solely
Appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2017, in the context of a legal marriage. Knowing
Clement spent a 1 1/2 years on the bench prior that she could not weigh in, either way, we
to the 2018 midterm elections; therefore, she asked Justice Clement whether she would be
had a record to evaluate. And consider this: interested in the Michigan Supreme Court
should you and your partner split, and your taking up a case to look at this issue in the
custody battle becomes part of a case that makes future.
its way up to the highest court in the state, “Yes,” she replied. “Having said that ... we
Justice Elizabeth Clement with her family.
Clement could be one of seven justices deciding have statutes today that do not account for
the future of your family. what families look like in general. And I think
the Detroit Free Press, she was the top vote- “... the story was, four Republican-nominated there is a lot of work that can and should be
done across the board. Whether it’s custody and
Controversy getter of the four candidates on the ballot for justices, three Democrat-nominated justices
“ after
two available seats. and a Democrat is now the chief. How did that parenting time and all of that, when it comes
At the same time, some point to the fact that happen?” Clement recalled. “I’ll be frank, it to any family, regardless of what the makeup
I wanted to wake up the day Clement served in the Snyder administration happened because we picked the best person of that family looks like.
the election whether from 2011 to 2016, during the early years of
the Flint water crisis. She stated that she has,
for the job. And it was unanimous.”
Democratic-nominated Megan Cavanagh is
“In my mind, we don’t want the court
stepping into each and every different situation
I won or lost, knowing I and will continue to, recuse herself from cases the newest addition to the court and Clement ... [because] there’s never gonna be a perfect
involving Flint. Regarding other matters during said that “we are so lucky to have her.” case that will cover all of it, just address a piece
had done my job the right
”
her time there – she served in succession as She called Cavanagh hard-working, open- of it,” she continued. “And we’re gonna be left
way. deputy legal counsel, deputy chief of staff, legal
counsel and chief of staff – she will evaluate
minded and down-to-earth.
“It’s great for the chief justice and I to have
with questions.”
She said she believes there are legislators who
and make decisions about recusal as they arise, another woman on the court,” she said, and are passionate about this issue and hopes they
– Justice Elizabeth Clement, she said. reflected on the changes she’s witnessed since will educate people on the need for statutes that
regarding her ruling on Proposal 2 January, describing the group as collegial, protect parents and children, “because families
In the run up to the 2018 election, Clement A New Era for the Michigan respectful when they disagree and commented
on the “renewed excitement” she sees.
look very different than they did when these
laws were enacted years and years ago.”
was praised by some and vilified by others for
her independent streak during her short tenure
Supreme Court? The foster care system is an institution
on the Michigan Supreme Court. Given that The Michigan Supreme Court ranked dead Child Welfare whose role is to protect children. And policies
that allow foster and adoption agencies to
she was nominated by the Republican Party, last in independence in a 2008 study conducted After graduating from Michigan State discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation,
worked for Republican politicians and was by the University of Chicago School of a Law University Law School, Clement began her legal gender identity, religion, etc., have been
endorsed by conservative groups, there were – a finding that came as no surprise to many career in private practice, focusing on family a minefield for the state. As court liaison,
certain expectations. attorneys actively practicing in Michigan at law. That was part of her interest in serving on Clement said she’s witnessed this herself.
Nevertheless, she, along with one other the time and since. That is, certain justices the court, an interest she described as twofold. “I don’t know that you can balance them,” she
Republican-nominated justice, voted with were unquestionably influenced by partisan “My passion has also been researching said, when asked if she envisioned a workable
the two Democrats on the court in a case that pressures. Eleven years later, Clement said she and writing, and I’ve always been kind of an solution. “Do you get to discriminate against a
challenged the fitness of Proposal 2 for the hopes the current justices have the same desire introvert,” she said, adding that she has had to gay couple, or do you get to discriminate against
ballot, which passed, thus enabling voters she does: to keep politics out of the equation. come out of her shell somewhat in her new role. an organization that has religious beliefs? ...
to decide whether to end gerrymandering “I think our court looks very different than And while that is a significant part of her job, This is something that is definitely happening
in Michigan and establish an independent it did 10 years ago,” she said. “And I think the she explained that each of the seven justices in our state, where there’s agencies that have
redistricting commission. For that, plus her public is going to continue to see that direction also serve as liaisons with oversight over the very strong beliefs that they should be able to
decision in a case that permitted schools to ban ... [where] it doesn’t matter who nominated state’s trial courts. select foster parents or adoptive parents based
guns on school property, she was booed at her them. They’re making decisions as a collective “... the other part of my job is acting as liaison on set criteria.”
party’s nominating convention, there was talk body, based on the law, based on the facts.” for the Michigan Supreme Court for problem- She added, “I anticipate that a case could
of choosing another nominee and her name As an example, she described when the solving courts,” she said, “which involves mental very well percolate up to our court.”
was removed from campaign literature. In the court nominated Bridget McCormack as Chief health issues, drug addiction, alcohol addiction
end, endorsed by both The Detroit News and Justice. and our veterans, as well as our child welfare See Justice Clement, continued on p. 12
8 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.com
Parting
Glances
BY CHARLES ALEXANDER
H
ave a hateful Easter for Jesus
Just in time for Easter 2019, Fools for Christ (and
Donald Trump) — an American Bible GOP group
headquartered in Lumbago Falls, Texas — held a press
conference on Palm Sunday to publicize “National Hate Someone
Special for Jesus Week.”
Fools for Christ spokesperson Rev. Franklin Falwell Robertson
called the press conference, “a clarion trumpet call to all true
believers marching as to war with the double cross of Jesus
going on before.”
The militant media event — covered by a coalition of several
tax-free televangelist broadcast stations and nosey shopping
market tabloids — followed a stirring sermon by Rev. F. F.
Robertson called succinctly: “Hate the sin. Don’t forget to hate
the sinner. (For Jesus).”
“As twice-born true believers, we’ve been turning our
other cheeks far too long,” said Rev. Robertson. “With a fast-
approaching time of the Left Behind just around the corner,
we need to return to militancy values of Christian centuries
long, long gone by.
“When it comes down to it, in God’s eyes, refusing to serve
gays in your place of business because of your Trinitarian
beliefs, or to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, or
to deny adoption rights to gays and lesbians are all socially
redemptive actions.
“Say what you will, doubting Thomases, but the Crusades
(especially the Children’s Crusade), the Inquisition with its Viewpoint
beacon of repentance, the burning stake and an occasional
pogrom now and then, had merit in saving souls, no matter
Let’s Win the Election First
how harsh or seemingly bigoted the Christian strategy.
“For a time, slavery seemed a viable option, too. (It does have
New Testament blessing, by the way.) But, for whatever reason
of divine intervention, God permitted the Civil War. Don’t get
me wrong — war has its place. (Thank Heaven for Christians
BY MARK SEGAL
Trump and Pence. And hopefully Mitch.)
“So that there’s no misunderstanding where Fools for Christ
is coming from on its Last Day’s strategy of hating sinners for
I
Jesus, let me emphasize: we are not engaging in our own honest
hatred because we of late have been the persecuted minority f you are like me, your position on the 2020 presidential Republicans historically win the White House by using fear,
following our policy on shunning gays, speaking out against election might come down to this: You will elect any of and fear is a successful strategy. Here’s the proof:
feminism and telling other religions they are satanic or too the Democratic candidates for president, no matter how
financially competitive. far they stray from your views, because the current occupant Nixon: I will maintain law and order, stop the student
“Oh, no. Our interest is solely making America a Christian is flawed and an embarrassment to our country. demonstrations and implement a ‘secret’ plan to end the
nation. If active hate does the trick, so much the better. If creative After a big week on the issue of our time — the #MeToo Vietnam War.
Christian hate can change things for national uniformity sake, movement — Joe Biden is still a 7-percent favorite among
it’s just steps away from making church attendance mandatory Democrats to be the nominee. This fact might provide answers Reagan: I’m the one to stop the spread of radical Iranian
for citizenship; making America’s leaders religiously Republican for other Democratic candidates. thugs.
in their economic outlook. Theocracy with a capital ‘T.’ Many of us live in the bubble of urban America. Nominees in
“But in all fairness to sinners in need of a touch or two that bubble have done everything possible to be as progressive H.W. Bush: I’ll protect American women against rape.
of blessed hate: there are degrees of sin. It’s easy to hate a as possible, easily surpassing Bernie Sanders, the leader of (Remember the infamous Willy Horton ad, which told voters
murderer or someone who commits adultery, or, someone who progressives four years ago. While this may be popular for that Democratic rival Michael Dukakis would allow convicted
those of us in the urban bubble, the majority of Americans
See next page may not agree. See next page
10 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.comCreep Of The Week
It’s time to get serious about the upcoming election. I said the
same thing when the orange-haired man descended the escalator Donald Trump BY D’ANNE WITKOWSKI
three years ago. This is not going to be a walk in the park. Start
A
s I write this the Notre Dame cathedral
“At this difficult moment for transgender
in Paris is on fire. It is a terrible loss
listening to all of America, not just urban America. to anyone who cares about history. service members and those wishing to
Donald Trump’s response, however, was to serve their country, every transgender
Tweet to try to tell French firefighters how to patriot should know that a grateful
Americans are so frightened, they buy it. do their jobs. Trump probably sees the fire as a
“The criminals are storming the border business opportunity. Maybe he dreams that the
nation supports you,” said HRC National
® Viewpoint again” and “The Green New Deal will take latest Trump Hotel will spring up in its place. Press Secretary Sarah McBride. “The
Continued from p. 10 away your fast cars, the steak on your table Just in case it isn’t clear, Trump is a terrible Trump-Pence transgender troop ban is
and give you cancer caused by windmills.” person.
It’s time to get serious about the dangerous for both transgender people
rapists out of jail?) Want more proof? Trump’s totally needless
upcoming election. I said the same thing transgender troop ban went into effect on April and our national security, which is why
when the orange-haired man descended the 12. The ban will effectively save America from a bipartisan chorus of members of
G.W. Bush: My re-election is about escalator three years ago. This is not going
protecting American family and values, ... checks notes ... people who voluntarily serve Congress, leading military experts and
to be a walk in the park. Start listening to in it and are willing to risk their lives for the
marriage between one man and one all of America, not just urban America. overwhelming majorities of Americans
woman. country.
Progressive values are good policy but Oh, and in addition to kicking out trans oppose this despicable policy.”
maybe not good politics. To get elected, troops, the Trump administration is also hell-
Trump: We need to protect our borders you need to practice both. Get elected first
from the rapists, killers and drug lords who bent on kicking out immigrant troops. But don’t transgender troops; rather, they can argue that
and then work toward more progressive worry, the military is addressing the problem they are simply pushing out people with gender
are storming our country. policies. Don’t push those policies on an by relaxing recruit standards making it a great dysphoria.”
electorate that is already frightened. Hold place for white supremacists who are currently “That’s disingenuous because the Venn
Trump’s people are already road-testing back on educating the public until after you
the fear campaign and, when former unhappy with their current access to weaponry diagram of transgender people and people
are governing and can make real change. in their civilian lives. who experience gender dysphoria, while not
President Barack Obama spoke earlier this Or learn how to talk about progressive
week in Berlin, he expressed concern that Whew. I know I’ll sure be sleeping more a perfect circle, is pretty damn close to one,”
issues in a way that doesn’t frighten the soundly. Allen writes.
progressive Democrats may be helping average voter, because as we’ve seen, many
them by creating an ideological purity As you’ll remember, this whole thing started Allen argues that this ban is basically “don’t
Americans vote based on emotions rather with a Trump tweet in 2017, because that’s ask, don’t tell” for transgender service members.
that excludes any candidate who does not than issues.
adhere exactly. how we make sweeping policy decisions that Just as DADT was harmful and wrong when
One last point: Relating to this directly impact people’s lives, FFS. Many entities it applied to all LGBTQ members, it is still
Republicans claim that Democrats want conversation, some LGBTQ pundits have
socialism. immediately came out against such a ban and harmful and wrong now.
made statements that the out mayor of two years of wrangling in court followed. But One of the biggest complaints Trump and
“They’ll take away your money and South Bend, Indiana, running for president
property,” they say. It’s not that the the Supreme Court let the plan go into effect other anti-trans bigots have about transgender
is “not out enough.” I believe statements in a 5-4 decision further highlighting the fact people serving in the military is the cost of
Republican perception of progressives is like this are dangerous and divisive, and I
true — but it’s not meant to be. These kinds that ELECTIONS MATTER, especially when their medical care. And it’s true, the cost of,
want more for our community. a heartless madman gets elected. say, a gender affirmation surgery can be pretty
of conservative talking points are meant to
frighten voters. The Human Rights Campaign, not expensive.
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s surprisingly, denounced the ban. And so there’s this right-wing conservative
Republicans embellish. Let’s just say most-award-winning commentator in LGBT
it as it is: They lie. The problem is that “At this difficult moment for transgender idea that transgender folks are flocking to the
media. service members and those wishing to serve military in order to get their surgeries paid for.
their country, every transgender patriot should This is not true. But even if it were, SO
know that a grateful nation supports you,” said WHAT? If you’ve got someone who is qualified
HRC National Press Secretary Sarah McBride. and capable who is volunteering to serve their
® Parting Glances “I want to thank all of you for being “The Trump-Pence transgender troop ban is country, even going so far as risking their lives,
Continued from p. 10 here today. It’s your turn now to go out dangerous for both transgender people and then we should be thanking them not kicking
and be a Fool for Christ. Just for practice our national security, which is why a bipartisan them out because we fear their health care costs.
sake, turn to the person seated on your chorus of members of Congress, leading But, of course, this isn’t really about money.
masturbates or watches porn. Worse yet, left or on you far right and say, ‘You’re military experts and overwhelming majorities It’s about bigotry. Letting a transgender person
someone who fails to tithe to the church. going to Hell!’ of Americans oppose this despicable policy.” wear a uniform of the United States military is
“It’s important to express hatred that gets “Have a joyful Easter! Hate rises with The majority of Americans also oppose tantamount to saying, “This country does not
national soul-saving publicity. The more the Late J. C. Amen. (Oh, yes. The disciple Trump, but here we are. discriminate and care more about someone’s
outrageous. The more nefarious. The better! whom Jesus loved was an exception. McBride is also the author of “Tomorrow qualifications than we do their gender identity.”
“When it comes down to it, in God’s That disciple was bisexual. He loved tax- Will Be Different: Love, Loss and the Fight But under Trump, we aren’t that country.
eyes, refusing to serve gays in your place of collectors and Roman coin collectors.” for Trans Equality,” a book I really cannot Sure, the majority of Americans might disagree
business because of your Trinitarian beliefs, recommend highly enough. with the ban, but they aren’t the people running
or to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex Charles Alexander is prolific both as a Now, some conservatives will argue that the country. We’ve got a radical minority at
couple, or to deny adoption rights to gays BTL columnist (700-plus columns) and as this isn’t a transgender troop ban. But as the helm hell bent on hurting the people they
and lesbians are all socially redemptive a well-known LGBT community artist (1000 The Daily Beast’s Samantha Allen points don’t like.
actions. Facebook images). He is a Spirit of Detroit out, they’ve “made gender dysphoria [a] If you feel like each day under Trump gets
“Biblically speaking, it’s just the Old Award recipient and an Affirmations LGBT disqualifying condition.” This allows the worse and worse, rest assured. You are 100
Testament ritual of scapegoating. A time- CENTER Jan Stevenson awardee. Connect Trump administration to “ban transgender percent correct.
honored tradition, by the way. Stars in with him at Charles@pridesource.com. troops without admitting that they are banning
your crown.
www.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 11State Rep. Jon Hoadley Announces 2020 Run for Congress, Listening Tour
BY EVE KUCHARSKI Fred Upton’s official decisions. And nothing hits closer to
N
campaign statement said, home than when we’re talking about
ow in his third and final term as a among other things that things like education or protecting
state representative in Michigan’s he understands “there our environment or even fixing the
60th House District, Jon Hoadley roads. These are choices that are being
are those excited to start
announced last week his intentions to made in the budget that are saying
represent Southwest Michigan nationally. In
politicking, but right now
Fred’s energy and efforts given the choice on how to spend
2020, Hoadley plans to run against Republican taxpayer dollars, I think the better
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton who currently sits in are focused on solving
investment is in our kids or making
Michigan’s 6th District seat. Additionally, in an problems.” What is your sure that we have clean water and
effort to reach out to his potential constituents, response to that? clean air. Or health care that keeps
Hoadley has started a month-long listening With the urgency of every family safe, secure and healthy
tour with stops all across Southwest Michigan the challenges that our instead of yet another tax cut to yet
during April. country is facing we another profitable corporation or
Hoadley found time in-between tour stops cannot wait. So, I’ve been billionaire that doesn’t need it. And
to fill BTL in on some of his national legislative working to solve problems so, that’s what I talk about and I think
goals if elected, his takeaways from the state in the state legislature for maybe it comes from the fact that I
legislature and what he’s learned as an openly the last five years and I’m grew up talking about education and
LGBTQ politician. going to continue working from a family of teachers that, for me,
to solve problems in the when you pencil it out and you look at
What was your motivation to do a listening tour state legislature until my the lesson plan, this is one of the most
after announcing your campaign? last day there. At the same important values that we need to be
The reason that we’re doing the listening time, when we’re talking talking about.
tour is because everybody can be the hero about politicians and the
of their own story, and there are so many Trump administration What does it mean for the Michigan LGBTQ
great solutions that are out across Southwest trying to take away our community in your eyes that an openly gay
Michigan to the problems that we’re facing. health care and that we man is running for Congress?
And so, I firmly believe that elected officials, have major impacts of Michigan’s 60th House District representative Jon Hoadley.
I think it’s an exciting moment that
if you want to represent people, you’ve got to climate change coming Southwest Michigan could elect a
be willing to listen to people. So, that’s exactly and there are still plenty of to serve folks across Southwest Michigan. The member of the LGBTQ community. As
what we’re out here doing. We launched with places throughout Southwest Michigan where work takes a lot of energy and passion, and a gay man in the legislature, it matters that our
our video on Monday and now we want to people aren’t sure they can’t drink their water, what I’ve found is that over the last five years, community has representation, it matters that
make sure that we’re both taking our message now is absolutely the time to start facing our I really feel great when I get to be serving we have folks who are sharing our stories as
out on the road and hearing what people challenges head-on and bringing some fresh people, when I get to be connecting with decisions are being made and so I’m running
want to talk about. We launched on Monday ideas to this conversation. constituents, when our team gets to solve because the way that we solve problems is
and immediately, the National Republican problems and so I’m really excited about the going to help people regardless of who they
Committee, the Michigan Republican Party, What is something you’ve learned during your opportunities ahead. are, who they love or what their family looks
started attacking me and we know [in] this time in office? like. But I also think it matters that LGBTQ
race, that people will spend millions of dollars Day one we’re ready to hit the ground running You come from a family of educators, will that
folks see members of their community also
telling people what to think about me. And and working on the change people are asking be a large focus of yours if elected? making decisions and in these positions
instead, I firmly believe, ‘Why don’t voters for. But things that I’ve learned are that, I’m Absolutely. Education is going to continue to representing all of our friends and neighbors.
make up their own minds?’ So, come meet the type of person who believes we can find be a strong priority in our campaign. Overall,
me, shake my hand, say howdy and decide if I common ground if we put our head down I talk about the fact that, for every decision
can earn your vote. and get to work we can make good things that’s being made, whether in Lansing or To find out more about Hoadley’s campaign or
happen, even in divided government. And in Washington, D.C., we should be putting where to see him during his listening tour visit
I’m hopeful that I can use many of those skills people and communities at the center of our jonhoadley.com.
® Justice Clement
Continued from p. 8 “I tell people that I am a listener,” she said. me the same. That if they have questions, they at least be willing to be open-minded to me as
“Someone that does not have their mind made want to get to know me, invite me to things or well,” she said.
Author’s Note: The day following our interview, up, that does not bring bias or their personal ask me to come speak. Because I don’t think
Attorney General Dana Nessel reversed the state’s
policy which allowed state-contracted agencies
opinion to a case. But someone that rather is
prepared, looks at the law, looks at the cases and
there’s anything that divides us.”
Clement said also that although she can’t Outtake
to discriminate against LGBTQ couples. This then comes and listens. ... One of my favorite answer specific questions on how she would “You’re gonna print this and I’m gonna get
decision was challenged again with a suit on things is talking to my colleagues that share rule on a case, her track record shows that she in big trouble, and I just don’t care. Ruth Bader
April 15. their perspective on something, and get me to is an open-minded justice, too. Ginsburg,” Clement said, when asked to name
see something in a way that I wasn’t looking “And until those cases come before the court, the sitting U.S. Supreme Court Justice she most
at it before. they’re not gonna have that confidence that admires and why. “She’s a rock star. I know
Bottom Line “I feel that every single person, regardless of they see it in practice, but I think that there’s everything about her, I’ve read every book about
anything about their background or who they enough cases out there in the last year and a her, I’ve watched every documentary, every
How Justice Clement might rule on issues
are today or what they believe in deserves to half they can look to and say, ‘It doesn’t matter movie. She, to me, as a woman, as a woman in
that affect LGBTQ Michiganders is not yet
be treated the exact same as the next person what her career path was here, or who she the law, as the mother of four children ... she’s
known, and she is the first to acknowledge that.
that walks into a courtroom,” she continued. worked for, this is who she is as a justice, and amazing, she’s brilliant, she’s hard-working…a
She only asks that the community consider
“And that’s just who I am at my core. So I would what she’s telling us is her philosophy on how trailblazer for women, not just in the law, but
her record and the value she places on open-
hope that your readers would actually afford to do her job and who she is as a person.’ And for women everywhere. And men, too.”
mindedness.
12 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.comwww.PrideSource.com April 18, 2019 | BTL 13
NEWS Mayor Pete Buttigieg Declares 2020 Presidential Campaign
Massachusetts Becomes 16th BY CHRIS JOHNSON At one point, Buttigieg invoked his inner “Folks, in short, he’s the polar opposite in
State to Ban ‘Ex-Gay’ Therapy
B
Bill Clinton (and crticized him) by disparaging every way to Donald Trump,” Whaley said.
efore a crowd of adoring supporters in the Reagan economic policies of supply-side Annise Parker, CEO of the LGBTQ
South Bend who braved the rain to hear economics he says were embraced by both Victory Fund, was in South Bend for the
BY CHRIS JOHNSON him speak, Pete Buttigieg made his 2020 Republican and Democrats. announcement and said in a statement
M
presidential campaign official by declaring he’d “That era, too, is now over,” Buttigieg said. Buttigieg “shattered a lavender ceiling once
assachusetts became the 16th state in
pursue the Democratic nomination to run for But much of Buttigieg’s speech was deeply thought unbreakable, becoming the first
the nation to ban “ex-gay” conversion
the White House. personal. He told the story of his immigrant openly LGBTQ Democratic presidential
therapy on Monday after Gov. Charlie
“I’m here to join you to make a little news,” father who died last year after a battle with candidate in American history and our first
Baker signed a measure into law prohibiting the
Buttigieg said. “My name is Pete Buttigieg. cancer, his mother who needed heart surgery real shot at the Oval Office.”
widely discredited practice for youth.
They call me Pete Buttigieg. I am proud son as well as his personal story of accepting his “There is enormous power in an openly
Brendan Moss, a Baker spokesperson,
of South Bend, Indiana, and I am running sexual orientation. gay presidential candidate stumping at town
confirmed via an email to the Washington Blade
for president of the United halls in Iowa and speaking
his boss signed the legislation against conversion
States.” to Americans from the
therapy.
Previously, the South presidential debate stage –
“Gov. Baker today signed HR140 into law and is
Bend mayor had formed it changes perceptions of
proud of the commonwealth’s history of support
an exploratory committee our community and raises
for equal rights and protecting all citizens against
for a possible presidential the bar for candidates who
discrimination,” Moss said.
r u n , b u t h a d n’ t y e t seek LGBTQ support,”
Mathew Shurka, strategist for the National
declared a candidacy. His Parker said.
Center for Lesbian Rights’ Born Perfect national
announcement changed that, A Vi c tor y Fu nd
campaign to end conversion therapy, said in
making his campaign official. spokesperson said the
a statement the signing represents “a huge
The crowd responded to organization has not yet
victory for LGBTQ youth and their parents in
Buttigieg’s announcement endorsed the candidate,
Massachusetts.”
with roaring applause, but “we recognize the
“These unethical practices destroy families and
chanting, “U-S-A! U-S-A! power of this moment for
cause lasting harm to young people who urgently
U-S-A!” as they waived our community and have
need acceptance and support,” Shurka said.
American flags. been working with his team
A survivor of conversion therapy, Shurka
A key component of quite closely.”
testified before the Massachusetts legislature
Buttigieg’s was the economic T h e n e w l y of f i c i a l
about his firsthand experience with the practice
recovery of South Bend candidate – who was
and urged lawmakers to pass the bill.
under his watch as mayor unheard of when he started
Other jurisdictions that have enacted similar
after stagnation following exploring a presidential run
laws against conversion therapy are Connecticut,
the loss of manufacturing – a situation with Buttigieg referenced about the struggles of at the start of the year – has enjoyed a size
California, Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, the
which many cities in the Midwest are familiar. his youth – in terms of his sexual orientation boost in the polls in race for the Democratic
District of Columbia, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont,
More people are moving into South Bend and intellectual curiosity – when he said the presidential nomination.
New Mexico, Rhode Island, Washington State,
than we’ve seen in a generation,” Buttigieg only time he’d go back to the past was 20 years Dazzling many supporters with his
Maryland, Hawaii and New Hampshire. (Last
said. “Thousands of new jobs have been added ago to allay the fears of his youthful self. demeanor and skill at answering questions,
month, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló signed
in our area, and billions in investment. There’s The candidate said he tell his younger Buttigieg also has a captivating personal story
an executive order against conversion therapy
a long way for us to go. Life here is far from self he’d be “all right” and “one rainy April as an openly gay mayor, Harvard graduate,
after the legislature failed to pass legislation
perfect. But we’ve changed our trajectory, day, before he even turns 40, he’ll wake up Rhodes scholar and Afghanistan war veteran.
against it.)
and shown a path forward for communities to headlines about whether he’s rising too A Monmouth University poll published on
Legislation banning conversion therapy has
like ours.” quickly as he becomes a top-tier contender Thursday found Buttigieg was in third place in
enjoyed bipartisan support. Baker is the seventh
Touting the reinvigoration of his city for the American presidency, and to tell him Iowa with nine percent support behind Joseph
Republican governor to sign into law a measure
under new economy, Buttigieg – without ever that on that day he announces his campaign Biden and Bernie Sanders, who polled at 27
against therapy. (Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage
mentioning President Trump by name – also for president, he’ll do it with his husband percent and 16 percent respectively. Following
last year became the first governor – Democrat
criticized the American Dream can be restored looking on.” Buttigieg was Elizabeth Warren, Kamala
or Republican – to veto such a measure.)
by seeking to go back to the past under a Prior to his speech, campaign staffers Harris, Beto O’Rourke, Amy Klobuchar and
Shannon Minter, legal director of the National
“Make America Great Again” mentality. warmed up the crowd at the rally with Cory Booker.
Center for Lesbian Rights, said in a statement the
“Because there is a myth being sold to a chant holding up three separate signs In New Hampshire, Buttigieg is also
effort to pass the Massachusetts law “has been a
industrial and rural communities: the myth guiding attendees in saying Buttigieg’s often running in third place. Biden had 23 percent
truly bipartisan effort to address one of the most
that we can stop the clock and turn it back,” mispronounced name: “Boot-Edge-Edge.” support and Sanders had 16 percent, but
important public health issues of our time.”
Buttigieg said. “It comes from people who Nan Whaley, mayor of Dayton, Ohio, Buttigieg followed at 11 percent support.
The practice of therapy aimed at changing an
think the only way to reach communities like heaped praise on Buttigieg during the rally Parker said Buttigieg’s “meteoric rise is
individual’s sexual orientation or transgender
ours is through resentment and nostalgia, in a speech explaining her support for her most notable for the support he’s receiving
status is considered ineffectual at best and harmful
selling an impossible promise of returning fellow mayor. from diverse groups of voters.”
at worst. Major medical and psychological
to a bygone era that was never as great as “He’s someone who’s both a great friend to “There are enormous minefields and hurdles
institutions – including the American
advertised to begin with. The problem is, me, someone who is a compassionate leader to running as an openly LGBTQ candidate,
Psychological Association, the World Health
they’re telling us to look for greatness in all for everyday people who have elected him to and so far, Mayor Pete has gracefully leapt over
Organization, the American Medical Association
the wrong places.” office, he is the smartest person I know and he them on the world’s largest political stage,”
and the American Academy of Pediatrics – widely
Policy items Buttigieg mentioned were is deeply committed to serving our country,” Parker said. “He’s the real deal.”
reject the practice.
ensuring climate security, abolishing the Whaley said. After Buttigieg concluded his speech, his
Electoral College, preserving the right to Whaley concluded with a zinger about the spouse, Chasten Buttigieg, joined him on the
These articles originally appeared in the Washington
abortion, ensuring access to health care current occupant of the White House that stage, where the two had a quick smooch and
Blade and is made available in partnership with
and confronting a growing threat of white generated significant applause from rally
the National LGBT Media Association.
nationalism. attendants. See next page
14 BTL | April 18, 2019 www.PrideSource.comYou can also read
