THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 FEB. 4, 2009 • vol 24 no 19 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Gay Man Heads Chicago Schools Congo Huberman says he’s gay—but some ask ‘So what?’ and ‘Why now?’ Women NEWS ANALYSIS BY YASMIN NAIR

Photos page 9 Ron Huberman, until recently the president of Chi- rent partner four years ago, and had come out to cago Transit Authority, was appointed CEO of Chicago his parents at the age of 15, while attending Lyons Public Schools (CPS) by Mayor Richard Daley, filling Township High School. He has frequently been seen the seat left vacant by Arne Duncan, who is now part around town with his partner at public events. of President Barack Obama’s administration. At this time, the issue of LGBTQ students in high That initial announcement caused ripples through- schools continues to occupy the attention of many out the education world in Chicago, with several ed- educators. Last winter, some activists attempted to ucators and activists protesting Huberman’s relative create a gay high school but that measure was ulti- lack of experience in education. Huberman’s first day mately shelved for reconsideration at a later date. on the job was met with a protest by several teachers The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance recently issued and students. This past week, Huberman, in an inter- a report titled “Visibility Matters” that evaluated view with the Chicago Sun-Times, casually revealed teacher training colleges across the state on the ba- New! Billy that he is gay. This means Huberman is possibly the sis of their willingness to engage with and compe- first openly gay person to head one of the nation’s tence in LGBTQ student issues. Masters page 20 largest school districts. According to the Sun-Times article, Huberman re- Huberman’s sexuality has been an open secret fused to take a position on the issue of the gay high in Chicago’s gay community. In fact, it might be school. However, he did address the issue of what it Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Hu- stretching the facts to even call it a “secret.” Windy meant to grow up gay: “It has given me a great sen- berman. In addition to his job, Huber- City Times spoke to community activists about Hu- sitivity for the need to be inclusive. If I didn’t grow man has devoted time to several orga- berman’s disclosure and none were surprised; they up being part of a group that was viewed differently, nizations, including HIV/AIDS agency Chicago House (of which he is a board already knew or had assumed he was gay. Huberman, Turn to page 6 according to the Sun-Times, moved in with his cur- member). Photo by Andrew Davis Creating Change confab Harry covers unity, organizing Connick, Jr. page 18 By David Ernesto Munar Force, which sponsors the conference. “We want people to bring their full selves: no one should DENVER (Feb. 1, 2009)—Less than six months have to check a part of their identify at the after Democratic Party officials gathered in this door, which is why we highlight a broad range city to nominate Barack Obama for president of of issues such as health, faith, aging, marriage the United States, Denver hosted a smaller but equality and other topics.” no less fervent gathering of left-leaning activ- The sessions, categorized from beginner to nightspots ists and organizers. intensive, highlighted coalition-building strate- n gies between and among LGBT people, with de- The 21st National Conference on LBGT Equal- pick it up ity, called Creating Change, concluded today af- liberate efforts toward racial, ethnic and gender take it home ter more than 2,000 community organizers and inclusion. 1st lesbian to activists gathered over five days in hundreds of The local planning committee hailed efforts to workshops, lectures and skill-building sessions. include an active contingent of Native American “What’s powerful about Creating Change is or Two-Spirit people, who spoke at the closing lead a nation that it’s a public square where participants can plenary and performed traditional music. exchange information. It brings people of all The recent passage of anti-LGBT ballot initia- takes helm in perspectives together to challenge each other tives in California and three other states is a but also to support one another in the build- “wake-up call, especially for those who are not Iceland ing of our movement,” said Rea Carey, executive www.WindyCityQueercast.com Turn to page 4 pg. 9 director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task 2 Feb. 4, 2009

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“Come join in our Tampa Bay Festivities” Have fun, then relax and let the sunshine heal you! PAINTING THE January 28, 2009 WHITE HOUSE #980 Hotel & Ground Packages Available BLACK Barack and Michelle make a special www.WindyCity appearance at Windy City Black Queercast.com Pride’s Inauguration Painting the White House Black Celebration at Barack and Michelle make a special appearance at Windy City Black Pride’s Inauguration Celebration at Sidetrack. page 8 inSIDE Sidetrack. Epic TV fail in World Nightspots’ ridiculously Wide Weird. belated Holiday wishes at page 20 Mary’s Attic. Photo by Kirk Williamson page 19 4 Feb. 4, 2009 crippled since the Reagan years by the appoint- Transition ments of commissioners who see themselves as GLAAD’s prez RNC elects 1st agents of the presidential administration rather resigning Black chairman than as independent watchdogs.” And the first matters order of business for a newly constituted com- Neil Giuliano, the president of the Gay & Les- The Republican National Committee (RNC) has By Lisa Keen mission, she said, should be recommending ways bian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), an- elected its first Black chairman: Michael Steele, Keen News Service “for resolving the controversies over the rights nounced Jan. 28 that he is resigning his post a former Maryland lieutenant governor, CNN.com of gays, lesbians and transgendered.” Berry, a to pursue personal interests while finishing his reported. Two more appointments: The Obama ad- Clinton appointee, left the commission in 2004. upcoming autobiography. Steele defeated South Carolina GOP Chairman ministration has appointed two more openly © 2009 Keen News Service Giuliano has been president since 2005 and Katon Dawson 91-77 in the final round of vot- gay people to White House staff positions this will continue until later this year. Prior to ing. Among other things, he said it would be month. Mark Perriello, who has been heading up GLAAD, he was the mayor of Tempe, Ariz. a “great honor to spar” with President Barack the Victory Fund’s LGBT Presidential Appoint- In a statement, Giuliano said, “The views of Obama. ments Project, has won appointment as direc- NATIONAL the American people on LGBT issues are clearly Steele has been against same-sex marriage for tor in the White House Office of Presidential moving in the right direction, toward supporting years, saying that “[m]arriage defines not only Personnel. And Ebs Burnough, former head of a ROUNDUP full equality, and it has been a great experience the relationship between a man and a woman political action committee for U.S. Rep. Jerry BY ANDREW DAVIS to serve on the front lines, leading an amaz- but also their journey through life,” according Nadler, D-N.Y., has been appointed deputy so- ing organization at such a historical time in the to a 2006 Washington Blade item. cial secretary to the first lady. That brings to 12 In California, the Fourth District Court of Ap- movement.” the number of openly gay people appointed to peal has unanimously ruled that California Lu- GLAAD’s board will discuss the organization’s positions, thus far, in the Obama administration. theran High School was within its rights when transition during its meeting Feb. 6-8 in Los An- President Obama has also kept in place former it expelled two 16-year-old schoolgirls for geles. President Bush’s global AIDS ambassador, Mark exhibiting behavior that was “characteristic of Dybul. a lesbian relationship,” the Los Angeles Times CREATING from cover High party official: New Hampshire’s openly reported. The court relied on a 1998 California gay state Democratic Party chair, Ray Buckley, Supreme Court ruling that said since the Boy politically engaged in our community,” said has become vice chairman of the Democratic Na- Scouts of America was not a business, it was Sue Hyde, chief conference organizer for the tional Committee—the second-ranked party of- not subject to laws involving sexual-orientation Task Force. Future efforts to advance GLBT ficial. He assumed the position by virtue of hav- discrimination. rights at the state and federal levels will need ing won office as president of the Association The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bill- to collaborate with individuals who recently of State Democratic Chairs. National Stonewall ings, Mont.—an open and affirming church— became civically engaged as a result of anti- Democrats leader Jon Hoadley said the ascen- has received hate mail and a flier about a lo- gay initiatives. “The political environment is sion of Buckley “elevates another strong voice cal hate group for the congregation’s support better but we still have a lot of work to do,” for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender of the LGBT community, according to EDGE she said. Americans within the Democratic Party.” Boston. The fellowship supported an initiative “The big take-home message of the confer- Clinton prodded: More than 2,000 federal last fall for a hate-crime response team called ence for me is how we re-position our move- “Not in Our Town Billings.” ment in the face of opportunity,” said Denise employees signed a letter to Secretary of State Rea Carey. Photo courtesy of David Ernesto In Utah, a measure that would let same-sex de Percin of the Colorado Consumer Health Hillary Clinton Jan. 26, asking her to ensure that Munar gay employees of the department get equal ben- couples sue for wrongful-death damages has Initiative. She hopes the conference motivates efits to straight employees. Clinton said during been defeated in a state senate committee, participants to work across multiple issues census, which informs the composition of Con- her confirmation hearing earlier this month that 365Gay.com reported. Part of the reason for the and end the silos in which progressive politics gress and how federal funds are distributed in she planned to “take a hard look” at the State’s defeat was that two senators were worried that often occurs. “For queer politics, feminism, the future. existing policy, which allows certain travel ben- approving the measure would move toward le- people of color: What if we started over and For Adam Taylor, a conference participant efits for the spouses of straight employees but galizing same-sex marriage. The state legislature started worked on all of these issues all the from Kalamazoo, Mich., sessions working with not for the partners of gay employees. But she will consider five more LGBT-related bills this time?” youth and involving spirituality were most was otherwise non-committal. In a letter from session, including a domestic-partner registry. Hyde highlighted the HIV/AIDS plenary relevant for the suicide- and crisis-prevention Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, In New York City, Wall Street currency trader panel session, which included remarks by this organization he started last year to conduct the federal employees said many of the ineq- Ryan Pacifico claims that he received anti-gay reporter, and the participation of HIV/AIDS ac- outreach to local LGBT youth. uities could be remedied by a directive from slurs after saying he did not eat meat—and tivists at the conference as an important shift His group, called Project Light, made 200 Clinton. A spokesperson for Clinton told the that he was fired after complaining about the in the conference. referrals last year alone—half made online Washington Post that Clinton “wants to review insults, 365Gay.com reported. Pacifico filed a “It has been an important learning experi- on social-network sites such as Facebook. He this soon and plans to hear from all relevant discrimination-based lawsuit against his super- ence for the community to wake up and take spoke of a 20-year-old who contacted him last stakeholders.” visor and a fellow employee at his former firm. notice that this [HIV/AIDS] is still a crisis,” year after his parents kicked him out of their New senator: Reaction has been generally pos- The papers state that Pacifico is married and not said Hyde. home with no money or place to turn upon itive for New York Gov. David Paterson’s choice gay, and that sexual-orientation discrimination “I hope this is the beginning of greater LGBT learning of his sexual orientation. of an upstate Democratic state representative laws extend to heterosexuals. engagement in HIV/AIDS advocacy,” said Josh “He had no money to pay tuition was unem- to fill Clinton’s U.S. Senate seat. The Human The American Psychoanalytic Association is Thomas of the Community HIV/AIDS Mobili- ployed and had already attempted suicide the Rights Campaign called it a “step forward” for asking Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t zation Project, which led several HIV-related week before,” Taylor said. Such stories resonate LGBT people, saying she has a “strong” record on Tell,” according to 365Gay.com. The organiza- sessions. “I hope we see some integrating of with Taylor who faced similar challenges as a the community’s issues. The Empire State Pride tion, which was about 3,000 members, issued a HIV and health into the broader LGBT politi- young adult balancing work and school and an Agenda, a New York State LGBT political group, resolution that said, in part: “It is the position cal agenda instead of viewing issues in silos, unsupportive family. said Kirsten Gillibrand “supports the full repeal” of APsaA that sexual orientation is not germane which has been the pitfall of the last decade of “I hade no idea how vibrant the field of of the Defense of Marriage Act and the “don’t to any aspect of military effectiveness, includ- organizing.” LGBT health is,” said Kellan Baker, 26. As a ask/don’t tell” policy of excluding gays in the ing unit cohesion, morale, recruitment or reten- The Task Force should sustain its involvement new board member of the D.C. Center, an LGBT military. tion.” in HIV/AIDS and integrate it into its other po- community organization, and graduate student Commission call: The former head of the U.S. In Washington state, Sen. Ed Murray and Rep. litical and grassroots organizing activities, he at George Washington University, Baker hopes Commission on Civil Rights published a commen- Jamie Pedersen have sponsored a same-sex said. to help increase fully inclusive health services tary in the New York Times Jan. 15, calling on marriage bill and a measure that would ex- “The last eight years, the administration has in Washington, D.C., and Moscow, his former President Obama to dismantle the existing com- pand the state’s domestic-partner measure, taken away so much money, changed programs home. mission and create a new one. Mary Frances Ber- according to 365Gay.com. The expansion of and completely diminished the focus on LGBT “I’m especially interested in health programs ry said the Commission on Civil Rights “has been the domestic-partner law would provide all of people and people of color in HIV and other that are trans inclusive and help fight ho- the rights and benefits of marriage. issues,” said Carey. “Moving forward, there will mophobia and transphobia. It’s incredible how Since the original measure went into be incredible opportunities working with HHS transphobia impacts health policy, poverty, SERVING THE NEEDS OF WE ARE A DISTRIBUTOR OF effect, almost 5,000 couples have [Dept. of Health and Human Services] and all and so many other disparities,” he said. HIV+ INDIVIDUALS registered as domestic partners. the other agencies, but we need to gain ground “This movement needs to be capitalized and • LOWEST PRICES lost.” we need to be committed to institutions for • FINANCIAL Noah’s Arc director/creator Patrik- ASSISTANCE Ian Polk, entertainer Sheryl Lee Carey, who began her career working with this movement and we need philanthropic • COUNSELING Ralph, and Oscar-nominated actress HIV-affected homeless youth, said the Task commitment to build and sustain this move- • CONFIDENTIALITY DR. SIEGAL’S COOKIE DIET Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case Force is determined to move forward on a com- ment,” said Matty Hart of Solutions for Prog- of Benjamin Button) are among the prehensive array of federal policy initiative ress in Philadelphia. THORNDALE PHARMACY celebrities slated to make public- drafted in coalition with 20 other LGBT groups. “Coming from a community organizing per- She displayed a thick briefing binder of federal 1104 W THORNDALE, CHICAGO service announcements for Na- spective in human rights and poverty, Creat- tional Black HIV/AIDS Awareness issues and requests delivered to the Obama ing Change has made me reconsider what my transition team. (PH) 773-561-6660 Day, according to a press release. potential can be in the this [LGBT] movement, “The Task Force has a commitment to pursue (FX) 773-561-6685 The day, which is Feb. 7, is a na- he said. tional mobilization effort designed these like bulldogs,” she said. Chief among the David Ernesto Munar, vice president at the requests will be urging federal agencies and FULL SERVICE to encourage African Americans to AIDS Foundation of Chicago, spoke on Cre- become educated about HIV/AIDS- departments to gather more accurate informa- ating Change’s HIV/AIDS plenary panel and WE SHIP ANYWHERE related issues and to get tested and tion about LGBT people and their lives. Carey filed this report for Windy City Times. noted the need for advocacy around the 2010 DR. JAY L. HAMMERMAN, R.PH. treated. Feb. 4, 2009 5 changed makes for an arbitrary distinction be- 9/11. Kirk pointed out that the “REAL ID” pro- that Illinois will now travel down a different ACLU represents tween them and those who elect to have surgery posal requires that “states validate one’s birth road, saying, “[W]e have a duty, a mission to in the United States. certificate in order to secure a compliant iden- restore the faith of the people of Illinois in the trans individuals According to the two women as well as Ettner, tification card….without such a card, I might integrity of their government.” many people choose surgery abroad for very spe- not be able to board an airplane, enter a federal State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz—who voted to in lawsuit cific reason, including the fact that foreign sur- building or get access to some federal benefits.” impeach him—said, “[Jan. 29] is a sad day BY YASMIN NAIR geons more commonly use a one-step procedure, The REAL ID has not been implemented (pro- for the people of Illinois, not only because of which tends to lead to fewer complications. U.S. gressive immigration activists are generally op- this impeachment, but because so many oppor- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) re- surgeons prefer a two-step procedure. Knight posed to it) but, as Kirk pointed out, “I know tunities to help people who need it have been cently announced that it has issued a legal chal- also said that, “It’s a very small group of sur- that a document that says I am male puts me squandered by former Governor Blagojevich and lenge to the Illinois Vital Records department geons who have the expertise to provide the sur- at risk of embarrassment, harassment and even others in Springfield who’ve been consumed by for denying new birth certificates for trans- gery. Many of those surgeons practice overseas. physical violence.” As an example of such em- politics and their own egos.” gender persons who have undergone gender- The law protects our right to make such an im- barrassment, she spoke about being stopped by confirmation surgery abroad. Until recently and portant medical decision free from governmental a South Carolina state trooper for driving over since 1961, Illinois law has permitted those who interference. So the fact that the state of Illinois the speed limit some years ago. According to AFC launches undergo gender surgery to change their gender penalizes persons who choose to go overseas by her, what should have been a routine stop be- ‘Cure’ campaign identity on their birth certificates. In 2004, the taking away their right to an accurate birth cer- came a frightening experience because she had Timed to coincide with National Black HIV/ law was changed so that the option was no lon- tificate violates the Illinois constitution.” Fur- not yet been able to change the gender on her AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7), the AIDS Founda- ger available to those who elected to have sur- thermore, “the case is about medical decision- license, causing the trooper to detain her for a tion of Chicago (AFC) is launching a new public- gery outside the United States. making rights protected by the due process and few minutes. For Kirk, this was an example of awareness campaign called “With Me Comes a The organization is filing the lawsuit on be- privacy clauses of the Illinois constitution. The situations that could arise if her birth certificate Cure.” The campaign is designed to educate Af- half of two female clients, Karissa Rothkopf and choice of a surgeon in transitioning is a very is not changed to reflect her gender identity. rican Americans about the many ways they can Victoria Kirk, who were present to discuss their important and personal one.” Rothkopf empha- According to Knight, “A birth certificate that bring an end to the epidemic. histories and the reasons they wanted the law sized that her decision was made after months identifies them as male is a constant reminder The campaign is driven by a Web site, www. changed. Also present at the conference was Dr. of research and careful consideration, and that that society doesn’t fully recognize them for the withmecomesacure.org, where people can take Randi Ettner, a clinical and forensic psycholo- she chose the doctor because “it was the safest women that they are.” action, dialogue and connect to campaign. Cam- gist, who spoke about the need to recognize the thing for my health.” Both women were patients importance of people’s choices in surgeons and paign materials feature a blank box sandwiched of Dr. Suporn Watanyusakul in Thailand. why such choices were related to their physi- between the word “With” and the phrase “comes Knight pointed out the irrationality of the law: Blagojevich no cal and mental health. The ACLU announcement a cure” in which individuals are asked to insert many persons have been able to correct the gen- was made at its downtown office Jan. 27. The longer governor an idea or action which that they believe will der on their government-issued identity docu- complaint has been filed in Cook County Circuit Rod Blagojevich made history last week as he help reduce the spread of HIV in their commu- ments, like driver’s licenses, passports, and so- Court. became the first sitting governor to be found nity. cial security records because none of these state According to John Knight, a lawyer for the guilty by a state Senate. “The main selling point for the campaign is or federal agencies require that the surgeon be ACLU National LGBT Project and the ACLU of Il- The legislative body unanimously voted Jan. that every person in the African-American com- US-based. According to Knight, no other state linois LGBT Project, HB 1732, sponsored by Sara 29 to remove Blagojevich from office—and then munity has the power to heal the community has this kind of restriction. However, the law Feigenholtz, which would reverse this change in voted to permanently ban him from holding po- and end the spread of AIDS,” said Rev. Doris has adverse effects on residents of any state if the law, was recently struck down 32-78, amid litical office in Illinois. Green, AFC’s director of correctional health and they were born in Illinois and had surgery after “unpleasant” commentary that made it clear Among the federal corruption charges community affairs. 2004: “If you were born in Illinois but now live that its opponents were making light of the Blagojevich faced—and still has to contend with “Cure” has been under development since in Virginia or New Jersey, you can’t change your problem. Their comments did not address the in an upcoming criminal trial—is attempting to 2007. It also features CTA ads, radio commer- driver’s license because those states require your address the need for the change or the merits sell the U.S. Senate seat of President Barack cials and outreach materials, including T-shirts, birth certificate before you can change your of the bill. Knight said that the fact that trans- Obama. Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9, 2008, church fans, condom cases and compact mir- drivers’ license. gender persons who elect to have their surger- at his Ravenswood home by federal agents. rors. There are also consequences for people relat- ies abroad cannot have their birth certificates Pat Quinn, the former lieutenant governor who See www.WithMeComesACure.org. ed to the significant shifts in policy following has assumed leadership of the state, has vowed You want him? 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WindyCityMediaGroup.com QueerTVNetwork.com ll aster Bi y m s 6 Feb. 4, 2009 to draw attention to the importance of sexual STD report reveals health. It hosts outreach programs, and par- HUBERMAN from cover disturbing numbers ticipates in Pride events as well as other events that are scheduled throughout the year, includ- I may not have that sensitivity.” perience in education: “The fact that he doesn’t By Paul Marinkovich ing World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Month. What impact, if any, will his sexuality have have an education background will make for a The CDPH also has five STD clinics that offer free on the way that CPS is run from now on? Is Hu- steep learning curve and it will be longer. It’s The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confidential care for people who are seeking berman’s disclosure good for CPS, for students going to be an interesting transition for him (CDC) released the Sexually Transmitted Dis- treating services. and for gays in general? and for us.” ease (STD) Surveillance Report for 2007 on Jan. There are also many things that the local com- Sam Finkelstein is a member of Gender Just, Ogletree put the focus on CPS students, and 13. The document revealed the extremely high munity can do to raise awareness about these is- a local group that advocates for safer schools said, “What I hope is that he comes in and re- transmission rates of STDs in the United States sues, Wong added. He said that an overall sense for LGBTQ students and anti-bullying and anti- ally focuses on the culture and climate in our and the burden that these diseases put on the of inclusion is needed in order to prevent and harassment policies. He was unimpressed by schools and really listens to the voices of young population, especially in young people, women, perhaps stop the spread of these diseases. the revelation: “It’s irrelevant. There’s nothing people. I think that’s difficult for most admin- and minorities. “The first thing is to become better informed inherently progressive or radical about being istrators because when they come in, they im- The CDC report is an annual surveillance on the presence of sexually transmitted infec- gay.” Could the fact that Huberman is gay help mediately want to look at test scores, at the report, which highlights the number of sexu- tions,” said Wong. “The CDPH has active pro- activist groups and educators who work on LG- graduation rates, the drop-out rates. What they ally transmitted infections on national and local grams where persons can take part in community BTQ student issues get their message across? underplay is what kind of environment are we levels. This data is used to target the general forums and become involved in inseminating Finkelstein wasn’t sure, and said they would bringing our kids in to learn.” Like Finkelstein, public, public agencies and providers in order to this information, creating the awareness around have to wait and see how the relationship, if Ogletree was especially concerned about bul- raise awareness about the current state of these sexually transmitted infections and HIV and any, with Huberman might develop: “[His be- lying and harassment of LGBTQ students. How epidemics. actively engaging in many of the STD and HIV ing gay] could help or hurt the work of trying much of a role might Huberman’s sexuality play It is estimated that almost 19 million new awareness months. Getting involved in activities to make schools safer for lgbtq students; he in his consideration of such issues? infections occur each year, with almost half is a good example of involvement within a com- may try to not want to do things that appear Ogletree was forthright in her response to of them affecting young people 15 to 24. The munity.” to be done just because he’s gay. But, on the that question: “Should Ron as a gay man be surveillance report also shows that biological factors place women at a higher risk than men other hand, he may have a personal connection particularly more sensitive to [LGBTQ student to the health consequences of STDs, and that Quigley’s campaign to these issues. It may open a door in terms of issues]? You know, one would think he is. Par- men who have sex with men as well as African- connecting to him, but I’m not sure.” ticularly if he’s not in the closet, particularly if American men and women have shown increases on the bayou One of the main criticisms of the appoint- he thought he had to be in the closet. I’m not in HIV transmissions. by Yasmin Nair ment of Huberman has been that Mayor Daley saying that he should be focused on that more But the two most infectious diseases in the chose someone with administrative experience, than other things. I would hope it gives him a United States to date are chlamydia and gon- Cook County Commissioner and Democrat Mike rather than an educator. Cook County Clerk sensitivity to these things that other adminis- orrhea. In 2007 alone, more than 1.1 million Quigley is among some two dozen candidates Dorothy Brown and Rev. Jesse Jackson have trators might not have had.” chlamydia cases were reported to the CDC—the who have filed to run for the recently vacated publicly insisted that Barbara Eason-Watkins, Erica Meiners, an associate professor of edu- highest number of recorded cases in history. 5th Congressional District seat of Rahm Emanuel. the current Chief Education Officer, was more cation and women’s studies at Northeastern Il- “Sexually transmitted infections represent the (Emanuel is now President Barack Obama’s chief qualified than Huberman because of her 30 linois University and a member of the Illinois hidden epidemic,” said Dr. Will Wong, medical of staff.) A campaign fundraiser was held at the years experience in education. Eason-Watkins Safe Schools Alliance was less concerned about director of the STD/HIV program for the Chicago second-floor bar of Blue Bayou restaurant, 3734 was also Arne Duncan’s choice to replace him. Huberman’s sexual orientation and more about Department of Public Heath (CDPH). “I think N. Southport, on Wed., Jan. 28. However, Rick Garcia, political director of the ongoing issues facing LGBTQ students that really emphasizes the need for additional A crowded room of supporters and staff stood Equality Illinois, thinks that the appointment in schools. In an e-mail, she said, “We want screening efforts and attention to chlamydia be- around Quigley as he spoke of his campaign: of Huberman is a wise one for precisely that schools to be places where LGBTQ students are cause most sexually transmitted diseases have “For about two years, candidates criss-crossed reason: “We need someone with management not spat on in the hallway, not mocked and no signs or symptoms.” this country fighting for change. Ask yourself experience, to whip the system into shape.” insulted, not tripped or slammed into lockers The CDC report ranks Illinois 10th among the what’s happened since that election, besides the As for Huberman’s refusal to take a posi- and walls, not denied information about their 50 states for chlamydia, with a rate of 432.2 Blagojevich circus.” He went on to say that the tion on the gay high school (as of yet), Gar- bodies and their sexuality, and not denied the cases per 100,000 people; 9th for gonorrhea “things that matter in Cook County are the same cia pointed said: “We do see gay people in our important history: that LGBTQ folks—from with a rate of 162.2 cases per 100,000 people; things that matter in Washington D.C: transpar- city who are all over the place on the gay high Bayard Rustin to Jane Addams—organized to and 16th for syphilis at a rate of 3.6 cases per ency and reinventing and restructuring govern- school. Watching his style, I think it’s safe to make our communities stronger and more dem- 100,000 people. These numbers have been fairly ment.” Quigley also announced that he had re- say that he’s going to evaluate the situation ocratic.” consistent throughout the years, according to ceived 12th District Cook County Commissioner with the best information and do what he be- Meiners did see some links between Huber- Wong. Forest Claypool’s endorsement that morning. lieves is the right thing for the school system. man’s personal life and his job as chief of “In terms of numbers of cases and case rates Just because he’s gay, people can’t expect that CPS and hoped that his experiences as a gay that were presented in the report, the state of Gerber/Hart he’s supportive or not of a gay high school. student at Lyons made him more sensitive to Illinois has remained pretty steady over the past He’s going to look at the greatest body of the needs of “queer youth and teachers in couple of years,” he said. “Locally, in the city exhibit cancelled knowledge and make decisions that way.” schools.” She also addressed the issue of priva- of Chicago, cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia “Harvey Milk: When Then Was ... Now,” an ex- But why did Huberman come out now, and tization of CPS, which several teachers, activ- have remained steady over the last three years. hibit of photographer Jerry Pritikin’s items from not when he was president of CTA? Garcia ists, and parents had raised as an issue during We are actually finding more cases of chlamydia 1970s San Francisco, will not run at Gerber/Hart pointed out that conservative organizations, the tenure of Arne Duncan: “Privatizing public through better more targeted screening efforts. Library, 1127 W. Granville. like the Illinois Family Institute, were already education is deadly for queers. It reduces the When we do screening and testing, we’re testing It was scheduled to start Feb. 8 with an open- posting hostile messages on their Web sites. employment protections available for school the right population and applying public health ing reception. An ongoing exhibit of the photos Indeed the Illinois Family Institute’s words employees, and makes it harder for teachers to dollars efficiency to screen the right popula- can be seen at www.thecastro.net/street/memo- echo the classic stereotype of gay men as po- be out and to sponsor a gay straight alliance in tion.” riespage/pritikin/pritikin.html. tential predators of children: [The appointment the school.” And although the amount of federal funding of Ron Huberman] is exactly what students As this goes to print, Huberman’s disclosure has drastically declined, Wong said that the who already suffer from significant disadvan- about his sexual orientation seems likely to be CDPH does the best it can with the resources tages don’t need: a leader, and therefore role subsumed by the bigger questions surround- they have. Every year, the department takes part model, who affirms sexual deviance and who ing his appointment by the mayor. Clearly, as in various active campaigns to create awareness in his personal life volitionally engages in im- evidenced by the furor of Eason-Watkins be- moral conduct.” For that reason, said Garcia, ing passed over, there will be dissension over Huberman’s decision to make a public state- whether CPS should be headed up by an admin- ment about his sexual orientation was “bril- istrator or an educator, and the ongoing ques- liant” and probably “strategic.” tions over that issue appear to be more tensely Renae Ogletree, director of student develop- debated than the question of his sexuality. Stand Up for Equality A comedy ment at CPS and an out lesbian, echoed this As Ogletree put it, “It would seem that event featuring A PFLAG Fundraiser opinion about the timing of Huberman’s dis- the priority is management and that is Ron’s closure: “He’s about transparency, and that’s track record. And that seems to be what the Ron’s style. I think he’s smart. Rather than be Mayor feels that we need in CPS right now.” Sunday, March 8 Vickie Shaw attacked for it, he’s just saying, ‘this is who I Will Huberman, in the rush to prove himself, Noon - 5 p.m. am,’” she said. “I like that he did it rather than feel compelled to make too-quick decisions or The Comedy Improv at Woodfield Mall wait for someone to ‘disclose’ it. And it lets will he become an administrator who listens to 5 Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg (847) 330-1537 everybody know who he is.” Ogletree also ob- the varied voices of teachers, educators, and served, “When you’re dealing with an environ- activists? Or, as Ogletree put it, “How quickly ment where you work with kids, these things will he have to make decisions that potentially Tickets: $50 includes the comedy show, silent auction, lunch, become issues. So it’s important to come out. might require more time?” and a meet-and-greet with Vickie. 21+ over. The sad part is that we as gays and lesbians Buy tickets at pflagillinois.org or call the Improv have to think about whether we come out or 847-240-2007 and ask for the PFLAG Fundraiser. not. Straight people don’t have to worry about that.” For questions, contact Jim Tomasek at [email protected] While optimistic about Huberman taking over, Ogletree is cautious about his lack of ex- Feb. 4, 2009 7 but not specifically within the School of Educa- recently, Ron Huberman, who replaces Arne Dun- history and, indeed, to the present: Yves Saint State colleges tion.” Manes, like Cestaro, considered the report can as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, has come Laurent, Gauthier, Versace, and Marc Jacobs, a useful tool and, as the latter put it, “an invita- out as gay. As of this writing, he has refused whose “influence on modern culture,” Long said, get failing grades tion [to make changes] more than a criticism.” to take a stand on the gay high school, but his “is profound.” Wondering at the relative absence Sullivan affirms the idea that the report is sexual identity certainly makes it likely that gay of out lesbian designers, Long mentioned one on LGBTQ issues meant to be an opportunity for colleges to have issues will continue to be part of the conversa- important figure: Patricia Field, the designer for BY YASMIN NAIR an open discussion about how to best change tion on education. Sex and the City. policies and allow Web sites to reflect the com- “Closets are for Clothes” runs through July The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance recently issued mitment of universities to LGBTQ-friendly poli- 26. a report card for all Illinois teacher training col- cies. She said that the Alliance would be able Clothes encounter leges, based on their preparedness of teachers to facilitate workshops and meetings around the at CHM Gillani named (K-12) in LGBTQ-related matters. The report is same. “We’d also want to see what the success- By SAMUEL WORLEY titled “Visibility Matters: Higher Education and ful schools are doing. What are the best prac- Trust fellow Teacher Preparation in Illinois: A Web-based Ass- tices they can share?” Malik Gillani, an openly gay co-founder and esement of LGBTQ Presence.” The Alliance looked As part of its ongoing series Out at CHM, the At UIC, College of Education Dean Victoria executive director of Silk Road Theatre Project, at school Web sites to determine, broadly, the Chicago History Museum drew a packed crowd on Chou was happy about the “A,” and gave the is among eight individuals named by The Chi- extent to which higher-education institutions Thursday to the lecture “Closets are for Clothes,” credit to faculty and students who kept the Col- cago Community Trust as one of its fellows— with teacher training colleges were inclusive of presented by the museum’s curator of costumes, lege apprised of the latest research on LGBTQ- five emerging leaders and three experienced sexual orientation and gender identity issues. Timothy Long. The lecture occurred in conjunc- related issues: “It’s important to keep ensuring leaders—for 2009. More specifically, they considered the extent tion with an exhibition called Chic Chicago, a that this is one of the issues that has to be out The experienced leaders receive up to $60,000 to which these policies were reflected in the collection of clothing from the museum’s perma- there to be included.” and emerging leaders receive up to $30,000 to nent collection that tracks the history of fashion materials used in teacher education programs. Even schools that received failing grades wel- design in Chicago. fund their professional development plans. Forty-one out of Illinois’ 57 programs received comed the report because they might lead to The inspiration for Long’s career in the study Silk Road Theatre Project showcases play- F’s. Only one, at University of Illinois at Chicago curricular revisions. Sylvia Gist, director of the of clothing, he told the audience by way of in- wrights of Asian, Middle Eastern and Mediterra- (UIC), received an A. Four received D’s, one got College of Education at Chicago State, had con- troduction, was a question that occurred to him nean backgrounds whose works address themes a B and the rest received C’s. cerns about the emphasis on Web sites since when, as a child, he saw an old photograph of a relevant to the peoples of the Silk Road and According to Shannon Sullivan, executive di- that might not accurately reflect the campus, woman in a hoop skirt: “Why on earth would a their Diaspora communities. rector of the Alliance, most of the colleges have but also said, “It’s great that they did a study woman in the 1860s wake up and put herself in been receptive to the need for the report de- like that. Quite often there are things that are the middle of a steel cage?” As a gay man whose spite such dismal grades and even if they took done on campus that we do not publicize that personal fashion history once included—noted issue with the Alliance relying so heavily on are directed towards making sure that people with a hint of chagrin—“teal and pink high-top Web sites: “Realistically, Web sites need to be feel safe on campus. It heightened an aware- Converse,” Long said that fashion gave him a a conscious reflection of what your values are. ness on my part about information that needed comfortable space and a creative outlet. Certainly, policies, especially non-discrimination to be on our Web site and information in a lot of “Studying costume history finally gave me a policies should absolutely be there on your Web cases that we just took for granted.” At Illinois breath of fresh air,” he said. site.” About the decision to include both sexual State University, which received a C, Associate The lecture, which began chronologically with orientation and gender identity, Sullivan said, Professor of English Education Paula Ressler was the crowning of Queen Victoria and the mass- “The reality is that everyone has a gender iden- impressed by the study: “This research is huge. manufacture of the corset, traced the evolving tity. Heterosexuals are also targeted for being It takes a lot to do this work.” relationship between gender roles and fashion in gender non-conforming. In fact, the most com- Still, some colleges and universities that are the U.S., frequently highlighting Chicago events mon way that students in schools are targeted unfamiliar with LGBTQ issues may have a while and figures. Adeptly weaving social and mate- is about gender non-conformity, even when the to go before they can begin to address them. rial histories, Long explained the lives and work Jensen Atwood. words that are used to harass them relate to MeShelda Jackson, chair of the School of Edu- of fashion designers, the models who posed for sexual orientation like “faggot” or “dyke.” cation at Benedictine University, was eager to them and the public who consumed their work. In the case of schools that already have many discuss the report with Windy City Times, but As most of the clothing was women’s so, too, of the required policies and programs but whose was also unable to provide any details about ‘Noah’s Arc’ star was the Long’s history, focusing frequently on Web sites may not reflect those, the report is a teacher preparation and LGBTQ issues, and did larger trends in gender roles, their effect on reminder that more needs to be done to ensure not seem entirely comfortable talking about part of panel fashion design, and vice versa. In short order, Jensen Atwood—Wade from the Noah’s Arc TV a match between perception and reality. Gary the community: “My understanding is that they Long explained how the invention of the bicycle series and the movie Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Cestaro is the program director of DePaul Univer- were viewing the Web site, to see how clearly helped to popularize bloomers (easier to ride Broom—will take part in a “dating game” panel sity’s LGBTQ Studies Program and an Associate we [presented] the message of different types with than a skirt); how the term “loose woman” discussion presented by the Chicago Black Gay Professor of Modern Languages, and spoke to the of diversity, as with the homosexual.” Pressed refers to a woman loosening her corset and, Men’s Caucus Thursday, Feb. 5 (National Black more general ways in which the institution has for details on what situations student teachers apparently, her morals; how 1920s flappers, in HIV/AIDS Day). worked to create a supportive environment, “but might encounter in relation to LGBTQ students, their zeal to be anti-Victorian, went to great Speed-dating rounds will take place at 6 p.m. that fact may not be as visible as it needs to be.” and how curricula might address those, Jackson lengths to de-emphasize the female body, in- at the Amira Restaurant Lounge (the NBC Stu- He pointed out that DePaul was the only Catho- provided no specifics but insisted that such is- cluding bound breasts and shapeless Art Deco dios building), 455 N. Cityfront Plaza. Then, a lic university with a program of LGBTQ studies sues were “embedded within the courses … be- clothing; and how fabric diverted to military use panel discussion will start at 7:30 p.m. and that there is a lot of LGBTQ visibility, from cause we have to teach about diversity. And so during the Second World War created a certain An after-party will take place at Dragonfly students to staff. Cestaro had no problems that forth. It’s not a subject we shy away from. Our poverty in the fashion world, meaning a de facto Mandarin, 832 W. Randolph, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Up- the report relied on Web sites: “The Web site is instructors are keenly aware and they talk about “ban on femininity” and encouraging the devel- scale attire is encouraged. the most public face of the university for most it in the same way as they talk about a kid with opment of hats as outlets for individuality. Atwood is also slated to appear at a Noah’s people. That’s a reality that’s set in our world.” a disability. That sort of thing. Right now, we’re In terms of the artists and designers, Long Arc: Jumping the Broom DVD release party the Emily Manes, a third-year undergraduate in in the process of revising the program and look- said to audience laughter, “I’m not going to tell same night at Jeffery Pub, 7041 S. Jeffery, 12 elementary education at DePaul’s teaching col- ing at another course that would teach all of you that they’re a homosexual. It’s just that they a.m.-4 a.m. lege, is also a member of Gender Just, a local these issues in one course versus having every- all are.” RSVP at 312-566-0285 or daryus84@yahoo. group that focuses on anti-discrimination and thing embedded.” Long noted the great cultural importance of com for the events at Amira and Dragonfly Man- anti-bullying policies. Her perspective was that The fact that Jackson, and other faculty from gay men in the fashion industry, throughout darin. of both a student and an activist on the very programs that received poor grades did respond issues addressed by the report. She confessed to the report is an indication that colleges are that, given DePaul’s generally supportive envi- taking LGBTQ issues seriously. These have re- PIZZERIA - VINO - FRIENDS ronment, the grade left her “pretty surprised,” cently been among the issues at the forefront but it also made her look more closely at the of the education landscape. Late last year, an curriculum in the teacher training college and attempt to open an LGBT gay high school was discover that “there isn’t lot of emphasis on LG- shelved, amid controversy in many quarters BTQ issues. We have a lot of support systems, that cut across left and right affiliations. Most

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TUES-THURS 5 PM-10 PM FRI-SAT 5PM-12AM (kitchen closes at 11) 773 508 5565 SUN 5 PM-10 PM, CLOSED MONDAYS www.gruppodiamici.com 1508 W JARVIS AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60626 ROGERS PARK - JARVIS & N. GREENVIEW - RED LINE JARVIS EL STOP 8 Feb. 4, 2009 piled quite a collection of addresses where queer American South Side—has a rich and interest- “African-American People to Know” is on Tues- folks gathered. ing queer history. In the 1920s, in the midst of day, Feb. 10, 7-9 p.m. Community members Jac- CHICAGO I’m something of a technophobe, but with this Prohibition, South Side clubs and theaters fea- queline Anderson, Earl “Peacock” Battles, C.C. growing list of places, I found myself excitedly tured blues singers like Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Carter, Vernita Gray and Patricia McCombs will GAY HISTORY imagining a Web-based map of queer Chicago, and Alberta Hunter, women who were known to participate in performances and conversation. BY JOHN D’EMILIO with every address marked and coded. A viewer love other women and who, at times, performed This event is also free. would be able to see the parts of the city that songs with queer themes. In the 1930s, female The “OUT-Front and Center: Music Series: were thick with LGBT locations, and each would impersonators were among the hottest stage Drumming Circle” features members of Lakeside be categorized to distinguish different types of shows on the State Street strip, and annual drag Pride Music Ensembles in an evening of drum- places—social, cultural, political, commercial. balls at Halloween or New Year’s sometimes drew ming. Admission is $5. As one moved decade by decade through time, crowds in the thousands, even into the 1950s. For more info, contact Director of Community the map would change, providing a dynamic vi- In 1969 and 1970, the first gay liberation and Cultural Affairs Tom Ballentine at tballen- Mapping queer sual image of shifting, growing, changing neigh- meetings were held in Hyde Park, making them [email protected] or call 773-472- borhoods and city spaces. easily accessible to Southsiders already radi- 6469, ext. 245. Chicago For a variety of reasons, a lot of my early re- calized by the political upheavals in the black search concentrated on the 1960s and 1970s. As community. And The Chicago Gay Directory for I love maps. As a boy, one of my best-loved toys my pile of addresses expanded, one of the first 1974-75, compiled by Michael Bergeron who Equality Illinois was a wooden map puzzle of the United States. things that jumped out at me was that, today’s also published The Gay Crusader, included quite gala Feb. 7 Once I had learned the basic geography of the 48 rainbow towers on Halsted Street notwithstand- a collection of South Side bars, many of them Equality Illinois will hold its annual “Justice states (Alaska and Hawaii hadn’t yet become 49 ing, East Lakeview was in no sense destined to concentrated in the East 70s along or near Cot- for All” gala Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Hilton Chi- and 50), I would dump the pieces on to the bed- become “Boystown.” As longtime residents of tage Grove. The Jeffery Pub, the Ebony Room, cago, 720 S. Michigan. room floor, turn them upside down so I couldn’t Chicago know, in the mid-to-late 1960s there the Mark III and the Penguin, both for women, The event is the largest LGBT-related black-tie see their names, and by shape and feel put them was quite a concentration of queer places in the and Another Place were just some of the queer- into place as fast as I could. I remember being Near North/Old Town neighborhoods. From the friendly drinking places in the neighborhood. gala in the Midwest. very proud of myself the first time I succeeded in river up to North Avenue were bars and clubs This density of settings suggests an active so- The cocktail reception and silent auction start doing this in less than three minutes. and bookstores and theaters and cruising strips. cial world with networks of folks who knew each at 6 p.m., while the dinner and program begin Since my family virtually never left our neigh- Even into the 1970s, as the new gay and les- other. at 8 p.m. borhood in the Bronx when I was growing up, bian liberation ethic was spreading, and as more So, in one sense, that South Side map in the Tickets start at $250 each. Visit www.eqil.org, maps became my point of entry into unfamiliar appealing bars and dance clubs opened, this June 25, 1976, issue of Gay Life wasn’t a big or contact Joey McDonald at jmcdonald@eqil. worlds. As soon as I was old enough to make neighborhood kept attracting new businesses. deal. It was simply pinpointing the gay locales org or 773-244-3373. it on my own to our local branch library, every Once a lesbian and gay press developed in in a particular neighborhood in the city. But, in couple of weeks I hauled a pile of books home. the 1970s—Lavender Woman, Gay Crusader, Gay another sense, I also realized that it’s very much WSGA’s dinner and Geography books were among my favorites. I Life—my sources began doing my work for me. a big deal that maps of the South Side—back in liked the ones that used different colors to iden- The papers sometimes printed directories of the ‘70s and today as well—so rarely appear in ‘Frenzy’ on Feb. 6 tify elevations above sea level; they allowed my organizations and businesses. They did this in the LGBT press. The West Suburban Gay Association (WSGA) mind to picture mountains and valleys and broad large part to counter the invisibility of lesbian, Why? Because maps don’t simply describe a will hold a dinner at RAM Restaurant & Brew- plains. Much later, when I began to travel on gay, bisexual, and transgender life. These direc- geography that already exists. They help cre- ery, 1901 McConnor, Schaumburg, on Friday, Feb. my own, I pored over maps for weeks and weeks tories were a great resource to readers, many of ate new geographies as well. When maps label 6 at 8 p.m., followed by Hunters Friday Frenzy before a trip. By the time I set out in the car or whom might not yet have known where to find certain neighborhoods as gay—and thus imply at 1932 E. Higgins, Elk Grove Village, at 10:30 exited from a plane, I felt as if I already knew the bars and organizations in town. Sometimes, that other neighborhoods aren’t—they point p.m. the place. these early papers printed neighborhood maps people in particular directions. The movement See www.wsga.com for more information. To me, maps weren’t just two-dimensional de- that pinpointed queer locations around the of crowds of people toward North Side neighbor- scriptors. They set into play an imagination that city. Like the maps that allowed me to visualize hoods every Friday and Saturday night helped was vivid and three-dimensional. the Rocky Mountains before I ever set eyes on make those neighborhoods even gayer. By shap- YPC scholarship This obsession with maps as a way of know- them, these maps of Chicago let readers imagine ing our imaginations (“this is where I can find brunch Feb. 7 ing and understanding the world shaped how streets full of queers before they had even seen others like me”), maps shape our actions, and Youth Pride Center (YPC) will hold its Annual I approached my research into Chicago’s queer or walked those streets. our actions in turn solidify queer geographies. Scholarship Brunch Saturday, Feb. 7—National history. As I read through my first set of sourc- One afternoon, as I sat in my cubicle at the In a city like Chicago, which has a reputation Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day—at Circuit (a es—initially newspapers and organizational Gerber/Hart Library and looked through June is- as one of the most racially segregated cities in newly announced location), 3641 N. Halsted, 11 newsletters—I didn’t just jot down the names sues of Gay Life for reports on Pride Month activ- the United States, decades of North Side maps in a.m.-1 p.m. of people and organizations and the dates of ities, I came upon a page of these neighborhood LGBT newspapers and directories help make gay YPC youths in college will be out this month events. I also paid attention to places. I took maps. There was one of Near North/Old Town, “white” in the popular imagination and render gathering support for a project which will cul- note of the location of bars, the route of the and one of New Town (today’s Lakeview), and gay and lesbian African Americans invisible. minate in a presentation of checks to them and yearly Pride Parade, and the site of demonstra- one of the Far North. And then I found myself In the next couple of columns, I’ll focus very their parents (made out to the school) at the specifically on South Side developments in the tions. I recorded the venues where women’s mu- stopped in my research tracks. This particular brunch. sic concerts were held in the 1970s, the places issue of Gay Life also had a map of the South decades when neighborhoods there became de- Providing a $10 scholarship to a LGBTQ youth where religious groups like MCC and Dignity held Side. finably African-American. of color will result in a youth personally respond- their worship services, and the site of softball In one sense, that map was no big deal. The Copyright 2008 John D’Emilio ing with more information. A $20 scholarship al- games and other sports events. Soon I had com- South Side—and, specifically, the African- lows the donor to attend the brunch, where the Freedom to Marry youth will perform and be presented with their reception Feb. 5 checks. Call YPC at 773-808-6503 or e-mail youthpri- Lambda Legal and the National Museum of [email protected]. Mexican Art will co-host the 8th Annual Free- Wednesday, February 11 dom To Marry Reception Thursday, Feb. 5, at The 7:30 p.m. National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th, ‘Sex, Chocolate...’ Jayne Anne Phillips 6-9 p.m. Feb. 5 The annual reception drew over 400 attend- Lark and Termite “Sex, Chocolate and Your Pelvic Floor” will ees last year and attracts an incredibly diverse take place Thursday, Feb. 5, at Flirty Girl Fitness, audience from across Chicago, the surrounding Thursday, February 12 1325 W. Randolph, 7-10 p.m. counties, and neighboring states. It is one of 7:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Women’s Health many ways to engage the LGBT community, local Foundation, will include presentations, gourmet Many Mountains Moving allies, families and friends in a public discourse chocolate, champagne, raffle prizes, burlesque Press Reading about marriage equality. dancing, mini-spa treatments and more. Featuring Anne-Marie Cusac, Have your The event is free and includes free tours of Tickets are $35-$75 each. See www.TotalCon- Jeffrey Ethan Lee, Patrick museum exhibits, music, hor d’oeuvres and an trolProgram.com. Lawler, Maureen Alsop premiums open bar; in addition, GayCo Productions will be performing scenes from the current show. See increased www.lambdalegal.org. Lesbian break-up workshop Feb. 7 5233 N. Clark recently? Center marks Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, is offer- (773) 769-9299 ing a four-week workshop for lesbians who have Black History Month recently broken up with partners on Saturdays in See me: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, will host February, starting Feb. 7, 2-4 p.m. (The Feb. 21 Charles T. Rhodes, events in celebration of Black History Month in workshop is 4-6 p.m.) the John Baran Senior Center. Agent For more information, contact the lead facili- “Black Music: A Celebration of Black History” 2472 N. Clark tator, Amber Siler-Knogl, M.A., at 773-472-6469, will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, 1-3 p.m.; LGBT [email protected] ext. 492 or [email protected]. 773.281.0890 advocate/activist and performer Darrell Gordon www.womenandchildrenfirst.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Parking Available (not in NJ) will present a historical review of the contribu- Wheelchair Accessible State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) tions of African-American musicians. The event Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois is free. Feb. 4, 2009 9 QUOTELINES Q BY REX WOCKNER “Despite a still-mounting financial I remember what it feels like to hope and crisis, the disappearance of my al- believe that the president is actually a good ready petty retirement fund thanks to man.” — National Center for Lesbian Rights the lawlessness of Wall Street, the monumental Executive Director Kate Kendell to this column, disasters in Iraq and Afghanistan, and an anti- Jan. 15. gay atmosphere in California that harkens back to Anita Bryant, I feel hopeful enough about “While I’m obviously over the moon our future to exercise some personal budget to have a Democrat back in the White savings by abandoning the anti-depressants, House, I’m concerned about some of Obama’s sleeping pills and copious amounts of red actions prior to taking office—his support for wine that have been my coping mechanisms FISA and the Rick Warren fiasco in particular. over the last eight years. Obama and Milk (the His selection of Warren proves that the reli- movie) came along just in time to pull me out gious right will continue to have a friendly ear of the dumps. Is that a queer coincidence or in the White House and that really pisses me what? I think we need to look at what Obama off. Still, I have an expectation that Obama A Lynsey Addario photo that is part of the “Congo/Women Portraits of War” exhibit. will do for America that will ensure our inclu- will follow through on his promises to repeal sion, not what he will do for GLBT America. DADT and DOMA and will work with progres- While the images in the exhibit do not de- The financial crisis does not affect me because sives on many causes important to the LGBT Exhibit shows pict any sexual violence towards women, the I am a lesbian, but it sure is making my fu- community. The first few months should prove effects are surely visible. The pain, fear, and ture and that of my children feel a bit bleak. very telling.” — Popular gay blogger Joe. horror Congo even strength these women develop through the So let’s see if we can shore up the economy My.God. (Joe Jervis) to this column, Jan. 15. hardships they face is clear in their expressions, through public policies that include our fami- and the viewer can almost see the atmosphere lies in the process as a piece of the puzzle, “I am tired of seeing ministers who women face the women are living in. not an independent, marginal part. We are in a will preach homophobia by day, and then after BY SAMANTHA HUNT The exhibit is free of charge and located at post-civil rights moment here with a president they’re preaching, when the lights are off, they 1006 S. Michigan. The exhibit will be open who is flashing back to New Deal politics. Let’s go cruising for trade.” — The Rev. Al Sharpton From Feb. 5-14, Columbia College in Chicago will from 12-6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. A build something new from this opportunity.” from the pulpit of Atlanta’s Tabernacle Baptist host the photography exhibit “Congo/Women free opening reception will take place Thurs- — International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Church, Jan. 11. Portraits of War: The Democratic Republic of day, Feb. 5, 5-7 p.m. Commission Executive Director Paula Ettelbrick Congo.” to this column, Jan. 15. The exhibit—which features the photogra- phy of photojournalists Lynsey Addario, Marcus “I feel very hope- Bleasdale, Ron Haviv and James Nachtwey— ful seeing Obama take addresses the issue of sexual violence against office. Hopeful about What you women and girls in the Democratic Republic of America’s capacity for really pay Congo through 38 striking photos and six ac- change, as illustrated by an escort for companying essays. Moreover, the horrors the the historic election of McPherson Andrew by Photo women face are compounded by a lack of health- an African American and is to leave care—which, among other things, contributes child of an interracial mar- after sex. to the rise of HIV/AIDS in the country. riage. Hopeful about a re- —George Michael “This exhibition and educational initiative turn to government that is hopes to shed light not only on the current not deliberately divisive, situation facing women of the DRC [Democratic contemptuous of consti- Republic of Congo], but on gender-based vio- tutional civil liberties and science, anti-gay “It amazes me when I looked at Cali- lence around the world and demonstrates why and anti-secular, and indifferent to all but the fornia and saw churches that had the arts have a powerful role as a mirror and map rich. Hopeful that we can and will make great nothing to say about police brutality, to influence social change,” said Jane M. Saks, gains, even when the politicians themselves, nothing to say when a young black boy was co-director and creative advisor of the exhibit. inevitably, prefer to disappoint. I expect to shot while he was wearing police handcuffs, “I believe art creates beauty, invites discovery, see us win the freedom to marry in more states nothing to say when they overturned affirma- stimulates reflections, generates self-knowledge, and advance the cause at the federal level, tive action, nothing to say when people were promotes debate and challenges and shifts para- alongside federal and state advances against being delegated into poverty, yet they were digms. This is how my co-director, Leslie Thomas, Iceland gets a employment discrimination and in favor of organizing and mobilizing to stop consenting and I hope visitors to the exhibit will respond: lesbian PM greater visibility, recognition and inclusion.” adults from choosing their life partners. There they will look, learn and then act.” BY REX WOCKNER — Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan is something immoral and sick about using all The exhibit’s moving photos are meant to Wolfson to this column, Jan. 15. of that power to not end brutality and poverty, open the eyes of the viewers and, hopefully, in- The new prime minister of Iceland is openly but to break into people’s bedrooms and claim spire big steps in the direction of change, for lesbian. “Obama has the opportunity to give that God sent you.” — The Rev. Al Sharpton the United States as well as the DRC. Minister for Social Affairs Jóhanna Sig- new expression to the United States’ from the pulpit of Atlanta’s Tabernacle Baptist When asked about the steps needed to make urðardóttir, 66, was appointed to the job founding ideals of liberty, justice and Church, Jan. 11. the images of the exhibit a thing of the past, Feb. 1 by the new governing coalition when equality by defending human rights—includ- Saks said, “As a society we need to declare that the previous government fell apart after ing the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, “I don’t think there’s anything inher- gender-based violence is not acceptable and the nation’s banks collapsed because of the transgender and intersex people, in the U.S. ently dysfunctional about cottaging that we are willing to act on that declaration global economic meltdown. and worldwide. Whether he will seize this op- (having sex in tearooms)—but cottaging in terms of our personal actions, attitudes and She is the world’s first openly gay or les- portunity and bring real change is unclear. I as George Michael? Yeah, there’s something education, policy creation, gender socialization, bian head of a national government, though live in hope. ... I doubt we will see an end to pretty dysfunctional about that. Right up until and legal systems.” openly gay Per-Kristian Foss served briefly the ban on same-sex marriage, but the mili- my arrest, I was still totally naïve about the Attendees of the exhibit will be able to receive as acting prime minister of Norway in 2002 tary’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy could well level of homophobia. There’s no question when more information on how to help the situation when more senior ministers were out of the be shelved. Another possibility is Obama’s I look back it really would have hurt me (if in the DRC through a resource space and the country. endorsement of laws to protect LGBTI people I had come out sooner). I didn’t realize how Congo/WOMEN exhibit Web site (www.congo- In the 1960s, Sigurðardóttir was a stew- against discrimination in employment, hous- much I was protecting my career. I probably women.org). They will be able to get informa- ardess for what is now Icelandair. She has ing, education ... and the provision of goods wouldn’t have got to sing with Aretha Frank- lin, or to rise that high.” — George Michael to tion on how to bring the problem to the atten- been in a registered partnership with writer and services.” — Leading British gay activist London’s Independent, Jan. 13. tion of public representatives and learn about Jónína Leósdóttir since 2002. Peter Tatchell to this column, Jan. 15. organizations dedicated to helping the cause. Iceland has a population of 304,367, mak- “I feel that for the first time in eight “You don’t pay an escort for sex. What “Historically, as far back as anyone can go, we ing it smaller than the least-populous U.S. years, I can exhale, unclench my jaw and you really pay an escort for is to leave after see that gender-based violence has been used state, Wyoming, which has a population of slow my pulse. For eight years we have been the sex.” — George Michael to London’s Inde- as a destructive tool to undermine social sys- 532,668. chained to our seats in a horror movie that pendent, Jan. 13. tems, devastate families, deeply injure women —Assistance: Bill Kelley won’t end; finally as we watch the end credits and girls of all ages physically, emotionally and Read more of Rex Wockner’s world news roll and absorb the staggering body count— —Assistance: Bill Kelley spiritually,” Saks said. “It is a global epidemic online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. literal and figurative—we can breathe again. and needs to be understood in that context.” 10 Feb. 4, 2009

VOL. 24, No. 19, Feb. 4, 2009 LETTERS The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, Shades of AIDS and mobilize Black communities. along. They lined up with Blagojevich and his founded May 1987. As a nation, we must recognize the HIV epi- cronies, smiled and acted as if nothing was PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR What follows is a media statement from Dr. Kevin demic for the crisis that it is. In our communi- wrong. Tracy Baim Fenton, director of the National Center for HIV/ ties, we must work to confront the stigma that They knew better. They had a candidate in AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention Cen- prevents too many of those at risk from seeking Topinka who had every bit as good a record as Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky testing, treatment and support. Individuals have Blagojevich on AIDS issues, who gave far more MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis ters for Disease Control and Prevention Business manager Cynthia Holmes a critical role to play as well, by getting the support over the years to protecting LGBTs from Director of New Media Jean Albright National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7) facts about HIV, getting tested, and taking ac- discrimination, who bucked her own party to ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson is a day to focus attention on the staggering toll tion. Call CDC’s hotline, 1-800-CDC-INFO, or visit back civil unions and who helped secure funding account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk www.hivtest.org or www.aids.gov to find a test- to build our LGBT community center. Instead, Williamson, Cynthia Holmes HIV continues to take on the Black community. Promotions director Cynthia Holmes It is also a day of hope—a day on which we ing location near you. they went with Blagojevich and his money. NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson recognize the progress we continue to make to- Reducing the toll of HIV among African-Ameri- Now they have another chance. Our new gov- National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 wards ending this epidemic in our communities. cans will require hard work and courage from all ernor, Pat Quinn, is pushing for fundamental re- TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan of us. Today, however, we have more opportuni- forms of our state’s political system. He’s right Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. Today, African-Americans continue to face the BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair most severe rates of HIV infection in the nation. ties than ever to stop HIV. There is reason for to advocate moving our primaries to the fall SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie The latest estimates indicate that while Blacks hope and continued work amidst this crisis. to shorten campaigns, lessen the demands for J. Kuda, David Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony make up just 12 percent of the U.S. population, political contributions and increase voter par- Peregrin ticipation. He’s also right to demand major cam- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS they account for nearly half of new HIV infec- Mell to pay Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, tions and almost half of the more than one mil- paign finance reform and recall power for vot- Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Catey lion Americans estimated to be living with HIV. Dear Editor: ers. And we should end the corrupt system that Sullivan, Zachary Whittenburg, J. S. Hall The harsh reality is that 1 in 16 Black men will lets political hacks, rather than voters, choose Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie replacements when officeholders resign before Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe be diagnosed with HIV at some point in their As a constituent of freshman Illinois State Rep. Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris lifetime, as will 1 in 30 Black women. Deborah Mell, I am deeply disappointed in her their terms are up. Public offices belong to the Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Karen Dixon, Black gay and bisexual men and Black women second vote after electing the Speaker, in which voters, not ward chiefs and family dynasties. Mark Corece, Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy are particularly hard hit by HIV. Sixty-three per- she voted in the roll call on the impeachment of We need our leaders to stand up and help Masters Quinn pass these reforms. Leadership should be PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, cent of new infections among Black men occur ex-governor Rod Blagojevich. She failed to rec- Steve Becker, Steve Starr among men who have sex with men (MSM). Fur- ognize the conflict of interest in the fact that about safeguarding the interests of the public, ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart ther, there are troubling signs of a worsening the ex-governor is her brother-in-law. She failed not protecting and enabling the prevailing po- CIRCULATION epidemic among young Black MSM, as HIV di- to recognize the need to recuse herself. I do litical machine. Let’s do the right thing this time Circulation director Jean Albright agnoses in this population have increased dra- not care whether she would have voted yes or around. Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Crystal, Dan, John, Sue and Victor matically in recent years. Black women are also no—she should not have voted at all or voted Close the book? No, Blagojevich’s impeach- disproportionately affected by HIV, with infec- “present.” She had no business taking part in ment should just be chapter one. If our leaders tion rates 15 times as high as those of white this roll call, as she did with her obvious conflict want to quit reading there, so be it. But as vot- women. of interest. ers and citizens of this state, we should be eager To turn the tide, we all must continue to con- The media indicated she stated that she had to take this story to a more fitting conclusion. front the realities of this disease in African- “thought long and hard” about her decision. I American communities. While race itself does doubt it because it lacked integrity. When she Gary Barlow not increase risk, high prevalence of HIV and stated that she thought him “innocent until Chicago other sexually transmitted diseases in Black proven guilty,” that said to me that she had no Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media communities means African-Americans face a understanding of the impeachment process. Im- Roland along Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). greater risk of HIV infection with each sexual peachment by definition is an accusation and Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, encounter than other groups. Stark realities of is performed by the lower body of the General Dear Editor, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. some African-Americans’ lives—including pov- Assembly, of which she is a member. The trial for All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy erty and limited access to health care—increase conviction is performed by the Senate. But this I truly appreciate your coverage of the appoint- City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing the likelihood of HIV infection. Stigma and ho- should not come as a surprise to me because ment of U.S Sen. Roland Burris, and including and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, mophobia also contribute to keeping HIV alive when I met her during the campaign season, she the thoughts of African-American gay individu- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City in Black communities. demonstrated a lack of knowledge of legislative als. However, in the context of the discussion Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of While these statistics paint a dire picture, they issues and processes. one of the major issues of the day that has been a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy When Rep. Mell does finally study up on the on the agenda of civil-rights and social-justice City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the do not predict the future. In fact, now there are sexual orientation of such person or organization. While more opportunities than ever to stop the devas- legislative issues and processes, she can also advocates for some time is same-sex marriage. we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make tation of HIV in African-American communities. learn about recusal; conflict of interest; the As you know, the Coalition for Justice and this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept responsibility for advertising claims. For example: ability to vote “present;” and integrity in public Respect (CJR) has early on supported efforts of (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 The Black community is mobilizing. National officials. House Bill 1826, the Religious Freedom Protec- e-mail: [email protected] leaders—including heads of major civic organi- tion and Civil Union Act sponsored by State Rep. zations and African-American celebrities, as well Scott G. Burgh Greg Harris. CJR has supported this bill as an www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com as Congressional, faith, business and community Chicago element of public-health education and harm radio: WindyCityQueercast.com leaders—are speaking out about the need for reduction. video: QueerTVNetwork.com With that in mind, I have to take exception action. A new start? WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, Recent evidence shows we are making progress to a commit in your article in the Jan. 7 is- 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA towards ending this epidemic. In a promising The removal of Rod Blagojevich from the gov- sue (“Gays tackle Burris pick”) attributed to (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) sign that prevention efforts are working, a ma- ernor’s office marks a milestone in Illinois poli- the Equality Illinois that states that “same-sex marriage is an issue to be fought for on the Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. jor CDC study recently found that new infections tics. But pronouncements that Blagojevich’s Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. among Blacks have remained roughly stable for impeachment “closes the book” on this sordid state and not at the federal level.” This is an Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now more than a decade—despite the growing num- period in our state’s history are more than a bit unfortunate and misguided approach to achieve online only ber of people living with HIV who can potential- premature. our goals of respect for our families and denial Deadline The 10th of month prior. of the justice that we seek. All issues involv- OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE ly transmit the disease. New infections have also After all, Blagojevich didn’t act alone when he www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com declined among several transmission groups in put state government up for sale. When he ran ing human and civil rights have to be fought on which African-Americans are disproportionately for re-election in 2006, it was obvious how he every level: state, federal, local and even inter- represented—babies born to HIV-infected moth- and his cronies were conducting business. If you national. I have often believed we, as lesbians www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and gays, will reach our full potential when our www.WindyCityQueercast.com ers, intravenous drug users, and heterosexuals. wanted to play, you endorsed his re-election and www.QueerTVNetwork.com movement does more than mirror the civil-rights But nearly 25,000 Blacks still become infected contributed to his campaign. In return, you got with HIV every year. We cannot allow this crisis contracts, grants and other favors. struggles, and become a part of the movement to continue. We must all play a role in fighting None of that was secret. Edwin Eisendrath, whose success we strive to achieve. this disease. Everyone and every action counts. running against Blagojevich in the 2006 Demo- Here in Illinois, our state constitution is not At CDC, as well as other agencies in the U.S. silent but speaks clearly that all citizens of this cratic primary, raised those issues. Judy Baar “Windy City Media Group generated Department of Health and Human Services, ad- Topinka, Blagojevich’s main opponent in the state are entitled to civil rights and to have enormous interest among their dressing the HIV crisis in African-American com- general election, talked about them as well. And their rights to be acknowledged. I was educated readers in this year’s LGBT Consumer munities is among the highest HIV prevention newspaper articles and columns throughout the on this notion by a candidate for governor who Index Survey. Out of approximately priorities. In 2007, CDC spent $300 million— state, including some in Chicago’s LGBT commu- explained his position on gay and lesbian issues 100 print and online media partners more than half of its domestic HIV prevention nity, detailed and denounced the “pay-to-play” in the context being aligned with the constitu- who participated in the survey, budget—on fighting HIV in African-American politics practiced by the governor and his pals. tion of this state. That candidate was Roland communities. And through the Heightened Na- Even more than most, leaders of HIV/AIDS Burris. Windy City was the best performing tional Response to the HIV/AIDS Crisis among and LGBT community organizations, as well as I look forward to sitting at a table with him, regional media in the U.S. Only African-Americans, CDC is working with Black politicians tied to our community, knew what his Senate colleagues and members of the Il- survey partners with a nationwide leaders and public health partners to expand the was going on. They had a chance then to use linois legislature to discuss gay marriage and to footprint were able to generate reach of existing prevention programs, develop their leadership positions to speak out against awaken the core compassion and patriotism that a greater number of responses.” new interventions and research, increase testing such corruption. But they didn’t. They just went sustain our state and strengthens our nation. ­­—David Marshall, Research Director, —Marc Loveless, Chicago Community Marketing, Inc. Feb. 4, 2009 11 Discussion on Blacks and HIV Feb. 6 The Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR), in conjunction with the Bayard Rustin Access Cen- ter and Chicago Reporter magazine, will present a roundtable discussion, “Seeking Efficiency in HIV Prevention of the African-American commu- nities,” on Friday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., on the second floor of 3333 W. Arthington. There will also be a community gathering at 7 p.m. the same day. Call 773-559-1751 to RSVP. Gay scientists’ group in Chicago Feb. 15 The National Organization of Gay and Les- bian Scientists and Technical Professionals Inc. (NOGLSTP) will hold its Annual Recognition Awards Reception Sunday, Feb. 15, 4-6 p.m., in An image from last year’s Chicago Takes Off. the Truffles Room of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPho- 151 E. Wacker. tography.com) LGBTQ science, engineering and technology students and faculty are encouraged to attend. See www.noglstp.org for more information. ‘Chicago Takes Off’ set for March 7 Dyke Delicious The third annual Test Positive Aware Network features striptease event known as Chicago Takes Off will take place Saturday, March 7, at the Park West, Hearts, Coffy 322 W. Armitage. The classic lesbian movie Desert Hearts will be There will be two shows, at 7:30 and 10:30 shown Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8 p.m. at Chicago p.m. Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark, as part of the Dyke Actor/entertainer Miss Coco Peru, in her first Delicious series. The story follows repressed Eng- appearance in Chicago, will host the event. Tick- lish professor Vivian as she spends some quiet ets for Chicago Takes Off are $50-$300. Visit time on a dude ranch—only to catch the eye www.chicagotakesoff.org or call 773-989-9400 and heart of young casino worker Cay. ext. 233. Another movie that is part of the series is the In addition, 17 participants from various LG- ‘70s flick Coffy, which will be shown Saturday, BT-friendly bars have signed up to take it off March 14, at 8 p.m. The Pam Grier movie is con- online at www.chicagotakesoff.org/bar-lesque. sidered to be one of the best so-called blaxploi- html. As participants raise more money online, tation films. they’ll take off more clothing. See www.ChicagoFilmmakers.org. Å<95J9BCBK<99@GÆ ÃH\YBYkMcf_H]aYg

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Photo by Lawrence Ferber SNOW WAY OUT Parker Posey (above) was just one of the many stars at the Sundance Film Festival, which had a lot of LGBT offerings. See page 18. THEATER V-DAY GIFT GUIDE BOOKS At the elm. Being shellfish. Getting animated. Page 16. Page 14. Page 20.

Photo by Liz Lauren Big Jones photo by Anthony Robert La Penna

co-directed by Jose Maria Condemi and Scott Measure Marr, and Lehar’s The Merry Widow (performed in English). The latter stars soprano Elizabeth for Measure Futral, and is directed by Chicago Shakespeare BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Theater artistic associate director Gary Griffin. The rest of the season includes starry Lyric If ever there was a time for the Chicago Sympho- revivals of Puccini’s Tosca (double cast with ny Orchestra (CSO) to perform composer Aaron sopranos Deborah Voigt and Violetta Urmana), Copland’s celebrated Lincoln Portrait (which fea- Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (double cast with turing words from the great emancipator him- sopranos Nicole Cabell and Susanna Phillips) and self), it would be for the 200th anniversary of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (featuring such Abraham Lincoln’s birth on Thursday, Feb. 12. high-profile singers like Joyce DiDonato as the But it turns out that the CSO is going to be randy youth Cherubino, Mariusz Kwiecien as the tardy with its portrait. On that exact anniversary sexual prowler Count Almaviva and Danielle de date, the CSO will be in the People’s Republic of Niese as the crafty maid Susanna). China for an Asian tour. After Japanese stops in Rounding out the season is a new-to-Chicago Yokohama and Tokyo, the CSO makes debut in production of Janacek’s Katya Kabanova from China with performances in Hong Kong, Shang- the Metropolitan Opera. Finnish soprano Karita hai and Beijing. Mattila stars in the tragic title role of a married As it stands, the Lincoln Portrait is to be part woman who not only pines for another man, but of two celebratory concerts featuring James Gaf- must deal with her mother-in-law from hell. figan conducting other Lincoln-related music at For many diehard opera buffs, the roster is 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, and at 7:30 p.m. pretty ho-hum. There are no American operas on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Symphony Center, 220 S. and (shockingly) no works by Richard Wagner or Michigan ($17-$199). Call 312-294-3000 or visit Beggar’s Opera. Photo courtesy of the DuPage Opera Theatre Richard Strauss. www.cso.org. But one thing in the Lyric’s favor is its fis- cal responsibility. In the past 10 years, only one Impressively, the CSO has Tony Award-winning So far, Caballé is slated to sing opera arias $75), while Israeli violinist and violist Pinchas Lyric season has ended in the red. Other major actor James Earl Jones slated as the Lincoln Por- and a few Spanish zarzuela songs. But if the Zukerman performs a special recital with pianist companies like the Metropolitan Opera in New trait narrator. Yet Jones can’t quite compare in recital audience is appreciative enough, maybe Marc Neikrug at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 York and San Francisco Opera had to scale back stature to the narrator the CSO had for its per- she’ll sing an encore about her hometown at the ($68-$120). their upcoming seasons by changing repertory, formance of the Lincoln Portrait back on Sept. 7:30 p.m. performance on Wed., Feb. 18. ($40- but the Lyric was able to announce its planned 11, 2005. The narrator was then-U.S. Senator $125). Opera matters: season virtually unchanged. Visit www.lyrico- (now President) Barack Obama. A few other concerts of note in February take The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 2009-10 season pera.org for more information. While the CSO is away, Orchestra Hall will host place at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance can easily be described as a “feast of Faust in Speaking of adventurous repertory, opera a few international artists like French pianist in Millennium Park. Call 312-334-7777 or visit French.” The Lyric serves up two operatic takes buffs should head out this weekend to the Col- Pierre-Laurent Aimard, the Kodo Drummers from www.harristheaterchicago.org. on Goethe’s famed tale of devilish temptation: a lege of DuPage’s McAninch Arts Center in Glen Japan and Portuguese vocalist Mariza on Valen- If you want recent classics, you can’t go wrong revival of its 2003 production of Gounod’s well- Ellyn. DuPage Opera Theatre is presenting the tine’s Day. with the young and hip modern-music ensemble known Faust and a new production of Berlioz’s professional debut of Benjamin Britten’s 1948 But of most interest to fans of Queen and op- Eighth Blackbird. They team up with the vocal The Damnation of Faust (the first-ever Berlioz take on John Gay’s 1728 ballad opera The Beg- era queens is a recital featuring Spanish soprano group The Hilliard Ensemble for a musical profile work produced at the Lyric). British director Ste- gar’s Opera. If you want to see the inspiration Montserrat Caballé with Russian tenor Nikolay on living American composer Stephen Hartke at phen Langridge makes his Lyric debut helming for “Mack the Knife,” catch this opera at 8 p.m. Baskov and pianist Manuel Burgueras. Caballé is 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19 ($30). the Berlioz version, which is usually performed Friday-Saturday, Feb. 6-7, or at 3 p.m. Sunday, known as one of the great sopranos of the 20th If you prefer more established repertory, Music more often by symphony orchestras rather than Feb. 8. ($43). Call 630-942-4000 or visit www. century, but her greatest mainstream fame came of the Baroque performs J.S. Bach’s The Mass in opera companies. Sir Andrew Davis conducts. atthemac.org. from her 1988 duet with Queen’s Freddie Mercury B Minor at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23 ($30- The other new productions are Verdi’s Ernani on the pop hit “Barcelona.” Feb. 4, 2009 13 THEATER REVIEW tiful daughter’s most available recourse was to husband. whose adventures included stints as a front-line marry well? Didn’t she also suffer nervous break- The act of writing being largely a physically war correspondent and undercover investigative Not Enough Air downs aggravated by stress? (Nowadays, we passive pastime, Obolensky might be forgiven agent—emerges as a creature both steely and Playwright: Masha Obolensky call this condition “clinical depression,” but in the frequency of her protagonist’s descent into sensitive. Under Nick Bowling’s direction, David At: Timeline Theatre at UCC’s those days, it was “neurasthenia”—a “women’s often harrowing, but certainly kinetic, fantasies Parkes, Mechelle Moe, Danica Ivancevic, Terry Baird Hall, 615 W. Wellington disease” resulting from excessive intellectual blurring fact and fiction in her imagination—a Hamilton and Zach Kenney all deliver vivid and Phone: 773-281-8463; $25-$35 stimulation.) But Treadwell did not choose as process veering dangerously close to the cliché varied portraits of the obligatory advocates and Runs through: March 22 her unfortunate sisters did, instead forging her- of the obsessively empathetic female artist—and adversaries, but it is Sophie whom we go home self a career steeped in feminist principles and making Treadwell’s devoted spouse the voice of glad to have met. BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE personal independence, with the wholehearted reason in an emotionally charged universe. But It has been said that the secondary goal of news- encouragement of a likewise progressive-minded as played by Janet Ulrich Brooks, Treadwell— papers is to inform the public, but that their primary mission is to sell newspapers. Sophie Treadwell wasn’t as cynical as her colleagues, despite her experience as a trial reporter cover- ing domestic homicides during the razzle-dazzle 1920s. Incensed at the stereotyping of female suspects as heartless vixens, but unable to se- cure a forum for her protests, Treadwell instead wrote a play pleading a case for mitigating cir- cumstances leading otherwise law-abiding ma- trons to violence. That play, titled Machinal and premiering in 1928, recounts the story of “an ordinary woman” beset by social pressures—a sick parent, a lech- erous boss who persuades her to marry him, a lover who will ultimately betray her—until she can see no escape but mariticide. Though the character in based in no small part on Ruth Sny- der, the first woman sentenced to death by elec- Rhapsody trocution, Masha Obolensky’s biodrama reveals Treadwell’s fictional heroine to have been a con- glomerate of several abused wives encountered by the author in the practice of her trade. for Memoirs being the hot-sellers of our genera- tion, it would be easy to invoke the autobio- graphical angle: Wasn’t Treadwell also the sole support of her mother, in an age when a du- A benefit for Blue GargoyleBlue Community Services “Alleviating Poverty through Literacy”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2009 | 2PM

DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theater, 60 E. Balbo Drive (Conveniently surrounded by 6 parking garages) Not Enough Air. Photo by Ryan Robinson

CRITICS’ PICS RING An Adult Evening with Shel Silverstein, STAR The Shadowmen at Raven Theatre, Feb. 5-28. Don’t bring the kids to this revue— Rachel Barton Pine before he became popular for his children’s stories, “Uncle Shelly” was a regular con- tributor to Playboy magazine and hip little Chicago Chorale comedy shows like this one promises to be. MSB * Design for Living, First Folio Theatre Aleksandra Kurzak at Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, * through March 1. Playwright and performer Petra Lang Noel Coward never officially came out during his lifetime, but he dropped plenty of hints. * One shining example is his 1930 bisexually Matthew Polenzani tinged comic drama about three artists (two male, one female) who each end up in mul- Eric Weimer (accompanist) tiple configurations of coupledom. SCM Fires in the Mirror, through Feb. 28, 16th Street Theatre, Berwyn. Anna Deavere Smith’s docudrama about race riots in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, merges journalism with Ticket price in advance: $85.00, at door: $100.00 art as a quartet of women portray more than VIP ticket and reception: $200.00 two dozen different people impacted by harrowing days of rage. CS Family/Group discounts available. Scoundrel Time, City Lit Theater Com- pany, through March 5. Playwright and talk For details and ticket sales call 773-955-4108 x312, or visit rhapsody4blue.eventbrite.com. show personality Lillian Hellman knew how to hold a grudge. Find out how in Terry Mc- Cabe’s brand new stage adaptation of Hell- man’s memoirs about her time before the House Un-American Committee when she *Artist appears through kind permission of Lyric Opera of Chicago refused to name names. SCM —By Barnidge, Morgan and Sullivan 14 Feb. 4, 2009 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide By ANDREW DAVIS

I want your sex Movie kind of love The diner things Gold Class Cinemas (www.goldclasscinemas.com) Ginch Gonch will certainly warm up Valentine’s offers the perfect night of movie-viewing for couples. Night. Choose from a variety of boxers, briefs and, For $159, twosomes can enjoy an amazing experi- yes, thongs that feature everything from the ro- ence that includes admission to the movie of their mantic to the ultra-funky. (By the way, choice on Feb. 14; three shared courses; two glasses there are options for men and women.) of wine or champagne; free hand or neck massages; (www.ginchgonch.com) and flowers and chocolates. Locally, the theater is at 100 W. Higgins (at Route 59 & Higgins Rd) in South Barrington.

Of course, there are loads of restaurants you and your sweetie could go to—but you might want to upgrade from Burger King this go-round. The Andersonville eatery Big Jones (5347 N. Clark; www.bigjoneschicago.com; pictured above) can provide a little kick to the night with its pro- vocative coastal Southern cuisine. Another romantic option is The Restaurant Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North; www. chaiseloungechicago.com; pictured below), with reasonably priced dishes like spicy scallops and beef shortribs—not to mention its very intimate ambiance (although ruggedly handsome waiter Ryan may prove to be a distraction). The lesbian couple eating next to me could attest to the restau- rant’s atmosphere. Art-felt

Surely, you’ve seen Robert Indiana’s 12-foot LOVE sculpture pop-art icon—and now it’s been reproduced in a three-inch-high anodized alumi- num version ($74; www.mcachicago.com).

Liquor is quicker Dance fever

Domaine de Canton (www.do- mainedecanton.com; pictured be- low), the world’s first super premi- um ginger liqueur, may cause the heart rate to rise, while its sweet and savory scent stimulates the senses; you can take the rest from there. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (www.xratedfusion.com; pictured left) is a melange of ultra-premi- um French vodka and rich blood oranges, mixing with mangos Have a seat and passionfruit—and how can you possibly go wrong with that name?

If you don’t want to get involved some steamy danc- ing, you and your partner can at least watch some. Searching for that perfect edgy item for your Valen- River North Chicago Dance Company ($30-$65; www. tine’s Day? Look no further than Liberator, a luxury harristheaterchicago.org) returns to the Harris Theater, and lovestyle brand that celebrates intimacy by in- 205 E. Randolph, with its annual Valentine’s Weekend spiring romantic imagination. Liberator shapes and Engagement, Friday-Saturday, Feb. 13 - Feb. 14 at 8 positioning furniture transform ordinary beds and p.m. There will be three groundbreaking world pre- bedrooms into creative sex terrains by employing an- mieres, including the duet “Sentir em Nos (Even for gles, elevations, curves, textures, environments and Us),” which explores a torrid affair set to the powerful motion. Wait a minute—do those terms describe the music of Tuscan tenor Andrea Bocelli. “terrain” or the act itself? ($85-$425; www.liberator. com) Feb. 4, 2009 15 whose belterly vocals cut through the sugar like outshine the glo-sticks waved during the finale a shot of bonded whiskey. by the audience (some seated, Shakespeare- And then there’s the magic that a song exhorts style, on the stage). Elizabeth Stanley leads the us to believe in! Sidewalk murals that wash away pantheon as the demigoddess whose sunny smile in the rain! Flying-horse chariots like Wagnerian never falters, even when its wearer is forced to swans! Cyclops and Centaurs shaking booty in hobble on one skate for an entire scene. And disco-CPR tempo and retro-tappers atop office Sharon Wilkins’ and Joanna Glushak’s take-no- desks! Roller-skating stunt-soloists! A ruined prisoners baddies should soon find followers ballroom that renovates itself into a glitter pal- among lonely post-Wicked orphans. Now where ace, complete with mirror-chip moon and bee- did you put those leg-warmers? tle-light frame, in the time it takes to sing a few choruses of “All Over The World.” None of this would matter, however, if the cast didn’t appear to be having fun every minute, but the company assembled for this Broadway In Chicago stopover generate enough sparkle to

SPOTLIGHT Xanadu. Photo by Carol Rosegg Hamlet THEATER REVIEW know Xanadu by its reputation as a failed ve- hicle for Aussie warbler Olivia Newton-John—by Playing the title role of Shakespeare’s Ham- Xanadu beating them to every snarky punch line. How let is a monumental challenge. So imagine Playwright: book by Douglas Carter Beane, can you diss a musical that shamelessly declares the chutzpah of Guy Roberts, who performs music & lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar itself “children’s theater for 40-year-old gay a one-man version of the classic. See Rob- At: Broadway In Chicago at Drury Lane people”? erts play 18 different roles in 90 minutes Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut So now the nine muses of myth include two in this American stage premiere of Hamlet Phone: 312-902-1400; $25-$87.50 male “sisters” and a romantic ballad features co-produced by the Prague Shakespeare Runs through: open an Eros with fluted wings. We also get Califor- Festival and the Mermaid Theatre Company. nia jokes—beginning with our heroine’s dismay Hamlet plays 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE at finding herself in 1980 Venice Beach—and and 7 p.m. Sundays until Feb. 15 at the period references to the skimpiness of men’s Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwau- To alla youse who’ve seen the movie (which I summerwear, the hotness quotient of Parker kee. Tickets are $20 (two-for-one student haven’t), be warned that there’s hardly a line Stevenson and a teen flick called Dirty Danc- tickets at $10). Call 773-598-4549 or visit in this adaptation you’ll remember. But if you ing. Coleridge’s poem makes a cameo (for you www.gorillatango.com. Photo of Roberts fondly recall the soundtrack of hit singles by brainiacs), as do the conventions of Greek trag- courtesy of Gorilla Tango Theatre John Farrar and Jeff Lynne, be assured you’ll edy. Musical comedy is represented by a dig at hear them all before the 90-minute evening is Andrew Lloyd Webber, whispery lyrics delivered over. Douglas Carter Beane’s script is prepared in a piercing Kabuki “hhhhissssss!” and the in- to take on any naysayers—even those who only troduction into the plot of two jealous siblings

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“ENORMOUS, BOLD” _dj^[(' ij Y[djkho Don’t miss this Global Exploration, where some “R OBERT FALLS’ COLOSSAL, of the world’s leading theater companies present their contemporary interpretations UNABASHEDLY SEXUAL... REVIVAL.” of O’Neill’s most daring, innovative dramas. –Chicago Tribune

THE HAIRY APE Produced in association with The Hypocrites, Chicago DIRECTED BY SEAN GRANEY | FEBRUARY 7-21

ROUW SIERT ELECTRA (MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA) Toneelgroep Amsterdam BRIAN DENNEHY CARLA GUGINO PABLO SCHREIBER DIRECTED BY IVO VAN HOVE | FEBRUARY 25-28

KD:;HJ>;;BCI STRANGE INTERLUDE Produced in association with The Neo-Futurists, Chicago EXTENDED BY POPULAR DIRECTED BY GREG ALLEN | MARCH 6-8 DEMAND THROUGH Special group savings for 10 or more! For a complete description of shows MARCH 1! WITH BORIS MCGIVER AND DANIEL STEWART SHERMAN Call Kim Furganson at 312.443.3820. and events, visit GoodmanTheatre.org

GoodmanTheatre.org THE ELIZABETH F. KRAFT FOODS, Principal Sponsor of CHENEY FOUNDATION the free Student Subscription Series. PETTERINO’S, Promotional Sponsor for Lead Corporate Sponsor for Sponsor Partner for Sponsor Partner for Corporate Sponsor Partner for Corporate Sponsor Partner for Sponsor Partner for Exclusive Airline of Desire Under the Elms. Image design 312.443.3800 Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Desire Under the Elms Desire Under the Elms Goodman Theatre and direction by Kelly Rickert. 16 Feb. 4, 2009 THEATER REVIEW cality. Extended portions of the play are acted wordlessly to music tracks ranging from Bob Dy- Desire Under lan to Richard Woodbury’s taught, piercing origi- nal soundscape. Falls’ vision—and that of his the Elms superb design team—is a distant galaxy from Playwright: Eugene O’Neill the realistic, representational play O’Neill wrote, At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn but nonetheless taps deeply into elemental Old Phone: 312-443-3800; $36-$82 Testament and Greek mythologies from which Runs through: March 1 O’Neill drew inspiration. Perhaps no sources re- cord sweaty, cataclysmic sexual passion—and BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL its consequences—better than Scripture and the Greeks! Love it or hate it, you’ll walk out of director Desire Under the Elms takes place on a rocky, Robert Falls’ Desire Under the Elms with strong hard-scrabble New England farm about 1850 impressions and vivid, monumental visual pic- (although Ana Kuzmanic’s costumes suggest a tures planted in your memory. Cutting substan- 1930s updating that, otherwise, is ignored and Desire Under the Elms. Photo by Liz Lauren tial portions of text (and secondary characters), purposeless). When flinty, 76-year-old Ephraim Falls condenses Eugene O’Neill’s three-act trag- Cabot brings home an alluring young wife (his to the farm. (True West) and Congo Square Artistic Director edy into 100 minutes without intermission, fre- third), she and Cabot’s 24-year-old son, Eben, The vast physical production overwhelms ev- Derrick Sanders (topdog/underdog), the actors quently reducing language to mere background are snared in a fatal and fateful net of sexual at- erything else, using the full height and width of mix it up, switching shows in an audacious rep- for the work’s primordial sensuality and physi- traction and competition for inheritance rights the Goodman stage upon which designers Walt ertory. The pieces are so symbiotic it’s amazing Spangler (set) and Michael Philippi (lighting) that nobody has thought of this brash mash-up have created an earthy, desperately hard land- previously. Through text and subtext, allegorical CULTURE CLUB scape tinged with Bosch and the surreal. Piles of implication and literal action, the dramas refract monumental boulders are surmounted by boul- off each other like crazy mirror images. ders suspended from ropes, a heavy two-story The brothers at the center of topdog/underdog farmhouse is suspended in mid-air, an abattoir are traditionally played by two African-American becomes a bedroom and an opaque backdrop actors; in True West, by two white actors. Here, suggests everything is at the bottom of the sea. African Americans Daniel Bryant and Anthony It is, in short, the primal ooze from which life Irons get a shot at True West while Matthew and death arose, and there’s not a sign of life to Brumlow and Stephen Louis Grush switch to be seen in the form of a green leaf, a flower or a topdog/underdog at alternating performances. crop. Both dramas center on the fractured, fractious Against such a vision, actors almost are sec- love/hate relationship between siblings. In True ondary and characterizations certainly are. West, screenwriter Lee (Brumlow, plumbing vis- They disappear into the larger entity of oper- ceral depths that defy his pretty-boy looks) and atic size. Falls requires only human versions of quasi-homeless drifter grafter Austin (Grush, de- primary color blocks, and he’s found them. The livering fatalistic comedy with knockout fervor) men in the cast all are big, with Eben’s older are holed up in their mother’s California home. half-brothers and father all boulder-sized men, They’re like gasoline and detergent: Mix the two lead by Brian Dennehy as the unbending patri- together and you have yourself some homegrown 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave. arch. Pablo Schreiber as Eben is the tallest of napalm. Adults: $18, Students/Seniors: $15 all although not heavy-set. He and Carla Gugino With topdog/underdog, aspiring card hustler More Info: 630-759-2970, www.tothbolingbrook.com as Abbie are—what can I say?—a luscious and Booth (Bryant, exuding both childlike needi- sensual couple who burn with desire. ness and brute danger, a combo that makes you It all makes for an exciting and memorable simultaneously fear him and fear for him) and theatrical event, but one in which you may feel his brother Lincoln (Irons, taut as an overwound little connection to the characters. If you do guitar string, and nailing the marrow-deep connect, most likely it will be to Falls’ visceral brooding depression of a man flailing for direc- vision of shapes, passions and natural forces tion). Like Lee and Austin, Lincoln and Booth that predate rational thought. cling to each other (and go for each other’s throats) as they try repair the irreparable dam- THEATER REVIEWS age inflicted by their parents and find peace in a world that keeps shooting them in the head— topdog/underdog literally, in Lincoln’s case. He plays Abe Lincoln in an arcade, wearing whiteface and a stovepipe Playwright: Suzan-Lori Parks hat as customers pay to reenact Lincoln’s final At: American Theatre Company, moments. 1909 W. Byron If Parks’ dialogue comes at you like jazz (Irons Phone: 773-409-4126; $35-$40 especially has the riffs down to a virtuosic Runs through: March 8 patter), Brumlow and Grush deliver escalat- ing explosions. Listen, for instance, to Grush’s crescendoing frustration with crickets—by the True West time he absolutely loses it over the benign but Playwright: Sam Shepard uncontrollable insects, (about the time of day At: American Theatre Company, when “coyotes…kill peoples’ cocker spaniels”) 1909 W. Byron you’d swear his head was about to blow halfway Phone: 773-409-4126; $35-$40 to kingdom come. Runs through: March 9 The quartet is just as effective in quietly devas- tating moments, making True West and topdog/ THE MAIDS BY CATEY SULLIVAN underdog add up to a theatrical grand slam. BY JEAN GENET TRANSLATED BY MARTIN CRIMP DIRECTED BY JIMMY MCDERMOTT Take in the American Theatre Company’s balls- PERFORMED AT 664 VERNON AVENUE to-the-wall staging of True West, and you will “THE ACTRESSES ARE never look at your kitchen toaster the same way again. Hyper-violent, uproariously funny and ONLINE MAGNIFICENT.” sublimely profane, the piece is a gleefully de- – CHICAGO SUN-TIMES structive Cain and Abel fable. If you’re sitting THIS WEEK... $40 TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE. in a front row, watch out for shrapnel. And the occasional kitchen appliance. REVIEW OF: ORDER TODAY! In collaborating with Congo Square The- atre Company and pairing Sam Shepard’s seis- mic brotherly meltdown with Suzan Lori-Parks’ — WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG equally volcanic topdog/underdog, ATC unveils How I Became an one of the most ambitious productions of the Interesting Person 8 47 - 242 - 6000 WRITERS’ season. Together, the duel stories of brothers in 2008/09 Season Sponsor: THEATRE Mary Winton Green Media Sponsor: arms make for an exhausting and exhilarating www.windycitymediagroup. four-hour emotional epic. Or eight hours, if you com want to see the both casts do both plays. Directed by ATC Artistic Director PJ Paparelli Feb. 4, 2009 17 Films were secondary on Inauguration Day, as I was surprised by.” many festgoers viewed the televised proceedings As usual, LGBTs crowded the 13th Annual OUT- at Sundance/Slamdance venues/events, in their FEST Queer Brunch—I spotted Guinevere Turner, condos or in Washington D.C. itself (like Dare’s Rose Troche and Tracy Chapman at one table— Alan Cumming). A few films played up political and the three-level GLAAD/Absolut-sponsored and global issues, such as The End of the Line, Queer Lounge, which hosted numerous panels, which addressed the dangers of overfishing. schmoozing, parties (best of the lot was Regent’s (Someone wearing a plump, red fish costume “Sindance” shindig, complete with open bar and skied the slopes to promote it.) Conversely, Prop locally enlisted go-go boys) and, of course, gos- 8 was barely addressed, barring a Queer Lounge sip. I learned that Glenn Gaylord will direct Ariz- panel, pro-gay marriage pins, a few posters in tical’s upcoming Eating Out 3, and Lesli Klain- storefronts and a lone demonstrator dancing on berg (Fabulous! The Story of Queer Cinema) is Main Street (and handing out CD-ROM copies of working with Dan Bucatinsky (All Over The Guy) his screenplays while at it). on a pilot entitled My Family, geared to kids of “Surprisingly, and unfortunately, I didn’t see gay parents. anything about Prop 8,” shared out publicist Less may not be more but, as Sundance 2009 John Murphy, who represented director Cary Joji proved, it was certainly satisfying. Fukunaga’s Sundance Directing and Cinematog- Also, read Heather Lane’s account of Sun- Jeremy Ray Valdez (left) and Benjamin Bratt. Photo by Lawrence Ferber raphy prizewinner, Sin Nombre. “I expected to dance—including encountering actor Justin see more. I felt there really wasn’t any rebuttal Kirk—online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. MOVIES Mongoloid). She only finds comfort from a nur- for [films screened at] Cinemark theaters, which com. turing lesbian teacher, and escape in fantastical blackouts. Heights The film is as powerful as it is entertaining, heart-wrenching as it is hopeful and tragically despite lows: funny as it is terrifying. It boasts typecast-bust- ing performances from Mo’Nique, who, during Sundance 2009 the festival, admitted she had been molested by By Lawrence Ferber a family member and infused her character with that evil; Mariah Carey (dressed down as a social Park City, Utah—Quieter, sunnier, warmer, less worker); and Lenny Kravitz (as a male nurse). crowded and less circus-like than usual, this Since acquired by Lionsgate, Push has snagged year’s Sundance Film Festival, which ran Jan. Grand Jury, Audience and Special Jury Prize for 15-25, was also characterized by a plethora of Acting (for Mo’Nique) awards. high-quality films. Celebrating its 25th anniver- Another film that has secured both a distribu- sary, the festival was frequently overshadowed tion deal (with Magnolia) and Sundance prize by real-world events—such as Obama’s inau- (for Spirit of Independence) was writer/director guration and news of further economic woes/ Lynn Shelton’s comedic Humpday, in which two layoffs (by Warner Bros. and Microsoft)—yet straight men challenge themselves to have sex every day saw premieres of excellent, thought- on camera for a Seattle amateur-porn contest. provoking, audacious works. And local director Frank Feldman won Spirit of For example? In I Love You Philip Morris, we Slamdance honors for his short, Vapid Lovelies. Tina Mabry. Photo by Lawrence Ferber watched a sweaty, thrusting Jim Carrey eagerly Peter Bratt’s La Mission received a standing fulfilling a man’s request to “cum in my ass!” ovation at its premiere. Set in San Francisco’s Possibly Sundance’s most anticipated queer- Mission district, it stars Benjamin Bratt as Che, interest title, the based-on-a-true-story comedy a good hearted yet violently homophobic Latin stars Carrey as gay con man Steven Jay Russell, father whose teenage son (Jeremy Ray Valdez) whose romance with another prisoner (played comes out. At a post-screening Q&A, the Bratts by Ewan McGregor) and nonstop swindles and explained how the character of Che represents EIGHTH BLACKBIRD with prison breaks lead to plenty of laughs and heart- our culture—one that uses brute force and vio- break. The day following its premiere, the film- Call THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE lence to achieve goals as well as spark conversa- 312.334.7777 makers—including writer/director team Glenn tions within communities of color. Meanwhile, Thursday, February 19, 2009, 7:30 pm Ficarra and John Requa (Bad Santa), executive Visit out writer-director Tina Mabry’s accomplished HarrisTheaterChicago.org producer Luc Besson, Carrey, McGregor and co- Slamdance feature, Mississippi Damned, ad- star Rodrigo Santoro (who plays one of Carrey’s dressed homophobia and generational clash previous lovers)—held a press conference at within a poverty-ridden African-American fam- DON’T MISS GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING EIGHTH BLACKIRD IN Main Street’s Queer Lounge. Carrey admitted ily. THEIR LAST HARRIS THEATER PERFORMANCE THIS SEASON! the raucous “ass” scene was a reason he did the A surefire conversation-stirrer, Julian Breece’s movie, and that despite his criminal streak, Rus- stunning short film, The Young and Evil, saw a sell (who’s currently in prison) is a good guy at Black teen “bug chaser” attempt to get infected heart. by an HIV-positive AIDS prevention activist. “We’re all good guys—your worst enemy is a Equally disturbing, but in a non-real world way, good guy!” he shared. “I love to get to the bot-

was Paul Solet’s comedy-horror film Grace, in Ratray by Luke Photo tom of a character. What lies they believe about which a lesbian midwife helped her bisexual ex themselves. He felt like he needed acceptance. give birth to a ghoulish, blood-drinking infant. Beware the unloved—they go to extremes to Also darkly humorous, Nancy Kissam’s Drool up- find significance.” dated Bound with its tale of a repressed house- The film, still seeking a distributor at the wife who kills her husband and runs off with her fest’s close, utilized actual prisoners as extras. sassy Black neighbor, moody daughter and bud- “They were life prisoners, so they had a calm ding gay adolescent son. to them,” McGregor recalled during the second In the desert-dry French absurdist comedy “cutting edge” screening’s Q&A. One convict took McGregor Louise-Michel, an incompetent FTM transsexual Chicago Sun-Times aside to make a creative suggestion. “He said, ‘I hit man is enlisted to kill a corporate boss. A think there should be a scene where I fight Jim gay man cruising the beach finds an unexpected for you,’” McGregor said. The real Morris makes a connection with a woman in Italy’s One Day in a Reserve your cameo, playing a lawyer during a final courtroom Life. Spun from Philadelphia writer David Brind’s space for the scene. 2005 short of the same name, Dare chronicled performance and Speaking of juries, one of the festivals big- a love triangle between a gay teen, his female tasting together Mingle with eighth blackbird during gest winners was out director Lee Daniels’ U.S. best friend and the bisexual bad boy they both for just $30! Dramatic Competition title, Push: Based on the crush on. the pre-show beer and wine tasting Novel by Sapphire. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe As for lame ducks? Ensemble drama The In- hosted by Whole Foods (who was reportedly discovered on a street formers, based on Brett Easton Ellis’ novel, was corner) stars as Precious Jones, a Harlem high pointless and vapid, while despite its talented schooler whose life represents a virtual onion leading ladies—including Rachel Dratch, Amy of adversity: illiterate and obese, she endures Poehler, Parker Posey and Jane Lynch—out nonstop abuse from her monstrous, unloving director Ryan Shiraki’s Spring Breakdown was mother (Mo’Nique); was raped by her father; and Spring Season Official Airline of Fifth Anniversary Lead Corporate Sponsor 2008-2009 Preferred barely more pleasant than a case of spring Sponsor the Harris Theater Sponsor of the eighth blackbird Catering Sponsor bore two children as a result of the attack—one, break-contracted herpes. 2008-2009 season with Down syndrome, is named Mongol (short for 18 Feb. 4, 2009 tasy world gets more lush and inviting. A daz- through all manner of anxiety about their unful- zling circus performance; a theatrical experience filled lives—which they seem to mostly blame shared with an audience of flying terriers; and a on the lack of a marriage license—I suddenly KNIGHT room filled with the coolest toys, not to mention felt a sigh of relief. When the lights went up I all her favorite foods, soon convinces Coraline turned to the female film critic next to me and AT that this is the place for her—until she awakens said, “At last—a movie that’s made me realize THE to its danger. how lucky I am that I can’t get legally married.” Though the film shares the same delight in all He’s Just Not That Into You—a nice, breezy MOVIES things gothic that Nightmare, Corpse Bride and comedy—once again reminds me that being Monster House did, Coraline is sweeter in tone straight ain’t all its cracked up to be. and the visual panache (helped by the 3-D ef- fects) is matched by a substantial story and a Film note: memorable leading character that one can root Advance tickets for the Friday, March 6, open- for (and the crackpot eccentrics are a hoot, ing weekend of Watchmen, the hotly anticipat- to boot). Selick has also gone with a delicate ed sci-fi blockbuster that will play at the Navy music score by French composer Bruno Coulais Pier IMAX, are now on sale. The catch, of course, and They Might Be Giants that helps sustain the is that the tickets can only be purchased at the BY RICHARD KNIGHT, JR. dreamy tone of the picture. Navy Pier IMAX box office, 700 E. Grand. But Coraline. Coraline, He’s Just The film, adapted by Selick, is based on the fans will also get a chance at the first of six col- graphic novel by Neal Gaiman (which is darker lectible character posters to be released weekly Check out my archived reviews at www. Not That Into You, and, in addition to Alice, has hints of Hansel until the film’s debut. Note: Advance tickets windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- & Gretel and even The Stepford Wives). Gaiman went on sale Jan. 30 so call ahead to make sure ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the film note was also responsible for the source material for they’re still available. 312-395-5MAX latter Web site. Stardust, the 2007 live-action fairy tale that is a The fascination with stop motion by directors classic of the genre but got unfairly overlooked Tim Burton and Henry Selick is easily traced back by audiences. Hopefully, Coraline won’t fall down Harry Connick, Jr.: HCJ: No. My daughter would kill me. She would to 1964’s holiday special Rudoph the Red-Nosed another rabbit hole and suffer that same fate. absolutely kill me! I don’t think I’m going to Reindeer, the beginning of a long run of simi- Up and ‘Town’ be in that type of situation. It would be ex- lar specials from producers Rankin-Bass. (Ironi- Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Af- By Richard Knight, Jr. tremely difficult to deal with a lot of the situ- cally, these specials were created in a variation fleck, Drew Barrymore, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer ations that I’m dealing with as a dad without on stop motion that the producers termed “an- Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Ginnifer Goodwin and From the moment Harry Connick, Jr.’s, singing my wife to sort of balance the dynamic out. imagic.”) Burton and Selick worked together on Justin Long all take turns pontificating about was heard on the soundtrack to 1989’s When WCT: You have done so many different 1993’s A Nightmare Before Christmas and each love in He’s Just Not That Into You, an all-star Harry Met Sally, audiences fell in love with the kinds of roles, is there a role on film that has gone on to other films utilizing the process romantic dramedy based on a best-selling novel sultry vocalist. you haven’t done? A certain kind of charac- (James and the Giant Peach for Selick, Corpse by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. Connick was recently in Chicago to promote ter? Bride for Burton). But none of these movies has The film relays a quartet of intersecting stories the affable romantic comedy New In Town. The HCJ: Well I’d like to do a musical. I think managed to stick in the mind as indelibly as the involving a group of friends and acquaintances film stars Renee Zellweger as a city girl trans- that would be a lot of fun but I don’t really Rankin-Bass special from which they sprang. living, sometimes loving and always kvetching planted to the harsh winter snows of small- think about the type of role. It doesn’t matter. That is, until Coraline, Selick’s latest foray into in Baltimore (far from the usual John Waters town Minnesota (complete with outsized Fargo If it’s a bad guy, good guy, superhero, nerd, the process—this one, the first shot in 3-D. The locations). All of them revolve around rela- accents, dontcha know). Connick, naturally, love interest in a romantic comedy, whatever. movie’s a gently twisted variation on Alice in tionships or hoped for relationships at various plays the requisite dreamboat. What I do like is the variety of it, the surprise Wonderland, and it’s a charming winner. stages. Goodwin, the most insecure character Windy City Times: You’ve had some ex- of it. The story centers on the oddly named hero- at the outset (who, naturally, will be the one traordinary leading ladies, so where does WCT: Will & Grace, one of your great suc- ine (voiced by Dakota Fanning), a new resident to find herself at the fade-out), narrates. Bar- Renee Zwellweger fall on the leading-lady cesses, solidified your big gay heartthrob at the eccentric Pink Palace Apartments whose rymore (whose company also produced) plays scale? following. You must be pretty used to that distracted parents (voiced by Teri Hatcher and an ad rep at Baltimore’s gay newspaper whose Harry Connick, Jr.: I have. I was talking with by now, right? The Daily Show’s John Hodgman) are constantly online dating life is vetted daily by a trio of my wife about that not long ago. They’re all HCJ: I grew up in New Orleans, where ev- busy at their laptops trying to finish copy for limp-wristed, pearl-clutching gay co-workers extraordinary, and Renee is no exception. She’s eryone’s pretty much cool with everyone else a gardening catalogue. Bored and out of sorts, (Wilson Cruz, Leonard Nam and Rod Keller). The very unique. I haven’t met anybody like her and it’s just not something I think about, you Coraline goes exploring. She meets a nerdy kid stereotypical portrayal of these characters isn’t before. I mean, she’s incredibly smart. She ap- know what I’m saying? I’ve never really been a next door, her eccentric neighbors, the two the- particularly surprising or offensive because the proaches acting from a different place. Life guy that really thinks “gay” “straight” or even atrical sisters living in the basement (voiced by straight characters are predictable and clichéd, isn’t about acting for her. It’s really about art “Black” or “white.” I grew up in such a multi- the hilarious Dawn French and “Ab Fab’s” Jen- too. in general, and acting is the way she’s found cultural environment that being gay was a part nifer Saunders), a once-renowned circus acrobat Still, the picture’s enjoyable in the easy, fa- her success. She’s one of those people who of our lives as much as being straight or be- living upstairs (voiced by Ian McShane) and a miliar way that many other variations on the would probably be great at anything she did. ing Catholic was. I mean you’re talking about knowing black cat (voiced by Keith David). Then original French play La Ronde have been (think WCT: You and Renee would be great in a a city where the biggest celebration we have, she finds a little, Being John Malkovich-like door Love, Actually without the wackiness or British remake of the Pajama Game, which you did Mardi Gras, is based on the church and up un- that acts as a rabbit hole to a new, rather trippy accents). None of the main characters are gay or on Broadway. til midnight on Mardi Gras night it’s the most. world that’s a gloriously intoxicating doppelgän- are involved in anything other than typical rela- HCJ: That would be fun. I’d like to do it, … I mean, you can’t party any harder than ger of the one she’s left behind. (The garden and tionships (these folks wouldn’t be caught dead but to get a movie musical made is very, very, that. So things coexist, and it’s been interest- its exotic blooms, in particular, seem inspired by at an after-hours sex club like those in Shortbus) very difficult. It is something I’d like to do; it’s ing to me as I’ve moved around the world to a very pleasant LSD trip.) and the question of marriage—getting married, something I hope I’ll be able to get to do but see where things like homosexuality have been Each time Coraline goes through the vortex- not getting married, giving up on a marriage, there’s just a lot involved in making a musical. an issue for people. Like, it never computed to like tunnel (a pulsating combination of bright etc.—is the top angst-producing topic that en- Hopefully I’ll get a chance to do that because me. That just never made any sense why that blue and pink that suggests Georgia O’Keeffe’s gages everyone. I mean, that’s what I do. You know, as an ac- even comes up in conversation. You know what painting, “Music—Pink and Blue II”) the fan- After watching this gaggle of straight folks go tor/performer, you think it’s just a matter of I’m saying? picking up the phone and saying, “Let’s make Read the entire interview with Harry Con- it happen,” but it’s really pretty complicated. nick, Jr., at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. WCT: You’re the father of three girls, one com. about the same age as your daughter in the film, 13. So have you had that scene with a prospective young suitor like the one in the film?

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v-gay_vespine_ad_outlines.indd 1 1/11/09 5:50:37 PM 20 Feb. 4, 2009 83 in a 55 zone, 90 in a 35 zone, and 80 in a 50 zone. Not a single 12 mph or pineapple patch in the bunch. This week’s “Ask Billy” question attempts to bridge the gap between gay porn and the up- coming Oscars. Kirk in Tucson writes: “I just saw BILLY MASTERS The Reader and was wondering if you know any- thing about the guy who plays Ralph Fiennes as a boy. He’s so freakin’ hot—like one of those Bel Ami porn stars! Post some nudes if you’ve got “For a lot of straight guys—and I know I’m guilty who I’ve written about previously. Second is twosome was still together Jan. 18 when “Spa- ‘em.” of it sometimes—when you know a gay guy has Adam Lambert, a very talented performer who malot” closed on Broadway. The couple even The boy you are referring to is David Kross. a crush on you, it is the most flattering thing.”— was a member of the L.A. company of Wicked. took a few pics in the photobooth set up at the He’s 18 years old, German and this is his first Daniel Radcliffe admits to enjoying the atten- People keep saying he was the lead, but actu- afterparty, which we’ll run on BillyMasters.com. English language film ... wait, maybe he is a Bel tion of gay men. Therefore, feel free to check ally he was the lead’s understudy. More often This past week, the cast of “How I Met Your Ami boy! You are not alone in your admiration of him out completely nude on BillyMasters.com. than not, he was seen onstage dressed as a Mother” gathered at the Academy of Television his physique. Quite a number of fans have asked Didya miss me, Chicago? Yes, after a dozen monkey—not that there’s anything wrong with Arts and Sciences for a panel discussion. The me to find photos of his impressive appendage. years, we’ve made a switch—to Windy City that. Although Hollywood Week is just starting place was packed and everyone was having a Where can you see him in all his uncut glory? Times. It’s an an appropriate place for me to end on the show, we can now reveal—exclusively— great time—until our very own Neil Patrick Har- Well, sure, you could go and actually sit through up. Last time I was in your fair city, there was that they are both through to the live shows. ris excused himself and left the stage. Reported- the movie. Or you can go to BillyMasters.com. more blowing in my hotel room than at the 1893 Congrats! ly, he went to the loo and didn’t realize that his When the cast of “Lost” is training for NA- World’s Fair! But enough about me—let’s dish. Speaking of “Idol” people whisper that Clay lapel mike was still on. As he looked in the mir- SCAR, it’s definitely time to end yet another col- Three weeks into “American Idol” and we have Aiken’s romance with Broadway hoofer Reed Kel- ror and gave himself a pep talk, everyone in the umn. By the time you read this, I’ll be at the a couple of people to root for. First is Von Smith, ly is in trouble. We dunno about that since the theatre heard him yell “Wake up!”—reminiscent beach house in Fort Lauderdale for a bit of pre- of a scene from a recent episode of “30 Rock”. birthday celebrations (yes, it’s that time of year Oops. again). I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be doing, The biggest mystery of “Lost” may have been but Chi Chi La Rue is hosting a pole dancing solved by a former cast member. Maggie Grace competition that Dan Renzi and I will be at. Hi- has a logical explanation for why many of the larity will, undoubtedly, ensue. For more of the actors have had traffic violations. “It’s a small best dish on the Web (and the hottest pics), island and we shot out in these pineapple fields check out www.BillyMasters.com. If you’ve got out in the middle of the north shore, where a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters. I think the speed limit is about 12 miles per com and I promise to get back to you before hour.” I decided to look into this and see if she’s Kate Winslett’s next co-star is Lucas Ridgeston! correct. Her onscreen brother, Ian Somerhalder, Until next time, remember, one man’s gossip is was going 74 mph in a 45 zone; Josh Holloway another man’s bible. was going 53 in a 35; Naveen Andrews was going 70 in a 35; and Dominic Monaghan was stopped for speeding twice—once for going 78 in a 55, and the other for going 68 in a 45. Of course, there’s Michelle Rodriguez. Bless her heart, she’s been arrested three times for speeding (in addi- aster David Kross (left) and Kate Winslet somehow mix heat and the Holocaust in The Reader. illy  tion to numerous other infractions). Her times? B m s protagonists following the parts of the polyga- Sticky mous Mormon model that aren’t about subjuga- tion and greed, and more about building a com- munity of love, respect and husbandly duties. and sweet WCT: I assume some readers use the sto- Local writer offers compelling, rylines and images as part of their own per- carnal comics with a sonal sexual repertoire. What’s it like know- touch of heart ing that you help juice up the sex lives of By Tony Peregrin others? Is that part of your writing process at all? Don’t call Dale Lazarov’s erotic comics “porn”— DL: I am thrilled to bring more sexual self-ex- although the storylines are as hot as anything pression into the world. More fulfilled gay guys in that genre: In “Clinch,” a young Latino boxer means less miserable ones, which improves the and an older, fit Irish boxer figure out how to get quality of life for everyone. I do think less about each other off when they can’t find condoms in expanding people’s sexual vocabulary and more the gym; and in “Busted,” a hot rest-stop bubba about creating the possibility of complex emo- helps a tough-guy federal agent stop an escap- tional chemistry between sexual and romantic ing crystal-meth chef. They both get medals— equals. and then “bust” each other. But here’s the true WCT: What are some storylines that you money shot found repeatedly in Lazarov’s work: would never include in your work? his uncanny ability to blend the super-sexual From the cover of MANLY. DL: What determines what I don’t want to and emotional without taking away any of the write is the “personality” of the sexual content heat. And he does it all without writing a single is a hard act to follow—I enticed her with a What’s more interesting is it’s more common of a storyline. I am disturbed by non-consen- word. There are no dialogue bubbles in any of script designed to give her characters that are for me to have an experience like something sual, unsafe, emotionally disengaged and/or his erotic comics. both hyper-masculine and adorable at the same from my comics after I imagine and write them. mean-spirited sexuality in porn and in life. It Windy City Times spoke with Lazarov, a Chi- time. This is a potent combination for her and Now that I think about it, when’s the next Chi- seems to be everywhere, so I don’t want to add cago native, about his new work, MANLY, and she couldn’t say no. When the first draft of the cago Highland Scottish Games? to its visibility. what it was like to collaborate with a bisexual character designs came in, we both knew we WCT: Why are there no thought bubbles or WCT: When was MANLY released and where female illustrator on this project. were onto something special. dialogue in the work, Dale? can fans buy your work? Windy City Times: Talk about what it’s like WCT: How are you inspired, Dale? Do you DL: At first, I struggled with writing non- DL: MANLY officially came out on Nov. 1, 2008. to collaborate with a female, bisexual illus- get ideas from your own personal experiences cheesy porn dialogue, then realized that transla- In Chicago, I suggest you try Unabridged Books, trator on this adult male-on-male content. or maybe the experiences of your friends? tion would be a problem, as most of the serious Chicago Comics and Quimby’s Bookstore. The Describe how your perspectives and person- DL: I steal bits and pieces of my experience publishers for gay erotic comics are in Japan and Borders chain carries MANLY system-wide. If alities blend to create the work. for the comics but, overall, it’s more reflective Germany. It made sense to transform this limita- you want to support a gay-owned and -operated Dale Lazarov: Like all artistic collaborations, of what I want to see in pornography and what tion into a creative choice and a selling point; neighborhood comic-book store, your best bet is it’s an aesthetic friendship where the collabora- I want to see someone draw for me. I’ve lived in the lack of text makes the work more suggestive Brainstorm Comics, whose friendly, knowledge- tors bring out the best in each other. I asked situations where there was a paucity of gay porn and involving for the reader, and the books are able and strikingly handsome comic-book clerks Amy Colburn to work with me because she is available, I was too broke to buy gay porn or distributed absolutely everywhere. I can’t seem special-order gay comics filth for me. Since most able to draw masculine men in a way that is much of the gay porn available didn’t meet my to run out of ideas, either; I had a dream last of my books sell online, Amazon.com, TLAVideo. dynamic and exciting and that isn’t loaded with desires or actually turned me off. So I’ve spent a night that would be perfect for a future wordless com and Powells.com keep it flowing in and out the usual arrogance or angst one sometimes as- lot of time imagining, say, the Highland Scottish homoerotic comic. of their warehouses. sociates with burly gay porn. Because she wasn’t Games’ burly, beardy guys on basic cable lifting WCT: Do you have a favorite storyline? Read the entire interview with Dale Lazarov sure she could do it—she is a fan of STICKY, and their kilts for each other with strong but elegant DL: I can’t choose favorites! I would rather at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Steve MacIsaac (Lazarov’s original collaborator) fingers. organize a free-love condo for me and all my Feb. 4, 2009 21 WHAT TO DO? Thursday, Feb. 5 Thursday, Feb. 5 workshop, meets 7:30 p.m. Gerber-Hart Center on Halsted, Black Music: A Cel- of Joe Tex and the Soul clan, 3 p.m., American Veterans for Equal Rights Library, 1127 Granville. frauman8@ya- ebration of Black History presented by 4520 N. Beacon, 312-932-0279 (gay military veterans) monthly meet- hoo.com 773-528-3637. Black music historian, LGBT advocate/ Hip-Hop Brunch, Purgatory Pizza and ing. Free. Center on Halsted, 3656 The 8th Annual Freedom To Marry Re- activist and performer Darrell Gordon. Grape Juice Records, $13 pizza brunch, North Halsted St. 2nd floor meeting ception 6 to 9 p.m. National Museum 1 - 3 p.m. John Baran Senior Center, 3 p.m. Purgatory Pizza, 3415 N. Clark, room. of Mexican Art , 1852 W. 19th Street. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. 773-975-6677, www.purgatorychicago. An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein. Info to come from Lambda Legal. info: [email protected] com Visit darkly comic world where inno- Sex, Chocolate and Your Pelvic Floor, or 773-472-6469 X245 www.centeron- Strong Women Still Point Theatre Col- cent conversation can turn menacing sponsored by the Women’s Health halsted.org. lective based on writing by women in- in an instant. Best known for kids lit- Foundation, will include presentations, Chinese New Year’s Dinner Year of the mates at Cook County Jail. 3 p.m. Via- erature, his plays show a sly, twisted gourmet chocolate, champagne, raffle Ox Asians and Friends Chicago annual duct Theater, 3111 North Western Ave. sense of humor. $12, 8:30 p.m. Raven prizes, burlesque dancing, mini-spa gathering, $45 door, Phoenix Restau- Part of 20th annual Rhino Theater Fest, Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. www.thea- treatments. $35-$75 Flirty Girl Fit- rant, 2131 South Archer Ave., www. 60 productions in 5 different venues. tremania.com/chicago ness, 1325 W. Randolph, 7-10 p.m. afchicago.org www.rhinofest.com/ ‘ARC’ ANGEL Art, Comic study of male friendship. Equality Illinois. “Justice for All” gala, Jensen Atwood will take part in an event to Friday, Feb. 6 6 p.m. cocktails, 8 p.m. dinner and Steppenwolf Theater, Upstairs Theatre, Monday, Feb. 9 promote National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness 1650 N. Halsted St, 312-335-1650,www. 49th Annual U. of Chicago Folk Fest. program. $250 Individual /$350 Indi- Musical Mondays at Drury Lane, Ac- Day at Amira, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza, and will steppenwolf.org Three concerts through Feb. 8. Tix vidual/Premier includes special seating cent-tchu-ate the Positive: the Music Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus. Jensen $10-$20 773-702-7300 or www.uofc- and reception Feb. 5 at the New Leaf. of Johnny Mercer, tix $25on sale at be at an after-party at Dragonfly Mandarin, Atwood, Wade from the Noah’s Arc TV folk.org Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan. 773 312-642-2000 or www.ticketmaster. 832 W. Randolph St. and later that night at series and the movie Noah’s Arc: Jump- Flesh Hungry Dog Show The Love Show, 477-7173 or www.eqil.org com, 7:30 p.m., Drury Lane Theatre Jeffery Pub, 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. ing the Broom, in a dating game panel with synth-rock, ‘80s-inspired The Nice Flourish Studios Attracting Love - Medi- Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut discussion on National Black HIV/AIDS Device, The Pussy Pirates, Retardos De tation Workshop, $20, 2 p.m.- 4:30 La Mour each with a musical take on p.m. , 3020 N. Lincoln, www.billypa- Day. Amira Restaurant Lounge (the NBC Tuesday, Feb. 10 Studios building), 455 N. Cityfront Pla- Valentine’s Day, love, or breaking up. cholski.com Thursday, Feb. 5 African-American People to Know za. , RSVP 312-566-0285 daryus84@ Chicago rock impresario Gary Airedale For the Love of Chocolate, benefits series features prominent African- yahoo.com hosts. Prize giveaways from The Plea- scholarship fund. Chance for two American LGBT contributors to faith, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus and sure Chest, groovy movies, special round-trip tickets to France and cultural, senior and youth communi- Jensen Atwood After-party at Dragon- guest performers from Girlie-Q Bur- hotel.$95, 6:30 - 10 p.m., The French ties in Chicago. Community members fly Mandarin, 832 W. Randolph, 9 p.m.-2 lesque, and DJ Sky. 9 p.m. Jackhammer Pastry School , 226 W. Jackson, www. Jacqueline Anderson, Earl “Peacock” a.m. Upscale attire. 312-566-0285 773-743-5772, 6406 N. Clark St. www. fortheloveofchocolatefoundation.org/ Battles, C.C. Carter, Vernita Gray, and Congo/Women: Portraits of War through fleshhungrydog.com Unbroken Ties Workshop a 4-week Patricia McCombs will join together for Feb. 14. Art Works Projects and Ellen Frozen Emotive. New modern works of workshop for lesbians who have recent- a lively evening of performances and Stone Belic Institute for the Study of four Chicago artists, 6-9 p.m. Black ly broken up with a partner, Saturdays conversation honoring Black History Women and Gender in the Arts and Me- Walnut Gallery 220 N. Aberdeen, www. in February, 2 p.m. 4 p.m. facilitator; Month. Free. John Baran Senior Center, dia, Columbia College Exhibition co- blackwalnutgallery.com Amber Siler-Knogl, M.A. at 773-472- Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, directors: Jane Saks and Leslie Thomas. Sylvia A Comedy for Dog Lovers, mature 6469 X492 or asiler-knogl@centeron- 773-472-6469 X245 www.centeronhal- Free. www.colum.edu/institutewomen- ones, the ultimate in anthropomoro- halsted.org. Center on Halsted, www. sted.org. gender hism. $20.Through Feb. 15. Blackbox centeronhalsted.org. Jeffery Pub Jensen Atwood is slated to Theater of the Village Players Perform- YPC scholarship brunch for National appear to promote the DVD release of ing Arts Center, 1010 Madison St., Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Cir- Wednesday, Feb. 11 Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom. Ad- Oak Park 866-764-1010, www.village- cuit, 3641 N. Halsted, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. America in the Age of Obama, concert mission is $7. 12-4 a.m., 7041 S. Jef- players.org Call YPC at 773-808-6503 honoring life, liberty and the pursuit fery, 773-363-8555 of happiness with hundreds of leading Spotlight Humane: Chicago!. Fund- Saturday, Feb. 7 Sunday, Feb. 8 musicians. Chicago celebrities narrate raiser for the Humane Society ’s End Batsheva Dance Company presents Big Tease pre-party for Chicago Takes historic texts and soliloquies. $55, Dogfighting in Chicago campaign. Live “Deca Dance,” 7:30 p.m, The Audito- Off. Free. 6 - 8 p.m., Cocktail 3359 $35, 7:30 p.m. Auditorium Theatre, music by Maggie Speaks, silent Auc- rium Theatre of Roosevelt University, N. Halsted. Rhett, 773-989-9400 ext. 50 E. Congress Parkway, 312-922-2110 WED HEADS tion, hors d’oeuvres, dancing.Humane 50 E. Congress Parkway,312-902-1500 233, www.chicagotakesoff.org www.auditoriumtheatre.org Chicago awards presentation. Cocktail or ticketmaster.com Diva Brunch, The Scooty & JoJo Variety The 8th Annual Freedom to Marry Reception Big Goddess Pow Wow: From the Ashes. Brunch Hour,Two shows every Sunday, attire suggested. Tix: $150; available will take place at the National Museum of at www.spotlighthumane.com, 7 p.m. Chicago’s favorite performing god- Live entertainment, full meal & brunch to midnight, Hotel Sofitel Water Tow- desses reunite. Curated by Paula Killen cocktail: $35-$50,11a.m. & 1p.m., The Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th. er20 E. Chestnut St. www.spotlighthu- & Lisa Buscani. Doors 7, show 8 p.m. Spot, 4437 N Broadway, 773-728-8934, mane.com $20. Acme Art Works. 2215 W. North www.spotchicago.com Photo from the 2008 gala by Emmanuel Garcia Newtown Writers Chicago’s GLBT writing Ave . www.rhinofest.com Gotcha Black Ensemble Theater, story See our online calendar: www.windycitymediagroup.com/calendar

YPC part of Teen Test Day At seventeen Youth Pride Center (YPC) was at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. Shore, last month for Feb. 5 will mark the 17th anniversary of the passing of local AIDS activist and political car- the annual Teen Test Day, during which more than 1,000 teenagers had screenings for HIV and toonist Danny Sotomayor. The openly gay Sotomayor grew up in the Humboldt Park neighbor- other diseases at the health-related event. Among other things, YPC was part of a concert at the hood of Chicago. The above cartoon by Sotomayor, drawn in 1989, seems amazingly prescient in end of the day. Photo courtesy of YPC its depiction of same-sex civil unions and marriage. Image courtesy of Lori Cannon, also sent by Lori and Victor Salvo 22 Feb. 4, 2009

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Download each issue of Windy City Times and Nightspots at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Feb. 4, 2009 23 steppenwolf 09/10season The power of belief. It can inspire us, delude us, define us. We make a leap of faith, not knowing where we’ll land. Choosing to believe illuminates what’s authentic in our lives and inspires us to reinvent our story. Steppenwolf’s 2009-2010 season: five stories that explore how the act of belief can corrupt, isolate, nourish or empower us. Join us as we examine what happens when we make the choice to believe. Fake September 10 - November 8, 2009 A new play written and directed by ensemble member Eric Simonson featuring ensemble members Kate Arrington, Francis Guinan and Alan Wilder American Buffalo December 3, 2009 - February 7, 2010 by David Mamet directed by ensemble member Amy Morton featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tracy Letts The Brother/Sister Plays In the Red and Brown Water/The Brothers Size/Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet January 21 - May 23, 2010 by Tarell Alvin McCraney directed by ensemble member Tina Landau featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas and Jon Michael Hill Endgame April 1 - June 6, 2010 by Samuel Beckett directed by ensemble member Frank Galati featuring ensemble members Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, William Petersen and Rondi Reed A Parallelogram July 1 - August 29, 2010 A new play by Bruce Norris directed by ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro featuring ensemble member Kate Arrington

August: Osage County is returning to Chicago for a limited engagement during the national tour—with a pre-sale available only to 2009-10 Steppenwolf subscribers. Subscribe now to guarantee your seats! Subscriptions are on sale now! For more information or to subscribe call 312-335-1650 or visit www.steppenwolf.org. 24 Feb. 4, 2009