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VOL 35, NO. 01 OCT. 2, 2019 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com IT UP WCT examines the local BYCANDACE THE BOOK GINGRICHLGBT History Month queer hip-hop scene launches with a look at LGBT bookstores. PAGE 18 Photo of Ed Hermance courtesy of Hermance

6 Local rapper KC Ortiz. Photo by Julia Hale ON THE DOCKET Pivotal LGBT Supreme Court cases await. Photo of Plaintiff Aimee Stephens by Charles William Kelly HURRICANE 4

INCLUSIVE LGBTs part of the flock at Kol Hadash. BIANCA Photo of Rabbi Adam Chalom courtesy of Kol Hadash Talking with PAGE 14 Bianca Del Rio Bianca Del Rio. 8 Photo by Rene Koala

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6 Local rapper KC Ortiz. Photo by Julia Hale ON THE Nov. 27 March 18 July 8 3-bed/2-bath condo in a boutique elevator DOCKET Pivotal LGBT Supreme Court cases await. Photo of Plaintiff Aimee Stephens building in the heart of it all with heated by Charles William Kelly HURRICANE Dec. 11 April 1 July 22 4

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GOURMET DINING WCT has cultural roundups of Bon Appetit Presents Chicago Gourmet, Brad Lippitz Group and EXPO CHICAGO. 773.404.1144 [email protected] bradlippitz.com 3323 N. Broadway THAT’S SHOW BIZ Brad Lippitz has supported and contributed more Find out the latest about Fiona Apple, to LGBTQ causes and candidates over the years Frank Ocean and Tyler Perry. than any other real estate broker in Chicago. And Brad’s team happens to be in the top 10 in all Drag queen extraordinaire Detox Chicago with over $80 million sold in 2018. If you chats with Windy City Times. need to choose a real estate broker, why wouldn’t you choose a community leader who consistently plus Photo courtesy of Voss Events gives back year after year? Brad looks Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker with a principal office York,in New NY and abidesbut by isall subject applicable to errors, Equal omissions, Housing Opportunity changes in price, laws. condition, All material sale, orpresented withdrawal hereinherein without shallis intended notice. be construed for No statementinformational as legal, is made accounting aspurposes to the accuracy oronly. other ofInformation any description. professional is compiled advice All measurements outsidefrom sources the realm anddeemed square of real reliable estate footages brokerage. are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing DAILY BREAKING NEWS forward to working with you! 4 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES Precedent favors a pro-LGBT outcome One thing leaning in favor of the LGBT parties Supreme Court preview: in these cases is precedent—previous Supreme Court rulings—in two cases. In one case, decided in 1989, the U.S. Supreme ‘The stakes could Court ruled that discrimination based on sex included discrimination based on gender-based stereotypes. The case was Price Waterhouse v. not be higher’ Hopkins, in which a female employee at the ac- counting giant Price Waterhouse was rejected for BY LISA KEEN ing out e-mails telling its supporters that the partnership because some the top officials at the KEEN NEWS SERVICE decisions will have enormous consequences, too. firm considered her too masculine. The Supreme ADF says that, if the court allows “sex” to include Court plurality said the employer’s refusal to pro- Here’s the blunt reality: The U.S. Supreme Court’s “gender identity,” the result could “undermine mote the woman was “motivated by stereotypical rulings on three cases it will hear arguments equal opportunities for women and girls” in ath- notions about women’s proper deportment” and about Tuesday, Oct. 8, could have the most pro- letics, force women’s shelters to accept men, and that it constituted a violation of Title VII unless found consequences yet on LGBT people. force schools to “open locker rooms, restrooms, the employer could prove “by clear and convinc- The three cases ask whether an existing federal and showers to men who claim a female identity.” ing evidence” that it would have refused the pro- law that prohibits discrimination in employment Many Supreme Court observers expect the trio motion regardless of the employee’s gender. “because of sex” applies where discrimination is of Title VII cases to be the most watched cases of In the second case, decided in 1998, the Su- motivated by an employee’s sexual orientation or the 2019-20 term, which begins Monday, Oct. 7. Aimee Stephens, the plaintiff in one of the preme Court, led by conservative Justice Antonin transgender status. So, what are some of the most important trials. Scalia, said Title VII’s prohibition against sex dis- The existing law in question is Title VII of the things LGBT people need to know about these Photo by Charles William Kelly crimination, including a prohibition against sex- Civil Rights Act of 1964. That law states: “It shall upcoming cases? ual harassment, could be used to protect an em- ployee from sexual harassment by an employee of be an unlawful employment practice for an em- The third case, which will be argued in the When all this will happen and how to watch it the same sex. The case was Oncale v. Sundowner. ployer [of 15 or more people] to … discriminate second hour, involves discrimination based on The arguments will begin at 10 a.m. ET on The caveat: while lower courts must abide against any individual … because of such indi- transgender status: Tuesday, October 8, at the U.S. Supreme Court. by U.S. Supreme Court precedent, the Supreme vidual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national Harris Funeral v. EEOC originated in 2014, The first hour will be spent on two cases involv- Court itself does not. The court has famously re- origin.” when funeral home director and embalmer Aimee ing sexual orientation discrimination; the second versed precedent in cases involving segregation, LGBT legal activists say that discriminating Stephens filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal hour will be spent on transgender discrimination. interracial marriage, and, corporate financing in against an employee because his or her spouse Employment Opportunity Commission. Stephens People who live in the Washington, D.C., area can elections. Most relevant here, of course, is that or sexual partner is of the same sex constitutes said the Harris Funeral home fired her after seven spend many hours waiting in line and maybe get the Supreme Court, in 2003 Lawrence v. Texas, discrimination “because of …sex.” They say dis- years on the job two weeks after she informed the into the court chambers to see and hear a few reversed its 1986 ruling in Bowers v. Hardwick crimination against an employee whose gender employer she would be transitioning from male to minutes (seats reserved for visitors are rotated). which had upheld state bans on same-sex sexual identity differs from the sex attributes ascribed female. The funeral home said it fired Stephens The proceedings are not televised, so the next relations. to them at birth constitutes discrimination “be- because Stephens refused to abide by the com- best bet is to read a transcript of the arguments, cause of…sex.” pany’s dress code, requiring that male employees which will be made available at supremecourt.gov Complications and consequences abound Attorneys on the other side, which includes wear a company-furnished men’s business suit. later in the day. And audio recordings are avail- Relatively speaking, the Supreme Court moves the Trump administration, say Congress did not The EEOC found Harris Funeral in violation of Title intended to include sexual orientation and gen- able at the same site later in the week. slowly and prefers to leave the driving to Con- VII, and the Sixth Circuit agreed. Harris Funeral gress. It took 17 years for the Supreme Court to der identity under “because of…sex,” and sex appealed to the Supreme Court. discrimination is when “members of one sex are The three cases and their basic facts acknowledge that Hardwick was “not correct” and There are three cases, all involving Title VII. strike down sodomy laws with Lawrence. It took exposed to disadvantageous terms … to which The prospects for victory or defeat Two ask whether Title VII covers sexual orien- 17 years for the court to strike down the federal members of the other sex are not exposed.” To win at case at the Supreme Court, one must tation discrimination. They are Altitude Express v. Defense of Marriage Act after it was enacted. And Both sides believe an explicit reading of the have the support of at least five justices. In the Zarda, from New York and the Second Circuit U.S. it took 43 years for the high court to rectify its law favors them. past, LGBT people could pretty much rely on get- Court of Appeals, and Bostock v. Clayton County, dismissal of a marriage equality case in 1972 by “If the Court reads the Title VII statute prop- ting that majority from the court’s four generally from Georgia and the 11th Circuit. Arguments in striking down state bans on same-sex marriage erly—and simply applies the literal words on liberal justices (Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, these two cases have been consolidated and will in 2015. the page—we will win,” said Jenny Pizer, senior Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Ka- be discussed in the first hour. But while this very large and slow-moving ju- counsel to Lambda Legal which has submitted gan) and the moderate Justice Anthony Kennedy. The Zarda lawsuit began in 2010, when a Long diciary seemed to complete a full turn toward friend-of-the-court briefs on behalf of the gay Kennedy, in fact, became legendary for provid- Island skydive company called Altitude Express LGBT equality in 2015’s decision in Obergefell v. and transgender employees in the three cases. ing the critical fifth vote—on marriage equality fired one of its instructors, Daniel Zarda. The Hodges, a headwind seemed to develop last year “Having the Supreme Court confirm that under- and striking down the Defense of Marriage Act company said it fired Zarda over a customer ser- with the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision. The ma- standing…will have enormous, powerful deter- (DOMA). He also led six-to-three majorities in vice problem; Zarda said it fired him because he jority sent the case back to Colorado, saying the rent and remedial effects.” And because similar striking down sodomy laws and laws seeking to disclosed to a jumper that he was gay. Zarda filed state’s human rights commission had expressed language is used in federal laws covering hous- gut non-discrimination ordinances. a lawsuit and, though he died in a skydive acci- “hostility” toward the religious beliefs expressed ing, education, credit, and health care, said Pizer, But Kennedy retired last year and, with the dent in 2014, his estate carried on the litigation by a wedding cake baker who refused to make a a win in these Title VII cases “will be tremendous death of Justice Antonin Scalia, the new court with the help of Lambda Legal. They won at the wedding cake for a gay couple. Some LGBT activ- precedents for future litigation in those areas.” has a solid five-person majority of very conser- Second Circuit, but the employer has appealed to ists felt that gave “dangerous encouragement” to “The stakes for our community could not be vative justices. The new justices include Brett the Supreme Court. business owners who might want to circumvent higher,” said Jon Davidson, chief counsel to Free- Kavanaugh, whose answers around LGBT issues The Bostock lawsuit began in 2013 when the laws prohibiting sexual orientation discrimina- dom for All Americans and former national legal during his confirmation hearing were alarmingly Clayton County Juvenile System in Georgia fired tion simply by claiming religious motivation. director for Lambda Legal. Davidson character- evasive to LGBT activists. They also include Neil a long-time employee, Gerald Bostock, after he Similar cases have since multiplied and will, no ized the three cases before the court as “the most Gorsuch, who wrote an article criticizing “liber- openly acknowledged joining a gay softball team. doubt, be before the Supreme Court soon. consequential cases for LGBTQ people since the als” for filing lawsuits on “everything from gay The county said it fired him for “conduct unbe- But the consequences of a ruling about Title Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality marriage to assisted suicide” to achieve their coming a county employee;” Bostock said it fired VII and sexual orientation and transgender status and the most important cases about transgender “social agenda.” him because he is gay. The 11th Circuit dismissed are even greater. Currently, only 21 states and people ever heard by the high court.” Hence, the prospects for victory have dimin- his lawsuit, noting it had previously ruled sexual the District of Columbia prohibit both sexual ori- The Alliance Defending Freedom, a group that ished in the past year, to say the least. has spearheaded numerous lawsuits to diminish orientation is not covered until Title VII. Bostock entation and transgender discrimination in the equal protection for LGBT people, has been send- appealed to the Supreme Court. Turn to page 5 WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 5 Foundation calls on

CPD board to enforce Rev. Jamie Frazier. officer’s suspension Photo by Carrie Maxwell BY CARRIE MAXWELL Pastor Virginia White and Hyde Park Union Church Co-Pastor Sarah Lusche also spoke out in favor of Lighthouse Foundation (LF) Board President Rev. enforcing Walsh’s 60 day suspension at the meet- Jamie Frazier called for Chicago Police Depart- ing. No one spoke out against it. ment (CPD) officer and Walsh Security owner White said her congregation stands “boldly for Thomas Walsh Sr. to serve his 60-day suspension, justice, loving wildly and indiscriminately” and of which he has appealed, during the Sept. 19 that police board members were also charged public comments section of the police board’s with upholding justice. She said police officers actions to the public at the meeting. host of community leaders and others that de- monthly public meeting at the Chicago Public should be allies in the fight for justice; however After the meeting, Frazier told this publication tailed LF’s concerns about his leadership and the Safety Headquarters. this is not the case due to the violence a number that CPB Executive Director Max Caproni gave Center’s relationship with Walsh Security. Civilian Office of Police Accountability Chief of CPD officers have committed against people of him his card and would be in touch with him to Since then, LF has received a letter from Valle Administrator Sydney Roberts, Chicago Police color like Matthews. discuss this matter further. that stated, in part, “I will send dates at a later Board (CPB) President Ghian Foreman, CPB Vice “This is why we cannot afford to let his un- Frazier first spoke publicly about Walsh at a ra- time to arrange a meeting for you and two of President Paula Wolff, CPD Superintendent Eddie acceptable and shameful actions go undressed,” cial justice summit he spearheaded this past July your leadership to meet with myself, the Center’s Johnson and all of the board members were in said White. “As long as these allegations sus- 13 at Lincoln Park’s St. Pauls UCC. At the sum- board chair and a representative from the Cen- attendance. tained against him languish in appeals we all mit, Frazier called on the Center on Halsted (the ter.” At the meeting, Frazier spoke about LF’s mis- lose.” Center) to retract Walsh Security’s contract due Frazier told this publication that he sent an sion “to advance justice for Black LGBTQ+ people White added that honoring McCarthy’s 60 day to Walsh’s yet to be served suspension in light of email response on Sept. 20 to Valle expressing his across Chicagoland through empowerment, edu- suspension recommendation would restore some the IPRA’s findings. dismay that a firm meeting date with the Center cation and entertainment.” trust in the CPD. At an Aug. 10 community meeting Frazier an- was not offered in their letter. Frazier said the police board should enforce the “Let’s do something and let’s do it now,” said nounced that LF and its Coalition of Allies for To view the Sept. 3 letter, visit https://docs. suspension that former CPD Superintendent Garry White. Racial Equality arm would focus on the Center’s google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHzhto5JTHOhp McCarthy called for in 2015 after a two year in- Following White’s remarks, Foreman asked CEO, Modesto “Tico” Valle, because he has the 8oseB-JJOXx6wDpT-A4CgV7jmdjewQjpsnA/view- vestigation into Walsh’s behavior. Johnson about the case and Johnson said “sorry power to rescind Walsh Security’s contract, of form “On Nov. 29, 2013, while off duty, Officer Walsh this is the first time I am hearing about it and we which he has not. See https://www.facebook.com/lightfoundchi. physically assaulted a Black security guard named will look into it.” On Sept. 3, LF sent Valle a letter, signed by a James Matthews at Lucky Horseshoe,” said Frazier Lusche spoke about her congregation’s affirm- in his statement. “In [Independent Police Review ing policies and its long history of working for Authority] IPRA’s thorough 2015 summary report equity in Chicago. She said her church believes in they sustained allegation number one for Officer extending its faith beyond their building to fight Walsh. They affirmed that Walsh, quote, ‘engaged for justice and that includes asking that Walsh’s in an unjustified physical altercation when he suspension go into effect. Lusche added that as pushed James Matthews to the floor, causing an a citizen of Chicago and pastor in the city she is injury to his rotator cuff.’ appalled that Walsh “has yet to face repercus- “IPRA also sustained allegation number two sions for his actions.” for Walsh in that he used, quote, ‘profanity and “I love this city and I have been called to serve racially motivated language towards James Mat- the people of this city as best as I can,” said thews.’ IPRA found that Walsh said to Matthews Lusche. “I believe that Chicago can and should words to the effect of quote, ‘Fucking [N-word]. be a place where all people are valued and … Don’t you ever put your fucking hands on me. can flourish. Yet this vision cannot be realized Who the fuck do you think you are, you fucking if blatantly violent and racist behavior remains [N-word]?’ and ‘Get that fucking [N-word] away unchecked.” from me.’” Lusche also told the board and attendees the Frazier further said, “I urge you in this moment case log number is 1066452. to get justice for James Matthews by bringing Prior to Frazier, White and Lusche’s remarks, Walsh to justice.” Foreman expressed displeasure with Johnson for Root and Branch Church of Logan Square Co- his failure to present an oral report about CPD’s

SUPREME from page 4 marriage equality.” But there’s an equally enormous consequence workplace. and message if the LGBT community loses. “If we win,” explained Davidson, “all LGBTQ According to Pizer, “If we lose either the people will be protected no matter where they sexual orientation cases or the gender identity/ live.” transgender status case, the consequences will be A victory would “also be [a] resounding confir- intensely dire in multiple ways. There will be a matory statement that anti-LGBTQ discrimination message that it’s perfectly legal to fire or refuse is wrong,” said Pizer. to hire [or] otherwise to abuse LGBTQ people at “It’s impossible to overstate the ameliorative work.” influence of such statements,” she said. “Witness ©2019 Keen News Service. All rights re- the profound changes in social attitudes post- served. 6 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT HISTORY MONTH of promoting or associating with homosexuality. Groups such as ACT-UP created pamphlets that explained transmission, symptoms and how to Authors and activism: get tested. Giovanni’s Room printed a bibliogra- phy of all known books on the disease. A person caught with such literature, even if they were not A history of LGBT bookstores infected, could be fired from their job or ostra- cized in their community, so bookstores such as BY JASON VILLEMEZ and a bulletin board for group and event listings. Gay’s The Word, according to longtime manager On the shelves were titles ranging from lesbian Jim MacSweeney, gave people a protected envi- “It was unbelievably fun,” Ed Hermance said pulp fiction to poetry to psychiatric texts that ronment to take in the information. about his time operating Giovanni’s Room, one disputed the anti-gay establishment. Broidy, “Sometimes, when people came in and asked of the first queer bookstores in the world. “You who co-organized the first gay pride march along about different books, they were also perhaps weren’t there for the economics, and it would be with Rodwell, remembers well the Alma Routsong outing themselves as being HIV-positive, know- exhausting if you were in it for the politics. We novel “Patience and Sarah,” which generated ex- ing that they were doing it in a safe, non-judg- were starved.” citement at the time “because nobody died at mental space. At the height of the epidemic, Until the 1970s, when LGBT publishing first be- the end.” when newspapers and society were savage in gan and activists like Barbara Gittings pushed for Within a few years, the shop increased its of- their fear and loathing of gay people and people representation in libraries, the few queer books ferings and Rodwell opened a second store on affected by HIV/AIDS, we managed to retain our available were limited mostly to anti-gay medi- Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, right in sanity and provide a welcoming environment.” cal texts. So, as the first wave of bookstores like the center of the city’s gay beating heart and sur- The AIDS crisis reminded the community to Giovanni’s Room opened, getting ahold of quality rounded by the counterculture that infused the rally around each other, both in times of celebra- LGBT titles was a necessity. According to Her- activism of the era. Visitors included locals and tion and in times of stress. Throughout the late mance, “Every book in the store from 1973 into tourists, people from abroad and writers such as ’80s and early ’90s, as queer bookstores contin- 1976 the owners had bought for cash at a whole- Tennessee Williams and Patricia Nell Warren, who ued to help people weather the storm, a new saler in the West Village, where Craig Rodwell gave readings. generation of publishers and writers came into helped them pick out the few dozen titles avail- Another of the Oscar Wilde’s early visitors was its own. Giovanni’s Room often hosted up to 50 able on gay subjects.” When Hermance and Ar- Jearld Moldenhauer, a Cornell University student writers a year, including stalwarts like Rita Mae leen Olshan bought Giovanni’s Room in 1976, who traveled from Ithaca during school breaks to Brown, whose novel “Rubyfruit Jungle” went on the two continued to make trips to New York and peruse the shelves and walk the Village streets. to sell over 1 million copies, Alan Hollinghurst received the same guidance. “[Craig] knew every- Moldenhauer founded the Cornell University Ed Hermance standing in front of Giovanni’s and Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore. LGBT publish- thing, really.” Student Homophile League in 1968 and, after Room in the 1980s. ers like Alyson Books began to widen their scope Rodwell, who had moved to New York in 1958, moving to Canada a year later, the University Photo courtesy of Hermance of releases to include history texts, more work by did much more than help booksellers like Her- of Toronto Homophile Association. He was dis- queer women and children’s books. Classics like mance find stock. A longtime activist and orga- appointed that Canadian bookstores failed to Wilde and all of its brethren, the shop and staff “Giovanni’s Room” (the novel), which at times nizer, he opened the Oscar Wilde Memorial Book- stock the new wave of post-Stonewall books, so endured harassment both verbal and physical, so had fallen out of print in the U.S., were reprinted shop in 1967, the same year as the Stonewall Inn he ordered the titles himself and began to sell much so that wooden shutters were put up each and celebrated. And openly gay celebrities wrote about a mile away. The store occupied a space on them out of his knapsack at various community night to protect the windows. But the extent of memoirs, among them the diver Greg Louganis, Mercer Street in the heart of New York University, meetings. The knapsack period was the first for the threats did not begin nor end with bricks: Her whose 1995 effort “Breaking The Surface” be- and for those students and professors who passed the Glad Day Bookshop, which then operated out Majesty’s Government had a larger, more danger- came the top seller for many queer bookstores by, everything could be seen. “Unlike most gay of Moldenhauer’s apartment along with The Body ous legal threat aimed at the store. that year. Many store owners recorded their high- bars,” said Ellen Broidy, one of the first to work in Politic, one of the country’s first gay periodicals. In 1984, customs officers raided Gay’s The Word est sales ever during the decade between 1987 the bookshop, “the Oscar Wilde had a standard- “The reality was that I was a full-time gay radi- on multiple occasions and confiscated all import- and 1997. issue plate glass window, so once you were in, cal,” Moldenhauer said, “one who wore many hats ed publications. The shipments, many of which Dorothy Allison, whose 1992 novel Bastard Out you were visible from the street. We actually had at the same time.” After finding a more perma- had come from Giovanni’s Room (who had be- of Carolina was a finalist for the National Book more than one ‘customer’ say they were there do- nent space for Glad Day Toronto, he went on to gun wholesaling to stores abroad), included 144 Award, credited LGBT bookstores with shaping ing a sociology or psychology project.” open a Boston location in 1979, the same year titles such as novels by Gordon Merrick and Ar- her work and her life. As the first of its kind, the shop served as that A Different Light in Los Angeles was co- mistead Maupin, “The Joy of Gay Sex” by Charles “I well remember the Oscar Wilde Bookstore in part-bookstore and part-meeting space, hous- founded by his former staff member. After early Silverstein and Edmund White, a French weekly downtown NYC, wandering in there as a sort of ing meetings for the Homophile Youth Movement success, iterations of A Different Light soon ap- newspaper, and a 14th-century devotional book baby dyke and being closely observed by the gay peared in San Francisco and New York. Lambda authored by a nun. The shop’s directors and as- man behind the counter. I was concerned that he Rising, which first opened in Washington D.C. in sistant manager, whose homes were also raided, thought I was a shoplifter but actually he was SIDEBAR 1974, followed a similar expansion strategy, cre- faced 100 charges including “conspiracy to im- admiring my leather jacket. That was a tiny but ating a store in Baltimore and later on in Norfolk port indecent and obscene material.” It took two wonderful bookstore. Without gay and lesbian and Rehoboth Beach. years for the case to go through the courts before bookstores, and the many feminist bookstores of Chicago’s The shops, which supported each other by the staff was acquitted. During a pre-trial hear- youth, I would never have found my people, my sharing news and ideas, became cornerstones of ing, the leader of the operation admitted that community, never had the encouragement and bookstores the communities they served, hosting political officers were given guidelines to confiscate work commentary of other gay and lesbian writers. I Chicago has a couple longtime LGBT book- organizations and providing safe spaces for peo- dealing with homosexuality. would not be who I am without those voices, stores as well. Women & Children First ple to explore and embrace their sexuality. Such Such seizures, which relied on archaic customs those closely watching eyes, those critical and (5233 N. Clark St.; WomenAndChildrenFirst. inclusiveness, along with the spirit of anti-war, laws, happened to bookstores in other countries, understanding perspectives,” said Allison. com) started in 1979, and is now one of the anti-establishment revolution that fanned out including Glad Day and Little Sister’s Bookstore In the mid-’90s, as the first HIV drug cock- largest feminist bookstores in the country, before and after Stonewall, encouraged others to in Vancouver—both took their cases through tails emerged, chain booksellers like Borders stocking more than 30,000 books by and build upon the idea started by Rodwell and the Canadian courts. The censorship came during a had spread across the country and, coveting a about women, children’s books for all ages, Oscar Wilde. By the mid-1980s, queer bookstores time when queer booksellers distributed items foothold in a burgeoning market, opened gay and as well as LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction. were in more than 20 cities across North America, that could be found no place else, including in- lesbian sections in their stores. Their prolifera- Unabridged Bookstore (3251 N. Broad- as well as venues in Germany, France, Australia, formation that much of society wished to remain tion caused the number of LGBT bookstores to way; UnabridgedBookstore.com) opened in the Netherlands and the U.K. hidden. reach its tipping point. The subsequent decline, 1980, and is known for its knowledgeable Gay’s The Word, London’s queer bookshop, In the early years of the AIDS crisis, most felt in full by the late 2000s and hastened with staff as well as the staff’s handwritten per- opened in 1979 on Marchmont Street, a few medical and government establishments refused the arrival of online bookselling, led numerous sonal recommendations. blocks from the British Museum. Like the Oscar to share the most up-to-date information for fear Turn to page 8 WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 7 WE WON'T SIDE-EYE YOUR SEXUALITY CULTURALLY COMPETENT HEALTHCARE BY PROVIDERS WHO GET IT IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR YOU:

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howardbrown.org 773.388.1600 8 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES Kol Hadash Congregation embraces LGBTQ inclusivity BY CARRIE MAXWELL believe, just because Jews have being doing it forever? Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation, which is “Kol Hadash is a truly inclusive space for those housed inside North Shore Unitarian Church in of us who crave a Jewish connection, without Deerfield, has been a leader in LGBTQ-inclusivity having to worry about the old outdated gender since its founding in 2001. The congregation rules/roles, or judgments on sexuality, or even emerged from the now-defunct Congregation judgments on a complicated religious back- Beth Or and celebrates Humanistic Judaism. And ground. It is a place for everyone.” yet, this year they have made changes to become Two outward ways Kol Hadash shows its LG- even more welcoming. BTQ-inclusive Humanistic Judaism is through “Humanistic Judaism has always prided itself the Pride flag at the entrance to its ceremonial on being inclusive and welcoming: from our space and gender-inclusive bathroom signs. Cha- founding in 1963, we have celebrated interfaith lom explained that their membership forms have marriages and families, accepted those who self- member one and member two instead of husband identified as Jewish regardless of which parent and wife and have modified the model wedding or grandparent, if any were Jewish, and for many the second and third grade Sunday school class years have been LGBTQ inclusive,” said Kol Ha- performs as a part of the lesson on Jewish life Christina Frum and Alana Knapp's 2015 wedding, with Rabbi Adam Chalom officiating. dash Rabbi Adam Chalom. “Our rabbis have hap- cycle ceremonies to include both opposite-sex Photo courtesy of Kol Hadash pily celebrated same-sex commitment ceremonies and same-sex couples. and now weddings for decades. I myself enjoy Chalom said the congregation’s confirmation ding. summer in Chicago. officiating at same-sex weddings, in part because class students (the youth group) visit other re- “Following our ceremony, another granddaugh- “We were able to evaluate what we were do- it is not radical to celebrate loving commitment ligious institutions and have discussions after- ter, while crying, delivered a stirring discourse ing well, what needed improvement and the ‘un- between two individuals.” ward, middle school students study the ways on how a New Trier male classmate would now known unknowns’ that we did not even realize Chalom said Kol Hadash’s founding rabbi, the LGBTQ people (along with other groups) were know that he would be able to marry and enjoy needed fixing,” said Chalom. “This resulted in late Sherwin Wine, was gay and partnered for persecuted during the Holocaust, fourth and a full life as a gay man with no religious or state updating our website, program descriptions and more than 20 years, and brought his Humanistic fifth grade student’s lessons on heroes will also limitations,” said Larry. “That is what Kol Hadash designating an all-gender restroom and initiating Judaism thinking into the congregation’s prac- include LGBTQ people and the entire school has a offers.” Pride month programming this past summer.” tices—blending Jewish culture with a Humanistic new anti-bullying awareness initiatives to create Victoria Ratnaswamy and her family joined Kol This year’s Pride-focused events featured Gen- and secular philosophy of life. a more welcoming environment. Hadash for many reasons including that it was a derCool Project Co-Founder and LGBTQ advocate “Kol Hadash practices Humanistic Judaism by Additionally, Kol Hadash’s social media ac- good philosophical fit. Gearah Goldstein in June where she spoke about replacing worship with human knowledge, re- counts will be posting messages to raise aware- “We like the way that questions and issues are her journey and what GenderCool does to support sponsibility, and action because it is about peo- ness on important LGBTQ-specific dates like explored,” said Ratnaswamy. “We did not have to transgender youth and author Rebecca Makkai in ple, not prayer,” said Chalom. “We connect with National Coming Out Day and the start of Pride pretend to believe or recite things that did not August who talked about her Chicago 1980s AIDS our Jewish heritage through holidays, life cycle month every June. make sense to us. Likewise, we knew that our epidemic-focused novel, The Great Believers. celebrations, history, languages, music, food, Another way Kol Hadash has embraced the LG- children would be experiencing a rich curriculum Chalom explained that they held these public literature and the arts—everything that is part BTQ community is with the Jewish coming of age in Sunday school which also reflected our values. Pride programs because it was the right thing to of culture. And we emphasize the power people ceremony where in addition to gender-specific Our family also knew that we would be embraced do, not for potential membership growth. He said have, independent of supernatural authority or Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, there is a non- for exactly who we were. My husband and I come they plan on doing Pride month programs going intervention, to understand and improve our binary, gender-neutral B Mitzvahs. from different backgrounds and neither is more forward and will participate in the newly created world individually and together. “In terms of our B Mitzvahs, it is important worthwhile. We do not downplay aspects of our Buffalo Grove Pride parade next June. The congregation’s motto is “Doing Jewish Dif- for our students to feel like they are making identities that differ from Humanistic Judaism. As for Chalom’s message for the wider world, ferently.” Chalom explained that this means that their Jewish connection their own,” said Cha- “It is great to be able to enjoy the company he said “I hope people who live mostly secular Kol Hadash celebrates Jewish inheritance but lom. “Rather than be assigned a traditional Torah and relationships we have formed in an LGBTQ-in- lives yet connect with Jewish culture realize that does not act as “museum curators who must keep reading by the date of their celebration, our stu- clusive setting that has evolved over the years. I there is a way of being Jewish that celebrates everything the same.” dents choose the focus of their presentations: it never doubted that my pansexual daughter would who they are, what they believe and how they Chalom said the services include traditional, could be Torah reading, or another reading from be fully embraced and valued as a member of this live their lives.” new and modified traditional texts that celebrate Hebrew literature like later in the Bible or modern community.” To book Chalom as a wedding officiant, visit Humanistic beliefs and the educational programs poetry, or it could be a topic or individual from Chalom said many of these changes came about Pridezillas.com/listing/humanistic-rabbi- focus more on Jewish history and culture than the wide sweep of the Jewish experience paired due to a leadership project training program Kes- adam-chalom/. See KolHadash.com for more memorizing texts so students can explore what with a Hebrew reading.” het, a national organization working for LGBTQ information. they think rather than learning what to think. Larry Deutsch, his then wife and daughters inclusion and celebration in Jewish life, held last “Another thing we do differently is most tra- Cathy, Leigh and Loren became early members ditional High Holy Day liturgy looks above and of Congregation Beth Or and made Humanistic beyond for divine apology and forgiveness, while Judaism their belief system. They moved to Kol AUTHORS from page 6 open café spaces and sell items far-removed ours looks out at each other to repair our rela- Hadash upon its founding. from queer books. Giovanni’s Room, which nearly tionships and inside ourselves to come to terms “The beauty of the Humanistic Bar/Bat Mitzvah outlets, including A Different Light, Lambda Ris- closed for good in 2014, was purchased by the with our strengths and our failures,” said Chalom. is that it offers the student a chance to fulfill a ing, and the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, to nonprofit Philly AIDS Thrift and now operates as “I am really proud to work at Kol Hadash, both project, not only read a Torah portion,” said Lar- permanently shutter. part-thrift shop, part-bookstore. And a number as a Jewish person and a queer person,” said Kol ry. “One granddaughter raised monies to build a “It was devastating when Borders opened in of shops launched fundraising campaigns within Hadash Office Administrator Jeremy Owens. “The bridge for Nicaraguan school children to cross the Philadelphia,” Hermance said. “Virtually every is- their communities to help encourage sales, dona- space they offer for Jewish people who do not water swollen river, in the Monsoon season, so sue of the Inquirer [newspaper] had some story tions and sponsorships. want to force themselves into the more tradition- they could attend school. Other grandchildren’s that included Borders. Something like a dozen Read the extended version of this piece—as al Jewish mold of Conservative or Reform Juda- projects were equally stimulating.” bookstores in Center City closed.” well as other LGBT History articles (including ism is a real revelation. Why chant along with Deutsch has been with Bill Parker for 30 years The shops that remained were forced to adopt one on LGBT celebrities in media)—online at old songs and prayers that say things you do not and five years ago Chalom officiated their wed- new strategies to survive. Several decided to WindyCityMediaGroup.com. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 9 important for the LGBT community to remem- ber that bisexual folks have been active in their Mayor Lightfoot issues movement since the beginning.” She added, “When you think about Sylvia Rive- ra and Marsha P. Johnson, they were both bi. … Bisexuality Day proclamation There has been a lot of erasure in the mainstream LGBT organizations. They are not always inclusive BY MATT SIMONETTE Harrison of the Chicago Bisexual Health Task Force; and Chicago Department of Public Health of bi people and their specific needs. To me, the Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a proclamation Sept. LGBTQ Health & Outreach Liaison Antonio King. proclamation was a really big deal, because a lot 23 recognizing the International Day of Bisexual- In her remarks, Harrison said, “The signing of of mainstream organizations came together and ity Visibility in Chicago. this proclamation is a major step for bisexual vis- said, ‘We recognize this is really important—bi In the proclamation, Lightfoot acknowledged ibility and celebrating bisexual-plus people and visibility is really important to us.’” community partners who worked “in support of communities in Chicago.” Jim Pickett, director of prevention advocacy public policy changes that advance the visibility She further noted that “bisexual erasure is and gay men’s health for AIDS Foundation of Chi- and civil rights of bisexual, pansexual, queer and harmful to the mental and physical health of bi- cago called the proclamation, which was first pre- fluid people in an effort to better LGBT health sexual people. … Bisexual visibility is a key por- sented locally in 2018, “an important opportu- outcomes, and urge all residents to support and tion of bisexual health and I profoundly believe nity” to call attention to disparities and stigmas educate themselves on the topic.” that increasing bisexual representation, bisexual- experienced by bisexual people, who frequently The proclamation was officially released the specific services, and inclusion of diverse bisex- endure discrimination not just from straight indi- morning of Sept. 23 in a press conference at City ual people will improve our community’s health viduals, but certain elements within the gay and Hall. Among those who delivered remarks were and even save lives.” lesbian communities as well. Elizabeth Harris. Robert Fotjik, senior aide to Lightfoot; Elizabeth Harrison later told Windy City Times that it’s “If you can’t be whoever you are wherever you Photo courtesy of AIDS Foundation of are, you’re not free,” Pickett said. Chicago

ported. transgender student who had been denied public ment,” said Morrison. “As a graduate of Conant District 211 to mull A special meeting was called in October to ad- accommodations access. High School, I am personally familiar with the dress the policy, but that would push back the The district cut a deal with the administration incredible education and opportunities that Dis- crafting transgender date of a likely vote to November or later. But to grant that first student access to girls’ lock- trict 211 provides students. However, I believe locker room policy one area rights advocate nevertheless said he er room changing facilities. That deal, in turn that we as a community set the tone and have BY MATT SIMONETTE was confident about the eventual outcome. triggered a lawsuit from local parents and anti- shared responsibility to create a safe learning “The board moved forward, and seemed to be LGBT activists in 2016. That suit was dropped environment and protect all students, regard- Officials from Palatine-Schaumburg High School committed to the policy,” Ed Yohnka, ACLU of in 2019. Maday, conversely, sued saying that less of their sexual orientation or gender iden- District 211 said Sept. 19 that they’ll need more Illinois’ director of communications & public the 2015 policy decision only was applied with tity. District 211 can and should do better for time to determine logistics of a policy that policy, told Windy City Times. “What seemed to respect to the original student not the student TGNC students, and I strongly urge the Board of would permit transgender students to use the be in question were in terms of what the imple- body as a whole. She has since graduated. Education to approve the policy change to allow locker rooms corresponding to the gender with mentation would look like.” Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison unrestricted access.” which they identify, according to reports. ACLU has been representing a transgender Dis- weighed in on the potential policy change in “What’s important is that we’re moving for- School board officials at a crowded meeting trict 211 student, Nova Maday, who said that a statement. ward,” said Yohnka. that night determined that they were not likely she was denied equal access to the girls’ locker “Bathroom and locker-room policies that re- Daily Herald’s article is at https://www. to create a policy in time for its Oct. 17 meet- room; Maday’s suit, filed in 2017, came about strict students use of facilities that correspond dailyherald.com/news/20190919/district- ing, when such a policy change would likely two years after yet another contentious local with their gender identity are harmful and put 211-board-says-it-needs-more-time-on-trans- originally have been voted on, Daily Herald re- episode, when the Obama administration threat- transgender and gender nonconforming students gender-locker-room-policy. ened the district’s Title IX funding over another (TGNC) at greater risk for bullying and harass-

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housing discrimination still drastically hinders the legislation that only considers the needs of the most Jonathan lives of LGBTQ+ citizens. Black transgender women socially acceptable members of the LGBTQ+ commu- are maybe the most vulnerable as they are also sub- nities. We must begin to consider the differences Matthias jected to extremely high levels of violence. between LGBTQ+ sub-communities. Distinct LGBTQ+ LASSITER We should learn from our past shortsightedness. communities are often affected differently by legal We need policies that start with those who are most protections or the lack thereof. discriminated against. Policies that protect these Second, most people do not have a good under- Ignorance and groups will also protect groups who have more privi- standing of the differences between sex, gender, VOL. 35, No. 01, Oct. 2, 2019 lege. sexual orientation, and gender identity. Sex (e.g., The combined forces of Windy City Times, shortsightedness founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, The Supreme Court has the opportunity to move male, female) is a label assigned at birth—some- founded May 1987. lead us to the us toward a world that protects the most vulnerable times before—usually by a doctor. This label is members of our society. Three cases (two focused based on body parts (e.g., whether one has a pe- PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Supreme Court on LGBQ+ and one focused on transgender rights) nis or vagina). Gender is a label that dictates how will be heard by the Supreme Court on Oct. 8. These a person should express themselves based on their EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Davis We will always find ourselves going back to the cases are: Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia; Alti- sex. Sexual orientation is generally considered to be courts to fight for inclusion until we place the needs tude Express, Inc. v. Zarda; and R.G. & G.R. Harris how people understand their romantic and sexual at- MANAGING EDITOR Matt Simonette DIGITAL DIRECTOR Jean Albright of the most vulnerable people first. Funeral Homes v. EEOC. tractions to a person of a particular sex and gender. ART DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE EDITOR Those in the mainstream are less inclined to pro- The court will determine if current federal law, This is not the same as gender identity, which is how Kirk Williamson tect those who they view as furthest away from the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, protects people mentally understand their own gender. These SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Scott Duff BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine mainstream. People who are working-class, poor, im- LBGTQ+ citizens. Based on the way Title VII is cur- concepts are different things and have different SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terri Klinsky, migrant, transgender, ethnic/racial minority, or dis- rently written, it does not seem to cover sexual ori- implications for how people understand themselves Kirk Williamson abled are most often seen as those non-mainstream entation. It mentions sex but not sexual orientation. and how we craft and interpret laws. More educa- NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, people. The fight for marriage equality (i.e., the le- Sex is written about in the law like how we think of tion is needed for our society. Otherwise, we may 212-242-6863 THEATER AND DANCE EDITOR Catey Sullivan gal recognition of same-sex marriage by the federal gender (i.e., male or female) not how we think about think we are being inclusive while we are (perhaps) SENIOR WRITERS Jonathan Abarbanel, Mary government) is an example of shortsighted legisla- romantic and sexual attraction to a person of a par- unknowingly leaving out a lot of people. Shen Barnidge, Charlsie Dewey, Ross Forman, tion that only benefited the most socially acceptable ticular sex or gender (i.e., sexual orientation). Thus, Without focus on the most marginalized communi- Carrie Maxwell, Rev. Irene Monroe, Jerry Nunn, Tony Peregrin, Angelique Smith, Sari Staver, among the vulnerable. These socially acceptable people who are LGBQ+ may not be currently protect- ties in society and a better understanding of LGBTQ+ Sarah Toce, Melissa Wasserman members are often white, cisgender, middle- and ed. However, with the law as written, it would seem concepts and definitions, we will not be able to ef- WRITERS Sarah Katherine Bowden, Ada Cheng, upper-class, and male. Marriage equality was praised that transgender people should be protected, given fectively protect all LGBTQ+ citizens. The cases that Sheri Flanders, Joe Franco, Veronica Harrison, that the law does include sex (again written about will be heard by the Supreme Court show us how far Kelsey Hoff, Aaron Hunt, Eric Karas, Brian Kirst, as the signal of freedom for (LGBTQ+ citizens. Paige Listerud, Billy Masters, Scott C. Morgan, However, this legislation bestowed (mostly eco- like how we understand gender). we still have to go to ensure that all Americans are Amelia Orozco, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Kerry nomic and property) benefits only on those who Regardless of the court’s ruling, these cases high- equally protected by the law. Only with equal pro- Reid, Dana Rudolph, Ana Serna, Karen Topham, chose to get married. It did not provide benefits light larger problems in the way we think about tection can we all freely exercise our rights of life, Regina Victor, Sean Margaret Wagner, Lauren Warnecke, Steve Warren, Lauren Emily Whalen to those who did not want to get married. It also LGBTQ+ communities and their rights in the United liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal provided little advantage to those who did not own States. First, we often only think of one LGBTQ+ Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, Ph.D., is a clinical Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Vernon Hester substantial property and financial assets. It did community and not LGBTQ+ communities. We do not psychologist, author and public speaker. Follow CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue nothing to address other forms of widespread legal consider the ways in which legislation and protec- him on Twitter at @matjl. and Victor discrimination. In fact, workplace, healthcare, and tions may not be one size fits all. We often start with WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead programmer: Martie Marro) PRESIDENT Tracy Baim (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 letters Editorial: [email protected] Sales: [email protected] Calendar: [email protected] Attorneys needed enough volunteer attorneys in Illinois to help them. of service but have limitations on their availability Circulation: [email protected] This shortage of pro bono attorneys not only af- or resources. These include attorneys who are on ca- Art/ad copy: [email protected] Theater: [email protected] Dear Editor: fects the number of low-income or disadvantaged reer breaks, have retired, or are solo practitioners. people served, but also the disposition of justice. The attorneys can work from their home or at a num- Copyright 2019 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back According to the report “The Justice Gap,” low-in- Studies consistently show that the outcome of con- ber of locations throughout Cook and DuPage coun- issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, come Americans receive no or inadequate legal help tested matters often turns on whether a person has ties. Malpractice insurance is provided. and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and for 86 percent for their non-criminal legal problems. an attorney. For more information or questions, email sheila. no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy These individuals include senior citizens, veterans The Pro Bono Network (PBN) has been working [email protected]. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and those with disabilities. They may be experienc- since 2011 to combat this shortage by expanding and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, ing housing problems or domestic violence, or they the pool of attorneys available to represent those Linda Rio cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Windy City may be trying to obtain veterans’ benefits, disability who cannot afford legal services. PBN recruits, Pro Bono Network Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy benefits or child support. Currently, there are not trains, places and supports lawyers who want to be Executive Director City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept responsibility for advertising claims.

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Windy City Times Biweekly; Deadline every Send columns or letters to [email protected]. Wednesday prior to street date OUT! Chicago’s LGBTQ Visitor’s Guide Online annual Windy City Times Wedding and Events Guide Annual Letters may be edited for brevity or clarity. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 11

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Paige Thompson (in white jacket). PR photo 12 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW saint in 1920. Penelope crafted scene is our final glimpse of Issy and In searching for a fresh approach to an origin- Walker, Kate Joanie weeping in each other’s arms just before Mother of the Maid story previously explored by a diversity of biogra- Fry in Mother before the latter is dragged, terrified and scream- Playwright: Jane Anderson phers (among them, Mark Twain, George Bernard of the Maid. ing, to her doom? Is this image meant to invoke At: Northlight Theatre, at the North Shore Shaw and rock musician David Byrne), Jane An- Photo by analogies to children in refugee camps separated Center for the Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie derson—herself, a youthful Maid-of-Orleans fan Michael from their parents? Are the post-war machina- Tickets: Northlight.org 847-673-6300; turned mother—might well have contemplated Brosilow tions of the 15th-century authorities who spon- $30-$89 the childhood experiences leading the teenage sor Joan’s patriotic campaigns, only to betray her Runs through: Oct. 20 prodigy to embark on her extraordinary career. in the end, intended to remind us that all politi- Historical records document Joan’s progress on ish censorship-laws neologisms (“fuggin” “shite” cians are fundamentally untrustworthy? Was the BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE the battlefield and on trial in the French court- and the inevitably mispronounced “arse”). exalted hero to countless generations of girls, in rooms, but little is known of her upbringing in These minor annoyances would be negligible in reality, merely a victim of rapacious opportun- Dead Celebrities have always been prime targets the remote Domremy region, populated by illiter- service of dialogue conveying a modicum of en- ists? for exploitation by adherents eager to impose ate rural farmers. thusiasm for its subject, but although nearly two- Director BJ Jones and his company of actors, their own agendas on luminaries no longer ca- The absence of evidence regarding Joan’s early thirds of Anderson’s text is devoted to the Arc featuring exemplary audience favorite Kate Fry, pable of refuting spurious claims. Female icons life allows Anderson to deviate considerably from family swapping generic homefolksy banter (with boast impressive resumes attesting to their ex- are particularly susceptible to idolatry/icono- both facts and legend: her Joan, for example, Mrs. Arc addressing us in third-person narrator pertise at finessing scripts still in need of de- clasm based in academic speculation, and none cites only Saint Catherine as her inspiration to mode at times), not until the action moves to the velopment—did you know that Joan’s mother more so than Joan of Arc, the legendary superstar the exclusion of other divine mentors on record, palace, seat of actual power, are the stakes per- worked tirelessly to clear her late daughter’s of the Hundred Years War (1337-1453), who was for example, while the language spoken in the ceived to be high enough to justify concern—An- name, even appealing to the Pope himself? When later executed by the Roman Catholic church for Arc household—gruff papa Jacques, fussy mom derson’s, or ours—for the fates of agency-bereft even a play’s author doesn’t care enough about the crime of heresy, but ultimately exonerated, Isabelle, mouthy brother Pierre—approximates a commoners. her characters to give us reason to care about declared a martyr in 1456 and canonized as a stilted faux-rustic idiom, further muddied by Brit- Is it a coincidence that the play’s most well- them, too, why bother?

THEATER REVIEW ing into the last day of Kennedy’s presidency, the ties while his brother, Enrique (Victor Marana), lift the dialogue beyond its first level when ulti- play follows the Morales family as the members lends a supportive ear and potentially more. matums are delivered and the stakes are supposed Hope: Part II of a croon sweet love songs of the era while preparing Fernandez’s script has the ring of real-life re- to raise. Gonzalez-Cadel and Marana are tender for possible nuclear war and the more personal lationship conflicts, particularly when the sib- together, almost as sweet as Muñoz and Rivera- Mexican Trilogy destruction of their nuclear family. lings fight amongst themselves. Flights of fancy Vega are, but the cast’s sincerity cannot generate Playwright: Evelina Fernandez Gina (Ayssette Munoz) is the cynical eldest and bursts of torch songs fill out the world of enough tension to motivate an audience to worry At: The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. daughter of hard-working Elena (Cruz Gonzalez- the play, and co-directors Ricardo Gutierrez and about what might happen next during this turbu- Tickets: 773-697-3830 or Cadel) and shiftless, unfaithful Charlie (Eddie Cheryl Lynn Bruce keep the energy high, calling lent time. The audience I attended with deeply TheDenTheatre.com; $25-$35 Martinez). While younger sister Betty (Janyce on the actors to fully embrace the musical half enjoyed themselves, and as a white woman, I am Runs through: Oct. 27 Caraballo) daydreams about romantic phone con- of the show, which conflicts with Erin Peake’s certain to be missing cultural context and lived versations with JFK, and her brothers Johnny apocalyptic projection footage of 1960s duck- experiences specific to this Mexican-American BY SARAH KATHERINE BOWDEN (Nick Mayes) and Bobby (Joaquin Rodarte) fight and-cover drills. During such moments of con- family. But the breeziness onstage, coupled with over who between them is the bigger man, Gina trast, the production calls to mind flashpoints of a lack of surprise, may undermine Teatro Vista’s Nostalgia and harsh reality vie for dominance puts all her energy into keeping a clear head and cultural and political transformation. boisterous telling of a conflicted moment. in Teatro Vista’s Midwest premiere of Hope: Part steering clear of Rudy (Tommy Rivera-Vega), a However, the production loses steam in longer II of A Mexican Trilogy, now playing as part of newly enlisted soldier who wants to build a life scenes when the characters have confrontations Destinos, the Third Annual Chicago International with her. Elena tries to make ends meet while about faithfulness and pragmatism. Fernandez c Latino Theater Festival. Charlie skips out on bills and family responsibili- has a good ear for squabbling, but struggles to Set during the Cuban Missile Crisis and lead- CRITICS’PICKS Blue Stockings, Promethean Theatre Ensemble and her short term memory never fully recovers. an exposé of government and cartel corruption THEATER REVIEW at the Den, through Oct. 13. Jessica Swale’s in- Rodrigo (Ramon Camin)—her genuinely con- and complicity, when her paper fired her rather spirational historical drama recounts the struggle cerned and devoted caretaker—reveals she was than publish the story. Rodrigo is nursing her The Delicate Tears of women seeking an education in STEM sciences in a car accident, that she is an award winning in a safe house. Her young daughter has been against stodgy male prejudice at an elite univer- of the Waning Moon journalist and they worked together. Paulina spirited away to safety. Her mother, riding with sity in 1897. MSB Playwright: Rebeca Aleman herself slowly recalls her mother, her daughter, Paulina, died in the crash. Something Rotten! Marriott Theatre, Lincoln- At: Water People Theater Company her own childhood and pieces of poetry and This political story, alas, is too true. Journal- shire, through Oct. 20—Musicals and Shake- @ Steppenwolf, 1700 N. Halsted St. song invoking the moon. ists around the world are being threatened, speare blend in this unashamedly derivative, Tickets: 312-335-1650; Steppenwolf.org; Performed with truth, these devastatingly arrested, tortured, maimed and murdered by anachronistic and irreverent comedy, in which $25 painful and hopeful scenes are filled with strug- repressive regimes, paranoid strongmen, mili- Shakespeare’s rivals try gaming the system by Runs through: Oct. 13 gle and small triumphs. You’ll be misty eyed if tarists and criminal oligarchs with whom they acting on predictions from a relative of Nostrada- you’ve ever nursed someone you love back from share power and spoils. Even as I write this, it’s mus. SCM BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL a stroke. Aleman’s incredible face is beautiful happening in Mexico, where this play is set, and The Great Leap, Steppenwolf, through Oct. even with the distortions of Paulina’s injuries, in Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Syria, Egypt, China, In- 20—A 5’5” Chinese-American basketball star, Ti- Two stories are packed into this 90-minute her dark eyes shining and glistening with tears, donesia, Venezuela and other nations. In the ananmen Square, international politics and rival world premiere, which launches the 3rd Chicago her small smiles lighting the room as Paulina’s USA we have a President who hates the press coaches shape Lauren Yee’s imaginative, impos- International Latino Theater Festival. wit and wits slowly return. Camin easily reveals and would get away with such repression if he sible creation myth about Tank Man. Gregg Obrero The first hour is a deeply compassionate per- how deeply Rodrigo loves her, long before he could, but he can’t get away with it ... yet. dazzles as the b’ball prodigy. JA sonal story while the last 30 minutes is a po- says so. Even his occasional impatience is ten- As a theater critic who has been published in- The Color Purple, Drury Lane Theatre, Oak- litical story only hinted at earlier. Story One is der and concerned. This is beautiful acting, di- ternationally, I can bear witness to this play’s brook Terrace, through Nov. 3—Director Lili-Anne the rehabilitation of Paulina (Rebeca Aleman, rected by Iraida Tapias. political story. As a caregiver for a stroke pa- Brown allows this speedy musical adaptation of the playwright), fighting back from devastat- Eventually, the ugly, political truth emerges: tient, I can bear witness to the personal story Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning to properly ing stroke-like brain damage. She’s partially Paulina crashed because she was shot in the as well, which is told in a surprisingly poetic breathe with great emotional performances and paralyzed and must reconstruct her cognitive head in an assassination attempt. An investi- way. The Delicate Tears of the Waning Moon gorgeous singing. SCM functions, re-learning language and speech. gative journalist, she went rogue online with speaks to me and sticks with me. Paulina’s long term memories return only in bits —By Mary Shen Barnidge, Scott C. Morgan and Jonathan Abarbanel WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 13 THEATER REVIEW with all of the requisite fire, passion, and arro- al), the French playwright of Cyrano de Bergerac gance by Terri McMahon, works through scene who wrote several roles expressly for Bernhardt. Bernhardt/Hamlet after scene of the Bard’s greatest play with her Though Bernhardt was well-known to have had Playwright: Theresa Rebeck cast (including the always-great Larry Yando as many affairs during her life, often with quite fa- At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. French actor Constant Coquelin). It is a joy to be mous people, Rostand was not one of them, and Tickets: GoodmanTheatre.org present as she delves deeply into the complicated unfortunately this subplot ends up derailing the Price: $20-80 text (“‘Unpregnant’? Now you’re just making up play. Runs through: Oct 20 words”), questioning whether Shakespeare’s “gift This occurs because Rebeck has Bernhardt re- for poetry at times overwhelms the power of his quest that Rostand re-write Hamlet in French and BY KAREN TOPHAM playwriting.” in prose, eliminating the excess of poetry that All of this struggle makes for a compelling and was getting in her way. (Berhardt did use such French actress Sarah Bernhardt was a powerful delightful opening act, but it is not the play’s a translation, but it was written by two other woman calling her own shots at a time when few entire focus. Rebeck spends a lot of time fixat- playwrights.) The result is that her Rostand is women anywhere got to do so. As such, she is a ing on an entirely invented affair with Edmond side-tracked from working on Cyrano. His deep perfect subject for a feminist play. But Theresa Rostand (John Tufts in a strong, varied portray- Rebeck’s Bernhardt/Hamlet certainly is not at all Turn to page 14 political. It does not seek to change the world, though its tale of such a forceful and dynamic woman certainly seems timely in our modern, ret- rograde era. And this very funny and entertain- eSPOTLIGHT ing play, wonderfully directed by Donna Feore, certainly allows us to get to know its fascinating We’ve all been around the block, right? You subject. Ultimately, though, Rebeck’s script takes pick him up, then he hustles him who slaves for a too-sharp second act turn that destabilizes its her who sleeps with them who tricks with hir focus. who sleeps with you. Austrian playwright Arthur Bernhardt was the most well-known actress Schnitzler didn’t make it up when he wrote his of the late 19th century. She could pretty much once infamous 1897 sex play La Ronde. It’s been choose the parts she wished to play, and she even adapted ever since many times and ways, and one owned her own 1,700-seat theater in Paris. But popular version is Hello Again, the 1994 very gay musical adaptation by Michael John LaChiusa. If in 1899, Bernhardt decided that she was not be- you don’t find at least one appealing coupling, your libido probably is dead. This new production of ing challenged enough and determined to take Hello Again runs through Wed., Nov. 13, at the spiffy new Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 721 Howard on the greatest acting test in all of theatre: the St. (Evanston side, not Chicago side). It’s directed and choreographed by Brenda Didier, with musi- melancholy Dane, Shakespeare’s Hamlet. John Tufts and Terri McMahon in Bernhardt/ cal direction by Jeremy Ramey. 773-347-1109; theo-u.com The first act of Bernhardt/Hamlet shows us the Hamlet. Photo by Austin D. Oie depth of her risk. We watch as Bernhardt, played Photo by Liz Lauren

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SEASON SPONSOR PLAYING 847-242-6000 I WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG 14 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES WCT: It’s definitely a progression. What do as that gesture is, apparently the writer liked me Bianca Del Rio. fans in Chicago have in store with this tour? a lot. So, thank you! But if you go around believ- Photo by Rene Koala BDR: Expect the unexpected, I always say. And ing that kind of insanity, you’re fucked. I appre- my show, honestly, will change a bit politically ciate the moment, but it doesn’t mean shit past in a few side notes. When I’m in the UK, I dis- the first ten minutes it was written. cuss Brexit and Theresa May, whereas in America, WCT: What’s next for you? we’ve got Trump. Each night is a different show BDR: Whenever you’re in the middle of some- for me, you never know what’s going to come out thing that’s huge, someone says, ‘Well, what’s of my mouth and I never know how it’s going to next?’ and you always go, ‘Can’t I just get through translate to an audience. tonight?’ What’s next? I don’t know! Hopefully, WCT: Are any topics off limits? Are there any more work. There’re always some things in the lines that you’re unwilling to cross? mix. At this moment there’s not much that I can BDR: No. Nope. talk about specifically yet until they announce it. WCT: Well, that was an easy question to an- WCT: I’ve read that there’s going to be a Hur- swer. ricane Bianca 3? BDR: I think the minute that you start saying, BDR: Obviously, Hurricane Bianca 3 is on the ‘I can’t talk about this,’ it becomes ridiculous. I agenda. Just trying to find out when I can am a man in a wig—I’m the biggest joke there squeeze it in to film; hopefully, it will happen is. Therefore, we should all be able to laugh at in 2020. We’re plotting, planning and sorting me and everything else around us. The world is for the next year. And obviously, I would love to a joke, you’ve got to find the humor in it. If not, continue touring because I love a live audience. you’re going to be a depressed motherfucker. I enjoy getting to see the world and seeing all of WCT: When did you first find your inner these fabulous people that think I’m funny. clown? For tickets to the “It’s Jester Joke” tour and BDR: I don’t know if I found it or if it was found more info, visit TheBiancaDelRio.com. by others and they pointed it out. As a kid, I think a lot of the choices I made were out of the ordinary for a child. It wasn’t until I was a teen- ager where I just embraced that this is who I am ‘Andy Warhol’s DRAG and what I do. It had nothing to do with being House’ exhibit gay or wanting to be around boys or anything. It was just the fact that I was always considered opening Oct. 10 Hilton | Asmus Contemporary, 716 N. Wells different. St., announced the addition of a new photo Bianca Del Rio WCT: It’s a pretty standard line in reality TV exhibit, Andy Warhol’s House. competitions to say, “I’m not here to make The exhibit, opening Thursday, Oct. 10, friends.” As a self-proclaimed insult comic, will feature David Gamble’s photos of War- vs. the World how do you balance making friends—not just hol’s house in New York City after death that on Drag Race but with other famous people— provide an impossibly intimate look at the BY ANGELIQUE SMITH huge build-up leading up to it because it was an with being true to your brand of comedy? private life of the famed artist and include extremely large, 8,000 seat venue [for the] show, BDR: I think that with the people that know photos of his medicine cabinet, kitchen and From Sydney to Singapore, Bianca Del Rio, the so it was quite wild to experience that on that you as a person, it’s pretty normal. You connect living room—all untouched following his season six winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been particular stage. with people on a certain level, whether it’s work death. spreading clown realness all over the globe with I didn’t realize how many people were there un- or whether it’s sharing the same ideas. I’m actu- The closing date is slated to be Sunday, her “It’s Jester Joke” tour. Now she’s bringing her til the lights came on and then you go, ‘Oh, my ally fascinated by the people I’ve met that are Nov. 10. unmatched comedic timing and razor-sharp wit God!’ Also, I’m really looking forward to New York somewhat celebrities that have a squeaky-clean Gamble said that from the start his goal back to the United States with "the biggest ever this year because I’ll be doing Carnegie Hall— image and they’re total cunts offstage. It’s a com- was to “put Andy back in the house,” to solo drag stand-up comedy tour in North Ameri- which is something I think you always hope to pletely different dynamic for me because I’m a make the photographs look so realistic that a ca" (according to a press release), making a stop get to do as a performer. Not that every other cunt onstage, but I’m really nice offstage. viewer could imagine that the artist was just in Chicago on Thursday, Oct. 10, at The Vic. city isn’t great—I’m grateful for all of them—but WCT: How did it feel to be ranked number in the other room grabbing a snack. In 1997, Bianca Del Rio: I am literally minutes before a those two in particular have been big milestones one of the 100 most powerful drag queens in he used silkscreen technology to physically show here, in Belfast, Ireland. for me. America by Vulture? screen pop art versions of Warhol into some Windy City Times: We appreciate you taking WCT: Fan tweets about the show at Wembley BDR: First of all, I find it laughable. Listen, it’s of his photos—some of which are featured in the time! I’m a huge fan. kept mentioning the word “dark.” What’s so lovely to be on the top of a list and for them to this exhibit. BDR: Well, you have incredible taste and I ap- dark about your show? say that. But in the end, there’s another list that See Hilton-Asmus.com. preciate that. BDR: That’s just what the show is and I think says I’m the worst drag queen in the world. That’s WCT: This is your fourth solo comedy tour. that people that consider it “dark” are people what you have to come to terms with, as lovely What do you think you’ve learned from the that don’t necessarily know me. As you grow as a first three? performer, a lot of people may not know that I’m REVIEW from page 13 tivating piece of theatre. Director Feore’s love BDR: To drink more. To keep myself intoxicated. from Drag Race, a lot of people might not know for the material shines through every decision Honestly though, you figure out scheduling, you my type of humor, not everyone has seen all of frustration fuels too much of Act Two, though she makes, and even her minor characters are figure out what works best on the road. Because my tours. it does impel an appearance by Rostand’s wife thoughtfully rounded. Narelle Sissons’ flexible it’s a pretty rough schedule by choice. For in- It’s interesting because you do get the conun- Rosamond, creating a powerful if brief turn for backstage setting allows for quick and often love- stance, last night we were in Dublin, tonight Bel- drum of, if you continue to do the same thing Jennifer Latimore. The rest of Act Two focuses so ly scene changes, and Dana Osborne’s costumes fast and then tomorrow I’m in Toronto. I prefer a on the same level, then your close fans will get much on that play that it might have been called evoke the era beautifully. There are also some ab- tight schedule because I find that I don’t run out bored with it. If you do something out of the Rostand/Cyrano and, though it remains engaging solutely lovely moments in Robert Wierzel’s light- of steam. The momentum of the show works best box, then the other people don’t know how to right through the last minute, the play doesn’t ing, and Joanna Lynne Staub’s sound design and when I keep moving. handle you. It’s such a weird place to be. I guess say as much about Bernhardt’s ultimate portrayal original music are nothing short of perfection. WCT: Which tour stop has been your most to people who aren’t aware of what I do, it might of Hamlet as it does about her early preparations Despite the issues I have with the second act, memorable so far? come across as maybe a little darker than other for the role. this is one impressive play both in front of and BDR: Two days ago, I was able to do Wemb- stuff; but, for me, it’s exactly what I’ve thought It’s still easy to recommend this play because, behind the scenes. I wish, though, that it had ley Arena in London, which was insane. It was a but it’s a build up to where you’re going. no matter what its focus, it is an absorbing, cap- remained more true to its focus. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 15 there will be at least one woman, one Person of can’t I do this forever?” She acknowledged that Chicago Magic Lounge. Color; all are bad-ass magicians.” most magicians are men, but felt it is because PR photo One of these women is Jan Rose, a longtime “girls just don’t see other girls doing it.” veteran of the Chicago and national magic scenes Everyone agreed that what Cranford has created who told Windy City Times that, when she got is essentially a family. Thompson loved the fact into magic, “I was so excited about the job that that she has been able to learn from so many oth-

Paige Thompson (in white jacket). PR photo

I didn’t even notice that it was a male-dominat- er magicians. Rose quoted her husband, magician ed industry.” Still, she said that, even after she Danny Ocean, as saying, “All of the magicians [at started to understand that, “I was embraced by the lounge], stand on each other’s shoulders.” the magic (community); I never felt any kind of Perhaps it is this atmosphere as much as any- discrimination at all.” thing else that draws the customers. Cranford Neither has Paige Thompson, who was given noted that he does very little advertising, but the Don’t lose the magic: a magic kit by her grandmother when she was place is packed most nights. People are “moved just 6 years old and became obsessed. She said, by the story we tell,” he said. “Word of mouth “I started doing birthday parties. I was making Checking out the money in high school and started wondering, why Turn to page 21 Chicago Magic Lounge

BY KAREN TOPHAM and Cranford’s concept became the Chicago Magic Lounge, whose unusual Andersonville theatre When Joey Cranford’s wife jokingly bought him a opened in February 2018, a club especially de- magic kit as a Christmas present, she had no idea signed to give customers a true taste of Chicago- what she had unleashed. style magic as well as a cabaret where they can “There was an especially good trick in there,” see headline magicians. he said, one that spurred the research-oriented The lounge itself is hidden behind what appears Cranford to begin exploring and eventually led to be a laundromat at 5050 N. Clark St, which him to discover what he calls the Golden Age is intended as both an homage to the building’s of Chicago-style magic, when magicians moved past (history is everything) and a way that peo- TICKETS from table to table doing card and coin illusions, ple will feel the pull of something unusual from which thrived at various bars and clubs through- the moment they walk through the door. But once START AT out the city during the 20th century. they figure out how to get past the false front, $35 Sadly, by the 1980s, these clubs were closing many more surprises await that are not limited to down. Cranford theorizes that the rise of stand- sliding or hidden wall panels. up comedy displaced it, but he also wonders if The entertainment begins at the fully stocked “bad magic” killed it. With so many venues, he bar (a light food menu is also available), at which opines, there were bound to be second-rate per- veteran Chicago magicians draw audiences in formers who would turn people off to the scene. with their banter and their illusions. Once inside People who witnessed these poorly trained prac- the art deco cabaret itself, patrons are treated titioners may have given up on magic for good. to magic performed at their tables by a band of “When the contract is there for you to fool me roving and personable magicians before the main PERFORMS AT: JANE EYRE and I see everything,” Cranford said, “you’re show even starts. OCTOBER 16–27 wasting my time.” “Our job is to expose people to how rich mag- JOFFREY.ORG | 312.386.8905 His vision of a new home base for magic began ic is as a creative form and then to give them 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. GROUPS OF 10+ CALL 312.386.8937 Chicago, IL in 2015, when a friend was opening Uptown Un- variety,” said Entertainment Director Benjamin derground and offered him one night to organize Barnes. In selecting magicians for the club, he re- a magic show. Cranford made the decision to “tell alizes that the profession of magic has long been 2019–2020 SEASON SONIA the story” of Chicago magic in every show. a male-dominated one, but he strives to change SPONSORS FLORIAN It didn’t take long before the shows became that. “You’ll see yourself” reflected on the stage,” Special thanks to Live Music Sponsors Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund so successful that they needed their own space, he assures. “Every night at Chicago Magic Lounge for Live Music. | Joffrey Company Artists Amanda Assucena and Greig Matthews. Photo by Cheryl Mann. 16 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES

Blu Bone. All photos by Julia Hale

Chicago’s queer hip-hop scene: Visibility, evolution and culture

KC Ortiz.

Sun BLVD.

CJ Run.

BY JULIA HALE ual rapper who came to Chicago for school. Now much acceptance,” they said, comparing the con- ing, commentary,” said Blu Bone. a senior at UIC, Blu Bone has also gotten heav- stant commotion around queerness to the feeling The history of hip-hop is comparable to that Chicago has long been known as a mecca for hip- ily involved with the ballroom scene in the city. of being under a microscope. “Like, ‘Hey, trans of ballroom culture in that both are rooted in hop culture. Within recent years, however, there’s “Ballroom in Chicago is very Black American. Very people exist!’ That doesn’t mean we’re being ac- struggle. Given that queer and transgender peo- been a rise in queer and gender non-conforming intimate, exclusive. It has that Midwest intimacy. cepted more, it just means people know about us ple of color exist, and at the most marginalized hip-hop artists in the city. From Kidd Kenn, who I think that way about the Chicago scene [too].” more. We’re more visible, so hopefully the accep- intersections at that, the two cultures are inextri- recently signed to Island Records, to Futurehood, tance piece can come with that.” cably linked as well. “We have been pushing the the queer Chicago-based hip-hop collective, Visibility Additionally, Lil Nas X is still a cisgender man, culture forward this whole time and you didn’t queer rappers are creating their own sub-culture. On the last day of June 2019, 20-year old meaning he identifies with the gender assigned even know,” said queer rapper Sun BLVD, who With rappers Lil Nas X and Tyler the Creator be- country-hip-hop artist Lil Nas X announced over to him at birth. “Is the mainstream really ready also came to Chicago for school before deciding ing openly gay, many rap fans equate visibility Twitter (or, suggested) that he was queer. “By for gender non-conforming rappers and people to pursue music full-time. “[The ballroom scene] with acceptance. But visibility and acceptance all means, it was a marketing move,” said Blu that look visibly gender non-conforming?” Asked spills over into everyday life, into fashion, into are not the same; many queer hip-hop artists Bone. “As far as real change in hip-hop, I’m going Run. “I don’t know, because when you look at music, into slang. Gay culture is popular culture in Chicago have been forced to create their own to have to see. I’m hopeful that [this] will open the outrage and everybodys’ conspiracy theories now.” spaces. doors for a lot more of us, or [for] the public to around Lil Nas coming out, I’m [thinking], ‘he’s While Black queerness is overflowing into the Queer Chicago-based rappers Mother Nature, start questioning the Black male monolith.” just a cis gay boy, and you guys did that because mainstream, those who are genderqueer are in Roy Kinsey, Blu Bone, KC Ortiz, CJ Run, Sun BLVD Other queer and trans people of color in the of him. You’re not ready for me.’” Though he rep- danger of being left behind. “It’s so much easier and Kidd Kenn spoke about visibility, the connec- city are also waiting to see how Lil Nas X’s career resents visibility, Lil Nas X only represents the to be queer in sexuality but still conventional in tions between Black culture and gay culture and plays out. “One thing about hip-hop is [that] you visibility of cisgender gay men in hip-hop, not your gender presentaton, if you still sort of look Chicago’s unique brand of art activism. may slide in on the trend, but your talent will necessarily those who are genderqueer or trans. like the gender you were ‘assigned,’” said Run. “You’ve got that stigma [that] Chicago’s real keep you there,” said transgender rapper KC Ortiz. Run is not alone in her concern. “Our trans “It’s so much easier to be a cis gay that does hard,” said Truth, one half of the queer hip-hop “Other rappers can’t stop people from liking [his] brothers and sisters [are] being killed every day, music in comparison to being a gender non- duo Mother Nature. If you find your own “tribe,” music. He could be successful, but who’s going to gay youth are being kicked out of their homes conforming person that does music and uses Chicago can be an accepting place, according to stand up and support him? That’s what I look at. and are homeless,” said Truth of Mother Nature. pronouns that people maybe aren’t used to.” Cis- Truth. “I love tribes,” said Klevah, the other half Who’s going to back him up, who’s going to be an “[Visibility] opens eyes to an extent, but on a gender gay men being normalized in hip-hop is a of Mother Nature. “I love that we’re able to navi- ally?” global level or even nationally, it’s [not] say- significant step for the culture. The next step in gate multiple spaces within the hip-hop commu- Kinsey sees Lil Nas X as the young gay rap icon ing, ‘okay, we’re good!’ You know? It’s moving in hip-hop’s evolution is transgender visibility. nity and the arts community in Chicago.” that the culture needs. “I think the world needs the right direction as we push mainstream, but Queer rapper Roy Kinsey agreed, noting, “As to see him be a young heartthrob,” he said. people still have to get in their heads: this is not Creating the culture much as Chicago gets this reputation of being “That’s exactly what I wanted when I was 15 and [just] entertainment, these are peoples’ lives.” Although the struggle for Black and queer lib- violent or intolerant, there is a corner in Chicago 16 years old. ‘Mom, that song you like, that you eration are connected, that doesn’t mean that for everybody,” said Kinsey, who’s a member of can’t stop singing? Yeah, he’s gay.’ [To me] it’s Hip-hop evolution queerness has always been accepted in tradition- Futurehood, the Chicago-based record label and more about whose lives can be possibly improved It’s no surprise to many Chicago artists that ally Black spaces. “Queerness always has to make multi-media platform for queer and transgender because they get to honor their truth because queer Black people are becoming more visible, space for itself,” said Blu Bone. “We’re very rarely artists of color. The creative collective is also they’ve seen someone else tell it.” specifically within hip-hop. “It is an evolution asked to be in [hip-hop] spaces.” associated with queer artists across the country While it might be easy for some to celebrate in the culture of hip-hop that the ones most op- The animosity towards queerness in hip-hop is including Chae Buttuh from North Carolina, Taylor the success and hope surrounding Lil Nas X, non- pressed, the ones cast out, whose stories weren’t evident, from lyrics that outright decry homo- Alxndr from Atlanta, and Rozay LaBeija and Linda binary rapper CJ Run is concerned that visibility told, would then feel it is time to take their pow- sexuality, such as Offset’s line that he can’t “vibe LaBeija from New York City. isn’t enough. er back,” said Kinsey. with queers,” to the fetishization of lesbians. “When I came to Chicago, I found [Future- “In the media, being queer is like the hot new “[With] queer Black kids in particular [there] is hood],” said Blu Bone, the Chicago-based bisex- topic. It’s very in, and I don’t know if that’s so a legacy of rapping, creating, tongue tying, orat- Turn to page 18 WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 17 Jonathan Van Ness discusses memoir at Music Box Denise Bidot BY MATT SIMONETTE Denise Bidot moderated the traumas and joys down on the (left) and talk, with a performance by the printed page and out of Jonathan Van According to Jonathan Van Ness Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus pre- his head. Ness. of the Netflix series Queer Eye, ceding it. “I feel like I absolutely have “Writing a book is kind of like Among the topics Van Ness to tell this story,” Van Ness Photo by putting your soul into a food and Bidot covered were his explained. He is HIV-positive Chicago Ideas processor.” small-town upbringing, which and spoke at length about the Van Ness discussed that new he loathed, and his beloved importance for anyone who is book, Over the Top: A Raw Jour- mother and stepfather. sexually active to know basic ney to Self-Love, at a sold out “Every day since getting out information about HIV, and discussion at Music Box Theatre of high school has been like the absolute necessity for the evening of Sept. 28. The being on vacation,” he said. society to eliminate anti-HIV presentation, entitled "Jona- Van Ness said writing the stigma. than Van Ness: Beyond Permis- book was therapeutic, and “Living with HIV is not an is- sion," was presented by Chicago was a way for him to get over- sue,” he said. “The not-talking Ideas. whelming thoughts about past about it is an issue.” Van Ness first discussed how he conceived the title Over the Top—a reference to his family’s references to his being “over the top.” CULTURECULTURE CLUBCLUB “It’s almost impossible to em- barrass me,” he joked. ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S MUSICAL MASTERPIECE Model/body positivity expert

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ASTONREP.COM 18 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES HIP-HOP from page 16 “[To be] queer in hip-hop is to already dare to Mother Nature. PRAA launches exhibit exist against,” said Blu Bone. “That’s why Fu- turehood has been really instrumental in terms of supplying me with spaces.” Blu Bone credits on Latinx LGBT activism Futurehood with making a queer hip-hop scene in BY MATT SIMONETTE Chicago feasible. “A [queer] scene is not possible without its spaces, without its cohorts, without Community members gathered Sept. 21 as Puerto its gatherings,” he said. Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), 3000 N. Elbridge Ave., Futurehood isn’t the only space in the city for unveiled La Primera Parada: Chicago’s Stonewall QTPOC in hip-hop. The standing party Slo ‘Mo, Moments, a photographic exhibition focusing on which produces “slow jams for queer fam,” and LGBT participation in events such as the Bud Bil- Party Noire, the “cultural hub” that focuses on liken, Mexican and Puerto Rican parades. and uplifts Black femmes, QTWOC and gender According to a PRAA statement, “With this ex- non-conforming Black womyn/people, are also hibit we celebrate the first Chicago queer people, helping normalize the presence of queer people trans women, drag queens, the boys, the dykes, in hip-hop spaces, in addition to creating spaces and people of color who fought back and out of just for queer hip-hop artists and fans. “We’re the closet to proudly say ‘I’m Black, I’m Chicano, creating the culture,” said Kinsey. “A lot of us I’m Boricua, I’m queer and this is my parade.’” have just been underground bubbling for such a Kidd Kenn. Curator Jorge Felix said that the exhibition paid long time, waiting to get the mic. These cultures tribute to Latinx Chicagoans “who had the cour- are big and rich and ready.” age to think outside the box and participate in Though Chicago is beginning to see more safe their community parades. But what we have here spaces for queerness in hip-hop, it’s still not is a canvas, one with many spaces in between Julio Rodriguez. something universally accepted. “There are cer- that we need to fill.” Photo by Matt Simonette tain relationships that you won’t have,” said The exhibition will be at PRAA for nearly a Kinsey. “To me, that’s a blessing. That was God Rodriguez, who has long been active in Asso- year—much longer than the norm—and will be, clearing them out of my sphere.” Roy Kinsey. ciation of Latino/as/x Motivating Action (ALMA), subject to funding, supplemented by workshops Ortiz and Run share a similar mindset. “Some- was present Sept. 21 to describe that march fur- and lectures shedding light on the people and times [people] say stuff like, ‘if you weren’t trans, ther. events depicted in the exhibition. Among the you would be way bigger right now,’” said Ortiz. “It might not seem like a scary thing now, but proposed topics would be transgender participa- “In my mind, it’s just not my time. No matter my father was behind on another float the day tion and collaboration with other Chicago com- what I am or who I am, I’m good. At the end of ALMA marched in the Puerto Rican Day parade,” munities, Felix added. the day, trans, Black, whatever, I’m going to let he recalled. “I remember talking to my dad and Guest curator Milka Ramirez said the exhibit my work speak for me,” she said. saying, ‘When I step off, there’s no turning back.’ represented “a decade of dreams,” adding that Run agreed. “There might be certain opportuni- Most of us who are Latino know that, when you one inspiration for her was hearing an anecdote ties that I know I should have but maybe didn’t are coming out, your family comes with you. I had from activist Julio Rodriguez about marching in get because of certain things,” said Run. “I still been in that parade [before] and I had marched the Puerto Rican Day Parade as an LGBT activist just remember I’m really fucking good at what I with my family. I remember, standing and holding for the first time. do.” that banner, shaking my fists. … When you walk, “I thought, ‘What a powerful story? Why are we Despite Kidd Kenn’s popularity and accomplish- you walk past every memory and every person not documenting these stories? Of course I par- Art as activism ments, Chicago isn’t perfect; there’s still work to who knew you and your family. There really is no tially know the answer to that. Historically, Black “There’s something very special happening in be done. Klevah and Truth questioned the notion stepping back.” and Brown LGBTQ folks are not included in our Chicago,” said Kinsey. “There’s something beau- of acceptance, saying that they want more: “I The exhibit will run through May 29, 2020. history.” tiful happening [here] because there’s this ac- don’t want to be accepted, I want to be loved,” tivism and art that we merge in a very specific said Truth. and special way.” Sun BLVD agreed. “We have The queer hip-hop artists that are thriving and something very unusual here. It’s been happen- popping up around the city are helping set the ing, and it’s still happening. We’re pushing the stage for that love and affirmation. “I want to be One City culture forward. We want to make Chicago a city a part of that wave of artists that paves the way for everybody.” for other people like myself, so it’s not as hard as Kidd Kenn, the gay rapper from the south side it is for me,” said Run. who signed to Island Records at the end of July “Everything I went through was to give me a at just 16, is the return on the creative, under- resume,” said Ortiz. “‘Hey, I went through this PROPS GALORE! Block too. That happened to me.’ A lot of times if you ground movements like Futurehood, Slo ‘Mo and LOCAL BUSINESS FOR 50 YEARS Party Noire. “My city took me in,” said Kenn, who’s can see someone where you’re from, [and they’re] SEXY ADULT COSTUMES only been rapping for about a year. “I thought where you want to be, it shows you it can be they weren’t going to fuck with me just because done.” of who I was and what I did. It shocked me when For those who live at the most marginalized in- OCTOBER 24-31 they did,” he said. In Chicago, art and activism tersections in society, simply existing is a form of are combined in a unique way. This is shown in activism. Many people think of queerness as an MAKEUP AND WIGS OPEN 24 HOURS the music and activism of Chance the Rapper and antithesis to hip-hop, but the queer and trans- Vic Mensa as well as Chicago Votes’ 2018 “Give gender hip-hop artists here in Chicago, simply by Non-Stop! a Shit Weekend,” which used visual art, fashion being their authentic selves, are proving this to CLEANING OUT OUR WAREHOUSE! and music to mobilize young people in Chicago be false. to vote in last year’s midterm elections. This at- “It took me a while to understand that I had to 4065 N. Milwaukee Ave. mosphere of advocacy and advancement within be the person to create the music that I wanted art communities in Chicago has allowed for a gay to hear,” said Kinsey. “I love that my intersec- www.FantasyCostumes.com (773) 777-0222 Black kid from the south side to be his complete tions that I tried to keep separate were the key, self, unapolagetically, and actually see success. once I put them together.” WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 19 BILLY MastersMasters

“I spent the first 23 years of my life playing a straight man.”—Gus Kenworthy’s response to criticism about him playing Emma Roberts’ boy- friend on American Horror Story: 1984. He added, “A gay actor playing straight is a big deal. There aren’t many openly gay actors getting cast in straight parts.” He adds that some people won- dered, “Gus has no credits, no experience. How did he get this role?” Too easy—not the question, the subject. If you saw the film Pacific Heights, you know it’s pretty hard to evict someone in California. Here in West Hollywood, a prominent political activist and donor wasn’t evicted when a random person died in his apartment. He also wasn’t evicted after a second suspicious death in that same apartment. Everything changed when a Tuc Watkins is half of a possible couple, Billy third person nearly died in the apartment. If you says. don’t know the story of Ed Buck, it’s a doozy. In Image from the movie Retake from Breaking 2017, someone died of an overdose in his apart- Glass Pictures ment during a sexual tryst. But this is West Holly- wood, so most people didn’t bat an eye. When an org. eerily similar incident occurred 18 months later, Someone I saw at “Little Shop” was an ebullient many saw a pattern. Both victims were Black men Alexandra Billings. The trans actress has reason who overdosed on meth. But the police said in- to celebrate. She’ll be joining the Broadway cast sufficient evidence. When a third African-Ameri- of Wicked as Madame Morrible. A press release can man survived a similar scenario a month ago, stated, “Alexandra is the first openly trans actress Buck was arrested and charged with three counts to play the role.” Her first night will be Jan. 20. of battery and allegedly injecting the third victim On the flip side,Erika Jayne is going into Chi- with meth. He also was charged with operating a cago. This, too, could be seen in a historic con- “drug den” in his apartment, which is probably text, because I believe Jayne is the first openly against the rules of his lease. The eviction paper- discussed possible transgender performer to play work was filed last week. the role of Roxie. And if you think I’m going to Fresh off his historic Emmy win, Billy Porter get into the “is s/he or isn’t s/he,” no dice. That’s went to the Pasadena Playhouse for the opening between her and her gynecologist and/or proc- night of Little Shop of Horrors to support his Pose tologist. What I got a kick out of is that her press co-star, Mj Rodriguez. She made theatrical histo- release goes to great pains to state that this will ry as the first transgender actress to play Audrey. be Erica Jayne’s first appearance on Broadway. So, for those of you who wondered if trans people Really? You mean she never did The Cherry Or- could only play trans characters: The answer is chard, or Elektra? a film version for Netflix with the same cast. So, no—they can play whatever roles they are suited Making real history, playwright Charles Busch needless to say, they’re “close.” Perhaps that’s for (and, obviously, the converse is true). Aside will lead an all-star Broadway benefit perfor- why they’ve both posted several steamy pix to- from some key changes and awkward harmonies, mance of his play The Tale of the Allergist’s gether on their social media accounts. While I’m it worked just fine. BTW, Billy Porter’s voice was Wife and he’ll take over the titular role, origi- happy to see two hot shirtless guys, I’m troubled used for the opening narration. And here’s a bit nally played by Linda Lavin. But Lavin will still that all of these photos feature Rannells embrac- of trivia: Porter was the voice of the plant, Au- be performing—filling in for the late Shirl Ber- ing Watkins from behind. Oh, the humanity. drey II, in a 2003 touring production of “Little nheim, who was the original Frieda. The rest of When I’m presenting real and/or fake couples, Shop” that closed just prior to opening on Broad- the original cast will also appear—Michele Lee, it’s definitely time to end yet another column. way. Tony Roberts and Anil Kumar. This is an Actors And if they’re hot, who really cares. Far more im- In this production, Amber Riley played the Fund benefit and will take place Nov. 18 at the portant is that we must acknowledge the passing plant. The innocent little sprout in Act 1 re- Friedman Theatre. Grab your tix at ActorsFund. of Linda Porter, who played Myrtle on Super- mained throughout—except during feeding when org. See you there (God willing). store. Happily, her hologram will live on. If you puppeteers swung giant tentacles. (I initially Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Karl in Chi- need a bit more life for your viewing pleasure, wrote giant testicles .... Freudian slip.) George cago: “I just heard that Tuc Watkins and Andrew check out BillyMasters.com—the site that has its Salazar was a solid Seymour, while Matt Wilkas’ Rannells are a couple. Is it true? Really?” finger on ... well, on something you want. If you portrayal of Orin’s death scene took on operatic As people online are saying, they are an “Insta- have a question, dash it off to Billy@BillyMas- proportions—not that there’s anything wrong gram couple”—whatever that means. Cheyenne ters.com and I promise to get back to you before with that. While it was a good, solid, stripped- Jackson chimed in, commenting, “You’re Insta- I find me an Instagram husband! So, until next down and basic production with admirable perfor- ficial now”—and he knows a thing or two about time, remember: One man’s filth is another man’s mances, I didn’t think it was special—aside from online love affairs. Tuc and Andrew co-starred as bible. the non-traditional casting. It runs through Oct. combative lovers in the Broadway revival of The 20, and you can get tix at PasadenaPlayhouse. Boys in the Band, and they’re currently shooting 20 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES installment of the brunch. But the queens (which the dazzling Mimi Marks led) saved the day. Besides Marks, there were Khloe (celebrating a birthday) as well Lila Star the DISH (who truly embodies that surname) and RuPaul’s Dining Guide in Drag Race alumna Dida Ritz. They definitely worked hard for the money, and deserved every WINDY CITY TIMES single that went their way. Speaking of which, there was one noticeable difference from Lips, in SAVOR that there was a young man (wearing what my friend called “Market Days attire”) who provided Sampling drag singles for attendees’ comfort. brunches Taking everything into account, Lips’ brunch wins this drag battle—by an eyelash. BY ANDREW DAVIS Note: Restaurant profiles/events are based on invitations arranged from restaurants and/ If you like keeping up with culinary trends, one or firms. of the most prominent ones in Chicago also incorporates entertainment: drag brunches. Brunch at "District Divas." Of course, Kit Kat Lounge started this trend Photo by Nikki Hudson eons ago (and you can see my take on its brunch at http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ Lips Chicago emcee lgbt/SAVOR-Brunches-at-Kit-Kat-Lounge-and- Ruff N Stuff. PROFILE BY TONY PEREGRIN Lark-/63934.html). Since taking root there, drag Photo courtesy of Lips brunches have sprouted throughout the city— Chicago including River North, which is sometimes early to the party; other times, it seems five years too out of my seat). the River North spot’s event seemed like “an late. As for the food itself (since this is a culinary afterthought.” Sadly, I had to agree (at least at Recently, I went to the inaugural Dragalicious column), the menu items were quite impressive. first)—but I do harbor hope. Gospel Brunch at the new spot Lips Chicago My friend loved her chicken and waffles, and I was For $50 (!) per person, guests can partake BEHIND (2229 S. Michigan Ave.; LipsChicago.com). The quite taken with the green eggs-and-ham omelet. of a brunch buffet and mimosa bar on Joy’s THE NAME decor is as opulent as one might expect (with a (Other selections from Chef Tom J. Schmitt second floor club level. However, things did ::DERRY“My drag QUEEN name:: is huge main room), and some of the drag queens include shrimp and grits, deluxe cheeseburger, not start promisingly: There were problems with Derry Queen—my real name are also servers. Belgian waffles, crab cake Benedicts and other our reservation (which were eventually—and is Derry (very Irish) and The price for this Sunday experience is items). Also, this a bottomless brunch, meaning graciously—straightened out) and the buffet, DRAG PROFILEthe ‘queen’ OFjust THEmakes WEEK sense. cover plus $30 for brunch—but, boy, do these there are unlimited mimosas and Bloody Marys. despite the variety of items (ranging from pizza I’m still waiting on the lawsuit from queens know how to entertain. With Ruff N’ Then there’s Joy District’s “District Divas” to Rice Krispie treats), was merely adequate. Dairy Queen.” Stuff emceeing (and putting on thunderous drag brunch (112 W. Hubbard St.; sign up at Also, while it was a bottomless brunch as well, performances of her own), the queens strutted, DRAG INSPIRATION ParlayChi.com)—held monthly on a Saturday. The the mimosa carafe was not placed on our table “I'm huge into storytelling and taking a preened, lip-synched (and sang live!) to gospel same friend who went with me to Lips’ brunch until the end of the performance set. I had hoped character or pop-culture moment people standards as well as secular tunes like Mary J. accompanied me to this one as well, and said things would be a bit more polished for this third recognize and making it come to life Blige’s “Just Fine” (which almost had me jumping on stage. The dumber, the better! Some influences that have shaped my drag: Lady Gaga's high-concept camp; Alaska Thunderfuck’s presence; and all pop culture from the mid-late 2000s.” FAVORITE PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET “Anything I make myself, like my giant flower pot or a replica of Lori Laughlin's title card from Full House.” FUN FACT “I am extremely lactose-intolerant, so Derry shouldn't eat Dairy.” GUILTY PLEASURES “Performing any kind of corny musical theater song—'So Much Better' from Legally Blonde, 'Someone Gets Hurt' from Mean Girls, 'My Strongest Suit' from Aida ... I love a good Broadway moment!” WHERE CAN WE CATCH YOU “I host a monthly show at the Hideout, Derry Queen's Big Queer Variety Show, which is a blend of Chicago’s amazing comedy world (standup, sketch, music) and our stellar drag scene.” SIDETRACK SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram/Twitter: @derryqueenhaha 'First Husband' Chasten Buttigieg stumps for Facebook: Derry Queen's Big Queer Variety Mayor Pete at a fundraiser Sept. 24. Show Photos by Jed Dulanas Photo by Sarah Lawson WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 21 understand these situations and create solutions for HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING SPIRITUALITY them. My practical approach entails a therapeutic DECK MAINTENANCE AND STAINING. We Make Holes in DIGNITY/CHICAGO Supporting LGBTQIA Catholics, CLASSIFIEDS alliance that is affirming, empathic, and interactive. Drywall Go Away. We also do Remodeling, Bathrooms, their committed relationships, families, friends ADVERTISE HERE Michael J. Bland, Psy.D., LCPC. Northside location. Carpentry, Tile Backsplashes, Painting. “A+” with + allies. Mass Sunday at 5pm, 3344 N Broadway, 773-404-8161. [email protected] / ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your product, BBB. Licensed-Bonded-Insured, One-year Warranty Chicago. Visit www.dignity-chicago.org for more www.BlandTherapy.com (9/26/19-52) service, etc. to thousands of readers? Place an Free Estimates! Andy OnCall 847-328-3100 www. info. (10/30/19-13) andyoncallchicago.com (7/26/20-26) ad in the Windy City Times! We offer affordable INSURANCE rates, convenient service, and as a bonus, your ad runs in our online section for free. To place an ad, contact Terri at 773-871-7610 ex 101, CONDO FOR SALE [email protected], or go to our LARGE ONE BEDROOM CONDO steps from the lake website http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ REAL ESTATE in Buena Park. Walk to Wrigley, restaurants, shop- placeaclassified.php. ping and nightlife. Wood burning fireplace, huge TWO BEDROOM private outdoor patio, great closets, heated ga- CLEANING SERVICES APARTMENT FOR RENT rage parking included! Storage and laundry room on CHESTNUT ORGANIZING AND CLEANING SERVICES: SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH APARTMENT in West same level. Association dues $302. $169,000. MW especially for people who need an organizing service Rogers Park. Hardwood floors, built out closets, formal Group of REMAX Edge, W. 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(10/16/19-3) and clean for the deceased in lieu of having the be- reaved needing to do the preparation to sell or rent For Cranford, who said he believes that “the Sil- the deceased’s home. We are absolutely not judgmen- CHAR SCHOENBACH MAGIC from page 15 tal; we’ve seen and done “worse” than your job as- 773-525-3030 ver Age of bar magic is this next generation,” the 3322 N HALSTED ST. joy is found every time he watches a new trick. signment. With your help, can we please help you? CHICAGO, IL 60657 works best if you make your customer the hero Chestnut Cleaning Service: 312-332-5575. www. [email protected] of the journey, if you give them a story that is “I love being fooled,” he said. “I don’t want to ChestnutCleaning.com (11/25/20-52) worthy of saying, ‘listen to this.’” know how it’s done,” adding, “truly, the secrets “What makes people come,” said Barnes, “is cu- of magic are stupid, but the effect is amazing.” COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY riosity. People love magic, but they don’t know The Chicago Magic Lounge is at 5050 N. Clark Savings vary by product line & state. Subject to terms, conditions & availability. Allstate Fire and Casualty Ins. Co., Allstate Property and Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates: 2775 Sanders Rd. Northbrook, IL 60062. © 2011 Allstate Insurance Co. St. Performances are nightly with a family- ARE YOU GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME? 255115 until they see it. The thrill for me is that I love Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Is watching audiences watch magic.” friendly matinee on Sunday. Visit Chicago- your relationship struggling? I can help you better MagicLounge.com or call 312-366-4500.

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8pm t o 12am 322 W. Armitage Ave. Chicago, IL Park West 60614 TIX & INFO: HOWARDBROWN.ORG/BOB2019 22 Oct. 2, 2019 WINDY CITY TIMES Mark Farris Lush baritone, exquisite piano pressions to join in the groove. 21+ only. atrewaukegan.org/?msclkid=16868f66ce stylings, and good-natured humor to 3:00pm - 9:00pm Waydown at Ace Ho- 1e1cd392c3d22aac11c0f8 COMMUNITY dazzle audiences in piano bars and caba- tel, 311 N. Morgan St., http://www.face- ret lounges. $15. Reservations. Also book.com/events/2292348530880707/ Saturday, Oct. 12 performing Oct. 5. 8:30pm Drew's on Waukegan Friends of Rainbow Railroad CALENDAR Halsted, 3201 N Halsted 773-244-9191 Tuesday, Oct. 8 Funds raised will support the work of http://DrewsonHalsted.com Gender and Sexuality Studies Workshop Rainbow Railroad, an international non- Navigating Graduate School: Advice from profit organization, providing emergency Wed., Oct. 2 Saturday, Oct. 5 Recent PhDs, panel discussion with travel support to individuals fleeing Budget Town Hall Last of a series of meet- AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Advocates Eman Abdelhadi (Provost Postdoctoral anti-LGBTQI violence and persecution. ings held across the City where residents from across Chicago and beyond will Fellow in Comparative Human Develop- Find Rainbow Railroad Waukegan IL Fun- openly communicate key considerations gather to support those living with ment), Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez (Social draiser on Facebook 3:00pm - 6:30pm for next year's budget. 6:00pm - 8:00pm and vulnerable to HIV, 5K walk and 5K Science Teaching Fellow), and Caterina Baton Show Lounge 4713 N. Broadway South Shore Cultural Center 7059 S. and 10K runs. Theme "Live true. Be Fugazzola (Earl S. Johnson Instructor in Chicago South Shore Dr Chicago http://www. you." 9:00am Soldier Field 1410 Mu- MAPSS). Workshops are held on alter- Affinty Black Gold Casino Night Fun- chicago.gov seum Campus Dr Chicago 312-334-0946 nate (even week) Tuesdays. Questions draiser Raffle, a live DJ, dancing, and http://events.aidschicago.org/site/ to [email protected] 5:00pm the casino game winner, will take home Thursday, Oct. 3 TR?fr_id=1530&pg=entry - 6:15pm Seminar room, 5733 S. Uni- the coveted Affinity Community Services American Veterans for Equal Rights U.S. Women's National Team Public versity Ave. http://lists.uchicago.edu/ Black Gold Trophy. VIP (separate ticket) GLBTQ Veterans Day Dinner Monthly Trainings Soccer fans are invited to at- web/subscribe/sexuality-gender-wkshp. reception from 7 - 8 p.m. 8:00pm Gal- Meeting Chicago Chapter of American tend the U.S. Women's National Team lery Guichard, 436 E 47th St. Tickets: Veterans for Equal Rights, the national public training sessions. (Match between Thursday, Oct. 10 http://affinity95.org/acscontent/black- organization of LGBT veterans formerly the U.S. and South Korea on Oct. 6) Free Mobilize LGBTQ Presidential Town gold-2019/ known as Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual 11:00pm - 12:00pm Soldier Field 1410 Hall Viewing Party Free, 21+, ID re- Veterans of America (GLBVA). 7:00pm OH, MY! Museum Campus Dr Chicago Tickets: quired, cash bar. 5:00pm - 10:30pm Monday, Oct. 14 Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chi- Monday, Oct. 14 http://ussoccer.com Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St Chi- George Takei, Kurt Elling at "The Gal- cago http://www.averchicago.org/ cago https://www.facebook.com/ axy's Greatest Hits" concert Commemo- 6th Annual Purple Tie Affair Concert & Actor George Takei is one of Sunday, Oct. 6 events/2516135895168746/ rate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Silent Auction Showcasing musical art- Opera Tunes benefit Encore of Opera Landmark: The Legacy Project [un]Gala 11 moon landing with favorite space ists, drag performers and one of kind si- several guests exptected at Tunes at Sidetrack fundraiser benefiting Honor recent groundbreaking achieve- classics from Star Wars, E.T. the Extra- lent auction items. This year's proceeds "The Galaxy's the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Drag, ments and the contributions of Lori Can- Terrestrial, Gustav Holst's The Planets, will go to The Chicago Black Gay Men's Greatest Hits." nudity and song. 21+. $25 includes two non, Paul Highfield, Owen Keehnen and Star Trek, Apollo 13 7:30pm Chicago Caucus. When you arrive at the Purple drink tickets. Silent auction 1:00pm Carrie Maxwell. Open bar, heavy hors d' Symphony Center (Orchestra Hall) 220 S Tie be ready to purchase some amazing Photo by Kat Fitzgerlad Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St Chicago oeuvres, music. 5:30pm - 8:30pm Chez Michigan Ave Chicago Tickets: http:// pieces of art, buy some raffle tickets, http://sidetrackchicago.com Tickets: Chicago, 247 E Ontario St. Fl 2 Tick- order.cso.org/10439 and enjoy great entertainment. 7:00pm for Moonlight, co-creator of MS. BLAKK http://operatunes.eventbrite.com ets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ - 11:00pm Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted FOR PRESIDENT) and directed by Chicago Old Gold: Grown Music for Grown People landmark-the-legacy-project-ungala- Tuesday, Oct. 15 St Chicago https://www.facebook.com/ director Monty Cole. The cast features First Sunday of each month with host tickets-68805227287 Madonna Several intimate concert experi- events/508031553282680/ Patrick Agada (Oshoosi Size), Manny Kristen Kaza and DJ Tess + a rotation of ences 12:00pm The Chicago Theatre Buckley (Ogun Size) and Rashaad Hall special guests spinning all-vinyl, all-day, Friday, Oct. 11 (Chicago) 175 N State St Chicago Tick- Friday, Oct. 4 (Elegba). Through Oct. 19 7:30pm from Chaka to Sade. A sister party of Randy Rainbow Internet sensation, ets: http://madonna.livenation.com McCraney's Brothers Size Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. "Slo 'Mo: Slow Jams for Queer Fam," "Old satirist, actor, singer, writer. Musical for Young Adults (SYA) presents The 312-335-1650 http:// Tickets: http:// Gold" invites queer family & allies of all parodies and political satire. 8:00pm Brothers Size, by ensemble member Steppenwolf.org generations, races, identities, and ex- Genesee Theatre http://genessee.the- Tarell Alvin McCraney (Academy Award

The Second City marking 60 years with special events The Second City turns 60 on Tuesday, Dec. 16. However, the celebration kicks off this month with special events and CONNE IONS launches that give audiences a peek behind the curtain of the comedy theater. The company will commemorate its diamond anniversary with the release of a new coffee table book. The Second City: X The Essentially Accurate History (Agate Midway), by The Second City with Sheldon Patinkin and Liz Kozak, will be released Wed., Dec. 17. The book is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold, but customers who purchase at SecondCity. com/book now through Dec. 8 will receive a free Second City logo sticker, free gift wrapping for the holidays and entry into a drawing to win their choice of one of three grand prizes. Also: —The Second City is participating in the Design Museum of Chicago’s free public exhibit “Setting the Stage: Objects of Chicago Theatre,” which overlaps with the city’s Year of Chicago Theatre initiative. Visitors can see the famed 312-855-0875 | 221 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL bentwood chair through Sunday, Jan. 5. [email protected] —To honor Second City’s Wednesday night opening in 24/7 Emergency Phone : 847-309-7777 1959, the theater will offer a special ticket pricing of • State & Federal Courts • Weapon & Gun Charges $19.59 for select Wednesday performances, starting in • Felonies & Misdemeanors January. • Internet & White-Collar Crime • Drunk Driving —Second City’s Diversity & Inclusion program will hold • All Drug Charges • Orders of Protection sixty mentorship meetings with new and current talent to • Expungements support diverse comedic talent, starting in February. —The Second City Training Center will award sixty schol- Speak to an experienced arships to students, starting in March. Steve Carell, Paul Dinello, Stephen Colbert and David See SecondCity.com. Razowsky (1993) attorney within minutes who Photo courtesy of Second City/Cathy Taylor PR. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 2, 2019 23 CONNEXIONS

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The contemporary works of Japanese artist Tetsuya Ishida (1973 - 2005)—a cult artist in his home country—is on view in a limited, 10-week showing at Wrightwood 659. Ishida’s work reveals with incisive lucidity the isolation and despair of a generation at the turn of the 21st century. Ishida’s sardonic paintings connect audiences to the alienation of a treadmill society dominated by work, productivity, and consumerism.

OPENING OCT 3 | TICKETS AT rightood5.org TETSUYA ISHIDA

IMAGE CREDIT: Tetsuya Ishida | Sesshoku [Contact] (detail) | 1998 | © Tetsuya Ishida, 2019 | Photograph: Takemi Art Photos | Courtesy Kyuryudo Art Publishing Co., Ltd.