REMEMBERING WHITNEY HOUSTON WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 PAGE 23 Feb.15, 2012 vol 27, no. 19 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES

By Kate Sosin

After a week of national LGBT victories and the introduction of a marriage equality bill in Illi- nois, Equality celebrated its 21st year at Equality Illinois its “Justice for All” Gala Feb. 12. More than a 1,300 people attended the sold- marks 21 years out event at the Hilton Chicago hotel, which drew in political and community leaders en masse. at gala Among them was Valerie Jarrett, senior advi- sor to President Barack Obama, who delivered the night’s keynote address. AIDS: While the room buzzed with talk of marriage Profiling equality, Jarrett steered clear of the topic of same-sex marriage, which Obama has yet to say ron sable he supports. Instead, Jarrett focused on what pagE 14 the president has done to push forward LGBT rights. Valerie Jarrett speaks at the “When it comes to the fight for equality … 2012 Equality Illinois gala. our union is more perfect than it was three years Photo by Kat Fitzgerald, ago,” Jarrett said. www.MysticImagesPhotography.com Jarrett listed hospital visitation rights for LG- BTs, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the end of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the end of the HIV-travel ban, the introduction of the National AIDS Strategy

Turn to page 10 protest at marriage- equality holy name measure filed express page 8 yourself Gay icon Madonna talks about her first feature-length directorial effort, W.E. Photo from The Weinstein Company

page 25

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At Holy Name Cathedral, LGBT activists held a protest CHICAGO in conjunction with National Freedom to Marry Day. However, anti-gay counterprotesters (such as Peter AUTO SHOW LaBarbera, above) were present as well. Read more on page 27 page 9. Photo by Tracy Baim

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05612_4779_10.25x13.5_4c_LatestTreatments_v2.indd 1 1/27/12 11:46 AM WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES WIN NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Wash., N.J. advance marriage bills 4 Scottish Play Scott 17 Court: Prop 8 unconstitutional 5 High school’s ‘Laramie Project’ 20 Lesbian couple’s Obama fundraiser 6 POW-WOW profile 21 Settlement; Berube panel 7 KATM: Joffrey; Rampart 22 MADONNA Marriage bill filed; Rustin tribute 8 Whitney Houston’s obit; reactions 23 Protest at Holy Name Cathedral 9 Dish: Eduardo’s Enoteca, 437 Rush 24 Equality Illinois gala photos 10 Madonna talks about W.E. 25 Steinem; T in the Life 12 Chicago Auto Show pics 27 TICKETS! Gay in the Life 13 Billy Masters 29 AIDS @ 30 14 Viewpoints: Jarrett; letters 16 OUTLINES with Real estate; classifieds 26 Calendar Q 28 Book on Eleo Sears 30

Photos on cover (left, from top): PR photo of Whitney Houston; late 1980s photo of Dr. Ron Sable by Lisa Howe-Ebright; photo of state Rep. Greg Harris; photo from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show by Andrew Davis

’S GAY, LESBIAN, F CHICAGO 85 THE VOICE O Y SINCE 19 TRANS COMMUNIT BI AND 15, 2012 Feb. . 19 27, no REMEMBERING WINDY CITYvol WHITNEY HOUSTON

ediaGroup.com TE SoSiN and the By KA ctories LGBT vi tional y bill in Illi- TIMES ek of na equalit at www.WindyCityM e iage year After a w f a marr st ction o ebrated its 21 PAGE 23 introdu l y Illinois ce b. 12. e sold- nois, Equalit ll” Gala Fe ded th A ple atten its “Justice for peo tel, which an a 1,300 Chicago ho en More th lton leaders at the Hi unity out event cal an d comm politi advi- drew in , senior e Jarrett ed masse. as Valeri ho deliver em w bama, w Among th arack O . age to President B ess rri marks 21 years sor ynote addr h talk of ma of ght’s ke zzed wit opic Equality Illinoisat gala the ni om bu ar of the t e ro le say While th ered c as yet to rett ste bama h t ality, Jar ich O o n w ha equ riage, wh used T e-sex mar , Jarrett foc ard LGB sam Instead sh f orw supports. e to pu he has d on esident lity … the pr t for equa s . he figh ee year rights es to t was thr en it com than it “Wh e perfect on is mor our uni . rights for LG- ett said ation Jr. o,” Jarr tal visit ag d hospi ames Byrd, ’t rett liste epaDOWNLOADrd and J THIS! Jar ew Sh end of “Don S: e Matth Act, the , AID BTs, th tion travel ban IlING s s Preven f the HIV- PROf rrett speak AIDS Strategy E lerie Ja ’t Tell,” the end o tional SABl Va Equality sk, Don f the Na RON 12 y A ction o ge 10 4 at the 20 . Photo b trodu urn to pa PAGE 1 is gala the in T illino ald Kat Fitzger AT PROTEST HOlY NAME Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ExPRESSlf s about her firsthoto - onna talk W.E. P YOURSEon M ad MARRIAGE Gay ic irectorial effort, ITY e-length d mpany qUAl featur tein Co E fIlED ins 25 MEASURE from The We page PAGE 8

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st a prote sts held . T activi ral, LGB to Marry Day hed Freedom Name Cat ational At Holy with N sters (such as Petreer on terprote . Read mo in conjunction un as well anti-gay co ent However, were pres ra, above) LaBarbe by Tracy Baim . Photo page 9 TONE POUNDS AULA 8pm CHICAGO P r 30 at HOW Fri, Ma AUTO S * TWCT1 g PAGE 27 Code: L 847.673.63er0.o0r $16! Use horeCent Save IN NorthS Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! Both TOML See ly LILY & 8pm for On at 5pm $99! Feb 25 at, el 2. S ice Lev d for Pr ply. FOR *Goo tions ap e restric OKIE Som ORE CESN ITNE SRK RTH SH NG ART RKING NO FORMI REE PA HE PER lvd. F T kokie B 9501 S online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ‘RED’ RECKONING See Madonna Sept. 19 at the United Center, See photos from Chicago Windy City Black WED., touring in support of her new album MDNA. Pride’s “The Color Is Red” gala and DIFFA’s SEPT. 19 Tickets on sale Mon., Feb. 13 at 10 am. Every fundraiser. @ The United ticket purchased recieves a copy of MDNA! Photo of Jackie Anderson by Ed Negron Center For tickets: www.livenation.com TWO WAYS TO WIN!

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Photo by Vern Hester Photo by Andrew Davis ENTER TO WIN one pair of tickets by sending WHERE THERE’S A WILL... FEEL THE HEAT an email with “MADONNA” in the subject line to Read a comprehensive interview with state rep candidate Will Guzzardi. [email protected] by Mon., Mar. 12 to be entered. Winner will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT email. One entry per person, please. Read about news involving Jesse Tyler Ferguson and the Phantom of the Opera. Also, read an interview with American Idiot’s Kelvin Moon Loh.

Read about the LGBT-centric hotel known as Lords South Beach. plus Photo from Jeff Guaracino DAILY BREAKING NEWS TO WIN: LIKETOWIN! Simply find us at Victory Gardens’ facebook.com/ nightspots nightspots #1061 • February 15, 2012 Chay Yew Show WindyCityMediaGroup Mardi gras and #456 and “like” our page by Mon., Mar. 12. Oscars preview Winner will be chosen at random from all page fans and will be notified via

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Sidecar opens in Cocktail Rogers Park. re-opens in page 8 Boytown. page 15 PLUS Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES tions for religious institutions to refuse to ac- ONLINE AT commodate services to same-sex couples that Washington governor marry. WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM The measure calls for “ending discrimination NATIONAL NEWS in marriage based on gender and sexual orien- signs marriage law; tation to ensure that all persons in this state may enjoy the freedom to marry on equal terms, while also respecting the religious freedom of clergy and religious institutions to determine N.J. Senate passes bill for whom to perform marriage ceremonies and to determine which marriages to recognize for religious purposes.” By Lisa Keen —Lesbian couple The religious protection language in the bill Keen News Service Tyler/Olson divorcing stipulates that “no official of a religious denom- ination or non-profit institution…may be re- In a sometimes emotional ceremony Feb. 13, —Rachel Maddow quired to solemnize any marriage in violation of Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire signed (left) responds to Fox his or her right to free exercise of religion guar- the newly passed marriage-equality bill, tell- pundit’s comments anteed by the First Amendment to the United ing a crowd at the state House that it means States Constitution or by the Washington state same-sex couples “will no longer be separate but —”Don’t Say Gay” Constitution.” It also enables religious institu- equal” in Washington but simply equal. bill on tap this week tions to bar use of their facilities to same-sex The ceremony took place just hours after couples for marriage ceremonies. the New Jersey Senate voted 24-16 to pass a ©2012 by Keen News Service. All rights re- marriage-equality law there. The New Jersey bill served. now goes to the Assembly, which is expected to pass it Feb. 16. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, has made it known he intends to veto the bill. The legislature is not expected to Family Equality Google’s CPAC muster the 27 votes in the Senate and 54 in the Assembly to overcome that veto. Council honors sponsorship stirs The Washington state bill also has its hurdles ahead, too. Opponents are expected to mount AFER’s Griffin controversy an effort to force the bill into a referendum, Family Equality Council—the national or- More than 25,000 people have joined a an action that, if successful, could either kill ganization that connects, supports and rep- popular campaign on Change.org calling on or delay implementation of the new law until resents LGBT parents—honored several advo- Google to publicly reject the viewpoints of December. cates of family equality at the organization’s speakers at the Conservative Political Action However, during the Feb. 13 signing ceremony, annual awards dinner in Los Angeles Feb. 11. Conference (CPAC), according to a press re- the mood was determined and upbeat. The event honored children’s book au- lease. thor Todd Parr; Chad Griffin, co-founder and Google was among the conference’s top Gregoire told the audience of a 16-year-old Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire. lesbian who wrote to her recently saying she had board president of the American Foundation sponsors, having donated at least $20,000 to considered suicide but had been given renewed for Equal Rights (which is behind the legal the gathering. hope by passage of the marriage equality bill. case against Prop 8); and former Congress- Atlanta resident Aimee Castenell started the rainbow.” He thanked “courageous legisla- She said she had been overwhelmed with re- man Patrick Murphy. Director Rob Reiner and the campaign. “Growing up in the South, I tors, Democrat and Republican” who supported sponse to the bill, both from young people and Eric Stonestreet (the other half of the Modern heard my parents’ stories about life under Jim the bill despite the potential for backlash. And couples who had been together for many years. Family couple) were among the awards pre- Crow laws that limited their opportunities,” he, like Pederson, gave the lion’s share of credit “I am so proud of our young people, including senters. said Castenell. “They were terrorized by hate for the bill’s passage to Gregoire, who received my two wonderful daughters,” said Gregoire, her The plaintiffs in the case—Kris and Sandy and racism. Even a simple trip to the grocery prolonged applause and the chanting of “Thank voice choking with emotion. Gregoire said her Stier, and Paul Katami and Jeff Zarillo—were store could be filled with degradations from you,” from the crowd. daughters, ages 27 and 32, told her that “this is special guests for the evening. people who saw my family as second-class A Washington pastor, Ken Hutcherson of the the civil-rights issue of their time.” Family Equality Council Executive Director citizens.” Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, has already Washington became the ninth state to have Jennifer Chrisler said the organization was Castenell’s campaign pointed to a num- vowed a referendum on the measure, as has the approved marriage equality—either through pleased to honor Griffin just days after the ber of CPAC 2012 speakers with a history of National Organization for Marriage. the legislature (five states), the courts (two) U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit white-supremacist or anti-gay activity. National Organization for Marriage leader Bri- or both (two). Two of those states (California ruled that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. an Brown told CBN that “we’re going to be able and Maine) had their laws reversed by voters, Griffin said, “May the 2 million children to get the signatures very quickly.” Rights group: More so Washington—if it rejects the expected repeal represented by the Family Equality Council State law requires that more than 120,000 sig- effort—will become the seventh state, plus the be part of the generation to be raised in an natures be gathered to put an issue on the bal- attention needed on District of Columbia, to provide marriage equal- America where everyone is guaranteed equal lot. And while Brown and many others believe ity. (California’s law was reversed after being in protection under our laws.” Photos courtesy anti-gay bills a referendum is likely this November, marriage effect only six months. Enactment of Maine’s law of Steve Majors Human Rights First has condemned legisla- equality supporters believe Washington voters was delayed, pending the referendum vote.) tive efforts introduced recently in Uganda and will reject it. The marriage-equality bill passed the Wash- Russia that aim to discriminate and persecute However, proponents of the law expressed ington House Feb. 8 55-43, overturning an ex- LGBTI individuals, according to a Feb. 8 press confidence that voters would sustain the mea- isting law to ban same-sex marriage. It passed release. The group notes that from Kampala sure, if it is put to a vote in November. the Senate 28-21 Feb. 1. to Saint Petersburg, lawmakers around the “The wide margins by which the marriage According to the Washington secretary of world are trying to limit the rights of their equality bill passed both the House and the state’s office, the law is due to take effect June own citizens who are gay. Senate demonstrates the rapidly growing sup- 7, but opponents of the law have until June 6 “While gay rights are generally advancing port in the State of Washington for ending state to turn in more than 120,000 signatures. If they globally, more efforts must be made to push sanctioned discrimination in the issuance of do turn in signatures, the law will be suspended back against new restrictions that represent marriage licenses,” said Josh Friedes, marriage until either voters can weigh in on the measure a backlash from those on the side of bigotry equality director for the statewide gay political in November or until the Secretary of State cer- and intolerance,” said Human Rights First’s group (ERW). ERW is tifies that too few signatures passed the valida- Paul LeGendre. “Our partners on the ground part of a large coalition of groups seeking mar- tion process. If the latter occurs, the law would are telling us that the Ugandan bill was re- riage equality in the state that includes the take effect immediately (probably sometime in introduced in Parliament yesterday, and just Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, Planned July). this morning, legislators in Saint Petersburg Parenthood Northwest, NARAL, the National State Rep. Jamie Pederson, sponsor of the bill passed a widely supported ‘Anti-Propaganda’ Organization for Women, and numerous unions, in the House, thanked the governor for taking “a Bill targeting the LGBTI community.” Jewish and religious groups, and groups working significant risk” to support the legislation and for the rights of minorities. for being the governor to do “the most in U.S. Gregoire, a Democrat, began her second term LGBT Narcotics history” to advance the cause of equal rights for as governor in 2009 and would be up for re- LGBT people. Gregoire also signed a state law in Anon. meetings election this year. However, she announced last 2006, prohibiting discrimination based on sex- June that she would not seek office again. She at Haymarket ual orientation. She also signed a bill in 2007 Narcotics Anonymous meetings for LGBT in- survived breast cancer (diagnosed in 2003) and establishing domestic partnerships and a bill in dividuals will take place Mondays 8-9 p.m. at said her decision was a personal one, but she 2009 giving same-sex couples “everything but Haymarket Center, 20 N. Sangamon. added that her retirement was motivated by a marriage.” For more info, call Anthony Oltean at 312- desire to focus her remaining months in office Chad Griffin at the AFER event. Photo State Sen. Ed Murray, who sponsored the 208-4021. on addressing the state’s recession. courtesy of Steve Majors marriage-equality bill in the Senate, welcomed The Washington bill, like marriage-equality the gathered audience to the “other side of bills in other states, includes generous excep- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 5 —Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Council: “Today’s decision Fed appeals court heartens and gives hope to the 15,698 loving couples in California who are raising more than 30,000 children. They, like all Americans, under- rules Prop 8 stand that while love makes a family, there is no denying that marriage strengthens it. These parents have raised their children to love their country, support their friends and treat their unconstitutional neighbors with respect. Now they only ask for By Lisa Keen opposite-sex couples. With this ruling, political the fundamental American freedom to demon- Keen News Service leaders who support full equality will have im- strate their love and commitment to their family portant arguments to share with state legisla- through marriage. We join them in looking for- Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, said a divided tors who will inevitably be asked to vote on full ward to the day when we can win the freedom to federal appeals court panel in San Francisco Feb. marriage rights in the future.” marry for them and all Americans.” 7. —Kate Kendell, Esq., executive director of —Anthony Martinez, executive director of The highly anticipated ruling also rejected a the National Center for Lesbian Rights: “It is The Civil Rights Agenda: “I am very pleased motion from Proposition 8 proponents to vacate a unique and honored position to be an eyewit- that the Ninth Circuit upheld Judge Walker’s ear- the district court ruling of former Chief Judge ness to history. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling finding lier ruling. We applaud the work of the American Vaughn Walker because he had not disclosed, that Proposition 8 violates the Constitution of Foundation for Equal Rights and all of the other organizations and individuals who have worked prior to presiding over Perry v. Schwarzenegger, this nation marks the first time a federal appel- Kate Kendell. Photo by Erica Demarest that he was in a relationship with a man. late court has held that a law excluding same- so hard for this outcome. Although, this ruling And, as expected, the three-judge panel of the sex couples from the right to marry runs counter does not affect our laws in Illinois, it is still very Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals agreed with to our highest ideals of equality and fairness. significant for Illinoisans, in that it will only aid a California Supreme Court ruling that Yes on 8, With today’s ruling we are a giant step closer to march toward equality for all Americans. It’s a our progress toward full and equal civil rights for the coalition which successfully campaigned for the day when the promise of our Constitution great day for the millions of Californians who all, regardless of sexual orientation. We at TCRA the ban on same-sex marriage in 2008, did have squares with the lived reality of LGBT people.” deserve the same rights and recognition as every will continue to fight for marriage equality here legal standing to appeal Walker’s decision, even —U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif.: “This other family in our state.” in Illinois because that is full and equal treat- though state officials chose not to. historic decision is a major step forward in the ment under the law.” The 2-to-1 majority opinion was written by Judge Stephen Reinhardt and joined by Judge Michael Hawkins. A partial dissent was regis- tered by Judge Randy Smith, a Mormon. The court will almost certainly be asked to issue a stay on its ruling, pending further ap- peal. In the meantime, the ruling is a relatively narrow one, said an attorney on the American Foundation for Equal Rights’ legal team—one that would affect only same-sex couples in Cali- fornia, not the entire Ninth Circuit. The majority opinion upheld Walker’s decision that found Prop 8 a violation of the U.S. Consti- tution’s guarantee of equal protection and due process. The Ninth Circuit panel heard oral arguments concerning these key issues in the case in De- cember 2010. Yes on 8 attorneys argued during the Decem- ber 2010 argument before the appeals panel that the ban on same-sex marriage was justified because same-sex marriage would make children “prematurely preoccupied with issues of sexual- ity.” Conservative icon Ted Olson, arguing against Proposition 8 at the oral argument before the panel called the reasoning “nonsense” and said, “If believed, that would justify the banning of comic books, television, video games, and even conversations between children.” And during their 2008 campaign to pass Proposition 8, said Olson, Yes on 8 claimed the ban was justified to protect children from the idea that marriage between same-sex partners is OK. ©2012 by Keen News Service. All rights re- served. LGBT groups respond to Prop 8 ruling: —Jon Davidson, legal director of : ”This ruling foreshadows the ultimate fate of other states in the Ninth Circuit like Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Hawaii that refuse to recognize the equal dignity of same- sex couples and their families by shunting them off into second-class statuses like domestic partnerships or civil unions. The tide is not turn- ing; it has turned; and we are glad to see the Ninth Circuit join the right side of history.” —Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illi- nois: “In addition to the dignity and respect marriage equality grants loving and committed couples, it ensures security and critical safety net protections for all married couples and their families. While we support the implementation of civil unions in Illinois in 2011, it still falls short of achieving full marriage equality on the state level and does little to guarantee the fed- eral rights and privileges that marriage provides 6 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES other bridge, paint another picture, but we can- Obama-in-DC/36103.html. not make another rhino. Look into a really wild Photos of Schaffer and Dixon’s 2008 Lesbian couple hosts animal’s eyes. When the wild things have gone, wedding at Chicago’s Drake Hotel are at www. we will lose our place, our way; for whose eyes windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Schaffer-and- will we look into to find our humility, our hu- Dixon-wedding/18860.html. A video interview D.C. event for Obama manity?” with the couple for the Chicago Gay History In part, Obama said, “The work that we’ve done project is at www.chicagogayhistory.com/ with respect to the LGBT community, I think, is biography.html?id=625. Dr. Nan Schaffer and Karen Dixon, a married cou- be starker. As the President stated at the event, just profoundly American and is at the heart of Also see: “Obama once backed full gay mar- ple formerly of Chicago, hosted a $35,800-per- fairness is ‘at the heart of the American Dream.’ who we are.” The entire text of his speech is riage, Windy City Times releases 1996 survey person LGBT fundraiser for President Obama’s re- In the LGBT community—that is all we’ve ever at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Former- answers,” www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/ election campaign Feb. 9 in their Washington, sought.” Chicagoans-host-14-million-fundraiser-for- lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=20229. D.C. home. Andrew Harmon of The Advocate reported that Chicago Cubs owner , also a other event hosts were David Bohnett, former lesbian, introduced the president at the event, U.S. Ambassador James Hormel, Henry van Am- Report: Obama leased a statement regarding the introduction which raised about $1.4 million from the esti- eringen, Tim Gill and Scott Miller. of new legislation that would ban same-sex mated 40 people in attendance. Ricketts said David Boyer, the pool reporter covering the order would marriage on military installations and require the event was being held “to show the president event for print media, reported that an offi- new regulations related to chaplains and oth- that the LGBT community stands strongly behind cial said the money would go to Obama Victory protect millions er military personnel. his reelection,” according to a White House re- Fund, a joint committee authorized by Obama A new study says that a federal executive “Here they go again with another round of ported filed by print pool reporter David Boyer. for America and the Democratic National Com- order that requires contractors to prohibit resistance tactics that have already been re- “I know the president stands with us,” she said. mittee. discrimination based on sexual orientation jected by Congress and the American people,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Servic- Outlines is the newspaper that covered Obama and gender identity would protect up to 16.5 said Sarvis. “There is no need for the so-called es Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was also at the in 1996 during his first run for office, when he million more workers than are already pro- ‘protections’ in this bill or the proposed regu- fundraiser. expressed his full support of same-sex marriage. tected by state or private anti-discrimination lations. No chaplain today is being required Chicagoans , Wally Brewster and So it is ironic that Schaffer hosted Obama in her policies, according to a press release. or pressured to marry anyone, straight or gay. The Williams Institute at the UCLA School Period. The bill’s ban on use of military facili- of Law is publishing the study, entitled “The ties and chaplains officiating at ceremonies Impact of Extending Sexual Orientation and for gay and lesbian service members is noth- Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Require- ing more than plain, old-fashion discrimina- ments to Federal Contractors.” tion. There is no place for that prejudice in “This study highlights both the power- our armed forces or in our country.” ful impact of a federal policy that prohibits U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., intro- LGBT discrimination, as well as the contin- duced the measure. ued progress already made toward protecting LGBT workers through state law and voluntary corporate policies,” said the study’s author, Boystown nightspot M.V. Lee Badgett, Williams Institute Research Cocktail reopens director and professor of economics and di- By Kate Sosin rector of the Center for Public Policy & Admin- istration at the University of Massachusetts After months of being shuttered, Lakeview Amherst. bar Cocktail celebrated its grand reopening Currently, state laws or private policies al- Feb. 10. ready protect 61 percent of federal contractor The bar has been closed since late Novem- employees from sexual orientation discrimi- ber due to overdue sales taxes. Owners John nation and 41 percent from gender identity “Geno” Zaharakis and Dusty Hoffman had discrimination. hoped to reopen the bar in early December For more information on this study, visit and then January but finally set a date in Feb- www.williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-con- ruary when their funding came through. tent/uploads/Badgett-EOImpact-Feb-20121. The bar’s liquor license had been revoked pdf. in August over a failure to pay sales taxes but Cocktail reopened soon after, only to be Nan Schaffer (left) and Karen Dixon. Photo by Tracy Baim Dept. of State closed again for overdue taxes. The multiple closings prompted rumors that comments on the bar would close, which Zaharakis repeat- his partner, Bob Satawake—who coordinated home some 16 years later, when he is “evolving” edly said was untrue. the dinner—all attended as well. Ricketts, Sa- on his positions, perhaps closer to his original anti-gay Russian law The tax troubles came in the middle of a tawake and Brewster are LGBT co-chairs of the full support of same-sex marriage. At a Feb. 8 press briefing, the state depart- bitter legal battle between Cocktail, its land- re-election campaign. Schaffer was inducted into the Chicago Gay ment responded to an inquiry regarding an lord, the building’s management company Schaffer is a veterinarian who specializes in and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2004. As reported anti-gay law proposed in Russia. and two former employees. Cocktail alleges rhino insemination techniques. She is a mi- on the Hall of Fame Website, Schaffer’s LGBT The question was, “What is the State De- that landlord Robert Brumbaugh is conspiring nority shareholder in Windy City Media Group. philanthropy began when she moved to Chicago partment’s response to reports stating the St. with the former employees to destroy Cocktail Schaffer co-founded Outlines newspaper in Chi- in 1981: “In the years since, she has donated Petersburg city authorities have placed a ban and take it over to open their own business. cago in 1987 (with this reporter), and Outlines hundreds of thousands of dollars to causes, on the reading, discussion or dissemination Brumbaugh has declined to comment on the purchased and merged with Windy City Times in political candidates, and organizations such as of anything relating to LGBT issues?” pending litigation. 2000. Windy City Times is owned by Windy City IMPACT, Equality Illinois, Horizons Community The department responded, “We are con- Cocktail has been in Lakeview since 1996. Media Group. Services, Center on Halsted, AIDS Foundation of cerned by proposed local legislation in Rus- Dixon is an attorney and serves on the nation- Chicago, Open Hand Chicago, Lesbian Commu- sia that would severely restrict freedoms of al board of Lambda Legal, a legal organization nity Cancer Project, Lambda Legal Defense and expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, Jackhammer closed working for the rights of . Education Fund, Center, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, through Feb. 16 The couple are well-known in Chicago for their About Face Theatre, Gerber/Hart Library, and and indeed all Russians. As Secretary Clinton has said, gay rights are human rights and hu- The gay nightspot Jackhammer, 6406 N. support of LGBT causes. Windy City Media Group.” Clark St., will be closed through Thursday, Schaffer and Dixon were legally wed in Van- Horizons honored Schaffer with its Human man rights are gay rights. “We have called on Russian officials to Feb. 16, to finalize plumbing repairs. couver in 2008, and held a “Celebration of Mar- First Award in 1995. The bar is slated to reopen Friday, Feb. 17. riage” with hundreds of friends and family later The Hall of Fame also noted: “As a veterinary safeguard these freedoms, and to foster an that summer in Chicago. doctor, Schaffer is internationally renowned as environment which promotes respect for the “It was an honor and privilege to host Presi- the foremost expert on rhinoceroses and repro- rights of all citizens. Reception for dent Obama and many of the esteemed leaders duction. During more than two decades, she has “We have also consulted with our EU part- lesbian judicial of the LGBT community in our home for this published numerous articles in academic journals ners on this issue. They share our concerns historic event,” Schaffer and Dixon said. “The and has lectured around the world on dwindling and are also engaging Russian officials on candidate Feb. 19 Obama presidency has marked a decisive posi- rhinoceros and other mammalian populations this. A reception for lesbian judicial candidate tive change in the advancement and standing and how to preserve them through reproductive “The places great importance Mary Trew will take place Sunday, Feb. 19, 2-4 of the LGBT community, which is unprecedented management.” She founded SOS Rhino to help on combating discrimination against the p.m., at the William H. Copeland House, 400 in the history of this country. Every American protect the animals. LGBT community and all minority groups.” Forest Ave., Oak Park. that values fairness must utilize the resources Schaffer told one interviewer: “One of the The suggested donation is $100. at their disposal to ensure that President Obama great tragedies of the 21st century will be hu- SLDN responds to RSVP by Feb. 16 to 400ForestCoffee@com- serves a second term. Many of our basic human manity’s homogeneity. Everywhere, everything cast.net. rights are at stake in this election and the con- will be the same. That which we could not tame marriage-equality bill trast between Barack Obama’s leadership and or imitate will be gone. No matter how hard we Servicemembers Legal Defense Network the Republican frontrunners’ agenda could not try, we cannot ‘build’ nature. We can build an- (SLDN) Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis re- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 7

The essay gave an analysis of oppression, City settles with Panel discusses including race, class and gender. “Because of his examination of his white- gay historian ness, Berube is really an ally to LGBT people Iraq War protesters of color,” said Kim Hunt, executive director of Alan Berube Affinity, a social-justice organization. “We have to recognize that we are not a By Erica Demarest at the Center monolithic community,” said Hunt. “Berube By TYLER GILLESPIE examined his whiteness in the context of the After nearly nine years of litigation, the city community…[I]t’s easy to not look at nu- of Chicago reached a $6.2-million settlement The Crossroads Fund hosted an installment of ance. Berube helped me connect with that in Feb. 9 with more than 800 protestors who were its Reading Change book series at the Center a different way.” wrongfully detained at a 2003 Iraq War protest. on Halsted Feb. 8. The next installment of the Crossroads Fund “It’s a victory, and hopefully it closes a chap- At the event, a panel of speakers discussed Reading Change book series will take place ter on this shameful episode in Chicago’s his- the writings of gay activist and historian Alan March 21 at Hyde Park Arts Center, 5020 S. tory,” said Joey Mogul, one of the plaintiffs’ law- Berube included in the anthology My Desire Cornell Ave., 6-8 p.m. yers. “We’re hopeful the ruling will be followed for History: Essays in Gay, Community, and La- The event will feature Red Missed Aches au- and will continue to protect people’s rights to bor History, which John D’Emilio and Estelle thor Jennifer Tamayo and will be a night of protest.” Freedman put together after Berube’s death. poetry, spoken word and performance. On March 20, 2003, more than 10,000 peo- Berube is best-known for his work, Coming The Reading Change book series is being ple gathered in downtown Chicago to protest Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and held to commemorate 30 years of work by the the U.S. invasion of Iraq, shutting down Lake Women in World War II. He died in 2007. Crossroads Fund. Shore Drive in the process. Police allowed the “Berube started writing about gay history For more information on the Crossroads Fund protestors to convene without a permit, then when very few people were talking or writing reading series, visit www.crossroadsfund.org/ proceeded to trap demonstrators at Chicago and about gay history,” said event moderator Jean readingchange. Michigan, making more than 500 arrests and 350 Kracher, executive director of the Crossroads detainments. Protestors were never told to dis- Fund. perse or allowed to leave. The three celebrated activists on the pan- LGBT section Attorneys at the People’s Law Office organized el—John D’Emilio, Kim Hunt and Tania Un- a class action lawsuit against the city of Chi- now on state Joey Mogul. zueta—talked about Berube’s writing, which cago, seeking damages for what Mogul labeled dealt with the intersection of race, class and as “severe” trauma. sexuality. tourism site Illinois Gov. has announced that “What was striking about [the incident] was “Besides the historical work,” said panelist the state’s tourism website has a new section that men, in their arrest reports, were charged On. Feb. 8, the City Council overwhelmingly and anthology editor John D’Emilio, “the ex- for LGBT travelers. with blocking vehicular and pedestrian traffic, approved Mayor Emanuel’s new protest ordi- perience of meeting working class men that Pride Illinois: Your Guide to LGBT Travel while women had a completely different set of nances, which increase permit fees and fines. were like him kind of led [Berube] to un- (www.enjoyillinois.com) has sections such as allegations,” Mogul said. “Police accused all And Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy told derstand contemporary politics in different “Play,” “Eat,” “Shop” and “Stay.” The sections the women of blocking the emergency room the Chicago Sun-Times police have learned from ways.” cover items in such regions of the state such entrance to Northwestern Hospital on Chicago past mistakes. Berube’s essay “How Gay Stays White and as Great Rivers Country and Land of Lincoln in Avenue, even though no such entrance even ex- “If you were paying attention to the way that What Kind of White it Stays” was the main addition to Chicago. ists. It was a really interesting use of the gender the Chicago Police Dept. handled Occupy Chi- piece the panel discussed. In the essay Ber- The site also provides information about binary that I’ve never seen before in any crimi- cago, there were very clear warnings given,” ube wrote, “I want to know why I and other civil unions as well as pride parades/events. nal cases.” McCarthy said. “They were [recorded] so that gay white men would want to challenge the There is also a list of LGBT resources that Last year, the lawsuit got a boost when fed- they’re on tape, so that we can say, ‘Yes, we racist structures of whiteness, what happens includes organizations such as Center on Hal- eral appellate Justice Richard Posner ruled that have issued these warnings.’ And then people to us when we try, what makes me keep run- sted, The Civil Rights Agenda and Equality Il- police did not have the right to detain peaceful received individual warnings. So we’ve certainly ning away from the task, sometimes in silent linois; offices such as the Illinois Department protestors without issuing clear orders to dis- learned the lessons of the past as far as moving despair, and what makes me want to go back of Human Rights; the Chicago Pride Directory; perse. forward and what it is we need to do.” to take up the task again.” and publications, including Windy City Times. Under the Feb. 9 settlement, people who were The city has already paid more than $300,000 arrested, charged and detained could receive to plaintiffs who sued for police brutality on the payouts of up to $15,000; those who were ar- night in question, Mogul said. Among those who rested and released without being charged are settled was recently deceased LGBT and AIDS ac- eligible for up to $8,750; and those who were tivist John Pennycuff, who received $22,500 for detained by police on the street would receive physical injuries he sustained. up to $500. Mogul urges those who were arrested or de- The ruling comes as city officials gear up for tained to contact the People’s Law Office at impending G-8 and NATO summits, which are ex- [email protected] or 773-235-0070. pected to draw tens of thousands of protestors.

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All rights reserved. 8 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES throughout the year. “The desire is to create something to the ef- Legislators file fect of Lollapalooza, where you’re able to bring other Black, out performers or gay friendly per- formers that speak to the LGBT community to marriage-equality bill perform and create events that bring people together,” said Titus. “There’s not many things that bring people to one space for music, spoken By Kate Sosin recognition this year in Illinois. word or art where there’s a conversation, giving The Illinois Department of Revenue originally people a reason to interact with each other.” Illinois state representatives have filed a much- announced that civil union spouses could not The event was also aimed at raising awareness anticipated marriage equality bill, HB5170, in file taxes jointly because Illinois filings are re- around HIV infection rates in the Black men who the Illinois General Assembly, local LGBT groups quired to match federal filings. Due to the De- have sex with men community by partnering announced Feb. 8. fense of Marriage Act, same-sex couples cannot with Our Voices Advocating for Health, a Center Reps. Greg Harris, Deb Mell and file jointly at the federal level. The Department on Halsted program designed to address signifi- have introduced the Religious Freedom and Mar- of Revenue later reversed that decision after cant gaps in substance abuse and HIV preven- riage Fairness Act, which would allow same-sex pressure from LGBT advocates. Ra Perre’ Shelton. Photo by Terrence Chappell tion services in Chicago. couples to marry in Illinois. A group of lawmakers that also included Ann Youth in the center’s outreach program “We commend these leaders for taking yet an- Williams, and state Sen. Heath- watched Brother Outsider, a biographical film other step towards full equality for lesbian and er Steans began talks in January over the latest about Rustin’s life, in conjunction with the cel- marriage legislation. explore issues in an entertainment venue,” said West, Brothers OUTLive organizer and youth out- ebration. reach coordinator at the Center on Halsted. “If “There are not a lot of cultural events on the Gender-identity you put music to it, you can still a lot of con- North Side of Chicago,” said Davis. “We have to sciousness raising.” create the precedent, regarding LGBT culture amendment While still in the beginning stages, Brothers specifically, by recording art.” filed in Illinois OUTLive organizers hope to host similar events By Kate Sosin PASSAGES He also performed regularly at bars like Dan- State Rep. Kelly Cassidy has introduced a bill in dy’s, The Legacy 21 and Club 7301. the general assembly that aims to add gender David Friends remember Baime as a man of integ- identity to pre-existing hate-crimes law. rity and humor. He could make up songs on HB4725 would amend the hate crimes criminal ‘Hamilton’ Baime the spot and would sometimes craft vulgar code to include gender identity in addition to BY KATE SOSIN parodies on popular songs for his audiences. military status and immigration status. The bill “There was a deep wit and charm about was filed Feb. 3 after months of talks with local David “Hamilton” Baime, the man whose pi- him,” Inman remembered. “He was so allur- LGBT activists. Also sponsoring the bill are Reps. ano versions of the five U.S. Armed Service ing. When you got in his presence, you just Greg Harris, Deb Mell and Edward Acevedo. songs became the soundtrack for LGBT veter- didn’t want to leave it.” “Trans individuals face extreme and pervasive ans in Chicago, died Feb. 10 at the age of 51. Baime spent most of his life in Oak Park, not discrimination in everyday life,” said Anthony Baime, a longtime figure in Chicago’s gay far from where he grew up. Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights community, was best known for his role be- In recent months, his health deteriorated, Agenda. “This is an extremely important bill for hind a piano, where he spent many nights and he passed in the early morning hours on the transgender community.” parodying gay anthems and donating his Feb. 10. State Rep. Greg Harris. Current Illinois hate-crime laws already cover time to American Veterans for Equal Rights In addition to being a passionate musician, sexual orientation. The proposed amendment Baime felt strongly about animal rights. Do- would add protections for those who are target- nations on Baime’s behalf may be made to the ed for being perceived as transgender or gender- gay families in Illinois, and we are grateful to Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago. variant. them for their leadership. This is just the begin- The bill may not win the support of the en- ning: the road to marriage equality is sure to tire transgender community, as some local and The Bagel owner be long, but it is one that we must travel to- national transgender-rights groups argue that gether,” said LGBT organization Equality Illinois remembered months hate-crimes legislation misplaces trust in the in a statement. criminal legal system. after passing However, Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherka- Windy City Times will update as details be- BY KATE SOSIN sov warned that the road to the bill’s passage come available. will be far from easy. Michael Golenzer, a man who spent his life “I really do think we will have marriage equal- running a Boystown eatery that’s considered ity within the near future,” Cherkasov said, but an institution, passed away in July 2011 added, “I don’t think it’s going to pass tomor- Performances without much notice from Chicago’s LGBT row.” community. Golenzer, 72, he co-owned The Anthony Martinez, executive director of The honor Rustin Bagel, the Jewish deli and Lakeview fixture. Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA), expressed similar More than six months after his passing, sentiments. at Center friends and family remember Golenzer as a By Jamie Anne Royce “Marriage has always been one of the principal David “Hamilton” Baime. Photo by Jim man deeply committed to traditional food and goals for our organization and we are pleased to Darby customer service before the idea meant forced Brothers OUTLive celebrated the life and legacy finally be able to move forward towards achiev- conversation. of the late gay civil-rights activist Bayard Rustin ing that goal,” he said in a statement. Golenzer was born in 1939. In 1950, while at the Center on Halsted Feb. 9. (AVER) events. Most knew Baime as “David Martinez said the timing is exciting, with the he was still just a boy, his family got into Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s right-hand Hamilton,” a stage name he created using his news coming just a day after California’s anti- the deli businesses. Golenzer grew up in the man and organizer of the 1963 March on Wash- mother’s maiden name. marriage equality amendment Proposition 8 be- family businesses and came to co-own it with ington, Rustin is an often-overlooked leader of “I can only say good things about David ing ruled unconstitutional. Still, Martinez told his nephew, Danny Wolf. His family started the civil-rights movement. Hamilton,” said Jim Darby, president of AVER. Windy City Times that the Illinois bill would not the business at Kedzie and Lawrence, later “We often don’t talk about African-American Baime grew up playing his mother’s piano. likely pass this time around. expanding to Devon Ave. and Skokie. Today, sexuality. Everything is heterosexual and any- He never took lessons or learned to read mu- “People need to understand that this is not a the family retains the Skokie location and the thing that [deviates] from that is kind of hush- sic well. Rather, he played piano almost en- slam dunk,” he said. “We have work to do.” one in Lakeview at 3107. N Broadway. hush and pushed under the table,” said Precious tirely by ear. Harris has introduced similar bills in years Golenzer’s life work was in carrying on fam- Davis, emcee of the event and youth outreach “David said that from the time he was little, past, all of which failed. This year, may be no ily Jewish traditions at the deli, said Wolf. He coordinator at the Center on Halsted. “I think he couldn’t get away from the piano,” said different, said activists. loved the work. that’s another reason that Bayard’s work isn’t Bruce Inman, a longtime close friend. However, Cherkasov added that marriage bills “It was a big part of his life,” Wolf said, talked about, because he was a homosexual Professionally, Baime made his living as an have often been introduced alongside civil noting that Golenzer loved socializing with man.” electrical engineer in Elk Grove Village, a ca- union legislation, giving lawmakers the option customers. This year marks the centennial of Rustin’s reer he excelled in and at made good money to choose between the two. Civil unions were Golenzer’s name still appears on the bagel birth, and Brothers OUTLive honored him at its doing. But his life’s work was behind the keys less controversial and easier to pass, he said. website on a note about the deli’s history. inaugural event with spoken-word and musical of his piano. But the advent of civil unions has shown that Golenzer is survived by his wife of 46 years, performances by Marshall Titus, Nhojj, Tim’m Inman said he seldom turned down a gig, “separate but equal” has failed, said Cherkasov. Haya; his two children, Ellie Alexakos and West, Keith Romell and Ra Perre’ Shelton. and he often donated his talents. He played “What we know now about civil unions is that Marty Golenzer; and six grandchildren. they haven’t worked to provide full equality,” he When West and Nhojj moved to Chicago, Titus at AVER dinners and other events for free, and said. suggested they form a collaborative performing he made a recording of the five service songs People in same-sex civil unions have reported arts project, which evolved into Brothers OUT- at Darby’s request that is still used for AVER many circumstances in which they were denied Live. events. “As a collective of three artists, we want to WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 9 LGBTs protest outside Holy Name Cathedral

BY KATE SOSIN While some chanted that George was a “bigot” and “archbigot,” others expressed discomfort Despite a blistering cold morning, more than with the intensity of that message or simply 20 LGBT activists protested outside Holy Name greeted parishioners exiting church rather than Cathedral Feb. 12, a demonstration held in con- chanting. junction with National Freedom to Marry Day. Blane Roberts of Dignity/Chicago, which also The protest, held every year outside the church sponsored the protest, wished parishioners a around Valentine’s Day, carried special weight good morning and shook hands with those exit- this year after, last December, Catholic Cardinal ing the church. Francis George compared the annual Pride Pa- “We believe that we’re all God’s children,” Rob- rade to a Ku Klux Klan gathering. erts said, adding that Dignity had come to rec- The pro-gay protesters were greeted by a coun- ognize George’s apology for his KKK remarks but terprotest of approximately 10 people on the also challenge him on gay issues. steps of the cathedral who came bearing signs Activists from Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM) that read “one man, one woman.” also sponsored the event. Executive Director Joe Protesters marched outside the church for Murray said that RSM had come to show support more than an hour, chanting “Equal rights for for marriage equality and women’s healthcare is- Pro-LGBT protesters at Holy Name. Photo by Kate Sosin everybody” and “Stop politicizing love.” sues. “This is not an anti-Catholic demonstration,” “We’re witnessing the politicizing of theology,” said Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network, one Murray said. of the groups that organized the protest. “This The protest fell on the same day that a state- CHM celebrates Rustin at 100 is a demonstration against the Catholic leader- ment from George opposing President Obama’s ship.” birth-control insurance policy was read in Catho- By Yasmin Nair he was visiting a refugee camp in Thailand. lic churches throughout the city. So comfortable was he in his own skin that he But largely, the demonstration focused on The hosted a pre- came out to his grandmother as a teenager. marriage equality, with activists noting that just sentation on Bayard Rustin, the late African- Rustin’s openly expressed sexuality was no days before, Illinois lawmakers had submitted a American and gay activist who organized the secret to anyone. However, this also meant marriage-equality bill to the General Assembly. famed 1963 March on Washington D.C. The that he was often the target of political rivals Activists have acknowledged that passing such event, “Bayard Rustin at 100,” was part of who would threaten to expose him as a “ho- a bill this year might be a long shot, but many the museum’s “Out at CHM” series. mosexual.” expressed hope that 2012 could be the year for The presenters were Bennett Singer, co- This was, in large part, the reason why Rus- marriage equality in Illinois. director and co-producer of Brother Outsider: tin never attained the stature of civil-rights “I look forward to marrying the love of my life The Life of Bayard Rustin, and Walter Naegle, heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., who once in the next year,” said Kia Walker, a native Chica- life partner of Rustin until his death in 1987. dismissed him from his circle upon the threat goan who wants to eventually marry in her home Roderick Hawkins, vice president of communi- of a scandal. (The two reconciled later.) state. “I shouldn’t have to cross the border.” cations at the Chicago Urban League, was the In another clip from the film, Congress- Among the anti-gay protesters this year was facilitator who combined humor with reflec- woman Eleanor Norton surmised that Rustin’s Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth tions and observations about Rustin’s life and relative place in the background was because About Homosexuality. LaBarbera came bearing a the film. he preferred to be an organizer as well as be- sign with an arrow pointing to protesters that The evening consisted of various clips from cause “he recognized in a world where ho- read “Gay K-K” on one side, and “The Real Hat- the film, interspersed with brief discussions. mosexuality was widely condemned, he would ers” on the other side. As Hawkins said in his introduction, Rustin not be allowed” to gain the stature befitting Protesters verbally sparred with counter-pro- is sometimes referred to as an outsider, and his talents. Despite this, Rustin did gain testers, but a handful of police kept the two sometimes as a “lost prophet” (the title of recognition, appearing on the cover of Life groups apart. Chicago historian’s John D’Emilio’s biogra- magazine in 1963. The demonstration drew fewer activists than phy). Each term evokes his place as an out The clips and discussion followed Rustin in past years. Many believed the cold prevented gay African American who was often made through his later years, where he became well- a stronger turnout. While the morning tempera- vulnerable because of his race and sexual ori- known as a spokesperson for various causes tures peaked at 25 degrees, the wind chill lin- entation. and more often associated with the gay rights gered at approximately 15 degrees. Through various clips, the presentations movement. Questions from the audience in- The 8th Day Center for Justice and Equality Il- traced Rustin’s life in a family that, according cluded queries about Rustin’s relationship to linois sponsored the protest. to Naegle, gave him enormous love and secu- other radical political movements of the time. Anti-gay counterprotester Peter LaBarbera at See more photos at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. rity. According to Naegle, this was why Rustin Holy Name. Photo by Kate Sosin com. was as comfortable at a White House event as

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EQUALITY from cover Freedom Award was given to the late State Rep. Mark Beaubien, and the mandate to stop defend- whose wife Dee Beaubien ac- ing the Defense of Marriage Act cepted the honor on his behalf. among Obama’s greatest victo- Equality Illinois CEO Bernard ries for LGBT equality. Cherkasov called this year’s gala “We love this country, and we “the most successful gala in re- have changed it,” Jarrett said. cent history” for the organiza- “We also know that we chang- tion. ing laws is not enough. We must According to Cherkasov, the change our culture.” night drew in a record number of Jarrett said that the president political leaders. Cherkasov esti- would work towards and inclu- mated that 100 elected officials sive Employment Non-Discrimi- turned out for the fundraiser. nation Act. She also warned of Among them were Congress- efforts to undo strides made by man Mike Quigley, Illinois Gov. LGBT people. Pat Quinn, Secretary of State “Let’s promise tonight that , Attorney General we’re going to fight harder than Lisa Madigan, State Comptrol- ever,” Jarrett said. “They will ler , Mayor never outwork us, I promise , Cook County you.” State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, More locally, Illinois LGBT Commissioner of the Metropoli- rights activists celebrated the tan Water Reclamation District start of civil unions in June 2011 Debra Shore, former judge Tom and looked toward the possibil- Chiola (the first openly gay per- ity of marriage ahead. son elected to office in Illinois) “In following civil unions and Commissioner of the Chicago in the last year, we know that Department of Human Relations civil unions are not the same as Mona Noriega. State Reps. Greg marriage,” said Equality Illinois Harris, Kelly Cassidy, Deb Mell, Board President Dalila Fridi. Ann Williams and Sara Feigen- Equality Illinois listed its holtz also attended. achievements this year as work- Openly gay Ald. Tom Tun- ing with businesses on LGBT ney and James Cappleman were workplace protections, work on present, along with Springfield’s its faith project, connecting po- openly gay alderman, Cory Jobe. litical leaders and advocating for Michael McRaith, who heads the students, among others. Federal Insurance Office, was The organization honored the also at the event. There were law firm McDermott Will & Em- also dozens of candidates for of- ery LLP with its 2012 Business fice in the March Illinois primary. Leadership Award. This year’s

All photos on both pages by Kat Fitzgerald, www.MysticImagesPhotography.com WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 11 12 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Alexis A. Martinez WCT seeks Identifies as me as her daughter, but I remember the day nominations Tin the LIFE Transwoman, lesbian, socialist and Evangelical she showed one of her friends a picture of her Christian ‘other’ daughter. for 30 Under 30 COMPILED BY KATE SOSIN CHICAGO—Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBT indi- Neighborhood Do you consider yourself an activist? viduals (and allies) for its annual 30 Under Andersonville “Yes, I consider myself an activist. I am a core 30 Awards. organizer of Dyke March Chicago.” Nominees should be 30 years or under as When did you start questioning gender? of June 30, 2012, and should have made “At age four, I was aware that I was a girl. As What issues outside of the queer community some substantial contributions to the LGBT briefly as I can express it, it was the begin- do you care about? community, whether in the fields of enter- ning of a double life. I would try to live the “I am also a Christian. I am a believer in Jesus tainment, politics, health, activism, aca- masculine role that would gain approval and in Christ. I don’t debate or fight with people ... demics, sports or other areas. secret hold on to my identity as a girl and later either pro or con about my religion. The biggest The deadline to nominate individuals is as a woman.” mistake that Christians make is they are always Friday, April 20. spouting off about God’s will.” Individuals, organizations, co-workers, etc. can nominate a person by e-mailing What is your coming out story? [email protected] or “I came out totally at the age of 21 ... only to What do you think are the most important faxed to Andrew Davis’ attention to 773- retreat back into hiding at 30. Social and family issues facing the trans/ gender-variant com- 871-7609. Self-nominations are welcome. pressure led to guilt, shame, drugs, etc. I am munity? The nomination should be 100 words now living openly as a transwoman and am “I believe that there are serious issues that or fewer, and should state what achieve- very much at peace with myself. That ‘peace’ is are unique to the trans community. Among ments or contributions the nominee has probably the best thing about being trans. those issues are things like public accommoda- made. Nominators should include their own tions, access to public restrooms, fitting rooms, names and contact information as well as driver’s licenses, passports and visas… health- the contact information and the age of the Whom do you admire most? care, especially trans-related treatments and nominee. “The person I admire the most is my mother, employment discrimination. In a larger context, Note: Following the policy instituted in Jesusita Meza. She raised five children after I believe that the LGBT community is a micro- 2005, individuals can only win once. Those my dad deserted us. She is MY idea of a cosm of the American experience. We face the have won the award since that year are in- working-class feminist. She worked in some same economic challenges, religious battles, eligible for this year’s awards. terrible sweat shop factories. On weekends, she racial divisiveness… that are common to all. Honorees will be notified in May and rec- would sing in taverns for tips. I believe that I We also share desires for affordable healthcare, ognized at a free ceremony Thursday, June survived and prospered because I learned from employment, housing, education etc.” 28, at 5:30 p.m., at Center on Halsted, my mom. It took her a few years to accept 3656 N. Halsted St.

however these studies haven’t really been inte- “Each of us is contributing to changing from a grated into general history courses to a large pyramid paradigm where we are today to a circle Gloria Steinem extent. paradigm which is where we need to be [so no “In culture it’s OK now that we can name rac- one group dominates the other],” said Steinem. ism, sexism and other forms of bias including To close the evening, Steinem took questions talks social justice homophobia and so on,” said Steinem. “But it’s from the audience, with Brock serving as the still the case that the dominant group gets the moderator. During the Q&A, Steinem was asked noun and everybody else requires an adjective why some women like Maggie Gallagher fight at Columbia College so there are doctors and there are African-Amer- against LGBTQ equality when they themselves have been discriminated against. Steinem said By Carrie Maxwell ican doctors; there are Hispanic leaders but not Anglo leaders; there are LGBTQ cultures but not that biology isn’t a factor when women discrimi- Addressing a packed house of about 250 people, heterosexual cultures; [and] there are women nate against others and used Margaret Thatcher Gloria Steinem spoke about social justice and novelists but not men novelists, which perpetu- as an example of someone who didn’t advocate citizen involvement at Columbia College Chi- ates bias throughout our culture.” for women’s rights while she was prime minister cago’s Conversation in the Arts lecture series Steinem said that linkage is important because of the United Kingdom. Feb. 7. we still think in silos and labels are the enemy For more information about the Conversa- Steinem is a feminist activist, award-winning of connections between people so it’s important tion in the Arts lecture series, visit www. writer, editor, organizer and lecturer on issues of to take the next step and see where our con- colum.edu/conversations. To find out more equality and was a co-founder of Ms. Magazine nections are. Each rights movement is linked to about Steinem, visit www.gloriasteinem.com. in 1972. each of the others and should not be thought of She continues to serve as the magazine’s con- as separate entities, Steinem stressed. sulting editor and is currently working with her alma mater, Smith College, to create a school for The Ethical Humanist Society is located at organizers. Baim speaking 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. Email office@ ABC-7 Chicago news anchor Kathy Brock intro- ethicalhuman.org or call 847-677-3334. Also, duced Steinem by highlighting her career and Feb. 19 at Ethical see www.ethicalhuman.org/speaker/baim. accomplishments and noted that everyone in html. the room has benefited from Steinem’s actions Humanist Society in some way. Tracy Baim, co-founder and publisher of Speaking about the women’s movement, Windy City Times, will speak Sunday, Feb. 19, PYG holding Steinem said people asked her about where the at 10:30 a.m. at the Ethical Humanist Society women’s movement has been and where it’s go- of Chicago in Skokie. Feb. 16 event for ing before her talk that evening. She said dis- Her topic is “Windy City Times: Impact on Chicago Takes Off cussing that was like asking to describe the uni- Gloria Steinem at Columbia College. Photo by Chicago and Its LGBT Community.” Baim will Professional Young Gays (PYG) will hold a verse and giving two examples. Brian Kinyon discuss the role of media in the LGBT Chicago kick-off celebration for Test Positive Aware Of the current state of the women’s movement community. Windy City Times was founded Network’s (TPAN’s) annual Chicago Takes Off Steinem said, “If it took more than 100 years think inequality has disappeared but that is not in 1985, just as Chicago’s LGBT community burlesque revue Thursday, Feb. 16. for the abolitionist and suffragist movement’s the case. started to show its full force through cul- Also, tickets are now on sale for PYG’s of- to gain for women of all races and Black men “We’ve proven to most of the country that ture, sports, activism (especially in response ficial pre-cocktail party for Chicago Takes Off, a legal and social identity as human beings ... women can do what men can do but now we to AIDS and civil rights), politics, media and which takes place Saturday, March 3. it shouldn’t surprise us that it will take another need to prove that men can do what women business. She will give an overview on how The event will take place at Shrine, 47 E. century for legal and social equality. I figure can do. The solution is everywhere. Some are LGBT media both participated in and covered Oak St., 6-9 p.m. that we are 50-60 years into it right now so it systemic, like the need for a national childcare the community. RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, Feb. will take another 40-50 years for equality to be system, and some of them are up to us. We have There will be a coffee hour after the pro- 13. Tickets to the Feb. 16 event are $50 each; absorbed into the culture.” raised our daughters to be more like our sons gram. The Sunday programs are free and open see http://shrinestyle.com/events/pygs-pre- “The reason you may know me and Shirley Ch- but we also need to raise our sons to be more to the public, and a children’s program runs cocktail-event. isholm and Bella Abzug as individuals is there like our daughters.” concurrently. For more information about this were so few of us. We were like 12 crazy women,” Steinem noted that we’ve taken a step forward or any of our other programs, please visit said Steinem. “There are so many now in every with African-American studies, women’s stud- ethicalhuman.org. field and that is one of the reasons that people ies, LGBTQ studies and Native American studies, WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 13 Jason Tompkins takes the bus to work at the Catalyst Ranch on West Ran- You’re Invited . . . dolph Street, arriving daily at about GAY in the 6 a.m. Sunday, February 19th 10:30 a.m. His morning tasks including prepar- LIFE ing the continental breakfast spread Tracy Baim, and preparing for meetings that might co-founder and publisher be held on site, often starting at about of Windy City Times 8 a.m. presents: Jason Tompkins Then he might say a quick hello to Text AND PHOTOS BY Ross Forman James Brown—or at least the Brown doll that sings his fabled song “I Feel “Windy City Times: Good.” It dances, too. Impact on Chicago and Its Tompkins smiles just mentioning LGBT Community” the doll, perhaps his favorite on-site tchochke. All our Sunday morning programs After all, the Catalyst Ranch is a one-of-a-kind, 15,000 square-foot facility, filled with years-past are free and open to the public. relics, certain to entertain. The Catalyst Ranch is home to countless annual offsite meetings for area businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, ideal for training seminars, strategic planning meet- Ethical Humanist Society ings, trade conferences, association meetings, workshops, consumer market research/focus groups, of Chicago staff retreats, board meetings, sales meetings, brainstorming sessions and more—in a vintage, time warp-like setting. 7574 Lincoln Ave Skokie “The Catalyst Ranch, which opened in the spring 847-677-3334 of 2002, is a place that ignites the imagination. [email protected] Innovative thought, production,” said Tompkins, who has worked there for almost two years. The facility also has been home to weddings, . . . recognizing the worth and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and, arguably, the first civil- dignity of every person. unions held in Illinois in 2011—starting at 12:01 a.m. June 1. Catalyst Ranch played host to a con- Visit us on the web at ethicalhuman.org test last year for same-sex couples, ultimately giving six couples the mega-event of their lives. “It’s just a fun place to work, a fun idea,” Tompkins said. Saturday, Feb. 18 As the Catalyst Ranch boasts on its website, it is the perfect spot to “Refresh your team. Energize 7:30 p.m. them. Teach them how to infuse their daily lives with innovation. Put a spring in their step—no pogo Sappho’s Salon Age stick necessary.” Midwinter Dance Party 31 Tompkins is one of 10 full-time employees, and one of two who are openly gay, he said. and Mixer “Everyone who works here is really creative,” he said, “and it is very gay-friendly. There’s a very laid- Lives in back atmosphere, and [employees] can really express their own style.” Uptown Tompkins also is very active with Gender JUST which, according to its website, “is a member-led, Tuesday, Feb. 28 Hometown multi-generational and multi-racial grassroots organization of LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- St. Louis; has lived in Chicago since gender, queer & allied) young people, people of color, and grassroots folks developing leadership and 7:30 p.m. July 2008 building power through organizing.” Margot Livesey The Flight of Relationship status “I guess I’m just a homo geek; I read a lot and love being at home. I get enough excitement for me Single and queer, as he prefers to at work [on a daily basis],” said Tompkins, who lives with three drag queens and is a member of a new, Gemma Hardy identify radical queer book club. Job title Shift manager, Catalyst Ranch 5233 N. Clark (773) 769-9299 Hobbies Cinema, reading memoirs, history Favorite TV show Damages Favorite local bar [email protected] www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Favorite local restaurant Parking Available Tweet Wheelchair Accessible

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State Farm773.281.0890 Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (not in NJ) State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 14 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

A special series in partnership with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Left: Ferd Eggan, Dr. Mathilda Krim of the American Foundation for AIDS Research and Dr. Renslow Sherer, during a late 1980s visit by Krim to Chicago. Eggan died in 2007. Photo by Lisa Howe- Ebright. Right: William Kelley and Dr. Ron Sable (right) at the 1992 gala for IMPACT, a gay and lesbian political action committee. Photo by Tracy Baim Sable and Sherer: Two doctors that changed AIDS in Chicago By John J. Accrocco clinic at the Cook County Hospital. Of course we yet, that we knew of. In those early days as an Chicago both politically and in the treatment couldn’t call it an AIDS clinic because of the internist, we certainly saw diabetes and tuber- of AIDS. Sable began as a Vietnam medic and When the first reported cases of AIDS were iden- stigma surrounding AIDS at the time.” culosis and many other infectious diseases but became Cook County Hospital’s first openly gay tified on the East and West coasts of the U.S. in Dr. Sherer and Dr. Sable (not only co-found- over all, Cook County was a very happy place to physician. His early AIDS activism helped secure 1981, it was inevitable that the disease would ed Chicago’s first AIDS clinic, the Sable/Sherer work. Dr. Sable really saw what had started on crucial funding for people living with the virus. find its way to Chicago. Life often imitates Clinic, but they were also among the founders of the West Coast and we tried to prepare ourselves Sable ran for in 1987 drama and with the theatrical onslaught of the the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to raise critical, for what was coming.” as an openly gay candidate in the 44th Ward, AIDS crisis, heroes of the medical field were in private funding for their facility. They made a In their first year together, Sherer and Sable against incumbent Ald. Bernie Hansen. He lost high demand. good team: Sable (who died at age 48 in Decem- worked with 141 patients. by a small percentage of votes. But Sable’s “I saw my first AIDS patient in 1982 at Cook ber 1993) was openly gay, and Sherer is hetero- “Dr. Sable was very well respected within the campaign helped inspire a new generation of County Hospital during my second month as a sexual. LGBT community,” Sherer recalled. “I suppose I activists. Some of them helped organize Chi- general physician,” Dr. Renslow Sherer remem- Sherer is a leading authority on infectious was in the right place at the right time, or rath- cago’s participation in the 1987 March on Wash- bers. “He was a young, gay, African American diseases and one of Chicago’s foremost AIDS er, the wrong place at the wrong time. The death ington, and some helped create of IMPACT, an man who could no longer do his daily six-mile doctors. Sherer attended medical school at and sickness were enough but having the media, LGBT political action committee. In 1988, Sable run. At first we weren’t exactly sure that it was Rush Medical College and did his residency at the hype and the phobia gave a sort of drama to was selected to be an alternate delegate at the AIDS, but then he had the Pneumocystis carinii the Cook County Hospital. After his residency, the issue, especially when you had [President] Democratic National Convention. Sable was also pneumonia (PCP) and the rest of his symptoms Sherer became an internist at Cook County Hos- Reagan who would not openly talk about how a strong believer in national healthcare and was seemed to fit. pital shortly before the appearance of AIDS in HIV/AIDS. Though, nobody wants to go back to a frequent volunteer physician at the Howard “Around the same time, another physician, the U.S. those early days, I will say that we had the most Brown Health Center. He ran a second time for Dr. Ron Sable, diagnosed a second patient and “It’s hard to remember a career before HIV,” intimacy with our patients then.” alderman, in 1991, and again lost. it was then that we decided to open the AIDS said Sherer. “When I was in college it didn’t exist Dr. Sable was an important person for LGBT- Sable came out as HIV positive in 1993, and a large public event was held at the South Shore Cultural Center, to celebrate his life while he was still living. He was weak, but was able to attend and hear the many stories about his importance. He died later that year, soon after he was in- ducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. “I miss him every day,” Sherer said. “He was a fabulous person and if I wanted to go out on a limb, I’d say he was one of the best advocates for LGBT rights that this city has ever seen. He ran a strong campaign for alderman while set- ting up the AIDS clinic. He spent half his time treating AIDS patients and the other half stand- ing up for their rights, he was very respectable. Working close with him was a pleasure because he drew in such a good group to work with, gay nurses and clinicians came out to help and that just gave us such an advantage and made us an even more credible resource. He was able to see clearly into political and controversial issues surrounding HIV. He was a tremendous doctor and friend.” As the 1980s drew to a close, major advance- ments were made in the study and treatment of AIDS. The Sable/Sherer clinic saw its cases ex- pand from 141 in 1983 to nearly 3,000 by the early ’90s. A third of all Chicagoans living with AIDS were patients of the Sable-Sherer clinic. “Initially we were able to increase the lives of our patients from six months to a year, then An article by Tracy Baim on the founding of the Sable/Sherer Clinic at Cook County Hospital, in the Aug. 30, 1984 edition of GayLife newspaper. Drs. Sherer (left) and Sable (right) are pictured with nurse Jim Lovette. Turn to page 15 WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 15

Reps push for extension of AIDS lottery program DOCTORS from page 14 A legislative action press conference observ- and care for Illinoisans. This year, the lottery ing National African-American HIV/AIDS Aware- ticket will fund 14 community-based organiza- AZT became available and added about another ness Day Feb. 7 gave visibility to Senate Bill tions across the state. year to the lives of people with AIDS. I can’t 2971 to extend the “Red Ribbon Cash” lottery SB 2971 is sponsored by State Sen. Jackie sugar-coat it though, those first clinicians saw game for the Quality of Life HIV/AIDS Awareness Collins, who stated: “Funding for HIV/AIDS harrowing days,” said Sherer. and Prevention Fund. treatment and prevention programs is vitally The Sable/Sherer clinic is now housed in the The event was at the Illinois State Capitol important given the increasing prevalence and state-of-the-art Ruth Rothstein CORE Center. building in Springfield. Leaders from the Illinois devastating nature of this disease in our com- Dr. Sherer led the team of clinicians to design HIV/AIDS community attended. munities.” this nationally competitive ambulatory facility SB 2971 proposes an extension of the “Sun- Illinois State Rep. Karen Yarbrough is sponsor- for HIV-related medicine. CORE Center opened set” date for the Quality of Life HIV/AIDS fund, ing the legislation in the House of Represen- in 1998 and offers a wide array of services from commonly referred to as the “Red Ribbon Cash” tatives. Other legislators present included Rep. mental health to dentistry, drug rehabilitation, lottery ticket. The Quality of Life Fund is the Greg Harris and Rep. Ken Dunkin. and pharmaceuticals. only self-generating revenue funding enhancer The original co-authors of the Quality of Life “Anything to do with HIV is in this facility,” of its kind in the U.S. The program is set to HIV/AIDS legislation, Ben Montgomery and Mi- boasts Sherer. “The Ryan White Care Act really expire Dec. 31, 2012 and the proposal is to push chael O’Connor, organized the press conference helped us with resources.” that date back to Dec. 31, 2017. with the support of the AIDS Foundation of Chi- After 25 years at the Cook County Hospital, The Red Ribbon Cash scratch-off game has cago. Sherer left in 2003 to pursue AIDS research at generated $1.4 million for HIV/AIDS prevention an international level. In addition to being the Clinical Associate and the Program Chair of the section of Infectious Disease at the Univer- sity of Chicago’s hospital, he is the chairman of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Breakthrough Initiative on HIV/AIDS. Sherer is also a member of the Health and Human Ser- vices Guideline Panel on the Use of Antiretroviral Dr. Renslow Sherer and Dr. Mathilda Krim. Agents. Sherer has published many articles re- Photo by Lisa Howe-Ebright lated to HIV/AIDS and remains an authority on the virus. “Though the AIDS epidemic has crested and we are seeing the virus beginning to go into recession, the sad truth is that where new HIV contraction is increasing is within the 15-25 age group,” Sherer said. “Thanks to better anti- retrovirals people with HIV are living longer but Legislators, service providers and advocates at the AIDS lottery press conference. that also means more people are living with HIV than ever. Hopefully healthcare reforms will im- Good news for ADAP no longer require existing recipients to fill out prove not only the Ryan White Act but also ADAP an entirely new application every six months, for the poor [to get access to drugs]. recipients in Illinois opting for a much less burdensome process of “AIDS has been like no other disease and we It will soon be easier for 4,200 people in the “recertification” instead. cannot forget that. The sensationalism that still state to get their HIV medications through the surrounds it is rooted in the stigmas of those ef- Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). Erie Family Health fected by it: sexworkers, homosexuals and even Thanks to a series of rule changes advocat- the fear of contracting it through a transfusion. ed by AIDS Legal Council of Chicago and AIDS Center hosts Eriedes- There’s been so much discrimination about this Foundation of Chicago (and approved recently disease because even still it disproportionately by the Illinois Department of Public Health), cence Erie Family Health Center hosts its annual win- effects the gay community.” fewer people with HIV will run the risk of losing ter event, Eriedescence, an illuminating evening In Sherer’s unique career he’s had the advan- their access to medicines because of cumber- featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auc- tage of watching a major American city respond some application and paperwork requirements. tion and music from DJ Rock City. This year’s and manage an ongoing epidemic. “I have to This comes as especially good news to the many event will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 6-9 p.m. salute Cook County and the city of Chicago be- who had reported difficulties navigating the on- at Lumen, 839 W. Fulton Market St. in Chicago. cause they got their act together and got the line application process and having to repeat- Erie Family Health Center is a 55-year old funding,” Sherer said. “We did a terrific job in edly submit documentation to qualify for help. health center that provides healthcare to 35,000 those early days and the AIDS Foundation of ADAP provides life-saving HIV medications to low-income Chicagoans each year at eleven sites Chicago brought in a lot of private funding. We low-income people with HIV who are uninsured across Chicago’s West and Northwest neighbor- have a good record for private and public fund- or underinsured. Although the program has been hoods. Proceeds from the event directly sup- ing and that’s what makes Chicago a competitive stressed in recent years due to falling state rev- port uninsured and underinsured patients in city for HIV/AIDS care.” enues and an influx of people turning to ADAP Erie’s HIV/AIDS program, Lending Hands for Life Each year The Crossroads Fund gives out an for help, preserving regular access to medica- (LHL). award in Dr. Ron Sable’s memory. The award goes tions is considered key to suppressing the virus Tickets are available and donations can be to individuals and organizations that best exem- in people with HIV and reducing the likelihood Art Johnston with Dr. Ron Sable in late made by calling (312) 432-7378 or visiting plify Sable’s dedication to helping progressive of further transmission to uninfected partners. 1980s. Photo by Lisa Howe-Ebright www.eriefamilyhealth.org/eriedescence. change. Among the new rules to be adopted, ADAP will

The Windy City Times AIDS @ 30 series, originally slated for April-December 2011, will continue through February 2012. Turn to Windy City Times each week for more news and features.

See past articles online at www.windycitymediagroup.com/aids.php Luis Gutierrez (then an alderman, now a U.S. Rep.), Joanne Trapani and Dr. Ron Sable, circa 1990 at IMPACT. Photo by Lisa Howe-Ebright 16 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY VIEWPOINTS TIMES and loved ones we have lost, that we vow to sionals and service providers. They have set a VOL. 27 No. 19, Feb.15, 2012 VALERIE keep working toward the day when HIV/AIDS is goal that would have been unthinkable just a The combined forces of Windy City Times, history. few decades ago: an AIDS-free generation, in founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, JARRETT This past December, on World AIDS Day, Presi- which virtually all children are born HIV-free, founded May 1987. dent Obama spoke about the United States’ and prevention tools help them stay HIV-free PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR commitment to ending HIV/AIDS. In a speech throughout their lives. Tracy Baim at George Washington University, he told the au- We will not achieve this goal overnight. But dience, “Make no mistake, we are going to win we know that we must keep making progress, ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky this fight. But the fight is not over … not by a each and every day. For our communities and our MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit Commemorating long shot.” families, the stakes are simply too high for us to DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright Sadly, this is especially true in the African- be satisfied with anything less. ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson National Black American community. Black Americans represent So today, we do more than commemorate SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy 12 percent of the U.S. population, but they those we have lost. We rededicate ourselves to Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano, Kirk Smid PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes HIV/AIDS account for 44 percent of new HIV infections. the work ahead. Because even when it comes NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson Among young Black gay men alone, infections to an epidemic as devastating as HIV/AIDS, we NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Awareness Day have increased by nearly 50 percent in just three have the chance to write our own destiny. As SENIOR WRITERS Kate Sosin, Bob Roehr, Rex years, and Black women account for the largest President Obama said in December, “We can end Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Per- egrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair, Erica Demarest National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day took share of HIV infections among women. We each this pandemic. We can beat this disease. We can place Feb. 7. Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan must do our part by getting tested regularly, win this fight.” CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. President Obama, released an article that day. and by educating those in our community about For more information about National Black BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair what they can do to help end the epidemic. HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and this Administra- SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS On this, the 12th annual National Black HIV/ President Obama is committed to doing his tion’s efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the Black AIDS Awareness Day, I remember my sister-in- Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence part as well. In 2010, he released the nation’s community, visit www.aids.gov. Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Alicia Wilson, law’s fight with the disease. Tragically, she did first comprehensive HIV/AIDS plan. Together Valerie Jarrett is senior advisor to the Jonathan Abarbanel not win that fight—she left behind a devastated with Secretary Clinton, he has helped assemble president. The photo is courtesy of the White COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Lisa Keen, Charlsie Dewey, husband and five-year old daughter. But it is in a coalition of governments, healthcare profes- House communications department. her memory, and the memory of all the friends Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Tyler Gillespie, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Emmanuel Garcia, Jamie Anne Royce, Joe Franco SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, Dave Ouano, Tim Carroll LETTERS CIRCULATION CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Defending Gerber/Hart questions and be helpful. Hiding or delaying the Poor bookkeeping? Missing records? In addition Sue and Victor release of information, a form of censorship, to the WCT question of who is the law firm or WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- To the Editor: seems against the librarian creed. lawyer for the library, who/what is its accoun- grammer: Martie Marro) The questions that come to my mind, in ad- tant, CPA or accounting firm? I am surprised by the portrayal of Karen Send- dition to those already asked by the Windy City 8) According to the Feb. 8 issue of WCT, the Copyright 2012 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Times, include: library has not contacted members for renewals. Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back ziak (“Gerber/Hart refuses to reveal group info”) issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). in your Feb. 8 issue. I served with Karen on the 1) Is the planned move to a larger or smaller Is this caused by a lack of staff or lack of funds Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, building? for a mailing (why not email the form to mem- and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and board of Gerber/Hart in the ‘90s and think she’s no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. a decent and honorable person. She was more 2) The recent statement from the library, re- bers?), or has the membership list been stolen, All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy ported in the Feb. 8 issue of WCT, indicates to lost or otherwise compromised? It seems very City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned passionate about Gerber/Hart staying open than for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing anyone else. me that parts of the collection may have been odd to me that a non-profit organization would and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, damaged or about to be threatened with dam- forget or delay in doing this most basic annual cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Late filing of government paperwork is like- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City ly the result of not enough volunteers and/or age from the building itself, such as damage by function. Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of water, bugs, or mice. Is that the real reason for 9) Other than the regular book/media sales for a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy money—not the result of anything underhand- City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the ed. From a board of probably 20 in the 1990s, the move? Can the library assure the community the library, have other parts of the collection sexual orientation of such person or organization. While that this is not the case? been sold off to finance operations—with or we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make interest in Gerber/Hart seems to have waned, this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept or the library did not do a good enough job of 3) According to WCT, the landlord planned to without the approval of the original donors? responsibility for advertising claims. developing new leaders. However, this is not the donate the minor increase in the rent to the li- 10) Is the delay in providing WCT with a list (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 result of anything deceitful. brary during the first year of a multi-year lease of the board of directors something that should e-mail: [email protected] or so rent would remain the same as it has been. not require the approval of an out-of-town law- [email protected] It is surprising to hear of the great concern in the LBGT community about the library and ar- If the landlord is lying about this, then the Ger- yer, due to some of the board members wishing www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com chive’s future. Are these concerned folks willing ber/Hart Library has an opportunity to refute to remain private? radio: WindyCityQueercast.com to serve on the board, volunteer, become paying the landlord. What amounts to a one-year rent 11) Which positions on the library’s board are video: QueerTVNetwork.com members and donate to the library’s fundraisers? freeze—on top the the last couple of years with open, if any? no rent increase—should sound like a very good 12) Is the library having a financial crisis that WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, It was certainly difficult to find many when I 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 was involved with Gerber/Hart. deal to any non-profit organization. With no im- being open and honest to the gay community U.S.A You end the article with this: “…a community mediate financial need to move. What is behind might help resolve, as happened last year with (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) whose archives are in a dark locked (sic) room the urgent need to move now? the rescue of the Howard Brown Health Center? Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. on Granville Avenue.” I designed the rebuilding 4) Has part of the collection been damaged, If there is a crisis, what is the cause and extent Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. of the space and can tell you that archives must vandalized, or stolen by patrons or employees? of the it? How can the community help? What is OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE be protected from light, especially sunlight. Most libraries have this problem, and the Ger- the deadline for resolving the crisis, if any? www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ber/Hart Library is not likely immune from such Sincerely, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com What is supposed to an ominous ending is, in www.WindyCityQueercast.com reality, a testament to the great care that Ger- threats to its collection. Is the move to a more Robert Rohdenburg www.QueerTVNetwork.com ber/Hart Library and Archives has always shown secure building? Is the library’s insurance com- Chicago toward its fragile and irreplaceable treasures. pany requiring the library to move for security Windy City Times will continue to investi- “Windy City Media Group generated I hope the community can really support Ger- reasons? gate the Gerber/Hart story. enormous interest among their readers ber/Hart instead of, once again, eating one of 5) When was the last physical inventory of in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index its own. the collection been done? Is it time for another Survey. Out of approximately 100 physical inventory? This would help determine Send print and online media partners who Barry Aldridge what is missing, damaged, or improperly filed/ participated in the survey, Windy Chicago shelved/stored. letters and City was the best performing regional 6) It is my understanding that Illinois law viewpoints to media in the U.S. Only survey partners Questions requires nonprofit corporations to have a mini- with a nationwide footprint were mum of three board members in order to still be Andrew@ able to generate a greater number of responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research considered a non-profit and in order to have the An open letter to the WindyCity Director, Community Marketing, Inc. Gerber/Hart Library: tax privileges to both the library and those who contribute to it. Does the library have a mini- MediaGroup.com. The recent reports of the likely move of the Ger- mum of three board members or is it in violation Items may ber/Hart Library and its problems with answer- of Illinois law? Are contributions to the library ing legitimate Windy City Times (WCT) questions no longer tax-deductible? be edited about the move and the library’s operations in- 7) Is a problem with lack of board members for length dicate to me that more questions need to be the reason the library is late in filing its most asked. Most librarians are willing to respond to recent non-profit corporation tax form? If not, or clarity. what is the reason for ther delay: Lack of staff? WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 17 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Doug Hamilton

ALL-‘AMERICAN’ Windy City Times reviews the production American Idiot. See page 18. DISH PERFORMANCE SPORTS Rush hour. The WOW factor. Book it. Page 24. Page 21. Page 30.

PR photo of Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush Photo of C.C. Carter by Jamie Anne Royce

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Francesca Zambello helms Francesca Lyric’s new Show Boat Zambello. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN she’s not loathe to doing commercial fare like The Little Mermaid on Broadway in 2008 and a Midway through my telephone interview with wildly popular Disneyland theme-park staging of out and award-winning opera and theater direc- Aladdin. tor Francesca Zambello, she steered the discus- She is also a highly regarded arts administra- sion away from my admittedly arcane questions tor. She was the artistic director of Milwaukee’s about which songs made it in and which ones Skylight Music Theater from 1984 to 1991, and didn’t in her new Lyric Opera of Chicago staging Zambello is currently the artistic advisor to of the 1927 Broadway musical Show Boat. Washington National Opera in Washington, D.C., “These questions you’re asking me sound like a and the artistic and general director of the Glim- musicologist,” Zambello said. “I don’t think your merglass Festival in Cooperstown, N.Y. readers could care less whether [“Mis’ry’s Comin’ Zambello has little patience from opera elit- Aroun’”[ was in or out. I hope they’re interest- ists who express reservations about opera com- ed to see it for the content of the whole—you panies producing Broadway musicals. In fact, tackling difficult subjects like miscegenation, Zambello has directed Show Boat twice be- know, the story, the characters.” Zambello dropped the “Opera” name from Glim- racism, infidelity and more across many decades fore, notably in a massive in-the-round staging Zambello’s frank redirection of our discus- merglass’ title when she assumed leadership of of U.S. history from the 1880s to the 1920s. in London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2006 and a con- sion to the big-picture entertainment value of the company in 2011, since her summer festival Zambello came to this Show Boat production cert staging at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2008. a major 21st-century take on this landmark U.S. programming now features at least one classic as a sort of follow-up to her wildly successful But Zambello was more than willing to tackle musical can be reflective of Zambello’s own long Broadway musical performed without amplifica- 2008 Lyric staging of Porgy and Bess (her other Show Boat again, this time within a traditional career as both a director and arts administrator. tion and with the show’s original orchestrations. Lyric work includes Tristan and Isolde from the proscenium opera stage setting. (By the way, “Mis’ry’s Comin’ Aroun’” did make “People forget that Puccini and Verdi were 1999-2000 season and a Salome in 2006). Zam- “It’s a historic, magisterial work that com- the cut). originally populist entertainment and that bello drew both from the operatic and theater bines so much of American history, amazing mu- She once had a reputation for an overly ana- everyone knew their music,” Zambello said. worlds for her cast, notably with opera stars Na- sic and phenomenal characters,” Zambello said. lytical and symbolic approach to her directing “There’s a connection to that with American mu- than Gunn as Ravenal, Alison Cambridge as Julie “It’s a work you want to do because it’s so rich.” work that sometimes baffled audiences. (Her sicals and American audiences.” and Morris Robinson as Joe appearing alongside Show Boat continues in repertory with 1992 Metropolitan Opera debut directing Lucia And as anyone who has been schooled in mu- Mary Poppins Broadway star Ashley Brown as Rinaldo and Aida through March 17 at the di Lammermoor, set in a “half-seen realm of sical theater history should know, Show Boat is Magnolia. There’s also a plethora of Chicago- Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Dr. Per- the unconscious,” was a critical flop.) However, considered to be Broadway’s first true master- area talent for the dancing and expanded choral formances are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17, 18, Zambello admitted in interviews that she later piece. Based upon Edna Ferber’s 1926 novel of ensembles, plus many local theater regulars like 22, 25 and 28 as well as March 9 and 17 with came around to creating accessible productions the same name, Show Boat features a hit score Ross Lehman, Bernie Yvon and Cindy Gold in fea- 2 p.m. matinees March 1, 2 and 7. that emphasized clear and entertaining story- by composer Jerome Kern (“Ol’ Man River,” “Can’t tured roles. Tickets are $34-$254; call 312-332-2244, telling first and foremost, before her intellectual Help Lovin’ Dat Man”) and a libretto by Oscar “The rehearsal process has been very fertile ext. 5600 or visit www.lyricopera.org. To find and creative flights of fancy. Hammerstein II that challenged what could be for everyone,” Zambello said about opera sing- out more about Glimmerglass Festival’s 2012 Zambello’s directing projects have run the dramatically explored in a Broadway musical. ers and theater actors inspiring each other to season consisting of Aida, Armide, Lost in the gamut. Zambello has staged massive operatic “For me, the piece was a revolution for its do good work. “It’s been a very happy rehearsal Stars and The Music Man, visit www.glimmer- epics, like Berlioz’s Les Troyens in 2003 for the time, and still is today in many ways,” Zambello period with everybody being like the people on glass.org. Metropolitan Opera and Wagner’s four-part Ring said, noting how Show Boat broke ground as a the Show Boat who are joining together differ- Cycle for San Francisco Opera in 2011. However, musical drama with a racially integrated cast ent styles.” 18 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW THEATER REVIEW Zastrozzi, American Idiot Playwright: Green Day, the Master Billie Joe Armstrong, Michael Mayer of Discipline At: Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. Playwright: George F. Walker Tickets: 800-775-2000; At: The Division at the Viaduct, www.BroadwayInChicago.com; $27-$95 3111 N. Ave. Runs through: Feb. 19 Phone: 773-296-6024 or www.ticketweb.com; $20 BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL Runs through: Feb. 25 A needless war far away, an unpopular presi- dent and disaffected youth using sex, drugs and BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE rock ‘n’ roll as rebellion—been there, done that.

In 1810, 18-year-old English poet Percy Shelley American Idiot is the 21st-century Hair against wrote the novel he titled Zastrozzi: A Romance, the background of Iraq and George Bush instead the tale of an Italian nobleman seeking revenge of Vietnam, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon. on his illegitimate half-brother, his relent- The war may change but rebellion remains the less quest occasionally pausing for philosophi- same, remodeled by each generation as it should cal discussions. In 1977, 30-year-old Canadian be. The difference is that then “Make love, not playwright George F. Walker forged the play war” and drug culture were part of an emerg- he called Zastrozzi, The Master of Discipline, a ing political force and social philosophy, while loose adaptation of its predecessor, rife with American Idiot makes today’s disaffection seem the physical and sexual spectacle then in fash- merely nihilistic. ion—material nowadays usually played as camp The cliché storyline is dismissible but it’s a parody by young actors inclined to squirm at its workable backdrop for the strong music of Green extravagant emotions and lengthy ruminations. Day and band leader Billie Joe Armstrong’s lyrics Scott J. Campbell in American Idiot. Photo by The Division company stoutly rejects Walker’s in this jukebox-musical variation. Just as in Hair, Doug Hamilton invitation to self-conscious cheap-and-cute for youth flock to the city. In this case, three 20-ish their inaugural production, however. Yes, the male friends (the show is heavily male-centric) tumes (by Andrea Lauer) are far more goth- and scenic design includes an anachronistic slogan flee the suburbs, although their behavior is far grunge-inspired. graffitied to a wall, and the innocent Julia, more hicksville than suburbia. Actually, Will For me, the show’s greatest musical strengths played by Anne Leone, speaks in OMG-cadences, (Jake Epstein) stays behind with his pregnant are its ballads and softer numbers (my ancient but what’s most impressive about the cast as- girlfriend (Leslie McDonel), but Tunny (Scott J. Hair-generation ears can understand the lyr- sembled by director Jodi Kingsley is its, well, Campbell) and musician-wannabe Johnny (Van ics better), among them “Boulevard of Broken disciplined grasp of Shelley/Walker’s easily cari- Hughes, looking like Billie Joe Armstrong) hit Dreams” (with its perhaps unintended echoes catured roles—tightly focused concentration al- the city. Within six weeks Tunny joins the Army of earlier popular songs), “When It’s Time” and lowing the actors to retain control of their florid and Johnny meets the girl of his dreams (Ga- Zastrozzi, the Master of Discipline. Photo the extremely effective “Wake Me Up When Sep- language and neo-gothic personalities even as brielle McClinton) and becomes a junkie, thanks courtesy of Division Theater Company tember Ends,” although several high-energy the passions (and corpses) escalate. to drug dealer St. Jimmy (Joshua Kobak). The rockers such as “I Don’t Care” are effective in Anchoring the gravitas is Jason Kingsley’s events of two or three years improbably are making their points. Green Day fans will find the riveting portrayal of the nihilistic Zastrozzi, squeezed into 10 months, narrated by Johnny. navigate with dazzling agility for the brief two 95-minute show is a nearly nonstop playback of who emerges as a paragon of icy Aryan evil— Some story angles come directly from Green Day hours of a show commonly running much longer. the band’s best stuff. a rapier-thin basso profondo who would rather music videos, which doesn’t make it better. Flanking the aforementioned Kingsley are Martin As for the dazzling cast: imagine 20 or so of corrupt Julia’s virgin mind with carnal words So, once you’re passed the show’s extremely Monahan as the brutal Bernardo, Danni Smith as your favorite handsome, beautiful, sexy, muscu- than indulge the sensual appetites of the will- modest literary qualities, you’re left with an the fiery Matilda and Jeff Brown as the avuncu- lar porn performers, and they all sing like rock ing Matilda, and who dispatches his victims with absolutely dazzling cast, some excellent rock lar Victor, delivering well-crafted and carefully stars made in heaven, men and women alike. the cold-blooded indifference of divine wrath. music and a loose-limbed, almost chaotic physi- grounded performances. The irony of their art- Their faces are beautiful, their bodies ripple and Indeed, theology figures in much of the intellec- cal production with complex movement and cho- istry is that, in undermining Walker’s misguided director/co-author Michael Mayer finds ways to tual discussion, with the pursued Verrezzi (made reography (by Steven Hoggett) inspired by the aesthetic, it should make for such swashbuckling strip several down to their undies. Hooray! up to look like Shelley, himself, and played with mosh pit. And while Green Day was (is? are they quasi-Jacobean thrills. How often do we see a still?) a leading alternative rock band, the cos- annoying ingenuousness by Nick Bonges) aton- play rendered smarter than its creator intended? ing for his past crimes by withdrawing into an ecstasy of absolution, his hubristic piety con- the upheaval infecting all of America. trasting with Zastrozzi’s unflinching atheism. THEATER REVIEW Among the mostly first-person observations Joanna Iwanicka’s scenography reconfigures are the recollections of a boy whose father the smaller of the Viaduct black-box rooms into Ameriville Playwright: The Universes perished in his attempt to rescue others (ac- a labyrinth of elevated ramps, which the actors At: Victory Gardens Theater companied by a mournful mash-up of “Papa at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. was a Rolling Stone” and “Rolling On The Phone: 773-871-3000 or River”); the ruminations of a Jackson Square www.victorygardens.org; $20-$40 vendor selling spurious relics to ghoulish tour- SPOTLIGHT Runs through: Feb. 26 ists eager to buy a fragment of the tragedy; and the spectral lament of legendary Voudou BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE priestess Marie Laveau, hearing her drown- ing supplicants cry out to her in vain. In the Victory Gardens subscribers might be forgiven aftermath, military veterans return home to thinking that they stumbled into the Lincoln search the ruins of their lost families, a stand- Park Poetry Slam by mistake. No reason for up comedian riffs on inhumane urban renewal confusion, though—the venerable theater and obstructive health care, and Latinos an- company is still in the business of doing ticipate a shift of power following the dias- Don’t fret if you missed the acclaimed tour of the plays. Indeed, a yuppies-on-the-couch come- pora of displaced refugees, as vocalist Mildred 2008 Lincoln Center Theater revival of Rodgers and dy was all set to open in the early spring slot, Ruiz delivers a searing flamenco-based cante Hammerstein’s South Pacific when it played a brief run but when its author declared a no-show, Chay jondo. at the Rosemont Theatre back in 2009. The Pulitzer Yew, VG’s newly-inaugurated artistic director, When you try to be about everything, how- Prize-winning 1949 musical is back in the Chicago area looked to his former colleagues for a ready- ever, you risk being about nothing. There is for a longer stay in the Loop, so go now and revel in its made import to fill out the season. no denying the Universes’ skilled artistry (and glorious score and marvel at its serious message ques- The program presented by the four-member impressive stamina), but the show’s 90-min- tioning institutionalized racism. (South Pacific was so Universes ensemble adheres to the Slam’s ute running time takes its toll on both per- controversial that the musical was often banned in the spoken-word performance framework in that formers and audience, making for a drop in Deep South.) Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific the bulk of their text is composed of imagery- momentum during the last 15 minutes before continues through Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Cadillac Pal- infused talking-at-ya monologues, bridged by the quartet rallies for a rousing hand-clapping ace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Performances are 7:30 interludes of orchestrated speech, a cappella finale whose exhortative refrain, “Everybody p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays (also 7:30 p.m. Feb. song-medleys and percussion-based instru- row!” sweeps us—all of us, jaded theaTAHgo- 19), 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays (also 2 mentals. The theme upon which these are ers and teenagers too young to get into the p.m. Feb. 22). Tickets are $18-$85; call 800-775-2000 grouped begins with Hurricane Katrina, ex- Green Mill alike—in a flood, not of festering or visit www.broadwayinchicago.com. Photo of Marcelo pands to encompass New Orleans before and destruction this time, but of the ecstatic vi- Guzzo and Katie Reid in South Pacific by Joan Marcus after the devastation of 2005, then addresses tality that heralds healing and resurrection. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 19

p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Single tickets are ‘Enron’ at Timeline $22 for adults and $17 for students and se- through April 15 niors. For tickets, call 708-829-5050 or visit TimeLine Theatre Company—recently www.paradiseplayhouse.net. named one of the nation’s top 10 emerging professional theatres by the American Theatre Wing, the founder of the Tony Awards—pres- ‘DreamGirls’ LGBT ents the Chicago premiere of Enron by Lucy night March 3 Prebble through April 15. DreamGirls Chicago will hold its LGBT audi- Enron marks the TimeLine debut of director ence night Saturday, March 3, at the Harold Rachel Rockwell, who received the 2010 Equi- Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin ty Jeff Award for Outstanding Director (Musi- Luther King Dr. cal) for her triumphant production of Ragtime Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 at Drury Lane Oakbrook and was named Best p.m. Director of 2010 by Chicago Magazine. Based on the six-time Tony Award-winning The cast of Enron features Sean Fortunato musical, DreamGirls Chicago tells the story as Andrew Fastow, Bret Tuomi as Jeff Skilling, of an up-and-coming 1960s girl group, and TimeLine Associate Artist Terry Hamilton as the triumphs and tribulations that come with Ken Lay and Amy Matheny as Claudia Rowe, fame and fortune. with Christopher Allen, Jonathan Butler- The show runs March 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23- Duplessis, Elizabeth Dowling, Sean Patrick 25 and 30-31. Fawcett, Mark D. Hines, Matt Holzfeind, Bar- Tickets are $30 each for the March 3 show, bara Roeder Harris, Benjamin Sprunger and and comes with a concession card that al- Demetria Thomas playing multiple ensemble lows the purchaser one of three options: two roles. drinks, a tapas plate or a commemorative TimeLine is at 615 W. Wellington Ave. Tick- Six Characters in Search of an Author. photo. Call 773-779-2399 or 773-459-7043. ets are $32 (Wed.-Friday) or $42 (Saturday & Sunday). To purchase tickets or for more in- formation, call 773-281-8463, ext. 6, or visit Nathan Lane, Brian dles the comic and dramatic shifts in tone mar- THEATER REVIEW www.timelinetheatre.com. velously in an environmental staging cleverly Dennehy in ‘Iceman’ Six Characters designed by Lizzie Bracken around the remnants Artistic Director Robert Falls announced the of Tom Burch’s zany Pirates of Penzance set of Paradise’s ‘Bell cast for his major revival of Eugene O’Neill’s in Search of partial wooden piers, round picnic tables and a The Iceman Cometh at Goodman Theatre, run- an Author plastic swimming pool. Book and Candle’ ning April 21-June 10 in the Goodman’s Al- Playwright: Steve Moulds Adding immeasurably to the creepiness of the bert Theatre. piece is Maggie Fullilove-Nugent’s initially harsh through Feb. 26 As previously announced, Falls’ production after Luigi Pirandello Paradise Playhouse will run Bell Book and and then ghostly lighting design mixed with features Tony Award-winning stage and screen At: The Hypocrites at Chopin Theatre, Candle—which originally inspired the ‘60s TV Kevin O’Donnell’s sound design that turns up the stars Nathan Lane as Theodore “Hickey” Hick- 1543 W. Division St. comedy Bewitched—through Feb. 26 at Open tension. Costumer Alison Heryer also has fun man and Brian Dennehy as Larry Slade. Phone: 773-989-7352; $28-$36 Door Theatre’s brand-new residence at 902 S. with the hip young actors before going nearly Tickets are $53-$119, but prices are subject Web: www.the-hypocrites.com Ridgeland, Oak Park. black and white for the distressed family. to change; visit www.GoodmanTheatre.org or Runs through: March 11 Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 With Mould’s Six Characters…, The Hypocrites call 312-443-3800. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN has once again taken a theater classic and re- interpreted it to make it dramatically fresh and “Pirandellian” isn’t officially an adjective to de- insightfully new. Six Characters… will make you scribe a strange blending of fact and fiction, but laugh up-front, but later haunt you into think- good drama students should get the reference if ing about the thin barriers of facts and re-cre- they’ve ever studied Italian playwright Luigi Pi- ated fiction. randello’s massively influential 1920s drama Six Characters in Search of an Author. And if any of those drama students failed to grasp exactly what Pirandello’s suspenseful CRITICS’ PICKS and disturbing play meant on the page, then they (and any other open-minded theatergoer) should rush to see The Hypocrites’ wonderful new world-premiere adaptation by Steve Moulds. The Caretaker, Writers’ Theatre, through Six Characters… is famous as a mind-bending March 25. You simply won’t find a better play within a play to challenge an audience’s staging of Harold Pinter’s quintessential perception of what is real and re-enacted and 1960 Comedy of Menace, set in a tough how dreamed-up characters can become fright- London ‘hood where an old bum nearly eningly real and achieve a sense of immortality. comes between two vastly dissimilar broth- What’s wonderful with Mould’s adaptation is how ers. Beautiful acting and direction. JA he brings it so cleverly up to date and custom- Gypsy, Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook Ter- izes his script to fit the demands and character race, through April 1. Klea Blackhurst gives of The Hypocrites as a scrappy and critically- a human and powerhouse vocal performance admired Chicago theater troupe. as Madame Rose, usually just written off as Set amid leftover elements from The Hypocrites’ “the stage mother from hell.” This glorious acclaimed revival of The Pirates of Penzance, rendition of the hit musical based upon the Six Characters… ostensibly begins as a “put-in memoirs of burlesque queen Gypsy Rose Lee written by rehearsal” demonstration to show invited sup- shouldn’t be missed. SCM WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE porters (you, the audience) how the company Race, Goodman Theatre, through Feb. 19. directed by goes about its artistic business. Actors like John The mad-Mamet is back in fighting form, GARY GRIFFIN Taflan and Laura McKenzie are late or not fully scoring punch after punch with this tight memorized, while the authority of replacement little conference-room drama of attorney- director Brennan Buhl and his stage manager client ambivalence, while Chuck Smith’s sly NOW PLAYING Ryan Walter frequently get tested. (These four direction keeps our attention focused just play great comic versions of themselves.) where it Into this disorganized demonstration arrive six ought to be. MSB ghostly characters from a blended family (Ted Unnecessary Farce, First Folio Theatre Evans, Stevi Baston, Michael Molito, Samantha at Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Gleisten, Ada Grey and Larry Garner) with some through March 4. Chicago actor Paul Slade demanding help from an author to dramatize Smith’s 2006 police farce finally receives a their conflicting stories of woe. Once you get standout local debut that constantly leaves past their lengthy exposition, the six bickering you in stitches thanks to a fine-tuned com- and unsettlingly quiet family members offer riv- ic cast who wring multiple laughs out of the eting accounts of what brought so much shame silly script. SCM —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and ruin to their unhappy family. INDIVIDUAL MAJOR PRODUCTION Raymond and 2011/12 SEASON and Morgan SPONSORS SUPPORTERS Hypocrites artistic director Halena Kays han- Judy McCaskey Official Marketing Season Sponsor Lighting Design Upstairs Theater Subscription Series Season Sponsor Shakespeare Trust Airline Partner Sponsor Sponsor Partner 20 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Local high school students take risk with ‘Laramie’

BY STEVEN CHAITMAN ficulty is the administration’s attitude toward the arts, which she described as “indifferent.” They were supposed to do A Midsummer Night’s “They’ll tell us, ‘It’s great that you’re doing Dream—something light, something fun to per- that,’ but they never find out what we’re doing,” form. It would also be a production elementary she said. school kids could come see, and a show that Instead, it was the reaction of the students would make the school a bit of money. coming to see the designated school perfor- However, Lisa Ehrlich-Menard, drama director mance that Ehrlich-Menard feared the most. at Curie Metro High School, 4959 S. Archer Ave., She wrote letters to teachers, who could choose had had enough of the status quo. She usually whether to bring their students, and warned confined the study of social issues theatre to the them that some kids might laugh at inappro- classroom, but decided it was time to challenge priate moments or say obnoxious, disruptive her Drama III students, and to make them look things. She also gave them study guides so that at real issues from the outside and then channel the students would be prepared for what they them into performance. So she chose The Lara- were seeing. mie Project. Whether it was the advance notice or the pow- “I think I’m just getting tired,” said Ehrlich- er of the production itself, it worked. Deanna Aguilera (center, standing) and cast of Curie Metro High School’s Laramie Project. Photo Menard, who has taught at Curie for six years. “[The students in the audience] were amaz- courtesy of Lisa Ehrlich-Menard “I’m getting tired of not giving these teenagers ing,” Ehrlich-Menard said. “The audience was power, letting them understand the power that silent, which we never get—ever.” A magnet school in Archer Heights with a stu- “The fact that I got to be in something like they should feel they have and that their voice Since it debuted in 2000, The Laramie Project, dent population that includes large percentages this and show an audience that this is going on does matter, they can make a difference and by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic of Latino and Black students, Curie’s racial lines and it should be changed felt amazing,” Aguilera they can do it through the arts when everybody Theatre Project, has become a paragon of social are apparent every day, but issues of sexual ori- said. is telling them that the arts don’t necessarily justice theatre and a staple of high school drama entation and gender identity are discussed with After all the students shared their initial re- matter and the arts are not going to get you repertoire. However, for the students of Curie, more rarity. As such, many of the students in the flections on the production, Ehrlich-Menard took anywhere.” the dramatic recounting of the brutal 1998 beat- play realized the importance of their production. the opportunity to remind the teens of exactly Ehrlich-Menard wasn’t worried about getting ing and eventual death of gay college student Curie senior Jocelyn Diaz said that, before how much of a difference they already made. She fired for choosing a play centered on gay issues Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo. was a discov- working on this play, she did not realize how big said a number of teachers have thanked her per- and hate; that’s not a problem at Curie. The dif- ery, and a powerful one at that. the scope of LGBT issues was. sonally and for her bravery in putting on “Lara- “I think that this play was really hard to put mie.” on because I don’t think a lot of people can “Some of you didn’t realize how big of a CULTURE CLUB grasp the idea of homosexuality,” Diaz said. “I deal [this play] would end up being,” she told think we all need to work really hard to show them. “And I just hope this makes you realize people that it’s there and they need to acknowl- the transformative power that theatre can have, edge it. That’s the way our society is.” which is what I’ve been trying to do for the last A group of the students, all of whom are se- three years. It can be fun, but you can use it.” niors, came to the regular post-show hangout Ehrlich-Menard has seen tremendous growth restaurant after the Feb. 2 performance, but in her students since beginning work on The the usual camaraderie of high school theatre Laramie Project. They go on Facebook and share kids was distinctly absent, the play’s somber- videos related to “Laramie” and other LGBT ness following them across the street. Putting fronts. on The Laramie Project clearly takes every ounce “[They’ve learned] that hey aren’t just passive of their strength, and it becomes all too easy consumers, that they also have ability to affect to get emotional. For many of the students, it’s people and make difference and say something,” also personal, and that can really bring on the she said. “They did not feel that before. Most tears. high school kids don’t feel that way. They are A number of them woefully admitted to having now so much more vocal about things.” used phrases like “that’s so gay” or “you’re so Some of that growth has been intensely per- gay,” and now understand how those words can sonal. Ehrlich-Menard said she’s extremely proud hurt—and it bothers them. of one student in particular who felt strongly “When [my brother] came out I didn’t real- against homosexuality before the play, but has ize how much [saying those phrases] would hurt since become more tolerant, now at least seeing him until one day we were downtown and some it as a choice that should be accepted. guy called him a faggot,” said student Nileen The play has also caught the attention of the Cancel. “For somebody to say that to my own Curie administration. Two, including the princi- brother … I didn’t like it. I love him so much pal, attended part of the final performance on and I think about what they did to Matthew… Feb. 4. if something were to happen to my brother be- Now Ehrlich-Menard faces the challenge of cause he was gay, I couldn’t handle it.” making sure this big step is just the beginning Eric Ayala discovered firsthand how his words for her students. could hurt when he learned that his cousin had “I don’t want them to forget that how they told everyone else in his family that he was gay are on a daily basis speaks volumes as well as except for him. putting on a big piece once,” she said. “I don’t “[My cousin] said that he hears the way I was want this to be over because the play is over.” talking to other people and he didn’t like that The class hopes to attend Redtwist Theatre’s and he didn’t want me judging him,” Ayala said. production of The Laramie Project: Ten Years “So that made me think: he’s right, I shouldn’t Later, which opens in March. Judy Shepard will be judging people—I’m no one to judge any- be in town for the March 10 performance ben- body. Saying stuff like that is not going to do efiting the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and anything; it’s not going to make them change. Ehrlich-Menard said she hopes Shepard might be It’s just going to hurt them.” available to talk with the students. She felt it Deanna Aguilera, an out lesbian student, has would be a meaningful way to cap off a socially two older siblings who are also openly gay. She significant production and, more importantly, has long been involved in LGBT activism, includ- what has been an unforgettable experience for ing her school’s gay-straight alliance, and being her students. in the play reminded her of the difference she can make. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 21 PERFORMANCE them had their parents throw them out once really worked hard to start a gay men’s alliance they found out their [child’s] identity, and then at POW-WOW,” said Carter. committed survival crimes. Whether it’s prosti- However, Carter credits the attendees with the POW-WOW tution, robbery, burglary or whatever, they end- uplifting, benevolent spirit of POW-WOW. ed up having to commit crimes to sustain their “Many of the women here are survivors, in the livelihood as a homeless teen.” many different aspects of what you call a survi- provides space The organization also strives to engage se- vor, whether it is a survivor of discrimination, a niors in the LGBT community and include men as survivor of sexual assault, a survivor of domestic allies. abuse,” said Carter. for women poets “Gay men really don’t have to be advocates for POW-WOW gathers at Jeffrey Pub, 7104 S. women. Even gay men can be sexist … So, we Jeffrey Blvd., every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. BY JAMIE ANNE ROYCE

C.C. Carter, an award-winning slam poet, trav- eled the country, performing mostly in commer- Dan Savage’s ‘Pariah’ at cial, straight or male-dominated venues. “When I was on tour, what I found was a lot ‘It Gets Better’ ICE Chatham of the women would do their watered-down special Feb. 21 thru Feb. 16 work that was more appealing to the audience MTV and Logo announced that Dan Sav- Pariah—the critically acclaimed coming-of- at hand, and I felt there was so much work that age—syndicated columnist, author, co-cre- age film about an African-American lesbian— was deeper to these women. There was no space ator of the It Gets Better Project and star of will run at the ICE Chatman 14 movie theater, for that,” said Carter. MTV’s upcoming series Savage U—will anchor 210 W. 87th St., through Thursday, Feb. 16. In response, Carter started POW-WOW, a safe a 60-minute “It Gets Better” special, accord- Adepero Oduye portrays Alike, a 17-year- space performing arts community for women. ing to a press release. The show will air on old African American dealing with her sexual Every Tuesday for nine years, women have gath- MTV and Logo Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 11 p.m. identity and a conservative family. ered at a bar for an open mic night, kicked off ET/PT. See a review at www.windycitymediagroup. by a featured performer. It Gets Better will focus on three young com/lgbt/Knight-at-the-Movies-Pariah-An- Carter boasts that top acts stop in Chicago people at crossroads in their lives, and will gels-Crest-film-notes/35487.html. to perform at POW-WOW for free. Most recently, include video messages from numerous celeb- the group hosted Virginia Grise—a director, per- rities, including Jake Shears, Maroon 5’s Adam former, poet and author—who was in town for Levine, Zachary Quinto, Chaz Bono, Margaret WCT movie critic an artist’s residency at DePaul University. Cho, and Savage and partner Terry Miller. part of Feb. 20 event “Spaces like these are part of how I began “The lives of these three young people will “Press Pass: LIVE Academy Awards Preview writing, because there was open space to work. resonate with millions of teens—gay and in 4D” will take place at the Victory Gardens So I think it is important to keep these spaces straight—who are being bullied for simply Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. alive. And I really love how queer-centered, how being themselves,” said Savage. The Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips will woman-centered POW-WOW is. It’s a very loving “It’s so important they know that things host. Other film experts at the event will in- space,” said Grise, who read selections from Blu, get better and that living openly and hon- clude Windy City Times’ Richard Knight Jr., a play about a Chicana lesbian couple and their estly and being who you are makes it bet- C.C. Carter. Photo by Jamie Anne Royce Tasha Robinson of The Onion’s AV Club and children. ter. They have so many great moments ahead Adam Kempenaar of Filmspotting. While POW-WOW focuses on providing a per- of them and they will do things they never Tickets are $15 each; purchase at www. detention center. formance space for women, the organization thought possible—so long as they keep fight- eventbrite.com/event/2875473619. also serves the broader LGBT community with its “We found that over 70 percent of the women ing, stay positive and stay with us.” She Speaks mentoring program in the juvenile incarcerated were LGBTQ,” said Carter. “Most of

WORLD’S HOTTEST CHOREOGRAPHERS: FORSYTHE | WHEELDON | MCGREGOR

FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 15-26,15-26, 20122012

WAYNE MCGREGOR’S INFRA PRESENTING SPONSOR INFRA PRODUCTION SPONSOR 50 EAST CONGRESS PARKWAY CHICAGO ANNE AND BURT KAPLAN FUND OF THE ORLI AND BILL STALEY MAYER AND MORRIS KAPLAN FAMILY FOUNDATION 800.982.2787 2011 - 2012 SEASON SPONSORS WILLIAM FORSYTHE’S IN THE MIDDLE, SOMEWHAT ELEVATED PRODUCTION SPONSOR JOFFREY.ORG/WINTER ELIZABETH F. CHENEY FOUNDATION

JOFFREY DANCER: RICARDO SANTOS | PHOTO BY: SANDRO TICKETS START AT $25 22 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES is on talking about dance rather than showing it and there is nothing here that mirrors the sen- sual splendor of Pina, Wim Wenders stunningly KNIGHT evocative tribute to the German modern-dance choreographer Pina Bausch. Hercules is also AT robbed of a living subject—like the fiery, elo- THE quent Bill T. Jones—upon which to anchor the movie. But given that and the fact that this is MOVIES the first full-length portrait of Joffrey and Ar- pino and their company, it makes Hercules’ ap- proach both understandable and laudatory. The film plays exclusively at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., at 8 p.m. Saturday, By Feb. 18, and Wed., Feb. 20. Each of the screen- Richard ings will be followed by a discussion that will Knight, Jr. include Hercules and panelists made up of local dance journalists, Joffrey dancers and associates of the company. www.siskelfilmcenter.org

Joffrey; Why haven’t audiences warmed to Woody Har- relson in his serious roles as they have when he plays comic flakes, stoners and wackos? Is Rampart; it because he brings such a scary, single-mind- ed intensity to his characters? Or because the film note common link between all these complex perfor- mances is that they are antiheroes? Whatever Late last year Chicago-based - it is, Harrelson’s fearlessness and willingness to maker Bob Hercules co-directed Bill T. Jones: A Robert Joffrey (top) and in Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance. plumb the depths of these emotionally scarred, Good Man, a sensational portrait of the mod- morally reprehensible characters is once again ern dance maven. Now, in Joffrey: Mavericks on display in Rampart. The movie reteams Har- of American Dance, Hercules relates the story relson with Oren Moverman, who directed the of Robert Joffrey, another innovator in the field centers with six dancers in 1956), this is what month after the dedication of the Joffrey Tower actor in the criminally overlooked The Messen- who, along with partner Gerald Arpino, meshed they did. The strategy proved very successful in in the Loop. ger. the worlds of classical ballet and modern dance helping the company make a name for itself with “The American Dance” in the title of Hercules’ Harrelson plays Dave Brown, a career cop within their own company. Informative rather the general public; however, Joffrey’s egalitar- movie underscores his theme that Joffrey and who doesn’t suffer fools gladly; lives with his than inspirational, the film nevertheless imparts ian attitude toward dancers was considered very Arpino’s company—by combining classical and two ex-wives (sisters, played by Cynthia Nixon a story that reminds us of the tremendous im- controversial within the rigid world of dance. modern as well as populist works and including and Anne Heche) and his two daughters; and pact these two gay men have had on the world Joffrey’s strategy and a series of financial dancers of varying heights and ethnicities—was nightly picks up another woman (two of them of the arts and, perhaps more importantly, main- and creative ups and downs are detailed in the truly the country’s first democratic dance corps. being Audra McDonald and Robin Wright). It’s stream culture. film via narration by Mandy Patinkin and archi- Also, it’s clear from the archival footage that Los Angeles in 1999 and the police department Robert Joffrey was just 16 when he met the val footage, along with memories and insights this democratic approach included a frankness is in the midst of dealing with the fallout from 22-year-old Gerald Arpino in 1945. However, al- from former company dancers, biographers and about male sexuality and the male form that the Rampart scandal (caused when widespread ready the wunderkind had mapped out his future dance journalists (including Hedy Weiss of the were clearly revolutionary. corruption with the department’s anti-gang di- and soon he and his lover headed for New York, Sun-Times). With the help of financial backing The travails and triumphs of the Joffrey’s long vision was revealed). Brown is a dirty cop, long where the two worked to become recognized in by a wealthy patron, the company had achieved history naturally lend the film (which is less used to having his way on the streets and in his the field of dance. In 1954 they co-founded the worldwide recognition; however, by 1965 Joffrey a movie and more an installment of American personal life. However, Brown’s career begins to Joffrey Ballet, with Joffrey as its artistic head and Arpino, after parting ways with the patron, Masters on PBS, where it will probably end up) implode after he’s set up by one of his enemies and Arpino as its principal choreographer/danc- had had to start over. Although no longer lov- an episodic quality that doesn’t allow Hercules and is caught on tape beating a suspect nearly er. Two years later the tiny group began to make ers, they continued to live and work together screen time to delve deeply into a lot of personal to death. Nothing he seems to do after that a name for itself outside of New York. Joffrey until Joffrey’s untimely death at 57 from AIDS sidebars that the movie could have used. Most point in either his career or personal life seems had hit upon the idea of bringing dance to the in 1988. Arpino then became the company’s ar- disconcertingly, the long history of the company to stop his downward spiral. masses and, from humble beginnings (via a sta- tistic director and, in 1995, permanently moved precludes anything much more than 30-second Moverman, co-scripting with James Ellroy— tion-wagon tour of high schools and community the company to Chicago. He died in 2008, just a glimpses of the Joffrey repertoire. The emphasis the crime-writing expert upon whose story the material is based—has a knack for giving his tremendous cast scant moments to make their presence felt (sometimes, literally, in slivers of screen time) and Harrelson’s talent for these bad apples, as noted, is wondrous. But all that good acting is in service to yet another story about a rogue cop and if I never see another movie focused on a cop drinkin’, smokin’, womanizin’ and behaving with violent disregard of the law, it won’t be too soon. Enough with the soulless, corrupt cops Hollywood—familiarity has bred contempt.

Film note: Oscar talk: Here’s your chance to pit your Oscar predictions against the pros and support your local queer film critic. On Monday, Feb. 20, Chicago Tribune film critic Michael Phillips will host an Academy Awards preview (complete with clips of the nominated films and more) at Victory Gardens Theater (former home of the historic Biograph) at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. at 7 p.m. Phillips will be joined by fellow critics Adam Kempenaar of the popular WBEZ podcast “Filmspotting,” Tasha Robinson of the Onion’s AV Club and yours truly, representing the group that views the Oscars as the gay men’s national holiday. Avid movie fans of all persuasions are invited to attend. Tickets and further info are at www.chicagotribune.com/news/tribnation/ events. Check out my archived reviews at www. windycitymediagroup.com or www.knightat- themovies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the latter website. The Joffrey performs Gerald Arpino’s “Light Rain,” as seen in Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 23 icon with the most beautiful voice. When she we celebrate her legacy. With that, we say, ‘Take sang “and above all I wish you love” in her 1993 your flight, Miss Whitney. Hasten to his throne; rendition of Dolly Parton’s classic [“I Will Always we—the world and your family—may have loved Love You”], it was simply inspiring and uplift- you, but it is God who loved you more.’” ing. Her struggles against the many ‘demons’ in Amy Matheny, an actress and the voice behind her life made her oddly human, and were issues Windy City Queercast, said, “I distinctly remem- almost everyone can relate to. But above all, her ber the first time I heard her cover of ‘I Will voice will live forever.” Always Love You.’ I was a HUGE Dolly Parton fan, Angelique Munro commented that the pass- being from eastern Tennessee. I was living in ing was “very sad. Whitney just couldn’t recover Memphis, driving down Union Ave. I literally from her demons and restart her career.” pulled over my car to listen to it. I had heard William Hall said, “What a great loss. If only Dolly sing that song at the close of each evening she had internalized the words of ‘The Greatest of her Dolly variety show on TV. But Whitney Love of All,’ which she sang with such heartfelt took the song to a transcendent place, as she sincerity. His 12-year-old son, Camran Tindell- did with each song she sung. Hall, added, “Whitney Houston was a great sing- “Whitney Houston was also the only concert I er and will be dearly missed.” ever went to with my brother Hank. [That was] Couple TJ and Brad Williams-Hauger wrote, “As also in Memphis, and in the early ‘90s. We stood part of Black History Month she was an amaz- on our chairs the whole time in the 10th row. ing, encouraging and spiritual presence for so It was one of the greatest concerts I ever saw. many in the African-American community and R.I.P. Whitney, and thanks for the memories.”

“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” over such Adele, Whitney at artists as David Guetta and DJ duo Duck center of Grammys Sauce—who had a song entitled “Barbra This year’s 54th Annual Grammy Awards, Streisand” in the category. held Feb. 12, will be remembered as the year Whitney Houston. PR photo of the woman—for two distinctly different reasons. Matt Bomer Adele tied a record for women by winning comes out all six of the awards she was nominated for, Matt Bomer—the star of the USA series including album, record and song of the year. White Collar—officially came out of the clos- Whitney Houston: The British singer also made a highly antici- et, US Magazine reported. pated return to the stage after dealing with Bomer, 34, did so at the Steve Chase Hu- a hemmorrhaged vocal cord, ripping through manitarian Awards Feb. 11, where he was An icon passes on her hit “Rolling in the Deep.” By the time she honored with the New Generation Arts and won her last award, the Armani-clad chan- Activism Award for his work in the fight teuse was in tears. against HIV/AIDS. BY ANDREW DAVIS married 1992-2007—years that were seen as a However, another woman was in the spot- “I’d really especially like to thank my particularly volatile time in Houston’s life. light for a much more tragic reason: Whitney beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry,” Grammy-winning singer Whitney Houston died Houston’s sexuality was the subject of specu- Houston. The superstar passed away the pre- Bomer told the crowd. “Thank you for teach- Feb. 11 at the age of 48. lation, particularly regarding close friend Robyn vious night of unspecified causes. ing me what unconditional love is. You will Houston died during the afternoon at the Bev- Crawford. However, Houston and Crawford always Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Houston by always be my proudest accomplishment.” erly Hilton hotel. No sign of foul play has been denied rumors they were having a lesbian affair. singing the latter’s signature song, “I Will Al- Bomer’s partner is publicist Simon Halls, who reported. In 1987, Houston addressed the rumors in Time also represents Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy Houston won two Emmy Awards, six Gram- magazine by saying, “People see Robyn with me, and actor Neil Patrick Harris. my Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards and 22 and they draw their own conclusions. Anyway, On the big screen, Bomer will next appear American Music Awards during her career. Her al- whose business is it if you’re gay or like dogs? in the male-stripper movie Magic Mike with bum, Whitney, was the first album from a female What others do shouldn’t matter. Let people Matthew McConaughey and Channing Tatum. to ever debut at number one on the Billboard talk. It doesn’t bother me because I know I’m charts. She has sold close to 200 million albums not gay. I don’t care.” worldwide. (Crawford reminisced about Houston in an Es- Kate Clinton in Just a few of her hits include “So Emotional,” quire.com article. In part, she stated, “Now I “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” “My Love Is Your Love” can’t believe that I’m never going to hug her or Madison Feb. 17 and “Saving All My Love For You.” hear her laughter again. I loved her laughter, Lesbian comedian Kate Clinton will perform She also appeared in several movies, includ- and that’s what I miss most—that’s what I miss at the Barrymore Theatre in Madison, Wis., ing The Bodyguard (which featured her record- already.”) Friday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. setting remake of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Houston is also survived by her mother, Cissy Michael Feldman, the host of NPR’s Love You”), Waiting to Exhale and Cinderella Houston. Singer Dionne Warwick is her cousin “Whad’Ya Know,” will open the evening. (with Brandy). She’s also in the movie Sparkle, and Aretha Franklin is her godmother. The proceeds of the event are going to sup- slated to arrive in theaters Aug. 10, according to Bobbi Kristina, 18, was taken to the hospital port The Progressive magazine, now in its People.com. Feb. 12 after being taken from the same hotel 103rd year of publication in Madison. Both Clinton and Feldman write for The Progres- However, later in her career, she was known where her mother passed away. She was released ways Love You,” concluding, “Whitney, we will sive. for her dealing with drug usage. She admitted after being treated for anxiety, according to ABC always love you.” Event host LL Cool J started Tickets are $30 each; see www.barrymore- to abusing several drugs, including marijuana, News. the show by saying, “We’ve had a death in our live.com. Those interested in meeting Clinton cocaine or pills. The drugs altered her voice to Many shows devoted whole segments or entire family, and so at least for me—for me—the before at a pre-event dinner should call 608- the point where she couldn’t hit the high notes episodes to Houston on Feb. 12 and 13. On The only thing that feels right is to begin with a 257-4626 or email [email protected]. she once did. Wendy Williams Show, the host tearfully broke prayer for a woman we loved, for our fallen Celebrities immediately reacted to the news. down as she recalled her own past as an ad- sister, Whitney Houston.” He then led a short According to CNN.com, singer Gloria Estefan dict—and then made the rare move of saying prayer and played a bit of her video for the Center’s Oscar tweeted, “Shocked we’ve lost the immensely she’d no longer talk about Houston’s death. song “I Will Always Love You.” talented Whitney Houston! Sending prayers of The New York Post reported Feb. 13 that Hous- Rapper Nicki Minaj caused a stir by entering party at peace & solace 2 her family, friends & fans! ton is set to be buried in her hometown of New- the ceremony with a man dressed as a pope Park West Feb. 26 Such a loss!” Ryan Seacrest posted, “At Gram- ark, N.J. later this week. and then putting on an exorcism-themed per- mys rehearsal hearing Whitney Houston has Center on Halsted’s 2012 “On the Red Car- formance reportedly involving her alter ego, pet” Oscar party will move venues, taking passed away at 48. Everyone here is absolutely Local reactions Roman Zolanski. Chris Brown—three years stunned.” Joan Rivers tweeted, “What a sad Several members of the local LGBT community place at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., removed from assaulting then-girlfriend Ri- on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. tragedy-the end of the life of an incredible tal- emailed Windy City Times about Houston’s pass- hanna—won a Grammy for best R&B album ent. RIP to an amazing singer and legend.” ing. There will be a silent auction and raffle for F.A.M.E. prizes; cocktails and buffet dinner; a predict- Barbra Streisand said in a statement, “She had Hip-hop artist Tim’m T. West stated, “Whitney Other award winners included Bon Iver everything—beauty, a magnificent voice. How Houston’s clarity of voice enabled my own clar- the-winner contest; champagne service; and, (Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music of course, the live Academy Awards telecast. sad her gifts could not bring her the same hap- ity of acceptance. She was one of the first art- Album), Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse piness they brought us.” Facebook co-founder ists I’d listen to as a teen and not change the Tickets are $30-$125 each. See www.cen- (Best Pop Duo/Group Performance), Foo teronhalsted.org/oscars.html. Mark Zuckerberg posted, “R.I.P. Whitney Hous- pronouns. To that extent, her music has been so Fighters (Best Rock Performance and Best ton. Thank you for the amazing music you integral to my self-acceptance ... and a reminder Rock Song) and Kanye West (Best Rap Album, brought into the world.” that if we don’t honor the instruments we are among other awards). She had one child, Bobbi Kristina Brown, with given, we can surely lose them.” Skrillex won for best dance recording for husband Bobby Brown. Houston and Brown were Robert Garofalo wrote, “She was simply an 24 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

the DISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN make items that are much lighter.” Himmel wants to make the restaurant an alternative to the SAVOR frat-boy nightlife on nearby Division Street. “We don’t have PROFILE BY Andrew Davis baseline liquors. We make our own juices and our own syrups for our cocktails. It’s an intimate space that’s great for a first Eduardo’s Enoteca: date,” he said. [Note: I have to disagree with this statement. Coffeehouses are great for first dates nowadays. People would An intimate space have to earn their privilege to eat here.] “We don’t want peo- ple coming in here drunk at 2 a.m.” Forget about getting those calzones and deep-dish pizzas at Speaking of eating, the food and extensive wine list are 1212 N. Dearborn St.—Edwardo’s Natural Pizzas has been re- definitely above the cut. My dining partner and I really liked born as Eduardo’s Enoteca. the wild mushroom crostini. What’s more impressive is that my Last year, the eatery closed for renovations—and, boy, has friend was totally converted by the Brussels sprouts (which it changed. The bright, family-friendly atmosphere now has may not be at the restaurant now, as it’s out of season)—she a more intimate one. There is a more sophisticated setting, absolutely hated them before trying them at Eduardo’s. The complete with features such as drop ceilings. aforementioned proscuitto arugula pizza is heavenly, by the In addition, the menu now has antipasti such as zucchini way. Also, you can’t leave without trying dessert; in the case carpaccio, salads like spinach pancetta and black ink linguini of the ricotta cheesecake, the restaurant definitely saved the among its pasta dishes. There is still pizza, but these rustic best for last. (However, you might have to arrive early for the items are varieties such as potato gorgonzola and prosciutto flourless chocolate cake, as the eatery was out of it at 7:45 arugula. (However, all of the items are moderately priced, with p.m.) just about all the items costing $15 or less.) Oh, by the way, when you’re there, say hello to manager When asked what led to the overhaul, proprietor/Executive Jonathan Self—one of the friendliest guys you’ll ever meet Chef Noah Himmel said, “This is a family business. ... Edwar- (actually hugging me on my way out). On the night I went do’s has been around for about 30 years, and we hadn’t done there, he was actually helping to shovel snow off the sidewalk. much to change the concept. I wanted to do something that See www.eduardosenoteca.com. stuck with an Italian theme, but I wanted to freshen it up and

the assortment of black-and-white photographs Phil Stefani’s of men and women who had something to do with Italian food, Italian music or the founding 437 Rush of 437 Rush, but nary a Leaning Tower of Pisa is REVIEW BY JOE FRANCO to be seen. Perhaps I am used to hearing “That’s Amore” When it comes to Italian restaurants, I know played while I slurp down overcooked spaghetti what you’re thinking: bad murals of Rome carbonara (which, thanks to Rachael Ray, is a painted on rustic-looking plaster walls, check- step above Hamburger Helper these days). How- ered tablecloths, cheap bottles of Chianti strewn ever, the music at 437 Rush is a unique assort- about and endless recordings of Dean Martin or ment of French jazz, house music and even elec- Pavarotti singing about either pizza or the joys tronica that at least gives the illusion that you of the martini. However, Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush might actually be in Europe. I must say, even if is not cliché, not in any way. it served food worse than Portillo’s, this alone is If I had to describe the restaurant in one reason enough to dine here. word, I would say “delightful.” The bar area is a Executive Chef Federico Comacchio is a master blend of classic Italy and River North, with its of meat. The restaurant is known for a number carrera marble bar top and modern background of dishes but none so much as the endless sup- murals, you instantly are aware that this is not ply of great-quality surf and turf. Once the Olive Garden, or Macaroni Grille or whatever terrible place has convinced you that you are, 437 Rush’s executive chef Federico Turn to page 26 in fact, eating Italian food. Oh sure, you’ll see Comacchio. Press photo

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To get your business listed in The Dish, contact [email protected] WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 25 own happiness, then we can find a mate for WCT: Is that something you draw from your ourselves, or companion or significant other or own experience? whatever you want to call it. That’s certainly Madonna: Yeah, but I think a lot of people can Madonna what the Duchess imparts to Wally, and I hope relate to it. A lot of us feel like we don’t fit into that I can inspire other women to think that the conventional norm or what society expects expresses herself way with my own life and behavior. from us. More and more, people are redefining WCT: What’s the thing that surprised you what makes a family, what makes a couple, what Gay icon relates herself to everything now.”—and the one her longtime most about Wallis Simpson while doing your makes love, what romance is, what a union is, publicist, Liz Rosenberg, insisted will put her in research? what soul mates are—all of these things we’re ‘strong women’ in new film, a good mood for the rest of the day. Madonna Madonna: The discoveries that Wally makes in reinventing, because family is what you make it. talks being an outsider and agreed, sighing: “Let’s start with levity.” her journey and her investigations were essen- It’s funny how things turn out that way. Some- the latest era of her career Madonna was in her groove around us. She tially mine. When I heard about the story—what times your parents aren’t really the people who knew we get her even when she’s wielding a magnanimous, generous romantic gesture nurture you. You have other role models in your snarky cracks. Ask her if she knew how to do Edward VIII made toward Wallis Simpson—I life that become your mother and your father. the twist like the characters in her film and she thought the same thing that Wally says when It’s unusual when the family you’re born into is responded: “Yes.” Hard pause. “Pretty simple.” she’s looking in the mirror trying on the neck- actually the people that feel like your family. Reminisce on when you last interviewed Madon- lace: “What must it feel to be loved that much?” WCT: Growing up, you rebelled against your na and she won’t care. “All right, let’s get down As I started to unravel the story and read the upbringing and convention, becoming a major to business,” she insisted, done with small talk. letters and go on the journey that I went on trailblazer. How is it different being a mother And so we do. Looking stunningly flawless, to write the script, I realized that, in fact, it with kids who will not have to fight the same not at all her 53 years, in a deep blue dress with wasn’t this fairytale romance as I had imagined battles that you fought? her now-infamous black gloves and a bracelet of it would be. I found that Wallis Simpson tried to Madonna: Not that this has anything to do four crosses to represent each one of her chil- avoid the actual marriage from taking place and with my film, but it’s an interesting question. dren, she gives us exactly what we want: Madon- how she saw the writing on the wall and how she I don’t think that I’m a conventional parent. I na. No pretense. No filter. No warm-and-fuzzy. In tried her best to get Edward to see the writing realize that, to a certain extent, my children are the interview, she talks about the challenges of on the wall. She was very astute in her observa- raised with privilege; they have housekeepers, being a strong woman in a man’s world, teach- tions, but obviously she couldn’t talk him into [and] I didn’t. There are a lot of differences. ing her children to be unique and how outsiders her point of view. He was just cunt-struck, as On the other hand, my parents raised me in a can relate to her new film. they say in England. [Laughs at her choice of very conventional way and I rebelled against it, Windy City Times: What similarities do you words] Sorry! and now my children come to me and they often see between Wallis and Evita? WCT: Did you ever think of making the mov- want to do things because everybody else does Madonna: What they have in common is what ie without the contrasting modern-day story them, and I say to them, “That’s just the worst many people have in common who are public of someone reflecting on a historical figure? reason I’ve ever heard for doing something.” figures, who become iconic and who have some Madonna: No. I wasn’t interested in making a I encourage them to question things. Ques- kind of historical impact, especially women— straightforward biopic. I don’t think it’s possible tion their behavior, take responsibility for their strong women. People have a tendency to feel to tell the story of one person from beginning to behavior, think outside the box. And they will intimidated by the strength of these women, end in two hours. I think that’s actually an un- have a different set of challenges. They will be and in order to accept—actually, the word “ac- cept” is wrong, because I don’t think they’re ac- tually accepted. I think in order to deal with them, a lot of people who write history books—and humanity in general—have a tendency to diminish women Madonna on or undermine their accomplishments or try to the set of W.E. Madonna. Photo from The Weinstein Company portray them as heretical or as someone with Photo from an evil possession of some kind of sorcery, or The Weinstein undermine their strength or intelligence, so I Company By Chris Azzopardi think they have those things in common. Now I’m not saying that Eva Peron is without flaws or With all of Madonna’s metamorphoses through- that Wallis Simpson was this perfect holy human out her balls-out career, slipping in and out of being, but I do think they were both dealt with cultural zeitgeists (and accents), the queen cha- in a very unfair way in the history books. meleon is still the master of reinvention. Just WCT: Have you felt that way? don’t tell her that. Madonna: [Laughs, expecting the question] “Please don’t throw those tired, old clichés at Well, yeah, sure. Yes, of course. I mean, I don’t fair challenge to give oneself. And also, truth is compared to me. I will be some kind of a bench- me,” Madonna playfully insisted, nodding her think it’s just me. It’s strong women in general. so subjective and each of us could read the same mark that they have to live with and deal with, head at me in half-kidding agitation. (Hey, at WCT: Why? five books about the Duke and Duchess of Wind- and they are going to have to find their way in least it wasn’t hydrangeas.) Madonna: Why? Because… [Hesitates] sor and we would walk away with a different the world. We are all born with, and into, our Her annoyance was marked with cheekiness— WCT: You’re a threat? interpretation. It would impact us in a different challenges, so I don’t think for a second that life and a smile—that only the First Lady of Pop Madonna: No. It’s just the nature of the uni- way, and so it was important for me to establish is going to be so simple and easy for them. could pull off, and has, for three decades. This is verse. It’s the nature of the world that we live that. As much research as I did, and as close as WCT: Do you feel like all your years of re- a new chapter in the indelible diva’s run, as she in. We live in a patriarchal society and strong I tried to stay to the truth and as authentic as search on Wallis Simpson is over with, or are drops her hyped 12th album, MDNA, in March women have to… I wanted to be, it was important that I be clear you still invested in her? via a three-disc deal with Interscope; plans WCT: Challenge that? that it is a point of view. I never intended to Madonna: I’m done with my deep research, to launch an extensive world tour; performed, Madonna: No. They’re held under a microscope just tell the story of Wallis Simpson. but I still feel a strong connection to her. She’s perhaps, the gayest Super Bowl halftime ever; and judged and measured in a different way. WCT: What’s the importance of telling this always going to be a part of me. I am still un- and releases her feature-length directorial de- That’s just the law of the universe right now. story from your point of view? covering little gems about her. People come to but, W.E., a pet project that recently won her a WCT: The film is driven by a contemporary Madonna: Most of the perspective on the story me and say, “Oh, look at this little note that we Golden Globe for Best Original Song. woman’s view of this historical figure. Do you is, “Look what he gave up for her,” and it’s told found in this handbag that was auctioned off 20 And she—sexpot, spiritualist, Material Girl— see anything in your story that may, or that from the male point of view. I think that when years ago.” People are still bringing me bits and really only had one word to define herself at the you hope one day may, do the same for some- Wally starts to make all these discoveries about bobs and memorabilia, so I’m still discovering moment: “Busy.” Always unpredictable, she’s not one else? the Duchess, she appeals to Mohamed Al Fayed things about her—and I’m sure I will for the rest interested in breaking down the details of what’s Madonna: The Duchess is really Wally’s spiri- (keeper of the Duke and Duchess’ letters) as an of my life. to come. All she cared to talk about is the film, tual guide, so to speak, and even though [the outsider, because he lives as a foreigner and as I was actually going through my papers in a semi-biopic on Wallis Simpson (played by An- Duchess] came from a different era where wom- an outsider in England, not really accepted by my files the other day and found an astrologi- drea Riseborough) and King Edward VIII dove- en didn’t have the same kind of choices and op- society. cal reading that someone had done for me 30 tailed with a modern-day love story centered on portunities, we as women still are all raised on Really, in my movie, each character is an out- years ago. I was reading it, and the woman was fictionalized damsel-in-distress Wally Winthrop this fairytale idea that no matter how many op- sider. Wally is living in alienation in the Upper talking about some aspect of my personality and (Abbie Cornish). portunities we have education-wise or job-wise, East Side, where she doesn’t fit in; [Wally’s love she quoted Wallis Simpson: “All for love and the Seated with Madonna at a Waldorf-Astoria your knight in shining armor is going to arrive interest] Evgeni is a Ukrainian immigrant work- world well lost.” I thought, “How weird—she suite in New York City, one writer told her he on his beautiful white stallion and sweep you ing as a security guard, but he’s really an intel- was already a part of my life.” That was a little had a question to kick off the interview. “I’m off your feet and take you off into the twilight, lectual and an artist and he doesn’t fit in; the foreshadowing. That happened 30 years ago, sure you do,” she quipped all-knowingly, as if and you’re going to live happily ever after. Duchess doesn’t really fit into this aristocratic so who knows what’s going to happen 30 years to acknowledge the fact that she’s aware how This is something that we all have to deal world that she’s found herself in, and Edward from now. much gay men go gaga over her. This was, after with when we grow up. But one person isn’t go- doesn’t really fit into the Victorian world that he Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, all, the room reserved for a small group of gay ing to be all of those things to us; ultimately, was raised in. So it’s how all these people who the international LGBT wire service. Reach press, her first stop after a tardy arrival—“It’s we have to make our own happiness, and when feel like outsiders try to come to terms and find him via his website at www.chris-azzopardi. all too much. That’s why I’m late! 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mooing, baaing or making whatever noise it is Kat Fitzgerald octopi make, Comacchio has turned that cacoph- ony into a meat-lover’s delight. If you see lamb Photographer chops anywhere on the menu, I highly recom- mend them. Lamb is one of those finicky meats that, if prepared poorly may cause a psychotic breakdown; however, when prepared properly, it will cause spontaneous renditions of long-for- gotten arias. In other words, the lamb is awe- some. Comacchio is also quite adept at his handling of seafood. His “carpaccio di barbe, capensante, tartufo e zucca” (roasted scallops, red beet car- paccio, pumpkin vinaigrette and black truffle) is a creative fusion of Italian and Midwestern flavors. I have but two caveats for the seafood diners here. First, 437 Rush uses the biggest 437 Rush’s antipasto. Press photo shrimp I have ever seen. Now, any cook knows that large shrimp are troublesome little buggers lobster flavor was a mere sigh from the mouth of to prepare. One second too long on the barbie the lobster. I want my lobster screaming. and “POOF!”—overcooked shrimp. Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush is the quality food, Second, I was told that 437 Rush is known flavor and ambience of Italy but without the the world over for its lobster bisque. Normally, overpronunciation of “ricotta” that makes me words from the hipster lexicon do not make it to want to smack Giada de Laurentiis in the face my precocious lips, but in this case, after try- with a cuttlefish. If you like extremely good Ital- ing the lobster bisque I was “underwhelmed.” ian food, I doubt you’ll be disappointed at 437 www.mysticimagesphotography.com The bisque was a bit thin for my liking and the Rush. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 27

the

DRIVEdo you haveDRIVE it? DRIVE monthly auto sEctIon Chicago Auto Show: More than just looks BY ANDREW DAVIS tures, ranging from advanced airbag system to lane-drift technology to LATCH (Lower Anchors The 104th edition of the Chicago Auto Show is and Tethers for Children). currently running through Feb. 19 at McCormick Chrysler was front and center with its Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr. BraunAbility feature, which allows wheelchair- The show utilizes 1.2 million square feet of bound individuals in its larger vehicles to com- the McCormick Place complex. (McCormick Place fortably enter, exit and drive. Among its sundry offers a total of 2.7 million square feet of ex- features is Uconnect, a voice-activated, hands- hibit halls, with an additional 700,000 square free system. It’s pretty much a hub for the user’s feet of meeting-room availability.) Internet, satellite radio and personal devices Exhibitions include multiple world and North like MP3 players. American introductions; a complete range of do- Another example is the remarkably roomy mestic and imported passenger cars and trucks; smart car, which features (among other things) sport utility vehicles; and experimental cars. In electronic stability program and hill start as- total, nearly 1,000 different vehicles are on dis- sist. In addition, the car—which is 85-percent play. recyclable—has eight airbags and a design that Viewers can see vehicles that encompass the allows you to use body panels of various colors past, present and future. Classic Cars of America and designs. has a tantalizing array of cars on display, and Acura unveiled its completely redesigned 2013 there’s even an area called “60 Years of Cor- Acura RDX crossover sport utility vehicle and the vette,” complete with a model from the ‘50s. The all-new 2013 Acura ILX luxury compact sedan. concept cars—some with more unusual designs The ILX will feature three advanced, sporty and than others—are there as well. efficient powertrain choices, including Acura’s Speaking of looks, one of the most intrigu- first-ever gas-electric hybrid. ing displays involved the work of Pontiac, Ill., On another show-related note, the Feb. 9 airbrush artist Tang Dongbai, whose works on a black-tie event known as First Look for Charity vehicle were inspired by the history of the city. raised more than $2 million for 18 organiza- Also, the luxury cars once again have a place tions. Events scheduled to take place Feb. 15-19 at the table, as makes such as Maserati, Porsche include test drives as well as non-auto-related and Aston Martin are there, tempting attendees. items such as a meet-and-greet Chicago Bears However, looks are only part of the story at football player Earl Bennett, Kia Karaoke and this year’s event, as manufacturers stressed ad- even manicures. vancements in safety, eco-conscience and/or See www.ChicagoAutoShow.com for more technology. info. Photos by Andrew Davis This year’s vehicle display scads of safety fea- 28 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

through Feb. 24; 9pm-10pm, Donny’s Sky- box Theatre, 8 N. Wells St., Chicago, www. secondcity.com Whitney Houston Tribute Showcase with DJ Riley York Remember the icon with an all-Whitney showcase with DJ Riley York. All Whitney’s classic moments, hits, Brought to you by the combined efforts of remixes and more. Followed by the other divas after. 9:30pm, The Call (Chicago), WINDY CITY 1547 W Bryn Mawr Ave., www.facebook. SO EMOTIONAL TIMES com/thecallbar Saturday, Feb. 18 Week of Feb. 13 When Identities Collide: Sexuality and There will be various Wed., Feb. 15 Black Feminism Featuring author Kim- berly Springer and Jennifer Brier, co-cu- tributes at bars Legal Seminar: Civil Unions to Dissolu- TREW LOVE rator of the exhibit Out in Chicago. The tion The mechanics of the the civil union, throughout the city to program, co-sponsored by the Chicago legal meaning, recognition an dissolution. Sunday, Feb. 19 honor Whitney Houston. History Museum and Gender and Women’s RSVP to [email protected] There will be a fundraiser for Studies Program at University of Illinois stating specific event. With Ray Koenig judicial candidate Mary Trew at Chicago, will explore the history of and Celia Gamrath. 6:30pm-8pm, Center lesbians in the Black feminist movement on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted St., www.cen- at the Frank Lloyd Wright and the future of queer, feminist, women teronhalsted.org House, 400 Forest Ave., Oak of color organizing. 1pm-4pm, Chicago The Joffrey Ballet presents The Joffrey Park History Museum, 1601 N Clark, Chicago, Church thrilled to be joining the commu- Ballet brings to Chicago the work of www.chicagohistory.org; Tickets: www. nity! 10:30am-11:45am, 1602 W. Ainslie three world-renowned choreographers in Photo by Chuck Colbert prairie.org. (at Ashland), www.newchicagochurch.com “Winter Fire,” a mixed repertory program Newly Union Game Twenty couples will Robyn showcase DJ Greg Haus brings you featuring two premieres and an audi- compete in a live game show very simi- this polar music party with music and ence favorite. There will be 10 perfor- lar to the Newlywed game. $10 gets you video by Robyn and electronic superstars mances only at the Auditorium Theatre a drink ticket, chance to win door prizes, of Scandanavia, including Lykke Li, The of Roosevelt University, through Feb. 26. Thursday, Feb. 16 to host Jay Michaelson for an evening of and a grand time all hosted by Cyon Flare! Sounds, Oh Land, Röyksopp, The Knife and 7:30pm-9:30pm, 800-982-2787, Audito- P.Y.G.’s Kick-off Reception For Chicago learning and conversation on how LGBT $20 gets couples the chance to compete more. No cover. 10pm, Berlin Nightclub, rium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 Takes Off P.Y.G. (Professional Young Gays) Jews and allies enrich the Jewish people for bragging rights and a trip (you don’t 954 W Belmont Ave., www.berlinchicago. E. Congress Pkwy, www.joffrey.org; Tick- Inc. and Test Positive Aware Network with their differences, and how we can have to be legally unioned to play) First com ets: www.ticketmaster.com/joffrey-ballet- (TPAN) present a kick-off reception for have productive conversations with those 20 couples to RSVP to development@af- tickaets/artist/714791 Chicago Takes Off. Space is limited and still struggling with issues of religion and finity95.org will play. Pay at the door. Real Monday, Feb. 20 Whitney Houston Tribute at Hydrag Join RSVPs were requested by Monday, Feb. sexuality. 7pm-8:30pm, Center on Hal- prizes, including a second honeymoon. Oscars panel Tribune presents critics from Tajma Hall as she hosts a celebration of 13. 6pm-9pm, 1-312-675-2105, Shrine sted, 3656 N Halsted St.; www.centeron- 3pm-8pm, Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St, inside and outside the paper to an Acad- an icon. With DiDa Ritz, Sorraya Dash Haberdashers, 47 E. Oak St., https://www. halsted.org Chicago, www.affinity95.org emy Awards preview, $15. On the panel are and Mercede Andrews; all will be sharing facebook.com/pygchicago; Tickets: shrin- T and GQ Out Mic T Out Mic is pairing Sappho’s Midwinter Dance Party & Mixer Windy City Times film critic Richard Knight some of their Whitney favorites with you. estyle.com/events/pygs-pre-cocktail- with GenderQueer Chicago to host an all- with Kathie Bergquist and Riva Lehrer; Jr., Filmspotting’s Adam Kempenaar and Show starts at 11 pm sharp, followed by event/ together awesome open mic and spoken- 7:30pm, Women & Children First, 5233 N. The Onion’s Tasha Robinson. 7pm, Victory DJ Laura B, who will be playing Whitney Renters’ Rights Seminar Presentations will word event open to all. Each performer Clark St., www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln throughout the night as a celebration of cover an explanation of the Chicago Land- gets five minutes to do their thing and 9 to 12 Bowling League Longest running Ave., www.chicagotribune.com life. $4 Skyy Vodka cocktails, Drag bombs, lord Tenants Ordinance; how to work with there may be time for encores. 7:30pm- GLBT bowling league in suburban Chicago Live Band Karaoke with Amy Armstrong or Corona and budlight bottles. No cover. a landlord; and bedbug prevention and 10pm, Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted 191 South River Road (just north of Rand Every Monday night in the front bar, host- 8pm, Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted St., www. treatment. Contact Senator Steans’ con- St., www.centeronhalsted.org Road) in Des Plaines; 9pm ed by the one and only Amy Armstrong; hydratechicago.com stituent office at 773-769-1717 or Rep. Newtown Writers Elevating GLBT literature. Mr. Chicago Escort of the Year 2012 Host- 10pm, Roscoe’s, 3356 N Halsted St., www. Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Cassidy’s constituent service office. 6pm, February general workshop. 7:30pm, Ger- ed by Ruby Dee and Jason Adonis. Meet roscoes.com Commerce Weekly Wednesday Lunch Net- 773-784-2002, Loyola University’s Coffey ber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville Ave., pornstars Shane Frost, Heath Jordan, Chad working Group. All attendees are $10 cash Hall, Sheridan Road. www.gerberhart.org Dollhouse Drag Revue Join The Princess, Brock, and Chicago’s hottest men-for-hire. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at door. 11:30pm, Chicago Gay and Les- God vs. Gay? The Center on Halsted, Ne- Voter registration deadline Register to Phi Phi O’Hara and different guest stars The hottest rentboys in Chicago compete bian Chamber of Commerce, 3179 N. Clark hirim, Or Chadash, Equality Illinois, the vote in the upcoming election; 4pm, 44th each week for a fresh, creative and excit- for the title. The winner receives a paid St., www.glchamber.org Forward, Zeek, and Beacon Press are proud Ward Service Office, 1057 W. Belmont Ave., ing drag show unlike any other that you’ve trip to New York City for the 6th annual www.chicagoelections.com/voterinfo.php seen before! Featuring up-and-coming International Escort Awards. 10:30pm, Mardi Gras Bingo Party Get all kinds of talent with lots of energy! 10pm, Spin Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, Chicago, www. Lucky with your bingo hostesses with Nightclub, 800 W. Belmont Ave., www. hydratechicago.com/allevents the mostesses Mercedes & Debbie Fox. spin-nightclub.com Sharon Needles and Phi Phi O’Hara Ru- Paul’s Drag Race 4 stars give you two Then dance the night away with DJ Bryan Friday, Feb. 17 performances at midnight and 1 am. VJ Smith, $4 you-call-it cocktails and $5 Mal- ibu hurricanes. 10pm, Spin Nightclub, 800 Staged reading of The Laramie Project Dominic, DJ Riley York and drag diva Jade. W. Belmont Ave., www.spin-nightclub.com Staged readings beginning today will al- $5 advance; $10 at the door; $20 VIP. low the public to see the original play by 11pm, Spin Nightclub, 800 W. Belmont Moisés Kaufman, providing background Ave., www.spin-nightclub.com Wed., Feb. 22 11th Annual Freedom to Marry Reception and context for The Laramie Project: Ten The annual reception is one of many ways Years Later, which begins March 4. Tickets Sunday, Feb. 19 to engage the LGBT community, allies, to the readings, $15. 7:30pm, 773-728- Windy City Times: Impact on Chicago and our families and friends to discuss the 7529, Redtwist Theater, 1044 W Bryn and Its LGBT Community Tracy Baim, importance of marriage equality. RSVP ry- Mawr Ave., www.redtwist.org co-founder and publisher of Windy City [email protected]; 6:30pm-9:30pm, Queens of Mardi Gras The biggest names Times, speaks at the Ethical Humanist National Museum of Mexican Art from Club Krave, Manuevers and the North Society of Chicago in Skokie on the role Legal Seminar: Consumer Backruptcy Side are back on one stage at a venue that of media in the LGBT Chicago community. Primer Everything you were afraid to holds more than 3,000 people. Lindsey Windy City Times was founded in 1985, ask, brought to you by the offices of Devereaux, Serina DeVine, Angelique Mun- just as Chicago’s LGBT community started Wheeler & Patel, LLP and Center on Hal- ro, Sassy Trade, Phoenix Envy, Tina Rob- to show its full force through culture, sted. Preregistration required, free event. erts, Billy Miller, Theresa Dawn, Coyote sports, activism (especially in response to RSVP to LEGAL@CENTERONHALSTED. Harlem, Bella LaMore, Jazzelle Boyette, AIDS and civil rights), politics, media and ORG stating specific event. 6:30pm-8pm, Chris Ruhu, Myke, Katie, Dennis, Rhonda, business. Coffee Hour after the program. 773.472.6469ext.436., Center on Halsted, Kristian, Victor, Syreeta, Catt, Dawn and Sunday programs are free and open to the 3656 N Halsted St., www.centeronhalsted. Lori. Hosted by the “mouth of the south” public, and a children’s program runs con- org Brandi Wyne. 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. currently. Questions to office@ethicalhu- Mini University Chicago’s hottest new 115th St, Merrionette Park, IL; 8pm, 115 man.org; 10:30am, 847-677-3334, Ethical college night, loaded with THE hottest Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St, Mer- Humanist Society, 7574 N. Lincoln Ave., bartenders, barbacks, and boys! 9pm, rionette Park Skokie, www.ethicalhuman.org/speaker/ Minibar, 3341 N. Halsted St., www.mini- GayCo: Are you there Judy? It’s me, Can- baim.html barchicago.com cer. Judy Fabjance presents an evening of Meet candidate Judge Trew RSVP by Feb. Comedy, Cries and Choreography as she 16 to [email protected]; takes you on her journey through Breast 2pm-4pm, Frank Lloyd Wright House, 400 WED-LETTER DAY Cancer. Learn about “the one” who truly Forest Ave., Oak Park wasn’t there for her and why she hates Urban Village Church: Andersonville ser- Wed., Feb. 22 all holidays except one. And why cancer vice Andersonville is a neighborhood full all she can think about is cancer so come of passion, art, diversity, and eclectic cancer see this cancer show. $13. Fridays energy, all which makes Urban Village The 11th Annual Freedom to Marry Reception will take place at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Get : WindyCityMediaGroup.com Photo from 2011 by Kat Fitzgerald online ChicagoPride.com WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 29

It’s finally here...let’s heat up the place... BILLY MASTERS

tion—or more controversy (and you know I love “This year I have a talent crush on Ryan Gosling. a bit of controversy). We hear that Dolly Parton I think he’s fantastic and ... ahem ... you know was wooed, but politely declined. Someone who he’d be nice afterwards. He seems smart. If I was could fill her slot would be Paula Deen—plus a gay, I would go for a smart man.”—Daniel Rad- little exercise and good publicity would be fortu- cliffe discusses who he’d want to be with if he itously timed. Speaking of good publicity, I hear were gay. Glad to know he’s only interested in that Herman Cain’s people have suggested him Gosling for his brains. As for me, Ryan could be as a candidate—especially since he’s no longer a dumb as a stump. candidate for anything else. There’s been inter- Just as we were on deadline came the tragic est from Stevie Wonder’s people. Wouldn’t that news: Whitney Houston—DEAD. At the time of be interesting? Would he lead? And, unlikely as this writing, details are sketchy ... an appro- it seems, an offer went out to my buddy Regis priate word if ever there was one. The singer’s Philbin. Who the hell would his partner be? Gell- battle with drugs is well-documented and most man? Now, THAT I’d love to see! The new cast people don’t appear to be shocked that her life will be unveiled on Good Morning America Feb. ended so soon ... although it is still tragic. Re- 28. portedly, Houston was at the Beverly Hilton, You can say a lot of things about former DWTS where she was staying in anticipation of mentor contestant and reality whore Jake Pavelka. He Clive Davis’ annual pre-Grammy party. Just a few may have no discernible talent. He may be los- o iiccaaggo hours before the soirée, a member of her en- ing his hair. He may be a lying sack of crap—but && CChh tourage found her unresponsive. (Some reports he’s hot. So when it was announced that he’d leaannss w OOrrle say she was in the tub.) Paramedics were called be the new MC of the Chippendales revue at the ,, NNeew while hotel employees tried to resuscitate her. Rio All-Suites Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, it nneeyy ,, SSyydd She was pronounced dead a half-hour later— made sense to me. He starts Feb. 23. I predict a VVeenniiccee which likely means she had died some time ear- Top Gun number will be added to the show. BBrraazziill,, You know what I’ve just noticed? That most ee iinn of the people in this particular column have ap- MMaadd peared on Dancing with the Stars. So who am I to fight a theme unfolding before my very eyes? Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is coming out to defend his heterosexuality, and let me say on behalf of gay men everywhere ... THANK YOU! If ever I was happy to know that someone NO COVER Thank you. is NOT gay, it’s “The Situation!” It all started ® when Snooki and J-Woww (two names I never expected to type) openly mused about Sitch’s 3349 N. Halsted sexuality and that he could be gay. Sorrentino’s SidetrackChicago.com /SidetrackBar publicist said this rumor is “the most ridiculous statement I’ve ever heard.” You want ridiculous? Snooki also made a sexual revelation: “I would consider myself bi. I’ve done stuff with girls be- fore. I would never ‘be’ with a girl because I like penis. But I’ve experimented.” See? Now THAT’S ridiculous. TWO WAYS TO WIN! Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Bruce in Chicago: “Is it me or are the hottest men on TV in Shameless? Who was the long-haired hunk last week with the big penis?” Finally, something I’m qualified to talk about—big penises! That would belong to Zach McGowan, who also possesses a particularly per- fect physique. Lemme set the scene—Zach is Greg Louganis wants to go from the pool to cooking breakfast in the nude. By the time the the dance floor. eggs are done, two characters are hiding under the kitchen table. He walks over to the table k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang and from their vantage point, they’re faced with lier. Whitney had been romantically linked with a swinging penis—and, boy, does it swing! The Fri., May 18 Ray J—Brandy’s brother. She recently finished moment this nude scene aired, one of my proof- @ The Genesee Theatre filming a remake of Sparkle with Jordin Sparks ers texted me. He replayed it so many times, I that was scheduled to be released Aug. 10—but believe he broke his TiVo. Thank God for Billy- I’d bet that date will be moved up quickly. While Masters.com! Grammy-award- I know we’ll be bombarded by news and revela- When a big penis trumps a celebrity death, winning artist k.d. tions in the coming days, let me just take a mo- it’s definitely time for me to end yet another lang, a rare performer CLICKTOWIN! ment to say rest in peace, Nippy. column. I should mention that from Feb. 29 who has matured before our eyes, ENTER TO WIN one pair of tickets by sending Ray J’s most famous sex partner, Kim Kardashi- through March 5, I’ll be in South Beach at the an email with “KDLANG” in the subject line to an, has donated $50,000 to the Trevor Project, Winter Party Festival, which benefits the Nation- exploring the realms the folks who run the nationwide 24/7 suicide al Gay and Lesbian Task Force (details at www. of country, rock, and [email protected] pop music throughout hotline for GLBTQ youths. Here’s a word Kim WinterParty.com). I will interrupt my seaside by Mon., Feb. 20 to be entered. her nearly 30-year rarely hears—“Bravo!” frolicking and zip cross-country to Las Vegas for career, comes to Winner will be selected at random from all entries and Budget cuts have affected the alleged non- 12 hours so I can attend the March 3 gala grand Waukegan for one will be notified via email. One entry per person, please. profit organization GLAAD. Of the full-time 45 opening of Share Nightclub (www.ShareNight- night only! employees, 11 have been fired. That’s about club.com). Something tells me I’ll not only be one-quarter of their staff or, as I like to call it, exhausted, but I’ll have all sorts of gossip and Tickets on sale now a step in the right direction. photos when the weekend’s done. So be sure to at geneseetheatre. The guessing game for potential contestants keep up with www.BillyMasters.com for the lat- com, all Ticketmaster TO WIN: LIKETOWIN! on the upcoming season of Dancing with the est dish. If you have a situation you’d like me to outlets, or charge by Simply find us at Stars has started. While not officially under look into, just write to [email protected] phone at 800-982-2787. consideration, our own Greg Louganis is once and I promise to get back to you before Snooki facebook.com/WindyCityMediaGroup again making a bid to be cast and has taken takes up dancing! So, until next time, remember, and “like” our page by Mon., Feb. 20. his campaign to Facebook. Of all the athletes one man’s filth is another man’s bible. who could be featured on the show, I can’t think Winner will be chosen at random from all page fans of anyone who would have more name recogni- and will be notified via Facebook. 30 Feb.15, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Lesbian athlete Eleonora ‘Eleo’ Sears profiled in new book

By Ross Forman character, and gave her the drive,” Franck said in a phone interview. “She was tremendously Eleonora “Eleo” Sears was ahead of her time, courageous in the way that she was willing to way ahead. challenge, in a very public way, the very narrow She died in 1968, before most lesbian athletes role that woman had. within the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Associa- “People of her class, her generation would tion (CMSA) were even born. Still, Sears’ sport- never acknowledge [that they were gay,] but it ing impact certainly can be seen on sporting was very widely known [that she was gay].” fields around Chicago, and worldwide; that’s how Franck interviewed senior citizens for her big of a superstar she was. book, including many in their 80s and 90s. Most Sears was, quite simply, one of history’s great- asked Franck if she knew that Sears was a les- est athletes, male or female—and also one of bian. the least known megastars. “Eleo was someone who didn’t want to be la- She was a pioneer who never did things the beled as anything, such as, a woman, or a les- “proper way.” Instead, she just excelled, open- bian, if that [title] would impede her freedom of ing doors for athletes, particularly female ath- action to do as she pleased,” Franck said. “Very letes, for generations to come. Her sporting re- few people did not know,” that she was a les- sume is almost inconceivable. Just consider: bian. —She was a national tennis champion. Sears reportedly had multiple lesbian relation- —She was the first women’s squash champion. ships, though none was officially announced or —She was an accomplished horseback rider and golfer. Sears excelled in sports at a time when that just didn’t happen for most women. She also was one of the first women to drive a car, to fight a speeding ticket and one of the Eleonora “Eleo” Sears. first women to ride in an airplane. Sears also was a lesbian, according to author confirmed, including one with Isabel Pell in the Peggy Miller Franck, whose new book, Prides 1930s. Crossing: The Unbridled Life and Impatient “I think it was inescapable that everyone Times of Eleonora Sears, details the life and knew [they were together,]” Franck said. times of a sporting hero born well before the Born in 1881, Sears was a four-time U.S. wom- world was ready for her. en’s national tennis champion, including three “Her sexual orientation certainly formed her consecutive years (1915-17), and is a member of the Tennis Hall of Fame. ADVERTISEMENT She also was inducted into the Show Jumping When experience counts... Hall of Fame for her skills riding horses. She is also in the Horseman’s Hall of Fame, the Inter- In service to the community for over 30 years. national Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Unit- ed States Squash Hall of Fame, and the National The Law Offices of Horse Show Foundation Hall of Fame. Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss & Associates “Before Eleo, sure, women were involved with sports, but the emphasis at that time never was on success,” Franck said. “Instead, it was just THE AIDS TRANSMISSION LAW - IS IT A CRIME TO HAVE SEX? about being outside. It was frowned upon, if you tried to win. Sports were never seen as a proving Q. I was tested for the HIV virus and the results were positive. Since then I have had ground for women, but Eleo made it a proving sex with people and have not told them that I had tested positive. Should I tell my future ground.” sexual partners that I test positive for HIV? Does it make any difference if we used condoms Author Peggy Miller Franck. during sex? Am I guilty of a criminal offense? Sears, the great-great granddaughter of Thom- A. The Illinois Supreme Court has unanimously upheld Illinois’ HIV Criminal Transmission as Jefferson, was a social and society superstar of HIV Act. The case before the Illinois Supreme Court concerned two individuals (Caretha too, so to speak. “She accomplished more than play polo on a man’s team, Franck said. Sermons Russell and Timothy Lunsford - his alleged conduct was vaginal intercourse) who were charged any other woman in sports at that time. Her leg- were preached against her around 1909, based with violation of the Criminal Code of Illinois, section 12-16.2(a)(1) which provides that a end still stands today,” Franck said. on the way she dressed. person commits Criminal Transmission of HIV, a class 2 felony, if he or she, “knowing that he or She knew anyone and everyone who was worth Still, Franck said, “she was a role-model for she is infected with HIV: (1) engages in intimate contact with another.” knowing at the time, from the rich and famous many, just not for all.” Subsection (b) defines “intimate contact with another” as “exposure of the body of one person worldwide, including presidents and the Holly- Sears also was known for marathon walks, in- to the bodily fluid of another person in a manner that could result in the transmission of HIV.” wood elite. cluding the 47-mile trip from Boston to Provi- The law does create an affirmative defense if the person exposed knew or should have known Franck’s dad, William Miller, was her financial dence, R.I., that she did in 1925—in 9 hours that they were at risk of being infected and consented to having sex with that knowledge. This means that anyone who is positive and has sex should disclose their HIV status to their partner. advisory and later became vice president of her and 53 minutes. She also once walked the 73 The law does not include other defenses which should be considered in a criminal prosecution racing stable. miles from Newport, Mass., to Boston in 17 such as safe-sex precautions with the use of a condom. “She wore her heart on her sleeve,” Franck hours. The law also does not require the sexual partners to have actually been infected. Furthermore, said. “There was nothing that she wouldn’t do “She had a very dominant personality, yet the prosecution would not have to show that the accused had the criminal intent to infect someone for you; she’d move heaven and earth, if you some parts of her personality, some objected else with the HIV virus. Merely having sex (“intimate contact”) would be sufficient. had a problem. Conversely, when a relationship to,” Franck said. “Some thought less of her ac- turned rocky, there was nobody who could … complishments because she came from a wealthy Because the language of the law focuses only on a person’s knowledge that he or she is HIV drop you as quickly [as Sears], and she could be family, though I don’t understand that.” positive the law will discourage testing. The result may be that individuals might be putting quite harsh in her judgments.” The 40th anniversary of Title IX will be marked themselves at risk to avoid any actual knowledge and resulting criminal prosecution. Franck said Sears’ sporting accomplishments in June—and Sears certainly was a pioneer in There have been very few Illinois prosecutions under this law other than actions involving prisoners who spit on guards. If you are HIV positive, however, there is always the possibility of would rank at least alongside , if women’s sports long before than. criminal prosecution if you engage in sex. she was competing in a different era. “I heard from various men who I interviewed “There was limited information about lesbians [for the book] that she always was trying to at the time,” Franck said. “Plus, at the time, prove that she was as good as a man,” Franck • Bankruptcy • Wills, Trusts & Probate young women were encouraged in school and said. “She was just insisting on her right to be • Real Estate Closings • Civil Unions in life in general to form close friendships with as good as she could be, which is very much 19 S. LaSalle, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603 other women. An intensely close relationship what Title IX is all about.” was possible, and not frowned upon.” More photos at www.windycitymediagroup. 312-263-8800 [email protected] Sears was one of the first women to wear trou- com/lgbt/Athlete-Eleonora-Elo-Sears-a-lesbian- We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. sers in public, and she was the first woman to profiled-in-new-book/35978.html WINDY CITY TIMES Feb.15, 2012 31 CONNE IONS X MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS State Farm® Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC Providing Insurance and Financial Services Family Law Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Ray is a legal authority on all of his practice areas, which include probate, trusts, guardianship, estate planning, Donald B. Boyd, Jr. and elder law, including the litigation of those areas. 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