Obama Takes Illinois

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 February 6, 2008 • vol 23 no 21 Obama Takes Illinois

By ANDREW DAVIS

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama was expected to win the state he represents—and he did so by a wide margin. On Feb. 5—also known as Super Tuesday because more than 20 states held primaries or caucuses—Obama was projected to defeat rival Sen. Hillary Clinton by an almost two-to-one margin. Diversity With 95 percent of Illinois precincts reported, in Office Obama was declared the winner, outdistancing page 11 Clinton 65 percent to 33 percent. “Barack is winning the hearts of America,” the Rev. Jesse Jackson told ABC-7 News. Alvarez Wins In a rally in a downtown Chicago hotel, Obama Anita Alvarez (above) won the Democratic told an overflow crowd, “Our time has come, our Sen. Barack race for Cook County State’s Attorney in a movement is real and change is coming to Amer- Obama wins tight contest over Tom Allen and Larry Suf- ica.” Illinois on fredin. See more results from local races on Sen. John McCain won the Republican primary Tuesday. page 4 and at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. in Illinois. With 95 percent of Illinois precincts com. reporting, he had 47 percent of the vote, with Illinois delegates. former Gov. Mitt Romney in second with 29 per- won states—McCain was projected to win New Despite convincing wins in Illinois, results cent. York and New Jersey (among others); Romney were not uniform across the nation. (In fact, However, all candidates are aware that the del- had Utah and Massachusetts; and Huckabee had Obama told ABC-7 that there “will probably be a egates matter more than which states are won— taken Arkansas and West Virginia. split decision.”) On the Democratic side, Clinton especially in the Democratic race. All the states In a Feb. 5 conference call held at 9 p.m., Marching was projected to win Tennessee, New York (the participating in Super Tuesday’s Democratic race Mark Penn, chief strategist of Clinton’s cam- state she represents), Arkansas and Oklahoma; for allocate delegates proportionally; in the Repub- paign, and Guy Cecil, Clinton’s political and field lican contest, eight states—including Arizona, besides Illinois, Obama had wrapped up Georgia, Turn to page 4 Marriage page 6 New York and Missouri—are winner-take-all. Alabama and Delaware. On the Republican front, Obama is expected to win the vast majority of McCain, Romney and Gov. Mike Huckabee each Cynthia Wade: Behind the Little Film That Could By Richard Knight, Jr.

One of the big highlights of this year’s Oscar cer- emony (should it take place) for gay audiences won’t just be the red-carpet dish, Beyonce sing- V-Day ing every nominated song (should that happen) Gifts or the major award winners. It will be a category page 17 that usually calls for a bathroom or cigarette break: Best Documentary Short Subject. That’s because Freeheld, a short film by director Cyn- thia Wade about a lesbian couple, is nominated.

February 6, 2008 #930 Two days after the nominations were announced, Windy City Times caught up with Wade. She discussed her beautifully made film, the nomina- nightspots In the Name tion and more. n Windy City Times: Freeheld is the little film that could. I’m so thrilled about the nomi- Take Off, Eh! TPAN’s Chicago Takes Off event “Under A Big Top” takes off this Saturday, February 8 pick it up of ‘Justice’ inSIDE page 27 Kings and queens Prick up your ears! nation. For our readers who are not familiar compete at 3160 Here come the Grammys page 8 page 10 take it home From left: Attorney Gordon Hirsch, State Representative candidate Deb Mell (who will make history as the first open lesbian with the movie, can you please give them a in the Illinois General Assembly because her race is uncon- brief overview? tested), Alderman Richard Mell and Illinois Secretary of State Cynthia Wade: Sure. Freeheld follows the nail- Jesse White were among hundreds of attendees at Equality Il- biting, end-of-life struggle of Lt. Laurel Hester, linois’ “Justice for All” gala, which took place Saturday at the who was a police detective in New Jersey. She Chicago Hilton and Towers. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald; see more had terminal cancer and months, if not weeks, to live and she was struggling, racing against inside, at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and at www.MysticI- page 7 www.WindyCityQueercast.com magesPhotography.com. Turn to page 20 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 2 February 6, 2008

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index News Local and nat’l elections 4 HIV/AIDS housing plan 5 Teachers’ anniversary 5 Local news 5 CHM talk: sex, politics 6 Marchers for marriage 6 Commission’s luncheon 6 Equality Illinois gala 7 World roundup 8 Pro-gay court rulings 8 State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (left) and National news 9 Christin Baker were among the many Passages: Jahna Steele 9 at Saturday’s Equality Illinois gala. See Views: Parents; Blacks and HIV 10 much more on page 7. A gay president? 11 Photo by Kat Fitzgerald Quotelines 11

ENTERTAINMENT Douglas Carter Beane 12 Theater 15 Deep Inside Hollywood 16 Valentine’s Day gifts 17 Local gay writer in contest 17 Entertainment news 17 Knight at the Movies 20 Director Cynthia Wade 20 Starrlight: Daniel Sunjata 22 Windy City Times talks with Douglas Carter Beane, the mind behind the the- OUTLINES atrical sensation The Little Dog Laughed Real estate ads 18 (above). See page 12. Classifieds 19 Interior Motives 19 Calendar, Q&B 21 Sports 22

This week’s online-only www. features include: Windy —Media Watch —Richard Knight, Jr.’s City interview with director Media Bob Balaban (right, on the set of HBO’s Bernard Group and Doris) —Theater reviews of .com Dolly West’s Kitchen and Missing Man —A special Valentine’s Day Pop Making Sense

www.WindyCityQueercast.com

take off, eh! It’s all about TPAN’s Chicago Takes Off, this year with a big top theme. photo by Cheryl Mann, http://cam-motion.net nightspotsn desin by PaternoGroup, -www.paternogroup.com 4 February 6, 2008 OBAMA from cover —Alaska: No report. —Arizona: 72 percent reporting-McCain: 47 director, described the incoming national results percent; Romney: 34 percent; Huckabee: 9 per- Local Races BY AMY WOOTEN for her as “encouraging.” Penn said that “there cent have been twists and turns, but ... we’re [doing —Arkansas: 85 percent reporting-Huckabee: From the Cook County State’s Attorney battle well in] the northeast states and in a number of 61 percent; McCain: 20 percent; Romney: 13 per- to close fights for legislative seats, there were red states.” Penn also talked briefly about how cent many exciting local races, and in two instanc- Clinton’s economic and healthcare plans differ —California: 23 percent reporting-McCain: 44 es, history was made. from Obama’s, including how Clinton intends percent; Romney: 26 percent; Huckabee: 12 per- One of Super Tuesday’s most exciting races to freeze foreclosures and interest rates. Cecil cent was the Democratic scramble for Cook County added that “it is important in having successes —Colorado: 73 percent reporting-Romney: 60 State’s Attorney. History was made when the in states, and congressional district by congres- percent; McCain: 19 percent; Huckabee: 13 per- first Hispanic and the first woman, Anita Alva- sional district.” cent rez, won the Democratic primary. As the night For the Democrats, 1,681 delegates were at —Connecticut: 99 percent reporting-McCain: wore on, Dick Devine’s second-in-command, stake in 16 primaries and seven caucuses; 2,025 52 percent; Romney: 33 percent; Huckabee: 7 Robert Milan, and Tommy Brewer dropped are needed for nomination. The Republicans had percent out due to low numbers. That left aldermen 1,020 delegates at stake in 15 primaries and six —Delaware: 100 percent reporting-McCain: Tom Allen and Howard Brookins, Jr., along caucuses; 1,191 are needed for nomination. 45 percent; Romney: 33 percent; Huckabee: 15 with Devine’s chief deputy, Alvarez, and Cook Joseph Berrios (above) turned back a ---- percent County Commissioner Larry Suffredin to split strong challenge from openly gay candi- On the Democratic front, here are the national —Georgia: 97 percent reporting-Huckabee: 90 percent of the vote. It was a very close date Jay Paul Deratany in the race for Cook results as of 12 a.m., Feb. 6: 34 percent; McCain: 32 percent; Romney: 30 race between Alvarez and Allen, but the ca- County Board of Review commissioner. —Alabama: 99 percent reporting-Obama: 56 percent reer prosecutor came out just slightly ahead percent; Clinton: 42 percent —Massachusetts: 95 percent reporting-Rom- of the long-time Northwest Side alderman. Re- run for his money, but Berrios defeated him —Alaska: 95 percent reporting-Obama: 74 ney: 51 percent; McCain: 41 percent; Huckabee: former and LGBT ally Suffredin came in next with just under 59 percent of the vote, with 83 percent; Clinton: 26 percent 4 percent with roughly 22 percent. Alvarez—who called percent of precincts reporting. —Arizona: 72 percent reporting-Clinton: 50 —Minnesota: 81 percent reporting-Romney: a member of Windy City Media Group after her In the race for Recorder of Deeds, Eugene percent; Obama: 42 percent 42 percent; McCain: 22 percent; Huckabee: 20 win to express her thanks to the gay and les- Moore won with over 62 percent of the vote —Arkansas: 85 percent reporting-Clinton: 69 percent bian community for its support—will face Re- against Ed Smith, with 88 percent of precincts percent; Obama: 28 percent —Missouri: 99 percent reporting-McCain: 33 publican Tony Peraica in November. reporting. —California: 23 percent reporting-Clinton: percent; Huckabee: 32 percent; Romney: 28 per- In addition to the excitement, Illinois his- In the local judicial races, there was a major 54 percent; Clinton: 34 percent cent tory was made on Super Tuesday. Because she upset in an appellate court race, and openly —Colorado: 98 percent reporting-Obama: 67 —Montana: 100 percent reporting-Romney: ran unopposed in the 40th District, Deb Mell gay candidates did not fare well in two other percent; Clinton: 32 percent 38 percent; McCain: 22 percent; Huckabee: 15 will become the first out lesbian to serve in races. —Connecticut: 99 percent reporting-Obama: percent (Ron Paul: 25 percent) the Illinois legislature. She will serve alongside LGBT ally Justice Alan Greiman was defeated 51 percent; Clinton: 47 percent —New Jersey: 98 percent reporting-McCain: openly gay Rep. Greg Harris, who also ran un- by current Circuit Court Judge Sharon Johnson —Delaware: 100 percent reporting-Obama: 55 percent; Romney: 28 percent; Huckabee: 8 opposed. Mell, daughter of 33rd Ward Alderman Coleman—who received roughly 45 percent 53 percent; Clinton: 43 percent percent Dick Mell, had no opponent because current of the vote with 90 percent of precincts re- —Georgia: 98 percent reporting-Obama: 67 Rep. Richard Bradley stepped aside, instead porting—in the race for the Appellate Court percent; Clinton: 31 percent choosing to battle incumbent Iris Martinez for (Burke Vacancy). Also running was William —Idaho: 98 percent reporting-Obama: 80 per- the 20th District Senate seat. O’Neal, who came in second. Greiman is the cent; Clinton: 17 percent Martinez, who works alongside Senate Presi- current chief judge of the Appellate Court, a —Kansas: 100 percent reporting-Obama: 74 dent Emil Jones as assistant majority leader, title he has held for the past 11 years. He is a percent; Clinton: 26 percent took home over 50 percent of the vote in this former state representative (1974-1987), and —Massachusetts: 95 percent reporting-Clin- hotly contested state race. Bradley came in co-sponsored the state’s first gay-rights bill. A ton: 56 percent; Obama: 41 percent second with slightly over 42 percent with 94 later version passed in 2005. —Minnesota: 78 percent reporting-Obama: percent of precincts reporting, putting an end Openly gay 8th Subcircuit (Sheehan vacancy) 67 percent; Clinton: 32 percent to his legislative career. candidate Aaron Weiss did not obtain anywhere —Missouri: 99 percent reporting-Obama: 49 The LGBT community also had its eye on the near the necessary votes needed on this crowd- percent; Clinton: 48 percent fight for LGBT ally Sen. Carol Ronen’s seat in ed seven-way contest. Ann Collin Dole came —New Jersey: 98 percent reporting-Clinton: the North Side 7th District. Democratic Party out as the favorite with nearly one-third of the 54 percent; Obama: 44 percent contributor Heather Steans defeated com- vote. Collins Dole is the chief assistant corpo- —New Mexico: 28 percent reporting-Clinton: munity activist Suzanne Elder with nearly 64 ration counsel of the City of Chicago’s Depart- 51 percent; Obama: 40 percent percent of the vote. Ronen, who has fought ment of Law. —New York: 99 percent reporting-Clinton: 57 for LGBT rights and was a major supporter of Another openly gay judicial candidate, percent; Clinton: 40 percent Sen. Hillary Clinton. Photo by Rex Wockner the state’s non-discrimination legislation, an- Thomas Doran, who ran for the Circuit Court —North Dakota: 100 percent reporting- nounced her resignation last October, and en- Montelione vacancy, came far behind party Obama: 61 percent; Clinton: 37 percent dorsed Steans. heavyweights Debra Walker and Thaddeus Wil- —Oklahoma: 100 percent reporting-Clinton: —New York: 99 percent reporting-McCain: 51 In other countywide races, openly gay Cook son with under 20 percent of the vote. Walker 55 percent; Clinton: 31 percent percent; Romney: 28 percent; Huckabee: 11 per- County Board of Review commissioner candi- won. —Tennessee: 100 percent reporting-Clinton: cent date Jay Paul Deratany gave incumbent and See www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for 54 percent; Clinton: 41 percent —North Dakota: 100 percent reporting-Rom- Democratic Party heavyweight Joseph Berrios a more information. —Utah: 99 percent reporting-Obama: 57 per- ney: 36 percent; McCain: 23 percent; Huckabee: cent; Clinton: 39 percent 20 percent (Ron Paul: 21 percent) —Oklahoma: 99 percent reporting-McCain: 37 —Utah: 99 percent reporting-Romney: 90 See www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for In the Republican race, these are the national percent; Huckabee: 33 percent; Romney: 25 per- percent; McCain: 5 percent; Huckabee: 2 percent more information. results as of 12 a.m., Feb. 6: cent (Ron Paul: 3 percent) —Alabama: 99 percent reporting-Huckabee: —Tennessee: 98 percent reporting-Huckabee: —West Virginia: 100 percent reporting-Huck- 41 percent; McCain: 37 percent; Romney: 18 34 percent; McCain: 32 percent; Romney: 24 per- abee: 52 percent; Romney: 47 percent; McCain: percent cent 1 percent Democratic Primary/Caucus Early Results Republican Primary/Caucus Early Results

Barack Obama John McCain Hillary Clinton Mike Huckabee Results Unavailable Mitt Romney

Results Sources: Various media Sources: Various media Unavailable February 6, 2008 5 HIV/AIDS Housing Currently, there are over 1,300 units in the Local News LCCP’s 17th Chicago area, with over 20 HIV/AIDS agencies annual ball Plan Released providing housing, rental subsidies and other supportive services. Center on Halsted By AMY WOOTEN March 8 The federal Housing Opportunities for Persons receives $225K Lesbian Community Care Project will hold its A five-year Chicago area HIV/AIDS housing plan Living with AIDS (HOPWA) program pays for youth grant 17th annual ball—with the theme “Click and Be roughly two-thirds of the units. The remaining Seen”—March 8 at the South Shore Cultural Cen- meant to address the ongoing affordable hous- The Chicago Department of Children and Youth one-third is paid mostly by U.S. Department of ter, 7059 S. Shore Drive. ing crisis and its impact on those living with the Services (DCYS) recently announced that it is Housing and Urban Development dollars. A premier sponsor reception will take place at disease was recently released. awarding a $225,000 grant to Center on Hal- At the heart of the plan are 29 recommenda- 7 p.m., with the Click ball happening 8 p.m.-12 AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and the sted, 3656 N. Halsted, to expand the facility’s tions, with four strategic priorities: the afford- a.m. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) programming for youth career development. able housing crisis, the inadequate continuum Renae Ogletree will receive the Dedication released the five-year HIV/AIDS housing plan The Center’s current program to develop vo- of AIDS housing, the need for supportive ser- Award while Firebelly Design will be honored for 2008-2012, called “A Place to Call Home.” It cational skills in LGBT youth, AccESS (Access to vices and the need for collaboration. with the Corporate Partnership Award. In addi- includes key issues, recommendations and strat- Economic Self-Sufficiency), began in July 2006. In terms of research, since the formula used to tion, there will be a silent auction, two dance egies to address the ongoing unmet needs in The expanded program, Center on Halsted Youth in previous plans to determine need is no longer floors and a “flashbulb fiasco” at the red-carpet HIV/AIDS housing. In 2007, the Chicago area Career Development Center (YCDC), will recruit applicable, housing advocates hope to develop event. was faced with a severe affordable housing more than 300 youth to receive pre-employment a new formula to in order to better assess the Tickets are $75-$2,000. See www.howard- crisis, which greatly impacted individuals with training and assistance in securing jobs or in- need. Bendixon called the 10 percent minimum brown.org. HIV/AIDS. Over the past 18 months, AFC, CDPH ternships. The YCDC is expected to be fully op- increase in units that the plan calls for each and other stakeholders collaborated to come erational by March. year “conservative,” but hopes a new formula up with a plan for action that was presented For more information, visit www.centeronhal- Crew named will give a better idea of what is needed. Jan. 30 at John Marshall Law School. Housing sted.org or call Natasha Gutman at 773-472- The plan also highlights areas of concern, such ‘Best Sports Bar’ consumers, advocates and numerous HIV/AIDS 6469, ext 223. Uptown gay sports bar Crew Bar & Grill was re- agencies attended the presentation. as the need for more long-term housing, youth housing and supportive services, such as harm cently named the “Best Sports Bar in Chicago.” Chicago is not alone in the affordable housing Howard Dean to be In an online poll, WFSD-Fox 32 viewers voted crisis. Affordable housing is a nationwide issue reduction services and services for those who were recently incarcerated. at LGBT reception Crew as Chicago’s best sports bar. Viewers picked that especially affects the HIV/AIDS communi- their favorites in a variety of categories. Thanks to medical innovations, individuals The Gay and Lesbian Leadership Council of the ty. National studies show that 40-60 percent of Crew is located at 4804 N. Broadway. See www. living with the disease are doing just that: liv- Democratic National Committee (DNC) is hold- those living with the disease experience home- worldsgreatestbar.com for more information. lessness or housing instability at some point. ing. But with people living much longer, dwin- ing a LGBT reception and discussion with former dling federal dollars and a nationwide affordable presidential candidate and DNC Chair Howard In addition, demand exceeds supply, despite Dyke Delicious’ the fact that HIV/AIDS housing units in the Chi- housing crisis, problems arise. According to The Dean and DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias Wed., cago area have tripled and those receiving rental National AIDS Housing Coalition, it is estimated Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. at Ann Sather Restaurant, 909 V-Day Films assistance have increased fivefold since 1995, that, nationwide, approximately 500,000 people W. Belmont. Dyke Delicious—a film series in its fifth sea- when the first area HIV/AIDS housing plan was living with HIV/AIDS will need housing assis- Tickets are $85-$500. RSVP Thomas Petrillo at son at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark—will released. AFC estimates that roughly 15,000 tance at some point. Current federal HOPWA [email protected] or visit www.democrats.org/ present a program of lesbian shorts Sat., Feb. 9, individuals in the Chicago area need HIV/AIDS funding only serves 67,000 people a year. gllcchicago. in honor of Valentine’s Day. housing services. According to the five-year “The epidemic continues to evolve,” said Dyke Delicious will supply the candlelight, plan, the HIV/AIDS housing units currently CDPH’s Chris Brown. “It is very different from 25 AFC releases bubbly and chocolate, along with a collection available meet only 10 percent of that need. years ago.” HIV/AIDS toolkit of short films. A Dyke Delicious social hour fea- Those collaborating on the five-year plan “Thank God medical science allows people to turing a post office will start at 7 p.m, and the named it “A Place to Call Home” for a very live longer, but it’s now our responsibility to for Black churches screening will begin at 8 p.m. In commemoration of National Black HIV/ specific reason: Research shows that housing make sure those lives are lived in peace,” said Among the films that will be shown are Love AIDS Awareness Day, Feb. 7, AIDS Foundation equals health. It has become a motto for local AFC’s Service Providers Council Housing Commit- is Love (by Anne Renton) and Smoke (by Etta of Chicago (AFC) is unveiling a set of tools and advocates of HIV/AIDS housing, who know that tee Co-Chair Michelle Gilbert. Worthington). resources created to help Black churches start research shows a connection between housing AFC’s Mark Ishaug expressed concern over Admission is $10 ($8 for Reeling members). discussions about HIV/AIDS in their communi- and harm reduction, access to medical care, im- where 800 units would come from, because “it’s ties and with their congregants, according to a proved health and much more. hard to get these dollars.” However, Bendixen press release. Burr on However, getting housing for all those in need said he is “more hopeful than ever” that new Participants in AFC’s multi-year project, called board of directors has been in struggle, with funds hard to come money will be available to help address HIV/ Faith in Prevention, helped develop the mate- The National Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bi- by. AIDS housing in the area. In fact, there are rials to expand the number of Black churches sexual and Transgender Community Centers “Sometimes what seems obvious—not every- already new units that will soon be available. responding to HIV/AIDS with accurate and en- (NALGBTCC) announced the appointment of Rob- body in power sees it that way,” AFC’s hous- Bendixen added that agencies need to continue gaging messages. The toolkit includes a training bin Burr to its board of directors. Burr is the the ing expert Arturo Bendixen said. “The research being aggressive and on top of things. manual to help churches form HIV/AIDS minis- Diversity Relationship Manager at Prudential, is showing such a strong correlation between Individuals can find information about housing tries, fact sheets about HIV/AIDS and tips on and is a former executive director at Center on health and housing.” resources in the Chicago area at www.direct2- fighting stigma. Halsted. The new plan calls for a minimum 10 percent housing.org. The new plan can be downloaded See AIDSchicago.org/prevention/faith.php. See www.lgbtcenters.org. increase in HIV/AIDS housing each year, which online at www.aidschicago.org. means 800 more units by 2012.

Gay and Lesbian Teachers Mark Anniversary The first meeting of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) Human Relations subcommittee for Gay and Lesbian Issues took place Jan. 29, 1998. Ten years later, to the date, the CTU Committee on Gay and Lesbian Issues held a celebration of its first decade. Started as a subcommittee, the CTU soon recognized the need for a unique Gay and Lesbian Is- sues Committee and members rolled up their sleeves to start getting things done. Over the next 10 years, as a direct result of those efforts, several rights and benefits were added to the teachers’ contract, including protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation; health insurance benefits for qualified domestic partners; and bereavement leave. Encouraged by these successes, the committee is working to add more protections. In addition, the committee has established the Allan Wardell Inspiration Award, named for a former Chicago teacher and gay activist. Teachers in the Chicago Public Schools who are members of the union are invited to join the committee, which meets monthly. Please contact committee liaison Marc Wigler at marcwigler@ ctulocal1.com. Text and photos by Mel Ferrand 6 February 6, 2008 venson was a vote for trans- They play on people’s “gross-out factor,” and The mass media attention played to Larry Craig gender woman Christine use “stories of nastiness” like Sen. Larry Craig’s isn’t the first time this has come into discussion. Jorgensen, who was one of Minnesota airport bathroom debacle as “war- Fenrich reminded the audience that in the ‘90s, the first individuals to un- rants to deny gay rights.” during the debates over whether or not gays and dergo sexual-reassignment Spaces used for gay cruising, such as public lesbians should be banned from openly serving surgery. The Eisenhower restrooms, are not labeled as “gay,” and people in the military, media and public discussion con- campaign bragged about find this blurring of lines and boundaries as tinually returned to the example of the shower ferreting out gays working in “threatening,” Fenrich said. room. “Although there were no reports of un- federal government. It con- “Larry Craig fits squarely into this pattern,” he wanted touching or sex, it was the idea of you tinued in the ‘60s, when the said. Although studies on gay cruising show that don’t know who is a member of the public” in John F. Kennedy and Nixon it is highly unlikely unwanted touching would those spaces,” Fenrich said. campaigns continued to em- occur in one of these spaces, commonly known Fenrich believes there has been a “huge shift” phasize masculinity and the as tea rooms, there remains this fear and idea in how the gay community handles the issue. perfect nuclear family. that these spaces pose a threat. During discussions about Larry Craig, very few “Gay-baiting continues Studies show that many tea-room participants LGBT people and organizations debated police David Johnson (left) and Lane Fenrich. Photo by Chuck Kramer to be a prominent tactic,” don’t identify as gay, and most are conservative. entrapment. He said the community has found Johnson said. In the 2004 Even though now that sodomy laws have been discussion of public sex “embarrassing.” This is presidential election, moral taken off the books and gay sex is legal, Fen- because conservatives know what they are do- values once again became rich said, gay public sex is still under scrutiny ing, according to Fenrich. They have allowed sex Sex and Politics a prominent issue. Johnson pointed out that a because “these spaces aren’t clearly identified to enter political discussion in order to use it as popular animated film watched online by more as gay spaces.” They are indeterminable spaces an example to deny rights to LGBT people. “It on CHM Slate people than the presidential debates portrayed where the heterosexual and homosexual binary has been wielded as such an effective weapon,” By AMY WOOTEN Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry remains unclear. Fenrich said. and vice presidential candidate John Edwards as Chicago History Museum’s Out at CHM series a gay couple, and hinted that they also posed a marked its fifth anniversary with a rousing dis- threat to terrorism. Kerry was continually linked cussion about gay sex and politics just days be- to the Massachusetts gay marriage decision as fore Super Tuesday. well. In “Sexual Politics: From Lavender Scare to “This continues to have reverberations in Larry Craig,” presented Jan. 31, historians Lane 2008,” Johnson said, commenting on how Ed- Fenrich and David Johnson talked about how wards was knocked by opponents for his ex- sex—specifically gay sex—has entered the po- pensive haircuts and that conservative political litical discourse and been used as an effective pundit Ann Coulter openly called him a “fag- tool over the years. got.” According to Johnson, gay sex started being Fenrich, an assistant dean of Northwestern used as a political weapon as early as the ‘50s. University’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sci- During the 1952 race for the presidency, rumors ences, opened by saying that “hot, nasty man were spread that Democratic presidential candi- sex” appears to be a major theme that hasn’t date Adlai Stevenson was gay. necessarily found its way into politics, but was Johnson is a history professor at the Univer- put there by the LGBT community through or- sity of South Florida and author of The Lavender ganizing. “We literally have changed the world” Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Les- and the way people think about topics such as bians in the Federal Government. sex and marriage, he said. “Gender and sexuality [were] prevalent during Despite the community’s great strides over the the election,” Johnson said, calling it one of the years, Fenrich said, the LGBT community has not Daley Speaks at Human Relations “nastiest” presidential campaigns to date. The been uncontested. He said that using gay sex as Dwight Eisenhower-Richard Nixon ticket contin- Commission Lunch a political weapon in the ‘50s was merely “part uously dropped hints “without saying outright The Board of Commissioners of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations held its 61st An- of culture” but, nowadays, the anti-gay move- he was queer,” Johnson said. Pamphlets referred nual Human Relations Luncheon and Awards Presentation Jan. 29 at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 ment that was created to counter the gay move- to the Republican candidates as “regular guys” E. Monroe. Speakers included Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (above) and award recipients included ment consciously uses it. who “vote for morality.” A lot of attention was journalist Harry Porterfield (the Thomas & Eleanor Wright Award); the Chinese-American Service Much of Fenrich’s discussion revolved around paid to the fact that if Stevenson became presi- League, Silk Road Theatre Project and police officer Carrie von Sagun-Steiner (Human Relations public sex among men. dent, there would be no first lady, since he was Awards); and former commission head Clarence Wood (the First Annual Social Justice Award). “When we talk about sex and we talk about divorced. Photo by Antonio Dickey/City of Chicago politics, we’re talking about guys,” he pointed The 1952 election, Johnson said, established out. Fenrich said he couldn’t think of a single a “long-standing political tactic of gay-baiting example where conservatives used lesbian sex as your opponent.” a political weapon. It’s a tactic that is continually used. In the Conservatives and Republicans “love” to talk 1956 presidential election, Eisenhower’s cam- about sex in “delicious detail,” Fenrich said. paign went so far as to say that a vote for Ste-

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Featuring the single “BRAVE” LGBT Demonstrators and the Dance HIT “Gorgeous” Call for Marriage Support Two dozen supporters of same-sex marriage rallied in front of the Cook County Building Marriage In-stores NOW! Bureau, 118 N. Clark, on Sat., Feb. 2, urging candidates in both parties to recognize and support equal marriage rights for same sex couples. The Gay Liberation Network (GLN) organized the demonstration to dramatize the issue to the voting public and to draw attention to their position that civil unions are unacceptable. Led by the TO WIN: Radical Cheerleaders, several voluble young women, the group chanted, “Obama, Obama, let mama Email [email protected]. In the subject heading enter “IDINA” marry mama,” as it marched to Republican headquarters at 205 W. Randolph and then to Obama’s In the body, include your full name and mailing address. campaign office at 300 W. Adams. Among those speaking were GLN’s Andy Thayer and Brent Hol- Good luck! man; Holman pointed out that current state department immigration policy allows heterosexual, * A Windy City Media Group Promotion non-citizen spouses immediate access to the United States—a courtesy not extended to the same- sex partners of the LGBT community. Photos and text by Chuck Kramer February 6, 2008 7

From left: Glen Pietrandoni (Walgreens); Judy Yeager, a former alderman in Springfield and Champaign; State Rep. Constance A. The Rev. Howard; event chair Jeremy W. Hobbs; and event co-chairs Karen Gregory Dell K. Dixon and Jeremy H. Gottschalk

From left: Mary Morten, Karen K. Dixon and Jeremy W. Hobbs EI Gala Does Itself ‘Justice’ Equality Illinois hosted its annual gala, “Justice for All,” Saturday at the Chicago Hilton & Towers, 720 S. Michigan. Special awards went to Judy Yeager, State Rep. Constance A. How- ard, the Rev. Gregory Dell and Walgreens. Many politicians and political candidates attended the event, including State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Alderman Helen Shiller, Cook County Commissioner (and Cook County State’s Attorney candidate) Larry Suffre- din and Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court Dorothy Brown. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald; many more are at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and www.MysticImagesPhotography.com

Equality Illinois Amy Bloom and board member mother, Rochelle Art Johnston Bloom

From left: Judy Yeager, Vernita Gray and Catherine Sikora

1508 W. JARVIS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60626 From left: Steve Becker Equality and Eric Amiel Illinois ROGERS PARK • JARVIS & N. GREENVIEW • RED LINE JARVIS EL STOP Director of TEL 773 508 5565 Public Policy Rick Garcia SPECIALTY WINE & BEER LIST - FULL BAR - DRINK SPECIALS WINE & BEER TASTINGS OUTDOOR SEATING - CARRY OUT SUNDAY BRUNCH HOURS TUES-SAT 5 PM-12 AM, SUN 11 AM-10 PM, CLOSED MONDAYS WEB www.gruppodiamici.com 8 February 6, 2008 court said that decision, in Hernandez v. Rob- WORLD Pro-Gay Rulings in les, did not “articulate the public policy” but N.Y. and Ore. “merely” recognized that the state constitution “does not compel recognition of same-sex mar- By Lisa Keen ROUNDUP riages solemnized in New York.” And because the by Rex Wockner Keen News Service state’s highest court indicated that the legisla- Swiss experts In a decision that could have significant politi- ture “may enact legislation recognizing same- cal implications beyond its state border, a five- sex marriages,” it “thereby indicated that the say HIV+ member, mostly Republican, state appeals court recognition of plaintiff’s marriage is not against people with in New York State ruled Feb. 1 that a same-sex the public policy of New York.” marriage established in Canada “is entitled to “The Legislature may decide to prohibit the no viral load The Buenos Aires Bears clubhouse. Photo by recognition in New York State.” The American recognition of same-sex marriages solemnized cannot transmit HIV Rex Wockner Civil Liberties Union of New York called the de- abroad,” wrote Peradotto. “Until it does so, cision “the first known decision in the country however, such marriages are entitled to recogni- Swiss AIDS officials have determined that if “Concerning the statement, ‘An HIV-infected to hold that a valid same-sex marriage must be tion in New York.” you’re taking anti-HIV drugs and you always person on anti-retroviral therapy with complete- recognized here.” James Esseks, litigation director for the LGBT take the drugs on schedule and your HIV blood ly suppressed viremia ... cannot propagate HIV On that same day, in Oregon, a federal court in Project of the ACLU, hailed the decision as a tests come back “undetectable” for six months through sexual contact,’ however, the evidence Portland lifted an injunction which had prevent- “great step forward for same-sex couples in New in a row and you don’t have any other sexually is much better than what was available in 1986 ed the state’s newly passed domestic partner- York.” But he said it also put the ball in the transmitted diseases, it is next to impossible regarding kissing.” ship law from going into effect Jan. 2. U.S. Dis- state legislature’s court to set a policy of non- that you could transmit HIV during unprotected trict Court Judge Michael Mosman, an appointee discrimination against gay couples. Presumably, sex (barebacking). of President Bush, ruled that opponents of the the legislature could also pass a policy that op- The Swiss Federal Commission on HIV/AIDS Police close domestic partnership law had not gathered suf- poses recognition of same-sex marriages. issued its stunning report Jan. 30, concluding ficient valid signatures to put a referendum on Martinez had been employed as a word-pro- that people with HIV who have no detectable Buenos Aires the law on the ballot. cessing supervisor by the college since 1994 and viral load as a result of anti-retroviral treatment bear club The New York ruling came in Martinez v. Mon- had been in a relationships with Golden since apparently are unable to transmit the virus. City inspectors and federal police shut down roe, a case brought by Patricia Martinez seeking 2000. The report said an individual becomes nonin- the Buenos Aires Bears clubhouse Jan. 23. equal health care benefits from her employer, Attorneys for the college have not yet made fectious if he or she has had an undetectable The officials claimed they were verbally in- Monroe Community College, for her same-sex a determination on whether to appeal the deci- viral load for six months, doesn’t skip any doses structed by higher-ups to close the building spouse, Lisa Golden. sion. of HIV medication and has no other STDs. because of a pre-existing closure order that had Monroe Community College is located in Roch- Several thousand same-sex couples from the The commission arrived at its position follow- resulted from a noise complaint. ester, N.Y.; and the unanimous decision came United States have obtained marriage licenses ing an extensive review of scientific literature, But a spokesman for the club, Marcelo Surano, from one of the state’s four appellate divisions, in Canada, but there are no official estimates on after prolonged discussions, and upon recom- said the noise complaint had been resolved and comprised of four appointees of Republican Gov- the number of those from New York State. The mendation of its Subcomission on Clinical and the facility has newer paperwork authorizing its ernor George Pataki and one of former Demo- national Freedom to Marry organization based in Therapeutic Aspects. operation. cratic Gov. Mario Cuomo. New York estimates that about 51,000 same-sex In an English summary of its report, the agen- The raiding officers had no documents to back After securing a marriage license in Ontario relationships in the state. cy said: “During effective ART [anti-retroviral up their claims, so the bears refused to let them in July 2004, Martinez, an employee of the © Lisa Keen. All rights reserved. therapy], free virus is absent from blood and into the building. But the bears left nonethe- college, applied to have Golden covered under genital secretions. Epidemiologic and biologic less, and the officers then slapped a “closed” the college’s health coverage for employees data indicate that during such treatment, there notice on the entrance. Kennedys and their spouses. The college denied coverage is no relevant risk of transmission. Residual risk “Under this city government, it seems that and Martinez filed a lawsuit in state court, say- Endorse Obama cannot be scientifically excluded, but is, in the the police feel protected in having discrimina- ing the denial violated the state constitution’s Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Ba- judgment of the commission, negligibly small. tory attitudes toward gays and lesbians,” María guarantee of equal protection. The appeals court rack Obama recently received the political “The commission realizes that medical and Rachid, president of the Argentine Federation of did not consider the equal protection argument blessings of Sen. Edward Kennedy, Caroline biologic data available today do not permit Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Trans (FALGBT), but nonetheless reversed a lower court ruling Kennedy and Rep. Patrick Kennedy. proof that HIV infection during effective ART told the newspaper Página/12. against Martinez. “With Barack Obama, we will turn the page is impossible, because the non-occurrence of Rachid said FALGBT will file a complaint with Judge Erin Peradotto, the appeals court’s lone on the old politics of misrepresentation and an improbable event cannot be proven. If no federal Justice officials over the federal police’s female judge, wrote the decision, saying the distortion,” Edward Kennedy said. transmission events were observed among 100 attempt “to enter a private place without a le- state had, “for well over a century,” recognized Another member of the Kennedy clan— couples followed for two years, for instance, gitimate official order.” marriages solemnized outside the state, with Maria Shriver, wife of California Gov. Arnold there might still be some such events if 10,000 “This is a violation of human rights,” she two exceptions. Those exceptions, she said, were Schwarzenegger—also has endorsed Obama. couples are followed for 10 years. said. marriages that involved incest or polygamy, and However, not all Kennedys are on board. “The situation is analogous to 1986, when the The group also will send a letter to Mayor marriages explicitly prohibited by state law. Three of Robert Kennedy’s children—Kathleen statement ‘HIV cannot be transmitted by kiss- Mauricio Macri denouncing the city inspectors’ The state had argued that a ruling against Kenndy Townsend, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and ing’ was publicized,” the commission said. “This “discriminatory attitudes.” same-sex marriage in 2006 by the state’s high- Kerry Kennedy—endorsed Hillary Clinton in a statement cannot be proven, but after 20 years’ est court effectively expressed a state policy recent L.A. Time’s op-ed piece. experience its accuracy appears highly plausi- —Assistance: Bill Kelley prohibiting same-sex marriages. But the appeals ble.

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/>ÝÊ-iÀÛViÃ 5233 N. Clark recently? (773) 769-9299 See me: >V>Ê Charles T. Rhodes, Ê ÃÕÌ} Agent 2472 N. Clark ÕÃiÃÃÊ [email protected] 773.281.0890 www.womenandchildrenfirst.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Parking Available (not in NJ) Ê*>} State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Wheelchair Accessible Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois February 6, 2008 9 Indiana’s senate recently approved an anti- dates, there’s only one. gay bill, 39-9, that would amend the state’s Case in point: the Rev. constitution to ban same-sex marriage, reported KEEN ON THE TRAIL Kirbyjon Caldwell, who Edgeboston.com. The Indianapolis Star, howev- Gay news from the this month endorsed er, recently reported the state’s house will most Democrat Barack likely reject the measure. The bill died in the presidential campaign trail ... BY LISA KEEN, KEEN NEWS SERVICE Obama’s campaign for house last year. Indiana already has a law that the Democratic nomi- bans same-sex marriage. nation. Caldwell’s des- Five Republican state representatives and ignation as spiritual senators in Iowa have filed suit to overturn last BAILOUTS: Democratic candidates John Ed- advisor to President Bush might have sent up year’s decision by Polk County Judge Robert wards and Dennis Kucinich have dropped out of a red flag for many Democrats, but that’s not Hansons that banning same-sex marriage goes the presidential race during the past week; as what got him into trouble with gays. Instead, against the state constitution. The politicians have Republicans Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thomp- somebody noticed that Caldwell’s church, the want Iowa’s Supreme Court to overturn the Denise Simmons is mayor of Cambridge, Mass. son and Duncan Hunter. That essentially leaves Windsor Village United Methodist Church in decision, according to Advocate.com. The deci- Photo courtesy of Simmons a two-person race in both parties –Hillary Clin- Houston, appeared to be operating an ex-gay sion of the high court would determine whether ton and Barack Obama for the Democrats; and ministry. The news spread quickly and a num- or not Iowa will become the first state in the John McCain and Mitt Romney for the Republi- ber of gay political bloggers expressed concern Midwest to offer gay marriage. The lawmakers NATIONAL cans. that the Obama campaign might have another are being represented by the conservative and ANTI-RUDY: It’s unlikely that he had any Donnie McClurkin problem on its hands. Mc- anti-gay Alliance Defense Fund. significant impact on Rudy Giuliani’s anemic Clurkin is the ex-gay gospel singer who par- ROUNDUP A transgender woman is seeking the Re- BY AMY WOOTEN vote Tues., Jan. 29, in Floriday, but anti- ticipated in an Obama campaign tour of South publican nomination for the Minnesota state abortion activist Randall Terry (whose son is Carolina last October, to a storm of contro- legislature. Chrissy Nakonsky, who is running E. Denise Simmons has become the United gay) was campaigning heartily against the versy. But the Obama campaign said Caldwell for state representative, would be the first trans States’ first openly lesbian, African-American former New York City mayor. According to the was not affiliated with the campaign, and individual elected to a state legislature in the mayor after winning the race to head Cambridge, St. Petersburg Times, Randall drew a crowd of Caldwell confirmed that neither Obama nor his U.S., reported 365gay.com. Nakonsky recently Mass., according to EDGE Boston. “It’s wonder- three (that’s right, 3) for a speech lambasting staff knew about the ministry. In fact, Caldwell told a local publication that she was inspired ful to be in a high-profile position, and to be in Giuliani over his support for “homosexual mar- claimed that even he, the church’s senior pas- by Republican state Sen. Paul Koering, the first it as you are,” said Simmons, who served four riage” (even though Giuliani said he’s against tor, didn’t know about the ministry, saying it openly gay member of Minnesota’s state legisla- terms on the City Council and 10 years on the it). was one of about 120 that operates through ture. Cambridge School Committee prior to her his- MISAPPLICATION? President Bill Clinton, on the 14,000-member church. The news broke A female choir member of a large Black Bap- torical victory. the campaign trail January 17 in Nevada for just as Obama was picking up gay activists’ ku- tist Washington church made waves when she Ohio’s first out lesbian judge, Mary Wise- his spouse, was asked about the “don’t ask/ dos for his speech before an African-American decided to start her own outing campaign in man, has been advised to not rule on cases don’t tell” policy he signed in 1993. He said Baptist church in Atlanta on Sunday. During December and January. According to Southern involving LGBT issues, reported Outincolum- the policy he worked out with then chairman that speech, Obama said the black community Voice, the woman e-mailed the church’s pas- bus.com. Recently, a fellow judge publicly stat- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell was must acknowledge that it has “scorned our tor and members of the congregation, outing ed that he feels Wiseman should stay away from supposed to have enabled gay service members gay brothers and sisters instead of embracing over 100 church members. Many of those she LGBT cases. The judge, James D. Piergies, an- “to live their lives; as long as they didn’t go them.” outed are male members of the choir. The church nounced that he will run against Wiseman in the marching in gay rights parades or go to gay CLINTON PLEDGES HELP: In a rare instance has roughly 7,000 members. primary. bars in uniform...and talk about it on duty.” He of addressing gay specific issues, Democrat An appeal is expected after a Southern Cali- New York City officials are calling on 24 of said it wasn’t until after Powell left that “anti- Hillary Clinton recently said she sees suicide fornia judge threw out a discrimination lawsuit the nation’s largest companies to change gay forces in the military started using it to among gay teens to be a “serious problem.” filed on behalf of two female students who their policies in order to end discrimination kick people out.” The only problem with that In an “Ask Hillary” weblog interview, her cam- were expelled from their Christian school be- based on sexual orientation and gender iden- explanation is that Powell left in September paign’s director of youth outreach relays to her cause they were suspected to be lesbians. The tity, Newsday.com reported. The city has $2.2 1993. The policy went into effect in February a question from Web viewers, including some- two students, who were juniors in high school billion in local pension investments with the 1994. Servicemembers Legal Defense Network one named “Ryan.” (In the preceding question, at the time, were expelled in 2005. The judged two dozen companies, and the city’s comptroller Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis issued a blog a viewer identified as “Ryan H.” said he was ruled that the suit has no basis in the state’s William Thompson, Jr., is asking them to amend entry, calling the remarks “disturbing factual a teacher and asked a question about how to anti-discrimination law, Associated Press report- their policies. inaccuracies.” Sarvis said that “the reality is retain good teachers. It wasn’t clear whether ed. that military members cannot be out to any- this was a second question from Ryan H. or one, at anytime, while serving under the law.” a new Ryan.) The question was: What Clinton GAY DEM ENDORSEMENTS: Apparently few would do, as president, to “encourage a more reported to be as a warm-up announcer for “La gay Democratic clubs around the country accepting and healthy educational experience Cage,” the female impersonator show at the have registered enough support for any one for LGBT teens?” “I’ve done a lot of work on Riviera. Steele was also featured in the 2006 candidate to allow that club to make an en- this in New York because I’m well aware of the movie Transtasia, a documentary about the dorsement. Four gay Democratic clubs in New depression and anxiety and frankly the high “World’s First Most Beautiful Transsexual Pag- York City have endorsed Hillary Clinton for rate of suicide comparatively among gay teens. eant.” the Democratic nomination for president; but First, number one, we’ve got to do everything Mimi Marks, one of the headliners at the quite a few more have failed to muster a large we can to send a clear message that we value Chicago female impersonator venue The Baton enough majority to do the same. One club in you,” said Clinton. She then added that there and a featured contestant in Transtasia, told Washington, D.C., one in Sacramento and two needs to be “more services,” including health Windy City Times that Steele’s passing was a in San Francisco voted but failed to achieve a services, “more mentoring,” and “more to help “shock.” Marks added that she felt she had “a 60 percent vote for one candidate –the amount prepare school officials” and other students. cool connection” when they met during the required for an endorsement. A club in Sacra- The video is available at www.youtube.com un- pageant (their only meeting) and that Steele mento der “Ask Hillary 2.” “paved the road for a lot of us showgirls. It ONE DEGREE SEPARATION: There may be six © Lisa Keen. All rights reserved. Jahna Steele. was the most upsetting and disappointing degrees of separation between most people on thing that she passed away. ... It’s a sad thing earth but, when it comes to presidential candi- for the world of female impersonation—and PASSAGES what makes it more sad is that, starting on Valentine’s Day, they’re going to start playing Jahna Steele Transtasia on Showtime.” BY ANDREW DAVIS Local entertainer Tiara Russell, also featured in the movie, e-mailed that Steele “was a god- Find the perfect apartment in Oak Park Las Vegas transgender legend Jahna Steele dess for the queens. She crossed barriers ... died Jan. 24, according to the Las Vegas Re- Free referral service makes it easy worked in Vegas for many years undetected as view-Journal. She was 49. transgendered and spearheaded Transtasia. ... The Clark County, Nev., Medical Examiner e- She had a pure heart and was sweet and be- Wide choice of rental mailed Windy City Times that the “cause and lieved in a universal spirit.” manner [of death] are pending at this time.” housing from vintage Steele was preceded in death by her father, Jahna Erica Steele was born John Matheny John. Jahna is survived by her mother, Connie; apartments on tree-lined Sept. 29, 1958, in San Antonio, Texas, and sister, Sally; brothers, Dan and Tim; and many lived in Nevada for a quarter-century. Matheny streets to luxury nieces, nephews and friends. Jahna also leaves grew up in San Antonio before undergoing behind a large extended family and friends. She townhouses and two-flats. sexual-reassignment surgery in his early 20s. will also be missed dearly by her good friend, Steele was an accomplished actress and head- Tara. Call us for a free brochure. line entertainer in Las Vegas. She was a mem- (708) 848-7150 For memorial information, go to Jahna ber of the “Crazy Girls” topless revue at the Steele’s Web site, www.thejahnasteele.com. 1041 South Blvd. Oak Park, IL 60302 Riviera before being outed in 1992 by the TV Donations may be made to WE CARE Founda- show A Current Affair. Hours: M-F 9-4:30 Sat. 10-4 tion. Steele’s last job on the Las Vegas strip was www.liveinoakpark.org 10 February 6, 2008

VOL. 23, No. 21, Feb. 6, 2008 The combined forces of Windy City Times, VIEWPOINT founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. parent adoption law in Colorado will “give gay and schools. We can write reviews on Amazon.com or lesbian couples the opportunity to showcase their other online bookstores in support of LGBT chil- PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR DANA worth as partner-parents,” and thus “help erode dren’s books we’ve read. Tracy Baim resistance to same-sex matrimony,” as Time mag- We can also simply be visible in our daily lives, Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky RUDOLPH azine noted (July 5, 2007). In Oregon, a judge showing that being LGBT and being a good parent MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis ruled in 2007 that it was unconstitutional for the are not mutually exclusive. Within our communi- Business manager Cynthia Holmes state not to recognize non-biological parents as ties, we have an immediate point of commonal- Director of New Media Jean Albright equal to biological ones. He found that Oregon’s ity with straight parents, who see us involved at ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson account managerS: Amy Matheny, Suzanne pending Domestic Partnership law was a permis- school and soccer practice. Making a personal con- Kraus, Kirk Williamson, Jerry Nunn, Terry Wiegel sible remedy, “provided it goes into effect as nection by explaining “I’m Daddy; he’s Papa,” can Promotions director Kathleen Ulm Mombian scheduled on January 1, 2008.” It didn’t, and was do more to change someone’s mind about LGBT OFFICE Robb Olson placed on hold pending judicial review. The delay people than an abstract segment on the evening NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson LGBT Parents Creating Change SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Amy Wooten caused some to wonder if the state would face a news. We must take care, however, that our desire National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 legal crisis, with non-biological parents having no to set a good example doesn’t mean we—and more TheatER Editor Jonathan Abarbanel How can LGBT parents create change? I’ve been easy option to gain legal recognition, as required so, our children—feel pressured to be perfect. Ev- Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. pondering the question in light of the National by the judge (Basic Rights Oregon press release, ery parent at some point forgets to pack his or BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s annual Creating SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, David July 16, 2007). A Feb. 1 ruling in favor of domes- her child’s school lunch. Every child experiences Change conference in Detroit this week (Feb. Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony Peregrin tic partnerships averted the predicament, which some emotional struggle or social misunderstand- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS 6-10). Becoming a parent is itself a life-altering could have seen parents again coming to the fore ing. The key is to show that our families are like Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, change. We must then master the fine if chaotic in the battle for relationship recognition. any others, skinned knees and all. Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Romeo art of guiding our children through 18 or more San Vincente, Scott Morgan, Catey Sullivan, Eric Not every activist with children wants or has the Equally important is to create change by raising years of constant transformation, from teething Eatherly, J. S. Hall opportunity to be part of a major lawsuit, however. children of awareness and acceptance. Evidence Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Mubarak and potty training through school, puberty and Most of us settle for volunteer work with various indicates we are doing well here. The long-run- Dahir, Michelangelo Signorile, Susie Day, Jorjet leaving home. Children also often motivate par- events or campaigns. The problem is that parent- ning National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe Rice, Dan ents to create change in the world around them, Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, ing itself takes time. It’s hard to answer phones at found that the children in the study “demonstrate whether at the local PTA fundraiser, campaigning Charlsie Dewey, Aqua Terra Travel, Michael Knipp the local LGBT community center when you have a tremendous resilience and awareness of diversity PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Kat Fitzgerald, against drunk driving, or making extra efforts to to take your child to ballet practice. It’s tough to issues and appreciation for tolerance that is really Steve Becker care for the environment. demonstrate at the statehouse when your child is quite sophisticated for 10-year-old kids. We see ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart Within the LGBT community, parents play an im- sick in bed. Traveling to march on DC? Not with even more of that in the 17-year-olds.” (Dr. Na- CIRCULATION portant and unique role in creating change. It’s Circulation director Jean Albright two squabbling siblings in the back seat for five nette Gartrell, phone interview, December 2007) a tried-but-true marketing trick: children tug at Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Carol, Crystal, Dan, hours. This doesn’t make it impossible, though, to LGBT families don’t have a monopoly on this, of Ed, Jack, John, Maria and Sue heartstrings. That’s why every slate of plaintiffs be both parent and activist. At some point, our course, but we can take a leadership role. in marriage-equality cases across the country in- children are old enough to be off doing their own Whether as naptime activists at the computer, cludes at least one couple with kids. More than thing while we organize letter-writing campaigns plaintiffs in the courts, or cheering Little League that, by the mere fact of being good parents (as to our senators. The kids may even want to join fans, LGBT parents will play a leading role in credible research attests), we destroy the special us at the statehouse someday (though we should creating change for both our families and com- WCMG Board of directors status of opposite-sex marriage as the only ac- always respect their need to determine their own munities. Our longest-lasting legacy of change, President: Tracy Baim ceptable child-raising institution. The New York Vice President: Nan Schaffer level of involvement with LGBT rights). Until then, however, may be to inspire our children to do the State Court of Appeals relied on this status when Secretary: Pete Thelen one simply has to get creative, or get online. We same, whether for LGBT rights or other issues that it issued its ruling last July denying marriage At-large: Jonathan Abarbanel, Michael Bauer, can send e-mail to our elected officials or to jour- matter to them. They will carry our desire for a Marv Pollack rights to same-sex couples. Now, part of convinc- nalists who have covered LGBT stories. We can better world into the future. ing the legislature to pass a marriage equality law Copyright 2008 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media take part in online conversations on mainstream Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher will be demonstrating that good childrearing isn’t Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. parenting forums and blogs, offering an LGBT of Mombian, www.mombian.com, a blog and re- Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). limited to opposite-sex couples, and marriage parent’s perspective on everything from sharing source directory for LGBT parents. shouldn’t be, either. Likewise, last year’s second- household tasks with a co-parent to bullying in

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. GUEST VIEWPOINT All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing MCs rhymed about “jimmy hats,” or condoms. usurped by rabid commercialism and radio-friend- and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, Rap trio TLC donned condoms on their overalls and ly anthems that celebrate mayhem, misogyny and cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City JOHNA- even their eyeglasses. materialism. Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of THON And who could forget Salt-N-Pepa’s 1991 hit This Black AIDS Day, however, I urge hip-hop a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy Let’s Talk About Sex? culture to bring sexy back—safe sexy. City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While BRIGGS Though controversial at the time, the song Johnathon E. Briggs is communications direc- we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make peaked at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and tor at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept encouraged America to “talk about all the good responsibility for advertising claims. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 things and the bad things that may be.” An alter- Dear Editor, e-mail: [email protected] Hip-Hop native version entitled Let’s Talk About AIDS, was To coincide with National Black HIV/AIDS included as a B-side on singles for the song. Awareness Day (NBHAAD), the Chicago Black www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Silent on Safe Sex During the late 1980s and early 1990s, as fear Gay Men’s Caucus held our first formal public radio: WindyCityQueercast.com of HIV/AIDS gripped the nation, there were so event Feb. 7, 2006. During our “coming out” WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, I was on a nostalgic stroll down Hip-Hop Memory many rap hits with safe sex lyrics that a Berkeley, event, we shared our rationale and vision to 5443 N. Broadway, #101, Chicago, IL 60640 Lane, when a question popped into my head: When Calif. radio station launched a Condom Countdown tackle HIV/AIDS issues among African Ameri- USA is the last time a song about safe sex topped the featuring such songs as Go See the Doctor by Kool can gay and bisexual men. It was, after all, Billboard charts? Moe Dee, Condom Sense by Magnetic Force, Dou- only months earlier that the Center for Disease Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Nightspots Deadline every Wednesday. The journey was triggered by “Ruzzian Rou- ble Bag It by Papa Lindley. Control and Prevention released study findings Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now lette,” a music-fueled docudrama about the per- The AIDS crisis is not over. According to the that stated almost half of all African American online only ils of unprotected sex featuring St. Louis-based Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, Af- gay men were living with HIV. How could we Deadline The 10th of month prior. hip-hop crew, the Apostlez. The film was screened rican Americans represent nearly half of all new stand by and do nothing? OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com recently by the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP in HIV cases in the United States. It is estimated HIV/AIDS continues to greatly impact Afri- commemoration of National Black HIV/AIDS Day that nearly half of all Black men who have sex can Americans across the city. Our efforts to SUBSCRIPTION RATES which will be observed Feb. 7. with men are already infected with HIV. For black mobilize, advocate, and educate are more im- The in-your-face film is meant as a wake-up call women ages 25 to 34, HIV/AIDS is the leading portant than ever. ___ $89 for 1 year Windy City Times only ___ $55 for 1 year Nightspots only to the hip-hop generation about HIV/AIDS. Its cause of death. We commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS ___ $109 for 1 year WCT & Nightspots message is direct: engaging in risky sexual behav- Here in Illinois, new HIV/AIDS cases among Awareness Day by giving thanks to those who ___ $5 for 1 copy of all products ior is akin to playing Russian roulette with your youth ages 20 to 24—a key hip-hop demographic continue to advocate for the health and well- life. It only takes one bullet. —were up 76 percent between 2000 and 2005, ness of African American gay men. National SEND PAYMENT TO: WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, 5443 N. Broadway, Suite 101, As I left the Gene Siskel Film Center, I recalled state health officials report. Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a perfect op- Chicago, IL 60640 USA the days when the desire to spread messages Who raps to them about wrapping it up? portunity for all community members to get about responsible sexual behavior did not rest Artists such as Common and Ludacris promote tested, get educated about HIV/AIDS, get in- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com solely in the hands of independent filmmakers or HIV/AIDS prevention through their non-profit volved with the community and get treated if www.WindyCityQueercast.com starving artists. foundations. But judging from the plethora of HIV-positive or diagnosed with AIDS. When I was a teenager, a myriad of MTV rappers booty-shaking music videos in heavy rotation Please visit www.blackaidsday.org and www. bragged about their sexual exploits and capped it today, it seems far easier for most rap artists to lovethybrotha.com. off with a bit of safe sex advice. promote sex than sexual responsibility. —Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus True, the hip-hop of my youth has long been February 6, 2008 11 individual’s sexual identity. In a chapter headed A Gay “No Two Men Were Ever More Intimate” (a quote from Speed on his relationship with Lincoln), President? Katz begins his exploration of the 19th-century By Marie J. Kuda conception and labeling of homoeroticism. QUOTELINES Tripp, in his study, introduced a handful of With all the hoopla other men that he suggests were intimate with about candidate Lincoln (alluding that they were among those BY REX WOCKNER “firsts” (first woman, that Sandburg called “the “invisible compan- Q first African Ameri- ionships that surprised me” mentioned in his can, first Morman), research of “stacks and bundles of fact and leg- leave it to a novelist- end”): William (Billy) Greene, with whom Lincoln “It’s not because I don’t like them they fall in love ought to be celebrated and priest to be the first shared a bed in New Salem so narrow that when [that I oppose same-sex marriage]. It’s encouraged, and shouldn’t be prevented by any to suggest that if one turned the other had to also; Army Captain because I like even more the idea that the form of discrimination in the law.” — Former America really wants (later Major) David V. Derickson, who frequently heart and soul, the essence of our civilization U.S. Vice President Al Gore in a video posted at to elect an underdog, shared the president’s bed when Mary was ab- is in the family. It’s not in the government. Current.com, Jan. 17. See tinyurl.com/yrazcf. it should vote for a sent; Ephrim Elmer Ellsworth, with whom he had It’s not even in some institution, not even gay or transgendered a “knight and squire” relationship, and who was the church. Before there candidate. Fr. Andrew killed in the Civil War; A. Y. Ellis, who came to was the church, and before Greeley isn’t the only Springfield and took quite a “fancy” to Lincoln there was government, voice in the political and ended up in his bed; and others. Tripp tries there was family. When wilderness wondering “why not a gay candidate to answer the question everyone seems obsessed you mess with the design, for President?” But many scholars in the gay with, echoing a London reviewer of “The Life of you end up messing with community slyly smile while muttering under Lorena Hickock, ER’s Friend” (1980): “Whether results. We can’t afford to [Mitt Romney] Wockner Rex by Photo their breath, “been there, done that.” or not orifices were penetrated?” Tripp also doc- do that. That’s why you is so plastic that Thirty-some years ago, the April 1976 issue of uments his conclusion that the Ann Rutledge/ will never hear me waver.” The Chicago Gay Crusader ran an article titled Lincoln romance story was a myth, and he goes — Presidential candidate I bet he has “Lincoln’s Other Love.” The author, Dennis Doty, one step further than Mary Todd Lincoln biog- Mike Huckabee speaking to ‘Mattel’ tattooed drew his suggestion that President Abraham Lin- rapher Jean Baker in portraying the president’s voters in Iowa, Dec. 22. on his behind. coln might be gay from several sources going all wife as a shrew and his home life as hellish. —Syndicated gay-press the way back to a newspaper story by New Salem Tripp’s great contribution to Lincoln scholar- “Gov. Mike Huckabee columnist Wayne Besen. resident John Hill that appeared 27 years after ship, gay and straight, will be the massive data- is establishing an un- Lincoln’s assassination. He bolstered his argu- base he assembled which will now be, no doubt, fortunate pattern on ment with excerpts from Lincoln’s letters quoted extensively mined. the campaign trail—mak- in the eight-volume “Collected Works of Abra- The first years of this century have seen a ing statements about gays ham Lincoln” (1953-55). dozen new books of Lincolnia. As the authors/ and lesbians that demon- Doty wasn’t the first gay scholar to make the scholars make the rounds of talk shows they are strate he’s out of touch claim. In 1971, iconic archivist Jim Kepner now always asked whether they believe Lincoln with the vast majority of recorded his gleanings from Illinois’ good gray was gay. Doris Kearns Goodwin, who wrote about Americans. Voters should poet Carl Sandburg’s multi-volume 1926 biog- Lincoln’s Cabinet, answered Charlie Rose in the take a close look at the raphy of the president. In “The Prairie Years,” negative. Phillip Nobile, acknowledged author of governor’s pattern of ill- Sandburg noted the “streak of lavender” and the original draft of the first chapter of Tripp’s informed and extreme statements. Gov. Hucka- “Really, has there ever been a pho- “soft spots of May violets” that ran through Lin- book, called it “a hoax and a fraud,” according bee should remember it’s 2008, not 1968, and nier, flip-flopping panderer in the his- coln and Joshua Fry Speed, who slept together to syndicated Chicago columnist Paul Varnell. he’s running for president, not preacher.” — tory of politics than ‘Full of Mitt’ Rom- nightly for four years in a shared bed above the Nobile conceded, in a 2005 interview with Bill Log Cabin Republicans President Patrick Sam- ney? He is so plastic that I bet he has ‘Mattel’ Springfield store where Lincoln clerked. Lest the O’Reilly, that “no Lincoln specialist will say he mon in a Jan. 18 statement. tattooed on his behind. If Romney became misguided think Sandburg was merely waxing was not bisexual.” The crux of the matter, as president, it would be like watching a four- ecstatic over prairie flowers, I refer them to the I also concluded in “Was Eleanor Roosevelt a “I don’t trust either Clinton on gay year video loop of the movie I-Robot, minus chapter “They Said it with Violets in 1926” in Lesbian First Lady?” (OUT, October 1982), is the issues. Sure, they’re better than any Republi- the action scenes. How anyone could actually Kaier Curtin’s wonderful history of gays on the rhetorical question of why so many try so hard can on the issues we’re confronting. But they pull the lever for someone so utterly devoid of character, conscience and consistency is a American stage. The imagery of violets and lav- to discredit even minor evidence suggesting ho- know that already. And they’ll never take a risk mystery.” — Syndicated gay-press columnist ender was well known to most literate Americans mosexuality in beloved or renowned public fig- for gay equality because they assume we have nowhere else to go.” — Writer Andrew Sullivan Wayne Besen, Jan. 2. in the early 20th century and was commonplace ures. on his blog, Jan. 17. by the date Sandburg’s book was published. First Lady Laura Bush had the rather shabby “There are too many moments these By the 1980s the first wave of amateur and old “Lincoln Bedroom” in the White House re- “The State prohibits and punishes any days when we cannot recognize our tenured gay historians were hastily “outing” furbished in 2007. In his day it was called the form of discrimination based on sex, col- country. ... We can only hope that this time, every queer they could to add them to the Prince of Wales Room and used as an office. Lin- or, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ori- unlike 2004, American voters will have the growing pantheon of fellow travelers who had coln never slept (alone or with anyone else) in gin, culture, nationality, citizenship, language, wisdom to grant the awesome powers of the accomplished much, but had their sexuality hid- the Lincoln Bedroom. But Eleanor Roosevelt’s religious creed, ideology, political affiliation or presidency to someone who has the integrity, den from history. Unfortunately, many blindly lesbian gal pal, Lorena Hickok, spent many a philosophical beliefs, marital status, economic principle and decency to use them honorably. followed their predecessors’ published findings night there during her four-year “visit” as an or social status, type of occupation, level of Then when we look in the mirror as a nation, without digging deeper into shallow scholarly unofficial White House guest. That’s a fact. education, disability, pregnancy, or other fac- we will see, once again, the reflection of the Copyright 2008 by Marie J. Kuda graves. Jim Kepner eventually published his tors that have the purpose or effect of nullify- United States of America.” — From The New thoughts on Lincoln in his privately printed ing or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or York Times’ New Year’s Eve editorial. “From the Closet of History” (1984), mistakenly exercise, on an equal footing, of the rights of citing a 1956 edition of the Sandburg as his everyone.” — From Article 14 of the finalized “I find the city fulfilling in the same source. In fact, as notes in C. A. Tripp’s posthu- text of Bolivia’s planned new constitution, the ways I always have. It’s so physically daz- mously published “The Intimate World of Abra- first in the world to protect transgender people zling; it has a small-town vibe with cosmopoli- ham Lincoln” (2005) suggest, the publisher had and only the seventh to protect gay people. tan attitudes. And nowadays it’s quite simply purged the suggestive homoerotic 1926 refer- my home. And something I am so heavily iden- ences from later editions; therefore, lazy Kepner tified with I probably would feel weird living copiers give themselves away by citing an edi- “I think it’s wrong for the govern- anywhere else.” — Tales of the City author Ar- tion that does not carry the material. (This is ment to discriminate against people be- mistead Maupin talking about San Francisco, to reminiscent of the many lesbian “scholars” who cause of that person’s sexual orientation. I The Out Traveler, spring 2008 issue. claimed evidence that Jane Addams and Mary think that gay men and women ought to have Rozet Smith slept together for 40 years based on the same rights as heterosexual men and wom- “I think the majority of the American a misquote in a slim early publication “Feminist en to make contracts, to have hospital-visiting public cares less about it than reporters like Support Networks” by Eleanor Roosevelt biogra- rights and to join together in marriage, and I you do.” — Singer Clay Aiken when asked by pher Blanche Weisen Smith.) don’t understand why it is considered by some Time Out New York on Jan. 17, “What do you Jonathan Ned Katz, an historical researcher people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage make of people nagging you about the gay whose scrupulous accretion of documents filled to allow it by gays and lesbians. Shouldn’t we thing?” his early books, “Gay American History” (1976) be promoting the kind of faithfulness and loy- and “Gay & Lesbian Almanac” (1984), notes in alty to one’s partner regardless of sexual ori- “Love Stories: Sex Between Men Before Homo- entation? Because if you don’t do that, then, Elmer Ellsworth. sexuality” (2001) that the Doty article was the to that extent, you’re promoting promiscuity —Assistance: Bill Kelley first he read suggesting Lincoln’s possible homo- and you’re promoting all the problems that can sexuality. Katz’s book concentrates on the sexual result from promiscuity. And the loyalty and love of men for men, rather than exploring an love that two people feel for one another when 12 February 6, 2008 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Jim IN THE RED Womack

The Day on Which a Man Dies (above) is one of the productions highlighted in Stage Door Jonny. See page 14. MOVIES THEATER GIFTS Shades of ‘Gray.’ ‘Night’ moves. Love and Kate. Page 20. Page 14. Page 17.

DCB: Too early, very early, high school. 1976, A Tall Order year of our Bicentennial. It was my tribute to our forefathers. It was my reaction to a woman a lot of the kids today don’t know about, Anita for Douglas Bryant. [She] was this horrific woman in the late ‘70s, and I came out as a protest. Carter Beane WCT: Was your family good about it? By Jonathan Abarbanel DCB: Considering where they were from they were OK about it. Now they’re perfectly all fine The easy quip is to say that Douglas Carter Beane with it. stands tall as a playwright. Indeed, at 6’4” the WCT: You and your partner have two chil- author of The Little Dog Laughed would stand dren, originally from Central America. You tall at just about anything. Beane, 48, achieved told me Cooper is 3 [years] and Gabrielle is Broadway and national success with his play 15 months. Does being a parent make you As Bee’s in Honey Drown (produced locally at straighter? Northlight Theatre) and with his screenplay, To DCB: Wow! That’s interesting; it’s a really great The Little Dog Laughed, written by Douglas Carter Beane. Photo by Michael Brosilow Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. question. It hits on something that I’m dealing Early in his career, Beane wrote about the with now, in that yesterday we got a present, country club set, reflecting his own upbringing did would be an improvement. Even if I slept in there are different types of writing that I do. a big book of nude boys frolicking on a beach. in Wilkes-Barr and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. late one day, it would be better. So that gave Like, my next play is actually one that took me And Lewis and I were like, ‘Who sent that? Where For the last decade, however, his plays have me a certain freedom. And I knew right from the a couple of years to write, but it’s only about are we going to put it? We’ve got children here.’ explored celebrity and fame generally associ- start what the style [was] going to be, which is 90 minutes. But the writing is so dense—jokes You never really feel entirely settled in with the ated with entertainment industries. As Bees in very much in line with the Theatre of the Ridicu- within jokes within pain within happiness with- straight people, and the single gays are off do- Honey Drown (the publishing industry) and The lous with Charles Ludlam and then later Charles in sorrow. ing their thing. But there is the incredible sup- Little Dog Laughed (film industry) both have gay Busch; that celebration of garbage and high art WCT: What is the next play? port of gay parents. You find a pocket of people characters at their centers, allowing Beane to and low art. DCB: The next play is a two-character play you hang around, it’s not that big a deal. explore success and sexuality and how they may WCT: Musicals usually take years to reach about husband-and-wife gossip columnists who Gay culture is in an interesting place right impact each other. As an out author, Beane cer- Broadway, but Xanadu was up and running in decide not to go out of their apartment any now also. I think that gay ‘gay-borhoods’ are tainly knows whereof he writes. With his partner, just two years. more, and just start making up things about dissolving in every city that I’ve been going Lewis Flynn, and their two adopted children, DCB: Barely that. That was one of the reasons people. And then they start making up people. to. Are they dissolving here as well? Gay kids Beane splits his time between New York and a I wanted to do it, aside from the young produc- It’s about the manufacturing of information. are going off to the suburbs, gay bars are being farm near Scranton, Penn., inherited from his ers saying that I could do whatever I wanted. WCT: It seems that you’re drawn to subject replaced with Internet—on the Internet when grandmother. They only had the rights for a very short period matter that revolves around what you actually they say “swimmer’s build,’”they mean Shelly Beane recently was in Chicago for 24 hours to of time. The studio, Universal, didn’t think they do professionally: publishing, writing, back- Winters in The Poseidon Adventure. I think that attend the opening of The Little Dog Laughed at could do it. So the race was on and we couldn’t stage stories. there’s an end for the need for gay bars [be- About Face Theatre. It’s the first post-Broadway lollygag. DCB: Fame is fascinating to me but I think it’s cause] everything we were hoping would happen production of the satirical comedy, continuing WCT: Is writing a routine for you or a ritu- fascinating to everybody. Little Dog Laughed I has happened. Of course, there are people who at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the Center on al? Do you write every day like Steinbeck and probably would not have written except so many are going to say we’re horrible, and vote against Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, through Feb. 17. The Hemingway? people I would meet not in the entertainment us and have sex with us on the down-low. That’s engaging, outgoing and glib author took a few DCB: I write a lot of Hemingway. [Laughs] business [would ask] “Who’s gay in Hollywood? what it’s always been and always will be. But minutes to talk with the Windy City Times. WCT: And I bet you improve it. [Laughs] Who’s really gay?” And then I became interested culturally we are so beyond what I ever thought Windy City Times: Your current Broadway DCB: I wrote today on the plane, I wrote today in open secrets. Secrets everyone would know. we would be. My farm—my partner and I are show is the hit musical Xanadu, which pokes in my hotel room. I try not to write at times. I Secrets everyone in Scranton, Penn., would there with our kids and, you know, the cars don’t fun at the dreadful movie. think about things and really stew on them so know, like certain actors were gay and their slow down and people stare. That part’s totally Douglas Carter Beane: The original movie was that when I do write it comes out as a quick wives were just for public. accepted, it’s totally understood and totally a so bad, it was so bad, that I knew anything I explosion. Writing comes very easily to me, and WCT: Did you come out early or late? given. February 6, 2008 13 and Saturday only (Feb. 8-9). Leslie Lee is the Clarification: rial decision to stage the scene without nudity, headliner, supported by : Linda Sweig, Erika Ed- and members of Actors Equity were therefore wards, Jamie Szynal, and Lauren Maul. Master To the members of the Chicago theatre press not notified that they would be required to of Ceremonies Chris Maloney, the token male; appear nude when we auditioned the play. 773-598-4549; $15. And, hey, the show is “R” community: Yukio Though Mr. Beane requested after seeing the rated. Thank you for attending the production of Mishima. production that the staging occur with nudity, Jonny was invited to an elegant soiree at the The Little Dog Laughed I directed. After discussions with Douglas Carter Beane, we are unfortunately not able to do so. Sensi- lovely arts-and-crafts home of Robert Ollis, mu- tive to this difficult situation, and not wanting sical director of many shows at Bailiwick Reper- who attended the gala opening for the play Jan. 16, it has become clear that one directo- to disrupt the production, Mr. Beane has gra- tory. Bob and his partner hosted a preview of the rial choice I made for the production of The ciously agreed to withhold his objection to this upcoming musical, A Man of No Importance, to Little Dog Laughed did not fully realize the change in stage direction, although he wanted be produced at Bailiwick March 17-April 20. Bob stage directions. Mr. Beane indicated in the it brought to your attention. will be musical supervisor and ever-boyish Scott printed edition of the play—on page 23, spe- I apologize for the situation. Ferguson will direct the show by Terrence McNal- cifically—that the characters Alex and Mitchell Eric Rosen ly (book), Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) and Stephen Fla- appear in the nude. I had made the directo- About Face Youth Theatre herty (music). A Man of No Importance was the Stage Door next show after Ragtime for the three writers, but it’s much smaller and much closer to their hearts: an intimate, bittersweet gay-themed Jonny Passion,” its Black History Month extravagan- work set in modern Dublin. It was produced Off- By Jonathan Abarbanel Najwa Dancing za, Sat., Feb. 16, at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Broadway in 2002 and at the Apple Tree The- Van Buren, at 7:30 p.m. atre in Highland Park four years ago. This new at Malcolm X A world-premiere play is not at all unusual in Tickets are $20-$25. Call 312-850-7224, production is its official in-city premiere. At the Najwa Dance Corps—which incorporates ev- Chicago. However, a world premiere by an author visit www.najwadance.org or e-mail najwa- soiree, four members of the cast sang several erything from African dancing to the swing who’s been dead almost 25 years, well, that’s styles of the ‘40s—will present “Rhythm and [email protected]. something special—even more so when the numbers from the show and Jonny can assure playwright is Tennessee Williams, perhaps the you that the voices are tip-top in a score filled poet laureate of mid-20th-century American the- with Irish lilt. Nancy Kolton as the hero’s sister, ater. Of course, a case can be made that Williams in particular, has a huge voice that’ll pin audi- never intended The Day on Which a Man Dies to ences to their seats. CRITICS’ PICKS be produced. He never put the 70-minute script Even a small-scale show such as this one is Columbinus, Raven Theatre, through March 15. Director Greg Kolack spent a week inter- forward for production or publication in his life- expensive to produce, requiring a company of viewing Columbine High School massacre survivors and people who knew the killers. His take time. Written at the height of Williams’ powers, more than 30, among them a cast of 15 and a on this docudrama about the 1999 tragedy is intense and authentic. CS about 1958, it was inspired by the death of art- five-piece orchestra. The purpose of the preview The Day on Which a Man Dies, summerNITE at Links Hall, through Feb. 10. This 1959 ex- ist Jackson Pollock and influenced by the work evening was to raise money for Bailiwick and perimental work by Tennessee Williams was inspired by gay Japanese poet and cultist Yukio of gay Japanese poet, filmmaker and cult leader seek out sponsorships at various levels begin- Mishima. Never published, this is its world premiere. Good? Bad? You decide. JA Yukio Mishima. That’s quite a pedigree, to be ning at $500. Those opportunities still are open The Little Dog Laughed, About Face Theatre at Center on Halsted, through Feb. 17. Doug- sure, although not a purebred by any means. The for individuals and businesses. For details, call las Carter Beane’s very funny play does a great job of damning Hollywood for its lingering Day on Which a Man Dies is being performed for David Zak at Bailiwick at 773-883-1090. homophobia. SCM two weeks only (through Feb. 10) at Link’s Hall, Speaking of musical directors, our own caba- Requiem For A Heavyweight, Shattered Globe Theatre at Victory Gardens Greenhouse, 3435 N. Sheffield; 800-838-3006; $15. ret diva Beckie Menzie has been snatched up by through March 8. Sean Sullivan delivers a career-shaping performance as a prizefighter cut Speaking of pedigrees, people with poodles the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire to serve as loose from the ring in Rod Serling’s classic American drama. MSB prepare to play, but persons with pussies best musical director for the upcoming production of —By Abarbanel, Barnidge, put them away. Yes, dear readers, it’s time once Nunsense, May 21—July 13. Congratulations, Morgan and Sullivan again for the International Kennel Club Cluster Beckie. And remember: there’s no tip jar for ac- of Dog Shows, Chicago’s biggest canine event tors. of the year, to be held Feb. 22-24 at McCormick And speaking of cabaret divas, the inimitable Place West, 2301 S. Lake Shore. They promise Suzanne Petri will hold forth at Cornelia’s, 750 over 6,000 dogs on display, and that’s nearly as W. Cornelia, on a very special night, Feb. 21, the many as you’ll find at closing time at the bars. birthday of Suzanne’s dear hubby, actor Robert In judged competitions, more than 150 breeds Breuler (of the Steppenwolf Ensemble). Ms. Pe- “A SUPERCHARGED will demonstrate their skills in agility, obedi- tri promises songs of Marlene Dietrich, Jacques ence, rally and leg-humping. There also will be Brel, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Edith Piaf, Ste- a junior dog-judging competition for children phen Sondheim and others as she performs 10-18 and a “Puppy Spectacular” for those 6-12 Songs in the Key of Diva from 8 p.m. ‘til the KNOCKOUT!” – Chicago Sun-Times months. Puppies, that is. For complete info on cows come home. the many programs, vendors and competitions, Northlight Theatre in Skokie continues its In- see www.ikcdogshow.com. Tickets ($16) are sold terplay series of new play workshops Feb. 25 only at the door. Why not put on your best collar with Three Italian Women, by Laura Maria Cen- and go? sabella, whose name suggests she knows what’s Speaking of collars, an all-female comedy Italian and what ain’t. Ms. Censabella may not revue takes the stage this weekend at Gorilla be a household name, but she’s received several Tango Theatre, the all-purpose Bucktown perfor- playwriting honors and two Emmy Awards for her mance venue. Is It Hot In Here, or Am I Just writing for the soap operas As the World Turns Funny? features five women monologists and and Another World. The reading is at 7:30 p.m.; music, with performances at 6 p.m this Friday 847-673-6300; $15. BEANE from page 12 she was a Lesbian, and then she really has no personal life. She has made the choice to cut out involvement with anyone. There also was WCT: In The Little Dog Laughed, three out my experience of gay and lesbian people with of four on-stage characters are gay or les- void personal lives telling another gay person bian, and the unseen fifth character also is to rein it in, don’t be so gay. I knew someone gay; a playwright who’s wary of how Holly- who was a lesbian and who was void, saying wood will adapt his hit show for the movies. ‘You seem so comfortable with yourself.’ Well, How much of that unseen character is you, this is what I’ve got! I could probably lose a and how much is Tennessee Williams or Ed- little weight but, you know, this is it. There ward Albee? was something about a gay-identified person DCB: Paul Rudnick had the great line, ‘They who reined it in. So should Diane have a lovey- call it the redeye because it’s full of writers ON SALE THROUGH JULY 13 dovey phone call with somebody? I don’t see coming back crying.’ [The offstage playwright] 5 EASY WAYS TO BUY TICKETS: her doing it. I see her divorced from that. And is me warning myself because the character is 1. Online at BroadwayInChicago.com there are people who accuse me of having her just as bad as the others are. It’s me saying 2. By phone at (312) 902-1400 say she’s a lesbian so that I can get away with ‘Be careful, just watch yourself.’ Because [Hol- 3. In person at any Broadway In Chicago box office having her say the most horrible things. There lywood] is a constant temptation. 4. In person at any Ticketmaster retail location are plenty of straight women who say ‘fag’ and 5. $25 rush seats day of show at the LaSalle Bank Theatre box office or online WCT: As the play opens the hard-driving ‘homo.’ Margaret Cho’s entire career is based on Hollywood agent, Diane, declares that she’s Groups (20+): (312) 977-1710 that. lesbian, but the play never uses that fact. 18 W. Monroe, Chicago Coming next week: An interview with Lea In an early draft was there a more personal JerseyBoysChicago.com GOLD CARD EVENTS Coco, one of the stars of About Face The- PREFERRED SEATING Diane storyline? Original Cast

Photo: Chris Callis 800-NOW-AMEX atre’s The Little Dog Laughed Recording On RESTRICTIONS APPLY DCB: I was interested in someone saying that 14 February 6, 2008 is a delight, while Joe McCauley’s butch take on to be tolerated by his sweetheart back home, the dedicated mercenary sailor Antonio hints of whose brother has just joined Stanhope’s regi- a masculine gay attraction to the twin Sebas- ment. tian (a circumspect James Dolan). Paige Smith Author R.C. Sherriff himself witnessed the and Conor Woods also double well in their minor hardships of life on the front lines, and his 1928 roles of officers and clergy. play reflects the minutiae of his experience— True, Marcus Stephens’ set of a of concealing wistful recollections of home, mentorly counsel white curtain wall and surrealist oversize pic- to frightened youths, a cook’s vain attempts at ture frames falling to earth doesn’t offer much replicating home-style cuisine out of field ra- glamour when compared to the costumes, but it tions. Unavoidable, too, in these last years of provides plenty of open space for all of the silly a long and terrible war, is the suspicion that its shenanigans to play out. Jared Moore’s colorful planners show little regard for the men whose lighting against the back curtains helps set the sense of duty requires them to fight—and often shifting moods, though they do unnecessarily to die—in service to it. reveal the silhouettes of entering and exiting Griffin Theatre director Jonathan Berry has characters at times. assembled a production company led by Hans Vanessa Greenway (left) and Tiffany Joy Ross in Twelfth Night. Photo by Johnny Knight City Lit shows it has what it takes to do Shake- Fleischmann as the valiant Stanhope and Nigel spearean comedy very well with its first outing. Patterson as the avuncular 1st Lt. Osborne, stur- THEATER REVIEW (the stylish black period costumes are by Brani- If it wants to, City Lit is certainly welcome to dily supported by actors—John Dixon’s painfully mira Ivanova). That era’s formalized rigidity gets offer us more. innocent 2nd Lt. Raleigh, Christopher M. Walsh’s Twelfth Night loosened up a plenty as a cross-dresser tests phlegmatic officer Trotter and, especially, Rom Playwright: Julia Jordan the passions of the nobility and herself, while THEATER REVIEW Barkhordar’s visiting colonel, who could have At: Circle Theatre, 7300 W. Madison, drunkards turn the tables on a haughty servant. come off as an upper-echelon clown, but in- Forest Park Add to the mix a late appearance of a long-lost Journey’s End stead shares in the helpless frustration of those Phone: 708-771-0700; $24 twin to cause even more comic confusion. Playwright: R.C. Sherriff he commands—bringing depth and compassion Runs through: Feb. 24 Tiffany Joy Ross’ clever shipwrecked Viola At: Griffin Theatre Company to roles easily dismissed as stereotypes. Assisted heads up the great comic cast, making quite a at the Theatre Building, by Cindy Gold’s dialect instruction and Joshua BY SCOTT C. MORGAN convincing boyish male servant to Duke Orsino 1225 W. Belmont Horvath’s sound design, they draw us so wholly (an emphatic Jeremy Cudd), who is suffering Phone: 773-327-5252; $15-$24 into their milieu that the undeniably lengthy Hard to believe that City Lit Theater, a com- from unrequited love for the mourning noble- Runs through: March 9 evening passes swiftly and efficiently, with nev- pany dedicated to transforming literature into woman Olivia (a playfully dignified Vanessa er a moment of unnecessary protraction. live theater, has never tackled a play by William Greenway). BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Whatever history books, news dispatches or Shakespeare. True, there are other companies al- Olivia’s snobbish manservant Malvolio (a comi- propaganda machines may claim, war’s funda- ready dedicated to the Bard, but City Lit shows cally perfect Robert McLean) gets his comeup- Our wars nowadays are mostly fought against hid- mental goal of our killing more of them than that it can bend its mission to allow Shakespeare pance at the scheming hands of fellow servant den enemies in small irregular skirmishes. So it’s they do of us hasn’t changed. It might, Sherriff to shine in its intimate space. Maria (a feisty Melanie Esplin) who is in cahoots difficult to imagine warfare of “attrition,” such suggests, be modulated by unexpected gestures City Lit certainly makes up for lost time with a with roving jester Feste (a musically multi- as was employed in World War I, both armies of chivalry (as when German soldiers hold their thoroughly enjoyable take on the comedy Twelfth talented Julian Martinez) and Sir Toby Belch (a encamped just below ground in deep trenches fire while Brits recover a wounded comrade) and Night. Director Jay Paul Skelton has gathered a disheveled Frank Nall), who is having the time on opposite sides of a narrow field, where they hints of the humanity that will mean survival in strong cast that smartly sells the comedy while of his life living off the wealth of the naïve and wait—to be blown to pieces by enemy artillery, peacetime, but we cannot help but be moved remaining true to the characters who get caught not-so-bright knight of Sir Andrew Aguecheek (a to die slowly of illness associated with priva- by the plight of those for whom the only light up in a gender-bending game of mixed-up at- genuinely funny and underplayed performance tion or to go batcrackers with boredom. Captain at the end of their all-too-real tunnel on these tractions. by Nick Lake). Dennis Stanhope has kept his sanity by means three fatal days in 1918 is the explosion of in- Skelton updates the play to what looks like the Even the smaller roles are expertly filled. Matt of heavy drinking, a coping mechanism readily cendiary grenades. buttoned-up Edwardian age in the early 1900s Rudy, as the late-arriving zany schemer Fabian, accepted by his fellow soldiers, but less likely

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ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM AVAILABLE ON GROUPS (20): (312)977-1710 www.siteforrent.com February 6, 2008 15 rium with floor-microphones and a seven-piece orchestra (clearly visible upstage), however, will require a few more performances in front of an “A suspenseful mystery…. audience to achieve the ideal balance. The 26 actors assembled for this venture, keeps the audience guessing.”—The Reader despite being uniformly younger than their re- spective personae by a decade or more, create uncaricatured (if broadly drawn) personalities at all times distinct and individualized, while never stooping to actorly indulgence at the expense of their characters (no easy task during the oc- casional moment when Sherman Edwards’ stir- ring score veers a bit too close to preciosity). Philip Winston’s obstinate John Adams, Vincent L. Lonergan’s witty Benjamin Franklin and Jon Steinhagen’s “cool, conservative” John Dickin- son may take center stage for most of the action, but by the time we go home, we feel a personal acquaintance with every last one of the insurgents, from Tim Howard’s scholarly Thomas 1776. Jefferson and Jeremy Trager’s languid Edward Rutledge, right down to Eric Lindahl’s weary battlefront courier. THEATER REVIEW Ronan Marra’s direction keeps the panoramic 1776 stage picture always vibrant, while Andra Velis Playwright: music & lyrics Simon and her musicians deliver harmonies far by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone exceeding their numbers to bring the show home At: Signal Ensemble at the Chopin, in a commendably efficient three hours. Yes, we 1543 W. Division knew the ending going in, but we can still be Phone: 773-347-1350; $20-$25 glad we didn’t have to sing God Save The Queen Runs through: March 1 after doing so.

BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE

You won’t see this musical in a studio, store- front or cabaret. The year is 1776, our setting is the Second Continental Congress of the United ONLINE States, our personnel are the delegates from the thirteen colonies, and our play’s story is the, THIS WEEK... Don’t miss the show that is keeping audiences literally, unprecedented decision to declare in- dependence from English rule. Not only history captivated right up to the final revelation! (which Benjamin Franklin wisely observes, “will clean it all up”), but dramatic tension demands THEATER REVIEWs a full 21-voice chorus of voters. Indeed, if Pe- OF ter Stone’s astonishingly accurate book accom- plishes nothing else, it reminds us just how near Good Boys we came to staying a part of the British Com- —Dolly West’s Kitchen monwealth. A non-equity company essaying so ambitious a —Missing Man project is a proposition almost as daring as that of its play’s subject, but the 5-year-old Signal www.windycitymediagroup. and True Ensemble has forged a reputation for big shows com situated on small budgets. Besides, however by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa they may be depicted in formal portraits, the Founding Fathers were far from fashionable gen- directed by Pam MacKinnon try, and if their onstage environs and apparel appear somewhat shabby, it’s no fault of designers Featuring ensemble member Martha Lavey Melania Lancy, Noel Henke, Ora Jewell-Busche or Laura M. Dana. The attempt to overcome the flawed acoustics of the Chopin’s main audito- GET 2-FOR-1 TICKETS complimentary specialty cocktails and a DJ spinning 80s tunes pre-show for all February 12-15 performances.

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One woman holds power over three men in overlapping relationships, and all four of them spin before our eyes on a giant lazy steppenwolf Susan set that makes literal the cycle of love and attraction. Cognoscenti will not be surprised to learn that Round and Round: a buy online at www.steppenwolf.org sexfarcetragedy (sic) is the work of writer/ director Jenny Magnus and the Curious The- or call 312-335-1650 atre Branch, Chicago’s eminent permanent avant-gardistes. In fact, Round and Round: Production Sponsor of Good Boys and True: a sexfarcetragedy kicks off the 20th-anniversary year for the vigorously independent and iconoclastic Curious Theatre Branch. These folks have been Curious so long, they probably remember what A Happening was. Feb. 7-9 only at the Museum of Contemporary Art; 220 E. Chicago; 312-397-4010; $12-$20 16 February 6, 2008 THEATER REVIEW arm guy who preys on your exhaustion after the If Spidle is the hub here, he’s surrounded by Byzantine rituals of negotiation are over and an equally impressive ensemble that truly em- Cadillac you’ve actually agreed to buy a car. He’s the one bodies the old “there are no small parts” cli- Playwright: Bill Jepsen who convinces you that you and everyone you ché. Whether in one scene or 15, everybody on At: Chicago Dramatists, 1103 W. Chicago love will die unspeakably violent deaths at the stage creates a rich, multifaceted character. Phone: 312/633-0630; $28, $22; hands of carjackers in a downpour of acid rain (And watch for Laurie Larson, who in a single, $10 student and industry select if you don’t shell multiple thousands out for ex- perfectly delivered line, captures the fear and Thursday and Sundays tended warranties, rustproofing, alarm systems loathing that defines car-buying experience of Runs through: Feb. 24 and other you-will-kill-your-children-without- untold millions.) As for Kevin Depinet’s set, it is them upgrades. utterly forgettable perfection, from the cheaply BY CATEY SULLIVAN But to return to Spidle: He’s one of the great, framed certificates on the wall to the no-color not-sung-enough heroes of Chicago theater, a carpet on the floor. Cadillac? Sold. Of course they’re all wonderful, your scriveners of fearlessly unglamorous, rock-solid Everyman. the Great Profound. Sophocles, Aristotle, Eurip- And he’s terrific here, no flash and all integrity, ides—nobody rocks the eternally transcendent absolutely nailing the side-combed weariness truths of humanity like the Ancients. So bully for and dubious wisdom of a middle-aged guy plow- Deep Inside them and all that vaulting Greco-Roman archi- ing through a Sisyphean career. Yes, Sisyphean. tecture. It takes another sort of writer entirely Every month, the dry-erase board at Lindy mo- Hollywood to capture the dilemmas of the human condi- tors is wiped clean as Howard and the rest of the By Romeo San Vicente tion from the confines of a used car dealership. team start from zero and begin a harrowing four- Yet that is precisely what playwright Bill Jepsen Cadillac. Photo by Michael Brosilow week countdown to see who can close the most Kath and Kim Try Out an American Accent does with Cadillac. Set in the instantly recogniz- deals. It’s Darwin and Mamet and survival of the Translating a hit show from another coun- able and nondescript confines of Lindy Motors is fittest, a survival made all the more difficult by try can be tricky. For every hit like Queer as a tale that puts the workday’s fluorescent glare rector Edward Sobel captures the petty triumphs, the minefield of office politics. An old-school Folk or Ugly Betty, there’s a Coupling or a over the hubris and nobility of a hilariously or- defeats and compromises that define the fritter- working stiff honestly baffled by the paradigm failed Absolutely Fabulous pilot that no one dinary, instantly recognizable world. ing days of most of our lives. shift that made calling coworkers “sweetheart” a ever sees. But the hit Australian comedy Kath Within the mundane travails of Lindy’s sales- The flawed moral center of this deliciously bad idea, Howard forever finds himself navigat- & Kim (a sort of down-market Ab Fab) has men (and this is a world of salesmen, despite comic and equally touching drama is Howard ing treacherously thin ice without a clue as to proven popular on U.S. cable and is a cult hit the fact that there’s a woman in the ranks), di- (Craig Spidle—hold that thought a moment). how things got so dangerous. with queer audiences, so an American remake You know this person: He’s the smiling strong- is on the way. Its pedigree is solid: Cool indie star Selma Blair (A Dirty Shame) and Saturday Night Live alum Molly Shannon will play the off-kilter pair, and the pilot’s being directed “...ONE OF THE FINEST PLAYS OF THE by Freaks and Geeks’ Paul Feig. With the right creative tone and marketing (aka pandering to queer audiences), the finished product CURRENT DECADE AND A MUST-SEE.” could be, like Betty, another gay household staple. “(ROBERT) FALLS IS THE PERFECT DIRECTOR.” Kathy Griffin: The Show Remains the Same –Chicago Tribune What happens when a Hollywood D-lister’s career rises to the level of a C- or B-lister? That’s the burning issue at stake as Bravo “PROFOUND AND TRULY RADIANT.” greenlights a fourth season of Kathy Griffin: “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” My Life on the D-List. Not to worry, however—the self-and-everyone-else-deprecating –Chicago Sun-Times comedian hasn’t suddenly started lunching with Renee Zellweger. But she’s seen her stock go way up since D-List began airing (even as her controversial Emmy win speech angered people who never watched the show in the first place), and has become the comic of choice among many queer fans. According to Griffin, the only thing that may change in the new season is the introduction of uniforms I>?D?D=9?JO for her staff; otherwise, it’ll be open season on Hollywood, as usual. No matter what hap- 8O9EDEHC9F>;HIED pens, expect hilarity to ensue when the new episodes air later this year. :?H;9J;:8OHE8;HJ<7BBI Driving Cross-Country in the Fagbug A documentary film can spring up from the oddest of circumstances. Take Erin Davies’ THROUGH FEBRUARY 17 ONLY! experience. An Albany, N.Y., college student with a rainbow sticker on her late-model VW Don’t miss this riveting Irish tale about the lure of Beetle, she discovered that the car had been temptation and man’s search for meaning. vandalized with the words “fag” and “u r gay” in red spray paint. Instead of having it re- painted, she instead decided to hit the road and document her experiences on a 58-day cross-country tour. Called simply Fagbug, the resulting documentary does what more formal studies could never do—expose the enemies and allies of gay America by presenting ev- eryday homophobia to random strangers and recording their reactions. The movie should hit the film-festival circuit sometime later this year, but don’t expect a coinciding trend Get half-price mezzanine tickets at 10AM for that in vandalized cars to gain much traction. day’s performance! Log on to GoodmanTheatre.org Romeo San Vicente recently solved the and use promo code MEZZTIX.* mystery of his own popularity with men: *Available in person at noon at the Box Ofﬁce. Subject to availability. Not available by phone or on previously purchased tickets. Handling fees apply. It turns out that he’s devastatingly handsome. He can be reached care of this publication or at DeepInsideHollywood@qsyn- dicate.com. Read the entire column at www. WindyCityMediaGroup.com. GoodmanTheatre.org Major Corporate Sponsor Corporate Sponsor Partner AMERICAN AIRLINES, Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre. KRAFT, Principal Sponsor of the free 312.443.3800 Student Subscription Series. CATCH THIRTY FIVE, Promotional Partner for Shining City. Design and direction by Kelly Rickert. February 6, 2008 17 Local Author in Amazon.com Semis A local gay writer is in the semifinals of an Amazon.com contest in which the winner receives gets a contract with Penguin Books as well as $25,000. Dwight Okita has reached the semifinal stage of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award—Amazon.com’s first writing competition in search of the next great novel—for his work, The Prospect of My Arrival. Okita is one of 836 semifinalists selected from 5,000 entries. Valentine’s Day ideas (from left): Baskit boxer briefs, a Cruz Azur cross and the Kate Clinton: 25th Anniversary Tour DVD. Each semifinalist has a dedicated detail page for his or her submission on Amazon.com, where customers can download an excerpt of Set his heart—or at least his neck—on fire and photograph of an ancient redwood forest the entry to rate and review. Okita’s page is Cupid Ain’t Stupid: with handcrafted jewelry by Cruz Azur (www. to the recipient to showcase the gift, and dedi- at www.amazon.com/dp/B00126589O. cruzazur.com). At 16-inches long, the Aus- cated trees will support reforestation efforts in This group of submissions will be nar- Valentine’s Gifts tin Smolka-designed rosary with baroque cross California. Until, of course, they all go up in By Mikey Rox rowed down to 100 semifinalists Feb. 19, and ($75), symbolizing life and health, is made of flames. But, as Janet Jackson would say, “That’s Penguin editors will then select the top 10 925 sterling silver, accented by a red resin stone the way love goes.” Rio Grande contestants who will enter the final round. at its center. The Italian horn or “cornu” ($90), Let his package shine like the midday sun Amazon customers will then vote on the 10 intended to protect the wearer from the evil Perk Up in swimwear by BoyRio ($39.99-$54.99, www. selected finalists to elect the winner of the eye and bring good luck, is 1.5-inches long by Though not as exciting as joining the Mile boyrio.com). Pairing daring prints with flatter- Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, which 1.2-inches wide and die cast in red resin topped High Club, American Airlines’ TrAAvel Perks ing fits, this Arizona-based company’s concept will be announced April 7. Find out more at with 925 sterling silver. True, this isn’t what he program ($129, annually; traavelperks.com/ draws on the exuberance of South American www.amazon.com and click on the “Amazon picked out from Cartier, but what does he ex- home/rainbow.jsp) offers discounts on destina- style, inspired by Brazil’s breathtaking beaches, Breakthrough Novel Award” link under “Fea- pect? Homo shouldn’t have Manhunted behind tions anywhere the carrier flies. Savings include to create fresh, distinctive designs that’ll make tures & Services.” your back. $400 on companion travel (flight savings are a splash no matter where he touts his tan. Aptly $100 per ticket with the required purchased of providing more coverage than the bemoaned Baskit Case two tickets; members have access to this sav- bikini while leaving less to the imagination They say you shouldn’t put all your eggs in ings twice); 2,500 AAdvantage bonus miles; and Entertainment than standard square-cuts, these “sunga” style one basket, but what about your balls? An amal- discounts and special offers from program par- suits—like the scorching Carmen Racer in red— News gamation of the all-over body tattoos worn by ticipants, such as Budget and Alamo rental cars, Adamo Ruggiero, who plays the gay char- combine the spirit of summer with an athletic Japanese organized-crime syndicate, The Yaku- Samsonite, SkyMall, Ticketmaster, Wyndham Ho- acter Marco on Degrassi: The Next Genera- aesthetic guaranteed to turn up your tempera- za, Baskit’s new Body Art line features low-rise tels & Resorts and more. Just remember to pack tion, just came out of the closet, reported ture. The added bonus? What goes on, must briefs ($21) constructed of 180-gram cotton, lightly. You’ll want to preserve your energy for Afterelton.com. Ruggiero, 21, has been play- come off. while the Baskit Beauties boxer brief collec- the many ways he’ll thank you. ing the role of the gay teen for the past six tion ($22-$24), crafted from the same quality years. The young actor came out during an Live, Love, Laugh material, pays homage to World War II-era U.S. Heart Songs interview with a Canadian Web sit, and said Add more dandy to your domestic partnership Air Force bombers and their pinup girl-painted Pour some wine and snuggle up to singer- he wanted to join the ranks of out actors with side-splitting DVDs from Ariztical Enter- fuselages. Also available in ’08: A bronze-green songwriter Ron Morris’ Boyfriend and Other in order to serve as a role model for LGBT tainment (www.ariztical.com). On Kate Clin- boxer brief with contrasting vermillion orange Sides of Love (www.ronmorrismusic.com), an youth. ton: 25th Anniversary ($19.95), the veteran trim ($18); a low-rise brief with white cotton intimate pop-folk EP that covers the five facets In an interview with The Advocate, Fam- performer celebrates a quarter-century of queer body and mesh pouch ($20); and the Lucky 7s of amore: loving, longing, laughing, loneliness ily Guy creator Seth MacFarlane said that the comedy with political satire, witty one-liners and swim bikini, inspired by LeMans’ race cars ($34). and, of course, murder. The album’s eponymous character of Stewie, the diabolical baby, is celeb cameos by Lily Tomlin, Melissa Etheridge Gentleman, start your engines! first single hinges on the edge of hopeless ro- “almost certainly gay.” “We haven’t really and Billie Jean King. Extras include one-on-one manticism while capturing the playful waiting locked into it because we get a lot of good chats with the legendary lesbian comedienne; Spread Your Seed for a lover’s return with several incarnations, jokes from both sides, but we treat him of- “Kate on Katrina”; “Bushes and Dykes”; a back- Enhance the environment and impress your including remixes by The Freemans, People The- tentimes as if we were writing a gay char- stage pass with Clinton and her partner of 19 sweetie by having a redwood seedling planted atre, and V*I*R*G*O. Along with the title track, acter.” MacFarlane is also the created of the years, Urvashi; and “25 years of Hairstyles.” For in his or her honor. For a donation of $50 or the disc also includes Masterpiece of Why, a pre- animated series American Dad. that gregarious guy, the third installment in An- more to Save-the-Redwoods League (www. view track from Morris’ upcoming full-length CD, U.K.’s Pink News reported that bad boy ac- drea Meyerson’s series on gay comics, Laughing savetheredwoods.org), you can give a gift that’ll True Stained Lies; a boys-will-be-boys version tor Colin Farrell is planning to be his older Matters … The Men ($24.95), combines stand- last more than 2,500 years as the League col- of the late composer Hughie Cannon’s classic brother’s best man at his civil union cer- up with candid interviews of today’s most fagu- laborates with California State Parks to cultivate Frankie and Johnny; and a cover of We All Sleep emony. Eamon Farrell, 35, is planning to wed lous funnymen, including Bruce Vilanch, Alec and plant your seedling. Once germinated, the Alone, made famous by the incomparable Cher. his partner, but not in their hometown of Mapa, Bob Smith, Scott Kennedy, Andre Kelly saplings are then returned to the same forest Which you probably know by heart. Dublin, Ireland. and Eddy Sarfaty. from which the seed originated. Save-the-Red- Who is Mikey Rox? Visit him at www.mys- woods League delivers a commemorative card pace.com/roxmikey. He So Horny CULTURE CLUB “This is Jerry Herman’s best 72)4%23 4(%!42% musical yet – happier, more ).',%.#/% assertive, more buoyant than Hello Dolly! or Mame.” / Ê/1, Ê"Ê in JAMES HARMS / Ê- , 7 N.Y. Post Tony Award Winning */ Ê 9Ê , 9Ê/ ,Ê," Ê/ Ê-/",9Ê 9Ê ,9Ê -Ê , / Ê 9Ê -- Ê/ 1- JANUARY 31 – h35202)3).',9!.$ MARCH 9, 2008 #2%%0),935''%34)6%v DON’T MISS! BOOK BY 4)-%/54#()#!'/ HARVEY FIERSTEIN MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JERRY HERMAN For Tickets, Call BASED ON THE PLAY BY JEAN POIRET 219-836-3255 www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com 72)4%234(%!42%/2' Sponsored in part by John W. 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best idea is to order the shade in the color of Dear Peachy, Interior Motives the wall. If you have a contemporary interior I never advise my clients to use a color in BY JOSEPH RICE style and want to feature the window, you may decorating just because it is in style. consider a specialty finish, such as brushed Color is a very personal choice. We all have Think inside the box chrome. a favorite color, those we like, and those that There are also a lot of other types of custom- we can’t stand. I can’t think of a faster way Dear Joe, pleated shades on the market in various materi- to create an uninviting atmosphere for your- My apartment has odd windows that are high als. I am not a fan of these in terms of function self than painting the walls in a color that you off the floor and only about 18” high. There and style, but they are an option. don’t really like. Remember, you will be looking are several of them together‚ opening in the Another good treatment involves wood at those walls for several years to come. They living room and my bedroom. I thought about blinds. These are also a custom-made product will be there when you wake up in the morn- curtains but don’t think it would look right for and come in a large variety of wood finishes ing, come home after a hard day, sit watching them to go to the floor. What is the best way to and colors. The expense is greater than other television and entertaining. treat these? blinds, but they offer a way to blend the win- You need to paint the living room (and all of dows into more traditional style interiors. the rooms) in a color that makes you feel good. View From Below If you want to have fabric on the window, If your heart’s desire is peach, then paint the the best treatment is a Roman shade. These walls peach. There are many different shades Dear View, can be custom-ordered in just about any fabric of this color and one of them could add a fresh This style of window appeared in the late fif- that works with your decorating scheme. Ro- twist. Or perhaps there is another color in the ties, and was used a lot in the sixties architec- man shades add a softness to the window and sofa that is not dominant and could possibly ture. I have encountered them even today in work well in both traditional and contemporary work for the walls. Don’t let trends control new construction. They always seem to puzzle interiors. you! my clients. By the way, you may have a problem treating As for the draperies, a pattern could work Drapery of any length on that style of window this type of window if it cranks open with a nicely with the floral print on the sofa. Stripes just looks bad. If they are floor-length, it looks large handle at the bottom. I have found that and smaller geometric prints in tone on tone or ridiculous. If they are sill-length, they look very often these protruding handles can be replaced multi color could be just the thing to pull the dated. This is because when these windows first with a smaller knob that will leave enough whole room together. appeared, short curtains were about the only clearance for the window treatment. choice of treatment on the market. And please Send your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att. don’t even think about some cleverly swaged Dear Joe, net. In the subject box, type “WCT Design”. diaphanous fabric as a valance! My living room needs to be painted. I have Joseph Rice is a full-service interior decorator. The best way to handle these windows is to lived with white walls for many years and would With 24 years of experience, he specializes in keep the treatment as inconspicuous as pos- like to use peach this time. A friend says that “hard to treat” windows. To contact him, you sible. Their peculiar size and placement is usu- peach is “definitely out of style” and I should can visit www.josephriceinteriors.com or call him ally not an architectural detail to be featured. be looking at a color like sage green. The sofa at Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc., 773-271-2361. nightspots The window treatment should be generally flat is a floral print. I just can’t get into green walls n and contained within the window box. but don’t want the room to look dated. What One very simple and inexpensive way to do is your advice? Also, would a pattern on the pick it up, this is with mini-blinds. These would have to drapery be out of place? be custom-ordered since they are not available take it home in ready made for that window proportion. They Peachy Gal can be ordered in a large range of colors. If you want the window to be inconspicuous, the

20 February 6, 2008

making a movie and one of the townspeople, rapher/lover whom Wagstaff helped elevate to dynamic gay duo; maybe by the time it gets Chloë (Clémence Poésy), watching the filming. international status as an artist. The film, beau- made we’ll even have some openly gay actors to The two pursue their separate agendas until the tifully shot, plays its Chicago premiere Feb. 8-14 play the parts. www.siskelfilmcenter.com KNIGHT call from the dreaded Harry comes. at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Harry is as frightening and monstrous a figure James Crump’s film is greatly aided by the Film Notes: AT as Don Logan, the lethal killer played by Ben in-depth observations of the one person who —Bernard and Doris, a film focusing on the THE Kingsley in Sexy Beast. Fiennes brings the same seemed to connect with both—musician/poet relationship of the world’s richest woman (to- insane intensity to Harry that Kingsley brought Patti Smith. Smith and Mapplethorpe were room- bacco heiress Doris Duke) and her gay, alcoholic MOVIES to his role. (The two could be brothers.) Har- mates and she followed the relationship of the butler (Bernard Lafferty), to whom she left the ry has the same barely contained, purposeful couple throughout its trajectory. Though Map- executor of her massive fortune, debuts Feb. 9 stride—like a walking shark—so dangerous that plethorpe, with his still-controversial images of on HBO. Susan Sarandon plays Duke and Ralph others instinctively know to get out of his way. gay S&M practices, is the film’s drawing card, it’s Fiennes plays Bernard in the film that is directed When Harry shows up, the picture shifts into really more a portrait of Wagstaff. But that’s to by actor Bob Balaban, who is known for charac- high gear and changes from a black comedy into the good as the elusive, rich Wagstaff—a man ter parts in everything from Gosford Park to the a treatise on honor and redemption accompanied with an unerring artistic eye who turned his back Christopher Guest pictures. My Q&A with Bala- by several violent set pieces. It’s no surprise to on his family’s WASP expectations—is, in many ban, a Chicago native, is available in the online find, given the movie’s seesawing between po- ways, a much more interesting subject than the edition of this week’s issue. etic despair and brutal in-your-face violence, career-driven Mapplethorpe (even Smith honest- —Chicago Filmmakers are hosting a special In Bruges, that it’s been written and directed by Martin ly observes that Mapplethorpe’s interests were Valentine’s Day edition of their Dyke Delicious McDonagh, who has been dubbed the “Irish mostly self-motivated). series (now in its fifth year). On Sat., Feb. 9, Black White + Gray Tarantino.” McDonagh won international acclaim The film, compellingly narrated by Joan Ju- the event, titled A Valentine for Lesbians, starts By Richard Knight, Jr. for his plays The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The liet Buck, is packed with vintage clips, dazzling with the usual pre-screening socializing but Pillowman and others, and he won an Oscar for photographs from Wagstaff’s collection and the will get a twist with the addition of a roman- Brendan Gleeson is perhaps best known to mov- his first film, a short entitled Six Shooter (which reminiscences of others privy to the relationship tic “monkey-business” version of the Post Office ies audiences portraying “Mad Eye” Moony in the also starred Gleeson). In Bruges is his feature of the two men (which comes across as both game. An assortment of short films (all with a Harry Potter series. He’s one of those character debut. It’s another one of those improbable but mentor/student and user/used in the retelling). love theme and curated by Sharon Zurek) will actors that can save a bad movie and make a deftly entertaining hitmen pictures. Like The Even more fascinating than the oft-told story of follow the hi-jinks. Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. good one great. He’s so good (he’s like an Irish Matador, Grosse Point Blank and many others Wagstaff using his influence and money to make Clark Street). Social hour at 7pm, screening at Spencer Tracy), his great skill almost goes un- in the genre, the character of the assassin(s)— Mapplethorpe a star in the art world is the tan- 8. Co-presented by Black Cat Productions. www. noticed. When he is given a starring role, as in so hard to comprehend even in our narcissistic, talizing idea of the couple purposely enacting chicagofilmmakers.org the new black comedy In Bruges, the effect of mean-spirited culture—is examined, sometimes a punk-era, gay version of the Alfred Stieglitz- Check out my archived reviews at www. his work is deeply satisfying. Matched up with explained and, once in a while, redeemed. Georgia O’Keeffe relationship. The film tries hard windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- co-star (and marquee draw) Colin Farrell, who is Like the best of McDonagh’s work, In Bruges to diffuse this kind of mythmaking, but it stub- ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the also gifted (but in a more showy way), the duo has unforgettable moments of depth, lots of bornly hovers over the movie anyway—and one latter Web site, where there is also ordering enact a new variation on the buddy picture— pitch-black humor and outrageous, unbelievable suspects that these two brilliant manipulators information on my new book of collected film one with a soul. twists that are nevertheless quite entertaining. wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s hope this reviews, Knight at the Movies 2004-2006. Gleeson and Farrell play Ken and Ray, two hit- In addition, Gleeson and Farrell (whose relation- is the springboard for a biopic on the art world’s men who have been ordered by their boss, Harry ship is more father-son than buddy-buddy, to be (Ralph Fiennes), to lay low in Bruges, Belgium, honest) jointly deliver an acting knockout. until he phones up with orders for their next tar- WADE from cover get. Ken, a quiet, cultured man, is immediately Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wag- in his glory, taking in the picture postcard town; staff and Robert Mapplethorpe is a documen- the clock to leave her police pension to her however, Ray, his much younger counterpoint tary that looks at Wagstaff, the rich art collector, female life partner, Stacie Andree. She was told who is new to the job, is bored stiff—until he and Mapplethorpe, the beautiful young photog- “no” by her elected officials, the freeholders, spots a dwarf named Jimmy (Jordan Prentice) because [the couple was] not husband and wife, and it turned into a landmark battle in New Jersey that was really watched all over the world. WCT: The whole crux of the matter is that GAY PHONE SEX Stacie will lose the house if Laurel can’t designate Stacie her beneficiary, correct? CW: Yes. Without Laurel’s police pension Sta- You want it. We’ve got it. cie, an auto mechanic, was poised to lose the Cynthia Wade. Live, One-On-One • Bulletin Board ranch house that they bought and renovated together. They were a couple that had been in early ’06—two years ago— and that was together for 5½ years—they were registered so exciting to her because she didn’t want her domestic partners; they were life partners. I struggle to be in vain. She wanted her personal am a heterosexually married mother of two— story to make a very tangible difference to the it would have been an automatic option for thousands, if not millions, of same-sex couples me with my husband or vice versa. It was just that live across this country and in this world. stunning to me that this was happening just a WCT: I would say billions but … [Laughs] stone’s throw from New York City, where I live CW: You could be right. Let’s say billions of and work, in late 2005, early 2006. I sort of same-sex couples … and one of my thoughts felt like I’d entered a time warp and we were in was, “What will the world be like when I’m Kansas or something in the 1950s. done with the film?” I realized that we’d be WCT: Well, it’s a very powerful film and has in the beginning of a national election year. I been lauded everywhere it’s been seen. And said to her, “If we could use the story and the then this nomination comes—did you have film as a way to garner attention for the issues an idea that you were going to get it? of discrimination in an election year that could CW: Well, you have to jump through a bunch potentially be very powerful and really become of hoops in order to qualify it for Oscar consid- a tool.” She loved that idea, so all along we’ve eration, so it was the goal from the beginning been screening at festivals and trying to raise because it was something that I discussed awareness and having panel discussions in with Laurel. I said to her, “I think if we keep many places and the Oscar nomination just this a short film”—partially because I knew helps raise the awareness in an election so we weren’t going to have a lot of time with hopefully we can get a lot of people talking her quite frankly. Normally, documentaries take about this—and not just the LGBT community, three to five years to make and, in this case, because I really believe, as a heterosexually Call now. Guys are waiting… we were going to lose her very quickly. So I married woman, that this is my problem, too. knew that the footage would be limited and This is my responsibility, too. that dictated a shorter length and I said, “I WCT: That’s great to hear. 1-800-PROMALE will do everything I can to get this out there. 1-800-776-6253 CW: I don’t want to live in a nation where My feeling about this is we should make it a some couples are granted some rights and oth- $1.99/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your Visa/MC short film and try to compete in as many festi- er couples are not granted those rights. I want vals as possible in the short category, and let to live in a nation where all couples have the 1-900-825-4500 me see if I can qualify this for Oscar consid- same rights. $1.49/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your phone. $2 connect fee. eration and see if we can get the attention of Read much more of Wade’s interview at the Academy Awards.” I said that to her back © 2007 npp productions, reno, nv customer service (888) 283-3331 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. February 6, 2008 21 WHAT TO DO? Thurs., Feb. 7

Wednesday, Feb. 6 Marry Reception. Music, cake cutting, ily with adoption attorney Michelle Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Out- Center on Halsted HIV Treatment Up- bouquet toss and more. 6-9 p.m., free, Hughes. 9:30-11 a.m., $20, 3656 N. reach Chicago Sunday Mass. 7 p.m., date 2008: Live Interactive National The National Museum of Mexican Art, Halsted St., www.centeronhalsted.org 700 W. Belmont, ww.aglochicago. Web Cast. 5-8 p.m., free, 3656 N. 1852 W. 19th St. Chicago Cultural Center Local gay org, [email protected], Halsted St., register with Courtney Near North Health Service Corporation artist Jason Messinger talks about 773-525-3872 Reid at [email protected] Free HIV testing and education for his new artwork on display. 1-3 p.m., Chicago Prime Timers Open social with Center on Halsted A reading by Tony National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Chicago Rooms Gallery, 2nd floor, 77 featured speaker attorney and colum- Award-winner Staceyann Chin. 6:30-9 Day. 1276 N. Clybourn Ave. E. Randolph nist Roger McCaffrey-Boss, who will p.m., $10, 3656 N. Halsted St., www. Spin All About Janet, everything Janet Chicago Filmmakers Dyke Delicious speak about legal issues for older gay centreonhalsted.org Jackson with VJ Riley York, including Series: A Valentine for Lesbians. A men. 6 p.m., Ann Sather Restaurant, Center on Halsted Women on Wednes- hot new single/video “Feedback,” 900 program of lesbian shorts. 7 p.m. 909 W. Belmont, $20 for members ‘FREEDOM’ RIDERS W. Belmont Ave., spin-nightclub.com social hour, 8 p.m. screening, $10/$8 days: Matchmaker, Matchmaker Make and $25 for non-members, RSVP not The 7th Annual Freedom to Marry Recep- for Reeling members, 5243 N. Clark St. required, www.primetimers/sww.org/ Me a Match. 6-8 p.m., $10, 21+, 3656 ton will take place at The National Museum N. Halsted St., www.centeronhalsted. Friday, Feb. 8 Circuit Circuit All-Stars party, see chicago org Berlin Cosmix w/ DJ Greg Haus, 954 W. Foozie, Sal-E, Paula Sinclaire, Ruffy, Encompass Miss Gay Indiana USofA of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th. Gay Liberation Network Monthly meet- Belmont Ave., 773-348-4975 Miss Ketty, Veronica Zaid, Cyon Flare & Classic 2008, featuring Miss Gay Sebastian Cock, buffet 9-10:30 p.m., ing. New members welcome. 7-9 p.m., Bread for the Journey of Chicago USofA Classic Anita Mann, 2415 Rush Photo from 2007 reception by Alena Scarver Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville Swing Dance the Night Away benefit show at 10:30 p.m., followed by DJ St., Lake Station, IN, 219-962-4640, Ave., www.gayliberation.net, 773-209- featuring Bradford Newquist & His Teri Bristol, 3641 N. Halsted St., www. encompassnightclub.com 1187 or [email protected] String Quartet. Doors open 7 p.m., circuitclub.com Hydrate L Word party 8 p.m., followed Mon., Feb. 11 Newberry Library Love’s Messenger: dancing 8-11 p.m., $20 advance/$25 The Real World Open casting call for by DJ Jeannette, 3458 N. Halsted St., Victorian Valentines. Speaker: Dr. at door, Unity Northwest Church, 259 21st season. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Goose www.hydratechicago.com Debra N. Mancoff. Reception 5:30 E. Central Rd., Des Plaines Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N. Clark. Pillar of Love Fellowship Church Ser- p.m., presentation 6:15 p.m., $9 Gay Liberation Network Live monthly Applicants must be 18-24; please vice. 1 p.m., Center on Halsted’s John includes drinks, 60 W. Walton St., 312- TV show on CAN TV, featuring guest bring a recent picture (which will not Baran Senior Center, 3656 N. Halsted 255-3556, www.newberry.org Jackie Taylor. 6:30-6:55 p.m., cable be returned) and photo ID. See www. channel 21 in Chicago. See www. bunim-murray.com. Monday, Feb. 11 gayliberation.net, LGBTliberation@ Southwest Youth Collaborative Forging Apollo Theater Dan Savage headlines Thursday, Feb. 7 aol.com a Rainbow Coalition: The Legacy of “No Love for Love: The Anti-Valen- American Veterans for Equal Rights Hydrate TPAN party -11 p.m., followed Harold Washington. 2-4 p.m., free tine’s Day Show.” 8 p.m., $20, $50 Meeting. First Thursday of each by DJ Greg Drescher, 3458 N. Halsted and open to public, 6400 S. Kedzie, for VIP seating, 2540 N. Lincoln month. 7 p.m., Center on Halsted, St., www.hydratechicago.com 312-422-5580, thepublicsquare@ Ave., tickets at 773-935-6100, 312- 3656 N. Halsted St., jamesdarby@aol. Man’s Country Peter, AJ, Nate & Mar- prairie.org 559-1212 (Ticketmaster) or www. com for info lone, 5017 N. Clark St. Test Positive Aware Network Chicago ticketmaster.com Center on Halsted Coming Out, Coming MORE for Gay Men Movie Night: “Family Takes Off: Under a Big Top. Fea- Center on Halsted A Conversation with Home Support Group for mature adults Fundamentals.” 6:30-10 p.m., $5 tures fun Burlesque performances; Mara Keisling on Transgender Issues. beginning the coming out process. includes movie, facilitated discus- highlights Chicago’s dance and theater Keisling is the executive director Beginning Thursday, Feb. 7 through sion and light refreshments, Wright communities. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., of National Center for Transgender April 10, 6:30-8 p.m., registration Institute, 445 E. Ohio St., Suite 340, Park West, 322 W. Armitage, www. Equality. 6:30-9:30 p.m., free, 3656 N. required, call David Allen at 773-472- 312-329-1200 for more info and to tpan.com for more info Halsted St., www.centeronhalsted.org 6469, ext. 476 RSVP Windy City Gay Naturists M2M Mas- Northeastern Illinois University HIV/ Davenport’s Because of You, a Tribute West Suburban Gay Association Dinner sage. BYOT. RSVP 312-494-2654 AIDS Screening. 12-6 p.m., Golden ‘LOVE’ LOST to Tony Bennett. Starring Robert at Roselle’s Coach House Restaurant. Eagle Room, Student Union Building, Whorton. Musical direction: Beckie 7:30 p.m., 300 N. Roselle Rd., se Sunday, Feb. 10 5500 N. St. Louis, www.neiu.edu Columnist Dan Savage will headline “No Love Menzie. Directed by Joel Kopischke. www.wsga.com Achurch4me/MCC Worship service. Sidetrack Roommates for Rent, win Also Feb. 21 and 28. 8 p.m., $15 for Love: The Anti-Valentine’s Day Show” at Speaker: Global LGBTQ advocate and Rent tix and swag, enter the “Know cover and two drink minimum, 1383 The Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. spiritual leader Rev. Elder Nancy Your Firends” contest, 9-11 p.m., 3349 N. Milwaukee Ave., RSVP encouraged Saturday, Feb. 9 Center on Halsted Legal program: Tools Wilson. 11 a.m., Center on Halsted’s N. Halsted St., sidetrackchicago.com at 773-278-1830 Photo by Rex Wockner to Help Parents of a Multiracial Fam- Hoover-Leppen Theatre, 3656 N. Lambda Legal 7th Annual Freedom to Halsted 22 February 6, 2008 says. “I wrote 4,000 pages, and had three feet and endorsed by the critically acclaimed ac- of manuscript. Then everyone left for the winter. SPORTS NEWS tress and former Key West resident who starred I had been so consumed with what I was doing, Elevation 2008 in Top Gun, will take place through Mon., Feb. but finally I realized I had to be plugged in to 11. people. I was so isolated, as an athlete and a Set for March 12-16 New in 2008 is a competition for the asso- person.” Elevation 2008, the sixth annual Mammoth ciation’s U.S. National Team title. The winning So he changed direction. Revising The Ath- Gay Ski Week, will be held in Mammoth Lakes, U.S. team is to play the top international team lete’s Way: Sweat and the Biology of Bliss, he Calif., March 12-16. Elevation is the third larg- in the World Challenge Game, also a new com- added an emphasis on the importance of con- est gay ski event of its kind in the world. petition. necting with people in everything we do. He Over the past five annual events, attendance For more info about the event or the Interna- realized that “people who exercise all the time at Elevation has increased from 60 percent to tional Women’s Flag Football Association, call disconnect from the world. My goal is to be in 100 percent every year, and more than 2,000 888-464-9332 (toll-free), e-mail iwffa@iwffa. the trenches with humanity. The whole idea be- are expected to attend this year to partake in com or visit www.iwffa.com. hind this book is to help people find bliss as the après-ski and specially organized nighttime For lodging information in Key West, con- both individuals and part of a collective society. events. Top-name DJs, such as Brett Henrich- tact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at There’s a strong spiritual component to it, but sen and Roland Belmares, will be brought in to Christopher Bergland. Photo by Tom 800-LAST-KEY (800-527-8539) or visit www. it’s very practical. It’s a way to gain the op- spin at all the events. Ackerman fla-keys.com. timism, resilience, and intensity of an athlete, A party pass is $140 and a VIP pass is $180. while making exercise a sense of joy. Sweat be- See www.mammothgayski.com. The OutField comes a symbol of striving for excellence. It can Seattle to Host By Dan Woog be applied to any dream or goal you aspire to achieve.” Kelly McGillis Softball World Series Seattle, Wash., and the Emerald City Soft- Sweating, and Seeking Bliss Bergland—who battled depression as a teen- Championship ager, drank heavily for two years at boarding ball Association will host the 32nd Gay Soft-

school, and felt asexual all through college— in Key West ball World Series (GSWS), also known as Series Bliss. Some people seek it through meditation; owes a lot to exercise. “It gave me confidence Nearly 30 teams of women and girls from 2008, Aug. 23-30, according to a press release others through chemicals or sex. Christopher and strength,” he says. “It can do the same for across the United States, Canada, Finland, from the the North American Gay Amateur Ath- Bergland finds bliss through sweat. anyone. All animals seek pleasure and avoid Sweden and Mexico will meet in Key West, letic Alliance (NAGAAA). This year’s motto is Bergland sweats a lot. He has won three Iron- pain. If you make fitness pleasurable, you’ll seek Fla., for the 17th annual Kelly McGillis Clas- “Northwest Quest.” See www.Series2008.org. man competitions. Each Ironman includes a 7.2- it more.” sic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football mile swim, 336-mile bike run, and 78.6-mile run. He is particularly adamant at what physical Championship. The championship, named for That’s equivalent to swimming the Hudson River activity can do for gay men. “We are very resil- from Ground Zero all the way north to Grant’s ient,” he notes. “We go through so much in our Tomb; hopping on a bike and pedaling down to BOWLING - CMSA Mixed Standings lives. It takes a lot to come through it all opti- the old Confederate capital of Richmond; then mistic and determined. But if we exercise daily, Bowleros 13 22 Rough Trade 22 13 running all the way out to the University of Vir- Division A W L we’ll have great stamina, tenacity, stress reduc- Hamburger Mary’s 27 8 Crew’s Ball Busters 12 23 Scot Shotz 21 14 ginia at Charlottesville, two hours by car. tion, sense of purpose, kinship, and drive.” GYOF 25 10 North End 12 23 Salon Michael 20 15 Bergland has also completed three Badwater Cornelia’s 23 12 Marty’s 10 25 Wicked 20 15 Bergland says The Athlete’s Way was not writ- Ultramarathons. Covering 135 miles and three Bowlers-A-GO-GO 16 19 Gutter Fluffers 9 26 Juana Bees 19 16 ten for a gay audience. However, it was also not 5 Pins 10 Balls 16 19 Castaways 17 18 mountain ranges from the depths of California’s written with straight readers in mind. “That’s Jury’s 15 20 Division B W L Great Scots 15 20 Death Valley to the heights of Mt. Whitney, in FVB Interiors 14 21 Bobby Love’s 31 4 Lady & Her Tramps 15 20 part of the problem with marketing this,” he temperatures—we’re talking July —of up to 130 REMAX Edge 14 21 Wells Fargo ONYX 5 24 11 Looney Tunes 14 21 says. “I tried to make the message universal, Halsted Bar & Grill 23 12 Extremely Striking 13 22 degrees, the Badwater is the most demanding Funky Five 14 21 but people who are struggling with sexuality is- Second to None 14 21 Windy City Sweets 23 12 Done More 5 Less 12 23 and extreme running race on the planet. sues will definitely understand what I’m trying Just reading his accomplishments makes you to say.” want a massage. But there’s more: Bergland reasons. Bergland says he was pressured not to come holds the Guinness world record for most dis- Daniel Sunjata Condon was born Dec. 30, out in the book. “I was going to de-gay it—to tance covered on a 24-hour treadmill: 153.76 1971, in Evanston, Ill., and raised on Chicago’s write in a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ kind of way. I was miles. That’s equal to running six marathons in South Side. Sunjata earned a theater degree being really cautious about pronoun use. Then I a day. He did it as a fundraiser for a youth AIDS from the University of Southwest Indiana, just said, ‘Screw it.’ I ended up with quotes I’m organization, but the effort almost killed him. Daniel Sunjata. and spent two years at NYU’s Tisch School of really proud of. I’d call it ‘post-gay.’” Soon after, Bergland spent four days in a hos- Photo by Steve the Arts. He has acted on several television Meanwhile, Bergland has more things on his pital. His muscles were breaking down; he suf- Starr shows that include Law & Order, Sex & The City mind than helping sedentary people find bliss fered kidney failure, and his heart was eating and Bad Company. In 2002 Sunjata was nomi- through exercise and positive attitudes. He re- away at itself. nated for a Tony Award for his role as a gay cently had a daughter, with a female friend who Nearing 40 years old, Bergland made a deal major league baseball player in Take Me Out— is also an Ironman athlete. with himself. He would never again push his appearing naked on stage in one scene—and “Mirabel is beautiful and thriving,” he says of body that hard. But he wanted to share his ex- in 2004 he played a gay man in the award- his daughter. “Fatherhood is the most amazing periences—to show others how to use exercise, winning film Brother to Brother. Other film thing. I can’t even begin to describe it. It’s just strength training, stretching, nutrition, sleep, appearances include Noel (2004), Melinda and incredible.” behavioral modeling, and neurobiology to at- STARRLIGHT Melinda (2005), The Bronx is Burning (2007) Christopher Bergland has discovered one more tain the blissful state he had luxuriated in for so and The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Sunjata re- path to bliss. long. Thankfully, we mortals don’t have to run Daniel Sunjata turned to Broadway in 2007 to play the sec- Dan Woog is a journalist, educator, soccer up mountains or bike like Lance Armstrong to do ond lead, Christian de Neuvelette, in Cyrano De coach, gay activist and author of the Jocks it. at Crobar Bergerac, series of books on gay male athletes. Visit by Steve Starr A man of extremes, Bergland sequestered In 2003, People Magazine named the cap- his Web site at www.danwoog.com. He can himself in a Provincetown cottage to write his tivating, 6’1”, dark-haired actor of African- be reached care of this publication or at Out- The handsome and magnetic Daniel Sunjata book. “The first four months were romantic,” he American, Iris, and German heritage as one of [email protected]. hosted the 2008 Chicago Firemen Calendar Par- the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. ty, along with vivacious Kiss FM radio person- For more pictures of Daniel and the ality Nina Chantele, at Crobar, 1750 N. Kings- bevy of firemen at the event, see www. bury, on Jan. 11. WindyCityMediaGroup.com. I was personally invited up the stairs to the

dressing area where firemen happily posed for Steve Starr’s column, STARRLIGHT, appears my camera and prepared themselves for the ex- regularly in various publications including IM- BYOB cited attendees below who with their calendar BUILD YO UR OWN BO D Y AGE Chicago Magazine, Entertainment Magazine purchase raised money for Ignite The Spirit Online-EMOL.org/reporters/Starr, the Windy City Certiﬁed and Insured Personal Fund, a great beneficial organization that Times, and the Chicago Art Deco Society Maga- Fitness Trainer and Senior Specialist helps firefighters in need after being wounded zine, and has been printed in Skyline, the Mod- on their dangerous job, and the families of SPECIALIZING IN ern, Extra!, Factio, Vibralatino, and Splendor those killed. Each of the thirteen hot firemen • HIV Fitness Visit www.SteveStarrStudios.com where you can made their way down the steep stairs to hit the • Senior Fitness enter The Starrlight Room and view a portion of stage and individually dance down a runway as • Strength Training his frame collection, read Starrlight stories, and hundreds of women shrieked in delight. Soon, • Cardiovascular Workout Programs enjoy photos, letters, and autographs that he Sunjata took to the stage and spoke of his has received from his favorite luminaries. STAR- present starring role as a fireman on his tele- Training at Gym or Home RGAZERS-Radiant Photography by Steve Starr is vision show, Rescue Me, and Crobar presented Discount Packages Available available for events and portraits. Phone 773- a special check donation of $10,000. Sunjata 252-5171. E-mail [email protected]. 312.907.1720 or 312.909.0733 and all the firemen were extremely friendly and Jeffrey Gross charming, and having a lot of fun for very good February 6, 2008 23

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