THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 July 16, 2008 • vol 23 no 44 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com The naked truth Tim BY LIZ GRANGER

Tim Miller is a writer, teacher and performance artist based in Venice Beach, Calif. He deals with Miller queer identity and memory, producing work that resonates with humor and progressive politics. Mamma, To get a sense of Miller’s stage energy, imag- Mia! ine drinking six espresso shots at Disney World page 15 … and then running into Dubya in mouse ears. in YouTube him: He’s charged. Miller was one of the NEA 4 (a group of per- formance artists who successfully sued the Na- tional Endowment for the Arts [NEA] after their grants were revoked on accusations of indecency Chicago in the ‘90s), and one of the first members of the HIV/AIDS activist group ACT-UP. He founded two influential performance art spaces: PS122 in New York City, and Highways Performance Space in Santa Monica. He is currently performing his show, US, from his new book, 1001 Beds, which won the 2007 Best Book in Drama-Theater from AIDS Run the Lambda Literary Foundation. In US, he dis- cusses his relationship with Alistair McCartney, & Walk’s his Australian-British partner of 14 years who may soon be in danger of deportation. Big Change page 6 Windy City Times: You wrote in Oklahomo! that maybe if you’d never seen Gypsy, you wouldn’t have become a performance artist and, in your own way, a stripper. I was won- dering why you used this word and how you consider yourself a stripper. Tim Miller: I have to admit, I am actually na- ked right now. I suddenly realized that as you asked. … My partner Alistair and I were at the beach, and we just got back. I hosed myself off in the backyard. [Miller laughs.] T-M-I… WCT: No, I love it! TM: When I started working on the piece I’m performing at Links Hall, I was imagining that Rue Turn to page 14 McClanahan page 16

July 16, 2008 Alcohol: Use or abuse? #953 by AMY WOOTEN What’s the problem? Findings from a 2000 National Alcohol Survey Several small studies over the years indicate of all 50 states suggest that alcohol dependence For a community that tends to drink and drug at that LGBT people have higher rates of alcohol differs by sexual orientation, especially among nightspots higher rates, what exactly is the LGBT commu- dependence than their straight counterparts. women. n nity’s relationship to alcohol, and is it a healthy A 2001 Urban Men’s Health Study, which sur- The Chicago Health and Life Experiences of one? veyed MSM (men who have sex with men) from Women Study, also known as CHLEW, is an ongo- So Debonair pick it up Have a taste of Wicker Park’s Debonair Social Club. inSIDE page 21 The connection between alcohol and the LGBT four cities, including Chicago, found a preva- ing study of lesbian health. Although the study It’s beginning to look Doin’ it doggy-style with a lot like Christmas in Groomer Has It’s Jonathan July with Pubert. David. take it home page 20-21 page 12 community will be the subject of discussion at lence of heavy and problematic alcohol and drug is not completed, preliminary findings show an upcoming podcast forum, “Let’s Take a Glass use. A majority of men—85 percent—reported higher rates of drinking among lesbian and other Together,” organized by LifeLube, Project CRYSP, recreational drinking. Roughly 12 percent re- sexual minority women than the national aver- the Chicago Task Force on LGBT Substance Use ported three or more alcohol-related problems age. Popular settings for heavy drinking include and Abuse, Sidetrack and Feast of Fools. Fea- and 8 percent reported alcohol abuse, which lesbian and gay bars and LGBT events. Lesbians tured speakers include local bartenders, UIC pro- is slightly higher than the national average for Turn to page 7 fessor and researcher David McKirnan and How- men, according to 2001-2002 National Institute www.WindyCityQueercast.com ard Brown Health Center’s Lisa Rivitz. on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism data.

Download full issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots each week at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

Sal-E and JoJo Baby are theGiving sub Good Face inSIDE jects of Bernard Colbert’s photo s No prouder Marys than how “Getting Into Face” those at Bobby Love’s page 14 page 20 Durrrrty Pictures at Martini Ranch’s Polaroid Mondays page 8 2 July 16, 2008 July 16, 2008 3

index

News Report: Repeal DADT 4 McCain and LGBT adoption 4 Naiad pioneers in Chicago 4 Disabled lesbian slams cops 5 AIDS Run & Walk’s new ad 6 TPAN, ALMA, teachers 6 LGBTs and alcohol 7 Nat’l, world roundups 8 Racial report 9 Led by Equality Minister Bibiano Aido, Quotelines 9 hundreds of thousands of GLBT people Views: Monroe, Lynch 10 marched in Madrid’s pride parade May 7. Read more on page 8. ENTERTAINMENT Stage Door Jonny 11 Wockner News photo by Yves Bohic Theater 12 Tim Miller interview 14 Knight at the Movies 15 Rue McClanahan talks 16 Music: Kirsten Price 17 In concert: George Michael 17 Book review: End of the World 18 Local items 20

OUTLINES Real estate 18 Classifieds 19 WCT reviews Lesbians Who Kill (above), Calendar; Q&B 21 currently running at the Bailiwick Arts Sports: World Outgames 2009 23 Center. See page 12. 7_16_DONNA:05_28_08 7/8/08 11:06 AM Page 1

This week’s online-only www. features include: GALA Windy —Media Watch —Photos from June’s KIRI TE KANAWA City Sappho’s Salon at JULY 19 PAVILION $100/75 LAWN $10 Media Women & Children First —Business profile: THE GREAT SOPRANO’S CHICAGO FAREWELL Group MyPartner.com

AMES ONLON CONDUCTS THE .com Extended features: J C —More world news CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA —Sen. John McCain and LGBT adoption Photo by Mel Ferrand VIDEO SCREENS! DOUBLE DIVAS

www.WindyCityQueercast.com

SO DEBONAIR ALL THE HITS! Have a taste of Wicker Park’s Debonair Social Club. Photo by Kirk Williamson DONNA SUMMER nightspotsn AUGUST 30 PAVILION $50 LAWN $20 WWW.RAVINIA.ORG • 847-266-5100 4 July 16, 2008 context was a discussion of what kind of con- “Obviously, it’s very complicated,” said Mc- Report urges servative McCain sees himself as. The Times said Cain, “because if this is an organization that McCain had worried Republican conservatives in says we want people in our organization that are recent weeks with remarks suggesting a willing- Baptists or vegetarians or whatever it is, they repeal of ness to address global warming and citizenship should not be required to hire someone that for illegal immigrants. they don’t want to hire in my view. Listen, this DADT But when asked about gay couples adopting is the kind of the issue that goes on with the by Bob Roehr children, McCain showed know moderation, not Boy Scouts, it goes on with a number of other even if it means leaving children in orphanag- issues. I think the president’s faith-based orga- A study by four senior retired officers, each es. nization has been successful and I support what with more than 30 years of service from all four “I encourage adoption and I encourage the he has done.” branches of the military, is urging repeal of the opportunities for people to adopt children. I en- A position paper on gay rights from the Obama antigay military policy known as “Don’t Ask, courage the process being less complicated so campaign indicates the Democratic nominee- Don’t Tell” (DADT). The Report of the General/ Ret. Vice Adm. Jack Shanahan. Photo courtesy they can adopt as quickly as possible,” said Mc- apparent, Barack Obama, “believes that homo- Flag Officers’ Study Group was commissioned by of L. Indra Lusero Cain. The candidate and his wife Cindy adopted sexuals should have the same adoption rights as the Palm Center research institute at the Univer- children. heterosexuals.” The report noted that when DADT was adopted sity of California, Santa Barbara, and released “But your concern would be that the couple The Human Rights Campaign, the largest na- in 1993, only 40 percent of the American public July 7. should be a traditional couple,” suggested one tional gay political group in the United States, supported allowing gays and lesbians to serve “The law locks the military’s position into sta- of the two Times reporters. asked presidential candidates on a questionnaire openly in the military. Depending on how the sis and does not accord trust to the Pentagon “Yes,” said McCain. last year whether they would support giving ap- question is asked, recent polls show that sup- to adapt policy to changing circumstances… A Human Rights Campaign report on McCain’s propriate judicial authorities the full authority port has risen to between 58 percent and 79 [it] is not working; rather, it is the flexibility of positions indicates that McCain stated his op- to make decisions on adoption based on the percent.The military reflects the general society military leaders, often ignoring or violating the position to gays adopting children as early as best interest of the child, without bans based and attitudes have changed there as well. policy, who are making the system work,” were 2000. solely on sexual orientation. The Study Group made four recommendations. among the ten findings in the report. The Times reporters did not press McCain to McCain did not return a questionnaire. Obama Congress should repeal DADT “and return author- It believes the Uniform Code of Military Justice identify evidence that gay parents are different said, “I believe there are too many children ity for personnel policy under this law to the (UCMJ) and other regulations “provide sufficient from heterosexual parents. But Parents, Families who need loving parents to deny one group of Department of Defense.” means to discipline inappropriate conduct.” and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) issued people adoption rights. A child will benefit from “The prerogative to disclose sexual orienta- “DADT has forced some commanders to choose a statement pointing to the American Academy a healthy, loving home whether the parents are tion should be considered a personal and private between breaking the law and preserving the of Pediatrics. PFLAG quoted the Pediatrics orga- gay or not.” matter.” The UCMJ should be updated to become cohesion of their units.” A heterosexual officer nization as saying: “A growing body of scientific ©2008 Keen News Service neutral in terms of sexual orientation and en- told the group that one of his best non-commis- literature demonstrates that children who grow Read the entire article at www. force uniform standards of behavior. sioned officers in Iraq probably was a lesbian. If up with 1 or 2 gay and/or lesbian parents fare as WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Finally, there should be immediate implemen- he had been officially told that, he likely would well in emotional, cognitive, social, and sexual tation of “safeguards for the confidentially of have violated the law rather than conduct an in- functioning as do children whose parents are all conversations between service members and vestigation that would have adversely affected heterosexual.” chaplains, doctors, and mental health profes- existing unit cohesion. “Senator McCain’s position is out of sync with sionals.” The group was surprised to learn that gays the research and science and out of step with The group consisted of Lt. Gen. Robert Gard, lack confidentiality in their conversations with what is in the best interests of children waiting U.S. Army (ret) and Brig. Gen Hugh Aitkin, U.S. doctors, chaplains, and counselors on matters of for a home and a family,” said Jody Huckaby, Marine Corp (ret), both of whom have endorsed sexual orientation, and that leads some to not PFLAG’s executive director. “We implore Senator Democratic presidential nominees since leaving seek appropriate care. McCain to take a serious look at the overwhelm- the service; and Lt. Gen. Minter Alexander, U.S. Rhonda Davis, discharged from the Navy for ing evidence and listen to the stories of the Air Force (ret), and Vice Adm. Jack Shanahan, being a lesbian, told the group, she once advised countless children raised by loving lesbian and U.S. Navy (ret) who are registered as Republi- a gay subordinate to seek counseling about a gay couples.” cans. relationship problem with another woman, but Kara Suffredini, director of public policy for Naiad co-founders then realized that might constitute a violation the Family Equality Council, a national LGBT par- of DADT and compound the problem. “No matter John McCain and ent group, said her group is “disturbed and dis- at Gerber/Hart what I those these troops, nothing was the right appointed that a presidential candidate would Barbara Grier and Donna McBride co- answer and I felt like a hypocrite.” LGBT adoption make such a biased and ill-informed statement founded Naiad Press in 1973, making it the The report said, “Not only are service mem- by LISA KEEN, KEEN NEWS SERVICE about the most ‘successful’ kind of family.” world’s oldest lesbian publishing house. In bers prevented from seeking healthcare, but also “Thirty years of scientifically valid research 2003, they retired after transferring their health professionals are prohibited from doing Adoption became an issue this week in the universally demonstrates that LGBT families are books and authors to Bella Books. The two their job.” presidential campaign—at least for Republican just as nurturing for children’s growth and de- women were in Chicago July 13 for recep- It went into great depth on how the policy nominee-apparent John McCain. The New York velopment as heterosexual families,” said Suf- tion in their honor at Gerber/Hart Library, “has caused the military to lose some talented Times, in an interview published July 13, asked fredini. 1127 W. Granville, where they spoke about service members.” A corollary has been a low- the candidate whether he agrees with President Suffredini said that, not only the Pediatrics their work and addressed questions about ering of overall standards and an increase in Bush’s position “that gay couples should not be group but also, the American Psychiatric Asso- their authors and the state of publishing “moral waivers” to felons who would otherwise permitted to adopt children.” ciation, the American Psychological Association, and distribution in today’s market. Grier said be barred from enlisting. “I think that we’ve proven that both parents and the National Association of Social Workers they’d felt it was important to accommodate Some gays and lesbians are serving in the mil- are important in the success of a family,” said “have all issued statement supporting same-sex the reading tastes of a wide expanse of les- itary, are relatively open about their sexual ori- McCain, “so, no, I don’t believe in gay adop- parents.” bian readers, and of not placing an empha- entation and are accepted by their colleagues. tion.” Although he did not mention gays again spe- sis only on “great” literature. As McBride put Ironically, often it is the ones who seek to con- The question came up in an interview conduct- cifically, McCain clearly expressed support for it, their message was, “Read anything and ceal their orientation, in compliance with DADT, ed by Times’ political reporters Adam Nagourney organizations such as the Boy Scouts to dis- everything. Taste will come later.” Text and who are the threat to unit cohesion. As one wit- and Michael Cooper. Nagourney is co-author of criminate against gays when saying he supports photo of Grier (left) and McBride by Yasmin ness said, the problem is that those people are Out for Good, a 1999 book looking at the gay President Bush’s program to funnel federal fund- Nair seen as liars and cowards by their peers. civil-rights movement in the United States. The ing to “faith-based organizations.” 78348LEX0IEO8SHE] “The difference is knowledge”

Tear-Offs • Repairs • Custom Metal Shop • Gutters • Shingles • Modified Flat Roofs The only thing that needs to be straight..... Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Licensed/Bonded • Written Warranty • Financing Available is your spine. Roofing - Siding - Windows QUALITY Get your spinal health checked today. MASTER Bring two cans of food to donate to the food 633*-2+ -2' depository & your exam is complimentary. + 0 '327869'8-32 773-784-6682 In Business Since 1957 - 2nd Generation 708-479-1400 5439 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 8401 W. 191st Street • Mokena July 16, 2008 5 before seeing the judge, who told her could The award—given by the ISBA’s Committee on eventually post bail. She spent more time in a Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI)— cell. Hours went by. Briefman was taken to the recognizes individuals for efforts to foster un- medical center, taken for a photo ID and more. derstanding of LGBT individuals and their con- Eventually, a family member was able to post cerns. bond for Briefman, and she was able to leave by Joseph G. Bisceglia (left)—a partner at 11:30 p.m. Monday. the Chicago office of the law firm Jenner and Briefman said she is telling her story to shed Block who presided over the ISBA through June light on the lack of compassion she witnessed 30—presented the award. The 35,000-member from several officers and guards at the various ISBA, with offices in Springfield and Chicago, places she was kept during the debacle, and even provides professional services to lawyers, afterwards. For example, when she returned to and education and services to the public. the District 1 station to try to pick up one of her belongings, Briefman claims she was screamed Center presents at and forced to stand for over an hour. “Have some compassion,” Briefman pleaded. career expo Bobbie Briefman (left). Photo by Ross “I’ve already been stripped away of all my dig- Joseph G. Bisceglia (left) and Bill Borah. Center on Halsted will hold its second annual Forman nity.” career and educational expo this fall. Briefman said there was no reason for the The 2008 Career Expo, which will feature work- treatment. She wants individuals to hear her shops, guest speakers and a chance to meet with Disabled lesbian story so that if this happens to someone else, Borah honored employers and colleges, will take place Sat., maybe they will have the courage to come for- Homewood attorney William J. Borah (right), Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Center on Halsted, alleges police ward. who has crusaded for eliminating sexual orien- 3656 N. Halsted. The event is open to people of Chicago police did not respond to Briefman’s tation-based discrimination, received the 2008 all ages. mistreatment story, or to questions about procedures and po- Community Leadership Award from the Illinois See www.centeronhalsted.org. by AMY WOOTEN lice training in terms of dealing with those who State Bar Association (ISBA) June 27 during are disabled, before press time. the organization’s 132nd annual meeting in St. A prominent member of the LGBT community Louis. who was arrested the evening of the Pride Pa- rade is alleging that several Chicago Police De- partment employees mistreated her. On June 29, sports enthusiast and local activ- ist Bobbie Briefman was arrested and detained. During the time she was in police custody, Brief- man, who is disabled as a result of a serious accident, claims she was treated with a lack of compassion. Briefman, who has since been re- leased, is considering taking legal action. On the evening of the Pride Parade, after drop- ping off some friends, Briefman decided to drive to the Baton Show Lounge. Still in her rainbow gear, Briefman was driving on the Stevenson Ex- You’reYou turninghave raw spaces this into visionfabulous environments. of your future. pressway in her Chrysler Prowler, a hot rod-type Sketching designs for the latest hot restaurant. sports car, near the Kedzie exit when Chicago police pulled her over. According to Briefman, Helping people love where they live and work. the two police officers asked her who owned the vehicle (she does), and when they took her license, indicated that she had done nothing wrong, such as speeding. She was not issued a ticket. The officers discovered a warrant out for Brief- man’s arrest due to an unpaid speeding ticket issued in Indiana’s Pulaski County. Briefman told Windy City Times that she had sent a check for the ticket, which was returned, and then forgot to follow up on the issue. They informed Brief- man that they were arresting her and attempted to handcuff her, but then changed their minds. Briefman, a victim of a 2001 construction ac- cident, is disabled from the waist down. She has very limited use of her legs and uses arm braces. According to Briefman, she was escorted to the 9th District station, near 35th and Lowe. She was frisked and her belongings were taken. Briefman was then escorted to District 1, near 17th and State, where she was fingerprinted. There, she was put in a cell. Due to her spinal- cord injury, she was placed in room for those with disabilities. “There was nothing about that cell that was handicapped-accessible,” Briefman told Windy City Times. For example, Briefman claims that the cell lacked any bars near the toilet, a com- mon addition to a handicapped-accessible bath- room. Briefman informed a guard of special accom- modations she would need because of her injury, and was given what she described as a dirty, torn mat to sit on. During her stay in the cell, Briefman, who is incontinent because of her in- jury, wet herself. She tried to wrap herself in the torn plastic layer of the mat given to her to keep warm. Later, she said, a guard accused her How to get there from here? The Interior Design Program at Harrington College of Design. This is of destroying the mat and called her a “bitch.” the place where you can turn your passion into a profession. You can study alongside other creative “It was degrading,” she said. people and learn from accomplished instructors at a dynamic campus in the heart of the Loop. Briefman was escorted to 26th and California You already love design. Now you can learn to live design. the next morning. She said one guard was kind 200 W. Madison Street . Chicago, IL 60606 . www.harringtoncollege.com . 1.866.580.4423 to her, and helped her clean up. There, Briefman spent time in a holding cell 6 July 16, 2008

TPAN kicks off ‘Affair’ Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) held its kickoff for the annual Aware Affair July 9. Par- tygoers mingled on the rooftop at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, as two people dressed AIDS Run & Walk gets moving as superheroes mingled with the crowd. TPAN volunteer Freddie Rocha, who designed the costumes for the event, said, “The theme is ‘Superheroes’ because we want to recognize the Organizers of this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago unveiled their new ad campaign July heroes and donors in our community.” Jared Fox, the youngest member of the organization’s 10 at Texas de Brazil restaurant, 51 E. Ohio. The campaign, which has the tagline “Let’s Get board of directors, added that it’s the second year the kickoff has taken the form of a cocktail Moving,” features an ad with three young dancers from the dance ensemble FootworKINGz party, as opposed to a sit-down dinner full of speeches. “People come to these events to twisting their bodies into the shape of an AIDS awareness ribbon. mingle,” Fox said. “They want to talk to their friends without bothering others [at a sit-down Johnathon Briggs, communications director at AIDS Foundation of Chicago, told Windy City function].” “The Aware Affair: Superheroes” will be held on Sat., Sept. 13, at the MCA Loft, Times how he came to partner with FootworKINGz: “In 2006 and 2007, as a Chicago Tribune 1747 W. Hubbard. VIP tickets are $300 per person, and regular tickets are $200; see www. reporter, I wrote several stories about the culture and art of [the dance form] footworkin’, tpan.com for more information. Photos and text by Liz Granger which led me to the dancers now known as the FootworKINGz. When I joined the AIDS Foun- dation of Chicago last year, I pitched the idea of partnering with them as a way to inject energy into the Run & Walk and help generate AIDS awareness among Chicago youth. The idea blossomed into reality with the support of Chicago Creative Partnership, [local photographer] Chris Lake and the CAPS Group [which placed the female dancer over the male ones in the shot].” The FootworKINGz, who have been featured on MTV, modeled in order to raise AIDS awareness among Chicago’s youth. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2008 will take place Sun., Sept. 20, at Columbus and Balbo in Grant Park. Registration is $25 in advance and $30 on-site. See www.AIDSRunWalk.org or call 312-334-0946. Photos and text by Andrew Davis; official logo courtesy of Johnathon Briggs

Teachers’ recess All hands on ‘Deck’ The 80th convention of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) took place in Chicago Attendees enjoyed themselves during the Association of Latino Men for Action’s (ALMA’s) July 11-14—and part of the event involved the AFT’s GLBT Caucus Reception, which took “Dancing on the Deck” boat cruise, which took place July 11. The event, which departed from place on the rooftop garden at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Photo courtesy of Mel Navy Pier, featured a buffet, entertainment (provided by Miss Ketty and DJ Alex Perez, among Ferrand others) and, of course, dancing. Photos by Emmanuel Garcia

Personal and private parties SERVING THE NEEDS OF HIV+ INDIVIDUALS • LOWEST PRICES for just your group • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE • COUNSELING • CONFIDENTIALITY

THORNDALE PHARMACY 1104 W THORNDALE, CHICAGO

(PH) 773-561-6660 nightspots (FX) 773-561-6685 n FULL SERVICE www.yachtparties.com pick it up, take it home WE SHIP ANYWHERE 773-767-1802 DR. JAY L. HAMMERMAN, R.PH. July 16, 2008 7 ALCOHOL from cover Gay bars and clubs have played a large role in had,” said activist and bar owner Johnston. drinking that takes place in that particular set- the LGBT community’s socialization. “The bars were, in many ways, the origins of ting. “Gay socializing is linked with drinking,” Riv- the community,” McVicker said. The alcoholic beverage and hospitality indus- reported more alcohol-related problems and tend itz said. Back in the day, a gay neighborhood was de- try has historically spent a lot of money on the to show less age-related decline in their alcohol For many coming out for the first time or new fined by the presence of a gay bar. Today, gay LGBT community—it’s what Johnston calls “an consumption than their straight counterparts, to a city, the first places they gravitate towards bars and clubs still make up a large portion of excellent working relationship.” Several large preliminary findings also indicate are the gay bars and clubs. Going to the local the gay-owned and gay-specific businesses in beverage companies have poured money and “We, as a community, in general, tend to drink gay bar is often the first idea that comes to these neighborhoods. They dot Halsted Street in support into the local LGBT community, a brand- more and abuse drugs more,” said Simone Koe- mind when someone wants to meet other LGBT Boystown and line Clark Street in Andersonville. loyal segment of consumers. They were often hlinger, director of the Chicago Public Health people. For some, the presence of so many gay bars there when others refused to be. This ongoing Department’s Office of LGBT Health. Koehlinger “We gravitate towards people with whom we and clubs doesn’t mean the community revolves support has meant money and clout for the LGBT said that alcohol is “one of the biggest prob- have bonds,” said Sidetrack co-owner Art John- around alcohol, though. “I think that’s a misper- community in Springfield and beyond. lems” in terms of substance use in the LGBT ston, who met his longtime partner in a bar. ception about the community,” Rivitz said. “They have always been there for us and they community. For some, alcohol is not an issue if done in Before there were alternative LGBT-friendly should—we spend a lot of money,” Johnston According to Lisa Rivitz and Kurt Mohning of moderation, following guidelines for healthy al- spaces, much of the community’s activism began said. “Finally, it’s not just them [that support Howard Brown Health Center’s Recovering with cohol consumption. However, for others, drink- in the local gay bars. There, AIDS organizations us] now, but the role of them in our community Pride program, they see an increasing num- ing may become problematic, excessive and un- started up and voter registrations were held. is enormous,” he added. ber of individuals—many of which are older healthy. It can become an addiction. Even political work and fundraising took place males—coming in for alcohol abuse, though Although many of the reasons why LGBT peo- in local gay bars. A healthy relationship? the increases could be a result of new marketing ple may abuse alcohol mirror heterosexuals, such “People tend to forget the first community Although LGBTs tend to drink at higher rates, techniques. Many of the clients they see use a as anxiety, insecurities, family history of alcohol center we had was raised by money paid for by whether alcohol has a negative or positive influ- number of substances in addition to alcohol. dependence, etc., there are problems unique to the bars,” Johnston noted. ence on someone’s life ultimately differs from According to Center on Halsted’s Director of the LGBT community. “Long before there was ever a black tie dinner, person to person. Mental Health Services Jason McVicker, in 2007, Some of those underlying issues include dis- there were the bars,” he added. “We do drink at higher rates, but that’s not to only 11 percent of 500 clients reported sub- crimination, social rejection, internalized ho- In fact, gay bars and clubs have historically say drinking is bad,” Koehlinger said. “Some can stance abuse as a problem. mophobia and others. funded a number of local efforts, from gay rights enjoy it, and for them, it’s not a problem.” “However, we know the numbers are higher,” “That can have a corrosive and toxic effect on organizations to political work. Local bars and “There can be a place for it in our culture,” McVicker said, adding that 14 percent reported people,” McVicker said. “We’re a perfect set up prominent members of the community associ- Camper said. substance abuse as a problem during the first for alcohol dependence issues.” ated with the beverage and hospitality industry There is a wide spectrum of acceptable and half of 2008. According to Rivitz, sex is often an issue Re- continue to put money back into the community non-acceptable use when it comes to alcohol. Part of the reason for underreporting, McVicker covering with Pride clients note as to why they and sponsor a number of LGBT events and ef- It’s important to note that for some people, hav- said, is that individuals come in for services, but turn to substances. “It’s not just socializing tied forts. ing a healthy relationship with alcohol means their alcohol or substance use is not why they into it, but sexual activity,” she said. “The bars are a very valuable resource to the abstaining from it. For others, moderation is first step through the door. As they get more community,” Camper said. key. comfortable, they may open up about their use. The role of the gay bar However, the extent to which alcohol is pres- Johnston feels that it is entirely possible From what he has seen, female clients at the Historically, gay bars and clubs have played ent in the local LGBT community can be of con- for the community to have a healthy relation- Center tend to have more issues with alcohol a very important role in the LGBT community. cern. ship with alcohol. “All of us need to try to find alone, and gay men tend to report a multitude of They were, and continue to be, places for queers “We aren’t naïve,” Mohning said. “There’s a lot the right balance, whatever that might be,” he addiction problems, such as sexual compulsion, to socialize, organize and a means of funding out there, for example, during Pride,” he added, said. drugs and alcohol. events and initiatives. noting the number of alcohol-related floats dur- The reality is that gay and lesbian bars are Chicago Lakeshore Hospital Valeo Director Joe “For a long time, it was the only institution we ing the Pride Parade and the amount of heavy an important part of the community, and they Camper said that the vast majority of those who aren’t going away any time soon. seek Valeo’s services—nearly three-quarters— “Can we have a health relationship with alco- are gay men, but the figures are always chang- hol?” McVicker asked. “It’s not a question of can ing. A small subgroup of people report alcohol we, be we must. These are things that are part as the only issue. Some are dealing with sev- of our world.” eral addictions, including alcohol, meth, crack, For some, a healthy relationship with alcohol prescription drugs and other substances. Valeo means abstaining from drinking. For those in provides psychiatric and addiction-related treat- recovery, sometimes the healthiest thing to do ment for LGBT people, and has the only impa- is to stay away from bars and clubs, and other tient program dedicated to LGBT people in Il- situations that involve alcohol. linois and the surrounding states. However, if the abuse hasn’t progressed to dependence, some people can learn about low- Why we drink risk drinking behaviors and harm reduction tech- Many people—gay and straight—drink recre- niques. ationally. They might have a glass with dinner to “People can moderate and have a healthy rela- unwind, or grab a drink with friends after work. Many people, representing various commu- Turn to page 20 nities, view alcohol as a “social lubricant,” McVicker said.

Crowned the largest LGBT resort in the Midwest, the Dunes offers a wide variety of accommodations - plus a main bar complex featuring the country’s top DJ’s, a cabaret with live entertainment, game room/bar, multi-level outdoor patio bar and outdoor pool and pool bar. The Dunes is a rare and special place where friends of all walks can fi nd themselves, lose themselves and most importantly be themselves. It doesn’t matter who you are, everybody’s welcome.

There is something special about Summer in Saugatuck, MI that makes it one of the most popular destinations for GLBT tourist, something diffi cult to defi ne but easy to recognize. Best of all, it’s everywhere you look. It’s in the diverse and plentiful shops, restaurants & accommodations. It’s in the arts and the people. It’s in the world-renowned beaches. It’s in the Dunes Resort. 8 July 16, 2008 Intergroup President Michael Cashman. “This Fox News Chicago interview. According to Jack- must be referred to the European Commission son, he was not aware that the microphone was and the commission’s president.” NATIONAL live. Oddly enough, Jackson supports Obama. Intergroup Vice President Sirpa Pietikäinen Two Michigan teens are accused of beat- said: “Police forces again, like last year, failed ROUNDUP ing a lesbian classmate, according to the to protect citizens exercising their fundamental BY AMY WOOTEN Associated Press. The two female high school rights to peaceful assembly, probably due to students were videotaped attacking their class- inadequate resources. I will demand an expla- An attack that occurred at a New York mate by another student, and posted online. nation from the Hungarian government and I shelter for trans and gay youth resulted in The attack was also caught on a school security will raise this issue with the European Commis- the arrest of four teens recently. The teenagers camera. The victim said she thinks the attack sion.” were arrested for hitting the priest who runs the shelter, located in Queens, as well as a few occurred because of her sexual orientation. A Openly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen, second of the shelter’s residents, while using anti-gay pretrial hearing was set for July 21. from right, and friends at London Pride. Half a million language. All victims had minor injuries. Ac- A Virginia gay couple who obtained a mar- Justin Piperger photo cording to the priest, this isn’t the first time riage license in Newport News Circuit Court at London Pride will not be charged for providing false infor- Around half a million people turned out for his residents have been harassed or attacked. mation. While applying for a marriage license, London’s gay pride parade July 5, led by Mayor A California county declined to act on a one of the men dressed as a woman and pro- Boris Johnson, who wore a pink cowboy hat. measure that would ban gay marriage. Kern vided the name “Justine.” Officials later real- WORLD Members of the British Army, Royal Navy and County supervisors rejected conservative group ized that they had provided a gay couple a Royal Air Force marched in uniform. The Ministry The Campaign for Children and Families’ idea to marriage license. Both men face charges, but of Defence offered free travel for servicemem- pass a gay marriage ban because it would be ROUNDUP officials dropped them because they couldn’t by Rex Wockner bers who wanted to attend the parade. illegal for the county to reject the statewide prove whether the couple intended to deceive Well-known activist Peter Tatchell carried a policy allowing same-sex marriage, which went officials. Gay marriage is illegal in Virginia. poster with a doctored, gayed-up photo of Ira- into effect on June 16. Large, violent attack Chad Hardy—who created “Men on a Mis- nian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The American Family Association called for sion, a calendar that featured shirtless Mor- on Budapest Pride “Ahmadinejad leads a regime that arrests, a McDonald’s boycott recently. The conserva- mon missionaries—was excommunicated from Right-wing extremists attacked the 1,500 jails, flogs, tortures and sometimes executes gay tive, anti-gay national group called the boy- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints marchers in Budapest’s gay pride parade and people,” Tatchell said. cott because the fast food chain is affiliated for making the item, according to 365Gay.com. fought with police for several hours afterward MP Harriet Harman, minister of equality and with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Hardy, 31, said that the elders “still felt the July 5. deputy leader of the Labour Party, reportedly Commerce. The AFA has boycotted a number calendar is inappropriate and not the image Hundreds of counterdemonstrators reportedly was booed as she spoke from the main stage at of companies over the years for supporting that the church wants to have.” threw rocks, eggs, bottles, firecrackers, feces, Trafalgar Square. the LGBT community. In response to AFA’s de- In Fort Lauderdale, Fla., two gay individu- acid, paint and Molotov cocktails at the march- Tatchell said the crowd was unhappy over the cision, McDonald’s said it would stand by its als—business owner Earl Rynerson and for- ers and the police. They also set a police van on UK’s treatment of gay asylum-seekers from ho- support of the lesbian and gay community. mer City Commissioner Dean Trantalis—have fire and damaged three media trucks. mophobic nations. Legislators are trying to repeal a law that tossed their hats into the ring to run for At least 45 of the attackers were arrested. Riot Prior to the parade, Prime Minister Gordon bars gay couples from marrying in the Mas- the mayoral post currently held by Jim Nau- police unleashed tear gas and water cannons on Brown met with activists, including actor Sir Ian sachusetts if same-sex marriage is illegal in gle, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported. the protesters at points during the mile-long McKellen, at his residence. their own state. Gov. Deval Patrick said that Naugle, who cannot run again because of term march down Andrássy Road. They discussed homophobic bullying in he would support the repeal of the old law. limits, has incurred the wrath of the local LGBT At least 25 people were injured, including schools, and Brown’s spokesman said he was If it passes, Massachusetts will join California community with comments such as, “I use the 17 of the 2,100 police officers protecting the “delighted” to have met with the group. in opening up gay marriage to out-of-staters. word homosexual. Most of them aren’t gay; event. Massachusetts legalized gay marriage in 2003. they’re unhappy.” A post-parade concert was canceled. A Midwestern gay man is suing two Bible Supermodel Christine Brinkley testified dur- “There was one street where literally a shower Hundreds of publishers for including anti-gay passages. ing her divorce trial that she would have never of eggs and stones was poured on us,” said ac- thousands at Bradley LaShawn Fowler of Michigan filed two married her ex-husband Peter Cook if she knew tivist Gábor Kuszing. “I was lucky to have a plac- lawsuits against Bible publishers Zondervan that he had been arrested for drugs at a gay ard in my hand, and others used umbrellas.” Madrid Pride and Thomas Nelson Publishing for publishing Led by Equality Minister Bibiano Aido, hun- truck stop. According to People Magazine, A rock crashed through the window of a car Bibles that contain passages saying homo- dreds of thousands of GLBT people marched in Brinkley thought Cook had been arrested else- carrying Hungarian Euro MP Katalin Lévai. sexuality is a sin. Between the two suits, he Madrid’s pride parade July 5. where, and said, “If I heard the facts as I know “It is unacceptable in our democracies that is seeking roughly $70 in damages. According This year’s theme was “Lesbian Visibility.” today I don’t think I would have gone forward microscopic groups of the extreme right may to 365gay.com, even though the case sounds The Socialist Party of Prime Minister José Luis with the marriage.” threaten and attack an important minority while frivolous, conservatives are keeping their eyes Rodríguez entered a double-decker bus in the A lesbian couple that competed on a CBS re- it practices the universal right to freedom,” on the cases. parade. ality show recently wed in California. Former Lévai said. “We must step up against groups ad- Jesse Jackson has apologized for making Spain is one of six nations where same-sex “Amazing Race” contestants Pat Hendrick- vocating hatred and violence.” vulgar comments about presidential hope- marriage has been legalized. son and Kate Lewis, who have been together The European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay ful Barack Obama. The comments—that Jack- —Assistance: Bill Kelley for 11 years, tied the knot. Both are clergy and Lesbian Rights denounced the violence and son wants to “cut his [Barack Obama’s] nuts members. the fact that it was allowed to occur. off” and that the senator “talks down to Black Read more world news at www. “I am deeply disappointed and concerned of folks”—were picked up by a hot mic prior to a WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Hungary’s inability to deal with extremists,” said iLœÀ> Ê°Ê We Bring the Showroom to You® Monday, July 21 ÕÀ« ÞÊ * to Saturday, July 27 Annual Members Sale!

Wednesday, July 30 ÇÇ·{ä{‡n{ä£ 7:30 p.m. Robin Messing Simply call Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings to set up a FREE in-home showing, at a time that is Serpent in the Garden of Ó£xxÊ7°Ê,œÃVœi convenient for you. Choose from hundreds of styles Dreams Have your and thousands of colors from today’s top products, £Ê-œÕÌ including carpet, wood, tile/stone, laminates, area rugs, blinds, shades and shutters. premiums • Mobile shop-at-home service • Professional installation & measurement included increased VVœÕ˜Ìˆ˜} • 6-months deferred interest financing SIMPLY CALL CHIP JONES AT: 5233 N. Clark recently? />ÝÊ-iÀۈVià 773.935.8700 (773) 769-9299 Request a no-obligation meeting by e-mailing: See me: [email protected], Charles T. Rhodes, ˆ˜>˜Vˆ>Ê or by logging on to: Agent Ê œ˜ÃՏ̈˜} www.FloorsandWindows.com. 2472 N. Clark [email protected] 773.281.0890 ÕȘiÃÃÊ www.womenandchildrenfirst.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Parking Available (not in NJ) State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Ê*>˜˜ˆ˜} Wheelchair Accessible Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois

Chip Jones 2-375x4-5 Ad.indd 1 3/27/2008 1:19:55 PM July 16, 2008 9 pulpit and these messages were overwhelmingly Report: Races see negative. So it is not surprising that none of the five ma- gays differently jor mainstream national African-American civil- by Bob Roehr rights organizations support marriage equality. QUOTELINES

The position of the churches has muzzled some BY REX WOCKNER African Americans are more likely than whites Black political leaders who might otherwise be (65 percent vs. 53 percent) to oppose marriage supportive on this issue. equality for gays. They “are virtually the only There also is a strong believe that as an insti- Q constituency in the country that has not become tution, the Black family is threatened and homo- more supportive over the last dozen years, fall- sexuality constitutes a threat to that stability. It “The sad truth is that gay rights has “It is nearly summertime in the Year ing from a high of 65 percent support for gay is coupled with the perception that homosexual- always been the disposable card of lib- of Our Google, and here in the golden land rights in 1996 to only 40 percent in 2004.” ity is a “white issue” that does not affect the eral politics. The very fact of our existence known as California the following startling and That finding was a key element in a report, “At African-American community. This is despite the is still ‘controversial’ even to those who make once-inconceivable lament can now be heard: the Crossroads: African-American Attitudes, Per- fact that Black same-sex households are nearly a noise about being our friends. We’re still the Dammit, with gas zooming toward five bucks a ceptions, and Beliefs toward Marriage Equality,” twice as likely to include children as are their fly in the ointment, the ‘divisive issue’ that gallon and airlines doubling fares and charg- that compiled and reviewed all existing polling white counterparts. can lose an election. Just look at the weak- ing me for a single checked bag, how the hell data on the subject. It was a joint effort by the One encouraging fact among the data is that kneed response from the Clinton and Obama am I going to afford to travel to all my gay National Black Justice Coalition and Freedom to less than 1 percent of Blacks rank gay marriage camps when the California supreme court made friends’ legal weddings across the state this Marry, and is being shared with other organiza- as a top priority, compared with the economy its landmark decision overthrowing the ban on summer? Please note the historic power there- tions but not released to the public. (46 percent), education (19 percent), healthcare same-sex marriage. Both candidates hid be- in. Because such a peculiar, momentous string “Nearly three-quarters of blacks say that ho- (14 percent) and the war in Iraq (14 percent), hind a campaign spokesperson and both re- of words hath never before been uttered by mosexual relations are always wrong, and over according to a 2006 poll for Black Entertainment affirmed their ‘separate but equal’ policies of man. Or woman. Or LGBT. Or ‘Other.’” — San one-third say that AIDS might be God’s punish- Television (BET). civil unions, thereby assuming a stance that Francisco Chronicle columnist Mark Morford, ment for immoral sexual behavior,” according to “To create a climate of support for marriage would keep them in comfy solidarity with June 18. the report. “Overall, blacks are 14 percentage equality in African American communities, there John McCain come November. The problem, of points more likely to hold both positions than needs to be a shift in the way the issue is talked course, was that the Cali- whites.” about or framed in the community, away from fornia court had just ruled Younger persons generally are more support- morality and religion and more toward civil that separate was not ive of GLBT rights than older persons are. But, rights and equality,” the Crossroads report con- equal and never would be, significantly, more black youth (55 percent) “be- cluded. so Clinton and Obama both Gay rights has lieve that homosexuality is always wrong” than It urged that educational efforts within the ended up looking like— always been the Wockner Rex by Photo do Latino (36 percent) or white (35 percent) African-American community be focused on there’s no other way to put disposable youth, according to a recent study from the Uni- youth between 18 and 21; heterosexual women this—pussies.” — Tales of versity of Chicago. with high levels of education and income; urban the City author Armistead card of Several factors contribute to those attitudes. areas; and those who attend church less than Maupin writing in The Ad- liberal politics. Perhaps most significant is the disproportion- once a month. vocate, July 1. —Tales of the City ately important role that the church plays with- Some political strategists see this guidance in author Armistead Maupin in the Black community and the fact that those formulating campaigns to build Black support “I love upsetting churches are more likely to have evangelical for marriage equality, particularly in the amend- groups, especially roots. ment fights in California and Florida. Others see groups that are self- A 2006 study by the Pew Research Center for it as a reason to write off that portion of the righteous. Anything fundamental is bad. If “One of the most transformative so- the People and the Press found that nearly half electorate and focus resources elsewhere. you say, ‘Well, I’m a fundamentalist (blank),’ cial movements over our lifetime has been of all Black churchgoers reported that their cler- Read the entire article at www. whatever it is, be careful. I love messing with the battle for gay rights, and the key to its gy regularly addressed homosexuality from the WindyCityMediaGroup.com. the Christians. I love messing with the Scien- great success has been the grass-roots phe- tologists. I love messing with anything that is nomenon of exploding stereotypes by simply politically correct. The reason that I gravitate saying, ‘Yes, I am.’ Each time the woman at toward the gay community is that ... they are the next desk or the guy down the street lets unified and mobilized and they are writing laws it be known that he or she is gay, it takes and getting laws passed. But, at the same time another brick out of the wall of division. Or, ... more so than any other group, they have as Ellen DeGeneres told John McCain on her such a great sense of humor about themselves. show recently, ‘We are all the same people, all When you are part of an oppressed minority, of us.’” — Newsweek columnist Anna Quindlen, you have to laugh.” — Comedian Kathy Griffin June 9 issue. to the Baltimore paper GayLife, May 30. “I might think what you do, Anderson, “I think once we have lesbian and gay is going to put you in hell, but I’m going to couples being married in California, defend your right to get there.” — The Rev. (people are) going to realize that lesbian and Al Sharpton to CNN host Anderson Cooper on gay couples want what they want. They want CNN, June 24. to fall in love and marry the person of their choosing. The whole effort on this is based on “I have no idea of his sexuality. I was scaring people. Once they see, you can’t use not talking about him as an individual any- fear anymore.” — Geoff Kors, executive director way. It could have been anybody. ... I support of Equality California, on the Nov. 4 ballot ini- same-sex marriage and have been lambasted tiative to amend the state constitution to over- by the right for it.” — The Rev. Al Sharpton to turn the state Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing New York City’s Gay City News on June 26, fol- same-sex marriage, to Palm Springs’ Desert Sun lowing up on his remark to Anderson Cooper. newspaper, June 6. The weddings began June 16. “It’s cuckoo to me that it’s against the law for homosexuals to be married; “When we first got together, and that to me is against the Constitution. I can’t moved into the apartment, it was difficult believe that people in the Supreme Court, who because both of us had been living alone, we are supposed to be the wisest of all of us—it’s hadn’t had this other person to trip over. And just like slavery; it’s the same thing. I think so we’d start arguments, and Del would just go it’s terrible. ... I just hope President Obama out the front door and slam it and walk around will come in and set them straight.” — Actress the block then come back. I tried to teach Del Sigourney Weaver to the Michigan gay newspa- to argue back. And then somebody gave us a per Between The Lines, June 26. kitten, which I’ve said kept us together for the first year, because we couldn’t work out how to “Gay people get married in California, divide the kitten. But we kept ourselves busy so why is God taking it out on the Midwest?” and we bought the house and we got ourselves — Host Jon Stewart on TV’s The Daily Show, all wrapped up in each other, and we kept June 17. ourselves in love. And basically, that did it.” — Phyllis Lyon, 83, to Britain’s Guardian, June 25. Lyon and Del Martin, 87—lesbian activist —Assistance: Bill Kelley icons—were the first same-sex couple married in San Francisco after same-sex marriage be- came legal in California on June 16. 10 July 16, 2008

VOL. 23, No. 44, July 16, 2008 VIEWPOINTS The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, integrity of our religious institutions, this is a and Rita disaster relief organizations have founded May 1987. fundamental right” Richard Cizik, vice president shown, these organizations highlight unfortu- REV. for government affairs for the National Associa- nately the fault lines of heterosexism, homopho- PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR IRENE tion of Evangelicals told the Associated Press. bia and faith-based privilege. Tracy Baim “He’s rolling back the Bush protections. That’s After hurricanes Katrina and Rita, for exam- MONROE Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky extremely disappointing.” ple, LGBTQ evacuees and their families faced MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis But Obama’s sales pitch is also extremely dis- discrimination at the hands of many of these Business manager Cynthia Holmes appointing for a voting constituency within his faith-based relief organizations because of their Director of New Media Jean Albright ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson targeted group: poor LGBTQ Americans. sexual orientation, gender identity and/or HIV account managerS: Amy Matheny, Suzanne Obama’s turn While the requirements for receiving federal status. Kraus, Kirk Williamson, Terry Wiegel, Kat Fitzger- funds in Obama’s faith-based program is to pro- And because the fault lines of race and sex- ald, Diane Mareci, Georg Coleman to the right tects those in need from religious organizations’ ual orientation are on the “down low” in the Promotions director Kathleen Ulm proselytizing, preaching and providing religious African-American community, many African- OFFICE Robb Olson leaves out poor NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson instructions, poor LGBTQ Americans would un- American LGBTQ evacuees experienced discrimi- SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Amy Wooten LGBTQ Americans likely seek or receive help not only from anti- nation from Black faith-based institutions, like National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 gay religious organizations but also gay-friendly the Black church. With Black churches a large TheatER Editor Jonathan Abarbanel Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. The senate’s most left-leaning member, presi- ones as well. part of the relief effort, and unabashedly known BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair dential hopeful Barack Obama, is now turning Why? for their homophobia, African-American LGBTQ SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, David to the right. Because implementing a theocratic model evacuees and their families had neither a chance Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony Peregrin for government to effect laws and government nor a prayer for assistance. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS And the turn, he’s finding out, is not as easy as Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, calculated. structures in this country according to one’s When you have an administration that believes Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Scott On July 1, Obama announced partnering with Christian ideal would not worked, on the best in less government involvement and more par- Morgan, Catey Sullivan, Eric Eatherly, J. S. Hall communities of faith. His proposed plan is of days, in the favor of LGBTQ Americans. ticipation of faith-based groups, it slashes need- Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie Day, The inherent discrimination in religious orga- ed government programs by calling on churches Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe Rice, to dole out $5 million a year in federal funds Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, through churches and other religious organiza- nizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Chari- and faith-based agencies, at taxpayer expense, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Karen Dixon, Tully tions to God’s most disenfranchised—America’s ties and Bush’s faith-based initiatives have all to provide essential social services that would Satre, Mark Corece poor. shown how uncompassionate Christian organiza- also impact the lives and well-being of its LGBTQ PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, tions can be. citizens. And with many of these faith-based Steve Becker, Chuck Kramer “The challenges was face today—from saving ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart our planet to ending poverty—are simply too And why would Obama’s be any different? agencies touting anti-gay religious vitriol, LG- For example, I remember a fundraising letter in BTQ taxpayers and their families will be denied CIRCULATION big for government to solve alone,” Obama an- Circulation director Jean Albright nounced outside a community center in Zanes- November 2002 from Elizabeth Birch, former ex- help, services and needed medical care, or be Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Crystal, Dan, Dan- ville, Ohio. ecutive director of the Human Rights Campaign mistreated or denied shelter. iel, Jack, John, Sue and Victor While the moral imperative in any presidential that stated, “The Salvation Army was in secret Faith is a necessary attribute to possess when hopeful’s campaign should be to help the poor, negotiations with the White House to win the engaging in acts of goodwill. Faith derives out the challenge Obama faces today that is too big legal right to discriminate against gay and lesbi- of our shared human experience of struggle, to solve alone is winning evangelical Christians. an workers in exchange for supporting President especially in the face of social wrongs, human And the poor, in this instance, becomes Bush’s faith-based charity initiative.” atrocities, and natural disasters. Obama’s political pawn to win over this impor- In terms of which groups get picked for fund- But who would have ever thought that the tant demographic group. ing and which ones don’t, LGBTQ activists and hard earned gains that have been won to sepa- Copyright 2008 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media our allies have also shown the slim likelihood of rate the church, an institution that summarily Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. But by prohibiting these evangelical churches Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). and religious charities from considering religion queer faith-based groups like Metropolitan Com- can and has excluded LGBTQ people, from the Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, munity Church or Dignity would receive funding, institution of the state, an institution that we and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and in their employment hiring, firing and serving no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. the poor this constituency group is not buying compared to Christian rights groups. have leverage to be included in, would show up All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy While many federal programs are in need of in Obama’s candidacy as it has in Bush’s presi- City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned Obama’s sales pitch. for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing “For those of us who believe in protecting the prayer as Bush’s faith-based Hurricane Katrina dency? and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of I gleefully concluded that Jo Murphy was my and the isolation of secrecy just like my great a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy big butch gay aunt. Finally, I had identified an- Aunt Jo may have. Instead of offering inter- City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While other gay gene in the family. generational support, my family suffered from a we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make LEE LYNCH There were other possibilities. When my moth- common disease. I don’t even want to call it ho- this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept er told me that a younger third cousin had di- mophobia. Most people are so uneducated about responsibility for advertising claims. vorced his wife, become a vegetarian and moved homosexuality they never think of it as an op- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 e-mail: [email protected] in with another boy, I said to myself, “YES!” But tion for their kids, even though they may have we are of the same generation. I wanted queer lived and interacted with lesbian or gay male www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ancestors. people all their lives. radio: WindyCityQueercast.com My big butch There was another, longer-lived, great aunt, Like any kind of abuse—and I consider the who kept house for her two single brothers. withholding of information about sex educa- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA gay aunt I have wondered what the brothers got up to tion and life style options to be abusive—the (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) when they went out with the boy-os. None of cycle must be broken. Thanks to the courage of Last fall, I brought my sweetheart to meet my that was conclusive though. Where had I come 1960s liberationists and would-be revolutionar- Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. family. In the course of an evening spent look- from? Did the lavender stork bring me? ies, thanks to the societal tectonics that altered Nightspots Deadline every Wednesday. ing through old pictures and documents, my Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now I can imagine what a difference it would have the gay landscape way back during World War II, online only brother said something about a great Aunt Jo. made to have grown up knowing, or at east I was able, a number of years ago, to get past Deadline The 10th of month prior. I knew the family on both sides had been knowing about, Aunt Jo... My mother, Aunt Jo’s my fears enough to come out to my brother. As OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE riddled with women named Josephine. I knew niece, probably had no inkling. Lesbianism just a consequence, his kids, neither of whom seems www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com nothing at all about this one. My brother added, wasn’t in her frame of reference. As a Catholic, to have been fortunate enough to inherit a gay “She never married. She had a friend from work it’s possible my great aunt never came out at all gene, know and embrace their gay aunt. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com named Vera who used to stay over.” and her relationship with Vera might never have I hope Great Aunt Jo and her Vera had some www.WindyCityQueercast.com During the 1930s and 1940s my father was crossed into sin. Since I wasn’t out to them, no happiness together. I love the idea that they mostly at sea. My brother, who is fifteen years one in my family would ever have thought to tell may somehow be blessing us when my sweet- older than me, grew up with my mother’s family me about her even if Aunt Jo had marched in the heart and I have our wedding. Maybe, some day, in a big old Boston three-decker, surrounded by gay contingent of the Patriot’s Day parade. Even I’ll be a great gay aunt myself, and can help aunts. By the time I came along my parents had today, how many families announce to their off- some kid feel part of the family. moved to New York so I never knew the great spring that there’s a queer in the gene pool? Copyright Lee Lynch 2008 aunts and uncles. Aunt Jo herself might not have been very help- I asked if he remembered anything else about ful. Say Vera stayed over now and then. Say they Windy City Times Great Aunt Jo. It turned out that she and Vera felt romantic about each other. Say they were Make your worked in a laundry. My brother said Great Aunt both willing to physically express how they felt thoughts known! is Chicago’s only Jo was big and strong and operated the wringer. timidly, passionately, with great shame or with Send your letters to Editor@ gay publication with Wringers were large wooden rolls, operated with the glow of multiple orgasms making them fear- independent, outside manual cranks. Smaller versions were used in lessly affectionate in front of their bemused—or WindyCityMediaGroup.com or homes, often built into or set on top of washing amused—families. Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup. audit verification of machines. They were used to wring laundry dry It still would have been verboten to come out com. circulation by the by compressing clothing or linens and squeez- to a kid, no matter how clear that I was headed Letters may be edited for length nationally recognized ing moisture out. It took enormous stamina and for no-man’s land. or clarity. well developed muscles to operate one of those So I went though the severe depressions, the firm, Verified Audit things eight to twelve hours a day, five or six suicidal thoughts, the misery of being bullied Circulation. days a week. July 16, 2008 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Eric Erickson FACE-OFF Termina Vox Machina (above)—a production with some innovative touches—is running at . Read the review on page 12. TV MOVIES SPORTS

Rue love. Oh, ‘Mamma.’ Northern star. page 16 page 15 page 22 Photo from World Outgames 2009

of murder, martial arts and tomato juice; and outdoors on the East Lawn adjacent to the Nor- Stage Door July 31, Coyote Ugly (2000), about a teenage ris University Center (1999 Campus Drive); free Lolita rock star wannabe and a saloon called, admission. Upcoming flicks are: July 23 (9 p.m.), well, Coyote Ugly. Tickets: $10 ($2 off for re- Soylent Green (1973 future-shock sci-fi murder);

Jonny peaters: save your stubs). July 30 (8:30 p.m.), The Simpsons; Aug. 6 (8:30 By Jonathan Abarbanel Not to be outdone—certainly never to be out- p.m.), Touch of Evil (1958, with Orson Welles, done in the Outrageous Department—Hell In A NU grad Charlton Heston, Janet Leigh and Mar- Dear readers, it isn’t often that Jonny has the Handbag Productions has taken over Mary’s At- lene Dietrich—top that!); and Aug. 13 (8:30 occasion to climb the mountain of leather and tic (also in Andersonville, which seems to be p.m.), Inherit the Wind (1960, Spencer Tracy vs. bathhouses to the top, where sits Mr. Charles where the elite meet to get down this summer) Frederic March, with Gene Kelly, in a version of Renslow. But Jonny is breathless to tell you for Summer Camp 2, its second year of staged, the Scopes Monkey Trial). that there definitely is something fishy about costumed (in and out of drag) adaptations of As the sailors say, “Monkey sea, monkey doo,” the owner of The Eagle leather bar and Man’s great Hollywood camp classics. The gangster and that’s quite enough for Jonny for this Country bathhouse, and you can take that to the moll classic Marked Woman will be performed week. bank. Jonny has discovered that Chuck Renslow July 17, 22-24, while Aug. 5-7 and 12-14 is the is a silent partner in the Chicago Aquarium, Paul Bartel cult modern noir Eating Raoul (not the fish hobbyist shop on Clark Street inAn- merely the film, but the stage musical adapta- dersonville, kitty corner from the more notori- tion of it). All shows are at 8 p.m. Naturally, ous Renslow family businesses. With a selection food and drink are available, and drink is recom- of equipment, supplies and live finny creatures, mended. Tickets are $12-$15. CRITICS’ PICS Chicago Aquarium is a haven for fish-lovers, and is offering movies, Jonny doesn’t mean seafood. The shop comes too, but at NU it means real movies, screened Ain’t Misbehavin’, , complete with an employee who looks like Trista Smith from Summer Camp 2’s “Eating through Aug. 3. Five outstanding Chica- Johnny Depp, if that’s your idea of a good time. Raoul.” go-area performers—and an eight-piece Unfortunately, he doesn’t dress like Calico Jack band—sing, dance and act up a storm in (nor does he mince as much, but then he’s not offers episodes of Alice, Charlie’s Angels and this extremely entertaining 1978 musical doing a Keith Richards impersonation). the always-pc Three’s Company. July 27 finds revue dedicated to the music of Thomas Jonny’s readers know they can rely on Jonny for the young, rich and spoiled of Dawsons’ Creek “Fats” Waller. SCM the hard-hitting journalistic truth about almost and Beverly Hill 90210. Aug. 3 hastens the ap- The Mark of Zorro, , everything, as Jonny knows nearly all that need proaching school days with episodes of Facts of through July 20. It’s your last chance to be known (although Jonny admits to a weakness Life, The Tick and Saved by the Bell. Each eve- see the flashing swords, mighty horses in quantum physics). However, it defies Jonny’s ning includes a surprise bonus bit as well. and Spanish dancers in this swashbuckling understanding as to why more and more theater Tickets are $10.00, all food on The Spot menu is adaptation of a classic costume novel, al- companies devote the summer to readings of old half-price and the bar is fully-stocked. though it may reopen in September at The- movie and TV scripts. Sure, one can get drunk Meanwhile at the Neo-Futurarium in Ander- atre Building Chicago. MSB and hoot-and-holler at them and have a helluva sonville, bad Hollywood movies are the featured , Steppenwolf, through lot of fun, if that’s your idea of a good time. attraction for It Came From the Neo-Futura- Aug. 17. Set in Uptown, this new opus from Personally, Jonny would rather have a good time rium VII: Revenge of the Neo-Futurarium. Pulitzer Prize/Tony Award winner Tracy Letts with the fishboy who looks like Johnny Depp. Be This series of live readings of obscure, trashy, distills the familiar small change of TV com- that as it may, the following summer programs goofy, bizarre, cheesy and did we say terrible edy and drama into an entertaining event may be enjoyed by the low-brows among Jonny’s film scripts runs Thursdays, 8 p.m., through July elevated by superior acting—not donuts. devoted readers. 31. The remaining films are: July 17, The Cross JA If old TV scripts are your thing, you’ll enjoy and the Switchblade (1970) with Pat Boone has It Came from the Neo-Futurarium VII will Summer Re-Runs July 20, 27 and Aug. 3 at The a crusading pastor in the gang-infested streets feature a live reading of Coyote Ugly (above) —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan Spot on Broadway, presented by A Reasonable of New York; July 24, Ninja III: The Domination July 31. Facsimile Theatre Company at 7 p.m. July 20 (1984), an immutably indecipherable mishmash 12 July 16, 2008 THEATER REVIEW Southern Florida bumping off middle-aged white men by the roadsides. Their imaginative specula- Lesbians Who Kill tions encompass re-enactments of femme-fatale Playwright: Deb Margolin, Peggy Shaw and vs. unfaithful cad scenes in film and literature, Lois Weaver soliloquies detailing homicidal premeditations, At: Bailiwick Repertory Theatre at vocalized and lip-synced renditions of Sinatra- the Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont esque pop songs, tensile-ribbon adagio dances Phone: 773-833-1090; $20-$25 with the partners tethered together by a long Runs through: July 27 scarf, and stichomythic low-comedy crosstalks. Despite the prodigious contributions of the BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE many artists associated with this Second Sex series production for Bailiwick Repertory—Scott If you chose, you could view Lesbians Who Kill Lamberty’s original music, Debra Giunta’s chore- as a contemplation on the social issues raised ography, Darcy Elora Hofer’s quick-change cos- by the murder trial of Aileen Wuornos—indeed, tumes, James Ogden’s protean motor-vehicle— surrounded by a crowd of gender-sensitive femi- this brand of multi-disciplinary vaudeville could nists, you would likely find it difficult to ignore easily come off like an Uptown Poetry Slam on the authors’ diatribes targeting the rigid self- karaoke night. The abrupt switches in tone and consciousness make for vertigo as we struggle Termen Vox Machina. Photo by Laura Smith definitions imposed on women, the tolerance of abusive behavior practiced by their alleged like riders on a non-stop elevator to locate our- advocates, and the horrified astonishment of the selves from moment to moment. (Are May and media at the prospect of a girly-worm turning. June speaking now as themselves, or are they and certainly highly theatrical. The work jumps THEATER REVIEW On a rainy weekday evening, however, when the impersonating another duo of hypothetical hit- off from Termen’s middle years after his return house-count numbered fewer than a dozen stal- ters, and did I mention that they mingle with to the Soviet Union (1938) and after World War Termen Vox warts, each spectator had the option of deciding the audience?) II. In his fevered brain, Termen conducts an for him or herself the most valuable aspect of Co-directors Lauren Love and L.M. Attea’s man- Machina ethereal review of his life, loves and times by this performance piece to take home. agerial skills do much to reduce the intellectual Playwright: MDeegan (sic) channeling the radio waves he employed in his Our narrative’s framing device is that of a whiplash. Ultimately, though, what renders the At: Oracle Productions, 3809 N. Broadway scientific work. He constantly must “retune” and pair of lovers—May, a femme in fluffy blonde evening a unilaterally enjoyable 70 minutes are Phone: 773-244-2980; $18 seek “a steady frequency” as Lenin, Stalin, his Marilyn Monroe/Dolly Parton wig, and June, a Tiffany Albers-Lopez and Lisa Cordileone as our Runs through: Aug. 3 wives, other liaisons and his daughter all appear lanky butch in tank-shirt and boxers—amusing gun-toting hosts, who hold us, well, captive, before him (although his precise relationship to themselves during a thunderstorm with word- with ingenuous charm and poised alacrity. So BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL each woman isn’t always discernable). association games connected to fantasies of the wholly does their infectious intimacy convince In an unusual and creative theatrical presen- mysterious serial killer roaming the highways of us that they are having fun that we cannot help The Theremin is the ethereal-sounding elec- tation, the sound and voices of the 85-minute but do likewise. tronic instrument often used in science-fiction show are entirely pre-recorded by actors from films. (Think of the theme music for the origi- the Filament Theatre Company in Los Angeles, nal Star Trek.) This is ironic, perhaps, the life which created the work, and physically per- of its inventor, Russian electronics genius Lev formed by Chicago actors who brilliantly lip-sync Sergeivitch Termen, seems like a work of science all the dialogue even as several play multiple fiction itself. Termen (1896-1993) lived in Rus- roles. The scenic design (Tyler Burke) features at sia and the Soviet Union most of his long life, least five (maybe six?) layers of curtains made except 1928-1938 in the United States, where of semi-transparent plastic sheeting. Actors step he renamed himself Leon Theremin and scandal- back and forth through them, creating increas- ized society by marrying a Negro ballerina. She ingly diffuse and ghostly images with each layer was the second of three wives in a picaresque of removal, lit with eerie moodiness by Mac life of close escapes, financial shenanigans, Vaughey and Eric Van Tassell. There’s even an espionage (he invented electronic spying), pio- ominous figure with a light shining from his neering electronic music (he created Theremin mouth. Also, some figures appear in video (by orchestras and was soloist with the New York Gimpydog Productions), sometimes projected on Philharmonic) and political fortunes tied to the the body of another actor. Carl Wisniewski leads whims of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. the hard-working ensemble as Termen. Wonder- It’s all recounted in Termen Vox Machina, but fully expressive and physical, he sweats buckets you’ll learn much of it indirectly and not literally. in the intimate 35-seat storefront, helping to A radio play intentionally written for the stage, create not only the mood of old-time radio mys- it’s the story of a shadowy life told in glimpses teries but also the expressionistic confusion of and impressions rather than as facts-and-dates memory. Lesbians Who Kill. Photo by David G. Zak or chronological history. Few situations are Termen Vox Machina is off-Loop at its best, a fully explained, few characters are completely creative and surprising objet d’art. charted, yet the total effect is nearly wonderful

t’s9<@E>>I<

Fli\dgcfp\\jXi\efnÈdfafjÉ$$dfY`c\aflieXc`jkjXe[nfib\ij% PflZXejk`ccg`ZblgN`e[p:`kpK`d\jXe[E`^_kjgfkjXkdfi\k_Xe-''flkc\kj Xifle[k_\:_`ZX^fXi\X Xe[^\kfliZfek\ekXe[N`e[p:`kpHl\\iZXjkfec`e\%

DX`c`e^X[[i\jj1 ,*(,E%:cXibJk%#(0)›:_`ZX^f#@C#-'-+'$)((* G_fe\1..*$/.($.-('›\$dX`c1\[`kfi7n`e[pZ`kpd\[`X^iflg%Zfd nnn%n`e[pZ`kpd\[`X^iflg%Zfd July 16, 2008 13

“ A witty, seductive, live-wire and greatly entertaining dark comedy that you just don’t want to end and you just don’t want to miss!”

– Chicago Tribune

Co-Ed Prison Sluts. Photo courtesy of The

nowadays? I’m sure the nostalgia factor is huge Superior THEATER REVIEW for audiences wanting to twitter again at po- Co-Ed Prison Sluts litically incorrect humor involving murder, child Playwright: Mick Napier and many others rape, bestiality and more. At: Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway The fact that several cast members have re- Phone: 773-561-4665; $15 turned from the show’s original incarnation buoys the notion that people want to relive the Runs through: Aug. 29 Donuts old days. If that’s all you’re looking for, then the current Co-Ed Prison Sluts under original direc- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN by ensemble member Tracy Letts tor Mick Napier certainly delivers. The cast valiantly fought back the impulse to Hey, you fans of Annoyance Theatre’s Co-Ed Pris- directed by ensemble member Tina Landau giggle at the script’s own jokes (though Dunbar on Sluts. The curtain time is now 10:01 p.m., Dicks as Hamster Man looked frequently close to not 10:31! featuring ensemble members Jon Michael Hill, James Vincent Meredith and breaking). Forgive the scolding tone, but the opening- Yasen Peyankov with Jane Alderman, Kate Buddeke, Cliff Chamberlain, Ellen Stoneking is back as the haughtily grand night crowd at the revival of Annoyance’s flag- Michael Garvey, Robert Maffia and Michael McKean (and murderous) Shakespearean actor Dame ship musical had to wait (we were told) since Toulouse, showing how it’s done to some of the some audience members assumed it began at Arthur, the Polish-American owner of a decrepit donut shop in Chicago’s newer additions like Colleen Murray’s “innocent” the old starting time. The fact that Annoyance newcomer Alice or James Asmus’s stupidly naïve Uptown neighborhood, hires Franco, a black teenager who wants to change held the curtain for this late mob reveals what peeping tom Skeeter. the shop for the better. This world premiere comedy from ensemble member I’m sure Annoyance would never want for Co- Heath Cordts is an appropriately sleazy and laid- Ed Prison Sluts to become: an institutionalized Tracy Letts, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning author of back Slick (the one constantly demanding sex nostalgia trip. August: Osage County, explores the challenges of embracing the past from everyone), while Scott Goldstein does what Back when Co-Ed Prison Sluts premiered in and the redemptive power of friendship. is necessary to get laughs as the cross-dressing 1989, I’m sure its playful mix of scatological Dr. Bello. Clay Goodpasture does what he can humor and off-kilter characters shocked and with the tiny villainous role of The Clown. delighted late-night Chicago audiences. It be- If the cast is good comically, musically their came Annoyance’s signature show, running until singing is nothing to write home about (just 2000. Extended through August 24! listen to Cordt who not only sounds like he’s But as a first-time Co-Ed Prison Sluts visitor, it smoked a daily pack of cigarettes for 10 years, all seems old-hat. Since Co-Ed Prison Sluts was but eaten them as well). Perhaps I’m being too unleashed, the rest of pop culture has caught up harsh for what aims to be nothing more than a and surpassed it. Shows ranging from South Park late night show for tipsy crowds to laugh their to Urinetown: The Musical have proven them- heads off. After all, Co-Ed Prison Sluts came of selves to be better at offering up more political age in a time when it was easier to shock. Now TWENTY $20 TICKETS bite with coherently structured plotting amid it looks juvenile in light of the competition. the gloriously gutter humor. available day of performance, after 11 a.m., So what does Co-Ed Prison Sluts have to offer in person or by phone. (Limit 2 per person)

Jones Day is the exclusive sponsor of 20 for $20 SPOTLIGHT steppenwolf

buy online at www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650 For the third time, Lookingglass Theatre Company is presenting its signature production, Look- ingglass Alice, based on the classic writings of 19th-century mathematician Charles Lutwidge Production Sponsor of Superior Donuts: Dodgson, a.k.a. Lewis Carroll. Leaving aside his unrealized personal peccadilloes, Lookingglass employs its amazing athleticism and circus skills to present a colorful but not always light- hearted condensation of Alice’s dream-like adventures in journey to the court of the King and Queen of hearts. Yes, kids will enjoy this running, jumping, flying and tumbling show, while keen adults will note its occasional use of death and rebirth images. Lookingglass Alice runs through Aug. 31 (and then will embark on a national tour), Water Tower Pumping Station The- atre (Chicago at Michigan); 312-337-0665; $30-$60. . 14 July 16, 2008 THEATER REVIEW enterprise is bossed by a jingoistic flag-thumper incensed at the Eurocentric mythologizing of RenFaire: A Fistful his neighbors and the obstacle they represent to his plans for commercial expansion. Will of Ducats enlightened-age tolerance triumph over frontier Playwright: Matt Engle justice? Will rapiers vanquish six-guns? Will the At: at victory go, not to the mighty, but to the pure Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston in heart? Phone: 866-811-4111; $20 Factory Theater has forged a reputation for Runs through: Aug. 2 spectacle no less impressive for its slapstick tone, and co-fight directors Matt Engle and Jen- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE nifer Pompa (veterans of the Navy Pier pirate show) do not disappoint. Over the play’s fast- The only place in the United States where you’ll paced 90 minutes, we are treated to swashbuck- find a Renaissance Faire and a Wild West Show ling swordplay, saloon-style brawls (complete anywhere near one another is the Shakopee with piano accompaniment), commedia punch- Casino resort district outside of Minneapolis— ups with precision sound effects belying their not that real-world logic has ever presented a patent artificiality, a transformation scene (à problem to the artists of Factory Theater. Nor la the Incredible Hulk) when a meek vending- The Melville Boys. Photo courtesy of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble is the premise for RenFaire: A Fistful Of Ducats wench rallies—with the aid of some psychedelic simply a pretext for Mel Brooks-homage bat- magic potions—to the rescue of her cross-dress- tles-of-anachronism—although we get plenty ing comrade, and an astonishingly inventive with acting aspirations since she’s appeared in THEATER REVIEW of dueling-fantasies humor before Ewoks, pen- solution to the imbalance of firepower between two used-car TV commercials. That leaves Lee guins and Harry Potter pop in for some ringside the warring factions. with Mary (Emily Bach), who is nursing the pain The Melville Boys commentary—but also a celebration of the very It’s easy to dismiss this brand of live-action Playwright: Norm Foster from being dumped by her husband three years activities it mocks. cartoon as facile frivolity. Underneath its low- At: Buffalo Theatre Ensemble ago. Our protagonist is a young, female, stage comedy antics, however—dialogue from “Raging Watching Burke and Bach navigate their sexual at McAnich Arts Center, combat-trained actor who is hired, after an ap- Bull” and “Steel Magnolias” rendered in 15th- tension amid their inner turmoil is what makes 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn pearance as Viola in Twelfth Night, for a cav- century idiom, the Henry VIII-impersonator’s The Melville Boys most interesting to watch. The Phone: 630-942-4000; $23-$33 alier-styled variety act. She replaces the most alleged priapal profligacy, liturgical paeans to two form the heart of the play, which seriously Runs through: July 27 recent casualty in a line of theatrical swordsmen the music of Jethro Tull—lies a reverence for goes off the rails after the sisters leave. injured by the star player—appropriately named the festivals providing modern citizens, mired My major beef with The Melville Boys is that BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Hero—who seems to have lost his nerve since down in mundane contemporary mediocrity, an the largely sitcom-style writing does not jus- his original partner defected to the Wild West opportunity to escape into a universe of nostal- tify the abrupt gear change into serious drama. Quick, name a Canadian playwright. Okay, you Show camped across the interstate. The latter gic fancy. get credit for saying the creators of The Drowsy When Lee and Owen start yelling and spewing Chaperone, but know of any others? a list of resentful recriminations, you wonder if I myself am guilty of not knowing many Cana- the actors changed scripts with another play. MILLER from cover ment. dian playwrights. So it’s interesting that Buffalo But if you can get past the stylistic incongru- WCT: That was one of my questions: What ity and tidily contrived sibling mirroring, The Theatre Ensemble redresses the imbalance by it was going to be a piece about exile, and is the status with you and Alistair? Melville Boys is enjoyable. Buffalo Theatre En- presenting the Midwest premiere of The Melville this huge, challenging situation Alistair and I TM: After 14 years together, Alistair and semble serves up a sturdy production under the Boys by Norm Foster, one of Canada’s most-pro- are in, and this nutty country where I can’t I don’t even have the rights that a straight direction of Kurt Naebig, framed in a wonderfully duced playwrights. sponsor my partner of 14 years to remain in couple would have after 14 seconds. Our fed- homey cabin set by Michael W. Moon. Foster’s 1984 comic drama has nothing to do this country. As I was writing and performing, eral situation is as bad as it’s ever been under Both Roose and Sweders are loads of fun as with Melville of Moby Dick fame, but instead though, a lot about musicals started happen- the insane administration of the last seven they play dumb, though you can see the method looks at rivalries between two sets of siblings. ing. I became interested in the most popular years. The summer of love in California doesn’t to their immaturity, which doesn’t fully allow Perhaps too conveniently, both sets have one of live performances. Most people—if they’ve help Alistair and me at all. There are now two you to fully buy them as their characters. responsible sibling, while the other is free-spir- ever gone to live theater—have gone to a states—Massachusetts and California—where Since they have more drama to work with, ited, selfish and (OK I’ll say it) stupid. musical; it’s usually the first thing people see lesbian and gay people can actually call them- Burke and Bach are much more believable and The title Melville Boys are two blue-collar when they’re kids. I was seeing how much my selves citizens. Gay people are not citizens in easier to empathize with. Burke in particular workers in their 30s who go fishing at their Aunt radical politics and my queerness and my naked any of the other 48 states. creates a complex performance of a man disap- Rose’s lake cabin one weekend (they’re Green Bay performance-art self had been nurtured, en- Lesbians and gays having federal marriage pointed by his past and extremely frightened of Packers fans, so you can place them in northern couraged and emboldened by these sometimes- equality is going to be a very long fight. Bush his future. Wisconsin or Michigan). The elder brother, Lee made-fun-of popular theater forms, shows like has screwed us for the next 30 years with this So if Foster’s play isn’t perfect, at least Buf- (Bryan Burke), wants to use the weekend to Gypsy and Man of La Mancha. I’m not that kind hideous Supreme Court. They’re 50 and Su- falo Theatre Ensemble does its part artistically talk seriously about the future, but Owen (Adam of performer; I’ve never been in a musical, but preme Court justices live longer than anyone and culturally by producing a good staging of Sweders) sabotages things by luring two sisters it’s a literature I love. on earth; they’re the only ones with health The Melville Boys. After all, how many Canadian into the cabin. WCT: Also in “Oklahomo!,” you refer- care! [laughter] The U.S. Government is just plays have you seen lately? Owen immediately takes to (and later hooks up enced 1776 when you said that “I will … so backwards, but it’s why I travel and perform with) Loretta (Simone Roos), a shapely redhead risk enormous personal and professional in 30 states a year—I have access to media, embarrassment when I admit the persistent performing and students, and I’m this non- encouragement my political activism has re- stop loudmouth gay man talking about mar- ceived from this musical about the signing riage equality. That’s a real space in creativity of the Declaration of Independence.” I want to create social change. you to spill. Are there any other media from WCT: I have a blunt question for you: Why which you derive inspiration that you are do you talk about your dick so much? embarrassed of? TM: Actually, I think US could use a little TM: It’s easy to say Allen Ginsberg’s Howl more dick, frankly. There’s not quite enough, inspired you, or Dostoevsky or important film other than that I am naked for about 10 min- or Walt Whitman. That’s the legacy I feel I’m utes straight. I suppose that’s quite enough for part of. But it’s easy to talk about Allen Gins- some people. berg or Walt Whitman. Talking about 1776 is It goes along with my work around queer something else. Look at the TV shows that agency, and sex-positive vision. Beyond the we’re raised on, that fuel us. On some level, LGBT stuff, I’m interested in confronting this the freakiness of my favorite show when I was real, dark body phobia that exists apart from nine years old—H.R. Pufnstuff, recently re- straight or gay. It poisons our country and leased on DVD, thank God—is just so queer. makes us lie to our young people, telling them … What were they thinking? I think mining these incredible falsehoods that shame the the personal history of our cultural materials, body. what’s really inspired us, is important. But I One of the big agendas in my work is imag- don’t know if anything is quite as embarrassing ining this rich, poetic space of the body as a as 1776. narrative. Narratives exist in our skin, in our All that is fuel for the show [US], which I bones, in our sacs and our pubic hair [and] in think is one of my most fun and theatrical our earlobes, so the specificity is a rich place shows. It acknowledges that even as Alistair to work from. Certainly within that, dicks and and I enjoy a beach day here in southern pussies are troubled and hidden and made in- California, we have no idea if we’ll still be in visible and made weird. That’s why I think we this country six months from now. The show Turn to next page is as on-topic as when I made it: nothing has changed or improved in our federal govern- July 16, 2008 15 you. Mine ebbed and flowed, along with the WCT: You are definitely handsome. waves crashing upon the shores of the sunny MILLER from page 14 TM: Well, thank you. But I perform at a lot of locale. colleges, and if they’re all 18- to 22-year-olds, The wafer-thin story concerns the impending need to bring them forward, pierce them, talk KNIGHT anything over 30 is old. But it’s all about this nuptials of perky Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) to about them and wave them about. But my dick space of vulnerability. Young people are gov- Sky (the aforementioned Cooper). But there’s a is not the only part of my naked self that I’m AT erned by this ideal body stuff that has messed fly in the suntan lotion: Sophie wants her dad to interested in… THE with women for generations. I think we need walk her down the aisle, though her free-spirit WCT: You know what I mean, though. a better relationship with our flesh, with our MOVIES TM: No, I know. It’s a very good blunt ques- mom, Donna (Streep), has never identified who humanness. Performing is a good way to get at tion. These little regions of our waistlines are the lucky gent is. Nevertheless, Sophie has dis- that. bizarrely, psychotically messed with. Other covered that it’s either Sam (Pierce Brosnan), WCT: What else should your audience know than the occasional nude beach in this coun- Bill (Stellan Skarsgård) or Harry (Colin Firth), before they come see you in July? try, theater and performance-art space are the and she’s secretly invited all three to the island TM: If you live in Illinois, it should bother only places where we ever see naked bodies in for the wedding. They arrive just after her moth- you every morning when you wake up that les- public. That’s one of the reasons why people, er’s two oldest friends, Rosie (Julie Walters) and bian and gay couples have no rights under state myself included, are interested in going there. Tanya (Christine Baranski). They’re funny and law. I want my work to call people to action, to It needs addressing. bawdy, quickly loosening up Donna, who has involve them on their own heroes and heroines become a tad uptight in her upper middle age. WCT: You talk about aging in your work, journeys. When I’m performing for non-queer Mamma Mia!; (Apparently, Donna and her girlfriends used to and how a gay man may lose touch with his audiences, I want to deepen that empathy for be a trio version of the Banger Sisters.) identity as he ages. How has getting older another way of being human—just as my own Soon everyone is singing and dancing the fa- affected your identity as a gay man? Why sensibility as a white, able-bodied, Protestant, Film notes miliar ABBA tunes all over the island—on the might aging shake queer identity more poi- By Richard Knight, Jr. height-weight proportionate faggot has been beach, in the water, on the roof of the hotel, up gnantly than for a straight person? widened to include issues around gender and TM: Partly within queer male culture, there’s and down the tiny streets of the village, etc.— class. It should be unbearable to us that we I’m old enough to remember the curious buzz a huge, specific focus on youth and the ideal and welding them onto the plot: Which dad will are bringing up the rear of western countries. that greeted the announcement back in the early body—muscular, height-weight proportionate. walk Sophie down the aisle? Which dad will once We can make this country better than it’s been. ‘80s that Meryl Streep was going to star in a film We can imagine that the male erotic, straight again win Donna’s heart? Which dad will get the I just want people to know that it doesn’t have version of “Evita.” Meryl Streep? Certainly she or gay, has a highly visual imagination. All the leftover? Which bartender will catch the eye of to be this way. could act, but would she be able to handle the scientific data tells us that men respond to the older but still sexy Tanya? How many shades See Tim Miller at Links Hall at 8 p.m. on vocal gymnastics the musical’s songs required? how things look. of blue will the art director be able to come up July 25 and 26; tickets are $15. Miller is That question was never answered as the film I’m 49 now, and I feel like I look just fine, with? And in how many scenes will we get to also offering a weeklong performance work- never materialized. (It was finally made in 1996 though I’m no spring chicken. [Tim says savor Sky’s shirtless torso? shop starting July 21. For more information, with Madonna in the role—a mixed blessing, at “spring chicken” cheerfully, like a modest chef Lesbian director Phyllidia Lloyd makes her film contact Erica at [email protected], visit best.) So, though Streep did sing famously at half-denying a perfect quiche.] It’s a rich, psy- debut, shepherding her baby from stage to screen www.linkshall.org or call 773-281-0824. the end of 1990’s Postcards from the Edge she’s chological space for me, even a nice-looking (along with her two other female co-creators). only now belatedly appearing in her first screen 49-year-old man… Not having seen the show on the stage, I can’t musical, Mamma Mia! Instead of Webber and say how well it worked there but the screen ver- Rice at their musical height, however, she gets sion is dreadfully shot and haphazardly staged the songs of ABBA. But they are songs much at best (though the stunning Greek isle location friendlier to her untrained, reedy voice, and are helps tremendously). Lloyd does manage to get more likely to be welcomed by movie audiences an infectious rhythm going in some of the songs, at large. especially the chorus numbers. Streep looks fan- Singing or not, Mamma Mia!—an adaptation tastic with her blonde highlights and tan, as do Tim Miller. of the unlikely Broadway hit—is lucky to have the rest of the cast; though she seems strapped Photo Streep in the title role and the rest of its ami- in by the silly material, she gets laughs here and courtesy of able, what-the-hell cast as well, for its extreme- there as well as real feeling into the ballad she Miller ly thin conceit is only saved by these expert, sings to the daughter. (The endless 11 o’clock willing performers; the residual goodwill still number, “The Winner Takes It All,” is another left in a few of the overly familiar ABBA songs; story.) Firth is droll and funny ,and has the best the movie’s sensual Greek isle setting; and a hot voice of the elders in the cast (the others just piece of male eye candy with spectacular abs squeak by); Walters delivers an energetic “Take named Dominic Cooper (the heartthrob from The a Chance on Me;” and the movie even delivers a History Boys). Mostly, Mamma Mia! the movie nice gay twist at the end. and, like them, Mamma Mia! is best seen once gets by on sheer exuberance—a barrage of gusto Even with the gay twist and the free-love stuff, and then put into the mental beach bag for stor- that throws itself on the goodwill of the audi- however, Mamma Mia! is old-fashioned fluff, and age until summer returns. CULTURE ence and rushes on before naysayers can kick most closely resembles the old Annette-and- any sand in its face. Your appreciation of it, I Frankie beach-party movies (and has the same Film Notes: suspect, will strongly depend on your mood and thrown-together look and feel). Those movies —The Dark Knight, this summer’s most highly the enthusiasm of the audience members around also got by on their sheer energy and goodwill anticipated blockbuster, opens this Friday and, CLUB though the Internet is already ablaze with early reviews, publicists for Warner Bros. have asked WRITERS ’ THEATRE IN GLENCOE Chicago critics to hold their reviews until the film opens here Thursday night. Therefore, check the Windy City Times Web site Friday for my re- THE LION view of the film. I will tell you this much: If you want to experience the movie in all its explosive glory, get thee to an IMAX and pronto. IN WINTER —Last week, the Gene Siskel Film Center BY JAMES GOLDMAN DIRECTED BY RICK SNYDER kicked off a series devoted to the films of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The classic teaming “ SIZZLES WITH LUST, of Astaire, film’s embodiment of a Cole Porter GREED AND MACHIAVELLIAN sophisticate and Rogers, the lacquered blonde RUTHLESSNESS.” with the stinging wit, is still enthralling to PIONEER PRESS watch over 70 years after they first stepped out onto the dance floor. Perhaps their most grace- 847-242-6000 ful teaming came with 1936’s Swing Time, which WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG screens Fri., July 18, at 6 p.m. (and again Wed., Production Sponsors Media Sponsor July 23, at 8:30 p.m.). Other remaining delights in the series include Roberta, Follow the Fleet and Carefree. Screening dates, times and ticket info are at www.siskelfilmcenter.com For more shows and Check out my archived reviews at www. listings, check out windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the www.WindyCityMedia- latter Web site, where there is also ordering Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia! information on my book of collected film re- Group.com views, Knight at the Movies 2004-2006. 16 July 16, 2008 for gay issues way back then. Why was the TELEVISION show so committed to these issues? Disc and That: RM: I think because maybe we could get by Rue McClanahan: with so much. I heard Betty White say this so Recent and many times: ”Four old broads are so non-threat- upcoming DVDs ‘Sordid’ life ening.” We could do and say a lot of things that —Bangkok Love Story (Aug. 26; $19.99): By Mikey Rox shows with younger actors couldn’t. Romance, crime and action come together in MR: You have quite a knack for playing ex- this highly praised gay film, in which a mar- How Rue McClanahan became a TV icon isn’t cessive Southern women, but in your new role ried police informant and the assassin sent to classified information: For 20 years, the veteran as Peggy Ingram on Logo’s Sordid Lives: The murder him actually start a relationship. The actress has brought syndicated love and laugh- Series—which will mark your return to series movie, written and directed by Poj Arnon, ter to millions of people via The Golden Girls’ TV—your character is way out there, much won the grand prize at the 2007 Brussels In- Blanche Devereaux, America’s favorite over-the- different than anyone you’ve played before. ternational Independent Film Festival. hill whore. Considering that this role is such a departure —Batman: Gotham Knight (already out; With the royalties that the 74-year-old Mc- Rue McClanahan in “Sordid Lives.” from how we’re used to seeing you on TV, what $24.98): Coinciding with the theatrical re- Clanahan reaps from the still-popular sitcom— made you decide to take on this project? lease of The Dark Knight, Batman: Gotham broadcast daily around the world to roughly 1.2 RM: [Series creator] Del [Shores] sent me the Knight comprises six standalone chapters million viewers—you’d expect that the Heald- of scary letters have you received over the script back in November. When I read it, I said that feature art from some of Japan’s great- ton, Okla., native would be eager, at such a ten- years? Any one that comes to mind? this is the best thing I’ve read by far. It was a est anime visionaries. The stories become a der age, to sit back and count her cash. Rue McClanahan: No, that’s the only one. That very funny script. Peggy is a departure, but of larger story that follows Batman through his Au contraire. The saucy septuagenarian contin- was enough. I got some letters from some con- course she turns into a sexy maniac. But she transition from neophyte to The Dark Knight. ues to take on surprising—and sometimes scan- victs when I was doing Golden Girls, but I didn’t starts out as a church mouse, never had a drink Among the special featuers are a commentary dalous—new roles. Her latest is Peggy Ingram, answer them. I’m not sure it would have been of beer, married to the same man for 34 years, and a sneak peek at DC Universe’s Wonder the matriarch of a colorful, crooked Texas clan in safe. never had an orgasm. It’s about the growing Woman. Del Shores’ Sordid Lives: The Series—based on MR: Speaking of Golden Girls, there’s no up of Peggy, her blossoming. And she’ll grow —A Four Letter Word (Aug. 19; $22.99): Shores’ 1999 feature-length cult classic of the question that you’re best known for your role up even more. In the second season, Del has This award-winning gay romantic comedy same name—premiering on Logo Wed., July 23. as Blanche Devereaux. How did that affect so much up his sleeve. Peggy starts out really features Jesse Archer has social butterfly In a new interview, McClanahan talks about your life? boring, quiet-spoken, carrying her little purse in Zeke, who meets his match in macho Stephen her long-awaited return to series television; the RM: It gave me a lot more self-confidence. I both hands. But she goes to the beauty parlor in (played by Charlie David of TV’s “Dante’s gigs that got her there; fan mail from convicts; realized that she thinks she’s the cat’s meow, the 11th week and wants to go blond, platinum. Cove”). Twists abound, leading to an ending the problem with Shreveport, La.; her brave bat- crazy about herself, very outgoing, thinks that God knows what will happen in the second sea- viewers may not quite expect. DVD extras in- tle with breast cancer; her steamy Sordid Lives she’s beautiful. I figured, I’m playing the part— son. clude cast interviews, outtakes, a behind-the- sex scenes; and the on-set drama that’s making why don’t I start feeling that way, too? I became MR: Had you seen the movie prior to receiv- scenes featurette and a movie commentary everyone uncomfortable. much less shy. ing the script for the TV series? with Archer and director Casper Andreas. It’s dish that Rose, Sophia and Dorothy would MR: At what point during the Golden Girls’ RM: No, I received the script, [and] then got —Futurama: The Beast with a Billion definitely be down for. years did you know that the show had made the movie and watched it. I guessed that it had Backs (already out; $29.99): In the show’s Cheesecake, anyone? its mark on television history? been directed by Del, thank goodness. He’s just latest epic, space itself tears open, revealing Mikey Rox: You’ve been in show business for RM: Several years ago. It started running in wonderful to work with. Almost all the people a gateway to another universe. Of course, all a long time. I won’t take you all the way back reruns in 1988, and it hasn’t stopped since. It are wonderful to work with. There’s one person of the favorites—Leela, Fry, Bender and the to the beginning, but I did read somewhere dawned on me then that this might be an ongo- that isn’t awfully popular, but I won’t get into others—are back. Among the special features that while playing maniacal nanny Caroline ing proposition. that right now. But most everyone is profes- are a commentary, bloopers and a sneak peek Johnson on Another World, a fan sent a letter MR: In the mid-1980s, talk of homosexual- sional and cooperative. There aren’t any prima of the next Futurama movie. advising you on the best poisons with which ity on TV was quite taboo—and even today donnas. Well, except that one person. —Greek: Season One (already out; to kill the character Pat. That’s kind of fright- the introduction of a gay storyline creates a MR: Behind-the-scenes drama? I love it! I $29.99): If you’re expecting some Spartan ening to say the least, but what other sort lot of buzz—but Golden Girls was a pioneer hear, too, that you have a steamy sex scene. take-off on the recent show “Rome,” sorry. And details? Would Blanche approve? However, this comedy-drama is a well-crafted Choose who you want to see and e-mail your name to RM: I have several steamy sex scenes—they’re show about a brother and sister dealing with [email protected] wild and raucous. I suppose Blanche would fraternities and sororities. This series features Drawing held August 2nd. probably approve. I also have a very sweet love nuanced and refreshing characters—such as scene. Blanche would be envious, if anything. the Black gay hockey-playing frat boy whose MR: The series debuts on Logo July 23. But father urges him to come out to his Omega before the show becomes this summer’s guilt- Chi brothers. Extras include commentaries. iest pleasure, what can you tell me about life —Step Up 2 the Streets (already out; on set? Any juicy details? $29.99): You know the story: A boy and a RM: I think most of the juice is on the screen. girl from two worlds butt heads—and create But we were living under difficult conditions: sparks—when they compete in a dance-off. bad food, low budget [and] long hours. Shreve- It’s a guilty pleasure, complete with hard port [La.] is a pretty redneck town, and there bodies (male and female) as well as spec- aren’t very good places to stay. We were working tacular dance moves. Special features include out of trailers, and during filming I was undergo- “Thru Fresh Eyes”—a behind-the-scenes look ing physical problems. I was dealing with a knee at the film’s dancers and choreographers— surgery that was only six months old. It was all and five music videos, such as Missy Elliott’s swollen and there was a lot of limping. I was not “Ching-A-Ling.” at all happy with how I felt or how I looked so, —Str8 Men and the Men Who Love Them for me, it was very difficult. 2 (already out; $29.95): A string of shorts RAVINIA MR: Like so many women, you bravely connects the theme of gay and straight men battled breast cancer and beat the disease. Win 4 Tix intermingling, and with such titles as “Court- MELISSA ETHERIDGE What’s your health status today, and to what ship at the Office,” “Thirteen or So Min- Good For do you attribute your cancer recovery? utes...” and “Midnight Snack,” these pieces WIN 2 Tix Any Show RM: Excellent. I’m getting very, very healthy. are not G-rated. August 7 Currently, I’m at the Hipprocrates Health Insti- —Andrew Davis tute in West Palm Beach, on a raw-food diet. I attribute my recovery to my husband, Morrow Wilson. His support helped me through it. We had just met when I was diagnosed. He’s a brave man. MR: All right, so you’re 74 years old and you’ve been working all your life, bringing joy and comedy to so many people around the world, but at some point don’t you just wanna sit back and relax? RM: No, I want to work. Working is life—act- ing, writing; I like to write. I love acting in good things. I just shot a Hallmark movie with Ed As- ner called Generation Gap that will premiere in late October. It’s things like that that keep me A Four Letter Word. young. I don’t want to retire. Visit Mikey Rox at www.mikeyrox.com. July 16, 2008 17 been a big Stevie Wonder fan. His work is so full of the most incredibly uplifting spiritual energy and indestructible joy. I always get such a great hit from him. Covering this song was a dream job and I worked with a great producer who made it way more effortless than it could have been. WCT: What was it like opening for Sly & The Family Stone? KP: I opened for [Sly’s] first comeback show (in 30 years) at B.B. Kings in New York City. It was a wet dream, musically speaking, of course. Despite his limited output to date, Sly Stone is, George to me, one of the most pivotal players in shap- Michael. ing the work of so many of my favorite artists. WCT: Your song “Freedom” has a ‘70s-soul- meets-post-Woodstock feel to it. Do you think you are an old soul born in the wrong era? KP: An old soul born in the wrong era? Abso- lutely not. I think that it’s a big mistake to live anywhere else but in the here and now. This is a particularly fascinating era in human history. The song “Freedom” and my homemade video Kirsten Price. collage simply kick in people’s “‘70s-soul-meets- post-Woodstock” buttons because it deals with human-rights issues. These issues of civil rights MUSIC and equality were right front and center during that iconic time in recent North American his- tory. I think those issues are and should always CONCERT REVIEW With Kirsten, remain very contemporary issues. Our basic hu- man rights should always be front and center; Wham! bam: the Price is otherwise we are all in very serious trouble. WCT: I love the closing track, “Possibili- George Michael dazzles right ties.” There is a hint of the Portishead sound, by ANDREW DAVIS by David Byrne and Tony Peregrin with the synthesizers a hint of jazz and your vocal delivery during the verses. Guts & Gar- It’s a testimony to George Michael’s long and prolific career that he performed a 2 1/2-hour show at Making her first trip to Chicago, Kirsten Price bage shows off a wide array of musical influ- the United Center and still didn’t sing all of his hits. There was no “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” will be performing at Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln, ences. Which artists do you look up to musi- and there was no “I Want Your Sex,” for instance. Fri., July 18. On her new single “Magic Tree,” cally the most? But make no mistake: Michael certainly kept concertgoers more than satisfied in a packed arena when the beautiful singer-songwriter seduc- KP: “Possibilities” is also one of my personal July 9. tively pleads, “I want more,” listeners believe favorites. It’s so thick and lush; the ‘90s Brigh- He promised the audience that he would “work [his] arse off,” and he certainly did. Starting off it. With innards as the album’s cover art, Price’s ton feel is completely intentional. [It’s] much with the ‘90s hit “Fastlove,” Michael—who is touring to support his greatest-hits compilation, fantastic debut outing, Guts & Garbage, offers more organic and involved than a lot of the Twenty Five, which includes songs he did as part of the duo Wham!—kept the groove going (and R&B (“Fall,” “Let Me Go”), a classic soulful other tracks on this album. With all artists—not the crowd dancing) with songs such as “Hard Day,” “I’m Your Man” and “Star People.” The dancing sound (“Freedom,” “Bring Me Back”) and upbeat just those of the musical variety—I look up to continued after intermission as he kicked off the second half with “Faith,” and sang hip-shakers pop (“All Right,” “Red Hot”). true artists that are inimitable and unique, in- like “Flawless (Go to the City).” The openly gay crooner also sang “Amazing” and “Outside” after Sharing Sophie B. Hawkins’s raw, earthy vibe novators that do their own thing and challenge commenting on California’s recent decision to allow same-sex marraige. and multi-instrumental talents, Price also has a stereotypes. However, for all the grooving, there were also several laid-back moments. For instance, Michael big voice comparable to Joss Stone’s. Windy City WCT: I heard that “Crazy Beautiful” is about performed a jazzy bit that included “Kissing A Fool” and an intriguing cover of The Police’s “Rox- Times caught up with the British-born Brook- the legendary leggy icon Tina Turner. What anne.” He also included songs such as “One More Try,” “Father Figure,” “A Different Corner” and a lynite, where she reveals that women love “Crazy sparked that? very poignant cover of Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” When the saxophone Beautiful” and how she wishes Cliff Huxtable KP: Well, there is so much negative objectifi- started on “Careless Whisper,” the collective sigh of the attendees filled the United Center. was her father. cation of women in the mainstream media, es- Of course, it’s not a true show without an encore, and—after an exhortation from the crowd that Windy City Times: Your upcoming concert in pecially in urban music, and I wanted to address included the lights of a thousand cell phones—Michael actually had two, ending with “Freedom Chicago at Martyrs’ marks your first trip to the that. The chorus lyrics are “crazy sexy beautiful ‘90.” Windy City. What are you looking forward to bitch.” This song celebrates raw female power Michael’s voice was definitely in good form, although he eschewed the high notes, letting the most about visiting Chicago? and sexuality in a very positive, empowering eager audience (attempt to) hit them instead. Kirsten Price: Unfortunately, when you are way. Women go wild over it. It is a little bit of Unlike a lot of pop-music performers, Michael did not have fancy backdrops; he simply had three on tour one town just blends into another, and a cultural parody and it’s a lot of fun to dance screens behind him that showed vivid images of everything from burlesque to vintage music videos. there is not a lot of space for exploring anything to. Tina Turner is one of my all-time favorite Nor did he have a cadre of backup dancers, relying instead on a small group of talented backup other than opportunities to catch up on work performers. She is a force of nature and, to me, singers and an impressive band. and sleep. It’s not as glamorous as we like to she is the embodiment of all things strong, sexy, Unlike a lot of pop-music performers, however, Michael didn’t need the bells and whistles. He think. fabulous and female, so she came to mind a carried the show with charm and a fine voice. WCT: “Magic Tree” is such a standout pop great deal. E-mail Andrew Davis at [email protected]. song. You recently filmed a new video for this WCT: The chorus on “Bring Me Back” has the one in Los Angeles. What can you tell me wonderful lyric, “You bring me back like an about it? old soul record on an 8-track.” Singing about KP: The basic premise of the video is one of a favorite mp3 does not have the same sense capture versus release, or enslavement versus to it. What do you think the next generation PIZZERIA - VINO - FRIENDS freedom. One of my favorite parts of the filming is going to miss out on? process was jumping up and down on a trampo- KP: Well, it depends on what their influences line against a green screen to simulate falling. are growing up. Obviously, there will come a Unfortunately, I cannot tell you too much about time when iPods and mp3s sound anachronistic the actual body of the video because, as of this and outdated—therefore very “retro”. I always interview, I have not yet seen the first cut. We wished that I had a dad like Bill Cosby’s char- were on a very tight schedule during filming and acter on the Cosby show with a basement full of old vinyl. Audio compression issues aside, we I did all of my work in front of, rather than be- SPECIALTY WINE & BEER LIST - FULL BAR - DRINK SPECIALS hind the camera. I am gagging to see how it are shaping the next generation now, so it’s all turns out. Fans can view outtakes and behind on us. There is authenticity everywhere; we just OUTDOOR SEATING - CARRY OUT the scenes footage at www.KirstenPrice.com. have to shine a light on it. WCT: Many have heard your outstanding Tickets for Kirsten Price’s July 18 concert version of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” during at Martyrs’ are available at martyrslive.com. a Lee Jeans commercial. How did that come Her debut, Guts & Garbage, is out now as a TUES-THURS 5 PM-10 PM download and at FYE stores. about? FRI-SAT 5PM-12AM (kitchen closes at 11) 773 508 5565 KP: I often get called to sing on commercials, SUN 5 PM-10 PM, CLOSED MONDAYS www.gruppodiamici.com and this was one of the better calls. Ever since being forced to dance around to Songs in the 1508 W JARVIS AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60626 Key of Life in a leotard in junior high, I have ROGERS PARK - JARVIS & N. GREENVIEW - RED LINE JARVIS EL STOP 18 July 16, 2008 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE FABULOUS HARBOR COUNTRY COTTAGE: Near Down- few months on second level. The great room includes CONDO town New Buffalo. Hand crafted Arts and Crafts cottage. a wood-burning fireplace surrounded by built-in book OLD TOWN CONDO: A 6yr, 1st floor approx. 2,000 sq. OUT OF TOWN 2 Bdrm w/ Studio. Private retreat. Please contact for cases. The master bedroom area has oversized cedar- ft. 6 rm. 3br. 2 bath in a 4 unit bldg. Freshly painted, details and photos. 602-295-8331 traveleer@mac. lined closets with fantastic views of the lake. The mas- pristine hw floors greet you, natural F.P, gourmet kit, SS com for photos (9/03/08-8) ter bath is Travertine marble with a large jetted tub and appl., mbth,whrl/tub,1car gar. 2 decks. $598,500.00 Call Lars, your man in Michigan UNIQUE SPRING LAKE HOME: 1950’s Frank Lloyd Wright the main bath is custom ceramic tile. The exterior of the Judy 708-220-0611 (7/16/08-2) Now’s the time to buy! style home. 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath home. Many origi- home offers seclusion, custom made deck area and your Beachside Party Pads, nal features including parquet floors. Radiant heat with own fire pit to enjoy on fall nights. Some of the other Relaxing Waterfronts, or a newer boiler, roof, stainless appliances and jacuzzi fine features of this home include hardwood French co- FOR RENT Serene Wooded Acreage. tub. Great location, very private, large yard. On bike- lonial doors on the interior, second floor laundry area, Small City Cottages or path, close to shopping, parks and beaches. Excellent and slate foyer. $249,900. Tommy Sunn, Century 21 STUDIO Private Palaces. schools. Call 616-846-6973. (06/25/08-4) 1st Team, Inc. 219-575-0881 www.tommysunn21. 1332 W. HOOD AVE. - EDGEWATER STUDIOS: Sunny stu- Whatever your cup of tea, NEW BUFFALO BLOWOUT SALE WALDEN WOODS!: Four com (3/12/08) dio with all utilities included. Laundry in building. Close Come talk to me! remaining cottages reduced to less than cost. Buy as GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! LAKE GENEVA WIS- to “L”, lake and shopping. Credit check required. No Today’s Featured Property: is and finish yourself or we will finish. Custom built, CONSIN: Approximately 1 acre property. Vintage brick sec dep. $585/mo. Please call 773-392-4550 www. charming, and private with upscale ammenities. 3 bed- Victorian. Approximately 2,700 Sq. ft with luxury guest landstarrealty.com. (7/30/08-4) Warren Woods Road, rooms, 2 baths, all cedar with huge screened porches. house. 2.5 new garage, 1 vintage garage. Totally updat- 1525 W. ESTES AVE - ROGERS PARK STUDIOS: Beau- Galien, MI $625,000 Reduced $55,000 to $345,000. Call Sue/Joe @GPS ed. 2 blocks from lake, 4 blocks from downtown. Many tiful, sunny & spacious studios with HWF & heat in- Over 37.5 pastoral acres Realty 269-469-3700. (2/27/08-4) uses, business zoning. Now used as B&B. $649,000 cluded. Laundry in building. Close to lake, transpor- in glorious Wine Coun- MILLER BEACH HOME: Two new homes minutes to Lake for sale by owner. Call toll free 1-877-249-0632. tation & shopping. $565/mo w/ no sec. dep. Call try. Secluded, wooded Michigan in a quiet eclectic community. Homes sit on (3/26/08-4) 773-392-4550. www.landstarrealty.com (7/30/08-4) ravine sites and bright open spaces. Di- over an acre of woods and sand dunes. Ample room vide and develop or just build your dream for an outdoor pool without compromising yard space. TOWNHOUSE TWO BEDROOM home.Between Lake Michigan and the St. Close to nature preserves, deer and wild turkey can be LUXURY TOWNHOME NEAR SOUTH LOOP & THE LAKE 2525 W. HUTCHINSON - FABULOUS 2ND FLR APT: Joseph River. 75 minutes from Chicago. seen walking through the yards in the morning and eve- 526 EAST 32ND ST., UNIT “A” PRICE REDUCED Large 2BR+ den. Gut Rehab, Wood Floors, Fireplace, DW, ning. Homes are 2200 to 2300 sq ft. Open floor plans, $549,000: Designer decorated townhome with 3 bed- CA, W/D. Large Front Porch 1/2 blk to river. Lincoln Serving Your Real Estate Needs cathedral foyer; hardwood, ceramic and carpeted floors. rooms, 2.1 bathrooms. Master bathroom with marble, Square. Free WI-FI! Available Sept. 1. $1,430/mo. Across Southwest Michigan Appliances included, two and half car garages Great op- double sink, soaking tub and separate shower. Kitchen 773-478-3547 (08/06/08) portunity for a vacation home or a permanent residence with cherry cabinets, granite countertops, SS Viking ap- 2129 W LUNT AVE: Large remodeled 2 bedroom/1 bath @ $246,000 or get friends or family together and buy pliances, crown moldings. Hardwood floors in living/ garden apartment $925/month. Large open living area. Lars Petzke both for $470,000. Call Angel today 219-614-5012 or dining room and wood burning fireplace with granite Kitchen w/dishwasher. Laundry in building. Walking Realtor, GRI, ePRO [email protected] (12/26/07-2) surround, 18”x13” deck off kitchen. Lots of closets, 2 distance Metra, bus, Redline. Heat included. Please call ShipStreetRealty.com ONE HOUR DRIVE FROM DOWNTOWN CHICAGO - car attached garage with storage space. Beautiful land- 312-259-7990. (7/16/08-1) LaPORTE, IN: Great home on quiet lake in Laporte. This scaping and only 5 minutes to the Loop. Call: Lillian larspetzke.blogspot.com house has been professionally painted through out, at 312-848-7581 for showing, Keller Williams Gold C: 269-369-6348 with the kitchen having its own unique decorative look. Coast Realty. (7/16/08-4) St. Joseph, MI It includes one of a kind concrete counter top on cabi- 90 minutes to Chicago nets. There is even a custom-made faux-patina copper E: LPetzke@ top on bar area. Hardwood floors on main level were ShipStreetRealty.com ones pulled from a 100 year old building in Chicago. New carpeting has also been installed during the last

BOOK REVIEW assholes and the delicate smell that emanates from them as one finger-fucks someone. Avon la- Entertainment The End of the World dies may be extinct. McCartney states decisively that “The last Avon lady was seen in 1994.” News Book: A Novel Written by Alistair McCartney Presumably, one can dip into the book, as one would into a traditional encyclopedia, or read it According to TV Guide online, Madge’s new $26.95; Terrace Books; from start to finish. I did both, and neither pro- music video will feature pop star Britney 306 pages vided a satisfactory experience. AIDS shows up Spears. Spears is currently filming a music REVIEW BY YASMIN NAIR frequently, and it makes for the only somewhat video that will be part of Madonna’s Sticky interesting but not entirely compelling aspect of & Sweet tour, which will come to the U.S. in The End of the World Book is structured like an this project. McCartney writes of the “so-called October. No more details have been released encyclopedia, with entries ranging from A to Z. golden era of gay life” which is supposed to have about her cameo appearance. Or, from A to Zed, as the gay writer Alistair Mc- ended with the first case of AIDS in 1981. But, Actress Lindsay Lohan has come clean Cartney might have said during his childhood in according to McCartney, “The golden era actually about her relationship with DJ Samantha Australia. The premise is that the young Alistair begins in 1981 and…stretches backwards like a Ronson—at least, that’s what the gossip rags fell asleep one day while reading an encyclope- long gold streak, far away from us… all the way have concluded. At her 22nd birthday party, Lohan said, “I just want to live a happy, dia, and never woke up. Perhaps the novel is a back to antiquity.” With this in mind, he returns healthy year and continue on the path I’ve result of the dream-like state he’s permanently to times past and inserts AIDS into the history been on. And you know, be with the person entered into, mixing up past, present and future books, as in his entry on John Keats, “a young that I care about and my family.” Ronson re- and conflating truth with fiction. We learn about porn star … who died of AIDS-related complica- Alistair McCartney. cently dropped roughly $22,000 on a dia- tions in a little room in Rome.” McCartney was mond ring she gave to Lohan as her birthday born in 1971, and AIDS, for gay men of his gen- present. eration, can now be divided into an era before tacles and walk around, cutting out the tongues Madonna’s estranged gay brother, Christo- and after the 1980s. Which raises the questions: of any patron found talking.” But these are bits pher Ciccone, is planning a tell-all memoir What does it mean to live in an age when one and pieces here and there, and it’s difficult to about his relationship with the pop icon. only knows a post-AIDS world? Has it become plough through the entries without yearning for The book, Life with My Sister Madonna, will a presence that overshadows the history of the an end to them. be released mid-July by an imprint of pub- world? This is an inventive and experimental book, lisher Simon & Schuster. Madonna has helped This is the sort of book writers might write and a clever book. But it’s not a compelling her brother a number of times throughout the for other writers; its sense of inventiveness book. There are interesting characters and sub- years, providing him money and opportuni- overtakes the need to make or reach a point. plots, but none are allowed to develop over and ties. Madonna’s rep said that the singer and It’s self-consciously fey and precious, and the above the narrator’s presence. There’s an entry Ciccone are no longer close, and that the pop narrator’s laconism and self-obsession begin to titled “Stories, Absence of,” under which Mc- star had nothing to do with the book. grate quite early on, even though McCartney’s Cartney writes, “Take me seriously when I say According to The Miami Herald, out former wit shines through on occasion. As in this en- I have no stories. I couldn’t tell a story to tell MLB player Billy Bean has split with his try about the eighteenth-century German poet my life…” In a book that mixes fiction and fact, longtime partner Efrain Veiga. Their home Jakob Lenz: “Although Lenz didn’t die until that may be the truest statement of all. is currently up for sale, and the two have 1792…an obituary for him came out in 1780. separated. Viega told The Miami Herald that For the last twelve years of his life he lived on Yasmin Nair can be reached at welshzen@ the breakup was amicable. In May, a 26-year- posthumously.” There’s a matter-of-fact sense of yahoo.com. She also blogs at bilerico.com. old man that Viega brought home with him to the macabre in everyday life that resembles that his home was found dead from an overdose of of Edward Gorey, evident in an entry about his GHB. The investigation into his death contin- librarians who “wear thick, horn-rimmed spec- ues. July 16, 2008 19 CLASSIFIEDS ADvertise here INTERPRETER MASSAGE THERAPY ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your product, ser- For your American Sign Language/English interpret- POWER MASSAGE: Deep, strong, and rejuvenating vice, etc. to thousands of readers? Place an ad in the ing needs: To consult with you or your company with with lean muscular athlete. In calls and house calls Windy City Times! We offer affordable rates, convenient your ADA needs. Diana Thorpe CI/CT/NIC Master, Na- with table. Late hours ok. Convenient location. Re- service, and as a bonus, your ad runs in our online tionally Certified Interpreter, 773-401-1339, or e- located practice from NYC. Treat yourself. www. section for free. To place an ad, contact Cynthia at mail [email protected] [P-TB] PowerMassageChicago.com. Marc, 312-440-1972. 773-871-7610, [email protected], (PP4/15/09PP) or go to our website www.WindyCityMediaGroup. LEGAL NOTICE YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF!: Experience the therapeu- com. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:, pursuant to “An Act in tic benefits of deep tissue/wellness massage by a li- relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in censed GBM professional. Relieve stress, feel better! ART the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” Non-sexual. South Shore Area. In, $65/hr. or $85/1.5 ART AND FLOWERS: Roscoe Blooms. 2058 W. Roscoe, as amended, that a certification was filed by the un- hrs.; out, add $20. 773-933-7219 or 773-576-4659. Chicago, IL. August and September, 2008. Monday - dersigned with the County Clerk of Cook Country. File (PP2/19/09PP) Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. no. D08113824 on the July 3, 2008 under the assumed MEN OF EDEN: A variety of Young athletic licensed Stop by, get some beautiful flowers, and enjoy Tania name of The Honeymoon’s Over with the business lo- therapists who believe in fair pricing, unrushed session, Rodamilans’ original art work. For more information, cated at 702 W. Buckingham Pl. Apt. 1W Chicago, IL great attitude and quality service. Open late evening. check out the artist’s website www.taniarodamilans. 60657. The true name and residence address of the 866-395-CALM (7/16/08-5) com (7/16/08-4) owner is: Brian Sly 702 W Buckingham Pl. Apt. 1W Chi- cago, IL 60657. (7/23/08-3) SERVICES AVAILABLE BODY WORK CIVIL UNION PHOTOGRAPHY: Fantastic and affordable HANDSOME, BLOND, BODYBUILDER: 5’11”, 210#, 48” LEGAL SERVICES photographer needs work! Allow me to capture your chest, friendly & sexy, offers full nude bodywork. Great special day. 100% digital negatives on a CD/DVD - PLUS stress reliever; improves circulation; brings good energy. fully customizable coffee table book/album. Contact me Older men and hotel calls welcome. Call Adam at 312- Do you have a for availablity! Laura Krause Photography lakrause@ 480-3084, www.therapyfitness.com (7/30/08-4) wowway.com (7/30/08-4)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY legal question? TRAVEL VALLARTA GAY HOTEL: Extremely successful gay hotel DEERPATH LODGE, SAUGATUCK: An enchanting in Puerto Vallarta seeks partners for major expansion. The Law Office of riverfront retreat for women. Spacious, stylish suites. Excellent opportunity for high proffit. Six years in Heated pool, hot tub. Free films, kayak use. Near operation, with real estate already owned. Call toll free Timothy J. Deffet golf, galleries, gay bars, Lake Michigan beaches. 1-866-388-2689. (8/06/08-12) Reservations: 888-DEERPATH (07/23/08) HELP WANTED NEW BUFFALO: Enjoy 2 or 3 bedroom cottages, 5 CLEANING SERVICES Loyal, Reliable, Local blocks from the lake. Full kitchens, central air, decks; CHESTNUT CLEANING SERVICES: We’re a house cleaning Agressive Representation all linens and dinnerware supplied. Check out www. service for homes, small businesses and small buildings. DUI/Traffic/Criminal envoytravel.com/envoyresorts.htm, call Envoy Travel We also have fabulous organizational skills (a separate Work injuries, including Carpal Tunnel 312-787-2400 or 800-44-ENVOY. (S) function at a separate cost that utilizes your assis- Auto Accidents/Slip and Fall tance) for what hasn’t been cleaned in many months WINDOW TREATMENTS Cel_[ www.chicagoworkersrights.com or years due to long-term illness, depression, physical/ WONDERING WHAT to do with those windows?: mental challenges, for the elderly, if you have down- Call me! I take care of it all from design through instal- sized and more. Depressed about going home to chaos? 773-627-4719 lation, customizing to your needs. JOSEPH RICE Inte- We can organize your chaos, straighten out your chaos, ;njhWi No Appointment Necessary riors, Inc. Full Decorating Services with a specialty in help you make sense of your chaos and finally clean window treatments for over 24 years. 773-273-2361. what is no longer chaos. Can we help you? Bonded and (12/31/08-sk) insured. Chestnut Cleaning Service: 312-332-5575 Earn up to $200/ day (5/24/09-tk) All looks needed to work COUNSELING with film & TV production RELATIONSHIPS CAN LAST: We specialize in helping you No experience required sift through what is not working in your relationship so that you can maximize the good. With over 20 years Please call of experience serving Chicago’s LGBTQ communities, we 1-877-293-1521 offer safe, confidential counseling for drinking and drug related concerns, past or present abuse, coming out and coming out of marriage. Please call Dr. Margo Jacquot at 847-759-9110 ext. 10, or email at junipercen- UNDERCOVER SHOPPERS: Retail and dining [email protected]. (9/10/08-12) establishments need undercover clients to judge quality HIV HYPNOTHERAPY GROUP: Experienced PhD hosting and customer service. Earn up to $100 a day. Please group sessions designed to stimulate immune system. Call 1-800-491-7969 (7/16/08-4) Sessions meet 2 times/ week. AM and PM available. Low rates. For details, call Dr. William J. Nasser, PhD at 219-331-4682. (7/16/08-4) ARE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS NOT WHERE YOU WANT THEM TO BE? THERAPY: to help you achieve satisfy- ing relationships and a stronger sense of self. Treating AUTO SALES depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual concerns, LGBTQ issues, addictions, stress management and conflict Come work for the best! resolution. Close CTA. Ample street parking. Anderson- Grossinger Volvo is looking for (7/08/09-52) ville/Rogers Park. Call 773-275-7710. sales people to sell from one SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING FOR LGBTQ INDIVIDUALS: Supportive, insight-oriented counseling for LGBTQ indi- of the largest inventories in the viduals and couples. Treatment of depression, anxiety, Midwest. Our new management relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and sub- team needs motivated people to stance abuse. Downtown loop location. 773.788.6151 sell new and pre-driven vehicles. www.dr-warner.com. (7/30/08-4) Benefits include: FITNESS · Demo PERSONAL TRAINER: Rachel Lavin, M. A. Realize your · Great pay plan goals through 12 week success programs. Lose weight, · Health get in shape and be the best you can be. CORRECTED · 401k (PP1/08/09PP) NUMBER: 773-251-7874 · Aggressive advertising GARAGE SALE LAKE VIEW GARAGE SALE: Sunday, July 20th, 12-6pm, Call Dennis at 3211 N. Clark (Clark @ Belmont) Furniture, Clothes, Artwork, Comics, Snacks, and More!!! More Info: 815-861-2287 773-665-2100 - www.mylakeview.com (7/16/08-1) or email [email protected]

DECKS 20 July 16, 2008 ALCOHOL from page 7 new places and spaces that are alcohol-free. have beverage and bar floats in the annual Pride “Often, there is a feeling of loss of lifestyle,” Parade? Can we have a healthy relationship with tionship with alcohol,” Rivitz said. Mohning said. alcohol? For those addicted, treatment includes re- Although there are many more alternatives to “We want a healthy conversation with a placing old habits with new behaviors that are going to a gay bar than there used to be, many healthy outcome,” Koehlinger added. “Does hav- healthier for the individual. Individuals need in recovery struggle to find those new spaces. ing alcohol-related floats in the Pride Parade to find new ways to cope with triggers such as Some say that the LGBT community still lacks mean being gay and alcohol go hand in hand? anxiety with alternatives like exercise. an adequate amount of options. “I don’t think No, but we never talk about it.” Fortunately, there are a number of resources there are enough,” Rivitz said. “Our freedom to choose is so important to us,” for LGBT people when it comes alcohol and sub- Mohning feels that the alternatives are out Koehlinger said. “We have so many people tell- stance abuse treatment and recovery. there, but aren’t marketed, making it difficult ing us what we can’t do—can’t hold hands, can’t for individuals to seek out. “It’s often hard to marry—that we shy away from these conversa- tions.” How to identify problem drinking find them,” he said. “Nobody ever talks about a Both Rivitz and Mohning said that, at How- sober party.” ard Brown, they often see individuals who are There are certainly more options then there Where to get help questioning their alcohol consumption. Some used to be, especially now that the Center on Fortunately, there is a number of LGBT-specific who walk through the doors are at an earlier, Halsted has moved to Boystown. Instead of and -friendly places where individuals can get contemplative stage. Maybe a friend has noted bar hopping, individuals can join an intramural treatment and help. Listed are a handful of local Jason McVicker. Photo courtesy of McVicker their drinking patterns and they are starting to league, catch a play or join a book club. resources: question their use. Camper, who has worked in the field for 30 —Valeo at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital pro- years, said that a lack of alternatives used to be vides comprehensive mental heath and addic- However, some have already suffered negative accepted,” and even become a stereotype of gay one of the biggest complaints from clients. tion treatment for LGBTQ people, including an consequences of drinking, such as problems at men. “I feel that’s not really the case any more,” inpatient and an intensive outpatient program. work, with the law or with their relationships. The Chicago LGBT Task Force on Substance Use Camper said. In addition to numerous alterna- (4840 N. Marine; 800-888-0560; www.chicago- “We would be empty if people didn’t have neg- and Abuse (formerly the Chicago Crystal Meth tive spaces and events, Camper said that Chi- lakeshorehospital.com/GLBT) ative consequences because often, people don’t Task Force) recently broadened its scope, hence cago prides itself with having a very large LGBTQ —Howard Brown Health Center has several know they have a problem,” Mohning said. the change in name. Alcohol use is one of the recovery community. substance abuse programs, including its Contem- Many people don’t realize that their relation- many issues now addressed by the partnership Camper does fear for youth, however, who plations drop in every Saturday from 1:30-2:30 ship with alcohol is unhealthy. of service providers, community leaders, busi- might not be aware that they have options. He p.m., and its Recovering with Pride treatment “People might not recognize that they have an nesses and law enforcement. feels work needs to be done in this area. program. (4025 N. Sheridan; 773-388-1600; issue,” McVicker said. “We get to people when “I feel like we are moving in the right direc- “They might not know about available resourc- www.howardbrown.org) they are in crisis, and then we are putting out tion,” said Rivitz, a member of the Task Force. es and will probably start out in the bar culture,” —New Town Alano Club (NTAC) is an Alano fires,” McVicker said. Rivitz added that there is not enough discus- Camper said. club with a gay and lesbian outreach. NTAC has a Besides suffering a negative consequence of sion about the role alcohol plays in lesbians’ “I would love to see many, many more places variety of meetings in a number of 12-step pro- drinking—what some might refer to as a “wake lives. “There is a lot of alcohol use in the lesbian that are not centered around alcohol,” Koe- grams. (909 W. Belmont; 773-529-0321; www. up call”—there are a number of standard ques- community,” she said. hlinger said. newtownalanoclub.com) tions people can ask themselves to evaluate Holding the upcoming event at a popular gay Johnston, who owns Sidetrack, said that a —Gay Alcoholics Anonymous meetings whether or not their drinking has become an is- bar, Sidetrack, has caused a controversy, with number of his clientele don’t drink alcohol, but (dickeb.net/aa) sue. some saying the venue choice is a tad ironic, for some, they need to stay away from the bars —Center on Halsted’s mental health pro- Both McVicker and Camper offered questions considering the topic. and thankfully, Halsted Street has options. gram has numerous mental health groups and individuals can ask themselves that might raise Sidetrack owner Johnston was hesitant at first, “I think that’s a change for the better,” John- workshops (including their LGBT family and a red flag: Has anyone, such as a friend or family but left the decision up to the event’s organiz- ston said. partner support group, When You Care). Center member, expressed concern about your alcohol ers. He believes the venue will spark further dis- Center on Halsted is located right in the heart on Halsted also offers 12-step programs such use? Do you find yourself constantly thinking cussion. of Boystown, surrounded by LGBT bars and clubs. as Sober Horizons on Sundays, from 9-11 a.m. about the next time you will drink? Are you “I think it will make people think even more,” McVicker sees the Center’s location as a double- (3656 N. Halsted; 773-472-6469; www.center- defensive when people talk about your alcohol he said. edged sword. “It’s an opportunity and a chal- onhalsted.org) use? Has your drinking affected your work per- Although Camper agrees that the LGBT com- lenge,” he said. “There is alcohol and drugs all —Better Existence with HIV offers a sub- formance, or maybe your academic performance? munity needs to discuss the issue, his one con- around us. But I like to also think of the Center stance-abuse support group for those living Is your drinking impacting your relationships or cern regarding the location of the event is that as being a haven. There is refuge within these with HIV/AIDS on Wednesdays, from 5-6:30 p.m. interfering with your parental responsibilities? not all voices will be heard. Generally, those in walls.” (1244 W. Thorndale; 773-293-4740; www.behiv. Do you find yourself struggling with drinking re- recovery are encouraged to steer clear of situa- org) sponsibly? Do you try to rationalize your drink- tions where alcohol is present. “You might not Let’s talk about it —Test Positive Aware Network offers discus- ing? When you promise yourself that you will get the full participation of people in recovery Many feel it will take a concerted effort from sion/support groups for those living with HIV/ only have one or two drinks, do you end up hav- because being in a bar is a trigger for them,” he all aspects of the LGBT community in order to AIDS, such as Positive Progress, a peer-led group ing six or seven? said. create any solutions to problem drinking in the for HIV-positive individuals in recovery on Tues- Camper encourages individuals to not only The purpose of the upcoming forum is for community. days, from 7-9 p.m. (5537 N. Broadway; 773- ask themselves such questions, but discuss their individuals in the LGBT community to examine However, many agree that the first step is ac- 989-9400; www.tpan.com) drinking patterns and family history of sub- their own alcohol use, discussion alternatives tually discussion the role alcohol plays in the “Let’s Take a Glass Together,” a forum on stance abuse with their health care provider. to drinking, and address a number of issues. community—a topic rarely talked about openly. alcohol and the LGBT community, will be held Among questions addressed with be what pur- “I don’t think it’s talked about at all,” Mohn- at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, Wed., July 23, Barriers to recovery pose drinking serves? What does it mean when ing said, adding that he thinks alcohol’s role in at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. RSVP at www. For many in recovery, it is difficult to return LGBT events are sponsored by alcoholic beverage our lives as LGBT people has been “very much lifelube.org or 312-334-0939. to old hangouts and not use alcohol, or seek out companies or local bars? What does it mean to

weekly podcast format at the end of July. Dance for Life Halloween on Oct. 27 at Steppenwolf Downstairs Windy City Rodeo Think Pink Radio, which has aired on 88.7FM Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted. Aug. 22-24 for the past five years, will have its last on-air tickets on sale Bernhard will bring her band, The Rebellious Windy City Rodeo 2008, the 12th annual IGRA broadcast July 29, 6-8 p.m., before it hops on Tickets for the popular 17th annual Dance for Jezebels, for a night of music, comedy and sanctioned rodeo hosted by the Illinois Gay Ro- the podcasting bandwagon. Life benefit are now on sale. more. deo Association (ILGRA), will take place Aug. To help celebrate the change, as well as its The one-night-only event takes place Aug. Tickets, which are $60 for the 7 p.m. show and 22-24, in Crete, Ill. fifth year anniversary, Think Pink will hold a 23 at for Music and Dance, 205 $50 for the 9:30 show, will go on sale June 19. On the first day, registration will take place at party on July 24 at The Bijou, 1349 N. Wells, E. Randolph, and features several dance com- Call 312-335-1650 or see www.steppenwolf.org. the Doubletree, 5000 W. 127th, Alsip, 6-9 p.m. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Cost is $10. The event includes panies, such as Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, A party will follow at Club Krave, 13126 S. West- performances by Nichole Garneau, Les Bo-Bo the The and River North Chicago Dance Ani to take ern, Blue Island. Clown, S.I.R. and JSun Howard. Company, all on one stage to help raise funds for The actual rodeo will be held Aug. 23-24 at Six See www.thinkpinkradio.com for more infor- HIV/AIDS. on Chicago Guns Ranch & Arena, 26926 S. Stateline Road, mation. Proceeds help benefit local organizations such Urban folk singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco will Crete. Admission is $15 per person per day, and as Howard Brown Health Center and AIDS Foun- head to Chicago for an Oct. 6 performance at The tickets may be purchased at the gate. Center’s upcoming dation of Chicago. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Proceeds from the rodeo will benefit Howard See www.danceforlifechicago.com for tickets The prolific Grammy Award-winning bisexual Brown Health Center, Vital Bridges and Direct career expo and information. songstress has grown to become a feminist Aid. Nightspots magazine, a part of Windy City Center on Halsted will hold its second annual icon. Media Group, is a sponsor of the rodeo. career and educational expo this fall. Bernhard to Tickets are available at the Chicago Theatre For more information, see www.ilgra.com. The 2008 Career Expo, which will feature work- box office or all Ticketmaster outlets. Call 312- shops, guest speakers and a chance to meet with start Traffic 559-1212 or see www.ticketmaster.com. employers and colleges, will take place Sat., Steppenwolf announced that Sandra Bernhard Think Pink Radio Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at Center on Halsted, will kick off it’s 2008-2009 Traffic Series with to become a podcast 3656 N. Halsted. The event is open to people of two October performances. Chicago’s only music radio for LGBT people all ages. The actress, comedienne and singer will ap- is leaving the airwaves and transitioning to a See www.centeronhalsted.org. pear in two performances of A Sandra Bernhard July 16, 2008 21 WHAT TO DO? Sat., July 19

Wednesday, July 16 Night” readings and performances by anticruelty.org sted.org About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble various artists. 7 p.m., 1505 W. Morse Central Lake View Merchants Associa- Lifelube “Let’s Take a Glass Together” Opening night of Fast Forward, an Ave., [email protected], tion 1st Annual Lake View Garage Sale, forum about the LGBT community and exploration about how this genera- 773-973-1521 open to businesses and residents. 12-6 alcohol. Doors open 6 p.m., 7 p.m. tion is affected by abstinence-only sex Women and Children First Bookstore p.m., 3211 N. Clark St. discussion, Sidetrack, 3349 N. Hal- education. Tickets $15, Center on Hal- Miles Harvey: Painter in a Savage Land. Family Equality Illinois OUTspoken sted. RSVP at www.lifelube.org or call sted, 3656 N. Halsted St., www.about- 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769- Families Training. 3-7 p.m., free, Center 312-334-0939, must be 21 or over to facetheatre.com 9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., RSVP attend Center on Halsted We’re Drum Centered, required at www.centeronhalsted.org NewTown Writers Solo Homo: An Eve- a co-gendered drum circle experience Saturday, July 19 or e-mail [email protected] ning of Solo Performances. And July facilitated by Hazel of She Drums. Center on Halsted Civil unions seminar Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Asso- 30. 7:30 p.m., Chemically Imbalanced 6:30-8:30 p.m., roof of 3656 N. Halst- with members of Illinois legislature, ciation Book Club: The History of Love Theater, 1420 W. Irving Park, $12 at ed St., [email protected] or www. Lambda Legal and Equality Illinois. 2-4 by Nicole Krauss. 2-4 p.m., 947 Gar- door TIME AND PRIDE shedrums.com for more info p.m., free, 3656 N. Halsted St., limited field in Oak Park Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Asso- Orgullo en Accion will hold its Latina/o PFLAG Chicago Metro Monthly meeting. ciation Women’s History Night with Center on Halsted CenterPages presents seating, RSVP to jlatrobe@centeron- LGBTQQ Pride Picnic in Humboldt Park. Emanuel Xavier and Irasema Gonzalez, halsted.org Third Sunday of each month. 2-4 p.m., Marie Kuda. 947 Garfield in Oak Park, who will read from their work. 8 p.m., Chicago Gender Society A Garden Party. Howard Brown, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., RSVP to Susan at 708-386-3463 free, 3656 N. Halsted St., www.center- 4:30 p.m., $35 advance tickets at www. 773-388-1600 Photo from 2007 picnic by Emmanuel Garcia onhalsted.org chicagogender.com, 28W251 Geneva PFLAG DuPage Monthly meeting. 2 p.m., Thursday, July 24 Crew See the premiere of Project Rd. in West Chicago St. Paul Lutheran, 515 S. Wheaton in Stonewall Assoc. of Illinois Straight Runway 5, 8 p.m., 4804 N. Broadway, Human Rights Campaign Summer Chic Wheaton Spouses Network meeting. 7 p.m., Du- WorldsGreatestBar.com 2008 HRC Chicago Gala. Hyatt Regency Page Unitarian Church, 4 S. 535 Old Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute Chicago, e-mail chicagohrcgala2008@ Monday, July 21 Naperville Rd. in Naperville Sat., July 26 Financial Planning for the LGBT Com- gmail.com, see www.chicago-summer- Center on Halsted The M (Men on Mon- Thurst Thursdays DJ Mike More and guest munity seminar. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., chic.com for more info days) Network Launch. A new monthly DJ Honey Dijon, 1/2 price champagne Swissotel Chicago, 323 E. Wacker Dr., Insight Arts OUTbursts, a two-day event series of events for men. 6-9 p.m., $20 bottles, Avenue M, 695 N. Milwaukee free but space limited, RSVP required celebrating the lives of LGBTQ Chica- (includes food/cash bar), 3656 N. Hal- Ave., 312-243-1133, avenue-m.com to [email protected] goans. Saturday: “Akabaka Salaams,” a sted St., www.centeronhalsted.org short screening on LGBTQ Muslims fol- PFLAG Palatine Film: Abomination: Ho- lowed by a short discussion. 4 p.m., mosexuality and the Ex-Gay Movement. Friday, July 25 Thursday, July 17 free, 1505 W. Morse Ave., info@in- 7 p.m., Countryside Unitarian Church, Cake Chicago “July is Hot” show featur- SAGE Night at the Opera: Live interview sightartsliberation.org, 773-973-152 1025 N. Smith in Palatine ing Martine Locke, Ripley Caine, Angie with international opera star Christine Orgullo en Accion Latina/o LGBTQQ Women and Children First Bookstore Evans. Starts 9 p.m., $5 cover, Red Line Brewer. 6:30 p.m., free, Center on Hal- Pride Picnic. Celebrate Latino/a pride Annual Members Sale. Through July 27. Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood sted’s John Baran Senior Center, 3656 in Humboldt Park. 12-6 p.m., com- 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, www. Gerber/Hart Library “Summer Spectacu- N. Halsted St., RSVP to 773-472-6469 plete schedule of activities at www. womenandchildrenfirst.com lar” book sale begins. Through Aug. 3. ext. 160 or sworthington@centeron- orgulloenaccion.org 1127 W. Granville Ave., www.gerber- halsted.org Out & Equal Chicagoland Affiliates hart.org Star Gaze Halcyon performs, 8:30-11 Breakfast. 9 a.m., Lucky Platter, 514 Tuesday, July 22 MORE for Gay Men Movie Night: Coming p.m., $10, 5419 N. Clark St., Star- Main in Evanston Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders Out Under Fire. 6:30 p.m., $5, 3656 N. GazeChicago.com Rainbow Cafe Meeting. 7 p.m., Unitar- Coffee and Conversation. 12-3 p.m., Halsted St. NICK OF THYME Thurst Thursdays DJ Mike More and ian Universalist Community Church, 70 Center on Halsted John Baran Senior guest DJ Michael Serafini, 1/2 price Sycamore Dr. in Park Forest Center, 3656 N. Halsted St., www.cen- Saturday, July 26 “Project Runway” alumnus Nick Verreos (left, champagne bottles, Avenue M, 695 Women and Children First Bookstore teronhalsted.org GenderPAC Chicago Celebrity Cook-off with David Paul) will be a part of GenderPAC’s N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-243-1133, Sidetrack Official launch party for U-Vid- Sappho’s Salong: A Provocative Night with Ted Allen, Josie Smith-Maiave, Chicago Celebrity Cook Off at Merchandise avenue-m.com of Lesbian Diversions. Comedy Night eo Tuesdays, the new all-request night, Nick Verreos and Dale Levitski. 6-7 Mart. Women and Children First Bookstore featuring Carrie Callahan and Cameron prizes and surprises from Cointreau, p.m. reception, 7-9 p.m. event, 222 Kathryn Kysar, editor and Ka Vang and Esposito. 7 p.m., $7-$10 sliding free 3349 N. Halsted St., sidetrackchicago. Merchandise Mart, www.gpac.org/ Barrie Jean Borich, contributors: Rid- includes refreshments, 5233 N. Clark com chicago-cook-off to RSVP and for more Photo by Andrew Davis ing Shotgun: Women Write About Their St., 773-769-9299, www.womenand- info Mothers. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., childrenfirst.com Wednesday, July 23 New Vision of Hope 1st Annual Girls 773-769-9299, www.womenandchil- Got Game 3-on-3 Basketball Classic & drenfirst.com Center on Halsted WOW: Women on Sunday, July 20 Wednesdays. 6-9 p.m., $10 includes Health Fair. And July 27. Center on Anti-Cruelty Society 8th Annual Let’s food/cash bar, 3656 N. Halsted St., Halsted’s Billie Jean King Recreation Friday, July 18 Pet Together Wooftop Festival. Dog www.centeronhalsted.org Hall, 3656 N. Halsted St. Insight Arts OUTbursts, a two-day and human games, etc. 12-3 p.m., 169 Chicago Prime Timers Book Group: The event celebrating the lives of LGBTQ W. Grand Ave., $20 adults, $5 children, Master. 7:30-9 p.m., Center on Halsted, Chicagoans. Friday: “Queering the 312-644-8338 ext. 307 for info, www. 3656 N. Halsted St., www.centeronhal- 22 July 16, 2008 Lesbian International Sports Association, which help raise our identity, including Pride events World owns the Outgames franchise. So [the 2006 and various sporting events.” debt] has not had an effect on us in Copenhagen [Note: World Outgames 2009 will, or already has Outgames financially. However, when we’ve approached had, have a presence at various Gay Pride events, [potential] sponsors, they’ve asked us about the including New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, [2006] situation, why did that debt come about Toronto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston and right around and what we’re doing to avoid that happening Austin. World Outgames 2009 did not have any [again]. Our response to that is, we’re working presence at Chicago Pride.] the corner very hard on risk reduction. WCT: Your take on the Gay Games? By Ross Forman Montreal was a fantastic event, but there were MN: I think it’s excellent that we’re not going

vendors who were left holding the bag until they head to head [in the same year] in the sense One year to go. found a resolution a few years later. that they’re both very large events that a lot of That’s the attitude—and reality—in Copenha- WCT: So, have those 2006 vendors been people want to go to. The main sports club here gen, as the capitol of Denmark prepares for what paid? in Copenhagen … there’s no doubt that we’re likely will be the largest LGBT sporting event of MN: I can’t speak to that; I just don’t know. planning to go to Cologne in 2010, and we ex- 2009. The latest report that I heard was, a compromise pect the [sports] clubs from Cologne to be com- The second annual World Outgames will be was reached between the city, the organizers ing to Copenhagen. held in Copenhagen July 25-Aug. 2, 2009, with and the vendors. But I don’t know what that The division that was quite visible in the U.S. 38 different sports disciplines, from aerobics to meant or what they actually received for the and Canada in 2006 [between the Gay Games and wrestling, for competitors of all skill levels. In Marc Northern. Photo courtesy of World outstanding debts. Outgames] is generally a non-issue in Europe. addition, there will be a wide variety of cultural Outgames 2009 WCT: Will any of the people from Montre- We don’t have a sense that there is a competi- events, including performances, exhibitions and al Organizing Committee be involved with tion, that one [event] should, “win” over the parties. World Outgames 2009 also will feature a not going to bear the economical or financial 2009? other. Actually, what the real issue is is making human-rights conference addressing issues and risk in developing these, so we’re looking for MN: No. sure that we coordinate with the EuroGames. concerns of the LGBT community. partners who will help us do these. We’re find- WCT: Do you foresee the 2009 World Out- [World Outgames will be offering space in The first World Outgames was held in Montreal ing partners, but finding how these partners can games at least breaking even, financially? their village the Gay Games to promote Gay during the summer of 2006, kicking off in Cana- provide a service and make money is turning out MN: Of the large [past] LGBT sports events, Games 2010.] From our perspective, that seems da about two weeks after the close of Gay Games to be a real challenge. the EuroGames generally break even. In 2003, like the logical thing to do. I don’t foresee any VII, held in Chicago. On the sponsorship side of things, I think we we broke even in Copenhagen. So, yes, we ex- reason why they won’t be in Copenhagen pro- “It does feel like a year away and we’re now have a lot more to do. It’s been a tough [road] pect Copenhagen in 2009 to break even. We’re moting their event. much more focused on what’s going to be hap- getting sponsors for the event because … we’ve not going to make a lot of money on this event, As for the organizing committees of both pening,” said Marc Northern, 49, the director for had high demands for sponsors. They actually but I think with the structures that we have in events, we talk to each other; they’re nice peo- communications and marketing for World Out- have to come up with some cash to be listed place, yes, I believe we’ll break even. The real ple. I think there are areas where we can pro- games 2009, a position he’s held since February. as a main sponsor, and most of the sponsors in challenge for these events is, liquidity. The mote LGBT sports, not just the Outgames or the “At this point, we are really focused on the task other LGBT events in the area are more used to models are all wonderful, but it’s maintaining Gay Games. If, for instance, there’s something at at hand, making sure that our plans are working, delivering products and not a lot of money. We liquidity through the event that’s really tough. I the Outgames that we feel will benefit the Gay that we have structure, that we are financially think there’s tremendous value [to sponsors], think we’ve done a very good job in Copenhagen Games, you better believe we’ll tell them. sound, and just realizing what we have to do based primarily on exposure.” controlling costs. And we certainly hope there is a follow-up to make this the best event for the people who WCT: Since you bring up money, where are WCT: What do you foresee being the popu- to our human-rights conference in 2010 in Co- are coming. the Outgames financially? lar sports and what sports are struggling with logne. Northern is originally from Kansas City. He MN: We have a budget of $64 million Danish registration? The idea that the Outgames and the Gay lives overseas with his Danish partner, Carsten crowns. We’ve received $25 million Crowns from MN: I’m expecting the biggest sport to be Games are in competition is not healthy for gay Poulsen, 39. Northern competed in swimming the City of Copenhagen. We’ve received a grant swimming. IGLA (International Gay & Lesbian and lesbian sports. at the 2003 EuroGames and was part of the ’03 from the Central Government [of Copenhagen] Aquatics, which is the LGBT governing body for WCT: Explain briefly what EuroGames is, organizing committee; the ’03 event was held in for the event for $6.1 million Crowns. We’re ex- swimming, diving and water polo) will have its including what you’ve learned from that to Copenhagen. pecting about $10 million crowns from partic- World Championships in Copenhagen at Out- implement in 2009. Windy City Times: Let’s start with the work ipants—user fees, visitor passes, etc. The rest games 2009, so we’re expecting swimmers from MN: EuroGames is the European Gay & Lesbian still needed at this point. What is the most has to come through sponsors. We’re also look- all over the world to attend. That [event] prob- Championships, an annual European sporting glaring area that, even though there’s a year ing for sponsors to deliver some of the equip- ably will be off the charts. And there is a new event governed by the European Gay & Lesbian to go, you feel you need to address immedi- ment and other things. swimming pool being built in Copenhagen [that] Sport Federation (EGLSF). It is the biggest ath- ately? All of the facilities are being provided free of will be completed in time for the Outgames. letic event for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- MN: The communication. We haven’t been charge. Another big event is going to be soccer— gender people in Europe. Barcelona will host the very aggressive, especially in North America We’re cooperating with the local Copenhagen futbol [as it’s known] to us. It’s an extremely 12th EGLSF EuroGames July 24-27, and Barce- and Asia. We really have to get our message out tourist office and the Danish tourist board— popular sport … well, everywhere else but in lona is going to be a very large event. [about] what this event is about, why people Visit Denmark—[to arrange] journalist visits, America. Volleyball and badminton are going to As a whole, EuroGames is a fantastic event, should spend the time and money to attend, promotional events. They’re using their budget be big sports, too. And there will be a lot of row- with a wonderful atmosphere. and what they’ll get out of it. We have to com- and the Outgames name to promote travel to ers coming to Copenhagen. We’ll have a booth in their village and also our municate to people how they can manage this Denmark.” Climbing may be a smaller event. There are a staff will be there, and more than 100 from our [trip] because some people view Copenhagen as WCT: Talk about the rumored millions of number of ice-related events, such as hockey, local sports club will participate in just about this outrageously-expensive city and, yes, it is dollars in debt that the Outgames were after curling, figure skating and speed-skating; those every [sport.] We want to be there to tell people an expensive city, but it certainly is worth the the 2006 event. [events] may struggle because it’s the off-sea- what they’ll see and experience in [2009 in] Co- time and effort to come. This is a once-in-a- MN: I don’t know that much about the end son for those events. penhagen. lifetime experience that is well worth the time financial result [from 2006]. I know that there WCT: What’s the realistic number of partici- Our most important, most valuable marketing and money. was a debt in Montreal at the end of the event. pants you are expecting? tool in Europe is word of mouth. In terms of the logistics of the event, we’re I understand that they found a resolution for MN: We’re looking to have a minimum of 8,000 WCT: Tell the world about Copenhagen, par- pretty pleased with the way things are shap- whatever that resolution was. However, that registered participants for sports events. There ticularly about its LGBT community. ing up. But getting the cultural program nailed debt was [to] the Montreal Organizing Com- are 5,000 registered participants for the EuroG- MN: A magazine recently listed Copenhagen as down is a real challenge. We’ve said that we’re mittee, and it did not accrue to GLISA, the Gay ames in July in Spain, so we’re very confident the best city in the world to live in. Our gay life that 8,000 is a very obtainable minimum num- is very well integrated into the rest of society. ber [of participants]. The fact that people are open and accepting is WCT: Your projection for a minimum of one of the most fantastic things about Copen- 8,000 certainly is well below what Outgames hagen. claimed in 2006, which was 12,000 partici- We really want people to come see how really pants. Is 8,000 a more realistic amount, or good life can be. BYOB what? WCT: Finally, one thing I found very inter- BUILD YO UR OWN BO D Y MN: It is a low-ball figure. I’d like to say 10,000 esting about the Outgames Web site is the and I suspect we’ll probably be around 10,000, fact that there is a section dedicated to sex. Certified and Insured Personal but to our sponsors and the city in particular, Why is that? Fitness Trainer and Senior Specialist that’s the number that we’ve said to them. We’ve MN: One of our values is transparency. Den- SPECIALIZING IN told them that 8,000 is a minimum number of mark is No. 2 in the world, behind Finland, in • HIV Fitness participants we can get and will have. With the terms of levels of corruption. We have very, very • Senior Fitness taxpayers of Copenhagen paying for more than a little—and one of the reasons for that is, trans- • Strength Training third of this event, we have an obligation to be parency. Everything should be a matter of pub- • Cardiovascular Workout Programs very straight-forward and honest about what we lic record. We think it’s important for people to know we can do. know these facts. Training at Gym or Home WCT: What is your marketing campaign for We had no hesitation whatsoever about post- Discount Packages Available North America—in particular, so Americans ing that information about sex [on the site.] will come to Copenhagen? See www.copenhagen2009.org. 312.907.1720 or 312.909.0733 MN: We’re doing a number of things. We’re par- Read the entire article at www. Jeffrey Gross ticipating in a number of events this summer to WindyCityMediaGroup.com. July 16, 2008 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS We understand your needs. We can help you reach your goals.

iloilo custom framing UÊ*,"6 Ê, -1/- UÊ"1/-/  Ê- ,6 UÊ 8* ,/Ê "1 -   UÊ, --6 Ê 6"  9

Ì̜À˜iÞÃÊëiVˆ>ˆâˆ˜}ʈ˜Ê ÃÌ>ÌiÊ*>˜˜ˆ˜}]Ê*œÜiÀÃʜvÊ Ì̜À˜iÞ]Ê*ÀœL>Ìi]Ê/ÀÕÃÌÃ]ÊÕ>À`ˆ>˜Ã ˆ«]Ê,i>Ê ÃÌ>Ìi]Ê >˜`ʏˆÌˆ}>̈œ˜ÊœvÊÌ œÃiÊ>Ài>ð Ray J. Koenig III A proud member of our community. Peck, Bloom, Austriaco & Koenig, LLC, a long-time supporter of our community. 30% OFF on Custom Framing 7iÊÀi«ÀiÃi˜Ìʈ˜`ˆÛˆ`Õ>Ã]Ê>Êv>“ˆˆiÃÊ>˜`ÊLÕȘiÃÃið All work done on premise. œ˜Ì>VÌÊ,>ÞÊœi˜ˆ}Ê̜`>Þ\ Michele DiMaso Ready made frames available! (312) 201-0900 Realtor® [email protected] 1478 W. Berwyn - 773.784.3962 www.peckbloom.com Vision 1 & 2

[email protected] Cell: 773-401-9520 Fax: 708-456-8348 NEW OFFICE, www.mdimaso.remax-ni.com Each office independently owned and operated. Same “Good Neighbor” agent.

Call or visit me today. Mulryan Linda Kuczka, Agent 954 W Webster Ave • Chicago, IL 60614 & NAPRAPATHY Dr. Richard Ezgur Dr. Robert DiDomenico Bus: 773-975-9111 • [email protected] D R .JANET G UTRICH 2835 N. Sheffield (@Diversey) – 773-525-9355 & York DR. MINDY CRAMER 711 W. North (@Halsted) – 312-664-9060 DR. YUANJUN LIU WINDYCITYPDF0- Attorneys At Law Mary M. York www.progressivechiropractic.com • Rehab • Acupuncture Rosemary S. Mulryan • Muscle Therapy

State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, IL • statefarm.com® 4001 N. Wolcott 1425 W. Diversey, Chicago P02610 09/04 Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 472-0700 (773) 248-8887 www.gutrich.com

When experience counts... The Law Offices of Tracy Smith In service to the community for 30 years. Insurance Agency The Law Offices of Alexander Weaver Tracy L. Smith Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss 312-578-0222 & Associates email: [email protected] 630.418.4139 • Bankruptcy Serving all of • Wills, Trusts & Probate A Full Service Chicagoland • Real Estate Law Firm • Litigation for the Community • Powers of Attorney • Business Law since 1988 19 S. LaSalle, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603 312-263-8800, email [email protected] 410 S. Michigan Ave., [email protected] We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy www.insurancenbeyond.com relief under the bankruptcy code. Suite 628, Chicago

Windy City Media Group would like to thank the following supportive businesses advertising this week in Windy City Times, Nightspots, Windy City Queercast and www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

Alexander Weaver & Associates Chicagoland Deck Cleaning Jackhammer MidTangent Productions Steppenwolf Theatre Company Apartment People, Ltd. Circuit Jam Productions Milwaukee Art Museum SunSea Yacht Charters, Inc. Avenue M Community Chiropractic, Inc. Jan Dee Jewelers Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings Susan O’Dell, PhD Berlin Corporation Cupid’s Treasures Jennifer’s Garden & Banquets Nova Spinal Care Synergy Creative, Inc. Bon Bon Deborah A. Murphy, CPA Jewish Family & Community Service Of Sound Mind, Inc The Law Office of Tomothy J. Deffet Bristol Renaissance Faire Dunes Resort Lambda Legal Defense And Educational Fund, On Demand / Falcon The Men’s Room G&L Construction Inc. Peck, Bloom, Austriaco & Koenig, LLC The Velvet Rope Bud Light gayinsurance.com Lars Petzke, Ship Street Realty Poppy Champlin Touché BYOB Build Your Own Body Greater Chicago Chiropractic, Inc. Leather Archives & Museum Progressive Chiropractic Tourism Toronto Camp Camp Grossinger Volvo” Leather Sport Association Tracy Smith Insurance Agency Center For Positive Change Gruppo Di Amici Linda Kuczka State Farm Insurance Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss & Associates Wells Counseling Center Charles Rhodes, State Farm Insurance Gutrich Chiropractic Lyster And Associates Sidetrack Windy City Carpet Cleaning Chestnut Cleaning Service Hamburger Mary’s Mama Mia! Movie Spin Women And Children First Bookstore Chicago Arts District Hydrate Man’s Country Star Gaze Chicago Dept of GLBT Health Iloilo Custom Framing, Inc. Margo Jacquot, PsyD Starla Sholl, LCSW Zhou B Café Chicago Eagle In Good Company Michele DiMaso, ReMax Steamburb Smokes Download each issue of Windy City Times and Nightspots at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 24 July 16, 2008

© 2008 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS THIS FILM CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION

4 COLOR

UNIVERSAL 10" X 12.5" GBLT PUBLICATIONS VARIOUS DATES

MCD.MIA-A1.10x12.5.GBLT.PDF BS BS JR MS 1 1