WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 PAGE 15 john Sept. 3, 2014 leguizamo vol 29, no. 49 ‘klowns’ around TIMESwww.WindyCityMediaGroup.com LGBT-friendly housing to open by mid-Sept. By Matt Simonette

Officials for Town Hall Apartments, 3600 N. Halsted St., say that they are aiming for a mid- September opening date for the residences, which are intended to be an LGBT-friendly housing option MARIANO’S for seniors. “We’re hoping to have 79 people moved into EMPLOYEE Town Hall by Sept. 15,” said Kandyse McCoy CLAIMS ANTI-GAY Cunningham, director of property management BIAS for Heartland Housing. “I’m saying that with my page 6 fingers, and everything else on me, crossed.” The project is the result of a collaboration between Heartland Housing and Center on Halsted. While the project was conceived of in response to growing concerns over safe and affordable housing options for LGBT seniors, the complex will be LGBT-friendly, not LGBT-exclusive. Such a building is known as “affinity housing.” Being a member of the LGBT community “is not a requirement to be an applicant or resident at Town Hall Apartments,” noted Cunningham. “[The] Fair Housing [Act] would not allow you to ask those The former Town Hall Police Station at the corner of Halsted and Addison will be the anchor for new senior Turn to page 8 housing; this portion will house the community center. Photo by Hal Baim CLOTHES CALL Connor leads new veteran-focused PROFILING business incubator FINANCIAL By Ross Forman ADVISOR JOE DELLA MONICA His military world dates back about 15 years, when Todd Connor signed up for ROTC pagE 6 at Northwestern University—and upon graduating in 2000, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Connor spent four years on active duty, stationed during that time on board the guided missile cruiser the USS Bunker Hill as a navigator. And Connor went to the Persian Gulf after 9/11 and spent an extended deployment off the coast of Iraq for the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Looking back, Connor, now 36 and living in Chicago’s Lake View neighborhood, said the military was a “great experience.” “I loved the camaraderie, the mission, the work, the diversity. I really have good things to say about the Navy,” he said. Even though his stint in the Navy ran during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, he was page 17 not out until after he left the military in 2005. “Serving in the military is one of the cornerstone experiences of my life,” said Con- nor, who is married to Andrew Tourney, 32. The two have been together for six years. “In the military, I just learned to keep my personal life private,” he said. “I’m glad [“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”] has been overturned because we want to have a more inclu- sive military that, ultimately, is truly representative of all Americans. “While on active duty, I just made a point to not share personal details about my life, which probably was easier to do at my level. I know, when you get into higher ranks as an officer [of the military], a lot of the infrastructure is set up around the ‘OUT IN assumption that you are married, so [being gay] might have been problematic.” THE UNION’ Connor’s military world also has included a stint leading six military programs AUTHOR in CPS high schools, through their ROTC programs. He was in charge of 165 retired military officers, from all four branches of the U.S. military, each of whom had full MIRIAM FRANK Kempe Scanlan is turning his grad-school project into a business by making military careers, and then was teaching in CPS as a second career. pagE 16 “gender-liberated” undergarments. Read more about this intriguing undertaking on page 17. Photo courtesy of Scanlan Turn to page 6 2 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES We raise our glasses to Marriage Equality at last!

ARW2014_WindyCityTimes_10-25x6-625.pdf 1 7/1/2014 1:20:56 PM 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago, Il 60610 EAT ART Ph. 312-787-0190 | kenmarecatering.com

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS NIck Patricca column 4 Scottish Play Scott 11 7th Circuit hearing 5 Knight: The Last of Robin Hood 14 Mariano’s worker claims anti-gay bias 6John Leguizamo interview 15 HBHC responds to ad 7 Miriam Frank; book reviews 16 Profile of Joe Della Monica; housing 8 Kempe Scanlan; Borris J. Powell 17 Gay in the Life 9 Dish: Sugar & Spice 18 VIEWS: Monroe; letters 10 FGG co-chair talks Gay Games 9 19 Billy Masters 21 OUTLINES Classifieds 18 Calendar 20 Michael Sam’s career hits wall 22 Images on cover (left, from top): Photo of John Leguizamo by Carol Rosegg; photo of Jason Beck by Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer; photo of Joe Della Monica courtesy of Della Monica; photo of Miriam Frank by Jackie Skye Kim

GAY, LESBIAN, O’S 85 Y SINCE 19 THE VOICE OF CHICAG COMMUNIT BI AND TRANS 2014 Sept. 3, , no. 49 WINDY CITYvol 29

ge 15 pa yMediaGroup.com TIMESwww.WindyCit JOHN AMO LEGUIz D NS’ AROUN ‘KLOW LGBT-friendly housing to open by mid-Sept. te iMonet . Hal- t S 3600 N By Mat ments, l Apart -Sep- wn Hal g for a mid for To e aimin ich are Officials sidences, wh ., say that they arr the re ption for sted St date fo using o ening endly ho ember op LGBT-fri t o be an o ended t e moved int DOWNLOAD THIS! pl int 79 p eo y Cun- rs. o have yse McCo senio oping t Kand for “We’re h . 15,” said ement ept rty manag y fin- n Hall by S ith m MARIANO’S Tow ector of prope that w E ham, dir sed.” OYE ning using. “I’m saying , cros e- EMPL Y land Ho e on me ration b Heart hing els collabo MS ANTI-GA d everyt ult of a Halsted. CLAI gers, an s the res ter on o roject i and Cen ponse t The p using f in res BIAS artland Ho hous- een He as conceived o dable page 6 tw w and affor ill be e the project safe lex w w senior Whil he comp ing for ne eniors, t a build growing concernsr LG overBT s Such be the anchor ions fo BT-exclusive. will ing opt LG t a and addison endly, not sing.” no alsted LGBT-fri mmunity “is n H l Baim as “affinity hou t Tow the corner of oto by Ha is known r of the LGBT cor resident a on at nter. Ph a membe cant o Fair Stati unity ce Being n appli am. “[The] l Police be a nningh town Hal e the comm Go to Cu ask those er www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com irement to to rm ill hous requ nts,” noted you the fo rtion w artme not allow g; this po Hall Ap ] would housin Housing [Act Turn to page 8 Connor leads new veteran-focused

up for ROTC signed s Connor ioned a n n Todd commiss business incubatorears, whe , he was CLOTHES CALL By RoSS FoRMa ut 15 y in 2000 o ting back ab ua n board the orld dates upon grad time o the ilitary w that ent to His m rn University—and d during onnor w hweste , statione r. And C Iraq for at Nort ive duty ato coast of r in the U.S. Navy. on act as a navig ff the an office r years Hill ployment o spent fou USS Bunker ended de od, said LING Connor iser the an ext ghborho PROFI missile cru nd spent View nei to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. 1 a guided er 9/1 om. cago’s Lake od CIAL Gulf aft aqi Freed in Chi ave go FINAN Persian ation Ir living eally h R JOE of Oper w 36 and y. I r he start nnor, no ” he diversit ADVISO A t back, Co xperience. e work, t was ONIC Looking great e ion, th ” era, he LA M s a “ he miss Don’t Tell DEL rie, t . Ask, e 6 the military wa arade aid he “Don’t n- pag the cam Navy,” he s said Co “I loved out the y ran during t ife,” say ab the Nav 005. s of my l ix years. hings to stint in ry in 2 erience for s t he milita stone exp together lad Even though his e left t he corner ave been said. “I’m g il after h one of t he two h ,” he clu- out unt itary is 32. T private a more in not the mil Tourney, sonal life Andrew my per page 17 “Serving in ied to to keep we want to have. y is marr ned because Americans m r, who just lear verturned e of all etails about no litary, I en o entativ sonal d higher In the mi l”] has be pres e per o “ el truly re not shar get int the y, is point to when you around [“Don’t Ask, Don’t, Tultimatel e a I know, set up itary that I just mad level. cture is tic.” sive mil uty, do at my astru lema n active d sier to f the infr en prob rograms “While o y was ea a lot o ht have be itary p probabl itary], y] mig mil ed hich the mil being ga ing six f 165 retir life, w er [of so [ int lead arge o full ried, a st as in ch had ranks as an offic you are mar included w of whom that also has rograms. He each sumption orld TC p military, as military w heir RO eer. nnor’s through t of the U.S. nd car Co chools, ches as a seco 6 s all four bran in CPS rn to page in CPS high cers, from s teaching Tu ffi then wa military o reers, and itary ca aking mil ss by m Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! busine into a intriguing project t t his ool e ab ou ‘OUT IN his grad-sch d m or urning . Re a lan is t ments an THE UNION’ an ndergar esy of Scanl R Kempe Sc ed” u o court THO r-liberat Phot AU ANK “gende 17. MIRIAM FR ertaking on page 6 und page 1 online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com SPEAKING OUT Judy Shepard (left) visited the Center on Halsted to talk about new anti-hate initiatives. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer

Openly gay comic FLOWER POWER artist Jeff Balke Brandon Rohlwing Jim Edminister returns with his Fairy talked at Wizard works to reduce Gardener column. World Comic Con stigma regarding about his craft. suicide and mental- Photo by Jerry Nunn health issues. Photo by Zeke Dolezalek COMing UP ROSE Musician Ariana & The Rose (aka Ariana DiLorenzo) talks about LGBTs and that RULEs OF GRAMMAR other musical Ariana.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Find out the latest about Matt Bomer, Sophia Loren and John Barrowman.

Two members of the popular musical plus act London Grammar discuss everything from their backgrounds to DAILY BREAKING NEWS Game of Thrones. Press photo

nightspots nightspots #1126 • Sept. 3, 2014

ROBYN FANS THE FABULOUS UNITE! IN ROBYN’S HOOD If you were in Chicago last Sunday, you were probably at the Robyn show. See if you made the MISS COCO PERU cut on page 16 Show #589 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

Open To Thinking by Nick Patricca It’s Your Money: Illinois The Tea Party would have one believe the state of Illinois comptroller, issued that fiscal responsibility in government a report indicating total state bond debt can be understood in the same ways we at $127 billion with $1.5 billion interest understand our own personal budgets. for debt service. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The consensus of the experts: the out- W.C. Fields, in a famous comedy skit, standing debts of the state of Illinois are tries to teach his loutish, spendthrift the fourth worst in the nation; the pen- nephews the basics of economics: more sion systems debts are the worst in the money coming in than going out = hap- nation. The rating agencies keep lower- piness; more money going out than com- ing our credit rating. ing in = misery. This rule of a Fieldsian So, how is it that we can have a con- 101 econ class does not seem to apply stitution that requires a balanced bud- to our Federal government for many rea- get and at the same time have such huge Steven White and Matthew McCrea. Photo courtesy of Lambda Legal sons, primarily because it has the au- outstanding debts? thority to print money. (I’ll tackle the I read Judy Baar Topinka’s online ex- dismissed because Anshur was an indepen- Federal budget in a future column.) The planation of the three ‘definitions’ of a Chicago couple dent contractor. Fieldsian rule also does not seem to ap- balanced budget. I was not enlightened. “It’s ludicrous to suggest that a cab com- ply to our state and local governments It seems to me, for example, that, if the files suit against pany is not responsible for the discrimation which do not have this power to print governor does not ask for and/or the leg- enacted by its drivers,” Christopher Clark of money. islature does not make an appropriation cab company Lambda Legal, who is representing McCrea So, as our beloved Daily News colum- for an expenditure, then that expense By Matt Simonette and White, told NBC-5. “They should be li- nist Mike Royko used to say: ‘OK, boys does not show up in the budget. Thus, if able under the law for the conduct of their and girls, time for a civics lesson.’ the debt payment is not in the budget, A gay couple has filed suit against a cab agents.” The constitution of the state of Illinois then it doesn’t exist: a classic case of the company whose driver allegedly tried to requires us to have a ‘balanced budget.’ ostrich with its head in the hole. eject them from his taxi—on the shoulder of Again, the meaning of this phrase seems Since the state of Illinois cannot print the Kennedy Expressway—after seeing them Street being named money to meet its kiss, NBC-5 reported Aug. 28. for Women & debt obligations, the Matthew McCrea and Steven White filed the “The consensus of the experts: the only way it can gener- lawsuit last week against Sun Taxi. Children First ate income is through The suit alleges that in May 2013, McCrea A street on Chicago’s North Side will be outstanding debts of the state of taxation. Because it and White commissioned driver Jama Anshur, dedicated to Women & Children First Book- Illinois are the fourth worst in the is an election year, not named in the suit, to drive them home store by the office of Ald. Harry Osterman. the state legislature from O’Hare Airport, but suddenly stopped Women & Children First Way will be in hon- nation; the pension systems debts are refused to extend the the cab after accusing them of “making sex” or of store founders Linda Bubon and Ann the worst in the nation. The rating ‘temporary’ hike of the in the backseat. The couple told Windy City Christophersen. agencies keep lowering our credit state income tax from Times in June 2013 that they had just fin- The dedication will begin near the store, at 3.75 % to 5%—making ished watching a YouTube video on White’s the northeast corner of Farragut and Clark, rating.” the hole in our budget phone. at 10 a.m. Oct. 11, during the Andersonville even bigger. “After the video, he leaned over to give Arts Weekend. It will be followed by a gath- Rich Miller (Crain’s me a kiss,” said White. “A peck was really ering at the store to meet new owners Lynn Chicago Business, Aug. what it was.” Mooney and Sarah Hollenbeck. clear enough. You and I know what it 4 2014) suggests it’s time for the state “I was in shock, and I was like, ‘We’re not means to balance our household budget. to tax retirement income. According to getting out of here,’” added McCrea. “I was Forget that meaning: it won’t help you Miller, a state tax on retirement income not going to get out on the expressway, and Corrections to understand state of Illinois budgeting over $50,000 a year would generate $1.5 I made that explicit to him.” In the Aug. 27 issue of Windy City Times, processes. billion in-much needed revenues. Such McCrea and White eventually got through it should have stated in the dining sec- ARTICLE VIII [FINANCE], Section 2 a tax would appropriately fall hardest to police on their phone. Anshur eventually tion that Cafe Creme serves dinner Thursday [State Finance], sub-section (a) obli- on those who receive two or more state took them to a grocery store parking lot at through Sunday. gates the Governor to prepare and sub- pensions. the Cumberland exit in Park Ridge, where the Also, in the same issue, Joe Della Monica, mit to the state legislature a budget in No one likes to pay taxes, especially couple again refused to exit until officers ar- a producer of Love Is Strange, was misidenti- which: “Proposed expenditures shall not when we do not trust the ways in which rived on the scene. fied in the introduction to an interview with exceed funds estimated to be available our taxes are spent. But, in this case, After the incident took place, Anshur was Ira Sachs and Alfred Molina as a realtor. Della for the fiscal year as shown in the bud- perceptions of taxation are greater than fined $1,540 when he failed to show up for Monica is actually a private wealth advisor get.” Sub-section (b) states: “The Gener- the realities. Miller cites a poll showing a hearing before the Department of Business and owns an independent Ameriprise Finan- al Assembly by law shall make appropria- that the vast majority of Illinois citi- Affairs and Consumer Protection. McCrea and cial practice in Lake View. tions for all expenditures of public funds zens believe their retirement income is White also unsuccessfully filed a complaint Windy City Times regrets the errors. by the State. Appropriations for a fiscal already taxed by the state and that the against Sun Taxi in October 2013, but it was year shall not exceed funds estimated tax rate is too high. In my own informal by the General Assembly to be available survey of my friends, 100% believe this during that year.” non-fact. PASSAGES Corey Eucalitto, who runs the web site Fiscal responsibility in government?! Caryn Berman State Budget Solutions (SBS), assigns An oxymoron!? Longtime healthcare advocate Caryn Berman, a total debt of over $321 billion to the It’s time for our gubernatorial candi- 62, died Sept. 1 of cancer. state of Illinois which comes to a per dates to get serious, to help us to under- Berman told the story of her fight against person debt of almost $25,000. There stand our state of Illinois finances. cancer for an Aug. 6 Windy City Times article. are other sites which estimate the per It’s time to abandon the fiction of a She spoke of her wife of 36 years, Laura Cuzz- person debt at over $40,000. SBS lists c. balanced budget in favor of accurate illo, and of saying goodbye to friends and fam- $255 billion for unfunded pensions; $33 transparent accounting of actual debts ily. billion for unfunded debts and a similar and revenues. Berman helped organize the AIDS Foundation amount for other unfunded liabilities. In of Chicago with William Young and Drs. Ron December of 2013, Judy Baar Topinka, © [email protected] Sable and Renslow Sherer. She also was instru- mental in founding the Hispanic AIDS Network, and she was on the city’s first Mayor’s Commit- tee on Gay and Lesbian Issues, under Mayor Harold Washington. Berman, a psychotherapist and social worker, was inducted into the Chi- Nick Patricca is professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, president of cago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1995. Chicago Network and playwright emeritus at Victory Gardens Theater. See online for more details, and next week’s paper for a more complete story. Caryn Berman. Photo by Tracy Baim WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 5 Williams added, “Loving [v. Virginia] threw out that kind of distinction. I don’t think 7th Circuit judges you’re going to get around Loving.’ ” Hamilton then said, “It reminds me of sev- eral states’ response to Brown v. the Board of Carl hear Indiana, Education.” Strickland. Samuelson’s questioning became more heat- ed, especially once the judges pressed him on who in Wisconsin would actually be harmed Wisconsin appeals should gay marriage be allowed. Finally, he told the judges that his yellow light, indicating By Matt Simonette ernment fixated on that one particular prob- his time was almost up, was on. lem, while Williams suggested that “intent” “The yellow light won’t save you,” said Wil- About 150 spectators, many of whom stood was probably not a relevant issue in this matter liams. in line for nearly three hours, crowded into a since a good number of gay and lesbian parents “It was worth a shot,” replied Samuelson. courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse would have strong intentions behind their de- The panel also appeared unmoved by his as- in Chicago as the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals cisions to raise families. sertion that the law was a matter that should heard marriage-equality cases from Indiana Camilla Taylor of Lambda Legal, who argued be voted upon, either by a ballot initiative, Point Foundation and Wisconsin. for the Indiana plaintiffs, was asked what fun- as it was in Wisconsin, or legislatively.“Every co-founder, Both states are within the 7th Circuit, so damental right they were being deprived of, to time a law is invalidated as unconstitutional, a each state’s cases—three from Indiana, one which Taylor answered that it was largely a mat- democratic process is overridden,” Posner said. 40, dies from Wisconsin—were heard at the same time. ter of autonomy. Taylor had intended to speak Point Foundation co-founder Carl Strick- The panel presiding over the hearing was com- about Henry Greene and Glenn Funkhouser, the land, 40, has died in a boating accident at posed of Judges Richard Posner, David F. Ham- most recent plaintiffs to join the lawsuit, early Hate-crime summit Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Frontiers LA reported. ilton and Ann Claire Williams. in her argument, but was cut off by Posner. But Strickland and his partner of 17 years, The panel said they were “poking holes” in shortly before she finished speaking, she spoke Oct. 20 in Chicago Bruce Lindstrom, created the Point Foun- A hate-crime summit for educators, law en- the weakest parts of the cases the attorneys of their family, which included their son, Casey, dation in 2001 to provide scholarship forcement, researchers, service providers and were making. As Indiana Solicitor General who sat with them in the chambers. funds to LGBT students. Since its incep- the general community will be held Monday, Thomas Fisher opened, Posner immediately be- Indiana’s law, she said, “not only demeans tion, Point has provided more than $15 Oct. 20, at the University of Illinois at Chicago, gan grilling him on the state’s contention that couples, but it has also humiliated the children million in the education and support of its 750 S. Halsted St. The City of Chicago Commis- marriage laws are ostensibly to ensure that in these families.” scholars. sion on Human Relations will host, along with children are born into stable homes, and that Kenneth Falk of ACLU, Taylor’s co-litigator, According to a Point Foundation press other agencies. the number of children born out of wedlock is added that Indiana had no other means by release, Strickland is survived by Lind- October will mark the fifth anniversary of the low. which it encouraged “responsible” procreation strom of Crystal Bay, Nevada; his parents, Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Posner suggested that the state might be and said that the state uses other means to Jeanne Thomas (Wayne Auer) of Boise, Prevention Act that President Obama signed contributing to that instability, however, by encourage bonds between non-procreating, Idaho, and Richard Strickland (Pamela) into law in October 2009. impeding efforts of same-sex parents to get opposite-sex spouses. of Overland Park, Kansas; his sister, Kathy Students with an interest in the interdisci- the identical legal and financial benefits of Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General Timo- Weinert (Mike, Ryan & Julianna) of Boise, plinary understanding and prevention of hate marriage. thy C. Samuelson bore the brunt of the judges’ Idaho; his grandmother, Betty Thomas crimes are invited to participate and submit an “Wouldn’t those children like their parents to questioning. He initially suggested that “tra- Baker of Boise, Idaho; and many loving abstract for a research poster to display during be married?” Posner asked. “Wouldn’t it help dition” was a motivating factor behind the family members and friends. the summit. To apply for a poster presentation, them if their parents were married?” state’s ban on marriage. The organization will hold its Voices on submit a one-page abstract of the proposed But Fisher contended that marriage laws were But Hamilton would not accept that. “Tradi- Point concert and dinner at the Hyatt Re- presentation to Dr. Paul Schewe at schewepa@ a “mechanism” the state used to cut down on tion is not grounds for this—‘We’ve been doing gency Century Plaza on Sept. 13; honoree uic.edu. the number of “unintentional” births. this stupid thing for a thousand years and so Diane Warren is slated to attend. See www.facebook.com/ChicagoCHR. Hamilton, however, asked why the state gov- we’re just going to keep doing it?’”

W H A T ’ S Y O U R POSITION? We want your opinions about new health messages. You may be eligible if you are Latino, age 18 or older, live or work in Chicagoland, and had sex with a man in the past year.

For more information visit messages4men.org call 773.661.0736 or text CHICAGO to 97779

If you complete the 90-minute survey, you will receive a $40 gift card as a token of appreciation. 6 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES my will and then fired me.” He added that he is seeking compensation Mariano’s employee from Mariano’s for loss of wages and the pain and suffering of losing his job. The Illinois Department of Human Rights filing claims claims he was fired discrimination based on “sex” and as “retali- ation.” The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations filing claims discrimination based on sexual orientation. for being gay Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., refused com- ment on the matter, saying that it is currently By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer One of Beck’s co-workers—who asked not performing its own internal investigation. to be identified—claimed that she witnessed At the end of January 2014, James Beck —a Morgan’s actions towards Beck over a period 44-year-old resident of Edgewater—was laid of two or three months. “I saw them interact AFC holding off from his job at Macy’s. The very same a lot,” she said. “And [Morgan] made it seem policy roadshow day, he walked into a recruitment center for like he was interested in Jim. He was just be- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is Mariano’s Fresh Market. Beck said he was hired ing real flirtatious with him. I thought it was traveling around Illinois to gather input from within four weeks. By the middle of April, he inappropriate.” people living with HIV/AIDS, service providers was the supervisor to eight Mariano’s employ- Although Beck informed his therapist of how and other community members about the most ees and the team lead for the smoothie bar uncomfortable Morgan was making him, he did pressing issues facing the HIV/AIDS commu- at the Ravenswood store in the 1800 block of not approach store management with a com- nity. West Lawrence Avenue. Beck couldn’t believe plaint. “I genuinely liked Brian,” he said. “I The input gathered will be used to build his luck. didn’t want to get him in trouble.” James Beck. Photo by Gretchen Rachel 2014-2015 Illinois HIV/AIDS Policy Priorities. Less than three months later, Beck had been Beck said that Morgan joined him and other Blickensderfer The meetings will take place as follows: fired. The store manager claimed it was for colleagues on two separate occasions at Scot’s, —Tuesday, Sept. 9 - Waukegan excessive absences. In August, in filings with a gay bar on the North Side of Chicago. After “the evidence shows that the claimant’s ac- —Monday, Sept. 15 - Chicago both the City of Chicago Commission on Hu- one such visit on June 7, Beck hailed a cab and tions resulting on this discharge was not de- —Wed., Sept. 24 - Chicago man Relations and the Illinois Department of Morgan jumped in next to him—much to Beck’s liberate or willful.” —Thursday, Oct. 16 - East St. Louis Human Rights, Beck alleges it was because he surprise. “We didn’t say anything during the Beck acknowledged that he knew other gay —Tuesday, Oct. 28 - Springfield - IDPH Il- was gay. ride,” Beck said. “It was late and the cab took workers at Mariano’s who were not subjected linois HIV Planning Prevention Council Mariano’s parent company is Roundy’s Super- me to my car. Brian took the cab to his home.” to the same treatment. “Because no one made —Wed., Oct. 29 - Springfield - IPHA HIV/STI markets Inc. based in Milwaukee. In Decem- On returning to work two days later, Beck accusations that [the other gay employees] Conference ber of 2013, they bought 11 former Dominick’s said he learned Morgan had been furious about were spreading rumors,” he said, “nobody came Email [email protected] or call locations after Safeway announced closures of insinuations that he and Beck were a couple to me and asked me for my side of the story. 312-334-0909. Otherwise, individuals can take the stores across Chicago. The Ravenswood and had told the store’s director Mike Binder They took [Morgan’s] word for it because he’s the survey at http://surveymonkey.com/s/ Mariano’s opened in early April. that he believed Beck had started the rumor. ‘straight’ and they just transferred me against T8R2VM7. Beck told Windy City Times that his problems On June 10, Beck was transferred to the pro- began two weeks after the store opened when duce department. Beck informed store manage- a colleague—named in the complaint as the ment that back problems plus a sinus condition INCUBATOR from cover provide opportunities for success to our vet- “Team Lead (Vero Coffee) Brian Morgan”—be- would prevent him from performing duties in- erans once they return home. Veterans are gan to make “flirtatious comments to me.” cluding heavy lifting and extended periods of among the best, brightest and most talented “He baited me,” Beck said. “Even though he time in the store’s cooler. “Mike made it clear He was in that role for three years and has individuals our country has to offer.” said he was straight, he would touch me on that this [transfer] was permanent,” Beck said. nothing but fond memories, he said. Connor predicted that by early 2015, there the arm or the shoulder and would say things “I was told that that if I wanted to keep my Now he’s moving into The Bunker, located will be a national network of similar opera- like ‘you know more about my body than girl- job, I had to go to produce.” on the 12th floor inside the Merchandise tions to The Bunker—and there already are friends I’ve had.’” Beck further alleges that After four days on the job, Beck’s sinus con- Mart—at 1871, a co-working mix of design- Morgan took him up to what Morgan termed dition flared up and he called in sick for one ers, coders and entrepreneurs in a not-for- the “secret garden” on the roof of the store day. On June 23, he was terminated. The form profit, community endeavor. telling Beck, “I wanted to show this to you so handed to him read “you have had six absences Encompassing 25,000 square feet, 1871 is we would have somewhere to sneak off and be since you were hired and that is unacceptable.” a tech hub that features a veteran-focused alone together.” Beck provided proof to Windy City Times via technology incubator called The Bunker. The On another occasion, Beck claims Morgan his pay stubs that he accrued no more than incubator, which will be veteran-operated, is called him on the phone and—during that three absences throughout the entire term of the first of its kind in the country—and Con- conversation—said that he “wanted the lines his employment with Mariano’s. He added that nor will serve as The Bunker’s CEO. of communication, both professional and per- store management would not listen to him. “I The Bunker is supported by Illinois Gov. sonal, to be wide open between us.” was extremely upset,” Beck said. “I couldn’t Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel “It was the tone in which he said it,” Beck eat or sleep.” and the Pat Tillman Foundation, which sup- maintained. “It was in an intimate, not a pro- The Illinois Department of Employment Se- ports veteran education. The $2.5-million fessional, way.” curity deemed him eligible for benefits saying investment from the State of Illinois for the 25,000-square-foot expansion also will sup- port The Bunker. “We are for early-stage, veteran-owned growth companies,” Connor said. “Compa- nies have to be veteran-owned for the ma- jority (51 percent). We take them through a six-month process to strengthen their busi- ness strategy, connect them with investors, help with strategic decisions, help with tal- Todd Connor. Photo courtesy of Connor ent … basically, we bring a lot of resources to bear that help early-stage companies six cities targeted as destinations, “where grow in terms of revenue, employees and the veteran leaders in those cities who are capital raised.” [already] leading entrepreneur programs, so Military service and business acumen go they can re-brand as Bunkers,” he said. hand in hand, Connor said. National expansion seems “inevitable,” he “Veterans make great entrepreneurs be- added. cause they have the natural skill set, which Connor admitted that he is “the least is going into an environment with a lot of likely” veteran to run The Bunker because unknowns and taking on a mission—and he had a short military career, but his fresh getting the mission done, regardless of the business approach and marketing ideas are adversity or circumstances,” Connor said. “I appreciated and respected, he said. see a very clear transition between what vet- “What I want to create with The Bunker erans do on the battlefield and what they is basically the modern-day version of the can do in the start-up world. VFW—a place where people come because, “Great startup businesses need great lead- truly, it’s their community, where people can ers who know how to get it done amidst un- connect, have fun, swap ideas, network and certain and challenging circumstances.” more. The Bunker will officially launch in Octo- “I want people in Chicago to look at The ber. Bunker and think, ‘That’s a place where cool Emanuel said in a release, “We as a na- stuff happens—and not just for veterans, tion and a city have a special obligation to but for the city overall.” WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 7 of those were old studies from before anyone “A lot of people don’t have a primary care knew how PrEp worked. PrEP is endorsed by physician, or at least one that they fully trust,” HBHC responds to both the FDA and the CDC, both of them con- he noted. “Many people are unaccustomed to servative agencies in terms of their recommen- going in and asking about any drug, so that’s dations.” a barrier too.” AHF anti-PrEP ads About 200 people have obtained PrEP He recommended that anyone interested in through HBHC, according to Munar. Over the PrEP contact HBHC, where they can be set up past summer the organization has been de- with a counselor. “They are dedicated to help- By Matt Simonette livering information on PrEP through online ing people learn about it. We counsel them dating and hookup sites such as Manhunt and about access and adherence. PrEP is not for ev- The top official from Howard Brown Health Jack’d. Thanks to links from those ads, about eryone, but we can help navigate those issues Center (HBHC) responded to a new nationwide 2,300 people visited the HBHC website for in- should it be the right thing for you.” advertising campaign that questions the ef- formation about PrEP. Munar added, “Frankly, we should give props fectiveness of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Munar said service providers have “a duty to to the people who use PrEP. They’re doing with an assertion that PrEP remains a viable let people know the facts and let them make something important for themselves and are option for persons who might be at risk for HIV their own decisions.” He added that few people taking charge of their own health. Preventing infection. using PrEP take the decision lightly, since a HIV infection is still optimal. It’s still incur- “We’re coming from a completely different Truvada prescription requires regular HIV test- able, lifelong and, if untreated, deadly. Stay- position than those ads,” said David Ernesto ing and facing many potential hurdles, among ing HIV-negative is still an important goal for Munar, president and CEO of HBHC. “We think them the drug’s high costs and their insurance anybody.” people should be given all the information carrier’s scope of coverage. they need to make an informed decision about PrEP.” Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Founda- University of Illinois’ Kevin Mumford and Sio- tion (AHF)—whose president, Michael Wein- UIC symposium on hban Somerville, and the University of Mas- stein, has spoken out against PrEP—paid for sachusetts Julio Capo, among others. the ads, which launched Aug. 22. Though AHF John D’Emilio See http://johndemiliosymposium.uic. does not have a presence in Chicago, Munar Sept. 11-12 edu/. said that news about the ads, which are sched- The University of Illinois at Chicago’s gen- uled to appear in a number of publications, der and women’s studies department is host- HBHC CEO/President David Ernesto Munar. would contribute to widespread misinforma- ing a two-day symposium honoring Professor ‘A Day with HIV’ Photo by Andrew Collins tion about PrEP, which is largely available as Emeritus John D’Emilio’s work. the pill Truvada. reception Sept. 5 On Thursday, Sept. 11, a reception and a TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network) and According to one of the ads, “AIDS Health- According to a study whose findings were re- lecture, “Sexual Violence and Citizenship: the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- care Foundation has taken the position that leased in July, known as the iPrex OLE study, Rape Reform in American History” will take tion (CDC) will host a community exhibit of the scientific data do not support the large- Truvada was more than 90-percent effective at place at Student Center West, 828 S. Wolcott “A Day with HIV” on Friday, Sept. 5, 4-6 p.m. scale use of Truvada as a community-wide preventing HIV infection, provided the patient Ave. The reception is 6 p.m., which Stanford at the Chicago Cultural Center, Preston-Brad- public health intervention. Overall efficacy was took the medication at least four times a week. University’s Estelle Freedmaan delivering the ley Hall, 78 E. Washington St. low in all studies due to low adherence. Even Researchers, however, have not yet determined lecture at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 9, Positively Aware is in carefully monitored clinical trials, most par- any kind of strategy to support taking the pill On Friday, Sept. 12, events will take place inviting everyone around the world, regard- ticipants did not take Truvada as prescribed by intermittently, so the recommendation remains at Jane Addams Hull-House, 800 S. Halsted less of HIV status, to get in the picture and medical professionals. Low adherence means taking the pill every day. St. There will be three panels (at 10 a.m., 2 participate in the “A Day with HIV” photo low effectiveness in preventing HIV.” Munar added that much of the information p.m. and 4 p.m.) featuring such individuals campaign. Munar said, “AHF highlights adherence as an cited in the AHF ads make use of old data as as University of Chicago’s Cathy Cohen and Visit www.positivelyaware.com or www. issue, but that’s fundamental to any interven- well. “We’re just concerned that there’s misin- Ramon Gutierrez, scholar Amber Hollibaugh, tpan.com. tion for any condition.” formation floating around,” said Munar. “Some

CHICAGO WINTER = DEPRESSING CHICAGO SUMMER = EXCITING! Are you “summer body” ready?

Mention WINDy CITy TIMES and get $500 off Celebrating liposuction 30 YEARS through August.

Discover what others know ... Caring for Our Community ROSS A. SLOTTEN, M.D.

THOMAS R.KLEIN, M.D.

Award-Winning Plastic Surgery Member DR. DAVID SHIFRIN Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon 711 WEST NORTH AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60614 312.280.0996 CHICAGO • 312.590.3572 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME. BY APPOINTMENT. 680 N. Lake Shore Dr. www.davidshifrinmd.com 8 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Is Strange, starring John Lithgow and Alfred Della Monica’s career—he said he’s one of Molina as an older gay couple who fall on hard the top LGBTQ financial advisors in Chicago— Financial advisor times. can be summed up by yet another piece of cli- He also plans to marry Mike sometime this ent advice: “You have to stretch yourself and year. “With an old couple like [us], we’re not say I’m not going to give up. Recognize that Joe Della Monica works in any great rush, we’ve been together for so it can be done with hard work and determina- long. We didn’t want to be at the front of the tion. I really couldn’t ask for a better career for LGBTQ clients line of the Illinois excitement over the June and life.” 1st date.” by Liz Baudler

Joe Della Monica, an Ameriprise private wealth Tunney posts Victory Fund event advisor for 18 years, describes his job like this: survey about to feature “What I do with my clients is help them avoid making mistakes financially, and then really Pride Parade Houston’s mayor maximize the good decisions in life.” Lesbian Houston Mayor Annise Parker will He specializes in LGBTQ clients, and has a location change be the featured guest at The Victory Fund’s By Matt Simonette history of community service, thanks in part to annual Chicago Champagne Brunch. his company. “I’m never ashamed to be who I The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 7, The office of 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney has am, and that’s one of the reasons I associate 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Radisson Blu released a survey asking whether the Pride with Ameriprise. They get it. They are a big- Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Dr. Parade should be moved downtown. time community supporter as far as equality in Others slated to speak include Metropoli- “Each year, City departments meet to recap the workplace.” tan Water Reclamation District Commissioner what went well and what can be improved “I’ve been in a relationship with my partner and Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute Chair upon after each Pride Parade,” Tunney wrote for 31 years. When I was looking for a company Debra Shore; Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and in a Facebook posting Aug. 15. “I have cre- to work under, I wanted a company that was Institute President/CEO Chuck Wolfe; author ated a Pride Parade survey to hear from you respectful of my lifestyle, and I also wanted Zach Wahls; Michigan state Rep. candidates as we continue to examine the pride parade to give back to the community. I got involved Jon Hoadley and Jeremy Moss; and Ken route and evaluate all options for next year, with the Center on Halsted, Equality Illinois which could include a move downtown. It and the AIDS foundation.” will be available until Friday, Sept. 5, and At the center, Della Monica is the chair of the we will follow up with feedback from the sur- development committee, working on projects vey.” such as senior housing, breaking ground this Houston The survey, available at https://www.sur- fall, and future youth housing. Mayor veymonkey.com/s/XJ92NDB, asks about re- “I believe that it’s not what you get in life, Annise spondents’ main concerns about the parade it’s what you give. It is our responsibility, once Parker. as well as their thoughts about the potential you reach a certain level in life, to really think change of location. about others, and what you can do for others Joe Della Monica. Photo from Della Monica Talk turned to moving the parade down- to make their life easier and better.” town in the days following this year’s parade Della Monica’s life informs much of the ad- after some members of the public complained vice he gives clients. An East Coast boy who marriage, but what happens if that unravels for of public drunkenness and fights the day of moved to Chicago for love, a love that’s still my clients. That’s where I come into play, un- the parade, which was this year held on June strong 31 years later, he went to school for derstanding some of those things and how they 29. Competing petitions—one asking that acting, and saw the world as a flight attendant affect you both currently and long-term.” Stromdahl, scheduling associate at the office the parade be moved, the other demanding for American Airlines. Eventually, though, he In many ways, Della Monica said, “it’s not of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. that it stay in Lakeview and Uptown—went wanted to settle down and have a long, suc- the same world as it was for our parents and Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago online as well. cessful career. “I always wanted to find some- grandparents.” Not only is this true when it Cubs; and Ray Koenig, member of Clark Hill, On July 1, Tunney said, “I’m not saying thing that I believed in and could enjoy doing comes to pensions and social security, but as will receive awards. ‘yes’ and I’m not saying ‘no,’” about a poten- as a career. You’ve got to push yourself some- LGBTQ acceptance grows and policies change, For more information, email baraq.stein@ tial change of venue. times even though it might be scary, it might “we still haven’t felt the impact of some of victoryfund.org or see https://www.victory- The following day, at the July 19th District be costly.” these changes,” he said. fund.org/get-involved/events/victory-fund- CAPS meeting, police officials said that there “But you have to have a plan in place. It’s Marriage is not always a sound financial deci- chicago-champagne-brunch. were about 45 arrests made in the area be- not a pie in the sky type of thing. You really sion for LGBTQ couples, he said. “Even though The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund works to tween 5 a.m. June 29 and 5 a.m. June 30. have to say, OK, what’s going to get me there? we get swept up with the euphoria of now hav- elect LGBT leaders to public office. What are the steps necessary and what is the ing that right and privilege of getting married action plan? Whether it’s my clients or mak- and it being federally recognized, it is some- ing a dream come true like for the Center on thing that you have to take a step back and Halsted.” say ‘is this the best thing for me? What are the HOUSING from cover wouldn’t let you go further.” Marriage equality has lent new importance to pros and cons?’ I’m not discouraging someone About 440 people showed up to that ses- his role as financial advisor. from moving forward with that decision. There questions of an applicant. … This building sion, which took place last May. “I guide clients through what they need are things to make sure that you understand was marketed to a certain extent to let peo- Some individuals have maintained that to be thinking about, what they don’t know before you take the plunge.” ple know that it was LGBT-friendly. We don’t the pre-approval process for the apartments that they don’t know. We only have a certain Outside of the office, Della Monica is fun- distinguish because of sexual orientation.” lacked transparency, among them Chicagoan amount of time to make sure that you can re- loving, a guy whose friends tease him about A number of residents will be individuals Patricia Skora. A former building manager in ally reach the point in time where you can re- being both “Business Joe” and “Party Joe.” on Chicago Housing Authority’s (CHA’s) wait- Lake View, she had to leave the neighbor- tire. And retirement for everyone is different, His hobbies include fishing, cooking, and play- ing lists, but Cunningham was did not yet hood when the cost of housing there became but you can’t reach that point financially un- ing softball with his partner, Mike. Of late, his know how many. A CHA contract, which was too expensive. She is currently in CHA hous- less you really plan properly. Not only for the biggest accomplishments include being an as- capped at $970,800 a year and $29,124,000 ing and began checking on availability at financial aspect of things that affect same-sex sociate producer on the Ira Sachs movie Love over 30 years, was awarded to the project Town Hall soon after it was announced. Her under the city’s Housing Choice Voucher Pro- name was taken at Center on Halsted as what gram in September, 2013. officials called “ a person of interest,” but That program assists Chicagoans in rent- she was not put on an official waiting list. Special event videos for: ing privately owned housing and means that Skora said she arrived an hour after the §. Weddings/civil unions session began, and that she was the 92nd §. those on CHA wait lists can opt to live at Social gatherings/group func+ons person there. “They gave us a number to call §. Team events 3600 N. Halsted St. if they are 55 and older when we were there, but nobody ever called §. Portraits and qualify for the voucher program. When §. Actor video reels/head shots the contract was awarded, officials estimated us back. The process was the complete op- that half the building would also be filled posite of transparent,” she added. Small business videos for: through community referrals. Cunningham, when informed of Skora’s §. Website/social media content Cunningham said that Heartland and Cen- situation, said she was surprised. “Someone §. Real estate promos should have called her back,” Cunningham §. ter on Halsted “outreached to various orga- Training programs said. §. Promo+onal materials & nizations in the Lake View community and e-­‐newsleAers CHA participants as well. Whether they were Heartland will manage and operate the fa- Video Produc+on Services on the CHA waiting list, or individuals from cility, but the Center on Halsted will provide Call us today! the community, they were asked to attend a wraparound and support services. session where they did what we call pre-ap- “That’s something many of our buildings plication, when they get their ‘ranking’ and offer,” Cunningham noted. “Our residents of- Telling your story through compelling digital media. are pre-approved at that process for Town ten face economic challenges and Town Hall www.BeanBlossomProductions.net Hall Apartments. That pre-approval was just offer services that help with finding employ- age requirements. If weren’t 55 at the time ment, or helping spruce up your resume. It’s Serving the community with pride! 773-­‐727-­‐5642 you submitted the application, the system not mandatory, but more of an amenity.” WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 9 David Friedland is running the Chicago Half Friedland and Jack Quinones met Aug. 25, 1995, at Marathon Sept. 7, in memory of an aunt who 5 a.m., inside the Customs and Immigration Hall at passed away from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, “and Miami International Airport. Friedland was working for in the knowing so many people who have been impacted an exchange student organization and Quinones was GAY by blood cancers,” he said. working as a ticket agent at an airline. “We chatted Friedland will be proud in purple on race day, about travel, living abroad and foreign languages. LIFE the official jersey color for his endurance- Realizing that we had so much in common, I decided to David Friedland training team, Team In Training, which supports give him my number. Plus it was my last day on the job, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). He is so if I hadn’t given him my number then, I wouldn’t have TEXT BY ROSS FORMAN running 13.1 miles from the event’s starting line had the chance,” Friedland said. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRIEDLAND at Jackson Park. Quinones called and their first date was Sept. 13, 1995. He has fund raised about $1,200 this summer for “The most important things that binds us are our shared Age LLS. interests,” Friedland said. “We are both very interested 40 This is Friedland’s third year as an endurance- in current events, international affairs, foreign and sport runner and his goal remains pretty simple: domestic travel, food, and languages, so we are never Neighborhood “to finish,” he said. at a loss for things to talk about. We’re also both very Uptown And then, no doubt it’ll be a post-run craft beer, independent and easy-going and get along remarkably Relationship status or two. well.” Married to Jack Quinones, 49, “I’m good [running] 13.1 miles; I don’t have They got married this past May 22. operations planning manager any aspirations to run [a full marathon of] 26.2 “We have always said that we’d get married only when Job title [miles],” he said. we lived in a state in which it was legal,” Friedland Flight attendant said. “When it became legal in Illinois, we picked a date that worked for us. So, on May 21, we went to the Cook Hobbies County Clerk’s office in the Loop to get the license. We Cooking and eating, travel, movies, waited the minimum one day before having the marriage museums, exploring Chicago officiated. Then, on May 22, we went to Cook County Favorite TV show Marriage Court, also in the Loop and got married. We Mad Men followed that with brunch at the Atwood Café with our best friend and that was that. Simple. No fuss. Just the Favorite movie way we wanted it.” Maurice That night, Quinones flew to Brazil for a business trip. Four people (living or dead) you’d “People joked that he went on our honeymoon without like to have dinner with [me],” Friedland said, laughing. “We still haven’t had Armistead Maupin, Diane Rehm, an official honeymoon. We will, soon—probably to the Wanda Sykes and Betty White Canary Islands.” Favorite pizza topping During his flying career, Friedland once met Colin Mushrooms Powell, and he said one of the best perks of the job is “free travel, and also interacting with different people Preferred drink at a bar every day.” Craft beer “Every day brings a different group of customers and Little-known fact fellow employees,” he said. “Being highly social, I enjoy “I speak Portuguese.” talking and interacting with people during the bulk of my day.” The worst part of his job is the long hours and changing time zones, he said.

Want to become fathers? OUTCHICAGO Join us September 13 for: SURROGACY SEMINAR & GAY PARENTING EXPO

with Scott Duff Chicago’s LGBT Radio WCPT 820AM | Sundays 11a-1p Streaming live at chicagosprogressivetalk.com • Advice from experts, parents and a surrogate • Info on the Gay Parenting Assistance Program • Resource fair: 15+ providers & organizations • On-site consultations, lunch reception, & networking

Chicago’s Progressive Talk Proud all week long Saturday, September 13, 10:00am menhavingbabies.org/Chicago 10 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINTS WINDY CITY

had both “Side A” and “Side B” Christians in made straight. TIMES REV. their folds. These groups proselytize ex-gay rhetoric as VOL. 29, No. 49, Sept. 3, 2014 But in 2013, Alan Chambers, president of both their Christian and patriotic duty. The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, IRENE Exodus International, announced the closing But truth be told, as Chambers recognizes, founded May 1987. MONROE of the organization. these conversions from being “homosexual” to At the 2012 Exodus International annual con- “heterosexual” don’t “cure.” And these thera- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR ference Chambers stated, “I do not believe that pies attempt to put LGBTQ people on the road Tracy Baim cure is a word that is applicable to really any to outwardly live a straight life. ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky struggle, homosexuality included. ... For some- Case in point: John Paulk, “ex-gay” poster MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Celibacy is the one to put out a shingle and say, ‘I can cure boy, who appeared in Human Rights Campaign’s BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine homosexuality’—that to me is as bizarre as 2000 photo album with a one-word caption— DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright new ex-gay someone saying they can cure any other com- “Gotcha!” ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette mon temptation or struggle that anyone faces In his public apology for spewing the lies of Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, ministry on Planet Earth.” Chambers is a married man Exodus International, Paulk has decided to fi- Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, with two adopted children, and a purported ex- nally stay out of the closet, hoping the LGBTQ Gretchen Blickensderfer Embracing celibacy as an appropriate religious gay convert himself. community will not only forgive him, but will PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff calling to be a God-abiding LGBTQ Christian is NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 What appeared as a seismic shift or a clos- also allow him to make restitution to the com- now on the rise—no joke. SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, David Byrne, Tony ing chapter in the harmful history of ex-gay munity. Peregrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair Progress has been made on federal and state ministries was neither. His new modus ope- “I no longer support the ex-gay movement THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan levels concerning LGBTQ rights but many randi—that has both monetary and ideological or efforts to attempt to change individuals— CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. churches, especially in certain religious con- BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair backing—is to peddle the theological rhetoric especially teens who already feel insecure and servative circles, are far behind. SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman of celibacy. And it’s working. alienated. I feel great sorrow over the pain ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS For example, at its 221st General Assembly Just this year, the 50,000-member American that has been caused when my words were mis- Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence this June, the Presbyterian Church removed the Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) re- construed. I have worked at giving generously Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan provision (Amendment 10-A) prohibiting the Abarbanel leased its revised 2014 code of ethics, replac- to the gay community in Portland where I work ordination of sexually active unmarried Pres- COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet ing reparative therapies with celibacy. and live. I am working hard to be authentic Harper, Meghan Streit, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie byterians as church officers. The ratification “Counselors acknowledge the client’s funda- and genuine in all of my relationships,” Paulk Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, came with a scolding and heterosexist cave- mental right to self-determination and further stated in the 2013 April/May issue of Proud Sally Parsons, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick at—church officers must be either celibate (al- Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, understand that deeply held religious values Queer (PQ) Monthly. lowing for non-celibate LGBTQs to be ordained) Kate Sosin, Angelique Smith and beliefs may conflict with same-sex attrac- Religion’s Latin root, “religio,” means to SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, or be active with a member of the opposite tion and/or behavior, resulting in anxiety, de- bind. And it has served as a legitimate power Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan gender. pression, stress, and inner turmoil,” the code in binding people’s shared hatred—especially Mattes While such a proviso on how church officers now says. when it comes LGBTQs sexual orientation. CIRCULATION are to be sexually active or celibate is laugh- CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright However, just six years ago, the American Straight and LGBTQ Christians intolerant able to anyone living in present time, the gov- DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Psychological Association put out an official of the wide spectrum of sexual expressions erning body of the Presbyterian Church isn’t Sue and Victor position paper stating, “The longstanding con- must reconcile their phobia with Jesus’s WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead kidding. sensus of the behavioral and social sciences mandate—“...to love one another,” as stated programmer: Martie Marro) And neither are many church conservatives— and the health and mental health professions is in (John 13:34)—in order to experience the both straight and, surprisingly, LGBTQ. that homosexuality per se is a normal and posi- deepest desire and expression of spiritual com- Copyright 2014 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media For those heterosexual Christians who em- tive variation of human sexual orientation.” munion. How we express that love sexually is Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back brace the theological qualifier “to love the sin- issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). The negative health outcomes both emo- not mandated to be heterosexual. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, ner but hate the sin” homosexuality is merely tional and psychological these “conversion” But now, with more ex-gay ministries not and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and on the laundry list of transgressions. no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. programs exact are untold and include depres- only losing potential clients and political lever- But for LGBTQ Christian conservatives the All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy sion, anxiety, self-destructive behavior, sexual age but also losing monies reparative therapies City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned debate has literally taken sides—with celibate for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing dysfunction, avoidance of intimacy, loss of generate, there is a gradually shift from “cur- LGBTQ Christian bloggers referring to them- and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, faith and spirituality, and the reinforcement ing” one’s LGBTQ sexual orientation to absti- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own selves in shorthand as “Side A” Christians and and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City of internalized homophobia and self-hatred, to nence from it. “Side B” Christians. “Side A” Christians support Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of name a few. In other words, the theological message that a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy marriage equality and queer sexual orienta- City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the There are, however, still groups, usually moti- homosexuality is an abomination to God and is tions, whereas “Side B” support a hardline Bib- sexual orientation of such person or organization. While vated by religion-based homophobic therapies a sin remain intact; however, more emphasis is we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make lical literalism. and ministries, who are hell-bent on the idea now placed on celibacy. this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept Last year, the “ex-gay” ministries would have responsibility for advertising claims. that LGBTQ individuals can, and should, be (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com LETTERS podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 Wards hurt the expense of low-income 46th Ward constitu- And finally, a comment to Windy City Times: U.S.A ents? Cappleman said, “I welcome any form of discus- (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Dear Editor: Additionally I’m glad that the protesters sion and support the right of those protesting. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. wanted to get Cappleman to back away from My only disappointment is that the information Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE After reading the Aug. 27 Windy City Times “his attacks on the poor residents of the area.” being disseminated during this protest was not Cappleman’s antics against the poor are notori- factual.” The alderman’s statement is a blatant www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com article “Protesters Congregate at Cappleman www.WindyCityQueercast.com ous among many Chicagoans, regardless of the lie, and a perfect example of why LGBT persons Election Kickoff” article, I felt an incredible sense of relief in knowing that both the North- ward. and others should continue their direct action “Windy City Media Group generated side Action for Justice and the Gay Liberation For example, remember the alderman’s leg- efforts to speak justice to power—especially enormous interest among their readers Network continue to understand the important islative attempt to make it a crime to be in a during an election session! in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index of “speaking justice to power!” bus stop if you’re not waiting for a bus? Re- Survey. Out of approximately 100 I’d like to publicly thank both organizations member, the alderman’s legislative attempts to Michael O’Connor print and online media partners who for raising their collective voices in protest ban low-rent cubicle hotels, commonly known Chicago participated in the survey, Windy against 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman’s re- as the last resort for poor persons to get off the City was the best performing regional election effort. streets at night? media in the U.S. Only survey partners I wholeheartedly agree with Andy Thayer’s I wonder if the readers remember the Windy with a nationwide footprint were statements—specifically, where he’s quoted as City Times article in the Jan. 17, 2013, edition, Send letters to able to generate a greater number of stating, “We, as LGBT people, can’t stand aside concerning the alderman’s antics regarding Andrew@ responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research as he puts himself forward as a ‘former social economically disadvantaged residents of the Director, Community Marketing, Inc. worker’ and gay alderman, and attacks most Hotel Chateau who were given a 30-day notice WindyCity LGBT, and non-LGBT, people in this ward who and evicted! Look at that property now! are not wealthy,” Furthermore, I hope your readers ask them- MediaGroup.com. Why should anyone regardless of sexual ori- selves what kind of person—whose former pro- entation, but especially LGBTQ economically fessional background includes being a member Letters may be disadvantaged persons who reside in the 46th of a religious order, specifically, a Franciscan edited for Ward, continue to “stand aside” in support of friar—would be mean enough to ban an or- an incumbent alderman who politically goes ganization, especially a faith-based one, from brevity or clarity. along repeatedly for the wealthy developers at feeding the hungry at night in his ward? WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Chris Ocken, Ocken Photography WHERE THERE’S SMOKE... Windy City Times reviews the production The Arsonists. See page 12. THEATER MOVIES SPORTS ‘Paper’ chase. Flynn or lose. The unkindest cut. Page 13 Page 14 Page 22 Photo of The Yellow Wallpaper Photo of Kevin Kline in The Last of Robin Michael Sam on by Doug McGoldrick Hood by Quantrell Colbert the cover of Sports Illustrated

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT the amazing historically recreated Elizabethan theater only from the pricier gallery seats un- der the building’s thatched roof. So I opted to save some money for my third visit by standing Almodovar adaptation through an entire performance of Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra with a “groundling” ticket for a Thursday matinee. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Like Goodrich, Smart was unfamiliar with Alas, it turned out to be an extremely soggy the show, but now she’s grateful that director encounter since the rain came pouring down Musical-theater fans salivated back in 2010 William Pullinsi asked her to play the flighty through the theater’s exposed center during all when they saw the starry stage cast attached to Candela (who might be mistakenly dating a ter- of Act I before lessening to a drizzle for Act II. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, a rorist). My last-minute decision to pay two pounds for Broadway musical adaptation of the 1988 film “She’s the kind of woman who has a huge a plastic rain poncho turned out to be a very by out Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar (Talk heart and a lot of emotion. She’s very dramatic wise investment. to Her, All About My Mother). and is the kind of woman who ‘falls in love’ But the rain probably played a factor in Tony Award winners Patti LuPone, Brian quite easily,” Smart said. “The stakes are very my ability to get a prime seat to a sold-out Stokes Mitchell, Laura Benanti and more were high in this show for each one of these charac- performance of the Donmar Warehouse’s criti- featured in this reunion project for Dirty Rot- ters which adds a lot of dynamics. And I’m sure cally acclaimed revival of Kevin Elyot’s Olivier ten Scoundrels collaborators Jeffrey Lane and people will be able to relate to it because who Award-winning 1994 drama My Night with composer-lyricist David Yazbek (also famed for hasn’t felt like they’ve been on the verge of a Reg starring Julian Ovenden of Downton Ab- The Full Monty). But the show opened cold on nervous breakdown?” bey fame. A friend and I queued up early in Broadway without an out-of-town tryout to Women on the Verge of Nervous Breakdown the morning for standing-room balcony tickets largely mixed and negative reviews. After a run plays from Sept. 11 through Oct. 12 at Theatre (sold only on the day of performance) to see of only 69 performances, Women on the Verge at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indi- this drama about a group of gay friends coping of Nervous Breakdown closed. ana. Previews run through Sept. 13 with an of- with love and betrayal in the age of AIDS. However, you can’t keep these Women down. ficial press opening at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. But as the seconds ticked down to curtain David Yazbek was nominated for a Tony Award Regular-run performances are 2 p.m. Wednes- time, the ushers moved most of the standing- for his score later that season. And now a thor- days and Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Sat- room audience into empty available seats from oughly revised production of Women on the urdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays with select Thurs- no-show ticket holders. It was probably the Verge… is set to begin a limited run in London day evening and Saturday matinees scheduled awful August Bank Holiday rain that probably this December. throughout the run. Tickets are $40-$44; call deterred a few people from showing up. But before that happens, Women on the 219-836-3255 or visit www.theatreatthecenter. Although now a period piece harkening back Verge… will have its Chicago-area debut this com. to the height of the AIDS crisis when infected month at Theatre at the Center in Munster, friends and lovers within the gay community Indiana. The production’s multi-Jeff Award- Soggy days in London town were dying with alarming regularity, My Night winning ensemble includes Cory Goodrich as Rain should always be factored into any with Reg still feels very current with the de- the jilted girlfriend Pepa, Hollis Resnik as the trip to the United Kingdom, and it alternately piction of its characters’ relationship struggles. mentally unstable ex-wife Lucia, Summer Smart played both an unwanted and a welcome part Cory Goodrich in Women on the Verge of a The Donmar production also took on an added as Pepa’s friend Candela and Bernie Yvon as the in a recent theatergoing trip I took there—in Nervous Breakdown. Photo from Theatre at poignancy with the recent death of the play- genial narrating Taxi Driver. particular with a 20th-anniversary staging of the Center wright Kevin Elyot at the age of 62 this past “It’s about love and passion and the choices an important drama touching upon AIDS. June in the run up to the current revival. we make,” said Goodrich, adding that the show The rain thankfully stayed away for my re- the Chichester Festival Theatre in West Sussex. My Night with Reg continues at the Donmar is funny because so much of it is like farce. gional visits to see Mozart’s early opera La However, the rain was out in force for two Lon- Warehouse in London through Sept. 27. Visit “David Yazbek has a gift of putting place in Finta Giardiniera (The False Garden Girl) at don productions I caught. www.donmarwarehouse.com for more informa- his music. He so beautifully describes Madrid the Glyndebourne Festival in East Sussex and I’ve been to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre tion. in the 1980s with his music.” a West End-ready staging of Guys and Dolls at twice before, but I had previously experienced 12 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW the uneasy homeowner proposes to eject the intruders, they remind him that he is not in- The Arsonists nocent of crimes against society. Playwright: Max Frisch, adapted At the play’s premiere in 1958, audiences im- by Alistair Beaton mediately recognized Hitler as the perpetrator At: Strawdog Theatre Company, of the coming holocaust, but the propensity 3829 N. Broadway of otherwise blameless citizens to ignore im- Tickets: 866-811-4111; minent threats is a universal human flaw. Later www.strawdog.org; $28 productions have identified the Atomic Bomb Runs through: Sept. 27 or Global Warming as the encroaching evil, and political parties have assigned blame for Bie- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE dermann’s indecision upon liberal idealism (as if genuine convictions, and not hypocrisy, were The most reliable tool for gulling foolish citi- his ultimate undoing). Indeed, late in the play, zens, says one of pyromaniacs lending Max Biedermann addresses the audience, demand- Frisch’s cautionary tale its title, is the unvar- ing of us, “When did you guess? What would nished truth—“because no one ever believes you have done—and when?” it.” The irony of his observation is illustrated However astute (not to mention timely) its with unflinching accuracy by the example of moral, a sermon as didactic as Frisch’s needs Gottlieb Biedermann, a humble hero no better additional spectacle to hold our attention for or worse than average. 90 intermissionless minutes. Director Matt Of course, definitions of “average” may dif- Hawkins has enlisted a technical team to sur- fer widely. Though the prosperous hair-tonic round us with thunderstorms, smoke, sirens manufacturer professes to be an upstanding and the ominous roar of rising flames. More im- member of his community, he thinks nothing of portant, he has instructed his actors to adopt discharging the inventor of his money-making individual idiosyncrasies for their characters, product, leaving the latter’s family destitute, rendering always coherent even such cryptic and forcing his former employee to suicidal conventions as a classical-Greek chorus of fire- despair. Unconcerned with the welfare of his fighters who lament their inability to do their peers, even to shrugging off news of mysteri- job when people like Biedermann exacerbate ous fires breaking out within his city, Bieder- the danger through selfish denial. (Also indict- mann is more annoyed than alarmed when a ed for his complicity is a “Doctor of Philoso- homeless man turns up at his door and quickly phy” who attempts to impose a manifesto upon secures himself a berth in his host’s attic. Soon wanton hooliganism, only to recoil in horror at Asher Lev (Alex Weisman, center) and parents (Danica Monroe and Lawrence Grimm) in My another vagrant arrives, along with several bar- the discovery that “they do it because they like Name Is Asher Lev. Photo by Lara Goetsch rels of gasoline, bundles of kindling, a spool it!”) Whatever may disturb your sleep nowa- of fuse-wire and a detonation device. When days, you can’t say you weren’t warned. THEATER REVIEW its account in the perceptions of the devout acolyte portrayed with unflinching candor by My Name Is Alex Weisman, while Danica Monroe and Law- THEATER REVIEW rence Grimm acquit themselves in a diversity Asher Lev of roles, ranging from the troubled Rivkeh and Reasons to Playwright: adapted by Aaron Aryeh Lev to the secularized Jacob Kahn and Posner from the novel by Chaim Potok his nude studio model. Be Happy At: Timeline Theatre Company Those whom the gods touch cannot escape Playwright: Neil LaBute at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. undamaged. Our hero’s origins may be paro- At: Profiles Theatre, 4139 N. Broadway Tickets: 773-327-5252; chial in the extreme, but his experience is that Tickets: 1-773-549-1815; www.timelinetheatre.com; $37-$50 of every pilgrim forced to abandon home, com- www.profilestheatre.org; $35-$40 Runs through: Oct. 18 munity, family—every vestige of identity—to Runs through: Oct. 12 follow the call of the simultaneously “divine BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE and demonic” creative power that art bestows BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL upon disciples with the courage to receive it. To be a member of Brooklyn’s Ladover Hassidic Neil LaBute’s attitude about relationships is Jewish settlement in the 1940s and ‘50s was mellowing. to occupy—take a deep breath, now—a sub- His men still are pigs with women in many sect of a subsect of yet another subsect of a CRITICS’ PICKS ways, but at least they seem conflicted religious minority whose numbers recently suf- about it in LaBute’s recent plays. Of course, fered a severe reduction at the hands of first, Avenue Q, Mercury Theater Chicago, his men also are pigs with other men, as the Germans, then the Russians. Combine these through Oct. 26. This Tony-winning hit seen in this new characteristic LaBute four- factors with the Biblical proscription against musical that smartly spoofs Sesame Street hander. Before the play begins, best friends the forging of graven images, and there can feels right at home at the intimate Mer- Greg (Eric Burgher) and Kent (Dennis Bisto) be no unlikelier spawning ground for a genius cury Theater. And now with an extension and Steph (Domenica Cameron-Scorsese) and whose compulsive response to the chaos of his through October, the show is finally get- Carly (Sarah Loveland) have switched part- Reasons to Be Happy. Photo by Michael surroundings is to draw pictures of it. ting the long Chicago run it really should ners when longtime couple Greg and Steph Brosilow The conflict between these two spheres is have had when it was brand new. SCM break up, and married Kent and Carly divorce. immediately apparent in Brian Sidney Bem- C.S. Lewis Onstage, Provision Theater, Kent marries Steph while Greg begins seeing bridge’s scenic design for this Timeline The- Sept. 6-Oct. 19. Brad Armacost’s solo Carly. The play opens with Steph furiously tor Darrell W. Cox, a veteran LaBute actor and atre production, its predominant feature be- show delivered a warm and vibrant por- confronting Greg for what she deems a be- director. There really isn’t false note sounded ing a steep staircase against a bare wall that trait of the eccentric theologian (better trayal. Soon, she admits that she still loves by anyone, which doesn’t necessarily make will soon be covered in sketches we can only known as the epic-fantasy author of The Greg and he returns the feeling, vowing to the characters likeable. Steph is a loose can- imagine. Upstairs is young Asher Lev’s room, Narnia Chronicles) when first performed end things with Carly as Steph separates non whose angry emotions make her unat- underneath are the musicians—violin, cello in 2008, now revived for South Side audi- from Kent. But all bets are off when Carly tractive. Kent is a muscle head seemingly and clarinet—who provide a running commen- ences by Provision Theater. MSB tells Greg she’s pregnant. There only are four too thick to understand Greg’s role in his tary on the action, and at floor level, we see Depraved New World, The Second City, characters, but you still need a scorecard. misery. Greg’s lack of honesty with himself the world of his parents, whose obsession with open run. With elements of long-form im- Many readers will remember the Lovin’ and others quickly discredits him. Only Carly the rescue and reparation of their persecuted prov, Second City’s 102nd mainstage revue Spoonfuls hit “Did You Ever Have to Make Up really emerges with integrity, realizing it’s brethren matches that of their son. This lat- features an extremely sharp cast (espe- Your Mind,” and that describes Greg’s situ- not enough merely to be desired by men. ter world also encompasses the wise rabbi who cially John Hartman), some high-risk mu- ation. Like a lot of LaBute men he’s a nice Each character is sad in his/her own way, reluctantly permits Asher to study art under the sical improv, several gay-specific scenes guy, not intentionally unkind but weak. He but LaBute is too skillful a writer to make tutelage of a sculptor who warns his pupil that and advanced use of music and sound. JA repeatedly says “I don’t know yet” and “I’m his play sad, leavening it with humor and the muse will lure him into dangerous realms, Stupid Fucking Bird, Sideshow Theatre not sure” when asked if he loves Carly or punchy, rhythmic, realistic dialogue. where his agony will eventually find its voice in Company at Victory Gardens Biograph Steph, vacillating between them. Ultimately, Scenic designer Shaun Renfro’s handsome the forbidden iconography of goyisch strangers. Theater, through Sept. 21. The title might he proposes a fairly preposterous solution but simple setting utilizes an alley stage (a “Be a great artist,” Asher’s mentor exhorts make it look like a parody, but Aaron Pos- which would allow him to escape without long platform with the audience along two him. “It is the only justification for the pain ner’s real-time analysis of Chekhov’s The choosing; a solution rejected by both wom- sides) divided between a workplace lunch- you will cause.” This pain dominates the themes Seagull is smarter—and funnier, too— en who already have made crucial decisions room and a grassy terrace, skillfully lit by in Chaim Potok’s novel, narrated in first-person than a simple deconstructionist romp. about their futures. Thus, Greg is the central Claire Chrzan. The actors have no place to flashback by the “prodigy in payos” whose MSB character but the game-changing heroic ac- hide and, fortunately, don’t need one in this career-making masterwork (foreshadowed in tion of the play is shifted to the women. full-throttle evening. As always, it’s any- Bembridge’s stage picture, but not revealed —By Abarbanel, Barnidge All of this is played out in an interesting one’s guess whether LaBute’s can’t-life-with- until the climactic moment) will forever banish and Morgan and driving fashion by Profiles’ hard-sweat- them/can’t-live-without-them attitude will him from his hitherto-secure place in the uni- ing, intensely-focused cast, guided by direc- move you. verse. Aaron Posner’s adaptation likewise roots WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 13 THEATER REVIEW THEATER REVIEW spite this regimen and her spouse’s exhortation to resist her “foolish fancies,” the new mother Methtacular! The Yellow finds herself obsessing over her bedroom’s Playwright: Steven Strafford peeling yellow wallpaper, her imagination con- At: About Face Theatre at Wallpaper juring forest landscapes from its fragmented Playwright: adapted by Lorelei Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. patterns, leading to hallucinations of a shad- Sturm from the short story Tickets: 773-975-8150; owy lady who nightly crawls around the perim- by Charlotte Perkins Gilman www.aboutfacetheatre.org; $35 eter of what its occupant comes to regard as a At: The Mill at the Chopin, Runs through: Sept. 28 cell. 1543 W. Division St. Since Gilman wrote her story in 1892, it has Tickets: 773-764-8317; BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL become commonplace in academic circles to www.brownpapertickets.com; $20 read it as a feminist criticism of the tyranny Runs through: Sept. 14 One-person shows always begin in peculiar, exercised by paternalistic males fearful of fe- artificial fashion. With no second actor to males adopting independent physical and intel- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE kick-start the action, the solo performer must lectual pursuits—is not our distressed matron directly acknowledge the audience, or pretend forbidden visitors and books, and must she not You don’t often hear the word “neurasthenia” the audience isn’t there, or pretend the audi- keep her journal a secret from the people she invoked nowadays to describe a type of ner- ence is another character. (“I’ve been expect- considers her “jailers?” On the other hand, the vous breakdown—another archaic medical ing you. Sit down and have some tea.”) phenomenon of “post-partum depression” is term—characterized by extreme enervation Then, depending on the text, the solo per- well-documented in 2014, and with no way of arising from no apparent source. In the 19th former may play multiple characters or just ascertaining whether our informant is, in fact, century, however, it was a very real malady, af- one. These opening oddities always are self- batcrackers, her paranoia is likewise suspect. flicting both men and women. The remedy was conscious and can be allayed only by the cha- Our sympathy for her plight, after all, is not extended bed-rest surrounded by minimal ac- risma and charm of the artist. Methtacular au- diminished by the level of credence we assign tivity, until such time as alleviation of stress thor/performer Steven Strafford has plenty of her terror. Steven Strafford in Methtacular! Photo by (or sheer boredom) re-energized the sufferer. both, engaging the audience directly and play- Lorelei Sturm’s adaptation wisely suspends Kevin Thomas Garcia Thus it is that Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s hero- ing only himself. He describes other characters judgment to focus on the psychological aspects ine finds herself confined within a house offer- and their actions but he doesn’t act them out. of Gilman’s semi-autobiographical account for ing no sensory stimulus but its shabby interior These prove to be good choices, since the showbiz pizazz of Strafford’s presentation. He’s The Mill performance ensemble. Eleanor Kahn’s and pastoral environment. story of Strafford’s methamphetamine addic- a musical-theater queen who fills Methtacular scenic design marks out the chamber’s sinis- What we know from Gilman’s nameless first- tion is entirely personal but hardly uncommon. with pop-culture TV, movie and music referenc- ter walls with a web of crisscrossed ropes, so person narrator is that her husband is a doctor, His story allows him to range far beyond the es, and snatches of Broadway tunes. He also that when our invalid appears, shackled at one and that following the birth of their first child, somewhat-fey thirtysomething man we initially performs several original songs (composed by ankle by a bright yellow cord, and proceeds to he rented this country residence and hired a meet, and display his strong and varied sing- William TN Hall) such as “I’m Living the Life create a cat’s-cradle labyrinth as she roams her nurse-housekeeper so that his wife could re- ing voice, fine comedy chops and his ability to of a Number Two Wife” and the gospel-tinged cloister, we accept director Jaclyn Biskup’s vi- cover from what he feels is not quite a disease, change pace and mood (very nicely shaped by “I’m Bringing Down this House of Pain” which sual metaphor immediately, even as we dread but instead, a “nervous condition” calling for director Adam Fitzgerald), thus deepening the expand the showbiz framework, as does a very the moment when it will arrive at its tragic, but fresh air, long walks and wholesome food. De- tale as Strafford relates it. funny audience-participation game show. In inevitable, conclusion. Since some of us today probably have known short, Methtacular is slick, well-put-together people who are substance abusers, much of and never attempts to disguise its artifice. I Strafford’s story is neither new nor unique: was put off by that self-referential artifice at the euphoric high, the sensuality, the denial, first, but Strafford soon won me. episodes of violence, the lying, the denial, the Strafford is graphic in describing sex and CULTURE CLUB thievery, the near (or actual) prostitution, the drug use, yet never discusses the physical hor- psychotic breaks, the denial. Even so, few of us rors of meth addiction except weight loss. Per- have lived with a meth-dealer lover, as Straf- haps he escaped the sores, nasal destruction ford did, and most snorters don’t progress to and gum decay that accompany Tina usage or shooting up, as Strafford did. This boy was in felt Methtacular was graphic enough without deep. them, although they might persuasively embel- Frankly, I still wouldn’t care—I’m not sym- lish his cautionary tale. But then, I’ve never pathetic to self-enablers (don’t get me started understood the allure of party drugs that un- about Rent)—if it weren’t for the unabashed leash libido but inhibit erections.

SPOTLIGHT

A nun in 1968 Detroit uncovers all sorts of unsettling secrets about her family in Chuck O’Connor’s drama Miracles in the Fall, a winner of Polarity Ensemble Theatre’s Dionysos Cup Award for play writing. Polarity Ensemble Theatre presents the world premiere of Miracles in the Fall now through Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Previews run through Sept. 5 with an official press opening at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Subsequent performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays with 3 p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for previews and $25 during the regular run; call 773-404-7336 or visit www.petheatre.com for tickets and more information. Photo by Richard Engling 14 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Film notes: Call Me Kuchu is Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall’s probing documen- tary about the struggle for LGBT rights in the KNIGHT virulently anti-gay African country of Uganda AT and the tragic assassination of David Kato, the movement’s leader. The film will be shown Fri- THE day, Sept. 12, at the Broadway United Meth- MOVIES odist Church, 3338 N. Broadway, at 6:30 p.m. The screening is a fundraiser for the Chicago LGBT Asylum Project (CLASP) and there will be a free-will offering, with no one turned away for lack of funds. The Gay Liberation Network is sponsoring the event. By Two more LGBT-festival faves from last year Richard are being released on DVD. Two: The Story of Knight Jr. Roman and Nyro is Heather Winters’ charm- ing documentary portrait of the twin sons of renowned songwriter and vocalist Desmond The Last of Child and husband Curtis Shaw. Their story— which includes the birth mother, her husband, her parents and various other relatives and Robin Hood; friends—is a true example of a modern family. Arriving Sept. 2 on DVD is director DMW Greer’s film notes Burning Blue, a slick romantic drama that is a gay variation on Top Gun set at the height Kevin Kline—who came to prominence playing of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. It’s sexy and enliv- the lead in a revival of The Pirates of Penzance ened by its cast, which includes some easy-on- and has played many larger-than-life charac- the-eyes male eye candy and several Broadway ters in his subsequent film and stage roles—is Dakota Fanning as Beverly Aadland and Kevin Kline as Errol Flynn in The Last of Robin Hood. stage veterans. an inspired choice to play the king of classic Photo by Quantrell Colbert Now available: The Best of Knight at the Hollywood swashbucklers, Errol Flynn. And Movies: 2004-2014—a compilation book of then, of course, there are the physical and vo- more than 150 of my film reviews from a queer life (and practically all the juice) out of what much lesser degree, Fanning—three excellent cal resemblances that, even at the end of the perspective for Windy City Times—is now avail- could have been a more-than-delicious piece film actors—in search of the juicy characters debonair Flynn’s decadent life, were still rather able. Visit www.knightatthemovies.com. striking. of cinema trash. Had the co-directors gone the the tatty story seemed to promise. Kline, who says he has turned down previ- Valley of the Dolls/Where Love Has Gone/Ma- ous opportunities to play the womanizing dame X route, their movie would have been a or a movie, besting four actors nominated Flynn, at last essays the actor in The Last of lot more fun and Flynn’s admittedly repulsive Reeling details for Larry Kramer’s AIDS film The Normal Heart Robin Hood. Physical similarities aside, Kline behavior a bit more palatable. What Glatzer also captures the Flynn charm and devilish wit. and Westmoreland’s film needed was a much (which aired on HBO). However, “Heart” did Also, with his chest shaved and what appears healthier dollop of Flo Aadland’s gushy, tacky unveiled win for outstanding television movie. tell-all approach. The organizers of Reeling, the second lon- Out actor Jim Parsons, who plays Sheldon to be several visits to the gym, he gives an gest-running LGBT film festival in the world, approximation of the rogue’s undimmed physi- Instead, the movie tries to present every- Cooper on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory, strolled one’s point of view—Flynn found something announced a line-up of movies for its 32nd onstage to pick up his fourth Emmy. Jessica cal sex appeal that remained intact even as edition, taking place Sept. 18-25. the hard-living actor was entering his twilight in Beverly to soothe his encroaching old age, Lange also won her third Emmy, this time for Beverly loved the reflected glory of Flynn’s life Reeling returns to the Music Box Theatre, Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story: Coven. years—at the age of 50. 3733 N. Southport Ave., for its opening- The last two years of Flynn’s tempestuous and came to love the sex, and Flo loved the Kathy Bates also won for “Cover,” picking prospect of life at the top. This wobbly bal- night gala on Thursday, Sept. 18, and then up the Outstanding Supporting Actress In A life, which ended in 1959, were caught up in moves on to its main venue, Landmark’s yet another sex scandal with an underage girl ancing act simply distances us from Flynn, Miniseries Or A Movie award. Beverly and, most regrettably, Florence. Espe- Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., Julia Louis-Dreyfus won her fifth overall (the actor had been narrowly acquitted of stat- Sept. 19-25. The fest’s home base, Chicago utory rape charges in 1942), which the movie cially problematic is that we never quite under- Emmy, and third for HBO’s comedy Veep. She stand why Flynn was so enamored (beyond the Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St., will also host has also won for Seinfeld and The New Ad- details. The object of Flynn’s ardor was a danc- select screenings. er and Hollywood extra named Beverly Aadland physical) with the rather colorless Beverly, who ventures of Old Christine. The Amazing Race doesn’t have much vibrancy. Reeling launches with the presentation of took the reality-competition award for the who was 15 when the two first met (played by Eric Schaeffer’s Boy Meets Girl at the Music Dakota Fanning who, ironically, is now a tad Like Kline, Sarandon is a great choice to play 10th time in 12 tries. the part of the over-the-top mother, a former Box. The movie stars transgender actress Mi- Netflix struck out, despite having two too old for the part). In the film version, gay chelle Hendley. The closing-night film will be costume designer Orry-Kelly (played by out ac- dancer who now sports a wooden leg thanks to highly watched and critically acclaimed an unlucky accident. Dazzled by the prospect Patrik-Ian Polk’s Blackbird, which stars Ju- shows in Orange Is the New Black and House tor Bryan Batt), a longtime friend of Flynn’s, lian Walker, Mo’Nique and Isaiah Washington. introduces the aging lothario to his final of a movie career for her daughter, it seems of Cards. apparent that Flo looked the other way while The complete festival lineup and schedule, conquest (whom he promptly dubs “woodsy,” including shorts programs and special-event shorthand for “wood nymph”). the unrepentant roué that Flynn had become took advantage of Beverly. The approach that information, are available online. Tickets Queer poetry Gay co-directors, screenwriters and real-life may be purchased online at www.reelingfilm- partners Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmore- Sarandon takes, while tough and overbearing event Sept. 4 at times, also gives us a peek at the vulnerable festival.org or in person at Chicago Filmmak- land have spent a decade working on shaping ers, 5243 N. Clark St., starting Aug. 25. The Poetry Foundation, in conjunction the scandal—which was hot stuff at the time woman inside, a woman still aching because of with the Lambda Literary Foundation, will and was further inflamed by the tabloids upon her own deferred dreams of stardom. Fanning host “Launch of Nepantla: A Journal Dedi- Flynn’s death—into The Last of Robin Hood. is a good physical match for Sarandon but is Emmys program cated to Queer Poets of Color.” The duo used the salacious, tell-all book about scarecrow-thin and has none of the ripe, baby The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 4, the affair, The Big Love, as the basis for their carnality that the role (and that the real-life has familiar ring at 7 p.m. at the foundation, 61 W. Superior script. Written by the third principal in the af- Aadland sported) needs. Despite cable and outlets such as Netflix St. Admission is free. fair—Aadland’s starstruck stage mother, Flor- Christine Vachon’s Killer Films produced the delivering more original programming, the Duriel E. Harris, Ching-In Chen, Ruben Que- ence (played with genuine relish by Susan film, but the skimpy budget for the late 1950s 66th Annual Emmy Awards (which aired on sada and Francisco Aragon are slated to help Sarandon)—the book’s first line, “There’s one settings is not nearly as convincing as that lav- NBC Aug. 25) featured familiar names as the the initial edition of a new literary magazine thing I want to make clear right off: My baby ished on Far From Heaven, Todd Haynes’ 2003 winners, for the most part. whose mission is to nurture, celebrate and was a virgin the day she met Errol Flynn” sets masterpiece of kitsch drama from the same For example, the AMC drama Breaking preserve diversity within the queer poetry the tone for a Jacqueline Susann-ish guilty time period. (Haynes was an executive produc- Bad—which aired its series finale earlier this community. See www.poetryfoundation.org. pleasure. er on this film). And the carefully constructed year—won its second consecutive Emmy for Rare interviews by Glatzer and Westmoreland set pieces—one vintage car that is shown re- drama series for its fifth and final season. with the normally press-shy Beverly (who lived peatedly, a few well-chosen extras in period (Three of its actors—Bryan Cranston, Aaron quietly with her third husband up to her death costumes at a cocktail party, etc.—constantly Paul and Anna Gunn—also won again in in 2010) and Flynn’s personal assistant Ronnie remind us of the film’s budgetary constraints their categories.) Likewise, Modern Family Shedlo unearthed several fascinating, previ- which can’t help but throw one out of the film. was a repeat winner for best comedy, snag- ously unreported details about the affair that Glazter’s and Westmoreland’s talents were ging its fifth consecutive award and tying a have been incorporated into the script (such as much better served in their previous films—the mark Frasier set. Flynn turning down an offer to play Humbert queer-themed Quinceanera and The Fluffer— One of the few surprises was that the pro- Humbert in Kubrick’s Lolita when the director and perhaps the duo got caught up thinking gram was held on a Monday—the first time refused to consider Aadland to play the title that trying to humanize and balance the color- since 1976 (as host Seth Meyers noted). nymphet). ful trio at the heart of this Hollywood scan- Another surprise, to some, was that Sher- While these new tidbits help freshen this de- dal of yore would give it some vibrancy and lock: His Last Vow’s Martin Freeman won for cades-old scandal, the careful handling of the relevancy. Instead, it has unfortunately dulled outstanding supporting actor in a miniseries Duriel E. Harris. story has the unintended effect of sucking the its impact and left Kline, Sarandon and, to a WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 15 NUNN ON ONE: COMEDY John Leguizamo ‘Klowns’ around, talks ‘To Wong Foo’ by Jerry Nunn for my legs. We had to shave every day and they put gender-benders on us and strap our John Leguizamo continues to have a long and chests. It was crazy. varied career. He began on television on Miami WCT: You were the new kid on the block Vice in 1984, then had his first movie role that and the cute little one. year with Mixed Blood. He then continued on JL: I was the ingenue. a string of high-profile roles with Casualties of WCT: It was like RuPaul’s Drag Race on the War, Die Hard 2 and Regarding Henry. Carlito’s big screen. What have people’s reactions Way moved him into the serious parts; then, he been after describing them in your show? John Leguizamo. Photo by Carol Rosegg stole the show in heels as Chi-Chi Rodriguez in JL: Seagal said he was going to knock me To Wong Foo. out if he saw me on another red carpet. Swayze that keeps giving! People love it. It plays because I heard Madonna liked Latin guys and His voice work with the rat in Dr. Doolittle wrote his version of the incident in his book. around the world. It give parents a chance to would go around the neighborhood looking for and Sid the Sloth in Ice Age have made him un- I think everyone else has been pretty cool. keep some conjugals going so let’s keep doing them. I thought with me she wouldn’t have to forgettable in the ears of children everywhere. Pacino hasn’t seen it yet, but his girlfriend and it so people will keep propagating. look for them anymore. Other notables were his work with Baz his best friend saw it. WCT: Where did you come up with Sid’s WCT: How was the undertaking of translat- Luhrmann on Moulin Rouge and Rome + Juliet WCT: If audiences have seen it on HBO al- voice? ing Ghetto Klown into Spanish and taking it along with starring in Summer of Sam produced ready, is it better to see it live and in per- JL: I looked at the Discovery Channel on to Columbia? by Spike Lee. son? sloths. I found out that they stored food in JL: Oh, dude—I almost had a brain aneurysm. While his movie career kept him busy over JL: It is very different. On HBO, they cut out their cheek pouches. It would ferment and turn I love the language but it almost killed me. the years he has always made time to perform a lot of jokes and material because it had to be into alcohol. I walked around with food in my It was eight months every day. It was speech one-man shows like Mambo Mouth, Freak, and 90 minutes. Onstage, it is a full two hours with mouth like a sandwich and started to talk like classes and tongue-twisters. It was rough. now Ghetto Klown being his fifth. intermission. I can do all of my gags and the that. I called the director and in the Sid voice When I got there, I was really surprised that For two weeks, Leguizamo brought his un- jokes back. It has become a beautiful piece. said, “Guess who this is?” He said, “I don’t I was able to do it and really thrive. Spanish plugged version of Ghetto Klown to Chicago Now it is really tight and compressed at the know maybe Daffy Duck?” I said, “No, guess became my second language. I loosened up and audiences before taking it to Broadway, where same time. I’m going a little further acting again!” can now have conversations. he earned a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding wise. I’m more comfortable going deeper. We WCT: Hilarious. So Sid is always drunk? WCT: Has it inspired you to do more? Solo Performance, an Outer Critics Circle Award did a lot more in a full way. JL: Well, he’s kind of goofy and a little off. JL: I am working on my next one- man show. for Outstanding Performance, and a Drama WCT: Do you have a particular character He’s a little slower than everybody else men- The next one is not personal at all. League Award for Distinguished Performance that you like portraying now? tally. Leguizamo’s one-man show is Saturday, for this show. JL: The Pacino one comes out pretty well; WCT: I read you were in Madonna’s “Bor- Sept. 13, at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. We gave the talented performer a call before people go nuts over that. I didn’t know if I derline” video. State St., at 8 p.m. his triumphant return with a revamped version could do Pacino that well but I guess I got JL: I was many years ago, when I was but a Visit www.thechicagotheatre.com to re- of Ghetto Klown to the Windy City. better at it as time went on. young buck. I thought I was going to get some serve a ticket today. Windy City Times: Hi, John. I saw Ghetto WCT: Did you enjoy PBS doing a Tales From Klown when you first workshopped it in Chi- a Ghetto Klown, going behind the scenes? cago. JL: It was very cool. I didn’t know how I felt John Leguizamo: Yeah, yeah—at the Royal about it from the beginning. Of course, I was George, across the street from the Steppen- honored because it was PBS and the highlight SAME-SEX WEDDINGS wolf. Remember the snowstorm? People came of television but having a camera following you CIVIL UNIONS & WEDDINGS in snowmobiles and skis; we had a little bit of around during the process is not much fun. I AT THE KEITH HOUSE an audience even with that weather. was trying to be in the moment and really fig- AT THE KEITH HOUSE WCT: It was nice opportunity to see a work ure shit out. There was a camera there all the in progress. time. It was annoying. Not everyone is them- JL: I have always enjoyed Chicago. I have selves. Some people see the camera and start done almost all of my shows there. I did Freak acting for it. I was trying to get my work done and Spic-O-rama there. That was the first city and about to open on Broadway. People were out of New York that I ever went to. Audiences trying to be discovered or wanted to run away! are great there. It is a real theater town. It is WCT: Talk a bit about your new movies. You multiethnic and hip. It’s a good crowd for me. were just in Ride Along, which was a huge WCT: Do you ever get nervous with being success. alone onstage? JL: That was a blast. Kevin Hart and Ice Cube JL: Yeah. I guess I get nervous but as soon as are really nice dudes and very down to earth. the audience is laughing and on my side; then We had a lot of laughs on the set with Bryan I feel I can do anything. I can go bonkers and Callen and all of the talent that was there. It it is all going to be good. The more bonkers was a huge success and made my pocket very you go, the more they laugh. We feed off each happy. other. WCT: You play a food worker on the new WCT: You have done several one-man film Chef. shows over the years but is Ghetto Klown JL: That was a passion project of Jon Fa- Historic Event Space special to you? vreau. He wrote a beautiful tender script. We The Keith House is among Chicago’s oldest grand JL: Yes, this is the one that is nearest and studied hard and did a few more months in the houses, in the heart of the renowned Prairie Avenue dearest to my heart. I worked on it for a long kitchen of a cooking school. We did a month Historic District, 10 minutes from downtown Chicago. time. It took me a couple of years to tell my at at restaurant in New York then a couple of It resides next to the beautiful Chicago Women’s Park and life story and break that paradigm about the places in LA. We gave it all we had and it was psychological one-man show. fun. We went to Miami, LA, New Orleans and Gardens, which is perfect for pictures. This is about my whole life. It about how I Austin. I gained 20 pounds for that role! We can accommodate up to 90 people for cocktail style got into show business, getting arrested in the WCT: Are you a good cook? reception and 60 for a sit-down in a single room. Also available subway for commandeering it, my math teacher JL: I am better and improved. Cymbeline, my for corporate events, retreats and meetings. telling me I could be somebody, from Miami Shakespeare piece, just got into Venice so I am Vice, my first acting teacher to fighting with pretty proud of that. It is with Ethan Hawke, Steven Seagal in Executive Decision and get- Dakota Johnson and Ed Harris. It is great and ting advice from Pacino in Carlito’s Way, then a crazy cast. duking it out in full garb with Patrick Swayze. WCT: How was working with Ethan? WCT: What did you learn from playing Chi- JL: He’s a sweetheart and what a talent. He www.keithhousechicago.com Chi Rodriguez in Too Wong Foo, Thanks for blossomed into an incredibly gifted actor. He’s Everything! Julie Newmar? so brave and courageous. 1900 S. Prairie Avenue Phone: 312.907.7909 JL: Wow—women go through a lot of pain WCT: You have part five of Ice Age coming Chicago IL 60616-1321 [email protected] to look that hot! It was brutal. I was running out? seven miles every day to try to stay in shape JL: It won’t quit, man. It is the franchise 16 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES BOOKS and workplaces, this is a non-issue and was health care plan. Most people don’t view this added to contracts. But in some cases there as a life-or -death issue but, in reality, it is,” is significant workplace hostility,” said Frank. said Frank. Talking with queer labor But which bathroom to use just touches the Out in the Union chronicles the story of subject, she said, adding that the costs of queer U.S. labor and its significant impact on treatment and surgery need to be considered. the rights that affect the LGBT community. “There is an entire period of preparation that Frank has seen it as her solemn duty to make activist Miriam Frank includes therapy and medication and surgeries certain that we, as a community, do not forget By Joe Franco gamated Clothing and textile Workers Union. that should be covered by the trans employee’s that involvement. “It was this relationship that began my deeper Miriam Frank, a current professor at New York interest in LGBT involvement in labor,” added break at one (or more) music events around University has something to say about queer Frank. the country. After striking out at a desert American labor. So much so that she’s just In 1993, the Service Employees Interna- fest in Nevada, Sissy heads for Madison and finished a book about it entitled, Out in the tional Union (SEIU) Magazine decided to run a gig that turns out to be slanted more to- Union: A Labor History of Queer America. Frank a story on the rise of LGBT issues in the labor ward the business end of things than per- was born and raised in a blue collar household movement. However, SEIU soon found out that formance. Eventually, she ends up at the in Newark, New Jersey, and she credits her up- very little if anything had been written about Michigan Womyn’s Fest, where she describes bringing with her early education in labor and in charming detail much of the life at the unions. She spent the better part of her adult fest that has become a ritual for so many years in and around New York City, and got her lesbians every August. bachelor’s degree and doctorate from New York On her journey, Sissy meets many women, University with a concentration in German Lit- two of whom lead her to make significant erature. decisions about her life. Wanda is a fast- “It doesn’t seem the kind of degree a labor thinking lawyer with music producer con- person would have now does it?” asked Frank nections. Wanda has big plans for Sissy; she during her conversation with Windy City Times. wants to turn Sissy’s songs into commercial But while she was living in Detroit, she met jingles (not at all to the musician’s liking). some union organizers who needed documents The other woman we meet who makes a big translated that had originally been written by a dent in Sissy’s life is Ava Nesta, who con- colleague of Karl Marx. It was her involvement stantly presses Sissy to become part of her Detroit labor organizers in the late 1960s that world. began Frank’s deeper education and interest in All good things must end and so, as Michi- the history of the American labor movement. BOOK REVIEWS gan fades, Sissy must decide where to plant In 1982, Frank wrote The Life and Times herself. She knows she doesn’t want to go of Rosie the Riveter, a book chronicling the Miriam Frank. Photo by Jackie Skye Kim Starting from Here back to California. Enter Ava once again, migration of women from the home front to by Lisa Jenn Bigelow who persuades her to move to Chicago. the work front during the Second World War. LGBT labor interests and even less had been Amazon Publishing; 282 pages As the book ends, Sissy settles in to her Frank’s book also led to a critically acclaimed written about LGBT labor history. “This book, new life in the Windy City. One wonders documentary of the same name. “This led to a Out in the Union, told me I had to write it,” where her next adventure will take her. Let’s said Frank. In 1994, she was a master teacher Further Adventures hope she invites us to come along. Sissy at New York University and was able to get a is someone in whose journey you want to semester off to begin collecting oral histories of Sissy Van Dyke by Sissy Van Dyke: $8.98 share. from all over the country. She traveled to Bos- This is the follow-up novel to The Adven- ton, Washington, D.C., Detroit, San Francisco SVD Productions; 246 pages tures of Sissy Van Dyke, published in 2010. and Portland, collecting as much information by SALLY PARSONS on LGBT and queer labor culture. “I wasn’t able to make it to every locale. Two books about lesbians finding their way That’s why I called the book a labor history in the world, complete with road trips, lots not the labor history,” said Frank. “In the last of drama, and insights into growing up and 20 years, the discussion in labor has shifted to finding oneself.. LGBT interests. People are talking about these Starting from Here chronicles the adven- issues and really wanted to know about this tures of Colby, a 16-year-old lesbian, broken subject. I became dedicated to this book,” up over a girl who has dumped her for a boy. added Frank. Colby lives alone in a trailer park, as her The book opens with an anecdotal story of mom is dead and her dad is a long-distance a woman, left on her own, who lives her life truck driver who is seldom home. They stay as a man and becomes “a union man.” She in touch by regular phone calls and his infre- lives as a man and works as a man and even is quent short visits. elected a union steward. “The story leads to a Written for children 14 and older, Start- deeper discussion of gender identity and what ing from Here deals with the confusion sur- issues are important to a union because it is rounding teen angst (particularly lesbian important to the union’s membership.” Frank teen angst), making mistakes and learning does not beat around the bush when it comes from them, as well as dealing with severe to labor’s involvement in both the emergence loss, and discovering the dawn of a new love. of the domestic partnership and later marriage Colby hangs out with her best friend Van deeper interest in women and labor history and equality. “These were labor issues because they and her other classmates in a small com- eventually led me to coming out in a union were issues to the members of the unions. munity in rural Michigan. She takes in a job,” said Frank. Eventually Frank returned to There were LGBT members who needed these roommate—a stray dog she names Mo—to New York City in the 1980s and fell in with benefits. The union was interested in marriage fill the gap left by her father’s long road trip Desma Holcomb, a noted out LGBT organizer and the rights that flow from marriage because absences. Mo fills her heart and leads her to and negotiator with District 65 of the United we are everywhere,” said Frank. several new friends, including the vet who Sissy Van Dyke. Photo from Van Dyke Auto Workers and a researcher with the Amal- Frank said she sees the future of labor rights saves Mo’s life and a classmate who wants and civil rights being transgen- to write a feature on Colby and Mo for their der and gender-identity rights. high school paper. SUNDANCE • TRIBECA • BERLIN • LOS ANGELES “Trans individuals are no longer Written in a relaxed style, the author’s first FILM FESTIVALS Women’s Words waiting until they are 40 to iden- novel captures the heartbreak, humor, and tify themselves. This is a pres- hope of Colby’s world. Mo the dog is a defi- Film Festival on “A WISE AND LOVELY FILM.” ent, here-and-now issue. If we nite scene stealer. Likeable characters, with -A.O. Scott, THE NEW YORK TIMES plenty of insights for both adults and teens Sept. 15 are going to identify the move- Pride Films and Plays has announced seven to ponder. “HITS YOU LIKE ment as ‘LGBT’ we cannot forget short films and two episodes from tello films Further Adventures of Sissy Van Dyke is A SHOT IN THE HEART! about the ‘T’. This is not an ‘Oh. receiving their Chicago premieres during A TRIUMPH FOR LITHGOW AND MOLINA. Them.’ situation,” urged Frank. about the title character, a 25-year-old les- ACTING DOESN’T GET BETTER THAN THIS.” Pride Films and Plays Women’s Words Film bian free spirit chasing her dream to make it -Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE If the idea of transgender rights Festival at the Public House Theatre, 3914 N. JOHN LITHGOW ALFRED MOLINA AND MARISA TOMEI big-time with her singing and compositions, and labor rights seem incongru- Clark St., on Monday, Sept. 15. and filling her down time with lots of ca- ous, Frank said only one word— The screening will start at 7:30 p.m. and sual sex. As Sissy herself says, “It’s not just OVE IS TRANGE “bathroom”—and the entirety will be followed by a brief talkback with a L WRITTEN BY IRA SACHS & MAURICIOS ZACHARIAS of the argument made logical a name, it’s a lifestyle.” WWW.SONYCLASSICS.COM few of the filmmakers. The Pub Theater bar DIRECTED BY IRA SACHS We catch up with Sissy as she takes time sense. An individual who identi- will be open beginning at 6:30 p.m. NOW PLAYING fies as female, though born with off from work in a San Francisco music store, Chicago LANDMARK’S CENTURY CENTRE CINEMA Evanston CENTURY 12 EVANSTON / CINÉARTS 6 & XD Tickets are $10 and VIP passes are avail- (773) 509-4949 (800) FANDANGO #942 says good-bye to her parents and friends male genitalia needs the right able for $15; visit www.brownpapertickets. STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 to use the women’s bathroom and hits the road with a demo CD to catch a Highland Park LANDMARK’S RENAISSANCE PLACE CINEMA (847) 432-7903 com or call 800-838-3006. VIEW THE TRAILER AT WWW.LOVEISSTRANGETHEMOVIE.COM and vice versa. “In many plants

WINDY CITY TIMES WED 9/3 1/15 pg 3.125” x 2.75” LT ALL.LIS.0903.WCTemail WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 17 BUSINESS Gay Chicagoan launching ‘gender-liberated’ undergarments By Ross Forman

Kempe Scanlan is looking to turn his graduate- school thesis project into his profession. While at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Scanlan focused on making gender- liberated undergarments, inspired by the trans- gender community. The start-up company will be known as Kempe, a Viking name that means “champion” or “warrior.” The company name came from a focus group of mixed LGBT and cisgender in- dividuals who were considering name options. Someone asked about his name, and its mean- ing struck with the group. “When I get dressed in the morning, I put on my armor for the day—and people really Borris Powell (left) and Kyle Thomas. seemed to resonate with that idea. That be- Photography by Ronald Leon Hale came the new branding of our company,” said Scanlan, 32, who lives in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Scanlan has done extensive transgender re- Kempe Scanlan (right) discusses his buted this past March and will be available search, intrigued “by the way they morph their clothing. Photo courtesy of Scanlan Fashion is life for in September, was inspired from a trip he had body to match their mindset,” he said. Scan- taken to Dallas, where everyone was dressing lan studied already-existing products, which Borris J. Powell up no matter the time of day or where they he frowned upon and labeled as “really hyper He is a Duke University basketball fan and By Ross Forman were. “I fell in love with fashion all over,” sexualized,” especially since the transgender also cheers for Notre Dame football and bas- while in Dallas, he said. “It had been years community, though lumped in with three other ketball. After all, his late, basketball-playing About eight years ago, Borris J. Powell made since I’ve seen this sort of fashion moment. sexual-based communities (gay, lesbian and bi- great-grandfather, Raymond Scanlan, was a red silk skirt suit for his mom. It was the The last time was when I was in Italy where sexual), it is not. Notre Dame’s first All-American ever. first thing he ever designed and made. She everyone was dressed to the nines. So from “I started creating [garments], inspired by Scanlan is openly gay, single and came out still has it—but is forbidden to wear it, he this trip to Dallas, I designed a collection my own athletic endeavors, looking at sports- on Easter at age 23. said with a smile. that is meant to give us the FREEDOM to wear-like prosthetics,” he said. “We’ve seen a lot of stereotypes about what a “My mom was my first and main influence,” dress up again.” Scanlan was able to pitch the concept local- perfect body form is. Spanx is a great example Powell said. “She was a seamstress as I was Powell has been producing women’s wear ly, and it drew positive reviews. So, he’s spent of that. We also see so many people trying to growing up and [we] had an old sewing ma- for almost eight years, and he slowly added 2014 developing the prototype, “trying to per- perfect the hourglass [body form], and more,” chine. I wasn’t allowed to touch it, but I men’s into his collections in 2013 due to the fect something new and different, something Scanlan said. “With the transgender commu- would sneak and play around with it when “natural demand” of needing to expand his that focuses on helping people transition,” he nity, it’s not just about looks. There’s a huge she wasn’t home. I would always watch my brand. said. “What makes us different is, our product aspect of comfort, of finding the right body- mother get ready for church, [or] a night out “A very dear friend of mine begged me for is one that you can add to. So, it’s really a gar- mind connection.” with her girlfriends. I was hooked from the years to make him a suit. I finally caved and ment that you can transition with.” And it all starts with that first layer of cloth- beginning.” now he owns seven suits, one tuxedo, and Scanlan attended the 13th Philadelphia ing, Scanlan stressed. Spring forward to 2014, and Powell has five or six blazers,” Powell said. “The men’s Trans-Health Conference in mid-June, and nat- “We want to create a more empowering un- been a full-time fashion designer for almost line has grown so fast. I never thought this urally shared his concept. dergarment,” he said. four years. He is 39, lives in Chicago’s West would have happened, nor did I think I “The company has really shifted from being Loop and has called Chicago home, after be- would enjoy it so much. I love it. In one about from being just about the transition from ing raised in Alabama, for the past 18 years. year, it grew so much that I’m quickly focus- one gender to another, to having a healthier Controversial He is a successful, single gay businessman. ing on men’s ready-to-wear. I feel that the body image, having a healthier transformation ‘RuPaul’ performer “I didn’t choose fashion; it chose me,” market is ready for Borris Powell’s Men’s off in whatever capacity you want,” Scanlan said. Powell said. “Looking back at my childhood, the Rack.” The company is developing prototype gar- in Chicago Sept. 3 I was meant to do this. There were signs —Current fashion trend: For now, it’s men ments for cisgender, gay, lesbian, transgender The Illinois Humanities Council will present before I even knew that a fashion designer in bright colored pants, floral printed pants and other individuals. a conversation with controversial performer existed. I was always attracted to beauty.” and blazers. “Be bold, guys,” Powell advised. “We’re really most proud of the prosthetics Alaska Thunderfuck 5000, a runner up in the In 2011, Powell won the fashion-driven “While the guys are being bold in current that we’ve been prototyping for the Trans com- fifth season of Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race on Oscar Designer Challenge in Los Angeles, fashion, the women are being a bit more munity, and the Trans community is really the Wed., Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. at Empty Bottle, 1035 which was one year after showing in Lon- relaxed, but still chic. It’s a very effortless inspiration behind what is becoming a much N. Western Ave. don’s Fashion Week. “Needless to say, [after look, but still put together. I’m excited that larger entity right now,” he said. Alaska, aka Justin Andrew Honard, is team- winning] I was feeling that I could play in the comfy dressing is finally taking a back The first garments are expected to launch in ing with soul singer Jomama Jones and the Il- this crazy world of fashion, and make a dif- seat. Finally, it’s time to pay attention to October, with more later in the year. linois Humanities Council’s Angel Ysaguirre for ference. dressing up again.” The first garment will be geared for the trans- a conversation about drag, gender, and build- “[The award] changed my life and how —Fashion trend that is so … 2013: “Com- gender community, with interchangeable pad- ing a community through performance. This is people saw me. I met one of my favorite fy dressing, which I refer to as lazy dressing” ding, allowing them to transition with their the fourth installment of Now What? a five-part designers, talked with and met amazing ac- —Biggest fashion error you see nowadays: garment, he said. series about current issues. tors who I had always loved. It has opened “The continuous wearing of the old school Kempe initially will be sold online, and pos- Alaska made a video earlier this year in which so many amazing doors for me. I’ve dressed Ugg boots and active wear as a cute fashion sibly soon thereafter in select specialty stores Alaska portrayed RuPaul shooting a transgen- many amazing people, including fabulous statement” in Chicago and New York. der blogger in the head for her remarks against celebrities. I’ve had my garments pulled for —Best part of your job: “To wake up ev- Scanlan, who split his childhood in upstate the phrase “tranny” being used. The person in some Hollywood shows.” ery day doing what I love. Living within my New York and Charleston, South Carolina, was the video is widely believed to be transgender Most recently, he was named fashion direc- passion. And seeing someone wear one of a multi-sport competitor in high school, play- writer Parker Molloy. tor of SEX + LOVE, a project in conjunction my pieces and watching the change in their ing tennis and soccer, competing in track & “I listened closely to a lot of the responses with Kyle Thomas, and Powell said he is “su- step, or having a client text me that they field, and excelling on the rowing team. He to my controversial ‘Season 76’ video,” Alaska per excited” for it, though full details have were stopped on the streets about a piece then moved on to Skidmore College, where he told WCT’s Jerry Nunn. “In order to facilitate not been revealed yet. “We have the same of mine that they are wearing. That never played intramural sports and earned a degree togetherness and peace among the drag com- vision and drive, and this is so refreshing. I gets old.” in economics and a minor in sculpture. munity and the trans community I took the was honored and shocked all in one that he —Worst part of your job: “When someone After graduating, he got hooked on triath- video down. In response I posted a video asked me to be the [fashion director]. What wants luxury, custom items at a flea market lons—and has completed 10, most recently the named ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 77,’ in which we have planned for SEX + LOVE will blow price” Chicago Triathlon in 2013. He also plays flag a Dolly Parton-esque Alaska and the previously everyone’s mind. I will give you fashion like —Lipstick: He soon will be adding eye football and kickball in the Chicago Metropoli- murdered character Joy Less sing a happy song you’ve never seen before and he’s bringing shadow and lip-gloss to the mix. He has one tan Sports Association (CMSA), and admitted together in peace and harmony.” you laughter, romance, drama, and the desire lipstick that launched last March, called, he is more of a college sports fan than a pro Event details are at http://www.prairie.org/ to court again.” RedGarden, and it sold out in three weeks. sports fan. Scanlan also enjoys hiking, camp- events/28805/now-what-conversation-cre- Powell’s FREEDOM Collection, which de- Two new shades are expected in the fall. ing and surfing. ators-alaska-and-jomama-jones. 18 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES SPONSORED BY Brooke Lynn Hytes wins theDISH Miss Continental title a tempting-sounding starter—and they taste the chipotle mayo delivered to your table in a good, too. My complaint is that the filling is squeezable bottle for precise application. In so scant that the flavors of the pork belly and fact, the mayo is so good that just about every the kimchi are barely discernible through the menu item can benefit from a little squirt. crispy fried shell. If the egg rolls were a bit In addition to the nice selection of tacos and plumper with filling, they’d be a clear winner. bahn mi, there are also a few rice plates on the The “Korea” fries were my favorite appetizer. menu. For my money, I’d stick with the more taKOs KOreanos Thin, golden French fries are covered in slightly straightforward offerings. The rice plates come sweet braised short ribs, and then topped with with your choice of meat (Korean beef, spicy BY Meghan Streit grilled onions, scallions, cheddar cheese and chicken, spicy pork or braised pork belly). The sour cream. It’s a like a cross between nachos meat is piled onto a plateful of slightly sticky Andersonville’s Cosina was replaced a few and poutine, and every gooey bit is delicious. rice, tossed with some greens, and then baked weeks ago by taKOs KOreanos, which, as the The menu features a nice selection of tacos into an omelet. The notion of eggs for din- name implies, serves a fusion of Mexican and and bahn mi. The tacos all make an effort to ner always turns me off, and the bulgogi rice Korean cuisine. The resulting dishes taste as infuse the traditional Mexican snack with Ko- plate did nothing to reverse that opinion. The interesting as they sound. Think tacos filled rean flavor, while cilantro, jalapeno and sides combination of white rice and scrambled eggs with Korean-seasoned beef and guacamole of chips and guac lend some Mexican flair to resulted in an overall blandness that the nicely In an evening full of glitz, swimsuits, eve- spiked with tangy kimchi. the traditional Asian sandwiches. I really en- seasoned beef could not overcome. While I can ning wear, professionally choreographed The Foster Ave. restaurant is a casual spot, joyed the shrimp tacos. The plump shrimp are see how a dish like this would satisfy as com- talent segments and more, one of the but the design doesn’t feel like an after- fried to a crunchy golden exterior and drizzled fort food eaten in the cozy confines of your highlights of the Miss Continental contest thought. taKOs KOreanos is BYOB (at least for with honey chili sauce. I found the chicken mother’s kitchen, it simply didn’t translate for Sept. 1 at the Vic Theatre was a cheer- now), so you can have a fun and unique meal tacos less satisfying. The chicken was nicely me as an entrée at a restaurant. ing tribute to the late Tajma Hall, a well- for less than $20 per person. Bring cash be- seasoned, but the texture was too dry, wors- taKOs KOreanos is at 1706 W. Foster Ave.; known Chicago-based entertainer and MC. cause plastic isn’t accepted. ened by the fact that the taco features little call 773-654-1220. The winner of Miss Continental 2014 was The Mexican and Korean flavors are combined other than a flour tortilla and chicken. Some do you need some more Sugar & Spice Brooke Lynn Hytes, All-Star Continental. in clever ways, succeeding roundly in some in- cheese and veggies may have gone a long way in your life? Follow me on Twitter: @ First runner-up was Joan Jullian, Europe- stances and ending up more bizarre than bril- in adding some moisture to the taco. Which- SugarAndSpiceMS—for inside scoop and an Continental, and second runner-up was liant in others. The pork belly mini egg rolls are ever taco you order, you’ll want to dress it with commentary on Chicago’s dining scene. Queen Bee Ho, Royal Continental. Created by Jim Flint, owner of the Ba- ton Show Lounge, Miss Continental, and its sister pageants Miss Continental Plus, Elite, Mr. Continental and more, have been CLASSIFIEDS held for decades in the Windy City. They feature some of the tops in performers ADVERTISE HERE LEGAL SERVICES WEDDING SERVICES from around the U.S., and even outside ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your product, the country. The Law Office of service, etc. to thousands of readers? Place an The Oscar Swan As their website states: ‘Through the ad in the Windy City Times! We offer affordable Alexander Weaver years the Continental Pageantry Systems rates, convenient service, and as a bonus, your Country Inn have become famous for their success in ad runs in our online section for free. To place 312-588-5005 producing the most elite and competitive an ad, contact Terri at 773-871-7610 ex 101, email: [email protected] [email protected], or go to our pageants around the globe with the best website http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/ A Full Service of the best in the art of female imperson- placeaclassified.php. Law Firm ation competing for the coveted titles.” For more details on the Continental Pag- for the Community eantry Systems, see http://www.thebaton- CLEANING SERVICES since 1988 CHESTNUT CLEANING SERVICES: We’re a house clean- showlounge.com/continental.html . ing service for homes, small businesses and small 410 S. Michigan Ave., An 18th century estate, on 8 buildings. We also have fabulous organizational skills Suite 628, Chicago acres available for weddings, Above: Miss Continental 2014 Brooke (a separate function at a separate cost that utilizes private parties, retreats, family Lynn Hytes (center) with The Baton’s your assistance) for what hasn’t been cleaned in many reunions and overnight stays. Dan Neniskis (left) and Jim Flint months or years due to long-term illness, depression, MASSAGE Cellebrate lliife’’s speciiall occasiions (right). Photos by Hal Baim. See physical/mental challenges, for the elderly, if you FIRST-CLASS ASIAN MALE MASSEUR. London-trained at the Oscar Swan Country Inn many more photos online at www. have downsized and more. Depressed about going and qualified. Over 25 years of worldwide experience windycitymediagroup.com and in the home to chaos? We can organize your chaos, straight- and 100% attuned to your needs. Satisfaction assured. 630.232.0173 next issue of Nightspots. en out your chaos, help you make sense of your chaos Please call Dennis at 773-248-9407 (12/3/14-26) www.oscarswan.com and finally clean what is no longer chaos. Can we help Geneva, IL you? Bonded and insured. Chestnut Cleaning Ser- SPIRITUALITY vice: 312-332-5575. www.ChestnutCleaning.com (11/20/14-52)

HOME IMPROVEMENT Weddings and Ceremonies for Couples MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK FABULOUS! Winter is a great You Are Loved, Marguerite H. Griffin / Life Cycle CelebrantTM time to fix up your home. Add crown molding, a fresh You Are Welcome, Meaningful Moments / 773-919-1333 coat of paint, or a facelift for you bathroom. “A+” You Are Celebrated! www.meaningfulmarguerite.com with BBB. Licensed-Bonded-Insured, One year War- ranty. Free Estimates! Andy OnCall 773-244-9961. 847-328-3100 www.getandy.com (9/10/14-26) GAY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 35 YEARS - Chicago Coalition of carpet, tile, wood flooring, window treatments, gran- Welcoming Churches WINDOW TREATMENTS ite/stone countertops, complete remodeling services, WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE WINDOWS?: custom backsplash and shower tile designs - free 60+ ministries celebrating Call me! I take care of it all from design through REAL ESTATE estimates and design consultation - see our ad in LGBTQ lives installation, customizing to your needs. JOSEPH RICE ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your product, ser- “Connexions” - serving all of Chicago and Suburbs - www.chicagowelcomingchurches.org Interiors, Inc. Full Decorating Services with a specialty vice, etc. to thousands of readers? Place an ad in the HOM, 847-541-4848, www.hombyrayandson.com, in window treatments for over 25 years. 773-271- Windy City Times! We offer affordable rates, conve- [email protected] (2/11/15-am) Park View 2361. www.JosephRiceInteriors.com (9/10/14-13) nient service, and as a bonus, your ad runs in our Lutheran GAY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 35 YEARS - online section for free. To place an ad, contact Terri LEGAL SERVICES Church and certified Hunter Douglas© priority dealer, custom at 773-871-7610 ex 101, terri@windycitymediagroup. PATHWAYS IMMIGRATION LAW LLP. Amy Stern & Bren- window treatments, free estimates and design com, or go to our website http://www.windycityme- da Treml, Attorneys & Co-founders. Amy and Brenda School consultation - see our ad in “Connexions” - serving all diagroup.com/placeaclassified.php. are former officers for USCIS (formerly INS) with over 3919 N. Monticello of Chicago and Suburbs - HOM, 847-541-4848, www. 20 years combined experience in immigration law. hombyrayandson.com, [email protected] APARTMENTS FOR RENT - ONE Their mission is to be the strongest advocates to gain Church services Sun. 9:00am (2/11/15-am) BEDROOM the best possible results for your immigration case. School serves Pre K-3 to 8th UNIQUE ARCHITECT-DESIGNED LAKEVIEW DUPLEX They are also committed to relieving the stress sur- Grade with Extended Care Sunny one-bedroom, 1.5 baths, washer/dryer, central rounding the immigration process by communicat- air, glass bridge, skylight. Owner-occupied. Near trans- ing openly, honestly, respectfully, and compassion- ParkViewLutheran.org portation, restaurants, Music Box Theater. $1350.00 ately. www.pathwaysimmigrationlaw.com / info@ 773-267-0072 per month, plus gas and electric. No pets, no smoking. pathwaysimmigrationlaw.com / (312)-626-1880 773-485-1956 [email protected] (9/3/14- (11/26/14-13) 1) WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 19 said. “The Gay Games has been my passion ever since I joined the Chicago [organizing] team FGG co-president talks about Gay in 2001. I enjoy what I’m doing, and there certainly are some things that I want to get done.” Games past, present and future This personal to-do list includes expand- ing the number of women associated with the By Ross Forman “I think we really need to look at the model get that done,” he said. Games, both as FGG board members and also as of being [held in] a smaller city and have a big The 2018 Games in Paris likely will draw par- Gay Games participants. Despite significantly fewer participants than impact,” he said. ticipant totals much closer to Chicago and Co- Dahl said a final financial report on Cleve- either of the past two Gay Games, the recently- Dahl said representatives of several world- logne than Cleveland. Tennis will, no doubt, land has not been submitted yet, “but I be- completely Gay Games 9 in Cleveland was the wide cities approached him in Cleveland, stat- draw worldwide participants in 2018 simply be- lieve [the local organizing committee] is going best of the past three, said a co-president of cause of the venue. Tennis at the 2018 Games to be fine [financially]. They either will be at the Federation of Gay Games (FGG). will be held at Le Stade Roland Garros (“Ro- the break-even point, where they expected [to Kurt Dahl, the FGG male co-president and a land Garros Stadium”), the same venue that be], or they will show some small profit,” Dahl Chicago-area resident, ranked the Cleveland annually hosts the French Open, a Grand Slam said. “They were very tight. As they saw the event, which culminated its eight-day run on championship tournament played annually in registration numbers were not coming in as Aug. 10, ahead of the Games held in Chicago May or June. expected, they adjusted their expenses accord- (in 2006) and Cologne, Germany (2010)—in The Paris 2018 delegation, and all French ingly, consolidating venues if need be, and just that order. participants, “got treated like rock stars” in doing whatever need be in order to manage the Dahl, who hesitated for about 10 seconds Cleveland, Dahl said. “The buzz is there, al- expenses.” before offering his ranking of the past three ready, for Paris in 2018.” Any funds that fall into the profit category Games, said Cleveland had the biggest impact Registration for Paris 2018 will open in 2016. will be split between FGG and a local LGBT en- of the three locally. Dahl, who is married to Jeff Clark, was re- dowment in Cleveland to honor GG9, though Dahl said the daily mainstream media cov- elected for two more years (into 2016) as FGG specific details have not been announced. erage in Cleveland was much more expansive male co-president, it was announced in Cleve- “The overall event [in Cleveland] was terrif- than in 2006 or 2010—in both print and elec- land. He was first appointed as co-president ic,” Dahl said. “The city of Cleveland and North- tronic media. in 2009. Dahl did not participate in any sport east Ohio overall were great, so welcoming, so Gay Games 9 “was the news for the day,” in in Cleveland, but is planning to swim in Paris. electric. It was amazing, so great. Northeast Cleveland, he said. “There was an impact on the Joanie Evans of London is the female co-pres- Ohio was so open, so welcoming. People were city of Chicago and with the [local mainstream] ident. literally thanking us for coming to the area, media, but not like it was in Cleveland. And “I’m excited,” about being re-elected, Dahl just being there. That was amazing.” that’s what we wanted—to make an impact.” Dahl also praised the venues in Cleveland in comparison to Chicago and Cologne, mostly be- cago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) Foun- cause university facilities were used, such as AIDS Run & Walk dation—returns for its 20th anniversary Cleveland State and the University of Akron. has 31 Community- Thursday, Sept 4, at 6:30 p.m. It appears that a new model for the Games Attracting nearly 5,000 participants (in- was delivered in Cleveland, which attracted Direct partners cluding support from many of the city’s top only about 5,000 participants—as opposed to The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has law firms), the after-work run/walk takes close to 12,000 in Chicago and 10,000 in Co- announced the 31 community organizations place at Roosevelt and Columbus in Grant logne. Cleveland certainly does not have the that will raise funds through this year’s AIDS Park. ‘star appeal’ as a destination city that Chicago Run & Walk Chicago event on Sunday, Sept. Registration is $39; visit www.cvls.org/ju- or Cologne carry, or Paris for the 2018 Games, 14, at Arvey Field in Grant Park. dicata. so some potential participants opted out of This annual event, produced by AFC and these Games for that reason. But the locals Special Events Management, will raise money seemed to embrace the Games more, Dahl said. Kurt Dahl. Photo courtesy of Dahl and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS King, Elton hosting Both of the other two finalists to have hosted for both AFC and its CommunityDirect part- tennis tournament the 2014 Games, Boston and Washington D.C., ners. Billie Jean King and Elton John will host a ing their initial interest in hosting the 2022 likely would have drawn participant totals on The CommunityDirect partners serv- tennis match at Royal Albert Hall in London, Games. He did not name those cities, but par with Chicago and Cologne. ing the South Side are Black Methodists ESPN.com reported. said that representatives about 10 cities have “The participant level [for Cleveland] was for Church Renewal, Greater Full Gospel The longtime friends will coach teams that chimed in already that they are potentially in- short of what we were expecting, but it wasn’t Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, feature former top-ranked Kim Clijsters and terested in hosting in 2022. totally unexpected. Some people, especially Michael Reese Research & Education Foun- John McEnroe as well as Britain’s Tim Hen- An announcement for the host of the 2022 if they have never been to Cleveland had a dation, South Suburban HIV/AIDS Regional man and 2013 Wimbledon runner-up Sabine Gay Games is still years away. [wrong] perception of the city and the North- Clinics (SSHARC) and University of Chicago Lisicki. east Ohio region. That was unfortunate,” Dahl Dahl said no city would be excluded from (Care2Prevent). said. “But for those who came to Cleveland, I’m bidding on the 2022 Games, including a U.S. Those serving the North are Asian Human sure they’re telling everyone, ‘You should have city. Dahl noted that the Games have not been Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House, in the Southern Hemisphere since the 2002 come; you missed a great time.’” Fred Says, Howard Brown Health Center and Games in Sydney, Australia. Plus, the Games Another major factor impacting participation Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN). in Cleveland is the abundance of other promi- have never been held in South America. “That CommunityDirect partners on the West Side nent sport-specific gay sports tournaments, as doesn’t mean that’s where we’d want to go, re- include the Austin CBC Initiative, CALOR, The well as multi-sport festivals, such as the an- gardless of what the bid is,” he said. Children’s Place, New Age Services, and Puer- nual Sin City Shootout in Las Vegas, which will Dahl said the “possibility exists” that the to Rican Cultural Center (VIDA/Sida). hold its eighth-annual event in January and is 2022 event is a mixed Gay Games-World Out- Organizations that provide citywide ser- expecting more than 7,500 participants for its Games venture, despite the failed attempt to vices are AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, 18 sports. merge the two multi-sport events for 2018. Alexian Brothers Alliance for Housing & Flag football calls its annual national cham- Dahl confirmed that FGG and the Gay and Les- pionship the Gay Bowl—and the city of Phila- bian International Sports Association (GLISA), Health, Catholic Charities of the Archdio- delphia will play host to Gay Bowl XIV in early which runs the quadrennial World OutGames, cese of Chicago, Chicago Recovery Alliance October, with 40 teams expected to play—28 have resumed talks to merge the events into (CRA), FCAN, Heartland Health Outreach, Il- men and 12 women. For flag football in Cleve- one. There were meetings between FGG and linois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), land, there were only three teams. GLISA personnel in Cleveland. The Night Ministry, PACPI, Ruth M. Rothstein Participation also lagged in Cleveland for ice In fact, after the Cleveland Games, a survey CORE Center and Season of Concern. hockey, in which the Chicago Gay Hockey As- was sent to all associated members of FGG Lastly, those organizations that serve peo- sociation (CGHA) captured gold—but the CGHA and GLISA, seeking input on what a merged, ple outside of Chicago are Agape Missions was one of only two teams in its division. multi-sport event would look like, include, etc. (NFP), Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic “The Federation is definitely looking at how,” The survey will eventually be open for all LGBT and Youth Outlook. to incorporate sport-specific championships sports participants. Event registration is $30 in advance for 5K into the Games, or space them apart enough so Dahl said he is “very hopeful” the 2022 event walkers and $40 for 5K or 10K runners. To participants can attend both, Dahl said. How- will be a merged Gay Games-World OutGames register as an individual or as a team, find ever, a factor that needs to be addressed, Dahl event, “but there is a lot of work that needs course routes and more, visit aidsrunwalk. Billie Jean King. said, is that sport-specific events limit who can to be done.” org or call 312-334-0946. Online registration participate, perhaps a local league champion “We’ve heard it from constituents that they ends Sept. 3. want one event. We on the Federation side only, which clashes with the FGG motto of ‘par- King’s World Team Tennis Smash Hits event want [one event]. GLISA also wants it. But it’s ticipation, inclusion and personal best.’ will be held Dec. 7, and will benefit the El- got to work well for everybody, especially the ‘Race Judicata’ Dahl confirmed that smaller markets, such as ton John AIDS Foundation. John has said participants and whoever that host city it,” Cleveland as opposed to Chicago, and the po- the aim is “an AIDS-free future” and “access Dahl said. Sept. 4 tential for a prominent impact locally that the Race Judicata—the popular weeknight 5K to lifesaving treatment to more people living Dahl, 53, said merging the Gay Games and Games will have, will definitely affect decisions run-and-walk that raises money for the Chi- with HIV in Africa.” for locations of the 2022 Games and beyond. the World OutGames is “one of my goals—to 20 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

6:00pm Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Sunday, Sept. 7 Washington St. Chicago http://www. Houston Mayor Annise Parker Annual Vic- ADayWithHIV.com tory Fund Chicago Champagne Brunch will Stand Up To Cancer telecast viewing party feature Parker and other special guests: CALENDAR Star-studded telecast to build awareness Debra Shore, Commissioner of the Met- and raise funds for the fight against can- ropolitan Water Reclamation District and cer. Watching the show from your own Chair of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Insti- Brought to you by the home or attending a local viewing party tute; Chuck Wolfe, President and CEO of combined efforts of makes you part of a national event. Li- the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and In- bations and bites. 21+ 6:00pm - 8:00pm stitute; and Zach Wahls, author, advocate, Parliament, 324 W. Chicago http:// black transgender womanwho participated entrepreneur. 11:30am - 2:30am Radis- Wed., Sept. 3 community.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_ son Blu Aqua Hotel, 221 N. Columbus Dr., Trans Youth Resources and Advocacy in the 1971 Attica State prison uprising. id=63321&pg=entry One of several free events today, reser- Chicago https://www.victoryfund.org/ Youth Drop-In Center Every Wednesday, Rachel Dewoskin, author Blind When get-involved/events/victory-fund-chica- safe, confidential place for transgender vations encouraged. 7:00pm - 9:00pm Emma Sasha Silver loses her eyesight in Jane Addams Hull House Museum 800 CHO BUSINESS go-champagne-brunch people between the ages of 14 to 24. Meet a nightmare accident, she must relearn Family of Women Book Group Eight Girls other youth who also identify as transgen- S. Halsted St. Chicago Tickets: https:// everything from walking across the street www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-jane-ad- Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto 2:00pm der, or are questioning their gender iden- to recognizing her own sisters to imagin- Women & Children First Bookstore 5233 tity. Free food, snacks and refreshments, dams-birthday-conversation-the-ebb-and- ing colors. 7:30pm Women & Children Saturday, Sept. 6 flow-of-resistance-with-miss-major-tick- N Clark St., http://www.womenandchil- music, peer support, adult supervision, re- First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Chicago Margaret Cho will be at the drenfirst.com ferrals and education. 5:00pm - 7:00pm ets-12803659089 http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com American Veterans for Equal Rights North Shore Center for the Broadway Youth Center, 615 W Wellington Bible Bingo & Late Nite Catechism Bible Monday, Sept. 8 Ave., http://www.genderadvocates.org/ monthly meeting All veterans and those Bingo is a comedy about the Catholic cul- Performing Arts in Skokie. interested in veteran issues and activities AUTHOR PANEL / The Places We’ve Been: Tyra/TYRADropIn.html ture of fundraising and bingo, featuring Photo from Lifetime are welcome. 7:00pm Center on Halsted Field Reports from Travelers Under 35 Now What? Alaska Thunderf*#K and Jo- the character, Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, Join MARVEL comics editor and “Geeks mama Jones, Salonathon, BAATHHAUS 3656 N Halsted Chicago 773-472-6469 a former nun who now heads a fictitious http://www.averchicago.com Out” LGBT in Comics presenter Daniel Justin Honard and Daniel Alexander Jones archdiocese fundraising department. Ketchum, National Endowment for the (Alaska Thunderfuck and Jomama Jones) Nepantla: A Journal Dedicated to Queer Now in its 21st year in Chicago. 8:00pm Poets of Color Poets Duriel E. Harris, Arts 2014 Literature Fellow Kim Coleman join the Illinois Humanities Council’s Royal George Theatre 1641 N Halsted Foote, BBC journalist and “Love in the Angel Ysaguirre for a lively conversation Ching-In Chen, Ruben Quesada, and Fran- St Chicago 312-988-9000 http://www. W. Roscoe. There will also be arts & crafts Time of Crisis” filmmaker Theopi Skarlatos, about drag, performance, femininity and cisco Aragon will help celebrate this new latenitecatechism.info. Tickets: http:// and a kids’ area with inflatables and more. and several more, for a panel discussion. sexuality. Salonathon* Presents drag and literary magazine whose mission is to A.r.t. Francisco Avina One-man dance and 11:00am - 10:00pm 2000 block of West 6:00pm - 8:00pm Chicago Cultural Center drag-inspired performances immediately nurture, celebrate, and preserve diver- theater performance called ART, which Roscoe at Damen), Roscoe Village, Chi- 78 E. Washington St. Chicago http://the- following the discussion. Queer art quad sity within the queer poetry community. stands for antiretroviral therapy, ad- cago 773-868-3010 http://www.chica- places35.com/collaborate/author-panel- BAATHHAUS closes with music, dance and Nepantla is a new poetry e-journal being dresses the artist’s time since being diag- goevents.com september-8-2014/ aart. Performers: DARLING SHEAR JUDY curated by Christopher Soto in collabora- nosed positive for HIV (also Sept. 6), $18 Fitness training Chicago Gay Hockey As- (of JOYCE & JUDY) KIM CHI LUCY STOOLE tion with The Lambda Literary Foundation. 8:00pm - 9:30pm 8 Mana Contemporary, sociation off-ice workout training classes Tuesday, Sept. 9 MISTER JUNIOR PRECIOUS DAVIS TRAN- 7:00pm Poetry Foundation, 61 West Su- 2233 S. Throop St., Tickets: http://high- every Saturday each week. Free to mem- Bi discussion group Every other Tuesday, NIKA REX And queer art quad BAATHHAUS perior St., Chicago http://www.poetry- concept-laboratories.ticketleap.com/ bers. $5 for non-members 1:00pm Ur- chat about upcoming bisexual events, closes out the night with an unforget- foundation.org/programs/event/3601 Or Chadash Shabbat Service with the Chi- ban Athlete, 4437 N. Ravenswood Ave., concerns, and answer each other’s ques- table explosion of music, dance and aart. Sex-Positive Variety Show Menage-A-Hah cagoland synagogue serving LGBT Jews, Chicago http://chicagogayhockey.org/ tions about the community. Soft drinks, 7:00pm The Empty Bottle 1035 N West- Collaborative effort of comedian Mary Zee, their families, friends and loved ones. calendar/ water are provided by the Center, or bring ern Ave., Tickets: https://go.prairie.org/ filmmaker David Wolff, and sex-positive Membership is open to everyone. 8:00pm Something Something New Vagina Rebec- anything else you’d like to share, wheth- sslpage.aspx?pid=496 podcast host Eric Barry. Sex, kink, and Congregation Or Chadash at Emanuel Con- LGBT friendly performances in a show ca Kling, transgender artist and educator, er it’s snacks or a good book! 7:00pm gregation 5959 N Sheridan Rd Chicago solo performance about loving one’s self - 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N where those with non-conformist sexual Thursday, Sept. 4 http://OrChadash.org and one’s body. It’s also about a vagina: Halsted Chicago http://www.centeron- Jane Addams Birthday Wikipedia Queer/ identities share their stories in a safe and Kling’s fancy new vagina. Part of the Chi- halsted.org Trans Edit-a-thon When Hull-House re- supportive space. 8:00pm Hamburger Saturday, Sept. 6 cago Fringe Festival. 7:00pm Jefferson alized that today’s speaker had no Wiki Mary’s 5400 N Clark Chicago http://www. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Park Tickets: http://www.chicagofringe. Wed., Sept. 10 entry, they knew the popular online en- hamburgermarys.com Chicago-area GLBT Chapter Specifically org/ Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams Toast our cyclopedia needed to be queered up. founded to meet the needs of the Chica- Margaret Cho Strong supporter of LGBT first 25 years, benefit Chicago House. Bring laptops, power cords, and ideas Friday, Sept. 5 go-area GLBT community with mood dis- rights, comedian, actress, author, fash- Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, Mexico City’s for entries that need updating. Pizza Collateral Damage: The Human Faces of orders or other significant psychological ion designer and singer-songwriter who DJs Tom and Collins. RSVP rsvpchica- available. Free but reservations needed. War Vincent Cianni, gay New York-based conditions, as well as their friends, part- critiques social and political issues, es- [email protected] 6:00pm - 9:00pm 12:00pm - 4:00pm Jane Addams Hull documentary photographer captures the ners, and family members. Free. No RSVP pecially issues on race and sexuality. Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, 1555 House Museum 800 S. Halsted St. Chi- struggles of gay members of the military. needed. 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on 8:00pm North Shore Center for the Per- N. Halsted St., Chicago 312-397-3135 cago Tickets: https://www.eventbrite. Through Sept. 24. 10:00am Safety-Kleen Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago http:// forming Arts 9501 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL Tickets: http://www.chicagohouse.org/ com/e/wikipedia-queertrans-edit-a-thon- Gallery One, Building H Arts Center, 1700 www.dbsa-glbt-chicago.com/ 60077 http://www.northshorecenter.org/ wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MGBW_ with-jane-addams-birthday-honoree-miss- Spartan Dr., Elgin Community College Shock Top Oyster Fest in Roscoe Village A Day with HIV TPAN, Positively Aware and ai1ec_event/margaret-cho/?instance_id Chicago_FormalInvite_25thAnniversa major-tickets-12803472531 Tunes… brews… and mollusks. Music acts ry_9-10-14-2.jpg Jane Addams Birthday “The Ebb and Flow the Centers for Disease Control present a include Gaelic Storm, The Giving Tree Band of Resistance” Transgender and prison community exhibit and reception. Light and 16 Candles. Raw oysters will again be rights activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a refreshments will be served. 4:00pm - sold by the Village Tap Bar & Grill, 2055

co-host, Taylor, indicated that this ceremony Three couples was personally meaningful to her because her brother is gay. tie the knot “It’s great to see these ladies here with their family and friends and know that they’re sup- in festive fashion ported by the radio station and Carnivale, who want to let everyone know that we support by Jonathan Jones same-sex marriage,” she said. Along with Moreno and Rodriguez, the two Diana Moreno heard about the 103.5 KISS-FM’s other couples who were married were Deanna wedding sweepstakes one morning and told her Gebbia and Jennifer Grove, and Yessenia Cas- partner, Emma Rodriguez, that they should en- tellano and Genesis Matthiesen. The couples ter. The sweepstakes invited couples to submit are all from the Chicago area. their love stories and explain they should re- Gebbia and Grove were engaged in 2010, ceive a free wedding. and Grove’s 9-year-old daughter acted as their Moreno and Rodriguez submitted their 100- flower girl. In her vows, Grove thanked her word story and a photo of them with their two partner for accepting her daughter as her own. dogs, a Yorkie and a pit bull. Then, last Satur- “With Chicago being one of the biggest gay and day, August 16, they and two other same-sex lesbian communities in the country, it’s about couples tied the knot amid vibrant décor and time that we are able to get married here in two-hundred guests at Carnivale, a Latin fusion Illinois,” Grove said. restaurant in the West Loop. KISS FM’s morning Castellano and Matthiesen have been to- host, Christopher “Fred” Frederick, presided. gether for 11 years and couldn’t believe they It all started when Frederick told his co-host, were finally going to be married. “We met our Angi Taylor, that he wanted to be the first radio sophomore year of high school in 2003 and are personality to marry a same-sex couple after basically high school sweethearts.” Matthiesen marriage equality became law in Illinois June said. 1. Carnivale banquet hall. Photo by Alexandra Luber The couples’ 200 guests busily snapped pho- “Really, it began as a celebration of union tos as each woman processed down the steps and love, and we asked all couples to submit to meet her partner at the front of the banquet been a part of this historic time in a celebra- couldn’t have come at a better moment. “Words entries, including same-sex couples, and it just hall festively lit by hot pink and chartreuse tory way,” Jim Jablonski, Carnivale’s general really can’t describe how I feel. Just so grate- happened that the people who won were all lanterns hanging from the ceiling. manager, told Windy City Times. ful, humbled, and blessed,” Moreno said. women-women couples,” Frederick said. “We have always been a supporter of the For Moreno and Rodriguez, who are in the More photos are available at www.Windy- Before the weddings took place, Frederick’s LGBT community and we’re thrilled to have process of closing on a house, the sweepstakes CityMediaGroup.com. WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 21

BILLY MASTERS QUITE POSSIBLY A MASTERPIECE.

we can expect to see more of her on 2 Broke Girls. Niecy Nash said she’ll be on The Mindy Project this season, playing a lesbian from Bos- ton. Kaley Cuoco introduced me to her hunky hubby Ryan Sweeting, and explained that she put his bowtie around her neck while he had her shoes around his. They’re a kooky couple! As far as I’m concerned, Jessica Lange is in a class of her own. Standing next to Kathy Bates, you never forget that Lange is a movie star. I’ve never met her before, but I really wanted a photo with her. I swooped in, sat down next to her (I do things like that) and called her “Miss Lange.” (I usually don’t do things like that.) She turned in my direction and out of the corner of her eye, saw my friend holding a camera. She immediately put her hand up in front of her face. I quickly allayed her fears by saying that I would never take a photo without asking her permission. She relaxed and we had a nice long chat. At one point she had her hand on my knee, so I felt emboldened enough to say, “Now that we’re so close, would you mind taking a photo?” She said, “Dear, I’m sorry—I don’t do that.” Do what? Show up on film? She was nice about it and I didn’t press the point, but really? I kinda hoped my friend would snap the photo anyway but, alas, all I have is the memory. This was a big week over at ABC News as Di- Ketel One Krush ane Sawyer stepped down (or, depending on who you ask, was nudged). While watching Di- ane sign off for the last time, I had one over- whelming thought—that’s a lot of mascara! The anchor is now our own David Muir. Here’s Only in Chicago. Only at Sidetrack. a minor little tidbit about Muir. The last time I referred to him as “our own David Muir,” one of Billy got to meet Jessica Lange—but didn’t SIDETRACK • 3349 N. HALSTED • CHICAGO, USA my papers called ABC News to get confirmation get to film her. Photo courtesy of FX that he was gay—something I was sure no one SidetrackChicago.com “Usually they’re very, very fit. They’re usu- would confirm. The PR person simply said, “Da- ally very ‘GQ’ looking. They’re very poised. Not vid doesn’t talk about his personal life.” to generalize, but that’s my viewpoint.”—Vicki It’s just been announced that Reed Kelly Gunvalson of Real Housewives of Orange Coun- and Josh Canfield will be appearing on the Hidden Expressions ty explains what she means by someone “look- upcoming season of Survivor. You may remem- ing gay.” I can live with that. ber Reed’s name—he’s one of the most gor- release party with This week, Joan Rivers’ health crisis weighs geous performers on Broadway and has previ- heavily on my mind. At the time of this writ- ously been linked with Clay Aiken. He also has Monica Jones ing, all we know is that the morning after a the distinction of being one of the top (so to A release party for the Transformative Jus- show in Manhattan, Auntie Joan was having a speak) fundraisers for “Broadway Bares”—and tice Law Project’s (TJLP) Hidden Expressions minor procedure on her vocal chords and went you’ll see why on BillyMasters.com. Canfield is Volume 2 will take place Saturday, Sept. 6, into cardiac arrest. She stopped breathing, the his current boyfriend and is also a performer 6-9 p.m., at Jane Addams Hull-House Mu- paramedics resuscitated her and she was taken (and ain’t so bad on the eyes). Much is being seum, 800 S. Halsted St. to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was placed made of the fact that they are also both Chris- Hidden Expressions is a zine with stories, in a medically induced coma and listed in tians—but I’m not sure why that’s relevant. artwork, erotica, how-to guides, survival critical condition. Since then, she has report- Perhaps those of you who watch the show will tips and poetry created by and for incarcer- edly been on life support. Not good news for be able to fill me in. ated transgender and gender nonconforming an 81-year-old woman. At 81, stubbing your Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Marcus people. toe can be fatal! It’s hard for me to imagine a in New York: “Is anyone really making money A release stated, “The goal of this publica- with the ALS ice bucket challenge? And which tion is to combat the isolation and silence 1938 lithograph “Trouble in Frisco” by world without Joan Rivers—the person prob- Fletcher Martin. Image courtesy of DPAM- ably most responsible for my development as a have been your favorite videos? [There have] that the prison-industrial complex inflicts been lots of hot ones.” by connecting incarcerated trans and gender Collection of Belverd Needles Jr. and comedian and writer. My prayers are with Joan Marian Powers Needles and her family. According to the ALS Association, more than non-conforming people with each other, as As for this year’s Emmys, I loved them. Seth $94 million has been raised by the ice-bucket well as with their friends, family, allies, and hibition opening Sept. 11 at the DePaul Art Meyers was a terrific host and kept things mov- phenomenon. If that’s true, it’s remarkable, but the larger Prison Abolition movement, both Museum, 935 W. Fullerton Ave. ing. My favorite part was his pre-taped bit with I will save my applause until I get a look at inside and outside of prisons and jails.” The 56 prints in the exhibition were pro- Billy Eichner. Sofia Vergara was a great sport their books. As to my favorite videos, I think Monica Jones, an LGBT and sex-worker- duced during the Great Depression, when the showing off her curves to perk up a lull, while Patti LuPone’s is right up there—she’s so dead- rights activist, will be featured. In May federal government was providing financial Julia Louis-Dreyfus never disappoints ... ever. pan, it’s hysterical. And seeing Ethel Kennedy 2013, Monica was wrongfully arrested and support to a wide range of artistic projects, As for the winners, well, what can one say? It and the rest of her kin dumping ice on their then convicted in April 2014 of “manifesting from fiction to fine art, through the Works was somewhat of a yawn-fest. While it didn’t heads was kinda amazing—especially since prostitution.” With the help of the ACLU and Progress Administration-Federal Arts Project win many awards, kudos to The Normal Heart Ethel has enormous difficulty raising the buck- SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) Phoe- (WPA-FAP). for snagging Outstanding Television Movie— et over her head. In terms of hot, I think Henry nix, Jones is appealing the conviction. On Sept. 11, a lecture on how prints were and to Ryan Murphy for what was a wonderful Cavill’s as Superman was quite exceptional. The first volume of Hidden Expressions is viewed by audiences in the 1930s will be acceptance speech. John Barrowman’s was good, too—more for his available for free download at www.tjlp.org. presented by Helen Langa, an associate pro- For me, the highlight of the night was the jockstrapped husband than for Johnny himself. See “Hidden Expressions v.2 Release Party fessor of art history at American University HBO Emmy Party. Premier party planner Billy When I’m looking forward to Survivor: The WSG Monica Jones!” on Facebook. in Washington, D.C. The lecture begins at Butchkavitz pulled out all the stops and cre- Musical, it’s definitely time to end yet another 5:30 p.m. and a public reception will follow. ated one of the most magnificent venues I’ve column. This was a busy bicoastal week for me. On Oct. 15, a lecture on the controversies ever seen. Time and again, Billy and his crew You can read even more about my exploits on WPA-era over political content in the prints will be walk into an empty space and virtually build a www.BillyMasters.com—the site that is always printmaking exhibit presented by Liz Seaton, curator at Kansas wonderland from the ground up. When I walked uncut. If you’ve got a question for me, send it State University’s Beach Museum of Art. The in behind Julia Roberts, she actually stopped along to [email protected] and I promise to open Sept. 11 lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. and gasped. I spent time chatting with friends to get back to you before I dump a bucket of Images of city life, labor and the work- Call 773-325-7506 or visit www.depaul. from Veep (specifically, Sufe Bradshaw and ice on Jessica Lange’s head (and film it)! So, place, and protests against social injustice edu/museum. Anna Chlumsky). The outrageous Jennifer until next time, remember, one man’s filth is will be among the fine-art prints in an ex- Coolidge looked beyond gorgeous, and told me another man’s bible. 22 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES coach in New York. “The Rams handled the tion and didn’t need another one. media with grace. In my opinion, the bigger “There are other NFL teams in desperate need St. Louis cuts Michael question is if another team picks him up. He’s of a good pass rusher like Michael. These teams proven he can play in the league, so time will would be lucky to have him join their squad. Sam; move cited tell.” Everything happens for a reason. As Michael “I’m very proud of how Michael played this said today, ‘The most worthwhile things in life preseason. He showed the entire world that a rarely come easy, this is a lesson I’ve always as ‘football decision’ gay man can compete in the NFL,” said Eric known. The journey continues.’ Lueshen, of Chicago, who in the early 2000s “It’ll be interesting to see what plays out By Ross Forman was a kicker on the University of Nebraska over the next 24 hours. Another team not pick- football team. “I’m confident he’ll be picked up ing him up would be a bigger disappointment. Although the St. Louis Rams drafted him this by another NFL team. It was strictly a numbers He is good enough to make an NFL roster.” past spring, it appears Michael Sam will not game, not homophobia, for why the Rams let Since it appears no team claimed him on become the first openly gay player in the Na- him go. The Rams are too stacked at his posi- waivers, Sam is now free to sign with any team. tional Football League (NFL) as a member of the Rams. The Rams cut Sam on Aug. 30, as teams ENTERTAINMENT trimmed their rosters to 53 players. The six-foot-two, 260-pound Sam also failed Rosie, other celebs to make the St. Louis Rams’ 10-man practice squad. in baby-boomer The 2014 NFL season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 4, and the Rams open their season Sun- documentary Timothy Greenfield-Sanders’ new documen- day, Sept. 7. tary American Masters: The Boomer List will Sam, the SEC co-defensive player of the year premiere nationwide Tuesday, Sept. 23, on last season at the University of Missouri, was PBS in honor of the last baby boomers turn- selected 249th overall pick out of 256 overall ing 50 this year, according to a press release. during the annual NFL draft in May. Sam, who The film explores the story of the influen- was out to his Missouri teammates as a senior, tial baby boomer generation (1946-1964) came out before the draft, and was selected in through the lives of 19 iconic boomers--one the seventh round. Michael Sam on the cover of Sports born each year of the baby boom. Subjects St. Louis head coach Jeff Fisher said at a Illustrated. such as Rosie O’Donnell, Tommy Hilfiger, Erin press conference on Aug. 30 that, when Sam Brockovich, Billy Joel, David LaChapelle, was informed, he replied, “Thanks for the op- this tremendous opportunity and allowing me Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Cattrall, Maria Shriv- portunity.” Sam was at the Missouri season- to show I can play at this level,” Sam tweeted er and gay-rights activist Peter Staley illumi- opener on Aug. 30 Aug. 30. “I look forward to continuing to build nate the important movements and changes Fisher said the move to release Sam was “a on the progress I made here toward a long and that shaped the world during these years. football decision,” adding that Sam “was no successful career.” A DVD will be released via Perfect Day distraction. Mike fit in very, very well. He was Sam still has a chance to get picked up by an- Films, and Greenfield-Sanders’ 19 large-scale fun to be around. No issues.” other team, or make the Rams’ practice squad. master portraits of the film’s subjects will be Sam had 10.5 tackles and his three sacks— The other 31 NFL teams can claim Sam, and he featured in a companion coffee table book including two of noted rookie Cleveland quar- would go to the team that claimed him first. If (Luxury Press), both available Oct. 1. In ad- terback Johnny Manziel—in the team’s four Sam is unclaimed, he can sign with the Rams’ dition, his portraits will be part of an exhi- preseason games tied him for third-most in the 10-member developmental unit. He then could bition at the Newseum in Washington, D.C. NFL. Sam led the Rams with 5.5 tackles in the practice with the Rams, but not play in games. “The Boomer List: Photographs by Timothy team’s last preseason game, against Miami. “From all indications, Michael was given ev- Greenfield-Sanders” opens Sept. 26, 2014, “I want to thank the entire Rams organiza- Rosie O’Donnell. Image ©Timothy ery opportunity to make the squad,” said An- and will be on display through July 5, 2015. tion and the city of St. Louis for giving me thony Nicodemo, an out high school basketball Greenfield-Sanders

Inspired Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC Ray is a legal authority on all of his Interiors practice areas, which include probate, trusts, guardianship, estate planning, and elder law, including the litigation Gay owned and operated for over 35 years of those areas. He is a longtime Serving Chicago and Suburbs advocate for and member of the LGBT community, and is involved in • Carpet, Tile and Wood Flooring several charitable groups, community • Hunter Douglas© Blinds Priority Dealer associations, and professional • Custom Window Treatments organizations. Ray is a member of Clark Hill PLC, a full-service • Granite and Stone Countertops law firm consisting of a diverse team of attorneys and professionals committed to our clients and our communities. • Complete Remodeling Services • Custom Backsplash and Shower Designs Tel: 312.985.5938 | Fax: 312.985.5985 [email protected] | clarkhill.com • Free In-Home Estimates • Free Design Consultations 847-541-4848

www.hombyrayandson.com ARIZONA ILLINOIS MICHIGAN WASHINGTON DC Mulryan & York Attorneys At Law

4001 N. Wolcott Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 248-8887 1435 W. Rosemont Ave, #1W , Chicago, IL, 60660 WINDY CITY TIMES Sept. 3, 2014 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS The Law Offices of Rachel Moore Law, LLC Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss • Bankruptcy & Associates • Wills, Trusts & Probate

When experience counts... • Real Estate Closings In service to the community Mediation: cost-effective, creative, and personalized solutions. for over 35 years. • Premarital Agreements Rachel Moore, an attorney and mediator with 15 years of experience, provides mediation and legal representation for family law and family business disputes. 33 N. Dearborn St., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60602 One Northfield Plaza Northfield, IL 60093 Appointments 312-263-8800 [email protected] 847-441-1851 also available in [email protected] Libertyville and We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. www.rachelmoorelaw.com Chicago Loop

EXPERIENCED IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY i

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY l Discounts as

o big as a house. MArk ClAy Or condo. Immigration Attorney Services i 25% OFF Or apartment.

• Green cards • Visas • Asylum • Appeals l Custom Framing

• Removal and all other matters o Linda Kuczka, Agent See just how big your savings could be. 954 W Webster Your savings could add up to hundreds Notary Public Services Chicago, IL 60614 of dollars when you put all your policies Mobile notary public for all occasions, Bus: 773-975-9111 together under our State Farm® roof. www.lindakuczka.com GET TO A BETTER STATE.™ preparation of wills/trusts, power of attorney CALL AN AGENT OR VISIT US CUSTOM FRAMING ONLINE TODAY. Call toll free (866) 233-2550 Framing Chicago’s art since 1991. or email [email protected] 25% off Custom Framing! Flexible and affordable rates! State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, 1478 W. Berwyn - 773.784.3962 1103155 11/11 State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

DON’T SUFFER WITH FOOT PAIN • Got heel pain? Serving our • Got warts? • Got corns, calluses, community. ingrown toenails? www.josephdellamonica.com • Got foot and ankle pain? • Need new orthotics? Della Monica & Associates A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 3013 N. Ashland Ave, Suite 1 Chicago, IL 60657 2740 W. Foster Ave. 773.880.5900 Suite 107 773-561-8100 Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. mychicagofootexpert.com Member FINRA and SIPC Call us to stop the foot pain FAST!!! © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved

Bernadette Carter Broker Associate 773-467-5339 708-912-2769 berni.carter@ cbexchange.com

JOSEPH RICE INTERIORS, INC. Serving Chicago and Suburbs CHICAGO “Let my 25 years of experience (773) 271-2361 work for you” www.josephriceinteriors.com PROUD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY Specializing in Drapery Treatments 1.577 pt

24 Sept. 3, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

Brian had his HIV under control

with medication. But smoking with

HIV caused him to have serious

health problems, including a

stroke, a blood clot in his lungs

and surgery on an artery in his

neck. Smoking makes living with

HIV much worse. You can quit.

Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

HIVHIV alonealone didn’tdidn’t causecause thethe cloggedclogged arteryartery inin mymy neck.neck. SmokingSmoking withwith HIVHIV did.did.

Brian, age 45, California