trai byers of ‘’ and ‘selma’ on oprah and lee daniels WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 PAGe 16 Feb. 4, 2015 vol 30, no. 19 TIMESwww.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Can gay aldermen keep their seats? immigration series concludes with a look at ice detention page 4

From left: Gay and lesbian aldermen , Deb Mell and are all aiming to retain their posts after the Feb. 24 municipal election. Read more about them beginning on page 6. Cappleman head shot; Mell photo courtesy of Mell; Tunney photo by Matt Simonette Mayor Emanuel looks author leslea newman on her at continuing to latest work pagE 22 confront challenges By Matt Simonette

Mayor says that he has helped take Chicago away from a “crossroads.” During his first term as mayor, Emanuel has endured numerous controversies, with closures of several dozen schools, tumultuous relations with city teachers and constantly looming financial problems chief among them. Should Emanuel win a second term, those problems likely won’t get any easier. Emanuel will have to steward the city through a resolution to its pension conundrum and manage the city’s infrastructure and educational resources through a changing political climate in the state. But Emanuel, who is up against several opponents Feb. 24, says he is ready, and has comprehensive plans to keep the city on what he says is the right path. sat down with Emanuel to talk about his first-term accomplishments, his second-term plans should he win, and his relationship with the LGBT community. The interview was conducted by Matt Simonette and Gretchen Rachel Hammond. Responses have been edited for clarity and length; the interview can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mClznJhZj3Y&feature=youtu.be . talking with out Windy City Times: How is the campaign going for you? Rahm Emanuel: It’s going well. It’s not how it’s going for me—it’s how it’s going for the public. Are they country-music getting ideas or solutions that I’m laying out? In general, what I would say is, “Look, four years ago, this city singer billy came to a crossroads. It couldn’t keep doing what it was doing and expect a different result. A record number gilman Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Photo by Gretchen pagE 17 Turn to page 10 Rachel Hammond

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February 17–March 29 • • 800-775-2000 • SEE IT IN CHICAGO FIRST TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL BROADWAY IN CHICAGO BOX OFFICES AND TICKETMASTER RETAIL LOCATIONS. GROUPS 10+: 312-977-1710 2 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Immigration: ICE detention 4 Scottish Play Scott 13 Out aldermen speak 6 Theater reviews 14 Obit: Doeseckle 9 Trai Byers of ‘Empire’ and ‘Selma’ 16 Ex-ex-gay Evans dies 9 Out country singer Billy Gilman 17 Rahm Emanuel on the record 10 Dish 20 Viewpoints: Mombian column 18 OUTLINES Classifieds 18 Calendar 20 Billy Masters 21 UNIQUE VOICES Images on cover (left, from top): Photo of Trai Byers courtesy of Fox; photo of McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility courtesy of the McHenry County sheriff’s department; photo of Leslea Newman; PR photo of Billy Gilman by Lost in Translation Photography FEBRUARY 11–22 MANINYAS

GAY, LESBIAN, OF CHICAGO’S 85 THE VOICE OMMUNITY SINCE 19 BI AND TRANS C Feb. 4, 2015 byers of no. 19 trai d vol 30, pire’ an WINDY CITY ‘eM Ma’ on ‘sel d oprah an ls lee danie oup.com WindyCityMediaGr page 16 TIMESwww. POWERFUL and BREATHTAKING Can gay aldermenDOWNLOAD THIS! keep their seats?

ration iMMiG ries se es With onClud C t iCe a look a tion d deten on. Rea 4 cipal electi page b. 24 muni work about the gradual and Fe fter the posts a ain their ette ret t Simon ll aiming to to by Mat ey are a y pho Tom Tunn ell; Tunne ll and rtesy of M Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com , Deb Me to cou eman ell pho Cappl shot; M ames an head n aldermen J m lesbia 6. Capple : Gay and g on page om left beginnin Fr t them more abou Mayor emanuel looks at continuing to ” ral dozen ossroads. of seve from a “cr ith closures ong them. way ief am rd ea Chicago a oversies, w oblems ch stewa esl confrontSiMoneTTe challenges take erous contr ncial pr ave to MaTT um ng fina l will h onal author l By at he has helped red n omi . Emanue educati her ays th uel has endu nstantly lo asier e and an on anuel s r, Eman get any e rastructur neWM Em eachers and co n’t ty’s inf ns ork Mayor Rahm term as mayo h city t likely wo e the ci ve pla W is first ons wit problems nag rehensi latest During h relati , those rum and ma comp ultuous d term conund , and has e 22 ols, tum a secon nsion state. s ready erm pag scho l win to its pe n the second-t Emanue lution . 24, says he i , his att sometimes frightening process of d M to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. houl reso tical climate i ts Feb ments by S rough a oli pponen mplish city th changing p veral o acco s conducted the ugh a inst se ath. first-term rview wa e interview thro aga right p out his inte th; th resources s up s the talk ab nd leng anuel, who i says i uel to mmunity. The r clarity a youtu.be . But Em hat he h Eman BT co ited fo ture= y on w wit with the LG een ed Zj3Y&fea keep the cit s sat down onship Jh re they to Time is relati sponses have b tch?v=mClzn indy City , and h m/wa the public. A ty W win mmond. Re utube.co oing for o, this ci ld he n Rachel Ha ww.yo u? w it’s g er plans shou etche https://w for yo t’s ho k, four years ag numb d Gr irety at going for me—i s, “Loo t. A record Simonette an its ent campaign going ould say i resul ewed in is the ow it’s I w different e vi w s not h what xpect a can b well. It’ general, and e age 10 y City Times:’s H goio ng ng out? In as doing to p Wind l: It t I’m layi hat it w turn anue ons tha oing w Rahm Em ti t keep d deas or solu couldn’ getting i oads. It a crossr came to

G With out talkin usiC oto by Gretchen y-M uel. Ph One Week Only! ountr m eman C illy yor Rah 29 er b icago Ma - sinG Ch mond el Ham March 25 GilMan Rach page 17 7.1710 all 312.97 unveiling one’s self in a relationship .775.2000 • s 10+ c 800 Group Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! 3 UNIQUE WORKS THE MAN IN BLACK DEEPLY EMOTIONAL work that online exclusives at seamlessly sways between BALLET and COUNTRY WESTERN set to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com JOHNNY CASH covers from his “American” album collection digital display Natalia Oberti Noguera (left), founder and TULLE CEO of the Pipeline Fellowship, was among Contemporary master those at “Cracking the Code,” a women’s choreographer digital-media summit. Photo by Tracy Baim Alexander Ekman delivers an ELECTRIFYING and southern exposure SPECTACULAR multi-media work featuring the entire company and video projected on three huge LED screens

‘ROCK’ steady Windy City Times reviews vol. 18 of the Richmond, Virginia, is becoming known LGBT anthology Off the Rocks. for many things—including its sense of history, an improved culinary scene and, now, its outreach to the LGBT community. a teachable moment Photo of L’Opossum’s crab cake by Andrew Davis Danny M. Cohen, an assistant professor at Northwestern University, AID FOR AIDS spoke at Temple Sholom’s Holocaust Remembrance Day event. 1 U.S. PREMIERE CELEBRATING 20 YEARS THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT 2 JOFFREY PREMIERES IN CHICAGO Find out the latest about Elton John, Jill Soloway and Wet Hot American Summer. TICKETS START AT $32 JOFFREY.ORG/UNIQUEVOICES plus Renowned epidemiologist Gregorio Millett has called for increased HIV/ 800.982.2787 DAILY BREAKING NEWS AIDS-related resources for the Black gay community. GROUPS OF 10+ CALL 312.386.8937 FOR SPECIAL RATES Photo by Bob Roehr

MANINYAS PRODUCTION SPONSOR TULLE PRODUCTION SPONSORS OSCAR PREDICTIONS Bill and Orli Staley In celebration of nightspots WITH RICHARD Jay Franke’s birthday #1136 • Feb. 4, 2015 KNIGHT, JR. Show #611 HAPPY 2014–15 SEASON SPONSORS NEW WORK OFFICIAL PROVIDER PERFORMS AT: VALENTINE’S FROM PRESENTING SPONSOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY The Anne and Burt Kaplan NIGHTSPOTS! HEART ON Fund of the Mayer & Morris Happy Valentine’s from Nightspots! Check out page Kaplan Family Foundation 13 for our annual installment of the inappropriatest 50 East Congress Parkway, V-Day cards around. Chicago Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com Joffrey dancers: The Man In Black: Graham Maverick, Amber Neumann, Ogulcan Borova, Shane Urton. Photo by: Cheryl Mann 4 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES

Open To Thinking by Nick Patricca Satire and Freedom I once saw a production of Lysistrata— dish’ comes from this etymology. one of several anti-war plays by the Aristophanes in his plays and Gaius in ancient Greek writer Aristophanes—in his poetry ridiculed religion, politics, sex, which the chorus of old men sit on cham- arrogance, vanity, pomposity, and power, ber pots complaining about the state of sometimes in the most exaggerated, even affairs in Athens as they try to move their grotesque ways. To be sure, there were McHenry County Correctional Facility. Photo from the McHenry County sheriff’s department bowels while suffering uncomfortable those who wanted to silence these blas- erections of their oversized but obviously phemers, but their societies protected elderly penises. them. Ancient Athens and ancient Rome The old men had failed in their attempt not only tolerated these critical poets, Immigration and LGBTQs: to burn out the women barricaded in the they encouraged them. Why? The wit— temple of love to protest the endless war sometimes abusive, always aggressive— against Sparta. The men had carried hot of their art had but one single goal: the Inside ICE detention coals in their chamber pots to burn down improvement of their societies. The bur- the temple doors but the chorus of old lesque, the exaggeration, the reductio ad Part four ees wishing to enjoy visits from family living women carrying their own chamber pots absurdum serve the purpose of construc- abroad. full of water doused the fires in the men’s tive social criticism. By Gretchen Rachel HAMMOND The same system is used for court appear- pots. Charlie Hebdo belongs to this ancient ances. Inside the jail, there is a small video- The old men—the ruling elders of tradition of satire which has an unbro- Undocumented immigrants who are arrested by courtroom complete with a dock for the detain- Athens—sit on their vanquished pots la- ken history throughout European and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents ees to stand and face the judge presiding over menting cranky bowels, lack of sex, and Mediterranean cultures right up to the in are often detained at facilities scat- their case via a monitor. Close to the court- the reluctance of the young to fight and present. The graphic art and the texts of tered across the state. They include the Jeffer- room, there is waiting area equipped with air- die. The women of Athens refuse to make Charlie Hebdo participate in this distin- son County Justice Center in Mount Vernon, the mattresses on which a few detainees could be love until the men make peace. Thus: guished artistic culture which is essential McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility in seen dozing. Others were hunched in a corner the more or less permanent semi-erect to the values and the goals of Western Woodstock and the Tri-County Detention Center or pacing the floor—their jumpsuits obscured penises. civilization. This type of satire has flour- in Ullin. by a blanket wrapped tightly around their bod- In the midst of the social, financial, ished in various Muslim cultures since the Windy City Times was permitted to tour the ies. Staff members routinely check on them, and personal crises caused by the seem- very beginning of Islam. ICE detention center at the medium-security logging each visit with a piece of silver equip- ingly endless and meaningless Pelopon- From the rustic farces of Southern Italy McHenry County Adult Correctional Facility in ment known as a “pipe.” nesian war (431–404 BCE), Aristophanes through commedia dell’arte to the French Woodstock, Illinois located some 50 miles from The first glimpse a detainee receives of their wrote his plays against war, against the and German Cabaret, from the music and Chicago. new home is the broad in-take area attached Athenian ruling classes (at times citing burlesque halls of England and the United According to ICE Deputy Assistant Director to an enclosed “sally port” from which they individuals by name), against the slaugh- States through the cartoons and editori- Andrew Lorenzen-Strait, it is operated with- are unloaded from transportation, subjected to ter of the young to save the vanity of als of Punch to Monty Python, Laugh-In, in an Intergovernmental Service Agreement a thorough pat down, fingerprinted by laser, the old, against the greed of those who The Onion and Saturday Night Live, no (IGSA), a contract with a local county jail for photographed, issued jumpsuits and underwear person, no topic is safe ICE to essentially rent bed space. while their personal belongings are invento- from the sting of a good “A lot of our detention is dedicated—where ried and tightly sealed in a plastic bag that barb and a good laugh. we own and operate it and have contractors do is placed in a secure property room. From the “From the rustic farces of Neither Jesus nor the actual maintenance of it,” he explained. moment they enter the facility—other than Moses nor God nor Allah “But the facilities predominantly in the Mid- narrow windows in detainee’s cells—light be- Southern Italy through commedia nor Muhamad nor Mary west happen to be with IGSAs and in the comes artificial. Even the lofty, triangular exer- dell’arte to the French and German nor popes nor imams nor county space. So they’re operating with two cise areas are completely enclosed in concrete. priests nor Mormons nor independent systems. [The facility’s] inmate Each contains exercise equipment and bleach- Cabaret, ... no topic is safe from nuns nor nor Mus- criminal justice system comes with its own ers to sit upon during visits and presentations the sting of a good barb and a lims nor Ayatollahs nor standards and procedures. But they also have by approved legal groups such as the National Catholics nor atheists to attend to our requirements under our im- Immigrant Justice Coalition (NIJC). good laugh.” nor angels nor devils nor migration detention standards.” It takes time to adjust to the lighting. In politicians nor The McHenry County facility is a beige an- some areas, such as the control room which nor actors nor poets nor gular building tucked away in a historic, mod- monitors even the smallest movement in each journalists nor artists estly populated town bordered by wide-open pod utilizing more than 180 cameras, the dark- profited from war, against the false pa- nor satirists nor drama critics can escape farmland. It was opened in 1992 and remod- ness is claustrophobic and the passage of time triotism that continued war in the name the mocking weapon of the pencil or pen eled 13 years later. It has a current capacity of is blurred. of honor. or brush or word processor—nor should 650 male and female detainees housed in four According to the guides, the average stay These plays of Aristophanes, which they. blocks depending on their classification. of a detainee at McHenry County is between mocked the stupidities, vices, follies, A mature civilization has no fear of art. Windy City Times was not permitted to take 20-25 days. No one remains there longer than and foibles of the Establishment, were A mature religion has no fear of art. any photographs, bring in any recording de- 364 days. Their level of housing varies upon produced, sometimes with city-state sup- Chaucer, Boccaccio, Mullah Nasreddin, vices or interact with any of the detainees. The need both in terms of security and based on port. And just as often, the plays won Rabelais, Thomas More, Jonathan Swift, tour was led by McHenry County Sheriff’s Office the risk-assessment tool Lorenzen-Strait told first place in the drama competitions of Defoe, Pope, Twain, Orwell, Huxley, Doro- Lieutenant of Corrections Michael R. Lukas and Windy City Times was developed and in place the Dionysia or Lenaia, the great festivals thy Parker, Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, Char- at ICE facilities across the country by 2013. of ancient Athens to honor the god Dio- lie Chaplin, Lenny Bruce, John Cleese, accompanied by a small cadre of ICE staff. They were receptive to questions with candid ami- Staff members engage in weekly classifica- nysius. Stephen Colbert, Joan Rivers, Dario Fo, tion meetings that review each inmate in the Most scholars judge the plays of Aris- Gozzi, the Marx Brothers, Trey Parker and ability and oftentimes a sharply honed sense of humor. facility to address everything from medical tophanes to be the beginning of our Matt Stone, Gary Trudeau, Al Capp, Bas- concerns to mental health issues. A medical Western tradition of satire. Contrary to sem Youssef, Ugur Mumcu, Azhar Usman The antiseptic visitor’s entrance is equipped with lockers and a room containing a series of staff is on hand 24 hours per day, seven days popular misconceptions, the word satire and … per week with both a doctor and psychologist does not come from the Greek word satyr Stéphane Charbonnier, Georges Wolin- video monitors. Rather than the more tradi- tional manner in which the detainee is sepa- on-call any time they are required. and satirical drama does not come from ski, Jean Cabut, Bernard Maris, Bernard While the McHenry County facility also hous- Verlhac, Philippe Honoré, Elsa Cayat, rated from her/his family members and by thick Greek satyr plays. Rather, our word satire es individuals accused of a crime and those comes from the Latin word ‘satura’ which Frédéric Boisseau, Mustapha Ourrad, Tig- plexiglass, the McHenry County facility uses a with a sentence under one-year, it dedicates means a ‘full dish of various fruits’ and nous, system of video-visits akin to an in-building entire blocks to ICE detainees. They are sepa- refers to a type of Latin metered poetry Skype session with the detainees remaining in rated by gender and those needing direct su- full of social criticism invented by Gaius and so on forever … . their block during the visit. More interpersonal pervision (where staff are on the prison floor Lucilius (180–103 BCE). I’d like to be- face-to-face encounters are reserved for attor- at all times) or indirect supervision monitored lieve our contemporary English slang ‘to © [email protected] neys or one-on-one pastoral care provided by the Sisters of Mercy in Chicago. from a control station situated above each Windy City Times was told the technology pod. In this unit, interaction with prison staff is via intercom. Nick Patricca is professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, president of would eventually be further upgraded for web- Located on the third floor, Block Three con- Chicago Network and playwright emeritus at Victory Gardens Theater. based visits negating the need for family mem- bers to travel to the facility. ICE hopes this tains six housing units, each with the capacity will prove particularly useful for those detain- for six inmates sharing double bunks in cells that open out to a small, triangular day-room WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 5 furnished with a television, tables, a payphone along with volunteer teams from the Sisters of However interaction between detainees and titions. Meanwhile, detainees help each other and a small selection of games and books. A Mercy are permitted one-on-one visits with de- staff is not always confrontational or even out with advice or legal research. few female detainees could be seen sat at the tainees. “We call it ‘pastoral care’ but it’s really impersonal. Many of the men gathered in the For those held in the McHenry County facil- tables finishing up their lunches or playing listening to what’s in their heart and seeing substantial day rooms located on the floor ity, information becomes their most treasured cards together. Although their conversations if there’s some way we can respond,” Persch of the direct supervised Block Five were en- commodity. Their questions range from “what if could not be heard, their mannerisms indicated explained. joying a soccer game on television alongside I get married?” to “when am I leaving?” that they were interacting well with each other The sisters will also add money into a detain- their guards and, at one point, appeared to Detainees at the small ICE facility located in or minding their own business fixated on the ee’s commissary account. “A lot of them don’t joke around with them. Windy City Times was Broadview, Illinois already have the answer to television high above their heads. have money,” Persch said. “So I am given the told that staff members have been known to Life in the facility is one framed by a rigid commissary list and I write an individual check organize chess tournaments and other compe- Turn to page 9 schedule. Detainees are awoken at 6 a.m. At for each [detainee]. If they have $10 or less in 9 a.m., their cells are inspected for cleanli- their account we give them a $10 check and ness, a made bed and removal of trash. They that enables them to make a phone call, pur- Almeida, president of the workplace organi- then have a choice to spend the next couple of chase sanitary products or food. We give away ExxonMobil adds zation Freedom to Work, in a statement. hours in their cells or in the day room. Lunch around $500-$800 per week.” “It’s obvious Exxon is making these chang- is served for one hour beginning at 11 a.m. In the women’s unit, one detainee usually LGBT protections es now because of mounting legal pressure From 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m., they are ordered back sets herself up as the mother figure to each By Matt Simonette and the impending risk of losing hundreds of in their cells for a mandatory lock-down. The of the others. Despite her non-sanctioned au- millions of dollars in federal contracts thanks same lockdown occurs after the 4 p.m. dinner thority, fights sometimes break out and staff ExxonMobil has quietly added “sexual orien- to President Obama’s executive order,” Al- hour. By 10 p.m., they are in their cells for the members respond to these incidents within tation” and “gender identity” to its protect- meida added. rest of the night. seconds. Each detainee has an ID card con- ed employee classes, according to reports. Freedom to Work currently has a complaint To break the monotony and with good behav- taining a photo and disciplinary history which The company told ThinkProgress Jan. 30 pending against Exxon-Mobil with the Illi- ior, detainees can engage in a voluntary work staff members commit to memory. The facility that the change had been implemented, and nois Department of Human Rights. The or- program earning $3 per day in, for example, has an emergency response unit. Team mem- that “ExxonMobil’s policies prohibit all forms ganization sent two fake resumes to Exxon- the laundry or food preparation area carefully bers are equipped with a camera and trained of discrimination in any company workplace, Mobil, and alleges that the company rejected portioning out meals on compact plastic trays. in hostage negotiation. They often know to ex- anywhere in the world. ExxonMobil supports the resume of the ostensibly better-qualified The facility has a library, barber shop and pect a problem long before it occurs thanks to a work environment that values diversity and gay candidate in favor of a less-qualified a clinic which serves as both a medical and the facility’s own central intelligence network. inclusion, and has numerous inclusive pro- straight one. psychiatric examination area and pharmacy. The overall goal is the avoidance of confronta- grams and policies that help make ExxonMo- Almeida said that the change will have no ICE representatives said they pay for all HIV tion and to stop problems before they escalate. bil a great place to work.” bearing on Freedom to Work’s complaint. medication administered along with hormone Windy City Times was told that nine-times-out- ExxonMobil said in July 2013 that it would “We will continue prosecuting our civil- replacement therapy for transgender detainees. of-10, a detainee can be talked down before a comply with an executive order requiring rights lawsuit against Exxon in Illinois be- Windy City Times was invited to take a closer situation becomes violent. such a policy for all government contrac- cause the corporation should be held ac- look at an empty day room. Information posted Those punished by administrative segrega- tors. The company’s board and shareholders countable for its discriminatory actions from on the walls provides commissary items avail- tion (ad seg.) remain in one-person cells in the rejected previous attempts to make the ad- the recent past,” he added. “We will also able for purchase as well as “know your rights” Special Management Unit (SMU) for 23 hours dition, even though the Mobil Corporation remain vigilant and file new cases, includ- and medical services information sheets. There per day. Staff members check on them every previously had such protections in place. ing under the Obama executive order, based are telephone numbers displayed which provide 30 minutes. The maximum amount of time they Those were removed when Mobil merged with on any new evidence of discrimination that the detainee access to voicemail left by family can spend in ad seg is 15 days. A narrow open Exxon. we find at Exxon. The new policy is a good members or to the ICE hotline. Secured laptop area in front of the cells is equipped with a box “Exxon’s management deserves little credit step, but it must be implanted meaningfully computers are lent to those detainees in search for those held inside to register a complaint for finally adopting the LGBT fairness policies to prevent future anti-LGBT discrimination at of legal information. Signs read “ICE has zero during their brief respite from confinement. ICE they have rejected year after year for almost Exxon.” tolerance for sexual abuse and assault” and stated that they view these complaints with two decades, but this is an important victory ThinkProgress’ story is at http://think- “Don’t Let Go of Hope.” the highest sense of importance and urgency for the company’s current LGBT employees progress.org/lgbt/2015/01/30/3617511/ In order to provide some measure of that and any allegations against staff members are and future LGBT job applicants,” said Tico exxonmobil-lgbt-protections/. hope, Sisters JoAnn Persch and Pat Murphy investigated immediately. Immigration problems or questions? We are here to help! Boutique law firm focusing solely on Immigration and Nationality Law welcomes all LGBTQ individuals.

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208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60604 312-600-6220 www.kikislaw.com 6 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES ELECTIONS 2015: borhood organizations and non-profits who nizations and members of this community for 33RD WARD are working to increase HIV education and years. My constituents know that about me. We prevention? are seeing a lot of businesses coming here, a DM: Working with these organizations is vi- lot of people coming from different neighbor- tal. Let’s give them more funding until we get hoods. Another thing I’ve been doing that my Deb Mell seeks to rid of this disease. It can be done. father didn’t really do too much of is engage WCT: Tell ward voters why they should se- the community. So when issues come up, we lect you over Meegan or Wanat? call community meetings. We are just getting overcome challenges DM: This ward is where I grew up. I know started. every single street. I have a passion for my Visit: http://www.33rdward.org/. to her seat neighborhood and I have worked with orga- Ave.; Mount Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th By GRETCHEN RACHEL HAMMOND Early voting info St.; West Side Learning Center, 4624 W. Mad- Early voting for the Feb. 24 municipal ison St.; and Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Deb Mell, alderman of the 33rd Ward, is no election will take place Feb. 9-21.Voters reg- Ave. stranger to challenges both professional and istered in the City of Chicago may use any To get a list of sites, visit http://www.chi- personal. Mell was appointed to the seat by early voting site in the city, regardless of cagoelections.com/page.php?id=9. Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2013 after the retire- where the voters live. ment of her father Richard who spent 38 years Voters don’t need a reason or excuse to in the position. use early voting; however, voters do need to 46th Ward forum The first out lesbian alderman in the city, present government-issued photo identifica- Mell has been a fierce proponent of LGBT rights tion. on Feb. 15 Organizing Neighborhoods for Equality: both as alderman and in her previous role as Ballots cast in early voting are final. After Northside (ONE Northside) will host a 46th state representative for the 40th District. She casting ballots in early voting, voters may Ward candidates forum on Sunday, Feb. 15, is a survivor of breast cancer and married her not return to amend, change or undo a bal- 2-4 p.m., at Alternatives, Inc, 4730 N. Sheri- partner, Christin Baker, in Iowa in 2011. Two lot for any reason. It is a felony to vote more dan Rd. years later—when the Illinois marriage-equal- than once—or to attempt to vote more than The free forum is open to the public ity bill did not at the time have enough votes once—in the same election. Candidates Amy Crawford and Denise Da- to pass the House—Mell delivered an ardent All 51 early voting sites will be open Mon- vis are confirmed to participate. Ald. James speech on the House floor. “Christin has been day through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday Cappleman had not confirmed his attendance my spouse in the truest sense of the word,” she hours (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) will be offered at five as of the press deadline. said. “I love my wife. This is our marriage. We regional sites: Chicago Board of Elections, Of interest to Windy City Times readers is want to leave this word a little better than we 69 W. Washington St.; Dr. Martin Luther King that Crawford and Cappleman are openly gay. found it and, in turn, we pray that life contin- Jr. Community Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove ues to be kind to us.” In July 2014, she announced her divorce from Baker on Twitter. Now she faces two chal- lengers to her ward seat—from high school Deb Mell. Photo courtesy of Mell social studies teacher Tim Meegan and com- munity leader Annisa Wanat. In a phone conversation with Windy City my voting record has been with the mayor but Times, Mell discussed how she intends to pre- some of the things I would vote against him on vail in the upcoming elections and surmount never came to the floor. I think there are a lot the challenges faced by the city’s LGBTQ com- of talking points being thrown out there that munity post marriage-equality. Answers have have no evidence. If you look at my record on been edited for clarity and length. the state level, you will see that I am an inde- Windy City Times: What are some of the pendent voice and I voted against the speaker. LGBTQ issues that are closest to your heart I was an activist—uncompromising and set in and what are the priorities in your opinion? my ways. But being in Springfield for five years Deb Mell: They all are, but especially bullying was a learning experience in that you need to in schools. There has been progress. I have a work with people to get your bills passed. So friend whose son is transgender and the family I bring a combination of activism and knowing is accepting and there is even a company that how the system works. will go to the school to educate people. We WCT: And what are some of the things in need to see more of that. There needs to be which you and the mayor disagree? more education concerning our issues. DM: I’m not a big proponent of charter WCT: Looking back over your personal and schools. There’s been a lot of data that has professional challenges, what have they come out recently that says they’re not exactly taught you? the panacea that we all thought they were. I DM: Professionally, getting the marriage bill really believe in strengthening our neighbor- hood schools. Crawford’s reception through Springfield was very important to me. Amy Crawford (second from right), a 46th Ward aldermanic candidate, was featured at a re- WCT: What are your thoughts on a school It’s such a great feeling and guess what? The ception held Jan. 29 at North End, 3733 N. Halsted St. From left to right are Aimee Pine, Emily for LGBTQ kids? locusts didn’t come. The way I approached the Stewart, Randall Doubet-King and Paula Basta. Crawford is running against incumbent James DM: I would support that and the strength- marriage fight was “you have to get to know Cappleman as well as Denice Davis, who was chief of staff to former Ald. . ening of Gay Straight Alliances in our schools us.” What’s important is visibility. We can’t be Photo by Matt Simonette in the shadows with anything. Making the tran- and I would love to start those conversations. sition to alderman was great and being able to WCT: Many of the homeless LGBT youth we get stuff done is so very rewarding. One of the have spoken to say employers aren’t giving things we’re focusing on is bad landlords and them a chance. They need affordable hous- businesses that harbor illegal activity. There ing and a job. How do you envision helping MBLGTACC confab was one building that my chief of staff and I them? Feb. 13-15; Laverne walked into and it was horrible. We were able DM: The [Windy City Times] summit was very Laverne Cox. to make changes. We see a lot of that in Albany successful and I can’t be more excited to talk Photo by more about solutions then we can push things Cox to speak Park where people take advantage of the im- The Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Trans- Melissa at City Hall. The mayor definitely knows my migrant population. They don’t come into my gender Ally College Conference (MBLGTACC) Hamburg need to focus on LGBTQ homelessness. office because they’re afraid to let me know 2015 will take place Feb. 13-15 at Illinois what’s going on. WCT: The transgender community has talk- State University. Personally, I have to mourn the end of a ed a great deal about discrimination against Transgender actress/activist Laverne Cox relationship. You see your friends and family them by the Chicago Police Department and is slated to be the featured speaker. Among pick you up and carry you along when you go the Cook County Department of Corrections. others scheduled to appear are bisexual ac- through something like that. If you can get There are transgender women sitting in male tivist Robyn Ochs, slam poet Kit Yan and Ru- through it in a conscious way you become facilities at the jail. How do you ensure that Paul’s Drag Race alum Bianca del Rio. stronger. That is exactly what has happened. issues such as these get addressed? A different Midwest college or university DM: It’s unacceptable. So I would call [Chica- WCT: Both of your opponents are essen- hosts the event each year. The 13 Midwest workshops on various topics that affect LG- go Police Superintendant] Garry McCarthy and tially running as an independent end to states include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kan- BTQIA people, as well as a variety of inspira- tell him that more education and training is “politics as usual” and the rubber stamp. sas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis- tional speakers and entertainment. needed and he needs to get his police officers How do you answer them? souri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South MBLGTACC 2016 will take place at Purdue in line. Let’s get a meeting with the mayor and DM: They’re saying that because of my vot- Dakota and Wisconsin. University in West Lafayette, Indiana. members of the transgender community and ing record. But what they don’t see are all the The conference, which began in 1993, has Visit https://saapps.illinoisstate.edu/dos/ start talking about it until we get results. conversations and negotiations that occur grown to include more than 90 educational mblgtacc2015/. before the ordinance comes to the floor. Yes, WCT: What can be done to support neigh- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 7 ELECTIONS 2015 police officers per 100,000 [people]. The city They kept arguing with me. I said, “She is of Chicago ranks number one. So we have the identifying herself as she. You call her she.” highest number of police per capita. The third Then we referred her to a place where she could factor was looking at crime. Is it stabilized? get her reassignment surgery. I’m very proud of Ald. James Cappleman Is it going down? Is it going up? I looked at that, but we have so far to go. property crime, quality-of-life crime and vio- WCT: A disproportionate number of home- lent crime. I looked to the to less youth are LGBT. What can be done to reflects on get the facts. The Tribune, looking at their data help them? of all three types of crime, from 2011 to 2014, JC: A huge disproportion, which speaks to said that … in all those areas, in Lake View the awful things the LGBT community goes the 46th Ward and Uptown, the property, quality and violent through in the coming out process. It was aw- crimes decreased by at least 30 percent over ful for me coming out. It’s still really bad. … By Matt Simonette a 4-year time period, except Uptown, where Just as I’m focused on making sure that we violent crime decreased by 39 percent. The rea- have very clear outcome measure to get people Ald. James Cappleman, who has represented son why it decreased 39 percent is because I stabilized and enabling them to live life to the the city’s 46th Ward since 2011, when he took worked my butt off to really make it decrease. fullest manner possible, I think we need to do over from retiring Ald. Helen Schiller, is this We looked at the 46th Ward master plan. … the same thing for the LGBT community. My year running against Schiller’s chief of staff, That’s our assessment of the ward—it’s always challenge is creating very clear outcome mea- Denice Davis, and Amy Crawford, an attorney changing. So with the 46th Ward Master Plan, sures for social service agencies. … It has to who, like Cappleman, is also openly gay. on public safety, I said I would focus on prob- be something that’s very measurable. The alderman, a licensed clinical social work- lem areas, problem buildings in those problems WCT: What can the city do to stem new HIV er, has shouldered criticism for what some con- areas and chronic offenders in those problem infections and make sure that people with stituents and opponents see as a heavy-handed buildings in those problem areas. What we HIV/AIDS are properly cared for? approach to the ward’s issues like affordable found was there were a very small number of JC: Again, I’m focusing on outcome mea- housing. For his part, he attributes much of people who commit the vast majority of crimes. sures. Here’s one of the things I discovered. his style to his social work background, stating I’ve heard all kinds of things about where I’m not going to name the social service often that he is a believer in outcome mea- I stand on people living in the park and not agency—I’m not going to ever attack a social surements and problem-assessments. Windy eating. I’ve met with some of the social ser- service agency. As a social worker, it’s against City Times discussed Cappleman’s first-term vices. Right now we have Salvation Army go- my values, plus it’s unethical. But there was achievements, and his second term goals, with ing out there. They do a good job of providing one social service agency that was getting him recently. The conversation has been edited clothing and getting people their ID so they [Community Development Block Grant] fund- for clarity and length. can get benefits. … Also North Side Housing, ing for HIV testing. I spoke with the agency WCT: How is the campaign going? and the Night Ministry does that same thing, and asked, how many people are they testing? JC: In 2011, we ran it like science, and we’re and Catholic Charities does it, and Thresholds, They gave me the numbers, and I asked, how doing the same in 2015. Anyone running for Heartland Alliance, C4, Uptown Baptist Church, many of those people test positive, and they office knows you run like you’re losing, and run Cornerstone and Evangeline Angelican Church gave me the percentage. It was about three to win. We’re on target. does that. They’re all going out there and help- percent. Okay, that’s what we expect. Of those WCT: What work from your first term are ing the same people. people who test positive, how many go on to you most proud of, and what are some of My effort has been not to get rid of social get medical treatment? They said, “We don’t your key goals for a second term? services in the area. My effort was to get them track that.” JC: The thing I’m most proud of is the Wilson to coordinate and collaborate with one anoth- I said, “What good is testing with no follow ‘L.’ Prior to my election, we’d heard all kinds of er. … So, I’m asking the city to create a plan up, and no medical care?” It’s a huge impact on promises from CTA. I think at one time, they where we map out where these services are, [clients] emotionally. … I want to make sure were working with the state—Larry McKeon regardless of where they’re getting their fund- there is follow-up when they do test positive, was the state representative at the time. They ing and seeing what we can do to encourage and help them to negotiate sex. And help them were getting as much as $25 million to rehab more collaboration and coordination, and let’s obtain a more positive self-image, because it. Under my administration, I really pushed, Ald. James Cappleman. Photo by Kate Sosin look at what areas of the city that their are there’s this blame culture that exists, which to rehab that and make it ADA-compliant. We complete gaps in services, and what we can do is crazy. But this also helps them get needed got $203 million to rehab it, and we’re get- under my watch, I made sure that we did not to address that. healthcare. For me, that would be a huge start. ting a Purple Line [stop]. It’s that Wilson ‘L’ lose one unit of government subsidized hous- WCT: What do you perceive as the most Also, we need—in the school system—to rehab that’s been a catalyst for a lot of other ing. We haven’t lost any. pertinent issues for the LGBT community talk more openly about how to negotiate sex. development and really exciting things that are One of the things that’s very important to me right now? But do it in a way that’s affirming for parents, happening in the ward, which is dovetailing on is, I wanted to make sure that residents have JC: Transgender, transgender, transgender, who want the best for their children. … The the entertainment district. a say in developments that happen, especially especially youth and seniors. I still have friends other thing is, we need to help kids learn to My focus for the next term will be the enter- with large developments, developments that who are transgender whose biggest dilemma identify healthy ways of relating to each other, tainment district, especially the Uptown The- cost $10 million or more. I created a zoning is, where do I go to the bathroom? That’s a and respectfully. I found one of the best ways ater. The Urban Institute did a study that said and development committee made up of 30 sad state for us all. … I remember a story—I to advocate for kids is to advocate for parents, rehabbing the Uptown Theater is an important different organizations. We had them spread was eating lunch in St. Joseph’s hospital and in the role of being a child’s provider, protec- piece of creating more economic development, throughout the ward and we looked at the pop- I was called to go to the outpatient surgery tor and nurturer. That’s very important—you which creates more jobs in the community, so ulation. The more dense an area, the more rep- right away because a man was threatening to need to reinforce that relationship, no matter we’re focusing on that. However, that’s in the resentatives in that area. The less dense, the cut himself, and I needed to stop it. This was how dysfunctional that may be, because that’s northern part of the ward. The 46th Ward is fewer. We also tried to include all the chambers, 1995. I went out there and I saw this person who that child looks at, as the main support very diverse economically and ethnically, so I the block and neighborhood organizations. And sitting in the waiting room, very quiet. This in their life. As that’s strengthened, that gives also have to look at what’s happening on the then we chose buildings that were 100 percent person was wearing a wig and they said this the child more support. southern end. affordable. We chose condominium buildings. was the person. In speaking to her, she said, “I For more information, see www.citizens- WCT: How do you continue sustain devel- We have one person who owns a single-family have CMV retinitis,” an HIV-related disease we forcappleman.com. opment without running into gentrification home. Three percent of the homes in the 46th used to see a lot, and they wanted to do some problems, which have been an issue in the Ward are single-family. But we had this huge surgery so she could get the medication for her ward? representation, and then when a when a pro- eye. While she was doing that, the psychiatrist JC: One of the first things that I did was, posal comes to the community, first it goes to said, “I promise you that while you’re under … when I first got elected, get a sense of the the local neighborhood organization, and the we’re going to castrate you.” housing stock, which I really didn’t know. … chamber, and, after they give their feedback, it She saw this as, “My chance to be a woman.” There are 77 community areas in the city of goes to the 30-plus member zoning and devel- But this was a Catholic hospital, and they can- Chicago—Uptown community area, Edgewater, opment committee, and they vote. not castrate males, and the hospital would not Ravenswood, Englewood. If you look at over @windycitytimes1 WCT: How safe do you perceive the ward do it. The first thing I did was [tell the staff], half of those community areas—39 of those to be? “You need to refer to her as she—would you community areas—and you add up all the gov- JC: It’s an interesting question because please stop using the masculine pronoun.” ernment subsidized units in those community there’s the perception and the reality, and both areas, that sum total is less than what you’d have to be addressed. There was this whole talk find in Uptown. Uptown has the highest num- about the number of police, especially in Lake ber of government subsidized units than any View. I know that when I looked at making MARK THOMAS FOR 44TH WARD ALDERMAN other community area in the city, hands down. decisions about the number of police, through Then there is another way that we help peo- number of other facts and figures, the percent- ple with their rents, called the Chicago Low age of the city’s budget for public safety—for Income Trust Fund. That pays rental subsidies cities across the country, it runs between 30- FED UP WITH CRIME? for people who are between zero and thirty 70 percent, pretty wide range—is 66 percent. percent of the Area Median Income. If you look We’re on the high end for the amount that we at the [number] of rental subsidies that are spend on public safety. That means for the VISIT MY WEBSITE paid—how many units—in the 46th Ward, we every penny we spend on public safety, there VOTEFORMARKTHOMAS.ORG have more rental subsidies in the 46th Ward are other things we cannot spend our money than the combined total of 29 other wards in on. Then I looked at the number of police per the city of Chicago. By far the 46th Ward has by capita, so we looked at the five largest cities VOTE MARK THOMAS ON FEBRUARY 24, 2015 far the most government-subsidized units, and in the country, so we looked at the ratio of VOTEFORMARKTHOMAS.ORG | PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF MARK THOMAS 8 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES ELECTIONS 2015: activities come to Lake View anyway. We have 44TH WARD 10 times the amount of resources on that day. If they divert police downtown, what happens if they really need them here in terms of pub- lic quality of life issues? No decision has been Ald. Tom Tunney on made on it yet. WCT: What more do you think the city can do in terms of HIV/AIDS prevention? Lake View and TT: The city has done a really good job at prevention. They’ve had some good marketing. What we could do is make have an LGBTQ liai- son in the city health department. Our com- its LGBT legacy missioner was openly gay, but he’s now moved on to Trinity, and his first deputy is the new By Matt Simonette important, and I would like to be able to help health commissioner. Our presence is well rep- engineer that. In terms of the transgender, in resented in the department, but we’ve left a Ald. Tom Tunney, the first openly gay alderman some cases, not for me, this is new territory, in vacancy out there for many, many years. I’m a in Chicago’s history, faces two opponents in terms of employment especially, relations with person who will work hard to find a cure. I’m in the Feb. 24 election: businessman Mark Thomas the police, dealing with respect. the Lori Cannon camp—we’re not getting out and consultant-activist Scott Davis. WCT: Regarding young people who do come of this until we find a cure. [Note: Cannon is Tunney’s time in office has not been without here from other parts of the city, there are a local activist and longtime ally of the LGBT its share of controversy. Among the challenges some who resent their presence here. community.] he’s faced recently have been difficulties with TT: It started with the Center on Halsted. The It might be a little altruistic, but it’s been 30 local residents concerned about crime in the Center on Halsted is not the “Lake View Cen- years. There are so many emotions here. What area, and his controversial vote against the ter.” It’s a Center for the city of Chicago, and we try to do each year is make sure we work minimum wage increase that passed through it was a tremendous investment at the time at closely with Chicago House—all the service the city council in late 2014 (he says he sup- the state, federal and local [levels]. I think we providers—and ask, What do you need from our ports an increased minimum wage, but that it were trying to create that level of sanctuary Ald. Tom Tunney. Photo by Matt Simonette budget? In the times that we’ve gotten amend- should be implemented at the state level). But when we first talked about the needs of youth. ments through the budget, it’s been through the alderman feels that voters will be confident I have been kind of a referee [in reminding the efforts of a few of us who’ve said, “Hey, weeks but then we had to get down to busi- in the job that he’s done since he came into people that], this is a center for everybody and this is a priority.” It’s never enough funding. ness. office in 2003. we have got to be a welcoming community like But I’m not comfortable with the resurgence WCT: How safe do you perceive the ward Windy City Times: What do you want to be we historically have always purported to be. of infections. to be? your focus in the next term? Now that reality has set in, it seems like, “Oh WCT: Anything else you would like to add? TT: Very safe. I’ve been here 35 years. I’ve Tom Tunney: I think over the last 12 years, well, I like the idea in theme, I’m not sure I TT: We were just talking about Halsted Street never felt unsafe, but I’m not a parent with two we’ve seen just an amazing progress as far as want it on Halsted.” and ensuring the vitality and diversity of their children. It’s a big city. I think people some- our community is concerned. I’ve been con- There are still issues about taking advantage businesses. We’re working with the Legacy times think they want all the amenities of the sistently fighting for public health funding of youth, and turning a blind eye to the neces- Project and trying to do a visitor center on suburbs and the cultural vitality of the city, whether it’s mental illness, HIV/AIDS—the sities that these kids need. If these kids are Halsted Street. I still want a library of sorts—I and just have it all wrapped up in Lake View. whole thing—and we really need to have a homeless, we’ve got to make sure that they want that presence on Halsted; I’ve always felt [That] just isn’t an urban experience. I grew up strong voice in the city council to make these have a roof over their heads and a decent way that way. I really want to work on our legacy, in the city. I’ve had issues—the restaurant was things happen. to make a living without working the streets. and I don’t just mean the Legacy program. It’s robbed 20 years ago. I was held up at gunpoint Moving forward, we certainly have issues We’ve got much more work to do on the service not just tourism. It’s also part of our history. seven years ago. When people feel violated, it’s about LGBT youth. We’ve been working on the side. I’m committed to working with our part- It’s just making sure that the gay community important that they respond. In my opinion, Broadway Youth Center and the Crib, expand- ners. We’ve got a great relationship with the in the City of Big Shoulders takes its share of they have to respond by getting involved with ing services citywide in terms of awareness, Center, Chicago House, Howard Brown—I feel responsibility for making the city what it is. their block, their neighborhood, with CAPS. acceptance and recognition of our culture. Our proud that I’ve been part of these institutions Visit http://www.tomtunney.com/. community is in every community and my focus for years, in fact helping start some of them. They’ve got to help us with the court system. really is to create greater awareness around the What I’ve seen mostly at the Center is [its People need to take ownership and responsibil- city on the issues that are important to the main resources are] not for us successful white ity. LGBT community. So, we have the bookends— guys. We have a responsibility to make our WCT: The perception of crime is different TPAN receives we have the youth, and we have seniors—and community an accepting and open community now, because of social media—we have the we’ve done a lot of good work. that’s safe for everybody. Crime in Boystown blog, for example, which $115K from So how do we create the kind of model that Part of that is working very closely with the often paints a different picture than what city crime statistics say. Very often, people Alphawood we’ve done in Lake View in other communities? police department. We’ve done a lot in terms Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) re- say they don’t believe what the city publish- I pledge to work as a leader on the council on of gender identity and just earning respect for ceived a grant for general operations in es. How do you reconcile all that? this issue as a more seasoned veteran now with the LGBT community. I’m really super-proud of the amount of $115,000 from the Alpha- TT: What we try to be is the trusted source gay and straight members of the council. In that police station. Those of us who’ve been wood Foundation. through our e-news and websites. We want to fact, there’s a lot more work to be done on the around a long time knew that that police sta- For more than 27 years, TPAN has de- make sure that we don’t over-react but we want South and West Sides, and I think I’ve estab- tion was going to be closed. … It’s been great. livered HIV/AIDS-related programs for to make sure we’re doing a lot more interven- lished good relations with the aldermen over The relationship with the police—not just the hundreds of individuals each year who are tion, and when things happen, we work with a number of years, and they trust me in terms infrastructure but the people-structure…We’ve living below the federal poverty level and the police to get the facts. Before we get ahead of what’s good for the city and what’s good for had good commanders who have been respect- impacted by HIV/AIDS. of the story, we have to make sure informa- the community, and I think my focus is really ful of the community. In addition to Alphawood, TPAN was re- tion is as accurate as can be. There’ll always be to expand with youth, housing, employment of WCT: Speak a bit about the expansion of cently awarded a $20,000 grant from the people who will dispute or come up with a dif- course, and fostering and adoption—I really the police-profiling law to include transgen- AIDS Foundation of Chicago through its ferent statistic that works the way they want it think that’s a need that is important. der individuals. Challenge Grant program. to. I go door-to-door, and I think people know One of my most proudest accomplishments TT: [On Jan. 21] the council unanimously TPAN will launch a new prevention pro- what they’ve heard. That’s the value in social is the opening of the Town Hall Apartments, adding two aspects to the profiling code, na- gram with the funding, “Lifeline,” that media, some of it is helping in solving crime which I have been working on for about ten tional origin and gender identity. I was a co- will provide an evidence-based interven- and I’m not going to retreat from that. But my years. This was an amazing retrofit of the po- sponsor of the ordinance. It reflected the Eric tion for people who test negative but are goal is that people know that I care and that lice station, quite ironic as it may seem, that Holder decision on the national level. It’s some- still vulnerable to HIV. I’m working with the police and also challeng- is now serving the community in a way that no thing we’ve been working on in Lake View for a Alphawood awards grants to more than ing the police about how we can do a better one would have ever thought. long time. How do you address the transgender 200 organizations annually, primarily in job working together. I think our office really Affordable housing is an issue for all com- community with respect, both in the way you the areas of advocacy, architecture and serves as a place where they can get up to date munities, and I know I have to be creative in approach them and, if they are taken into cus- preservation, arts, domestic violence pre- and accurate information. my ward with these kinds of opportunities— tody, protecting their personhood. We’ve heard vention, the environment, promotion and WCT: What are your thoughts on moving the SRO ordinance and some of the stuff we’ve for a number of years about harassment within protection of the rights of LGBT citizens the Pride Parade? done in housing—we’ve come a long way in the system, and I’m not saying that just with and people living with HIV/AIDS, and TT: We have changed the route in the past, so terms of making sure that all communities are transgender people either. But this is an im- other human and civil rights. available to all levels of income, and it’s cer- portant addition to our municipal code. I think I’m not afraid to work on that. I think we did a tainly not enough. we’re one of the early cities to do it. good job with it. We’ve also secured a lot more WCT: You’ve mentioned issues with youth. I’m proud to see that, and other pieces of police resources there. The converse question Speak a little bit more about what work legislation. Working with our state officials. is, has it outgrown the neighborhood? [Oth- you’d like to see come up in the next term Greg Harris and I have been lifelong friends. ers] say, it is a celebration of our neighbor- on that issue. Obviously and hood, on a national stage. Another idea pro- TT: Well, specifically, adding more housing too—these are my generation of people. That posed is a different route on the North Side or beds, and overnight shelters. We’re trying to gets to how do we develop a new farm team? moving it downtown. We’ve talked about this replicate what we’re doing here on the south How do we not “eat our own” and get [future extensively—it’s not the parade itself. … Two side, and that actually predates when we were LGBT politicians] involved so they’re not just a things that need more work are responsible pa- @windycitytimes1 dealing with Sandy Jackson as the alderman gay and lesbian candidate? Yeah I was the first tronage, with alcohol, and being a responsible there. We’ve talked about a community center gay alderman, but that’s not why the people community. Also, [remembering that], if it was on the South Side and on the West side. That is voted for me. It made the headlines for two moved to a different location, the post-parade WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 9 Initial police reports stated that Hernandez ‘Ex-ex-gay’ Evans was behind the wheel of a stolen car when offi- Mark Cozzi dies at 80 cers responded to a call about suspicious activ- Lowell “John” Evans—one of the earliest ity in an alley. Police claim the teenager struck appointed to state members of the ex-gay movement in the United an officer with the car, fracturing his leg and prompting the officers to open fire, ultimately investment board States to leave it and campaign against it— By Matt Simonette has died at age 80, Gay Star News noted. killing Hernandez. Friends and family who gathered at vigils to Evans co-founded what has been called the Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has appointed remember the teen, who went “Jessie,” said earliest ex-gay ministry, Love In Action, in Mark Cozzi, an openly gay financial advi- she was openly gay, and frequently referred to 1973 with a heterosexual Christian preacher sor and consultant, to the Illinois State a girlfriend of the deceased. A Facebook post named Kent Philpott, and another gay man, Board of Investment, according to a Jan. from Hernandez this past December also men- Frank Worthen, in San Raphael, California. 30 press release. tions a girlfriend. Philpott later wrote a book, The Third Sex?, in Cozzi is currently the managing partner Demonstrators gathered in District Attorney which he claimed his ministry had successfully and founder of Lincoln Park Capital Group, Mitch Morrissey’s office in downtown Denver converted people from being gay to straight— which he founded in 2008. He stayed with Jan. 27, demanding a full, impartial investiga- leading to the formation of the ex-gay ministry the company until 2011, when he became tion; they also carried signs with messages like Exodus International in 1976. senior managing director of the Electrum “Cowards Shoot Girls” and “Your Badge Is Not Evans finally left the group after friend Jack Group, an investment firm focused on the a License to Kill.” McIntyre committed suicide because he had mining sector. Cozzi rejoined Lincoln Park The Denver Channel noted that Hernandez’s not been able to change his sexuality. Capital in 2014 and served on Rauner’s family members have said they believe the of- Love In Action ended in 2011; then-leader transition team. His charitable works in- ficers opened fire before the officer was struck John Smid is now married to another man. clude serving as event chair of the 2011 and demanded video of the shooting. However, In a press release, Chicago-based Truth Wins gala, and membership on no such video exists because officers in that Out (TWO) mourned Evans’ passing. “John Ev- the board of regents of the Point Founda- district (District 2) are not equipped with cam- ans is an important historical figure who will tion. eras. be missed,” said TWO Executive Director Wayne In August 2014, Cozzi and openly gay “We are deeply saddened by the tragic, unnec- Besen. “Evans was the first ‘ex-ex-gay,’ mean- businessman Ryan Ruskin co-authored a essary death of Jessie Hernandez,” said Osman ing a person who touted the message of sexual Chicago Sun-Times editorial defending Ahmed, The National Coalition of Anti-Violence conversion—before later renouncing it as a Rauner against assertions from LGBT ac- Programs’ research and education coordinator damaging fraud. He created a template for so tivists that a Rauner victory would be det- at the City Anti-Violence Project, in many others who came after him and followed rimental to their community. They wrote, a statement. “Too often, LGBTQ people of color in his footsteps.” “Bruce is committed to changing the path are marginalized in the national conversation Matthew Doeseckle. Facebook photo The original article is at http://www.gay- of our state—away from deficits, uncom- about police violence against people of color. starnews.com/article/us-%E2%80%98ex- petitive tax and business policies, failing “Jessie Hernandez’s death is a tragic remind- gay%E2%80%99-movement-pioneer-turned- schools, corruption and self-serving politi- PASSAGES er that LGBTQ people of color constantly expe- critic-john-evans-has-died-aged-80230115. cians—and toward a future of economic rience police violence and criminalization by growth and opportunity, free from the un- Matthew Doeseckle law enforcement. We must engage the current fair influence of special interests. Bruce’s Matthew Phillips Doeseckle died Dec. 23, movement against police violence and brutality Denver police shoot, policies would lead to a colossal improve- 2014, at the age of 33. to include the leadership, voices, and stories of ment in the lives of all Illinoisans, gay and He is survived by his partner, Craig Jones of kill lesbian teen LGBTQ people of color, especially LGBTQ youth straight alike.” Montgomery, Illinois; his mother, Sharon Lehm- In Denver, authorities shot and killed of color. ” The Board of Investment is responsible an Doeseckle of Naperville, Illinois; his father, 17-year-old lesbian Jessica Hernandez during The original story is at http://www.advocate. for managing the investments of the State Robert Doeseckle of Honolulu, Hawaii; and a a Jan. 26 confrontation—relaunching a con- com/crime/2015/01/28/denver-police-kill- Employees’ Retirement System, General plethora of family and friends. versation about the issues of police force and unarmed-17-year-old-gay-teen. Doeseckle was born Oct. 29, 1981 and grew interactions with communities of color, accord- Assembly Retirement System, Judges Re- up in Lisle, Illinois, graduating from the Lisle ing to Advocate.com. tirement System and the Public Employees High School, where he was a member of the Deferred Compensation Plan. Board mem- band and an honor student. In these years, wa- bers are compensated for their expenses ter sports and snow skiing at the family home but do not draw a salary. on Lake Geneva were a big part of his life. He graduated with honors from Southern Illi- nois University in May 2005 with a B.S. in psy- Or Chadash series ploring the intersection of Jewish and LGBTQ Local school districts would develop policies chology. Upon graduation, he worked for the narrative, identity, history and liberation. that curb bullying based on sex, race, color, Association for Individual Development (AID) Feb. 8-March 22 Visit www.orchadash.org or email communi- national origin, disability, religion, sexual ori- as a crisis interventionist in the ER at both will host a series, [email protected]. entation and gender identity, PennLive.com Mercy Center and Copley Hospitals. He also “Journey to Freedom: Pesach and the LGBTQ noted. graduated summa cum laude with a masters in Experience” that will run Feb. 8-March 22. (It Casey said while it’s nice to have Kirk co- counseling from National-Lewis University in culminates with a communal Seder on May 3 at Kirk co-sponsors sponsor the bill, he hopes to garner more bi- June 2014. Anshe Emet, 3751 N. Broadway.) partisan support in Congress. It’s always hard Doeseckle joined Family Counseling Services In each of the eight professionally facilitated safe-schools act to generate Republican support for a bill, he of Aurora in February 2014, working with fami- workshop sessions—which will take place in U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., and U.S. Sen. Bob said, when it federally mandates local school lies and groups with a specialization in addic- various Chicago and suburban locations—at- Casey, D-Pa., reintroduced the Safe Schools districts to implement policies. tions. tendees will engage in a process of reflection Improvement Act (SSIA) Jan. 29, according GLSEN Executive Director Dr. Eliza Byard A visitation and celebration of life were held and discovery to create written and artistic to a press release from education organization praised the development. “This legislation is at the New England Congregational Church, 406 works, some of which will be incorporated into GLSEN. crucial for the thousands of students, a dispro- W. Galena Blvd., Aurora, on Jan. 31. In lieu of the Haggadah used during the May 3 Seder. The bill would require all public K-12 schools portionate number of whom are lesbian, gay, flowers, donations can be made to New England The series is open to anyone, regardless of to enact fully inclusive anti-bullying policies bisexual and transgender (LGBT), who face bul- Congregational Church. religious affiliation, who is interested in ex- that have specific protections against bullying lying and harassment each year in America’s and harassment of all students. schools,” said Byard.

IMMIGRATION from page 5 few minutes to say their goodbyes. PLAY WITH The assembled group at the vigil recited Hail Mary over and over again, sang hymns and sol- one of those questions. Their time inside its emnly read the names of those people about walls and within the borders of the United to be deported. “We pray for families who have States can be measured in hours. experienced the devastation of raids and de- Grey Even before Persch, Murphy and their volun- portations,” Persch said. “For the children who Official supplier of teers set up the microphone on the sidewalk have lost parents, for the husbands and wives in front of the building, a small line of fam- who are left alone to take care of their families Fifty Shades ily members had formed in front of the glass and for all undocumented people who experi- doors. Mothers kept a tight hold of their chil- of Grey ence fear and live in a state of uncertainty.” supplies ... dren and the single suitcase or bag they are As she spoke, family members and friends permitted to deliver to their loved one inside. and other goodies to spice were seen exiting the glass doors with tears Once the family members enter, the suit- up your Valentine’s Day streaming down their cheeks. They got in their case is thoroughly checked for electronics or Made in the USA cars and drove away, just as an ominous-look- other contraband. After it is repacked, a brief ing bus with its windows completely blocked- and final visit is permitted with the detainee. YOUR FETISH SUPERSTORE out passed them and began to enter the open- It takes place through a doorway. There, the ing garage. 6410 N. Clark St. • 773-508-0900 family members can hand over the suitcase or Leather64TEN.com money if they have it. They are allowed only a Turn to page 12 10 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES RAHM from cover 1960s. Crime is down now 30 percent in the WCT: President Obama just announced to help folks. We made Chicago Star available last four years. People don’t walk around going, support of community college tuition, and to undocumented [persons], which makes it “I haven’t felt this good since 1966.” What you you have done so as well. But a big barrier unique, because if parents brought there kids of people were leaving, and a record number of can take away from the data is that we’re mak- for youth in attending and completing col- here, they’ve made that sacrifice or struggle, jobs and companies were leaving.” ing progress. So now we have to ask, What is lege is housing. Would you support creating we don’t want lack of education or further edu- So, rather than push off our challenges, I working, and what’s not working? I fundamen- dorm-style housing for community college cation to inhibit their kids. I continue to want believe we had to confront them, and if we tally believe that putting more police on the students, so that all full-time students at- Chicago to be the most immigrant-friendly city confronted them head on, people would have street, and getting kids, guns and drugs off the tending such schools would receive housing … our main effort is to make sure that, with the confidence to move back to the city and street, and investing in those areas because or housing vouchers? the president’s executive order, families are en- jobs and companies would [as well]. I’ve pro- they’re essential for safety in all parts of the RE: My first goal, first and foremost, is giv- rolled in this historic opportunity. posed four budgets in a row that have all been city. ing the Chicago-STAR scholarship—if you earn WCT: A lot of undocumented LGBT im- balanced, without raising property, sales or gas Now I understand, as you said, many of your a B average, community college will be free. migrants we have spoken to are living in taxes. We eliminated the per-employee head readers live in [differing] parts of the city. [Chicago is] the first city to really change the fear—fear of ICE breaking down doors. Many tax. Four years in a row we put money back My job as the mayor is for all of the city. Ho- educational makeup of a city. A lot of cities aldermen, both incumbents and new candi- into the rainy day fund, and four years in a micides aren’t the same, robberies aren’t the are in the K through 12 model. We’re now say- dates, have said so as well. Incumbents have row we invested in after-school, summer jobs, same, throughout the city. So we’ve taken of- ing our model is pre-K to college, which is a said that in primarily Hispanic communities, early childhood-education for our kids and ba- ficers from behind the desks to apply them, dramatic difference. I know that there are chal- undocumented persons won’t go into offices sic neighborhood services. though Operation Impact, where we saturate, lenges ahead. We are doing a lot on affordable for fear that ICE might break down their Now—since the time in which we confronted put more officers on bicycles and on the beat, housing, but I do not just need to develop the doors. It’s a federal issue, but is there any- our challenges—more people are moving into to give the community’s most affected by gun idea that I have, but I need to see it through thing you’d tell undocumented immigrants, our city than other cities, and more people are violence a greater police presence. As I’ve told to its success as well. My effort in the first term a message to them? moving companies to our city, and jobs are you, we’ve dramatically increased by about 40 was turning our community colleges in Chicago RE: We have in mind to make the president’s coming back at a record number. In my view percent our after-school, and by 60 percent our towards a career-based education. That took a executive order a unique opportunity to take this is not the time to go back to our failed pol- summer jobs. We’ve gone from about 14,000 to lot of effort to refocus it. advantage of this change. It is a change in itics, and the failed status quo, but to confront 24,000 kids in summer jobs. When I became mayor, we had the worst the law at one level. It’s not a new law but our challenges with both the solutions and the Now the hardest challenge we had is when graduation rate of any community college sys- it’s a change in how the federal government strength that provide more opportunity for the the court threw out Chicago’s gun laws. I ag- tem in America—seven percent. It’s now 14 deals with our immigration laws. … The city, people of the city of Chicago throughout every gressively moved and landmarked the city gun [percent] and on its way to 22 [percent]. A lot before the executive order came, used to be a neighborhood and community. laws. But we’re not an island, given that guns of that had to do with focusing the schools on sanctuary city just by mayoral executive order. WCT: What will be your key goals in a sec- are floating in from surrounding areas. So we very specific industries and then making sure I passed an ordinance at the city level that’s ond term? have to work with Springfield and Washington that kids were educated and trained for the now policy of the city of Chicago. That clear- RE: To continue educational growth for our in passing comprehensive gun control legisla- most promising jobs in those fields. The sec- ly gives an indication how we as a city treat families and our kids, most importantly. While tion. ond piece is to make sure that no family goes immigrants, regardless of their status. That’s we’ve established all-day kindergarten for every WCT: Incidents in Ferguson and New York into financial hardship trying to get their kids the clearest sign to come from the shadows in child, and pre-K, for four-year-olds in families this past fall highlighted tensions between access to community college, which is what I pursuing your work, lifestyle, how you want to with need—that will be half-day and I’d like to persons of color and police officers. Some think is access to the American dream. So be- live, because our city welcomes people of all take that to the next level, which is a full day Chicagoans of color have said that they have fore I take on that, I need to execute what I’ve types. of pre-K for families in need. On the other end, been subjected to over-policing or harassing laid out. I don’t want to say housing is not WCT: What do you perceive as being the at high school—that’s one of the main reasons traffic stops by Chicago police. What can be an issue. I accept that it is, but I don’t want biggest issues facing LGBT Chicagoans? people leave our city, and I think we can make done to keep police officers accountable? to get my eye off the ball for what we’ve just RE: While there are challenges, I don’t think high schools one of the main reasons people RE: This gets to the core of what community done, which is landmark. we should forget the gains we’ve made, [such want to stay in the city, [if] people liked their policing is. I’ve always believed in community WCT: Your administration has done work as] hate-crimes legislation, marriage equality, neighborhood schools and by offering educa- policing, so when I came here our community on the homeless youth issue, which is some- repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” There are oth- tional high-quality choices at neighborhood policing—which was started here in Chicago— thing the paper does a great deal of work on, er issues, like bullying, ahead. While I’m also schools, like International Baccalaureate and had become an office rather than a [strategy]. since 40 percent of homeless youth— pleased that the [Supreme Court] is going to STEM, we can reinvigorate our high school edu- So I took everyone out of the office and moved RE: Forty percent. take on marriage equality, while we as a state cation, re-think our senior year, so it’s really them out into the districts. We retrained the WCT: Right, are LGBT. have done it, the clearest sign ahead of us is to a college- or career-transitional year through police department officers on trust, because RE: But that’s different from what you were make sure when the court interprets it, that’s both the dual-credit and dual-enrollment. I’ll that’s what community policing is. just asking. As it relates to homelessness, we now the law of the land. … [The] court deci- continue to look at the budget, balance it If you know the officers in your community made some major changes and now we’ve ex- sion will not change Illinois or Chicago, but every year obviously, but do it in a way that and the officers know their community, you are panded the beds by a third, specifically tar- it may change, if they get married here, how makes reforms and efficiencies. working at trust-building, which is essential geting homeless youth, and in four different they’ll feel if they move as a couple to another WCT: If you’re re-elected, you’ll be con- for safety and security. The beat officer, while places providing basic services to help home- state depending on where they move. tending with enormous financial challenges being the backbone of the police department, less youth get back on their feet, and get back As it relates to the quality of life specifically when, next year, many of the city’s enormous is not the only individual operating community into an educational [setting]. in the city, we want to always communicate as pension liabilities are going to be coming to policing. The superintendent, by meeting with WCT: Would you be in favor of opening to how this relates to our youth—that’s both a head. What steps do you as mayor need religious communities, is operating in commu- these schools to more hours of service, in- on the homelessness front that you talked to take in order to protect the city’s bal- nity policing. cluding opening early for use of showers, about, in our schools, [ensuring] kids are con- ance sheet? Are Chicagoans going to face By the district commanders, having regular and staying open year-round for use of lock- stantly respected regardless of their sexual ori- increased property taxes or service cuts? meetings with leaders in both educational, ers, and perhaps even opening them over- entation, and our diversity is held up as a sign RE: Let me say this: I balanced four budgets neighborhood, business and religious leaders night during winter months for allowing of strength. That’s also true in making sure that in a row, without a property, sales or gas tax of the surrounding area, they’re building com- youth to sleep over? our police department works with the commu- [increase]. We eliminated the per-employee munity policing. It’s fundamentally about the RE: I’m not going to say I’m not, but we have nity, and making sure that it understands their head tax; we didn’t cut it, we eliminated it. trust between the community and law enforce- specific services for homeless youth. Now let individual issues, and does it from a position Four years in a row, we put resources into ment. … When there’s an incident, you don’t me draw back a little. This coming year, be- of respect both from the law enforcement com- things that are really valuable. In the same want it to be the first time you’re having this cause of the budget we just passed, we’re actu- munity working with the [LGBT] community, time that we were doing that, and putting conversation or dialogue. ally providing eliminating homelessness among knowing that there’s a trust between the police money into the rainy day fund rather than tak- WCT: Some parents contended that after veterans, we’ve expanded services to homeless department and the law enforcement commu- ing it out, we have worked through the issues the school closures happened, some chil- youth and I and I work with [Family & Support nity, and the community as a whole. with park district employees, municipal em- dren must walk through gang-infested areas. Services Commissioner] Evelyn Diaz and her WCT: Maybe if you could comment on the ployees and laborors, to secure their retirement What is being done to protect them? To be deputy in developing strategies targeting areas expansion of the police profiling law to cov- for the workers, and to do it in a way that was specific, it was a concern of some people in of our homeless population so we make real er transgender individuals. Can you speak to both fair to them and fair to the taxpayers of Austin we’ve spoken with. progress. Before I say yes as to what I want training measures that would be in place for the city of Chicago. RE: First and foremost, last year was the to do at our schools, I’d rather work with ser- CPD recruits and Cook County correctional Sometimes, I jokingly say that’s three more best year in attendance in CPS history, and the vice providers, see where we are and what our staff? pension deals than anybody else, or any of my worst winter. We dramatically expanded our progress is, so my main goal is what I pledged RE: For Cook County, sorry, you have to go predecessors combined. The fact that [with] safe passage routes, putting adults on street to see through, which is, by January of next over there and ask somebody else. But as it re- the police and fire unions, we worked through corners for six, seven or eight blocks. This year, year, there are no homeless veterans in the city lates to us, we’ve put our entire police depart- their contract, without having to go to arbitra- I took [that] and increased it, with another of Chicago. Evelyn is working with a network ment—don’t get me on the specific number tion, creates a conducive environment to work 35 or 40 schools included in the safe-passage of providers as well as those focused specifi- here, but almost like 10,000 officers have gone through the issues of retirement security for routes. So I’m very sensitive to the concerns of cally on homeless issues, [asking], ‘What is the through retraining, working on the most basic their work force—our work force, that we’ve safety during the time that the kids are walk- next population we make major gains on? How principles of policing. Your most basic prin- come to rely on. ing to school or coming home from school, and do we target them? What are the resources we ciple is to build trust, but do it from a posi- WCT: In recent years, Chicagoans have dramatically—since day one, but principally in need to do it?’ tion of strength and respect. That to me is key. heard contradicting statistics about the the last two years—increased our safe passage WCT: What work have you done and will Whether dealing with individuals of color, or of prevalence of crime, both citywide and workers out on the street, giving the parents you do surrounding immigration issues, and sexual orientation, that you respect the com- sometimes within their own neighborhoods, and the kids the confidence that there will be in particular undocumented immigrants? munity that you’re responsible to, and know such as in Lake View. How “safe” a city do an adult there responsible for a series of blocks RE: One of the main things beyond what we’ve that your goal is not just to enforce the law but you perceive Chicago to be? What should be on a route that kids are to take. Last year that done—I helped pass the DREAM Act here in build a level of trust between the individuals done to combat crime effectively and justly? led to record attendance and this year so far the state, got driver’s licenses for immigrants, who make up that community and the police RE: If Superintendent McCarthy was here, we’re continuing that trend line of [improve- making sure that in every neighborhood library department. he’d show you, it’s true. Last year we finished ment]. there was what we called a Citizenship Corner WCT: Transgender women of color have with the lowest homicide rate since the mid- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 11 detailed horrific cases of abuse by CPD of- poverty. What kind of resources can the city asking, is hiring ex-offenders who are return- ficers that have come from profiling them as put behind them? ing citizens. That’s been a major effort to help ‘State of AIDS in sex workers, etc. “Walking while trans” has RE: My general attitude and philosophy is be- returning citizens in the place of employment become a common concern. A lot of them hind the city effort to raise the minimum wage. and making sure that, for example, in public Black Chicago’ feel that making complaints is useless be- My philosophical approach has been for raising transportation we do that. I want to make sure cause they fear no one is going to take them the minimum wage. Back in my days in con- that we do everything in our power to make Feb. 17-19 seriously. This leads to accountability. What gress was when it was last raised at the federal sure that we’re clear about the policies of the The Black Treatment Advocacy Network measures are in place for CPD accountabil- level. It’s why I did what I did when I worked city as it relates to discrimination, which is (BTAN) Chicago will host “The State of ity, especially for women like this who feel for President Clinton, when it was raised at the not allowed. AIDS in Black Chicago: From the Bench to so disenfranchised? time prior to that. I was proud that the city of WCT: What resources will the city use to the Bedside” Feb. 17-19 at the University RE: Chicago’s unique, in that a lot of people Chicago led the effort to raise the minimum stem and reverse the number of new HIV in- Center, 525 S. State St., 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. are looking at our model of the police board, wage to $13. fections, which are still a serious problem, The event, among other things, will IPRA, which obviously investigates any actions If people work, they should not be in poverty especially among young gay men of color? commemorate National Black HIV/AIDS related to the police. Now that sometimes is or raise a child in poverty. In addition to the RE: Working with Dr. [Bechara] Choucair, my Awareness Day (NBHAAD). Feb. 7 marks merely about—if there’s a shooting it goes to minimum wage, not only in my time at the fed- health commissioner, I think we’ve dramatical- the 15th year for the day, a national HIV the IPRA board. That’s not what you’re talk- eral level, expanding dramatically the earned ly increased the resources through our applica- testing and treatment community mobili- ing about, you’re talking about isolation, of income tax credit, but also doing it here with tions and grant applications for state and fed- zation initiative targeted at Blacks in the how they’re dealt with on a case-by-case ba- Gov. [Pat] Quinn, expanding it here at the eral money. So the city of Chicago is actually United States and the Diaspora. sis. There is accountability in the police de- state level. That ensures specifically for fami- putting more resources in total towards that Among the topics that are slated to be partment. It’s something you work towards all lies, if you work, no child is raised in poverty. effort. I’m going to continue to do as we look covered are the origins of HIV, immune re- the time. If there’s a trend, that needs to be So to the transgender community that over- for the next health commissioner, they’re going sponses, major scientific discoveries, bio- brought directly to the police department … whelmingly lives in poverty, obviously support to be a key part in making sure they keep up medical HIV prevention and testing. [to] the district commander where that hap- and assistance. The main thing we can do is, the work that Dr. Choucair and I did in seeking Register and find more information pened, because they know how we want to, as beyond that support and assistance, raise the greater resources from the federal government at http://events.aidschicago.org/site/ a city, interact with the community. You can’t minimum wage so that work pays. and the state government in the HIV area. Calendar?id=101201&view=Detail. have people feel safe if they feel that the of- WCT: When they talk about even trying to WCT: Do you think the Pride Parade should ficers responsible for public safety are not to get a job, there’s a non-discrimination law be moved out of Lake View? be trusted. You can’t build safety [alone]. It’s in place. But when you interview for a job, RE: That’s not for the mayor to decide. Like Chicago House’s something you build together with a com- an employer doesn’t have to tell you why with all issues, I’ll work with the community ‘The Tease’ Feb. 28 munity. So individuals targeted because of they’re not giving you a job, and there’s a so we can have both a parade that people can Chicago House presents its second an- their sexual orientation—or because they are lot of people who say they can’t even get be proud of and that respects the diversity nual burlesque event “The Tease” Satur- transgender women of color—that needs to be their foot in the door, especially transgen- of the city. But I’m not going to say where it day, Feb. 28, at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. at brought forward so we can make sure there is der youth. Is there anything that can be should go. In my tenure, the route was slightly Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. a change in attitude, culture and enforcement, done to encourage employers to give these changed, and I’ll continue to work with the Producers Keith Elliott and Todd Kiech— and hold anybody accountable if they’ve done kids a chance? leaders of the gay community if they want to who have been behind the events Dance something that does not adhere to the policy RE: The first thing we have to do is make change it. But I want it to go on so all parts For Life and Chicago Takes Off—are behind of the police. It’s hard for me to react to a sure employers know our policies as relates to of the city can embrace a community that is this show that will feature performances generic [scenario] without knowing something discrimination. … I owe you more work, and I significant, that contributes to a city that rep- from burlesque, cirque and dance artists, specific, but my call is that, nobody should fear have to look and talk to Mona [Noriega, head resents not just a diversity of immigrants but including Jett Adore. coming forward because the philosophy of the of the Commission on Human Relations] about people of all orientations. Tickets are $40 (standing room only) to trust that we are building. what we have done as it relates to employers Visit www.chicagotogether.org. $300 (VIP); visit ChicagoHouse.org. WCT: A disproportionate number of trans- on that specific [issue]. One of the areas we’re gender individuals—90 percent—live in working on, not direct to the questions you’re

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This founded May 1987. nouns when talking with the media. They put seems one of the worst and most cowardly kinds Leelah’s legal name, Joshua, on her gravestone, of discrimination—discriminating when the tar- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR and banned her best friend, Abby Jones, from gets can’t fight back. Tracy Baim the funeral, reported the U.K.’s Daily Mail. After The fact that these stories are in the news, ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Leelah’s death, Abby had posted online a photo however, means that someone is fighting back on MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis that Leelah had taken of herself wearing a dress their behalf, that at least some friends and fam- BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine Denying LGBTQ and it quickly went viral, which apparently an- ily of those above are stepping up and speaking DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson gered Leelah’s parents. out to ensure that LGBTQ people are remembered SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette identities Her mother told CNN that she and her husband with authenticity and dignity. Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, “don’t support that [Leelah’s transgender iden- Not every denomination or ministry is intoler- Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, in death tity], religiously,” although she added, “But we ant, of course. And organizations like the Na- Gretchen Rachel Hammond told him that we loved him unconditionally.” tional Resource Center on LGBT Aging (lgbtaging- PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 My mother was recently diagnosed with terminal Hmm. Refusing to acknowledge a child’s gender center.org) have resources to guide individuals SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa cancer, and so end-of-life issues are much on my identity isn’t quite what I think of as “uncondi- in end-of-life planning so their wishes are more Keen, Yasmin Nair mind. When she passes—a straight, cisgender tional.” likely to be respected. These are useful, but I fear THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan woman—she will be buried next to my father One might imagine an adult would escape they may be overlooked by younger LGBTQ people CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. under a common gravestone, with the name she BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair the same treatment. Not always. In November, and their families. We shouldn’t wait until old age SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman prefers. Our family will honor both her individual a 32-year-old transgender woman in Idaho, Jen- to think about these things or talk about them ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS identity and the life she and my father created nifer Gable, died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. with our loved ones, however, especially if we Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence together. Not all LGBTQ people can expect the After her death, her parents referred to her ex- have children for whom our funerals would be an Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan same, however, as several recent incidents have clusively by her birth name, Geoffrey, and with important part of the mourning process. Abarbanel COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet reminded us. male pronouns. The memorial Web page they And when we hear in the media of incidents Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy In early January, the New Hope Ministries established at the funeral home website uses a like the ones above, we can continue, as many Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Church in Lakewood, Colorado, cancelled the fu- photo of Gable pre-transition. Even worse, she have done, to reinforce the true lives of the indi- Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick Patricca, Liz neral of Vanessa Collier, a lesbian mother, 15 min- was presented in the open casket at the funeral viduals by passing on their stories (to the extent Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, Kate Sosin, Angelique Smith, Meghan Streit utes before it was due to start, because church dressed in a man’s suit and with her hair in a that we know them) and calling out those who SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Pastor Ray Chavez would not allow her spouse, man’s cut, reported the Miami Herald. deny them their selves. Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan Christina Higley, to show a video that included The family is not always at fault. In another The way a community treats its members upon Mattes scenes of their engagement and other affection- incident last August, the New Hope Missionary their deaths sets a tone that will resonate long CIRCULATION ate moments between the women. He would only Baptist Church in Florida cancelled the funeral of after they are gone. Denominations, ministries, CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright permit it if Higley edited out those images. Ul- Julion Evans with less than a day’s notice after and individuals of faith that discriminate are un- DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Sue and Victor timately, the funeral was moved to a mortuary learning he was gay. His extended family mem- dermining their own cause as they alienate those WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead across the street, where Higley’s own chaplain, bers belong to that church, so his husband Ken- family and friends of LGBTQ individuals who ac- programmer: Martie Marro) Gary Rolando, presided over the service. dall Capers had wanted the funeral held there. cepted them for who they were. Shame on those I cannot imagine what Collier and Higley’s two There was no discord between Capers and Evans’ who profess to help people with their grief and Copyright 2015 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media daughters, ages 7 and 11, must have thought. It family, according to NBC affiliate WFLA. Their re- instead add to it. Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back is awful enough to lose a mother, without being lationship was known to the family, and Evans’ Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, told that the love and affection between one’s mother was “devastated” when she heard of the of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and parents is so worthless it must be excised from cancellation. Award-winning blog and resource directory for no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. remembrance. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy These are only a few examples of times LGBTQ LGBT parents. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned Some transgender people have faced a some- people have been misgendered or their partners for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Office Roberto Romero-Perez maintains that it opportunities as they can to show that they’re and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City IMMIGRATION from page 9 Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of does not go far enough in its protections for tough on this issue,” he said. “That they’re a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy LGBTQ immigrants. Of particular concern are going to jail these people, kick them out and City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the The vigil was over in 40 minutes. Persch was sexual orientation of such person or organization. While those initiatives that deal with the expansion send them back where they came from. It’s that then allowed to join the detainees shackled on we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make of provisional waivers of unlawful presence to harsh but they don’t care. Many policy issues this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept the bus. Separated from them by plexiglass, include the spouses and sons and daughters of are complicated and sensitive. The nuance gets responsibility for advertising claims. she prayed for them and offered a message of lawful permanent residents and the sons and lost in the emotions of the time. I also think (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 hope through a small opening—it was a mes- e-mail: [email protected] or daughters of U.S. citizens along with the abil- that there is a group of elected officials who sage gratefully received. 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Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 “Only a small percentage of the LGBTQ com- people who are different and come from dif- U.S.A form of immigration laws, but whatever the law munity has been allowed to form relation- ferent areas are the reason there are problems.’ (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) that is currently in place we have to execute ships,” he told Windy City Times, “and that’s The nuance says just the opposite; that im- it,” ICE’s Lorenzen-Strait said. “I want to en- Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. only been in the last couple of years. It’s a migration reform would dramatically grow our sure that, if there is a reason why we have to Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. step in the right direction but it’s still disap- economy and reduce the national debt.” OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE detain someone, we give care and treatment pointing.” Quigley believes a vast majority of Americans www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com to the best of our ability. We can work in lock- www.WindyCityQueercast.com “The executive order didn’t go far enough support immigration reform. “When people in step with partners in the external world—LGBT to protect individuals,” Immigration Attor- my district come back and say ‘why isn’t it hap- advocates, attorneys and concerned citizens “Windy City Media Group generated ney Michael R. Jarecki agreed, “to respect the pening?’ it’s because it’s the tip of the dog’s to make improvements together to try to make enormous interest among their readers dignity of an individual who does not have tail wagging the body-politic that preys on the world a better place.” in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index the hook of a child or other family members people’s worst views of others and using that Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) believes that world Survey. Out of approximately 100 here. We’ve seen that DREAMers and a lot of to scare them. It’s the most abusive part of can only be improved with comprehensive im- print and online media partners who people who have qualified for Deferred Action politics that exists today.” migration reform and a complete overhaul of participated in the survey, Windy for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are part of the For more information about the Broadview ICE’s methods. Among his long list of efforts, City was the best performing regional LGBTQ community but there are other individu- Interfaith Vigil, visit http://www.crln.org/ in June he sought amendments designed to media in the U.S. Only survey partners als who are not part of DACA who will not be node/1469. stem abuse in detention centers and put an with a nationwide footprint were covered by this action. I think it is unfortunate For more information on the Sisters of end to the 34,000 detainee-per-day mandate. able to generate a greater number of because there’s the authority and the need to Mercy, visit http://www.sistersofmercy.org/. “I learned a long time ago that you need responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research do that. At the same time, I can’t put my en- Windy City Times would like to thank Mi- multiple reasons to get people to do the right Director, Community Marketing, Inc. tire disappointment on the president because chael R. Jarecki, Roberto Romero-Perez, Ju- thing,” he told Windy City Times. “So if people he was doing something that the Republican- lio Rodriguez, Dennis Akpona, the National could care less about what happens to detain- controlled House of Representatives refused to Immigrant Justice Coalition, the Sisters of ees, they will care that we are spending far even entertain.” Mercy, Immigration Customs Enforcement, more money to keep them in a detention bed Nevertheless, Republicans have pledged an Lieutenant Michael R. Lukas and the staff of rather than in a more humane and practical all-out assault on the reforms now that they the McHenry County Adult Correctional Fa- way, if we’re going to detain them at all.” have assumed control of the entire Congress. cility for their invaluable assistance in this While President Obama’s Nov. 20, 2014 ex- In his interview with Windy City Times, Quigley report. ecutive action offered some relief for undocu- sounded prophetic. For the first three parts of this series, see mented immigrants, founder of the Perrom Law “My sense is that the far-right needs as many www.windycitymediagroup.com. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 13 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Michael Brosilow

MARY, MARY—QUITE CONTRARY The theatrical production Princess Mary Demands Your Attention is reviewed on page 15. THEATER TELEVISION BOOKS ‘Burn’ notice. Trai pride. Mother’s day. Page 14 Page 27 Page 22 Photo from Rapture, Blister, Burn Photo of Trai Byers by Liz Lauren courtesy of Fox

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Gender expressions BY SCOTT C. MORGAN In writing A Kid Like Jake, Pearle also made certain to read as many medical and sociologi- Playwright Daniel Pearle drew from his own cal journals and studies on childhood gender personal experiences when he wrote his award- expression. He was amazed to see how the winning 2013 off-Broadway comedy A Kid Like opinions and views had changed in just the Jake, which makes its Chicago debut this week past decade. in an About Face Theatre production. “There’s so much more literature published A Kid Like Jake focuses on the titular four- on what that could mean. There’s a whole cho- year-old boy who has an obsession with Cinder- rus of expert opinions and developmental psy- ella and dressing up as princesses. When Jake chologists who are talking about what I got is in the running for a top kinder- up to at that age,” Pearle said. “On one hand garten, his parents and his preschool director it’s wonderful and obviously shows how society weigh the pros and cons of Jake’s gender ex- has become more open and inclusive, but as a pressions and whether or not it will help with parent, there’s certain difficult conversations his school admission. that are happening earlier with kids who are so “I went through a similar Cinderella phase,” much younger.” said Pearle during a recent telephone. “But it About Face Theatre’s Chicago premiere of wasn’t as extreme as what’s talked about in the Daniel Pearle’s A Kid Like Jake plays from play, though there are certainly elements of Friday, Feb. 6, through Sunday, March 15, at my own childhood that I was able to draw on the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lin- in terms of things I remember and things I’ve coln Ave. Preview performances run through Gene Weygandt (left) and David Hess in La Cage aux Folles. Image from Mark Campbell been told. Family mythology is fascinating in Feb. 8 and are $20 and $10 for students and Photography and The Marriott Theatre terms of what is passed down.” seniors. Regular-run tickets are $35 and $20 Pearle also drew from his current day job of for students and seniors; call 773-40407336 time for the Marriott following his first time “Jerry Herman has written some of the abso- tutoring high school students in writing place- or visit www.aboutfacetheatre.org. in 1994. “We may have come a long way, but lute best songs in the musical theater canon. ment essays for elite colleges. Though his play there’s still a way to go especially with ques- It’s just such a terrific score that is so well is focused on the parents of a four year old, We are what we are tions of the Supreme Court and marriage equal- done from stem to stern. It’s hard to resist,” Pearle felt he could also apply the many he- The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is kicking ity across the country.” said Weygandt about such numbers as “The licopter parents he encounters who worry and off its 40th anniversary with La Cage aux Folles, In the crucial gay couple roles of nightclub Best of Times,” “A Little More Mascara,” “I am obsess about their children getting into the the six-time Tony Award-winning 1983 musical owner Georges and his drag leading lady Al- What I am” and the show’s title song. “That best-possible schools. about a French showbiz gay couple who try to bin/Zaza, the Marriott has, respectively, cast takes me a good part of the way when you’ve “In a liberal city like New York, a kid like Jake play straight when their son gets engaged to Jeff Award winners David Hess (Shenandoah) got such terrific material and it’s so rewarding could be seen as a bonus and the school could the daughter of a right-wing politician. and Gene Weygandt (Me and My Girl, Wicked). to sing.” capitalize on the fact that they’re so open and If that plot sounds familiar, it’s because it Weygandt hasn’t done this major level of drag La Cage aux Folles continues through Sun- accepting,” said Pearle, noting that Jake is al- was inspired by the hit 1973 French play La before, but he’s relishing the chance to wear day, March 22, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 ways an offstage presence in his play. “That Cage aux Folles and its 1978 film version (they such glamorous gowns designed by Nancy Mis- Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Performances makes the mother of the character slightly un- also inspired the 1996 Americanized film The simi and to learn stage makeup techniques. are at 1 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. comfortable in naming that as a thing and as a Birdcage). But more importantly, Weygandt is loving the Thursdays and Fridays, 4:30 and 8 p.m. Sat- way of defining her son. It turns the issue into “This is a very timely piece and it’s a great great material written by composer Jerry Her- urdays and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are something concrete and more weighted than time to do it again,” said director Joe Leonar- man (Mame, Hello, Dolly!) and playwright Har- $50-$55; call 847-634-0200 or visit www. the way she was treating it before.” do, who is staging La Cage aux Folles a second vey Fierstein (Torch Song Trilogy, Kinky Boots). marriotttheatre.com. 14 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES

THEATER REVIEW the answer to be “a man”—in this case, rep- resented by Gwen’s sluggish husband Don, Rapture, whose early promise has faded under the challenge of the overachievers in his pur- Blister, Burn view. Playwright: Gina Gionfriddo Gionfriddo’s three-generation symposium At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. devotes a modicum of performance time to Tickets: 312-443-3800; parsing feminist theory in the 1960s, the www.goodmantheatre.org; $25-$81 1980s, and the present day—discussion en- Runs through: Feb. 22 compassing a generously revisionist read of Phyllis Schlafly, whose gospel of women-as- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE keepers-of-civilization-and-tamer-of-cave- men contrasts vividly with Avery’s equation If you’ve never seen a Gina Gionfriddo play of alcohol, sex and hormones as impairments before, be wary of hasty impressions based to rational decisions. (“The love-drunk on her work for television. Left to her own lasts six months—just long enough to get devices, this mischievous playwright dis- knocked up and trapped.”) Only after Gwen plays a fondness for luring audiences into and Catherine cook up a scheme to swap life- anticipating one kind of story, then abruptly styles for the summer do we see their choic- changing directions to refute our initial as- es—and their alleged regrets over roads not sumptions. taken—put to the test. In the end, it comes First we are introduced to Catherine Croll, a as small surprise when everybody winds up glamorous high-profile scholar celebrated for exactly where they started, albeit now con- her feminist analyses of sexy topics like por- tent with their mid-life status. nography and slasher movies. Next we meet Under Kimberly Senior’s direction, the all- her former grad-school chum, Gwen Harper, star cast assembled for this Goodman pro- now a micromanaging wife-and-mommy in duction are careful not to prejudice playgoers the college town that Catherine abandoned through exaggerated caricature, but instead in pursuit of greater rewards. Also lending allow each of us to revere or revile, guided their presence are the latter’s mother, Alice, by our individual experience. Ironically, even still spry despite having recently suffered the overheard-in-the-lobby responses to a heart attack, along with hipster student Baron L. Clay, Jr. and Armand Fields (from left) in Princess Mary Demands Your Attention. Gionfriddo’s manifesto defy predictability, Avery Willard. The occasion of Catherine’s Photo by Michael Brosilow with AARP-level spinsters cheering on young homecoming is a contract for her to teach a Avery’s brutally unsentimental assessments, seminar in her subject of expertise, a prem- and males of all ages expressing sympathy ise leading us to expect a flood of the what- for the unprepossessing Don—but isn’t that THEATER REVIEW factors contributing to Amari’s isolation, nor do-modern-empowered-women-want polem- what the freedom to follow your own bliss is our attention ever directed to the racial di- ics currently in fashion, safely proclaiming Princess Mary versity of his comrades, or the long-standing was always about? tradition of tolerance extended old queer white Demands men in the South. Your Attention None of this fazes director Lilli-Anne Brown THEATER REVIEW Playwright: Aaron Holland and the fearless cast assembled for this Bai- At: Bailiwick Chicago at the liwick Chicago production, who navigate Hol- The Apple land’s enigmatic metaphors and spotty tran- Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. The Apple sitions with an unfaltering confidence that Tickets: 773-871-3000; Family Plays Family Plays’ ensures our enjoyment of their company for Playwright: Richard Nelson www.victorygardens.org; $30 That Hopey the two hours necessary for our protagonist to At: TimeLine Theatre, Runs through: Feb. 21 Changey Thing. confront his crisis. The sympathy generated by 615 W. Wellington Ave. Photo by Armand Fields’ meek Amari; the gravity invoked BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Tickets: 773-281-8463; Lara Goetsch by Rus Rainear’s Uncle Stacy; and the charm www.timelinetheatre.com; $39-$52 A recurring phenomenon in families encom- invoked by David Kaplinsky, TJ Crawford, Omar Runs through: April 19 passing multiple offspring is the de facto selec- Abbas Salem and Jeremy Sonkin (as the neigh- tion of one child to remain close to home and borhood fixtures) make the time pass swiftly. BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL care for the parents in their old age. This task is typically assigned to a daughter, but where Richard Nelson’s witty works sport plenty of only sons are available, there soon emerges theatricality, but his early plays were so po- the boy whose future will revolve on domestic CRITICS’ PICKS litically insistent and cerebral that they lacked laxing comfortably in Brian Sidney Bembridge’s responsibilities, freeing his brothers to roam emotional warmth. Maybe Nelson had a midlife warm, simple yet elegant traditional-style din- crisis (he’s 64), but his writing has changed in ing room set. Don’t miss this delicious acting, from the nest. With the passing of the clan West Side Story, Drury Lane Oakbrook the last 15 years. Now he creates empathetic whatever your politics. sire and dam, however, those nurtured exclu- Terrace, through March 29. OK, this is the characters, as in his Apple Family Plays which Speaking of which, the longtime liberal Ap- sively to service often find themselves without all-English original vs. the newer part- focus on three generations of an extended fam- ples challenge some of their own ideas in That resources to assist them in forging an identity Spanish version. It’s not PC, but Broad- ily, centered in Rhinebeck, New York—a pictur- Hopey Changey Thing, especially when Richard independent of filial attachments. way-worthy in most respects. It’s a huge, esque, historic and generally-affluent Hudson reveals he’s accepted a job at a well-known Re- Amari Bolkonski is such a “good son,” liv- attractive cast, with Chicago’s own Chris- River Valley town. publican law firm. For example, Richard notes ing with a widowed mother who belittles his tina Nieves standing out as Maria. JA The four plays are set at annual family get-to- that the Left’s scorn of Sarah Palin is what accomplishments while clinging to idealized Accidentally, Like A Martyr, Red Orchid gethers on election night 2010, one year later, made her a hero to the Right. “I’m not defend- memories of his late father and absent brother. Theatre, through March 1. Grant James then election morning 2012 and finally a year ing Sarah Palin,” he says, “I’m criticizing us.” Amari’s misery is compounded by his being Varjas’ group portrait of old-timers in an after that. TimeLine is presenting the two Elec- Marian sees unemployment as 2010’s central gay, African-American and prone to obsessive- urban neighborhood gay bar provides the tion Day plays, respectively titled That Hopey issue. She says, “If people had jobs, every- compulsive behavior. His sole comforts reside perfect vehicle for Chicago-style ensemble Changey Thing and Sorry. Each runs 95-110 thing would be different,” a statement which in his “Uncle” Stacy, whose corner-grocery pro- acting—out-of-town visitors, this is your minutes, and Nelson spends a good hour with the 2014 election proved untrue. They are, of vides the surrogate nephew employment, and chance to see what the fuss is about. MSB careful character exposition before—wham!— course, as American as you-know-what pie, and in the companionship of slackerly peers who The Life and Sort of Death of Eric hitting you with the politics. the family name is one of Nelson’s jokes. affect hip-hop jargon, recount thrilling tales of Argyle, Steep Theatre, through Feb. 28. The middle-aged Apple siblings are single The companion play, Sorry, is set on Election dance-club sexual adventure and bestow on the When a shy swain dies before he can de- schoolteacher Barbara (Janet Ulrich Brooks), Day 2012. Much water has gone over the dam: shy lad the sobriquet of “Princess Mari.” clare himself to his lady love, even the the eldest, married school teacher Marian (Ju- Richard may return to government law, Mari- Aaron Holland claims to have based his play bureaucrats in the afterlife bend the rules liet Hart), divorced writer Jane (Michelle Moe) an’s teenage daughter has killed herself, Jane’s on “parts of” Tolstoy’s exhaustive 1869 novel to ensure a romantically satisfying ending and bro Richard (David Parkes), a lawyer for book remains unpublished, Uncle Benjamin has War and Peace, but you don’t have to consult for survivors and deceased alike. MSB New York State. There’s also old, ailing and bouts of sometimes-threatening dementia and your SparksNotes to detect evidence of exten- No Way to Treat a Lady, Fox Valley Rep- amnesiac Uncle Benjamin (Mike Nussbaum), is moving to a nursing home. Barbara, his long- sive cutting and patching on a text still sport- ertory at Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, a retired successful actor, and Jane’s younger time caretaker, is torn apart by the decision. ing a number of unhemmed edges and loose through March 8. This 1990s off-Broadway live-in boyfriend, Tim (PJ Powers, seen only The Apples are weary and so is their political threads. For one, the scarlet-clad cross-dress- musical comedy thriller based upon Wil- in That Hopey Changey Thing). These players take on gridlock and an uninspiring Obama, de- ing succubus giving the play its title slinks on liam Goldman’s 1960s novel is wonder- are absolutely impeccable under Louis Con- scribed as “the disappointment you have in a the fringes of the stage picture for much too fully intimate and funny as you watch a tey’s direction, especially Nussbaum who—at long-term relationship.” Obama will have their long before finally speaking and clarifying her detective fall in love while also pursuing a 90+ years—again proves himself a living trea- vote but without enthusiasm. The passions of purpose in the dramatic structure. For another, fame-hungry serial killer. SCM despite a playbill note giving the Bolkonski’s sure of American Theater, so sure, relaxed and Sorry are personal, not political. It’s a contem- charming is his understated delivery. All six plative play in which the rapid passage of time residence as Richmond, Virginia, and the years —By Abarbanel, Barnidge are subtle and utterly truthful as they jab and is keenly felt, and characters frequently say, “I from 2000 to 2010 as the narrative’s span, and Morgan Holland never acknowledges the ethnographic spat, accuse and reunite as siblings will, re- remember...” WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 15 SPOTLIGHT

Issues like gentrification, economic disparity, violence and the education system are all ex- From left: Alfred Wilson, Anthony Lee Irons, Allen Gilmore and A.C. Smith in Waiting for plored in the interdisciplinary poetry show Redlined, which ties all these topics together Godot. Photo by Michael Brosilow literally and symbolically via the CTA Red Line. Redlined is created by the house ensemble of Chicago Slam Works led by writer RJ Eldridge and director J.W. Basilo. Redlined plays 8 p.m. THEATER REVIEW Courtney O’Neill’s set which features a crum- Fridays through March 13, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets are $20; visit www. bling sidewalk curb in addition to the specified stage773.com or www.chicagoslamworks.com. Photo by Andy Karol Waiting for Godot basics of a crossroads path, a rock and a bare Playwright: Samuel Beckett tree. It’s as if the characters are representative At: Court Thaetre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. of the urban decay surrounding them. Tickets: 773-753-4472 or Despite the sometime repetitious and non- www.courttheatre.org; $45-$65 sensical dialogue, what should keep Waiting for Runs through Feb. 15 Godot interesting and entertaining is the inter- Billy discovers a passion for ballet and trades action of the actors who should be top notch ‘Billy Elliot’ at Drury in his boxing gloves for dancing shoes. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN comedians and physical performers. At Court Lane in April The performance schedule for Billy Elliot Theatre, the actors are generally successful, Oakbrook’s Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury is Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. ($45), Thursdays Samuel Beckett’s 1953 absurdist drama Wait- though there is some room for improvement. Lane, will present the regional premiere of at 1:30 p.m. ($45) and 8 p.m. ($55), Fridays ing for Godot has secured its place in theatri- As the more cognizant of the two main the hit musical Billy Elliot April 9-June 7. at 8 p.m. ($60), Saturdays at 5 p.m. ($60), cal history as a monumentally influential 20th tramps who bicker as they wait for a certain Rachel Rockwell will direct, with Roberta and 8:30 p.m. ($60), and Sundays at 2 p.m. century classic. But that doesn’t mean that “Godot” to appear, the more physically active Duchak providing musical direction. ($60), and 6 p.m. ($55). For individual res- Waiting for Godot still can’t be controversial or and quicksilver Allen Gilmore as Vladimir comes The plot is as follows: Set during the 1984- ervations, call the Drury Lane Theatre box confound audiences. off slightly more successful than Alfred H. Wil- 85 U.K. miners’ strike in a small working office at 630-530-0111, call TicketMaster at I noticed the audience numbers thinned out son as Estragon. There were moments when it class town in the English countryside, young 800-745-3000 or visit www.drurylane.com. a bit after intermission at a post-press night became clear that Wilson’s physical comic tim- performance I attended of Court Theatre’s new ing was just slightly off, denying bigger laughs take on Waiting for Godot. There were also that could have been in store. some mid-performance walkouts. But that’s to As the interlopers Pozzo and his exhausted be expected in a play without much of a linear and mute slave, Lucky, A.C. Smith and Anthon- plot and that indirectly asks so many existen- ly Lee Irons, respectively, work well as a team. tial questions about humankind. Smith’s well-articulated pomposity as Pozzo in Director Ron OJ Parson puts a slightly dif- Act I is particularly fun and quite a contrast to ferent spin on Waiting for Godot by featuring when he’s physically impaired in Act II. Irons an all-African-American cast, though there is injects some great pop-video moves into his precedent since a similar casting approach one moment when Lucky gets to angrily lash dates back to a short-lived 1957 Broadway out and babble on. revival of the play. Parson’s casting certainly The Court Theatre’s Waiting for Godot treads makes specific lines and situations jump out a fine line between entertaining purely on the with heightened racial dimensions (especially actors’ performances and seriously address- in light of all the recent Black Lives Matter pro- ing the bigger, serious question raised by the tests), while other times it’s all just universally text. No doubt it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, human no matter the color of the actors’ com- but this Waiting for Godot is definitely of its plexions. time—and timeless. There is also a slightly urbanized approach in

Chicago Theatre ‘Wonderful Town’ Week expanding features Chicago Theatre Week is expanding. The upcoming celebration of theatregoing bidding actors in Chicago is returning for its third year and Dozens of competitors bid for roles in a will take place Feb. 12-22, spanning a week professionally produced stage production of and two full weekends for the first time. the Tony Award-winning musical Wonderful More than 100 productions are expected Town at Bailiwick Chicago’s annual Chicago to participate as part of the 2015 line-up. Casting Auction. Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the Now, they’re ready to take the stage for League of Chicago Theatres in partnership five performances only, Feb. 25-28, at Stage with Choose Chicago. 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. A few of Chicago Theatre Week’s 2015 par- The production tells the story of two sis- ticipating productions include The Selfish ters from Ohio who come to New York to Giant at Chicago Children’s Theatre; Waiting make their fortunes: Ruth, the older, wise- for Godot at Court Theatre; Rapture, Blister, cracking one in writing and journalism, and Burn at the Goodman Theatre; Tannhauser at Eileen, the younger, beautiful one in show the Lyric Opera of Chicago; Tommy at Para- business. mount Theatre; Marie Antoinette at Step- Admission is $25 (previews) to $45/$55 penwolf Theatre Company; Mr. Burns: A Post (regular run); visit BailiwickChicago.com. Electric Play at Theater Wit; and Samsara at Victory Gardens Theater. The complete list of participating theaters will be listed this fall on www.chicagothe- atreweek.com. 16 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES NUNN ON ONE: TELEVISION Trai Byers talks about ‘Empire’ and the film ‘Selma’ by Jerry Nunn Empire then came back to L.A. and auditioned for the role of John Lewis. Thank God it went roars to life as part of a three- well, but they had their eyes on someone else brother clan in the new hit Fox show Empire. for Lewis with Stephan James. They came back Actor Trai Byers is quickly climbing a ladder to to me for James Forman. I guess it worked out. success with this juicy role—and he is also in I got the call the day after we had been picked the historical film Selma. up for Empire as a series. Ava DuVernay, the Set in Selma, Alabama, the movie shows the director, called me and invited me to join the racial tension in the South and depicts protests cast. with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the center of WCT: Harpo Productions is involved. Is Trai Byers (left) and Malik Yoba on Empire. Photo courtesy of Fox the controversy. Byers is one of the stellar cast Oprah Winfrey around this hotel and ready playing the outspoken James Forman. for an interview? disfunction. watching it. We try to bring the worlds to an The Lee Daniels-created soap opera Empire TB: Oprah is doing her thing out there mak- To get those numbers I feel like the structure audience in one package. tells the story of Terrence Howard as Lucious ing dreams come true. [Both laugh.] has been laid with our work. This news is just WCT: It looks so slick. I didn’t even know Lyon, who tries to make it in the ever chang- WCT: The cast for Selma is amazing. Was the icing on the cake. Timbaland was doing the music when I was ing music business. Byers plays his bipolar son, there someone in particular who meant a lot WCT: What do you know about the creation dancing to his track in the club scene. Andre, whose brother Jamal is gay, and whose to you? of the show with those particular topics? TB: Timbaland did a song last night called youngest brother, Hakeem, is spoiled by the TB: David Oyelowo, who plays Martin Luther TB: Lee Daniels and Danny Strong had an “No Apologies.” I think it is one of my favor- rich lifestyle. When momma bear King Jr. I had some really good conversations idea early on and a lot of it is very close to Lee. ites. is released from prison, the sparks fly and the with him just about life. He was a big brother WCT: Being a gay man, [Daniels] has prob- WCT: Taraji P. Henson [as Cookie] has the family drama explodes. to me on that film. He left an indelible mark ably gone through some of the storyline. best lines on the show but when she adds Windy City Times caught up to the young on me as an artist. He reminded me of the im- TB: He has said publicly that he wore the them in, sometimes I noticed her changing man with the budding career in between shoot- portance of being an artist not just what is red pumps going down the stairs and his dad the words up. ing this record-breaking series while in Chicago popular or looks good now. He taught me to put him in the trash can [things that happen TB: Yeah, it is a great collaboration between recently. elevate the material and not just fit in. I can’t to the gay brother on the show], so that is the actors and the writers. We are all trying to Windy City Times: Hi, Trai. Where are you say enough about him. He’s an amazing artist straight from his life. These are issues that tell the truth. With this being a new show it is from? and human being. are not necessarily recognized or talked about very important to tell the truth of what is go- Trai Byers: I am originally from Kansas City. WCT: I know Common is a great person in much in any community, be it Black or white, ing on in those worlds. It all goes together as I went to school in Georgia. I live in LA now. I real life, and is in this film. be it majorities or minorities. That is the gift far as the business world, the street, and the went to the Yale School of Drama from 2008 to TB: He’s my boy and from here too, right? we have to give, the truth. However much you industry. I think it is all valid and people are 2011. I got my MFA with that school. WCT: Yes. I liked speaking with Ledisi in hate it or love it, we are going to tell it to you! bringing great points up. WCT: How long have you been acting? the past. WCT: Did you study bipolar people for the WCT: I read you have something else com- TB: Since I was about 12. I did extra work TB: She’s cool. I met her in the makeup trail- role? ing up this year. like yourself. Ride with the Devil was the first er and she’s very sweet. TB: I did. I have a family member who is TB: Yes, Americons. It is a film about the thing I had ever done. Ang Lee talked to me WCT: She’s playing Mahalia Jackson. bipolar. A lot of the stuff I have been doing is housing-market crash in 2007. It centers and said some lovely things. My aunt’s best TB: Yes, she has a beautiful voice. I loved her taken from personal experience, which makes it around a football player named Jason Kelley, friend was a PA [production assistant] in the song in the movie. so much more palpable for me and it is straight who doesn’t play football anymore and works film so the cast became cool with me, includ- WCT: Many feel that Selma was snubbed from the heart. I feel much more committed as a security guard. He is approached by some- ing Jeffrey Wright, Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire for Oscar nominations. knowing somebody and more responsible to one who works at a mortgage company. He and Jewel. TB: With people like David, he recognizes him and others like him. joins him and is selling loans. It is completely I then did Remember the Titans, where I was what the opportunity was and lets that be WCT: I noticed from filming it that you illegal but Jason brings in Theo Jones, played a football extra and I did Boycott about Martin the trophy. He said to me one time that God don’t really know how it is going to look on by yours truly, who is also a football player and Luther King Jr.’s life for HBO. told him he was going to play this part seven television when you are on set. basically almost costs him everything. It is like After school I got out and did All My Children years ago. He held onto it and fought for it. As TB: That’s because we are filming all over the Jerry Maguire gone terribly wrong. and 90210, then a couple of indie films. Now people came and went he remained taking this place. We are doing one thing then you will WCT: “Show me the money.” I have Empire and Selma. We are moving up! word from God. We have all, but in particular come back a day or two later and we are doing TB: Not “show me the money”—gimme the WCT: Sounds like you paid your dues. him, given this piece of history to the world. something completely different. It is truly an money back! TB: I was in school for 10 years. I want him to receive as many accolades as ensemble piece with different things going on Empire rules on Fox every Wednesday at 8 WCT: Talk about your role in Selma. possible because he deserves it and his work and different worlds that are meant to culmi- p.m Central Time. March out to local movie TB: I play James Forman. I am one of the is phenomenal. Being able to give a gift of nate into one. You won’t get that from watch- theaters for Selma today. executive officers of SNCC (Student Nonviolent that magnitude, I think, is an award in itself. I ing the filming but only by sitting down and Coordinating Committee). We have been in Sel- think he understands that. ma for about two years, from ‘63 to ‘65, prior WCT: Did you go to the Golden Globes? to King’s arrival. We are invested in the Black TB: No; I was here working. This is my day off Joel Grey officially Quare Square open consciousness, trying to get people to pass the and I am here with you kickin’ it. literacy test so they can vote. We want them WCT: I heard Snoop Dogg was in town comes out as gay mic on love Feb. 10 Broadway and movie veteran Joel Grey has Quare Square Collective, Inc., will hold its on juries so when Black people are convicted shooting a scene for Empire. officially come out as a gay man, according monthly open mic for queer artists of color that group of their peers can look beyond the TB: He was here a couple of days working to People magazine. and allies Tuesday, Feb. 10, at The Jeffery color line to say whether someone is innocent a cameo on the show. We are getting people Grey was married for 24 years and has Pub, 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. or guilty. like Snoop Lion now! I wasn’t there but I heard raised two children: actress Jennifer Grey (of Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show King comes in but our group doesn’t take to great things. Dirty Dancing fame) and chef James. How- starts at 8:15 p.m. Admission is $5. that sort of civil rights. If I am correct James WCT: Because of the ratings, you are go- ever, Grey, 82, recently told People, “ I don’t Niki Gee and Dionysus DeVille will co-host, was not very keen on the one man movement ing to get all kinds of guest stars jumping like labels, but if you have to put a label on with drinks by Smoke and music by DJ Levi. where if one man dies then the movement dies. on board. it, I’m a gay man.” LGBTQ artists of color are welcome to sub- WCT: So James was a real person. TB: We got great ratings last night—10 mil- Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Grey said mit an application to join. Additional infor- TB: Yes—he passed away a few years ago. He lion. We opened last week to 9 million, I think, he “came to realize, along with being at- mation can be found at quare2collective.org. was a very interesting guy. but this week with DVR it came up to 13 mil- tracted to girls, I had similar feelings for WCT: Did you watch past clips of him? lion this week so we are up this week beyond boys.” However, he also remembered “hear- TB: I saw a famous one where he said, “If last week. We are moving up! ing the grownups talk in the next room, my Drag-king show at we can’t sit at the table then let’s knock the WCT: The word of mouth is good. mother included, talking derisively about legs off.” He was talking about other leaders TB: People are watching. I am sitting there Baton Feb. 16 ‘fairies’ and men being dragged off to jail in the civil rights movement and his frustra- as an actor and just want to do my art. I am in Adair Entertainment is producing the first and even worse for being who they were.” tion with other organizations not being able to charge of Andre, who is bipolar. A lot of people male-impersonator/illusionist/drag-king Grey has won an Oscar and Tony for his role work together. will see that and will feel the character in the show, “Continue the Love,” at Baton Show in Cabaret. Now a photographer, Grey’s next WCT: Was the movie filmed in Alabama? way they have been neglected and identify, Lounge, 436 N. Clark St. photo book will come out later this year, as TB: It was filmed in Atlanta, Selma and Mont- which is the purpose. I have been really fo- The event will take place Monday, Feb. 16, will his upcoming memoir. gomery. cused on how people will perceive it outside of at 7 p.m. VIPs are invited for 5:45-6:45 p.m. The original article is at http://www.peo- WCT: How did you get the part? the lessons we have to teach about homosexu- Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the ple.com/article/joel-grey-gay-cabaret. TB: I auditioned. I had gotten the role in ality, about bipolar disorder, and about family door; call 608-213-1200. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 17 MUSIC Gay Israeli singer’s Yehonathan. Country singer CD campaign ends PR photo Feb. 12 Billy Gilman: Out Israeli singer Yehonathan has em- barked on an Indiegogo campaign to create his third, full-length English album and mu- On coming out, sic videos. The campaign ends Feb. 12. In 2013, he released his second English- the road ahead language album, Yeho. Among the items he is offering for contrib- uting are signed CDs, names in album credits and a personal one-on-one Skype call. The campaign is at https://www.indiego- go.com/projects/come-be-a-part-of-yehon- athan-new-album. His personal website is www.yehonathan.com. CULTURE CLUB

Billy Gilman. PR photo by Lost in Translation Photography

BY TERRI-LYNNE WALDRON do and then I had another idea that I thought wasn’t right. I went back and forth with this Country singer Billy Gilman came out last No- whole thing for a few weeks. Then I thought vember 20 in a five-and-a-half minute video that I was just going to do it on my laptop, ON that he posted on YouTube. The Rhode Island in my living room, very honest—quiet, with native is a country-music veteran who released my hat on. And literally four hours before I his debut CD, One Voice, at the age of 12 in released it Ty came out and I thought, “This is 2000. With more than 5 million records sold very, very strange.” I know Ty and he was on and five CDs under his belt, the 26 year-old is the same label that I was on and he is a great THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF making music again. Gilman talked with Windy artist and I thought, “What a coincidence.” I’m THE HIT BROADWAY REVUE! City Times about being a gay country singer, proud of him and his journey. FEBRUARY 6 - MARCH 15 support from others and what’s next. WCT: Did you worry about how this would at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Windy City Times: On Nov. 20 of last year, affect your career? Box Office: Stage 773.com, 773.327.5252 you came out in a video that you posted on BG: It’s not the easiest thing to be a coun- YouTube. What led you to do this? try artist as well a country gay artist and this PorchlightMusicTheatre.org Billy Gilman: We were shooting the music has not been proven to be successful at this video for the song “Say You Will” and there point. This is kind of crazy to me because it was a girl counterpart to the video, and I just should only be about the music. I don’t ask had to come clean and be honest with my fans. what someone does in their private life be- At that time, I had been with my partner for cause that’s exactly what it is—their private about five months. I was at an outdoor food life. Who knows what the future lies with me. and music festival in my home state of Rhode I love country music and I live and I breath it Island and I asked a gentleman to take a pic- and I hope to God that I would still be able to ture of us. He asked me if I was Billy Gilman make music and be respected by my peers in and I said, “Yup.” And he said, “I’m doing an the industry. interview with you about your new music video WCT: How did your new song “Say You next week.” Will” come about? WCT: Did you think that the journalist BG: I want to become part of an industry would out you? where I was always told to show up and sing. BG: It was in that moment I thought that I want to sit down with the songwriters on it was just going to leak and come out, so I the couch and say what I’m feeling and create had to be on the forefront of this and I had to songs that are about me. And that’s how “Say be the most humble person that I know I can You Will” was born. That is the very first song be. I just technically wanted to tell them that that I have released that has been co-written I finally found my place, that I’ve never been by me. happier and thank you for sticking by me. WCT: You have gotten support from Ricky WCT: Is it true that you were inspired to Martin and LeAnn Rimes after coming out. come out after fellow country artist Ty Hern- Who else has reached out to you? don came out earlier that day? BG: Ty Herndon, Chely Wright and Matt BG: I had one vision of what I was going to Turn to page 20 18 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN CLASSIFIEDS the DISH ADVERTISE HERE RELIGIOUS SERVICES ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your product, an pancake packed with scallions and topped service, etc. to thousands of readers? Place an ad in the Windy City Times! We offer affordable with eggs and pork belly. Bryn Mawr Breakfast rates, convenient service, and as a bonus, your Club’s version of chilaquiles does not disap- ad runs in our online section for free. 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services they need to lead healthy and 78 E. Washington St. Chicago https:// productive lives. 9:00pm - 12:00am www.cfw.org/Race_feminism?erid=3977 Mary’s Attic 5400 N Clark Chicago http:// 201&trid=f8d2ec5a-f9aa-4e64-b9f0-e8b- www.fredsays.org 9f005413a CALENDAR February Open Mic Celebrating queer Black Saturday, Feb. 7 history and queer Black love/ 21+older. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Doors open at 7:30pm. $5 (tax-deduct- Brought to you by the Day Walk-In Clinic Free walk-in Rapid ible) at the door. Quare Square Collective, combined efforts of HIV testing, linkage to HIV care, other Inc. 8:15pm Jeffery Pub 7041 S Jef- services. Front desk in the main lobby. fery Blvd Free. 10:00am - 2:00pm Center on Hal- Thursday, Feb. 5 9:30 pm hosted by Amy Eisenberg. Ladies’ sted 3656 N Halsted St. http://vimeo. Wed., Feb. 11 Senior Hot Lunch Center on Halsted is a showcase 9:45-10:45 pm featuring Krista com/50265672 In the Still of the Night On the second City of Chicago Golden Diners site, where Atkinson, Marla Depew, Amy Eisenberg, The Windy City Rollers Chicago’s all-female Wednesday of each month, the lounge will seniors age 60+ receive a hot lunch on Kristin Ryan and Amy Shanker and host- flat-track roller derby league 7:00pm where is the ‘love?’ be transformed into a drawing room. This Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. The sug- ed by Tamale. Sign up on the Facebook UIC Pavilion 525 S. Racine Ave. Chicago month’s focus: The Still Life. Bring in your gested donation for lunch is $1.50. No page after 5 on Wed., Feb. 4. 8:30pm 312-413-5740 Tickets: http:// ticketmas- Fri.-Sat., Feb. 6-7 supplies, grab a cocktail and a cozy spot. pre - registration required, but we ask - 10:45pm Hydrate Nightclub 3458 N ter.com It’ll be very casual and if you’re interested that you sign in for lunch before 11:30 Halsted Chicago https://www.facebook. Wig Night Out Wig Night Out (WNO) is an in hanging a piece in the Lounge, wrapped to ensure that you receive a lunch ticket. com/pages/Just-Dickin-Around-Comedy- energetic event to which you wear your will put canvases will be available with purchase 12:00pm - 1:00pm Center on Halsted Public-Page/ most outlandish and colorful wig, listen on its “Loves Lost, Loves of a cocktail. Ask Candice at the bar for 3656 N Halsted Chicago http://www. to music, and contribute to Point Foun- Found” concert. more details. 7:00pm - 11:00pm Rogers Friday, Feb. 6 centeronhalsted.org/newevents-details. dation. $10 suggested donation, which Photo of Artemis Singers Park Social 6920 N. Glenwood Ave. Chi- cfm?ID=9271 A Kid Like Jake Weekly post-show discus- you can make in advance by visiting... cago http://www.rogersparksocial.com by Jay Schubert Meditation Class Open to participants 40+. sions on gender development in children, https://pointfoundation.org/wnochica- Piss & Vinegar Comedy Show Hosted by No previous meditation experience neces- contemporary parenting and discovering go2015 9:00pm - 2:00am Mary’s Attic Adam Guerino and Trannika Rex. DJ Teen sary. Free. Contact Troy Johnson at tjohn- identity for young people. Through Feb. 5400 N Clark Witch. No cover. 9:00pm - 11:00pm Ber- darkroom session. Free. 1:00pm - 4:00pm [email protected] or by phone 8 and again Feb. 12 through March 15th. lin Nightclub 954 W Belmont Ave Chicago Hyde Park Art Center 5020 S. Cornell 1:00pm - 2:00pm Center on Halsted Thursdays thru Saturdays, 7:30pm. Satur- Sunday, Feb. 8 http://www.berlinchicago.com Chicago 773-324-5520 http://www. 3656 N Halsted Chicago 773-472-6469 day and Sunday Matinees, 3 pm 7:00pm OutChicago, LGBT radio Progressive talk Fabitat: No Pants Romance Valentine’s Day hydeparkart.org x491 http://www.centeronhalsted.org/ The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N with Scott Duff. Streaming live online drag and burlesque extravaganza DJ Adam Feminist Book Group Citizen by Claudia newevents-details.cfm?ID=9277 Lincoln Ave., http:// Tickets: http:// 11:00am - 1:00pm WCPT 820 am http:// El and LDY PRBLMS. Performances by Lucy Rankine 6:30pm Women & Children Co-Ed Volleyball Every Monday and Thurs- aboutfacetheatre.com/productions/a-kid- www.chicagosprogressivetalk.com/pages/ Stoole, Curlene Ribbon, Mister Junior, Dol- First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Chicago day in the gym, compete and practice. All like-jake/ pages.php?page=451 ly Pardon Me/Don Pardonne, Dusty Bahls, http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com welcome. $7 daily pass or monthly pass Artemis Singers Loves Lost, Loves Found Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Lilly Rascal, and Miss Leadin’. 9:00pm - concert The weekend before Valentine’s $30. Contact Mia Zucker at mzucker@cen- 8th Annual “Be My Valentine” Family Monday, Feb. 9 2:00am Double Door’s Door No. 3 1551 teronhalsted.org, or by phone. 6:00pm Day Chicago’s lesbian feminist chorus pres- Event Family brunch buffet and Valen- N Damen Ave QueerCast Windy City Queercast with host - 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N ents songs about love in all its complex- tine’s activities for children. Music, perfor- Amy Matheny joined weekly by guest Halsted Chicago 773-472-6469 ext. 446 ity: Adele’s “Rumour Has It,” Smokey Rob- mance, sweet treat decorating tips, a room Saturday, Feb. 14 hosts Mitchell Fain, Deb Pearce, Stephen Tickets: https://community.centeronhal- inson’s “My Girl,” women’s music legend of allergy-safe treats. $85 adults, $65 kids Equality Illinois Gala: Love is Love is Love Rader, and Colman Domingo 12:00pm sted.org/Volleyball Cris Williamson’s “Lullabye” and “Shoot- in advance. $100 adults and $80 kids Celebrating triumphs and looking forward. Online http://www.windycityqueercast. Out Bowling courtesy preview night LG- ing Star.” Continues Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. $15 at door. Proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Black tie optional. 6pm cocktails, silent com/shows.html BTQ Social Bowling League and Gathering in advance, $20 at door for adults. $10 Cancer Research Foundation 10:00am - auction. 8pm dinner, program. 10pm Wonka Ball 2015: The Kickoff Party Join Place in the West Burbs. Every Thursday. kids, seniors. Info: info@artemissingers. 1:00pm The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel dancing till midnight. Individual ticket About Face Theatre in Sidetrack’s glass bar League members pay $10 a week in dues, org. 8:00pm Ethical Humanist Society 160 E Pearson St Chicago 312-926-4274 $330. 6:00pm Hilton Chicago, 720 S. to get the party started and learn what plus shoe rental. outbowlingleague2014@ of Chicago 7574 N. Lincoln Ave Skokie, Tickets: http://www.lynnsage.org Michigan Tickets: http://www.eqil.org/ this year’s fabulous theme will be. Hint: outlook.com. 8:00pm - 12:00pm Naper- IL 60077 773-764-4465 http://www.ar- Journey To Freedom: Pesach and the LG- gala It might just lead to your 15 minutes of ville Brunswick Zone XL, 1515 Aurora Ave., temissingers.org Tickets: http://artemis- BTQ Experience Congregation Or Chadash Barry Manilow “One Last Time” tour. fame. 7:00pm - 9:00pm Sidetrack 3349 Naperville loves.brownpapertickets.com presents a workshop series from through 7:30pm United Center 1901 W Madison N Halsted St Chicago; http://aboutface- On the Red Carpet Kick Off Cram and The Rose Tattoo Unique in Tennessee Wil- March 22, culminating in a communal Ave Chicago Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/ theatre.com/wonka/ Center on Halsted invite you to this Os- liams work, a special blend of comedy, Seder on May 3. No charge for any of the nax8wm7 emotional depth and lyricism. On Louisi- car kick-off party. Experience Red Carpet workshops or for the community seder, Tuesday, Feb. 10 Fireball The return of Chicago’s epic Valen- treatment with complimentary cocktails ana’s Gulf Coast, a passionate overprotec- registration is required. 8:00pm Congre- tine’s weekend party with DJs Matthew Race & Feminism. Where Do You Stand? and gift bags for the first 30 guests. tive Sicilian widow controls the life of her gation Or Chadash at Emanuel Congrega- Harvat and Alyson Calagna. Presented by With journalist Sylvia Ewing, a discussion Don’t forget to shop their great clothing daughter. Earthy eroticism is unleashed as tion 5959 N Sheridan Rd; www.orchadash. Circuit Mom and Revolution. Powered by on the intersection of race and feminism selections for your Red Carpet looks for an unknown truck driver arrives. Through org Scruff. Tickets at Cram Fashion, 3331 N. with writer Mikki Kendall, creator of the the Center on Halsted’s Academy Awards 8:00pm Theater Wit 1229 W Belmont Hyde Park Art Center monthly Second Broadway. Weekend passes available at hashtag #SolidarityIsForWhiteWomen, viewing party. 10% of nightly sales and all Ave. Chicago http://www.theaterwit.org Sundays Artist Lee Blalock will lead par- www.circuitmom.com 10:00pm - 5:00am Joy Messenger, Deputy Director for Il- raffle sales benefit the Center on Halsted. Totally Requested Live w/ DJ Moose $1 per ticipants in transforming the space in a House of Blues 329 N Dearborn; http:// linois Caucus for Adolescent Health, and 8:00pm - 10:00pm Cram Fashion 3331 song request goes to benefit Fred Says, a drawing, writing, and light installation www.circuitmom.com Ann Russo, professor at DePaul University. North Broadway self-sustaining charity that ensures that and artist Candice Latimer will lead a 5:30pm - 7:30pm Chicago Cultural Center Just Dickin’ Around Ladies’ open mic 8:30- all HIV+ teenagers receive the care and winter-themed black-and-white photo-

BOOK REVIEW help.” Lynch made friends with some straights, GILMAN from page 17 and marched in her first Gay Pride parade. An American Queer: “Today,” she says, “because our history has become visible, it has also started to look more Bomer. It’s a nice feeling and at the end of the The Amazon Trail like our present.” day my coming out didn’t come from a place of by Lee Lynch And marriage? “What a lovely question.” wanting to get on the national news or push $16.95; Bold Strokes Books; I struggled for awhile with An American a record. It came from a place of honesty and 258 pages Queer: The Amazon Trail, not because of what’s being real. said but because of how it’s arranged. WCT: Has coming out effected your career by TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER Lynch offers readers so much: Written with a in any way? gentle, almost stream-of-consciousness voice, BG: We just hired a new agent who is book- Ahhh—the good old days. this book is partly memoir and partly LGBT ing concerts that are in the country music in- You hear that a lot from people with short history with a personal touch. Lynch’s essays dustry. So far it looks like it’s going to be a memories. Life was slower in those days—less are approachable, comfortable, and enjoyable good 2015, which I’m very humbled and happy complicated, less structured. But was it truly to read, and how she writes about the past is about. Country music is a very conservative good? more relatable for casual readers, I think, than genre of music, but I’m a very conservative The answer isn’t easy: In your life, you’ve are similar books by academics. This is the kind person as well in many aspects. At the end of seen plenty of changes, positive and negative, of thing—the kind of writing—you want on an the day, if country doesn’t accept me, I’m here and so has Lee Lynch. In her new collection of easy curl-up-and-read day. to sing. Whatever avenue that takes me, I will essays, An American Queer: The Amazon Trail, I questioned, however, the inclusion of the be humbled and be loving the fact that I can she remembers them… books’ first few chapters. Those early essays do what I was put on earth to do. Back in 1960, when then-teenage lesbian from the beginning of Lynch’s writing career WCT: At one point, you could not get re- Lynch was outed to her parents, few people are terribly dated and, because of their con- cord-label executives to sit down with you “were even capable of believing… that a fif- versational tone, they felt out-of-place to me, because there were whispers about your teen-year-old could be sexually active.” It was maybe a little too homey. I don’t think that’ll sexuality. Have things changed in that area? ans, but she knew that knowledge couldn’t be obviously a more innocent time but still, Lynch be an issue for older gay or lesbian readers, BG: I think that they are waiting to see my public. says, “Hypervigilance settled deeply into my but it could be off-putting for younger ones— next move. We haven’t really reached out to But the times, they were a-changing. very muscles.” and they’re the readers who could most benefit see what will happen. We have some new songs As years went by, Lynch became an activist Dancing with someone of the same sex was from this book. and “Say You Will” is being remixed and we for gay rights and women’s issues. She noted illegal in some places then, and entering a les- My advice is to give it a whirl, stick with it, have the new music video. We haven’t gone how politics—especially those impacting the bian bar was a nervous, gutsy move. At one and you won’t be sorry. In An American Queer: back with our boxing gloves on yet. We’re put- lives of certain sectors of society—became point, Lynch and a girlfriend were denied a The Amazon Trail, Lynch’s experiences and her ting all our ducks in a row and we’ll see what harshly divisive. She saw the beginning of the camping spot because they were lesbians. Even thoughts are LGBT history at street-level, and happens. AIDS crisis, the bigotry that it brought, and vacationing where she didn’t have to hide and that’s pretty good. “Say You Will” is available on iTunes; find the friends it killed. She later noticed with was “surrounded for once by my own” was a Want more? Look for Beggar of Love or Sweet out more about Gilman at http://www.bil- gratitude how, in preventing the loss of human gleeful, rare delight; Lynch knew other lesbi- Creek, both by Lynch. lygilman.net/. rights, “People from all over are offering to WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 4, 2015 21 BILLY MASTERS Sunday, Feb. 15 “I don’t think Ewan is as proud of his penis President’s Day Eve as most men who are as well-hung would—or should—or could be. I think that’s the greatest demonstration of his innate humility: that he After #SundayFunday Show Tunes 4-9pm doesn’t wear it like a badge of honor.”—Colin Farrell talks about the size of Ewan McGregor’s penis, which presumably he saw when they Join us 9pm-2am were making Cassandra’s Dream in 2007. Of course, Colin knows a lot about large penises, as Sidetrack and you can see both of them on BillyMasters. com. I have survived Snowmageddon. Yes, Boston goes... was hit with a blizzard. (Note to self: Never visit the parents in the winter.) With two feet of snow, the city came to a screeching halt ... or so I thought. In the middle of this mêlée, a friend posted on Facebook: “If you’re stir cra- zy, Papyrus is open for business. Stop by and entertain me.” Because in a blizzard, so many people have stationery emergencies. Meanwhile in NYC, Don Lemon was tooling around in what CNN described as its Bliz- zardmobile. Maneuvering this behemoth may explain an unfortunate turn of phrase. After reporting that the expected accumulation Disc changed from three feet to under two, Lemon added, “I’m hoping for 12 inches.” Truer words Come dance among were never spoken. Gwyneth Paltrow recently raised eyebrows when she revealed that she steam-cleaned her our shiny disco balls. vagina. (Second note to self: Check to see if my steamer has a vagina attachment.) This led Billy says that CNN’s Don Lemon (above) stay connected to headlines on more than a few news websites may have chosen some wrong words while proclaiming, “Three out of three doctors agree: monitoring a blizzard. Gwyneth Paltrow is wrong about steaming your vagina.” This comes as no surprise to me. Years /SidetrackBar 3349 North Halsted ago, I had my car engine steam-cleaned. Do Whitney Houston’s handsome daughter, SidetrackChicago.com you know what happened? While driving to see Bobbi Kristina, was found unresponsive in a The Bangles in Las Vegas, a hose came loose, bathtub almost three years to the day when the car overheated,and the engine seized. As her mom died under similar circumstances. BK bad as that was, I’m glad it happened to my car was revived by paramedics and is in a medically and not to Susanna Hoffs! induced coma as we go to press. I find part of In an interview with Graham Norton, Harvey this story terribly sad. But out of respect for Weinstein talked about the hoops he jumped the living, I won’t say which part. Steve Grand CD ‘Drag Race’ tour in through to secure the rights to Good Will Hunt- File this under “What Took Ya So Long?.” Me- ing. In the first incredible statement, he said, lissa Rivers has filed a malpractice suit against to come out Chicago Feb. 21 “Everyone in Hollywood wanted Matt Damon the clinic where her mother, Joan Rivers, died. The TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race will return and Ben Affleck and the film.” Perhaps I was in She says that the doctors were “reckless, grossly March 24 for its seventh season on Monday, March 2, on Steve Grand—the openly gay local singer- a fog at the time, but I don’t remember people negligent and wanton”—and let me pause for a Logo. However, before the season begins, the songwriter who, in 2013, spent $7,000 of his caring one way or the other about Matt or Ben. moment to order some fried wontons. Lawyers 14 contestants are touring nationwide, stop- own money to produce a music video for the Damon had done precious little work prior to for vocal doctor to the stars, Gwen Korovin, ping at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave, song “All American Boy,” and became a viral this project ... although I do remember Affleck deny the allegations—especially the ones that on Saturday, Feb. 21. sensation—will debut his album (also called in Mallrats. Weinstein went on to reveal that state she left Joan alone when she went into Voss Events is producing the “Meet the All American Boy) on March 24. the duo met with oodles of producers to deter- cardiac arrest. “What happened was she never Queens” tour, in conjunction with Logo TV and Fueled by donations from nearly 5,000 fans, mine the right partner. When Harv came in, he left the room. Not only did she never leave the World of Wonder. Grand (a former Windy City Times 30 Under 30 had one criticism about the script. “About page room, she was the last doctor to leave the room Both general-admission and VIP tickets are honoree) raised more than $325,000 in what 60, the two leads (both straight men) have a after Miss Rivers was taken away by EMS in an at www.VossEvents.com. became third most funded music project in sex scene. What the hell is that?” Turns out, ambulance.” Missy’s lawyers say, “Not only is Kickstarter history. the boys slipped that in just to see if potential there medical mismanagement, but you have OUT Magazine shared the news of the new producing partners even read the script. And a situation where doctors are taking photos of Country-western release with a live performance video of Grand that is how a project written by two guys who a patient when she needed assistance. They performing “All-American Boy.” dance club forms had been uncredited extras in Field of Dreams didn’t recognize the fact that she wasn’t get- Songs on the 13-track CD include “Whiskey A new LGBTQ country-western dance organi- got their project produced by Miramax. ting sufficient oxygen.” Stay tuned.... Crime,” “Next To Me,” “Back to California,” zation, the Second City Country Dance Associa- Steve Grand knows a thing or two about Let’s end on a happy note. Remember the hot “Soaking Wet” and the title track. tion, has formed. courting interest in a project. As earlier re- Broadway boyfriends who were on Survivor last Visit SteveGrand.com. The first event was a Sunday tea dance & BBQ ported, the openly gay singer (and underwear season? Well, they’re engaged. Josh Canfield at Charlie’s Chicago, 3726 N. Broadway, on Dec. model) raised money to make his full-length (the blond) and Reed Kelly (the bottom) were 7, 2014. A second tea dance is scheduled for CD with a campaign that turned out to be the doing a show at the très chic club 54 Below Bowie exhibit Feb. 8, also at Charlie’s, starting at 1:30 p.m.. third-most-funded music project in Kickstarter in NYC when Josh popped the question. “Reed At the Dec. 7 event, more than 100 people history. The CD, All-American Boy, will be re- had no idea that I had written him a song and sets record turned out for the afternoon festivities high- leased in March. that I was going to propose,” Canfield said. “I More than 193,000 people visited the Muse- lighted by line-dance instruction and two-step Becoming a successful recording artist doesn’t also surprised him with his mom flying in for um of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) during dancing. shelter you from criticism, as Sam Smith found the night.” Thank God Reed said yes!!! You can the 15-week run of the “David Bowie Is” exhi- A key part of the organization’s formation is out last week. The openly gay crooner found watch a video of the proposal on BillyMasters. bition (Sept. 23, 2014-Jan. 4, 2015), setting a chartering from the International Association himself in a good news/bad news situation. com. new attendance record for the venue. of Gay/Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs Good news—Howard Stern likes him and highly With January coming to an end, I feel obli- As the most successful exhibition in the (IAGLCWDC). SCCDA has obtained initial “ap- praised both his voice and song “I’m Not the gated to remind you that my birthday is right MCA’s 47-year history, “David Bowie Is” also plicant” approval for SCCDA to become the Only One.” Bad news—Howard was less com- around the corner. Yes, Feb. 13—something set new attendance records for all of the Bow- Chicago-based affiliate member. plimentary about Smith’s appearance: “He’s an that should already be programmed in all of ie-related programs and performances and the Visit www.facebook.com/secondcitycountry- ugly motherfucker. I like that he’s chubby and your devices. So shop early, shop often, or shop highest sales for the MCA Store, with the addi- danceassociation and http://sccdance.org/. gay. That’s why I love him. He’s one of those online at www.BillyMasters.com—the site that tion of the Bowie-themed store. guys I feel like. He’s really good but I feel like keeps on giving. Just drop a note to me at Bil- The MCA was the only U.S. venue for this that will be his only hit song. ... That’s how [email protected] and I promise to get back exhibition, which London’s Victoria and Albert good he is. He’s fat and gay and little girls to you before Don Lemon gets plowed! Until Museum organized. worship him. That’s when you know you have a next time, remember one man’s filth is another good song and a good voice.” man’s bible. 22 Feb. 4, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES that my writing is my passion and if I don’t feel BOOKS passionately about what I’m writing about, I’m really not doing my job.” Lesléa Newman One cannot help but notice the recurring motherly subjects in her work. “I am not a mother, though I have had a mother. I have written so much about moth- gets personal with erhood; I mean, Heather Has Two Mommies, Mommy, Mama, and Me, The Reluctant Daugh- ter, Nobody’s Mother, and I Carry My Mother. ‘I Carry My Mother’ … Just the word ‘mother’ or some version of it is in so many book titles of mine. I find that By Sarah Toce a pretty contentious relationship up to that rather astonishing,” Newman ruminated. point and then after that everything changed,” Has it crossed Newman’s mind that this reoc- Out lesbian-feminist author and poet Lesléa Newman explained. “I think we had both ma- currence of theme could possibly have some- Newman didn’t plan to pen a formal book of tured, and I realized how precious it was to thing to do with mothering herself through her poetry, but sometimes in life the things left have a mother when I was sitting for hours at work? unplanned are the most rewarding. her bedside when she was very ill. I realized “Oh that is a great observation. I think you “In my old age I have become a formalist, that everything that had happened between could be right. That makes a lot of sense, which is very surprising to many people espe- us really didn’t matter; what mattered was the because I actually do have a poem in one of cially me, because I studied with The Beats, present moment. And that really just cleared my books that talks about the fact that I am Allen Ginsberg was my mentor, and we really the way for us to have the loving relationship I the last daughter, because I have two broth- didn’t talk about formal poetry at all during always wanted to have.” ers and neither of them had biological daugh- my education,” Newman said. “I went to the From that moment forward, Newman and her ters,” Newman said. “I talk about in that poem Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at matriarch were in the clear. that I hope my mother and her mother and her Naropa Institute. But later in life I found that “From that point on we did have a really Lesléa Newman. mother before her, etc. will be proud of all that I seemed to write a lot of poetry books in this I have done, because I am the last daughter. form, which is a full-length collection that has whether it’s a parent or a friend or a spouse And one of the things that I have done, which I a narrative arc—a beginning, a middle, and an or, god forbid, a child, a grandmother. So I talk about in that poem, is mothering myself.” end. I did that with October Mourning: A Song hope that the poems will offer some comfort, Would her mother be proud of her daughter for Matthew Shepard and I did it with Still Life because the reader and I have the shared ex- now? with Buddy, which is a book of poems about perience, whether it’s somebody reading the “My mother was my biggest fan, and she the friendship between a lesbian and a gay book who has lost a mother or somebody else,” would go to the library where she lived and man living with AIDS.” Newman said. “I hope that the reader comes make sure they had my books; she would go I Carry My Mother is a new project for New- away with a feeling of hope, especially with to bookstores and put them face-out on the man coming out in 2015. The book concept the epilogue, the poem ‘I Carry My Mother,’ shelves,” Newman said. “The lesbian novels developed from an extremely personal place, which shows that even though a person is were a little tough for her, but the picture much like the remaining body of her work. gone physically from the planet, that person is books she would buy multiple copies for her “I was taking care of my mother, who was always with you.” friends who all had children and then grand- battling actually two diseases, COPD [chronic Newman said she finds sharing personal de- children and she was very, very, very proud of obstructive pulmonary disorder] and cancer. tails about her life through her work a non- me.” It’s a very profound experience to nurse one’s threatening process. Find out more about Lesléa Newman and parent toward her death and then beyond it,” “It’s my choice to do it. Nobody’s forcing me I Carry My Mother, visit http://www.les- Newman reflected. “My first love is poetry; I to do this; I don’t have to do this. I am com- leanewman.com/newbks.htm. started writing it when I was eight and it’s al- pelled, for whatever reason, to do this. So I ways been a haven for me, and interestingly think with that comes a little bit of respon- enough, I found myself back in that same sibility. Every time someone picks up a piece childhood bedroom where I started writing po- of my writing and spends precious moments of Driehaus jewelry etry, again, literally half a century later, writ- his or her life reading it that’s a gift to me,” ing poetry, this time about my mom. And it’s tour starts Feb. 14 Newman said. “So if someone stops me on the funny, because 50 years ago I was writing kind The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 E. street or sends me an email to communicate of sad poems, lonely poems, then as a teen- Erie St., will present the major exhibition however they feel about my writing, I feel ager in that bedroom I wrote a lot of rebel- magnificent relationship. I spoke to her every “Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twenti- honored and I feel like I can respect them by lious poems, some directed toward my mom, day, visited her as often as I could, and then eth Century Art Jewelry,” opening Satur- responding.” and this book is really an homage to her and when she really got ill with her cancer, I really day, Feb. 14. A newly illustrated edition of her book even though it’s different poems, I think of it took a very active role in her care,” she said. The exhibition features more than 250 Heather Has Two Mommies will be published as one long poem as a tribute to her and to our “I know many people for whom that never hap- pieces of art jewelry created between in March 2015 by Candlewick Press. As an out relationship.” pened. I think if somebody dies that you have the late Victorian period and World War lesbian herself, Newman writes about what she Newman wrote descriptively about her some- unresolved issues with, it’s much harder. I felt I. “Maker & Muse” is composed of works feels is important. times rocky relationship with her mother in the really purely sad when my mom died, you know, drawn from the Collection of Richard H. “I write what is in my heart, what affects me 2008 book The Reluctant Daughter and how a I didn’t feel, I don’t know, whatever else you Driehaus and prominent private and public profoundly. I hope to make some kind of im- tragic event unexpectedly began to mend their might feel, guilt or turmoil or unrest. I just felt collections throughout the United States. pact with my writing. Every time I write a book hearts. like I was very sad.” It will run through Jan. 3, 2016. I think, ‘Is this the book I would want to leave “My mom had a very close brush with death Newman’s struggle for an intimate relation- Museum hours are Tuesday through Sun- behind if the next day I was going to ascend to 10 years before she died. She collapsed on a ship with her mother is a story many others day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission ranges Nirvana?’ If the answer is no, then there’s no cruise ship and had to be put on life support have experienced, and she is aware that her from free (for Driehaus members, and chil- point in writing it,” Newman shared. “I mean, and airlifted to a hospital in California, and I new book of poetry may help them—or at least dren 5 and under) to $20; visit Driehaus- I know I have written some children’s books flew out there and stayed by her side for 10 allow them to feel less alone. Museum.org. that are not serious, that are fun, but I think days, and she credits me with saving her life. I “Probably everybody on the planet at one there’s a place for that, too. But I really feel don’t know if that’s true or not, but we had had time or another has lost a beloved person,

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