vol 33, no. 15 Dec. 27, 2017 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

Marc Felion and Fausto Fernos. Photo by Jeff Knutson PAGE 18 FUN HOUSE Feast of Fun—entertaining fans for 13 years GLAMOUR Steve Grand Singer makes acting debut in web series AND NAIL Falling for Angels. Top photo of Steve Grand by Hal Baim; bottom image courtesy of Here Media 19 Trans activist Charlie Craggs talks book, work and the Nail Transphobia Project

BLKS PAGE 16 WCT reviews production. Photo by Michael Brosilow Charlie Craggs. 15 Photo courtesy of Craggs

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 2 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES THANKS! TO ALL OF OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS FOR HELPING US AT WINDY CITY TIMES COVER THE COMMUNITY FOR 2017 STAY TUNED FOR ALL WE HAVE COMING FOR YOU IN 2018, INCLUDING: —THIRD ANNUAL OUT! TRAVEL GUIDE —ANNUAL LGBTQ WEDDING & EVENTS GUIDE —2018 ELECTION GUIDES —AND SO MUCH MORE!!! WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 3 NEWS Gender-marker ID law; Lyft incident; column 4 Cardinal Law dies 5 Profile of businesswoman Marge Summit, part two 6 Local LGBT news of 2017 6 Viewpoints: Monroe; letter 12 When A Great Deal Matters, Shop Rob Paddor’s... ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Scottish Play Scott: Broadway transfers 13 Evanston Subaru in Skokie

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download this issue Subaru of America will donate $250 to one and browse the archives at Theater reviews 14 2018 Subaru Crosstrek of six charities with any new Subaru www.WindyCityTimes.com purchase now through January 2nd 2016 Subaru Love Promise Trans activist Charlie Craggs talks work, book 16 Retailer of the Year Feast of Fun still going after 13 years 18 Steve Grand talks acting debut in web series 19

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Marc Felion and Fausto Fernos. Photo by Jeff Knutson Classifieds; calendar 22 PAGE 18 FUN HOUSE Feast of Fun—entertaining fans for 13 years GLAMOUR StEvE GrAnd Singer makes acting debut in web series AND NAIL Falling for Angels. Top photo of Steve Grand by Hal Baim; bottom image courtesy of Here Media 19 Trans activist Charlie Craggs talks book, work and the Nail Transphobia Project Above: WCT reviews the production Potted Potter. BLKS PAGE 16 WCT reviews production. Photo by Michael Brosilow Charlie Craggs. 15 Photo courtesy of Craggs PR photo ON EVERY NEW @windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com OR ONTHS GET % F 63 M OUTBACK & FORESTER online exclusives at 0 N O MONEY DO WN www.WindyCityTimes.com ALL WHEEL DRIVE FRENCH TWIST Arnaud Valois (left) stars in the critically lauded LGBT film BPM, which is about the ACT UP movment in Paris in the 1990s. 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See your local Subaru retailer for details, or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc. 4 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Gender-marker ID law to recognize expansive options GUEST COLUMN By Matt Simonette Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with City Clerk Anna by Evie Litwok Valencia and, previously, former City Clerk Susana Howard Brown Health hailed the upcoming im- Mendoza, now the state Comptroller, long pushed plementation of a city law that provides Chicago- for their use. Such cards have been available in Are you tired of male sexual privilege? ans with municipal identification cards. The law New York City, San Francisco and Washington, is scheduled to take effect this March. D.C., among other cities. #metoo In a Dec. 21 statement, Howard Brown officials All Chicago residents would be eligible for the praised the new rule for providing for “our gen- cards, regardless of of immigration or housing In 1978, I left Temple University’s PhD pro- drying panties. der expansive communities, young people, older status, criminal record or gender identification; gram after I had an interaction with a profes- I heard the stories of officers whispering to adults, and undocumented people.” The state- they would be accepted by all city departments. sor on my orals committee. “I want to sleep female prisoners “Do you want to see your kids ment further noted that for “the gender non-con- The cards have sometimes proven to be contro- with you,” he said. I looked at him in disbelief. this weekend? If you do, I want a blowjob.” forming and non-binary community, a third gen- versial. Since undocumented individuals would “No,” I said. “I am not going to pass you in Women faced dire consequences if they re- der option ‘NB’ (which is short for ‘non-binary’) presumably be a substantial constituency for the your orals,” he threatened. I told him I would fused. For some, it meant solitary confinement will be offered as an option to participants. This cards, some advocates voiced concern that they not sleep with him. or transfer. It was always an officer’s word option will make Chicago the first municipality in could be used as a means for tracking by federal I marched out of his office stunned by the against theirs. We knew who would win. The State of Illinois to offer a third gender marker immigration officials. Chicago officials said that demand for sex. I went to see the female We are told by many people to accept the on a government issued ID.” the city would keep records of applicants’ names professor on my committee and told her the president’s comments about grabbing pussy The Chicago City Council passed the measure but not their addresses or other vital records in- story. I was stunned by her response: “You’re because it’s harmless “locker room talk” and allowing for introduction of the cards in April. formation. screwed.” She said the SOB would hold back my after all “boys will be boys.” PhD. In that moment, I realized my academic We are asked by Weinstein, Bill Cosby et. career was over. I would never get my Doctor- al. representatives to accept their predatory ate. behavior because it’s “consensual.” And if it’s I left school and took a research job. consensual to them, it’s harmless. Greening added, “From a community perpec- I’ve never spoken or written about this My story proves that not only do notable Chicagoans sue tive, my clients saw this as an opportunity to episode in my life. Back in the day, it would men in powerful positions—the president, Lyft, driver after highlight the issue, and say to Lyft, ‘You may have been his word against mine and we know a media mogul, a formerly celebrated actor have this great PR campaign where you’re the whose word would have been valued. Today, or a political journalist—do this to girls and bias incident friendly alternative, but what hat are you doing because of the Harvey Weinstein story, I feel women, many other men commit acts of sexual By Matt Simonette to change policy?’” empowered to open up about my numerous ex- harassment/assault because they are raised in The lawsuit, he said, was about both “securing periences of sexual abuse and harassment. a culture that normalizes and celebrates male Two Chicagoans have filed a lawsuit against ride- justice for my clients and demanding that Lyft I was 10 years old when the building super sexual privilege from birth or if you are a Re- share giant Lyft, alleging that a Lyft driver, who took at itself in the mirror and make changes. grabbed my breasts in the laundry room. I publican, at conception. is also named in the suit, pulled a gun on them Discrimination, violence and harassment have no never told my mother. I was 12 years old and That all changed when I went to work on and used anti-gay slurs. place in ride sharing.” fully developed when boys my age started to Wall Street because male sexual privilege was According to the complaint, filed the week of WGN’s report is at http://bit.ly/2pbONCy. touch my breasts at school and this continued in clear sight there. I worked late one night Dec. 11, the plaintiffs, Chicagoan Charlie Calvin for years. when a group of fellow male brokers walked and another person identified as “John Doe,” Even my so-called “uncles,” friends of my into my office to tell me I was working too commissioned a ride from Lyft driver Jaleesa Pro-LGBT bills to family, would, as a matter of course, wrap their hard. One guy said, “What you need is a good Rance the early morning of Sept. 1. During the go into effect Jan. 1 arm around my back and cup their hands on my fuck” and implying I could get one with him. ride, Rance allegedly pulled a gun on Calvin and As of Jan. 1, 2018, laws that ban the anti- breast. I waited, looked at them and said, “I’ve got told him and John Doe to leave the car. When LGBTQ panic defense, modernize birth-certificate I thought it was disgusting and moved away. a dildo which stays harder and longer than they did so, near the 400 block of West Melrose changes and encourage LGBTQ public leadership When I told my parents, they didn’t believe me. you can and I’m sitting on it right now.” They Street, Rance allegedly followed them out, point- opportunities will help build a better Illinois, ac- “You must have misunderstood. They didn’t re- laughed and saw me as one of the boys from ed the gun at them again, and said, “I’ll blast cording to an Equality Illinois press release. ally do that.” then on but I saw myself as a strong lesbian you faggots.” The birth-certificate modernization law al- Decades later, I was riding in a crowded sub- feminist. The men are suing Lyft on counts of negligence lows transgender Illinoisans the opportunity to way in New York City. A man standing next to The Weinstein scandal created enough criti- and promissory estoppel, and Rance on a count update the gender marker on their birth certifi- me suddenly grabbed my pussy. I glared at him cal mass for women (and some men) to say of assault; they are asking for $50,000. According cate without going through surgery. (See http:// and several other men who were standing very #metoo and I believe it can be traced to to WGN TV, Rance was arrested and charged with www.equalityillinois.us/about-us/press-releases/ close to me but didn’t scream or report the at- Trump’s grabbing and groping pussy comments. aggravated assault and unlawful use of a weapon. birth-certificate.) The panic-defense ban says tack because of my past experiences of not be- Now, the flood gates have opened. Thou- The passengers’ attorney, Bryant Greening, said that murderers can no longer get off the hook by ing believed. sands of women are coming forward with their his clients filed the suit out of an “obligation” to claiming their “panic” over our identity caused In 2010, I was incarcerated at a federal stories. And if they are like me, the door is the community. our deaths; more is at http://www.equalityilli- women’s prison and came out as a lesbian open for every NYC subway story, every profes- “A gun was pointed in their faces,” he said. nois.us/about-us/press-releases/panic-defense- during my intake process. This didn’t stop the sor and teacher story and every boss story. Our “They were terrified and what really hit home was ban. male intake officer from flirting with me. Other fear of retaliation is finally over. We are going that they were targeted because of their sexual In addition, the LGBTQ public service law re- officers of both genders patrolling my unit at to bring down male sexual privilege because we orientation. In 2017, heading into 2018, it blows quires the Governor’s office to report out how night repeatedly stopped at my bed to sniff my can. my mind that these types of instances still pop many LGBTQ people are appointed to our state’s up.” boards and commissions; see http://www.equali- Greening works for LegalRideshare, which liti- tyillinois.us/about-us/press-releases/state- Evie Litwok is a formerly incarcerated Jewish lesbian who spent time in two federal prisons. gates issues relating to ride sharing services. He boards. She is the director of Witness to Mass Incarcerated (WMI) whose mission is to collect oral noted that this is the second case of a gay couple All three measures were approved with bipar- histories of formerly incarcerated women and LGBTQ people, and train them to become oral being forced out of a vehicle; a similar case took tisan legislative majorities, with Republican Gov. history activists to help power the movement for criminal justice reform. place in New York. Lyft reportedly deactivated Bruce Rauner signing the bills. Rance as a driver following the incident. WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 5 further abuse and harassment from Illinois De- Disgraced figure partment of Corrections (IDOC) employees. According to a press release, IDOC officials re- Cardinal Law dies; fuse to acknowledge that the 26-year-old Hamp- people react ton (who is currently at Menard Correctional Cardinal Bernard Law—the former archbishop Center, a hogh-security men’s prison) is a woman of Boston whose failure to stop priests from mo- and insist on housing her in men’s prisons, where lesting children led to the worst crisis in U.S. she corrections officials have repeatedly sexually Catholicism—died Dec. 20 in Rome, where he was assaulted her. After she filed complaints against archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. He the officers who assaulted her, the officers re- was 86. portedly retaliated against her by placing her in The pope said nothing about Law’s death dur- solitary confinement. ing his weekly general audience; also, in a con- While in custody at Pinckneyville Correctional dolence letter, he made no direct mention of the Center, Hampton was reportedly also the victim cardinal’s tenure in Boston. of a series of sexual assaults at the hands of of- From 1984 to 2002, Law was the spiritual lead- ficers. er of Catholics in Boston, with almost 2 million Among other things, the lawsuit (which details followers. However, in 2002, The Boston Globe violations of the First, Eighth, and Fourteenth and other publications revealed that Law and Amendments and the Illinois Hate Crimes Act) others had transferred child-molesting priests requests Hampton be transferred to Logan Cor- to parishes without notifying authorities or par- rectional Center, a women’s prison, to serve the ents—a scandal seen in the Oscar-winning movie remainder of her sentence in general population. Spotlight. As expected, Law’s death spawned a variety of reactions, including those who saw his Rome Commission releases appointment (which occurred in 2004) as the report on bias height of hypocrisy as well as abuse survivors who commented on Law’s passing. The Guardian in the workplace reported that Phil Saviano—a survivor of Father The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has re- David Holley’s abuse back in 1964, when Saviano leased “Working for Inclusion: Time for Congress was 11—called Law’s death “a relief,” adding, to Enact Federal Legislation to Address Workplace “I always remembered my abuse. I was clueless Discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, that he was still out there, and that there were and Transgender Americans.” other priests doing it, and I had extreme emo- The report—based on testimony and written tional consequences from my childhood experi- materials submitted to the commission, along ence.” (Saviano sued the archdiocese and settled with social-science research and surveys—shows in 1995, for $12,500.) that many LGBT Americans continue to experi- When asked for a response, Marianne Duddy- ence prejudice and discrimination in the work- Burke—the executive director of pro-LGBT Catho- place. lic organization DignityUSA—exclusively emailed Among the findings are that LGBT workers have Windy City Times, “DignityUSA stands with the faced a long, serious, and pervasive history of survivors and family members of clerical sexual official and unofficial employment discrimination abuse whose pain and trauma may be reawakened by federal, state, and local governments and pri- by news of Cardinal Law’s death. Cardinal Law vate employers; and that federal data sources do represents one of the worst aspects of the clergy not effectively capture rates of LGBT employment sex abuse scandal—the repeated reassignment of or rates of LGBT employment discrimination serial abusers, enabling them to prey upon unsus- The report is at http://www.usccr.gov/ pecting children and families. press/2017/11-29-LGBT-PR.pdf. “Neither he nor any other member of the hier- archy was ever held accountable for covering up for the crimes committed under their watches. FCAN executive On the occasion of his passing, we once again call on the Vatican to make a sincere effort to- director leaving Linda Coon is retiring from her position as ex- wards justice for all those abused by priests and ecutive director of Families’ and Children’s AIDS to finally hold bishops accountable for protecting Network (FCAN), effective Dec. 31, the organiza- abusers at the expense of our children.” tion announced on Facebook. The Guardian article is at https://www.the- FCAN, an Illinois nonprofit organization, has guardian.com/us-news/2017/dec/20/cardinal- been serving the LGBT community since 1985. bernard-law-death-survivors-react. The Facebook post reads, in part, “Linda has —Andrew Davis been a tremendous leader and advocate. Linda has worked tirelessly over the years on programs Trans woman seeks to help support families affected by HIV/AIDS, such as: legal and social work services, family protection from IDOC retreats, adolescent services, and advocacy and The Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice policy reform. Center and the Uptown People’s Law Center have “We would like to thank Linda for her 26 years asked the federal court for an emergency order to of service to FCAN. We all wish her the very best.” protect Strawberry Hampton (incarcerated under Visit FamiliesAndChildrenNetwork.org. the name Deon Hampton) from what they said is 6 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES bar with a restaurant in the front. When I took ’n’ Hers that most people remember [at 944 W. that over there were bottles and bottles of peach Addison]. I had the inspectors come through so brandy. Can you imagine? Bottles and bottles of we could get our license and once they finished it. I was running drink specials, making whatever we locked the front door and got to work. We Chicago Icon: I could just to get rid of that shit. This had been cleaned the place up, painted it, put in decent a sort of jock bar and I took it over and made it plumbing. into more of a bar that catered to dancers, the- WCT: Were things good there from the start? The Marge Summit Story ater people, actors. Nice mix of men and women. MS: That place was just what I wanted. Even I called it His ’n’ Hers because they wouldn’t let the leather guys came there. Everybody knew me my car and drove around looking for that guy. I by Owen Keehnen me call it Clits ’n’ Dicks. I took it over and started from different places and I went to everyone’s wasn’t going to kill him, but I was going to put part two of a two-part feature to turn things around, had a little bit of enter- bar. A couple times leather guys came in and four bullets in his dick. He was never going to use tainment here and there. Judy Tenuta started out they’d been beaten up. So, I went to the gang that on a woman again. We didn’t find him, so I We return to our interview with Chicago LGBT there. bangers and said, ‘Those leather guys walking got back to the bar and called the police and they Hall of Famer Marge Summit. One time I was heading into work at the bar down the street are not a gang. They are nothing said, ‘He just got a woman over on Walton Street WCT: So how did you go from MS to His ’n’ and I saw this woman in a hospital gown with for you to be worried about. They are gay men and put her in the hospital.’ That was traumatic. Hers? a very small baby get into a cab. That struck me and they are only wearing leather because crino- It took 6-8 months before you could even touch MS: When I had MS, on the day after New Year’s, as weird, so I noticed the number of the cab, line wrinkles too easily. So don’t pick on them, me. That’s why I raised my daughter to be street I had a good crowd, but I was running out of couldn’t remember what kind it was, Yellow or because if you do, I have to call the police. Then smart. vodka. So I looked all over the neighborhood Checker or whatever. I got into work and got you’ll go to jail and none of us are happy. And WCT: Wow, so you wanted to get out of the down there, because vodka was my top seller. I’m the money ready and turned on the lights and by the way, if you have any good dope to smoke, neighborhood? walking around and it’s cold as hell out. All of a the TV and right there on the news was a story let me know and I’ll meet you in the back.’ That’s MS: Well, the guy who owned MS, my backer, sudden, I heard three quick footsteps and then about a woman who had stolen a baby from Chil- how I dealt with them. Don’t mess with me and I gave CK the bar on Diversey which took a lot of someone said, ‘Don’t scream.’ This guy jumped me dren’s Memorial. So I called 9-1-1 and told them won’t call on you. my good people and left me with the scar faces and started beating the shit out of me. He tried I saw her and gave them the number of the cab Another time, I used to have a phone right at and the gun crowd. People who’d leave their kids to rape me. All I could think was, ‘Marge lose your and they found her. That’s always been my way the front door and there was a sign outside that in the car during cold winter nights so they could temper.’ Because when I get mad, I fight like hell. though. I tend to notice things that are off. said I had a public phone. So I called the phone come into the bar and party. I told them I’d walk He dragged me to a vacant lot on the other side of WCT: Whatever happened to His ’n’ Hers on company and asked them to move it because the streets around the bar and if I found out they the bar and was punching me. When he was hit- Lincoln? thugs would stand there in the entryway, not do- left a kid in a car, they were banned for good. ting me, he got mad so he took off his glove, so MS: Once I started to make a success out of it, ing anything, just stand by the phone and staring That’s just not right. I understand the need to go he could hit me with his fist. Anyway, he dropped the owner, my backer, sold the building to the at us in the bar. The phone company said they out, but get a damn sitter. his glove and when he went to pick up his glove, hospital. When they realized they were renting to couldn’t do anything and I thought, the hell with Being down there and owning MS wasn’t fun I kneed him. I took off running for Clark Street, a gay bar, they weren’t too happy. They took us that. The next morning I got there early, took anymore. Not down there. I couldn’t do it. There half bloody and with my clothes mostly ripped to court to get us out of there. My liquor license the phone apart, dragged that big metal stand was this bar that Paul Quinn, that was PQ, was off. I went into the bar and I pushed a couple was good for another three-and-a-half months, to the back of the bar by the bathrooms, ran the running on Lincoln Avenue by Orchard. PQ was of people out of my way and said, ‘Some son of so the judge let me stay until then. Then I found wires through the bar, and reconnected it. The running it poorly. The deal was, I could take it a bitch just tried to rape me.’ I grabbed my gun this Puerto Rican bar on Addison beneath the L next time the guy came from the phone company over, but I had to pay the bills off. It was a small and four other dykes came with me. We got in tracks. I got a $1,500 loan and opened the His I said, ‘Someone from the company had come and moved it.’ I loved Addison, loved that bar. I fought hard for it. That’s the only time I got hurt. When the CTA wanted that building no one in the commu- nity came to help me. The CTA just kept taking me to court until I didn’t have any more money. I was so pissed off. I lost everything I had and ended up with a hellhole further north on Broad- way [in Edgewater]. I hated that His ’n’ Hers up there. That whole thing was the one time I was hurt by my community. WCT: So when you said you wanted commu- nity support, what precisely do you mean? MS: I was fighting downtown against City Hall. As a community, we picketed Anita Bryant, I was there. I stopped making drinks with Florida or- ange juice because of her. There were fundraisers all the time for different causes. I held them at my bar. I supported the community. Why couldn’t we get together as a community and show our power so the city couldn’t just come in and take Marge Summit’s bar away? The city was screwing me over. If you don’t take what they offer you, they take it by eminent domain. All they offered me was to pay off the mortgage. They said that after 20 years, I wasn’t established. What the hell is that? We did the gay money campaign and that pissed them off. When you piss off the city and the government, what do you think happens to you? That was so sad because I really enjoyed what I was doing. Loved that bar. WCT: I want to talk about the talent at His ’n’ Hers. Left: A menu from His ’n’ Hers. Right: Lyrics for the 1977 “G-A-Y” song by Diana Straight As An Arrow, a regular at His ’n’ Hers bar. She died young. MS: Even the Old Town School of Folk Music Courtesy of Summit loved our open mic night and said I had the best WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 7 open mic night in the city. We did it on Sundays. If you wanted to play in my bar, you had to do open mic so I could see what kind of talent you had. Good talent was Friday or Saturday, if you were OK I’d give you a Tuesday or a Thursday. Pudgy was there, Erwin Helfer, Vanessa Davis. All sorts of people. Wacker Drive, Ginny Clemmens, Kristen Lems, Charlie Murphy, Diana-Straight-as- an- Arrow, Aaron Freeman, Trisha Alexander, Jo Mapes and more I can’t recall. They all appeared at the bar. WCT: And I remember you did an album of the talent that played there? MS: Rich Warren from WFMT recorded and mixed it, all for free. The album was called Gay and Straight Together and was recorded on Open Door Records. We tried to get a cross section of both gay and straight. We even had a song on there written about the bar itself called Song for His ’n’ Hers by Jeff … sorry, I can’t give you his last name. He’s found God now, and you know how Left: Frank Kellas and Marge Summit were honored for that goes. their Gay $ campaign, as pictured in the Aug. 13, 1987 WCT: Another thing people always talk Outlines newspaper. Above: A Gay $ stamp. about, and that I remember fondly about His Courtesy of Summit ’n’ Hers on Addison, was the food, specifically the burgers. found an Italian guy on Randolph Street for my french fries and all you had to do for the free charities. I lost so many friends to that damn MS: Oh yes. I found a great meat guy and none Italian sausages. I’d go to vegetable fairs and get brunch was buy a drink, and that could be coffee. disease. Just terrible. We’d have auctions, things of the employees even knew who he was. I or- 100-pound bags of potatoes for $7. I’d buy cau- WCT: You were also known for fundraisers, people didn’t want, I’d say bring them in and dered, nobody else did. We were very well known liflower and zucchini and make a special batter especially at His ’n’ Hers. then we had a blast auctioning them off for char- for our half pounders. We cooked them frozen and lay them in trays in my freezer and take them MS: At my bar it always seemed like there was ity. Silly things. We had fun and raised money. We so that we never had waste. I started doing the out and weigh them and bring them to the bar. entertainment or some sort of benefit for some- had a leather fashion show and when one of my potatoes like John Barleycorn did. I would have I made my own chili. Every Sunday was a free body. We had pudding wrestling for charity. We models didn’t show up, I had to wear chaps and them go through the slicing machine and then brunch which cost me 25 cents per person. That did body painting. I did a carnival for AIDS. I a leather bikini. I told the audience if they made into the wash, but some people were allergic was a scrambled egg with parsley and garlic, one switched from bottles to cans because I could one crack about me in that outfit, I’d ban them. to the wash, so we started hand slicing them. I side of an English muffin, and some of our potato smash the cans and donate the money to AIDS Turn to page 8

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PIZZA • SANDWICHES • PASTA • FULL BAR • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY • LATE NIGHT 8 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES SUMMIT from page 7 that and said, ‘Congratulations, you have been awarded the Pig Bank of The Year.’ Terry Savage They never saw me like that. I’d do anything to from Channel 5 (I believe) came along with us in help raise money for the community and that was presenting the purple pig. Rick Karlin and a few true before AIDS, too. others even took their money out of there after When I was on Addison in the 1980s, I also that. noticed that on Thanksgiving the seniors never WCT: You also co-produced the documentary had a place to go. Or maybe they had a dinner film on gay and lesbian violence called Crimes for them, but it was on the Wednesday before or of Hate. Tell me about that project. the Friday after. What about Thanksgiving Day? I MS: First off, Gary Chichester came to me and decided I wanted to do something and asked the said gay men are being murdered on Halsted community for help. They came through with fly- Street and no one is saying anything about it ing colors. We had posted invites to the dinner in … . We sat down and decided to take a course all the senior buildings in the area. I asked Chuck in video filming with Chicago Cable Access. From Renslow for his help with setting up the dinner there we got RJ Chaffin, Bill Varadoe and Kevin and he said, ‘Sure, whatever I needed.’ Chuck A. Johnson to come along with us. I named the donated wines for the dinner, a florist friend group QED. We got it filmed and Cindy Schuch did of mine made brandy-snifter bouquets. I rented the editing. long tables and tablecloths. Others brought hams WCT: The movie was to bring awareness to and turkey and all the fixings. I had steam tables the issue of anti-LGBT violence in Chicago? set up. Gay guys who were waiters and not work- MS: The movie was, yes. It did what we wanted ing that day came to help escort them to the it to do. The movie made people aware of it. table and read them the menu of the day and WCT: On a much happier note, how did you then served them. I wanted them to know they and your wife, Janan, meet? where special to us. And we had entertainment. Marge Summit and her wife Janan Lindley. MS: We met on Facebook in 2012. I had just The seniors loved it. They would have stayed all Courtesy of Summit finished my first bout of cancer and was kibitzing night if they could have. I could not have done with a friend and Janan chimed in. I looked her it without the help of my community. Later the to me. non-perishable items in four heaping carts. We up and she was in my age group. I asked her if seniors sent me thank-you notes that were so WCT: Tell me about the Gay $ campaign. piled on more and more and blocked aisles to she wanted to meet for coffee and she said she heartfelt that they made me cry. We made them MS: Frank Kellas and I liked to hang out at ei- talk about recipes, all sorts of shit. Then when we only had one cup a day. So, I asked her if she feel like they had family. ther his bar, the Gold Coast, or mine, smoke a were finished filling the carts we just left them wanted to go walking in the park. She messaged WCT: When did you first hear about AIDS or doobie and get drunk together. One time we were and walked outside. As we left the store, Kit Duffy me on Facebook later and gave me her phone when it was first named GRID? doing that and I said to him, ‘Frank we have to went in and said to the manager, ‘They will be number. I called her and said, ‘Look, I’m bald MS: I heard about AIDS early on. Some of my do something. Evergreen Grocery Store [formerly here every Saturday until you print a retraction and I just finished with cancer. I’m clean, but I’m best guy friends came down with it. But as I at Broadway and Belmont] wrote this bad article in your paper and make a sizable donation to an bald.’ She said that’s no problem. Half her friends thought back, and I mentioned this to a friend telling their customers that if gay men sneeze AIDS organization.’ He said how much. We decid- were bald, too. at a memorial, that in the late 1950s I thought on them or cough on them or touch them, that ed $500 was good. I drove to her building on inner Lake Shore a gay guy Frankie, who came up with from the they’ll get AIDS.’ That was in their flier. At breakfast afterwards, we had an idea. I went Drive and she came out and I went, ‘Oh fuck, South, died of AIDS. So I think it had been So we met at the store the next morning, which to my stamp guy and asked him to make me a she’s gorgeous.’ And I wasn’t looking for a rela- around for a while before it became public. The was a Saturday. I called [Mayor Harold Washing- stamp that said Gay $ and a pad of red ink. I tionship at all. I’d had it with romance. We talked reason I say this is cause when Frankie died, he ton’s gay and lesbian liaison] Kit Duffy and told asked how much it would cost and he said $2. for two hours and then she asked me up to her looked like he was 90 years old, and he was prob- her what we were doing and she said, ‘I’ll be right The stamps were $2 a piece and I had him make place on the 38th floor. Her place was gorgeous, ably a teenager. That was what AIDS looked like there.’ Frank and I each took a cart and put all 100 of them. I got letters from all over the area white carpet and black furniture. I figured she of people who wanted that stamp to show the might be out of my league. When I went down- power of Gay $. All I asked for was the price of stairs, I had a parking ticket. the stamp, so $2. I showed them what to do. She called me later and said she was going to They needed to stamp the currency on the front, be over near me. So she came over, and we talked on the left hand side, in red. for a little bit, and ended up in bed. She never Then, the Secret Service caught wind of this left. We have our ups and downs, but I wouldn’t and visited Frank at the Gold Coast. When they trade her for anything in the world. I’d been with left his place, Frank called me and said they were some wonderful ladies and we were together for a coming my way. I swear to God when they came reason, but never my reason. into the bar they were in trench coats. They said, WCT: What do you mean? ‘Marge Summit’ and flashed their badges. I made MS: They needed me, or needed something. One fun of them, I admired their badges and asked needed some support. One had to get away from where I could get one like that. You can’t let her mother. Another wanted to be a cop and that them know they got you. I was scared, but they would not work for a cop and gay bar owner to weren’t going to know that. They said, ‘You’re not be together in the 1970s. No, no, no. Wonderful talking this seriously’ and I said, ‘You’re right, I’m women, and I’ve remained friends with them all. not.’ Then they left. We got reporters interested WCT: Why do you think they are so few wom- in the campaign and when we went downtown to en’s bars in Chicago? meet with them, they said, ‘What are you going MS: Women aren’t like men. Men are wham bam to do if they arrest you.’ I pulled out a Monopoly people and women aren’t, they’re looking for Get Out of Jail Free card and said, ‘Oh, I’ve got comfort. You guys can have four relationships in that covered.’ one night and we might have one. We’re not prey WCT: That’s great. animals. I don’t quite buy the money argument, MS: Then we found out this bank on Diversey because women are thrifty. We might make less was scratching out the Gay $ stamp and just be- than men, but we’re smart about it. Because of ing pissy about the whole thing. So we bought a that, they don’t support bars as much. They may big purple carnival pig and went there and asked come out Friday and Saturday, maybe Sunday af- for the president of the branch and I handed him ternoon, but a bar can’t make it on those three WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 9

Left: A panel at the recent Dyke Bar exhibit at Reunion included Summit and, from left, Tracy Baim, Kathy Munzer and Pat McCombs. Right: Kristen Kaza, founder of Reunion, with Summit at the Dyke Bar exhibit. Photos by Jackie Rivas days. You need business seven days a week. the cats look and as if she is there. Janan also in Chicago and that we are in every ward. granted. WCT: As someone who has seen and expe- has had things moved. WCT: What about bars do you think has WCT: So, worst-case scenario, what if our rienced so much, I’m curious, have you ever WCT: What do you think makes you a typical changed in the past few decades? rights are taken away? seen a ghost? Virgo? MS: Besides everybody looking at their phone MS: That worries me. What are we going to do MS: A women who bought the condo above me MS: I think that the work I do around the con- instead of talking? I think a lot more straight now? We’re not as close as a community as we died there of a heart attack. She was very special do, like doing all the rehab and repairs in my people come to gay bars now because they’ve re- used to be. We’ve lost that community spirit. I in Uptown and has a plaque on the corner of our condo to perfection makes me a typical Virgo alized we are a lot of fun to be around. think we need to be focused on getting that back street, her name was Gladys. I made friends with WCT: Looking back at the LGBT community WCT: What is your advice to the younger LG- and getting straights on our side as well. her and when they sold the condo, her ghost ap- over the years, what do you think was the big- BTQ people of today? WCT: So, as someone who knows the tavern peared in my apartment and things kept getting gest turning point in our history in Chicago? MS: It’s not safe to think you’re OK in this world world backwards and forwards, what is the se- moved around. They where remodeling her old MS: As for the biggest turning point of our his- because you can have it all taken away immedi- cret to being a good bar owner? condo and I think she was upset, so I told her tory, I think it was the Gay $ campaign that Frank ately. People sometimes think we’re home free, MS: For me, I knew how I wanted to be treated. she was more than welcome to stay with me. She and I did. Getting 17 million dollars stamped but we’re not. Look at that idiot in the White It was that simple. That was how I used to run my still lets me know that she is around. Sometimes woke our aldermen to how many gay people live House now. Never take any of your rights for places.

Activism meet-ups, personal book recommendations, Look Your Best for the Holidays! weekly events, Kids Storytime, and more! • Botox $10/unit There are so many reasons to support • Xeomin $9/unit Chicago’s only feminist bookstore. Freshenup.Life Dr. David Rudziewicz Schedule your appointment today at Freshenup.Life (Located in Pocket Suites) 2122 W. Belmont, Chicago 872-999-0110 Always look your best! 10 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES 2017: Local LGBT news highlights By Matt Simonette fected. School districts contended with the rights of their LGBT students. Local activists and advo- Few years in recent memory could match the cates continued to work on behalf of community rollercoaster shifts between dread, exhilaration, members in many realms such as HIV/AIDS, hous- anger and celebration—and what sometimes felt ing and politics. Sometimes the impact of their like every collective emotion in between—that work was small, but collectively it contributed Chicago’s LGBT community experienced in 2017. much to the overall progress of Chicago’s LGBT The year opened with the community still community. stunned by the November 2016 election of Presi- Women’s march: Just days after President dent Donald Trump. But as the weeks after the Donald Trump is sworn in, 250,000 Chicagoans election passed, and Trump’s inauguration came marched downtown Jan. 21 in support of wom- and went, Chicagoans, like so many other Ameri- en’s rights. The event was one of many across the cans, found a voice calling for collective resis- nation that day. tance to Trump and his administration’s policies. Airport protest: LGBT Chicagoans were among Hundreds, sometimes thousands, came out to those who packed O’Hare Airport Jan. 28 to pro- march in solidarity—such as the January wom- test Trump’s executive action restricting travel Attendees are all smiles at the 2017 Chicago Dyke March, which became mired in controversy. en’s-rights march—or protest against the presi- from seven majority-Muslim countries. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond dent’s erratic and seemingly random policies, New appointments: In February, state Rep. such as those that occurred at local airports af- Greg Harris, D-Chicago, was named Majority Con- Transgender woman killed: In late February, a ah Chambers was suspended from her position ter Trump’s so-called “Muslim travel ban.” It has ference Chairman for the Illinois House Demo- 24-year-old transgender woman, Chicagoan Tiara suspended indefinitely, pending further action. been decades since national politics have sparked crats. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, was Lashaytheboss Richmond (aka Keke Collier), was Chambers maintained that the suspension was in so much local action. meanwhile named chair of the Public Safety killed. She was nationally the fourth transgender retaliation by CPS because of her Chicago Teach- But not all local news centered around Trump. Appropriations Committee in Springfield. Harris person to have lost their life to violence in 2017. ers Union executive board leadership role. The state, after two years without a budget, fi- was this year instrumental in the passage of a Transgender Chicagoans on the march: In North Carolina ban: Mayor Rahm Emanuel an- nally cobbled one together, but not before nu- law making it easier for Illinoisans to change the what organizers called “one of the largest and nounced in April that he would introduce a reso- merous social service agencies were adversely af- gender markers on state-issued IDs. most diverse mobilizations for trans equality and lution reaffirming the city’s previous ban on non- equity to ever take place in the Midwest,” well essential travel to North Carolina for employees over 1,000 transgender and gender-nonconform- on city business. ing individuals gathered alongside cisgender al- Municipal ID: City officials introduced an or- lies March 3 for the Trans March for Liberation in dinance in the spring allowing for the creation downtown Chicago. of a municipal ID program for Chicago residents. Task Force: U.S.Rep.Mike Quigley and the Con- The Chicago City Council passed the ordinance gressional LGBT Equality Caucus announced in April 19. March that it was relaunching the Transgender ETHS policy passage: The Evanston Township Windy City Times is collecting reader input for the upcoming Equality Task Force. High School (ETHS) District 202 Board of Edu- 2018 election primary in Illinois. Suburban coalition: Some Northwest Subur- cation passed a comprehensive policy affirming ban parents formed a coalition with both Trans the rights of transgender and gender-expansive United Fund—a national advocacy political group students on May 1. The policy passed nearly This data includes reader priorities on the races, the issues, centering on trans issues—and Equality Illinois unanimously, with only one board member voting to campaign for school board candidates who against it. and a straw poll on the governor’s race. supported trans-affirming rules put into place Anniversary gala: Center on Halsted marked its when the federal government intervened on be- 10th anniversary and raised thousands with its The survey link is here, and deadline is Jan. 15, half of a transgender girl who had been denied annual “Human First” gala on May 20. access to the girls’ locker room. Issues pertinent Panic-defense ban: The Illinois General As- one survey per person: to trans students continued to take center stage sembly unanimously passed a bill preventing a this year, especially in and around Township High defendant from using the sexual orientation or https://tinyurl.com/WCTReaderSurvey School District 211, the location of that 2015 gender identity of their victim as a legal defense federal intervention. In late November, another on May 31. The bill’s sponsors were state Sen. student there filed a lawsuit in order to gain pub- Daniel Biss, D-Evanston, and state Rep. Litesa If you are a candidate for any office in Illinois, we also invite lic accommodations access. LGBT candidates, and Wallace, D-Rockford. Biss would later in the year you to complete one of our two candidate surveys. supporters of LGBT issues, had strong showings announce a run for governor; Wallace signed For all candidates except judicial, deadline Jan. 10: in municipal elections throughout suburban Cook on as his running mate, after his initial choice, and collar counties on April 4. openly gay Ald. Carlo Ramirez-Rosa, did not work https://tinyurl.com/WCT2018Survey Teacher suspension: On April 6, openly queer out. The panic defense ban was signed into law Saucedo Academy special education teacher Sar- in August. For all judicial candidates, deadline Jan. 10: @windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup https://tinyurl.com/WCTJudicialSurvey @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 11 Midsommar solidarity: The Chicago LGBTQ the budget crisis played out, numerous service- to retain the children’s book This Day in June— community and allies gathered June 11 at An- providers had to scale back or close outright. both in the library and in its current location dersonville Midsommarfest in solidarity with the Rauner’s quick turnover: Rauner’s adminis- there—after some patrons asked that the book Equality March for Unity and Pride in Washington, trative house-cleaning—operating in overdrive be removed. An additional library controversy fol- D.C. since the General Assembly overrode his veto of lowed in Downers Grove. Memorial defaced: An LGBT veterans’ monu- its FY 2018 budget earlier in July—claimed an Uptown housing: A coalition of advocates for ment located in Abraham Lincoln National Cem- employee, Ben Tracy, on their first day on the job persons experiencing homelessness and unstable etery in Elwood, Illinois, was defaced in June. as Rauner’s assistant July 17 after several homo- housing filed for an injunction on Aug. 28 halting Teacher support: Community members rallied phobic and bigoted social-media postings by that plans to displace persons residing beneath Lake June 24 after a former teacher at Saint Ignatius employee were located online. Tracy was quickly Shore Drive viaducts at Wilson and Lawrence Av- College Prep was fired after students outed and let go after the discovery. enues. The following month, activists protested harassed him. LGBT-friendly housing facility approved: The at the offices of Ald. James Cappleman. Summer controversy: A long controversy en- Chicago City Council Plan Commission, on July Ill. to get new AG: Attorney General Lisa Ma- sues after three women, one of whom carried a 20, approved plans for a long-gestating LGBT- digan announced September 15 that she won’t rainbow flag with a Star of David, are asked to friendly housing project slated for Logan Square be seeking reelection in 2018. A huge number of leave a rally following the Chicago Dyke March to proceed. The full council approved the devel- individuals subsequently announce that they’re on Pride weekend. The incident sparks renewed opment, John Pennycuff Memorial Apartments at seeking the post. debate about anti-semitism, Zionism, intersec- Castillo Plaza, soon after. LGBT speaker: The Archdiocese of Chicago an- tionality and the nature of progressive activism, Suspects surrender: A Northwestern Universi- nounced this fall that Cardinal Blase Cupich has among other issues, in the weeks that follow. ty associate professor as well as a British payroll asked Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest who is One million at Pride: One million persons took assistant wanted in the July 27 Chicago killing author of a controversial book about LGBT Catho- place in the 48th annual Chicago Pride Parade. of a hairstylist were taken into custody in Cali- lics, to speak at Holy Name Cathedral during Lent The parade was halted mid-afternoon by protes- fornia. Northwestern University associate profes- early next year. tors wishing to call attention to systemic inequi- sor Wyndham Lathem, 42, and Oxford University Happy anniversary: Longtime Rogers Park gay ties against transgender individuals. employee Andrew Warren, 56, were suspects bar Touche celebrated its 40th anniversary this Crew leaves longtime location: The LGBT connected to the death of 26-year-old Trenton fall. sports bar Crew Bar + Grill announced that it Cornell-Duranleau. Aldermen for Congress: Openly gay Alds. Car- would be closing its Uptown location at Lawrence Church protest: More than 50 LGBT activists los Ramirez-Rosa and Raymond Lopez both an- Avenue and Broadway on July 15 and searching and allies turned out July 30 for a protest outside nounced they’ll be running to fill the seat of U.S. for a new home elsewhere on the North Side. of Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, who’s stepping down. Budget, finally: After two years, Illinois got to speak out against the dismissal of a woman LGBT debate: Five Democratic gubernatorial a budget. The General Assembly overrode Gov. church member after she married her female part- candidates—Daniel Biss, Bob Daiber, Rio Hardi- Bruce Rauner’s veto July 6 after a protracted ses- Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan ner. man, Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker—took part sion to prevent, among other consequences, Il- announced she’s not running for re-election. Book retained: The West Chicago Public Li- in the state’s first gubernatorial debate on LGBT linois bonds being reduced to “junk” status. As Official headshot brary Board of Trustees voted six to one Aug. 28 issues Dec. 6.

body of rooms in our mouths body of rooms journal 3 pulse/ate body of some ladies bird lover body of dr. dre this fucking poem hot/n/knots she talks rooms i need to talk about rape color b(l)ind rooms the poetry and spoken word of journal 1 found/unfound pretty on purpose no place

CHAPTERS: e. nina jay reluctant orgasm ally? scent in the air ode to queen lili’uokalani let’s eat staged death journal 2 nurture killing nature body of rooms based on her book Featuring e. nina jay • Writer e. nina jay • Director Tracy Baim • Editor Steve Maxey • “body of rooms” Cinematographer Steve Maxey • Sound Engineer Jeff Tudor • Makeup and Hair Kiana Smith • the poetry and spoken word of Executive Producers e. nina jay and Tracy Baim • Co-Producers Anne Leighton and Sarah Hoagland • Associate Producers Toni Armstrong Jr. and Jeff Tudor DVD Cover design Kirk Williamson • Photographer Hal Baim • Artwork e. nina jay Copyright e. nina jay 2017 A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this film go to Affinity Community Services, Chicago. DVD: 98 minutes Based on the book Body of Rooms by e. nina jay

Partners: Windy City Times, Affinity Community Services, Maxey MediaWorks, NoiseFloor, Resolution Studios e. nina jay is a Black, Lesbian, Womon Writer who uses poetry as a tool of survival & to break silences around all forms of violence against gurls & womyn, with particular focus on the intersections of race, sexuality & poverty. As a survivor of incest & rape, e nina jay believes womyn & gurls can create powerful community to fight against the violence and constant degradation that weaves the poetry and itself into every facet of our lives, by breaking silences and unraveling shame. e. nina jay spoken word of e. nina jay based on her book “body of rooms”

Copyright e. nina jay 2017 DVD: 98 minutes $20 12 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES viewpoints

to woo, if not win, our votes. The perception that all fering and stereotypes us as “the mule of the world,” white politicians need to do is merely show up the a phrase African-American folklorist Zora Neale Hur- Sunday before the Tuesday we cast our ballots is not ston coined. Rev. Irene only a hackneyed campaign strategy, but it’s also a Contemporary commentators are making the point, MONROE clear indication that these politicians have nary a too. “A donkey is a Democratic symbol, but Black clue nor a sincere concern for the parishioners they women are not the mules of the party,” Britt Julious stand before. wrote in her Esquire piece “Black Women Defeated For Black women, Our issues need to be addressed, such as repro- Roy Moore, and the Country Is Better for It.“ She ductive justice, health disparities, gang violence, added, “We, too, are issue voters. We vote for the VOL. 33, No. 15, Dec. 27, 2017 being Dems’ ‘backbone’ educational parity, urban environmental racism and world we hope to see. Why take that for granted?” The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, is no compliment police brutality, to name a few. I grew up knowing one of the most powerful voic- founded May 1987. Since the passing of the Voting Rights Act of es in U.S. politics: Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. Black women voters in the recent Alabama U.S. Sen- 1965, there have been ongoing efforts to suppress Chisholm represented my Brooklyn congressional PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR ate race are being thanked for “saving” the state minority voting, such as changing polling locations, district for seven terms, from 1969 to 1983. She was Tracy Baim from Republican candidate Roy Moore, a homophobe, changing polling hours or eliminating early voting known throughout the neighborhood and the halls days, reducing the number of polling places, packing of power in New York City as a force to be reckoned ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky slavery apologist and accused pedophile. And we’re MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis all now are being lauded as “the backbone” of the majority-minority districts, dividing minority dis- with who was “unbought” and ”unbossed,” also the ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette Democratic Party. tricts and the notorious voter ID laws that dispro- title of her 1970 memoir. Chisholm was nobody’s BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine As a voting bloc, Black women in Alabama didn’t portionately disenfranchise minority voters. “mule” or “backbone.” DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright However, in recognizing African-American women In 1972, Chisholm was the first female and person ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson just suddenly emerge for Democratic candidate Doug Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Jones. What hubris to think they did and not for as the powerful voting bloc that we are in both local of color to run for president and on the Democratic Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Scott Duff, David themselves! We always have had agency and voting- and national races, Democratic National Committee ticket. paving the way for others. In her 1973 book Strzepek, Kathy Breit, Andrew Kain Miller chair Tom Perez gave a public shout-out. The Good Fight, Chisholm shared why she ran. NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242- mobilization strategies to support our candidates. 6863 The turnout that Alabama and the nation witnessed “Let me be clear: We won in Alabama and Virginia “The next time a woman runs, or a Black, or a SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, derives from a history of battling voter suppression because Black women led us to victory,” he said. Jew or anyone from a group that the country is ‘not Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair “Black women are the backbone of the Democratic ready’ to elect to its highest office, I believe that THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan that the 19th Amendment, granting women the right SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman to vote in 1920, was supposed to protect us from— Party, and we can’t take that for granted. Period.” he or she will be taken seriously from the start. … ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS but didn’t. Perez’s public acknowledgment was an intended I ran because somebody had to do it first. In this Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Jerry While a tsunami of thanks in the form of hashtag compliment to African American women and a long- country, everybody is supposed to be able to run for Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel overdue public reprimand to the DNC. However, to President, but that has never really been true.” COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet #BlackWomen flooded social media, no amount of Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy verbal appreciation will rectify the political imbal- be depicted as “the backbone” of a party that es- And those next times in the Democratic Party were Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa ance and structural inequity Black women confront pouses a multicultural and participatory democracy in 1984 and 1988 for Jesse Jackson, in 2004 for Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick Patricca, Liz highlights, glaringly in my opinion, Black women’s Carol Moseley Braun, in 2008 for both Hillary Clinton Baudler, Rex Wockner, Angelique Smith in the Democratic Party. African-American women’s SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal representation in leadership roles in the party needs lack of power and agency cloaked as praise. and Barack Obama, and in 2016, when Clinton made Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron to be supported by money and resources, and our We were “the backbone” of 1960s civil-rights a second bid. WEBSITE LISTINGS VOLUNTEER Gene Naden voices need to become essential to political debates movements, we still are in the Black church and As a voting bloc, we know our strength. As Black CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright we’re now recognized as such in the Democratic women, we take pride in our agency and voting-mo- DISTRIBUTION Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and governmental policy-making. And because our and Victor votes matter, many politicians need to stop pander- Party. We are always lauded, however, as “the back- bilization strategies. We take no pleasure, however, WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead ing to us to get them by exploring cultural markers. bone” for the service or rescue of others and yet in being anyone’s backbone but our own. programmer: Martie Marro) demonized for it when we are for ourselves. And the For example, the stereotyped Black church stands Copyright 2017 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media front and center for many white politicians looking phrase is not one of praise. It dehumanizes our suf- Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. letters All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Addressing gun violence violence affects every community across America prevention policies that would help keep the LGBTQ and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City and demands the attention of our lawmakers. HRC community safe. The resolution established HRC’s Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy Note: The Human Rights Campaign issued the follow- stands with Giffords and Everytown for Gun Safety, organizational position that the safety of LGBTQ City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While ing statement from President Chad Griffin on the fifth as well as other gun safety advocates, in demanding people in the United States requires the adoption we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make Congress pass common-sense gun safety reform to of common-sense gun violence prevention measures, this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept anniversary of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook El- responsibility for advertising claims. ementary School in Newtown, Connecticut: curb the tide of hate violence. including limiting access to assault-style rifles, ex- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 In 2016, after a gunman killed 49 people—most panding background checks, and limiting the ability e-mail: [email protected] or Five years ago today, 26 innocent people—includ- [email protected] ing 20 children—were murdered at Sandy Hook El- of them LGBTQ and Latinx—in Orlando’s Pulse Night- for suspected terrorists—and those with a history of ementary School in a horrific act of violence that club, HRC’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution violence against women—to access guns. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com shook the nation and the world. HRC remembers the that addresses both the epidemic of hate that has fu- lives lost that day and we honor them with action. eled anti-LGBTQ-motivated murder, assault and dis- Chad Griffin WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, crimination as well as common-sense gun violence HRC 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A Whether in a school, a church or a nightclub, gun (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY)

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13 20 21 ‘Pants’ fever SpongeBob SquarePants is a Broadway transfer. (See below.) Mago Grill & Cantina. NYE calendar. Photo by Joan Marcus

meleon-character skills of the extremely talented known to brave the treacherous commercial wa- SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT ensemble. They collectively buoy each other up, ters of Broadway, too. especially Ethan Slater who wows with amazing One current candidate is Claire Van Kampen’s physicality and pathos as the never-ending en- Farinelli and The King. It originated at the can- thusiast title sponge. dlelit indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse attached Broadway transfers Also emerging with a stronger profile are Lili to Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Cooper as the bad-ass scientist squirrel Sandy This play with music is based upon the interest- By SCOTT C. MORGAN the popular Nickelodeon cartoon TV series. But Cheeks, Gavin Lee as the uptight Squidward Q. ing historical relationship between the mentally those who saw the SpongeBob musical know Tentacles (hilarious as ever in his multi-leg cos- unstable King Philippe V of Spain (1683-1746), Chicago has an established reputation as a major that lesbian director and Steppenwolf ensemble tume and tap dancing) and Danny Sknner as the and the superstar Italian opera castrato Carlo tryout town for Broadway musicals. Some become member Tina Landau made certain that the show not-too-bright starfish Patrick Star. Boschi, who became famous with the stage name big New York hits (The Producers, Movin’ Out), maintained its own vital and creative theatricali- David Zinn’s psychedelic set depicting the un- of “Farinelli.” The latter confounded his fans by some are misses (Big Fish, Sweet Smell of Suc- ty. So SpongeBob SquarePants doesn’t at all come derwater town of Bikini Bottom may feel a tad giving up his career to become King Philippe’s cess) and some don’t even make it in (First Wives off like a by-the-numbers theme park show. squeezed-in on Broadway, but it still bursts personal music maker. Club). I checked in with SpongeBob SquarePants dur- out beyond the proscenium to make the Palace Two-time Tony Award-winner Mark Rylance One Chicago tryout that has the all makings ing a recent New York trip to see what other Theatre into a tropical paradise. Expect expect (and Van Kampen’s husband) is a joy as the batty to be an all-audiences smash is SpongeBob changes the show has undergone besides its new the yet-to-open Jimmy Buffett jukebox musical Philippe. Meanwhile, Farinelli is split into two SquarePants The Broadway Musical. It made its moniker. Let’s just say that all the tweaks have Escape to Margaritaville to receive unfavorable performers: Sam Crane for dialogue and counter- world premiere last year at the Oriental Theatre only made the show stronger, timelier and truer comparisons. tenor Iestyn Davies to sing Baroque opera arias. with the slightly different title of The SpongeBob (SpongeBob actually wears pants now instead of Zinn’s neon-bright costumes also help to make While this staging device by director John Musical. shorts). SpongeBob a constantly eye-popping visual spec- Dove has the potential to confuse, Van Kampen Now some theater purists might moan and Casting changes have been blessedly minor tacle, as do the flashy lighting design of Kevin attempts to explain it away by having Farrinelli groan about yet another commercial corporate (Brian Ray Norris is now Eugene Krabs), so New Adams and the precision projection designs of bemoan his duality of a private life versus the musical adaptation, especially one based upon York audiences get to revel in the champion cha- Peter Nigrini. in-demand persona of a stage star. The current political climate has made Kyle Jar- The enjoyable performances all around (espe- row’s zany book more relevant. Its plot hinges cially the leading men) make the play worth your on how townsfolk become distrustful anti-science time. Also quite good are Melody Grove as the xenophobes when faced with an impending disas- noble Queen Isabella and Colin Hurley as the sar- ter (here an underwater volcano eruption). This castic theater manager John Rich. helps to ensure that the musical isn’t all fluff, or As a probing look into the notion of whether as an occasionally jumbled showcase for celeb- or not music has the power to heal, Farinelli and rity songwriters like Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, The King doesn’t quite pass muster. It would also Sara Bareilles and more who have all contributed have been more interesting if Van Kampen had peppy pop tunes for the score. framed the play with higher dramatic stakes in- SpongeBob SquarePants is an undeniable stead of just offering a pleasant stroll of a script. charmer, with all of its theatrical spectacle both Yet the fine performances and antique atmo- grand and simple. So if you’re looking for a guar- spherics are all undoubtedly enjoyable and so- anteed show for fun, you can’t go wrong with this phisticated. Since it all looks like the Sam Wana- musical and its very absorbent hero. maker Playhouse has been imported to Broadway Visit SpongeBobBroadway.com for more in- (candelabras included), consider it all a savings formation. from actually crossing the pond to London. Farinelli and The King continues in a lim- London transfer ited run at New York’s Belasco Theatre through Broadway isn’t just devoted to shows that feed March 25. Visit FarinelliAndTheKingBroadway. SpongeBob SquarePants. on corporate Hollywood. “Snob appeal” shows, com for more information. Photo by Joan Marcus frequently imported from London, have been 14 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW Neither does Brooks minimize the courage re- quired for Davis to make his comeback a mere Sammy: A Tribute Kenny Davis three years after losing the sight in one eye fol- in Sammy. lowing an automobile accident—injury impairing to Sammy Davis Jr. Photo by his balance and threatening to end his dancing Playwright: Daryl D. Brooks Alan Davis days forever. At: Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Brooks’ script does not dwell on these gloomy Tickets: $55-$65 setbacks, however, instead contenting itself to Runs through: Jan. 21 serve up a string of familiar chart-toppers such as “Me and My Shadow,” “I Gotta Be Me” and BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE “What Kind of Fool Am I?” before concluding with a reverent “Mr. Bojangles.” These are distributed If you were given two days to abandon your part- among a dozen diverse singers encompassing ner and marry someone of your own “color” or powerhouse baritones, sassy songbirds and silky- suffer bodily harm, would you do it? If the presi- sleek crooners, all declaring their right to “sing dential candidate you supported asked you to popular white entertainers like Frank Sinatra and and lonely splendor. like Sammy.” A premise attracting so wide a de- postpone your wedding until after the election, Dean Martin (Italian-Americans with their own Far from being a straightforward hagiogra- mographic makes for many theatergoers arriving would you grant his request? If you were the history of ethnic prejudice)—do well to consider phy, the portrait offered by Daryl D. Brooks for with first-hand memories of the real-life events headliner at one of the top hotels in Las Vegas, the price paid by the high-profile showman whose this Black Ensemble musical revue does not under scrutiny, but for those who don’t, Aaron but your family was refused lodgings thereat, six-decade career encompassed every artistic flinch from recounting the obstacles faced by Quick’s projections of vintage photographic foot- would you abide by your contract? genre and whose vocalizations spanned jazz, his African-American hero in the mid-20th cen- age connect the personnel of bygone eras with Those inclined nowadays to dismiss Sammy rhythm and blues, Broadway, film scores, country, tury, engendered by both a society unnerved at their post-millennium descendants, thus securing Davis, Jr. as undeserving of respect—didn’t he Motown soul and even opera—versatility lifting increasingly assertive “minorities” as well as by the legacy of a history too easily forgotten. make lots of money, and didn’t he hobnob with him to the heights of stardom in all its opulent parochialism within those same communities.

THEATER REVIEW with magic, of course! And magic is just what’s perhaps the most scripted and where Turner and The duo’s comedy spans the gamut from child- on the menu for Broadway in Chicago’s third-sea- Clarkson feel less genuine. More stand-up comics ish physical schtick, to pop-culture pastiche, to Potted Potter: The son production of Potted Potter: The Unauthor- than actors, the pair seem better suited for semi- politics, yet is woven together in a way that ap- ized Harry Potter Experience—A Parody by Dan improvisation than scripted acting. Their charm peals to everyone. Just as J.K. Rowling’s original Unauthorized Harry and Jeff. truly shines when ingredients like unpredictable book series captured the imagination of readers This show conjures the classic straight man-ver- elements and audience interaction are added, of all ages, Clarkson and Turner’s comic concoc- Potter Experience... sus-funny man comedy duo routine, a la Abbott which happens often once the Hogwarts Express tion feels equally well-suited to families with Written by: Daniel Clarkson and Costello. Jefferson Turner (Jeff) takes the leaves the station. kids or the child in each of us. And references and Jefferson Turner straight-man role, ever the serious, driven one Indeed, when I attended, the most entertaining to other beloved fantasy fiction staples permeate Additional material by: Richard Hurst trying to keep things on track as this duo under- part of the show was when Turner and Clarkson the performance, from historic treasures like The At: Broadway Playhouse at Water takes the arduous task of compacting all seven attempted to simulate a game a Quidditch, em- Hobbit to modern favorites like Stranger Things. Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St. Harry Potter books into a highly creative and ploying the whole audience as members of either One does not have to be a diehard Harry fan to Tickets: BroadwayInChicago.com; $25-69.95 original one-act presentation. Meanwhile, Daniel the Gryffindor or Slytherin teams. Raising the bar enjoy this show. But if your heart takes flight Runs through: Jan. 21 Clarkson (Dan) plays the funny man, always at- further, the duo brought up to the stage a pair of for fantasy fiction, it will ride a Nimbus-2000 for tempting some incantation of silliness and often adorable young volunteers, a girl and boy, to play Potted Potter! BY JAMES R. WILKE derailing Jeff’s well-laid plans through mischief the Seekers, while Clarkson served as referee and

or foolish naiveté. Turner himself played the Snitch. Things took a c How does a seasoned pair of British stage & tele- While this show left me enchanted by the end, I hilarious turn when the girl volunteer got cheeky vision comedians pack seven full-length fantasy will admit, however, the first 10 minutes did not with Clarkson and Turner, who dished their own novels into a 70-minute stage production? Why, CRITICS’PICKS have me spellbound. The opening of the show is bit of entertaining sassiness right back. The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes Holiday Edition, Hell in a Handbag Productions at Mary’s THEATER REVIEW Roomies is a stage play that features a se- mother (Thea Camara) into buying a house, but Attic, through Jan. 10. Extend the holiday season ries of short films and music videos, and it no sooner does he settle in and pop the question just a bit longer with David Cerda’s hit parody of Roomies plays best to a packed house. It’s the turducken to girlfriend Tamra (Andrea Hendricks), than his the beloved NBC sitcom. Laugh at all the drag, Author: Dane A. Campbell that forms when you serve an episode of Han- friends appear to take advantage of his generos- cuss words and contraband that wouldn’t have At: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. gin’ With Mr. Cooper inside a drama with adult ity and spare bedrooms. First Randy (Darrell Lee made it past the network censors. SCM Tickets: 773-327-5252 or themes penned by baptist church deacons, all Brown), Brandon’s gay stylist cousin appears, The Nutcracker, Joffrey Ballet at Auditorium Stage773.com; $25-$40 encased in a Tyler Perry melodrama. It’s much then Shondell (Dontaé Johnson) needs a place Theatre of Roosevelt University, through Dec. 30. Runs through: Dec. 31 too much, but we are at a theatrical Old Coun- to stay out his home arrest, then sex addict The music is passionately the same, but Christo- try Buffet, and any less would seem sparse. Zachary (RJ Cecott) and his overbearing mom pher Wheeldon’s reconception is a social revolu- BY SEAN MARGARET WAGNER What’s weird is that this production works when (Kailin Vannatter) show up. The place becomes tion and visual spectacular. The customary Euro- it shouldn’t. Roomies isn’t poignant art, but it a magnet for every waspy neighbor (Courtney pean rich girl is now an immigrant kid in 1893 Nothing strikes as much fear in my heart as is subduing and familiar. If any other show ran Thompson, Cameron Smith and Arlene), insa- World’s Fair Chicago. This dazzling Nutcracker reading the words, “conceived, written, directed overtime by 45 minutes (fair warning—it does), tiable sexpot (Cece Brown) and work-adverse celebrates Chicago and the Auditorium itself. JA and filmed by” a single person. patrons would have revolted; instead, Roomies maintenance man (Anthony Luis Rios) around. Puff: or Believe It or Not, Remy Bumppo The- It can sometimes mean you’ll be treated to a viewers hunkered down and made friends. The Roomies’ cardinal sin is repetition. Every atre Company at Greenhouse Theater, through work of genius or great vanity. When it comes to premise is well-worn, the jokes haven’t met an scene boils down to the same relationship Jan. 7, The “well-made” lay may have once been Dane A. Campbell and Fearless Fiction Produc- audience member they wouldn’t pander to, and fights, sassy gay retorts and attempts at ill- dismissed as formulaic, but this frothy madcap tions’ new extravaganza, Roomies, separating it’s got more melodrama than a soap opera, but advised trysts, eliciting the same jeers a sit- farce of high-society lovers and liars wholly re- the vanity and genius elements gets tricky. On it works—even for me, a press member, which com would. The communal acting range is set deems the genre. MSB one hand, Roomies could use some judicious red I doubt the creators were concerned about but, to maximum clown, and director Campbell just Violet, Griffin Theatre Company at Den Theatre, swipes from an editor’s pen, but on the other hey, bonus! wants to ensure something ridiculous is hap- through Jan. 13. Jeanine Tesori’s florid musical hand, it’s a great showcase for actors of color The premise is paper-thin, but gussied up in pening at all times. This is the new commedia, score drives this odyssey of a deep-South pil- and draw for theatergoers of color. It’s exactly soap-opera style: Newly minted mogul Brandon and it already has a sequel in the works. grim’s search for a miracle lurking in unexpected what Chicago needs. Miles (Dujuan Austin, Jr.) is pressured by his places. MSB —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 15

From left: Leea Ayers and Nora Carroll in BLKS. Photo by Michael Brosilow Cheers to a night audiences THEATER REVIEW just discovered a possibly malignant mole on a won’t want to forget! portion of her anatomy she fears exposing to BLKS even minor surgery—a crisis demanding consola- Playwright: Aziza Barnes tion that her lesbian lover, Ry, is either unwilling At: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. or unable to offer. “Poignant blast of a “Raw, blistering, Tickets: $20-$89 So what do you do when your world has gone comedy… laugh-out-loud Runs through: Jan. 28 FUBAR? Why, break out the Maker’s Mark, five- hilarious and enraging” inch stilettos and seize the day with both hands! funny, all night long” – Chicago Sun-Times BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Don’t be fooled by the velocity at which direc- – Chicago Tribune tor Nataki Garrett enumerates the trials of being The language of Aziza Barnes’ play is Dirty Girl- young and smart in an ambiguous urban environ- Talk—not the phallocentric banter favored by ment with your whole life ahead of you and what “You’ll never laugh so hard male writers who fancy themselves the predomi- are you going to do about it? As we acclimate “Charged with nant theme of women’s intimate conversations, to the carnival ambience of this pivotal day, we at a single swear word but observations couched in gynecological vo- begin to detect beneath the Boschean landscape immediate nostalgia” cabulary and delivered with a take-no-prisoners a stereotype-shattering portrait of modern youth – Stage and Cinema as you will in this play” candor to make Kia Corthron sound like Georgette grown so defensive that when confronted by – Chicago On Stage Heyer. (For example, “clitoris”—and its colloquial strangers not bent on bullying or exploitation, counterparts—is uttered several times in the first its response is to flee in confusion. 10 minutes.) Black men and white women also This anxiety is not uncommon to post-adoles- receive their share of vituperation, as do such cents, regardless of their demographic, but rarely hot-topic social issues as virulent street crime have its African-American permutations been and shoddy law-enforcement. Don’t say you as minutely documented as in the two hours of weren’t warned. Barnes’ time capsule bulletin, whose microcos- You can’t really blame the three occupants of mic approach mandates split-second phrasing a spacious Brooklyn loft for their—um, unlady- and acrobatic agility—did I mention the slo- like demeanor, though: Corporate accountant mo catspat?—on the part of the production’s June’s boyfriend is cheating on her with a woman six-member cast. (The wardrobe changes alone who drinks red wine with Popeye’s fried chicken. constitute an Olympic-grade obstacle course, but Imani’s ambition is to score a hit at the Nuyori- special recognition goes to Namir Smallwood and can Poets Cafe performing Eddie Murphy’s stand- Kelly O’Sullivan for their command of multiple up material. Octavia is not only jobless, but has roles.) eSPOTLIGHT

Chicago’s deadly Iroquois Theatre fire of 1903 is commemorated again with a limited revival of Jay Torrence’s Burning Bluebeard. The ac- claimed performance piece features six singed By Aziza Barnes clowns and acrobats meditating on the gross malfeasance of this disaster that took the lives Directed by Nataki Garrett of 600 people (mostly women and children). Caption: Jay Torrence, Pam Chermansky, The Neo-Futurists and The Ruffians revive Burn- Leah Urzendowski, Ryan Walters, Molly Tickets start at $20 ing Bluebeard for six performances Dec. 27-31, Plunk and Anthony Courser in Burning at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. Bluebeard. Photo by Evan Hanover Admission is $25-$75 each; visit Neofuturists. steppenwolf. org | 312-335-1650 org for more information. 16 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES So when I was offered my book deal three years after having the idea for the book, I began reaching out to the women whose books I’d read/ whose films I’d watched/whose Wikipedia pages I’d read, and asked them if they’d be up for writ- ing a letter of sisterly advice for the book and, to my surprise, a few of them said yes—almost 100, in fact! I messaged probably around a thousand wom- en, and anyone who replied to me is in the book, so really I can’t take credit for the mix it was just fate/luck. I was super-conscious of the book being a diverse representation of the trans ex- ACTIVISM perience though so I made sure to reach out to women of all races, creeds and sexualities from all over the world in hope that there’s a big sister figure in the book every reader can relate to. Sister on WCT: What were the most common or recur- ring themes in the letters? Charlie Craggs. CC: When I reached out to the women I told Photo courtesy of Craggs a mission: them they can write whatever they want, so the fact that there are so many parallels and recur- ring themes in the letters is very telling. I think it illustrates how universal our experience is. The Talking with letters come in all different shapes and sizes, from essays to poems, capturing the diversity of the trans experience. But as different as the trans activist women and their stories are, there is one common thing that runs through each letter and the veins of each woman featured in this book: resilience. We are some strong-ass women. Charlie Craggs Almost every letter in this book contains sto- ries of prejudice, rejection and hate. But despite all the hardship we girls face, we still choose to exist, bravely, boldly, and beautifully. It’s an By Owen Keehnen phobia (which seeks to stamp out transphobia various places in their journey. To My Trans Sis- achievement to simply survive in this world as one manicure at a time) has recently released a ters also seeks to provide others with a deeper a trans woman, but as the women in this book Charlie Craggs has discussed trans issues on TV new book as well. To My Trans Sisters is an im- understanding of an oftentimes misunderstood show, not only do we survive—we thrive. and before Parliament and written on trans is- portant collection of dozens of letters of sisterly part of the LGBTQ community. WCT: Who is your ideal audience for To My sues in both The Guardian and The Independent. advice from various trans “elders” to their trans Windy City Times: Tell me about the initial Trans Sisters and what do you want readers Craggs was also named one of the most influen- sisters. The book has been called, “A love letter idea for your new book To My Trans Sisters. coming away from the book feeling? tial and inspirational LGBTQ people in the United to our community from the women who under- Charlie Craggs: The book is a collection of let- CC: The majority of the reviews (which have Kingdom. stand” and is considered a terrific source, offer- ters of sisterly advice from almost 100 trailblaz- been very good, just saying—4.5 stars, average) The author, speaker and founder of Nail Trans- ing advice, direction and inspiration to those at ing trans women for girls going through transi- have been from cis people, saying the book re- tion. It’s the book I wish I had when I began ally helped them to understand our community my journey. a bit better. I think the parallels and recurring I didn’t know any other trans people, so didn’t themes you mention really highlight the hard- have a big sister figure to ask questions and ships we face as trans women which I think is a CULCULTTUURREE CLUBCLUB guide me through transition. This is the case for good way of humanizing us and our stories, and most trans people, so I wanted to create a book bringing the focus back to what matters—people of information and inspiration for the next gen- are constantly debating about things like toilets, eration of girls so they don’t have to struggle things that in the scheme of things don’t matter. the way I did. The book gives them almost 100 Our lives matter, and the sad reality is that the sisters until they find their sisters in real life. It’s numbers of trans murders are going up every year. an encyclopedia of trans excellence. WCT: You mention that self-acceptance was WCT: How did you go about collecting sub- the biggest challenge you faced personally missions for the book? in being trans, but that it changed when you CC: Without a big sister figure to guide me were 21. What happened? through the early days of transition I was desper- CC: I really struggled with accepting myself ate for information and inspiration, so I spent growing up. I’d been bullied for being feminine a lot of time on the internet absorbing every- pretty much my entire life, and I had internalized thing trans-related and became kind of an expert this hatred and truly, truly hated myself. I think on trans women. I’ve probably read every book/ being working class where being a ‘man’ is really watched every film/read every Wikipedia page important also had a big part to play in that—I about every trans woman ever. was from a family of tough boys, and grew up on

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@windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 17 a tough council estate full of tough boys, and global, because it should. We need this in the went to a tough all boys school. United States. I wanted so badly to be like the other boys, CC: I actually did my first stateside event [this Tharpe part of Course to combine the boys who bullied me. I tried everything to past] summer; I was brought out to do nails at newest Hall of trans sensibility, suppress my femininity, I started working out, I NYC Pride, which was amazing! Like you say it’s a deepened my voice, I stopped listening to Brit- conversation that needs to be happening not just Fame class media, fashion ney Spears and forced myself to listen to mu- in the U.K. but globally, especially in the U.S., in Decades after her death, Sister Rosetta Thar- FashionBar LLC and The Evanston Art Center sic I hated. Naturally, I became really suicidal. fact. So if anyone wants to bring me back out, pe will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall have partnered for a course centering around I knew deep down I was trans and it got to the drop me a line! of Fame in 2018, according to Out.com. She transgender individuals, media and fashion. point where I was so unhappy that it was either WCT: Why do you think there is so much will receive the Award for Early Influence. The end result of the course will be a show- transition or die. The shift in trans representation transphobia and violence against trans peo- Tharpe is considered a pioneer in the musical casing of the students’ designs in a show for media played a big part in me finally feeling con- ple? genre of rock gospel, and Elvis Presley cited Chicago’s Fashion Week scheduled for April fident and comfortable enough in myself to tran- CC: Prejudice comes from fear and misunder- her as an influence. 2018. sition. Prior to 2014 the only time you’d really standing; that’s why I do what I do. I think Born in Arkansas in 1915, Rosetta Nubin The course will be held each Tuesday for a see trans women on TV would be as punchlines when someone who might have misconceptions (Tharpe’s birth name) started singing with her 10-week period beginning Jan. 9, 2018, 6:30- or punching bags, so seeing women like Carmen about trans people actually sits down and has mother at churches and revivals as early as age 9:30 p.m., at the Evanston Art Center, 1717 Carrera, Laverne Cox and Janet Mock in the media a chat with a trans person, they’re able to see 6. After moving to Chicago, Tharpe started fus- Central St., Evanston. Students will create pa- was really validating, they were beautiful, intel- that there’s not much to understand and certainly ing urban and rural influences into her music. per garments that will be modeled by transgen- ligent, successful but, most importantly, happy. nothing to be scared of/hate. The media has a After a failed marriage to a preacher when she der models in Chicago’s Fashion Week, sched- It was the first time I realized I could be all these large part to play, religion has a large part to was a teen (the first of three for her), Tharpe uled for April 2018. things. play, the government has a large part to play—if met singer Marie Knight in 1946; they then The course costs $325, or $305 for members WCT: I am in love with your organization we tackle the problem from the top (media, re- paired, musically and personally, as revealed of the Evanston Art Center. For more informa- Nail Transphobia, Can you explain it briefly for ligion, government) it will have a trickle-down the book Tharpe, Shout, Sister, Shout! Tharpe tion or to register, visit https://www.evan- readers? effect. These institutions have blood on their died in 1973. stonartcenter.org/school/paper-garments?mc_ CC: So Nail Transphobia (NT) is a campaign I’ve hands, otherwise. Other Hall of Fame inductees for next year cid=de966bc571&mc_eid=9a391b774f. been running for four years now, which sees me WCT: You have spoken about trans issues on include Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, The traveling around the UK with my pop-up nail sa- TV and before Parliament. You’ve written on Moody Blues and Nina Simone, per the organi- lon (usually to museums, galleries, universities, trans issues, and both The Guardian and The zation’s website. The ceremony will take place festivals, etc). offering the public free manicures, Independent named you as one of the most Saturday, April 14, in Cleveland, home of the giving people the chance to sit down and have a influential and inspirational LGBTQ people in Hall of Fame. chat with a trans person. the U.K. What’s next for you? The Out.com piece is at https://www.out. They can ask me questions and I can teach CC: A sleep would be nice. After that, though, com/entertainment/2017/12/13/queer-rock- them how to be an ally, or we can just talk about I’d love to start actually doing more for trans legend-sister-rosetta-tharpe-inducted-rock- the X-factor or whatever. What it’s really about people, like Nail Transphobia has just turned roll-hall-fame. is just having a chat—humanizing the issue a four and I’ve spent the last years focusing my bit for them—because people often have a lot of efforts on cisgender people (people who aren’t misconceptions about trans people without hav- trans) and while I still want to keep going with ing actually met one. Nail Transphobia (because evidently there’s still a WCT: How did the idea for educational mani- need for it), I’d like to focus more of my efforts cures come about? on doing more for trans people, the direct victims CC: Painting someone’s nails is a personal and of transphobia. I’m very lucky to be getting so Go behind the scenes of London’s West End. intimate experience, I’m literally holding hands much good press; it gives me leverage to do more In 1833, the greatest Shakespearean actor of the time collapses— with a stranger I’ve just met, and with the whole tangible good with my campaign, so thank you so but the real drama begins when his replacement steps in. purpose of my campaign being to humanize the much for the support! issue, this couldn’t be a more perfect medium. WCT: Thanks so much Charlie, for the inter- Discover the provocative true story of Ira Aldridge, The beautiful thing about my campaign is that view and for your ongoing efforts. You are so the first black man to play Othello on the London stage. with the nature of the conversation I’m also able inspiring. to touch them on more than just a physical level, For more about Charlie Craggs, her book and I’m able to touch them on a deeper level too, and her ongoing work, check out NailTranpshobia. hope that they’ll go away with more than just a com; on social media, see @charlie_craggs. mani—they’ll go away an ally. I always say my campaign is about changing hearts and minds a nail at a time. Theater writer My campaign is really all about conversation, nails are just my way of starting that conversa- changes at WCT tion, with someone who normally wouldn’t feel Effective Feb. 1, 2018, the Windy City Dion Johnstone, Photo by Jeff Sciortino engaged in that conversation. I thought nails Times theater coordinator will be Catey Sul- would be the perfect medium because of the livan. Scott Morgan, who has been theater way people speak to their nail lady at their local editor for nine years, is stepping aside due salon like they do their hairdresser or barber or to other work requirements, but he will con- whatever. I think when you talk one on one with tinue to freelance for Windy City Times. We WRITTEN BY DIRECTED BY someone you don’t have a lot in common with, thank Scott for his hard work. LOLITA CHAKRABARTI GARY GRIFFIN someone you might not understand or might Catey can be reached at cateysullivan@ have preconceived ideas about- the misconcep- ameritech.net, and please continue to also tions you have about them slip away and you’re send press releases to: Managing Editor An- LIMITED ENGAGEMENT able to see that you have a lot more in common drew Davis (andrew@windycitymediagroup. than you do differences. Conversation is power- com), Publisher Tracy Baim (editor@windy- THROUGH JANUARY 21 ful. Nails are just my catalyst for conversation. citymediagroup.com), and senior sales rep WCT: And the proceeds from NT go to teach- Scott Duff ([email protected]). 312.595.5600 · WWW.CHICAGOSHAKES.COM ing free self-defense classes for trans and Scott Morgan’s freelance address is scottish- non-binary femmes? Is this effort going [email protected]. PRODUCTION SPONSOR Gayle and Glenn R. Tilles 18 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES and a journalist second. I am ultimately a media Feast of Fun’s Marc Felion creator. I want to make interesting shows to lis- (left) and Fausto Fernos. ten to the same way a musician wants to make Photo by Jeff Knutson songs. WCT: How much time do you spend making one podcast? FF: It depends on the project. We spent half a year working on the Just a Gigolo podcast. It was an analysis of the history of the song “Just a Gigolo” and how it evolved through the decades. MF: People look to us for relationship advice or we will talk about building a community. We will just go to the internet, look up some things, and put a show together. When we have a guest we will study their story and what they want to talk about. FF: Generally we spend about four hours a show researching and preparing a show, then record- ing and engineering it. There is photography and graphic design with every episode. There is a lot of writing involved and sometimes we work with comedy writers. It can be an elaborate experience or it can be quick, and easy. WCT: What is the new Star Trek series you PODCASTS are working on? MF: I am very excited about it, because I feel Star Trek is such a mirror to what is happening in ‘Feast’ duo still having fun after 13 years this world. It gives us hope for a better future. Brian Sweeney is a straight ally who is on it with us along with comedian Collette Gregory who had by Jerry Nunn FF: When I was 19 years old, me and a group of the power of art to transform people’s hearts and been on our podcast before. Her mother went to friends did something called The Soft Men Show, lives by having fun. school with Avery Brooks on Deep Space Nine. The popular podcast Feast of Fun are still making which was in the spirit of Irma Vep. We would Feast of Fools was about not taking ourselves She brings what it is like to be Black in America it work after all of these years thanks to the dy- have a bunch of costumes and improvise a soap too seriously. I felt it didn’t explain what we do. during these times. namically gay duo Fausto Fernos and Marc Felion. opera on the second floor of a clothing store in I am attracted to titles that explains the concept The first couple of episodes were about being In January 2018 they begin their 14th year of Downtown Texas. I then started a group called fast so we can put it aside and have fun. that outsider. It goes hand in hand with Feast of producing podcasts with an average of 200 shows The Performance Art Church and was one of the MF: We had trouble booking people when it was Fun and in some ways is an art project. a year. first drag queens on cable access television back called Fools. WCT: Talk about the Cooking with Drag The two have taken on additional endeavors re- in 1992 called El Show de Faustina. FF: Feast of Fun at its core is about telling a Queens experience. cently such as filming on video for Cooking with WCT: When did you two meet? story to make art in this world that is harsh and FF: We have somehow managed to strike light- Drag Queens, and a new second podcast called MF: We met in 1999 at The Eagle bar. he came unloving. ning twice. It began when artists came over and Star Trek: Discovery, focusing on science fiction. up to me and thought he knew me. MF: We do tackle some serious subjects on the we would feed them before or after a show re- Apple honored Feast of Fun in 2006 as one FF: I had been chatting with someone on AOL show, but with Fun in the title we have to move cording. We first made a video cooking tostones, of 50 pioneering podcast shows. They are also who used stock photography that looked like on to something else. It is not Feast of Responsi- or fried plantains, with a friend trying out drag. five-time winners of the People’s Choice Podcast Marc. I proposed to him a week later. bility, so we focus on the fun. Following that we had RuPaul’s Drag Race person- Awards. WCT: That soon? WCT: Has one moment stood out in the pod- alities insisting on doing videos. We didn’t ask The talkative twosome sat down to discuss FF: I have never had a hard time talking to cast? them, they asked us. Now it has inspired about their roots and the success of the show. Marc. We instantly clicked. FF: I was really proud of our work with the AIDS 25 different web series that have drag queens Windy City Times: Where are you both origi- WCT: How did you get into radio? Foundation of Chicago. We covered the studies cooking in the kitchen. nally from? FF: Because I was a drag queen and I wanted that led to the rise of PrEP and the using of Tru- We started a Kickstarter to have lighting and Marc Felion: I was born in Battle Creek, Michi- to perform. I began running audio excerpts and vada that could possibly eradicate the virus in production to make 15 episodes of the show. We gan, but was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. short videos as a blog called Feast of Fools to our lifetimes. have done that every year including this one. Fausto Fernos: I was born and raised in San promote a live show. Right when the PrEP study was released, we Through the miracle of Julia Child looking at us Juan, Puerto Rico. I lived there until the age of WCT: When was this? said, “Just in time for Christmas a pill that pre- from heaven, we are able to do a third season of 16. I went University of Texas at Austin to get FF: Back in 2003. We didn’t even know what to vents HIV.” People thought we were tabloid jour- this series! my undergraduate. I came to Chicago to get my call it. We called it the Feast of Fools Live Inter- nalists! Visit FeastOfFun.com for links to past, pres- graduate degree. net Radio Show. I was excited about doing it on At the core of what we do, I am an artist first ent and upcoming episodes. WCT: What did you study in school? the internet. Back then you could have unlimited MF: I have my undergraduate study in inter- bandwidth with a dot Mac account. Our first spe- the program will open FBI case files to jour- national studies, foreign languages and political cific show was Feb. 8, 2005. We were frustrated Podcast to detail ney through the McCarthy-era paranoia and the science. I have an MBA from Loyola University because there were 50 other podcasts out there. witch hunt that pulled the communist queer ac- Chicago. We felt we were too late to the game! Mattachine history tivists apart, scattering the seeds of the move- FF: As an undergraduate, I studied as a metal There are millions now and almost all of our Mattachine, a 10-episode serialized show ment. worker, and pre-med my first semester. I didn’t guests have started their own podcasts. Within available free on iTunes Jan. 4, will follow the Listeners may listen to the trailer and sub- want to memorize all of that so I got into art and a year Apple recognized our podcast as one that true story of the secret Mattachine organization scribe now on iTunes or other podcast-playing theater. I majored in photography and perfor- was paving the way for future podcasts. that catalyzed the U.S. LGBTQ-rights movement apps. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter mance art. As a graduate I studied at the School WCT: When did the name change come? in 1950. and Instagram @mattachinefiles, and explore of the Art Institute of Chicago for graphic design, FF: Feast of Fools is based on an essay by Harry From a spark of inspiration in 1920s Chicago, resources and other details at MattachinePod. performance art and audio engineering. Hay, founder of the Radical Fairies. He had a book through secret speakeasy-style meetings that com. WCT: When did you start performing? called Radically Queer. In it was the essay about brought together anonymous gay individuals, WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 19 WEB Steve Grand makes acting debut in ‘Falling for Angels’ by ANDREW DAVIS of takes of things, but I made sure I got it to- gether—and it was a good fear of mine to get Steve Grand has made several inroads since ex- over. It’s like being on stage; you have to get it ploding onto the national scene when he came right [when you’re] right there. out of the closet and was initially known as a gay WCT: When you said that, I though of film country singer in 2013. director David Fincher, who [reportedly] 50-75 Now, he’s making his acting debut (his first in a takes of certain scenes. non-music video capacity) in the first episode of SG: Oh, wow. But with things that are not so the web series Falling for Angels, a Here TV/Pride big-budget, you’ve got to pull it together really Media project that looks at same-sex relation- quickly. Steve Grand (right) with Luis Lopez in Falling for Angels. ships in various L.A. neighborhoods. (Grand is in WCT: Absolutely. [Regarding feedback,] have Photo courtesy of Here Media the “Boyle Heights” episode, with Luis Lopez and you heard from other people? Adrian Nunez.) Some of the other actors in other SG: I was digging too much to see what other great deal) that, when I became a teenager, I WCT: And you have a calendar out? episodes include Daniel Franzese (Looking; Mean people are saying. But when I posted about it, didn’t like happy endings; I didn’t feel they were SG: Oh yes, I do. I have two separate calendars, Girls) and Alec Mapa (Devious Maids). my fans are really excited I’m doing something genuine. So I think, subconsciously, I’m trying at Shop.SteveGrand.com. I’ve been busy packing Windy City Times: How did you come to be and they seem to think I did pretty well—but, to put that feeling in my work. Sometimes, life them up and mailing them out this week. on Falling for Angels? obviously, they’re biased. [Laughs] I don’t abso- doesn’t tie up neatly; sometimes, you have to Falling for Angels is at HereTV.com and Steve Grand: I guess David [Millbern] and Nick lutely hate [my performance], which is a good take the ending and get your own kind of closure FallingForAngels.com. Three episodes are cur- [Oceano], who wrote my episode, contacted my thing. It’s hard for me to watch, and that’s not from it and move on—it’s not easy. rently featured, with the remaining three to manager. A lot of it was through that route; it’s usually the case; it’s hard to watch myself deliver WCT: Musically, where are you? air in January. not because I necessarily knew anyone really dialogue and interact with other people in real SG: I’ll probably have a new record out in the Steve Grand can be followed at SteveGrand. well. I was interested; they told me the story and time. next few months. It’ll probably be more pop—not com, on Facebook, on Instagram @stevegrand- I really liked the story. WCT: Even when transcribing interviews, I as country. music and on Twitter @SteveGrandMusic. WCT: And this is your acting debut? still sometimes don’t like the sound of my own SG: Yeah—in terms of it being a character voice, so I know of what you speak. that’s not me, that I didn’t create. In terms of SG: Yeah, I used to be like that, too. But I’ve being on a TV show, this was a first. gotten so used to hearing myself and seeing my- WCT: So did you prepare differently for this self, I’m fine with that; I’m able to be objective than with a music video? with that. But it’s hard to know if I’ve done a SG: Well, I had to learn lines, which I usually good job as an actor. don’t have to do. And I really wanted to make WCT: Regarding the episode, I have to say sure I did a good job. I met with them before- that I didn’t like how it ended. Your character hand and rehearsed with the guy who wrote the didn’t realize what your boyfriend did. character because I really wanted to understand SG: I totally hear you—but [the boyfriend] him. stopped. It’s one thing to get into that situa- WCT: I had not heard of the Boyle Heights tion and to have your conscience win out in the neighborhood. Had you? heat of the moment—that would mean a lot to SG: I had not, but we did shoot there. It was me. The circumstances are always different, but if great, though. We’re shooting at a coffeehouse, my guy told me something like that happened, it but they were still taking customers. It was wouldn’t upset me. What upsets me is lying. nice—just like a lot of other neighborhoods. That’s an interesting point. Because it’s so WCT: Was there one aspect of filming that short, everything doesn’t play out. was more challenging than any other? WCT: I know—I wanted a sequel. [Laughs] SG: If I hadn’t done my own project, I would SG: Well, maybe they’ll have to fly me back out have been a lot more nervous on set. With my to shoot some more. [Laughs] music videos, I know it’s about getting the light- WCT: For me, at least, it’d be good to have ing right, you’re trying to wrangle people. I feel some resolution. like I was able to really understand the perspec- SG: It’s funny, because I reposted my Christmas tive of the director and writer of that episode. video. I still hear from people who say, “Why is I really tried to be accommodating and to be it unresolved?” because the guy just disappears; like I am when I’m directing a music video. I do it’s unclear if the whole thing was a memory, fan- think—if I do say so myself—that I came to the tasy or something like that. A lot of my things set prepared to do a good job. that have stories are [either] unresolved or they What I think would surprise people is that you don’t end on a happy note. really don’t get to do very many takes. We’re film- That wasn’t something I did intentionally. But ing all day, but we’re getting the lighting and when I was in high school, I was drawn to stories pacing right. By the time you’re ready to shoot, that didn’t tie up really neatly. I had such a pure you better know it all. I usually like to do a bunch childhood in many ways (I was sheltered for a 20 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES way”—and succeeds, deliciously. the price of admission alone. salmon and grilled New York strip. Desserts are For those not in the know, poke (which The entrees are just as indulgent, if not sufficiently creative and delicious, with items originated in Hawaii) is a salad containing more, than the appetizers. A perfectly cooked such as maple banana croissant bread pudding raw fish. My experience has been that’s made tavern chicken (actually, a half-chicken) was and pumpkin cheesecake parfait. the DISH primarily with tuna, although Pokeworks has accompanied by spaghetti squash, pickled ginger Also, State and Lake has a late-night menu (11 Weekly Dining Guide in expanded that concept to include salmon, and root-vegetable panzanella. Unfortunately, p.m.-2 a.m.), with big-bite items (like the Diner chicken or even tofu—which almost sounds like my dining companion was not too keen on the Burger and the SLCT House Bratwurst) that are no WINDY CITY TIMES an “Americanizing” of traditional Hawaiian food, cauliflower risotto (the only non-meat entree), more than $9 each. even though Hawaii is part of the United States. which she said was a bit flavorless—and I had note: Restaurant profiles/events are based SAVOR to concur. However, there are other options on invitations arranged from restaurants and/ Mago Grill & Cantina; (for carnivores, anyway), including Faroe Island or firms. Pokeworks; —Garrett Allain has been writing and per- forming sketch comedy for over four, and he just State and Lake Sidetrack’s closed his first one-man show, Altered Boy. He’s BY ANDREW DAVIS also participated in storytelling series at iO com- OUTspoken! Series: edy theater and We Have Questions at the Second There are authentic Mexican restaurants—and January’s featured City Training Center. He is also a member of Team there are spots that say they’re “Mexican” but are Sidetrack actually more “Mexican-American.” storytellers —Sarah Alexander works as a librarian at the Mago Grill & Cantina (various locations, Chicago Public Library. Before that, she was a middle school teacher, a professional singer, and including 1010 S. Delano Ct., in Chicago; Garrett Allain MagoGrill.com) falls squarely in the latter a really, really bad waitress. Her academic and category, although it makes sure to have all the Salmon shiso at Pokeworks. creative work has appeared in journals, blogs, bells and whistles in place, including sugar skulls PR photo and anthologies including B-Sides, Teen Librarian and luchador masks. Toolbox, and I’m from Driftwood: Lesbian, Gay, Pokeworks takes what I call a Chipotle-like Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Stories from All approach, with patrons choosing menu or Over the World. Alex also has a background in customized options. From there, people select music and theater and has previously performed in Chicago with 2nd Story and OUTspoken. the base (e.g., bowl, burrito or salad), protein, Sarah Alexander “mix-ins” (like diced mango, edamame and ogo —George David Elrod was born and raised in Little Rock, Ark., and is a Chicago-based comedi- seaweed), flavor/sauce, toppings and even crunch George David Elrod (leading to my current addiction to toasted rice an/actor. George performs on the iO Harold team puffs). Comet, founded in October 2015. In June 2017, The result was a pretty tasty salmon shiso he co-produced iO’s first LGBTQ pride fest, and (shiso being a Japanese herb that’s similar to premiered his solo sketch show titled “Guppie.” basil, according to manager Matt). And as for —Bill McMurray is a classical/opera singer anyone who’s worried about raw fish and what I with more than thirty opera roles to his credit call the “E. coli factor,” Matt clarified to me that with opera companies all over the country. He is currently with Chicago Opera Theater and sings Chicken Azteca at Mago Grill & Cantina. the fish is kept no longer than one day. Bill McMurray Photo by Andrew Davis regularly with the Chicago Symphony Chorus. This State and Lake past summer, he was the bass soloist in the final I have visited State and Lake Chicago Jeff Sams movement of Haydn’s The Creation at the Ravinia However, that doesn’t mean the food can’t be Tavern (201 N. State St.; StateAndLakeChicago. festival. When not singing, Bill enjoys Crossfit, good. Overall, Mago’s cuisine is pretty tasty. com) several times, and enjoyed the cuisine reading, movies, watching sports and cooking. The meal began with a couple delicious drinks, each time—and a recent dinner visit, done —Jeff Sams has appeared in two movies (one including an horchata that I could’ve drunk all in conjunction with an overnight stay at a with Gene Hackman) and several commercials day. These were followed by empanadas that were nearby hotel, only confirmed how pleasant this over the years. Jeff is currently working in educa- mostly on the mark—as well as guacamole that restaurant is. tion and holds a Master’s in International Busi- a woman named Delores made at tableside, and In a spot with warm woods and an artfully ness. that was pretty delicious. decorated bar, State and Lake offers cold Kelly Suzanne Saulsberry —Kelly Suzanne Saulsberry is the Director The lunch entrees include chicken Azteca, appetizers like smoked trout dip (with trout, of Policy and Outreach at the Chicago Commis- which my dining companion really liked, and a mascarpone, lemon, house hot sauce and Laura Stempel sion on Human Relations, the City’s civil rights jibarito that, for me, was the meal’s one true crackers) and a succulent golden beet salad department. She serves as Co-Chair of the Pride misfire. The skirt steak was expertly cooked; (roasted golden beets, avocado, napa cabbage, Action Tank’s Leadership Advisory Council and as however, instead of bread, fried plantains were hard cider vinaigrette, hazelnuts and spices) as a board member of SHE100, an engaged group used—and they were unpalatable to the point well as some tasty hot apps like pork meatballs of LGBTQ women in Chicago that amplifies and where I just ate the rest of the sandwich as a and crab fat-braised pork belly, which is worth supports the work of queer women in Chicago’s salad and removed the fruit. LGBTQ communities. She lives in the Bronzeville Fortunately, dessert was a high point, with neighborhood with the love of her life and their an appropriately moist (and large) slice of tres two dogs, Bella and Ozzie. leches cake. BTW, this holiday season, Mago is The January edition of OUTspoken! —Laura Stempel is a writer, activist, and in- offering pumpkin cream-cheese flan and eggnog LGBTQ storyteller series takes place dependent consultant with a particular interest tres leches—compelling (albeit non-traditional) Tuesday, Jan. 2, at Sidetrack, 3349 in the queer community and youth homelessness. reasons to visit Mago. N. Halsted St. Doors open at 6 pm, She’s read and told stories around Chicago, pub- lished a wide range of things for academic and stories begin at 7. Pokeworks general audiences, leads a storytelling workshop Pokeworks (79 E. Madison St.; Pokeworks. See www.outspokenchicago.com for that’s part of the Goodman Theater’s Ge/Narra- com) has a stated mission to serve “high-quality, more info. tions program and is trying to bake cookies at healthy food in a convenient and responsible State Lake Chicago Tavern. home instead of buying ice cream every time she Photo by Andrew Davis goes to the grocery. WINDY CITY TIMES Dec. 27, 2017 21 What are YOU doing New Year’s Eve? Should you find yourself at a loose end, here are our suggestions for the best bars and parties to ring in ‘18

—Sidetrack: New Year’s Eve Party with The No cover. 1829 W. Montrose Ave. Legacy Project $30 general admission ticket in- —Touche: 41st Annual Black & Blue New cludes guaranteed entry, party favors and a com- Year’s Eve $10 gets you admission with a buf- plimentary champagne toast at midnight. $30 fet, door prizes, party favors and your first drink. advance at www.sidetrackchicago.com. 3349 N. Champagne toast and lights out at midnight. Your Halsted St. ticket includes a special raffle for a Mr. Chicago —Loose Ends: The Man’s Country Closing Leather 2018 weekend package. 6412 N. Clark St. Party Presented by Harry Cross & CPR Events. At the end of this edition of Loose Ends, Man’s Country will close its doors forever. Come add your energy and fluids to the space one last time. Celebrating the life of this historic gay bath house by welcoming all genders and gender non-conformists to a 13-hour party with full ac- cess to all three floors, including the disco hall,

—Roscoe’s Airways Flight #2018 Ready to fly you into 2018! Packages range from $30 in the Main Cabin (with hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast) to a $100 First-Class package sauna and steam room. Featuring music from Eris (with priority check-in and boarding, luggage Drew, Jeffrey Sfire (Detroit), Michael Serafini, Dee [coat] check, premium buffet and access to first- Diggs (Boston), L.A. Olympics and Harry Cross. class bar). Tickets can be purchased by calling Performances by The Vixen, Lucy Stoole, Bambi 773-281-3355, ext. 2, or by emailing events@ Banks and Abhijeet. Free clothes check. Lockers roscoes.com. 3356 N. Halsted St. and rooms available to rent. BYOB: venue will —Queen!: New Year, New Queen! With smart- provide ice, water, mixers and cups. No glass or bar residents Ariel Zetina, Eris Drew, Garrett Da- bottles allowed inside (transfer any alcohol in vid, Harry Cross, Michael Serafini, Olin and Sev- glass to a plastic container). Tickets $30-$130. ron. Hosted by Lucy Stoole, Jojo Baby, Nico, The 11 pm-noon on New Year’s Day. 5017 N Clark St., Lady Ivory, The Vixen, Imp Queen, Tenderoni and Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/loose- Kenzie Coulee. $35 advance, $40 Door, $20 af- ends-the-mans-country-chicago-closing-party- ter 2 am. Special packages available. Smart Bar, tickets-40854451765?aff=eac2 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ —Phoenix: New Year’s Eve 2018 at Phoenix ticket/p/6572140/new-yearnew-queen-chicago- Elegant dinner buffet by Chef Raul, complimen- smartbarchicagoil?cobrand=metrochicago totally tubular New Year! Mary’s Attic is turning tary champagne toast, $500 balloon drop, hosted —Progress Bar: The City That Werqs: NYE at upside-down. Retro music by DJ Grant, no cover by Lilly White Towers and Keisha Foxxx. DJs: Progress Bar Hosted by Mercedes Tyler, music and free champagne toast and balloon drop at Alex-Q (7-9 pm); Ron G (9-11 pm); Laura B (11 by DJ Avi Sic. Hosted bar 9-11 pm from Effen midnight. Dinner in the Dining Room until 11. pm - 2 am). $25 cover. 1932 E. Higgins Rd., Elk Vodka and free champagne bottle with purchase 5400 N. Clark St. Grove Village, Ill. of ticket. Free coat check. Doors open to public —Big Chicks: New Year’s Eve DJ Mike Rytie — Back Lot Bash and The L Stop: 6th Annual at 11 pm. $500 balloon drop and complimentary (resident Saturday Night DJ) spinning your favor- NYE Black & White Party Beats by DJ All the champagne at midnight, plus goodie bags. Tick- ite dance hits 10 pm-2 am. Free champagne toast Way Kay, DJ Gemini Jones and DJ Octiv. Hosted ets available at progressbarNYE2018.eventbrite. at midnight. No cover; free top hats, tiaras and by Dina Bach. Doors open at 7. VIP admission com. 3359 N. Halsted St. noise makers. 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. includes drink package and Meditteranean din- —Hydrate’s Dreamhouse NYE A night full of —Jackhammer: Dicks On Clark Rockin’ Eve ner buffet 7-9 pm. Champagne toast at midnight everything Barbie. The fantasy begins at 9 pm 2018 Hosted by Chanel Exotique. DJs Derek with black and white party favors. Tickets avail- with spotlight Barbie performances by some of James and Jerry. Whole bar open until 4 am. able at BLBNYE18.brownpapertickets.com. The your favorite Hydrate queens, including Mimi Champagne toast at midnight. $5 cover. 6406 N. Annex at Reza’s Restaurant, 1477 W. Berwyn Ave. Marks and Kinley Preston. At 10:30 pm, the Clark St. —Annoyance Theatre: Steamworks: The Mu- club transforms into a pink dance party with DJ —Club Krave: A Very Krave New Year’s Hap- sical One night only. Ring in the new year with Deanne. Champagne toast at midnight, party fa- py hour 6-8 pm with appetizers. Rainbow/Pride the hilarious story of a wide-eyed young man who vors through the night. No cover 7-11 pm, hors party favors. Champagne toast at midnight. Full moves to the Windy City seeking love and stum- d’oeuvres will be served 8-10 pm. VIP tickets for catered dinner buffet. Blue Island ball drop. Party bles into the legendary Boystown bathhouse. 8 express entry and in-and-out privileges. 3458 N. packages range from $15 for a cash bar to $50 for pm, 851 W. Belmont Ave., 773-697-9693, www. Halsted St. Tickets: http://www.hydratechicago. wine, soda, draft beer, well and domestic bottles. theannoyance.com com 6 pm - 2 am, 13126 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, —Scot’s: NYE at Scot’s Hors d’ouevres at 8 pm. —Mary’s Attic: Snow Ball: “Stranger” Retro Ill. Balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. NYE Dust off your ‘80s duds and get ready for a 22 Dec. 27, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Saturday, Dec. 30 holiday-themed episode. Will run in con- drenfirst.com/event/book-launch-party- Frontrunners, Frontwalkers Chicago junction with the return of Red-Hosed conspiracy-stars-olivia-cole COMMUNITY Frontrunners, Frontwalkers Chicago Chi- Reindeer. $25. or VIP $35. 7:30pm cago’s LGBT running and walking club. Mary’s Attic 5400 N Clark Chicago 800- Wed., Jan. 10 CALENDAR Meet at the totem pole 9:00am Ad- 838-3006 Tickets: http://www.hand- Author Reading: Ann M. Martin in con- dison and Lakeshore Dr. http://www. bagproductions.org versation with WBEZ’s Greta Johnsen frfwchicago.org For this free event, Johnsen will inter- Thursday, Dec. 28 Thursday, Jan. 4 view author Ann M. Martin about her Thrive: Weekly group for HIV-positive Sunday, Dec. 31 American Veterans for Equal Rights Chi- young adult novel Rain Reign, new in YMSM Open process group facilitated SEE PAGE 21 FOR EXTENDED NEW cago Chapter of American Veterans for paperback. 7:00pm Women & Children by a licensed counselor open to all HIV- YEAR’S EVE PARTY LISTINGS! Equal Rights, the national organization First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Chicago positive young men who have sex with Sober Horizons Group of Alcoholics of LGBT veterans formerly known as http://tinyurl.com/ybburnv2 men, 18-29. A safe space to process Anonymous All persons with a desire Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Veterans of one’s HIV status, emotional and mental to stop drinking are welcome. 9:30am America (GLBVA). 7:00pm Center on Thursday, Jan. 11 health, relationships, identity and per- Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chi- Halsted 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago Book Launch Party: The Hope Store, sonal growth. Also fun activities and cago http://www.chicagoaa.org/about- http://www.averchicago.org/ by Dwight Okita Two Asian American cultural outings once a quarter. 6:00pm caso friends, Luke and Kazu, discover a bold Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) THE WRIGHT STUFF Steamworks: The Musical One night only. Friday, Jan. 5 new procedure to import hope into the 5537 N Broadway St Chicago http:// Friday, Jan. 12 Ring in the new year with the hilarious Blue Over You A Mysterious One-Man hopeless. They vow to open the world’s www.tpan.com/events/thrive-edition story of a wide-eyed young man who Love Story with Musical Bits ), starring first Hope Store. 7:30pm Women & Corey Smith puts a queer moves to the Windy City seeking love... theater veteran Michael Joseph Mitch- Children First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Friday, Dec. 29 spin on Frank Lloyd Wright and stumbles into the legendary Boys- ell. Through Jan. 28. $20-$25 7:00pm Chicago http://tinyurl.com/yd3yn9ou Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy and architecture in The town bathhouse. 8:00pm Annoyance Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2515 Night Written by Vicki Quade, co-creator New Prairie School. Theatre 851 W Belmont Chicago 773- Central Park Ave., Evanston 800-737- Friday, Jan. 12 0984 Tickets: http://BlueOverYou.com of Late Nite Catechism, Christmas Bingo Photo by Jon Wes 697-9693 http://www.theannoyance. The New Prairie School Through the- is the second installment in Quade’s bin- com Book Launch Party: A Conspiracy of ater, dance, electroacoustic music and go series with new material and a special Stars, by Olivia A. Colee Octavia has al- poetry, performance artist/composer twist on the story of the Annunciation. the soundtrack of a generation. 7:30pm Wed., Jan. 3 ways dreamed of becoming a whitecoat, Corey Smith celebrates the 150th anni- Through Dec. 31, 2017. $30 8:00pm Cadillac Palace Theatre 151 W Randolph Golden Girls, the Lost Episodes, holi- one of the prestigious N’Terra scientists versary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birth and Royal George Theatre 1641 N Halsted Chicago Tickets: http://www.broad- day edition Campy parody of one of who study the natural wonders of Fa- explodes Midwestern architecture into St Chicago 312-988-9000 http://www. wayinchicago.com/show/beautiful-the- TV’s most beloved sitcoms with Doro- loiv. So when the opportunity arises she something queer and weird. Through nuns4fun.com carole-king-musical-2017/ thy, Rose, Blanche, Sophia will feature leaps at the chance. 7:30pm Women 7:00pm Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Beautiful, the Carole King Musical The the best of the original run - plus a new & Children First Bookstore 5233 N Clark Ave. Tickets: http://Ticketfly.com story of Carole King’s journey to write St Chicago http://www.womenandchil-

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