RITA MORENO TALKS WINDY CITY WITH THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, WCT BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 July 27, 2011 vol 26, no. 42 page 30 TIMES www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Same-sex weddings

Obama certifies start in New York DADT REPEAL by Chuck Colbert page 6 The marriage-equality movement enjoyed a burst of new energy July 24, as jubilant same-sex couples across New York state be- gan marrying under a new law that took ef- fect at midnight. “Today we celebrate our families, our equal- ity, and how far we have come as a commu- nity,” said Kevin Cathcart, executive director of Lambda Legal, a national advocacy orga- nization, in a statement. New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, who is openly gay, told NBC Nightly News, “Today those families were told they matter and that the state of New York cares about them as much as anyone else.” POINT From Niagara Falls to Albany to New York FOUNDATION City hundreds of gay and lesbians applied for GALA marriage licenses. The first couple to marry under the new law page 34 was Kitty Lambert, 54, and Cheryle Rudd, 53, of Buffalo, who exchange vows in a religious ceremony at Niagara Falls—shortly after mid- night. In New York City alone, 823 couples were granted marriage licenses with many of those couples expected to marry right away. City clerks’ offices opened in all five boroughs as judges were on hand to officiate and to waiver the state’s mandatory 24-hour waiting period between licensure and wedding cer- emony. By day’s end, city officials said 659 couples had picked up their licenses. The first couple to marry legally in the city was Phyllis Siegel, 76, and Connie Kopelov, IFTI NASIM 84. The Chelsea couple has been together for DIES 23 years. Even the mayor got into the act Sunday page 13 Mayor Bloomberg officiates at the marriage ceremony of two of his aides, John Feinblatt and Jonathan Mintz, July 24. Photo by Edward Reed Turn to page 5 Lakeview crime: The numbers By ERICA DEMAREST “The crime rate has been fairly steady and kind of on through the end of June. While the change is minute a downward trend for the past several years,” said Com- (only 0.1 percent), it does mark a decrease in reported In the wake of several recent violent crimes in Boys- mander Kathleen Boehmer of the 23rd Police District, crimes. town, many residents are adamant that crime is on the which includes Boystown and most of Lakeview. “Sometimes it’s more of a perception issue than it rise in the neighborhood. Hundreds have gathered at With the exception of a spike in 2008 (which cor- is an actual crime issue,” said Max Bever of Alderman community meetings demanding solutions, and some related to a citywide crime increase), crime rates in the Tunney’s office. “With the advent of the Internet and even claim this summer’s incidents are the worst 23rd District have dropped every year since 2006. That media attention, sometimes there can be more atten- they’ve ever seen. year, there were 3,629 reported crimes in the district. tion paid… and then there’s a perception that there’s To get a better picture of Lakeview crime trends, the By 2010, the number had declined more than 8 percent been a huge spike in crime.” DAVE KOZ Windy City Times examined citywide and district-by- to 3,326. On July 3, a Boystown resident filmed a rowdy late- INTERVIEW district Chicago Police Department crime data going So far, 2011 crime rates look like they’ll follow a simi- night altercation that led to a stabbing, and posted page 29 back to 2006. While some media outlets have claimed lar trend. Between January and June 2010, there were the video on YouTube. The third violent attack in three there’s been an increase in crime in the neighborhood, 1,508 crimes reported in the 23rd District. This year’s our findings suggest otherwise. numbers are remarkably similar, with 1,506 crimes Turn to page 10 2 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES CHICAGO SKY – MAKING IT BETTER

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FANS YOU CAN FOLLOW THE SKY ON @wnbachicagosky for ticket� cal� 866.SKY.WNBA or visi� CHICAGOSKY.NET WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS N.Y.’s marriage equality spurs others 4 Scottish Play Scott 21 New York makes history 5 Knight: Captain America 26 Obama certifies DADT repeal 6 Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus 27 Night Ministry backlash; Hall 8 NEW section: The Dish 28 Crime data shows trends 10 Dave Koz interview 29 Brainstorming; anti-violence vigil 12 Rita Moreno; Pitchfork 30 Ifti Nasim dies 13 40 years of Bijou 32 Surrogacy series continues 14 Pie toss pics; Point gala photos 34 Gay in the Life 15 Billy Masters 41 AIDS @ 30 16 Views with Monroe; letters 20 OUTLINES Real estate; classifieds 38 Sports: Brigade 42 Calendar Q 40

Photos on cover (left, from top): Rita Moreno photo by Mike Lamonica; Image of President Obama certifying DADT repeal by Pete Souza; Point Foundation gala photo by Kat Fitzgerald; photo of Ifti Nasim by Hal Baim; picture of Dave Koz by Greg Allen

WINDY CITY

TIMESityMediaGroup.com www.WindyC Same-sex weddings start in New YorkDOWNLOAD THIS! Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. LOOK BACK Lakeview crime: The numbers Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! online exclusives at WITH PRIDE www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Parade walkers gather in Lincoln Park for the Pride Parade in 1986. BRING HER SOME WATER Read Bent Nights’ reviews of concerts by Melissa Etheridge (left) and Patti LaBelle. Discover the city through the lens of gender, sexuality and nonconformity Photo by Vern Hester at Out in Chicago — a groundbreaking exhibition that explores 150 years of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans and their quests for self-identity, family, community and political action.

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Read an interview The stars of the with out gospel lesbian-themed singer B. Slade. movie The Fish Child talk about ON THE LOCAL FRONT PR photo There’s even more news online, making the film. including an account of a strike Photo by at the Park Hyatt and a shooting Sebastian Puenzo involving a man in drag. WILD frontier RAP IT UP The gay rap duo known as Freaky Boiz Clark Street at North Avenue 312.642.4600 www.chicagohistory.org talked with Windy City Times. Read the discussion online.

PRESENTING SPONSORS: THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT This week’s entertainment round-up includes items on Andrew Garfield, Barbra Streisand and Kelly Clarkson.

Coinciding with the debut of The Dish in print, the food column Savor will profile LEAD CORPORATE SPONSOR: plus restaurants. Read about Frontier online. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo by Jerry Nunn

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The nal party Pubert interviews at Encompass Owl City’s in Indiana. Adam Young. page 25 page 14 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES guaranteed by the state constitution. ONLINE AT Garden State Equality also held a rally July 24 at a New Jersey park closest to New York, with a WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM N.Y. marriage view of the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson NATIONAL NEWS River. In Maryland, where a marriage equality bill passed the state House but failed to pass the equality spurs Senate in March, Gov. Martin O’Malley seems now to be following the example of Cuomo, saying he will take a more active role in pushing for mar- riage equality next session. on other states Cuomo, whom Wolfson called the “indispens- —GOP Gov. Rick Perry able champion” of the New York bill, had worked (left) supports gay by Dana Rudolph closely with marriage equality advocates and marriage in N.Y. Keen News Service sent the initial version of the marriage bill to the legislature. He then met with legislative —Gay San Diego man Hundreds of same-sex couples married in New leaders to work out a final version of the bill stoned to death York July 24, the first day they could legally do that addressed some lawmakers’ concerns about so. additional protections for religious groups and —Pop-up gay museum Just as the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York the charities and educational institutions they in New York City City provided a lift to the nascent movement for operate. equal rights for gays across the country, same- O’Malley announced July 22 that he would sex weddings in the Empire State appears to be sponsor marriage equality legislation in the giving a boost to marriage-equality efforts out- 2012 legislative session. He tasked his director ballot to approve marriage equality. The state side its borders. of legislative affairs, Joseph Bryce, with coordi- Title Board, on July 20, approved language for Activists in at least two states (Maine and nating efforts among a broad coalition of LGBT, such a question. Supporters of marriage equality Colorado) are pushing for 2012 ballot measures civil rights, and faith-based groups, as well as must now collect 86,105 signatures in order to to seek marriage equality there, a lawsuit has people across the state. place it on the ballot. been launched in New Jersey for full marriage O’Malley said at a press conference that the Similar measures could also appear in Califor- rights, and in Maryland, a Democratic governor law provides equal protection and the free exer- nia and Oregon. is prepared to follow the example of New York Gov. Martin O’Malley. cise of religion to all, adding, “other states have An exception to the trend comes in Minne- Gov. Andrew Cuomo in leading the state legisla- found a way to protect both of these fundamen- sota, where the legislature has approved a ballot ture to marriage equality. tal beliefs.” question that seeks to ban marriage of same- discrimination, and Republican senators provid- With the addition of New York, the percentage In addition, in Maine, Equality Maine Execu- sex couples under the state constitution. It is ed the winning margin.” He called the biparti- of same-sex couples living in states that allow tive Director Betsy Smith said in a statement already banned under state law. The same could san vote “a major shift in the national political them to marry has now more than doubled— June 28 that the “victory in New York generates happen in North Carolina, where the legislature calculus for both parties” that “points the way from 6.9 percent to 14.3 percent, according to wind in the sails of the national movement to is considering bills for such a ballot measure. to more victories.” an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009 win marriage, and more specifically, of our ef- Cuomo, in a press conference after he signed The New York legislature was also the first to American Community Survey by the Williams In- forts here in Maine.” the marriage equality bill, called New York “a pass a marriage bill without first passing civil stitute of UCLA. Equality Maine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates beacon for social justice,” noting that the move- unions or domestic partnerships, Wolfson said. Also, the percentage of the U.S. population and Defenders announced June 30 that they are ments for equally for women, for protection of In New Jersey, which allows same-sex couples living in a state that allows same-sex couples to taking steps to place a citizen’s initiative on the workers, for preservation of the environment, to enter civil unions, but not marriages, Steven marry has more than doubled, from 5.1 to 11.4 November 2012 ballot, asking Maine voters to and for equality of gays each have roots in New Goldstein, the chair of the LGBT advocacy orga- percent, according to Census 2010 and the Wil- approve a law giving same-sex couples the right York. nization Garden State Equality, said in a state- liams Institute. to marry. The move comes after a referendum in “New York,” he said, “made a powerful state- ment June 24 that “the victory in New York, and “Having New York end marriage discrimination November 2009 overturned a marriage-equality ment, not just for the people of New York, but its choice of marriage equality over civil union is a turning point for the country,” said Evan law passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. the people all across this nation.” inequality, set the stage for our continuing fight Wolfson, executive director of the national Free- John Baldacci in May 2009. ©2011 by Keen News Service. All rights re- for marriage for same-sex couples in New York’s dom to Marry group, in an essay on the group’s Colorado may also see a question on its 2012 served. Web site June 27, three days after New York Gov- sister state just a mile away.” ernor Cuomo signed a marriage equality bill into Four days after the New York bill became law, law. “The world watches New York, and, as New Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal, a na- Yorkers say, if we can make it here, we’ll make it tional LGBT legal group, filed a lawsuit in a New Anti-gay allegations Officials collecting anywhere.” Jersey Superior Court in Trenton on behalf of Wolfson noted that passage of the bill in New seven same-sex couples. They argue that the in Minn. school case school supplies State Sen. Heather Steans, state Rep. Kelly York was the first time a legislative chamber state’s existing civil union laws do not provide In Minnesota, the National Center for Les- Cassidy and Ald. Harry Osterman are collect- with a Republican majority—the state Senate— the couples with full equality—an equality the bian Rights (NCLR), the Southern Poverty Law ing school supplies for low-income children in had “voted to advance a bill to end marriage state Supreme Court said, in October 2006, is Center (SPLC) and the law firm Faegre & Ben- son, LLP, filed a federal lawsuit challenging the neighborhood. The fourth annual “Spon- what they call “the pervasive anti-gay harass- sor-a-student” is a partnership with Care for ment in schools within the Anoka-Hennepin Real-Edgewater’s food and clothing pantry, School District” in addition to the district’s and other local non-profits to provide school “gag policy” that prevents teachers from dis- supplies for children in Rogers Park, Edgewa- cussing LGBT-related issues, according to a ter and Uptown. wood blinds designer screen shades press release. Donors will sign up to sponsor a student honeycomb shades window shadings The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court and will receive either an elementary school for the District of Minnesota after the com- or high school bag. The bags cost $75 on av- plainants said the school district did not ad- erage, but less expensive lists are available as well. The drive lasts through Aug. 19. Call Greg dress the abuse or repeal its policy. To complete a form, visit https://spread- The lawsuit charges that students who were sheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?for or were perceived as LGBT were subjected to SAVE $50* mkey=dG40RUtnTFBpaTlfUkZib3ptTnNaNGc6M On any order over $499 slurs daily and were physically threatened Q. SAVE $100* or attacked by peers. The lawsuit contends On any order over $999 that the district’s gag policy and its alleged failure to protect these students violated the ‘Civil Unions’ SAVE $200* students’ rights under the United States Con- On any order over $1,999 stitution, Title IX and the Minnesota Human panel July 28 The event “Illinois Civil Unions and Beyond: SAVE $300* Rights Act. On any order over $2,999 Marriage Equality and the LGBTQ Latin@ Com- With this ad - O er ends 8/30/11 Earlier this year, the SPLC, the NCLR and munity” will take place Thursday, July 28, at Faegre & Benson filed a federal suit against the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, the Anoka-Hennepin School District and 3015 W. Division. Champlin Park High School on behalf of two A reception with appetizers will take place lesbian students, Desiree (“Dez”) Shelton and 6-7 p.m.; a panel and entertainment will take Call for Exceptional Sarah Lindstrom. The school stopped the stu- place 7-9 p.m. dents from participating as a same-sex couple FREE In-Home Appointment Vida/SIDA and Lambda Legal are sponsoring at a school assembly. The matter was even- the event. Email [email protected] or tually resolved, with the students allowed to [email protected] for more information. 800.245.7790 participate. www.DraperyConnection.com Ext. 10 Ask for Greg Greg’s Web Page WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 5 NEW YORK from cover five plus the nation’s capital. With New York now among the marriage-equality fold, the number of night. On the lawn of Gracie Mansion, his of- Americans living same-sex marriage states more ficial residence, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of- than doubles—from 16 million to 35 million ficiated the wedding of his chief policy adviser, people. John Feinblatt, 60, and Jonathan Mintz, 47, the New York’s Marriage Equality Act is unique city’s commissioner for consumer affairs. insofar as it has the most extensive religious Notwithstanding the initial rush of same-sex exemptions of any gay-marriage law so far en- marriages, other couples are waiting for the just acted. For example, the law makes explicit that the right time. One couple is Philip Trzynka, 52, no member of the clergy is required to marry a and Brett Henry, 52, of New York City. same-sex couple. Trzynka hails from Fort Wayne, Ind., and is an In addition, the Marriage Equality Act and ordained minister of word and sacrament in the other New York law exempt religious organiza- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He cur- tions and “benevolent orders,” like the Knights rently serves as pastor of Trinity Lower East Side of Columbus, from non-discrimination require- Lutheran. ments of public accommodations, for instance, Henry grew up outside of Chicago in the sub- commercial banquet halls. urb of Glen Ellyn and works in sales for Federal As lawmakers in Albany, the state capital, Express. debated marriage equality, media gave exten- The couple met in September 2000 at the Gay sive coverage to church opposition to it and to and Lesbian Community Center in New York City. detractors’ insistence on exemptions to protect In 2006, they celebrated two religious commit- religious liberties. ment ceremonies, one in Glen Ellyn, the other in Trzynka voiced frustration over the media. their Manhattan home parish on Oct. 7, 2006. “Much of the news coverage made it feel as At the time, “We decided it was important to though religious people were against [same- us that our family and friends were able to pub- sex] marriage—period!” he said, adding, the licly hear about our commitment to each other media gave the impression, moreover, that “‘the and were able to show their support for our rela- Philip Trzynka and Brett Henry with son Joey and Otis, their dog who died a few months ago. The church’” wanted religious exemptions “so that tionship,” Rev. Trzynka said. couple plans an October wedding in New York City. Photo courtesy of the couple. it did not have to support gay marriage in any “We wanted to try to accommodate all of our way.” friends and family who wanted to show their safeguards that legal recognition of the state Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who championed the bill, Trzynka knew differently, he said, referring support. I think, like most couples, we wanted can give our family,” he said, adding, now with signed the measure into law, which required a to his own denomination and pastors’ support our families and our church to give us a sign of New York’s support, “We feel home.” 30-day waiting period before taking effect. of marriage equality, as well as that of Episco- support and acceptance of who we are and the The couple has tentative plans to celebrate The legislative victory gave new life to same- pal priests, United Church of Christ pastors and family we were creating,” he added. civil marriage this coming Oct. 7—five years to sex marriage advocates after attempts to enact Presbyterian clergy. In 2008, the couple adopted a then-8-year- the date of their religious commitment ceremo- gay marriage fizzled in Maryland and Rhode Is- Partly out of frustration, he said, “I decided to old son. ny. land. put out a sign in front of our church, saying that “Our reason for wanting a civil ceremony in New York is the third state to legalize gay The win in New York is indeed a big prize. The here at Trinity Lower East Side Lutheran Parish, New York is the same as it was when we had our marriage by legislative action. The other two are state, the nation’s third most populous, joins the pastor—me—would perform free LGBT mar- religious ceremonies. We want to give our family New Hampshire and Vermont. five other states—Connecticut, Iowa, Massa- riages for the coming year.” the opportunity to receive a sign of support and On June 15, New York’s Democratic-held As- chusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont—and the Apparently, “It got a lot of buzz,” Trzynka acceptance from the state in which we live and sembly voted 80—63 in favor of the gay mar- District of Columbia in allowing gays to wed. said. “I hope it caused people to hear again that have grown to love,” Trzynka explained. riage bill. On June 24, the Republican-led Sen- Altogether, New York’s population of 19 mil- many religious people believe God loves to bless “Of course, we also desire the protections and ate passed it by a vote of 33—29. Immediately, lion is greater than the combined total of those such marriages.”

HAS FAMILY PRIDE 2EGARDLESSOFMARITALSTATUS ORSEXUALORIENTATION OUR PROGRAMISSPECIFICALLYDE SIGNEDTOHELPEXPLOREALL OPTIONSAVAILABLE

APARENTIVFCOMs,'"4 APARENTIVFCOMs   6 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT military personnel, hailed the announce- ment. “In 60 days, my life and the lives of thou- Officials discuss DADT dies for sands of other gay and lesbian troops changes,” HIV/AIDS strategy said OutServe co-director “JD Smith.” “I cannot BY STEVEN CHAITMAN be more proud to be able to serve during this time.” It has already been one year since President good Sept. 20 Lesbian U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., said Obama announced the implementation of a people victimized by DADT now deserve an apol- National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). The ogy. strategy’s long-term goals are to reduce in- BY REX WOCKNER Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was necessary but it is not “I remember and honor the service of all the cidences of HIV, improve access to health sufficient for ensuring equality in the military,” courageous lesbian and gay members of our care and reduce health disparities across Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the military gay ban, will be Sarvis said. “It’s critical that gay and lesbian armed forces who have been required to live a the country. fully and permanently dead on Sept. 20. service members have the same avenues for lie so that they can serve our country, or have To check in and meter the progress of the It already can’t be enforced against active-du- recourse as their straight counterparts when it been discharged because of who they are,” Bald- strategy in its first year, the HIV Prevention ty troops, courtesy of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court comes to harassment and discrimination.” win said. “These patriotic Americans deserve our Justice Alliance held a live webinar July 20 of Appeals. SLDN also promised to advocate for legally thanks and our apologies.” consisting of brief presentations from fed- But on July 22, the military’s readiness to married service members to receive the same President Obama issued this statement: eral officials as well as leaders of some of implement Congress’ repeal of DADT was certi- benefits as their straight counterparts, and to “Today, we have taken the final major step to- the most prominent HIV/AIDS-related or- fied by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta; Adm. assist veterans in correcting or upgrading dis- ward ending the discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t ganizations in the country, including the Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of charge paperwork. Tell law that undermines our military readiness AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Although Staff; and President Barack Obama, setting in Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmo- and violates American principles of fairness and there was some praise of the NHAS in year motion a 60-day waiting period until the policy nese called Obama’s certification of repeal “a equality. In accordance with the legislation that one, much of the dialogue focused on areas is history. monumental step not just for those forced to I signed into law last December, I have certified for improvement, especially if the strategy The certification confirms that the armed forc- lie in order to serve but for all Americans who and notified Congress that the requirements for is to meet its goals for 2015. es’ implementation of the repeal and the tran- believe in fairness and equality.” repeal have been met. Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will Christopher Bates of the Department of end, once and for all, in 60 days—on September Health and Human Services and Gregorio 20, 2011. “As Commander in Chief, I have always been Millet from the Office of National AIDS confident that our dedicated men and women in Policy represented the federal government. uniform would transition to a new policy in an Other speakers included Carole Treston, orderly manner that preserves unit cohesion, re- executive director for the AIDS Alliance cruitment, retention and military effectiveness. of Children, Youth and Families; Venton Today’s action follows extensive training of our Jones, senior program associate for the Na- military personnel and certification by Secretary tional Black Gay Men’s Advocacy Coalition; Panetta and Admiral Mullen that our military is Catharine Hannsens, executive director for ready for repeal. As of September 20th, service the Center for HIV Law and Policy and Da- members will no longer be forced to hide who vid Ernesto Munar, president and CEO of the they are in order to serve our country. Our mili- AIDS Foundation of Chicago. tary will no longer be deprived of the talents and One of the most emphasized points in- skills of patriotic Americans just because they volved establishing better metrics for as- happen to be gay or lesbian. sessing the NHAS. Currently, the metrics are “I want to commend our civilian and military not entirely in place to efficiently measure leadership for moving forward in the careful and progress at all HIV/AIDS service providers deliberate manner that this change requires, es- across the nation. pecially with our nation at war. I want to thank The 12 Cities Project is one way the gov- all our men and women in uniform, including ernment plans to assess the distribution those who are gay or lesbian, for their profes- and scale of federally funded HIV services and bring those practices to the state and President Barack Obama signs the certification stating the statutory requirements for repeal of sionalism and patriotism during this transition. DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell) have been met, in the Oval Office, July 22, 2011. Pictured, from Every American can be proud that our extraordi- local levels. Its launching marks one of the left, are: Brian Bond, deputy director of the Office of Public Engagement;K athleen Hartnett, as- nary troops and their families, like earlier gener- highlights of the first year, and Chicago is sociate counsel to the president; Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; Kathryn Ruemmler, counsel ations that have adapted to other changes, will among the dozen cities included. to the President; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen; and Vice President only grow stronger and remain the best fighting However, various webinar attendees ex- Joe Biden. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza force in the world and a reflection of the values pressed their concerns about certain popu- of justice and equality that define us as Ameri- lations with unique economic situations cans.” not being part of the 12 Cities Project, such Panetta issued a statement which said, in as the Southeast. Munar said the project sition to open service will not affect “military Servicemembers United Executive Director Al- part: “All men and women who serve this nation only represents 44 percent of the epidemic. readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, exander Nicholson said: “Today, gay and lesbian in uniform—no matter their race, color, creed, Bates said the project is still in the early and recruiting and retention of the armed forc- service members can and will breathe a huge religion or sexual orientation—do so with great stages and no other cities would be added es,” Panetta said. sigh of relief. While we still must wait 60 days dignity, bravery and dedication. As secretary of in the short term. “The final countdown to repeal begins today,” for this change to formally take effect and for defense, I am committed to promoting an en- In terms of more pressing issues, Mu- said Servicemembers Legal Defense Network the law to officially be off the books, this step is vironment free from personal, social or insti- nar said the debt-ceiling negotiations and nothing short of historic.” Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis, who urged tutional barriers that prevent service members proposed cuts from the “Gang of Six” con- “This is the final nail in the coffin for the dis- Obama to now issue an executive order banning from rising to the highest level of responsibil- gressional conservatives threatens progress anti-gay discrimination and harassment in the criminatory, outdated and harmful Don’t Ask, ity that their talents and capabilities warrant. against HIV/AIDS and that it “could render military. Don’t Tell law,” Nicholson said. They put their lives on the line for America, and the strategy and global AIDS commitment “Signing legislation that allows for repeal of OutServe, the association of actively serving that’s what really matters. Thanks to the profes- impossible to meet.” Treston also empha- sionalism and leadership of the U.S. military, we sized this as a “real threat.” are closer to achieving the goal that is at the One avenue that nearly all speakers Chicago’s Dedicated and foundation of America—equality and dignity for agreed needed to be explored is the en- all.” Comprehensive LGBT Program gagement of allies outside the national A statement from Mullen said: “Certification HIV/AIDS advocacy community. ALEO does not mark the end of our work. Ready though VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL Valeo at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital For more information from the webinar, provides comprehensive psychiatric we are, we owe it to ourselves and to the nation visit http://www.preventionjustice.org. and addiction-related treatment for we defend to continue to train the remainder of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. the joint force, to monitor our performance as The program offers a safe, affirming we do so, and to adjust policy where and when Hall of Fame nods therapeutic environment for members needed. My confidence in our ability to accom- of the LGBTQ community. The Valeo plish this work rests primarily on the fact that extended to Aug. 2 staff is comprised of well-trained, The 2011 deadline to nominate individu- experienced gay and gay-sensitive our people are capable, well-led and thoroughly behavioral health professionals from professional. I have never served with finer men als and organizations for induction into the a wide variety of disciplines. and women. They will, I am certain, carry out Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame has repeal and continue to serve this country with been extended to Tuesday, August 2. the same high standards and dignity that have Nomination forms can be downloaded defined the U.S. military throughout our his- and printed from the Hall of Fame’s Web 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE tory.” site (http://www.GLHallofFame.org) or re- CHICAGO, IL 60640 quested by calling 312-744-7911 and leav- 1-800-888-0560 —Assistance: Bill Kelley ing a mailing address. www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 7 THE RICHARDS GROUP TRG JOB #: CSE-11-0007 CLIENT: CB Fleet JOB NAME: TV Ad TRIM: 9.75 x 13.5 LIVE: na BLEED: none PUB: 2 pubs DUE DATE: May 2011 INSERTION DATE: na COLOR: CMYK LS: 85/240Dmax FOR QUESTIONS CALL: Todd Gutmann 214-891-3519

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CBF-11-0007 NSP 9_7x13_5 T.indd 1 5/31/11 10:26 AM 8 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES ers were hiding illegal activities by standing in concerns seriously. large groups. “Our major thing is making sure that the Lakeview residents want Rev. Barbara Bolsen, the vice president of pro- neighborhood is secure and safe,” Perlman said. grams for the Night Ministry, said the organiza- “We want to be a good community citizen, and Night Ministry bus out tion’s mobile health bus serves between 25-150 that may mean different things to different peo- homeless and struggling young people in Lakev- ple.” BY KATE SOSIN are unfairly targeting LGBT youth who come to iew two nights a week. Every Tuesday and Thurs- Perlman would not comment on whether or Lakeview for services. day, the bus passes out food, safer-sex supplies, not the bank planned to ban Night Ministry cli- In a move that is shocking many in the LGBT On July 22, some residents began asking their personal hygiene products, bandages, socks and ents from the lot. community, a group of Lakeview residents is ask- neighbors on “Take Back Boystown” to call MB underwear to those in need. Cerese Depardieu, a community activist, said ing MB Financial bank to close off its parking lot Financial and ask the bank to close off its park- “A lot of them don’t have young adults they that if that happens, crime will only increase. to young people who line up there for services ing lot, located near Halsted and Belmont. can feel safe with or they can trust,” said Bol- “There will be a backlash,” Depardieu said. from the Night Ministry bus. “[Night Ministry] does their thing and departs sen, adding that the van is a non-threatening “Because where will people go?” For 20 years, the Night Ministry, an organiza- the scene taking no responsibility thereafter,” way to offer services. Depardieu argued that services like the Night tion that administers services to homeless youth said one commenter on the page, who appeared “Physical abuse, neglect… all of these things Ministry bus prevent many people from commit- and adults, has done street outreach in Lakev- to be leading efforts to close down the parking come into play when people become homeless,” ting survival crimes. iew. It has spent 10 of those years providing lot. “MB [Financial] also takes no responsibility she said. “Lots of folks are not going to be com- “[The residents] are complaining about [sex] food and other services on the street on front of though it is their private property. Something’s fortable walking into a building and asking for workers on the street, but that’s just going to the MB Financial bank (formerly Corus bank). got to give. We cannot and must not have sex help.” add to the problem,” she said. However, some residents on “Take Back Boys- traffickers, drug dealers, thugs hanging out in According to Bolsen, the Night Ministry has town,” a Facebook page dedicated to addressing that lot.” had a verbal agreement with MB Financial since crime in Lakeview, say that the young people Windy City Times reached out to this com- the bank moved in approximately two years ago. who line up for services outside the bank are menter and others in support repeatedly, but The bus parks on the street while those waiting City won’t support making the neighborhood unsafe. none responded to inquiries. for services line up in a designated section of Hall of Fame The campaign is the latest development since One member of “Take Back Boystown” posted the parking lot. BY KATE SOSIN Lakeview residents started expressing fears multiple photos of people standing in the lot, The bank’s Lakeview branch manager was on that crime in the neighborhood is on the rise. apparently waiting in line for the bus. While vacation and not available for comment. Howev- City officials have announced that the Chi- Those conversations have sparked a debate over some commenting said they saw nothing ille- er, Karen Perlman, chief marketing officer for MB cago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame (GLHF) whether or not some tactics for stopping crime gal in the pictures, others argued that loiter- Financial, said her company was taking resident will no longer benefit from city support due to financial constraints. GLHF has historically been funded by community fundraising efforts, not the city. However, in past years, the city do- nated postage, copying, staff support and underwriting to hold the reception at the Chicago Cultural Center. (The event is scheduled for Nov. 8.) “Prior to the election [of Mayor Emanu- el], we knew there were going to be some changes,” said Gary Chichester, a GLHF committee member. However, he said the KENDALL committee had been told to proceed as usual. Chichester said the news left the committee feeling “blindsided.” Chichester estimates the sticker price of aid from the city between $7,000-$10,000, which includes the $3,300 bill to hold the COLLEGE event at the Chicago Cultural Center. That is money the committee will have to raise RANKED NUMBER on its own now. GLHF, which annually inducts Chicago champions of LGBT causes, is typically funded by donations and two fundraisers, both of which were planned for this year. GLHF celebrated its “Pride and Joy” fund- raiser in June and will hold its celebrity- auction fundraiser Sept. 20 at Sidetrack. GLHF also set up a 501(c)(3), Friends of the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, earlier this year in anticipation of possible cuts. Bill Greaves—director of Chicago’s LGBT Advisory Council, which has provided sup- port in past years to GLHF—declined to comment on the news and said that his of- fice would be issuing a statement shortly. Chichester said the news could mean ONEBY LEADING HOTELS that the induction ceremony doesn’t hap- pen. However, the Chicago History Mu- The best hotels know what it means to deliver superior hospitality, seum has offered its auditorium for the and they recognize quality when they see it. ceremony, meant to coincide with its LGBT exhibit, “Out in Chicago.” Chichester said In fact, Chicago’s leading hotels rank Kendall College as having the number one that the committee is in negotiation with Chicago program for preparing students for hospitality management careers. the museum currently and that if the two (ORC International-2011 Survey) parties reach an agreement, the induction Maybe that’s because Kendall students stand out as polished, think-on-their feet ceremony should continue as planned. professionals with impeccable attention to detail and a drive to achieve. Or perhaps Rick Garcia, a longtime LGBT activist and it’s our internationally inspired curriculum and global study options that help our former GLHF inductee, said the announce- graduates excel in hospitality, events, tourism and more. If you want a career in this ment is of little significance. growing field, you want to call Kendall your College. “The city has never paid anything for the Hall of Fame,” he said. “I don’t even know OPEN HOUSE why this is an issue. ... This could create Saturday,August 20 controversy where no controversy exists.” 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. The outstanding question however, will DiscoverKendallCollege.com be if the Hall of Fame is still even a city 800.639.7753 project. Without support, questions about if GLHF should keep its relationship with the city are growing. Those questions are For additional details, including ORC International’s Research Report, please visit Kendall.edu/about/kendall-ranked-first. 900 N. North Branch not off the table, said Chichester. 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XXXETPUJMFDPN FREE PARKING 10 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES CRIME from cover sted Business Alliance, “but it was really cool. there were many burglaries along the Belmont arson, motor vehicle theft and burglary rates in We didn’t have a lot of really hot nights when corridor. the city. everybody was out and about.” The 2011 burglary rate in the 23rd District Both the district police and several local or- weeks, it caused an uproar in the community. Many Boystown residents have accused youth jumped 11.7 percent from last year, while mo- ganizations are working to keep those rates low. Some residents feared the stabbing was part of a who visit the neighborhood from the South and tor vehicle theft has increased by 19.3 percent. Since 2008, the Northalsted Business Alliance larger trend, but Boehmer said all three attacks West Sides (most of whom are of racial minori- Violent crime rates, on the other hand, have re- has hired private security details to patrol five were isolated incidents. Each involved a one-on- ties) of loitering and causing crime in the area. mained relatively stagnant. In 2010, there were nights a week between the hours of midnight one argument that turned violent. On the Take Back Boystown Facebook page, some 210 violent crimes. This year, there were 214. and 4 a.m., when crime is most likely to occur “Obviously it’s very disconcerting for people have argued the Center on Halsted, which has “For the most part, this is one of the safest in the entertainment district. While the patrols to see [the video], and I can understand why provided free services to the youth since 2007, communities in the city,” Boehmer said. “We originally consisted of private contractors, the people would be afraid,” Boehmer said. “But I should be shut down. have the second lowest crime rate in the city.” alliance now hires off-duty police. wouldn’t want people to think that there are Boehmer said blaming the young visitors is Between January and June of this year, the only “They’re more familiar with our climate on people running through the neighborhoods with unfair. “It’s a small minority of youth [who cause district that reported fewer crimes than the 23rd Halsted because they work within the area al- knives just stabbing people because that’s not a problems], and people tend to paint them all (1,506 total) was the 20th. Home to Anderson- ready,” Lyon said. “It was just familiarity with fact.” with the same brush,” she said. “So we’re trying ville and Lincoln Square, this district reported the neighborhood.” Another factor that could be contributing to to reach out and have some of the youth take 1,173 incidents. Boehmer has also increased the numbers of of- the perception of increased crime is the weather. some leadership roles. I don’t want to blame the In comparison, the majority of Chicago’s 25 ficers patrolling the neighborhood. “The only ac- Crime rates across the city spike during summer youth for everything because adults have com- police districts reported somewhere between ceptable number of robberies or violent crimes, months, simply because it’s finally warm enough mitted crimes also.” 2,000 to 4,000 crimes. The 8th District, which any kind of crime, is zero,” Boehmer said. “We for people to be outside. And Lakeview is no ex- The commander worries focusing so intently on includes Chicago Lawn, even topped 5,000 by have changed our patrol, shifted our schedule ception. The neighborhood typically sees more a handful of violent crimes might distract citi- the end of June – that’s more than three times around… We’ll continue to work to be more cre- incidents of crime during the summer, but rates zens from other safety concerns – namely, theft. what Lakeview’s 23rd District reported. ative. We’re going to work with the community drop back down as temperatures cool. She said theft is up citywide, and the Chicago The 23rd District accounts for a little over 2 and youth-based groups to see if we can help “Last summer we had a pretty quiet summer,” Police Department has located and shut down percent of all of Chicago’s crime. Compared to everybody work together and go in the same di- said Jay Lyon, executive director of the Northal- several chop shops. In June 2011, Boehmer said, other areas, it has some of the lowest murder, rection.” Lakeview crime statistics Crime stats based on Chicago Police Department, crime charts by Erica Demarest/Windy City Times

This chart shows a comparison for Lakeview to the City of Chicago overall, in percentages of types of crime. WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 11 23rd Police District City of Chicago

Lawrence

Broadway

Clark

Montrose

Lake Shore Drive Broadway Irving Park Lake Michigan

Addison Halsted

Aldine

Wellington

Clark City of Chicago Fullerton

Based on map of Chicago’s 23rd police district from www.lakeviewcitizens.org 12 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES winkle and 10th Dist. Cook County Commissioner ed to meet to create a new space for youth to go Bridget Gainer also attended. at night. The Guardian Angels, an organization Lakeview residents, Ozier and Green helped attendees write rules of unarmed citizen patrols, offered to train com- for the evening, which included mutual respect munity members. Citizens committed to working and not making generalizations. Green facilitat- with merchants and gay police officers on pro- LGBT leaders start ed discussions on what residents felt the prob- viding a foot patrol in the neighborhood every lems were, while Ozier helped the room map out night between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. neighborhood crime hot spots. Attendees also agreed to create a new Fa- brainstorming “I think the one thing we can agree on is that cebook page. The “Take Back Boystown” page, we’re all concerned citizens,” Green said, seem- which galvanized the community to response to ingly guiding the room away from divides that crime, has drawn heat from some who say that solutions to crime have been growing in the community for weeks. conversations on it are racist. Residents have “There are people who are not LGBT youth also complained that the page became a place By KATE SOSIN who are preying on this community,” Ozier said. for people to vent without actually contributing “They’re taking advantage of the situation.” solutions. In the midst of a heat wave so intense that A few residents said that they felt that large The new page, named “Boystown Community public officials recommended people stay home, groups of loiterers were part of the problem. Collaboration,” will be created to spread infor- more than 65 LGBT leaders and Lakeview resi- John Cunningham, a Lakeview resident who has mation on community events and resources. dents packed into the 23 District police com- been active in organizing residents around crime Spirits seemed high as the meeting wrapped munity room July 20 to brainstorm solutions to issues, said that he was worried that loiterers up. Several participants commented on the di- neighborhood crime. easily hid illegal activity by standing in large versity of organizations and people sitting at The event was the first amicable gathering in groups. the table. recent weeks attended by residents in the com- Several attendees also expressed the need “I cannot imagine being in a better place than munity, many of whom had expressed concern for safe places for young people to go at night, this right now,” Ozier said. “This is amazing.” that anti-crime efforts were targeting already while one person suggested that assault survi- A follow-up meeting is tentatively scheduled marginalized queer youth. While previous con- vors needed more support in healing. for Aug. 17. Windy City Times will update when versations between youth and residents had In the end, the group decided on two immedi- details become available. unraveled into screaming matches on Facebook ate undertakings. Youth-service providers decid- and at community meetings, most seemed to walk away July 20 not just pleased, but ready Keith Green helped lead the meeting. Photo with solutions. by Tim Carroll Alicia Ozier, executive director of HIV advo- cacy organization at Taskforce Prevention and residents and youth work together on solutions. Attendees at Community Services, and Keith Green, director The meeting drew representatives from com- the July 23 of federal affairs at AIDS Foundation Chicago, munity groups citywide, including Affinity Com- vigil. steered the meeting. munity Services, the Illinois Safe Schools Al- Photo by “My main goal for this meeting it so be happy liance, Amigas Latinas, ALMA (Association of Andrew Davis in the success of finding two solutions,” said Latino Men for Action) Chicago, Center on Hal- Ozier at the start of the meeting. sted, the LGBTQ Host Home Program, Equality Ozier promised those solutions at a July 6 Illinois, Project VIDA, the Chicago Department CAPS (Community Alternative Policing Strategy) of Public Health, Broadway Youth Center, Vida/ meeting, after fears of an influx of crime turned SIDA, The Civil Rights Agenda, Haymarket Cen- relations between residents and queer youth of ter and the Chicago Gay Officers Action League. color hostile. Ozier said her organization, which Representatives on behalf of 44th Ward Ald. Tom serves queer youth of color, was prepared to help Tunney, Cook County Board President Toni Preck- Church in Harvey, said, “You all have come Churches hold here tonight because deep in your heart [and] EUROPEAN LUXURY WITHIN REACH anti-violence vigil deep in your soul, you are proud to be gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. You are on Halsted strip proud to love one another. You are proud be- By ANDREW DAVIS cause you have stood up over and over again to say, ‘I am who I am. I will be who I will be. In light of recent events that have occurred I will make a difference. ... We will not accept in Lakeview (specifically, Boystown), a coali- violence against those we love.’” tion of religious and other community lead- Another person who attended was 46th ers as well as local residents for the “Faith Ward Ald. James Cappleman, one of two Response for Peace,” an anti-violence vigil openly gay members of Chicago’s city council. that took place the evening of July 23 in the “I’m just so honored to be among this crowd 7-Eleven parking lot at the corner of Roscoe of peaceful people,” he said. “The city coun- and Halsted. cil is committed to peace and we want to do In the midst of bar-hoppers walking down everything we can to work with you. I’m here the North Halsted strip (the event started at to stand here with you and honor all those 10:30 p.m.), dozens of people held candles people who were victims of hate. As a former or lilies while various individuals spoke, sang, Franciscan friar, I stand up against hate in all prayed or offered meditations. forms.” “We found it necessary to come together Attendees also sang songs such as “We in a visible and communal way to pray for Shall Overcome” (led by Alicia Ozier of Task- peace and reconciliation amongst all in this force Prevention & Community Services) and community and on all sides of the issue,” said recited the Lord’s Prayer as they touched the the Rev. Fran Holliday of All Saints Episcopal shoulders of those next to them. EUROLUXE Church to the gathering. “This event is not Brent Holman-Gomez, who attends Berry about pointing fingers or placing blame; it United Methodist Church, told Windy City is not about name-calling. It’s about health, Times that “people of various faith back- INTERIORS peace and reconciliation.” grounds decided to come together to do Rev. Rudra Vilius Dundzila was the event’s something about the violence in Boystown.” prayer leader. “Coming from different religious When asked about the timing of the event traditions, the faith communities of Lakeview (occurring a few weeks after a stabbing inci- all share a common belief in what the Rev. dent that galvanized the community), Gomez Martin Luther King called the beloved com- said, “We just felt that it would be an on- 3066 N. LINCOLN AVE. munity,” he told the crowd. “It is a world of going need because it’s a behavioral issue. love. His was a vision of an integrated soci- There needs to be healing and we’re here to CHICAGO ety—all races; rich and poor; young and old. provide a space for that healing.” To this, we add queer and bi and straight and As for the possibility of future vigils/ral- all genders.” lies, Gomez told WCT. “We’ve talked about it. Among others who spoke were TJ Williams We’ve talked about the fact that there’s an of New York City’s Riverside Church and Chi- ongoing need. One gathering is not to solve 773-270-0030 cago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, who anything.” passionately called for unity. The Rev. Rodney More photos are can be seen at http:// www.euroluxeinteriors.com Reinhart, rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 13 In 1986, he founded Sangat Chicago, a South Asian LGBT organization that takes its name from Gay activist Ifti Nasim dies the Sanskrit word for togetherness. “If you are a Muslim and a gay, you are a minority within a BY ERICA DEMAREST arranged marriage—a common practice in the minority,” Nasim said. He frequently spoke out predominantly Muslim country. against war, homophobia and social injustice in Iftikhar “Ifti” Nasim, a Pakistani-born poet, ra- “I did not want to live a double life,” Nasim Pakistan and other Muslim countries. dio host and gay activist, died July 22 at the age told the Chicago Tribune in 2001. He had known With a penchant for ostentatious jewelry, fur of 64 following a sudden illness. he was gay since he was a teenager and had al- coats and drag get-ups, Nasim was anything but Best known for his award-winning poetry and ready had several sexual experiences with other a wallflower. The combination of his dramatic en- over-the-top style, Nasim maintained a vivid men—always under a pseudonym. “I did not sembles and uninhibited honesty drew attention presence in Chicago’s LGBT scene for the past 35 want to leave a wife at home and go out and everywhere he went, and it wasn’t always posi- years. He founded Sangat Chicago, a South Asian pick up guys. I thought that was a dishonest tive. While eating in a Rogers Park restaurant in LGBT organization, and was inducted into the way of living.” March 2001, Nasim was reportedly attacked by a Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1996. Hoping to escape the marriage, Nasim—who Muslim man who called Nasim an “abomination” “In a world where race, racial identity, sexual had recently earned a law degree from Punjab and threatened him with a knife. identity and immigration status all matter,” University in Lahore—convinced his father to “[Nasim] would show up to an event or a said Kareem Khubchandani, 28, who considered fund a three-month trip to the United States meeting—to anything—wearing a fur coat and Nasim a friend, mentor and role model, “[Nasim] to further his law studies. “I read an article in a sequined beret,” Khubchandani said. “He’d would always talk about the changes he had Life magazine, which said that the United States make an impression before he’d even speak up. made, and then make me really aware of the was the place for gays to be in,” Nasim told the And I think that was part of his way of making fact that things aren’t perfect, things have to be Thaindian News in 2008. an impact, of getting people to see him and pay done, things don’t happen on their own.” He soon relocated to Detroit and enrolled at attention to him, by making a spectacle and be- Nasim, who identified as gay and Muslim, be- Wayne State University. The months turned into ing glamorous and being amazing well before he gan his career as an LGBT activist in the United years and, in 1974, Nasim moved to Chicago. He even spoke up.” States in 1974, the year he moved to Chicago. instantly fell in love with the city and its thriv- Once the AIDS epidemic began in the 1980s, In addition to working on behalf of immigrants, ing disco scene. Nasim used his considerable flair to educate Muslims, South Asians and eventually AIDS vic- “At first I was afraid to go into a gay bar,” he people about HIV/AIDS prevention. In addition, tims, he frequently wrote and performed poetry. told the Chicago Tribune, “but I went in. They he regularly hosted a weekly radio show called Nasim saw two collections published in his life- were the nicest people on the planet Earth. I Radio Sargam, and his books of poetry have be- time: Narman (1994) and Myrmecophile (2010). said, ‘What the heck? Why haven’t I been here come part of the curriculum at Santa Clara Uni- His work is considered the only poetry to ex- before?’ It was a non-stop party. I loved it.” versity and Truman College. press gay longings and desires in the Urdu lan- It wasn’t all fun and games, though. Nasim said “The LGBT community in Chicago—not just guage; it has garnered both enthusiastic praise he witnessed hate crimes and robberies at the the South Asian and Muslim communities—has and hateful criticism, and even earned Nasim hands of homophobic people. “I couldn’t believe greatly benefited from his activism,” Khubchan- several death threats through the years. Despite my ears and eyes,” he said. “What had happened dani said. any controversy surrounding the books, many to the Life magazine story? But the gay liberation Nasim is survived by his partner of 28 years. young Pakistanis considered them inspirational; movement was on, and I joined.” Nasim was buried July 23 in the Rosehill Cem- Narman was responsible for inspiring the nar- When he wasn’t working full-time selling cars etery, 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave., following Mus- mani, or honest poetry, movement in the coun- at Loeber Motors (Nasim was known for driving a lim traditions. try. gold Mercedes) or writing poetry in English, Urdu See more about Nasim on the Chicago Gay His- The son of a journalist, Nasim was born in and Punjabi, Nasim worked assiduously as an ac- tory website at http://www.chicagogayhistory. Lyallpu (now Faisalabad), Pakistan, Sept. 15, tivist. He focused his energy primarily on Muslim, com/biography.html?id=714. 1946. He grew up poor and often worked odd immigrant and South Asian queer communities, Ifti Nasim. Photo by Hal Baim jobs to help support the family. When he was 21 and worked to help those who were persecuted in years old, Nasim’s parents pushed him toward an other countries gain asylum in America.

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Photography: Sandro Dancer: Christian Denice, River North Dance Chicago 14 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES Building a family through surrogacy: One couple’s story

Third part of a series wouldn’t be an issue.” Once they had made the decision to have a on LGBT surrogacy baby through IVF and had met with Kaplan, the BY Charlsie Dewey couple had to face the issues of legal documents and insurance coverage. Ashley Hemphill has always known that she “The first thing we needed to do, because we would have a family that included children. are not married, is we had to get our own lawyers From left: Landon, age 2, Ashley Hemphill, Pam Netzky and Brody, age 4. Photo courtesy of Once she realized she was not going to be in a and have legal documents drawn up to ensure Hemphill heterosexual relationship, she said it never oc- that all of the parameters of how we were going Several shots were necessary to prepare for round there were a number that looked good on curred to her that children might not be a part to raise this child and allowing the child to be the pregnancy, but the first cycle was a success. the surface, but after getting the genetic testing of that future. adopted would be handled as soon as the baby Hemphill found out that she was pregnant after back would not have made it through the full Today, Hemphill and her partner Pam Netzky, was born. This would ensure that if anything the first IVF cycle. She then said she hadan- pregnancy.” who live in Chicago, have experienced two suc- happened between Netzky and I, that because other series of shots, 72 shots to be exact, for In the end, Hemphill did get pregnant during cessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures we did this together, the original intent would more than two months. The couple had their son the following cycle and delivered the pair’s sec- with the help of Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI) be there so we would both be able to raise the Brody in 2006. ond baby boy, Landon, in 2009. and aParent IVF. child. In Illinois, the birth mother is actually the After a year had gone by Hemphill and Netz- Even with the challenges, Hemphill recom- “We had a couple of straight friends who had legal parent. So even though biologically they ky began the process for a second pregnancy. mends IVF to other couples struggling to have a used Dr. Brian Kaplan [physician at FCI] when were Netzky’s children I was legally the mother During the initial IVF cycle they had chosen to baby. they were having some fertility issues and high- so I had to let Netzky adopt her own children.” freeze Netzky’s eggs for a future pregnancy. She noted, “When you think about all the ly recommended him,” Ashley said. “From the Hemphill also worked with her insurance com- Hemphill said that after the first time had people who are at FCI not for the reasons that moment we met him, it was truly love. He makes pany to get the approval for the procedures. been so easy, getting pregnant so quickly, the we are, because we are a same-sex couple, but you feel comfortable and he is just the sweetest Kaplan explained that insurance can be a couple hadn’t really considered that the second because they truly have tried for years to get man. I can’t say enough good things about him, trickier issue for a same-sex couple, having to time might not go as smoothly. pregnant and just haven’t been able to and truthfully.” prove that they have been trying unsuccessfully “They actually did testing at the lab for a they’ve tried cycle after cycle. For us, you have Hemphill and Netzky decided that they would to get pregnant for a certain period of time. number of genetic issues, and we are really to keep it in perspective, which is, we’ve been use Netzky’s eggs, but that Hemphill would carry Still, he said that his organization works with happy that they did because with this second so lucky.” the baby. the couples to help them make their case for “I guess I felt, having been adopted, I am very special approval from their insurance. clear on the reality that it doesn’t matter that Just like any other IVF couple that might be water, and we had scrub machines that took you are biologically related to have this feel- using someone else’s eggs or a carrier, Hemphill Storms affect out the rest.” ing of family and this is your parent, and love, and Netzky also had to go through a list of re- Unlike neighboring Whole Foods, which ex- but Netzky wasn’t adopted. I felt like it would HBHC, Center quired screenings, including medical history and perienced more severe flood damage on its allow her to feel closer to the baby, because By ERICA DEMAREST psychological testing, to qualify for the proce- main floor and was forced to open two hours even though she wasn’t giving birth, she would dure. late, the Center on Halsted opened on time know that it was her’s. I knew that for me that The Center on Halsted and the Howard Brown Health Center were among dozens of buildings and conducted its services as normal on Sat- to incur storm damage July 23, but neither urday. organization foresees lasting service cuts, of- Although Howard Brown Health Center man- E ficials say. aged to escape flooding, it was forced to re- H main closed July 23 due to power outages. No T Severe thunderstorms whipped through Chi-

cago shortly after midnight July 23, dumping medication or vaccines were lost, as refrigera- E as much as seven inches of rain in some of the tion temperatures remained within acceptable B GENERATION areas of the city. The National Weather Service ranges, said Magda Houlberg, vice president issued flash-flood warnings, and as many as and chief clinical officer. 74,000 ComEd customers were without power “We’ve added appointments this week to TO FIND A VACCINE TO at some point. accommodate our patients that could not be The Center on Halsted experienced roof seen over the weekend and are personally fol- flooding that damaged third floor storage lowing up to ensure they get the care and at- rooms, said CEO Tico Valle, who was called tention they need,” Houlberg said. in at 4:30 a.m. to assess damage. Although Barring more severe weather, neither orga- PREVENT nization anticipates any further closures or the Center’s theater was dotted with puddles, nothing there was ruined. delays. “We were able to deal with it on our own,” HIV Valle said. “We actually had to mop up a lot of PASSAGES stitute of Chicago Raymond Hudd Millinery Award, c/o School of the Art Institute of Chi- Raymond Hudd cago, Office of Development, 37 South Wa- Raymond Hudd (nee Huddlestun), a well- bash Ave., Suite 818, Chicago, Ill., 60603. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT known millinery designer known as “The Mad- hatter of the Midwest” passed away peace- www.bethegeneration.nih.gov fully July 20, 2011, in Muskegon, Mich., at the age of 86. Hudd attended the School of the Art In- stitute and worked as a window designer for Wieboldt’s before finding his true calling as a millinery designer. Over his 50-year career, he designed more than 500 hats for Phyllis Diller. In 2002, the Chicago History Museum held a retrospective of Hudd’s career and work; the museum retains more than 100 of his creations. He is survived by one brother, Ivan Hud- dleston of Moreno Valley, Calif.; many nieces,      nephews, and dear friends. Undated photo of Raymond Hudd.          A memorial service is being planned.    In lieu of flowers, donations to the Art In- WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 15 a GAYin the Beef ‘n Brandy Special events manager Restaurant and Bar LIFE Shaun J. Rajah Text and PHOTOS CHOW BY Ross Forman DOWN TOWN 2IBSs3EAFOODs3ALADSs3TIR&RYs!ND-ORE Breakfast Lunch Dinner Cocktails Wi-Fi

127 S. State Street In the Theater District   sBEEFBRANDYNET

Friday, July 29 Shaun J. Rajah moved to Chicago in 2005 from his native Malaysia because he wanted a hospitali- 7:30 p.m. ty-industry job and didn’t want the fact he lived overseas to impact his hiring. He told his mom that he was leaving and heading to the United States. She was upset, to put it Dr. Marianne Marchese mildly. She even asked if he thought he was Eddie Murphy from the actor’s popular role in Coming Eight Weeks to To America. Women’s Wellness: Rajah was immediately hired at The Drake Hotel, where he still works, overseeing what was re- The Detoxification cently voted the third-best tea room in the world. Plan for Breast Cancer, “I love my team and the guests I’ve met,” Rajah said. “My main focus is tea and pairing tea with Endometriosis, Infertility food.” and Other Women’s Health Rajah also coordinates the on-site entertainment, including the harpists. In addition, he orga- Conditions nizes major events at the hotel, such as Burgers, Bourbon & Beats, which is scheduled for Aug. 11. In 2007, he coordinated a Real Men Drink Tea program, the “Jackets Required” event in 2008 to benefit the Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN), and he recently hosted the Royal Wedding Tea Party, which landed him appearances on The Today Show and the BBC. 5233 N. Clark Rajah handles the planning and organization of the seasonal events, such as Valentine’s Seren- (773) 769-9299 dipi-TEA, Spring Catwalk Fashion Shows, Halloween Masquerade Ball, New Year’s Eve Ball, and more the stats throughout the year. He also handles the management of fundraising activities for local, regional, and national causes and charities through the services provided by the Palm Court. Name Rajah participated this spring in Gay Idol for the second time, and he finished second. He said Shaun J. Rajah this was the last time he will participate. “I feel like I’m living the American dream, and it’s nice to come to work and be accepted for [email protected] Age who you are,” Rajah said. “The American dream is an ideal held by many in that, through hard www.womenandchildrenfirst.com 31 work, courage and determination, one can achieve prosperity and freedom. These were values held Parking Available by many early European settlers, and have been passed on to subsequent generations, including Wheelchair Accessible Relationship status my own. I have always seen the U.S. as a country filled with opportunity to succeed and prosper. While many may view this ideal as cliché, as I embark on my life journey, I realize that opportunity, Single indeed, is one of many things that makes the U.S. a world leader and dream for many around the Neighborhood world. “During my time in the U.S., I have come to realize how fortunate I am to be living the Ameri- Lakeview can Dream. It has shaken and humbled me. As a child, my mother always told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be, and that America would give me the chance to achieve all of my goals. Hobbies My mother’s words set deeply into my mind and influenced every Singing, dining and traveling, decision I made. I am hopeful that I can continue to although he hates flying live this American Dream and be a contributor to society.” Favorite Chicago restaurant Rajah’s busiest time is during Decem- ber, when the Palm Court has about 500 cus- RL tomers each day, starting at about 11 a.m. Favorite Chicago bar The room holds 175. Have your Tea for two will cost about $90. For Wilde reservation or inquiries, email Shaun.Rajah@ premiums Lookalike hilton.com. He’s often told he looks increased like Prince. “I don’t see the recently? resemblance, but everyone else does.” See me: Charles T. Rhodes, It’s a fact Agent He has his suits handmade in 2472 N. Clark Bangkok, and has his shoes and 773.281.0890 hats custom-made. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (not in NJ) State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois 16 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

A special series in partnership with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago I Haven’t Given Up, I’ve Taken Charge One man’s story of taking HIV meds for prevention by Nick Literski physical barrier. Sex became much less frequent, PrEP. In particular, I carefully read the actual and was burdened by worry and frustration. study report in the New England Journal of The following column is reprinted courtesy of In time, and with the help of an outstand- Medicine. I made notes of the questions raised Positively Aware Magazine. ing physician, my partner’s viral load became in my mind, and brought them with me when I undetectable. In the meantime, both of us had visited my doctor. We discussed my questions Recently, I was surprised to learn that I had al- educated ourselves on HIV. We knew that a Swiss thoroughly, along with the fact that I already legedly “given up on gay men.” According to study indicated that the risk of my being infect- had a recent HIV test establishing that I was Michael Weinstein, president and founder of the ed by my partner was now extremely low, even still negative. My doctor outlined the require- so-called “AIDS Healthcare Foundation,” I now to the point that some physicians in Switzerland ment that I would take the medication every consider the lives of gay men, including my own, believed protection was unnecessary. My partner day as directed, and that he would test me for “disposable.” What great crime have I commit- was able to relax more, and we began to settle kidney function and other potential side effects ted to deserve Mr. Weinstein’s condemnation? I into the “new normal” of being a serodiscordant on a regular basis. In the end, I decided that take Truvada once a day, as pre-exposure pro- couple. the benefits outweighed the risks, and I chose phylaxis (PrEP), in order to protect myself from Even at this stage, however, there were emo- to begin taking Truvada. HIV infection. tional challenges. I still hated using condoms, The cost of PrEP is naturally a major factor. My partner and I have a mutually open re- and I still wanted to feel my partner inside me. My physician informed me that several insurance lationship. In reaching that point, we did the I felt the risk was low enough to be accept- companies were actively considering coverage responsible things that a new couple should do able, and a selfish part of me wanted to be the of PrEP, knowing that it was much less expen- to protect themselves. We used condoms until one making the decision on whether or not to sive than treatment of an HIV-positive patient. we’d been together long enough to rely on HIV use protection. Another part of me knew, deep Fortunately, my health insurance company had testing. We then chose to be fluid bonded, while down, that by encouraging unprotected sex with already chosen to cover PrEP, and I’ve never had always playing “safe” with other sexual part- my partner, I wasn’t giving my partner’s emo- a problem obtaining Truvada with a reasonable ners. Every six months, we were both dutifully tional well-being the importance he deserved. co-pay. tested for the HIV virus, usually going to the All too often, I placed my partner in the difficult Perhaps the second most common question local testing facility together. We were screened position of wanting to protect me from infec- I’m asked is whether I’ve had side effects from on a regular basis for other sexually transmitted tion, while at the same time wanting to satisfy using PrEP. It’s true that for some men, Truvada infections. If we made a mistake with regard to my desire for sex without physical barriers. When Nick literski. can cause nausea or diarrhea (usually only for our agreed precautions (and yes, I did so on at my partner gave in to my preference, he gener- the first month of use), or even kidney damage. least one occasion) we were honest with each ally pulled out before ejaculating, but afterward I’m pleased to say that I haven’t experienced other. he dealt with understandable worry. The combi- We gradually settled into a “serodiscordant such problems. The first morning after I began About two years into our relationship, we were nation of anxiety and infrequency continued to detente,” in which my partner reluctantly agreed taking Truvada, I had some very minor diarrhea, surprised to hear that my partner’s HIV test was wear on our relationship. that it was up to me whether I wanted to take but this has never recurred, so it may have been “inconclusive,” and that the testing facility Somewhere in the midst of all this, I reached a the risks inherent in unprotected sex, but he al- entirely coincidental. True to his word, my physi- would be submitting it for further testing. A state of mind that seems almost universal among most always pulled out before ejaculation. At cian has insisted on regular tests to monitor my week later, we called back for the final report, kidney function, HIV status, and other health and were relieved when an obviously hurried measures. My test results have been entirely staffer told my partner he was “just fine.” We “As I sat in the waiting area, I received a two- normal. continued our very active sex life, which almost In fact, the only “side effect” I’ve experienced always involved me being the receptive partner word text from my partner: ‘I’m positive.’ To while using PrEP is frustration over the anti-PrEP in anal intercourse. propaganda efforts of Michael Weinstein and his During the next few months, however, my nor- make matters worse, the staffer had pulled AIDS Healthcare Foundation. I’ve read a great mally robust partner had an unusual number of deal of the material issued by Mr. Weinstein, illnesses, particularly skin infections. He became my partner’s chart, and found that his last and I recently participated with him in a pub- suspicious, and since we were nearly due for our ‘inconclusive’ test had actually been positive. lic forum on the use of PrEP, along with several six-month testing anyway, he scheduled another committed advocates of HIV prevention. Where test. As I sat in the waiting area, I received a Due to the mistake of a careless (former) experts presented factual data regarding PrEP, two-word text from my partner: “I’m positive.” Mr. Weinstein attempted to inspire fear of PrEP, To make matters worse, the staffer had pulled staffer, we had received an incorrect report.” and advocate against the makers of Truvada. Mr. my partner’s chart, and found that his last “in- Weinstein’s fear-mongering should come as no conclusive” test had actually been positive. Due surprise, given that he previously attempted to to the mistake of a careless (former) staffer, we HIV-negative partners of HIV-positive men. As times, I selfishly prevented the latter from hap- sue the makers of Viagra, claiming that the erec- had received an incorrect report. low as the risk of infection seemed to be, I still pening, not considering the stress I was caus- tile dysfunction drug contributed to the spread As traumatizing as it was for my partner to had a nagging worry that I might become posi- ing him. There was no simple solution, so while of HIV. find out that he was HIV-positive, and as angry tive. I hated using condoms. I hated seeing my we could still have great sex, it was always ac- Mr. Weinstein consistently misrepresents as he was about the earlier false report, he was partner constantly worry about infecting me. I companied by some level of anxiety and guilt. the study data. First, he claims that PrEP only truly terrified that he had exposed me to the worried that my partner would grow so tired of We were handling it imperfectly, but perhaps as proved to be 44% effective in preventing HIV in- virus innumerable times over the past several that worry that he might choose to leave the re- best we could at the time. fection. He avoids stating that closer examina- months. I was promptly tested, and we were re- lationship in pursuit of an HIV-positive partner. Then came November of 2010, and the New tion of the study results shows that those in the lieved to learn that both my rapid testing and I resented that, at times, my partner seemed England Journal of Medicine’s publication of a study group who became infected with HIV were RNA results were negative. Even so, my partner more comfortable having sex with another HIV- study showing the effectiveness of PrEP for men found to have no Truvada in their bloodstream, continued to experience tremendous anxiety positive man than with me. None of these feel- who have sex with men. Our physician, a true or only trace levels. In other words, the infected over the possibility of infecting someone he ings were particularly rational, but they existed. expert in the field of HIV prevention and treat- individuals failed to actually take Truvada daily loved. His worry extended to all sorts of seem- In keeping with that irrationality, in a very real ment, was familiar with the study prior to its as directed. None of the men who were found ingly mundane possibilities, even to the point of sense, part of me wished that I would become publication. Once results were published, he had to actually be taking Truvada on a daily basis not wanting me to share the same handle on our infected, just so the whole issue would “go a frank discussion with my partner about our throughout the study became infected with interchangeable-head electric toothbrush. away.” What seemed like a “manageable condi- sexual activities (something like “Don’t lie to HIV. While it’s normal for newly seroconverted men tion” with new medications seemed preferable me, I have a really big needle that I can jab you Second, Mr. Weinstein complains that the to experience high levels of anxiety regarding to the ongoing stress and frustration. In time, with if you’re lying”). Because we have a great study wasn’t “real world,” because those en- sex, the impact on our intimate life was pro- and with seeing the physical problems my part- deal of trust in our doctor, my partner was hon- rolled received monthly prevention counseling found. My partner had experienced enough bro- ner suffered as a result of his HIV infection, I est with him about our behaviors. Based on that and health monitoring. To Mr. Weinstein, it was ken condom incidents over the years that his got past that stage. discussion, our doctor asked me to visit him and really the counseling that prevented infection, concerns weren’t alleviated by using them. At Unfortunately, many HIV-negative men seem discuss the possibility of taking PrEP. I made an rather than PrEP. What Mr. Weinstein fails to the same time, it was difficult for me to adapt to go through that stage, and some don’t come appointment for a week later. recognize is that all study participants, includ- to continuous condom use, due to both physical to their senses before permanently affecting In the meantime, I agonized over the issue. ing those taking a placebo, were given the same discomfort and my own emotional response to a their health. I searched the Internet and read everything I counseling and monitoring. In other words, the could find on the subject, both for and against WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 17

BOOK REVIEW controlled study took this factor into account, so that the use of PrEP would truly be the only difference between the groups. When the study reports that PrEP was effective in reducing HIV Delicate Courage – infections, it reflects a situation in which all other factors were equal. For the men taking a placebo, counseling alone didn’t protect them from HIV infection. A Memoir by Jim Geary Perhaps knowing that consistent, daily use of PrEP really did prevent HIV infection, Mr. Wein- By Sarah Toce move this organization forward. stein insists that gay men cannot be relied upon “Quickly, the inner voice responded, Why not to take Truvada daily. Mr. Weinstein doesn’t ex- Not often does a memoir come along that enve- you? plain why he believes that the same men who lopes an entire community at one given point “As I began to accept that truth, I began to can’t be trusted to take a pill every day can be in time—all through the eyes of the author see my life as a series of patterns and events expected to use a condom every time they have chronicling the core of his own life-altering ex- that had prepared me to be exactly where I was: sex (the only prevention method he seems to periences. Delicate Courage—A Memoir by Jim I was a gay man. I had worked with people with approve). My own anecdotal experience contra- Geary does just that with love, compassion and a life-threatening illness for ten years. I held a dicts Mr. Weinstein’s theory. I take my Truvada apprehension. key position in a project that had already served every night before bed. In the five months I’ve To truly understand the scope of the HIV/AIDS as a model for many similar groups across the been taking the drug, I’ve forgotten only once, virus in San Francisco at the time in which Geary country. I began to realize that I had been guid- and I took it the following morning, making it began his community work, one must first learn ed all along to be exactly where I was in this a “late” dose, rather than a “missed” dose. I’m a little bit about Geary. moment. not always the most responsible person on the As an inspired volunteer for the Catholic Peace “My tears of fear, grief, and despair gave way planet, but I take my medication as directed be- Fellowship in Washington, D.C., then-18-year- to tears of guidance, grace, and gratitude. I ac- cause I realize that as part of a serodiscordant old Geary found his voice and his gift for feeling, cepted the whole of myself more deeply that day relationship, I have a comparatively high risk of seeing and believing in the great unknown. The than ever before. I walked out of that bar with infection. I take my medication as directed be- metaphysically inclined Geary would eventually an accepted mission and an increased awareness cause I have an excellent physician who reminds serve as director at the fellowship before relo- of my sacred link to my community and the awe- me about how important that is. I take my medi- cating to San Francisco in 1974. There, he began some task that lay ahead.’” cation as directed because I love my partner, working closely with the dying as a nurse’s aide Excerpt: Visual Experience and knowing that I take PrEP daily helps reduce in oncology. Operating with the insight that the “Almost a year after Jess passed, I was watch- his worry and stress. last rite a dying patient craved was respect and ing a Cher special on HBO. Jess and I had seen Mr. Weinstein complains that the availability care, Geary oftentimes spent hours at the bed- Cher live and always enjoyed her as a unique of PrEP will make men less likely to use con- sides of the ill and weak—helping them com- personality and performer. The HBO special was Jim Geary. doms, thus making them less protected against fortably pass to the other side, even when their recorded at the MGM hotel in Las Vegas. Just as HIV infection. While I can’t deny that this may family members did not always agree in the let- Cher was about to begin her finale, I Believe, I Perhaps our grief prevents us from perceiving occur for some men, my own experience reflects ting go process. saw Jess begin to materialize about fifteen feet the glory of their new life. I was full of gratitude quite differently. While my partner has an unde- While working in his chosen field and fine- away. I struggled to surrender to the brilliance that Jess had come to share himself with me in tectable viral load, resulting in a less than 1% tuning his grief counseling skills, Geary began emanating from his ascended state. It is hard to this manner. I was also very thankful that I had chance of him infecting me, that chance contin- to devote part of his life to political activism explain, but it was like suddenly coming face-to- moved through enough of my pain to behold ues to exist. Before PrEP became available, I was in San Francisco alongside Supervisor Harvey face with a very spiritual being, such as Jesus or him in this light.” taking a calculated risk with my partner, because Milk and other gay-rights activists. The anti- Buddha. How much of their magnificence could Geary shares his life with his lover, Jeff Allen, even with counseling from my trusted physician, gay Briggs Initiative, which sought to fire all you let in? and their two Pomeranians Jasper and Benji. physical comfort and intimacy without barriers gay and lesbian teachers in the state, as well “Jess was radiant; he was not completely He is active in several spiritual groups includ- were ultimately more important to me than fur- as non-gay teachers who associated with them, formed, but I could see his face and luminous ing Quaker Worship, Course in Miracles, and The ther reducing that tiny 1%. My physician, hav- was well underway at this time. smile. Effulgent white light encompassed him, Way of Mastery. He has also been the recipient ing directly asked about this, determined that I In 1978, Geary became involved with the almost giving the impression of angel wings! of numerous awards, including: Outstanding was a good candidate for a method that would Shanti Project in San Francisco offering emo- Tears of joy streamed down my cheeks as I Community Service award presented by the Bay overcome those objections. PrEP didn’t make me tional support for patients and family mem- opened myself to his transcendent beauty and Area Physicians for Human Rights; San Francisco stop using condoms. Instead PrEP provided me bers who were facing life-threatening illnesses consciousness. I became aware that perhaps Chronicle’s Hall Of Fame award; AIDS Atlanta with protection that I would use consistently, or were affected by them. Geary was promoted part of the reason it is so difficult to communi- Humanitarian award; and the prestigious UCSF rather than protection that I was already reject- from volunteer to director of volunteer/client cate with our loved ones after they pass is that Medal for extraordinary personal contribution to ing. With PrEP, that 1% risk of infection from services. In 1981, Geary formed what was to be we are in such different states of awareness. human health and well-being. my partner’s undetectable viral load has been considered the first support group for individuals further reduced by my own level of personal pro- with AIDS in the world. The Shanti Project even- tection (92% for those who use PrEP daily). tually lost funding in 1982, but Geary continued In the end, my belief that the benefits of to work for no pay in order to keep the doors and PrEP would outweigh the risks has proven true services open and available for the community. for me. I’m carefully monitored to ensure that He would serve as executive director for seven I don’t develop harmful side effects. I comply years. with the treatment regimen faithfully. My insur- Perhaps the most moving and relatable part ance covers the medication. My overall level of of the entire memoir, for me, occurred by way of protection against HIV infection has increased the personal letters printed on its pages. Geary dramatically. Just as important, however, PrEP not only opened up his heart for this passionate has made a real difference in my relationship story, but also his personal journals. The reader with my partner. We’re able to be intimate in is taken directly into the life of the subject and a way both of us prefer, without the fears and author as he navigates his way through failed conflicting feelings that were present even with relationships, the loss of friends and lovers, condoms. the AIDS epidemic gaining speed, and spiritual I haven’t “given up on gay men,” or deemed awakenings. my life “disposable.” Rather, I’ve made a respon- Here, we leave you with two excerpts from sible health choice that works for me, and I’m Delicate Courage—A Memoir by Jim Geary. happy with it. Excerpt: Why Not Me? “An evening in January 1982 found me sitting nick Literski is a 44-year-old Seattle native, alone in a San Francisco bar on Polk Street. As a former test subject with the HIV Vaccine I listened to the piano music, I looked at the Trials Unit, and a regular participant in the faces of the many men joined in song and talk- annual Seattle AIDS Walk. Nick has spoken at ing to one another. I suddenly welled up with public forums in Seattle and Chicago, sharing emotion and began to cry, as I wondered how his perspective as a PrEP user. many of these men would eventually be diag- nosed with this damn disease. I asked myself, Why me God? Who am I to begin this task? There are certainly more qualified, capable people to 18 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

Dr. Maya Green. Photos by Hal Baim

Dr. Maya Green helps Dr. Maya Green (right) with her mentor, Dr. Kimberly Smith, associate profesor of the medicine section of infectious disease at minorities with HIV/AIDS Rush University Medical Center.

By Stephanie A. Taylor that summer. that is what kind of sparked me to go to medical with HIV/AIDS in a capacity that not only offers “I didn’t want to stay where I was. My life’s school and follow the path and I’m thankful for medical care but can offer assistance ... . But Chicago’s Dr. Maya Green, MD, MPH recently won purpose guided me to help me change my life,” that.” I think a holistic approach to care [is needed] a Minority Clinical Fellowship to help minorities she said. That’s another thing, if anyone is at Green received her medical degree and masters and it’s not only medical it’s healthcare overall. with HIV or AIDS who lack care in their com- the point where they aren’t enjoying their life, I of public health degree from the University of That holistic approach is what I hope to offer for munities. want them to know that it is possible to change. Illinois at Chicago. the people in their communities on an individual The fellowship was awarded by the HIV Medi- It is possible not to live their life the same During medical school she worked at the Uni- level.” cine Association and has grants from Gilead way.” versity of Illinois at Chicago as a nursing as- Dr. Green was in Miami, at Jackson Memorial Foundation, Genentech, and Tibotec. By the time she got to college she was focused sistant. She’s also done work at Cook County, Hospital at the time, when she first found out “The first thing I recall was excitement,” Dr. and she knew why she was there. Although Green Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Great Lakes that the fellowship was hers. She didn’t know Green said about winning the fellowship. “I didn’t get the best grades, she graduated cum Naval Base—to name a few. how many residents were up for this achieve- was shocked that I received it and I was really laude from Alabama A&M, in Huntsville, with a She said the favorite part of her career is the ment. “I tend not to ask that,” Dr. Green said. thankful.” bachelor of science in biology. After college she patient interaction. “You learn so much from “I just kind of go where I feel I’m supposed to Dr. Green grew up in what is formerly known originally became a teacher for fourth and fifth them and through spending time with them,” go and do the things I’m supposed to do for as Chatam, now the Roseland community on Chi- graders for four years. she said. “You learn in just sharing and help- my purpose.” Dr. Green stated that other fellow- cago’s South Side. She went to Whitney Young “I always wanted to be a physician. I was ini- ing other people to move on from wherever they ships, concerning HIV/AIDS were available but High School, where she attended for three years tially nervous about going to medical school be- are in their life, helping them get from there to wanted to do some work in her hometown. but was let go due to her behavior and grades. cause on the inside I didn’t think I could do it,” the point to where they can help somebody else. Dr. Green mentor in her fellowship process was “After I saw the things in my community that Dr. Green said. “Something inside of me didn’t That’s how the world works.” As much as she Dr. Kimberly Smith. The fellowship includes a were going on, it did have an effect on me where think I could do it, so I was nervous about that. loves her career, there is a least favorite part $60,000 salary and fringe benefits of one year. I didn’t put forth a lot of effort in high school,” I didn’t apply.” which is the lack of time she has with the pa- It also pays for travel to conferences and com- she said. “I finished at a Christan high school Green described children as “extremely hon- tients due to the healthcare system. munity project funding. This particular fellow- called Liberty Temple. In addition to that, I had est.” “So all the time when I was asking them Dr. Green’s interest in HIV/AIDS began after ship helps minority doctors, who have finished to do night school and summer school and make what their dreams were they would ask me the a very close family friend, “Uncle Bee Bop”, their residency, to get experience in an HIV/ up for some of the things I lost in those first same thing. And they were like ‘well if you say died of AIDS in the late 1980s, during her early AIDS environment. The program’s objective is three years.” Dr. Green went to Julian for sum- we could do what we want to, how come you’re teens. “I remember not knowing what it exact- to increase the number of African-American and mer school and Olive Harvey for night school for not doing what you what to?’” she said. “And ly was,” she said. “He had this thing, no one Latino HIV/AIDS doctors, and have more care wanted to touch him, everybody was so scared for HIV-positive patients in minority neighbor- to talk about it or deal with it and at the same hoods. time there was like this stigma that the commu- Dr. Green has some words of wisdom for aspir- nity had. Some people felt strongly one way and ing doctors: “It will never leave you. If it’s your wanted to have ideas about lifestyles and then purpose it’s always going to pop in the back of the other part of our family gravitated to him your mind, pursue it. If I can do it I’m sure any- and supported him.” one can do it. Be who you are and try not to let According to the HIV Medicine Association, anything change that, unless it’s for the bet- there are an estimated 50,000 new annual cases ter.” of HIV infection in this country. There are people In terms of Dr. Green’s greatest accomplish- who still don’t have access to the HIV drugs they ment, she said it was “deciding to choose my need. Some are told they are infected too late in own life. The awards, the degrees are nice [but] the illness, meaning that they will not respond being a doctor or having a master’s in public to treatment. Approximately half of HIV/AIDS health doesn’t make me who I am. It enhances patients in the United States who have knowl- what my purpose is and gives me the avenue to edge of their illness are in need of medication reach people to accomplish my purpose, so I’m and are not receiving them. More than 8,000 of always going to be Maya.” the low-income and uninsured population are on For more information please go to www.hivma. waiting lists for HIV/AIDS medicine. org. When asked about her goals after the fellow- ship, Dr. Green said she wanted to do some pol- This story is part of the Local Reporting Ini- icy work in preventative education within Chi- tiative, supported in part by The Chicago cago’s communities. “I know I want to continue Community Trust. Dr. Maya Green and her secretary, Rosa Roman. to work with people who have been diagnosed WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 19

‘Yes’ means, ‘Yes! Yes! Yes!’: New Chicago organization, SHEER, clarifies consent, promotes pleasure

SHEER held an event downtown in June.

SHEER buttons.

By Tammy Matthews passionate about ending sexual violence,” Robi- said. “All forms of oppression intersect, and rape son said. “I want to be part of the sex-positive is a form of oppression, and not providing space Defining what is not consensual sex seems to feminist movement.” for all people to explore their sexuality is a form be easier than defining what it is. Illinois law SHEER borrowed its internal structure from of oppression. By talking about rape and sex in says a person can’t give consent if he or she its fiscal sponsor, the Chicago Women’s Health the same spaces, we feel we can help combat is under the age of 17, unable to understand Center. SHEER’s steering committee consists of those forms of oppression.” the nature of the act, forced, under threat of six dedicated members, including Robison. The Robison said, therefore, that SHEER is striv- force, coerced, persuaded or under the influence committee meets monthly. The non-hierarchical ing to make the organization more inclusive for of drugs or alcohol. SHEER collective, a group of about 30 additional people of different cultures, races and religions Now that we are all thoroughly turned off, we people, is divided into need-based work groups. so that they may address their varying ideas can ask: “Then how and when can a person give The collective meets on the fourth Monday of and experiences about rape, sex and consent. consent?” every month in comfortable spaces, such as The white female and the queer communities are People at SHEER Change event. SHEER (Sexuality Health Education to End member’s homes, workspaces and cafes. The well represented. A diversity and accountability Rape), a Chicago-based collective founded in SHEER email list contains close to 90 addresses. work group addresses this issue. April 2010 by five anti-rape activists, is working SHEER has received a lot of momentum, love “We’re proud of where we’re at but we think to clarify consent and promote pleasure. and support from the community, survivors we can be doing better,” she continued. “We “SHEER comes from a real need of educa- and activists. Partner organizations include the know different groups need different things, tion and a real need of self-care for educators Broadway Youth Center, Center on Halsted, Chi- but we believe we can find common ground in and service providers,” said Emily Robison, 23, cago Women’s AIDS Project, Chicago Taskforce dialogue around consent and pleasure. So, when SHEER founding member. “SHEER’s goal is to on Violence Against Girls & Young Women, Chi- we ask ourselves, ‘What can people who aren’t provide accessible education about all things cago Women’s Health Center, DePaul University, present gain from SHEER and the sex-positive sexual-health and rape-prevention related.” Heartland Alliance, Northwestern University, movement?’ One answer is simply, ‘Dialogue to “We want to create safe spaces for dialogue Rape Victim Advocates and YWCA Metro Chicago. further clarify what consent and pleasure look about rape and sex to exist simultaneously, to Additional partners are welcome. like to them personally.’” discuss the intricacies of pleasure and consent, “We hope to facilitate workshops this summer, Robison said sex-positive conversation relieves to help folks feel ownership over their own bod- and we’re developing our curriculum now,” said the stress from constantly discussing traumatic ies and promote practicing consent in sex that Robison on the organization’s upcoming plans. sex and rape. is personal and fun for those involved,” she con- “By teaching people what not to do—commit “Talking about rape 40 hours a week became tinued. rape and victim blame—and what to do—prac- really taxing on us, and we found that when we Robison endorses the affirmative consent, also tice consent and embrace pleasure—we stop were able to integrate discussions around sex known as the enthusiastic consent, standard: rape and create safe spaces for people to feel into something positive, we were able to do our “All parties involved in the act are engaged and ownership over their bodies.” jobs better,” said Robison, who is also a Rape enjoying what’s happening and consent happens Members of SHEER have also applied to speak Victim Advocates sexual assault advocate. throughout all phases of the sexual encounter.” at workshops and conferences around the coun- “Doing this work requires an immense amount “If we help clarify what consent is, then we try, including the San Francisco Sex Conference of self-care,” she said. “It’s not just lighting a could clarify what rape is,” Robison said. “We and the Sistersong conference in Miami. Robison candle and take a bath. It’s so much more per- recognized a need for more of a clear description gave a sex-positive presentation and represent- sonal than that. For my own self-care, I talk of what consent looks like for people. We teach ed SHEER in the SlutWalk on Saturday, June 4. clearly with my supervisor about my concerns, that consent is different for everyone and looks Past events include a screening and conver- experiences, needs, basic life stuff; ride my bi- like a lot of different things.” sation with Nancy Schwartzman about her sex- cycle; spend time with loved ones; make sure I Each partnership should find clear, non-as- positive film The Line Feb. 10, a SHEER-benefited get enough sleep; ‘give the gender’ I feel like suming and fun ways to give consent that are Chances Dances! at Subterranean March 21 and a giving on any given day.” true to the dynamic and language of the rela- SHEER Change Celebration that honored excep- If you want to get involved in the consent tionship. Basic questions that are both clear and tional local activists at The Beauty Bar March revolution, email [email protected] to arguably sexy—“Can I touch you here? Does it 31. subscribe to the email list and come to the col- feel good?”—are easy ways to stay in sync. More Currently, SHEER is discussing how it can work lective meetings. aggressive power play, found in the kink, BDSM to clarify consent and promote pleasure while “Share your voice and listen,” Robison said. and fetish communities, typically require differ- not facilitating oppression. ent language. “We’re in a pretty crucial place because we visit www.sheeronline.org for more infor- Emily and Eva, founders of SHEER. “I am passionate about pleasure, and I am know we need to be anti-oppressive,” Robison mation. 20 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINTs WINDY CITY we certainly will be in a civil war as each state Obama stated, “I think it’s important for us to battle this issue. Whereas President Lincoln work through these issues because each commu- TIMES rev. irene acted on behalf of my ancestor’s civil rights, we nity is going to be different, each state is going VOL. 26 No. 42, July 27, 2011 need to call on Obama to move on ours. to be different.” The combined forces of Windy City Times, monroe founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, “The president has staked out a cynical politi- Perhaps, after nearly one full term in office, founded May 1987. cal position aimed at not rocking the boat,” said Obama is still unaware of deleterious effects of Richard Socarides, who advised President Bill how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) pre- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR Clinton on gay-rights issues. “This states’ rights vents the federal government from fully pro- Tracy Baim argument is a separate but equal argument. tecting same-sex nuptials. DOMA denies us a ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Obama harkens back Would the president have thought it right to let government-issued civil marriage license, and MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis the states decide on the issue of interracial mar- over 1100 federal rights and benefits, including BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit to slavery with riage, or on whether or not women should be social security benefits, the ability to file a joint DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright allowed to vote?” federal tax return, and the right to petition for a ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson ‘states’ rights’ for SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy In 2008, a blogger on Pam’s House Blend saw spouse to immigrate, among other benefits and Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano, Kirk Smid marriage equality the writing on the wall about Obama as a full- responsibilities conferred upon heterosexual PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes throated LGBTQ-rights advocate and wrote: married couples. NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson “Obama not only thinks that separate-but- However, how many sides are there to the NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Last month, LGBTQ individuals and their allies SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie celebrated New York state becoming the sixth equal is just ducky for LGBT couples. It was a mouth of a politician eyeing 2012? J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, and largest state to allow same-sex marriage. gimmick from an era in which Obama could have “If Obama were to come out for marriage equal- Yasmin Nair, Kate Sosin Of course, it sent an urgent message to aspired to no position in the White House higher ity today, nothing could happen tomorrow,” said THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan than that of head janitor. ... Once he’s in of- one Democratic strategist close to the admin- CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. Obama. BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair However, what does it signal to us LGBTQ citi- fice, LGBT citizens will be forgotten. Obama is istration who spoke on condition of anonymity ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS zens when the first African-American president also in favor of the ’States Rights’ approach to to ABCNews.com. “The Defense of Marriage Act Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence wants to employ states’ rights—which once the whole marriage equality issue. This was a still needs to be repealed, and that won’t hap- Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, principle sacred to the White Citizens’ Councils a pen soon with a Republican-controlled House in Alicia Wilson, Jonathan Abarbanel federally mandated racial segregation and sanc- COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet tioned slavery—to address the issue of same-sex half-century ago and is just as unconstitutional place.” Harper, Lee Lynch, Tully Satre, Lisa Keen, Charlsie marriage? now...” “I was reminded that it is my obligation not Dewey, Michael Knipp, Lisa Klein, Joe Erbentraut, As a civil-rights attorney, Obama knows that Obama needs to remember that an African- only as an elected official in a pluralistic soci- Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Chuck Colbert, Micki American woman named Mildred Loving not only ety, but also as a Christian, to remain open to Leventhal, Sarah Toce, Erica Demarest, Dana employing states’ rights violates our full con- Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Emmanuel Garcia stitutional rights as well as reinstitutionalizes set the precedent for same-sex marriage, but the possibility that my unwillingness to support SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court case of Plessy v. also allowed Obama’s parents to marry by chal- gay marriage is misguided,” Obama wrote in his Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, Ferguson. As a result of that case, the “separate lenging states’ rights. recent memoir, The Audacity of Hope. Dave Ouano, Tim Carroll but equal” doctrine became the rule of law until Loving gained notoriety when the U.S. Supreme While our president states his opinion is still CIRCULATION Court decided in her favor that anti-miscegena- “evolving” on this issue, he needs to know that CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright it was struck down in the 1954 Brown v. Board of DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Education decision. tion laws executed by the state are unconstitu- we LGBTQ Americans and our families want to Sue and Victor The fight for marriage equality in the United tional. Married to a white man, Loving and her sample what he and Michelle and every hetero- WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- States is similar to my ancestors’ fight for free- husband were indicted by a Virginia grand jury sexual married couple take for granted—mar- grammer: Martie Marro) dom. Before the Civil War in 1861, the U.S. con- in October 1958 for violating the state’s Racial riage, not marriage-lite. sisted of 19 free states and 15 slave states. In Integrity Act of 1924. The trial judge suspended Our democracy can only begin to work when Copyright 2011 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media fact, in the 2004 presidential race between John their sentences on the condition the Lovings those relegated to the fringes of society can Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Kerry and George Bush—where marriage equal- leave Virginia and not return to the state to- begin to sample what those in society take for Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, ity was a hot-button issue—the election map gether for 25 years. The Lovings initially agreed granted as their inalienable right. For that to and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. results between Kerry’s blue states and Bush’s and left, but returned soon after and decided to happen, people, such as state lawmakers, have All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy red states corresponded to the pre-Civil War free fight their case. to step in to make the democratic process work City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned In advocating that same-sex marriage should for us all—and our president needs to step in as for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing states and slave states, respectively. and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, As LGBTQ Americans, we’re not in slavery, but be left up to the states, ABC News reported that well! cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make LETTERS this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept responsibility for advertising claims. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 e-mail: [email protected] Vigil and violence only if it is deprived of the passive support by iPrEx rebuttal many in our community too afraid to speak out. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Dear Editor: We all know about the silence that can be Dear Editor: radio: WindyCityQueercast.com caused when it interferes with the fun we are video: QueerTVNetwork.com It was a Saturday night (July 23) and the hustle having, or the effect it will have on businesses. In the June 6 article, “Forum explores Truvada’s Now is the time for the Northalsted Business Al- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, and bustle of people going to and from gay bars use in fighting HIV” Dr. Robert Grant was report- 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 having a good time was met with this reminder liance to publically join in this call for an end ed as saying that AIDS Healthcare Foundation U.S.A that even here in heart of the gay ghetto you to the violence. A violence-free Boystown will (AHF) was “working to discredit the [iPrEx] trial (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) are not safe. be very good for business, and that will be very results.” This is patently false. good for the residents of the area. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. A call for love, peace and nonviolence was AHF is opposed to the granting of FDA approv- Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. heard at Halsted and Roscoe as people of faith Fear of ostracism for speaking truthfully about al of Truvada for prevention based on a single OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE gathered in the 7-Eleven parking lot. It was, for the current situation cannot, and should not, be study among gay men, iPrEx, which showed only www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com them, a time of prayer to ask God for an end part of our concern. 44 percent effectiveness, not the 90 percent the www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Let’s come together as a community and seri- www.WindyCityQueercast.com to violence in Boystown. However, they realized article stated. The 90-percent figure eliminates www.QueerTVNetwork.com ously begin to deal with this critical situation that the violence is man-made, and rightly con- half the men who got no benefit because they by bringing all our creativity and good business cluded the solution will be man-made. did not take the drug as instructed. Shooting “Windy City Media Group generated The reminder may be bad for business for the sense to the table. Now is not the time to be the messenger—AHF—does not address the very enormous interest among their readers late-night bars, but it has become painfully ob- politically correct, or pointing the finger at each serious concerns raised by, among others, the in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index vious that the patrons of these watering holes other. We can no longer afford these petty divi- American Public Health Association. Survey. Out of approximately 100 must be reminded to be safe as they journey to sions. As far as Dr. Grant referring to AHF as “a large print and online media partners who and from these nightspots. The solution cannot happen without serious corporation,” AHF is the nation’s largest provid- participated in the survey, Windy After the anti-violence prayer service, at 3 involvement from all quarters of our community, er of HIV care, which we have done—regardless City was the best performing regional a.m., a large group of 10 people was report- and this includes the business community. of ability to pay—for 25 years. media in the U.S. Only survey partners edly fighting near a Boystown intersection at Our religious community, in my opinion, has with a nationwide footprint were Belmont and Sheffield, and a cab driver noti- done the right thing by sounding the alarm Sincerely, able to generate a greater number of fied police after a man robbed and maced him at in the heart of the Boystown with this call to Michael Weinstein responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research 6:19 a.m. in the 1000 block of West Belmont the prayer. President Director, Community Marketing, Inc. morning of July 24. AIDS Healthcare Foundation We have called community meetings, now our Joe Murray religious communities are starting to speak out. Rainbow Sash Movement The way forward is not seeking solutions in iso- lation from each other, but rather opening lines of communication with each other. Violence in our community, whether it is a hate crime or same-sex violence, will disappear WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 21 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo from Paramount Pictures AT ONE’S PEC AND CALL Chris Evans stars in the movie Captain America: The First Avenger. Read the review on page 26. THEATER MUSIC AUTOS ‘Sky’ high. Koz and effect. On the road again. Page 24. Page 29. Page 35.

Photo by Michael Brosilow Photo by Greg Allen Photo courtesy of Gaywheels.com

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT choreograph a new original musical called Jo- sephine based upon the life of 1920s Paris en- tertainer Josephine Baker. So far McKneely says Joey pop star Deborah Cox is attached to the show, McKneely. Restaging Robbins’ which he hopes to have on Broadway by next Photo by spring. Ernie Sapiro However, in the meantime, McKneely is hap- ‘West Side Story’ py to have audiences see his restaged work of Jerome Robbins’ dances in West Side Story on BY SCOTT C. MORGAN before he passed away in May this year at 93. tour. However, McKneely has been able to work with McKneely said he would never attempt to cre- In the past decade, out director/choreographer a number of Broadway theater legends through- ate his own choreography for the show because Joey McKneely has been the go-to guy when it out his career as a performer, choreographer and “it would be like rewriting an author’s book or a comes to mounting prominent overseas revivals director. composer’s score. The choreography is justly one of the landmark 1957 Broadway musical West McKneely’s first Broadway credit saw him on of the four pillars of the show and should not Side Story. roller skates in 1987 in the ensemble of Andrew to understand the energy and arc of a produc- be changed because it’s iconic—it is the show. McKneely not only directed and recreated Lloyd Webber’s fantasy train musical Starlight tion.” I don’t think (anyone re-choreographing West Jerome Robbins’ iconic West Side Story chore- Express directed by Trevor Nunn. His next two McKneely’s first opportunity to do musical Side Story) can live up to Jerome Robbins, so ography for the show’s 50th-anniversary inter- Broadway credits were notorious flops: the mu- staging on Broadway came with the hit 1995 why do it?” national tour, but he also staged the musical’s sical Roza directed by Harold Prince and Car- revue Smokey Joe’s Café. But McKneely’s cho- West Side Story continues at the Cadillac Pal- acclaimed 2000 debut at Italy’s most prominent rie (a 1988 musical based upon Stephen King’s reographic breakthrough came with his Tony ace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, through Aug. 14. opera house, La Scala in Milan. novel). Award-nominated work on the 1997 Cy Coleman Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through So when McKneely was asked to just recreate “You really don’t know that you’re in a bomb,” musical The Life about Times Square prostitutes Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sun- Robbins choreography for the 2009 Broadway McKneely said about Carrie. “It wasn’t until we circa 1980. Many a showtune reveler at Sidetrack days and Wednesdays. Tickets are $32-$95; call revival of West Side Story directed by the origi- got it in front of an audience and hearing the in Chicago or Club Splash in New York has been 312-775-2000 or visit http://www.broadway- nal book writer Arthur Laurents, he admitted to reaction—it was very bizarre because there were amazed by McKneely’s choreography for the de- inchicago.com. feeling humbled by the demotion. some riveting moments and some that were ab- fiant women’s number “My Body” preserved on “Absolutely,” McKneely said with a laugh dur- solutely absurd. I think those kinds of experi- the broadcast of the 1997 Tony Awards. The “T” in LGBTQ ing a telephone interview from an upstate coun- ences have taught me more about theater than “It’s actually one of my proudest moments About Face Theatre, which recently extended try house in Patterson, N.Y. “But when you look actually the big hits. You don’t always know why that it still lives on,” McKneely said about “My its hit production of The Homosexuals to Aug. back, the original librettist Arthur Laurents is something is a hit, but you definitely know it Body” in “The Life.” “People call that out and 14, is giving a preview of its developing 2012 directing, so how could I not be in the room when it’s a flop.” when they know that I’ve done that they go, ‘Oh Youth Theatre piece What’s the T? this week- with him? I took the opportunity to absorb all Most crucial to McKneely’s future path as a my God!’ I’m so happy about that.” end. of his history with the show. I mean, he created choreographer came when he was cast in the McKneely also had brushes with Hollywood Fundraising performances featuring scenes these characters so that alone was just an op- ensemble for the 1989 revue Jerome Robbins’ royalty on Broadway. He appeared in the 1994 from the work-shopping show about transgen- portunity I couldn’t miss.” Broadway in which Robbins recreated many of Broadway revival of She Loves Me choreographed der youth ages 14-24 include a 7 p.m. benefit Chicago audiences get a chance to see McK- his legendary stage numbers from such shows by future Academy Award-nominated director Thursday, July 28, then at 8 p.m. Friday, July neely’s restaging of Robbins’ choreography for as On the Town, The King and I, West Side Story Rob Marshall (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) and 29, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at Victory West Side Story firsthand now that the national and Fiddler on the Roof. McKneely choreographed star Hugh Jackman in Gardens Richard C. Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. tour of the Broadway revival is playing at the “The most fascinating thing was just watching the 2003 musical The Boy From Oz about the Lincoln. Tickets for the benefit are $100-$250, Cadillac Palace Theatre through Aug. 14. Lau- him. I was so young—I was just 21—I was like life of Australian gay song and dance man Peter while general admission tickets for other perfor- rents’ revival assistant David Saint is the official a sponge,” McKneely said about working with Allen. mances of What’s the T? are $5 for youth and director for the tour, which launched last year Robbins. “I would watch him and process from “[Jackman] was wonderful to work with,” $20-$250 for adults. Call 773-784-8565 or visit in Detroit. the early stages of just throwing [the choreog- McKneely said. “It was a joy just to teach Hugh http://www.aboutfacetheatre.com for more in- McKneely considers himself extremely privi- raphy] on anybody and picking dancers and why to dance.” formation. leged to have been able to work with Laurents he chose his dancers and moved numbers around Currently McKneely has plans to direct and 22 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW West Side Story CRITICS’ PICKS Playwright: Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Bug, Redtwist Theatre, extended through Sondheim (lyrics), Aug. 7. It’s a scary world we live in, and Jerome Robbins (concept) never more so than in this tabloid-fueled At: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph early tale by Tracy Letts about humble lov- Tickets: 800-775-2000; ers driven to suicide by their own terrors. http://www.BroadwayInChicago.com; Redtwist Theatre gives us a, well, bug’s eye $32-$95 view of every last detail. MSB Runs through: Aug. 14 The Homosexuals, About Face Theatre at the Biograph, extended through Aug. 14. BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL It’s a long way from Stonewall to Boystown, but Philip Dawkins rejects both cheap com- Over the years, too many iconic Broadway mu- edy and cheap melodrama for this chronicle sicals have suffered shabby revivals which di- of a young man learning how to be gay. minish their originals with cheap sets, insipid MSB staging, cut-down casts and thin orchestras. The Women, Circle Theatre, through Aug. Sometimes these revivals have boasted the orig- 14. Clare Boothe Luce’s classic and very inal star, now far too old for the role he/she is catty 1936 comedy featuring an all-women playing. To our good fortune, West Side Story cast is essential Gay 101 cultural viewing. makes none of these mistakes. This touring ver- Circle Theatre provides a fine opportunity to sion of the 2009 Broadway revival is vibrant, see the unsanitized original play. SCM moving and satisfying. Yellow Face (Silk Road Theatre Project) Corners have been cut, but not so much as to and Chinglish (Goodman), through July 31. compromise the integrity of this seminal work Tasty dim sum from David Henry Hwang: His of American musical theater. For example, the 2008 personal identity crisis play (Yellow easy-to-tour scenic design is an old-hat wing- West Side Story. Photo by Joan Marcus Face) and his Broadway-bound new comedy and-drop set. It won’t win awards but serves its are about politics, business and translation. purpose. The 18-piece orchestra—large by tour- JA ing standards today—is less than half the size of lines soar high above as light as air. revival has the right cast, too, with a dancing- a show orchestra when West Side Story was new, As for the staging, co-author Arthur Laurents and-singing ensemble of 28 Jets and Sharks and in 1957. But it never sounds thin in delivering directed this revival (replicated by David Saint their girls who more than fill the stage for the —By Abarbanel, Barnidge composer Leonard Bernstein’s complex, colorful for the tour), emphasizing the story’s tight con- big production numbers. and Morgan and emotionally-charged original orchestrations. struction and compressed action, inspired by Definitely easy on the eyes, the aggressively The chromatics and jazzy, percussive contrapun- Romeo and Juliet (as everyone must know). Joey attractive cast is almost too handsome, pretty tal rhythms of the instruments drive the music McKneely has reproduced Jerome Robbins’s leg- and athletic. In the principal roles, Kyle Har- forward and build tension in number after num- endary choreography, and it still dazzles with its ris (Tony) and Ali Ewoldt (Maria) will melt your ber, while Bernstein’s broad and melodious vocal explosive balance of ballet and jazz dance. This heart, with feisty support from German Santia- go (Bernardo) and Michelle Aravena (Anita). I Gay poet’s photos quibble only with Tony (and Maria to a lesser extent) singing so much of his role sotto voce, on display CULTURE CLUB in a whisper. Music director John O’Neill seems through July to have decided that loud is for aggression and The Stephen Daiter Gallery, 230 W. Su- soft is for love, but the exultation of love can be perior, is running photos of the late gay full-voiced as well, and that exultation is miss- poet/essayist/photographer/lecturer/pub- ing from the vocal interpretations. lisher Jonathan Williams and his surviv- The major difference with this revival is that ing life partner, Tom Meyer, through July Laurents and lyricist Stephen Sondheim agreed 30 (Wednesdays through Saturdays, and by to have substantial spoken-word passages and appointment). song lyrics translated into Spanish, which would The opening reception of “Eye/object: have been the first language of the Puerto Rican Photographs from the Collection of Jona- characters. It’s a gimmick that fits, and maybe than Williams” will take place Friday, July draws in Spanish-speaking ticket-buyers. 8, 5-8 p.m. A catalog will be available for Despite its familiarity, West Side Story is fresh purchase. and exciting in this production. Bernstein’s dy- See http://www.StephenDaiterGallery. ing wishes notwithstanding, West Side Story com. lives on Broadway and not in an opera house.

  SPOTLIGHT CIRCLETHEATRE

  Lesbian opera star Patricia Racette and Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel both earned rave reviews together in a 2010 Metropolitan Opera revival of Tosca. (It was remarkable because director Luc Bondy’s new production had previously opened to  notably bad reviews with a different cast.) See if  Racette and Terfel bring some of that same op- eratic tension and dynamism when they perform A COMEDY BY CLARE BOOTH LUCE • DIRECTED BY JIM SCHNEIDER (JEFF NOMINATED DIRECTOR • AN IDEAL HUSBAND) Puccini’s classic 1900 operatic thriller in a con-  cert staging under conductor James Conlon with JULY 8 – AUG 14 708-660-9540 the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia FRI & SAT @ 8PM, SUN @ 3PM Festival. Tosca plays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1010 W. MADISON ST. OAK PARK • IL CIRCLE-THEATRE.ORG 30, at 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Pavilion tickets are $70-$100, while lawn passes are $15. Call 847-266-5100 or visit http://www.ravinia. org. Photo of Racette by Devon Cass WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 23

WINDY CITY TIMES 80% THEATRE SERIES SOLD! 2011-2012

THE KID THING LILY TOMLIN WORLD PREMIERE NORTH SHORE CENTER CHICAGO DRAMATISTS FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WITH ABOUT FACE THEATRE SAT, FEBRUARY 25TH | 5PM THURS, SEPTEMBER 15TH | 8PM Comedian and Actress Lily Tomlin By Sarah Gubbins/Directed by Joannie Schultz presents a cast of her beloved characters. When two lesbian couples gather for a dinner One of the great legends of American comedy! party, the unexpected news of an impending pregnancy rocks their relationships. ANGELS IN AMERICA FOLLIES PART 1: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE PART 2: PERESTROIKA WED, OCTOBER 5TH | 7:30PM COURT THEATRE Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim APRIL TBD Book by James Goldman By Tony Kushner Directed by Gary Griffin Directed by Charles Newell Over forty actors/musicians revive this rarely A 7-hour theatrical event of Kushner’s Pulitzer produced Tony Award-winning “tour-de-force”. Prize-winning magnum opus in its magnificent The musical event of the year! entirety with a newly-revised Part 2. The Most

Anticipated Event of Chicago’s theatre season! PENELOPE CHICAGO PREMIERE STEPPENWOLF THEATRE [TITLE OF SHOW] CHICAGO PREMIERE FRI, DECEMBER 2ND | 7:30PM NORTHLIGHT THEATRE By Edna Walsh FRI, JUNE 1ST | 8PM Directed by Amy Morton Music & lyrics by Jeff Bowen Featuring John Mahoney Book by Hunter Bell A wildly funny riff on life, love and the war at Two young writers must create a new musical home. In Greece, four Speedo-clad men camp in in three weeks while navigating creative an empty swimming pool, locked in a do-or-die differences and commercial success. competition to win Penelope’s love.

ENRON CHICAGO PREMIERE ONLY $275* TIMELINE THEATRE FOR ALL 8 SHOWS WED, JANUARY 25TH | 8PM TO SUBSCRIBE: By Lucy Prebble email Directed by Rachel Rockwell [email protected] A sold-out sensation in London combining for an order form. sprawling tragedy and savage comedy! A dynamic journey of ambition, greed and fraud Shows, locations, dates/times subject to change. that led to a legendary financial collapse. No requests for alternate dates will be made. 24 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES night show, we meet teenagers smuggling beer mittens, or the self-styled evangelist who finds and homebound revelers in need of bathrooms; himself upstaged by a one-woman choir. self-absorbed commuters (who offer a lesson in The Mechanics warm up for a full hour before theft prevention) and bulldozing backpackers; every performance, pumping themselves into shy young men hoping to achieve allure through a high-energy alertness that keeps the action sartorial eccentricities or live-action interac- zipping along from platform to platform—but tive fantasy scenarios; and bold young women even after a spontaneous dance-party breaks dressed for Halloween in full Marilyn drag. There out among a carload of exuberant passengers, are serious moments, too: A motorman explains the ride isn’t over. For the final episode, the en- the consequences of track-jumper suicides, semble solicits a CTA-related story from an audi- and a bus driver’s widow confesses to switch- ence member and proceeds to forge a mini-play ing allegiances in her choice of transportation. from its events right there before our eyes. Come Then there are the truly bizarre incidents, like prepared with your tale of getting from there the prankster flashing passersby with bear-paw to here.

El Stories: Brown Line. Photo by Tyler Core

THEATER REVIEW a documentary approach to its creative pro- cess, collecting oral anecdotes gleaned from the El Stories: members’ own experiences and those of strang- ers on the topic of the electric trains that make Brown Line The City That Works—well, work. Playwright: adapted by the ensemble Ethnographers can talk of courtrooms, hos- At: Waltzing Mechanics at the pitals and baseball games, but a community’s Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. transit system is where you will find the widest Phone: 773-404-7336; $13 cross-section of humanity, with every traveler’s Runs through: Aug. 13 journey—no matter how brief or habitual—en- compassing an individual embarkation and ar- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE rival that contain infinite possibilities. Initially,

the Brown Line (aka Ravenswood), originating Whether inspired by the current fashion for on the predominantly Eurocentric Northwest “staycations” or the influx of young artists from Side and circling the Loop, may appear less other parts of the country, Chicago has recently fraught with adventure than the Red Line that seen an abundance of regionally focused plays provided material for the Mechanics’ debut, but offering theatergoers a tour of our city’s neigh- this quickly proves to be an illusion. borhoods from the comfort of their fold-down In the 26 episodes—one for each stop on seats. The Waltzing Mechanics ensemble takes the route—composing this hour-long late-

“★★★★ THIS INFECTIOUS NEW MUSICAL COULD GET ” THEATER REVIEW Another consistently funny strand of sketch- BELLY LAUGHS FROM A CORPSE es involves the differences between then and —Time Out Chicago Sky’s the Limit now when it comes to technology and instant (Weather media. Though the sketch inspired by former “DELIVERS FUN TO DIE FOR… Representative Anthony Weiner’s twittered ” Permitting) bulge may seem dated, it’s that olden days TWO ACTOR�SINGERS AND ACE MUSICIANS twist that gets the big laugh. —Chicago Sun-Times Created by the Ensemble One of the best bits involves Tim Baltz as a At: Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells painfully shy systems analyst on a first date “ Phone: 312-337-3992; $22-$27 with a chatty woman played by Mary Sohn. NOT TO BE MISSED Runs through: In an open run THESE TWO PROS TICK What elevates the standard situation sketch � ETS is that all of Baltz’s responses are prepared ����� BY SCOTT C. MORGAN NEVER MISS A BEAT” on index cards (Michael Lehrer as a lascivious —Northwest Indiana Times waiter also injects the sketch with lots of dry Sky’s the Limit (Weather Permitting), The Sec- humor). ond City e.t.c.’s 35th new revue, has practi- Baltz is also great when paired up with “ ” cally everything you could wish for. It’s funny EXUBERANT Brendan Jennings as two swaggering Chicago —Chicagocritic.com through and through, it’s defiantly political cops (complete with taped-on moustaches) when it wants to be and it even has a couple who enlist the help of the audience to iden- of touching moments that will prompt some to “ tify and apprehend a criminal contributing to WOULD NO DOUBT make that sitcom-audience “awww” sound. the city’s highly publicized crime rate (the It’s a credit to director Matt Hovde and his MAKE MEL BROOKS 1970s cop show soundtrack, constant gunfire creative ensemble of writer/performers that sound effects and Lehrer’s wry appearance as Sky’s the Limit (Weather Permitting) is such Mayor Rahm Emanuel all help to make this GIGGLE a crackling success. And though plenty of hu- extended sketch a constant delight). mor is derived from current technology (one ” Jessica Joy has a clever Act II song (accom- GIDDILY great bit features clips from YouTube.com), —New City panied by the talented and versatile musical the comedy core of the show largely focuses director Jesse Case) where she questions life’s on those old standbys of love, relationships inconsistencies. Also giving very strong char- and weather-related death. “ acter support work throughout is Aidy Bry- A CAMPY NEW On the political side of things, there’s a ant (particularly in a sketch where she plays great pro-same sex marriage sketch where the ” a woman who has captured a bird played by three ensemble men portray gay guys plan- WHODUNIT—Chicago Tribune Baltz for emotional fulfillment). ning a vendetta to steal away heterosexual With a title like Sky’s the Limit (Weather guys’ wives until they get the legal right to Permitting), Second City e.t.c. taps into marry. And though not quite as funny, a wom- America’s great optimism by also tempering en’s reproductive rights sketch features the EXTENDED BY it with realistic doom and gloom. It’s this three ensemble women as pissed-off activists dichotomy that grounds the show, but also POPULAR DEMAND! calling out all the political falsehoods being allows the humor to take topical and hilarious ! #'##$ thrown at Planned Parenthood. eeeQVWQOU]aVOYSaQ][ flight. WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 25 of wealthy prisoners. Indeed, nearly every mo- diplomacy. Other personae are likewise rife with ment serves to remind us that the knotty moral the contradictions of mortals operating under problems generated by martial expediency tend stress. to remain constant throughout history. Special praise, then, is due Dennis Grimes, One of these paradoxical precepts is that the continuing his portrayal of Henry, and a hard- same soldier can emerge both heroic and ig- working cast including Jack Hickey as the sturdy noble as a result of his actions. Shakespeare’s Fluellen, Aaron Christensen as the opportunistic panoramic view of his subject, therefore, re- Pistol and 11-year-old Miranda F. Theis as a bi- quires actors to play each character as several lingual aide-de-camp. Despite some GI humor— characters—in one scene, Henry is the inquiring a running gag has a weary Fluellen repeatedly CO infiltrating the ranks incognito to solicit the interrupted at his dinner—and several thrilling opinions of his subordinates. In another, he is full-cast running charges, what we take away is the charismatic commander rallying the troops a lesson in the proper way to conduct a war, with his eloquence, and in a third, he is the insofar as international bloodshed can ever be clumsy suitor struggling with language barriers accomplished in a seemly manner. as he courts his intended bride in a marriage of

development of the John G. Shedd Aquarium, where he has worked since 2001. Previously, he served as director of development for the Christopher Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Jabin. Photo from Lyric Opera ‘The Faggot Henry V. Photo courtesy of Kevin Theis of Chicago Who Could Fly’ THEATER REVIEW sibilities of reigning over a kingdom. Henry V at Center Aug. 8 shows us the now fully-empowered monarch, his The Faggot Who Could Fly—a “one-tran- Henry V boyish pastimes abandoned, struggling to do swoman show” featuring KOKUMO—will Playwright: William Shakespeare the right thing by the nation he is destined to take place Monday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m. at the At: Oak Park Festival Theatre at rule. Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted, Austin Gardens, 150 Forest Ave., Oak Park It’s a lonely job. Corrupt religious officials lure 3656 N. Halsted. Phone: 708-445-4440;$25 Henry into waging war with France in order to KOKUMO, 22, describes herself as a “22- Runs through: Aug. 20 distract him from domestic matters (notably, Lyric Opera year-old intersex/trans woman of color” who their own overdue taxes). The youth who once uses mediums such as poetry, theatre, film BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE caroused in the taverns with thieves and con names Jabin to and music. The story of the show involves the artists is not content to oversee his sanguine realization of gender identity in relation to business from the safety of a fortified castle, new position In a season teeming with Shakespeare plays fo- Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that societal oppression and domestic violence. however, instead observing his armies’ prog- cusing on family conflicts, the Oak Park Festival Christopher Jabin has been appointed direc- The show (which also features an excerpt ress on the very battlefields where they fight Theatre has chosen for its 2011 outdoor slate tor of institutional giving. This is a new posi- from “No Gender Left Behind,” featuring Re- and die. This doesn’t spare his former drinking dramas dealing almost wholly with questions of tion, reporting to Mary L. Selander, director of becca King) is free. To RSVP, email tflohr@ buddy, caught looting an enemy church, from leadership in times of war. Henry IV, presented development. He begins Sept. 7. centeronhalsted.org or call 773-472-6469, execution, nor does another ex-comrade-turned- earlier this summer, traced the education of a Jabin is currently executive vice president of ext. 429. young prince preparing to shoulder the respon- mercenary escape punishment for his ransoming COME OUT TO MDQ! NOW EXTENDED THROUGH DECEMBER 2011! ROCKIN’ CHICAGO FOR OVER 1,0001,000 ELECTRIFYINGELECTRIFYING

VOTED A TOP ATTRACTION NIGHTSNIGHTS!! BY CONCIERGES* *2011 Concierge Favorites Awards “WHIPS THE CROWD INTO A FRENZY!”

ELVIS PRESLEY | JERRY LEE LEWIS | CARL PERKINS | JOHNNY CASH

Chicago’s Hit Rock ‘N’ Roll Musical Inspired By the True Story APOLLO THEATER + 773.935.6100 + TICKETMASTER.COM FOR GROUPS DISCOUNTS CALL 312.977.1710 - MILLIONDOLLARQUARTETLIVE.COM Lance Lipinsky, Gabe Bowling , Chuck Zayas, Sean Sullivan, David Lago, Kelly Lamon PHOTOS BY GABE BOWLING AND RYANWARDTHOMPSON.COM 26 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES Richard Press, is a lively, entertaining portrait of the ubiquitous New York Times fashion photog- rapher and society columnist of the title. The KNIGHT latter is Pierre Thoretton’s fascinating but dour look at the late fashion icon Yves St. Laurent AT as his lover and business partner of 50 years, THE Pierre Berge, prepares to dispose of the couple’s breathtaking art collection. http://www.siskelf- MOVIES ilmcenter.org —Audience-participation screenings are one of my favorite cinema experiences. I’m talking about the type that encourage interaction for everyone in the audience—not regular screen- By ings with the annoying schlub texting, talking Richard or fidgeting, ruining the film for everyone in the Knight, Jr. jerk’s vicinity. The historic Music Box, 3733 N. Southport, is hosting two such events in the next couple of weeks. Grease Sing-A-Long, back Captain America: by popular demand, is the first. It screens this weekend (July 29-31) with a pre-show costume The First Avenger; contest followed by the 1978 John Travolta-Ol- ivia Newton John musical from gay director Ran- film notes dal Kleiser and flamboyant gay producer Allan Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull in Captain America: The First Avenger. Photo courtesy of Para- Carr. The movie, a gigantic financial hit, is thin Is it me or has this been the summer of Imita- mount Pictures but lively, with its cast and some songs giving it tion of Blockbusters rather than the cinematic a lift. thrill rides I’d been hoping for? The spectacular promising big-budget action fest, which looks by Chris Evans)—his compatriots and the audi- Then on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m., Camp box office for this year’s crop of summer tent- great and hits all the right notes but ,again, ence easily discerned enemies (Nazis and their Midnight returns with a brand new edition of pole movies couldn’t disagree with me more but, never truly puts the pedal to the medal. rogue offspring). the film series that celebrates “the best of the to my mind, none of them has offered anything The movie is yet another adaptation from a Rogers is a tough guy from Brooklyn whose worst”—this time featuring 1962’s horror camp remotely fresh or particularly invigorating to Marvel comic-book series, the genre that has innate courage keeps getting stymied by his fest What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? My alter merit the large numbers. (Even Harry Potter 8, all but overtaken the high-end movie business. 90-pound weakling frame. (The special effects ego, Dick O’Day, will host along with Hell in a which I enjoyed, is really only for those familiar However, unlike many of these movies—which department does an amazing job dialing down Handbag’s David Cerda. The screening, which is or in love with the series.) They haven’t been have begun to blur in my mind—the action is set the hunky Evans’ size.) It’s 1943 and he can’t in honor of National Sisters Day—yes, it’s really bad pictures—just not particularly thrilling or in the WWII time period in which the comic first get into the Army. By chance, a mysterious Dr. a holiday—will feature a pre-show including a inventive ones. (I am not including the X Men appeared. This logical idea proves to be inspired Erskine (Stanley Tucci) happens upon Rogers as matching sisters outfit contest, a sing-a-long at prequel here as I haven’t seen it.) for multiple reasons. One, it immediately gives he is making yet another attempt to sign up the organ and more. There will then be an inter- I’d hoped that Super 8, the summer’s one orig- the picture a fantastic retro look and a sense and he becomes the first and, it turns out, only active screening with commentary by myself and inal entry, would break the mold and, as intend- of real adventure and fun and, two, it frees the candidate for Erskine’s experimental “super sol- Cerda (trying to outwit our audience). The event ed, it emulated the Spielberg look and feel to writers from having to update the character and dier” program. (Not surprisingly, the sequence will partially benefit both the Queer Film Society an almost embarrassing degree but it scrimped situations into a modern setting—avoiding the in which Erskine the mad scientist turns Rogers and the HIV/AIDS agency Vital Bridges. Advance on heart, leaving one entertained but not par- problems inherent in many of these other clunky from the skinny Minnie into the spectacularly tickets for both special events are now on sale; ticularly invested in its characters or its action editions. The vintage time period also gives our muscular Frankenstein-type creation will have see http://www.musicboxtheatre.com. set pieces. The same can be said for Captain hero—Steve Rogers aka Captain America (played gay men salivating.) Check out my archived reviews at http:// America: The First Avenger, the summer’s most Rogers, now redubbed Captain America (com- www.windycitymediagroup.com or http:// plete with patriotic outfit and tights) wants to www.knightatthemovies.com. Readers can get into the action but is instead assigned a leave feedback at the latter website. presents war-bond tour to boost morale. When he finally gets overseas the troops diss him with taunts of “Hey Tinkerbell” and other homophobic cracks. Latina/o LGBTQ (The grizzled Tommy Lee Jones, as the com- manding officer, dismisses him as a “chorus picnic July 30 one night • one cause girl.”) However, Rogers soon proves himself and Orgullo en Acción is hosting the Latina/o catches the eye of the tart-talking British lady LGBTQ PRIDE Picnic Saturday, July 30th in officer (Hayley Atwell, a variation on a role often Humboldt Park near the corner of Humboldt played by Kate Beckinsale) and Dominic Cooper and Augusta, 12-9 p.m. as Howard Stark, the father of Tony Stark, the The Latina/o PRIDE Picnic is a grassroots eccentric inventor played by Robert Downey Jr. initiative to create a space where LGBTQ

.org in the Iron Man film series; Cooper does an apt Latina/os and allies of all ages can come but not particularly memorable job. together to celebrate our multiple identi- ties with pride. Attendees can look forward Everyone lines up to help Rogers take on Red to activities for children, participating in Skull (Hugo Weaving), the resident baddie (who a community art project, grilling, enjoy- gets a nifty underground lair) and his evil min- ing main stage performances, dancing and ions, and the movie ends with an abrupt set-up community-building. for a sequel. Evans, who has successfully spread To learn more or volunteer in this year’s his wings in a variety of movie genres before Latina/o PRIDE Picnic, visit http://www. stepping into one of these gigantic franchise facebook.com/orgulloenaccion. wannabes (though he has yet to play a gay char- acter), is a great, solid choice for the earnest Rogers but the script doesn’t give his character Soul Train much shading. Captain America: The First Avenger is a typi- exhibition in Loop cal addition to director Joe Johnston’s resume through Sept. 5 (Congo, Jurassic Park III, The Werewolf, etc.). The Soul Train celebration continues at He’s a serviceable director whose movies are put the first-ever Soul Train Photo Exhibition, Thursday, August 25, 2011 together by the numbers—they are likeable but through Monday, Sept. 5, at Expo 72, 72 E. forgettable. Even with the incredibly hot beef- Sponsored by: Randolph. cake Evans in the title role the movie doesn’t On July 23, the 15th annual Chicago sizzle nearly as much as its promising set-up SummerDance, the largest annual outdoor suggests. dance series in the United States, marked the 40th anniversary of the show Soul Film notes: Train, which originated in the Windy City. —Two queer-themed documentaries infused Beginning July 29, a free “Friday Night with fashion and art are back for encore screen- Groove” after work event will take place ings in Chicago. Both 2010’s Bill Cunningham every Friday 4-6 p.m. at Expo 72 with a New York and L’Amour Fou are on the schedule guest DJ through Sept. 2. For details, visit at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, be- http://www.ExploreChicago.org. ginning Friday, July 29. The former, from director WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 27 to learn a whole new set of music for a poorly Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus attended Pride concert. Sinozich said it was challenging trying to co- ordinate various performances where no combi- takes gamble—and wins nation of songs or singers was the same, but he’s seen much growth in the group’s ability as the BY STEVEN CHAITMAN CGMC took a hit on the concert every year. singers have become more comfortable with the “This year we saw it as a way to not budget “Divas” repertoire. The group sets a record for attendance at Mil- a loss, but make money if we put ourselves out “I was surprised at how good they were be- lennium Park and Rosie O’Donnell attended the there to do performances where we don’t have to coming by getting a lot more mileage out of performance—you might say the Chicago Gay rent a venue,” he said. these songs,” Sinozich said. “Once they appreci- Men’s Chorus is a big deal. The board decided to push the spring concert, ated and enjoyed that it became easier.” Okay, so maybe the chorus (CGMC) had a little this year titled “Divas,” to the middle of May CGMC has also been able to take the addi- help and a little luck to be part of Grant Park and spend June getting out into the community, tional rehearsal time to learn more permanent Music Festival’s “Broadway Rocks!” concert July both in Chicago and elsewhere. After sold out repertoire to sing at occasions such as the afore- 13 (and to run into O’Donnell on the streets of performances of “Divas” in Oak Brook, the group mentioned memorial services and celebrations. Chicago), but the concert stands as a highpoint traveled to Bloomington, Ill. and Milwaukee in Cuarenta said he hopes this will lead to more in the near-30-year history of the chorus, and addition to singing at Pride-related events, me- performances where others pay to bring the cho- on the heels of a groundbreaking season. In morial services and civil-union celebrations. rus in rather than the chorus having to pay to only months, the CGMC has begun to redefine “[These performances] really gave us a much host itself. itself without losing any of its renowned talent, larger breadth of connection to the community “I’d like us to get small group of singers to theatricality and flare, and if it that continues, at large both from an LGBT standpoint as well count on to be ready whenever we’re called,” he the stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion could be as in our Chicago community,” said Board Presi- said. “Some gigs come through word of mouth, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Big Package Auc- just the beginning of a whole new chapter. dent Quenten Schumacher. “We’re not just the but I would love to be able to market us, … tion 2011. Photo by Rick Aiello The idea came first to Artistic Director Patrick Lakeview community chorus; we are Chicago’s ‘Hire us for your upcoming event.’ We haven’t Sinozich, but seemed to emerge as a collective gay men’s chorus. We wanted to make ourselves gotten to that point yet.” lyst, no group—especially one with more than epiphany: Cut the annual Pride Concert. present and available to that larger communi- Schumacher said that he would like to extend 120 members—stays around this long without As with any proposal to eliminate a 27-year- ty.” that reach in a more physical way by performing some core values that prove its vitality. old tradition, the decision was met with some The performances these past months have in more parts of the city and trying to appeal to “I have always been very gratified that the skepticism, but logic prevailed: The Pride Con- mostly consisted of tunes from the “Divas” different audiences. chorus is one of the few places I see where you cert has had the most trouble not only filling show—such as a Donna Summer medley and “As we move forward, I think audience expan- do have different generations of people, from seats, but also filling the risers with singers. songs by Diana Ross and Tina Turner—that the sion is important for us,” he said. “We are still their 20s to their 70s,” Sinozich said. “There Chorus General Manager Arnie Cuarenta said chorus has been able to reuse instead of having Chicago’s best-kept secret and I don’t want that aren’t many things [in the LGBT community] to be the case. We’re trying to bring new people that offer diversity of ages.” into our audience.” Kopelson said that’s held true for him these Yet in spite of all the realms where the cho- nearly 30 years. rus could continue to improve, the extensive “I had friendships with guys who were in their outreach of the past few months has made one 50s that were not based on sex; now I’m 53 particularly tremendous stride, albeit one that years old and I’m having friendships with guys perhaps only those who have been around CGMC in their 20s not based on sex,” he said. “The long enough would notice: a renewed sense of reversal is interesting, but kind of wonderful.” purpose. One of the group’s newest young members, Mi- Danny Kopelson is one of two remaining found- chael Marino, 25, recently moved to the city and ing members of CGMC. He joined the chorus when joined CGMC in January. Since then, he’s become he moved to Chicago at 24 after searching for a involved in not just the singing but the fund- means to stay creative while meeting those with raising and the socializing. similar interests who were also gay. At the time, “I love the sense of community,” Marino said. he said, “there weren’t that many gay things go- “Everyone in chorus is connected by a passion ing on. Just being a gay chorus was enough.” for arts. … It’s easy to develop friendships and The experiences of the last few months have ties within the chorus.” reminded him of CGMC’s role in the community One gets the sense that back in the early ‘80s, beyond that of entertainment. a young Kopelson would’ve said the exact same “We are emissaries of the LGBT community thing. through art and music; we impact peoples For more information on the Chicago Gay Men’s lives,” Kopelson said. “We’re still relevant after Chorus, visit http://www.cgmc.org. For more photos, see http://www.WindyCityMediaGroup. Francis Feeley with Rosie O’Donnell at Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ Broadway Rocks! show earlier 30 years. We’re as relevant as we’ve ever been if com. this month. Photo courtesy of Perry Simmons not more than ever.” Although recent changes have been the cata- 28 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

the DISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN

Paris Club BY MEGHAN STREIT of windows,” I probably would have been pleas- antly surprised. However, when you advertise I finally made it to Paris Club—a little late, but a space as “one of the best views in the city” just in time for the opening of the restaurant’s and “one of the hottest new nightclubs,” and much-anticipated, ahem, “rooftop deck,” Studio then deliver neither, you can probably plan on Paris. I’ll go ahead and spare you the suspense: putting the red velvet ropes into storage pretty Studio Paris is not a rooftop deck. It is the sec- soon. ond floor of the restaurant and will offer you a That said, the main event—the food at Paris view of essentially nothing, unless you’ve been Club—is excellent. Restaurateurs RJ and Jer- dying for a glimpse of the outdated Marriott ho- rod Melman closed down Brasserie JO, updated tel next door. the menu and transformed the space. And voila, For all of the hype (and the long lines and Paris Club was born. The interior is strikingly au- Pais Club’s Escargot Bourguignonne. red velvet ropes), I had high hopes for Studio thentic. Classic white tile, large mirrors adorning Paris, but was sorely disappointed. There is a walls and warm yellow lighting make you feel The Melmans have said their goal with Paris with French ham. The French onion fondue is a very large skylight that reveals the night sky and like you may have just stepped off of Hubbard Club is to make French food accessible—and nice reinterpretation of French onion soup. It’s the corners of a few high rises. If the people had Street and right into a bustling café in the heart I believe their menu accomplishes that goal. a lot cheesier and the bread comes on the side billed it as “our upstairs lounge with a bunch of Paris. You’ll find all of the French classics like escargot, for dipping. If this is the new French, I like it. foie gras and steak frites, but with a few twists. For something on the lighter side, start with the The escargot comes in a puff pastry and can be tuna tartare Francaise. It strikes the perfect bal- ordered individually for just $1.95 a pop. Modest ance of fresh tuna, creamy avocado and tangy prices (the most expensive item is lobster frites citrus. Swedish for about $28) and small portions encourage Of course, you’ll want to pair your French meal diners to order a few dishes to share. with a glass (or four) of wine, and Paris Club has Don’t miss the macaroni gratinee, an impos- plenty to choose from. The ample wine list is ap- BAKERY Specialty Cakes sibly rich and creamy baked macaroni studded propriately heavy on French wines, with several Celebrate Founders Days Cookies through August! Petit Fours Check out Coffeecakes our Specials! Breads

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To get your business listed in The Dish, contact [email protected] WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 29 bottles for less than $40. NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC WCT: It must have been amazing to get your The main dishes offer a full lineup of perfectly star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. executed French classics from coq au vin to salm- DK: “Surreal” is probably a better word for it. I on with mustard sauce to an exquisite Roquefort Dave Koz shows his sax appeal still can’t believe that I happened. The last time crusted filet mignon. The lobster frites include I checked it was still there. I thought somebody recently. She’s been on the road with Prince. She generous portions of tender lobster and crispy was playing a cruel joke. They would put it in has a CD with her family. She is a Latin music frites. The dish is my top pick and worth every the sidewalk and the next day they would pick icon, also a wonderful and fun person. She is penny of that $28. it up. It is right out in front of Capitol Records. completely electric onstage by the way. You’ll also want to order a couple of side dish- It is there with The Beatles, Bonnie Raitt, Garth WCT: She still sings? es for your table to share. The truffle corn is far Brooks, Frank Sinatra—all of these iconic stars. DK: Yeah, of course. She still sings her you and away your best bet—if you can get your Then there is me in the middle of nowhere. It know what off! hands on it. This stuff apparently sells out, and cracked me up but [it was] a very proud mo- WCT: I talked to singer Billie Myers about I got the last decadent creamy crock of it the ment. the march on Washington for your appearance night I visited. WCT: You did a guest spot on Desperate together in the National Equality March. What could be more French than dessert? Ciga- Housewives. How was that? DK: That was a year or two ago. I was asked to rettes and skinniness, perhaps. But those aren’t DK: It was this past October. They focused on do that last minute. I was very honored. I was on the dessert menu, so order the raspberry and a song called “Start All Over Again.” It was writ- blown away by how many thousands of people almond tart and the pistachio pot du crème, ten and performed by this woman named Dana were there. It was interesting to see how young which is a tiny jar of heaven. Glover. She is a good friend of mine. It was people were there. It was a passing of the torch Paris Club is located at 59 W. Hubbard St.; call picked up by Desperate Housewives. We were BY JERRY NUNN of LGBT movement from the elder statesmen to 312-595-0800 or visit http://www.parisclubchi- both on the show to perform it. It was fantastic. this youth movement that will be taking the cago.com. Even though they only played a minute of it, it Dave Koz has been playing the saxophone since reins from this point on moving forward. Do you need some more Sugar & Spice in got a lot of people exposed to the song. It is your life? Follow me on Twitter: @SugarAnd- high school. He went professional afterwards WCT: How important is it to be an out and perfect for the crazy strange times that we are SpiceMS for inside scoop and commentary on playing for Richard Marx’s band in the ‘80s and proud musician since you came out years living in. Chicago’s dining scene. in the ‘90s as a solo artist. ago? WCT: On the new album there are a lot of He came out publicly as a gay man and didn’t DK: It is a hard question to answer but it just guest stars. Did you get to pick anyone you need to toot his own horn after receiving a star felt right for me at the time. I wouldn’t say that would like? on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. it is a necessity for every musician who is gay DK: I worked with my producers, Marcus Miller Koz talked to Windy City Times before his up- to come out. You have to do it in the time that and John Burk. When you do a new project there coming appearance at The Venue in Hammond. feels right for you. But I can tell you from me are bumps in the road and the coordination is Windy City Times: Hi, Dave. How are you to- that it was the best decision that I ever made. overwhelming. The universe conspired with me day? My career blossomed as a result from it. It was to make it happen for us. We came up with Dave Koz: I am well and going from interview blip on the screen. It was the biggest non-news ideas like “Wouldn’t it be great for Lee Ritenour to interview. It is a bit crazy but I am happy to story of my career. would play this guitar solo?” Next thing I knew talk with you. I thought this thing was going to be so huge he was in the studio playing the guitar. It just WCT: Great. So you are playing at The Venue and people just said, “Great, what else is new?” sort of happened that way over and over with in Indiana. I think if the more people, whatever walk of life these wonderful guest artists. It all fell into the DK: I am very excited about coming back if they are an artist, painter or accountant, can right place. That does not happen every time. So there. It is one of my favorite places to play. We be authentic in their life realize that it will not while it was happening this time I said a lot of have had some good shows there. only go on but will flourish they will be hap- prayers and thanks. WCT: How many times? pier. There is a beautiful power that comes with Koz arrives at the Venue, 777 Casino Cen- DK: We have played the last two summers if showing up by who you are in your lives. This 5721 N. Clark St. ter Drive, on Friday, Aug. 5. Visit http:// Call for www.horseshoe-indiana.com for tickets and Reservations details. Keep up with Dave at http://www. 773-506-7014 davekoz.com or JustKoz on Twitter.

We feature the freshest seafood in Andersonville/Edgewater. Amy Winehouse Come in for lunch or dinner and drinks (YES! - our bar is now open). dead at 27 Singer Amy Winehouse, 27, was found Tue-Thu 11:30am - 10pm Fri-Sat 11:30am - 11pm dead at her London home July 23, accord- Sun 10am - 9pm ing to the BBC News. Plated Sunday Brunch 10am - 2:30 pm A Metropolitan Police spokesman con- www.kingfisheronclark.com firmed that a 27-year-old woman had died in Camden and that the cause of death was unexplained. Winehouse had a long battle with drugs and alcohol that overshadowed her recent musical career. She pulled out of a come- back tour last month after she was jeered Dave Koz. Photo by Greg Allen at the first gig in Serbia for appearing too drunk to perform. Her 2003 album, Frank, brought her ac- I am correct in my memory. I can’t remember will have reverberations around the world. Beef ‘n Brandy claim. However, it was 2006’s Back to Black much these days. WCT: Well said. (including the songs “Rehab” and “Tears Restaurant and Bar WCT: You are a busy guy and have a lot go- DK: I just did this thing the other day on tour Dry on My Own”) that brought her global ing on. called a love mob, which is a variation on a flash stardom, winning five Grammy Awards. DK: I like it that way. I am ADD. I am actually mob. We shot a music video for “This Guys in CHOW ADDD. I have an extra D. Love With You” from my latest album. We just WCT: What is the extra one for? I am scared used viral means of getting the word out. We Woodstock DOWN to ask… invited people along with their partners or best DK: It could be for David. I am not sure exactly friends to come and support marriage equality, Mozart Festival TOWN what it is for but I like to keep it interesting. I the right to love who you want to love and be 2IBSs3EAFOODs3ALADSs3TIR&RYs!ND-ORE am always all over the place. recognized for it. July 30-Aug. 14 A diverse array of composers and award- WCT: You are bringing Sheila E. with you. I had no idea what was going to happen. We winning artists will take part in the Wood- DK: Sheila E. will be there and a man by the showed up at 9 o’clock in the morning in a plaza Breakfast stock Mozart Festival’s Silver Anniversary name of Bobby Caldwell, who I credit along with in California. There were 200 people there in July 30–Aug. 14, at the Woodstock Opera Lunch Jeff Lorber for giving me my start in the music bright colors! There were homeless people, drag House, 121 Van Buren, Woodstock. There Dinner business. He is a wonderful guy, of course— queens, gay couples that had been together will be three concert programs, a piano re- known for his big hits. Sheila has been all over Cocktails for 40 years, lesbians with children that were cital and two master classes. the place. She is on fire, that woman. She is like straight, young, older and everything in be- Echo Klassik (European Grammy Award) Wi-Fi my other sister. I think it is going to be a slam- tween. Everybody was on the same page. Herb award-winning cellist Peter Hörr and ming show. Alpert, who created the original song, came; he 127 S. State Street Hungarian conductor Istvan Jaray will be WCT: Sheila is on your album, Hello Tomor- was there with his wife. I am not a very political In the Theater District among those participating. row, also. person but I saw it plain as day—the equality   sBEEFBRANDYNET See http://mozartfest.org. DK: She does make an appearance on a couple train has left the building. Everything is moving of songs. She was on the American Idol finale forward and it is only a matter of time now. 30 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES NUNN ON ONE postpone any ideas that we’ve had. I wanted to WCT: Perfect for the ‘70s. I liked it better take it on a short tour to do refinements but I than Sesame Street. have to find the time to do it. It depends on if RM: It was so hip. It was meant as a follow up Rita Moreno: Icon talks Happily Divorced runs and I sure hope it does. to Sesame Street. It was aimed at the children WCT: Well, go on tour and bring it to Chi- who were ready for some serious reading. There cago. are two box sets of the best of and I do the com- accents, Chicago and more RM: Actually, Chicago would be one of my cit- mentary for them. ies of choice. I don’t want to do a real big tour. WCT: Morgan Freeman came out of that BY JERRY NUNN Hey, by December I will be 80! I ain’t no spring show. chicken. I love Chicago. RM: I was one of the people that honored Mor- Rita Moreno is the second Puerto Rican to win WCT: You have a long history with the city. gan Freeman at the AFI Awards recently. an Academy Award—but then she followed RM: Oh, I know. I have been around forever. WCT: Where did the expression “Hey, you that win by snagging a Tony, an Emmy and a I got [theatrical honors] the Joseph Jefferson guys!” come from? Grammy. The talented performer shows no sign Award and the Sarah Siddons Award there. I got RM: It came from me, in a sense. They had this of stopping, currently playing the mother of to know the city well because my husband went one skit with Millie the Helper and, as a result Fran Drescher on TV Land’s Happily Divorced and to Chicago Med and he went every year to the of the success, became a regular on that show— staging a new one-woman show, Rita Moreno: reunions. That city is a very exciting place to be. she and Bill Cosby, who was the milkman. She Life Without Makeup. The food and theatre scene is spectacular there. was supposed to let people know about things Windy City Times: Hello, Ms. Moreno. I am What could be bad? Well, I could tell you what happening. I thought of Abbott and Costello. so excited to talk to you because the West could be bad, the winters! Costello used to yell “Hey, Abbott” and applied Side Story touring show just opened in Chi- WCT: It’s really hot here now. Were you that delivery to the scene with the milkman and cago. named after Rita Hayworth? the kids went wild. I was told the schools and Rita Moreno: No kidding! Are you going to see RM: No. They were trying to rename me. My yards were resounding with “Hey, you guys!” It it? true name is Rosa Dolores, which is beautiful. drove the teachers and principals crazy that year WCT: Yes, and I’m talking to the cast mem- I am so sorry now but I was young and naïve. I but became the call to the show. ber playing Bernardo right after you. didn’t dare say no. They told me that I needed a WCT: I remember you as a librarian scream- RM: Well, give him my best wishes and who- new name. Moreno is my stepfather’s last name. ing it. ever is playing Anita the same as well. [Editor’s They said, “What about Tino Marino?” I remem- RM: They always put her in a situation where note: Moreno played Anita in the 1961 movie ber thinking I would be saddled with a name she had to whisper. West Side Story, earning an Oscar for best sup- like that! For the first time in my life I actually “Hey, you guys!” Don’t tell Rita but Happily porting actress.] said no. They said, “What about Rita? Think Rita Divorced has just been renewed for a second WCT: I will. Let’s talk about your show. Rita Moreno. Photos by Mike Lamonica Hayworth.” So I thought that sounded like a star season to air in the spring. Visit http://www. RM: Which one? I am turning into the Latina name and said okay. tvland.com for listings and details. Betty White! WCT: I have been watching you since I was Also, the 50th anniversary of the movie WCT: [Laughs] Life is good, then. I talked very good ear—so good, in fact, that recently kid, seeing you on The Electric Company. West Side Story will be available on Blu-ray to Fran Drescher recently about Happily Di- one day when we were rehearsing our kitchen RM: Oh, was that a great show or what? Nov. 15. vorced on TV Land. scene with Fran, she stopped the rehearsal and RM: You did? Isn’t she a doll? said, [in Drescher’s voice] “Have you ever played WCT: Yes, and she said great thing about a Jewish woman before?” I said, “No, I have al- you. ways wanted to because it is so rich.” She just Pitchfork brings RM: She did? Well, I gotta hear that. You never said, “Amazing.” Deerhunter hear that from the people themselves. What did WCT: She is such a character. music—and was among she say? RM: She is. The show is doing very well. We this year’s WCT: She said you are “fantastic.” What is want this show to run. We do our last show next controversy analysis by BRENDA SCHUMACHER acts. Photo it like to play this part? week. I have two days in which to prepare for by Brenda RM: I love playing Dori. I love that accent and the beginning of my play. I am starting rehears- Despite brutal temperatures reaching into the Schumacher that attitude. Fran called those kitchen scenes als at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. 90s, more than 58,000 fans turned out to a the “jewels” because they are like little jewels. I WCT: It’s called Life Without Makeup. dusty Union Park July 15-17 for the Pitchfork don’t think we have done one that wasn’t won- RM: Yes, it is about my life. From the very be- Music Festival, the annual indie mecca that derful and fun. It is like a little teeny one act ginning, from the day our boat arrived at New draws fans and bands from around the world. play. It is so marvelously written. The writers York City harbor. have really caught Dori’s voice. The things they WCT: You need to make that into a movie. This year’s fest featured 45 acts, a vintage put in my mouth are absolutely delicious. RM: [Laughs] We will see. It has been so won- poster festival, a renegade-style art fair, local WCT: Was the Jewish accent difficult? derfully done and is written by the man that cuisine and a bounty of free sponsored good- Brown Health Center, Between Friends, Cen- RM: Oh God, no! I am a New Yorker. That’s runs the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. They have ies such as oxygen bar with chair massages, ter on Halsted and other advocacy groups to number one. Number two, all of my life some sent some amazing things to Broadway. air-conditioned lounges, bike valet service, distribute thousands of fans, partially paid for of my best friends used clichés and my husband They sent American Idiot and Bridge & Tunnel iced bandanas and 16,000 bottles of water to by Pitchfork, that said, “Cool it! Don’t be a was a Jew as well. I am very familiar with that with Sarah Jones. It is not a tryout house but keep attendees hydrated and amused. fan of violence.” One has to wonder however, “koynd” of accent. You know what I “toyking” that is what has happened. We are hoping that Pitchfork prides itself on being Chicago’s why Pitchfork didn’t simply rescind its invite about? When I auditioned for the role I audi- my show will end up in New York also but in the “fan-friendly” festival, offering a mind-blow- to OFWGKTA. Which message are they truly tioned with Fran playing herself and I think they meantime you have to put that aside because if ing “best of Indie” line-up, fair ticket prices, promoting? were delighted that I had that accent. I love our series is going to go into a second season, green practices, and an inclusive environment. The gentle anti-violence protest was in odd using it. I like accents anyway, and I do have a I don’t know about that yet, we would have to So it was a great shock to fans and music crit- contrast to the barrage of hateful, violent ics alike that the festival booked Odd Future rhymes that filled the Pitchfork bowl during Wolf Gang Kill Them All (OFWGKTA), the L.A Odd Future’s set. While some photographers hip-hop collective infamous for homophobic refused to shoot pictures, and many attend- taunts and horrific riffs about beating, raping ees went to other stages, hundreds of fans, and murdering women. Spewing rants against reveling in the lyrics “fuck the police,” col- “faggots,” and gruesome lyrics such as “rape a lectively waived middle fingers in the air and pregnant bitch and tell friends I had a three- gleefully chanted along with Odd Future. In way,” OFWGKTA’s assaultive live show would informal interviews, many youthful fans said seem to be the antithesis of the idyllic com- that they didn’t care about the lyrics, but munity that Pitchfork has built over the past “loved the flow,” or that music “has no mean- six years. ing.” A few said that Odd Future had no place Adding further insult to injury, the influen- at Pitchfork, but the majority in the audience tial Pitchfork is seen as a launch pad to fame were in support of the band’s appearance. for emerging indie wunderkinds, and many Lesbian couple Amanda Ives and Meredith were concerned about this veritable endorse- McCall said they almost sold their tickets ment of the hate-frothing collective. when they heard about OFWGKTA, but decided Immediate outrage and condemnation fol- to attend, and steer clear of the band. Both lowed the May line-up announcement. Music agreed Pitchfork was generally a gay-friendly critic Jim Derogatis offered scathing criticism festival, but they will be watching the line- in his article, “Endorsing Rape or Showcasing up very carefully before buying tickets next Art,” and critic Greg Kot challenged Pitchfork’s year. motivation. Chicago-based Rape Victim Advo- Read more about Pitchfork online at http:// cates led the outcry, and originally planned a www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Rita Moreno (center) with Fran Drescher and Robert Walden in Happily Divorced. protest outside the gates. But after meetings —Additional reporting by Jeremy Dedic and with Pitchfork, the group was invited into the Julie Chiron festival, where they partnered with Howard WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 31 lead singer for INXS. The Casino is Dave Koz. On Friday, Aug. 5, the out material would include the saxophonist will be accompanied by percussion- hits like “Devil Inside” and ist Sheila E. and singer and multi-instrumental- “Disappear,” but would ist Bobby Caldwell. Koz just came out with the focus mainly on material video for his version of “This Guy’s in Love with from 1992’s underappreci- You.” The clip is like a Benetton ad, as couples ated Welcome to Wherever harmoniously swoon over Koz performing in a You Are like “Beautiful Girl” town square. “This Guy’s in Love with You” is and “Taste It.” It’s too bad from his 2010 album Hello Tomorrow. Expect for POP I cannot sing. Koz to return to town with a holiday themed The members of INXS show later this year. MAKING sporadically worked with Another video to keep an eye out for is Logan different frontmen after Lynn’s “Quickly As We Pass.” Imagine forward- SENSE lead singer Michael Hutch- thinking Imogen Heap mentoring a DIY artist by David Byrne ence died in 1997. In with the hipster sound stemming from Brooklyn. with Tony Peregrin 2005, J.D. Fortune won The end product would be “Quickly As We Pass.” the reality competition The track’s video is very cleverly done with stills Rock Star: INXS and pro- looking like cutouts then being turned into 3-D vided lead vocals on the objects, as they are filmed from different angles. comeback album Switch. Sade. Also, there is footage of neighborhoods in the I was very impressed to see openly gay con- In memory of Hutchence, Windy City with many of the spots being in- testants on the NBC’s breakout talent-based the Australian band has released Original Sin, stantly recognizable. Not only is the video well competition The Voice. The more established which features guests tackling the group’s hits Broadway musical, documentary and feature crafted, but the song itself is very catchy. Lynn counterpart American Idol has yet to see such such as Rob Thomas on the title cut and Tricky film. He famously dated Kylie Minogue and su- is based in Chicago and is openly gay. “Quickly a feat. on “Meditate.” Berlin will open for INXS at The permodel Helena Christensen. It still is debated As We Pass” can be found on the album I Killed The LGBT hopefuls on The Voice are fiery Vicci Venue, 777 Casino Center, Hammond, Ind., on whether his death was a suicide or a mishap Tomorrow Yesterday. Martinez, the seasoned Beverly McClellan, the Friday, July 29. with autoerotic asphyxiation. bluesy Nakia and Tyler Robinson, who probably Hutchence is pegged to be the topic of a Also coming to The Venue at The Horseshoe will be best known as the gay Mormon. The cast of The Voice will have a concert at The Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River, Rosemont, on Tuesday, Aug. 2. This year I am underwhelmed with the line- up at Lollapalooza. There are only a couple of bands that interest me, like Deluka, The Cars, WINDY CITY The Kills, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and TIMES Fitz & the Tantrums. There are no openly LGBT- identifying acts on the card, as far as I know. Buzzworthy bands like The Hurts, Friend Slash Lover and Oh Land would be included if I had any say. Lollapalooza is taking place in Grant Park from Friday, Aug. 5-7. For tickets, sched- ules and details on the after-shows, please visit http:// www.lollapalooza.com. PRIDE DAY Need an alternative to Lollapalooza? Sade will be at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison, for the same three consecutive nights, starting Fri- AT WRIGLEY day, Aug. 5. Soul sensation John Legend will be opening. Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 Sade’s R&B music is timeless, as heard on favorites “Smooth Operator,” “Pearls” and “No Ordinary Love”; however, tours are seldom. Sade recently released the two-disc The Ultimate Col- lection. This retrospective boasts remixes of MEDIA SPONSORS: “Moon And the Sky” and “By Your Side,” plus WINDY CITY n i g h ts p o t s material from 2000’s Lovers Rock and 2010’s TIMES Soldier of Love, which are not on the previous hits package The Best of Sade. One of the pre- requisite new songs, “Love Is Found,” finds our Join us for a charitable event at the seductress taking on an edgier role, as she did with the title track from Soldier of Love. Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game Recently I tried naming some songs that would fit nicely into the sleaze genre. The Brit- 1:20 p.m., Sept. 4. ish DJ outfit Horse Meat Disco’s third install- Bleacher ment of its self-titled series favors sleaze with slow burning dance numbers from the ’70s and tickets ’80s. However, also included here is one this $50 summer’s hottest club cuts, “Sweet Suburban Disco” by Billie Ray Martin. There are beloved divas on this double-disc compilation, as Martha www.windycitymediagroup.com/WrigleyPride Wash appears on Two Tons of Fun’s “Just Us” and Sylvester’s “Give It Up.” The late Loleatta Holloway joins Salsoul Orchestra for “Seconds.” The set’s standouts are Rose Lauren’s “American Love” and Yam Who?’s take on Shah-Lor’s “I’m in Love.” First Class’s“Let No Man Put Asunder” A portion of the proceeds will benefit the following charities: should ring a bell, as it was sampled by many and can be heard on Moby’s “Thousand,” Kym In partnership with Syms’ crossover “Too Blind to See It” and “The Man Who Has Everything” by Pet Shop Boys. The refrain “it’s not over” might be familiar, as Mary J. Blige covered this jam on her 1999 out- & ing, Mary. These singers have soul, attitude and talent—three things sorely lacking from today’s Auto-Tuned-dependent personalities. Horse Meat Disco III is out now via Strut. While daydreaming, I would come up with a concert’s worth of songs should I be the new 32 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES Bijou marks 40 years of controversy, entertainment

By Ross Forman cally since the Bijou’s doors first opened. In the 1970s, for instance, films presented at The Bijou Theatre has been a constant in Chi- the Bijou were an event, which brought with it cago’s LGBT community, now ready to celebrate cruising for sex. a merry milestone: 40 years. Near the end of the 1970s, the Bijou expanded The multi-story facility in Old Town is celebrat- its sexual areas to accommodate the demand by ing an anniversary that few in the LGBT commu- adding a second floor. nity can boast—and it is even more rewarding In the 1980s, a third floor was added, though considering the Bijou’s early years, which were it has since closed. filled with protests, police raids, the AIDS epi- The disco bar Carol’s Speakeasy was located demic and more. next door, while The Gloryhole bar with its strip- “I feel honored that people are still coming to per boys was next door. There also were two the Bijou,” said Steven Toushin, 64, the Bijou’s adult bookstores, and the office for Gay Chicago president. “A sex place open 40 years, I feel was down the street at the time. that it is quite an accomplishment [to still be “When Carols let out at 4 a.m., the Bijou had open]. I feel proud that we have given pleasure new sexual energy till about 9 a.m.,” Toushin Bijou owner Steven Toushin. Photo by Ross Forman to so many men over the years and still do. I said. feel proud that [the] Bijou has been part of Chi- Also during the 1980s, the Bijou had parties cago’s gay community and sexual underground. in conjunction with Touche, where people would The Bijou also endured the early years of HIV/ so somewhere along the line the name Bijou was In no other city could a Bijou have survived this be travel by bus from the bar to the Bijou. And AIDS—and, no doubt, contributed to its spread, used to reference a movie theater.” long, [with] the police, the politics, the chang- there always was a keg of cold beer on the bus. as many had unprotected sex at the Bijou. —Busiest day of the year: “I have no idea, ing neighborhood, AIDS, etc., Chicago is quite “I have no idea how people got home when Today, there are safe-sex posters inside the but the busiest seasons are spring through fall,” unique. Chicago’s gay community is unique. they left the Bijou [and] there always was leath- Bijou, along with safe-sex movie trailers. Toushin said. “Winter business is regulated by There isn’t any other city like it in the country.” er and toys left behind from the Touche crowd, “I made a few safe-sex trailers for the [How- weather and depressing gray sky.” Toushin, 64, who also lives in Old Town, is as well as shirts, jockstraps and jeans from the ard] Brown Clinic years ago that ran on MTV for —Most popular part/aspect of the Bijou: now divorced (from a woman) and living with a Carols crowd.” a few years. I’m going to digitize and run them Toushin said, “That depends on your sexual female partner. He has two children, a son and Toushin started selling videos in 1978 and, by at the Bijou,” Toushin said. “I [now] only pres- fantasies, fetish, and desires. Once you pass a married daughter. His daughter lives down the 1980, he was selling videos to customers across ent current films that have condom use. The only through the theater door, you can do anything street from him with her husband and child— the United States. films that I show that condoms are not used are [and go anywhere] your sexual fantasies take and Toushin’s grandson spends three or four In the 1990s, the Bijou added strippers, main- the classic films from the pre-condom era. I you.” days per week in his office. There is even a small ly the men who were in the movies produced make a distinction about this issue in my bare- —Top 5 porn stars who have visited the Bi- nursery for the youngster at the Toushin’s office, with Toby Ross, Michael Donner, etc. The strip- back policy.” jou: Al Parker, Peter Berlin, Casey Donovan, Jim located a few doors away from the actual the- per shows were presented four days a week, in So what’s the biggest misconception about Cassidy and Richard Lock atre. the afternoons and evenings. the Bijou? —Most popular porn movies that have been “I have never thought about promoting a Also, in 1991, the Bijou had its last obscen- That’s easy to answer, Toushin said. shown at the Bijou: Centurians of Rome, Night birthday, let alone an anniversary,” for the Bi- ity bust—and that was the same year convicted “To the younger generation, if they heard of at the Adonis, The Gage Brothers Trilogy (El Paso jou, Toushin said. “We’re going to have some murderer Jeffery Dahmer killed one of the Bijou’s the Bijou, which many have not, the Bijou is a Wrecking Company, L.A. Tool and Die, Kansas sexual street theater; strippers; we’re making a employees, Jeremy Weinberger. porn theater and nothing else,” he said. City Trucking Company), Wanted and The Idol short film history of the Bijou; blow up a few The Bijou had its last police raid in 1996, and The biggest constant over 40 years is “peo- —Award-winning: Toushin was in prison in newspaper articles; bring in Bruno, hopefully, six patrons were arrested, Toushin said. ple having sex at the Bijou, morning noon and 1989 when he was awarded the Reuben Stur- [who was] a 1970s porn icon; have food and In 2000, Bijou’s Erotic Cabaret was launched— night,” Toushin said. man Award, honoring him for legal battles on drink; serve a large cock cake that will have an a sexual theater made up of sexual themed vi- Toushin estimated that 5.5 million people behalf of the adult film industry. In 2007, at orgasmic erupt; have giveaways, etc.” gnettes with original music, but that ended sev- have been serviced at the Bijou over 40 years. the GayVN award show in San Francisco, Toushin Of course, nothing is mild when talking about eral years later as business slowed. And for many, especially in the early years, was awarded the “Life Time Achievement Award” the Bijou, a magnet for controversy since, well, In 2008, strippers returned once a month, and the Bijou was their coming out—or where they from the Gay Adult Industry, and was the third the day it opened. Toushin installed new seats, sound system, com- found their first loves or the loves of their lifes. person to ever receive the honor. In 2008, AVN “I worked [the Bijou] like it was going to be puterized projection system, and more. “Bijou had a great 35-year run, [yet] the last (Adult Video News) acknowledged Toushin as around forever, or until I didn’t exist,” Toushin “The 1970s was the decade that followed five years life at the Bijou has changed,” said one of the 25 pioneers who developed the gay/ said. “In truth, I had no idea [how long it would Stonewall, [so] everything was an experiment, Toushin, who knows his business has been neg- bi adult film industry. And in 2009, at the AVN survive]. It all depended on my being around, pushing boundaries, challenging society, new atively affected by the Internet, the economy award show in Las Vegas, Toushin was inducted which was very questionable at times. But the freedoms were demanded, nothing was given, and even the reduced number of major, national into the prestigious Founders Branch. Bijou is still here, all because people keep com- everything was fought for,” Toushin said. “The conventions now being held in Chicago, among “The only reason why I won awards is, because ing through our doors. 1980s was the decade that you demanded rights, other factors. from day one, nobody was foolish enough to do “In those [early] years it was drugs, sex, rock and demanded answers; the gay community “The party is still here … it’s just a little qui- the things I’ve done,” according to Toushin. “I and roll, and more sex. Police raids, local ob- wanted results. The 1980s was the era of life eter,” he said. have always been proud of my business; it was scenity arrests, federal obscenity arrests, more and death; you can’t get anymore dramatic than Toushin added, “The Bijou customer, since the never part-time; sex to me is full-time. I have courts, lawyers and more trials. Then there was that. first day I opened the theater, has never been never been in it just for the money, though I harassment from the building department, [and] “As far as the Bijou, this was the period that, young, the 18-to-25 year-old crowd. The Bijou enjoy presenting the place for people to sexually a few bomb threats. I would have to say life was if you wanted to meet someone, you went out to is too intimidating; young men have to get to party.” fairly interesting.” cruise, it was all about face, what you saw was know themselves better. We’re always getting in —The future: Expand the Bijou’s gay classic The Bijou remains a theatre, with seating for what you got. The Bijou was never for kids. The new people from Chicago who have heard of us, film line, and creating a website containing all about 50—and, naturally, gay porn showing 24 Bijou was serious sexual business. Chicago was [or] seen our ads. People are still coming out the early film reviews, plus current reviews, and hours a day. the sexual mecca of the Midwest and the Bijou at the Bijou, we have a lot of return customers, continued writing on gay sexual history. “I have “I also enjoyed dealing with many wonderful, was its jewel.” regulars, married men, tourists who come to the five years worth of writings interspersed with crazy filmmakers back [in the day]. Those men But not without controversy. Plenty of police big city to experience what they would never photos created by Bijou researchers ready to go were very proud of the films they made,” Toushin problems. do back home, people who want to see porn in on Bijou’s sexual history website,” Toushin said. said. “In those [early] years, gay films [appear- “It got tiresome being arrested for [running] a sexual environment with other men, people “In this life, what is old can become new again, ing in] theaters were an event. Widely popular a house of prostitution, or indecent exposure,” what want anonymous sex. you just have to adapt, work at it. So, what I see with international known stars, most of the films Toushin said. “It is when a man goes to the “There is nothing in the world like the Bijou. is a new sexual experience to a new generation had story lines, and the few studios that existed bathroom to take a piss he could be arrested It is what sex was in the 1970s and ‘80s. The of gay men in future years.” along with filmmakers also enjoyed internation- for taking his dick out of his pants to piss, ac- Bijou has never been pretty; it has always been —A straight man founded, and still runs, al notoriety. Those early years produced strong cording to the police he was exposing himself. deliciously nasty and I’ll keep it that way till I the Bijou: “Personally I don’t find it strange at positive gay images, sexual images that were Yet they never caught the zillions of men having done, then I’ll turn off the lights and go home.” all,” Toushin said. “I like the world I created presented on the movie screens. The gay men sex in the bathrooms only the ones pissing in sexuality; you just have to leave your fears and that were out in those years created the radical the urinals. Then there was being charged with More Bijou: hang-ups at the door and party.” gay community that fought for equality which resisting arrest, or interfering in a police inves- —The name: Toushin said, “Bijou means little was reflected in film.” tigation, the list goes on and on and on. It’s jewel in French. Many of the movie theaters in Truly, gay life in Chicago has changed dramati- good that those days are long gone.” the early part of the century were named Bijou, WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 33 Sign Up For the Best in Local Values Support Your Local Businesses

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In the company of elephants, dinosaurs and a giant inflatable whale, the Point Foundation celebrated 10 years of LGBT scholarship at The Field Mu- seum July 22. The event was the first-ever Point Foundation fundraiser at which all of the current Point Scholars and many of the alumni were able to attend. During the event, the Point alumni presented the foundation with a donation check of $25,001. Scholar Relations and Selections Program Director Vince Garcia said, “We have over 130 scholars and alumni here. The scholars and alumni come back and mentor, they serve on the board of regents and the board of directors. They also read applications; they really are making a difference.” The foundation selected 34 individuals to receive scholarships this year, including Tommy Craven who said, “I am ecstatic. I was originally going to attend Indiana University but because of the Point Foundation and the scholarship I am able to go to my dream school, which is NYU. It’s life- changing.” Jonathan Doucette, one of the alumni who attended, said, “I became a Point Scholar in 2008 and, due to the generous funds of the Point Founda- tion, I was able to transfer from an incredibly homophobic institution my first year of college to an incredibly progressive liberal queer community at Oberlin College. Without their support that would not have been possible, and I am eternally grateful for that.” After enjoying drinks on the upper floor of the museum, guests were treated to a three-course meal on the main level. Thomas Roberts hosted the event, with Bruce Cohen presenting celebrated actress and keynote speaker Judith Light. Several individuals spoke during dinner, including Point Foundation Execu- tive Director and CEO Jorge Valencia. Valencia said, “When I hear how much this means to the scholars where they can be themselves and not be judged in any way. When they can gain the support from each other then you know you are doing your job.” Photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Equality Illinois pie toss July 23 The Equality Illinois Third Annual Celebrity Pie Toss took place July 23 at Sidetrack. Among the celebrities were WGN-TV meterolo- gist Tom Skilling; Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov; Ald. James Cappleman; state Rep. Kelly Cassidy; Howard Brown CEO/President Ja- mal Edwards; Congressman Mike Quigley; film- maker Ky Dickens; longtime activist Lori Cannon; and personality Saucy Firewater. Photos by Anthony Meade WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 35

the

DRIVEdo you have it? Jason Appleby DRIVE with the Volvo MONTHLY AUTO SECTION on his DRIVE road trip. Photo from 2011 Volvo XC60 Gaywheels.com road-trip adventure By JASON APPLEBY, Gaywheels.com get to the screens I was looking for and set the destination. The split screen navigation allowed The XC adventure began with a flight to L.A. for a closer, more detailed shot of where we were on a Sunday where I was promptly shipped to driving in one screen while another gave a bird’s wonders all aimed at making you and me better The potent 300-horsepower 3.0-liter engine in the Weston hotel and forced to eat delicious eye view showing what was to come further (and safer) drivers. The car did everything but our T6 R-Design never failed to impress, offer- food almost immediately. I mention food be- down the road. drive itself, and one could even say that it bor- ing up gobs of power for passing and just flat cause the only thing I love more than playing Once I had the destination set, I began to dered on actually turning a driving experience out running, but still returning fuel economy in around in new cars is stuffing my face. Really, play with the XC60’s sound system. I can’t go into one of simply steering. When the old man, the mid 20 range. When we finally arrived at our it’s a horrible habit; a horrible, tasty habit. Here anywhere without my music so I was thrilled to err, Joe was at the wheel, the XC60 constantly destination, a lovely resort at the end of a se- I would meet all of my fellow adventurers and learn our vehicle was equipped with Volvo’s best alerted via a series of rapid fire audible beeps cluded canyon in Gateway, Colo., I got a chance get to know each other before the following day Premium audio system that drives 650-watts that the vehicle was wandering out of its lane to ditch Joe and take another Volvo favorite, when we became competitors. At this point, I through 12 speakers and a separate powered (Volvo calls this the Lane Departure Warning the XC70 wagon, out on the muddy roads of clay really didn’t have an idea of what Volvo had in subwoofer. The sound was crisp and filled the car system.) Joe explained he was not wandering that surrounded the entire area. store for us, or just how much fun I was going with everything from progressive electronic (for from his lane but simply changing lanes without The power in front of me was immediately ap- to have getting to know these people and drive when we felt like “driving aggressively”) to Sia using his turn signal. Since the system works parent as I decided I wanted to press down firm- the stunningly beautiful 2011 Volvo XC60 half (when we were discussing life on life’s terms). by monitoring the painted white lane markers, ly with my right foot once or twice. As with the way across the country. I teamed up with my The same screen is used for both the navigation any attempt to cross said markers will trigger XC60, the XC70 presented a sleek interior, only editor-in-chief, Joe Tralongo, who lazily made and the iPod commands, but the convenient part the system’s response. After a short while we this time the navigation and rear view back-up his way to the car port just in time to catch the was that the screen kept the immediate direc- stopped for a driver change and I climbed be- screen raised itself form the dash board directly last available XC60. He’s 48, I’m 24. I think it’s tions on top in case the driver found themselves hind the wheel. It wasn’t long before I got to beneath the rearview mirror. This could get a going to be a long, long drive. toggling through screens and needed to remem- experience another XC60 assist: Adaptive Cruise little irritating when I was backing up a lot in Team Gaywheels departed from the Weston ber what street they were looking for had they Control. Unlike normal cruise control, the Volvo the mud as the screen would be up and down early Monday morning. Our picture taking ex- disabled the command voice as we immediately system uses sonar to detect vehicles ahead and repeatedly, but I’m sure I’d get over it eventu- travaganza began when I noticed the New Jer- did (authority issues). keeps the car at a safe distance, regulating the ally. I don’t suppose the common driver finds sey license plate affixed to our test car. I felt The XC60 is loaded with other technological vehicle’s speed and even applying the brakes to themselves going back and forth in thick mud compelled to do my best Jersey Shore pose while avoid a collision. over and over as we were that day either, unless kneeling for a photo because I’m an adult and Learning the system takes a bit of research. Of of course their cheating spouse is laid out in the that’s what adults do. I told Joe the Situation course, I could have just read the owners manu- road ahead. The car moved through the terrain had nothing on me, at which point he respond- al, but who does that? I was a bit frustrated by easily, even with the traction control still on. It ed, “Huh?” the preset speeds, which are staggered at five had plenty of power and control that made some After a quick rundown of our supplies (cam- mile intervals. After playing around a bit more, of the more difficult places (mud, streams, rocky eras, music and directions), we set to work. First I discovered a separate button on the steering areas and climbs) easy as pie. things first, I was assigned the task of configur- wheel would let me move up or down at one mile The appearance, intelligence and sheer power ing the navigation system and figuring out our increments. In all, the XC60’s cockpit is clean of the XC class is nothing short of impressive. I path for the trip ahead. The XC60’s navigation and simple and logically arranged. The only real think drivers of all ages and backgrounds could was slightly difficult at first using rotary knobs complaint on the driver’s side of the car was that easily find themselves falling in love with these and pretty, but illogical, graphics to do what a the steering wheel prevented me from seeing the brilliantly designed vehicles, which have all the simple touch screen (think Garmin) could do stalk-mounted windshield wiper controls. Come bells and whistles of a luxury sedan combined only about 10 times quicker. However, in the fol- nightfall the XC60’s cabin is lit up by the subtle with the abilities of a rugged SUV. My experience lowing few hours I found that, with some simple blue LED lights that littered the dash and both with them was enough to show me that they are fumbling through screens and allowing myself speedometer/odometer spheres. remarkable moving machines. time to get the feel of the speed and rotation For a 10-hour road trip, I can’t think of a See http://www.gaywheels.com. of things, I was able to quickly and efficiently better vehicle in which to ride than the XC60. 36 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

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Share your special moments with the community Celebrations in Windy City Times’ new announcement section!

Tjlp at Disability Pride Parade The Transformative Justice Law Project showed solidarity, marching in Chicago’s 8th annual Disability Pride Parade which started at 401 S. Plymouth and ended at the Daley Center. There were many other marchers that also donned rainbow flags reminding everyone that we have multiple identities. text and photo by Liz Thomson

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Got something to celebrate? Send us information on your Please send an email to [email protected] civil union, anniversary, adoption, marriage or any other joyous moment in life to appear in our new section, Celebrations and let Windy City Times join in your celebration. 40 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

House 1991 N. Sheridan Road, Highland Park, http://www.highlandparkplayers. com Pop Goes the Gio at Club 3160 Pop Goes The Gio Show A Variety Dance Show Like No Other! All 6 Members will be covering the very best dance tunes spanning three Brought to you by the combined efforts of decades from the ‘80s to today’s current hits. 9:30 p.m., 3160, 3160 N. Clark St., TO MARKET WINDY CITY http://www.popgoesthegio.com July 30-31 TIMES Saturday, July 30 Meet Randy Roberts Potts, gay grandson The Randolph Street of Oral Roberts Bishop Carlton Pearson Market will take place in Wed., July 27 hosts Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of Televangelist Oral Roberts, as he shares the West Loop. Tax Incentives and Business Owner As- IN LIKE FLINT his Coming Out Story! 10am-1 p.m., sistance Briefing Rep. Greg Harris to 815-993-0844, Sheraton Chicago Hotel sponsor with state Senator Heather Ste- Wed., July 27 & Towers, 301 E. North Water St., http:// ans (D-Chicago), 40th Ward Alderman Pat PR photo Baton Show Lounge owner voulez-vousandtigge?rtoo.blogspot.com/ O’Connor and local chambers of commerce, Jim Flint’s 70th birthday Randolph Street Market The Randolph Info at [email protected]; 8:30-11 Street Market Festival is home to the a.m., 773-348-3434, Swedish Covenant celebration will take place world-renowned Chicago Antique Market & Hospital, 2751 W. Winona St., http:// at the Park West, 322 W. Indie Designer Market. As seen in Travel www.gregharris.org. Armitage. & Leisure, the NY Times, Lucky Magazine www.hydratechicago.com Pros and Cons of Illinois Civil Unions By and featured on TV news shows and web Live Band Karaoke with Amy Armstrong Robert W. Baird & Co.; lunch at noon, ar- casts, the Randolph Street Market Festi- Every Monday night at 10PM in the Front rive early for a good seat; RSVP to Michael Photo by Samuel Worley val is considered “a mecca of cool”, “the Bar, hosted by the one and only Amy Arm- Collins at [email protected] or by best hot spot for antiquing”, “the best strong; 10 p.m., 773-281-3355, Roscoe’s, phone. 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m., 312-609-4967, Chicago venue for people watching”, and 3356 N Halsted, http://www.roscoes.com Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle, “the Barney’s of Vintage”. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., http://www.rwbaird.com 10 p.m., Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, http:// pany, open bar cocktails, and an amazing 312-666-1200. Through July 31. http:// Tuesday, Aug. 2 DIFFA Chef’s Table CS magazine and luxury www.hydratechicago.com view, $20 per person and attendees must www.randolphstreetmarket.com/randol- 48 Hour Film Project- Public Screenings kitchen design company Jenn-Air will be 21 or older. 6 p.m., Aqua Tower, 225 N. phstreetmarket/index.html The 48 Hour Film Project is the world’s team for an event that will benefit Design Thursday, July 28 Columbus Dr., http://www.smallbusines- Chicago Sky, Making it Better The Sky play largest timed filmmaking competition. Industry Fighting; 6-9 p.m., Penthouse, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation sadvocacycouncil.org/event/2011-07-28/ the Los Angeles Sparks and a portion of Logan Theater located at 2646 N. Milwau- Reid Murdoch Building, 325 N. LaSalle, Summer Soiree Deejayed music by Plati- sbac-auxiliary-board-young-professionals- all tickets sold benefit Center on Halsted kee Ave., 7 p.m.-11 p.m., 720.313.5404, http://www.diffachicago.org num Events, ors d’oeuvres and open bar; cocktail-hour-downtown-chicago and other anti-bullying initiatives around Logan Theater 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of benefits breast cancer research programs An Evening with About Face Youth The- Chicago, such as the Trevor Project, the http://https://www.48hourfilm.com/chi- Commerce Networking Event Network- at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and ater Benefit showcase of scenes devel- Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, and the Af- cago/ ing, food and drinks; 6-9 p.m., Abique the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer oped during summer workshop including finity Youth Project, and Howard Brown; “The Voice” final eight on tour The final Cafe, 1034 W. Belmont Center of Northwestern University; $65 a sneak peak of next summer’s Youth tickets $15-$40, available online with eight contestants from the smash hit Jim Filnt’s 70th Birthday A night of en- in advance, $75 at the door; 6-9 p.m., Theatre performance of What’s the T? Ex- promo code: center; 7 p.m.-9 p.m., All- television competition will hit the road, tertainment and music in celebration of Board Room, 343 W. Erie St., http://www. amining the “T” in LGBTQ, an exploration state Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, http:// including of special interest Vicci Martinez Jim Flint’s 70th birthday. Featuring Paul lynnsage.org and celebration of trans identity, cocktail www.centeronhalsted.org/coh/calendar/ and Beverly McClellan, tickets $39-$70; 8 Marinaro, Rose Collella, Antonio King and Lawyers For Diversity Midsummer BBQ reception and hors d’oeuvre, $100; 7 p.m., newevents-details.cfm?id=1509 p.m., Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N River Rd, many more. In lieu of gifts or door charge, Laura Ricketts of Chicago Cubs Charities, Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen The- Cowboy Eye For the Leather Guy A leather http://www.livenation.com Mr. Flint asks you to make a donation to keynote speaker; LAGBAC members attend ater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave stud gets a cowboy makeover from Alcala’s your alderman. 8 p.m., Park West Theater, free and guests may attend for $25 at the Battle of the Bars: Minute To Win It Come door; Sidetrack rooftop deck; 6 p.m.-9 out and support your favorite Chicago bar Western Wear, wind a pair of Windy City Wed., Aug. 3 322 W. Armitage Ave., http://www.theba- Gay Liberation Network Organizing Meet- p.m., Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St staff as they compete in a variety of crazy Rodeo tickets and more. Contest begins at tonshowlounge.com ing Organizing meeting for Chicago’s Small Business Advocacy Council Auxilia- challenges. For complete listing of all up- 11 p.m., meet the new cowboy at mid- Hydrag Revue: Happy Birthday Tajma Hall LGBTI direct action group -- new partici- ry Board’s Young Professionals Mix and coming Battle of the Bars events, please night. Pick up an application at the bar. Its a very special Happy Birthday Tajma pants welcome. Located just at the cor- mingle with like-minded young profes- visit http://www.chicagoseries2011.com/ 10 p.m., Touche, 6412 N Clark St., http:// Hall show! Come join the cast of Hydrag ner of Granville Street & Sheridan Road, sionals from throughout the Chicagoland and select Upcoming Events Calendar un- www.touchechicago.com Revue for the biggest party in Boystown! a few blocks east of the; 7 p.m.-9 p.m., area, with great food from Rub BBQ Com- der the events tab. 8 p.m.-11 p.m., Jack- 773-209-1187, Berger Park Fieldhouse, hammer, 6406 N Clark St., http://www. Sunday, July 31 6205 N. Sheridan, http://www.gaylibera- chicagoseries2011.com Urban Village Church Worship is about coming together as community to make tion.net Friday, July 29 space for God to move in us. It’s a place to Queer Social Club A no-attitude, casual eve- ning for the Humboldt/Ukie Area LGBTQ Thunder From Down Under Through Oct. 29 receive God’s grace and love and to give and their friends to come in, have drinks, on Fridays and Saturdays; 7 p.m.-9 p.m., of ourselves, as well. 10:15am-11:30am, meet new friends, mingle, etc. Just a fun 312-361-3613, LaSalle Power Company Urban Village Church, Spertus Institute, night beyond the traditional outlets in 500 N. LaSalle, http://www.thunderinchi- 610 S. Michigan, http://www.newchica- Boystown and dance parties in Wicker Park cago.com gochurch.com - Doing our own thing across the Western Threads of Equality: A FashionEsque Show Urban Village Church Wicker Park Worship Ave divide! 8 p.m., Archie’s Tavern 2600 W Join Human Rights Campaign and Hes- Services LGBT welcoming worship services Iowa, 60622, http://www.facebook.com/ peridian Productions for a night of fun, at Urban Village Church are eclectic and group.php?gid=10150094929770492 dance performances, burlesque, equality & experiential, practical and intelligent, Battle of the Bars: $25 Pyramid Come out fashion at SPIN. 8 p.m., Spin Nightclub, relevant and, hopefully, inspiring. 5:30 and support your favorite Chicago bar 800 W. Belmont Ave, http://www.hrc.org/ p.m.-7 p.m., 1502 N. Hoyne (at LeMoyne), staff as they compete in a variety of crazy threads http://www.newchicagochurch.com challenges. A champion will be crowned Christmas in July Featuring Amy and Fred- Movies on the Patio Jack’s Bar & Grill, at the finale event Aug. 16. For complete dy! It will look like and feel like Christmas 2856 N. Southport Ave., presents Movies listing of all upcoming Battle of the Bars all over again as the decorations come on the Patio, a summer series of popu- events, please visit http://www.chicago- back out of the closet and go back on the lar movies every Sunday evening; 6 p.m., series2011.com/ and select Upcoming walls for the night. Amy and Freddy will 773-404-8400, Jack’s Bar & Grill, 2856 Events Calendar under the events tab. 9 be performing their hilarious Christmas N. Southport Ave.,, http://www.jackschi- p.m., Crew Bar & Grill, 4804 N Broadway, show at 9 p.m. Tickets are only $15 for cago.com/ http://www.chicagoseries2011.com the show, and for just $20 there will be Paul McCartney Tickets go on sale June 20. a hosted bar from 8:00-9:00 benefitting 8:15 p.m., Wrigley Field, 1060 W Addison Coat Angels, a not-for-profit organization St # 1, http://www.tickets.com. Monday, Aug. 8 The Faggot Who Could Fly and an excerpt that provides coats and winter wear for The Ladies Night—Take Over Sexy Sun- from No Gender Left Behind The story underprivileged kids in the Chicagoland days Featuring music By DJ Dave. $10 of a sexually abused “boy” transitioning area! 8 p.m.-11 p.m., Hydrate, 3458 N. Cover; 9 p.m., 312-666-1695, Funky Bud- into a resilient “woman” and the story of Halsted, http://www.hydratechicago.com dha Lounge, 728 W Grand, http://www. Rebecca King, fired from a teaching posi- Forever Plaid The Highland Park Players is funkybuddha.com tion for being transgender, double mati- proud to present FOREVER PLAID, a re- nee, free and open to the public. 7 p.m., vue of the four-part, close-harmony “guy Monday, Aug. 1 Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted groups” that were popular in the 1950s. United House: A Night of Unity in House HOOP DREAMS The production includes 11 performances Music Join Hydrate Nightclub, Chicago- to be held at the Highland Park Commu- Pride.com, and host Cyon Flare for United Saturday, July 30 nity House, beginning July 29 and run- House: A Night of Unity in House Music, ning through August 14. 8 p.m.-10 p.m., featuring New Resident House DJ Semaj; 847-651-9470, Highland Park Community 10 p.m., Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, http:// The WNBA’s Chicago Sky will play the Los Angeles Sparks, with a portion of tickets sold benefiting Center on Halsted and other anti-bullying initiatives around Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Chicago. : Photo of Dominique Canty from the Chicago Sky online ChicagoPride.com WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 41 BILLY MASTERS

Greetings from Italy. I’m writing this column while sitting in a well-known train, being whisked across the Italian countryside at the Cher’s speed of light (or what passes for the speed of theme song light in Italy). And I was just joined by a new could be seatmate—a nun!! We haven’t spoken yet— “On the because my Italian-English dictionary doesn’t Road tell me how to say, “Excuse me, sister, but you Again.” need a shave.” However, I have a funny feeling Photo from we’re kindred spirits. Why? Because across from Screen Gems us are sitting three other nuns. Apparently, I’m in the liturgical car. (Why, oh why, couldn’t they have been some hot young priests?) What I find fascinating is that there’s an extra seat with the the note. To think: Someone would go to all this other sisters, but this nun chose to sit by the trouble over Zach Braff! queen writing a nasty column. Well, maybe she’ll Since Sister Nosy has taken an interest in my learn some new words. work, I’m gonna write a story that will make her I’m not the only one touring—Cher is in the rue the day she ever sat next to me (of course, midst of planning one. As we told you months when the photos I’ve been surreptitiously taking ago, she hoped that “Burlesque” would be a BIG show up on BillyMasters.com, she’ll be world fa- hit, after which she would release a new CD that mous). We haven’t talked about Calvin Klein and would also be a big hit, thus giving her a hand- Nick Gruber in months. You remember Nick—the ful of new songs to trot around the globe. Never former gay-for-pay pornstar who hooked up with let it be said that Cher is ever deterred by a Calvin after the designer paid for some massive poor turnout at the box office. According to her reconstructive surgery. (You can see him in ac- tweets, she still plans on using the two “Bur- SShhoowwTTuunneess tion on our website.) Well, we don’t know the lesque” songs: “Putting in ‘You Haven’t Seen The specifics but the couple appeared to have bro- JJooiinnaarroooommffuullllooffffaannss&&sshhaarreeiinntthheeccrraazzyyffuunn.. Last of Me’ and maybe recreating ‘Welcome To ken up at the end of June. Of course, Nick posted Burlesque’ as it was in film on stage. And if this the news on his Facebook page: “CK and I broke Fridays • Show Tunes After Work • 5-9pm CD has hits that would be fun for new show.” up. HELLO SUICIDE!!!!!” That break-up was ap- Sundays • Show Tunes After Brunch • 4-9pm Oh, that wacky Cher! As to that new CD, the only parently short-lived, since the couple appeared Mondays • The Night Belongs to Show Tunes • 8pm -2am thing we know for sure is that she’s recording a to be thick as thieves after a lovely lunch last song written by Lady Gaga—but that’s actually week at Bar Pitti in NYC. The two were even pho- not what she hoped for: “I would love a duet tographed kissing—and using tongues!! While with GaGa, but she gave me a GREAT song and you’re looking at these photos on my website, I am beyond grateful!!!! It’s called ‘The Great- Sidetrack The Video Bar just remember where Nick’s tongue has likely est Thing’.” I smell a hit (or maybe that’s Sister .com/SidetrackBar SidetrackChicago.com • 3349 N. Halsted been... Incommunicado!). Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Kendrick Gaga may have Cher on her side, but she’s in Maine: “I’m totally in love with Colton Haynes earned the wrath of another gay diva. Bette from Teen Wolf. What can you tell me about him? Midler’s pissed off after hearing that for her And where has he been all my life?” Sydney concert, Gaga came onstage in a wheel- If you’re as old as most of my readers, he chair dressed as a mermaid. Says Bette (again, DJ Mark Vallese wasn’t around for at least half of your life! Little via Twitter): “I’m not sure @LadyGaga knows Men of Manwatch Colton was born in 1988—which I believe was that I’ve performed my mermaid in a wheel- when I bought my first jock strap. Be that as it Karaoke chair for millions of people—and many of them may, the star of Teen Wolf has attracted quite a CABARET: are still alive. I’ve been doing singing mermaid AUGUST 11-14 large gay fan base—and it’s not the first time. Kelly & Rick in a wheelchair since 1980. You can keep the What if I told you Colton is embroiled in a little Dunes Divas meat dress and the firecracker tits—mermaid is gay scandal? Back in 2006 (do the math—he mine.” Sunday Retro was 18), Haynes was featured in an “XY” picto- Gaga then told Access Hollywood, “I had no Tea Dance rial entitled “Don’t Mess With Texas.” It showed idea that she did that, and I’m a huge Bette him ... um, “frolicking” with another young Midler fan.” Which begs the question: Really? COLT STUDIO EVENT lad in various forms of undress. (Yes, there are How big a Bette Midler fan can you possibly be tongues involved here, too.) No one put two Samual Colt and never heard of Dolores Del Lago, the toast and two together until someone purporting to of Chicago? Next she’ll tell us that she never Nate Karlton be Haynes’ lawyer (and he very well may be) heard “Respect Yourself.” Gaga added, “It was contacted a number of websites asking them to not a Midler tribute in the beginning because I take down the images of his client “partially or didn’t know that she’d done it, but I do now and possibly completely nude, engaging in or simu- I think it’s great. Obviously, I feel connected AUGUST 18-21 lating sexual conduct, in most instances with to women in theater and women from the past. other individuals.” Until now, I had no interest Maybe we’re just cut from the same cloth. All I’ll in Colton. However, suffice it to say, he’s now on say is that I admire her and find her to be one BillyMasters.com. of the most brilliant and incredible performers.” When I’m getting nostalgic for a 23-year-old Leave it to Bette (apparently a woman from the jock strap (which I may actually have in my past) to take the high road—“Let’s drink this suitcase), it’s definitely time to end yet an- over at the Emmys in September. Fabulous mer- other column. Lemme just give you an update maids can co-exist!” But a word of warning to DJ Mark Vallese on Nunwatch 2011—all four of the nuns have Gaga—this derivative stuff is getting old. Men of Manwatch, Karaoke just pulled their purses very close. Do they However, there was another big story you CABARET: know something I don’t? Is there about to be a might have missed. Zach Braff came out of the Amy & Freddy, Dunes Divas hit? Or are they Mob Wives in disguise as Mob closet ... or did he? Last week, his website fea- Sisters? I’m gonna try and take a few pics of tured an open letter addressed to “all my loyal them. If that doesn’t drive traffic to www.Bil- Sunday fans”—so listen up, you dirty dozen. “I’ve been lyMasters.com, I dunno what will. Oh yeah—the Underwear hiding a secret inside me for too long. The hu- nude male celebrities. If you’ve got a question man mind can only bare [AN INTERESTING TYPO] Tea Dance for me on a gossip or religious matter, put it so much before it explodes in emotions, and in the offering plate of [email protected] well...it is time to let the world know. I am ex- and I promise to get back to you before I appear “Come join the Party! cited and proud to announce that I am an open onstage with the Italian touring company of It's a Celebration!”~Madonna member of the homosexual community.” Except, “Nunsense”—possibly in a wheelchair! So, until of course, it’s not true (or is it?). Apparently, next time, remember, one man’s filth is another Zach’s website has been long-dormant, much man’s bible. SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN like his career, and a hacker got in and posted 42 July 27, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES Alzheimer’s. CSB introduced a “Plus 25%” matching pro- Chicago Spirit Brigade gram this year, drawing upon their Spread the Cheer fund. Thus, CSB now donates to their ben- eficiaries 125 percent of every dollar raised at cheers for a cause performances. “We’re able to do this thanks to a successful By Ross Forman Waveland in Lake View. event we hosted last September: the first-ever The Cheer squad practices from 1-5 p.m. The “Starry Night” fundraiser, which generated near- Mickey Huang was 48 and getting bored with Dance & Drill squads practice anywhere from ly $5,000 for the group’s Spread the Cheer fund, just going to the gym—he wanted to challenge two to four hours during the same time-win- enough of a cushion to guarantee the “Plus himself physically. dow. “We’ll practice as individual squads, then 25%” match for at least two years. “I guess it was a kind of mid-life crisis,” he gather together for an All-Brigade Circle—to A second-annual Starry Night is scheduled for said this spring at age 50. share news, updates, encouragement, etc., and Aug. 27. “I’m not a runner and couldn’t muster the mo- to practice our all-squad routine,” Huang said. “Eventually, we would love to grow the Spread tivation for myself or my friends to take up ten- “For me, these practices are physically challeng- the Cheer fund to the point where we could nis or ballroom dancing, two other [activities] ing and personally fulfilling. I came to the squad guarantee 100 percent matching donations to that I considered. with no cheer experience and have been taught our beneficiaries,” Huang said. “That summer, I was working really long hours a lot over the past two and a half years. I can CSB also established a community partnership and looking for ways to enrich my life apart unequivocally state that I have a great deal of with The Call in Andersonville, and its owners, from my job. I looked into volunteer opportuni- respect and affection for every single one of Michael Hogan and Mike Ferrari, have invited the ties at both Howard Brown Health Center and my teammates, and how often can one say that CSB to come in once a month to raise money on the Art Institute of Chicago. But before any of about a group. No matter how physically tough behalf of their beneficiaries. CSB members staff those things came together, I happened to meet and occasionally frustrating a practice might be, the door, perform on stage, chat with patrons three Chicago Spirit Brigade (CSB) cheerleaders this is a great group of people to hang out with and collect $5 suggested donations. “This part- at Sidetrack. It was a Sunday after one of their for four hours every Sunday.” Chicago Spirit Brigade member. Pic by Ross nership has been very effective,” Huang said. practices and I remember being absolutely mes- CSB has 23 cheerleaders, eight dancers and Forman CSB again will be performing at Chicago Force merized as they described what they did. This three members on its drill team. Huang said CSB home football games, as well as Andersonville’s seemed like the perfect solution: A way to chal- is about 65 percent LGBT. CSB members range in where Cheer, Dance and Drill each presented MidSommarfest, PrideFest, Pride Parade, Market lenge myself physically and an opportunity to do age from 22 to 51, and there are 12 women and their own unique choreographed segments. Days, Halloween on Halsted, Walk to End Al- some volunteer work, giving back to organiza- 22 men. Members live across the Chicago area, “For the first time ever, we have our drill team zheimer’s, Ride for AIDS and more. tions which I felt served MY community.” Huang said. CSB features a variety of ethnicities, twirling their flags while [those members] are CSB performed in May at the opening of the Huang, who lives in the Buena Park neighbor- including a couple members of Mexican heritage up in the air in cheer stunts. It’s pretty impres- Out in Chicago exhibit at the Chicago History hood and is the marketing manager for General who just moved to Chicago from Texas this year; sive,” Huang said. Museum, and the group has been invited to Tours World Traveler, is now in his third year on a German national on the squad; and a couple The team’s 2011 goal is to surpass $10,000 to participate in Columbus Pride in Ohio to raise the Spirit Brigade. He is a performing member of Filipinos. Huang is Chinese, and the crew also raise and donate to its beneficiaries. CSB’s key money on behalf of Stonewall Columbus. “Al- fundraising beneficiaries this year include the though this takes us beyond our usual Chicago Lesbian Community Care Project, Vital Bridges, stomping grounds, it’s an opportunity to con- A Special Wish Foundation, Lakeview Pantry, tinue our fundraising mission for non-profit or- Families’ & Children’s AIDS Network, and Prevent ganizations. In addition, we could be planting Blindness America. In addition, CSB will be ap- the seeds which might one day result in a similar pearing at several charitable events, such as, cheer-based fundraising organization in Colum- the American Cancer Society Walk & Roll, Girls bus,” Huang said. on the Run, Ride for AIDS, and the Walk to End

suits have been ongoing for the past couple Gay Games IX months. “I expected that we were going to lawsuit may be done come to some sort of agreement at some By Ross Forman point; at least I was hopeful of that. Now we’re focused on Cleveland Special Events; A settlement has been reached in dueling that’s what we’re focusing on now.” lawsuits over who has the rights to stage Gay Next up for the 2014 Games is opening Games IX in 2014, scheduled to be held in registration, which will begin in 2012, Dahl Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. said. Kurt Dahl, co-president of the Federation of “I am happy to hear legal issues have been Gay Games (FGG), announced July 25 that— resolved,” said Chicagoan Kevin Boyer. “Cleve- Chicago Spirit Brigade. Photo by Ross Forman although all parties have not yet officially land has a lot of work to do to get ready for signed off on all of the paperwork nor has a Gay Games IX and now they can focus on the judge signed the agreement—it has been set- key early challenges around fundraising and and the “flyer” on the cheer squad. Plus, he as- features several African Americans; a woman tled. He said all paperwork should be signed visibility.” sists the CSB Board and managers as a liaison to from the Ukraine; and a gay man who has two by the end of the week. There have been numerous reports and/or the community, handling communications with adopted kids with his partner. “I cannot discuss the outcome [of the rumors throughout the year that the CSF was current and potential beneficiaries, reviewing “Our drill squad consists of two returning settlement]. The settlement is confidential; going to stage its own multi-sport LGBT event invitations for appearances, coordinating with members and a new performer who has amazed it cannot discussed,” Dahl said in a phone in the Cleveland area in 2014, but that will event organizers prior to a performance, writ- us all with how quickly he’s picked up drill interview with Windy City Times. “Everything not happen. “I wouldn’t even want to com- ing press releases and updates to the group’s flags,” Huang said. “Our dancers all have such will be dismissed.” ment about that,” Dahl said. fans, etc. strong distinctive personalities and terrific stage The Cleveland Synergy Foundation (CSF), Dahl said representatives from the Cleve- “It’s difficult to isolate a single favorite [CSB] presence; the audience is going to love them! in 2009, was awarded the right to host the land Special Events Corporation likely will be memory,” Huang said. “I guess I would have to On the Cheer side, we have some amazing new quadrennial, multi-sport and cultural festival in Chicago next month to attend the 35th an- say marching in [the] Pride [Parade in] 2009. women on the squad who are able to both ‘fly’ over bids from Boston and Washington, D.C. nual Gay Softball World Series—to promote The weather that year was near-perfect; it was and ‘base;’ we call them our ‘Hybrids.’ Even those The FGG terminated CSF’s license in July the 2014 Games, “because softball is a big my first time to ever march in the Chicago Pride who joined [the CSB] with no cheer experience 2010, citing the foundation’s failure to sub- part of the Gay Games.” Parade, and that was the first year that the Net- have developed incredible skills over the past mit required information in a timely fashion. Dahl will attend the Series. telhorst School ever marched. Prior to hitting few months. In September, CSF sued the FGG, the city of “It’s very important to say that the accusa- the parade route, we went over to meet with “There seems to be a greater diversity among Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Sports Foun- tions of homophobia in the straight people their group, did a bit of stunting for them and our performing members this year in terms of dation and Valarie McCall of the mayor’s office that are taking up some of the leadership had a mini photo-session with the students and prior performing experience, age-range and gen- to retain the rights to stage the event. roles with the host organization are exagger- parents. It was a pretty inspiring experience. I der. Also, I’m really struck by the level of com- FGG then named the Cleveland Special ated and misguided,” Robby Davis, the FGG also remember being overwhelmed by the crowd’s mitment and involvement, especially by some of Events Corporation as the new host entity. officer of development who has helped over- generosity. Overall, 2009 was a record-breaking our first-year members. Our ‘All-Brigade Circle,’ Thomas Nobbe, a founder of the AIDS Task- see Cleveland operations, told the Bay Area year for CSB, the first time we broke the $10,000 which we have at every practice, has become a force of Greater Cleveland and an active Reporter. “I have not encountered any disre- mark in funds raised-and-given-away to our wonderful forum, and I sense that everybody is swimmer and volleyball player, was named spect or disregard for LGBT people or blatant beneficiaries. Along the parade route, specifi- quite comfortable speaking with a great deal of executive director of CSE in May. homophobia. I see the folks we are working cally, I recall being surprised by how generous openness and honesty. This has made us, despite The trial was scheduled to start this month here whether they are out or not to be the some people were, dropping $5s, $10s and $20s our very diverse personalities, a really cohesive amid allegations, raised by CSF, of homopho- most incredible allies. They are so proud that into our Spirit Buckets for the AIDS Foundation performing unit and has generated a lot of good bic behavior and comments by members of Akron and Cleveland are going to be hosts of of Chicago.” feedback which our managers have incorporated the Cleveland Special Events Corporation. these Games.” CSB has three squads: cheer, dance and drill. into their planning.” Dahl said discussions to settle the law- The group practices every Sunday afternoon Huang said the 2011 routine is an all-brigade at the Fitness Formula Club at Pine Grove and extravaganza much more than in past years, WINDY CITY TIMES July 27, 2011 43 CONNE IONS X MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS PARKVIEW PET Exceptional SUPPLIES Celebrations EST. 1921 We are all one... Civil Unions Jewish, Christian, 5358 N. 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