lypsinka returns to the stage WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, , BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Nov. 19, 2014 vol 30, no. 8 PAGE 21 TIMESwww.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Panel’s proposal for blood donation By Matt Simonette

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability voted 16-2 on Nov. 13 to recommend that the blood-donor deferral policy for men who have sex with men be switched from a life- time deferral—meaning that any man who has had sex with another man since 1977 MAYOR JANE be excluded from donating blood—to a one-year deferral. BYRNE DIES Under the recommended policy, gay and bisexual men would be able to donate blood after having abstained from sex for a year. page 8 “Today, I spoke before the committee as a 19-year-old advocate as well as the plaintiff in the lawsuit recently filed against the FDA regarding their blood ban,” said Virginia-based advocate Caleb Laieski in a Nov. 13 statement. “…Today prog- ress was made certainly made and more lives will be saved, however we still have lots of work to get done.” The committee recommendation, while not binding, is likely to be influential when the Food and Drug Administration’s Blood Products Advisory Committee reconsiders the policy in early December. That panel will, in turn, issue further recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Caleb Laieski in a 2011 photo. Turn to page 6 Photo courtesy of Laieski ALL-’AMERICAN’ TAKING LEAVE among hall of fame inductees pagE 7

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page 20 major steven snyder-hill is guest speaker at veterans event pagE 11 Accomplished actress Angela Bassett talks with about her Before leaving the Windy City for Palm Springs, California, longtime Chicago newest role on the TV show American Horror Story, portraying an intersex resident Danny Kopelson reflects on an eventful life in Chicago that includes individual with three breasts. PR photo from Andrea Tichy induction into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. Photo by Hal Baim 2 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES CARPET NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Ford Fdn president; Love column 4 Dancin’ Feats 13 Social Security plaintiff 6 Theater: Dee Snider 15 Knight: Foxcatcher 18 BOUTIQUE LTD. Hall of Fame inductees 7 Jane Byrne dies 8 Angela Bassett interview 20 Leslie Feinberg passes away 9 Lypsinka’s back on the scene 21 Parisi, Newell obits 9 Travel: Eureka Springs, Ark. 24 Danny Kopelson reflects 10 Dish: Old Crow, Kokopelli 26 AVER event; TDOR on Nov. 20 11 Billy Masters 29 Viewpoints: Madoori; letter to Rauner 12 OUTLINES Classifieds 25 Calendar 28 Gay sports network 30

Images on cover (left, from top): Image of Lypsinka from Bill Coyle; photo of Jane Byrne from WCT/Outlines archives; photo of Jamil Khoury (left) and Malik Gillani of Silk Road Rising by Hal Baim; photo of Maj. Steven Snyder-Hill by Hal Baim

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RISING ROAD SIlk Of hAll S AMONG uCTEE fAME IND page 7 to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots.

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o ongtime Chicag s ornia, l clude s, Calif o that in lm Spring in Chicag Hal Baim y for Pa ul life to by indy Cit entf me. Pho g the W cts on an ev of Fa vEN leavin n refle an Hall STE Before so and Lesbi MAJOR IS t Danny Kopel cago Gay Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! Ill ut her siden Chi -h abo re into the SNYDER ER dy City Times x ion pEAk ith Win an interse induct uEST S ks w raying G la Bassett tal r Story, port ss Ange orro a Tichy vETERANS d actre ndre AT lishe show American tHo from A Accomp e TV PR pho EvENT role on th easts. newest h three br e 11 ual wit pag individ online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com EARTH GAY Gay environmentalist Gerod Rody (left) wants to create a “fabulous planet.” GOING OUT OF Photo by Nate Gowdy BUSINESS SALE! AFTER 38 YEARS, FINAL DAYS!!

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The latest Bent Nights column looks at plus the punk band Reagan Youth. Photo by Vern Hester DAILY BREAKING NEWS

BEHOLD, THE CREATURES OF THE Show #600 nightspots nightspots #1131 • Nov. 12, 2014 2952 N. CLARK ST. FREE PARKING HALLOWEEN: OUR 600th show! THE RECKONING 773-327-3258 www.carpet-boutique.com Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Darren Walker: The first out gay president Life of the Ford Foundation by breezi c. By Angelique Smith sonalities? Who is on your radar in terms of Gone exciting, radical work? On the road again. It was no surprise that worked there were kind, respect- Darren Walker is the first openly gay president Darren Walker: I think the most exciting work that I was moving once again. Ever ful, understanding and patient. A lot of of the Ford Foundation, the second largest phi- brings together race, sexuality and identity. As since my adoptive mother kicked me the kids came from similar backgrounds lanthropy organization in the country. With a a community, we must not silo ourselves into out at 12 years old, it has become nor- as me. Even though I was surrounded background in law, banking and community de- this kind of LGBT box. We need to work in part- mal for me to move at least three times by a lot of people, I felt so alone. I velopment, Walker oversees more than $12 bil- nership with racial justice, gender, and climate a year. Used to it by now. missed my siblings and things there lion in assets, giving out global social justice organizations. … There are lots of spheres of The drive to my new foster home was were okay, but strange. grants totaling $500 million annually. influence where LGBTs should be. So for Ford, not that long. During the car ride my I wasn’t used to being treated nicely. Windy City Times: How has your first year it’s about making sure we build a broader case worker gave me a short speech. This caused me to act out—I figured as president been? movement that harnesses and complements She informed me that this would be eventually they would get tired of me Darren Walker: It’s been exhilarating, excit- the work of others. and kick me out. I decided to beat ing, challenging. It’s reminded me of just how WCT: What is that broader movement? the last home I will be placed in. I fortunate I am to be in this position, and how, What’s your vision for the organization’s fu- was getting too old and people don’t them to the punch. I didn’t listen, got for global foundations, the social justice issues ture? like taking older kids into their home. in trouble a lot, and ran away. we work on are so resonate around the world. Darren Walker: That we will be one of the I needed to try and make this work be- Eventually my behavior became too WCT: You’ve stated, “We in philanthropy most impactful global philanthropies. To have cause my next placement will be in a out of control. I got sent to a more need to reorient the way we see ourselves. that impact we must strengthen the institu- group home. restrictive place. My bad behavior con- We frequently assume that foundations are tions and the leadership that define our move- This speech was similar to the one tinued so I was sent to different group central protagonists in the story of social ment. My vision is that we will support those she gave me once before. It was around homes, then residentials. The last change, when, really, we are the supporting organizations and their people. It has got to the time I found out I wouldn’t be go- residential I was placed at was in the cast.” How has this belief been implement- be a vision that recognizes the opportunity for ing to the same foster home with any middle of nowhere. All the doors had ed under your leadership? near-term but also keeps a focus on long-term of my siblings. Only difference is she alarms on them. That made it hard for Darren Walker: It’s been a year where we commitment. never mentioned a group home. I had me to sneak and run away. I have never have actually been reflecting on our historic WCT: Tell us about the Ford Forum. no idea what a group home was. The been to prison but that’s how I would work, beginning to refresh that work and think Darren Walker: It’s a way to share important way she emphasized the words made describe this place. about new work. For me, this is as much about foundation information and news, as we’re me sure I didn’t want to find out. I stayed there for almost two years. learning about ourselves and the world. It’s Sure enough this home didn’t work This place helped me get my act togeth- very important to communicate often and con- out either. I was there only a month. er. They helped me tackle my emotional sistently. As a foundation, we have to really The woman didn’t even have the com- and behavioral problems. They did this be self-generative in this regard. Unlike non- mon courtesy to tell me I couldn’t stay with therapy, rules, consequences, and profit organizations or corporations, we don’t encouragement. I re- have an immediate market demand that we ally hated being there communicate in order to get our jobs done. “Over the years my stinking thinking but if it wasn’t for this I think that’s a mistake. Also, I’ve concluded place, I would still be that I have to own my own voice in order to has changed. I had a brand new walk in my rebellious and remain authentic. That means that sometimes I and attitude. No one could stop me, destructive phase. don’t adhere to the traditional communications I was successfully theory about what a CEO says and does. I was determined.” discharged from this WCT: How do you feel that being on the place when I was 18. grantee end through your experiences in the I still belonged to the non-profit sector has shaped how you serve Department of Chil- as president? there anymore. My case worker picked dren and Family Services but I felt free. Darren Walker: As a grantee, I saw the worst me up from school and told me. I was I was excited to have a fresh start on and best of philanthropic practice. I know what so angry. I just knew this home would life. There was to be no more locked it feels like to go and sit at a foundation’s of- work out. I did everything that was doors for me. If there was a lesson to fice to have someone be thirty minutes late asked of me and I hardly talked—I be taught, I learned it. Darren Walker. to a meeting and barely apologize; to have a couldn’t believe this was happening. I’ve lost count of how many place- foundation program officer waste my time writ- Not this again, is all that was going ments I was in after number 10. There attitude and culture: to have a foundation that ing a proposal, generating a lot of data and through my head. was no reason to keep track. It seemed has a culture of humility, listens more, is more ultimately them not seriously considering our My worker was as angry as I was. I’m that god was playing a cruel joke on me inclusive and less hierarchical. Culture doesn’t proposal. I internalize some of those patterns not sure if it was for having to find me and I was furious with him. I used to change overnight, sometimes it takes a gen- that I saw when I was a grantee. I have a another placement or because she felt think I was a bad person. Nothing I did eration. But that’s the journey that we’re on sense of empathy for the real struggle that a my pain. She saying she tried her or said could be right. I felt I wasn’t together. Part of this is just naming the prob- non-profit experiences. I’ve been in situations best and sorry, “I have no other choice worthy of love and no one would ever lem and owning our part of that problem as where my organization had no endowment, but to send you to a group home.” All want me. Over the years my “stinking an institution. Ford does a lot of great, inspir- very little cash reserves, crises where we barely thinking” has changed. I had a brand ing work, but I think on occasion we can come made payroll ... I think bringing that experi- there was left to do was cry. off as top-down, as though we’re not listening ence to my current job will help me be a better Being in a group home helped me new walk and attitude. No one could enough. president. change my thinking about people. I stop me, I was determined. All there WCT: How has the Ford Foundation sup- WCT: How has this differed from your time don’t remember being showed that was left to do was pack my stuff get ported LGBT rights? at the Rockefeller Foundation? much care and concern. The people gone, and face the world head on. Darren Walker: We have a broad set of work Darren Walker: I loved my time at the Rock- focused on movement building and supporting efeller Foundation, but the Ford Foundation is Breezi C. is a homeless youth activist who helped coordinate the recent Windy institutions that make up the LGBT movement. a social-justice foundation. We are prepared to City Times’ LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit. This is part of a series of columns Organizations like GLSEN, Freedom to Marry … ask tough, root-cause questions about power, Breezi will be be contributing to Windy City Times. there are many organizations that, I think, rep- race, gender, class, and about historic patterns resent a broad array of LGBT causes. of marginalizations that seem to be repeated We have also learned how we can sustain or renewed over time. At Ford, that’s the frame- efforts. It’s important to remember this isn’t work with which we analyze and solve prob- about this moment; this is about the long lems. Nothing is like the Ford Foundation. haul. This is a not just a U.S.-focused effort, WCT: You’re known to be an avid reader. the global movement is something that we What are you reading right now? are engaged in because the reality in much of Darren Walker: Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy the global south is quite dire. To simply self- is a masterwork. Bryan leads the Equal Justice identify as a homosexual is a felony offense in Initiative in Alabama and it’s a deep, reflec- many countries and we have to change global tive look at how far we have to go in America. @windycitytimes1 perceptions, norms, belief systems and biases I also finished Charles Blow’s Fire Shut Up in against LGBT people around the world. My Bones, where Blow comes to terms with his WCT: Who is the funding community look- bisexuality and deals frontally with issues of ing to as emerging Black or LGBT leaders, race, class and gender. [Those are] two very getting away from the old guard of big per- good books I’d recommend. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 5 Michigan says gay marriages TWO has ‘Religion Freedom Farce’ void after appellate decision campaign Chicago-based organization Truth Wins Out By Matt Simonette According to the Nov. 14 filing, the sole con- (TWO) has announced the launch of its “Reli- dition that allowed for the same-sex couples gious Freedom Farce” campaign. On Nov. 14, lawyers for Michigan Attorney Gen- to marry was the initial district court opinion The campaign aims “to highlight the real- eral Bill Schuette filed a six-page supplemental ruling that said Michigan’s ban was unconsti- world consequences of bills that purport to brief saying the 300 marriages performed for tutional. protect religious liberty, when in reality they same-sex couples in Michigan in March 2014 “Now that the Sixth Circuit has reversed the only promote prejudice.” The campaign comes are void, and that the couples are not entitled district court’s decision in DeBoer, that condi- on a week that Texas state Sen. Donna Camp- to state benefits resulting from those mar- tion cannot be met, and Plaintiffs’ marriages bell introduced a measure, Senate Joint Reso- riages. are therefore void,” said the filing, which fur- lution 10, that would let business owners de- The couples were wed shortly after a district ther states that the state cannot be compelled cline service to LGBT customers if serving them court ruled that the state’s gay marriage ban to provide benefits going to lawfully wed cou- would violate their religious stances. was unconstitutional. The marriages ceased ples in the state. “…[From] a legal standpoint, According to the release, “[T]his radical when the Sixth District Appellate Court issued because the marriages rested solely on the dis- viewpoint creates a dangerous slippery slope a stay on the ruling pending their review of trict court’s erroneous decision, which has now that will tear apart the fabric of society. Once the case. On Nov. 6, they issued their decision, been reversed, it is as if the marriages never we allow conservative Christians to refuse ser- which upheld bans in Michigan, Tennessee, existed, and Plaintiffs’ requests for benefits at- Mark Wojcik. Photo courtesy of Wojcik vice to gays, it will only be a matter of time Kentucky and Ohio. tendant to a legal marriage must be denied.” before bigots of all stripes decide their beliefs Plaintiffs in the various lawsuits have Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder initially acknowl- trump the rights of minorities to receive equal pledged to appeal the Sixth Circuit ruling to edged in March that the 300 couples were le- access to public accommodations.” the United States Supreme Court. Schuette’s gally wed, but said they were not entitled to Wojcik appointed TWO is a non-profit organization that works brief came after a district court ordered attor- the benefits. The Obama administration subse- to ABA commission to demolish the very foundation of anti-gay neys to file papers assessing the impact of the quently said that the federal government would Professor Mark E. Wojcik of Chicago’s The prejudice. appeals court decision on pending litigation. recognize the marriages. John Marshall Law School has been appointed to the American Bar Association’s Advisory received a perfect 100—in part because HRC Commission to the Standing Committee on the HRC releases awarded the city 14 bonus points. (Totals can- Law Library of Congress. Other appointees in- municipal index not exceed 100.) Two subcategories where clude U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released the city failed involved transgender-inclusive and former FBI Director William S. Sessions. Municipal Equality Index (MEI)—which “exam- health care benefits and a city contractor equal Wojcik is the only openly gay appointee to ines the laws, policies, and services of munici- benefits ordinance. the commission. He will be teaching a course palities and rates them on the basis of their Evanston also received a perfect score. In in Sexual Orientation and the Law next semes- inclusivity of LGBT people who live and work a statement, Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl ter at The John Marshall Law School. CELEBRATING there,” according to its website. said, “The rating is indicative of just how great In an email to Windy City Times, Wojcik stat- There are six categories in this index: non- Evanston is for not only LGBT people, but for ed, “The Law Library of Congress is the largest discrimination laws, relationship recognition, all people who live, work and play here.” law library in the world. Many of its resources 600 SHOWS municipality as employer, municipal services, As for the others, Aurora scored 61, Cham- are available for free on line to researchers and paign received 70 points, Joliet rated a 63, Na- policy advocates all over the world, includ- law enforcement and relationship with the LOOK FOR US AT THE iTUNES STORE LGBT community. perville received a 59, Rockford scored 57 and ing, of course, Chicago. It’s great to be able Springfield got 76 points. to serve on this Advisory Commission for the Eight municipalities were evaluated: www.WindyCityQueercast.com Aurora, Champaign, Chicago, Evanston, Joliet, See http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/ library, especially with a U.S. Supreme Court Naperville, Rockford and Springfield. Chicago mei-2014-see-your-citys-score. Justice.”

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Media Partners A&U Magazine | BestGayChicago.com | BOI magazine | Chicago Magazine | ChicagoPride.com | Gay Chic Magazine | GRAB Magazine | Windy City Media Group 6 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES would always be with me and that I loved him and then I said “Carl, you can go now.” And Social Security plaintiff then he died. He had two services; one at the church we attended in Arkansas and then the remainder of his ashes I took back to Maryland. on love, loss and I read the Lord’s Prayer and spread them on the gravesite beside his lover who had died of the fight ahead AIDS. WCT: And how did the struggle with the SSA begin? By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer man when you met Carl. What initially DW: Carl was approved for long-term dis- struck you about him, and how did your re- ability posthumously. So there was an unpaid Born in Florida in 1957, David Williams has lationship together evolve? lump sum death benefit and those disability always been a practical man; intelligent, soft DW: I was living in Baltimore [Maryland] payments backdated from his seizure in 2009 spoken, gentle in nature and ruled as he put working in risk management for a Roman until his death in April 2010. If this had been it, “much more by my mind than by my heart.” Catholic health-care chain. He only lived a a heterosexual marriage, those benefits would That keen mind propelled Williams through ser- few blocks from me and it was one of those have been paid directly to me. So I made the vice both to his country as a judge advocate “purely by chance” meetings. He was a man claim for the benefits as his surviving spouse. general in the Air Force and to American justice of great intelligence and integrity. I had not Social Security claimed DOMA and denied the as an attorney specializing in healthcare. personally been exposed to a lot of men in the benefits and then I went through the adminis- Yet, after a chance meeting with National Se- gay community with whom I could describe in trative rounds by myself. I got the final denial curity Administration (NSA) analyst Carl Allen those terms and so I was very attracted to him. in September [2014]. I knew that going into in 1997, Williams’ pragmatism slowly crumbled He told me right off the bat that he was HIV federal district court would be beyond my ex- under love’s intense and sovereign nature. For positive and, four years before meeting me, he Dave Williams. pertise and so I contacted Lambda Legal. I am 12 years, they were as passionately devoted to had lost his male lover to AIDS. But, through disappointed in my country but I also see Carl’s give to him from the core of my existence. each other as they were to the South. the relationship and our marriage, we practiced spirit with me in this. When he was bedridden, I learned how to give So they bonded with each other first in Ports- safe-sex and I have remained HIV negative to WCT: You had mentioned that Carl is with him a bath and wash his hair. I learned early mouth, Virginia, and finally Rogers, Arkan- this day. you in this fight. What do you feel from that on that I could go 24-48 hours without sleep. sas, where—in their home under the tranquil After our second date, Carl told me that he presence? I mean I was doing things I never expected magnificence of the Ozarks—Allen proposed loved me and that he wanted to be with me DW: “Go for it.” It’s as simple as that. He to be doing but the only way I can describe to Williams in 2008 and died in 2010 due to but I needed more time and I said “you need would be so proud because he always stood for it is that, if you have a sick spouse, you take complications from HIV. A devastated Williams to back off because, if I feel pushed, it won’t fairness. If we are successful in court, there are care of that spouse and so I didn’t question it. was picking up the pieces when he applied to work.” So he gave me some space and we con- thousands of people who can be helped by this. We were holding hands and looking into each the Social Security Administration (SSA), for tinued on with our daily relationship for a cou- That would be the silver lining in the cloud of other’s eyes when he died. (In tears) I told a lump sum death benefit and outstanding ple of months. Then my company transferred Carl’s death to me. disability payments owed to his husband. He me to Southern Virginia. He was still an active him that I would always be with him and he wholeheartedly believed the government would duty employee of the NSA at the time. I told respect their relationship much like their Ar- Carl that I needed to follow my career and he kansas neighbors. He was denied these benefits said “If you’re going to do that, I will retire by the SSA both before and after the Supreme from my job, sell my house, move with you and Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act I will buy a house there for us to live together.” /windycitymediagroup (DOMA) and Arizona Circuit Court judge Chris Everything he said he was going to do, he did. Piazza declared the state’s ban unconstitu- I thought “OK, if this man was doing all of this, tional. he really does love me, it’s not a pipe dream.” Williams—who now resides in the Chicago I was able to open up much more of my heart BLOOD from cover criminatory policies, bringing equality for neighborhood of and works at the to him. I realized it was the real thing and I the LGBT community while still protecting the U.S. blood supply.” Art Institute—contacted Lambda Legal. On did love him. He told me, at the outset, that While the recommendation represents a “This recommendation—although nomi- Nov. 6, the organization filed a federal lawsuit he thought we would have three years together significant shift away from the outright ban, nally better than the existing policy—falls against the SSA declaring in a press release because he anticipated his health to fail. But most advocates said even this new policy, if far short because it continues to stigmatize that “no one should have to fight to be treated the three years became 12. Even now, I con- implemented, is an overreach. gay and bisexual men, preventing them from with respect by their federal government while sider myself a very fortunate man. I know what Suraj Madoori, manager of the HIV Preven- donating life-saving blood based solely on they grieve the passing of their spouse.” Wil- it’s like to truly love and be loved. It may not tion Justice Alliance at the AIDS Foundation their sexual orientation,” added David Stacy, liams hopes the lawsuit will set a precedent happen for me again, but I know what it’s like. of Chicago, said that the recommendation is government affairs director of Human Rights that will ensure other widowers of same-sex WCT: What was that life like as a couple? a “step in the right direction, but there is Campaign. “The current policy, adopted in spouses do not fall victim to the same sublime What did those 12 years mean to both of still a focus on temporal factors instead of the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, indifference to their bereavement and disdain you? actual risk factors. We’re still asking them to and the new recommendation are both sim- both for the love they shared and the equal DW: We purchased an early colonial home reevaluate the policy.” ply wrong and can no longer be justified protections they deserve. in a Portsmouth, Virginia neighborhood called David Munar, president and CEO of Howard in light of scientific research and updated Windy City Times: You spent most of your Olde Towne and it was in pretty bad condition. Brown Health Center (HBHC), added, “This blood screening technology. It’s far past early years in 1960s Mississippi—one of We took this structure and we restored it to recent development is a step in the right time for this stigma to end.” the most violent and turbulent times in the a state where it was featured on the Historic direction, given that the lifetime ban was Officials from the American Red Cross, the state’s history. Did that affect you in any Virginia Homes and Gardens tour and we were a serious overreach. And while these new American Association of Blood Banks and way? touted as the model gay couple in the area. blood donation recommendations are a sign America’s Blood Centers, who have long Dave Williams: My father was an Air force of- Like all marriages, we would have our argu- of progress and will allow for some gay and called for a lift to the ban, praised the rec- ficer and always requested base assignments ments, like about budgets and responsibilities bisexual men to donate blood, they are still ommendation, BuzzFeed reported Nov. 13. in the Southeast to be close to family. In the for chores, but we loved our life together there. discriminatory and potentially stigmatizing. Members of the American Medical Associa- fourth grade, desegregation was the rule rather When I retired from legal practice, we thought Being a man who has sex with a man is not tion voted to oppose the ban in 2013. than integration and so we had our first black about where we wanted to spend the rest of the risk factor, being HIV-positive is—and According to the FDA policy on the matter, children who wanted to be a part of my school. our lives. We had visited Carl’s sister in this the two are not always one and the same.” “A history of male-to-male sex is associated But my family did not have the prejudice that beautiful area of Arkansas in the foothills of In July, HBHC was among the health pro- with an increased risk for exposure to and existed in so many others. In fact, I remember the Ozarks. We knew it was a Conservative state viders taking part in the National Gay Blood transmission of certain infectious diseases, hearing very ugly things about myself because going into it, but people looked at us and re- Drive, wherein gay men showed up to do- including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. I could be friends with these kids. Looking spected us regardless of how they felt about nation centers along with a surrogate who Men who have had sex with other men repre- back on it now and seeing news footage from homosexuality. One evening, [in 2008] I had would actually donate blood on their behalf; sent approximately 2% of the US population, that time, it just seems like a different life but fixed him his favorite meal of a pot roast. We both then signed a petition demanding the yet are the population most severely affect- I draw a lot of parallels. I was in the closet were finishing up and he knelt on one knee and ban be lifted. ed by HIV. … FDA’s deferral policy is based until my early thirties in order to avoid bigotry said “I want to marry you. Will you marry me?” Munar thanked U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, on the documented increased risk of certain and ridicule and to do “the right thing.” I just I was floored! Being the cynical person I am, I among others, for working on the issue. In transfusion transmissible infections, such as wanted to be accepted and being gay could not said “why?” The wedding in San Francisco was August 2013, Quigley was among 85 mem- HIV, associated with male-to-male sex and is be a part of that [life]. very intimate but it was lovely. We were both bers of Congress who wrote a letter to then- not based on any judgment concerning the WCT: What were those days like? so proud to do it. We embraced and told each HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius asking the donor’s sexual orientation.” DW: I was living the life of a straight man at other how much we loved one another. I just Obama administration to lift the ban. But a September study released by the Los the time and I was not active at all in the gay had tears falling down my cheeks. In a Nov. 14 statement, Quigley said, “As Angeles-based Williams Institute suggested community. I was married to a woman I met WCT: Tell me about your last years togeth- the leader of the bipartisan, bicameral effort that lifting the ban would increase the total in law school and I fathered a child. I just ac- er. to reverse the FDA’s discriminatory policy, I annual blood supply by about 2 percent-4 cepted it as the way life is. If I had really been DW: Carl was commuting back and forth to welcome open dialogue about the policy, but percent. Basing their estimates on American honest with myself about my sexuality, I would the NSA as contractor. In August of 2009, he am disappointed in the recommendation. … Red Cross figures suggesting each donation never have married [her] because I would never had a seizure at our home in Arkansas and he I encourage the HHS Blood Safety Advisory has the potential to impact three lives, the have wanted to bring pain to another person. had to leave his job. From that point, it was a Committee to revisit their recommendation researchers concluded that lifting the ban I’m 57 now and I think a lot of [gay] men my slow progression downhill and each week it got and hope this is only the beginning of a could potentially save the lives of 1.8 mil- age share the same story. a little worse. I devoted all my mind, spirit and conversation to change outdated and dis- WCT: You were divorced and out as a gay body to his care and I gave everything I could lion people. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 7 ing the ceremony included Deputy Mayor Ste- ven Koch; Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Bechara Choucair; 48th Ward Emanuel honors Democratic Committeewoman ; Washington state Rep. Greg Harris; and Alds. Deb Mell and Mayor joined Chicago Michele Smith. Public Library Commissioner Brian Ban- Cook County Commissioner and mayoral can- non, the Legacy Com- didate Jesus “Chuy” Garcia also attended, call- mittee and community members Nov. 14 ing the honorees a “great rainbow of people.” to unveil a plaque in honor of the late After the ceremony, Ed Mogul reflected on his Mayor Harold Washington. recognition from the community. “I felt hon- The plaque will be installed at the main ored to be included and to be nominated by the entrance to Chicago’s Central Library—the prior inductees; it was something I was glad Harold Washington Library Center—which to be a part of. I was happy my friends from was dedicated in honor of Washington in [Congregation] Or Chadash, the neighborhood 1991, in keeping with his belief in educa- and my activist life were here. It’s amazed me tion and love of reading. how much the community has matured since I Washington, Chicago’s first African- was first active.” American mayor, was elected April 12, Many more photos are available online at 1983. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com.

Clarence Wood and Lisa Marie Pickens. Photo by Hal Baim Community celebrates new Hall of Fame inductees By Matt Simonette the LGBT communities and the AIDS epidemic; state Rep. ; Terry Cosgrove, presi- LGBT community members and their supporters dent and CEO of Personal PAC; , gathered at the Nov. the nation’s first openly transgender sports 12 for the induction of the 2014 members of writer; Edward Mogul, lawyer, teacher, and the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. president of the Illinois Academy of Criminol- Fifteen individuals and two organizations ogy; Lisa Marie Pickens, co-founder and board were inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is president emeritus of Affinity Community Ser- the country’s only government-sponsored hall vices; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of game honoring the LGBT community. of Greater Chicago Commissioner Debra Shore; “Twenty-four years ago, the idea of a gay and Dr. Ross A. Slotten, physician and biographer; lesbian hall of fame was radical—a revolution- and the late Bennet Williams, a community or- ary concept,” said Commission on Human Rela- ganizer. Chicago Deputy Mayor Steve Koch with Rep. Kelly Cassidy and Commissioner Debra Shore. tions Chairman and Commissioner Mona Norie- The “Friends of the community”—non-LGBT- Photo by Hal Baim ga. “Because being out could cost you your job identifying individuals who have contributed and could cost you your family. The idea that a to the betterment of the community—were Lu- municipality, in this case the city of Chicago, cretia Clay-Ward, HIV/AIDS survivor, counselor, would recognize that lesbian, gay, bisexual and and advocate; state Sen. Heather A. Steans; transgender individuals made substantive con- and Clarence N. Wood, human-rights advocate tributions to not only the [LGBT] community, and former Chicago Commission on Human Re- but the city that we all shared, was, again, a lations chairman. radical concept.” The two organizations honored were Out & Noriega added, “Many years later, today, we Proud in Chicago, for producing television have elected officials, some of whom are being documentaries about Chicago LGBT history and Saturday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. honored here tonight. … But that in no way personages, and Silk Road Rising, a Chicago means that we have achieved equity. We know theater showcasing work addressing themes that by the hard battle that we fought and relevant to Silk Road peoples and their dias- Dorothy Menker Theater This program is partially supported by a grant won here in the state of Illinois. … We know pora, including LGBT stories. Producers Daniel from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. that based on violence targeting members of Andries and Alexandra Silets accepted for Out our community, and we know it from the com- & Proud, and founders Malik Gillani and Jamil plaints of discrimination … that continue to Khoury accepted for Silk Road Rising. keep our investigators from the Commission on The program was hosted by co-chairs Gary Ethel Merman was the Queen of Broadway during its Human Relations on the scene.” Chichester and Mary F. Morten, while Gaylon Golden Age, singing unforgettable showstoppers in “Annie The LGBT individuals honored this year were Alcaraz and Danny Kopelson presented the Get Your Gun,” “Gypsy” and “Hello, Dolly.” Bold and brassy , the late co-founder of the Jof- awards. singer/actress Rita McKenzie brings Merman to life with frey Ballet; Jennifer Brier, a historian of both Other elected and appointed officials attend- her hilarious charm, colorful tales, eye-popping costumes, and a gigantic voice.

Tickets: $30 General public • $25 Seniors and students morainevalley.edu/fpac Box Office (708) 974-5500

Gary Chichester, Steve Koch, Christina Kahrl, Mona Noriega, Bechara Choucair, , Danny Kopelson and . Photo by Hal Baim 8 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Former Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne dies by Tracy Baim

One-term Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne, the city’s first and still-only female mayor, died Nov. 14 at age 81, according to her family. Byrne was the first Chicago mayor to show support for the gay community. She issued an executive order banning discrimination in city employment and hiring, spoke out against po- lice raids on gay bars, and she backed Chicago’s gay-rights ordinance during her term in office, which lasted 1979-1983. After she lost re-election, she rode three times in a convertible in the city’s Pride Pa- rade. Rich Pfeiffer, Pride Parade coordinator since the 1970s, said she was in the 1983 pa- Jane Byrne in Chicago’s Pride Parade, mid-1980s. Photo from WCT/Outlines archives rade, soon after leaving office, and then again in 1984 and 1985. “Although there had been an alderman and ery election in Chicago?” questioned GayLife motto for the march. Earlier last week leaders state rep in previous parades, Jane was the Publisher Grant Ford in the same edition. attended the Chicago Police Board meeting first high-profile politician to appear in the pa- The arrests received TV and print news cover- to raise some probing questions about recent rade,” Pfeiffer said. “In fact, she called me in age, and Howard Goodman, owner of the New police bar raids, and alleged use of excessive 1983 saying that she would like to be in the Flight, hosted a meeting at My Brother’s Place, force, entrapment and selective arrests in deal- parade. So we had her near the front. Although a gay restaurant at 111 W. Hubbard St. Other ing with gay businesses and their patrons.” many people are used to elected officials in the Then-Mayor Jane Byrne’s nondiscrimination gay business owners and media attended, and The Police Board meeting took place May 22, Pride Parades, it was a very big deal back in executive order. From the M. Kuda Archives as a result, the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of and John Donovan from Mayor Byrne’s office that era! We had originally invited her back in Metropolitan Chicago appointed an ad hoc also attended. GayLife reported May 25 that 1981. She was unable to attend, but did send committee to investigate the incidents. the meeting “was in great contrast to the us the Gay Pride Parade Day proclamation. in City Hall. I said, ‘I hardly think in the long Raids that occurred between May 12 and 20 stormy meeting held May 16 between 18th “When word spread that she was going to be proud history of the Chicago press I am the were covered by Stephen Kulieke for GayLife’s District Commander Joseph McCarthy and Joe in the parade, several more elected officials first to be gay, but I am the first representing a May 25, 1979, edition: “Carol’s Speakeasy at Murray of the 13th District Gay Caucus.” called to participate … and, as you know, in gay paper.’ It was an exciting time.” 1335 N. Wells St. was the site of the most Chief of Patrol Earl Johnson said he will “dis- the years following that, more and more elect- In 1981, Byrne became the first Chicago may- serious police action when eleven men were cipline all officers who harassed, whether phys- ed officials began participating, and mayors or to declare “Gay Pride Parade Day” in the city. arrested for disorderly conduct” in the early ically or verbally,” patrons at the bars. James that came after her issued Pride Week and later The date was June 28. The proclamation came morning hours of May 19. At around 1:15 a.m., Casey of the Office of Professional Standards Pride Month proclamations. Richard M. Daley June 5 in response to a request from the Gay the police entered the bar to check for under- said he would investigate cases of alleged po- was the first ‘seated’ mayor to participate in and Lesbian Pride Week Planning Committee, age drinkers. But then the doors were locked lice abuse. Gay attorney Larry Rolla suggested the parade in 1989 and then returned in 1990. according to a report by Kulieke in GayLife’s and patrons were told they could leave shortly. that the police have sensitivity training on gay After that we were told that he had an agree- issue of June 12. Byrne sent her regrets for Soon, the floodlights were switched on and the issues, and Donovan pledged the mayor’s sup- ment with his wife Maggie to take Sundays not being able to be in the parade itself, but estimated 550 people were told, “It would be port for such a program (which did in fact hap- off.” even her proclamation was groundbreaking: It to your advantage to leave.” pen). In support of the city’s gay-rights bill, Byrne was among the first such actions nationally, at The match had struck kindling. Within a The June 5 march began at Bughouse Square said: “There have been abuses and there has either the city or state level. week, plans were taking shape for a march (formally known as Washington Square Park), been discrimination, and I think we all believe In 1982, gay businessman and publisher against police harassment. on the corner of Walton and Clark streets, at in the Constitution, and if we all believe we tried to get an interview with The timing was also politically important, 6 p.m., and marchers headed south on Clark are created equal regardless of race, color, or Byrne for his GayLife newspaper. Kulieke did since the raids had taken place just one month to the Daley Center Plaza for a rally. GayLife’s [sexual] preference, then it’s time we put it on the interview, and Renslow sat in. It is unclear after Byrne took office April 16, 1979. Many June 8 edition estimated there were 2,000 the books,” according to an Aug. 31, 1979 Chi- whose idea it was, but at some point Renslow gays had backed Byrne’s election as a change participants, including 44th Ward Ald. Bruce cago Tribune article. asked if Byrne would sign an executive order from business as usual, and they were upset Young. Byrne also provided the first City Hall press banning anti-gay discrimination in city gov- that these crackdowns now came in the early Before the march, representatives from Gays space for a gay newspaper, for GayLife reporter ernment jobs and services. “She said yes, and weeks of the new administration. A March 2, and for Action also had an extended Steve Kulieke. did so the next month for gay pride, in June 1979, GayLife report on Byrne’s election win discussion with Mayor Byrne on a wide range But Byrne also angered many progressives by 1982.” was titled “Gays cheer news of Byrne upset,” of grievances. Co-chair Doris Shane said Byrne turning her back on some of the reforms they Renslow proudly announced the coup in a and it said Byrne “sought for and received “was concerned enough to call us in before sought, and she lost a three-way primary race memo sent June 22 on GayLife stationery, in- considerable support from Chicago’s active gay the march. She assured us she was asking for for mayor in 1983 to Harold Washington. viting people to a June 24 reception at the community.” investigations of the harassment charges and When Byrne sought a come-back in the 1987 Oasis, 111 W. Hubbard St., to celebrate the his- On May 19, a few hours after the Carol’s raid, allowed real openness to gay problems.” mayoral race, the gay community was split, toric order. The Byrne interview was in the next about 75 people gathered at the Belmont Av- While Jane Byrne’s administration dramati- causing a lot of heated debates. Both candi- issue of GayLife. enue and Broadway office of Dignity, Chicago’s cally reduced the number of raids on gay bars, dates lobbied heavily for the gay vote, includ- The Byrne executive order, dated June 18, gay Catholic group, to plan a response to the there were still some incidents that outraged ing at the Prairie State Democratic Club, a gay 1982, was effective immediately and said in raids. They called for a May 21 community-wide the community. political group. part: “I, Jane M. Byrne ... do hereby order and meeting. During a raid on a predominantly African- One flier compared Byrne’s accomplishments direct that no City department, agency, com- At that May 21 meeting at Second Unitar- American gay bar, the Rialto Tap, 14 W. Van on gay rights to Washington’s. Put out by a mission or its employees or agents shall dis- ian Church, 656 W. Barry Ave., hosted by the Buren St., Dec. 28, 1979, about 100 men were progressive, pro-Washington group, the flier criminate against any person on account of citywide Gay and Lesbian Coalition, a group arrested on various charges of prostitution. In was titled “For Lesbians and Gay Men, The sexual orientation or affectional preference in of about 350 people voted overwhelmingly to a Jan. 4, 1980, GayLife cover story, Kulieke Record is Clear,” noting that Washington had any matter concerning hiring or employment, stage a march Tuesday, June 5, against the reported that Byrne responded “with strong done more than Byrne for the community. housing, credit, contract provisions, or in the police harassment. An ad hoc committee was words of criticism which received extensive Byrne’s interactions with the Chicago LGBT provision of services.” formed, “Gays and Lesbians for Action,” to or- coverage on local TV and radio and in the daily community are documented in two books I Byrne’s interactions with the gay community ganize the protest. Flint and Doris Shane, a su- papers.” wrote with Owen Keehnen, Leatherman: The were also documented in Jim Flint: The Boy pervisor at a health-care facility, were selected Byrne said the police energies would be more Legend of Chuck Renslow and Jim Flint: The From Peoria. During Mayor Michael Bilandic’s to co-chair the group. More than 100 volun- wisely spent on “true crime.” Kulieke also re- Boy from Peoria. Both Flint and Renslow had 1979 election effort, when he was facing off teers met at the Baton on May 24, and Flint ported a police source as saying Byrne had sent numerous interactions with Byrne, against Byrne, Flint’s Baton Show Lounge was and Shane held a news conference May 25 at a memo on the topic to the police and that Steve Kulieke, for the book Leatherman, said raided. This was considered a common thing the Executive House hotel, 71 E. Wacker Dr. there would be upcoming meetings between of Byrne’s move to give GayLife press access: during election season, as politicians tried to GayLife Publisher Grant Ford [Renslow later the police and the gay community. “She tried to ban the from the show they were for law and order and cleaning purchased GayLife from Ford] reported at the Danny Jordan, a former Chicagoan, emailed pressroom because she didn’t like what they up the “deviates.” May 21 meeting that he had contacted Mayor his memories of Byrne’s time in office. He had a were reporting. That did not go well, so to In early February, Flint and one of his per- Byrne’s office and was told Byrne would not unique perspective: his partner, Chet Wiziecki, smooth things over ... [she] invited more pa- formers were arrested. The New Flight was tolerate police harassment, and that she would who died in 2001, was Byrne’s hair dresser. pers, including GayLife, to have a desk. There raided the same night, and the Chatterbox launch an investigation about the recent raids. “Most likely, the gay man with the most qual- is a picture of me in GayLife carrying my IBM was next. These incidents were reported in Ira The June 1, 1979, issue of GayLife reported ity access to Jane, both before and after the Selectric typewriter in City Hall. I got inter- Jones’ “Ira’s Eye on Chicago” column in the on plans for the nonviolent march: “In re- election, was Chet, her beautician,” Jodan viewed by radio and other media. They asked GayLife edition of Feb. 16, 1979. sponse to Mayor Jane Byrne’s now famous cam- said. “When I first saw Jane, my immediate me what it was like to be the first gay reporter “Is there any coincidence that gay bars are paign slogan ‘One Chicago,’ the planners chose always raided approximately 30 days before ev- ‘One Chicago for Gays and Lesbians Also’ as the Turn to page 10 WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 9 PASSAGES Trans activist Leslie Veteran Michele Parisi dies Navy veteran Michele Parisi was found dead Feinberg passes away in her room on the morning of Thursday Nov. 6, according to friends. She was 68. in the display sign shop of a local department Parisi (who was born Nov. 6, 1946) joined store, and eventually stopped going to her high the American Veterans for Equal Rights ( at the school classes, though officially she received time named Gay Lesbian Bisexual Veterans of her diploma. It was during this time that she America ), in 1992. In 1997 she was elected entered the social life of the Buffalo gay bars. chapter vice president for one year. Michele has She moved out of a biological family hostile been a faithful member attending nearly every to her sexuality and gender expression, and to meeting and event for the last 22 years. the end of her life carried legal documents that She served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to made clear they were not her family. 1969 on the USS Paricutin in the Mekong Delta In her early twenties, Feinberg met Work- in Vietnam. ers World Party (WWP) at a demonstration for There was a memorial service for her Nov. 15 Palestinian land rights and self-determination. at her church, Presbyterian, 600 She soon joined WWP through its founding W. Fullerton Ave. Buffalo branch. A Workers World journalist since 1974, Fein- berg was the editor of the Political Prisoners page of Workers World newspaper for 15 years, Michele Parisi. and became a managing editor in 1995. She was a member of the National Committee of the Party. Gay Army veteran Santorum at She attributed her catastrophic health crisis The following obituary was provided by the to “bigotry, prejudice and lack of science”—ac- attacked, dies NU event family, and uses female pronouns per Feinberg’s tive prejudice toward her transgender identity An Army veteran beaten by a man he met Anti-gay ex-U.S. senator and 2012 presi- request. that made access to health care exceedingly at a bar died nearly a week after being hospi- dential candidate Rick Santorum will speak Leslie Feinberg—who identified as an anti- difficult, and lack of science in limits placed talized with burns so bad that parts of both at Northwestern Nov. 19 at the College Re- racist white, working-class, secular Jewish, by mainstream medical authorities on informa- arms had to be amputated, MercuryNews. publicans’ fall speaker event at Fisk Hall at 8 transgender, lesbian, female, revolutionary tion, treatment, and research about Lyme and com noted. p.m., The Daily Northwestern reported. communist—died Nov. 15, according to Advo- its co-infections. She blogged online about Veteran Stephen Patrick White, 46, died at Santorum will talk about national security. cate.com. She was 65. these issues in “Casualty of an Undeclared Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Win- The politician represented Pennsylvania in She succumbed to complications from mul- War.” ston-Salem, North Carolina. the Senate from 1995 to 2007. In addition, tiple tick-borne co-infections, including Lyme She preferred to use the pronouns she/zie Alex Teal, White’s longtime partner, had Santorum ran for the Republican nomina- disease, babeisiosis and protomyxzoa rheumat- and her/hir for herself, but also said: “I care previously told AP White had most of both tion in the 2012 presidential campaign but ica, after decades of illness. which pronoun is used, but people have been arms amputated after he was severely burned dropped out of the race. Feinberg died at home in Syracuse, New York, disrespectful to me with the wrong pronoun in a hotel room that caught fire during a Nov. with her partner and spouse of 22 years, Minnie and respectful with the right one. It matters 9 attack. Garry Joseph Gupton, 26, has now Bruce Pratt, at her side. Her last words were: whether someone is using the pronoun as a been charged with first-degree murder in “Remember me as a revolutionary communist.” bigot, or if they are trying to demonstrate re- connection with the beating. Feinberg’s impact on mass culture was pri- spect.” marily through her 1993 first novel, Stone Pratt, an activist and poet, is the author of Butch Blues, hailed as a groundbreaking work Crime Against Nature, about loss of custody about the complexities of gender. of her sons as a lesbian mother. Feinberg is Feinberg was born Sept. 1, 1949, in Kan- survived by Pratt and an extended family of sas City, Missouri, and raised in Buffalo, New choice, as well as many friends, activists and York, in a working-class Jewish family. At age comrades around the world in struggle against 14, she began supporting herself by working oppression and for liberation. GET YOUR BODY

hammer, among other area bars. HOLIDAY-READY She was partners with Mark Weathersby, 56, for 20 years and the two were planning to be married. “I remember her as a nice person who would do anything for anybody,” Weathersby said. Visit our website: “She was a beautiful person who always had a smile on her face, always tried to make you feel www.davidshifrinmd.com at home.” Eraineya Stone (born Marcus Newell) gradu- ated from Hyde Park High School and had two Mention sons. “Even as a kid, he always was an entertainer. WINDy CIty tImeS He always played music on his stereo, and pan- and get tomimed the music; that was his world, peri- od,” said brother Michael Newell, 54, who lives $500 off in New York. They also have another sibling: liposuction Melvin, 64, who lives in Chicago. through Dec. 1. “He was a very courageous, nice kid. His thing Eraineya Stone Newell. Photo courtesy of always was performing. Back then, we called it, Michael Newell pantomiming—and that’s who he’s become. He was very close with his mother (Melda), who passed away years ago.” Discover what others know ... PASSAGES Michael Newell said his sibling “had lots of Eraineya Stone friends within the [drag] community, sort of was a den-mother to a lot of people.” Newell Eraineya Stone enjoyed sewing and made By Ross Forman most of her costumes. She sewed for other en- tertainers, too. Plus, Eraineya Stone was a self- Eraineya Stone Newell—a Chicago native and taught makeup artist and hair stylist. entertainer locally for about 25 years, particu- “He was always a creative individual and larly at North Side bars—died in her sleep Nov. loved to sing,” Michael Newell said. Award-Winning Plastic Surgery 13. She was 50. Her childhood nickname was Tutu, given to Member DR. DAVID SHIFRIN She died of complications associated with her by Melda. “Tutu would always provide the Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon diabetes. entertainment at family functions, regardless Known on the drag circuit as Eraineya (pro- of who was there, or how many. We’d always CHICAGO • 312.590.3572 nounced uh-rain-knee-uh) Stone, she per- said, ‘Do your thing,’” Michael Newell said. “He 680 N. Lake Shore Dr. formed at Hydrate, Circuit, Charlie’s and Jack- was passionate about entertaining.” www.davidshifrinmd.com 10 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES mission of this benefit became clear: To raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS while pro- Leaving a legacy: moting the art of dance in Chicago, he said. The first Dance for Life premiered at the 400- seat Organic Theatre in June, 1991. “We were Danny Kopelson reflects shocked as every seat was sold out and there was a line around the block to buy tickets,” Ko- pelson said. “The event grew and grew until we on Hall of Fame life were selling out the 1,500-seat Skyline Stage By Ross Forman man, Leslie Uggams, the Windy City Gay Cho- and Harris Theaters. On our 20th anniversary, rus, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Joseph Holmes we moved to our new home, Roosevelt Univer- Danny Kopelson is heading west—bound for Chicago Dance Theater, Chicago Children’s Choir sity’s Auditorium Theater, selling nearly 3,000 Palm Springs, California—leaving behind a and even Oprah Winfrey. It raised an amazing tickets. multimillion-dollar legacy to Chicago’s LGBT $1.3 million split between AmfAR and AFC. “It “Over the years, Dance for Life has supported community. was an unbelievable evening for a [then]-new [more than] 30 HIV/AIDS service-providing Escaping the polar vortex is part of the rea- virus: AIDS,” Kopelson said. organizations and showcased over 30 Chicago- son for his departure, too. “During this time I was a liaison between based professional dance companies.” “Chicago is an amazing city and will forever Field’s and Amy Maggio, the director of devel- The Dancer’s Fund was established in 1994 to be my hometown,” he said. “Moving has been opment at AFC. When Dayton’s bought Field’s, provide emergency financial assistance to pro- one of the most difficult things I have ever we all lost our jobs. Amy Maggio, who has been Danny Kopelson. Photo from Kopelson fessional dancers and administrators. done, [but] I think now is the time for a big my lifelong mentor and friend, hired me as the Dance for Life has blossomed into the largest change in my life. I want to shake things up development associate at AFC working primar- chorus members and their partners were dying. dance performance-based HIV/AIDS fundrais- and expand that seven-mile radius between ily with fundraising events.” Members in their 20s attended rehearsals with ing events in the Midwest. A 20th Anniversary Evanston and Belmont” that has long been his He now laughs, as that’s when he told Mag- walkers and Karposi’s sarcoma sores all over documentary produced by HMS Media airing on local home. gio “I’m not going to be an activist.” their bodies. CGMC became a second family WTTW won a Chicago Emmy. In total, around $5 Kopelson, 56, who now lives in Lake View But, he added, “Being openly gay and work- as we loved, supported and sang for our lives. million supporting HIV/AIDS programs in Chi- East, is a consultant who specializes in market- ing in HIV/AIDS, I quickly became an acciden- We formed a small ensemble called ENCORE! cago has been raised through the event. ing, communications, public relations, special tal activist. Activism is not limited to marching to sing at many memorials, funerals and AIDS “I never could have imagined what took events and fundraising. He has worked for non- down the street with protest banners, which benefits.” place over the past 25 years,” with Dance For profits, for-profits and the State of Illinois at I also have done, but it includes talking to Kopelson’s 30-year legacy with CGMC has in- Life, he said. the governor’s Office. people about HIV/AIDS, human rights, rais- cluded being on the board, and leading its mar- Kopelson also worked at a pharmaceutical Kopelson, who is openly gay, graduated from ing awareness and/or money or anything that keting, public relations and fund-raising com- ad agency as the account supervisor, launch- Evanston Township High School and has lived moves people to support your issues.” mittees. He also worked with Ald. ing the HIV/AIDS medication from Abbott Labs in a seven-mile radius his entire life, from Kopelson has since helped raise $10 million to get CGMC to sing the National Anthem at called Kaletra. He led the consumer, profes- Evanston down to Belmont Avenue on the for HIV/AIDS and LGBT, human rights causes. Wrigley Field, and more. sional and international sides of the account. south. “The two things I am best known for, been “I believe everyone associated with CGMC is, “The 1980s was a time when many families He plans to continue working in his current involved with the longest, and have had the in their own right, an activist. Perhaps [just learned their sons were gay and also dying of fields at a non-profit or for-profit organization greatest impact on my life and the community an] accidental activists,” he said. “Through the complications of HIV/AIDS,” Kopelson said. in California, either full-time or as a consul- are Dance for Life and the Chicago Gay Men’s chorus, we are all provided the luxury to share “Thankfully, I was spared and I’m still here. I tant. Chorus. I was a founder of both,” Kopelson our LGBTA lives with our families, our co-work- guess it’s a good thing that I can hardly remem- “I will miss the many friends and relation- said. ers, our friends and our audiences. Being out ber being in this situation. Being HIV-positive ships I have developed over many years,” in The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus has its roots and visible has proven to be one of the most and working for Marshall Field’s changed my Chicago, he said. “I have friends going back to in the Windy City Gay Chorus (WCGC). Members important political things we can do. path in life from what might have been a ca- kindergarten. I’ll be back often. I suspect I’ll of WCGC had just performed in New York and “Thirty years ago, just standing on a stage reer in product advertising. I’ve been so lucky see lots of Chicago friends visiting me in Palm chose not to return to New York for the first- with the word gay in your name was a political to spend my career doing something I believe Springs during the winter.” ever gay choral festival named, Come Out and act. Today we get invited to sing on the stage in, something many others wanted nothing to Kopelson was inducted into the Chicago Sing Together (COAST, now GALA Choruses), he of with the symphony orches- do with. It was back then that my entire pur- Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2000. He was said. “A number of Windy City members felt tra or to perform nationally on WGN-TV for the pose in life changed for the better. I’m very named the Advocate of the Year award-winner strongly about having Chicago represented in family-oriented Thanksgiving Day Parade. proud that I have been able to make a real dif- by the AIDS Legal Council in 2007, and in 2012 New York, so the WCGC artistic director, Richard “Our activism through music changes minds ference. A close friend of mine asked me what he received a Golden Trumpet Award from the Garrin, said, ‘If you want to go, form your own and hearts.” it felt like to be HIV-positive. I could have an- Publicity Club of Chicago. He also has been chorus and go.’ So the Chicago Gay Men’s Cho- Kopelson was working as the development swered, ‘It’s like living with a cloud over my honored with a Special Recognition Award rus was born. “How lucky that was, as Chicago associate at AFC years ago when the phone head,’ or something like that. But [instead], from the Illinois Arts Council and the Show of has benefitted by having two successful gay rang—and Keith Elliott, a dancer at Joseph I thought really hard and replied, ‘I can’t re- Concern Award from the AIDS Foundation of men’s choruses for more than three decades,” Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, was on the ally answer that question because I don’t know Chicago (AFC). Kopelson said. line with an idea for a dance performance AIDS what it is like not to be HIV-positive, as I have Kopelson’s local legacy dates back decades. He still remembers the first rehearsal with benefit. After meeting Elliott in person, the been positive my entire adult life.’” “It all started at Marshall Field’s advertising, CGMC, held at the Broadway United Methodist where I landed my first job out of grad school,” Church at Broadway and Roscoe in Lakeview. he said. “[Marshall] Field’s bravely chose HIV/ The church burned down afterwards. BYRNE from page 8 downtown to a movie, of getting carjacked AIDS and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago as its “Another memory [came] shortly thereaf- or robbed in their alleys, to walk a street at night, etc., also that the city was dirty, very primary charity, and it was the first retailer in ter—in New York at COAST, [wearing] our black reaction was that she needed a makeover the U.S. to do this.” sequined vests and singing pop music and dirty. She asked me what I thought could if she wanted every chance of winning the be a campaign slogan and I replied ‘A city In 1987, Marshall Field’s held an AIDS ben- show tunes. We were the only and first-ever election. So, I sent her a letter outlining efit at the Chicago Theater titled, “The Show gay ‘show chorus’ in the country.” without fear.” She liked it. The phrase was what I thought and who could best do that never widely used but Jane did often say in of Concern,’ starring Angela Lansbury, Chita Ri- Sadly, Kopelson added, “for the next 20-plus for her, of course it was Chet at Head West on vera, Peter Allen, Colleen Dewhurst, Jerry Her- years, AIDS dominated our existence. Weekly, different ways that we must make Chicago a Armitage. About three weeks after sending city without fear. The first time I heard it, I the letter, Chet received a call at the shop, knew that she meant it. After being elected, it was Jane. She made an appointment, Chet Jane did launch efforts to ‘clean up’ the city worked his magic in the shop, in the next with regards to both crime and physically. Of day or two her new look was in the news. It course, I like to think that that conversation really did ‘take ten years’ off her appearance began something positive and concrete and and totally updated her from frump to ‘with that knowing both me and Chet ‘as a couple’ it’. After that, her hair was done at her cam- had influenced her, in a small way, to better paign office, her apartment or at City Hall support our community.” office. Chet was no shrinking violet when it After Byrne was ousted from City Hall in came to being gay and how that impacted a 1983, she attended gay events and AIDS ben- life, how we were treated, how we lived and efits, but she did not have a strong political what we wanted. I’m sure that the conversa- voice in subsequent years. At one point, she tions between them were full of all kinds of reverted to her religion when asked about content as most are between a beautician supporting gay rights, saying she would have and client. to consult with her pastor. Many in the gay “About three or four weeks after Jane’s community felt it was a betrayal of her ear- initial appointment, I received a call from lier support for gay rights. her assistant with an invitation to come Byrne’s funeral was held Nov. 17. The route down to Jane’s campaign office, she wanted was from Smith Corcoran Funeral Home to to talk. Jane thanked me for the letter and St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster asked me what I thought the problems were Ave., stopping briefly in front of her child- in Chicago, a loaded question. My response hood home at 5904 N. Kolmar Ave. was that people were afraid, afraid to use the subway, to use the ‘L’ platforms, to go WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 11 Leading the program was new AVER Chicago Windy City Gay Idol 2014 runner-up Tim president, Lee Reinhart, and he paid tribute Schoenmann sang the national anthem and LGBT veterans, supporters to outgoing, longtime AVER leader Jim Darby. “America the Beautiful.” Susan Jones and Me- Darby received a standing ovation for his many lissa Terrell played Taps. mark Veterans Day years of dedication to AVER and LGBT veterans. Donations to the AVER monument fund can Treasurer Larry Simpson read the group’s pre- be sent to AVER Chicago, P.O. Box 29317, Chi- by Tracy Baim president, as an active member of the military, amble to the crowd. cago, IL 60629. Write “Monument Fund” on the their positions on gays in the service, and he A moment of silence was held for longtime memo line. The Chicago chapter of the American Veterans was boo’d. AVER member Michelle Parisi, who had passed Many more photos are available online at for Equal Rights (AVER) held its 22nd annual Stanley Jenczyk gave the group the good away a few days earlier. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Veterans Day Dinner Nov. 11 at Ann Sather res- news about his successful three-year effort to taurant on Belmont. About 70 people marked have an AVER memorial at the Abraham Lin- veiling of “GSC 20/20,” a yearlong exhibi- the occasion, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley. coln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. The ‘Transgender Day tion highling two decades of LGBTQA activ- The special guest speaker was Major Steve group needs to raise $20,000 and wants to ism and the University of Illinois at Chicago Snyder-Hill, who joined the military in 1988. have the monument up by Memorial Day 2015. of Remembrance’ (UIC). He spoke of his military career, and the mo- Longtime AVER member Ed Wosylus received The ceremony will take place Thursday, Nov. ment in 2012 when he gained national atten- a Happy Warrior award from the group, along Nov. 20 20, 3-6 p.m., in the GSC Fally, 183 BSB, 1007 tion when he asked Republican candidates for with Hill and Jenczyk. “Transgender Day of Remembrance & Re- silience” will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, W. Harrison St. Daily viewing hours through at 7 p.m. at the , 3656 N. June 30, 2015, are Monday-Thursday, 10 Halsted St. a.m.-5 p.m.; and Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be a program of performances, Admission is free and open to the public. reading of the names of those who have For more information, call 312-413-8619. passed, a march around the neighborhood, and an interactive mural to celebrate trans and gender-non-conforming individuals who ‘Cocktails + are surviving. See “Transgender Day of Re- Conversation’ membrance & Resilience” on Facebook. There will also be a remembrance (on Nov. 20 the same day and at the same time) at PFLAG will host “Cocktails + Conversa- AChurch4Me MCC, 1545 W. Morse Ave. The tion”—an event about LGBTQ equality and Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches affirmation, among other things—Thursday, and AChurch4me MCC are co-sponsoring this Nov. 20, 4:30-7 p.m., at Roosevelt Univer- event. sity’s Wabash Tower, 425 S. Wabash Ave., Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is Room 1315. an annual observance on Nov. 20 that honors Among those speaking will be Pamela Tate, the memory of those whose lives were lost in president/CEO of the Council for Adult and acts of anti-transgender violence. Experiential Learning; PFLAG National Execu- tive Director Jody Huckaby; and Roosevelt University President Charles Middleton. UIC to unveil LGBT RSVP at [email protected], or call Elijah Perry exhibition Nov. 20 at 202-684-9891. On Thursday, Nov. 20, there will be an un- AVER Chicago president Lee Reinhart and founder and immediate past president Jim Darby. Photo by Hal Baim

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www.keithhousechicago.com 1900 S. Prairie Avenue Phone: 312.907.7909 Chicago IL 60616-1321 [email protected] 12 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINTS WINDY CITY TIMES more information is available in news outlets. criminalization laws altogether. These laws VOL. 30, No. 8, Nov. 19, 2014 SURAJ With the lack of reporting, questions and were put into place by lawmakers to protect The combined forces of Windy City Times, gaps come to mind: What sort of “intimate” public health during a time of limited under- founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, MADOORI contact were they engaging in? Is the accused standing about HIV transmission and preven- founded May 1987. on HIV treatment and is his viral load unde- tion. Many HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations, PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR tectable? Is there an actual transmission of including the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, be- Tracy Baim HIV? lieve they are no longer relevant. In fact, these While those unanswered questions loom, a laws are marring public health efforts to bring ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky story published on the website of HIV news an end to new HIV-positive diagnoses. MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine Stigma continues source HIVPlus fills in many disturbing de- Cases like this and the ensuing media-driven DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright tails about the case missed by the mainstream stigma make it harder for public health work- ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson with new HIV- media. These include the controversial use of ers to do their job. These cases may discourage SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette investigative alerts in the arrest, as well as vulnerable individuals from being tested regu- Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, criminalization case Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, details of gross mistreatment of people living larly for HIV, since untested individuals cannot Gretchen Blickensderfer with HIV (PLHIV) while being held in custody. be charged with criminal transmission of HIV. PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff Despite the immense progress made in the bat- Coverage of HIV criminalization cases by local And of course, they perpetuate the historical NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 tle to destigmatize HIV and end HIV criminal- news outlets consistently lacks the sensitivity, stigma and discrimination that accompanies SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, David Byrne, Tony ization laws, the mainstream media is failing Peregrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair fact-finding and investigative journalism need- HIV/AIDS. to catch up and join the fight. In some cases, THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan ed to protect PLHIV and prevent HIV stigma. With what we know now about how the virus CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. the media’s coverage of HIV criminalization be- There is a continuing trend of law enforcement is transmitted, coupled with major advances in BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair comes the source of stigma. and local news outlets to simply publish accu- HIV prevention, we have the tools to fight the SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman A new case under an outdated HIV criminal- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS sations and publicize HIV criminalization cases epidemic. However, it’s ultimately up to all of ization law in Illinois demonstrates the media’s Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence with the name, location and picture of those us: Public health, policymakers, law enforce- Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan inability to handle sensitive information. But charged, thus “outing” their HIV-positive sta- ment and the media must work together to win Abarbanel it also complicates the public health sector’s tus to the community. In the meantime, critical the battle to destigmatize HIV while protecting COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet efforts to destigmatize HIV among vulnerable Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy questions go unanswered and an opportunity those who live with the virus. communities. Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, to educate the public about HIV is also missed. Suraj Madoori is the manager of the HIV Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick Patricca, Liz According to a republished police press re- The lack of proper investigative and sensitive Prevention Justice Alliance, a national proj- Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, Kate Sosin, lease, a 25-year-old man was arrested at his reporting only perpetuates HIV stigma and dis- ect of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago that Angelique Smith, Meghan Streit place of employment in Chicago’s Lakeview SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, crimination among communities vulnerable to works on human rights and social justice is- neighborhood based on accusations of not dis- Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan and living with HIV. sues in the domestic epidemic. Mattes closing his HIV-status while “engaging in in- This recent case and many others like it war- CIRCULATION timate contact” without protection. Not much rants a growing discussion on the need for HIV CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Sue and Victor WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead LETTERS programmer: Martie Marro) Copyright 2014 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). A letter for reviewing detailed candidate questionnaires, bar to explain your vote. Perhaps you have Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, seeking feedback from practitioners familiar thoughts about how the bar can work with the and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and Bruce Rauner no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. with the candidates’ practices, and conducting state to improve our judicial election process, All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy live interviews all in an effort to educate the and we would welcome your leadership on this City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned Dear Mr. Rauner, for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing electorate on the otherwise confusing process issue. The system is far from perfect—but an and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, of electing judges. irresponsible vote by the now-leader of Illinois cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own A photo of you published on Nov. 5, 2014, with and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Every retention cycle, roughly 20% of the only serves to exacerbate any problems, and Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of your completed ballot indicates that you voted Cook County electorate vote “No” on every sets a bad example of how to fix them. a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy “No” on every judicial candidate for retention judicial candidate up for retention. While an Thank you for your time and attention. I am City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While to the Cook County bench, according to Re- unfortunate reality in our electoral process, available and willing to discuss any of this if we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make publican Judge James G. Riley’s letter to the our elected leaders should not encourage this you are so inclined. this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept Chicago Daily Law Bulletin (published on No- action by their own example. It is simply ir- responsibility for advertising claims. vember 10, 2014, and enclosed here for your (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 responsible to do so. Sincerely yours, e-mail: [email protected] or reference). I, too, saw the photograph refer- There are a number of viable alternatives you John L. Litchfield, Esq. [email protected] enced by Judge Riley, and am disappointed to could have explored. Let me address a few. President, the Lesbian and Gay Bar see that it confrrms his account. First, you could have taken an opportunity to Association of Chicago www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com This means you voted not to retain even the speak out on long ballots that are confusing to podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com stars of the bench, the leaders and stand-outs, voters, and maybe ever lent support to efforts the innovators and those working to bring WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, to make voter information more widely avail- 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 peace and resolution to families in our com- able. U.S.A munities. Judges, perhaps more so than any of Second, with a little information, you could (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) the elected officials in our state, have a direct have addressed the possibility of raising the and lasting impact on the lives of Illinoisans Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. bar for retention from 60% to 65% or even 70% Send letters to Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. on a daily basis—whether it be petitioners in to improve the chances of removing poor per- OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE bankruptcy, divorce court, or child custody, or formers from the bench—or at least creating www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityQueercast.com defendants in criminal cases or eviction pro- the threat of job loss to inspire effort at better Andrew@ ceedings. The issues our judiciary grapples performance. “Windy City Media Group generated with are deeply personal to the citizens of our Third, you could have waded into the debate WindyCity enormous interest among their readers state who deserve only the best on the bench. about whether judges should be elected at all, in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index Judge Riley’s letter is correct: the 2014 class perhaps joining with politicians in other states MediaGroup. of retention candidates enjoyed better bar rat- Survey. Out of approximately 100 in efforts to roll back existing voting opportu- print and online media partners who ings than most previous classes; no 2014 can- nities, or better yet, working with legislators didate received less than 50% “Yes” recommen- com. participated in the survey, Windy in Springfield to establish improvements to Il- City was the best performing regional dations from rating bar associations; and only linois’ system of electing judges. eight of 73 had any “No” recommendations at Letters may media in the U.S. Only survey partners Or, fourth, you could have just not cast votes with a nationwide footprint were all. Prior classes of retention candidates have in those races and pled ignorance. able to generate a greater number of usually featured at least one or two with 100% But instead of these and other responsible be edited for responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research negative bar ratings. alternatives, your vote risked chaos and the Director, Community Marketing, Inc. One reason that I am conversant with these wholesale loss of a set of professionals who, brevity or statistics is that I have been privy to the ju- for the most part, perform extraordinary service dicial evaluations process for more than four for the people of Cook County. Your decision to years as President of the Lesbian and Gay Bar vote “no” on each and every judicial candidate clarity. Association of Chicago, and over nine years as demonstrates contempt for the judiciary, the a member. Our members, and the members of volunteer attorney evaluators, and the elector- many other bar associations, spend hundreds of ate itself. I invite you to engage the Illinois hours a year evaluating judicial candidates by WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 13 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Matthew Murphy

HARLEM RENAISSANCE In Dancin’ Feats, Windy City Times profiles Da’ von Doane (front), who tours with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. See below. THEATER DISH TELEVISION ‘War’ or less. Taking a ribbing. ‘McCarthy’ mojo. Page 14 Page 26 Page 22 Photo from Women at War Photo of platter at Old Crow Photo of The McCarthys’ by Michael Brosilow Smokehouse by Andrew Davis showrunner Brian Gallivan from CBS

admitted that appearing in last January’s is- DANCIN’ FEATS sue of Dance Magazine was just the confidence boost that he needed. “I’ve grown so much in the last few years,” he said. “If I can continue Da’ Von Doane growing and evolving, I’m happy. That’s all I can ever really ask for. I grew up reading Dance Magazine, so to finally be in one is a little mind embraces all blowing. I hope that someone was able to see my photo, hear my story, and be inspired by it, just like I’d read about those who inspired me in past issues over the years.” facets of himself Doane appears with Dance Theatre of Har- lem Nov. 21-23 at Chicago’s Auditorium The- and he is currently making his mark by tran- by Lauren Warnecke atre at Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress scending genres within DTH and participating Pkwy. Show times are Friday at 7:30 p.m., After a 16-year absence, Dance Theatre of Har- in a variety of outside projects. Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at lem (DTH) comes into town Nov. 21-23 to per- Although his day job primarily consists of 3 p.m.Tickets are $30-95, available online form at Chicago’s stunning classical ballet, DTH is known for the diversity at auditoriumtheatre.org or by calling 800- at Roosevelt University (who happens to be of its repertory, and Doane enjoys dancing both 982-ARTS. celebrating its 125th birthday this year). Au- classical and contemporary works. Which type ditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Bat- of dance does he prefer? “It actually depends Also this weekend: on the day,” he told Windy City Times. “Some terson feels privileged to present DTH, whose Chicago is not wanting for dance, with per- days I really am moved towards the purity and program will include a beautiful program of formances for audience members of all tastes. mixed repertory by acclaimed choreographers technical precision that classicism demands. Visceral Dance Chicago finishes its second- Other days, I just want to move. ... You have including Ulysses Dove and Robert Garland. season opener at the for Music to be able to do it all at DTH, and often within Arthur Miller founded DTH in 1969 as an and Dance after a showing at the North Shore the same performance.” artistic response to the assassination of Dr. Center for the Performing Arts late last month. As an openly gay dancer, Doane’s coming-out Martin Luther King Jr. Miller, who was the first Jonathan Meyer and Julia Rae Antonick, who, African-American principle dancer in New York story is simple, but poignant: “I came out to together form Khecari, continue a long run of my mom last Christmas. We were having a glass City Ballet, created a school for young people Oubliette, a response to constraint and con- of wine and watching TV, and she asked if I living in Harlem to experience a disciplined finement that seats only 12 audience members was seeing anyone. How we got on the topic, and structured environment through dance per night at Indian Boundary Park on Chicago’s I don’t know. I had broken up with the person training. Flash forward 45 years, and DTH is North Side. I was seeing at that point, so the answer was recognized not only as an artistic incubator for Finally, after a year of incubation, dancer/ easy: no. Meanwhile, I’m terrified of telling young dancers of color, but a multi-cultural, choreographer Cristina Tadeo and sound de- her. The question had come up a few times be- world-renowned dance company in its own signer Nicholas Davio premiere their collab- right. fore when I was younger, but I never really had orative work Bread & Butter. The work is a the courage to give her the real answer. I made Da’ Von Doane, 25, is an important part of quintet of dancers featuring sound bites from up my mind last year that if she asked again I this legacy, and the rising star in the dance interviews with more than 25 freelance artists would tell her. She then asked if I had I had a world visits Chicago this weekend on tour with Ashley Murphy and Da’ Von Doane in Far But in multiple mediums about making work, sus- type, and again, I said no. Then it came... ‘Are DTH. Doane, who started dancing in Salisbury, Close. Photo by Rachel Neville tainability and the public’s consumption of art. you gay?’ ‘Yes,’ I told her, and asked if she was Maryland, at age 8, joined the DTH Ensemble at The 45-minute installation at Tom Robinson surprised. Her response? ‘Not really.’” acteristics as parts of myself,” he said, “and 19, during a time in which the main company Art Studio/Gallery features performers Mags Despite only recently coming out to his as I grow, I hope to be able to add more to was on hiatus. In 2012, DTH reinstated the Bouffard, Julie Boruff, Isabelle Collazo and Ma- mother, Doane considers his sexuality and race the list.” company, and Doane became an official mem- ria Macsay in addition to Tadeo and Davio. ber. Two years later, Dance Magazine named to be equal parts of his personality, in addition Now, he can add “Top 25 to Watch” to his list. Doane one of the “Top 25 to Watch in 2014,” to being a dancer. “I view all of these char- Doane was surprised by the nomination, and 14 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

THEATER REVIEW career thrives. Hector’s childhood has been a succession of foster homes and “wolf-pack” Tamer of Horses robberies landing him in a juvenile reforma- Playwright: William Mastrosimone tory from which he has recently escaped. At: Teatro Vista at the Given so many intertwined agendas, can Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. the path of conflict be anything but tangled? Tickets: 773-871-3000; Perceiving in Hector (and his mythological www.victorygardens.org; $25-$30 namesake) an opportunity to test the re- Runs through: Dec. 14 demptive powers of education—and perhaps to atone for the wasted life of his sibling— BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Ty offers the disaffected youth shelter, along with literacy tutoring, trade skills and life William Mastrosimone’s reputation as a play- lessons. Hector reluctantly agrees to this wright is based in bunker-dramas premised plan, leading to such showy classroom exer- on a few people in a small space exploring a cises as Homer’s Iliad translated into street single underlying question until its possibili- slang (with our rapper-wannabe calling foul ties are exhausted. The thesis for this three- on Achilles’ acceptance of divine interven- handed exercise—premiering in 1985 and tion) and instruction in pulling off a profi- twice revised since—is a variation on the cient mugging, all expressed in the kind of homily “there’s no such thing as a bad boy” subtext-heavy dialogue actors savor like the and its forum, a barn and kitchen in rural pies that are Georgiane’s reward for good be- New Jersey, where dwell prep-school profes- havior. sors Ty and Georgiane Fletcher. Setting the So does Hector abandon his feral impera- plot in motion is the invasion of this pas- tive or has he been flimflamming his ideal- toral setting by a teenage runaway named istic hosts all along? Since director Ron OJ Hector St. Vincent—his surname a vestige of Parson’s target audience is school groups, the charity hospital where he was born. his hopes are pinned on our declaring Ty’s By endowing his personnel with intriguing experiment a success, but the number of backstories, Mastrosimone ascertains their rewrites imposed on Mastrosimone’s script, investment in the outcome of the ensuing while making for a satisfying emotional ca- debate: Ty and Georgiane grew up in the Women at War. Photo by Michael Brosilow tharsis, render its denouement as abrupt as projects. Ty and his brother were orphaned in it is ambivalent. What is certain, however, is a fire, the latter afterward turning to crime that the cast assembled for this Teatro Vista THEATER REVIEW ber ensemble have also done their homework, and dying in prison. Ty’s classic-lit course production delivers intense performances achieving a level of verisimilitude rarely seen has been cancelled for the semester, leav- steeped in conviction to command the at- Women at War by audiences whose impressions of military ing him to pursue his hobby of refinishing tention of playgoers willing to temporarily Playwright: Megan Carney personnel are limited to Hollywood images— furniture. Georgiane continues to encourage suspend their cynicism. At: Rivendell Theatre which, ironically, includes many veterans his academic aspirations, even as her own Ensemble, 5779 N.Ridge Ave. unaware of changes in training and protocol Tickets: 773-334-7728; implemented since their own tours. www.rivendelltheatre.org; $32-$35 Some playgoers may object to the omission Runs through: Dec. 6 of debate over, say, our government’s respon- sibility in perpetuating wars, or the prevalence of male-on-male sexual assault. Carney’s goal Iphigenia in Aulis. Photo BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE is not an agenda-driven call to arms, however, by Michael Brosilow nor does it attempt to exploit its subculture in Women at War does for the female front-line service of ill-conceived metaphors. This is not grunts in the Iraqi wars what Tracers did for the “big picture,” designed to provide a nicely their male counterparts in Viet Nam, breaking orchestrated flag-waving (and quickly forgot- from conventional depictions of women-in- ten) cry, but a gallery of individual portraits as uniform as wholesome all-American campfire small as the revelations they render. girls—or, more recently, Hallmark-card moms skyping smiley greetings to adorable moppets. Instead, Megan Carney’s tone approximates the THEATER REVIEW nor his brother Menelaus (whose wife, Helen, gritty intimacy of a barracks snapshot, creat- CRITICS’ PICKS is the cause of the impending war), nor the ing a collage of desert-camo scrubbed bare of Iphigenia in Aulis virtuous hero Achilles (Jordan Brown). Menel- soapy sentiment. Playwright: Euripides, translated aus (Michael Huftile) points out Agamemnon’s Take PFC Ramirez, for example, the high Camelot, Drury Lane Theatre, Oak- by Nicholas Rudall driving ambition to lead Greek forces in war school cheerleader whose athletic prowess and brook Terrace, through Jan. 4. Director/ At: , 5535 S. Ellis Ave. against Troy, a barbarian threat to Greek soci- competitive drive surpasses that of her fellow choreographer Alan Souza shakes up the Tickets: 773-753-4472; ety. Finally, Iphigenia voluntarily offers herself manly-man marines. Or Seaman Smith, who classic 1960 Lerner and Loewe musical www.CourtTheatre.org; $45-$65 as “the savior of Greece” and the “destroyer of joined the Navy to escape ghetto violence, only with a welcome revisionist approach that Runs through: Dec. 7 Troy,” clothing her death in the same words of to find herself charged with dropping bombs emphasizes the show’s sexuality and vio- high patriotism real Athenians had heard for on foreign neighborhoods. Then there’s Seaman lence. SCM BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL 30 years, and which finally led them close to Dash, whose blog offers minimal comfort in her The Inside, MPAACT at Greenhouse destruction. struggle with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” secrecy, Theater Center, through Nov. 30. Break- Director Charles Newell and translator Nicholas The production is highly classical, despite a and Colonel Monroe, whose career was founded ing with stereotype is a lonely job, says Rudall’s admirable new version of Iphigenia in veneer of modernity chiefly in scenic designer on the discovery that she was pretty damn the soliloquizing heroine of Lydia R. Dia- Aulis is one Euripides (480-406 BCE) himself Scott Davis’ industrial loading dock set, and GOOD at commanding troops. Oh, and let’s not mond’s early observation of privileged would recognize, and that’s good. It’s lucid, the satiny 1950s-ish party gowns of the cho- forget Airman Matthews, whose family’s disap- north shore vie-de-boheme. MSB vigorous and musical without gimmicks or con- rus in Jacqueline Ferkins’ costumes. Still, the proval of her absentee parenting exacerbates Strandline, , descension to its audience, and with the moral set’s two playing areas, one above for princi- the spiritual isolation from which reservists are through Dec. 7. Abbie Spallen’s Ireland is dilemmas, psychological complexities and iro- pals and one below for chorus, keeps with an- supposed to be exempt. not the nostalgic ruritania we Yankees are nies of its characters kept intact. Iphigenia in tique Greek practice, while the costumes reflect The documented experiences encompass cur- accustomed to seeing, but a post-civil war Aulis was Euripides’ final play, staged in Athens the ancient homogeneity of the chorus. John rent hot-button topics: We receive instruction society as amoral and treacherous as the the year after he died. It coincided with the Culbert’s often-indirect lighting provides a bur- in how to deal with sexual harassment within Balkans or Ukraine. MSB disastrous final defeat of Athens by Sparta in nished glow, while Andre Pluess’ sound (and the ranks and the mistrust engendered thereby Titanic, Griffin Theatre at Theater Wit, the long-running Peloponnesian War, making uncredited music?) offers both constant beat (though dissenters make a case for the plea- through Dec. 7. This beautifully sung and the patriotic basis of Iphigenia’s sacrifice so and occasional melody. sures of flirtation in a rigidly ascetic country intimate production makes a very strong deeply ironic as to become satiric. Rudall’s translation is modern, fresh-sound- devoid of customary outlets for hormonal over- case for Maury Yeston’s five-time Tony- Based on Homeric mythology, the play finds ing and impassioned without falling into col- load). We witness the obstructions encountered winning musical based upon the 1912 the Greek army beached at Aulis, unable to loquialisms (appropriate for Greek comedy at military hospitals by soldiers seeking treat- maritime disaster to be staged in a small sale for Troy because the goddess Artemis has but not tragedy). He and Newell even extract ment for physical, mental and social problems, theater rather than a big Broadway barn. suppressed the winds. A prophet tells King several comic beats, mostly given to an old as well as the difficulties of reorientation from SCM Agamemnon, the Greek supreme commander, slave (Christopher Donahue). The skilled actors the restrictive universe of overseas employ- —By Abarbanel, Barnidge to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, in order to could scale greater heights of emotional fervor ment to the nebulous environment of civilian and Morgan raise the wind. Agamemnon (Mark L. Montgom- as the play builds towards the end, for even in “office culture.” ery) agrees, then reverses himself, and then modern English it’s not realistic material, but Carney’s extensive research is the result of determines he must complete the repugnant director Newell prefers to let words and situa- numerous interviews with actual veterans (in- sacrifice knowing it will destroy his marriage, tions speak for themselves in an approach to cluding one appearing in the cast—see if you his family and his life. His wife, Clytemnestra text avoiding bathos or bombast. The resulting can identify her without looking at the playbill (Sandra Marquez), cannot dissuade him, nor clarity of Iphigenia in Aulis is a gift, as is its bios). Director Tara Mallen and the nine-mem- Iphigenia (Stephanie Andrea Barron) herself, perfect 95-minute running time. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 15 16 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES NUNN ON ONE WCT: Your fellow Celebrity Apprentice Lisa Lampanelli wants to do a Broadway show also. DS: She’s a doll. Rockin’ around the WCT: I just spoke to Lou Ferrigno. DS: He’s a dick. He tried to start some stuff in the boardroom on the show that wasn’t true. Christmas tree with It was taken out and Mr. Trump had to start the scene over. WCT: Did you ever think about making a reality show, like Ozzy Osbourne? Dee Snider DS: We had one season on E! called Grow- ing Up Twisted. It didn’t get picked up for a by Jerry Nunn She will be dropping by the show at some follow-up season. I think my family is a little point. too healthy for reality TV. I’m not a controversy Dee Snider always finds a way to rock. In the WCT: I saw there is a special meet-and- generator. I’m level headed and cool. I’m good ‘80s his group Twisted Sister made unforget- greet package that people can buy. for a few episodes but then it is time to get table videos for “We’re Not Gonna Take It” and DS: Yes, I am calling it The Dee Snider Ex- Gary Busey back! “I Wanna Rock” that fought the system. From perience. When I was in Rock of Ages I was at WCT: You seem very liberal. the long blonde hair to the heavy eye shadow the stage door every single night, signing and DS: I am the most confused as far as pub- his heavy metal drag look made him a standout meeting people. I like to pull back the curtain lic perception. I am pro amendments. I fight amongst the other bands in the day. and show the great and powerful Oz. [against] censorship and [for] the Second Since 1997, he has ran a radio show called WCT: You have always been very approach- Amendment as well. I try to do what is right House of Hair that plays on 220 stations in able as a celebrity, from what I have seen. and judge each situation individually on party North America. DS: I will be real honest. I went through my lines. I am both hailed and reviled by the con- He’s tackled reality TV with Celebrity Appren- asshole phase before I became really famous. servatives and the liberals. tice and Celebrity Wife Swap. My band was regionally famous in the New York When Paul Ryan wanted to use “We’re Not No stranger to a musical since starring in area. We played to thousands of people five Gonna Take It” and since he is so anti-choice, Rock of Ages, Snider has created a new holi- nights a week. This was in the ‘70s. We were I did not endorse him using my songs. The day spectacle called Dee Snider’s Rock and Roll together 10 years before people even knew first line of my song is “we have the right to Christmas Tale. The show is full of classic songs we existed. There’s a documentary coming out choose.” What was he thinking? The only thing where this rocker not only wrote the story but called We Are Twisted Fucking Sister about I agree with him on is using the P90X. also plays the narrator. The story follows an those years that it took to get the world to WCT: What is your stance on gay rights? ‘80s hair band called Däisy Cütter trying to notice us. I was a real asshole back then. DS: I am super pro-gay rights. Look—I did make it big in the world of music. WCT: So you got it out of your system? drag for many years and my wife taught me Snider discussed this new project over cof- DS: I did. One of the big game-changers was how to wear the right shade of lipstick. This fee in downtown Chicago before the musical meeting Billy Joel. I was at a party with him. company that does a high-end nail polish Dee Snider. PR photo opened. He was so approachable and down-to-earth. I wants to do “I Wanna Rock” pink to celebrate Windy City Times: First off, Dee stands for wanted to be like him and not be so arrogant. my 30 years of wearing pink nail polish. your name Daniel, right? I wanted people to say that I’m nice like Billy DS: No; we did it up until five or six years I’m heterosexual, but I fight for the rights Dee Snider: My first name is Daniel but my Joel. I never told him how that affected me. ago. One time I was helicoptered in to a show for people to express themselves and be who middle name is Dee. It changed my approach to the star I wanted of 75,000 people in Holland with Kiss, Def they want to be. WCT: Your Rock & Roll Christmas Tale is to be. Leppard, and Whitesnake. We had no time to Express yourself at Dee Snider’s Rock & [holding its world premiere] here. Why pick WCT: Did you think about making a Hal- change or get dressed up. The newspapers were Roll Christmas Tale running now through Chicago [instead of] New York? loween show instead of a Christmas show? stunned that we were that great of a rock band. Jan. 4 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water DS: You can’t be such an upstart as to start in DS: I did an ill-fated Halloween project called The makeup and costumes hid the fact that we Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St. Visit Broad- New York. You always have to start out of town. Van Helsing’s Curse. We made a concept album are a great live band. It was time to take it off wayInChicago.com for tickets and show- The Broadway community will literally murder inspired by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. It was and be a little more age appropriate. At this times today. you if you have the audacity to try to launch taking classical music and mixing it with rock age I should put lipstick on my teeth so I look Keep up with the rocker at www.deesnider. a show in New York City, unless it is off-Broad- songs in a speedball of creepiness. I narrated like my aunt! com. way. We considered doing off-Broadway but my the story and the reviews were astounding. It lead producer, John Yonover, is from Chicago was so expensive that it just didn’t catch on. and has a love affair with this town for a good I have a real passion for Halloween. Those are Links Hall. The fund aims “to promote and reason. So many great shows have started here my two favorite holidays. Mapplethorpe support artists and performers working in with . My friend Cyndi I did that movie Strangeland with a big cult exhibition the realms of healing AIDS, gay activism and Lauper started her show here so if it is good following and it was the first of the torture spiritual and sexual transformation.” enough for her then its good enough for me. genre. I am definitely connected to the Hallow- through Nov. 22 There is a $10 suggested donation; call This is a good place to test things before een community. My daughter was born on Hal- “Robert Mapplethorpe: Photographs from 773-281-0824 or visit http://linkshall.tick- New York, which isn’t our final destination by loween. She’s a creepy little girl in a wonderful The Kinsey Institute Collection” will go on etfly.com/event/669093-poonies-cabaret- the way. When the show does well here, yes way and the Wednesday Addams of our family! display through Nov. 22 at Indiana Univer- in-these-chicago/. we do intend to go to Broadway but we want WCT: Did you have a favorite Christmas sity’s Grunwald Gallery. to have the show here again next year with a song you had to get in this musical? With the Grunwald Gallery and The Kinsey different rock star doing my part. Conceptually DS: When Twisted Sister did a Twisted Christ- Institute jointly presenting, the exhibition it will be Alice Cooper’s Rock & Roll Christmas mas record, one I loved was “Silver Bells” and marks the first time this group of photo- Gift Theatre to Tale in Phoenix, Bob Seger’s Christmas Tale in that is in the show. It works so well as an AC/ graphs has been publicly shown. honor chef Art Detroit, and ’s Christmas Tale in Las DC-type rock song. For further information, contact the Grun- Vegas. Get the local rock star to take the plum WCT: Where is the rest of Twisted Sister? wald Gallery at 812-855-8490 or grunwald@ Smith Nov. 20 role of the narrator and have his name at the DS: We are still together but not as active as indiana.edu. The Gift Theatre will celebrate its 13th year top of the marquee. I did write it so I will be we were. We usually do about a dozen shows a with The GIFT Gala 2014, held at the Chicago the one to launch it. year. We mainly do summer festivals and not Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., on Thurs- WCT: Tell readers about the basic plot. full blown touring. It’s fun and reminds me of ‘In These Boxes’ day, Nov. 20, 6-10 p.m. DS: It is very simple. It’s the story of a strug- when I first started out. It’s like playing the The company will honor chef , gling rock band who sell their souls to the devil school dance all over again. Since we don’t Nov. 30 at this year’s recipient of the Total Gift Award, but have a magical Christmas instead. It is a tour, when we get together we are happy to with a culinary and theatrical experience. story as old as time itself! see each other. It makes it very special when Links Hall Smith—the former personal chef to Oprah Dudley Saunders’ In These Boxes—de- It’s cool and rocks but very much a family we hang out together. Fortunately, I have kept Winfrey and current co-owner of the upscale scribed in a press release as “an uncommon show for ages 7 to 70. I will be bringing my myself together physically so I can still enter- Southern comfort-food restaurant Table and uncanny mix of live music, transmedia grandkids and I have three of them. I had that tain people and they won’t be disappointed. fifty-two—founded the non-profit charity My greatest fear is to get onstage and see a and video art that explores the human need in mind as I created it. I wanted a show that Common Threads, which focuses on teach- look of disappointment in somebody’s eyes if to keep the dead from disappearing by hold- would be entertaining and that I could share ing children about diverse cultures through with my children and grandchildren. I was a shadow of what I once was. I’m ripped ing on to their things”—will take place Sun- food and art, for which he was awarded the It’s edgy with an exorcism but you walk out but I’m from the ‘60s and gravity will win even- day, Nov. 30, at Links Hall, 3111 N. Western 2007 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian feeling Christmas-y! tually! Ave. at 7 p.m. Award. Smith is also a subscriber to The Gift WCT: You worked with Giuliana Rancic on WCT: Would you ever cut your hair off? For the Chicago premiere of the show, Theatre Company. the project. DS: Yeah; when I did Strangeland I dyed my Saunders asks attendees to contribute pho- The gala will consist of a Southern-themed DS: Yes, we did “Silent Night” as a single hair red. I couldn’t get it out because of the tos of objects they have inherited from loved culinary tour, with a theatrical/musical ex- last year. It will be rereleased this year. She is bleached hair. It was frazzled. The kids at my ones and can’t let go. They will then be in- perience following that. great. Her husband Bill is an Apprentice alumni children’s school called me “yarn head.” We corporated into the performance. Contact Tickets are $125 for the tour and program, also so we are like a little family. had to start over so we chopped it. It was him at [email protected]. and $40 for just the performance.; call 773- She auditioned for the show and came out strangely liberating. Part of the proceeds will support the Dun- 283-7071 or visit http://thegifttheatre.org/. and killed it. We talked to her about playing WCT: You don’t wear the makeup these can Erley Coming Out the Closet Fund at the lead role of Suzette but she is very busy. days? WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 17 TWO BROTHERS. ONE WOMAN. PASSIONS RUN HIGH. Verdi IL TROVATORE Sung in Italian with projected English texts Just 2 more performances: Nov 21 & 29 “Grand opera at its Bearly Legal. Image from GayCo Productions most extravagant best” THEATER REVIEW Bindert and Trevino open the show with a Chicago Sun-Times very witty commentary on the name change up Bearly Legal of many North Halsted Street gay bars, with Playwrights: The ensemble an Abbott and Costello-type riff on the newly At: GayCo Productions at The revived Manhole. Playground Theater, 3209 N. Halsted St. Bindert is also involved in a hilariously awk- Tickets: 773-871-3793 or ward sketch as a gay father fielding female www.gayco.com/bearlylegal; $13-$18 freshness questions from Island as his very Runs through Dec. 20 inquisitive daughter. Bindert also shines as a gay guy apologist to a woman he briefly dated BY SCOTT C. MORGAN in high school when he claimed he was still bisexual. Chicago’s longest-running LGBTQ sketch com- A bearded Lotito is amusing in a rant about edy troupe GayCo Productions turns 18 years Lyric Opera Production. Generously made possible by an Anonymous Donor, the increased sexualized trend of male facial Julie and Roger Baskes, the Howard Family Foundation, and the Mazza Foundation. PHOTOS: ROBERT KUSEL, DAN REST old with a new revue called Bearly Legal. hair, which clearly spoofs the contradictory Yet it’s odd that GayCo didn’t mine that mile- way that some women who wear suggestive stone age for a series of comedy sketches in- clothing complain about being objectified. AN EPIC AMERICAN LOVE STORY PACKED volving newly official adults buying their first There are also many fun ensemble musical legal lotto tickets, cigarettes or sex toys. And numbers. There’s a very astute sketch about WITH UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS with a pun title like Bearly Legal, there’s sur- gay men’s obsessions with social media docu- prisingly not any jokes about jailbait-no-more mentation, plus a nostalgic number as Trevino AND ICONIC SONGS YOU LOVE. cubs trying to enter into the gay Bear subcul- reminisces about his drunken misspent youth ture. as a Halsted Street bar hopper. Island is partic- ® Instead, Bearly Legal under Aaron Sjoholm’s ularly loopy as a guitar-strumming baby music The Gershwins ’ direction plays much like any other GayCo re- class leader with songs that tackle very adult vue in a non-milestone year. It’s not a bad subjects. thing, but it feels like a missed opportunity. Yet there’s also room for improvement. A Eagle-eyed gender-equality sticklers might pantomime involving an accident-prone les- PORGY also grumble about the casting of Bearly Legal, bian couple could have been developed more even though there is an equal number of men clearly, while a running gag song complain- and women on stage. ing about a tiresome newly out woman going One of the three women in the show is the through “lesbian puberty” just peters out each AND very supportive music director Sandy Van Lan- time it reappears. ingham, leaving just Kathy Betts and Erin Is- As is the case with many people’s 18th birth- ® land to be two funny ladies opposite the three days, Bearly Legal might not live up to all ex- funny guys of Robin Trevino, Adam Bindert BESS pectations of that milestone age. Yet it’s quite by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin and Christopher “Tito” Thies Lotito. But hu- an accomplishment for GayCo to have endured mor doesn’t have to rely on quotas, and there’s so long, and to have remained so funny. Sung in English with projected English texts plenty of laughs in GayCo’s Barely Legal. 12 more performances through Dec 20 SPOTLIGHT “The hottest show in town” Chicago Tribune on Porgy and Bess Chicago premiere

The reconceived 2012 Broadway revival of Annie wasn’t the smash hit that many Lyric Opera Presentation. Generous sponsors are the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, The Elizabeth Morse in the theater industry hoped. So instead Charitable Trust, Cherryl T. Thomas and Ardmore Associates, and Roberta L. and Robert J. Washlow of replicating that revival, producers of a with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts. new non-Equity national tour turned to original Annie lyricist and director Mar- tin Charnin (who will turn 80 later this LYRICOPERA.ORG | 312.827.5600 month) to restage the beloved 1977 Tony Award-winning hit. Annie continues now 2014/15 LYRIC SEASON through Sunday, Nov. 30, at the , 151 W. Randolph St. Re- Don Giovanni | Capriccio | Il Trovatore | Porgy and Bess | Anna Bolena maining performances are 7 pm. Tuesdays Tosca | Tannhäuser | The Passenger | Carousel | The Magic Victrola through Fridays (no show Nov. 27; extra 7 p.m. show Nov. 23), 1 and 7 p.m. Sat- El Pasado Nunca Se Termina | Lang Lang Recital urdays and 1 p.m. Sundays (extra 1 p.m. matinee Nov. 28). Tickets are $25-$90; BUY 4 OPERAS AND SAVE UP TO 40% call 800-775-2000 or visit www.broadway- inchicago.com. Photo by Joan Marcus SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE 18 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES world’s most famous telephone psychic, and who came out in 2006—is a central figure in the movie. Whether her psychic gifts were or are real, she’s an entertaining addition to the KNIGHT movie. The film is available on iTunes. http:// AT www.hotlinedoc.com/hotlinedoc/home.html —Anne de Mare and Kirsten Kelly’s documen- THE tary The Homestretch—which illuminates the MOVIES problem of teen homelessness in Chicago by focusing on three of them (including a feisty, fun lesbian)—returns to the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., for an encore run be- ginning Friday, Nov. 21. http://www.siskelfilm- center.org/homestretch By —In celebration of both Native American Richard Heritage month and transgender awareness, Knight Jr. the and the Queer Film Society are screening writer-director Sydney Freeland’s Drunktown’s Finest, the evocative drama of three young, troubled Native Ameri- Foxcatcher; cans, including a promiscuous trans individual. The film had a sold-out screening during the film notes recent Reeling Film Festival. The free screen- ing will be held Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Sulzer Foxcatcher left me feeling tremendously un- Regional branch, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave., at 6:30 settled. It’s eerie, pervasive undertone fills one p.m. I’ll be introducing the film and leading a with a sense of dread—not unlike Sean Dur- post screening talk back. http://www.chipub- kin’s Martha, Marcy, Mae, Marlene and Alexan- lib.org/locations/38/ dre Moors’ Blue Caprice. That’s reason enough Check out my archived reviews at http:// for a lot of folks to take it in. And the arresting www.windycitymediagroup.com or http:// performances of Steve Carell, Channing Tatum www.knightatthemovies.com. Readers can and Mark Ruffalo, as its three leading charac- Channing Tatum (left) and Mark Ruffalo in Foxcatcher. Photo by Scott Garfield leave feedback at the latter website. ters, certainly help the film live up to its award buzz. But what is this strange, methodical Dave has arrived just in time to help Mark movie really about? recover a bit of his stability but by that point I’ve been mulling that over for weeks and I’m something—something unexplained—has oc- still not completely sure what Bennett Miller’s curred between Mark and du Pont. Whatever film, a true-crime psychodrama, is trying to it is, it’s so unforgiveable that Mark won’t get at—although I have my suspicions. It’s even speak to du Pont or look at him. Soon, so elusive with its chilly, muted approach that he moves away, leaving brother Dave up to his it’s anybody’s guess. Is it the story of the rich tragic fate—his inexplicable murder by du Pont. preying on the poor? An indictment of Ameri- The reasons for the shooting, which might have ca’s unspoken caste system? A straightforward been due to du Pont’s growing paranoia and reenactment of a bizarre crime, committed by a other oddities, aren’t discussed. (Also, the wealthy psychopath? Or do we have a caution- timeline is truncated, making it seem that ary tale of an impossibly rich, closeted chicken Dave’s murder might have been triggered by du hawk who murders the brother of his one-time Pont’s blaming Dave for Mark’s moving away, lover, jealous over the brothers’ love and devo- although it actually came years later.) tion for each other? Although Foxcatcher doesn’t offer much psy- I think Foxcatcher is all those things but chological insight into the crime or its leading ultimately it’s that last element—the queer characters (unlike Miller’s Capote, which the David Pevsner as Scrooge in Scrooge & Marley. Photo by Hal Baim undertone—that resonated as its true theme. movie closely resembles visually), those three But Miller’s movie—scripted by E. Max Frye and stellar performances (and several excellent The Chicago Public Library will round out Dan Futterman—is so ambiguous and chaste supporting ones, including Vanessa Redgrave ‘Scrooge & Marley’ the season when it hosts two screenings about the sexuality of its central figures, the as du Pont’s hated mother), the movie’s care- has local screenings of the film, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15, creepy, ultra-rich John du Pont (Steve Carell, fully controlled visual style, and it’s deliberate, The holiday season moves into high gear on at the Humboldt Park branch, 1605 N. Troy sporting a false beak and dingy teeth) and the horrifyingly fascinating pace are tremendous Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7, when St.; and Monday, Dec. 22, at the Bezazian hulking object of his fascination, wrestler Mark assets. And the big elephant in the movie— the Chicago holiday film Scrooge & Marley branch, 1226 W. Ainslie St. Members of the Schultz (Channing Tatum, tremendous and sul- that gay subtext—is certainly something to returns to the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. film’s creative team will attend the screen- len) that it might pass right over the heads of contemplate long after you’ve finished watch- Southport Ave., a little more than two years ing. many in the audience. Here’s a movie so re- ing the movie. from the date of its red-carpet premiere at DVDs, Blu-rays, soundtrack CDs and other pressed and so closeted, it could easily have the historic venue in 2012. Both screenings film merchandise will be available passed Hollywood’s bygone production code. Film notes: are at noon, for $10 each. for purchase at all the screenings. Scrooge Make no mistake—Foxcatcher is gay, gay, gay. —What’s the T?, from filmmaker Cecilio The movie, which was entirely shot in & Marley, which noted film critic and Have At the outset of the story we meet Mark, an Asuncion, profiles five young transgender fe- Chicago, is a modern-day, gay variation on Yourself a Movie Little Christmas author Olympic gold medal-winning wrestler down males—each with enough sass, heart and Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Alonso Duralde has called “sweet and dis- on his luck whose life is changed when he re- bravery for any one documentary. The standout These matinee screenings include a festive tinctive,” is also available for download via ceives an invitation to meet du Pont. Flown by is Cassandra Cass, a larger-than-life (literally) pre-show. The swingin’ female a cappella car- the movie’s website, which also includes de- helicopter to du Pont’s gigantic estate in the showgirl whose razor-sharp wit and down-to- oling trio The Merry Janes will lead a holiday tailed information about the film and links Pennsylvania countryside, Schultz happily ac- earth sense of self are as thought-provoking as sing-a-long preceding the Dec. 6 matinee. to other related merchandise available for cepts the strange man’s invitation to be a part one would expect. The other women profiled— Audiences of all persuasions have em- purchase. Amazon has the DVD, Blu-ray and of a wrestling training facility he’s built on the each displaying an abundance of courage and braced Scrooge & Marley, which stars David soundtrack available for quick purchase and grounds. Looking down his nose (literally) at verve—are just as insightful. It’s an entertain- Pevsner as Scrooge, Tim Kazurinsky as Mar- gifting. See www.scroogeandmarleymovie. the younger man with his oddly chosen words ing and often eye-opening experience. Avail- ley’s Ghost, Rusty Schwimmer, Megan Ca- com. and stilted speech patterns, du Pont is one of able on DVD and digital download; http:// vanagh, Ronnie Kroell, and David Moretti, those guys whose personality is so antisocial www.whatsthetfilm.com/ features multiple Emmy Award-winner Bruce he makes the geekiest nerd seem like the class —One would think, in the Internet age, that Vilanch as Fezziwig, and is narrated by two- Indie film fest Nov.18; The short-film fest “Indie Incubator XIX: president. telephone hotlines would have outlived their time Tony Award-winner Judith Light. Mem- Second to the Last, But Second to None” will Mark basks in the lux lifestyle du Pont of- usefulness. But the documentary Hotlines, the bers of the cast and crew will be on hand for take place Tuesday, Nov. 18, at The Original fers and quickly becomes the star in a group of feature debut of director/producer Tony Shaff, both screenings. Advance tickets are avail- Mother’s, 26 W. Division St., at 8 p.m. other muscle-bound wrestlers training at the makes a case for their continued importance. able at www.musicboxtheatre.com. As in the past, every filmmaker will be center. For a while, the honeymoon is on and As many in the film point out, there’s noth- The festive spirit continues on Sunday, awarded an Eye-Con award; however, only Mark quickly succumbs to John’s jet-set life- ing like the soothing voice of a stranger on the Dec. 14, when the Oak Park chapter of PFLAG one will be crowned “Best in Fest,” complete style—the cocaine binges and the like (which phone when certain psychological conditions and OPALGA (Oak Park Lesbian and Gay As- with a $250 cash prize. (Winners must be incorporate late-night private wrestling “train- need to be sated—a need to get off, a curi- sociation) co-sponsor a screening of the film present.) ing” sessions du Pont demands). Soon, Mark osity about one’s future and, especially, when at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Admission is free, and it is free to submit is out of shape and losing important matches. one is in emotional freefall. Going behind the The free 2 p.m. screening will be followed a film. Films must be submitted on or before Things reach a turning point when du Pont scenes of hotlines—from phone-sex operators by an after-party that will include a festive Friday, Nov. 14. hires Mark’s brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo, giv- to teen-suicide prevention to an LGBT center carol sing-a-long and refreshments. Members Visit www.indieincubatorfilmfest. ing his usual expert performance), to take over in San Francisco, Shaff’s movie illuminates the of the film’s creative team will attend the com; a highlight reel is at http://vimeo. coaching duties. This sends Mark—who has al- dedicated volunteers who work these phone screening and party. http://opalga.org/ ways lived in Dave’s shadow—into a deep funk. centers. Ms. Cleo—a lesbian who is easily the com/94625646. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 19 NUNN ON ONE Talking with Mr. Grinch by Jerry Nunn Grinch: Oh, she played the Grinch? She tried to be me? The goes green this holiday WCT: What would you tell people that season with a new production of Dr. Seuss’ haven’t seen the show? How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The show will Grinch: Hopefully people have heard of my feature songs such as “You’re a Mean One, Mr. story. It is show for Grandma Who, Grandpa Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the Who, Papa Who, and Mama Who. Every Who of classic animated special. all shapes and sizes and all ages. Everybody Max the Dog serves as the narrator to the tale should come see it. of the Grinch attempting to rob Christmas from WCT: What do you do after the show is the small northern town of Whoville. over? Tony Award winner Shuler Hensely leads the Grinch: I just go back to my cave in Mount cast, and is ready to steal the show. Crumpit and yell at Max all day. Windy City Times went behind the scenes at It’s a limited engagement as the Grinch The Chicago Theatre with this statuesque char- runs away with Christmas Thursday, Nov. 20, acter to hear more about this musical from the through Saturday, Nov. 29, at The Chicago mean man himself. Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets are $35- Windy City Times: So what name do you $125, and can be found by visiting www. go by? thechicagotheatre.com/thegrinch or by call- Grinch: Grinch, The Grinch or Your Grinch- ing 866-858-0008. The Grinch. Photo by Dan Rest ness. WCT: So no last name? Grinch: Nope, like Madonna... WCT: And Cher! Grinch: Right—Cher, of course. WCT: Why do you think this story is still popular today? Grinch: Christmas is always a kid’s favorite holiday. It is one of those classic ones. Grand- ma grew up with the book and their kids grew up with the cartoon so it something that is passed on from generation to generation. WCT: What is the best part of being the Grinch? Grinch: I get to steal everything. You better watch out! WCT: I better be careful with my camera here. Sticky fingers, huh? Grinch: Oh, you got a camera? [Goes through interviewer’s bag] WCT: What did Cindy Lou Who ever do to you? Grinch: I love Cindy Lou. Well, maybe love is a strong word; she’s not so bad. She makes my heart grow. She understands what Christmas is really about. Everyone else thinks it’s about presents and all of that. No, it is about family, love, and all of that crap. WCT: How often do you eat green eggs and ham? Grinch: What day is it? Wednesday? So, nev- er... WCT: What is Dr. Seuss like in real life? Grinch: A great guy. I have him over for pok- er every Tuesday night. WCT: Do you have a love/hate relationship with Max? Grinch: How long do you have? Max is the only one who can stand me. He almost smells as bad as I do. He’s my little buddy, I guess. He’s my rein- deer and pulls my sleigh. WCT: Is there something in particular you really hate about Christmas? Maybe leaving up decorations for too long? Grinch: I would say most of it—the wreaths, the the trees, the snow, presents, wrappings, and Merry Janes trappings, and toys, ew. It is too much, man. WCT: Why should people go see the live Dec 6 show as opposed to a cartoon? only Grinch: Live theater you are seeing things in the flesh with your eyeballs. It is right in your face and you are surrounded by music. You can A HOLIDAY MOVIE FOR ALL OF US see me and the Whos in person. There is some- thing about going to the theater and making a night of it. There is something about it people really like. SAM I AM FILMS Presents “SCROOGE & MARLEY” DAVID PEVSNER, TIM KAZURINSKY, RUSTY SCHWIMMER, BRUCE VILANCH, MEGAN CAVANAGH, WCT: What is your favorite song in the Narrated Music Makeup RONNIE KROELL, DAVID MORETTI, RICHARD GANOUNG, BECCA KAUFMAN by JUDITH LIGHT by LISA McQUEEN Designer LORA MICHAEL Two shows at the show? Costume Production Director of Written Grinch: My song—“One of a Kind”—baby! Designer JILL DUNBAR Editor PETER NEVILLE Designer ROB STEFFAN Photography ANDREW PARROTTE by ELLEN STONEKING, RICHARD KNIGHT, JR. and Produced Directed Music Box Theatre WCT: I remember it from the seeing the TIMOTHY IMSE by DAVID STRZEPEK, TRACY BAIM by PETER NEVILLE and RICHARD KNIGHT, JR. live show before? December 6 & 7 Grinch: You saw it at the Cadillac Palace The- scroogeandmarleymovie.com atre? at NOON WCT: Yes. Grinch: That was a good one. WCT: What did you think of the Glee ver- sion where Jane Lynch played the Grinch? 20 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES NUNN ON ONE: TELEVISION Angela Bassett on ‘Horror Story’ and playing intersex by Jerry Nunn the edges and everything sort of blend seam- lessly. From there, he and the other special-ef- Actress Angela Bassett continues to take on fects gentlemen will begin to apply the paint. interesting projects in an ever-growing career. They’ll start with brown and they spray it on. She has morphed into real-life people such as They’ll go to the red and yellow and green. It’s Tina Turner, Betty Shabazz, Voletta Wallace, amazing these colors and undertones that they Rosa Parks and Katherine Jackson, portraying claim you possess. You’re like, “Oh, those are them on the big and small screens. weird colors.” He’ll take a photograph of it to The talented Yale alumna continues to be make sure that it appears as if it’s my own and nominated for films such as The Score, Akeelah based on that he’ll maybe go in, and do so and the Bee, Meet the Browns and Jumping the more painting, and carry on. Broom. Bassett has won awards for her roles in That’s it. It takes maybe from start to finish such films as Stella Got Her Groove Back and about an hour, just enough time to check out Music of the Heart. a Netflix episode of Orange Is the New Black or She joined the American Horror Story ensem- something. ble with Coven and is now in her second season WCT: What was it like trying on the pros- with Freak Show, portraying Desiree Dupree, a thetic for the first time? three-breasted woman. We focused the inter- AB: Well, I was glad it wasn’t on my face. view on the horror show that seems to have I’m claustrophobic. You can just feel confined Angela Bassett on American Horror Story. Photo by Frank Ockenfels the whole world talking on Wednesday nights. a little after about 14 hours of it being on. Windy City Times: Hi, Angela. First off, The initial appliance was extremely heavy. I demand a different kind of treatment but that’s ing out of one’s nostrils. I think that was the how is it working with FX? think it was made of silicone. It started out just not a desire of her as a freak; it’s just de- most awkward part, but sexually, it wasn’t. Angela Bassett: The work environment is re- fine, but after about hour number 12 and on sire for her as a human being. WCT: Clowns have been the talk of the ally wonderful. I mean, it’s a hectic, fast-paced it became hot and heavy. I believe it started WCT: Does she see him as a bully? town this season. Do you ever get scared of sort of work environment, but the cast and the sagging, which I’m like, “What is the point of AB: I think she did find someone, that there them on the show? crew are tireless. They’re dedicated and talent- having three sagging breasts? No, this is not was a time when he was kind, and good to her, AB: I think, well, when he took that mask ed as heck. We put hours and hours in. There’s good.” They reworked it and made it out of and believed in her, and made her feel valu- off, and I saw where he had put a gun in his nothing but support from the network, which is foam, which I was so pleased about because able and special. I think that there have been mouth, and shot half his face off, you know? evident from being picked up for another sea- it’s the difference of night and day. Still after moments over those years when they’ve been The way the little people treated him, which son after the airing of the first show. That’s just about 12 hours that internal heat, you begin together where he’s crossed the line with her in spurred him on to do that. I didn’t like that. indicative of the support that we experience. to sweat and itch.You’re scratching foam. It’s his speak, and his speech, and the things that That sort of freaked me out, just how people WCT: How about that stellar cast? much lighter and more bearable. I guess I’ve he says. He’s begged for forgiveness. It’s that treat one another. He was innocent in his AB: That was one of the prevailing reasons grown accustomed. same old thing sometimes it happens, when mind, so taking advantage of that. Pushing for me joining the cast. I couldn’t believe I’d WCT: What was your reaction when you people are abusive physically. I think there’s him to that point. That was a lot for me. That get an opportunity to work with Jessica Lange landed the role? been maybe some emotional abuse through- made me very sad. and Kathy Bates in a lifetime, especially at the AB: I didn’t have a clue whatsoever what the out the years, but always never crossing the WCT: It’s a pretty heavy show. Who on the same time. It’s wonderful. part might be, what it might encompass when line, and completely crossing the line, or she’s set is fun? WCT: It seems like your character is be- I signed on. I just knew I had a great time weighing if I give this up, what do I lose? Can I AB: Let’s see, well, Sarah Paulson can make ginning to be friends with Kathy’s character, the previous year, and if that was any indica- move on from this? Can we move on from this? me laugh really easy; so can Gabby Sidibe when Ethel, this season. What can you tell readers tion, it was going to be a wild ride. I think it Can we remain together? she’s around. I haven’t gotten the opportunity about that? was about two weeks before I was scheduled I think there has come a point in last week’s to spend any time with her this year. Michael AB: That’s the thing. We really don’t know to come down to start shooting that I got the episode where he crossed the line of no re- Chiklis is light-hearted. Emma Roberts is pretty what’s coming in the subsequent episodes hot off the press script. I sat down to read it turn. She thought she knew who he was, but crazy, especially last night; it was she and I and the subsequent scripts. That’s the aspect to see and I remember wondering, “Now, how she found out she was living with the enemy. till midnight outdoors in the cold. She’s pretty of this that makes it a little bit frustrating or am I going to know who I am?” Then I read There’s something about him that was dishon- funny. difficult for us. I guess we don’t have input, the stage direction, “African-American woman est and disloyal. They were there for each oth- WCT: Ryan Murphy said the seasons are all but we might have influence. We’ve played it in her 40s, hermaphrodite, three breasts, and er. They told each other their painful truth. I connected. Do you know how Desiree or Ma- as good friends. It remains to be seen. Maybe a ding-a-ling.” You immediately close the think he crossed the line. Sometimes that hap- rie will fit in? they’ll see that in the writer’s room and it’ll pages, and have to walk around, and process pens and you can’t go back. You can’t make AB: Is that right? The only connection I was take them down a different road then they had that for a minute. You’re thinking, “What does yourself go back. able to make was Pepper from season two to anticipated. That can, does happen, and has that mean? Oh, my gosh. If they thought I was WCT: Was that love scene awkward with season four. No, I haven’t thought about that. happened in the past. We’ll see. I’d like to be crazy demonic last year, what are they going to Evan Peters? That gives me something to think about. friends with Ethel. We were such archenemies think this year?” AB: Well, it was not too awkward. He’s a American Horror Story: Freak Show ignites last year for all eternity as it turned out. WCT: Did you call up Ryan Murphy about cute little boy who’s engaged. I mean, you’re fear under the big top Wednesdays at 9 p.m. WCT: Is your character on American Horror it? playing characters. He’s quite a professional. I on FX. Visit www.fxnetworks.com for details. Story this season based on a real-life per- AB: No. I wasn’t scared like that. I just knew think the most awkward part of it was he was son? that it was absolutely going to be something so emotional, and just tears, and things com- AB: Well, of that I’m not sure, but I know that I had never done before. What does an that there are instances of individuals who actor crave, but new challenges? This certainly have this sort of characteristic. What they’re was going to be one of those. Soap opera’s Hall in called is intersex today. In the ‘50s the term WCT: Now that it is revealed that she is was hermaphrodite, but today the terminology 100-percent woman, is your approach dif- ‘Special Rudolph’ is considered passé, especially in that commu- ferent with her? AB: No. I don’t think it’ll change how I ap- Dec. 7 nity. Days of Our Lives star Deidre Hall will be proach or how she acts. I think she’s comfort- WCT: What was the makeup process like featured in Hell in a Handbag’s annual ben- able with who she is, by and large. I think she’s for you? efit “A Very Special Rudolph” Sunday, Dec. 7, just had to find a way to work and survive in a AB: Well, I went to an FX studio office and I 5-10 p.m., at Dank Haus German American world that she’s always been reaching for what think it was three women and three men that Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave. she calls normalcy, to have a family, a real fam- took to cast a mold of my chest area and then Hall will join Handbag for the evening’s ily, and children of her own. I don’t think it’s attempt to get the color right—you know, the festivities and appear in a very special pro- going to change and make her more feminine color, the tone, that sort of thing. Of course, duction of the perennial hit show Rudolph or whatever it might be. They might write her the tone is very difficult, and it still takes the Red-Hosed Reindeer (an irreverent, satir- so differently, so I’m open but I don’t antici- about 30 to 40 minutes to paint it once it’s ical parody of the Christmas classic Rudolph pate it’ll change the way that she behaves. I applied. the Red-Nosed Reindeer). think what influences that is how she’s treated, WCT: Who does the makeup? Ticket packages are different levels: Silver how she’s treated by others. AB: I go with my regular makeup artist. ($80), Deidre VIP ($105), Gold ($150) and She applies the appliance to me, so that it’s WCT: She seems to expect different treat- Deidre VIP Deluxe ($175). Visit www.brown- Deidre Hall. Photo courtesy of Hell in a there basically. Then I go over to the special- ment from Michael Chiklis’ character, Dell. papertickets.com or call 800-838-3006. effects trailer, where her husband makes sure AB: Well, she’s walked out on him. She does Handbag Productions WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 21 Lypsinka back on stage after almost a decade By Frank Pizzoli use in a dismissive way just as the word “drag queen” can also be dismissive. “Drag queen” is John Epperson’s legendary Lypsinka is now on a term that dumbs things down to say they’re the New York stage until Jan. 3, 2015. “campy.” On the other hand, the whole world The character is his lip-synching drag alter is dumbed down, so maybe I should say my ego. He brings to the stage Lypsinka! The Tril- revival is “campy” and I’d sell more tickets! ogy consisting of three different productions— WCT: If we think something is “camp,” two revivals: Lypsinka! The Boxed Set, a revue then we needn’t look any deeper than what’s featuring excerpts from films and musical re- being presented visually? cordings, and The Passion of the Crawford, a L: It’s just surface, shallow. I’ve always aimed recreation of a 1973 Joan Crawford interview, for something bigger than that. Whether that’s as well John Epperson: Show Trash, an autobio- a mistake of mine or not, I don’t know. A show graphical setting with Epperson playing piano, needs to be about something. Even something singing, and dishing about his early years in like Broadway’s Cinderella. I imagine Douglas Mississippi. Carter asking himself What is this about? in- Windy City Times caught up with Lypsinka in stead of just telling the story again. What’s NYC in his fave restaurant. deeper than the Cinderella myth on the surface Windy City Times: What brings you back is very powerful. after almost a decade away from the stage? WCT: Like what is beneath drag perfor- Lypsinka: I haven’t been totally away. I’ve mance can be deeper, beyond the visual fluff performed the Passion of the Crawford three you or Ru Paul or any performer presents? times in San Francisco in the past decade. I L: Yes. This will sound hoity-toity, and I don’t joke that anyone could do a show about Joan mean for it to, but people have tried to peg me Crawford in San Francisco and it’ll be a hit! But as a “performance artist” or a “drag queen” or I haven’t done a run of a show in New York for “drag performer” or whatever, but I’ve finally nine years. come to accept that what I am is a surreal- WCT: Everything coming together? ist. Now that could be distancing to lots of L: I’d been waiting for all the pieces to fall people, and that’s an overused word too. There into place—the right theater, right publicist, was even a reality show called The Surreal Life. money, and the right time. I would have done In fact, I wanted to call Show Trash something it earlier if all of that had fallen into place. The else, The Sad and Lonely Half World of the Sissy person who’s really making it happen is an an- Surrealist and we decided the shorter name was gel that I found in Paris. He’s helping to fund more succinct. Still, I’m going to tell the au- the revival so I have him to thank. dience that we thought of that name and we WCT: Have you performed in the Chicago should get a laugh. market? WCT: You’ll give people occasion to think L: Hardly at all—I would like to and I’ve about real versus surreal afterward? tried. L: Hopefully they will think, oh, there’s some- Lypsinka. Image courtesy of Bill Coyle WCT: In the nine years since you’ve been thing more than we thought. Just like I didn’t on a New York stage, assimilation primar- want to go see Michael Urie do a show (Buyer ily through marriage and open service in the & Cellar) about Barbra Streisand, lip-synching Armed Forces is reshaping parts of the LGBT in a dress. That sounds awful. I imagine people community. thinking that, like I did. Then after seeing him, as I did, they realize, oh, my God, there was so Will no longer being “different” change Robb - Charlie’s Desmond - Minibar Brian - Club Krave Miguel - Touche Collin - Manhole our creativity? much more that was unexpected, they had pre- L: Would Tennessee Williams have written conceived notions just as I had. Streetcar Named Desire or Cat on a Hot Tin WCT: Facebook has decided that female impersonators, drag queens, people who Roof or The Glass Menagerie today? Would Mony - Damian - Bobby Loves Ashley - DS Tequila Dylan - Wang’s Adrian - The Closet Tchaikovsky have written all that gorgeous mu- do not use their real names, cannot have a sic if he felt like he belonged? That’s why as- Facebook membership under performance similation worries me. Is it going to be the end names. Have you had any trouble? of culture, of art and creating? L: You’d have to ask Facebook why they Koby - Steamworks Klider - Sidetrack Leo - Rogers Park Social Bonnie - Shaker’s Daniel - The Glenwood Our Host - Jon - Progress WCT: I’ve asked Edmund White what if haven’t given me a hard time, but I wondered people like E. M. Forster, Williams and oth- if maybe it’s because my own longevity outside ers had been out, would they have created of Facebook using the name Lypsinka, created ST XIE 32 years ago. Ima Hogg could have been cre- SE differently? He has said, paraphrasing, they ’S ated last year. It could also have something to AGO may have produced more, not necessarily IC differently. do with the fact that my Facebook page is very CH L: Maybe. Perhaps Williams had other demons popular and they probably know that. I also chasing him, not just his sexuality. We won’t have a Lypsinka fan page there. really know until this assimilation is complete I get many requests from people who want to and a whole generation has gone through it. be my friend, many of them drag queens with Kids often rebel against their parents. Think wacky names and there have been so many about all the gay people who have kids. I’m lately. I thought maybe the popularity of Ru- Closing Party at Progress Bar, 3349 N. Halsted St. curious to see how their kids will manifest their Paul’s Drag Race has made so many gay guys Sunday, November 23, 2014, 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. rebellion. think, “Oh, I want to create a drag character WCT: Say more... for myself too” and they create online identi- Join us for the Closing Party of Barlesque 7 L: Since they’re being raised in very liberal ties. Facebook probably thinks it’s too much, as we crown “Chicago’s Sexiest!” households open about sexual attitudes, their too many. rebellion may not be about sexuality. And just WCT: You’re performing a trilogy, one of because their parents are gay doesn’t mean three shows on different nights in the same Featuring striptease performances and lapdances they are or will be. run. Too many? How do you prepare? by our smoking hot contestants! WCT: Speaking of rebellion, we are at war L: I wish I could meditate but my brain is with words again, from RuPaul to Facebook. always spinning so I’m lucky to sleep. I’m do- Hosted by Debbie Fox. 21 and up. I used the term “camp” and you said, “Oh, ing good if I can get some sleep. I exercise $25 admission gets you 2 drink tickets and constantly, did my cardio and other exercises I hope not.” $25 in Barlesque bucks L: I think “camp” is a very limiting per- this morning with more to do before the day is ception now. Maybe it was liberating in ‘64 out. I exercise my singing daily. I’m going to a www.barlesque.org or www.tpan.com when Susan Sontag wrote her essay (Notes on singing lesson from here. “Camp”). Now it’s an overused word people 22 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Out actor Harrison White on LGBT productions, his Chicago roots

By Carrie Maxwell

As a kid growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Harrison White always dreamed of being a performer. “I remember singing at my Head Start graduation and seeing the tears of joy streaming down my mother’s face. I didn’t even know I could sing,” said White. This started off a lifelong love of performing that was solidified when White was cast in the musical “Raisin” while still in grade school. Performing permeated White’s life from then on. White sang in church and did community The cast of The McCarthys (with Tyler Ritter front and center). Photo courtesy of CBS theater and during high school he joined the drama club and started the dance team (he was the captain). Although White’s family started off mid- John Ritter’s son dle-class, they ended up in living in the proj- ects following his parent’s divorce; however, he said this didn’t define him or his family. plays gay character “My mother had morals and brought us up a certain way including how we looked when we left the house. She didn’t want us to look on CBS’ ‘The McCarthys’ poor,” said White. White first realized he was gay when he By Angelique Smith loved Cheers, of course, because it was set in was a child and, although he grew up in a Boston [and] because it was such a good show. very religious family, he said that didn’t de- On Nov. 10, Windy City Times participated in a We had Jean Smart on an episode recently, and ter him from being out at an early age. “It conference call with actor Tyler Ritter (son of I’m a huge Designing Women fan.” was a very hard time for me compounded Harrison White. Photo by Sylvia Moore the late, great John Ritter) and show creator —Tyler Ritter on whether dad John Ritter by the fact that the reason why my parents Brian Gallivan, where they discussed their new ever encouraged him to pursue show busi- divorced was my father was also gay,” said comedy on CBS, The McCarthys. ness: “No, I never got to have the conversa- White. At first, White’s family had a hard Growing up, White had teachers who be- The McCarthys is “based on Brian Gallivan’s tion with him about pursuing it professionally. time accepting his sexual orientation but lieved in him and told him he could achieve real-life Boston family, and [Ritter] plays the But, I had countless other conversations about now White says they accept him and hus- anything in life. He also has a spiritual back- character inspired by Brian’s life, Ronny Mc- pursuing any other dreams that I may or may band Patrick Killian wholeheartedly. ground that has kept him rooted. “I feel very Carthy. As a young gay man with no interest not have. You know, baseball was a big con- They have been together for 11 years fortunate that I was able to dream big and in sports, Ronny stands out a bit in his fam- nection for the two of us, we went to a lot of and were one of the 18,000 couples who see a lot of my dreams come to fruition. That ily, and even though the McCarthys are often games together. We were like the kind of tra- got married in the summer of 2008 prior is what Chicago was for me,” said White. an abrasive and loud bunch, at their core they ditional father and son; we played catch every to the passage of Proposition 8. White met A graduate of Englewood High School and are a loving and a supportive family that many time we’d spend time together, and he taught Killian—the key hairstylist on the TV show Northern Illinois University (NIU), White was families can relate to each week.” In addition me to swing and all that stuff. So his philoso- Scandal—while he was in Norfolk, Virginia, also a founding member of the Chicago Youth to Ritter, it also stars Laurie Metcalf (Rose- phy behind pursuing [anything] … was always doing a show. They had a long-distance re- Preparatory Company. He spent seven years anne) and Joey McIntyre (from the boy band that if you put in the work and you prepared lationship for a year; then, Killian moved to with the company training and performing New Kids on the Block). behind the scenes, you’ll be able to relax when California. all over Chicago. “We went to places where —Brian Gallivan on being a fan of Windy it counts the most. He just made it look so ef- White got involved with Crystal Chap- other performers wouldn’t go like prisons or City Times: “First of all, I want to say that I fortless, and now that I have this job, I get it pell’s Open Book Productions through his the poor areas of the city. The core of my used to read Windy City Times when I lived in even on a deeper level.” husband. Killian and Chappell were working training came from my there and then I went Chicago. I was there from 2003 to 2007, and —Brian Gallivan on the portrayal of LGBT on the daytime soap Days of Our Lives at to NIU to enhance my training,” said White. working at Second City, which was sort of my characters on the small screen: “It’s tough to the same time. While Chappell was getting White received his acting degree from first time of creating gay characters for a larger be, like, ‘Oh, I want the character to portray her hair and makeup done, she was talking NIU and immediately went to New York City. audience.” this segment of the gay population.’ But, you about needing another actor for her LGBT He spent the next seven years doing com- —Tyler Ritter on what it was about the know, week to week, certain jokes that hit on Web series Venice. “Patrick told her that I mercials, a B-movie and Broadway and off- script and the character that made it the the gay part of Ronny’s life, I’ll be like, ‘No,’ was an actor and asked her if there was a Broadway shows. During dry spells, White right fit: “Just looking at that first pilot, you and I can’t always explain why, [or] ‘Yes, that’s role for me,” White said. “Crystal asked if I passed out flyers, waited tables and traded get a sense that this is a unique sitcom. ... good, I like that.’ Because I’m just enjoying had anything online and Patrick gave her my stocks and bonds at the New York Stock Ex- The jokes are there, the unique sense of humor. sort of getting someone who is like me on TV. information. After looking at my work, Crys- change. White ended up in Los Angeles when But there’s a lot of heart in this show. There’s I know there’s a lot of talk about stereotypes. tal went back to Patrick and told him if I one of the shows he did on Broadway went also a lot of dysfunction kind of covering that I was a writer for Happy Endings, and we had wanted the job I was hired.” on a national tour. Since then, White has heart but, at the end of the day, you can feel a character named Max who was a very straight Since then, White has appeared in all four worked as a performer at Universal Studios safe with this family because you see that they actor. And, you know, that was really fun and seasons of the show and is slated to return Hollywood theme park, had a co-starring role really, truly love each other.” interesting, too. We had the character Phillip, for the fifth season. White has also appeared in a musical opposite Gladys Knight, was a —Brian Gallivan on getting actress Laurie the gay church singer in our pilot, and some in Chappell’s The Grove: The Series pilot member of the LA and Broadway company of Metcalf to sign on: “She is amazing, and I’ve people have said, ‘He’s a stereotype.’ And Jeff movie. “The best part of working with Open The Lion King and performed in a West End— been a huge fan for years. I lived in Chicago Hiller, the actor, is a good friend of mine and Book Productions is the freedom and trust in London—production of Smokey Joe’s Cafe for a while and my gay friends there, we al- he isn’t that far from Phillip in how he is in life. we’ve developed over the years,” said White. before landing at Open Book Productions. ways just referred to her so reverentially as The But he said to me, ‘It seems like I’m too gay “I feel very thankful, fortunate and honored White’s favorite guest-starring role was on Calf. So when her name came up, I said, ‘Well, to get cast as a gay character on television,’ to be a part of these groundbreaking Web the TV show Rizzoli and Isles. “I played a I think she’d be amazing.’ I had to get on the which is a funny line but kind of a sad situa- series because I’ve done work that is very janitor who got killed which was fun since phone with her and try, you know, to woo her tion to be in. important for our [LGBT] community. I’m in I’ve never gotten killed on TV before,” White a bit. But, she had seen some videos I’ve done So, to me, I’d like to just get as many types awe of the whole experience. I love working said. “I was very happy that the character called ‘Sassy Gay Friend’ on YouTube, and she of gay characters on TV as possible, including with Crystal, Jessica Leccia and the rest of got to speak before he was killed. I had was a fan of those and that was so flattering flamboyant characters that some people say are the cast and crew. The fans have been great never laid on a slab table before so that was to me.” stereotypical or throwbacks … because some and the yearly fan events are really cool. I cool and interesting to me. The ladies, Sa- —Brian Gallivan on which TV shows he of the people I favor in the world are flamboy- love my lesbian sisters,” said White. sha [Alexander] and Angie [Harmon], were watched growing up: “I’ve told Tyler this: I ant, effeminate gay men, and I certainly have This past September, White returned to lovely.” was not allowed to watch Three’s Company be- my flamboyant and effeminate moments. I just Chicago for the Reeling Film Festival screen- As for upcoming projects, White is work- cause my mom thought it was fresh. But my want to make sure we don’t all swing the other ing of his latest film, Waiting in the Wings: ing on two ideas now and is currently in the brother’s basketball games were on Tuesday way and say it has to be all straight-acting gay A Musical. White said that it was thrilling to writing process for both projects. nights, so often we would be left home, my men.” return to his hometown and be received in See www.mrharrisonwhite.com for more sister and I, and we would sneak and watch Catch new episodes Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. such a welcoming way. information. Three’s Company when we were little. My family CT on CBS. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 23 AOL True Trans concludes first season By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer had formed in 1997 and unrelentingly drove to significant eminence in the genre. In 2014, ac- In the late 1990s, America Online’s (AOL’s) cording to Billboard, their studio album Trans- chat rooms were havens for transgender people gender Dysphoria Blues was the band’s “high- to meet and talk with others secure behind the est charting album ever.” relative anonymity of a screen name. Within Hayden recalled that discussions with Grace that microcosm, there were still plenty of bul- about her own original series on AOL originat- lies, a fair amount of intolerance (depending ed in February 2013 with some network staff upon which room one visited) and predators on members who were fans of the musician. “We the hunt for cybersexual or physical prey. How- came to her and had some discussions about ever, connections between transgender people what stories she wanted to tell, what [the proj- could be made, stories shared and even lasting ect] would evolve into and what it would look friendships formed. like,” he said. “Laura told us that ‘life is transi- Both before and during those years (up until tion; everybody is in transition.’ That immedi- 2013), for the most part transgender individu- ately clicked for us as, not only as the amaz- als had been personae non gratae within both ing story of her realization and everything she mainstream media and entertainment. Their went through, but something so identifiable more commonplace appearances in front of a that even the person who has never even heard television camera were limited to cannon fod- of LGBTQ can see the humanity. So we set out Laura Jane Grace. Photo from AOL Communications der during the exploitative zenith of the day- to explore the community and, for the first time talk show. The more successful films to time, pull back the curtains on [that] world.” and lived-experience perspective.” Windy City Times challenged Hayden on the feature transgender characters depicted them Shooting on True Trans began when Grace However, despite the comprehensive mission omission. “In the short amount of time we had either as subjects to be reviled and feared or went on the road with Against Me! later that of True Trans, one vital story is missing from to do the series, there was so much ground to opportunities for a few cisgender A-list actors year accompanied by a two-person camera crew the show’s first season. “I was very explicit in cover just as a starting point to open people’s to exchange stereotypical fish-out-of-water helmed by producer/director Austin Reza. The my interview to point out that violence against eyes,” he replied. “I do totally understand that belly laughs for their share of the box office. approximately 10-minute episodes intersperse trans* women disproportionately affects trans* there is a need to cover that piece that is hap- The unabridged, unenhanced straightforward Grace’s own story alongside frank discussions women of color,” Richards said. “While I un- pening in the community on a deeper level.” stories of transgender lives and each of the with trans* and gender-variant people she derstand that it was a context and time is- The first season of True Trans concludes at travails, losses and even the smallest victories meets during the tour on an array of topics sue, I was really disappointed that there was the end of November. Hayden said that, if contained during their run through the gaunt- including “Coming Out,” “Gender Dysphoria” no mention of race in the episode which dealt there is a second season, the issue of violence let of society remained largely untold outside and “Resilience.” with issues of privilege and violence [episode against trans woman of color could play a more of the Internet. “Hearing their stories and then being able to seven].” prominent role in the narrative. “We’ve told In April 2012—years after social media had relate myself to it is what I need right now,” With violence against trans* women of color the story of what transition is,” he said. “If we driven its chat rooms into Internet antiquity— Grace says in the introduction to each epi- becoming epidemic in nature, Richards hopes move into season two, there is an opportunity AOL unveiled a video platform called the AOL sode/. that AOL producers will air an unedited version to talk about what the world of trans* is like.” On Network, which offered audiences access to “Laura’s motivation for doing [the show] at a future date. the world in “compelling, timely content that was gaining an understanding by talking to people,” Hayden explained. “She wanted to share her story and hear their stories, so we and the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, which per- had a lot of conversations with people across formed at the 1889 opening. the country. What it boiled down to was taking Tickets are $35-$125 and are available a road map of a person going through transi- online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by tion, finding the benchmarks for most people calling 800-982-ARTS (2787) or visiting the in that process and grouping them so, during Auditorium’s box office. the course of the series, you understand the arc that some people in transition go through.” The deeply personal tales and opinions of ‘Love’s in Need of transgender individuals who were a part of AOL’s world were once contained within the Love’ Nov. 21 thirty or so members of a chat room. They now The jazz/soul/R&B concert fundraiser reach a potential audience through AOL On “Love’s in Need of Love” will take place Fri- that the company estimates at a network total day, Nov. 21, at 8:30 p.m at the Glessner of 70 million. Hayden said True Trans is per- House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie Ave. forming as well as or better than their current Pastor J will emcee. Jesse Dean Stanford, slate of original programming. Rachael Weasley, Clyde Easter and Jocelyn “It’s a fantastic evolution,” Hayden stated. Buchanan will be among those performing. “We’re able to do what traditional TV can’t do A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to and I love that we have been able to bring it The Lighthouse Church’s work with homeless back around with our content in order to close Patti LuPone. Photo by Brigitte LaCombe youth. The church touts itself as being mul- that loop a little bit.” tiethnic and LGBT-inclusive. Two of Grace’s extensive plethora of inter- The suggested minimum donation is $5. See Nate Hayden. Photo courtesy of AOL viewees are fellow Chicagoans—mixed-martial Auditorium Theatre www.LighthouseChicago.org. Communications artist and National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall to mark 125th of Famer Fallon Fox, and accomplished writer ‘Barlesque’ thru viewers want to watch.” Today, AOL On claims and activist Jen Richards, who, as well as ap- with gala 15 channels, with more than 900,000 premium pearing on camera, worked with True Trans pro- Exactly 125 years from when the Audito- Nov. 23 videos that include original content. ducers to find others for Grace to talk with. rium Theatre of Roosevelt University opened Through Nov. 23, contestants representing Nate Hayden is the vice president of AOL “[Laura] is such a lovely person,” Richards its doors in 1889, the national historic land- 18 local bars and businesses are competing On Originals & Branded Entertainment. “We’ve told Windy City Times. “I wasn’t actually famil- mark, led by Board Chairman Melvin L. Kat- for the title of “Chicago’s Sexiest” to raise built a slate of docu-unscripted content that iar with her music prior to her coming out. So ten and Executive Director Brett Batterson, money for TPAN in its online strip-a-thon, really centers on authentic voices and remark- I knew her as a newly out trans* woman rather will mark its 125th anniversary with a spe- “Barlesque 7: Let’s Get Physical.” able stories,” he told Windy City Times. “What than as a rock star. It made it easy to relate cial performance, “Living the History: 125 As people visit the Barlesque website it gives us a chance to do is tell a swathe of to her and be compassionate to where she was Years of the Auditorium Theatre” on Tuesday, (www.barleqsue.org) and donate money, the stories that all have heart, intelligence and a in her journey. When she asked if I would be Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. contestants’ photos will reflect their various human connection.” Those chronicles have in- involved in the show, I said ‘absolutely, yes’.” The celebratory evening, which begins stages of undress—the more donors give, cluded Steve Buscemi’s Emmy nominated Park Richards admitted a great deal of skepticism with a star-studded program at the venue, the less that the contestants wear. Bench, Gwyneth Paltrow and Tracy Anderson’s with regards to reality shows and doco-series 50 E. Congress Pkwy., will include a tribute The Barlesque 7 kickoff party will be held Restart Project and Sarah Jessica Parker’s City featuring transgender people. “The thing that to the diverse entertainment that has been, Wed., Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m. at Charlie’s Chicago, Ballet. made [True Trans] different was Laura’s in- and continues to be presented at Audito- 3726 N. Broadway. All money raised through One month after the AOL On network began volvement,” she said. “There was a sense that I rium, including symphonic music, opera, Barlesque goes directly towards TPAN’s HIV/ its mission to alter the landscape of streaming got from everyone I spoke with that they were Broadway musicals, rock music and dance. AIDS services. Last year, this event raised entertainment, an unassuming and brilliantly an extension of her in that they were sweet Chicago actor John Mahoney (Frasier) will more than $58,000. gifted punk artist named Laura Jane Grace people. There wasn’t a whole lot of education host the event, which will feature perfor- Visit www.Barlesque.org. changed her world and, finally unshackled, needed on basic trans* issues and they were mances from Broadway figure Patti LuPone took the stage with Against Me!, the band she interested in telling stories from an organic 24 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES TRAVEL Eureka Springs, Ark.: Living on mountain time

Far left: The sunny interior of Deja Vu Antiques. Left: Owners Nick Roberts (left) and Garnet Blanchette of Nibbles Eatery. Above left: Corner view of Grand Central Hotel. Above right: A tranquil view at Lake Leatherwood. Photos by Kirk Williamson by Kirk williamson Central Hotel (37 N. Main St., www.grandcen- 100 local artists in a dizzying array of media, Josh Clark taught me about “soutache,” which tralresort.com) greets you at the very begin- from ceramic sculpture to inlaid wooden pieces is a combination of traditional bead embroidery Like the gravity of spring water running down ning of the downtown area with a full spa, to mixed-media sculptures incorporating such and textile. The artists are more than willing to a mountainside, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, lo- balconies overlooking the charming business innovative materials as wasp paper (actual share these sorts of personal touches with you, cated in the Ozarks in the northwest corner of district and The Grand Taverne restaurant, at material from a wasp’s hive) and antique lace. echoing the spirit of art and discovery that this the state, has a power to draw a diverse group which you can choose from a full menu of from- Take a whiff of a stunning array of soy candles collective embodies. of citizens and tourists ... many of whom end scratch delicacies prepared with ingredients or pick up a fabric collage by Kriste-lee, “the Hungry yet? Good, because the dining scene up as citizens. It’s the kind of place that en- from chef Dave Gilderson’s balcony herb gar- cut-and-paste queen of the geriatric set.” Shop in Eureka Springs is among the jewels in its chants you and convinces your heart that it’s den. A bit further up the winding roads you’ll owner and curator Marsha Havens has laid out crown. Start your day at Nibbles Eatery (79 found its home. find Basin Park Hotel (12 Spring St., www. the perfect variety of wares which highlight Spring St., www.nibbleseatery.com). Partners The town has been a draw since the Indus- basinpark.com), which also features spa pack- the artistic passions of this Ozark escape. Nick Roberts and Garnet Blanchette give you trial Revolution, when weary wanderers would ages at Serenity Spa, a vibrant hotel bar, and For jewelry with a handmade touch, peruse the best in nourishing breakfast fare. The come from the soot-soaked north to “take the covered motorcycle parking. the baubles at Fusion2 (84 Spring St., www. Hearty Health Blast, with strawberries, banana, waters” at a series of natural springs, which B&Bs abound in Eureka Springs. Check out eurekafusion.com). Partners John Jarrett and almonds, rolled oats, orange juice, yogurt and they found to have curative powers. A modern All Seasons Inn (156 Spring St., www.allsea- John Rinehart present fused-glass jewelry and honey, gave me all the energy I needed to retrospect might suggest that it was simply sonsluxuryproperties.com/all-seasons-inn/). pieces created by John Rinehart himself, along tackle the daily rush (and has caused me to fresh mountain air and clean water that did Proprietor Pat Fitzsimmons proved herself to side stained glass, chainmaille jewelry, Raku seriously step up my smoothie game at home). the trick, but the lore evolved that the water of be a true friend of the community in May of those springs would cure what ailed you. this year. As you might recall, for one week in Cut to modern times, when a dual resurgence May, same-sex marriage was ruled legal in Ar- of hippy artist types and Christian pilgrims to kansas, and hundreds of couples rushed to wed the city’s Great Passion Play helped to build before the Arkansas Supreme Court suspended up this mountain burg and establish its easy- that ruling one week later. In this one harried going, inspirational feeling. week, Pat provided free accommodations and Most interesting is the LGBT contingency lodging to a number of couples who sought to of Eureka Springs. Some estimates claim that be married, taking a lot of stress off the backs up to 30 percent of the downtown businesses of many happy newlyweds. Hooray for Pat! are gay-owned. Catch the members of the Gay For the more adventurous, drop your anchor Business Guild of Eureka Springs (which you at Magnetic Valley Retreat (597 Magnetic Dr., can find in different locations each Wednes- www.magnticvalleyretreat.com), Arkansas’ only day evening at their weekly “Prayer Meeting”) all-male clothing-optional resort. And I like to and they’ll each tell you their stories of how explore all options. Hosts Alvin Byrd and Char- Pan-seared amberjack (left) and dessert selection at Ermilio’s. Photos by Kirk Williamson they came to Eureka Springs, and how the lie Thomas have created a haven of freedom charm of this hidden gem welcomed them as and sunshine, where you can sip a cocktail, get pottery and unique gift shopping from some of Throw the Toasted Western (with three scram- one of the crowd. These residents help Eureka some local color by the pool, and relax with the America’s finest artists. bled eggs, ham, onions and cheese on your Springs retain its status as the “gay capital of locals, as this resort also offers season passes Antiquers will find no lack of delights in choice of wheat berry or sourdough bread) the Ozarks.” to the enjoy the social aspect of the retreat. these hills. Some of the finest finds are found on top of that, and you’re fueled for hours to When booking your stay in Eureka Springs, It’s a great way to meet and greet the gays at Deja Vu (184 N. Main St., www.dejavuofeu- come. rekasprings.com). Their eclectic collection of When lunchtime cravings come knocking, an- glassware, art, home decor, and vintage toys, swer the call at Mud Street Cafe (22 G S. Main photographs and quilts will provide a “Eureka!” St., www.mudstreetcafe.com). Located in what moment for treasure hunters of all budgetary locals refer to as “Underground Eureka,” Mud stripes. Street offers a menu of fresh selections among More craftsmanship is on display at Out the limestone walls, large wooden beams and on Main Gallery (269 N. Main St., www.out- stained-glass lighting. I opted for the Califor- onmain.com). Owner Patrick Lujan currently nia wrap with avocado, cucumbers, fresh mush- features works by 18 artists (15 of which are rooms, chopped apple, feta, sunflower seeds, local). You’ll find pottery, stunningly beautiful and balsamic vinaigrette. I further opted for glass pieces by Cynthia Hale and Hank Barnes, the Moonshine Bloody Mary, because “vaca- intoxicatingly intricate wire sculptures, and a tion” plus “Ozarks” equals day-drinking of few paintings from local hero Zeek Taylor, who locally-crafted moonshine. Do the math. himself studied art at Arkansas State Univer- Another lunchtime winner is DeVito’s (5 Details from Magnetic Valley Retreat. Photos by Kirk Williamson sity. Center St.). Enjoy the meticulously-spiced soft On the art tip, no visit to Eureka Springs shell crab po’ boy, flash-fried with shredded ro- you will encounter a wide array of accommoda- in Eureka Springs. All roads lead to Magnetic is complete without an exploration of The maine, tomatoes and a spicy remoulade on a tion choices. The outskirts of town are lined Valley. Art Colony (185 N. Main St., www.theartcol- ciabatta loaf, while enjoying one of the best with kitschy motel after kitschy motel, a pro- Now that you’ve settled into your room, onyeurekasprings.com). This collective space overlook views in town on their outdoor patio. liferation which sprung up concurrent with the you’ll want to get out of that room and experi- of 12 different studios, spanning media from Fresh (179 N. Main St., www.freshandeliciou- growing popularity of nearby Branson, Mo., ence the town. Strap on your hiking shoes and stained glass to beadmaking to scrimshaw to sofeurekasprings.com) more than lives up to its before the city of Branson itself had the hotel explore the many shops of the downtown area, “gypsies,” was originally constructed in 2006 name, with a diverse offering of farm-to-table infrastructure it needed in place. where a network of uphill sidewalks and con- as an after-high-school project under the guid- dishes. I went simple with the roast turkey To be closer to the action, you might choose necting staircases will give both your wallet ance of founders Cathy and JD Harris. Artist sandwich with Swiss cheese, greens, tomato to stay along the winding and ascending (re- and your calves a much-needed workout. Atom Bleu’s custom stained glass work can be and honey cup mustard vinaigrette, served with member, it’s in the mountains) streets of Eureka Thyme (19 Spring St., www.eu- found all over town (including the sunny piece downtown Eureka Springs. 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LEGAL NOTICE COOK COUNTY CHANGE OF NAME State of Illinois County of Cook In The Circuit Court For Cook County, Chicago Coalition of Illinois In The Matter of the Petition of: Timothy Ed- Welcoming Churches ward Gonzalez for name change to Teresa Emma Gon- zalez. Case # 2014CONC000795 Notice of Publication 60+ ministries celebrating Public Notice is hereby given that on Sept 30, 2014 LGBTQ lives www.chicagowelcomingchurches.org gering amaretto flavor. But I saved my strength served nature to a peaceful ravine, seemingly chelseacafeeureka.com). Not only can you get EUREKA from page 24 for the Italian cream cake, with its ooey-gooey miles away from the hustle and bustle. live music almost every night of the week, but butter-rich icing, insulating the warmth of soft Speaking of hustling (and bustling), sample their Freakin’ Eurekan pizza, with mozzerella, cole slaw and homemade potato chips. Try the layers of coconut- and pecan-flavored cake. some of the nightlife Eureka Springs has to of- onions, broccoli, green peppers, black olives, selection of freshly-squeezed juice blends. The This hotspot is Italian done right, complete fer. While there are no official “gay bars” to be mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, and “Delight,” with carrot, celery, beets and green with vintage photos (and recipes). If you know had, you’ll find many spots which cater equally artichoke hearts was, hands down, the best apples, filled my soul with vitamin-y goodness. me, you know I’m a sucker for that classic Ital- to the queeniest of queens and the butchest of veggie pizza I have ever had. But don’t take it After your meal, pick up a fresh-baked dessert ian-American feel. Ermilio’s is a place where I bikers. It’s just that kinda town. Eureka Live from me. It was voted runner-up to “best pizza or some cured meats to go from their quaint can really feel at home. Underground (35 N. Main St., www.eureka- in Arkansas” in 2010 by the Arkansas Times culinary marketplace. Located as it is among America’s most beau- liveunderground.com) is probably the gayest People’s Choice! My favorite dinner of the trip was the pan- tiful mountain range, Eureka Springs boasts place you’ll find. As you walk in, you’ll find a Enjoy your time in Eureka Springs. You can seared amberjack filet atE rmilio’s (26 White some remarkable outdoor activities. Take a hike table of hats, and you are encouraged to play plan to visit during the popular Diveristy St., www.ermilios.com). It was prepared with around Lake Leatherwood (www.lakeleather- dress up. Owner Lee Keating is the sexiest guy Weekend (follow www.gayeurekasprings. a raisin-caper butter sauce, white wine and a woodictypark.com) and marvel at mountains in town (okay, he bought me shots to say that, com for upcoming information) or just plan whisper of ginger. This followed three of the and clouds as reflected in the serene no-wake but I may have anyway) and you can dance a relaxing getaway in the “gay capital of the most sumptuous stuffed mushrooms I’d ever lake. Camping and cabins are also available the night away with Lee and the diverse and Ozarks.” And don’t be too surprised if you eaten and was followed by some desserts I was March 1 through Nov. 30. Devil’s Eyebrow welcoming crowd. find yourself relocating permanently. Hap- glad to have to walk off afterwards. The eight- (www.naturalheritage.org) leads you downhill Hear some real “hill music” at Chelsea’s pens all the time! layer tiramisu picked me up with its sweet, lin- through some of Arkansas’ most prisitnely pre- Corner Cafe and Bar (10 Mountain St., www. 26 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Lakeside Pride, , Lea DeLaria part of ‘Women in Music’

By Lauren E. Childers phonic Band prepared several numbers all com- posed by women. Composers featured included Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles celebrated Germaine Tailleferre, Jennifer Higdon, Julie Women in Music Nov. 16, with Lea DeLaria as Giroux, Augusta Read Thomas, Shelley Hanson, host. DeLaria, currently staring as “Big Boo” in Joan Tower, Carolyn Bremer, Elana Roussanova Orange Is the New Black, has a long history as Lucas, and Virginia A. Allen—with conductor a stand-up comic, actor, writer, and jazz musi- Kyle Rhoades and guest maestros Travis Cuck- cian. DeLaria helped welcome to the stage the ler, Jason Duran and Christy Zurcher. Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band with special Between the pieces, DeLaria denoted each guests, the Artemis Singers. composers’ mark or impact in the musical com- For the occasion the Lakeside Pride Sym- munity and during each piece sat in her throne laughing and celebrating. The Artemis Singers celebrated its 35th an- niversary on the stage as the first all-women lesbian feminist choral group in the nation. The choral group embodied the importance of a forum for music composed by women Top: Lea DeLaria (right) with Lakeside Pride. Bottom: Lakeside Pride and Artemis Singers. and ended the evening with a song composed Photos by Lauren E. Childers by the group that encouraged a new kind of community-based composition of music. They were conducted by Lois McCullen Parr and Al- lison Downing. DeLaria elevated and maintained the energy in the packed auditorium at the Preston Brad- ley Center, charming the audience with her co- medic tongue-in-check. Between sets, DeLaria allotted a single question from the audience regarding Orange Is the New Black, focusing attention to the performers and to the spirit of the event. “What do you get out of being in Orange Is the New Black?” from an audience member, DeLaria emphatically (and comedi- cally) pronounced, “Pussy!” The evening concluded with Artemis joining Lakeside Pride in “Light the Fire Within,” by David Foster and Linda Thompson, and which Mac Huff and Paul Lavender arranged. Artemis Singers’ next performance will be “Loves Lost, Loves Found” Feb. 6-7 at the Ethi- cal Humanist Society in Skokie. Lea DeLaria. Photo by Lauren E. Childers

WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN theDISH Old Crow Smokehouse BY ANDREW DAVIS

Chef Tony Scruggs is Old Crow Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.; http://www.oldcrowsmoke- house.com/). This is something he told me directly, al- though he didn’t need to. An engaging per- sonality, Scruggs is an expert storyteller, talk- ing about everything from his time on the Fox show Masterchef (where he finished 16th) to the fact that he travels 60 miles to work every day. The latter fact shows that the love of cooking Combo platter (above) and sides (below) still motivates Scruggs—a love that’s also re- at Old Crow Smokehouse. Photos by Andrew flected in the food at the massive Wrigleyville Davis restaurant. For those who are indecisive, the menu might prove to be a nightmare, as so many items sound enticing. Appetizers include pulled-pork egg rolls, smoked jalapeno poppers and even Chef Tony Scruggs of Old Crow Smokehouse. Photo by Andrew Davis crow’s-nest poutine (which includes Hand-cut Then, Scruggs was kind enough to basically ing options, including baked peach turnover, fries, house Worcestershire cheese sauce, beef put Noah’s ark in a tray for myself and two din- toasted S’mores pie and layered Southern-style gravy and beer-BBQ sauce). ing companions. (There is a build-your-own pudding. Things started off well with a peach Collins combo available.) Items include a side of ribs, There is one disclaimer, though: If you’re not cocktail (served, fittingly, in a Mason jar). It’s brisket, half a chicken, sausage link and pulled into country music, you may have a harder time a moonshine/gin mix (a phrase I won’t use too pork. Every item was incredible, but my fave liking the place. The music is piped over the often in this column) that’s quite refreshing. was the brisket—which was just as tasty and speakers, bands perform regularly and there is As for the food, it was just masterfully done. tender a couple days later. live-band karaoke every Thursday. I could have been satisfied with the bean- If, somehow, you have the room for dessert Note: Old Crow Smokehouse also has a loca- and-bacon soup alone, in terms of taste and after all that, Old Crow has some very tempt- tion at 1100 American Lane, Schaumburg. amount. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 27 DAVID BOWIE IS NOW

mcachicago.org/bowie Tickets on sale now

Presented by

Thompson Chicago, MCA Chicago’s Exclusive Hotel Partner

Exhibition organized by the Victoria and Albert Sound experience by Museum, London David Bowie, 1973. Photo: Masayoshi Sukita. © Sukita/The David Bowie Archive 28 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

https://www.facebook.com/events/35297 Niles Center Rd. Skokie http://www.tem- 7094884040/?source=1 plejm.org Tickets: http://,847-676-1566, LGBTQ bowling league Every Thursday Barlesque 7: Closing Party Join TPAN as through Dec. 18 except on Thanksgiving. they declare “Chicago’s Sexiest Bartend- CALENDAR Info at outbowlingleague2014@outlook. er.” See who raised the most money and com. 8:00pm - 12:00pm Naperville donate to the cause at www.barlesque. Brunswick Zone XL, 1515 Aurora Ave., Na- org. 8:00pm - 1:00am Progress Bar Brought to you by the perville 3359 N Halsted Chicago http://www.bar- combined efforts of lesque.org Friday, Nov. 21 Love Me Forever! Oh! Oh! Oh By gay car- Monday, Nov. 24 Wed., Nov. 19 tention to the continued violence endured toonist Jeremy Sorese, a series of illustra- Shoop Comedy LGBTQ and female-friendly American Women Rebuilding France by the transgender community. 8:00am - tions, selected from The Best American stand-up comedy and drag showcase for 1917-1924 Documents the work of 10:00pm National http://glsen.org/tdor Comics 2013, exploring the idea of get- girls, gurls, and grrrls (boys also wel- hundreds of American women who left Exhibit marks Gender and Sexuality Cen- ting married. On display in the Congress come). Every 4th Monday 8:00pm - comfortable lives in the US to volunteer ter’s 20th anniversary University of Il- Corridor through March 8, 2015. 9:00am - RAISING THE BAR 10:00pm Double Door’s Door No. 3 1551 humanitarian service in France during and linois at Chicago’s Gender and Sexuality 5:00am Harold Washington College 30 E. N Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 http:// after the WWII. Through Saturday, Jan. 3, Center presents GSC 20/20, an exhibition Lake St. Chicago 312-747-4050 http:// Sun., Nov. 23 www.doubledoor.com/ 2015 12:00pm 60 W highlighting 20 years of LGBTQ and allies chipublib.org Walton St Chicago http://www.newberry. education, activism and community on Liberace! With glittering costumes and The closing party for Tuesday, Nov. 25 org/09172014-american-women-rebuild- campus. Thru June 30, 2015. 3:00pm - chandeliers, musician and performer Barlesque 7, TPAN’s annual David Bowie Is The first retrospective of 6:00pm UIC Gender and Sexuality Cen- ing-france-1917-1924 Jack Forbes Wilson will reprise his tri- fundraiser, takes place at the extraordinary career of David Bowie- Action & LGBTQ Homelessness: A Panel ter Gallery Behavioral Sciences Building, umphant portrayal of Liberace from the one of the most pioneering and influential Discussion UChicago’s new RSO Queers Room 183 1007 W. Harrison St., Chicago Rep’s 2010/11 Season. Through Jan. 11, Progress Bar. performers of our time. More than 400 ob- United in Power presents a panel co-spon- (312) 413-8619 http://www.uic.edu/uic/ 2015. $40 2:00pm Milwaukee Repertory Photo of Miguel by KJ Heath jects from the David Bowie Archive. $25. sored the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Cocktails + Conversations: PFLAG in Theater, 108 E Wells St., Milwaukee, WI Through Jan. 4, 2015 12:00pm Museum Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Student Chicago About LGBTQ equality, affirma- http://www.MilwaukeeRep.com of Contemporary Art (MCA) 220 East Chi- Kat Perkins Known for NBC’s THE VOICE as a Life and the Center for the Study for Gen- tion and other topics with Pamela Tate, 30th annual Christmas on Morgan Guest cago Ave Chicago 312-397-4068 Tickets: Top 5 contestant coached by Adam Levine der and Sexuality. 7:00pm The Univer- Chuck Middleton, Jody Huckaby. Cocktails appearances by Catherine O’Connell with http://www2.mcachicago.org/exhibition/ in Season 6. Her single, “Fearless” was sity of Chicago’s Center for the Study of and hors d’oeuvres. RSVP [email protected] Kathleen Keane and Jimmy Moore, Dan david-bowie-is #5 on the iTunes charts. $23. Doors 8pm. Gender and Sexuality, 5733 S. University or by phone 4:30pm - 7:30pm Wabash Murphy, jazz piano Stan Zimmerman. The- Affinity Board Meeting Board meetings are 9:00pm Mayne Stage 1328 W Morse Ave Ave., Chicago. Tower at Roosevelt U, rm 1315, 425 S. atre organ, hors d’oeuvres and sweets. on the fourth Tuesday of the month and, Chicago Tickets: http://www.ticketweb. I’ll Take You There, Celebrating 75 years Wabash, Chicago 202-684-9891 https:// Cash bar. $30 per person. Reservations except for the executive session, are open com of Mavis Staples With Mavis Staples, community.pflag.org/conversations- by phone. Complimentary lighted parking. to the public. For questions, contact Kim Bowie Changes Concert: Disappears plays Jeff Tweedy & Spencer Tweedy, Emmylou rsvp?erid=7020905&trid=a9b16b8e-f67d- 4:00pm Polo Cafe Catering, Old Eagle Hunt at [email protected]. Low Hybrid concert series. Chicago musi- Harris, Keb’ Mo’, Joan Osborne, Gregg All- 4b9c-9239-a17b27ab430c Room, 3322 S. Morgan St., Chicago 773- 6:30pm - 8:30pm Affinity Community cians to shake down the Bowie songbook, man, Ryan Bingham, Eric Church, Patty MCA Talk Kevin Barnes on David Bowie 927-7656 http://polocafe.com Services 1424 E. 53rd St. Suite 306 Chi- recreating classic albums-their way. Deep Griffin, Glen Hansard, Taj Mahal, Michael Kevin Barnes, from the indie rock group of Hunks and Hounds Presented by Menz Roon cago http://www.affinity95.org space pioneers Disappears bring to light McDonald, Buddy Miller, Aaron Neville, Montreal, discusses the profound impact Salon. Biannual hair and fashion show the influential studio experiment that was Widespread Panic, Grace Potter, and Marty David Bowie has had on his work as both benefitting the Anti-Cruelty Society. Fash- Bowie’s first collaboration with Brian Eno, Thursday, Dec. 4 Stuart. Tickets online and at box office a songwriter and performer, and plays a ion by J Prince Studio, live performances In the Driver’s Seat: Turning off the GPS in their tribute concert celebrating the al- 7:30pm Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt selection of Bowie covers in a special solo by Midtangent Productions. $10 hosted and Creating Your Own Career Path Chi- bum Low. 7pm show sold out. 10:00pm University 50 E Congress Pkwy Chicago performance. 6:00pm - 7:30pm MCA bar 8-9. Raffles and giveaways all night. cago Women in Philanthropy present a MCA Stage Neeson Theater 220 E. Chicago 800-745-3000. http://www.mavis75.com Stage Neeson Theater 220 E. Chicago Ave $5 off if you bring a dry dog food dona- book signing and conversation with Re- Ave Chicago http://www2.mcachicago. Tickets: http://ticketmaster.com Chicago http://www2.mcachicago.org/ tion. 8:00pm - 12:00am Hydrate Night- becca Sive, author of”Every Day is Elec- org/event/disappears-bowie-changes/ PFLAG Chicago Monthly Meeting Parents, event/mca-talk-kevin-barnes-on-david- club 3458 N Halsted St. tion Day: A Woman’s Guide to Winning Any Bearly Legal GayCo Productions, Chicago’s Family members, Friends of Lesbians and bowie/ Office, from the PTA to the White House.” longest-lasting LGBTQ sketch comedy Gays (PFLAG) has support groups and Tramsgemder Day of Remembramce & Re- $25 CWIP members, $30 non-CWIP mem- Saturday, Nov. 22 group, turns 18 years old this year, and is educational speakers and does advocacy. silience Honoring the memory of those Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, bers 4:00pm - 6:00pm The Cara Pro- debuting a brand new sketch comedy show All are welcome. Monthly on the third whose lives were lost in acts of anti-trans- Chicago-area GLBT Chapter Depression gram, 237 S. Desplaines St., Chicago in the heart of Boystown. Through Dec. Wednesday. Call or e-mail pflagmetro- gender violence. Doors open at 6:30pm. and Bipolar Support Alliance chapter spe- Tickets: http://www.cwiponline.org/site/ 20. $18 (students pay $13). 10:00pm [email protected] or Program begins at 7pm. March around the cifically founded for Chicago-area GLBT epage/155586_1007.htm 3209 N Halsted contact Keith McCoy at kmccoy@windyci- neighborhood 8pm-8:30pm at Center on community with mood disorders or other AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s World of St., 773-871-3793 http://GayCo.com/ tyblackpride.org or Peter Ji at pjiman1@ Halsted 3656 N Halsted St.; http://www. significant psychological conditions, as Chocolate Indulge in a night of sweet and bearlylegal Tickets: http://bearlylegal. hotmail.com. 11:00pm - 1:00pm Affini- centeronhalsted.org/newevents-details. well as their friends, partners, and fam- savory treats from traditional truffles and eventbrite.com ty Community Services 5650 S. Woodlawn cfm?ID=9214 ily members. All are welcome. 11:00am white chocolate ganache to more savory Ave Garden Level Chicago 630-415-0622 Transgender Day of Remembrance: A - 12:30am Center on Halsted 3656 N delicacies like chicken in a chocolate mole http://pflagillinois.org Candlelight Vigil and Communion of Halsted Chicago http://www.dbsa-glbt- Sunday, Nov. 23 sauce, hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Teen Substance Abuse Awareness Presen- Light Raise awareness of violence com- chicago.com/ Chicago to commemorate World AIDS Day tation Officer Jeff Gordon, Lincolnwood Thursday, Nov. 20 mitted against transgender and gender Education in Action, LGBTQ youth confer- and celebrate the progress the HIV/AIDS Police Department, and Andrea Varol, Re- Transgender Day of Remembrance A day to non-conforming people and honor the ence By the Illinois Sae School Alliance community has made in ending the epi- habilitation Counselor, will address teen memorialize those who have been killed lives of those who might otherwise be for- and Trans Oral History Project. Info at demic. $125 6:00pm - 9:00pm Union substance abuse and how to seek help as a result of transphobia, or the hatred gotten. Co-sponsored by Chicago Coalition [email protected]. . Reg- Station 210 S Canal Chicago 312-334- in dealing with this problem. 10:30am or fear of transgender and gender non- of Welcoming Churches and achurch4me ister online. 9:00am - 4:00pm , Tick- 0935 http://aidschicago.org/chocolate - 11:30am Temple Judea Mizpah, 8610 conforming people, and acts to bring at- MCC. 7:00pm AChurch4Me MCC, Chicago ets: www.illinoissafeschools.org/

WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN might guess, anything with the word “Lucifer” the in it is extremely hot—which is why I stayed away from it. Despite the fact that it has ha- DISH banero, espuma de mar was definitely the mild- est—and it’s very tasty. day provided some tricks along with the place’s Now we get to the point where Kokopelli Kokopelli treats, as the weather was particularly horrific (named after a Native American deity of fertil- BY ANDREW DAVIS that evening. ity and mischief) did something I didn’t think However, I’m certainly hoping better luck was possible: Make me a fan of guacamole. Kokopelli (1324 N. Milwaukee Ave.; http:// smiles upon this restaurant, which provides Practically all my life, I’ve shunned avocados www.kokopellichicago.com/), a gourmet taco something delectable for everyone. and, in turn, guacamole. So it was with hesi- spot, has managed to do the near-impossi- Start with the salsas: espuma de mar (pine- tation that I tried two varieties—chicarron, ble—but I’ll get to that later. apple salsa with a touch of habanero pepper), which is served on a giant pork rind and has The restaurant opened on Halloween—which Castigo Azteca (charred chile de arbol and bits of rind in it; and seasonal, which is dotted was ominous in more ways than one. The holi- peanut salsa) and Lagrimas de Lucifer. As one with fruits of the season. It’s now safe to say that I’d return here just to get this. Then there are the tacos (three for $12). My friend and I tried three varieties: kraken (with grilled octopus), steak a las brasas and Baja (with beer-battered mahi-mahi). I took to all of them, although the steak really stood out for me. Sweet chimichanga at Kokopelli. Photo by We then had the Milanesa mini-torta, a Andrew Davis breaded chicken breast concoction that didn’t quite measure up to the previous items; and a would be for him if the restaurant had been full sweet chimichanga filled with seasonal baked of patrons with these small glasses. fruit that was good, but not great. Nonetheless, I feel that Kokopelli is a spot to As for other aspects, the atmosphere is ex- hit—and be sure to try the guac. tremely inviting, with the friendliest servers Note: Kokopelli did not have a liquor license I’ve met in a while. On the other hand, I did when my dining companion and I visited—but feel sorry for one of the servers, as the glass of it does now. There are currently several cock- lemonade I ordered was pretty small—and he tails, tequilas and beers on hand. constantly refilled it. I just thought of how it Steak tacos at Kokopelli. Photo by Andrew Davis WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 19, 2014 29 BILLY MASTERS

“What I say in the book is, ‘A BJ a day keeps the divorce attorney away.’” —Niecy Nash shares her secret for a successful marriage. Who am I to argue with someone who fixed Sherri Shepherd up with her most recent husband? I love the Internet—not just because of the juggernaut BillyMasters.com has become, but because: 1) virtually anyone can publish whatever they want and call it news and 2) we’re thankful for you people will believe it. With my job (such as it is), I spend hours carefully researching stories. Last week, it was reported that Disney would be making an animated feature about two gay princes. The alleged movie was to be based on the children’s book The Princes and the Trea- sure, which is a real book released earlier this year. It features two handsome princes who fall in love with each other during their quest to save a princess. So far, so good. However, the report said that Disney would release this film in fall of 2015. How on Earth could this movie be out in a matter of months when the long- gestating Finding Nemo sequel has been in production for years? Yes, someday our prince will come, but this story is a bunch of crap. Eve Disney is not making a movie about gay princes Clay Aiken is making lemons out of anytime soon. Sure, many people believe that lemonade, Billy says. PR photo Wednesday Frozen is a veiled lesbian allegory. But that’s as Nov. 26 far as it’s going ... for now. • Open 3pm. A few years ago, the thought of a profession- just in case you didn’t win.” Ouch. Push>Play Wednesday al athlete saying he was gay would have been Bette Midler has released It’s the Girls!, her Sidetrack Party Video Mix 8pm until 2am fantasy. But it’s happening more and more ev- tribute to girl groups, and it’s a delight on ev- ery day. Last week, it was Robbie Rogers who ery level—due in no small part to the genius Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 27 was out front and center. The soccer player was producing, arranging and overall futzing by Open 7pm. fêted at a West Hollywood soiree to celebrate Marc Shaiman. The CD also marks a milestone Laugh off the calories. #HappyThursday the release of his autobiography, Coming out for Bette—it’s her fifth consecutive decade of Comdey ‘til midnight them Music Videos until 2am to Play. Since he’s the spousal equivalent of TV having a top-10 album. That’s not a bad dis- producer Greg Berlanti, it’s no surprise that his tinction, especially since she’s second to only Sidetrack • 3349 N. Halsted • SidetrackChicago.com story has already been attached to a television one other female performer: Babs. And that show. Back in July, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron brings up one of Bette’s regrets: “I would have optioned Robbie’s life story and began devel- liked to have duetted with Barbra Streisand by oping a sitcom about a young gay male soccer now. She is adorable. There was talk of a col- player. Three months later, ABC signed off on laboration on her latest album and I wanted “Men In Shorts.” That’s an awful lot of atten- her on mine, too, but sadly it didn’t come to tion for a soccer player in the United States— anything because we were both buried in our regardless of his sexuality. respective projects.” If Babs ever makes her I cannot tell you how many emails I received film version of Gypsy (which Bette made for TV about Culture Club’s troubling appearance on in 1993), maybe Midler could play a role. I can The View last week. The iconic band was re- just hear her belting out, “I’m electrifying— uniting for their first tour in 12 years. During and I ain’t even trying.” their performance, viewers were dismayed by Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Javier Boy George’s soft and raspy voice. This did not in New Jersey: “What has that guy from Small- bode well for a tour scheduled to start this ville been up to? Tom Welling. God, he was gor- weekend in Rancho Mirage. Not unexpectedly, geous.” George broke the news that the tour was off: One doesn’t think of Tom Welling often—or “I have been having trouble with my voice on even, I daresay, annually. I have enormous and off for a few months.” Doctors discovered fondness for him because the footage of him a polyp on his vocal chords which may require diving into the water wearing only a “cock surgery. “I have been advised by doctors that sock” was first seen on BillyMasters.com. Re- to continue singing with this polyp would fur- cently, I saw one of those spreads about former ther damage my voice and could cause irrepara- heartthrobs. I remember stopping at one guy ble damage.” The boys hope to reschedule the who was positively breathtaking, and positive- tour for next year—perhaps to support their ly unknown to me. It was Tom Welling, who new CD. happens to have become an incredibly hand- If you know one thing about me, it’s that I some man. There is virtually nothing about him don’t kick someone when they’re down. Others that resembles his persona, so one made jokes about Clay Aiken being a perpetual would think he’d get some work. But since we bridesmaid after his second-place showing to last saw him in Cheaper By The Dozen 2 (and become Congressman from North Carolina. But where, oh where, is Bonnie Hunt??), he’s done not moi ... no, siree. I made those jokes long two very small film projects. Of course, he’s BEFORE the election. (I always like to be first.) still big—as the video we have of him dem- But Clay’s a clever minx; he’s always got a Plan onstrates. It’s just the projects that got small. B. A film crew was following him on the cam- But you can see what he looks like today on paign trail and the result will be a four-hour BillyMasters.com. documentary series for the Esquire Network When anyone is referring to Babs as adorable, (whatever that is). we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another But we hear that some of his supporters are column. But again I ask, where is Bonnie Hunt? less than thrilled to be a part of this project. Once I track her down, you know I’ll tell all on Someone who organized a fundraiser in Los An- www.BillyMasters.com—the site that can find geles went public with his dismay in an open anyone. If you have someone or something you letter. He claims that guests were misled when want me to look into, write to Billy@BillyMas- asked to sign waivers by the film crew—they ters.com and I promise to get back to you be- “were told it was for a BBC documentary that fore Tom Welling turns up in a project as big as would not air here in the United States.” This his talent. So, until next time, remember, one person feels that Clay had himself “covered man’s filth is another man’s bible. with a reality TV show deal the entire time, 30 Nov. 19, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES [and more], all for the LGBT sports [commu- tion team capable of covering at least 25 dif- Now airing: LGBT sports nity].” ferent sporting events. The group also wants to In 2012, the CCE Sports Network broadcast cover the 2018 Gay Games in Paris, with a full four live events, and then nine in 2013. production capable of covering at least 35 dif- through live Web This year, it has broadcast 11 events, includ- ferent sporting events, Garnet said. ing Gay Games 9 in Cleveland as the exclusive, “Our goal is to grow the broadcast and the live web streaming provider for the quadren- network, build a small production team, cre- streaming network nial, multi-sport extravaganza. ate news stories and be a full featured online Plus, the group this year created the Capital Web production,” Garnet said. “The games, in- By Ross Forman Sports TV show—an LGBT sports news show, terviews, tips, highlights, stories, clinics—all hosted by Kevin Majoros, which covers the gay of the things you would see on an ESPN or Fox The CCE Sports Network was created in May sports scene in Washington D.C. Sports, we believe can be done for gay sports.” 2012, to provide a multi-media platform for In 2015, the group hopes to add basketball, Garnet is the travelling producer for all live the LGBT sports community that organizers say volleyball and softball to the broadcast sched- events. If a tournament cannot get enough features 100,000 athletes in the United States, ule and grow to coverage of 20 events, Garnet sponsors to support a full production team, he competing in countless games, matches and said. will set up three unmanned cameras and switch tournaments—but with very little media expo- “We have adopted the NPR model of fund- cameras, call play by play, do online scoring sure, from both the mainstream media and the ing, so all of our support comes from sponsors, and run commercials for the entire broadcast. gay press. advertisers and donations,” he said. “We have “The goal is to always have at minimum a “These club, league, amateur and semi-pro had several really small fundraising efforts and staff of three—two camera operators and my- athletes have never had the opportunities to more than two dozen people have donated to self directing,” Garnet said. have their stories told, their matches shown or the CCE Sports Network. Our continued ability Garnet said one of the biggest challenges his to grow and expand will depend on the LGBT crew faces is “showing tournament directors sports community and those sponsors who will the benefit and value that comes from having support our vision and goals.” their event on the CCE Sports Network.” Short-term, the network is looking to cover “Tournaments struggle with cost every year at least 10 different sports categories; to have and getting sponsors to help them. When we two sports news shows; and to have a video come along, we are just one more expense, or production team of four for every event it hassle, that they have to deal with; we un- works, which includes two cameramen, one di- derstand that,” Garnet said. “Our challenge is rector and one reporter/social media director. showing how live Web streaming can be such In addition, the CCE Sports Network is look- a value as it opens marketing doors to a wider ing to secure five national sponsors and new audience for expanding sponsorship reach be- donors who will support the 2015 and 2016 yond the regional market. Our goal is to have a have had their dedication and enthusiasm for broadcast season of at least 15 events per year. national sponsor cover 70 percent of the cost the sport they love on display for a wider audi- “This will require a budget of $40,000 or more of production and regional sponsors covering ence,” said Thomas M. Garnet, the network’s for 2015 and 2016,” Garnet said. 30 percent. The challenge with national spon- executive producer/owner. “We felt that live CCE Sports Network. Photo from the By 2017, “we want to be fully supported sors who want millions of views and hits is to web streaming represented a perfect opportu- organization ngers. Photo by Jay Schubert by sponsors and donations with the ability to convince them that this is a niche market that nity for the world to see that there are indeed cover at least three LGBT sports tournaments/ will be instantly supportive of their brand and LGBT athletes out there who compete, play matches/games [per] month and two sports cause and will spend dollars for their product.” hard and love the sports that they are involved ing event. We put together a crew of four and shows a month,” Garnet said. “That will allow The CCE Sports Network is in need of spon- in.” filmed both days of the Sunshine Cup Tennis us to reach our goal of broadcasting every week sors and donors, and seeking donations at its The CCE Sports Network is the ESPN for gay Tournament. of the month.” Plus, they want to cover the website; visit www.ccesportsnetwork.com/do- sports. “We did play by play commentary, ran com- World OutGames in Miami with a full produc- nations. And there is a strong local tie to this online mercials, played music, switched between upstart, though it’s based in Miami. three cameras … people thought they were Garnet was born in Chicago and he lived with watching a mini tennis channel event. They his husband, Adrian Uribazo, in Chicago. “Chi- even watched on their mobile phones while OUT! Bowling in Sports news cago has a special place in both of our hearts,” waiting to play their next match. It was a big Naperville runs The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Garnet said. “We consider Chicago a major mar- hit with the players and those who were watch- Commerce (NGLCC) is honoring openly gay NBA player Jason Collins with its NGLCC/ ket and want to be more involved with Chi- ing, and it caught the attention of the Gay and through Dec. 18 American Airlines ExtrAA Mile Award, accord- cago’s LGBT sports.” Lesbian Tennis Alliance, the national gay ten- Organizer Nathaniel Miracle has put to- ing to a press release. Collins joins Marriott In 2012, Uribazo and Garnet were looking nis organization. gether an LGBTQ bowling league at Naper- International, Debra Quade of Kellogg Com- to add live streaming to the many services of- “We knew we found the perfect platform and ville Brunswick Zone XL, 1515 Aurora Ave., pany, and Excel Global Partners as honorees fered by their LGBT media division, Click Click community to introduce live Web streaming.” every Thursday night from 8 p.m. to mid- at the 2014 NGLCC National Dinner. The 2014 Expose. (Click Click Expose is most known for For the next 18 months, the two self-funded night. NGLCC National Dinner will take place Friday, filming pageants, pride events, and its podcast the CCE Sports Network and did tennis tourna- League bowlers began Sept. 25, and will Nov. 21, in Washington, D.C., at the National network.) ments in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Fort bowl every Thursday through Dec. 18 (except Building Museum. Lauderdale, Miami, Houston [and] Washington on Thanksgiving). “We knew that politics, pride events, pag- College basketball had a first for the his- D.C., [plus] a soccer tournament in New York eants, community stories, movies [and] Inter- Also on Dec. 18, a charity fundraiser will be tory books, with University of Massachusetts’ and a swimming [event] in Seattle. net shorts were being covered in the LGBT press held for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Derrick Gordon playing his first game while “The response was very positive and we knew or by independent video producers on YouTube, Anyone can bowl for an $3.99 entrance fee. openly gay, Advocate.com noted. Gordon, we had created something special, something Vimeo, etc., and they were being done by very (Shoes are another $3.99.) For more infor- who came out April 9, is the first openly that had never been done before anywhere in talented individuals,” Garnet said. “Adrian and mation, email outbowlingleague2014@out- gay man to play a game of Division I men’s the U.S., or around the world for that mat- I were at the Miami Beach Pride Parade and look.com. basketball—and he scored 17 points and ter—live web streaming with music, on-screen stumbled across the Miami Mavericks Tennis grabbed nine rebounds in a 95-87 UMass win Club booth and we offered to film their ten- graphics, commercials, video, play by play over Siena. nis tournament for free as a live web stream- commentary, multi-camera filming, interviews Mulryan & York JOSEPH RICE Attorneys At Law INTERIORS, INC. CHICAGO 4001 N. 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