THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 April 1, 2009 • vol 24 no 27 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Quinn’s Proposal Hits HIV Funds Andy By Paul Marinkovich Bell page 16 With the state of Illinois in financial turmoil, The Life Governor Pat Quinn proposed a budget plan for fiscal year 2010, one that will include a reduc- tion of funds to HIV prevention and care. The of a proposal, which was released March 18, is part of a working process to help close the state’s $11.6 billion budget deficit. Hero “This deficit comes from a number of things, one of which includes the poor economic cli- mate” said Katherine Ridgway, Spokeswoman for Gov. Quinn. “But it was pretty much created by a former administration who hadn’t reined in spending as we are trying to do now. Unfortu- Debra nately, tough choices have to be made. These are decisions that Gov. Quinn did not want to Chasnoff page 21 make, but had to make in order to be fiscally responsible.” According to Ridgeway, one of these tough choices would be a three percent reduction in spending for all agencies other than education, health care and public safety. This would result in $1.3 billion dollars in cuts to help solve the state’s short-term deficit without sacrificing long-term priorities. But a three percent cut for HIV spending could mean a reduction of nearly $630,000 over fiscal year 2009. This has some HIV/AIDS advocates World page 17 worried as the proposal compromises major pro- grams in the HIV sector. Festival page 18 “We are concerned,” said John Peller, Director The life of the late Real World alumnus/HIV-rights activist Pedro Zamora is chronicled in of Government Relations for the AIDS Founda- the TV movie Pedro, which will run Wed., April 1, on MTV. Alex Loynaz (above) plays the tion of Chicago (AFC). “We feel that a cut of title role. Read a review of the movie on page 17. Turn to page 5 LGBT elders make themselves heard Advisory Council. anticipated; only 14 percent said they reported nightspots March 25, 2009 By YASMIN NAIR #984 n Terri Worman, of the AARP (formerly the Amer- negative experiences. LGBT elders are likely to pick it up The Chicago Department of Senior Services is ican Association of Retired Persons), moderated face greater forms of discrimination and, con- Marching Towards Madness Get all testosteroney with March Madness at Crew. page 18 take it home inSIDE required to conduct annual citywide public hear- the two-hour hearing, which began with a pre- sequently, isolation in care facilities. However, Shut up and read our ONYX club night at Touché. interview with Katie of page 8 The Ting Tings. page 12 ings on the Area Plan on Aging. This public sentation on the findings of the needs assess- Barrett did say that the survey did not ask about document is designed to describe how the Office ment by Hope Barrett, the deputy director of el- gender identity. of Senior Services will use funds from the Older der and LGBTI women’s issues at Howard Brown. The assessment also discovered that isolation Americans Act of 1965 and from the State of According to Barrett, the assessment confirmed is a huge issue for LGBT elderly, who are con- Illinois General Revenue Funds. Howard Brown some of the previous findings about the LGBT cerned about not having enough social spaces recently conducted an LGBT Elder Needs Assess- aging population, such as its educational back- to go to for social interactions in the city. It also ment, and the results were presented at a public ground which tends to be higher than the norm. indicated that many are afraid of going out to forum at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- But it was also surprising in some aspects, such late-night events and bars because their dimin- www.WindyCityQueercast.com sted, March 24. The event was organized by the as the fact that the level of negative experiences Chicago Task Force on LGBT Aging and the SAGE in receiving care was not as high as had been Turn to page 6
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NEWS N.H., Vt. and gay marriage 4 National roundup 4 Immigrant confab 5 Quinn’s budget & HIV funds 5 Ogren receives Damski award 6 Clewer; Southern talk 6 LGBT elders speak out 6 Ads defaced 7 Nathaniel Frank (above) talks about APRIL 3 - 5, 2009 Congressional race 7 his new book, Unfriendly Fire: How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Suicide forum; local news 8 Friday & Saturday: 11am - 7pm Weakens America, on page 16. World news; Quotelines 9 Sunday: Noon - 5pm Wayne Besen; letters 10 Common Threads’ fest 18 Arlington Park Racetrack 2200 West Euclid Ave. at Route 53 Arlington Heights, IL 60006 ENTERTAINMENT Scottish Play Scott 11 Weekend Admission $8 Theater reviews 12 Dolphin Promotions, Inc. Andy Bell talks 16 For advance information, call (708) 366-2710 or for info during show (847) 870-6747 Books: Frank & DADT 16 Knight at the Movies: Pedro 17 Billy Masters 20 www.arlingtonparkantiques.com ‘Straightlaced’ director talks 21 FURNITURE • SILVER • JEWELRY • PORCELAIN • CRYSTAL • PAINTINGS • POSTERS OUTLINES TEXTILES • CERAMICS • WATCHES • DOLLS • POTTERY • AMERICANA • ADVERTISING Calendar 18 PEWTER • MINIATURES • ORIENTALIA • TOYS • FOLK ART • QUILTS • RUGS • BRONZES Real estate; classifieds 19 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Sports: CMSA, CRU 22 Hope Boykin (above) dances in in Mauro Bigonzetti’s Festa Barocca. Read more about the company—which is coming to town April 1-5—on page 14. Photo by Steve Vaccariello
presents a very funny festival Features include: www. —Disc and That, Windy including chicago Australia (right) City —Interior Motives —Herndon Davis’ presents a very funny festival Media op-ed on racial vs. presents a very funny festival Group gay diversity on chicago chicago daytime TV .com saturday,presents june a very funny festival 20 at 7pm chicago the chicago theatre
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www.WindyCity with March Madness March 25, 2009 #984 Queercast.com at Crew. Photo by Kirk Williamson Marching Towards Madness Get all testosteroney with March Madness at Crew. page 18 inSIDE Shut up and read our ONYX club night at Touché. interview with Katie of page 8 The Ting Tings. page 12
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BY PAUL MARINKOVICH c- With the state of Illinois in financial turmoil, ;FNECF8;K?@J ?`kj?@M=le[jGovernor Pat Quinn proposedthat will a budgetinclude plaa redun for fiscal year 2010, one tion of funds to HIV preventionreleased March and ca18,re. is The part K_\C`]\ proposal, which was of a working process to help close the state’s 8e[p f]X $11.6 billion budget deficit. gX^\(- “This deficit comesdes from the a poornumber econo of micthings, cli- 9\cc one of which inclu mate” said Katherine Ridgway, Spokeswoman for ?\if Gov. Quinn. “But it was pretty much creatednfortu by - a former administration who hadn’t reined in spending as we are trying to do now. U >fkfnnn%N`e[p:`kpD\[`X>iflg%Zfdkf nately, tough choices have to be made. These are decisions that Gov. Quinn did not want to make, but had to make in order to be fiscally on in responsible.” According to Ridgewthreeay, onepercent of these reducti tough june 17-21 choices would be a spending for all agencies other than education, health care and public safety. This would result in $1.3 billion dollars eficitin cuts without to help sacrifi solvecing the could ;\YiX gX^\)( state’s short-term d. long-term priorities t cut for HIV spending [fnecfX[Zfdgc\k\`jjl\jf]N`e[p:`kpK`d\j :_Xjef]] But a three percenof nearly $630,000 over fiscal mean a reduction year 2009. This has some HIV/AIDS advocates worried as the proposal compromises major pro- five nights... over one hundred comedians... a million laughs! - grams in the HIV sector. gX^\(. “We are concerned,” said John Peller, Director of Government Relations for the AIDS Founda tion of Chicago (AFC). “We feelKliekfgX^\, that a cut of o Zamora is chronicled in -rights activist Pedr Loynaz (above) plays the Xe[E`^_kjgfkj% . Alex Real World alumnus/HIVApril 1, on MTV Nfic[ gX^\(/ The life of the late the TV movie Pedro, which will run Wed., percent said they reported , con- =\jk`mXc TITLE ROLE 2EAD A REVIEW OF THE MOVIE ON PAGE anticipated; only 14 negative experiences.of LGBT discrimination elders are andlikely to er- face greater forms erated Advisory Council. - sequently, isolation in care facilities. However, C>9K\c[\ijdXb\k_\dj\cm\j_\Xi[ Terri Worman, of the AARP (formerly the Am Barrett did say that the survey did not ask about ican Association of Retired Persons), modassess- gender identity. tickets available through ticketmaster, tickermaster.com, - ces is BY YASMIN NAIR the two-hour hearingfindings, which of beganthe needs with a pre The assessment also discovered that isolation sponsored by: ear- own. ent of Senior Servi sentation on the is a huge issue for LGBT elderly, who are con- public out to The Chicago Departm ment by Hope Barrett, the deputy director of el cerned about not having enough social spaces Office nightspots required to conduct Planannual on citywide Aging. This public h der and LGBTI women’s issues at Howard Br to go to for social intey areractions afraid in of the going city. It also indicated that man d bars because their dimin- charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or n According to Barrett, the assessment confirmed ings on the Area g`Zb`klg document is designed to describe how the some of the previous findings about the LGBT late-night events an KliekfgX^\- K_\eZc`ZbfeXepX[Xe[Y\kXb\e[`i\Zkcpkf be higher than the nor, suchm. kXb\`k_fd\ of Senior Services will1965 use and funds from from the the State Ol der of aging population, such as its educational back- Americans Act of ground which tends to Illinois General Revenue Funds. Howard Brown - But it was also surprising in some aspects at the chicago theatre box office. as the fact that the level of negative experiences recently conducted an LGBT Elder Needs Assessthe- ment, and the results were presented at a public in receiving care was not as high as had been produced in forum at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal sted, March 24. The onev entLGBT was Aging organized and the by SAGE Chicago Task Force association with: Zfd nnn%N`e[p:`kpHl\\iZXjk%Zfd HAIRSALONS k_\X[m\ik`j\iËjN\Yj`k\ for full festival schedule go to TRAVEL INSURANCEDENTISTSBANKINGGET IT ALLnnn%N`e[p:`kpD\[`X>iflg% AUTOS CONTRACTORSonline justforlaughschicago.com FLOORINGINSURANCEBOOKSTORESELECTRICIANS TM & © 2009 Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. LEGALSERVICES PHOTOGRAPHERSRESTAURANTS 4 April 1, 2009 ate. The Vermont bill now goes to the House. amendment 11 to 19, Mullin was also one of of the vote “very gratifying” and called the vic- Take two: N.H. © Keen News Service 2009 the first—and the only Republican— to speak tory “the culmination of ten years of conversa- House OKs same- in support of the bill. He said he had to wrestle tion.” If the measure does pass the House and Vermont closer to with two issues in making his decision—whether the governor allows it to become law, it will go sex marriage homosexuality is “learned” or something people into effect September 1. By Lisa Keen same-sex marriage are “born with” and what the state constitu- “My biggest fear,” she said, “is of complacency Keen News Service BY Lisa Keen tion requires. He said he concluded that “our or celebrating too early.” Keen News Service creator creates us all and we should show love ©Keen News Service 2009 Concord, N.H.—In a dramatic session, the New all creations” and that the constitution requires Hampshire House of Representatives passed a Montpelier, VT—The Vermont Senate took the equality. And civil unions, said Mullin, “are not Arne Duncan bill March 26 that allows gay couples to obtain state’s first big step toward equal-marriage equal to marriage.” marriage licenses—a vote that came fewer than rights March 23, when it voted 26-4 to pass a The state legislature passed the nation’s first meets with GLSEN 30 minutes after the House defeated the same bill that seeks to allow gay couples to obtain civil unions law in 2000, in response to a court In an historic first, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and measure by one vote. marriage licenses. In a pro forma second vote, ruling, allowing same-sex couples to have the Straight Education Network) Executive Director The vote for passage—186 to 179—came af- the Senate gave final approval Tuesday, through benefits of marriage but neither the license nor Eliza Byard and a delegation of students and ter the House first voted 182 to 183 to reject voice vote, sending the measure to the House. the title of “marriage.” teachers met with Secretary of Education Arne the bill. But in an unprecedented action, the Openly gay State Rep. Bill Lippert said he is There was some drama, too, when the 30- Duncan in Washington, D.C., March 23 to dis- House took a rapid of series of procedural votes “confident” the bill will pass the House next member Senate’s one black senator, Randy Brock, cuss the importance of anti-bullying efforts to that threw that first vote—and the bill—into a week. stood to be counted as one of only four senators the Obama administration’s education reform confusing state of limbo. “The question is how many votes,” said Lip- who voted against the bill, saying that he, “like agenda, according to an organizational press It also came just minutes after a dramatic pert. “I think the strength of the bipartisan vote President Obama,” believes marriage is between release. address by openly gay Rep. David Pierce, who in the Senate increases our momentum going one man and one woman.” He and others also “It was moving to witness these students and spoke at length about his almost 20-year rela- into the House.” claimed the bill was being propelled through teachers sharing their personal stories of pain, tionship with is partner, Bob, and their love and The margin of victory in the House will be im- the legislature at “unprecedented speed,” deny- rejection, resilience and hope with the nation’s concern for their two young daughters. portant, noted Lippert and gay attorney-activist ing citizens a “full opportunity to express their top education official,” Byard said in the release. When the first vote was posted on the elec- Beth Robinson, because the state’s Republican opinion. “Secretary Duncan showed great compassion for tronic voting board, there was a loud excla- Governor, Jim Douglas, has indicated he is op- The latter argument was quickly and soundly their experiences, respect for their perseverance mation from the House and public balcony— posed to gay marriage. He has not stated that he stamped down by senators who reminded the and dedication to identifying effective respons- sounding both anguished and surprised—and a will veto the measure, however, and that’s the body that Vermont had been discussing same-sex es to school climate issues. I am confident that smattering of applause. wild card in next week’s proceedings. marriage for nine years. Peter Shumlin, president we will see growing engagement with these is- The House then launched into a raucous con- Both chambers of the Vermont legislature are of the Senate, said the leadership had been on sues at the Department of Education and truly sideration of whether to table the bill—and led by a Democratic majority. The 26-4 vote in the verge of passing a same-sex marriage bill positive change.” thus preserving the ability to bring it back to the Senate can easily overcome a veto, and sup- back in 2000 but balked at the time, thinking The meeting took place during GLSEN’s Safe the floor this session—or pronounce the mea- porters are hopeful about achieving a veto-proof “Vermont was not ready.” Schools Advocacy Summit, a three-day event sure dead. March 26 was the last day a measure majority in the House, too. “It’s been nine years. That’s how long some where students, educators and community lead- could pass the House and be sent to the Senate Monday’s debate in the Senate lasted just over have waited,” said Shumlin. He also noted the ers learn about effective school- and communi- for consideration this session. an hour and was marked by considerable deco- legislature had held numerous hearings about ty-based organizing. Passage in the New Hampshire House came rum. But there were passionate moments and this year’s bill around the state. Duncan was CEO of Chicago Public Schools just three days after another historic vote in —behind the scenes—considerable drama. Attorneys Beth Robinson and Susan Murray, from 2001 until January 2009. neighboring Vermont. There, the Senate voted Bartley Mullin, son of Republican Sen. Kevin who led the historic court case which initially 26-4 to pass a marriage-equality bill. Mullin, had a letter to the editor published in forced the Vermont legislature to address the Republican Gov. Jim Douglas of Vermont said Monday’s Rutland Herald, thanking his father for inequities of the state’s marriage law in 2000, NATIONAL after the Senate vote there, he would veto the “supporting my own rights.” Many in the cham- were, naturally, very pleased with the Senate’s bill if it passed. In New Hampshire, Colin Man- ber—including some with the Vermont Freedom vote. ning, a spokesperson for Gov. John Lynch, said to Marry group—had not seen the letter. But “I’m overwhelmed,” said Murray, following the ROUNDUP BY ANDREW DAVIS the governor opposes same-sex marriage but has for those who had, there were two surprises. vote, as many Vermont Freedom to Marry sup- not yet indicated whether he will sign or veto First, Senator Mullin offered an amendment to porters smiled and quietly hugged each other Openly gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the legislation should it pass. postpone the Senate vote on the equal marriage just outside the Senate room following the vote. offered specifics—but did not apologize—after One of the first amendments proposed dur- bill and let voters weigh-in first through a non- Observers had been scattered around the stately referring to Supreme Court Justice Antonin ing debate was aimed at requiring the state to binding referendum. Mullin said he was not try- but small Senate rotunda during the debate, Scalia as a “homophobe,” according to EDGE provide two types of marriage licenses—one for ing to undermine the bill but felt it would be squeezed into two small public galleries, stand- Boston. Frank said to Boston’s WBZ, “What a religious marriages and one for civil marriages. “better” to “truly try to reach a consensus” on ing in its one balcony, and sitting on window ’homophobe’ means is someone who has preju- The proposal was struck down 306-34. the issue. ledges. The scene stood in marked contrast to dice about gay people,” and that, based on The New Hampshire bill now goes to the Sen- Then, after the Senate voted down that Massachusetts, where vociferous supporters and opponents jostled for position and erupted loud- Scalia’s opinions, “he’s angry, frankly, about the ly following key marriage votes. existence of gay people.” Chicago's home for LGBTQ theater and Murray said she thinks the 26 to 4 margin of In New York City, 16-year-old John Katehis youth mentorship is in danger of closing. victory “sends a very powerful message.” has reportedly confessed to the fatal stab- Activists hope that message will be heard by bing of radio journalist George Weber, 47, Keep gay theater alive in Chicago: the House. The House Judiciary Committee took the New York Post reported. Katehis apparently up the measure on Tuesday and the full House is responded to a Craigslist ad in which Weber of- expected to vote next Thursday or Friday, April fered to pay him $60 for sex. The Post article 2 or 3. A key concern is whether the House can added that Katehis—a Satan-worshipping teen provide that same veto-proofing margin for the with a girlfriend and a propensity for violence— measure. stabbed Weber as many as 50 times. Robinson, who is also chairman of the Ver- The Hawaii Senate has rejected an effort to mont Freedom to Marry group (vtfreetomarry. force a vote on same-sex civil unions, the AP org), said she’s cautiously optimistic that the reported. This development essentially killed the legislature is poised to make Vermont the fourth measure, even though a majority indicated it state in the nation to approve equal marriage supports the unions. Senate Judiciary Chairman rights for gays. Massachusetts was the first, Cali- Brian Taniguchi said the bill could be amended fornia the second (though voters last November and revived, but probably not until next year. amended the constitution to ban same-sex mar- The publication of gay magazine Genre will riages), and Connecticut was the third. It is only be suspended due to the ongoing recession, the second time a state legislature has approved according to AllHeadlineNews.com. CEO David equal rights in marriage for gay couples. Califor- Unger has said that the monthly magazine is nia has done so twice and its Republican gov- taking a respite. Genre was launched in 1991 as ernor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has twice vetoed a quarterly magazine focused on LGBT life. the measure. The president of the NAACP’s Cincinnati, A spokesperson for Vermont’s Republican Gov. Ohio, chapter has appointed Chris Finney, an Jim Douglas did not return this reporter’s calls. anti-gay attorney, to its board, according to Although he has said he opposes same-sex mar- 365Gay.com. Finney wrote Article 12, a 1993 riages, he said he believes civil unions provide city charter amendment that prohibited city of- the equal rights necessary under the law. And he ficials from passing laws that protected gays and has not stated he would veto a same-sex mar- lesbians; however, the measure was repealed in riage bill. [Ed. note: Douglas has said that he 2004. Call (773)784-8565 x111 or visit will veto the measure, according to the New York Read more national news online at www. www.aboutfacetheatre.com Times.] Three of the senate’s seven Republicans WindyCityMediaGroup.com. voted for the measure this week. Robinson said she found the bipartisan nature April 1, 2009 5 also seeking to find allies among international portant step for suffering Illinoisians who rely Two-day confab organizations. Azzi addressed how homosexual- State senate on medical cannabis because they, in consulta- ity was policed differently in countries like Saudi committee passes tion with their doctors, have determined it is focuses on Arabia and Egypt. the best treatment available to them.” immigrant issues Conference attendees came with different marijuana bill perspectives as lawyers, community activists, The Illinois Senate Public Health Committee By YASMIN NAIR and representatives of NGOs (non-governmental Clarification passed a bill March 25 that would allow serious- In the March 25 article “LGBT addiction re- organizations); this resulted in the discussions ly ill patients with certain conditions to legally The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), a covery house opens on North Side,” Living with where participants clearly had differences in use medical marijuana, according to a Marijuana program of Heartland Alliance, hosted a confer- Pride Executive Producer Claudia Mosier was terms of the strategies they preferred. For in- Policy Project press release. ence on LGBT Immigration issues entitled “De- quoted as referring to the facility as a “halfway stance, several people questioned the focus on SB 1381—sponsored by State Sen. Bill Haine, fending the Human Rights of LGBT and HIV-Pos- house.” The correct term is a “sober living facil- asylum as the best option for LGBT migrants. D-Alton—passed by a 6-3 vote. It is the com- itive Immigrants and Refugees.” The conference ity.” Both Kanuma and Azzi made it clear that they panion bill to HB 2514, which passed the House took place March 26-27. The conference took Windy City Times regrets the error. only supported asylum seekers leaving their Health and Human Services Committee, 4-3, on place at Northwestern University Law School, countries in the most extreme circumstances, March 4; State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, spon- 357 E. Chicago Avenue (on the first day) and stressing that the real possibility for change sored that measure. the law firm McDermott, Will and Emery, 227 W. came from changing country conditions. In the statement, Haine said, “This is an im- Monroe (on the second day). On March 27, panels were organized around The United States bans people with HIV from two tracks, one for practitioners and another for entering the country. Various groups have been community groups and advocates. The emphasis QUINN from cover working to have the ban lifted since the early was on legal strategies, identifying and educat- $630,000 to two HIV lines—one of them is 1980s. Persecution due to sexual orientation can ing LGBT immigrants about their rights [this HIV prevention and care and the other one is be grounds for asylum for LGBT migrants, but reporter was among the community present- for HIV-positive prisoners who are returning to the process is often cumbersome and unwieldy. ers], and updates on legislation. Kara Hartzler, the community—could really destabilize some In addition, the U.S. government stipulates that an attorney, spoke about the difficulties faced really important programs.” such appeals must be made within one year of by LGBT immigrants detained for being undocu- With about 1,500 people diagnosed as HIV- entry. However, most immigrants are not aware mented and who might be outed to potentially positive every year in the state of Illinois, as of this stipulation and the situation is especially unsympathetic lawyers and detention officials well as people living with HIV, living longer, complicated if they fear exposure within their as well as potentially hostile fellow detainees. Peller explained that the demand for HIV ser- immigrant communities or cannot be out about Julie Kruse of Immigration Equality spoke about vices would only continue to increase over their sexuality in U.S. workplaces where condi- the Uniting American Families Act, which seeks time. tions for LGBT citizens are still far from ideal. to allow U.S citizens and permanent residents to “With the economy in the shape it is in, HIV According to Eric Berndt—an attorney with sponsor their same-sex partners as immigrants. service providers are really struggling with pri- NIJC and a chief organizer of the conference— Friday’s events also included a keynote address vate fund raising,” he said. “We recognize that the purpose of this meeting was to create a by Gisela Thater, of the United Nations Human the governor proposed some budget reforms space where lawyers, LGBT community activists Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). that are very important. Without these budget The Rev. Stan Sloan. Photo by Andrew Davis and officials from NGOs could pool their resourc- The conference was clearly useful for many as reforms, we’d be looking at much larger cut for es. The aim was “to get everybody who’s con- a resource pool, and organizers were particular HIV funding that is essential for low income services that keep people alive. I feel like our cerned about protecting LGBT and HIV migrants about giving people access to information and and vulnerable people. We know that keeping state has been so mismanaged for so long, Gov. to get together and achieve protection for those sharing documentation strategies. But there was government resources constant and level is es- Quinn is at least looking realistically at the big people and, in addition to achieving the protec- also some sense that more needed to be done sential in these times, so we are going to be picture with all the plans in the budget. I ap- tion available in the law now, create coalitions about addressing the structural problems facing working with the governor’s office and with plaud him for that, but balancing it on the that can reform the law to increase the available LGBT immigrants. Akim Adé Larcher, of the LGBT legislators to make sure that the HIV budget backs of those most vulnerable is not the way protections.” group Egale Canada, said that he was struck by cuts are reversed.” to do it.” The first day of the conference was devoted the lack of discussion around poverty and race The AFC is also concerned about the future Gov. Quinn is currently working with the gen- to consecutive panels on specific issues like in- in relation to LGBT immigrants. Referring to of supportive housing services, which house eral assembly to get the budget passed. The ternational LGBT organizing and current legis- the UAFA (Uniting American Families Act), he people living with HIV/AIDS. The organization proposal must be reviewed by the legislature lative reforms. Rosanna Flamer-Caldera opened said he was surprised to learn that it did not was denied a funding increase of $3 million before it can be approved. The AFC assured the conference with her keynote address. Flam- include provisions for undocumented people and and was appropriated the same level of funding that they will be working closely with the gov- er-Caldera is the executive director of Equal wondered about “solving issues around poverty, in the new fiscal year. ernor and legislators to prevent any further Ground, an LGBT group based in Sri Lanka. She for people who don’t have access to employ- “This is not good news,” said the Rev. Stan HIV-related spending reductions and poten- said there was a need for “international solu- ment.” Larcher also felt that there needed to J. Sloan, Chief Executive Officer for Chicago tially increase funding for supportive housing tions on a global level.” be more discussion about how the U.S. “affects House. “We need every dollar we can possibly programs. The panel “LGBT Human Rights Violations: Ob- international discourse,” and how its policies get for our services, so this will have a nega- “I think that Gov. Quinn is definitely willing jectives and Perspectives from around the World” might create conditions that exacerbate issues tive impact.” to work with people on the budget,” said Ridg- featured Georges Azzi from the Lebanese group for LGBT migrants. Mina Trudeau, director of Al- The Chicago House & Social Service Agency way. “But understand that because we have Helem; Georges Kanuma from Association pour Fatiha, the U.S national organization for Muslim is a member of the Supportive Housing Pro- this budget deficit, the state is unable to pay le Respect et les Droits des Homosexuels (AR- LGBTQ people, remarked that the conference viders Association and has been providing its bills on time and that is hurting those or- DHO) in Burundi; and Jawad Hussain Quereshi, had been “A good opportunity to connect with housing for those living with HIV/AIDS for ganizations that serve the state. These groups a Pakistani gay activist. Each of them addressed groups that are working on LGBT immigrant HIV over two decades. Although the Chicago House who provide services to people—they aren’t region-specific issues: Quereshi spoke about the and asylum issues” and for “sharing resources does not rely heavily upon state funding, Rev. being paid and are in jeopardy of bankruptcy or difficulties of organizing around HIV when “there and collaborating to get the opportunities that Sloan knows it will directly affect the clients having to lay people off. It is really important is no clear national strategy in Pakistan” and it individuals in our communities need.” he serves. to balance this budget, in the larger sense. By is illegal for stores to display condoms. Kanuma “As HIV/AIDS continues to progress, it in- having a balanced budget, we will be able to spoke about a current attempt to criminalize creasingly hits communities that are unable to pay these groups who depend on money from same-sex relations in Burundi, and the complex financially cope with it,” he said. “My primary the state.” struggle to resist that among activists who must concern would be that this budget cut hits negotiate relationships with politicians while
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He’s been there Kevin Down South,” highlighted the deep historical since the beginning.” Clewer. and cultural connections between Chicago and According to Cannon, Ogren has been an ex- Photo the American South, with an emphasis on how emplary “go-to guy” for logistics and planning courtesy of people live their lives as gay, lesbian and queer for organizations like Open Hand (now Vital Ron Clewer African-Americans. Bridges): “When Open Hand faced some pain- “Growing up, I heard stories about struggling ful budget cuts, Dean’s response, along with from my family. I didn’t realize it then but I his partner, John, was to organize the infamous know now that they were trying to save my life, toilet-paper party to make sure that low-income eral people took the flyers to distribute around to show me who I was and where I came from. Dean Ogren (right) with George Mal. Photo people living with AIDS had their basics, their Boystown and Andersonville. They were placing their hope in me,” said Bridg- courtesy of Ogren essential personal-care items. Not only did Dean On March 24, 2004, Kevin Clewer, 31, was forth. organize this event—he and John hosted it, cre- found in his apartment murdered, the victim of Bridgforth (a poet/storyteller/performer in Ogren honored ating a long-standing tradition that they open multiple stab wounds. According to the flyer, he Austin, Texas) and Johnson (Performing Studies their home every January with tables loaded was last seen on North Halsted with someone Department Chair at Northwestern University) with Damski Award with food. He’s a selfless guy, like Jon Henri.” displayed a sharp humility on stage, with some- By JOHN FENOGLIO known as “Fernando,” who is considered a per- When Ogren was asked about his personal son of interest. thing both sweet and profound in their deliver- connection to Damski, he said, “This isn’t really ies. Painful at times and funny at others, their Dean Ogren, a champion within the leather, Describing the operation, McDade said, it would about just me. It’s about Jon and it’s about all of take about 45 minutes “to get the flyers out to stories revealed a truth that seemed to resonate AIDS and gay communities, was honored at the us taking care of each other. You really gotta pay with the audience. Jon Henri Damski Awards ceremony held at Side- the businesses so that everybody will know that it forward. You need to take care of yourselves, there was a bad crime that we need help get- “In laughter, there is medicine. In remember- track, 3349 N. Halsted, on March 29. then each other. The AIDS fight isn’t over. Each ing, there is hope. In telling, there is the prom- The award, known as the “Jon Henri,” is ting solved.” When asked if any new leads had person can make a difference. It doesn’t have to surfaced, McDade told Windy City Times, “At five ise of what’s coming,” said Bridgforth. named after Chicago journalist, activist and be a big thing. You can really make things hap- Johnson nodded and smiled. “Family stories,” “queer thinker” Jon Henri Damski. Often re- years old, the leads are gone.” At this point, pen as an individual. Impacting just one person an unidentified man interjected, “They arrested he mused, “You learned how to become a gossip ferred to as the Studs Terkel of the gay com- makes a difference.” real quick. I bring with me from down South that munity, Damski was a thoughtful writer and a Fernando five years ago. I thought they were go- Other attendees included Equality Illinois’ Gar- ing to be looking for the killer, not Fernando.” sense of community, which if you know anything voracious consumer of the art of conversation. cia and Sidetrack co-owners Pepe Pena, John- about the South, community means everything. He wrote for publications such as Gay Chicago McDade then replied, “I talked to Chicago police ston and Chuck Hyde. two days ago. They said, ‘Just use the composite I also think that there’s an art of an oral tradi- Magazine and Gay Life, and eventually ended his tion that I come from, which helps my writing career at the Windy City Times. “He was a man [on the flyer].” Cook County Crime Stoppers encourages people become lyrical. I learned that from my family. I that showed reverence to everyone, hustlers and Hunt still on try to bring that with me. And then, of course, politicians alike. He was a man of the people,” to anonymously report tips on crime and be eli- for Clewer’s killer gible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. People my cooking, I try to stick my baby toe in every- said Lori Cannon, a longtime friend and veteran thing I make. Food was such an important part AIDS community service provider. As an activ- By ANDREW DAVIS can call 800-535-STOP or visit www.cookcounty- crimestoppers.org any time to report their tips. of building a community because, you know, we ist, Damski worked side by side with other LGBT shared pots. I bring all of that with me and in pioneers, such as Rick Garcia, Art Johnston and Five years later, Kevin Clewer’s killer is still at large. all my work I try to tell a story.” Laurie Dittman. Together they became known as Talk offers “I think that being a Black queer person the “Gang of Four,” and their lobbying efforts That was the message several individuals—in- cluding Clewer’s brother, Ron, and Cook County there’s a way that the spirit moves me, and I led to the passage of the Chicago human-rights southern think that’s sacred,” said Bridgforth. “And for ordinance in 1989 and the hate-crimes ordi- Crime Stoppers—tried to get out on a rain- and wind-swept afternoon March 28 at Cornelia and exposure you, Patrick, there is this crazy brutality and nance in 1990. love in your stories.” Damski passed away in 1997 after battling Halsted. Crime Stoppers Chairman George Mc- By JOHN FENOGLIO Dade gave out flyers that had a photo of Kevin Johnson’s most recent work is an oral his- cancer. Yet, his memory is alive in the hearts of tory entitled Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the those who knew him and his sense of community Clewer; a sketch of “Fernando,” a person of in- Artists, educators and performers Sharon Bridg- terest; and pertinent information on them. Sev- forth and E. Patrick Johnson read from their own South. works and engaged each other in an evening of ELDERS from cover of the agenda to begin to do training; we’re working with our partners to be sure to docu- ished physical capacity makes them less able ment the places that welcome us.” Barrett ad- to respond to potential harm from strangers dressed that issue as well and said that there on dark streets. There was also a significant were plans to compile a resource directory that amount of depression recorded among the LGBT would list such places but that they needed elderly, and only 34 percent reported that they to be thoroughly vetted to make sure they are were satisfied with their daily activities. indeed LGBT-friendly: “We need to do some Barrett, Worman and Amber Hollibaugh— background research about the organizations director of elder and LGBTI women’s issues we list on this guide.” at Howard Brown—spoke about the different While many of the participants spoke about efforts to address these issues. For instance, North Side/Boystown experiences, one of Howard Brown is drawing upon peer outreach them, Steve, was concerned about outreach nflc[c`b\kfk_Xeb coordinators whose job is to raise awareness to LGBT elders in other parts of the city and about available services within the LGBT elder asked, “What’s being done to reach the South population. Side and for people who can’t access the Cen- The presentation on the needs assessment ter?” Worman acknowledged such issues with was followed by a speak-out by members of outreach and said that efforts were being made the LGBT elder population, and this portion to hold similar events across the city. was punctuated by several energetic points Some participants felt that there needed to made by attendees. Ron, a longtime resident of be more organizing efforts among LGBT elders Boystown, spoke about the need for more af- themselves. Tom said that there needed to fordable housing that could ensure that people “an attempt to mobilize community members ]fiZ_ffj`e^ljXj like him could stay in their neighborhood: “I and participants to empower themselves.” He can’t afford to live in this neighborhood. I’m also said that the ownership of such issues getting tired of getting pushed out.” (Note: currently belonged to the agencies, and that Some attendees did not give their last names.) needed to change. Hollibaugh agreed and said David Baker, who lives in a Chicago Housing that the current program was a good model for 9
The world securities markets SEEKING NOMINATIONS!!! have lost approximately 17 trillion dollars in just 9 months Deadline: Fri., April 24 (in 2008 alone). Nominees should be under 30 years of age as THE WINDY CITY TIMES of July 1, 2009 and should have made some TENTH ANNUAL substantial contributions to the LGBT community, whether in the fields of entertainment, politics, You cannot afford to lose your health and/or other areas. retirement money in this bear The nomination should be 100 words or less and should state what achievements or contributions market. the nominee has made. Nominators should include their own names and contact information AWARDS as well as the contact information of the nominee. Once your money is lost, Please email nominations to [email protected] or fax to it will be very difficult - if not impossible, Andrew Davis’ attention to 773-871-7609. to earn it back.
Following the policy instituted in 2005 that individuals can only win once, those who have won the award since that year are ineligible for this year’s awards. Honorees will be notified in May and recognized in June in Windy City Times and at a ceremony at Center on Halsted on Call 773-549-5210 or email: [email protected] Tuesday, June 23. to get your free report:
The 2009 Awards are co-sponsored by: “A Solution of Safe Returns” 8 April 1, 2009 will benefit from the program. The Trust is work- AFSP and ‘Dirty Details’ ing to raise $1 million for the Unity Challenge at Saks April 2 Fund. To encourage donations, it is providing a center co-host Saks Fifth Avenue and Details Magazine will two-to-one match, with the overall goal of a $3 host “The Dirty Details,” a fashion event to ben- million fund. suicide forum efit Center on Halsted, on Thursday, April 2, 6-8 Among the other first-round grant recipients By EMMANUEL GARCIA p.m., at Saks Fifth Avenue: The Men’s Store, 717 are the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the N. Michigan. Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention A $20 donation is requested. Admission is County. and the Sexual Orientation Identity Institute complimentary for all Center on Halsted Direc- at the Center on Halsted co-hosted the forum tor’s Circle members and their guests. Club BEHIV “Suicide in the LGBT Community: Research and For more information, please contact Nathan Health Care Perspectives 2009,” which took Harris at [email protected] or 773- April 4 place March 24 at the center, 3656 N. Halsted. 472-6469, ext. 252. Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) will host Panelists Robert Garafalo, M.D., and Laura Cyndi Lauper. friends and supporters at the organization’s Szalacha, Ph.D., presented research conclu- sixth annual Club BEHIV & Cabaret on Saturday, sions while Edmond Yomtoob, Valerie Newman, CAWC gala April 4 winning singer and actress Brandy will be the April 4, at the Women’s Club of Evanston, 1702 On Saturday, April 4, Connections for Abused Tonda Hughes and Dennis Beauchamp all briefly headliner. Chicago, 6:30-11 p.m. Women and their Children will host its annual described the challenges from a clinician’s per- “It’s an honor to always have the genuine af- Returning this year, NBC-5 Chicago personality fundraising benefit gala, “Sounds of Silence,” spective. fection of the gay community,” Lauper said in a Lee Ann Trotter will serve as emcee. 6-11 p.m. at the Union League Club, 65 W. Jack- Garafalo, the deputy director of Howard Brown statement. “They have never turned their back See www.behiv.org. son. Health Center, presented research data specific on me. I will never turn my back on them. We’ve Tickets are $225 each; call 773-489-9081 or to LGBT youth, but stressed the need for more had a long and enduring love affair.” by visit www.cawc.org. Mapplethorpe show research studies to include elderly and trans in- With hits such as “Time after Time,” “True Col- dividuals. Beauchamp, who has been working ors” and “Girls just Want to Have Fun,” Lauper to end April 5 with older adults for 33 years, reported that Obama poet cemented her position as one of the all-time Largely unknown works by photographer Rob- 75 percent of older adults who commit suicide at UIC April 7 greats. She also has spearheaded the ‘‘True Col- ert Mapplethorpe are being exhibited this winter see their doctor within their last month and are ors” tour, which benefited the Human Rights during two major exhibitions at Northwestern Elizabeth Alexander, who was selected to more likely to use lethal methods. Older gays are Campaign. University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of compose and deliver a poem at the inaugura- most likely to be isolated due to the loss of a Ever since her 1994 four-time self-titled plati- Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. tion of President Barack Obama at the United partner, income or contact with a social circle; num debut, Brandy has been a force to be reck- The “Polaroids: Mapplethorpe” exhibition, States Capitol this past Jan. 20, will be at the sometimes all of these risk factors develop all oned with. Late last year, Brandy released her featuring more than 90 photographs, are in the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum, 725 W. at once. Almost all presenters talked about the fifth full-length studio album, Human. Block Museum’s Alsdorf Gallery through April 5. Roosevelt, Tuesday, April 7, 4-6 p.m. social stigmatization of suicide, a taboo topic Special VIP reserved seating is available; see New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art, This event is free and open to the public. that silences many from getting help. Survivors, www.pridefest.com. in collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Space is limited; please RSVP to gwsinfo@uic. friends and family who have been affected by Foundation, New York, organized the exhibi- edu. For more information, call 312-413-7629. a loss can all be life-saving resources to those tion. who are struggling. Coalition presenting Admission is free. Call 847-491-4000 or see For more information go to www.afsp.org or Men’s event teach-in April 4 www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu. www.centeronhalsted.org. a sweet affair The Coalition for Justice and Respect will pres- ent a teach-in Saturday, April 4, 12-5 p.m., at Men on Mondays, the monthly social network- Sexual abuse center the Chicago Theological Seminary, 5757 S. Uni- LGBTQ college ing night for men, will next take place Monday, versity. to hold open house April 6, 6-9 p.m. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. confab April 4 Among the slated topics of discussion are civil Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, 4275 Old Grand, Halsted, with a hilarious and tasty night of bak- The Illinois GLBTQA College Students’ Confer- rights, social justice, same-sex marriage and Gurnee, is inviting everyone to join in celebrat- ing fun with “Baking with Bertha.” ence, “Achieving the Triple Threat: Academic, modern-day miscegenation. ing the courage and spirit of sexual assault sur- The audience mixes and mingles while eating Leadership, and Social Excellence for all mem- RSVP at [email protected]. vivors and their families at its annual thank-you tasty treats. To learn more about Bertha visit bers of the GLBTQA Community,” will take place open house, themed “The Art of Peace,” Satur- www.berthamason.com. Saturday, April 4, at Lake Forest College. day, April 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $20, (includes one drink ticket) A welcome/breakfast will take place at 9 a.m. Daley, trust announce For details, visit www.zachariascenter.org or with a cash bar available. E-mail tballentine@ There will be academic, leadership and social $1M in grants to contact Community Education Director Jane centeronhalsted.org or call 773-472-6469, ext. workshops throughout the day. Dinner (at the Hunter at 847-244-1187, ext. 26. attendees’ own expenses) is at 6 p.m. 245. fight hunger Visit pridelakeforest.com/triplethreat.html or Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Com- e-mail [email protected] for more informa- Lauper and Brandy at munity Trust have announced seven grants to- tion. taling $1 million to address hunger and home- Milwaukee PrideFest lessness in the metropolitan area through the On June 12, Milwaukee PrideFest will be the Trust’s new “Unity Challenge Fund” initiative. place to be, as Cyndi Lauper takes to the Miller The announcement was made at Interfaith Main Stage. The following day, Grammy Award- House, 3456 W. Franklin, a homeless shelter that
St. James Cathedral The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Huron at Wabash Thursday, April 2 7:30 p.m. You are welcome! Item Of The Month Susan Jane Gilman Undress Me in the Holy Week Services Temple of Heaven April 5 | Palm Sunday Wednesday, April 8 10:30 am - Dixieland Procession 7:30 p.m. with palms, around the block. Staceyann Chin The Passion of St. Mark Have your 4 soloists in the cathedral The Other Side of Paradise premiums April 10 | Good Friday Noon - The Passion of St. John increased with 4 soloists. Prayers until 3 p.m.
5233 N. Clark recently? April 11 | The Great Vigil 8 pm - The Ancient Chant (773) 769-9299 See me: and Four Lessons in candlelight until the Charles T. Rhodes, first Eucharist of Easter Agent April 12 | Easter Day 2472 N. Clark 11 am - Feast of the Resurrection [email protected] Festival Eucharist with Cinco Brass To see more and www.womenandchildrenfirst.com 773.281.0890 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Quintet and the Cathedral Choir for more information, go to Parking Available (not in NJ) Wheelchair Accessible State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) www.LeatherArchives.org Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois www.saintjamescathedral.org April 1, 2009 9 Serbia bans WORLD GLB discrimination Serbia’s National Assembly banned all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation QUOTELINES ROUNDUP March 26. BY REX WOCKNER by Rex Wockner The vote was 127-59, one more vote than was needed for passage. Sixty-four deputies did not MEPs take up show up to vote. Q “Oh, no (I don’t think homosexuality married to Ellen DeGeneres, to the Los Angeles “The law says that sexual orientation is a is a choice). I don’t think I’ve ever really Times, March 15. Russian gay- private matter and no one should be asked to subscribed to that view, that you can turn it express their sexual orientation in public,” the rights crusade on and off like a water tap. Um, you know, I “During their campaign, the Yes-on-8 local lesbian rights group Labris said in a state- Twenty-two members of the European Parlia- think that there’s a whole lot that goes into people hit us with a sledgehammer and our ment. “On the other hand, (it says) everybody ment have sent a letter to the Council of Eu- the makeup of an individual that, uh, you just side hit back with a slingshot. The time for has the right to express their sexual orientation rope’s Committee of Ministers complaining about can’t simply say, oh, like, ‘Tomorrow morning candlelight vigils is over.” — California mar- in public and not be discriminated against be- Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov’s permanent ban on I’m gonna stop being gay.’ It’s like saying, ‘To- riage case plaintiff Robin Tyler to wowowow. cause of that.” public gay events and similar bans elsewhere in morrow morning I’m gonna stop being black.’ com (The Women on the Web), March 11. The bill recently had been removed from ac- Russia. ... I mean, I think that’s the prevailing view tive consideration in Parliament following objec- “Since May 2006, the Russian Federation offi- at this point, and I know that there’s some “How can you argue separate is not tions from the Serbian Orthodox Church. It was cials have banned 167 public events planned by out there who think that you can absolutely equal and then argue that separate *is* then slightly reworded by the government and the local LGBT community in Moscow and other make that choice. And maybe some people equal—but only if you’re gay? It’s everything reactivated, following what Labris called “strong cities across the country,” the letter states. have. I don’t know, I can’t say. Until we can I’m not.” — San Francisco Mayor Gavin News- pressure from the public and relevant interna- “Several Members of the European Parliament give a definitive answer one way or the other, om speaking at the city’s Commonwealth Club, tional organizations.” were present during attempts to stage marches I think we should respect that.” — Republican March 11. Enactment of a national law covering discrimi- in support of freedom and rights for sexual mi- National Committee Chairman Michael Steele to nation based on sexual orientation is a require- norities in May 2006 and May 2007, marches GQ, March 12. which led to the beating of LGBT activists in the ment for nations that seek visa-free travel to the European Union for their citizens. streets of Moscow.” “I have been, um, sup- The letter noted that seven legal cases over portive of a lot of my the bans are pending at the European Court of Conflicting reports friends who are gay That felt really Human Rights, with the oldest of the cases dat- on Venezuelan in some of the core things good to me, Fox of courtesy Photo ing to February 2007. that they believe are im- that [People] It pointed out that Moscow’s fourth annual civil-union bill portant to them. You know, gay pride is scheduled for May 16, the same day Venezuela’s National Assembly is set to legal- the ability to be able to could show two the campy Eurovision Song Contest takes place ize same-sex unions with a new “associations of share in the information of really happy in Moscow, and suggested that the CoE’s Com- coexistence” law, MP Romelia Matute told re- your partner, to have the mittee of Ministers should take some sort of ac- gay people. porters March 20. ability to—particularly in —Portia de Rossi tion to end the Russian Federation’s systematic She said the law will extend “juridical and pat- times of crisis—to manage breach of the GLBT community’s right to freedom rimonial effects,” likely meaning the legal rights their affairs and to help of assembly, which is guaranteed by the Euro- and obligations of marriage, including inheri- them through that as others—you know, as “(Yes on 8 campaign manager Frank) pean Convention for the Protection of Human tance rights. family members or others—would be able to Schubert says the ‘No on 8’ loss has ‘pretty Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to which The law also will guarantee that people who do. I just draw the line at the gay marriage. much obliterated’ the gay leadership structure Russia is a signatory. change their gender will have the “right to rec- And that’s not antigay, no. Heck no! It’s just in California, so it’s ‘difficult to know what the Mayor Luzhkov has said he will never allow a ognition of their identity and the expedition or that, you know, from my faith tradition and other side will do, since there isn’t anyone in gay pride parade in Moscow. He has called the modification of the documents associated with upbringing, I believe that marriage—that in- charge anymore. The evidence of that,’ Schu- parades “satanic” and “weapons of mass de- identification.” stitution, the sanctity of it—is reserved for a bert further explains, ‘is that you have all of struction.” Matute said heterosexuals historically “have man and a woman. That’s just my view. And I’m these grassroots groups getting involved with- The letter to the Committee of Ministers was been cruel” to gay people and “the revolution not gonna jump up and down and beat people out any input from the usual gay leaders.’” — signed by MEPs Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert is about taking care of those who have been ex- upside the head about it, and tell gays that LA Weekly, March 11. (Netherlands), Sophie in ‘t Veld (Netherlands), cluded.” they’re wrong for wanting to aspire to that, Graham Watson (United Kingdom), Marco Cap- However, on March 25, Marelis Pérez, chair- and all of that craziness. That’s why I believe “It’s such a personal thing, and I pato (Italy), Alexander Alvaro (Germany), Chris woman of the Assembly’s Family, Women and that the states should have an opportunity don’t think it does anybody any good to Davies (United Kingdom), Johannes Lebech Youth Committee, on which Matute sits, con- to address that issue.” — Republican Nation- out people or force them out of the closet. I (Denmark), Maria Robsahm (Sweden), Ignasi tradicted Matute’s statements, reported Latino- al Committee Chairman Michael Steele to GQ, don’t see the point. It can still be very difficult Guardans (Spain), Jules Maaten (Netherlands), issues blogger Andrés Duque. March 12. in this business, so I’m sympathetic to that. Daniel Cohn-Bendit (France), Kathalijne Buiten- “The Gender Equity and Equality Bill estab- You hear rumors and gossip, but nobody really weg (Netherlands), Satu Hassi (Finland), Milan lishes respect for those who have a sexual op- “I don’t like mucking around with knows except that person, and it’s ultimately Horácek (Germany), Raül Romeva (Spain), Anne tion, safeguards their human rights, calls for the Constitution. I’m sorry, I just don’t. up to them. Now, there are times when the van Lancker (Belgium), Lissy Gröner (Germany), no discrimination, but it is something different I think, you know, in a pluralistic, dynamic press goes easier on or is more forgiving of Marie-Arlette Carlotti (France), Glenys Kinnock from granting legal (recognition) to homosexual society as the one that we have, every five someone, and I say, ‘How come he got a free (United Kingdom), Martine Roure (France), unions,” Pérez told El Tiempo newspaper. “That years you can have a constitutional conven- pass?’” — Actor Nathan Lane to The Advocate, Britta Thomsen (Denmark) and Sirpa Pietikäinen is not the objective of this law.” tion about something, you know? I don’t think April issue. (Finland). She said civil unions will be the subject of a we should be, you know, dancing around and Meanwhile, the third Russian Week Against Ho- different bill to be considered later. trying to amend it every time I’ve got a social “Yes, I’m like the homosexual Oracle mophobia took place March 23-31 in Moscow, St. issue (such as same-sex marriage) or a politi- of Delphi. They all come to ask my advice (on Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Arkhangelsk, Tyumen, —Assistance: Bill Kelley cal issue or a business issue that I want to get whether to come out)! No, nobody’s coming Omsk, Chelyabinsk, Kemerovo, Krasnoyarsk, Ka- Read the national roundup online at www. addressed. Having said that, I think that the to ask my advice. It would be hard to give a zan, Novosibirsk, Khabarovsk and Naberezhnye WindyCityMediaGroup.com. states are the best laboratory, the best place young actor advice on that. Yes, I think it’s the Chelny. for those decisions to be made, because they right thing to do and the healthy thing for ev- The various cities saw workshops, discussions, will then reflect the majority of the community eryone, but it’s also a business, and there are debates, film screenings and press conferences. in which the issue is raised. And that’s exactly those considerations.” — Actor Nathan Lane to The Russian LGBT Network and the Moscow what a republic is all about.” — Republican The Advocate, April issue. Helsinki Group unveiled a report looking at sex- National Committee Chairman Michael Steele to ual-orientation and gender-identity legal issues GQ, March 12. “No, I have no interest whatsoever (in and discrimination. getting married). I’ll fight for the rights for “I went to boarding school Southern, everybody else, but we’re perfectly happy the religious, and straight, and I left boarding way we are.” — Actor Nathan Lane to The Ad- school not being at all religious and not being vocate, April issue. straight.” — Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, 25, to the magazine Fast Company, April issue. —Assistance: Bill Kelley “People magazine put us on the cover when we got married. And that felt like some- thing big happened. That felt really good to me, that they could show two very happy gay people. ... I feel like we kind of get all the same stuff that any heterosexual couple would get in the public eye. And that is great, that is wonderful.” — Actress Portia de Rossi, who is 10 April 1, 2009
VIEWPOINT VOL. 24, No. 27, April 1, 2009 The combined forces of Windy City Times, to defend his outdated dogma? How high must fantasy world, young people pledge abstinence founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. the body count be before the pope is no longer until marriage. In the real world, studies show WAYNE considered pro-life? that teens taking virginity pledges were just as PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR French foreign ministry spokesman Eric Cheval- likely to engage in sex—and less likely to use Tracy Baim BESEN lier justifiably reacted with exasperation when birth control or condoms when they finally did. he said, “While it is not up to us to pass judg- It is such wanton disregard for reality and Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis ment on Church doctrine, we consider that such wearing of rose-colored shades to blind oneself Business manager Cynthia Holmes comments are a threat to public health policies from avoidable carnage that define fanaticism. Director of New Media Jean Albright and the duty to protect human life.” German There is something pathological and perverse ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson officials called the pope’s statement “irrespon- in the psyche of people willing to do enormous account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk The pope is Williamson, Cynthia Holmes sible” urged the availability of condoms in Af- wrong in order to prove their doctrine right. Promotions director Cynthia Holmes not pro-life rica. The history books will not be kind to this pope. NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson How ironic that a pope fixated on stanching From rehabilitating Holocaust deniers, to ram- National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 the decline of the Catholic Church in Western pant homophobia, to fighting against legisla- SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie Signaling a meaningful change from President J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, George W. Bush’s disastrous policies, the Obama Europe would declare something so out of touch tion allowing victims of child sexual abuse to Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia administration last week endorsed a United Na- with the modern world. His unconscionable cru- sue, “Bumbling Benedict” seems to lurch from TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan tions statement calling for the worldwide de- elty has transformed him into crusty relic on the one avoidable crisis to another. Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. verge of irrelevance. As he flails in his attempts to woo Europe and BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair criminalization of homosexuality. The primary ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS opponents of this measure were radical Islamist Appearing on Fox’s O’Reilly Factor last week, I ultimately fails in the West, the Pontiff will in- Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, countries and the Vatican, representing a new debated the pope’s statement with writer Ray- creasingly dupe the developing world. His road Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, unholy alliance across the globe. mond Arroyo. I pointed out that UNAIDS, calls show will focus on poor countries where people Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel the condom the “single, most efficient, available aren’t as attuned to the ethical depravity of his Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie The previous day on his way to Africa, the Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe pope spoke to reporters about the role condoms technology to reduce the sexual transmission of unscientific proclamations. Indeed, few people Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris play in the prevention of HIV. Unbelievably, the HIV.” Arroyo responded with a bizarre conspiracy will hear from those suffering after the pope Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Karen Dixon, Pontiff said they make the epidemic worse. theory saying that the United Nations group was goes home and they die in silent anonymity— Mark Corece, Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy only trying to “protect the government infusion victims of a flawed and fatalistic vision. Far from Masters, John Fenoglio “You can’t resolve it with the distribution of PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, condoms,” the pope told reporters aboard the of money to these condom programs that have infallibility, this Pope has failed on so many lev- Steve Becker, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia Alitalia plane headed to Yaounde, Cameroon, demonstrably not worked at all.” els that he has virtually no credibility on mat- ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart where he began a seven-day pilgrimage on the Then I asked Arroyo point blank: “If all the ters of morality. CIRCULATION continent. “On the contrary, it increases the condoms in Africa magically disappeared, would During the show, Arroyo asked me, “What do Circulation director Jean Albright the number of HIV cases increase or decrease?” you want him to do, hand out IUDs and condoms Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Crystal, Dan, John, problem.” Sue and Victor Internationally, people were stunned at the He responded that HIV would decrease if peo- from the pope Mobile?” pope’s scientific ignorance and indifference to ple would model their lives on the pope’s “ideal If that’s what it takes to save human lives, human suffering. Africa, after all, is a continent way in which to live.” then the answer is yes. One would think that with more than 22 million people living with the In the ideal world promoted by Arroyo, priests this is what a man of God would be commanded disease. Only thin strips of latex have stopped would not rape little boys, while getting shuffled to do. But, sadly, compassion is out of fashion this figure from rapidly multiplying and leaving around parishes to protect the church. In the at the Vatican these days. behind an even more horrific trail of death. real world, the Vatican has spent millions of dol- Copyright 2009 Wayne Besen. Besen is the lars to pay for child abuse lawsuits. In Arroyo’s voice behind TruthWinsOut.org. How many people is this man willing to see die Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. LETTERs All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing net result is that no substantive attention is and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, Crime time Forum feedback cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own given to the other remaining viable suspects in and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Dear Editor: the Clewer homicide. By maintaining the prime I had the opportunity to attend the informa- Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy focus on finding “Fernando” instead of identi- tional forum at the Center on Halsted for seniors City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the The Cook County Crime Stoppers rally on Hal- fying the actual killer, “Fernando” becomes an on March 25. sexual orientation of such person or organization. While investigative red herring and serves to stymie we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make sted Street in Chicago’s Boystown on Saturday, This was the first of series of public forums this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept March 28, attracted limited media attention investigative progress when viewed through that will be held to call attention to the ag- responsibility for advertising claims. but also served as a misdirected and ultimately this constricted tunnel vision. ing issues in the Chicago’s LGBT community. I (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 harmful effort toward resolving Kevin Clewer’s The Chicago Police Department should be firm- think the response from those attending was e-mail: [email protected]
5-year old unsolved Boystown homicide. Tragi- ly established as being particularly responsive overwhelmingly positive, and feedback flowed to recognizing and investigating gay-oriented www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com cally, Kevin’s homicide is one of several unsolved in from many in attendance. The organizers of radio: WindyCityQueercast.com crime. Chicago has suffered the predations of North Side gay murders that haven’t received the forum presented the results of a senior sur- video: QueerTVNetwork.com the proper police attention due. While it is true several high-profile, gay-oriented serial sexual- vey needs assessment, and information on the that the Chicago Police Department (CPD) has homicidal predators in the not-so-distant past, programs at the Center On Halsted, AARP and WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, an abysmal record at proactively engaging com- and the North Side Belmont/Western detectives’ SAGE. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) munity resources, establishing dialogue and area has included a large percentage of gay mur- which encouraged activities specifically slated demonstrating accountability, one of the basic ders among its investigative caseload. These gay for elder housing development—a place “just Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. services demanded from any police department victims were not disposable members of society, for us” to include a toll-free hot line. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. is an expectation of competent and thorough yet these repeated predations have apparently One item not discussed involved items in Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now resulted in no heightened levels of police aware- online only criminal investigations. In this regard, the CPD President Obama’s stimulus package that would Deadline The 10th of month prior. collectively fails in its primary duty to a com- ness and response to this at-risk community. benefit seniors in terms of employment and OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE munity they’re meant to protect and serve. In Now, Chicago-area men and women who have housing. If the stimulus money is being used to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com the Chicago Police 2007 Annual Report, the CPD been criminally victimized find themselves es- provide employment for young people between sentially abandoned by this seemingly disinter- reports clearing only 34.2 percent of violent the ages of 18 and 24, why not seniors between www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com crime—a serious and dramatic reduction from ested police department. Capable, professional the age of 55 and 70 who are able and want to www.WindyCityQueercast.com past years. and thorough investigations are a responsibility work? www.QueerTVNetwork.com Regarding the Clewer homicide in particular, owed to all crime victims, not just those crime Certainly, if Chicago can produce a “Center on the continued insistence of CPD investigators victims who are evaluated as more socially sig- Halsted” we can produce housing geared to LGBT to nominally search for the “Fernando” sketch nificant. seniors that supports both a positive lifestyle suspect simply reflects the institutional pattern It isn’t unreasonable for the LGBT community and the specific needs of LGBT seniors in such of deliberate indifference toward this particular of Chicago to believe that they don’t warrant areas as HIV/AIDS, housing, medical/dental “Windy City Media Group generated gay homicide, a pattern evident in other un- proper police attention when they become crim- needs and basic needs. The question that needs enormous interest among their readers solved gay homicides as well. That CPD detec- inally victimized. In light of this understanding, to be addressed is: Is this just a senior need, or in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index tives located, arrested, questioned and released it is difficult for the Chicago Police Department is it a community need? Survey. Out of approximately 100 the male believed to be “Fernando” in April 2005 to be viewed as progressive and equitable when On the whole, the forum was a great first step, print and online media partners who reflects the attitude of ambivalence so preva- they collectively fail in serving this endangered and I would like to thank all who presented, participated in the survey, Windy lent today. By maintaining the hollow search population segment of our city. and took part in organizing this needed event. City was the best performing regional for “Fernando,” detectives can avoid having to Bob Zuley I hope that future forums will be respectful media in the U.S. Only survey partners develop and follow more fruitful investigative Chicago of LGBT senior citizens, and move beyond the with a nationwide footprint were leads. Today, no known information substantial- Lakeview area and the North Side. able to generate a greater number of ly contradicts the premise that “Fernando” was responses.” —David Marshall, Research questioned in 2005. While “Fernando” remains a Joe Murray Director, Community Marketing, Inc. person of interest and a potential suspect, the Rainbow Sash Movement, Chicago April 1, 2009 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION
Photo by Andrew Eccles LEAPS AND BOUNDS Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (above) will be in Chicago April 1-5 to mark 50 years. See Spotlight, page 14. THEATER MOVIES MUSIC ‘Bible’ lesson. The real (world) deal. Bell done. Page 14. Page 17. Page 16.
Photo by Joe C Moreno
Speaking of drag… Scottish The 1996 musical Rent and the 1975 musical A Chorus Line are both rightfully held up as artisti- Play Scott: cally groundbreaking works. Both won Best Mu- sical Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes for drama, and both just happen to be playing this month Money, mutiny in Chicago in two Equity tours at the Ford Center BY SCOTT C. MORGAN for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. One celebrated aspect for those in the LGBT Give now, or forever… community is the matter-of-fact depictions of Many major Chicago institutional theaters like gay New Yorkers in both shows, whether they’re the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare bohemian artists living with HIV, or out actors and Northlight have all been making news lately trying to get hired in a new choreography-heavy by announcing their 2009-10 seasons. But be- Broadway show. fore you start pulling out credit cards to start Yet there is some dissention among queer subscribing, put your plastic to good use by scholars about the depiction and unfortunate donating to smaller companies that might not outcomes for the characters in both shows who survive the current season. do drag. The economic meltdown has forced About Face Spoiler alert (skip this paragraph if you haven’t Theatre to cancel its final show of the season. seen the shows): In Rent, the drag queen An- What’s worse, the famed theatre dedicated to gel is only character who dies from AIDS-related producing LGBT work is in danger of going under causes, while the auditioning actor Paul in A completely if debts aren’t repaid right away. Chorus Line suffers what could be a career- That would be a shame and an artistic black ending injury after pouring his heart out about eye on Chicago if About Face Theatre went un- growing up gay and making money in drag shows der, especially since it has helped produce im- A Chorus Line. Photo by Paul Kolnik behind his parents’ backs. portant LGBT work that has gone on be produced Both characters unquestionably present sym- elsewhere both nationally and internationally. pathetic gay characters for mainstream audi- Plays like I Am My Own Wife, Pulp, Loving Re- March 26. That’s when 23 long-time ensemble The breakaway group felt that they were being ences. But some queer scholars point out that peating and Winesburg, Ohio, are just some of members of American Theater Company released shut out of many important artistic decisions, these characters’ removal fit into the “tragic” the output of About Face. Its youth ensemble a press release saying they were breaking away while Paparelli (with the backing of the major- homosexual stereotype and only reinforce the also provides an vital artistic voice for LGBT from the 25-year-old off-Loop theater institu- ity of ATC’s board) felt the company needed to homophobic perception that gay people (or at teens and young adults. tion. diversify in terms of race, class and sexuality to least the ones who do drag) suffer retribution I recently left a telephone message with About The group includes respected actors and ar- better represent its “American” moniker. for leading such unconventional lives. Face artistic director Bonnie Metzgar seeking tistic administrators like Kate Buddeke, Carmen Some of American Theater Company’s recent Now I’m not bringing this up to deter you from comment on the company’s current fundraising Roman, Stef Tovar, Cheryl Graeff and Rick Cleve- productions included the Midwest premieres of going to see either show. Remember that both efforts. The fact that she didn’t get back to me land. They intend to form their own company the Jonestown drama The People’s Temple and are products of the times that spawned them. hopefully isn’t a bad omen. under the theater’s original name, American Celebrity Row, plus a rotating repertory of Top In fact, I think everyone should see Rent and So do your part and donate right away. The Blues Theater, with the first production aiming Dog/Underdog with True West. A Chorus Line live because their respective film company has raised more than $125,000 of its for 2010. Up next at American Theater Company is a versions fail so miserably to capture the vital needed $300,000. Visit www.aboutfacetheatre. As reported by Chris Jones in the Chicago Tri- revival of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen theatrical spark of both shows live on stage. com or call 773-784-8565 to donate. bune, the schism was due to artistic and casting Trask’s transgender rock musical Hedwig and the differences the group had with the ATC’s recently Angry Inch. It’s a replacement for the postponed But while you’re watching both shows, think about how far the LGBT community has come, American mutiny hired artistic director of 18 months, PJ Paparel- world premiere musical Yeast Nation by the cre- and how far it has to go in terms of honest and Backstage drama at American Theater Company li. ators of Urinetown: The Musical. genuine depictions of queer characters in all spilled out to the general public on Thursday, forms of media. 12 April 1, 2009 THEATER REVIEW On the whole, the effort pays off. Adapting their drama from Maurice Walsh’s book of sto- Mary Poppins ries, The Green Rushes, Frank Mahon and Milissa Playwright: music by Richard M. Sherman, Pacelli offer both solid storytelling and a moving Robert B. Sherman, George Stiles and meditation on the ability of common decency Anthony Drewe, book by Julian Fellowes, to trump bullying bravado. Their adaptation based on the stories by P.L. Travers isn’t perfect—Quiet Man Tales is just a bit over- At: Broadway in Chicago at the stuffed, and the quick cuts between plots and Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph subplots often come at the expense of cohesion Phone: 312-902-1400; $25-$90 and full clarity. The focus is divided between the Runs through: July 12 troubled lives and loves of three couples, and the result is a stretched-thin panoramic portrait BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE of Ireland. The action jumps from IRA ambushes to the Once upon a time in the first decades of the Dublin horse shows to rural threshing parties 20th century, there was an English household and even briefly across the Atlantic to a Broad- afflicted with the unhappier aspects of domestic way chorus audition. There’s a corker of no-holds relationships as observed in the recent Victorian barred fist fight toward the end, a wedding mid- era, making for a clan of lonely, artificial, hos- way through and no less than three ethnic dia- tile, rigidly-regimented malcontents. But then lects required of the actors. one day, there arrives a new nanny, equipped There’s also a huge amount of exposition re- with a number of progressive ideas—families quired as a dozen-plus characters and their id- doing things together, children encouraged to iosyncrasies, backgrounds and circumstances are be inquisitive, business conducted on humani- established against the backdrop of Ireland in tarian principles, respect for the lower social the early 1920s. It’s in the explaining—or rather classes and, most important, everybody having the lack of it—that adapters Mahon and Pacelli a bit of fun on occasion. Soon parents, children shine. The Quiet Man Tales never becomes mired and servants alike have learned how to be happy in telling. Past events, future hopes, tangled re- in each other’s company. Mary Poppins. Photo by Joan Marcus lationships between brothers and sisters, spous- That’s the part of the story aimed at the es and lovers, best mates and their whiskey—all adults—you know, what we’ve become since the cheaper seats—are in for a special treat in encore. At the helm is Ashley Brown, in a con- are threaded through the dialogue as naturally 1965. But just as, decades ago, the Disney the finale as Mary Poppins, herself, soars off the summate blend of candor, command and com- as a cable knit in a well-made Irish sweater. film did everything movies did best to engage stage and right into their arms! passion, assisted by Gavin Lee, who wins us over Throughout, director Susan Feld highlights the our imaginations, so does the Disney play ex- For diehard nostalgists, there are the familiar immediately as the mercurial Bert. essential details that define individual charac- tend itself to deliver all the magic offered by Sherman Brothers’ songs, along with new ma- Two hours 45 minutes is a long haul for the- ters without becoming too bogged down or los- modern stage technology: kitchens that self- terial composed by George Stiles and Anthony atergoers younger than 7, but otherwise, this ing the crucial momentum needed to keep the destruct and re-assemble themselves, friendly Drewe—notably, a cameo turn for papa’s for- visit from Mary Poppins is for all ages—and I multiple storylines sweeping forward. park sculptures and resentful nursery toys that mer nanny, a terrifying martinet whom we are mean all ages. The spine of the story belongs to Paddy Bawn come to life, origami mansions flanked by post- happy to see our “practically perfect” governess Enright (Ron Rains), the foundation he provides impressionist landscapes (accomplished by a give the heave-ho. A contemporary touch is the THEATER REVIEW revealed gradually amid a swirl of supporting few dozen scrims and winches). And though the characterization of shopkeeper Mrs. Corry as a characters. Rains is wonderfully affecting, self- show-stopper is chimney-sweep Bert’s spectacu- West Indian with a vividly hued warehouse of The Quiet effacing and radiating understated intensity in lar dance-on-the-ceiling solo during the “Step accouterments for constructing multisyllabic his soft-spoken but uncompromising devotion In Time” number (no, I’m not gonna tell you words like—oh, you know the one—complete Man Tales to Ellen Roe O’Danahar (Cassandra Bissel). Their how he does it), playgoers in the balcony—i.e., with hand-jive spelling you can learn during the Playwright: Adapted by Frank Mahon story, tangled with that of Ellen’s skinflint ty- and Milisa Pacelli from Maurice Walsh’s rannical brother Red Will, is a fine mix of sweet
FREE The Green Rushes and bitter, a love story of unblinking, realism 5A44?0A:8=60CC74 At: Chicago Downstairs Theatre, 175 N. State rather than swooning romance. The climactic Phone: 800-745-3000; $42.50-$49.50 showdown between Paddy Bawn and Red Will (a 5D==84BCB7>F8=C>F= Runs through: May 24 perfectly despicable Bret Tuomi) is an explosive PARKING triumph of underdog virtue and bruisingly real- ³C746>>3C8<4B0A4102:´ BY CATEY SULLIVAN istic fight choreography. Ç:?@:8>FKI@9LE< As a Scottish officer who cares more about For years, the baroque golden Sphinx heads that fishing than fighting, Aaron Christensen isa C741A8C8B7BC0642>;4CC8 CRITICS’ PICS K?<8LK?FIF=K?< )''/KFEP8N8I;N@EE9F<@E> The Mousetrap in Kander and Ebb’s frothy musical murder mystery. A singing detective, a tem- peramental director, a bird-brained ingénue—all the usual suspects are onstage for sleuthing Adapted by A>18=70F3>= shenanigans after a diva turns up dead. CS Starring Evita, Theo Ubique at No Exit Café, through April 19. With free shuttle parking, $20 for din- Directed by ?0CA8280 ner and an exquisitely minimal production devoid of ‘80s excess, this Far North Side cabaret 9>7=C8;;8=64A :0;4<14A could become the new “destination” playgoing experience. MSB Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, through April 5. Chi- Free parking valid only with purchase of full-price tickets. Limit one free parking voucher per order. This ad cago’s most famous modern dance troupe is back in town for its Spring Series, which includes MUST be presented at the box office at time of performance to redeem parking voucher. Parking voucher the world premiere of Alejandro Cerrudo’s new dance piece, Off Screen. SCM valid only at Valet parking associated with the Royal George Theater. Regular parking restrictions apply, and The Shape of a Girl, Pegasus Players, through April 12. Joan MacLeod’s wise one-woman parking is subject to availability. Free parking not available for Saturday or Sunday matinee performances. tale of a girl bully seems snapped from YouTube and Proviso East High School. Alice Wedoff’s Valid only for patrons attending a performance of Don’t Dress for Dinner. Offer expires March 31. work rings true as 15-year-old Braidie who observes and enables violence. JA
4GC4=343C7A>D67<0A27 —By Abarbanel, Barnidge, Morgan and Sullivan K?<IFP8C> PRESENTS CHICAGO’S BIGGEST GLBT CONTEST! Produced by Windy City Media Group * SPIN 800 W. Belmont JACKHAMMER THURSDAY, APRIL 16 • 8pm sign up/9pm start 6406 N. Clark CREW 4804 N. Broadway TUESDAY, APRIL 21 • 7pm sign up/8pm start $100 TO WINNER WITH MOST VOTES TUESDAY, APRIL 7 MARY’S ATTIC 5400 N. Clark WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 • 8pm sign up/9pm start 10:00 PM $5 cover, Singers sign up at 9pm/$10 fee @MOSPHERE 5355 N. Clark WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 • 8pm sign up/9pm start Plus, a special performance by the star of American Theatre Co. and About Face's ROSCOE’S 3356 N. Halsted WILD CARD NIGHT THURSDAY, MAY 28 • 9pm sign up/10pm start HEDWIG and THE ANGRY INCH SIDETRACK 3349 N. Halsted SEMI-FINALS SATURDAY, MAY 30 • 2pm door/4pm start GRAND PRIZE AT FINALS: Over $5000 in cash and prizes! SIDETRACK 3349 N. Halsted FINALS $1000 in cash, American Airlines tickets, SATURDAY, JUNE 13 • 2pm door/4pm start MORE VENUES TO COME! Broadway in Chicago tickets, and more For more, visit windycitymediagroup.com or email [email protected] SPONSORED BY: * Windy City Media Group includes Windy City Times, Nightspots and WindyCityQueercast.com 14 April 1, 2009 gles to raise the mortgage money, even while his ters behaved the way they did since Miller and sister, Lily, declares their home to be everything his ensemble have opted to stick as closely as she sought to escape. Complicating their plans possible to the texts of the New International is the ominous presence of Thomas Forrest, a Version and The Message translations of the real estate developer seeking to raze the site, Bible. with its ancient groves of Magnolia trees, where What Miller seems to be aiming for in Bible his grandfather had been a slave when the land B-Sides is like Tony Award-winning director Mary was a plantation. A diversity of ancillary person- Zimmerman’s creative theatrical adaptations of alities also offer their observations—expatriates ancient myths (Metamorphoses) and fairy tales extolling a better life abroad, Freedom Riders (The Secret in the Wings). Yet without much following the precepts of Martin Luther King, modern-day commentary (nor a solid theme or elders of both races quietly clinging to their old framing device to give a raison d’être to the ways. Oh, and give yourself a gold star if you’ve whole enterprise), Bible B-Sides leaves you spotted the similarities to Chekhov’s Cherry Or- largely with a chilly series of story tableaux that chard. sometimes leave you asking, “And...?” As with Chekhov, Regina Taylor’s text asks us What deserves to be commended in Bible B- to absorb large portions of densely packed infor- Sides is its slick presentation and eager ensem- mation in abbreviated dramatic time, making for ble of 11 actors. Taking on a plethora of roles, slow orientation to our environment. But direc- the company goes all out for the many rounds of tor Anna D. Shapiro, fresh from August: Osage Matthias Maloff’s stylized stage combat. County, is no stranger to epic neo-American Re- Some of the more memorable turns include Jer- alism, and keeps the action at all times balanced emy Fisher as an angry and mouthy God, Matt and cliché-free, while the uniformly ensemble- Devine as the vengeful warrior Jepthah, Sue focused cast creates microcosmic subplots to Redman as the whore Gomer and Paul Dunckel as satisfy us that when one door closes, another the morally conflicted King David. Magnolia. opens, leading the way to unforeseen opportu- As a director, Miller takes a grab-bag approach nities. to telling different stories that encompasses in- THEATER REVIEW otic costumes, or interludes of pop music for the August Wilson is gone, and it remains to be spiration from graphic novels, silhouetted pan- benefit of groundlings unaccustomed to so many seen who will continue what he began. But Tay- tomime and even a 1980s music video for The Magnolia words at one sitting. lor looks to be a contender. Story of Deborah. Playwright: Regina Taylor Of course, when one of your characters is a The music-video vibe extends to the production At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn retired cabaret chanteuse and another, a guitar- THEATER REVIEW values. Mary Margaret Bartley’s set of platforms Phone: 312-443-3800; $25-$75 strumming political activist, some singing is and metal beams and Stefin Steberle’s costumes Runs through: April 19 inevitable. Teenagers do the Twist, to varying Bible B-Sides all adhere to a black-and-silver color scheme degrees of skill, at a birthday party. And we get Playwright: Matthew Miller (which blends quite nicely with the Viaduct The- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE one inside-the-hero’s-consciousness scene of from Biblical translations atre’s slanted ceiling of foil-coated insulation). some 20 seconds duration. But at no time during At: SiNNERMAN Ensemble at What Bible B-Sides has going for it is its slick August Wilson proved it could be done. He this richly-textured Dickensian narrative, popu- Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western theatricality and enthusiastic ensemble. But showed us that audiences would support a play lated by multiple generations whose personal Phone: 773-296-6024; $20 don’t go expecting too much introspection as where African-American citizens, speaking in experiences span nearly a century to acquaint us Runs through April 25 to why these Biblical tales are relevant today or long sentences, addressed their cultural his- with the old and new South (this is Atlanta in why they’ve been designated “B-Side.” tory (History! Imagine that!) and its influence 1963), are we allowed to zone out into brainless BY SCOTT C. MORGAN on their lives today, their insightfully articulate reverie. conversation proceeding uninterrupted by car- The plot centers on a family estate fallen into There’s a lot of theatrical artistry on display in ONLINE toonish fantasy-sequences, dancers wearing ex- debt and facing foreclosure. Beau Forrest strug- SiNNERMAN Ensemble’s world premiere of Bible B-Sides. Yet for a show that has such a glib pop- THIS WEEK... culture title (think old 45-rpm vinyl singles), Bible B-Sides presents itself far too seriously. THEATER Just from the title alone, I expected a series of EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND! lesser-known Biblical stories that poked fun at REVIEW OF: “ …JAW-DROPPING…CAPTURES some of the more salacious and odder aspects of —The Wonderful THE THRILLS OF ELVIS PRESLEY, the Old Testament. So it’s a bit of a disappoint- A HIT! ment that the majority of these tales by director JOHNNY CASH, JERRY LEE LEWIS AND CARL PERKINS.” World of Dissocia CHRIS JONES, CHICAGO TRIBUNE and playwright Matthew Miller are scripted so solemnly and straightforward. For example, the incestuous rape of Lot by his daughters (after they flee Sodom) and the much-debated “love” that Jonathan had for the future King David are both pretty much present- www.windycitymediagroup. ed at face value. We get very little interpretation com (scholarly or imagined) as to why these charac- “THIS QUARTET CAN ROCK! ...ALTOGETHER SPOTLIGHT ROLLICKING 90-MINUTE FANTASIA.” HEDY WEISS, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES APOLLO THEATER 2540 N LINCOLN AVE (773)935-6100 TICKETMASTER.COM The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is honored not only as an “American Cultural Am- bassador to the World” by U.S. Congressional resolution, but was the entertainment choice for President Barack Obama’s family first night out on the town in Washington, D.C. The Alvin Ailey GROUP DISCOUNTS! American Dance Theater’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour plays 7:30 p.m. April 1-3 (Sweet CALL (312)423-6612 Honey in the Rock performs live on opening night); 2 and 8 p.m. April 4; and 3 p.m. April 5 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress. Tickets are $30-$82; call MILLIONDOLLARQUARTETLIVE.COM 312-902-1500 or visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org. Photo by Andrew Eccles April 1, 2009 15 MARY HAS ARRIVED to unanimous raves! “Chicago’s delicious ‘Spoonful of Sugar!’ A big, bold, well-performed and produced musical.” – DEAN RICHARDS, WGN TV-RADIO “ INGENIOUS! EXHILARATING! and Audiences are as lucky as lucky CAMERON MACKINTOSH can be in Mary Poppins’ present magical hands!” – HEDY WEISS, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES “Practically Perfect!” – BARBARA VITELLO, DAILY HERALD “An unwavering treat that fl ies into Chicago with air under its wings, or rather its umbrella!” – STEVE OXMAN, VARIETY “Entertaining! The stellar original Broadway stars, Ashley Brown and Gavin Lee, will enjoy a boffo four months in Chicago.” – CHRIS JONES, CHICAGO TRIBUNE “‘ Step in Time’ fast to see this magical musical!” WITH ORIGINAL BROADWAY STARS – JANET DAVIES, WLS-TV 0B7;4H 60E8= 1A>F= ;44 LIMITED ENGAGEMENT THROUGH JULY 12 ONLY! BEST SEATS AVAILABLE: Wed. at 7:30, Sun. at 6:30 TICKETS AS LOW AS $25! CALL: Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line (312) 902-1400 VISIT: Cadillac Palace Theatre Box Offi ce, 151 W. Randolph St. ONLINE: GROUPS: Call (312) 977-1710 ©Disney/CML 16 April 1, 2009 went out on a limb and auditioned for him. WCT: Oh, I like that song [Love, Etc.]. AB: I really was. I was a big huge fan of Vince. AB: Yeah, it’s pretty great. Also, Saint Etienne I really admire him, he’s a great person and a [has] a new one. genius at what he does. In the beginning he WCT: Her voice is perfect for remixes. I was quite methodical and meticulous. He used don’t know why Sarah and the band have not Erasure’s to make me sing everything note for note. It caught on in the States like overseas. Andy Bell was hard for me to improvise back then. That AB: I like finding remixes of old ‘80s hits. Look (front) and has come to me slowly over the years. Vince and at the Boy George stuff. He does all these amaz- Vince Clarke. I write everything now together. It was kismet ing tracks with other people. really meeting him and he seems very happy as WCT: And he does the DJ thing also like well. you. WCT: I want to tell you that hearing you AB: Yes, he does. belting those out and proud lyrics with that WCT: I heard you guys always visit [Boys- voice meant a lot to me growing up gay. town gay bar] Sidetrack when you are in town AB: Aw, that’s lovely. I love it when anybody here in Chicago. Is that your favorite local gay says anything like that to me. It’s what makes it bar? all worthwhile. AB: We have been there quite a few times. I WCT: So you are working on a second solo was there about three years ago visiting Chicago album? with my boyfriend. NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC WCT: Do you sing during the set or just spin AB: Yes, that’s why I am down in London at WCT: You live in Hastings with him now. records? the moment. I am off to France on Sunday, at How is life by the seaside? Erasure’s Andy Bell: AB: No. I don’t sing. I am not confident yet least for a couple of weeks. I have a dozen songs AB: It’s nice. It’s a very small town. There are with my DJing skills to start singing over the or so written already. I am working with [Bel- only about 80,000 people. In the winter it’s a Giving things a spin top as well. I could imagine that I would do so, gian musician] Pascal Gabriel on it. Hopefully, bit grim, you can imagine with the weather and by Jerry Nunn though, sometime in the future. I do get really it will be finished by the end of June. It won’t stuff. It’s very working class, but there’s an art- nervous. I am more nervous playing records than come out until the New Year, but I will also be ist community as well. You have to muck in and After more than 23 years together, Erasure, the I am with singing, which is quite odd. writing with Vince in the autumn. make your own entertainment, which I quite duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, have sold more WCT: That’s interesting. It must feel like a WCT: That’s exciting! What’s currently play- like. than 15 million albums worldwide. Andy Bell will legacy with Rhino releasing all of Erasure’s ing in your iPod? Feel in the mood to reminiscence with be spinning records solo in Palm Springs, Calif., singles in a box set. AB: Well, I have been downloading lots and Erasure? Run out and buy the group’s four- on Saturday, April 11; in addition, Erasure will AB: Yeah. I was just saying that I took a year lots of stuff on iTunes. I have been getting ready disc box set, “Total Pop!—Deluxe Box,” or a have a box set out Tuesday, April 7. He gave and half off of doing Erasure stuff. It feels like because when you go to do a DJ thing you need digital-only release of “Pop! Remixed” to be Windy City Times “a little respect” by phoning we had been going nonstop, with 13 albums, to have new stuff to play. I have been listening released Tuesday, April 7. For more informa- in an interview. numerous tours and things. to Frank Musik, Ladyhawke, the new Pet Shop tion, visit www.rhino.com. For more about Windy City Times: Hello, Andy! Thanks for I thought, “What is my life like outside of this Boys remixes of the single… Andy Bell, visit www.AndyBell.com. taking time out from your busy schedule to band?” When the CDs landed in my lap of songs talk to Windy City Times! In what part of the from the past to the present day, I thought, BOOKS country are you today? “This is what we have been doing all this time!” Andy Bell: Hi, Jerry. I am in London now. It’s nice to have all the work in front of you and Nathaniel Frank in WCT: How does it feel to be on tour as a DJ see it in one go. I am quite proud of it. Vince the line of ‘Fire’ compared to an Erasure tour? and myself have a great songwriting partner- by YASMIN NAIR AB: Well, I am just going to come over to fill ship. I think the quality of work is really high. in this one DJ spot in Palm Springs. I love DJing WCT: Absolutely. From the beginning, you Nathaniel Frank’s new book, Unfriendly Fire: anyway. were basically a fan of Vince Clarke. You just How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military and Weakens America (Thomas Dunne, $25.95), considers the effects of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. In the wake of an Obama administration, the LGBT community has been buzzing with the possibil- ity of repealing the ban. Frank, who is optimis- tic about the end of the legislation, spoke by phone to Windy City Times about his project. Windy City Times: You write that “Don’t Nathaniel Frank. Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) activism began around 1992-1993. Given that the AIDS cri- the position of what you might call strict paci- sis was still a concern for the gay commu- fists. I’ve always thought our country needs a nity at that time, how did DADT become an military. I think that needs to be separated issue? from anger with and opposition to the particu- Nathaniel Frank: That’s a great question. As lar militaristic history of the U.S. at certain you say, there was a much greater emphasis points. You can oppose [all the prior and ongo- on the AIDS crisis in the early ’90s. The queer ing wars] and not necessarily think the coun- population had not been as sympathetic to try doesn’t need a military. As long as there this particular issue because of the tradition of is a military, the military should treat every- queer activism that’s left-wing or pacifistic or one who’s in an equivalent position equitably. anti-militaristic. I think it became a movement You have to remember that this is not about first, because it seemed easy. I think [Presi- whether gays can serve in the military but dent Bill] Clinton thought it could be easy and whether we admit that there already are gays the gay movement thought, “Well, let’s start in the military. How do you treat the 65,000 with this, and get that out of the way, because gay and lesbian members who are in uniform? that’s a no-brainer.” What I try to do is show the hidden costs to Female gay activists who were either in or those lives. had friends in the military recognized that WCT: You mention that NGLTF [the Nation- even while some of the queer left was not al Gay and Lesbian Task Force] was part of warm to this issue, this was a matter of ca- the consortium of groups that first wanted reers and lives being wrecked because of those the ban lifted. Most people assume that HRC for whom the military was always important. [the Human Rights Campaign] was the driv- And then there were some of the newer people ing force. who came to the movement, who didn’t have NF: They haven’t [been that], actually. They the experience or orientation of the queer left, will say that they favor a repeal but they have who thought, “This is winnable, this is easy.” not devoted as much time to this as ENDA [the All the stars seemed to align to make this a Employment Non-Discrimination Act] and hate logical, easy step. crimes. I have found their silence somewhat WCT: You mention the queer left. Given surprising. Congressional staff members have the widespread queer and straight opposi- told me that it’s very important to them to tion to these current wars, why should those have HRC on board. who are opposed to war care about the lift- Read the entire interview with Nathaniel ing of the ban ? Frank online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. NF: I’ve always had trouble understanding com. April 1, 2009 17 sketches the details of Zamora’s transition from Time Out Chicago will jointly present a film se- —Patrik, Age 1.5, the story of a Swedish Cuban immigrant child to unapologetic teenage ries. On Monday, April 13, I’ll be hosting the pre- gay couple who accidentally adopts a 15-year- AIDS activist (although it isn’t clear how the miere offering, the tremendous 1995 documen- old teenager, gets its Chicago premiere in a KNIGHT latter happened so quickly). Though the movie tary The Celluloid Closet. Narrated by Lily Tomlin one-night screening, Thursday, April 2, as the recreates familiar seminal moments in Zamora’s and based on the late Vito Russo’s classic book, closing-night selection of the 12th Annual Euro- AT life—his confrontations with the obnoxious the film is a clipped stuffed historical overview pean Union Film Festival at the Gene Siskel Film THE Real World housemate Puck and his commitment of gays and lesbians in the first 100 years of Center. See www.siskelfilmcenter.com. ceremony with his boyfriend, Sean (played by movies. —When Meryl Streep returned to the stage in MOVIES DaJuan Johnson), etc.—it’s the relatively few Time Out Chicago’s Film section editor and 2006 to star in gay playwright Tony Kushner’s intimate moments that resonate. critic Hank Sartin will next host Todd Haynes’ English adaptation of Brecht’s Mother Courage, Pedro certainly has an admirable gay pedigree; 1998 Velvet Goldmine, a Citizen Kane-like fic- she allowed filmmaker John Walter to film her it has a script by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black tional look at the bisexual world of glam rock on rehearsal process. Theatre of War, his documen- (Milk) and it was executive-produced by the pro- Monday, April 20. The Killing of Sister George, tary of the experience, is a complicated film that fessional/personal team of Richard Glatzer (who the 1968 lesbian camp classic, will be hosted gives us a tantalizing peek at Streep’s process; a plays Zamora’s physician) and Wash Westmore- by Gay Chicago film critic Charlie Shoquist on biography of Brecht and the original 1949 pro- land, the winning duo responsible for Quincea- Monday, April 27, followed by 1986’s Parting duction starring his wife; and lots of anti-war ñera. And President Bill Clinton adds more gravi- Glances being hosted by Chicago Free Press film ruminations thrown in for good measure. The tas to the production by introducing the movie. critic Gregg Shapiro on Monday, May 4. Parting film, which is getting its Chicago premiere at Without a doubt it’s an inspiring story but it still Glances, a loving examination of a gay couple at Facets Multimedia, 1517 W. Fullerton, begin- Pedro; has a bit of the rote “after-school special” feel a turning point in New York City, was one of the ning this Friday, April 3, is filled with powerful to it and Black’s script, though respectful, is a first indies to deal frankly with AIDS and other moments but reaches its emotional peak when Film notes tad by-the-numbers. There are brief hints about issues relevant to the LGBT community. Streep performs a devastating lullaby to her By RICHARD KNIGHT, JR. an unexplored duality to Zamora’s personality The series concludes with Blake Edwards’ dead son. Earlier in the film, Streep commented, with his insistence on having the cameras film 1982 gender-bending musical Victor/Victoria, “It all comes down to a mother standing over Pedro, which debuts Wed., April 1, on MTV re- everything, without regard for his privacy, but which stars Julie Andrews and Robert Preston. her dead child asking, ‘Why?’”—and she’s right. lates the meteoric rise to public prominence the movie doesn’t offer much insight into his Beloved by the gay community, the hilarious See www.facets.org. and early death of AIDS activist and reality-TV character beyond the stock “courageous AIDS film—which will be hosted by Gay Chicago edi- —Judy Garland queens everywhere (yours sensation Pedro Zamora. By the time Zamora activist.” tor and film critic Jonathan Lewis—squeezes in truly included) are over the rainbow with news appeared on MTV’s Real World in 1994 he had Although Pedro—sober-minded and literal to plenty of arguments for gay rights amongst the from The Weinstein Company that a splashy already been battling AIDS for five years (af- a fault—isn’t exactly the greatest biopic you’ll lavish musical numbers and comedic sexual mix- musical biopic of her life is finally coming to ter contracting HIV at 17). Once the program ever see, it’s still laudatory that the movie got ups. Each screening will be followed by a Q&A the big screen. Anne Hathaway, who is set to began airing, the openly gay Zamora—with his made. Fifteen years after Zamora’s death, it’s a with audience members, and all five of the crit- star, has a lovely singing voice though she’s not smoldering dark looks, quiet dignity and deter- much-needed reminder that the AIDS crisis is ics will participate in a round table discussion exactly a belter in the Garland-Streisand-Dion mination to educate others around him about still very much alive. following both The Celluloid Closet and Victor/ mold. There’s no word yet on a director or re- his disease—became a touchstone for a young Victoria. The series is being partly sponsored by lease date. generation that had missed the first wave of the Film Notes: Sidetrack and www.HannahFree.com, and the Check out my archived reviews at www. pandemic. Sadly, the day after the final episode —Queer Cinema 101 is the title of a new trailer for the forthcoming lesbian-themed film windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- of the show aired, Zamora passed away at the five-week, Monday-night series that will screen Hannah Free starring Sharon Gless will be shown ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the shockingly young age of 22. either essential or overlooked titles in the LGBT- before each of the screenings. The films will be latter Web site. The movie is an earnest effort with an intense film canon personally selected and hosted by the shown at 7 p.m. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 leading performance from handsome newcomer participating gay film critics. The series is the N. Halsted, in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre. Seat- Alex Loynaz in the leading role and a nice sup- first time that openly gay movie critics from Chi- ing is on a first-come, first-served basis. A $5 porting turn by Justina Machado as Zamora’s cago’s LGBT publications—Chicago Free Press, suggested donation is requested. Visit www.cen- feisty but loving sister, Mily. The film is told Gay Chicago and Windy City Times—as well as teronhalsted.org or call 773-472-6469. in flashback interspersed with interviews as it “HIGHLY ENTERTAINING!” -Pete Hammond, BOXOFFICE MAGAZINE © 2009 Rangeland Productions, LLC © 2009 Roadside Attractions, LLC All Rights Reserved. www.alientrespass.com All Rights Reserved. EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENTS START FRIDAY, APRIL 3 LANDMARK’S CENTURY CENTRE Chicago 773/509-4949 CINEMARK CINEARTS 6 Evanston 800/FANDANGO #942 CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text ALIEN With Your ZIP CODE To 43KIX (43549)! Area Codes: (219), (312), (630), (639), (708), (773), (815), (847) (Rev 1) Chicago Windy City Times • Wed 4/1 • 2x6.625’’ JobID#: 393315 Name: 0401_Ali_ChWinTms_R1.pdf #133 *393315* 18 April 1, 2009 WHAT TO DO? Tuesday, April 7 Wednesday, April 1 Friday, April 3 mended, 773-278-1830 Tuesday, April 7 Andy Zipf & Damion Suomi, mood rock 6th Annual Spring Antiques Show & Central Illinois Day of Silence LGBTQA Homolatte, bi-monthly, all-ages, gay/ solo artist compares to pop revolu- Sale through April 5. $8; under 12 Youth Summit. Discussion of GSA de- lesbian/bisexual/transgender/intersex tionaries David Bowie, Neil Young, and free. Arlington Park Racetrack, 2200 velopment and Day of Silence prepara- spoken word and acoustic music series Bjork. 9 p.m. Uncommon Ground, 1401 West Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. tion with GSA networking opportuni- presents Jon Ginoli author of Deflow- W. Devon Ave. 773-465-9801 www.arlingtonparkantiques.com ties, breakfast and lunch. 9 a.m.-4:30 ered: My Life in Pansy Division, part of Dinah Shore Week 2009 Palm Springs 708-366-2710 p.m. Bone Center, Illinois State Uni- Cleis Press book tour. 7:30 p.m., Big www.dinahshoreweekend.com RuPaul’s Drag Race Winners Tour/ AB- versity, Normal, IL. Register david@ Chicks/Tweet 5024 N Sheridan. www. Skinny Dip Shanna Shrum’s one-woman SOLUT® Real Fruit Tour, official DJ DJ illinoissafeschools.org homolatte.com show explores what happens when we Mark Picchiotti spinning at the tour Illinois GLBTQA Students’ Conference: SEXFIST (bluegrass) with Actor Slash accept who we are. Davenport’s Piano bash at Roscoe’s, 3356 N. Halsted “Achieving the Triple Threat: Academic, Model. Free. 9 p.m. Redline Tap, 7006 Bar and Cabaret. Through April 29th. www.markpicchiotti.com Leadership, and Social Excellence for N. Glenwood $13 Davenport’s, 1383 N Milwaukee Equality Illinois First Friday Network- all members of the GLBTQA Commu- Straightlaced, Groundspark’s newest Ave . Tix 773-278-1830, www.daven- ing event, welcomes partner organiza- nity” workshop, hosted by Pride Lake film, midwest premiere. (Earlier works: VITAL ‘IDOL’ portspianobar.com tion, LCCP/HBHC. Sidetrack, Glass Bar Forest, Lake Forest College. 9 a.m. It’s Elementary, That’s a Family and Windy City Gay Idol will hold a first-round 6p.m. Registration in the Mohr Student Women on Wednesdays (WOW), a 3349 N. Halsted St. Let’s Get Real, all part of the Respect competition at Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark. monthly social networking night for Joel Hall Dance benefit performance Center, Lake Forest College. for All Project). $20/youth $10. 7 p.m. women to meet other women in a re- “Flavors” 7:30 p.m. two nights. True Child (formerly named Gender- Oak Park River Forest High School, 201 Photo by Kirk Williamson laxed and welcoming bar-alternative $25/$15. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Pac) Cook-Off. Join Jeff Grinspoon North Scoville, Oak Park www.illinois- atmosphere. Interactive, fun, delicious Southport Ave. ticketmaster or 773- and Jon Foley for an evening with Top safeschools.org night with out lesbian Chef Jenny 935-6860 or 773-293-0900 Chef’s runners-up Carla Hall and Stefan SHURE sponsored Open Mic hosted by Urban. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. $15. BYOB. Wicker park Bucktown First Friday, an Richter. 6-9 p.m. The Chopping Block, Kat Fitzgerald (Folk/Rock) Uncommon Urban Café, 1467 W. Irving Park Rd. evening of culture with open art stu- 222 Merchandise Mart, #107. Tix at Ground, 1401 W. Devon Ave. 773-465- www.urbancafechicago.com dios, dining, music and more . 6-10 www.truechildhood.org/flavors 9801 p.m., Flat Iron Arts Building, Milwau- Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center cele- Windy City Gay Idol, Chicago’s biggest Saturday, April 8 Thursday, April 2 kee, Damen and North, www.wpbfirst- brates the courage and spirit of sexual GLBT contest, eight rounds in eight Susan Jane Gilman author of Undress friday.com or 708-415-6370 assault survivors and their families at bars, over $5,000 in cash and prizes. Me in the Temple of Heaven 7:30 Winter’s Dragging and So Are We: Ev- its annual Thank You Open House 9 p.m. signup, 10 p.m. start. Jackham- p.m.Women & Children First, 5233 N. eryone dresses in drag, over $1500 in themed “The Art of Peace” 10 a.m. – mer 6406 N. Clark. cynthia@windyci- Clark St. 773-769-9299 www.wom- cash and prizes for best male drag and 2 p.m. 4275 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. tymediagroup.com www.windycityme- enandchildrenfirst.com best female drag. $10/$25 Center on www.zachariascenter.org or 847-244- diagroup.com/Idol2009.html AVER, GLBT veterans monthly meeting Halsted. tballentine@centeronhalsted. 1187 ext. 26. at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- org, 773-472-6469 X245 Sunday, April 5 Wednesday, April 8 sted. 773-472-6469 www.centeronhal- 4 Women Only, hosted by Kat Fitzgerald, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Celeb- sted.org Saturday, April 4 dedicated to new women artists 9 p.m. rity Cast Party, an LGBT event. 3 p.m. The Alliance, gay/straight sketch 2009 Club BEHIV & Cabaret , commem- Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon matinee performance at the Harris The- group, debut show, Gayrilla Warfare orate BEHIV’s 20 years of life-saving Ave. 773-465-9801 ater, party follows at Fairmont. $125 50-minute show to run every Thursday service to the community, Woman’s Deflowered: My Life in Pansy Divi- www.hubbardstreetdance.com 7:30 p.m. through April. $10. Mary’s Club of Evanston. 7 - 10:30 p.m. $ 150. sion, Cleis Press book tour launch of Attic 5400 N. Clark St.www. theal- Tix at www.behiv.org Monday, April 6 Jon Ginoli’s journey of self-discovery, liancecomedy.wordpress.com. 3Girls3 premieres new Manilow Show musical passion, and drive to become Men on Mondays, monthly social net- Let’s Go Love: The Remix, A Queer celebrating the songs that Manilow the founding member of Pansy Divi- working night for men to meet other Cheerleading Performance, Free. 7 wrote and sang, 8 p.m. $25adv/$30door sion, the first out and proud queer core men in a relaxed and welcoming bar-al- p.m. Columbia College Chicago, 731 S. through April 5. Skokie Theatre, 7924 punk rock band to hit it big. 7 p.m. ternative atmosphere. Hilarious & tasty Plymouth Ct. 312-369-8594 N. Lincoln Ave, Skokie, www.heather- Quimby’s , 1854 W North Ave night of “Baking with Bertha.” $20. 6 Saks Fifth Avenue and Details Magazine moran.com Staceyann Chin, outspoken queer per- CHIN UP p.m. – 9 p.m. Center on Halsted, 3656 host “The Dirty Details” fashion hap- Bêabá do Samba, a Chicago-based band formance poet and author of The Other N. Halsted. 773-472-6469 www.center- pening to benefit Center on Halsted. specializing in the sounds of Brazil. 10 Side of Paradise 7:30 p.m. Women & Performance artist Staceyann Chin will be onhalsted.org Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, presentations p.m. Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. De- Children First 5233 N. Clark St. 773- front and center at Women & Children First, Youth Pride Services University work- by Saks Men’s Clothing partners, door von Ave. 773-465-9801 769-9299 www.womenandchildrenfirst. shops on topics related to LGBTAQ 5233 N. Clark. prize drawings. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $20. Broadway, Our Way, Beckie Menzie and com www.staceyannchin.com/ donation. Saks Fifth Avenue, The Men’s Tom Michael, celebrate the songs of youth of color and not offered in most Store, 717 North Michigan Ave. Info: the Great White Way. Through April high schools. This week: Anal health Nathan Harris, Director of Individual 25, 8 p.m. $18 cover charge and two- for young men who have sex with Giving at [email protected] drink minimum. Davenport’s, 1383 N. men. 6-8 p.m. Preregistration required: or call 773-472-6469 X252. Milwaukee Ave. Reservations recom- [email protected] See our online calendar: www.windycitymediagroup.com/calendar Food for thought Common Threads—an organization founded by famed chef Art Smith and his partner, Jesus Salgueiro, to educate children about nutrition and physical well-being and to cultivate an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking—held its fourth annual World Festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, on March 23. Celebrity chefs included Table 52’s Smith, Tru’s Gale Gand, the Hearty Boys and former Top Chef Stephanie Izard. The after-party took place at The James Hotel, 55 E. Ontario. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography. com); see more photos at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com April 1, 2009 19 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE with two beautiful terraces. Deed garage. $1,399,000 9’ ceilings, original wood floors, fireplace, formal dining Garden/Yard. Garage Available. Near Brown Line. Phyllis Hall, Koegnig & Strey GMAC 312-316-3634. room, butler’s pantry and updated kitchen. $445,000. $1,230/month (includes heat, gas, laundry!) Avail. OUT OF TOWN (02/11/09-4) Koenig & Strey. 847-964-1554 or www.917forest2. May 1st. 773-935-8874. [email protected]. com. (03/18/09-4) (03/25/09-2) DOUGLAS / SAUGATUCK COTTAGE: 3 bed / 2 bath cottage OLD IRVING: 10 new Condos 3952 W. 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COMMUNITY EDUCATOR SOUGHT BY LEADING LGBT PSYCHIC ADV ORG FOR CHICAGO OFFICE:Respon: Edu work, INSIGHTFUL ENERGY ADVISOR, READINGS BY STEPHA- outreach, activist-assistance, coalition-building. See NIE: I’m a clairvoyant healer since birth. I will correct www.lambdalegal.org/jobs for details. Req: Exclnt your unbalanced path in life. I specialize in all readings. comm. skills & activist exp. Spanish speaking a +. Sal: Call for 1 FREE question 773-507-7818 (4/22/09-8) 20 April 1, 2009 BILLY MASTERS A capacity crowd turned out for Lifeworks Men- goer who literally had sticky fingers. In her toring’s annual comedy benefit at the famed upcoming memoir, “A Little Bit Wicked,” Kris- Laugh Factory here in Hollywood. This charity tin tells the following story: “Once the security pairs up young gay people with older mentors, officers had to drag a guy out of ‘You’re a Good and if there’s anything I enjoy, it’s a young gay Man, Charlie Brown’ because he was masturbat- man looking up to me (something TR and I have ing during the song ‘My New Philosophy’”. Ap- parently, the guy had a philosophy of his own he was dying to share. No word on how big a fan he was... 7 17 Angelina Jolie is in hot water with the Lili Claire 9 Foundation. Apparently, someone at a fundraiser 2 paid $30,000 for a meet-and-greet with Angie... and neither the meeting nor the greeting ever 15 took place. Now the fan has brought a lawsuit 10 8 1 against the charity, and he’s naming Angie as 16 a co-defendant. He better watch his back—she 11 3 5 18 54 may meet-and-shank him! 13 4 14 12 Delayed meetings are not limited to civilians. Tim Gunn has been trying to hook up with An- 6 derson Cooper for quite some time. Well, who hasn’t? “We’ve actually been trying to have 45 lunch for a year and a half. Both of us are so 47 46 58 43 busy that we have been unsuccessful doing it.” 44 If he were a bit younger and tanned, I bet that 53 57 lunch would happen! I know all about futile attempts at pinning 49 51 down sexy guys for a meal. When I was in Las 24 48 36 Vegas, Jerry Mitchell and I tried in vain to hook 21 50 23 25 31 up. He’s in Sin City putting together his lat- est extravaganza. “Peep Show” will be housed at Planet Hollywood and be hosted by Mel B 32 30 29 55 and star Kelly Monaco as “Bo Peep” (get it?). 22 52 As you all know, sexy Jerry is the brains behind 38 27 37 40 56 35 “Broadway Bares,” that annual sex-tacular AIDS 39 28 26 fundraiser in NYC. And he assures me there’ll be 20 42 41 plenty of scantily clad guys in this show, too. 19 33 “Rub-a-dub-dub there’s a man in that tub, and Looks like Angie was too, um, busy to show he is gonna be very wet! Also ‘Little Boy Blue’, up for the Lili Claire meet-and-greet. who’s not so little.” Makes me wonder about that 34 casting couch! Definitely sounding like my kinda in common). The event was chaired by Jason show—especially with the addition of hunky Stuart and also included performances by Coco Josh Strickland, best known for his loin cloth in Peru, Tony Tripoli, Judy Tenuta, Sandra Valls and the short-lived Broadway version of “Tarzan”. ANDERSONVILLE 17 Touché 32 Little Jim’s THE SOUTHSIDE 1 @mosphere 6412 N. Clark St. 3501 N. Halsted St. 48 Club Escape Alec Mapa. You can get more info at www.Life- Jerry ain’t the only person with hot guys drip- 5355 N. Clark St. ToucheChicago.com LittleJimsChicago.com 1530 E. 75th St. worksMentoring.org. ping wet. Lance Bass (who is looking better atmospherebar.com 18 Wild Pug 33 Lucky Horseshoe ClubEscapeChicago.com 2 The Anvil 4810 N. Broadway Ave. 3169 N. Halsted St. 49 Escapades Little Leslie Jordan’s scheduled “Trip Down The than ever) just enjoyed a fun-filled vacation in 1137 W. Granville Ave. WorldsGreatestBar.com 34 Manhandler 6301 S. Harlem Ave. Pink Carpet” in NYC next month has been put on Ecuador. Photos have surfaced of Bass frolick- 3 Big Chicks 1948 N. Halsted St. 50 InnExile hold. This is one of the few delays that is not ing in the surf and sand with a number of hot 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. BOYSTOWN 35 minibar/winebar 5758 W. 65th St. BigChicks.com 19 3160 3341 N. Halsted St. InnExileChicago.com recession-related. In fact, Leslie has a very good Latin types—including Brazilian screenwriter 4 Crew 3160 N. Clark St. minibarchicago.com 51 Jeffrey Pub reason for this hiatus—he’s busy working on a Gustavo Marzolla, who also models on the side 4804 N. Broadway Ave. Chicago3160.com 36 North End 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. WorldsGreatestBar.com 20 Berlin 3733 N. Halsted St. TV show! “Alligator Point” is a sitcom pilot that (and on the front and back, I’m sure—at least 5 Eagle 954 W. Belmont Ave. NorthEndChicago.com THE BURBS was filmed for Lifetime. He co-stars with Cybill according to his Adam4Adam profile). Lance can 5001 N. Clark St. BerlinChicago.com 37 Pie Hole 52 Club Krave Shepherd and it’s directed by Kelsey Grammer. keep Gustavo—I’m particularly partial to an en- ChicagoEagle.com 21 Bobby Love’s 737 W. Roscoe St. 13126 S. Western Ave. 6 El Gato Negro 3729 N. Halsted St. PieHolePizzaJoint.com Blue Island, IL So, he has to sit tight ‘till they get word if it’s hanced-blond with abs of steel, but that’s just 1461 Irving Park Rd. BobbyLoves.com 38 Roscoe’s ClubKrave.com picked up. But have no fear—he’s hoping to hit me. You can see what I’m talking about once I ElGatoNegroBar.com 22 Bucks Saloon 3356 N. Halsted St. 53 Hideaway 7 The Glenwood 3439 N. Halsted St. Roscoes.com 7301 W. Roosevelt Rd. the Big Apple over the summer, which should post all the scantily-clad boys on BillyMasters. 6962 N. Glenwood St. BucksSaloonChicago.com 39 Scarlet Forest Park, IL coincide nicely with his gig in Provincetown. com. TheGlenwoodbar.com 23 Cell Block 3320 N. Halsted St. 54 Hunters 8 Hamburger 3702 N. Halsted St. ScarletBarChicago.com 1932 E. Higgins Rd. He’ll be at the fabulous Crown & Anchor for four While a picture is worth a thousand words, Mary’s/Mary’s www.CellBlock-Chicago.com 40 Sidetrack Elk Grove Village, IL nights in August. sometimes a video is worth millions. Take the Attic 24 Charlie’s 3349 N. Halsted St. HuntersNightclubs.com Sticking with stage performers, Kristin Che- rumors of an illicit affair between Eddie Cibrian 5400 N. Clark St. 3726 N. Broadway Ave. SidetrackChicago.com 55 John L’s Place HamburgerMarysChicago.com CharliesChicago.com 41 Spin 335 154th Pl. noweth has a lovely anecdote about a theater- and LeAnn Rimes. The tête-à-tête was first re- 9 Jackhammer 25 Circuit 800 W. Belmont Ave. Calumet City, IL ported by US Magazine. Eddie denied it. Then 6406 N. Clark St. 3641 N. Halsted St. Spin-Nightclub.com 56 Maneuvers Jackhammer-Chicago.com CircuitClub.com 42 Steamworks 118 E. Jefferson St. US ran some surveillance footage of the two 10 Joie De Vine 26 The Closet 3246 N. Halsted St. (bath) Joliet, IL engaging in quite a bit of hand-holding and 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. 3325 N Broadway Ave. SteamworksOnline.com JolietManeuvers.com finger-licking. LeAnn jumped in and said it was 11 Man’s Country 27 Cocktail 57 Rumors 5017 N. Clark St. (bath) 3359 N. Halsted St. DOWNTOWN 2433 Desplaines Ave. a stunt to drum up interest in their Lifetime MansCountryChicago.com CocktailBarChicago.com 43 The Baton North Riverside, IL movie. Who cares, right? Then someone called a 12 Scot’s 28 FireFly 436 N. Clark St. RumorsPubOnline.com 1829 W. Montrose Ave. 3335 N. Halsted St. TheBatonShowLounge.com 58 Velvet Rope radio program in Michigan identifying herself as ChicagoScotsBar.com FireflyOnHalsted.com 44 Second Story Bar 728 W. Lake St. Pebbles, the cousin of LeAnn’s husband, Dean. 13 SoFo 29 Halsted’s Bar & 157 E. Ohio St. Oak Park, IL She claimed that Dean is gay! This allegation, 4923 N. Clark St. Grill VelvetRopeOakPark.com SofoBar.com 3441 N. Halsted St. NEAR NORTH of course, comes as no surprise to moi, who 14 Spyners HalstedsChicago.com 45 Club 2506 INDIANA has heard all that and more. Pebbles said, “The 4623 N. Western Ave. 30 Hydrate 2506 N. Clybourn Ave. 59 Dick’s R U Crazee? Spyners.com 3458 N. Halsted St. 46 Crobar 1221 E.150th St. family literally used to take bets on what age 15 Star Gaze HydrateChicago.com 1543 N. Kingsbury St. Hammond, IN he would come out, and then all of the sudden 5419 N. Clark St. 31 Kit Kat 47 The Prop House DicksRUCrazee.com he got married.” Of course, LeAnn’s people im- StarGazeChicago.com 3700 N. Halsted St. 1675 N. Elston Ave. 60 Encompass 16 T’s KitKatChicago.com 2415 Rush St. mediately got on the phone and told the press, 5025 N. Clark St. Lake Station, IN “There is no known cousin as Pebbles”. And I TsBarChicago.com EncompassNightclub.com say, really? All this interest in LeAnn Rimes??? This week’s “Ask Billy” question is from Brian Turn to page 21 April 1, 2009 21 MOVIES SF: Tell me about the Chicago screening. SF: What do you want for the teenagers who DC: The Chicago premiere is part of a national were in it and for viewers to walk away with ‘Straight’ talk tour to introduce the film while highlighting and feeling? supporting the work of local organizations that DC: I want the teenagers who were in it to feel from Debra Chasnoff are working on issues that are relevant to the By SAM FEDER proud. They are contributing to something that film. In this case we are partnering with Illinois will open dialogue all over the country. From the folks who made It’s Elementary and Safe Schools Alliance. We are reaching out to a SF: So you got the stamp of approval. That’s a Family, Lets Get Real, which made a wide network of individuals and organizations DC: Yes, from my toughest critic. big splash in the Chicago school system, comes who care about young people today. We are Tickets are $10-$20. See groundspark. Straightlaced—the newest film by academy working with educators and school and organi- org/2252. award winner, Debra Chasnoff. Local filmmaker zations that are working on youth leadership, read the entire interview at www. Sam Feder was able to get a sneak and speak girls empowerment, school reform, domestic WindyCityMediaGroup.com. with Chasnoff before the Chicago screening violence prevention. Tuesday, April 7, at Oak Park River Forest High School. The congressman in question is 27-year-old Windy City Times: What a great film! I was BILLY from page 20 Aaron Schock from Illinois, and he’s a Repub- surprised how much I enjoyed it. That might in Chicago. After gushing about seeing my lican—not that there’s anything wrong with sound weird to say… Debra Chasnoff. one-man-show last year, he asks, “I heard that. Hell, a hot guy is a hot guy. And, my Debra Chasnoff: People keep saying, “I’m sur- about this hot congressman who has a shirtless my my, he’s hot! He started getting attention prised by how much I liked watching this film.” SF: What’s unique about this film? picture on the web. He supposedly has a rocking when someone at one of those trashy tabloid ... That’s a common reaction. Maybe because of DC: We ask straight-identified youth how they hot body, but I can’t find it anywhere. Have you TV shows unearthed a photo of him poolside the topic they expect something plotting and are affected by anti-gay prejudice. I’m struck by seen it? Might be fun to have it on your site.” showing off his “rocking bod” (with his head somber. reactions from heterosexual men, both teenag- nestled between a pair of anonymous im- WCT: You’re right. I didn’t expect it to be ers and adults, who have come up to me in tears plants). Since said show has a penchant for so playful in the beginning. Can you describe saying, “The film just expressed everything I ambush interviews, a functionally-illiterate what we see in Straightlaced? feel inside but never said to anybody. It made cameraman asked the freshman congressman, DC: We see what happens when you give teen- so much sense to me.” Often, when we address “Who has better abs—you or Obama?” Well, agers permission to talk about what’s going on homophobia, it is couched in this framework speaking as someone who has seen both guys, inside their heads when dealing with gender-role of equality for LGBT people and gay rights. It’s Aaron wins hands down. Hmm, hands down. expectations and with homophobia. To think homophobia and sexism that pushes everybody Face down. Whatever. You can see the photo- about whether it’s unconscious or conscious— down … male and female, no matter what your graphic proof on BillyMasters.com. the way it affects their lives and how they do or sexual orientation is. When we’re salivating over a Republican, it’s don’t make sense of it. SF: Do you have any fears about releasing definitely time to end yet another column. We SF: The students are incredibly composed this film? ran SO long this week, so we barely have time and own their ideas. DC: There will be conservative voices that to remind you to check out www.BillyMasters. DC: Yes; we asked what would you say to won’t like that we are acknowledging that teen- com for the best dish around. If you’d like to someone else in your situation, what goes on agers have sexual feeling, let alone behavior. pick my brain, drop a note to Billy@BillyMas- inside your head when someone is telling you SF: What would you say to those conserva- ters.com and I promise to get back to you what to or not wear, what goes through your tive voices? before Kristin appears in “Peep Show”! Until mind when you get off the bus in the city and DC: Wake up! It’s on teenagers’ minds, and next time, remember, one man’s filth is another people are looking at you and what if people there are a lot of pressures to define yourself man’s bible. could see what is going on in your mind right through sexual behavior and to have sexual be- And this is what he looks like with his clothes now what would they see? This allowed them to havior in some effort to prove your sexual orien- ON! articulate themselves. tation. The Video Bar 3349 N. Halsted Join us Monday, SidetrackChicago.com April 6, at 10pm as Sidetrack welcomes cast members from This very special Show Tune Monday will feature a performance, ticket raffle, give-ways & more. thanks to our friends at CENTER RREENNTT iinn CChhiiccaaggoo TTwwoo WWeeeekkss OOnnllyy Photo © 2009 Joan Marcus MMaarrcchh 3311--AApprriill 1122 22 April 1, 2009 Meyer and Steve Shaw. The honorees were introduced by Uyvari (for Rollers duel Quintana), David Bartnick (McHale) and Malia on April 4 Miranda (MacKenzie). The Windy City Rollers will hold the fourth bout of its fifth season on Saturday, April 4, at 6 p.m. at UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine. The Fury will Rowing group take on the Hell’s Belles and the Double Crossers play the Manic Attackers. finds CRU calling Tickets are $20-$40. See www.WindyCity- By Ross Forman Rollers.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Chicago Qrew, the city’s only predominantly gay rowing team, is no more. Team Chicago It is, instead, reborn as the Chicago Rowing Union (CRU), which was unveiled March 28 as meeting April 4 the team’s new name. Team Chicago will meet Saturday, April 4, 5-7 “Our [original] name was witty and catchy, p.m., at Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan. but, as we grew, we continued to realize that Scheduled topics for discussion include the our name was difficult to pronounce and com- 2009 Outgames in Copenhagen, Denmark; the prehend among the greater rowing community,” 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany; scholar- said CRU President Scott Curcio. “While Qrew ship availability connected to both events; and CMSA Hall of Fame inductees (from left): Mike McHale, Nancy “Mac” MacKenzie and Early was/is a proud GLBTQ-identified organization, helping with the NAGVA Volleyball Tournament, Quintana. Photo by Ross Forman the ‘Q’ put a limit on the identity of its diverse taking place in late May at Navy Pier. group of rowers. See www.teamchicago.org. SPORTS/RECREATION leyball. She also was a sports manager at the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago. “Part of our mission is to be ‘all-inclusive,’” “It’s an extreme honor,” she said. “I’m very he said. “That means we welcome people of all Illinois native wins CMSA hall of fame happy to see women represented in the Hall of orientations, ages, sex and ability levels. This Fame. It’s cool, a very cool honor.” wasn’t reflected in Qrew’s name.” men’s skating title inductees honored CRU came to life, literally, at the team’s 2009 Evan Lysacek, an Illinois native now living in By Ross Forman McHale has been a softball stalwart since season-opening launch party fundraiser, held Los Angeles, became the first American in 13 1988. He was elected to the Cook County Circuit at Wild Pug, 4810 N. Broadway. The team also years to win the World Figure Skating Champion- The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association Court in 2005, and he still plays for a C1 Side- launched its new Web site (www.chicagorowing- ship, CBSSports.com reported. (CMSA) welcomed its third class of honorees track team. union.org), and unveiled a new logo and team Lysacek completed an almost perfect free skate to the sports league’s hall of fame in front of “It’s a tremendous honor,” McHale said. “I’m colors. About 100 attended the team’s gala, the second night, March 26, to come from be- about 100 people on Saturday night, March 28, very proud to be associated with CMSA. The as- including James Cappleman and his partner hind to win. Lysacek became the first U.S. skater at Spyner’s Nightclub on the north side. sociation has done great things for our commu- Richard Thale, members of the Uptown Chicago since 1996, when Todd Eldredge won it all. The class of 2009 is made up of Nancy “Mac” nity. CMSA really gives the community a sense of Commission. Canada’s Patrick Chan took the silver and 2007 MacKenzie, Mike McHale and Early Quintana. family, a sense of belonging.” CRU’s 2009 season runs through late Octo- world winner Brian Joubert of France came in “The three people for the class of 2009 have Quintana has been a CMSA bowler since the ber, and will be highlighted by two events: the third after leading the first night. given back for years to CMSA, and also have 1980s. He also has played softball and served Chicago Sprints (July 11-12), held at Fullerton made an impact on our community,” said CMSA as a coordinator for the bowling events at the Avenue and the lakefront; and the 2009 World president Marcia Hill. “I can’t put into words 2006 Gay Games. Outgames, which start July 25 in Copenhagen. KICKS Against how much time each has put in trying to help “In 28 years [bowling for CMSA], I literally Curcio, 31, who lives in Chicago’s Avondale others before themselves. have made hundreds of friends,” Quintana said. Breast Cancer at neighborhood and is a real-estate consultant, MacKenzie moved to Chicago in 1990 and has The CMSA Hall of Fame committee consists of said the team’s main 2009 goal is to purchase been an integral part of CMSA softball and vol- Hill, Carl Sharp, Dick Uyvari, Doug Malm, Peter Soldier Field an 8-person boat, which will cost more than Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus, will $20,000. play host to the inaugural Soldier Field KICKS Other 2009 CRU goals, according to Curcio, Against Breast Cancer collegiate soccer invita- include: tional showcasing the best in women’s soccer on —Increasing community presence; Sunday, April 26. —Selling out its Learn To Row programs Athletes from seven regional universities—in- (which start April 25); cluding the University of Illinois, Northwestern —Diversifying team membership; and University and DePaul University—will partici- —Increasing overall membership. pate in the unique event to raise awareness and There currently are about 45 CRU members, funds for breast-cancer research and treatment. ranging in age from their early 20s to late 40s, The intercollegiate play will begin at 8:30 a.m. with males and females. and continue throughout the day; admission CRU launched its first women’s team this year price is $10/person. and is expecting 20 new members in 2009. Contact Emily Brown at 312-235-7148 or “We row in either four- or eight-person boats, [email protected]. plus a coxswain [who steers] in each, so either five or nine people,” Curcio said. “Over the years we have had a few female Center running members, but we are focusing on recruiting ex- kids’ sports program perienced and novice women to join our team,” Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted—in col- Curcio said. “We recently hosted a women’s team laboration with We Got Game—is offering a interest meeting, and 16 attended.” comprehensive youth sports program for chil- Curcio said the “majority” of CRU members are dren ages 2-9 April 20-June 12. Class registra- gay. tion is now being accepted. The team mainly competes throughout the For a complete listing of classes, to download Midwest, with 2009 regattas in St. Louis, Mil- the registration form or to register online, visit waukee, Rockford and Washington D.C., among www.wegotgamechicago.com. For more informa- other locations. tion, contact Coach Brian Ploof at 773-562-6003 Sprint races (typically held in the spring and or [email protected]; also, contact summer) are 1,000 or 2,000 meters long. Head Tom Ballentine, the center’s director of commu- races (held in the fall) are 3,500-6,000 meters. nity and cultural programs, at tballentine@cen- Curcio confirmed that CRU will send a team to teronhalsted.org or 773-472-6469, ext. 245. Copenhagen this summer for the second World Outgames. As of now, rowing is not offered at the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne, Germany. 2009 golf event “We are a welcoming, friendly group and pro- vide a strong sense of camaraderie, as well as in Palm Springs physical activity,” Curcio said. The LGBT golfing event known as the 2009 Anyone interested in joining CRU or learning Rainbow Challenge will take place this year at more about rowing should e-mail Curcio at chi- the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Springs, [email protected]. Calif., April 11-12. 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