FILM and Theater

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HOLIDAY FILM and theater

vol 32, no. 10 Nov. 23, 2016 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com TREATS Make way for holiday entertainment! This week, we feature Mitchell Fain (right) and his new production, This Way Outta Santaland (and other Xmas miracles), as well as columnist Richard Knight, Jr.’s holiday movie offerings and more. Right: Mitchell Fain. Photo by Jay Kennedy Below: (L-R) Kate McKinnon, Jason Bateman, TJ Miller and Olivia Munn in Office Christmas Party. starting on page 13

trans mission Trans Day of Remembrance observed. Photo of ResonaTe member Chiqui by Gretchen Rachel Hammond 10

nathan lane GAYLON ALCARAZ airbnb Out actor part of slate of Broadway shows. Activist recalls radical journey. Company works to create more Photo of John Slattery and Nathan Lane by Julieta Cervantes Photo courtesy of Alcaraz LGBT-friendly spaces. 17 7 Photo of Bronson Pettitt and Ahmed Avendano courtesy of the couple 4

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 2 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 3 NEWS Airbnb gets more LGBT-friendly 4 Mike Quigley talks VA, Trump and Congress 6 Gaylon Alcaraz’s radical journey 7

When A Great Deal Matters, Shop Rob Paddor’s... Evans ton S ubaru INDEX Discussion with trans people of color 8 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CHARITIES Subaru of america will donate $250 to one of Couple adopts; Art AIDS events coming up 9 Six charitieS, liSted below, with any new Subaru purchaSe. Transgender Day of Remembrance 10 O LGBT Chamber marks 20 years 11 VIEWS: Layne; LETTERS 12 download ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Scottish Play Scott 13 this issue Theater reviews 14-15 Knight at the Movies: Holiday films 16 and browse the archives at SAVE Broadway offerings 17 www.WindyCityTimes.com Books: Queer Aging 18 ** NIGHTSPOTS 20 hOLIdaY ALL WHEE L D RIVE FILM and OUTLINES % theater Classifieds 22 on new 2017

vol 32, no. 10 nov. 23, 2016 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com treatS Calendar Q 22 Make way for holiday entertainment! This week, we feature Mitchell Fain (left) and his new OUTBACK production, This Way Outta Santaland (and other Xmas miracles), as well as columnist Richard Knight, Jr.’s holiday movie offerings and more. Right: Mitchell Fain. Photo by Jay Kennedy Below: (L-R) Kate McKinnon, Jason Bateman, TJ Miller and Olivia Munn in Office Christmas Party. starting on page 13 FORESTER & LEG ACY FOR ESTER OUTBACK

trans mission Trans Day of Remembrance observed. Photo of ResonaTe member Chiqui by Gretchen Rachel Hammond 10 02016 SUBARU L OVE P R OMISE

nathan lane GaYlon alCaraZ airbnb Out actor part of slate of Broadway shows. Activist recalls radical journey. Company works to create more Photo of John Slattery and Nathan Lane by Julieta Cervantes Photo courtesy of Alcaraz LGBT-friendly spaces. 17 7 Photo of Bronson Pettitt and Ahmed Avendano courtesy of the couple 4 @windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com online exclusives at R ETAILER O F T HE YEAR! www.WindyCityTimes.com NEW 2017 SUBARU NEW 2016 SUBARU NEW 2017 SUBARU RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE FORESTER 2.5i CROSSTREK 2.0i OUTBACK 2.5i Bev Rage (left) is among those profiled in the latest Bent Nights music column. Photo by Vern Hester 22

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4 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES

GUEST COLUMN by RoiAnn Phillips 10 ways to support friends who are parents going through divorce There are shelves and shelves of books — Please listen to me without judg- Bronson Pettitt and on birth, death, illness, marriage, loss ment—even if what I say tomorrow Ahmed Avendano. and the stages of grief, describing what completely contradicts what I said to- Photo courtesy of the you might expect, how to cope, and how day. Please accept this, and don’t worry couple to support friends and family. What I that I’ve taken on a permanent charac- have not yet discovered—and mind you, ter flaw, flip-flopping on my opinions. I I’m a newly divorced mom, so I haven’t haven’t. If I was consistent before, I’ll be been searching long—are guideposts consistent again. Until then, please just for friends and family members who are listen. Airbnb to provide close to divorce. — If you can’t listen, that’s okay. How do you activate your village in Not everyone can. I still love you. the middle of a divorce? I find it’s hard — Are you close to my daughter? more LGBT-friendly to put into words what I need while I’m Take her to a movie, or to lunch, or to grieving. your house. Understand this is NOT help- Very recently, I moved out of our fam- ful to all divorcing moms; I may be in the ily home and into my own place, and I minority here. We have so little time with spaces in Chicago opened a new bank account. Meanwhile, our kids now, comparatively, and I miss my ex got a new puppy, who is quite my daughter every single second we’re By Angelique Smith to use. I would say that from our reviews, that’s not under the same roof— the most loved part about their experience. even sometimes during Airbnb is looking to grow its LGBT host base Heite: I also think that since Mat and I are “So I thought: If I share some of the school day, which isn’t throughout Chicago amidst an updated anti- really involved in the block club and we’re something I’ve felt with such discrimination effort. close to our neighbors, when we have Airbnb how my village has shown up for force since kindergarten. For Windy City Times spoke with two Chicago- guests and neighbors drop by or happen to be me, and some of what I’ve asked me, though, it’s still helpful based couples—Mat Olson and Randy Heite as walking past in front, they talk to the guests when you take her on a date. well as Bronson Pettitt and Ahmed Avendano— and that gives this very welcoming feeling. them to do, will it resonate with I rely on you to be present about their experiences as hosts. Pettitt: We like to interact with our guests, someone else who’s struggling to for my daughter in this time Bronson Pettitt: When we lived in Mexico though we respect their privacy, too. Some- of upheaval. She needs your City, we had this family who were from Germa- times we’ll have a guest who just wants to go activate their village? Maybe.” love, consistency and sup- ny and traveling with a 4-year-old. They were out during the day to do touristy things and port. Heck, she needs to be a lot of fun and we just so happened to come just come back to sleep. Sometimes, if they able to talk about me, and across them in Thailand. It was really random want to be with us, we’ll take them out to our her Mama, with someone and we still kind of keep in touch. parties, take them to Boystown. We stay with likely the new love of our daughter’s life. who loves her—an adult who isn’t me, Mat Olson: I think some of our favorite other Airbnb hosts, too, and they don’t always Thankfully, I have a community of and isn’t Mama. She also needs to just be guests—Mike and Kate from Perth, Australia— offer that level of interaction or socialization. family and friends-who-are-family, who a kid, and forget her parents are in the have stayed with us about four times now and We like having that option so, when a guest check-in with me regularly and field my midst of a divorce! I can’t give her that, are really drawn to the Midwest. They’ll actu- arrives, we’re open to whatever to make their crisis calls and S.O.S. texts with love, but you can. ally stay with us for four nights, then they’ll go stay a nice experience. kindness, strength and clarity. Some- — Take the dog for half an hour be- off to Minnesota, Minneapolis or Madison for a WCT: You mentioned that you sometimes times they even know what I need before cause you know she’s been neglected in week, then they’ll come back to us for another take people out to Boystown. As members of I do. the chaos. Run her. Play with her. Give week before heading back to Perth. They feel the LGBT community, have you ever had any So I thought: If I share some of how her your full attention. like family and they’re actually already plan- kind of issues with guests or hosts? my village has shown up for me, and — Send me movie suggestions for ning their trip for next year. Ahmed Avendano: Not really. I mean, in our some of what I’ve asked them to do, popcorn nights with the kid. Randy Heite: Rodney from Brazil, whose com- profile it is very explicit that we are gay just will it resonate with someone else who’s — Remind me I am good enough— struggling to activate their village? May- pany set him up in Chicago to take a course to try not to get in a situation where some- right now—for my daughter. Promise me be. I’ll make it through. in English. He stayed with us for eight weeks one books our place and then realizes that Here are a few ideas for supporting — See my grief for what it is: Grief. and we really got to know him well. We signed they wouldn’t be comfortable. I’m not sure friends and family through the grief of Don’t expect me to rush through it. I’m him up with us to serve beer at the City Made how many times we’ve been skipped, if we divorce, from a newly single mom in the already putting that pressure on myself. Fest here in Andersonville; he really lived like even have, but we’ve hosted a lot of straight thick of it: What I need from you is grace. couples, a lot of girls … mostly girls, because a local. Then there’s Joan who stayed with us — Invite me to dinner. Or coffee. Or It’s still hard for me to seek or accept I think maybe girls feel more comfortable. One for several months and she knew she wanted lunch. I may turn you down. I may turn support sometimes, but I can’t imagine to live in Andersonville, so Mat and I took her time we hosted a group of four girls who were you down five times in a row. As much how I’d make it through alone. Divorce is shopping for apartments and now Joan is a backpacking from Eastern Europe. as I need your support, it’s exhausting humbling and my gratitude is vast. neighbor. Pettitt: It was kind of a tight fit for that to socialize right now. It’s not personal. Thank you to my village—this means Windy City Times: It sounds like you have many people in our apartment. Please don’t stop asking. you, too—thank you for showing up. a lot of long-term stays. Avendano: But they were extremely nice! At — It’s okay to invite me without Did something here resonate? Is there Heite: We do. It’s funny because you really first, I was a little bit shaky thinking about my kid, but understand that—at least something you would add? Connect with get to know people. being in the same place with four girls, like … for awhile—I will turn you down during me on Twitter: @OPgrrl Olson: We also have a lot of repeat guests, oh my God, what’s going to happen, especially my parenting time. I only have the kid I’d say about 30-40 percent of our guests. An- with the bathroom? But they were very fun and half-time now, and I hate to separate other 10-15 percent are long term, two weeks I think we even asked them why they stayed from her. This is not unhealthy. This is or more. with us and it was because they saw that we’ve not enmeshed. This is my reaction to the Heite: About 35-40 percent [are LGBT] and traveled around the world and that would help crisis of our upturned life. On the other most of those are international guests. I think with the connection. hand, if she makes plans with her own that international guests are looking for LGBT- Heite: For us, it’s been an amazing experi- friends, you can trust me to let her go. I friendly areas and it’s more comfortable for ence across the board. And I think that’s be- will, in fact, encourage her to go. I’m not them. cause the people who are using Airbnb are very a monster. I just miss her when she’s not WCT: What would you say is something open minded, very friendly, interested in each with me. unique to your home that people would en- other, the hosts and the experience. It’s really — If you stop by for coffee right af- joy? been eye-opening to find what people have in ter I move and I ask you to bring your Olson: The most unique thing about our common more than they don’t. Gay is one of own sugar because I don’t have any yet, house is our yard. All of our Airbnb guests love those things that’s just part of who you are. please hand me the sugar with grace and Next: Airbnb will discuss how it plans to humor. I promise I’ll offer it back to you to hang out there or go into our garden. It’s a RoiAnn Phillips and Harley. huge space that we encourage all of our guests tackle racial and anti-LGBT discrimination. once I’ve poured your coffee.

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup RoiAnn Phillips blogs about co-parenting, adoption and other things at Are You the Babysitter, http://areyouthebabysitter.wordpress.com . @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 5

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First-time riders only. Up to $20. Expires 12/31/16. 6 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES POLITICS Mike Quigley talks U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (R-Ill.). VA, Trump and the Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond 2017 Congress By Gretchen Rachel Hammond a change I was proud to support earlier this year,” he added. “Outdated and discrimina- U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) has been a tory restrictions should not interfere with our fierce champion of LGBTQ rights on Capitol Hill. service members’ receipt of fair treatment and as hard as you possibly can. there and the kind of country we should be. Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Caucus quality care.” WCT: A lot of people in the community [Trump] can reject all of that. With an arch- and founding member of the Transgender Equal- Quigley also spoke with Windy City Times on are concerned about these cabinet appoint- conservative House and Senate, it’s going to ity Taskforce created last year, Quigley has led what the 115th Congress, a Trump administra- ments. be very hard for me, as the only appropriator the charge on issues ranging from lifting Food tion and a possible anti-LGBT Supreme Court MQ: The appointment [of Steve Bannon] was in Illinois, to help us with the things that we and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibitions on nomination will mean for both the work of his as disturbing as any of it. Our next vice presi- care about: HIV funding, research needs, aid to gay and bisexual men donating blood to mar- caucus and LGBT civil rights in 2017 and be- dent signed a draconian anti-LGBTQ religious- people with HIV; dozens of appropriation mat- riage equality and transgender rights. yond. liberty law just last year, he supported conver- ters that are going to make a big difference to However, with Donald Trump’s Electoral Col- Windy City Times: Democrats are clearly sion therapy as a member of Congress, he said us. Three more states won in the Senate would lege win on Nov. 8 alongside a Republican con- reeling from the election results. What are that marriage equality would lead to societal have made a world of difference. It keeps me trolled Congress, the always uphill climb for you doing to regroup at this point? collapse and his words were “homosexuality is up at night, Quigley and his colleagues has become decid- Mike Quigley: Well, you’re right. I’ve never a choice.” That is scary stuff for a guy who is WCT: Is there any counter-strategy at all edly steeper. personally won an election by 40 votes and, leading the transition team and who some are being discussed? Anti-LGBT signals are already coming from at the end of the night, felt like I had lost by calling “the rational voice in the room.” MQ: We don’t know just what the new presi- the incoming Trump administration with the 40 votes. We had a meeting with the caucus, WCT: Are there enough moderate Republi- dent will do and how far he will go. We don’t appointment of Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as [House] leader [Nancy] Pelosi and the rest of cans in the Senate that extremist appoint- know how House and Senate Republicans will attorney general along with rabid opponent of the leadership team. It’s as simple as getting ments could be blocked? act as a body, how unified they will be. Our job LGBT rights Vice President-elect Mike Pence up every morning, going to work and work- MQ: I don’t know what the Republican strat- is to appeal to the American public and those overseeing the transition team. ing on the issues we always have. We have to egy is going to be. You’ve heard of the nuclear moderate sensibilities to not go back in time Meanwhile, the Veterans Administration (VA) remember that Mrs. Clinton won the popular option [overruling a 60-vote confirmation by a and reduce these rights that exist and then fo- announced it would no longer proceed with a vote. Three states that were 1 percent (and majority vote]. Do I think there’s some rational cus on the Senate and the House in 2018. Our plan to cover gender-confirmation surgeries for Florida was close) determined the electoral Republicans over there? Yeah. Do I think they job is to message, to fight with every vote we the nearly 150,000 transgender military veter- process. You combine the fact that perhaps the have enough courage to balk the Tea Party and have and leverage every vote we have. ans who rely upon its services. Clinton campaign team should have focused a president popular within his own party? I It’s hard to imagine that the Tea Party people In a statement released Nov. 17, Quigley more on Michigan and Wisconsin, the [FBI don’t know and that’s what concerns me. are going to be happy about raising the debt stated, “Our transgender veterans serve our Director James] Comey stuff and the issues of While I was somewhat encouraged by the ceiling. My job is to leverage every time the country with the upmost courage and com- healthcare costs, and it was a perfect storm at president-elect’s comments on marriage equal- White House needs Democratic support to the mitment, and they deserve the medical care the end. ity that it remains the law of the land, when he maximum extent possible; to protect individual needed to lead happy, healthy lives.” How do we regroup? You rebuild, learn from appoints an arch-conservative [to the Supreme rights, the environment, a woman’s right to “I am extremely disappointed by the VA’s what took place and move forward. You see Court], which apparently he is of a mind to do, choose; all the things that are our core prin- announcement to withdraw their plan to offer what common ground, if any, you have with that man or woman is there for life and they’re ciples. Also to drive resources back to Chicago. medical procedures to treat gender dysphoria, the new administration and then you work to- not going to call President Trump and say “How [Trump] has said there will be no federal aid to gether and, where there’s differences, you fight do you want me to vote on this?” If you’re an sanctuary cities. My answer is “Oh, yeah?” We archconservative on issues, it’s unlikely that are going to devise every strategy possible to the one issue you’re going to be liberal on is leverage whatever influence we have to push Center hosts marriage equality, no matter what the presi- the new president, House and Senate Repub- dent says. licans to do the right thing. We’re working on ‘A Call to Rise’ WCT: What about Trump’s threat to strike it. We’re doing the best we can. It’s a painful community meeting down executive orders? lesson that elections matter. By Carrie Maxwell MQ: This has been the worst Congress in WCT: A lot of folks want to run in 2018 as the history of the United States on the envi- outsiders or Democrats to try and turn Trump In the aftermath of the Nov. 8 election re- ronment. While it is not an issue specific to into a lame duck after two years. Feasible? sults, Center on Halsted hosted a community the community, it’s important to all of us and MQ: I would always encourage as many peo- meeting—entitled “A Call to Rise”—Nov. 16 [Trump] can strike all of those things down. He ple as possible to get involved, to the greatest for LGBTQ people and their allies to gather can walk away from the Paris Treaty. By appro- extent possible, in politics; voter registration together and discuss next steps. priations internally and appointments, he can and education programs, recruiting candidates, The Center’s newly appointed COO, Kim do a tremendous amount of damage. being a candidate. Being a state rep or sena- Fountain, told the approximately 100 people Everything the president has tried to do tor, alderman or county commissioner, being in attendance that after the election results dealing with immigration and refugee issues, on your local school council matters. I would Trump can tell State “we’re not bringing any- strongly encourage everyone to get involved were called in favor of Donald Trump, the Kim Fountain. phone lines at the Center lit up with people body over.” and not to give up. You give up and all hope Photo by Tracy Baim calling in a panic about what might happen I was in the [refugee] camps in Jordan and is lost. next regarding LGBTQ equality. Fountain said the role of white allies in helping minor- I saw, first-hand, the problems that exist the same situation happened with other LG- ity groups, social media campaigns, activ- BTQ organizations and organizations focused ism through writing, designing multimedia on other minority groups in the city. websites, how to be effective as a public “People were reaching out across identities speaker, micro-financing social-justice work, Leaders ask Trump to make connections because what we under- assisting transgender people in getting their stand now more than ever is we need each documents updated, how to navigate hostile other,” said Sheridan. co-workers or the workplace in general and to condemn hate acts Sheridan asked that everyone think about protecting oneself electronically from gov- Labor, civil-rights and faith leaders and their individual talents and what gets them More than 100 groups, representing more ernment surveillance. One woman also of- others called on President-elect Donald than 10 million people, have signed on to a fired up so they can fight back. fered ‘mom hugs’ for anyone who needed it. Trump to denounce the hundreds of hate-fu- letter to the president-elect (and delivered Following Fountain’s remarks, Vanessa The Center had behavioral health counsel- eled acts of harassment, vandalism, property to him Nov. 18) from the AFT’s Weingarten Sheridan—musician and the Center’s director ors on hand for those who needed someone destruction and even assault that have hap- and the SPLC’s Costello calling on him to de- of transgender programs and community en- to talk to and a white cloth where people pened since his election. nounce the hate acts and the ideology that gagement—quoted the late journalist Gwen could express themselves in written word Speaking at a news conference Nov. 18 is driving them. Ifill and performed an original song, “Keep and/or drawings that will be on display with- were American Federation of Teachers Presi- The letter (at AFT.org/sites/default/files/ on Rising Up.” in the building. dent Randi Weingarten; the Rev. Dr. William ltr_aft-splc-trump_111816.pdf) includes sig- Fountain called on attendees to suggest A number of individuals announced future J. Barber II; Maureen Costello, of the South- natures from organization and people such as ideas for small groups focused on specific events, including a post-election action fo- ern Poverty Law Center; Nancy Zirkin, of the the National Center for Transgender Equality, issues/actions to continue the conversation rum Monday, Nov. 28, at Lakeview Presbyteri- Leadership Conference on Civil and Human NARAL Pro-Choice America, Rev. Al Sharpton, during the second half of the event. Some of an Church, 716 W. Addison St., at 6 p.m. The Rights; University of Michigan postdoctoral the Human Rights Campaign, Pride at Work, the suggested groups were direct-action or- Center said it will create a Facebook page for fellow Austin McCoy; and Scott Kasten, a the Bully Project, Badass Teachers Associa- ganizing, action through the arts, teach ins, people to post more upcoming actions and Minneapolis teacher. tion and the Tyler Clementi Foundation. intersectional work across minority groups, events. WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 7 This past October, she completed the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. This was her third Gaylon Alcaraz’s marathon, having run two others in 2014. This one, however, was dear to her heart, as she was running in her hometown. She also felt pressed radical journey to give it her all. “I know our time on this Earth is fleeting By Melissa Wasserman bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Currently, she and so you should be able to live how you want is in her second year at National Louis Univer- to live, which has played out in my entire life Gaylon Alcaraz is a self-described radical. An sity, earning her doctorate. around my activism,” said Alcaraz. activist in different capacities, she is passion- Even in the informal sense, Alcaraz explained Pushing through some health-related ob- ate about certain topics, most of which she has how she practices her activism, saying, “The stacles, she finished the race running. During what she has experienced herself. What they all personal is political.” The mother of two adult the race, she got a special shout-out, over the have in common is social justice. children (and grandmother of one) said it hap- speakers, from the announcer. She described “I’m not the type of person that can sit back pened when her daughter wanted to join the when she heard the marathon watchers cheer- and watch stuff happen and not do anything Girl Scouts as a child. Alcaraz remembered ev- ing for her from that announcement, she knew about it,” said Alcaraz. “I don’t agree with that ery troop being all white, and she wanted her she couldn’t stop. Getting emotional, she logic. How can you want some change or you’re daughter to have positive images of herself. shared that it was difficult, but she would not going to complain, but you’re not going to step That was when Alcaraz decided to go through allow herself to be photographed crossing the up and contribute your voice to it. I’ve always the troop leader training, start her own troop finish line walking. just been very vocal. All human beings have and be the positive image for her daughter. During her journey, she has joined a few run- the right to live in a just society.” Alcaraz’s self-published book Tales of a ning groups that she calls her running family Alcaraz grew up in different parts of Chicago, Woojiehead is about her thoughts and experi- and she has become a running coach at Fleet having lived on the South and North sides. Part ences. One of the main stories of the book, she Feet. of her radical nature formed when she was a pointed out, is her being a survivor of domestic “I think the most important thing is to be student at Queen of Peace High School in Bur- abuse. in the moment,” said Alcaraz on what advice bank, Illinois. It was her late father’s wishes Adding to her personal accomplishments, Al- she would give to others undergoing a journey. that she went there and her mother saw it caraz has gone through her own journey. Her “Experience and be in the moment. We don’t through. She said she was one of about 30 weight loss journey began four and a half years Gaylon Alcaraz. have to be on anyone’s timetable. It’s a jour- Black girls at the school. ago and she has since lost about 150 pounds. Photo courtesy of Alcaraz ney.” “That contributed to who I am today and in terms of how I view racism and privilege and class and society,” said Alcaraz, feeling glad her parents made her go to Queen of Peace. Alcaraz added that, during the same period of time, seeing her mother having difficulty in finding stable, affordable housing was the other entry point of her activism. Together, we can She has taken this passion to her position as a consultant doing non-for-profit manage- achieve your possible. ment with Project Fierce Chicago. She started as the organization’s project administrator in July 2016. Project Fierce Chicago is a grass- roots collective of radical social workers, youth advocates and other community members who work to create community-driven and identity- affirming housing in Chicago. “This is about providing transitional housing for LGBTQ youth,” said Alcaraz about Project Fierce Chicago. “I wanted to be a part of that. Housing is a right and everybody de- serves housing. Some of the most marginalized and vulnerable people lack safe housing. So, to come to a project where there’s all these radicals, these activists, these social workers, these amazing LGBTQ people thinking and en- visioning something different like reimaging how housing could look—I wanted to be involved with that.” Alcaraz added she is doing everything in her power to raise money for the organization, which includes writing grants, using her net- working and fundraising background. “I’m a radical,” said Alcaraz. “I’m not a tra- ditionalist and a lot of these non-for-profit organizations are very traditional and capital- ist; and that’s not who I am. One of the main things that Project Fierce does is we do not take any governmental grants because of the capitalism. They brought this building out right from fundraising and I am drawn to that. That is a new way to look at the world around The difference between impossible and possible often starts with a person saying, “I think I can.” us. We don’t need capitalism. It can be another way; we have to reimagine what that looks At U.S. Bank, we think you can too. And with our online tools and resources, we’re here to help in like. I like the fact that they’re radical, they’re non-conforming, they’re non-traditional, and every way we can. they’re just doing little bit by little bit to make this major change and this shift in how we Find your possible at a U.S. Bank branch, call 800.825.BANK (2265), or visit financialgenius.usbank.com think.” Alcaraz is a founding board member of Affin- ity Community Services. She was also executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund for almost 10 years. There, she worked within the reproductive justice/rights/health movement, advocating for low-income women looking to control their reproductive freedom. Being in that position, she said, was a learning experience and it gave her the opportunity to stand up for women’s reproductive rights. “Anywhere that I see a need, I try to jump into it,” said Alcaraz of the work she does with Member FDIC. ©2016 U.S. Bank 160547 11/16 various organizations. “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. In the last few years, Alcaraz has gotten her 8 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Trans individuals of color suggest solutions to violence, bias By Gretchen Rachel Hammond “Not only are trans women disassociated from the cis hetero community, we also experience a With this year’s Transgender Day of Remem- disconnect from the LGBT community as well,” brance now honoring the most transgender Ortiz said. “We need to connect resources to individuals murdered in the United States in a the trans community in general.” single year, and with fears of increased trans- Ross discussed the need for a major citywide phobia after this year’s presidential election, media campaign to create visibility for trans- a meeting that Pride Action Tank, Brave Space gender people of color internal to the LGBTQ Alliance and Windy City Times hosted at the community and external to Chicago and Cook downtown offices of the Chicago Community County. The campaign would be targeted to- Trust (CCT) Nov. 17 was not simply a matter of ward law enforcement, emergency services, good timing but urgent necessity. healthcare providers, retail outlets and others Moderated by DAB of Consulting Director and would focus upon the lives of transgender Xavier Danae MaatRa, transgender individuals people of color in order to create sensitivity, of color and noted community leaders LaSaia safety and resources. Wade, Eisha Love, Emmanuel Garcia, Reyna Or- Wade verbalized the need for spaces by and tiz and Beverly Ross presented an open dia- for transgender and gender nonconforming From left: Reyna Ortiz, Emmanuel Garcia, Eisha Love, LaSaia Wade and Xavier Danae MaatRa. logue concerning desperately needed improve- people of color particularly on the South and Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond

trans masculine individuals. fiscal sponsorship for transgender and gender “If it hadn’t been for Channyn, I don’t think nonconforming start-up organizations and en- I would be here today, free right now to talk hanced fundraising partnerships with existing with you,” Love said. “We need help. People are nonprofits. coming out of jail and have nowhere to go.” All of the leaders in attendance expressed Solutions included housing opportunities support of the concept of working better to- that would take trans people off the streets gether to create solutions and more resources and allow them to be self-sustaining, the in- and inclusion of trans and gender nonconform- tegration of trans youth and adult issues into ing people of color. general homelessness services, a sustained Organizers hope that a timeline of attainable fight against police brutality toward trans- and measurable goals for inclusion of transgen- gender women of color, and safety training for der and gender nonconforming people of color transgender sex workers. in agency staff and board functions can be cre- Finally, both Wade and Baim offered ideas to ated by no later than March 2017. The first step improve fundraising efforts, including a tith- will be creating an asset and deficit map of ing from community groups of $25-per-$100K- current resources available to trans and gender budget each month for the next two years, nonconforming individuals in Chicago.

Attendees at the Nov. 17 roundtable. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond ments in resources for transgender and gender West sides of the city where the dearth of ad- nonconforming people of color to leaders and vocacy organizations is as critical as the need. representatives of advocacy groups across the Wade noted that the 24-hour, free services city including Chicago House, Lambda Legal, offered by the proposed spaces should include the ACLU of Illinois, Howard Brown Health, Af- safety from violence, opportunities for trans finity, CCT, the Chicago Commission on Human elders and youth to talk and learn from one Relations, the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, another, peer-to-peer counseling and medical Association of Latinos/as Motivating Action, advice, job training and professional develop- Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Test Positive ment. Aware Network, the Transformative Justice Law Increased geographic diversity was also em- Project (TJLP), the AIDS Foundation of Chicago phasized by Ortiz, who has been working ex- Chef Shiane Wilcoxen (center) and volunteers from Omega Pi Psi and Humble Hearts. (AFC), the Center on Halsted, Heartland Health tensive hours at Taskforce, presently the only Outreach, Project Fierce and Equality Illinois. trans advocacy organization on the West Side, Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond According to Windy City Times Publisher Tracy and they are struggling to survive. Ortiz sug- Baim, the meeting “came out of the murder of gested community liaisons to connect South, [Chicago trans woman of color] T.T. Saffore this Southwest, West and Northwest side transgen- 5th Friendship Dinner for youth summer, a vigil that was subsequently held and der individuals to the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS ser- meetings with [Chicago House TransLife Care vices offered on the North Side. held at Center on Halsted By Gretchen Rachel Hammond Program Project Manager] Channyn Lynn Parker Wade also suggested ways in which advocacy and LaSaia Wade of Brace Space Alliance about groups could be accountable in programming The 38 LGBT youth experiencing homelessness who arrived for the 5th annual Friendsgiving Din- ways we can move the dialogue forward be- and leadership opportunities for the transgen- ner put together by Team 101 Chicago at the Center on Halsted’s Youth Center Nov. 19 was down tween communities. This is a starting point.” der community of color, whether through board from the numbers who attended the four previous years. However, for Chef Shiane Wilcoxen and The ideas explored were the result of a Nov. incentives, job fairs, cultural sensitivity train- her team of volunteers from Omega Pi Psi and Humble Hearts, that was good news. 13 gathering of almost 20 transgender people ing, more comprehensive grant applications, “The first year we had about 50, the second about 100,” Wilcoxen told Windy City Times. of color from across Chicago who formulated grant writing support, and ensuring that trans “So it’s starting to taper off but that’s good because it means that the kids are moving on to actionable steps from a statement of demands applicants are not eliminated from employment better things.” released during the Oct. 6 vigil for Saffore. if a background check should determine arrest However, for those who were there to enjoy a delicious, full Thanksgiving turkey dinner, there “I am only 29 and I’ve lost 30 friends. This or incarceration for an activity of survival. was also a raffle and the opportunity to receive a Youth Excellence Award alongside a scholar- past week, I’ve lost three,” Wade said. “This is Love, who was jailed in a maximum secu- ship created in the name of dedicated and beloved volunteer Jerri L. Johnson, who passed away an emergency now more than ever. We’ve slow- rity men’s division of the Cook County Jail for in October of this year. ly tried to reach the table and we’ve constantly nearly four years without a trial, reinforced the Wilcoxen added that Team 101 Chicago will build the scholarship amount over the next five been denied at it. This past week, we’ve known need for housing and holistic health as well years. 300 reports of hate crimes [against] the LGBT as the need for more advocates in the Cook For more information on Team 101 Chicago, visit: www.facebook.com/Team101Chica- community. A trans woman in the South had County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) who go-127974050637516. her truck was burnt with the word ‘Trump.’” are representative of both trans feminine and WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 9 “It’s so amazing to be parents,” Grissom said. space for LGBTQ communities and intersections “I know a lot of our friends would love to as to live in an environment of equal treatment Same-sex couple well and they should. Go for it!” where all can thrive. They planned on celebrating with a brunch The objectives of the event are to: after the holidays. —Discuss the protections that are at risk for become official parents The latest U.S. Census figures cited by Equal- LGBTQ individuals; ity Illinois note that there are more than —Learn how the LGBTQ community & other “34,000 same-sex couples in long-term rela- groups are responding; and on Adoption Day tionships living across the state, and 21 per- —Find opportunities to take action and vol- cent of these couples are raising children.” unteer. By Gretchen Rachel Hammond Legos, what they loved most about their new For more information on adopting a child Event co-sponsors include Equality Illinois, moms and dads cooking and what could use through DCFS, visit Illinois.gov/dcfs/loving- Howard Brown Health, AIDS Foundation of Everyone was smiling Nov. 18 at Chicago’s Dal- some improvement. homes/adoption/Pages/default.aspx. Chicago, Test Positive Aware Network, Chicago ey Center when the Cook County Circuit Court They were then showered with Beanie Ba- Black Gay Men’s Caucus, Chicago House, Black as well as the Illinois Department of Children bies, backpacks and lollipops while all the Treatment Advocates Network, Association of and Family Services (DCFS) hosted its annual grown-ups got was a piece of paper. Emanuel: Chicago to Latinos/as Motivating Action, Center on Hal- Adoption Day—part of the National Adoption For new dads Joe Grissom and Roger Farqu- sted, Pride Action Tank, Affinity Community Day festivities designed to heighten awareness harson from Uptown, it was a piece of paper remain sanctuary city Services and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center of kids in foster care and their dreams of a per- stamped with a seal of approval that had taken In the wake of Donald Trump being elected as (Vida Sida). manent family and home. four years to earn but worth every moment. the country’s newest president, Chicago Mayor See https://act.myngp.com/ Six new families received the official bless- Grissom and Farquharson met at the Chicago Rahm Emanuel issued a statement saying that Forms/-3172559444831433984?mid ing of the court in front of media cameras. The Pride Pride and became foster parents before the city will remain a sanctuary for immigrants. qs=4479674254350090240. children were wide-eyed at all the attention as officially adopting Asia and Keil, who were told Moreover, the city’s 311 operators have been they gave testimony before the judges on what by the judge that they “won the lotto” with given special instruction to assist anyone with kind of things they liked to study in school, their fathers. concerns or questions about their status in Chi- TPAN part of cago or the United States. “Since the Presidential Election, there has #GivingTuesday been a sense of uncertainty among many im- Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) has migrant communities in Chicago and across the joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving nation. I want to assure all of our families that that harnesses the collective power of indi- Chicago is and will remain a Sanctuary City,” viduals, communities, and organizations to en- said Emanuel. “Chicago has been a city of im- courage philanthropy and celebrate generosity migrants since it was founded. We have always worldwide. welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, This year, TPAN has partnered with Chicago- and while the administration will change, our based fitness professionals for an inspiring values and our commitment to inclusion will #GivingTuesday campaign: #GetMoving. not.” On Tuesday, Nov. 29, individuals can join TPAN and our #GivingTuesday fitness partners for a series of movement opportunities. People Post-election can post on social media how they #GetMov- forum Nov. 28 ing, and challenge others to do the same. What is being called a “post-election action Occurring this year on Nov. 29, #GivingTues- forum” will take place Monday, Nov. 28, 6-8 day launches the holiday giving season and in- p.m., at Lake View Presbyterian, 716 W. Ad- spires people to collaborate in improving their dison St. local communities and to give back in impact- The goal of the community forum is to create ful ways to the charities and causes they support.

Roger Farquharson (back) and Joe Grissom (front) with attorneys and children Asia and Keil. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond

its only Midwest venue. Victory, Center, Art Art AIDS America is the first exhibition to explore how the AIDS crisis forever changed AIDS hosting talk, U.S. art. Since the first reports of mysterious tour Nov. 30-Dec. 1 illnesses in the early 1980s, HIV and AIDS Victory Gardens Theater, Art AIDS America have touched nearly every resident in some Chicago and Center on Halsted have an- way. While acknowledging and honoring the nounced the two-day World AIDS Day event. enormous anger, loss and grief generated “We’re Still Here: HIV/AIDS Then & Now.” by the epidemic, the exhibition refutes the “We’re Still Here: HIV/AIDS Then & Now”— narrative that AIDS is only a tragic tangent an HIV/AIDS arts and cultural impact panel in U.S. art. Instead, Art AIDS America of- and performance—is scheduled to take place fers a story of resilience and beauty revealed on Wed., Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Center on through the visual arts, and of the communi- Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. It is free and ties that gathered to bring hope and change open to the public. in the face of a devastating disease. The panel will include exhibit co-curator The Chicago presentation of Art AIDS Jonathan Katz, Director of Exhibitions Tony America will feature more than 100 signifi- Hirschel, Victory Gardens Theater’s Direc- cant contemporary works in a wide range of tor of New Play Development Isaac Gomez, media—from oil on canvas and photography with Hutch Pimentel as moderator. The panel to three-dimensional installations and video. will be followed by Queer, Ill + Okay perfor- The artists represented include Judy Chicago, mances by Phillip X Blacknbrilliant and Joan Chloe Dzubilo, Karen Finley, Robert Gober, Giroux, as well as a short film by Xena Ellison Félix Gonzalez-Torres, Keith Haring, Jenny and Elizabeth Mputu. Holzer, Derek Jackson, Kia Labeija, Annie On Thursday, Dec. 1, a curated tour of the Leibovitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Kiki Smith, Art AIDS America Chicago exhibit at the Al- Joey Terrill, David Wojnarowicz and Martin phawood Gallery, 2401 N. Halsted St., will Wong. Added to the traveling exhibition ex- start at 6 p.m., followed by a pre-show re- clusively for its Chicago presentation will be ception and storytelling performances at 7 works by a variety of other artists, among p.m. at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lin- them major works by famed Chicago Imagist Wireless Stores Midwest is a Verizon Authorized Retailer. coln Ave. The evening will conclude with a Roger Brown. performance of Karen Hartman’s Roz and Ray See ArtAIDSAmericaChicago.org. Also, see 6560 N. Sheridan Rd. 4660 N. Broadway Ave. 1503 W. Lawrence Ave. 4730 N. Kimball Ave. at 7:30 p.m. at Victory Gardens Theater. ArtAIDSAmericaChicago.org/events for a full Chicago, IL 60626 Chicago, IL 60640 Chicago, IL 60640 Chicago, IL 60625 This temporary space has been created in slate of events in connection with Art AIDS a former bank by the Chicago-based Alpha- America. wood Foundation to bring the exhibition to wireless-stores.com 10 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES

Lee Hanten. ResonaTe cofounders Zakary Siler (L) and Liz Jackson Hearns (R) in front of choir members. Photos by Gretchen Rachel Hammond

Trans Day of Remembrance at Center on Halsted resonates with hope ResonaTe member Chiqui. Ad A Ad B Ad C Ad D By Gretchen Rachel HammoAdnd E tor Zakary Siler. Ad F 1 Col X 2” AD 1 Col X 2” AD 1 Col X 2” AD 1 Col X 2” AD 1 Col X 3” AD Their program1 Colof ethereal X ballads3” AD mixed with It took the beautifully delivered message of songs of love, loss and hope had the audience ZURKO ANTIQUE EVENTS ZURKO ANTIQUE EVENTS hope provided by Chicago’s ResonaTe FLEAtrans- on its feet in a jubilant ovation—aFLEA testament gender choir to raiseANTIQUE the somber moodMARKET of the both to ANTIQUEthe transformative powerMARKET of music and ANTIQUE& VINTAGE MARKET ANTIQUE& VINTAGE MARKET FLEA FLEA audience who attended the Transgender Day of the visibly joyous ensemble Hearns and Siler ANTIQUE MARKET ANTIQUE MARKET Remembrance, Nov.SUN. 20 NOV.at Lake 20View’s • (8AM-3PM)/$5Center created toSUN. flourish NOV. it. 20 • (8AM-3PM)/$5 November 12 & 13 November 12 & 13 on Halsted. (COUNTY FARM & MANCHESTER) “The Trans(COUNTY community FARM does & MANCHESTER) a lot of remem- SATURDAY 9-4 SATURDAY 9-4 • With the number• DuPage of murders County of transgender Fairgrounds bering.” • • ResonaTeDuPage member County Lee Fairgrounds Hanten said in• SHOW HOURS: SUN. 9-3 / $7 SHOW HOURS: SUN. 9-3 / $7 SUN. NOV. 20 (8AM-3PM)/$5 SUN. NOV. 20 • (8AM-3PM)/$5 individuals in the United States at the high- a profound and deeply personal reflection. “We Plus! ACCENT ON: Plus! ACCENT ON: (COUNTY FARM & MANCHESTER) (COUNTY FARM & MANCHESTER) est ever recorded and the threat against trans- remember childhoods spent answering to the Antique Bottles & Advertising Antique Bottles & Advertising • DuPage County Fairgrounds • • DuPage County Fairgrounds • WHEATON, ILLINOIS WHEATON, ILLINOIS gender civil rights MpresentedChicago by the incomingM wrong name,M weChicago remember the loss ofM a past • LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • • LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • Trump administration, there was reason behind self. We remember what life was like before GRAYSLAKE, IL 1060 E. PETERSON RD. GRAYSLAKE, IL 1060 E. PETERSON RD. WHEATON, ILLINOIS WHEATON, ILLINOIS Center Director of Trans Relations and Commu- the great gender upheaval and how much bet- ZURKO 715-526-9769 ZURKO 715-526-9769 $1.00 off w/this AD! $1.00 off w/this AD! nity Engagement POPVanessa Sheridan’s CULTURE welcome. ter life couldPOP be now. CULTURE We remember the names www.zurkopromotions.com www.zurkopromotions.com ZURKO 715-526-9769 ZURKO 715-526-9769 “We live in timesSHOW that are perhaps & more SALE peril- of strangersSHOW who didn’t get& to SALEsee their next Vanessa Sheridan. $1.00 off w/this AD! $1.00 off w/this AD! www.zurkopromotions.com www.zurkopromotions.com ous than ever for transNOVEMBER people,” she said 26 before & 27birthday. NOVEMBERWe remember to live 26our lives & 27loving noting the importanceHours: of expressingSAT. 9-4 • SUN. love 9-3and / $10every momentHours: that SAT. we get9-4 because • SUN. 9-3 too / many$10 of respect for the transgender community “in the them are cut short.” face of national indifferencePHEASANT and RUN hatred” MEGA and CENTER “Today PHEASANTI remember thatRUN I MEGAam an CENTERAmerican,” to “remind cisgender people4051 E. Mainthat St.,we St. are Charles, their IL Hanten added.4051 “I rememberE. Main St., St.waiting Charles, in IL line to daughters, sons, (45parents, Min. W. offriends, Chicago oncoworkers, Rt. 64 - North Ave.)cast a ballot(45 Min. for W. the of Chicagofuture, onthe Rt. dread 64 - North watching Ave.) neighbors and lovers.”ZURKO 715-526-9769election ZURKOresults roll in. 715-526-9769 Mostly, I remember how Ad G Ad H The moment of www.zurkopromotions.comsilence which followed for the much ourwww.zurkopromotions.com community has already overcome 1 Col X 4” AD 1 Col X 4” AD transgender fallen$1.00 seemed asoff bleak w/this as it was AD!and I refuse$1.00 to let offthis sentient w/this glass AD!of Tang somber. pretending to be my president be my undoing. ZURKO’S MIDWEST PROMOTIONS ZURKO’S MIDWEST PROMOTIONS Ad I Ad J Then ResonaTe took the stage led by co- We’ve done of lot of figuring things out in the 1 Col X 2” AD 1 Col X 2” AD founder and executive director Liz Jackson past. Let’s remember how to do it again.” Hearns alongside co-founder and artistic direc- Ad K ANTIQUE ANTIQUE M M M M & VINTAGE MARKET & VINTAGE MARKET Chicago Chicago 1 Col X 2” AD November 12 & 13 November 12 & 13 POP CULTURE POP CULTURE NOVEMBER 26 & 27, 2016 SATURDAY 9-4 SATURDAY 9-4 SHOW HOURS: SUN. 9-3 / $7 SHOW HOURS: SUN. 9-3 / $7 SHOW & SALE SHOW & SALE • LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • • LAKE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS • NOVEMBER 26 & 27 NOVEMBER 26 & 27 Show Hours GRAYSLAKE, IL 1060 E. PETERSON RD. GRAYSLAKE, IL 1060 E. PETERSON RD. Hours: SAT. 9-4 • SUN. 9-3 / $10 Hours: SAT. 9-4 • SUN. 9-3 / $10 Personal book recommendations FLEA FLEA PHEASANT RUN MEGA CENTER PHEASANT RUN MEGA CENTER 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL POP and unique gifts! ANTIQUE MARKET ANTIQUE MARKET (45 Min. W. of Chicago on Rt. 64 - North Ave.) (45 Min. W. of Chicago on Rt. 64 - North Ave.) SUN. NOV. 20 • (8AM-3PM)/$5 SUN. 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CHICAGO’S PREMIERE WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT

From left: Billy Stevenson, Jim Huberty, Lori Fox and Gerardo Rodriguez. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois marks 20 years By Gretchen Rachel Hammond diversity and advancement for LGBT business opportunities, LGBT workforce development, The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois took LGBT small business training and development its supporters back in time at Chicago’s Ivy and LGBT advocacy.” Room at Tree Studios Nov. 17. Their anniver- “Every action we have taken this year was sary gala celebrated the 1893 Chicago World’s strategic,” Chamber Executive Director Gerardo Fair for what the organization called “a cel- Rodriguez said. “Focusing on how we can bring ebration 20 years in the making.” the best services to our community for the With an eclectic array of exquisite food years to come.” provided by restaurants including Lettuce En- The Chamber also took the opportunity to tertain You, RPM Steak, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, II recognize seven community-owned businesses, Porcellino, Mon Ami Gabi, Nacional 27, Oste- advocacy organizations, Employee Resource ria Stato, Summer House Santa Monica, Shaw’s Groups (ERGs) and individuals “demonstrating DECADENCE and Beatrix as well as performances from belly excellence, innovation and advancing entrepre- dancing to acrobatics on display from the Chi- neurship.” DECADENCE cago Cabaret Project, guests reveled in the The Government Partner Award was given to joy of community while honoring the 20 years U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois since Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim District Office District Director Robert “Bo” and a group of business owners began what Steiner; BP Pride received the ERG Partner Chamber Board Chair Billy Stevenson called Award; Out & Equal’s Jim Huberty and Lori Fox BENEFITING “not just a chamber of commerce, but a move- were honored for their work; the supplier di- ment.” versity advocate award was received by Blue “Starting a chamber of commerce [for] the Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Manager of Supplier LGBT community is putting an economic face Diversity LaTonya Forte’-Lyles; the LGBT Entre- on a social movement,” Stevenson said. “Who preneur Award was given to Events with a K doesn’t pay attention when money talks?” founder and owner Kristofer Sangari; the Cor- “We don’t know what Jan. 21 [the day after porate Sponsor Partner Award was received by Donald Trump’s inauguration] is going to bring, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises; and Baim but our business and our community in general was honored with the Founders Award. will need to be ever stronger,” he noted. “With The event’s co-sponsors included Lettice En- your help and support, we will continue to be tertain You, Baker & McKenzie, Blue Cross Blue your voice.” Shield of Illinois, Windy City Times, Groupon, To that end, Stevenson announced the for- Miller Coors, Events with a K, Sidetrack and El- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 6-9PM mation of the LGBT Business Foundation of ements. Illinois, which is an “official 501(c)(3) organi- For more information on the LGBT Chamber of REVEL FULTON MARKET zation that will work tirelessly to foster LGBT Commerce of Illinois, visit LGBTCC.com. FOR A LIST OF CHOCOLATIERS, TICKETS AND MORE EVENT INFORMATION AIDSCHICAGO.ORG/CHOCOLATE

laughter, performance art, food and drinks were group founded by a woman who would become plenty. Perhaps it was here where Neysa fully one of her best friends, Yaounde Olu. The Drum WINDY embraced all aspects of her own creativity that Diva’s was the perfect platform for Neysa. She needed no apologies or approval from European would dance, sing and flaunt her wearable cre- aesthetics. ations. Her personality often brought levity CITY Jano During the year their place was often con- to the group during their extensive rehears- LAYNE verted into a welcome home for out-of-town als. Yaounde and Neysa even partnered on a artists showing their wares at the Dixon Ele- community radio show out of the University of TIMES mentary School Art Festival in March or the Af- Chicago, WHPK 88.5 FM every Tuesday where rican Festival of the Arts, at the end of summer they played music, read poetry, told stories like VOL. 32, No. 10, Nov. 23, 2016 Remembering The combined forces of Windy City Times, in Washington Park, on Chicago’s South Side. two old friends and allowed the community to founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, Neysa Her father’s passion for art was so great, that listen. founded May 1987. he would bargain with artists for pieces that he At least twice a year everyone on Neysa’s When Neysa (Neesha) Scott walked into a room fell in love with, hoping he wasn’t mortgaging contact list would receive a text announcing away his retirement and would have room to that she was taking a personal, spiritual re- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR she neither sought nor shunned attention, yet Tracy Baim it followed her like a shadow. hang one more work on his wall. treat. She would not be answering the phone No one knew if it made her nervous or not, Neysa designed garments in her head, bought or being social, the text would announce. This ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky she simply handled it with grace. It was hard fabric, grabbed a pair of sharp scissors and was her moment of intense, focused prayer, MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis started to cut and pin. Her business, Neysa’s self-reflection and cleansing. Her faith was her ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette to ignore her bald head, coco brown skin, and BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine perfectly made-up face, highlighted by color- Peaces, created art wear that often included backbone. DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright ful lips. She was often dressed in the clothes painted hats and scarfs (in a Jackson Pollack A few years ago, Neysa was hit with the news ART DIRECTOR/NIGHTSPOTS EDITOR Kirk Williamson she designed; the perfect spokesmodel for her that both of her parents were beginning to SENIOR REPORTER Gretchen Rachel Hammond have major health challenges. While this news Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk wearable creations. She had come to her bald Williamson, Amy Matheny, Gretchen Rachel Hammond, pate as a result of supporting a friend battling would destroy some people, she did not ask for Scott Duff, Monika Pickett, David Strzepek cancer many years before, cutting off the hair sympathy but dug even deeper into her faith. NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 that women paid handsomely to have sewn in. The dutiful daughter gratefully supported her SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa parents. She had been instrumental in help- Keen, Yasmin Nair Born to Nelson and Alice Scott of Hyde Park THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan in Chicago, she and her younger brother Ke- ing to raise her nieces and nephews and now CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. nyatta were raised surrounded by an exposure she would have to attend to her parents in the SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman to opportunity and creativity. A close-knit same spirit. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS Neysa was on the younger end of a genera- Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, family, Neysa would share with friends the sto- Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel ries of her father taking them to restaurants tion of friends who had witnessed so much in COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Harper, all over Chicago and collecting the menus for each other’s lives. She was loyal beyond words. Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah memorabilia. Person after person had stories of how she sup- Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, ported them in their time of need. The world Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Angelique Three years ago she posted a video that in- Smith, Meghan Streit cluded her mom and brother. In the video her of those she touched was shocked by her quick SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal Baim, 40-something-year-old brother threatened to departure. She died Oct. 16 at age 51 of an Tim Carroll, Ed Negron do the acrobatic flips from his youth, honed at aneurysm and a stroke, leaving behind those WEBSITE LISTINGS VOLUNTEER Gene Naden the Sammy Dyer Dance Academy that both he grappling to understand the mysteries of life and Neysa attended as children. In the video, and death. CIRCULATION In one of the final tributes to Neysa, DJ CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright Neysa and mother Alice can be heard giving Neysa Scott. DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and him warning (that he might be too old for Photo by Abena Sharon Dale Wilma posted on YouTube the audio of Neysa Victor this), with dare and delight in their voices as reciting a poem, a prayer. Her words, her emo- WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead he demonstrated the flips. tions and delivery felt like a final reading on programmer: Martie Marro) style), eye-catching shoulder satchels and a life well lived. (https://www.youtube.com/ Her parents were avid patrons of African- Copyright 2016 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media American artists such as Frank Frazier and women’s garments with butterfly wings. Her watch?v=NqziC3rJ-FwYoutube). RIP Ms Neysa Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back clients were world-renowned singers, pastor’s Scott). issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). emerging artist Najee Dorsey. They were active Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, members in their collectors group, Diasporal wives, politicians and women who simply en- A designer who did not sew and a woman who and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and joyed dressing with an exclamation point. shared her story, performed from her heart, de- no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. Rhythms. Their apartment, which was more like All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy a museum, was also a stop on the local art col- Eventually, she too became a fixture at the Af- termined not to die with her creativity in her. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned lector’s tours. These ‘salons’ or gatherings, her rican Festival of the Arts, which often felt to Neysa lived out loud. for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, parents held supported artists and welcomed her like a family reunion. Also see http://www.windycitymediagroup. cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own others in the spirit of an Ernie Barnes painting; In 2004, Neysa joined the Drum Diva’s, a com/lgbt/PASSAGES-Neysa-Scott/57062.html. and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept responsibility for advertising claims. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 letters e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Saving land allies already present in prayerful and ceremo- sons—who can hold space between places, be- nial protection at Standing Rock (Cannonball, tween genders and sexualities, and as such are www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com The following press release is from Chicagoans, North Dakota) this Thanksgiving. a bridge of sorts. This Two Spirit Nation Camp including LGBTQs, who are raising funds to Standing Rock Reservation has become the reclaims this ancient wisdom in contemporary WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, point of standoff between tribes and tribal native context and offers an affinity space in 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A bring donations of cash and supplies to Native (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Americans and their allies fighting against the leaders gathering to serve as Water Protectors this movement for those that identify (native pipeline proposed to run through Native lands to impede the Dakota Access Pipeline which or non-native) within the LGBTQIA frame who Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. in North Dakota. threatens to desecrate sacred lands, native come to join the Water Protection at Standing OUT! Chicago’s LGBTQ Visitor’s Guide Online burial grounds, and potentially contaminate Rock. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

Observing Thanksgiving requires that we hold the water supply to the reservation. Thousands If you would like to support these efforts you of people have come together at Standing Rock can donate to the effort of this trip you can go “Windy City Media Group generated enormous the tension between the beauty of familial interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT convenings and the brutality of erasure. While calling to the nation and the world the remind- to the following link (see below). If you would Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 all over the United States communities and er to all of us: Mni Wiconi (Lakota for “water is like to designate funds to the Two Spirit Nation print and online media partners who participated in the survey, Windy City was the best performing families come together to offer thanks for their life”). Camp (winter provisions are needed) if you can While there are thousands standing at Stand- note in your donation comments when donat- regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners beloveds and share sacred space, this time is with a nationwide footprint were able to generate also a representationally white-washed holi- ing Rock to protect the water there are a num- ing and those funds will be earmarked for that a greater number of responses.” —David Marshall, day which commemorates and celebrates the ber of camps and camps within camps. One of community and go towards gift cards they can Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. lineage of genocide of the Northern American these is the Two Spirit Nation Camp which is use at local stores in Bismark, North Dakota. Indigenous People. the LGBTQIA representative community. There This trip will be leaving Chicago early Wed., It’s in reflecting on these truths that facilita- is a long history within a variety of native tra- Nov. 23 and returning back late Sunday, Nov. tors Teresa Pasquale Mateus, Alicia Crosby and ditions which not only discusses the two spirit 27. a team of volunteers from Chicago, New York (non-binary) gender and sexuality nature of The link for donations is https://www.go- and Minneapolis, in an effort to offer up their humankind, but also offers a spiritual dynamic fundme.com/decolonizethxgiving. bodies, time and sacred space to share in com- to this personhood. In many of these lineages munity with the indigenous community and it describes a sacredness to “two-spirit” per- Teresa Pasquale Mateus WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 13 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

Culture hub 18 20 20 WCT reviews La Gringa. Photo by Anthony Aicardi Baptiste & Bottle. Beyonce night at Sidetrack.

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Fain and dandy for the holidays by SCOTT C. MORGAN “A lot of people don’t know what he looks like,” Fain said. “I can’t tell you the number For the past eight years, actor/writer Mitchell of times somebody would come up to me af- Fain has been dressing up to be “Crumpet the terward and say, ‘David, we love your books.’” Elf” in Theater Wit’s annual production of Da- This Way Outta Santaland (and other Xmas vid Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries. But for some miracles) plays from Friday, Nov. 25, through reason the rights to the hit one-man holiday Friday, Dec. 23, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Be- show were restricted for 2016. mont Ave. Tickets are $20-$29. A special Windy “As an actor, it’s great to know that I have a City Times Night performance is slated for 8 gig at the end of the year,” said Fain about all p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6. Call 773-975-8150 or his previous years as a veteran Crumpet. visit TheaterWit.org. So with no Santaland slated for this year, Note: Mitchell Fain is a former co-host of The Fain got the courage to approach Theater Wit Windy City Queercast, a podcast once produced artistic director Jeremy Wechsler with the idea by Windy City Media Group, which publishes of sharing his own holiday-themed stories on- Windy City Times. stage. The result is the world-premiere of Fain’s This Way Outta Santaland (and other Xmas Camp for Christmas miracles). There’s no question that actor/writer/artistic “I just decided to invite people in, we’re go- director David Cerda is the driving force behind ing to have a cozy little time and we’re going Chicago’s premier camp theater company Hell to tell some stories,” said Fain, emphasizing in a Handbag Productions. But if you were to how the show also stars his dear friend Meghan nominate Hell in a Handbag’s most valuable Murphy (famed for her cabaret persona as “Big supporting player or designated scene stealer, Red”). that honor would go to actor Ed Jones. “Without bias, or actually, with bias, [Mur- For more than 15 years, Jones has made Mitchell Fain. phy] is the best singer-actress in Chicago,” audience roar with laughter for outrageous Photo by Jay Kennedy said Fain, also happy to have Second City stal- Handbag characters in both female and male wart Julie Nichols aboard as the show’s music drag. Jones gets a chance to shine even more For the Nelson’s holiday variety show circa director. as the title character in Cerda’s world-premiere 1982, Cerda has taken delight in bringing to- ‘Queer, Ill + Okay’ Several of the show’s stories are written comedy The Rip Nelson Holiday Spectacular, gether all sorts of odd celebrity pairings. The and rehearsed in advance, while others will a sequel to 2010’s The Rip Nelson Halloween guests include Dom Deluise (Tommy Bulling- Dec. 9-17 pull from Fain’s improv training and work at Spooktacular. ton), Liza Minnelli (Alexa Castevecchi), magi- Joseph Varisco, in association with Ora- The Second City by drawing out tales from the The has-been actor Rip Nelson is an amalgam cian Doug Henning (David Lipschutz) and even cle Theater, is presenting the fourth year audience. But don’t worry if you’re averse to of camp actors like Rip Taylor (The Gong Show), Bruce Jenner (Chazie Bly). of Queer, Ill + Okay, a multidisciplinary audience interaction. Fain says it’s more of Charles Nelson Reilly (Match Game) and Paul “One of the things about the guests we have performance series featuring LGBTQ artists a conversation instead of making audiences Lynde (Bewitched, The Hollywood Squares). is like on those TV variety shows of the 1970s living with HIV and other chronic illnesses. physically doing silly things. “They were campy and they weren’t initially and ‘80s, there’s such a weird hodgepodge of Queer, Ill + Okay will be presented Dec, “One of the challenges of doing a one-person openly gay, it wasn’t ever overtly stated, but it guests,” Jones said. “These people would never 9-17 at Oracle Theater, 1802 W. Bernice show of someone’s story over and over again is was like a big wink to the audience... I related be in the same room together under any other Ave. to give the audience the feeling that it’s hap- to them because they were just being them- circumstances.” The featured performers will be Avery pening for the first time and that it’s personal,” selves and were very flamboyant,” said Jones Though Jones has performed with other com- R. Young, Angel Katz, Bea Cordelia, Deven said Fain about keeping Santaland Diaries fresh about first seeing actors like Lynde and Reilly panies like Factory Theater and the old Baili- Casey, Dirty Grits and Vasilios Papapitsios, each night. “This time around, since I had the on TV in the 1970s. “So when I got to do this wick Repertory, he considers Handbag Produc- Emma Alamo, JuJu Minxx, Kay Ulanday opportunity to do something new, I’m actually character, it was actually a homage to them.” tions to be his home. Barret, Lindsey Lee, Lucas Baisch, Michelle going to create that for real.” The blended character was actually a neces- “I’m just a huge fan of [Cerda’s] writing and Zacarias, Morgan McNaught, Phillip Lam- Fain is tackling topics like finding home and sity because Handbag’s original plans to center his comic sensibilities and I love the fact that bert and Tim’m West. how the holidays put a spotlight on how a per- their 2010 spoof of variety TVs specials around I’m able to in his shows,” Jones said. “I’ll be in Queer, Ill + Okay is an annual multidisci- son can fit in (or doesn’t). Lynde were challenged by the estate that them as long as he’ll have me.” plinary performance series exploring, chal- “As a gay, Jewish person, the holidays can controls the late star’s likeness. But Jones is Hell in a Handbag Productions’ world pre- lenging and reinventing narratives about sometimes feel like they’re not for me or about ultimately glad that he’s not tied to a single miere of David Cerda’s The Rip Nelson Holiday the lives of queer individuals and their me,” Fain said. “Also, I think the show is about celebrity. Spectacular continues through Friday, Dec. 30, relationships to HIV and other forms of how we make our own home—create our own “Actually the character is more like me in- at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Preview tick- mental and chronic illness. families of choice.” stead of them,” Jones laughed. “As a kid, I ets are $16 through Friday, Nov. 25. Regular Tickets are on sale now PublicAccessThe- At the very least with This Way Outta Santa- wasn’t open about being gay, but I was campy, run tickets are $28-$30 with VIP tickets pack- atre.org. land, Fain doesn’t risk having audiences con- sarcastic and flamboyant so there’s a lot of ages beginning at $42. Call 800-838-3006 or fuse him for author/speaker David Sedaris. similarities to myself.” visit HandbagProductions.org. 14 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW [Trans]formation. [Trans]formation Photo by Pete Guither Playwright: Various contributors and five devisers At: Nothing Without a Company & The Living Canvas, Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets: NothingWithoutACompany.org; $30 Runs through: Dec. 17

BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL

I had an easy time, compared to many, as a cisgender gay man coming out while also growing secure in my masculinity. I can only imagine the challenges for those who come out as transgender, whether gay/lesbian or not, whether with or without surgical transition- ing. [Trans]formation), a new spoken-word and movement work, addresses those issues in a positive, often poetic, and non-confrontational way that stands as a piece of vibrant visual art as much as anything else. [Trans]formation is performed with a six-per- terpret as they go. It’s no surprise that col- The 90-minute program presents six spoken Sparrow. son cast who use personal pronouns including lectively they have endured bullying, despair, “chapters” (as the program calls them), divid- [Trans]formation is quite well done, but he, she, they, “em” and “zhe.” All identify as confusion, internal conflict, outsider status, ed by dance/movement sequences performed will not be to everyone’s taste. It qualifies as being in some stage of gender transition, some therapy and suicidal thoughts in the process of to recorded songs. The choreography by Gaby avant-garde performance work for sure, and yet of which is physically apparent as the cast per- becoming who they now are, namely trans in- Labotka (also the director) and Darling Squire it has a flower-power vibe as old as my long- forms the entire piece mostly in the nude. Well, dividuals presenting and expressing themselves is quite athletic and is performed with agility past 1970s hippie days. The audience it draws, they’re perhaps not quite naked, as the com- with confidence. “We are not computers, we and surprising grace, given that most of the I suspect, will be folks already converted to pany is bathed non-stop in complex projection do not need binary,” one comments about the cast are not trained dancers. The songs are not the cause of trans progress and rights, and so designs by Chris Owens, making each player traditional male/female divide, while another familiar to me, and the lyrics are difficult to it will serve much more as a celebratory work part of a living canvas of kinetic art—floral observes “I’ve always lived a prisoner to others’ understand although the emotional moods of than an illustrative one. [Trans]formation at one moment, aquatic the next and abstract perceptions” of how he/she/they should dress, the music seems appropriate. The performers holds its head high, alhtough the cause still soon after, in a multitude of patterns. act and identify. Nonetheless, the overall tone are Gabriel Faith Howard, Ronen Kohn, Lily could use an illustrative or didactic work cre- The players tell stories drawn from personal avoids angst and is surprisingly playful. Jean, Chase Nuerge, Ben Polson and Kevin ated for a mainstream audience. experiences, and they both narrate and in-

THEATER REVIEW promise of North America always been that of who mysteriously rallies under Maria’s influ- graphic, while appealing to audiences of all putting the old behind and making a fresh start ence)—sympathizes with the young woman’s ethnicities. Sofia Tew makes a charmingly naive La Gringa in the new? anomie. Maria and Anthony DeJesus a winsome Mon- Playwright: Carmen Rivera These factors predispose 22-year-old New Assimilation usually requires at least four chi, but it is the warmth and vitality conveyed At: Urban Theatre at Batey York City-raised second-generation Maria Gar- generations and concerted effort on the part of by Frankie Davila’s mischievous Manolo, Nydia Urbano, 2620 W. Division St. cia, disgruntled over being perceived as a “to- those seeking inclusion. Maria is not the first Castillo’s gruff Aunt Norma, Philip Camacho’s Tickets: $20 ken Latina” at her corporate job and jilted by a child of immigrant parents to be stricken by patient Uncle Victor and NK Gutierrez’s restless Runs through: Dec. 11 boyfriend who fears his parents’ disapproval, to ancestor worship, nor the first vacationer to Iris that ensure our enjoyment right up to the arrive at her Puerto Rican family’s rural home succumb to illusion bred of leisure time, spend- reconcilatory conclusion. BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE eager to embrace the enchanted island with ing money and tourist privilege. The universal- Commendations are also due the technical brazos abiertos. What she encounters is cousin ity of this experience may account for Carmen team—in particular, Caswell James’ scenic When your present is boring and/or future un- Iris unable to find work, neighboring farmer Rivera’s award-wining play now celebrating the design and Antonio Bruno’s score of ambient certain, it’s easy to muse upon your past. This Ramon “Monchi” Reyes reliant on precarious 20th anniversary of its off-Broadway run at the isla bonita sounds—who conjure pictures of a search for “roots” may be based in recorded climate conditions and Aunt Norma bitter at Repertorio Español. tropical paradise in the cozy Batey Urbano so lineage, or may reach back centuries to an age/ having been appointed family caregiver after Under the direction of Miranda Gonzales, this inviting that you might leave wanting to book place/tribe/event rendered all the more mythi- Maria’s mother escaped to an exciting life in Urban Theatre Company production (performed tickets for the Caribbean before winter comes. cal by the reluctance of immediate relations to foreign lands. Only Uncle Manolo—whose ill in English, with occasional asides in Spanish) share in your obsession. After all, hasn’t the health curtailed his career in the theater (but remains always faithful to its cultural demo- c THEATER REVIEW Monty Pythonesque farce, or perhaps an academic exercise in counting syllables. Bartlett’s CRITICS’ King Charles III industry is not squandered in service of cheap Playwright: Michael Bartlett laughs or cheap bathos, however, but instead PICKS At: Chicago Shakespeare Theater emerges an astonishingly eloquent and ar- at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. ticulate parable of a well-meaning man facing Apartment 3A, Windy City Playhouse, Tickets: $48-$88 existential crisis when confronted with lead- through Dec. 23. Daniel Smith delivers a char- Runs through: Jan. 15 ership. By the time Charles reluctantly bows ismatic portrayal of an aging cupid-ex-machina to the will of his subjects and renders his who rescues lovers from their own foolishness BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE abdication, he is forced to acknowledge his in this deceptively romantic comedy. MSB place in the universe as “better the thought- End of the Rainbow, Porchlight Music The- Once upon a time, there was a prince who ful prince” than a ruler unable to cope with atre at Stage 773, through Dec. 9. As the assumed the throne late in life. Vowing to an inheritance he did not anticipate. entertainer Judy Garland, Angela Ingersoll is rule wisely, when his advisors proposed a law Audiences in the United States have less heartbreaking and a perfect fit in this strong violating his conscience, he refused to grant of a stake in Bartlett’s grim prophesy (for Chicago premiere of Peter Quilter’s drama re- his approval, and when his kingdom’s voting the record, Elizabeth II continues healthy imagining the gay icon’s tragic final months. body objected, he voided their power, throw- and robust at age 90), a factor not lost on SCM ing his country into turmoil. The ensuing un- savvy director Gary Griffin, whose technical The Last Wife, TimeLine Theatre, through rest spurred his elder son to depose the royal team serves up a sumptuous production, re- Dec. 18. Big, meaty-but-intelligent perfor- sire in order to restore peace and unanimity, Robert Bathurst in King Charles III. plete with spectacle and soliloquies stitched mances drive playwright Kate Henning’s tale of while his younger son longed only for an “un- Photo by Liz Lauren together by an incidental score ranging from a woman’s survival and power in a man’s world, predicted life” with his leftist working-class Elger to The Clash. Robert Bathurst leads an ostensibly about King Henry VIII and Catherine girl friend. ensemble of actors navigating Eva Breneman Parr, the only one of Henry’s wives to survive As our own recent election amply demon- Bartlett’s speculative play is that the “King and Kathryn Walsh’s impeccable speeches him, but very much a modern work. JA strated, governments often surpass sausages Default” is modeled on the person we know with a verbal expertise creating characters Rutherford’s Travels, Pegasus Theatre at and babies as creatures whose manufacture is in real life as Prince Charles of England. His whose difficult choices arouse our immedi- Chicago Dramatists, through Dec. 4. Charles better left a mystery. Intrigue in high plac- sons likewise bear a striking resemblance to ate sympathies. In the end, duty triumphs, Johnson’s epic yarn of seagoing adventure es—especially those recounted in unrhymed real-life heirs William and Harry Windsor, as but romantics can still hope for Alec Manley aboard a slave ship in 1830 draws on classics of iambic pentameter, albeit couched in fluent does the former’s scheming wife to the Duch- Wilson’s Harry to follow the promptings of his the literary genre, making for a likewise thrill- vernacular—continue to beguile consum- ess of Cambridge (nee Kate Middleton) and heart, much as his predecessors—his father ing boat-in-a-bottle production. MSB ers of classic drama and popular television, the royal consort to the Duchess of Cornwall and Uncle Andrew included—did, not so many nevertheless. What distinguishes Michael (nee Camilla Parker Bowles). years ago. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge Such a premise might herald a shrill-voiced and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 15

Mary Beth Fisher and James Vincent Meredith in Roz and Ray. Photo by Liz Lauren THE GIFT OF ENTERTAINMENT!

KATHLEEN MADIGAN THE MERMAID LADY TOUR DEC 02

”Along with Lewis Black, Brian Regan and Jim Gafﬁgan, she‘s one of the funniest stand-up THEATER REVIEW Hartman’s time-shifting set up unquestion- comedians of her generation.” ably creates tension and dread as it braces au- –Detroit Free Press Roz and Ray diences for an upsetting journey. She also does Playwright: Karen Hartman a marvelous job of clearly explaining all the At: Victory Gardens Theater, medical jargon in the first few scenes. 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Unfortunately, there are several times that Tickets: 773-871-3000; Hartman’s dialogue doesn’t come off as natu- VictoryGardens.org; $15-$60 ral. Also, Hartman’s decision to make Ray a Runs through: Dec. 11 semi-closeted bisexual feels more like a plot device instead of a believable character. The BY SCOTT C. MORGAN exchange where Dr. Roz asks pointblank if Ray is gay doesn’t dig deep enough to explore Ray’s There’s no denying the heartbreaking and his- likely self-loathing or denial. toric resonance of Roz and Ray, Karen Hart- The closing scene of the two making fore- man’s two-actor AIDS drama now making a roll- casts about the future also suffers from having MELISSA ing world premiere at Victory Gardens Theater. the playwright’s benefit of hindsight coloring Yet it’s hard to ignore so many dialogue and the dialogue instead of what the characters ETHERIDGE characterization pitfalls in Roz and Ray, which might actually know—even if they do make HOLIDAY TRIO concludes on a preachy and resigned note that predictions that still have not come true. DEC 13 doesn’t feel entirely earned. If the script for Roz and Ray is sometimes Hartman wrote Roz and Ray to reflect on her disappointing, all the other elements at Vic- Etheridge performs holiday late father, who was a pediatric hematologist- tory Gardens are polished and professional— classics from her album, A New oncologist who treated hemophiliac kids from particularly Fisher and Meredith’s impassioned Thought For Christmas and the 1970s through the early 1990s. That’s performances as they shift from moments of when the HIV virus entered the blood supply pure elation to angry disgust. intimate arrangements of fan with a vengeance. Approximately 90 percent of Director Chay Yew keeps things focused atop favorites and new songs from severe hemophiliacs died from AIDS. Tim Mackabee’s turntable set that is filled with recent studio work. In Roz and Ray, Hartman personalizes the cri- a jumble of childhood toys and furniture all sis down to the 15-year relationship between painted white. Lighting designer Diane D. Fair- Dr. “Roz” Kagan (Mary Beth Fisher) and Ray child also punctuates the drama to play up par- Leon (James Vincent Meredith), a single father ticularly ominous moments to eerie effect. of twin hemophiliac boys. The play begins on a Roz and Ray is a bitter pill to swallow as playful note in 1976, as Dr. Roz demonstrates it dramatizes the fear and outrage that came to the kids on how to inject the “miraculous” from all directions during the start of the AIDS blood clotting medication Factor 8. Then the crisis. Hartman’s play is unquestionably a noble play abruptly jumps ahead to 1991, with Ray and entertaining effort, even if does ultimately shouting out “Dr. Roz Kagan Killed My Son” in a fall short. one-man protest outside a San Diego children’s hospital. KATHY GRIFFIN LIKE A BOSS TOUR SPOTLIGHT FEB 18 Two-time Emmy and Grammy e award-winning comedian, Journey back to the 1990s for one of Kathy Grifﬁn is hitting intimate the ice-skating world’s most notori- stages for her latest 80-city ous scandals with Tonya and Nancy: Like A Boss Tour. The Rock Opera. Underscore The- atre Company presents the Chicago debut of composer Michael Teoli and librettist Elizabeth Searle’s dark musical take on the infamous rivalry and “knee-whack” incident involving American ice skaters Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Tonya and Nancy: The Rock Opera plays from Saturday, Nov. 26, through Friday, Dec. 30, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Previews through Nov. 27 are $12, while regular run tickets are $22-$30; call NORTHSHORECENTER.ORG 847.673.6300 773-975-8150, or visit TheaterWit.org or UnderscoreTheatre.org. Courtney Mack as Nancy Kerrigan and Amanda Horvath as Tonya Harding in Underscore 2016-17 SEASON SPONSOR Theatre Company’s Chicago premiere of Tonya and Nancy: The Rock Opera. Photo by Joe NORTH SHORE CENTER Mazza/Brave Lux FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE YEARS 16 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES the campier Michael Curtiz’s 1954 Technicolor musical extravaganza or both. There’s a holi- KKNINIGGHT day carol sing-a-long with Dennis Scott on the organ before every screening. Dec. 10-Dec. at the 24 https://musicboxtheatre.com/events/the- 33rd-annual-music-box-christmas-double-fea- movies ture-sing-a-long Die Hard/Gremlins—Christmas anarchy thanks to this double batch, again at what By Richard Knight, Jr. is apparently holiday movie central, the Mu- sic Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave. In 1988’s Die Hard, Bruce Willis singlehandedly takes down a group of terrorists (led by the late Alan Holiday movie Rickman in his breakthrough role) during his wife’s Christmas Eve office party. A batch of cuddly little fur balls morph into monstrous offerings little poltergeists in smalltown America one memorable Christmas Eve in Joe Dante’s 1984 Like it or not, it’s beginning to look like Christ- movie Gremlins. Both screen Monday, Dec. 12 mas and if holiday movies are your thing (and and 19. https://musicboxtheatre.com/events/ longtime readers of this column know that they alternative-christmas-double-feature-mistle- are mine), there’s a nice assortment of holiday- toe-mayhem themed movies—new and old on the big and Elf/Love Actually—The Music Box Theatre small screen—to crank up your Yuletide spirit. has even more holiday fare with this delightful Highlights of area screenings, some holiday double batch consisting of, respectively, Jon fare on the small screen and a few impending Favreau’s 2003 charming comedy and Richard home releases are as follows: Curtis’ 2003 British-set heartwarmer. Both Billy Bob Thornton and Kathy Bates in Bad Santa 2. screen Tuesday, Dec. 13 and 20. https://mu- Movie still In theaters sicboxtheatre.com/events/alternative-christ- New seasonal films: mas-double-feature-jolly-holidays ing17; Don’t Call Me Son, opening Dec. 9 for a , the charming, sexy, coming-out Almost Christmas—A dysfunctional family A Christmas Story—The heartwarming, Spa Night week, http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/dont- gathers for its first Thanksgiving since losing genuinely funny bonafide 1983 classic from story of a young Korean man finding his night- callmeson; and the matriarch. Danny Glover is the grieving director Bob Clark about little Ralphie and his ly sexual bliss in the local while dealing with The Handmaiden, Park Chan-Wook’s lesbian- widower, and Gabrielle Union, Kimberly Elise, quest for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. It’s his conservative parents by day, playing Dec. tinged erotic thriller and one of 2016’s best Romany Malco and Jessie T. Usher are his bick- adapted from the stories of Jean Shepherd. Ar- 3 only http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/span- films, opening Dec. 16 for a week. ering adult kids. Think a combination of George cLight is presenting a screening on Wed., Dec. ight, a trans drama; Tillman Jr.’s Soul Food and Jodie Foster’s Home 14. https://www.arclightcinemas.com/movie/ for the Holidays. It’s currently in theaters. arclight-presentsa-christmas-story?lid=1010 Bad Santa 2—Thirteen years after Billy Bob Thornton became the poster child for every Streaming, DVD/Blu-Ray holiday hater as Willie—the profane con man Scrooge & Marley—Yup, this is how much renowned as the nastiest department store I love Christmas movies. In 2012, I co-wrote, Santa ever—he’s back to wreak more havoc directed and helped produce this modern-day, and spew more venom. His pint-size sidekick, gay version of the Dickens’ classic. A multi- Marcus (Tony Cox), is also back, with the two tude of gay community favorites—David Pe- teaming to rip off a Chicago charity on Christ- vsner, Bruce Vilanch, Megan Cavanagh, Rusty mas Eve. The source of Willie’s toxic outlook Schwimmer, David Moretti, Ronnie Kroell, Scott on life is explained in the personage of Kathy Duff, Amy Matheny, Fawz Mirza and many oth- Bates as his horrendously awful mother. Be- ers—joined together to make this queer take tween this and multiple seasons on American on Christmas. Horror Story, the Oscar-winning Bates is ap- And it’s narrated by Judith Light and has parently vying for a new goal to portray more one of the most beautiful, inspiring ballads poisonous characters than any other actor in you’ve ever hear—sung by none other than history. Nov. 23 Jason Gould. Its executive-produced by Windy Office Christmas Party—Noxious holiday City Times publisher Tracy Baim and available comedies have become the norm rather than to stream, on DVD or Blu-ray. ScroogeAndMar- the exception (including Four Christmases, leyMovie.com Christmas with the Kranks, Surviving Christmas, Make the Yuletide Gay—Writer-director The title subject in Mariela Castro’s March: Castro’s LGBT Revolution. Fred Claus, Deck the Halls, Jack Frost, etc.) and Rob Williams’ charming 2009 holiday comedy Image by Rosalino Ramos/HBO this promises to be one more. Jennifer Aniston is about a young gay man coming out to his plays a rotten lady Scrooge who wants to close family over the holidays—after his boyfriend activists, bloggers, writers, musicians and the branch of her hard-partying brother (T.J. shows up to force the issue. The movie’s sweet LGBT doc on everyday people, who live amidst political Miller); he and his fellow employees scramble and daffy. https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod- Mariela Castro unrest and economic inequality. to avert the closure by throwing the largest of- uct/B002XJXDTQ/ref=pd_cbs_318_1 fice Christmas party on record. Jason Bateman, Shared Rooms—Rob Williams returns to a debuting Nov. 28 Courtney B. Vance, out actor Kate McKinnon holiday theme with this 2016 festival favorite, A documentary about LGBT-rights activist Report: LGBTQs and Olivia Munn co-star. Dec. 9 the story of three gay couples finding love and Mariela Castro—the daughter of President lacking in lust at the holidays. https://www.facebook. Raul Castro and a member of Cuba’s National Vintage holiday film screenings: com/sharedrooms/ Assembly—will debut Monday, Nov. 28, at 8 Spanish-language Home Alone—This is the 1990 cartoon-like Christmas with Love from Mrs. Claus—Is p.m. CT on HBO. comedy penned by John Hughes and directed it possible a TV commercial could more beau- Mariela Castro’s March: Cuba’s LGBT Revo- scripted TV GLAAD recently released its first-ever by Chris Columbus about 12-year-old Kevin tifully capture the spirit of the holidays in lution follows Castro and her LGBT support- Spanish-Language media report, “Nearly In- (Macaulay Culkin), who is enjoying Christmas three minutes than many movies can in 90? ers as they spread their universal message of visible.” in his family’s North Shore mansion after inad- This exquisitely made mini-epic from England’s equality across the country. The report offers an analysis of LGBTQ vertently being left behind over the holidays— Marks & Spencer department stores stars ac- In addition, Castro serves as the director that is, until two inept burglars (Joe Pesci and claimed stage actor Janet McTeer as Santa’s of CENESEX, the Cuban National Center for characters in prime-time Spanish-language Daniel Stern) target the home. ArcLight, 1500 power behind the throne, Mrs. Claus, and is Sex Education, is president of the National scripted television airing in the United N. Clybourn Ave., will screen the film Tuesday, directed by Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The Commission for Treatment of Disturbances States July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016. Dec. 6; https://www.arclightcinemas.com/ King’s Speech). Don’t be surprised if this of Gender Identity and is a member of the “Nearly Invisible” found that only 14 of movie/arclight-presentshome-alone?lid=1010. gets fleshed out into a full-length feature Direct Action Group for Preventing, Confront- the 516 characters examined were LGBTQ (3 It’s a Wonderful Life in concert—Members by holiday 2017. https://www.youtube.com/ ing, and Combatting AIDS and an exclusive percent)—and only seven of those characters of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) will watch?v=mjKS270ha4A member of the World Association for Sexual appeared in more than half of episodes aired. play Dimitri Tiomkin’s newly restored complete Health (WAS). Of those, only one character was transgender. score as the Frank Capra 1946 classic screens A quartet of queer movies Jon Alpert directed Mariela Castro’s March: Ten out of the 14 LGBTQ characters were in a special event at the Chicago Symphony The Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Cuba’s LGBT Revolution. The documentary gay men, two were bisexual women, one was Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., on Friday, Dec. 9. St., is programming a quartet of queer mov- will also be available on HBO2, HBO NOW, a lesbian, one was a straight transgender http://cso.org/ticketsandevents/production- ies throughout December—none of which are HBO GO, HBO On Demand and affiliate por- woman. Additionally, no trans men, bisexual details-2016-17/cso-specials/its-a-wonderful- holiday-themed—but all of which are worth tals. men or LGBTQ persons with disabilities were life/ checking out for LGBT film fans. The films are: Also, the debut will be preceded at 7 p.m. portrayed. It’s a Wonderful Life/White Christmas— Being 17, the latest from French out writer- by the debut of Patria o Muerte: Cuba, Fa- “Nearly Invisible” (which is in English and The Music Box Theatre’s 33rd annual holiday director Andre Techine, opening Dec. 2 for a therland or Death, which looks at the state Spanish) is at GLAAD.org/files/SLMR/SPARe- extravaganza returns. Pick either the Frank week, http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/be- of the country through the eyes of its artists, port2016.pdf. Capra 1946 black-and-white fantasy classic, WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 17 language is delivered in a conversational way Janet McTeer and Liev Schreiber in (sometimes hard to hear) avoiding its refine- THEATER Les Liaisons Dangereuses. ment and, certainly, suppressing its pas- Photo by Joan Marcus sions. McTeer and Schreiber sprawl on sofas and chairs in a modern way distinctly not of Tales of the the 18th Century. Finally, Valmont constantly drinks wine, brandy or champagne and is weav- ing drunk by the play’s end. It’s a character tick that works: the more he’s lost to himself, the more he drinks. One pities Valmont at the final Big Apple curtain as one should, while Monteuil sheds crocodile tears. Steppenwolf Ensemble member Ora Jones appears in an important supporting role, and former Chicago actor Josh Salt plays Valmont’s cheeky serving man. That leaves The Front Page, the famous screwball comedy homage to 1920s Chicago journalism. The large cast sports Tony Award winners or nominees Nathan Lane, Robert Morse, Holland Taylor, Jefferson Mays, Dylan Baker, Sherie Renee Scott and Lewis J. Stadlen, along with John Goodman and John Slattery, under the always-capable direction of Tony winner Jack O’Brien, who knows how to pull off this complicated comedy. Former Chicagoans Joey Slotnick (Lookingglass) and Joe Forbrich (Shattered Globe) appear in smaller roles. By Jonathan Abarbanel tal doubts. I suspect Victory Gardens artistic began at London’s Donmar Warehouse, stars Slattery is mature for the lead role of reporter director Chay Yew will have The Harvest in the Janet McTeer (Marquise de Monteuil) and Liev Hildy Johnson and Nathan Lane doesn’t seem On a recent visit to New York I saw two new VG schedule ASAP. Schreiber (Vicomte de Valmont) as 18th-cen- ideal as Hildy’s older editor, Walter Burns, but plays and two old ones, all with significance for The other new work, at the Manhattan The- tury French aristocrats who are too wealthy, they make it work. Slattery is agile and sincere, Chicago. The new plays are certain to be pro- atre Club (through Nov. 27), is Vietgone, by wicked and attractive to do anyone any good. a good combination for Hildy, while Lane’s duced here, possibly within the next 12 months U.S.-born Qui Nguyen. The play won the 2016 They play sex games in which they seduce the blustery, bullying, manipulative Burns is kin to as part of our 2017-2018 theater season. Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association pious and innocent, earning the reward of sex Max Bialystock and perfectly suited for Lane’s First, The Harvest by Samuel D. Hunter, pre- Award of $25,000. Vietgone is a comedy us- with each other when they succeed. Valmont is immense comic abilities. Among the support- sented in a six-week run (closes Nov. 20) at ing non-realistic meta-theatrical style to em- ruined when he actually falls in love with his ing roles, Jefferson Mays steals all his scenes Lincoln Center Theater’s small LCT3, which brace serious issues of understanding—or lack victim. The production is elegantly designed, as prissy Tribune reporter Bensinger. presents new works at very modest ticket pric- of it—between generations, decisions/actions set in a dilapidated palace lit by fluorescent The production features handsome 1920s es. Hunter’s award-winning earlier play, The taken under the duress of war, and the legacy lights which suggests the faded glories of 250 costumes and a scenic design (Douglas W. Whale, was seen locally in 2013 at Victory Gar- of the Vietnamese War for immigrant South years ago. The fluorescents quickly disappear, Schmidt) that accurately captures Chicago’s dens Theater (VG), where Hunter is part of VG’s Vietnamese survivors. Mostly set in 1975 (the however, and are replaced by dozens of real old Criminal Courts Building, which still stands Playwrights’ Ensemble. He’s completed seven end jumps to the present), it utilizes hip-hop candles burning. in River North. Running during the World Se- plays since The Whale, and I’ll venture that The songs, projections, breaking the Fourth Wall Donmar director Josie Rourke (who’s guested ries, the clever company added a Cubs pennant Harvest is the best of them. and cartoon-like martial arts battles. They at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) makes some to the set. The Front Page is a high-energy, Set in semi-rural Idaho (Hunter’s usual lo- aren’t all necessary and they lengthen a work curious choices. The play’s polished and witty audience-pleasing show. cale), it concerns young adults within an evan- which would be better without an intermission. gelical church community, among them Josh Still, Vietgone is vital, imaginative, funny and and Tom who are lifelong best friends now fac- eventually unexpectedly powerful. The wor- ing permanent separation. Subtly at first, and thy MTC production MTC was directed by May then more directly, The Harvest reveals Tom’s Adrales. I suspect several Chicago troupes will ««««« longing for Josh goes far beyond church-sanc- vie for Vietgone—Silk Road Rising, Northlight, “ tioned friendship. It’s uncertain whether Josh Goodman, Writers, Steppenwolf. Perhaps small UNSTOPPABLY fully perceives Tom’s passion, or fully returns Silk Road can mount a co-production with one NTERTAINING it. Complicating things, Tom’s father is pastor of them. E –THE TIMES (UK) of the church, which is sponsoring both young For something old I saw Christopher Hamp- ” men on overseas missions. ton’s 1985 play, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and ALVANIZING The Harvest is a lovely ensemble piece, from also The Front Page, the nearly 90-year-old “G the opening semi-erotic scene of church youth comedy by one-time Chicago newspapermen AND STONISHING speaking in tongues to the final lady-or-the- Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. Both are A–TIME OUT NEW YORK tiger moment when Josh must choose. All the strictly limited Broadway engagements, with ” actors perform with nuance and conviction as Liaisons at the Booth Theatre through Jan. directed by Davis McCallum. Well-known Chi- 22 and The Front Page at the Broadhurst The- cago veteran Scott Jaeck, now living in NYC, atre through Jan. 29. Both boast major star plays the pastor/father. He enters late in this power and also have Chicago actors in their 100-minute work and performs a near-monolog casts. Both shows are up to the highest Broad- with quiet authority against what the audience way production and acting standards, although anticipates. It’s cagey writing which highlights posing questions of interpretation which may the dilemma of Josh and Tom, caught between not please everyone. what is expected of them and their fundamen- Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a production that

WRITTEN BY MIKE BARTLETT DIRECTED BY GARY GRIFFIN

Charles. Camilla. William. Kate. harry. One family hOlds the future Of Great Britain in its hands. But What Will it Be? 2015 OLIVIER AWARD: BEST NEW PLAY NOW PLAYING

PRODUCTION SPONSORS Burton X. and Sheli Z. Rosenberg Gayle and Glenn R. Tilles 18 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES touched by this,” said Ramirez-Valles. “For gay men, when I speak with them and when you Book focuses on read, it’s such a defining moment in their lives. It’s something that it carries you.” Some points Ramirez-Valles found during his gay baby boomers research for this book were that many gay men worried about who will take care of them as in the present day they age, since many do not have a spouse or child to take on the caregiver role. For some By Melissa Wasserman was dated and looked at a completely differ- single, older, gay men, the lack of a spouse is ent generation. That, he said, forced him to because gay marriage is relatively new and for Jesus Ramirez-Valles’ book Queer Aging: The expand his research and focus on the aging of others, the AIDS epidemic took their partners. Gayby Boomers and a New Frontier for Geron- gay men. Without a legally-identifiable spouse, navigat- tology puts the gay baby boomers’ experience Ramirez-Valles’ second book, Queer Aging: ing issues like advance directives, pension ben- into perspective. The Gayby Boomers and a New Frontier for efits, health disclosures, among others, can be Ramirez-Valles is a professor and head of Gerontology, was published in August 2016. a problem and stir up uneasy feelings. community health sciences at University of Il- It features statistics from other literature and “The biggest difference is that most of the linois, Chicago (UIC) School of Public Health. interviews with 11 racially and economically gay baby boomers are childless and single and He is also a scholar, filmmaker, and an advo- diverse, HIV positive and HIV negative gay they lived through a very traumatic history cate of LGBT and Latino health. Ramirez-Valles baby boomers—people born between 1946 and of aids, which heterosexual people were un- grew up in Mexico and was one of six children. 1964—from the Chicago metropolitan area. touched by this,” said Ramirez-Valles of aging He attended college in Mexico and graduated “What I’m trying to do is interpret the voices LGBTQ people and aging heterosexual people. in 1987. He came out after college, during the or the lives of older gay men to see where they “For gay men, when I speak with them and AIDS epidemic, and right away he began work- have been, where are they and what’s next when you read, it’s such a defining moment in ing with gay men and sex workers on HIV/AIDS for them,” said Ramirez-Valles, who added he their lives. It’s something that carries you.” prevention. At the time, he said, there was not wanted more than just facts and statistics in Ramirez-Valles also discovered that another much in the way of prevention. Ramirez-Valles this book. family dynamic impacting gayby boomers in- went on to University of Michigan for his mas- The book includes themes of family, sex, Dr. Jesus Ramirez-Valles. volves rejection from their biological families ters and doctorate and he has been in Chicago stigma, rejection, differences within race and PR photo because of their coming out. Ramirez went on for 19 years working in public health. social class and touches on what is going to to say that it is important that this visibility He said his first book, Compañeros: Latino happen next in this new frontier for the gayby ent about this generation. [The first is] they is created cautiously, so not to create a spe- Activists in the Face of AIDS, is a culmination boomers. The candid first-person narratives came out with the gay liberation movement, so cific idea of what older gay people should be of that work experience and research. The book Ramirez-Valles captured, reflect on their varied they’re the first to call themselves, collectively, because each person lives differently from one shares the stories of GBT Latino activists and experiences. They talk about work, family, the LGBTQ. Second, when you look at the history, another and should be seen that way. volunteers and particularly details how the AIDS epidemic, activism, their roles as caregiv- the epidemiological history of HIV and AIDS, Ramirez-Valles added the message he wants AIDS epidemic touched or transformed each of ers and getting older. These stories are framed the group hit hardest by the epidemic is the readers to get out of this book is to “speak their lives. by a general introduction to queer theory and baby boomers in terms of mortality, morbidity.” loud and question our cultural norms that be- He remembered when he finished his first its history. Ramirez-Valles said this was be- The author said seeing his teenage son grow- come policies about older age, that we make book, he was thinking about his next step. cause he saw urgency and so many details in ing up and his own mother continuing to age it visible, but at the same time we have to be Then, he realized what he was seeing at that this topic to cover. make him especially realize age and what it careful with that visibility that we don’t pro- point was people living and aging with HIV and “To mark that generational difference, I means. vide this idea of the normal older gay people.” living longer lives. Examining what was going focus on what I call the ‘gayby boomers’ be- “The biggest difference is that most of the For more information, visit: https://global. on with older gay men who were aging with cause generations are shaped culturally by gay baby boomers are childless and single and oup.com/academic/product/queer-aging- HIV, he said there were barely any articles on their time,” said Ramirez-Valles. “Most impor- they lived through a very traumatic history 9780190276348?cc=us&lang=en& and https:// the subject and the literature that did exist tantly there are two things that are very differ- of AIDS, which heterosexual people were un- www.facebook.com/queeraging. TIX JUS

PERF C $20 S NO ODE: W T V 11 - 2 THRU C NOV 11 DEC 11 2 0 ON0L Y ROZ A ND RAY A MEDICAL DRAMA ABOUT A CURE AND ITS COST

DOn We nOW

Saturday, December 3, 2016, 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St.

Purchase TickeTs Online: WindyCitySings.org $35 Limited Reserved Seats / $20 aDVance General admission $25 General Admission at the door / $15 Seniors / $10 Students BY KAREN HARTMAN DIRECTED BY CHAY YEW 1 BLOCK FROM WindyCitySings THE FULLERTON EL 7G73.8E71.3T000 T VICITCORYKGAREDENTS.OSRG 2433 N. LINCOLN AVE WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 19 ‘Don We Now’ ‘Holidivas’ Dec. 3 in Chicago Dec. 2, 3, 13 Windy City Gay Chorus and Windy City Opera star Cynthia Clarey will perform Treble Quire will present “Don We Now” Sat- alongside Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus in its urday, Dec. 3, 5 and 8 p.m., at First United holiday production of “Home for the Holidi- Methodist Church, 77 W. Washington St. vas,” a show featuring holiday music made Spirituals, Carols, Hanukkah, and seasonal famous by renowned solo female singers. songs receive creative treatment in the clas- The shows will take place: sical, musical theater and Broadway styles. —Friday, Dec. 2, at Harris Theater for Music There will be a sing-along and guest musi- and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., at 8 p.m.; cians. —Saturday, Dec. 3, at the North Shore Tickets are $20-$35; visit DonWeNow.bpt. Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie me. Boulevard, Skokie, at 8 p.m.; and —Tuesday, Dec. 13, at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$40 each; visit CGMC.org or call 773=296-0541.

CUCULTLTUURERE CCLLUUBB

Hell in a Handbag Productions presents the world premiere of HOLIDAY Spectacular by David Cerda

Directed by Nov. 20 - Dec. 30, Steve Love 6:30pm & 7:30pm Tickets available at Tickets: $16 - $30 brownpaperticktets.com VIP Reserved seats available 5400 N. Clark St. or call 1-800-838-3006 www.handbagproductions.org Fabulous Play.Web and Eblast- 160 x 300 pixels.pdf 2 11/18/16 12:25 PM

Fabulous Play. Breathtaking Stay. Come see La Cage Aux Folles, the musical

C that inspired the ﬁlm The Birdcage, at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee’s Third M Ward, and stay at the beautiful new Kimpton

Y Journeyman Hotel, just one block away.

CM A wonderful getaway for two for just $289! (plus tax)

MY Call the Skylight Music Theatre Box Office at 414-291-7800 and mention the La Cage/Kimpton getaway package. CY This special offer applies only to Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday performances/overnight stays now through December 23, 2016*. CMY This special offer applies only to Wednesday, Thursday, After you choose your performance and arrange your tickets, you will K Friday and Sunday performances/overnight stays now receive an email confirmation for your room reservation from the through December 23, 2016*. Kimpton Journeyman. After you choose your performance and arrange your tickets, Costumes by you will receive an email confirmation for your room Project Runway’s reservation from the Kimpton Journeyman. Chris March *Tickets and rooms subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased My Fair Lady (2015) tickets. Some restrictions apply. Hotel occupancy and state taxes not included. 20 Nov. 23, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES the DISH nightspots Weekly Dining Guide in WINDY CITY TIMES the big SAVOR TO-DO Baptiste & Bottle OUR WEEKLY PICKS TO PLAN BY ANDREW DAVIS YOUR NIGHTLIFE CALENDAR

There is much to recommend about the bourbon Duck (left) and the Southside Mule at Baptiste & Bottle. bar Baptiste & Bottle (101 E. Erie St.; https:// Photos by Andrew Davis Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party www.baptisteandbottle.com/). Baptiste & Bottle is one of three dining/drink- However, this place’s love of bourbon extends terelle mushrooms). ing spaces slated to be part of the newly opened to its Bourbon Baron Program. Taste 75 whiskeys However, even after all that, one would be wise Conrad Chicago hotel. (The rooftop spot will open on the list and become a member of the exclusive to make room for dessert. I was fortunate enough next spring.) And Baptiste (a Richard Sandoval Baptiste Reserve club—and Baptiste has enough to try a light but very satisfying pineapple ambro- project named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, variety to satisfy the most seasoned lover of bour- sia—a great ending for a place that aims to turn a the first permanent resident of Chicago) matches bon. standard meal into an experience. the rest of the hotel in terms of contemporary de- However, the cuisine is pretty impressive as sign—coupled with the fact that practically ev- well. Chef James Lintelmann offered a nice mix Wed., Nov. 23 ery seat guarantees a spectacular view of the city of various items at a recent media event. Red- Sidetrack, (and that especially goes for the semi-private area snapper crudo was complemented by roasted car- 3349 N. Halsted St. that’s cordoned off with a chevron-designed cur- rot salad that also featured quinoa, macadamia One of the biggest parties of the year— tain). and smoked cream cheese. (How often do you hear the night before Thanksgiving at Side- Cocktails are seasonal and, indeed, tasty. Items about that?) track. Bring your friends and dance the include the Southside Mule (koval “baptiste series” night away. Team Sidetrack will donate Other culinary offerings included day boat scal- proceeds from coat check to Heartland bourbon, pineapple-rosemary shrub and ginger) lops, a most tender roasted duck (with persim- Alliance/Vital Bridges Center on Chronic served in a nifty copper cup; a Rootbeer Fizz that’s mon, celery root and gooseberry), 48-hour beef Care. a step up from the A&W you enjoyed as a kid; and shortrib (my favorite, with caramelized cabbage, a $20 science experiment called a Curtsy & Bow salisfy and huckleberry) and whole roasted chicken Berlin’s Anniversary Party: that incorporates bourbon, orgeat, absinthe—and (which might seem like quite the splurge at $58, InFocus what’s called a “Tonka fog.” even with cornbread, andouille sausage and chan- Chef James Lintelmann (left).

Tue., Nov. 29, 11 pm Berlin, 3359 N. Halsted St. The party will feature sets by Berlin family DJs and performers until 4 am. Admission is free. You must be 21+ to attend. This year’s theme is Berlin: InFocus. From the Facebook event page: “Berlin truly is a family, and we honor the community that makes it such a unique and vibrant part of Chicago nightlife and culture. Our tradition of artistic expression, diversity, and straight- up weirdness lives on in 2016. The collective contributions made by talented artists, DJs, producers, and bar staff all helped us achieve the honor of being voted ‘Nightclub Of The Year’ for the 3rd Annual Chicago Nightlife Awards. In the spirit of celebrating everything that makes Berlin special, we will be creating a photo installation featuring images by professional and amateur photographers that capture the wide variety of theme events, shows, and dance parties that have graced the venue. Management will be selecting our favorite photographs for large-format print- ing, and each photographer will get to keep the prints of their work. The exhibit will debut on the night of the party, and will be up during the month of December. SIDETRACK Photo originally printed in the April 12, 2006, issue of Nightspots, by Kirk Bey watch. Williamson Photos by Jed Dulanas WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 23, 2016 21 Billy Masters

“The truth is with me and gay is that I can’t get round the cock thing. You know I have crushes. Big male crushes. A lot. I crush a lot. But I just can’t do the cock. I don’t enjoy looking at mine that much.”—Singer Robbie Williams explains why he can’t be gay—much as he’d like to be. Robbie Williams explains why he can’t be Well, I don’t really think looking at it is the prob- gay—and you know Billy has something to lem. say. A lot of people have been talking about Mike Pence seeing Hamilton on Broadway. First things first: How did our next vice president get tickets? loved every bit of it! In it, he exposes our prince, And did he pay? ‘Cause that’s a lot of tickets for Robert Sepulveda, as a lying whore, among other Mr. and Mrs. Pence, the Secret Service and the things. He took issue with Robert constantly guys who travel with him to electrocute ... err, talking about being authentic. Here are some “convert” any gays they meet. Far more amazing of the highlights: “How about being authentic is that anyone took offense to Brandon Victor that you’re still hooking,” “How about coming Dixon’s speech (which was actually written by clean that you embezzled over $40K from the composer/lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda). Atlanta rainbow crosswalks project,” “How about Trump tweeted that the cast was “rude” and being authentic about the fact that you actively “harassed” Pence, and he demanded an apology. pursued me, Brandon, Eric and Paul right after Did Trump even see the video of the speech? It’s the show wrapped,” “How about being authentic readily available online because Dixon told the about seeing your Johns just before and AFTER audience to record it. On Face the Nation on Nov. the show finalized shooting.” He ends the dia- 20, Pence said that he was not offended, add- tribe by revealing that Robert tried to sleep with ing “hats off to the cast and the extraordinary him at Market Days in Chicago. Chad claims he team of Hamilton.” So, what is this really about? turned Robert down: “But even then, without Perhaps former Celebrity Apprentice contestant knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t go near George Takei has stumbled on the truth: “I that science experiment. And by science experi- wonder if Pence went to Hamilton to take our ment I’m talking about his penis.” focus off the Trump University fraud settlement.” The best show on TV is The X Factor UK. In the Things that make you go hmmmm. past, I’d been a devoted X Factor UK fan. But Police were called to the home of a gay couple once Sharon Osbourne left, I slowly lost inter- in Florida to break up a fight that escalated when est. It was clear that the magic of the show was one man hit his partner in the face with a boiling the chemistry between Sharon, Simon Cowell hot cup of Ramen noodles! I’m just curious—who and Louis Walsh. Happily, the three are reunited is eating hot Ramen noodles in balmy Florida? this season (joined by Nicole Scherzinger), and Police arrested the thrower and discovered that I couldn’t be happier. he had prior convictions for grand theft, writing One of the contestants is Saara Aalto, from bad checks and violating probation. Kinda puts Finland. From the time she was 15, she was the noodles into perspective. dating (and later engaged to) one of Finland’s Last week, Jack Falahee from How To Get biggest pop stars, Teemu Roivainen. That all Away With Murder came out as straight—no sur- changed in 2012, when she was on the Finn- HOLI-DEALS prise to moi, although he does play gay con- ish version of The Voice. She started getting fan vincingly. He previously didn’t want to discuss letters from a girl named Meri Sopanen. A year with his sex life, lest it take attention away from the later, they met at a concert. Shortly thereafter, character. Why the change? He said, “Ultimately, Saara dumped her boyfriend of nine years and I think my stance has been unhelpful in the fight started dating Meri! The two are now engaged. for equality. I feel that I’ve sacrificed my ability On The X Factor UK, the host mentioned the en- to support the community for a more theoretical gagement. Saara matter of factly referred to the Windy City Times—the only weekly LGBT discussion about sexuality. Now more than ever, fiancee as a woman, and nobody blinked an eye. newspaper in Chicago—is the perfect venue for I want to offer my support to the community as We could learn a lot from the Brits. an ally.” After a long story about a British reality show, your ad this holiday season. Ricky Martin is once again engaged. This why not a story about a British reality star with time, his fiance is artist Jwan Yosef. The two a really long penis? Brandon Myers is a very hot have been together for a year, and Ricky told El- 19-year-old who’s been featured on MTV-UK’s len DeGeneres how they met: “He’s a conceptual Ex on the Beach. He’s also posted photos of his NOV. 2, 2016 THROUGH JAN. 26, 2017 artist, and I’m a collector. So I started looking enormous penis. So I wasn’t surprised when he for art and I saw his art and I went crazy be- posed nude for FitYoungMen.com, saying, “Ev- cause I love what he does, really original. And eryone was talking about it on Ex on the Beach. Buy any 2 ads in Windy City Times, I contacted him, and then I collected him.” You It’s nine and a half inches, and it’s a bit like can collect some hot nude photos of Yosef on having a tripod, or a third leg.” The site charges RECEIvE 2 ADDITIONAL ADS FREE. BillyMasters.com. $57 to see his “9.5 inches of uncut beauty.” It’s OR Jonathan Knight, from New Kids on the Block, far less on BillyMasters.com. is also off the market. He proposed to beau Har- When we’re delivering one helluva drumstick, Buy any 4 ads in Windy City Times, ley Rodriguez while travelling in Africa with their it’s definitely time to end yet another column. families. The guys have been a couple for the And you’ll be mighty thankful when you check RECEIvE 4 ADDITIONAL ADS FREE. past eight years and, of course, they competed out www.BillyMasters.com, the site that deliv- 32 Dec. 4, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES Nov. 26, 2014 23 ers a horn o’ plenty to plenty o’ horny fans. If Windy CiTy TiMes’ 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES’ 2014 together on The Amazing Race last year. holiday GifT Guide INCLUDING HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE week two of two week one of two CoMPILED By aNDREW DaVIs I know I said I was done talking about the you’ve got a question, send it along to Billy@ cOMPiLeD By anDrew DaViS

Black is beautiful I’ll just have one glass Riedel Crystal has revealed its first-ever collection of black Tell the world (or just visitors at home) just what working was glassware, the Riedel sommeliers Black series Collector’s Edition like with the “How was your Day?” wine glass (BigMouthToys. BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to com). Just an opinion: If you find yourself drinking from the (www.riedel.com or in Bloomingdale’s stores; $159 a glass). The set comes with a Bordeaux Grand cru, Burgundy Grand Cru, a champagne “Don’t Ask!” level several days in a row, you may need to change glass, zinfandel, montrachet and vintage port—but you oenophiles your life in some way. train wreck that is Finding Prince Charming, probably already knew that. OUR ANNUAL HOLIDAY Brew something Looking for something different for your mixed drinks? Try owl’s Brew (http://theowlsbrew.com), Gay sensibility The greatest love of all you before Donald goes to see a Broadway show advertised as a “tea crafted for The game that’s so Gay! (www.facebook.com/ whitney Houston Love: Her Greatest Perfor- ThatsSoGayGame; $24.99) aims to use the phrase as a cocktails.” Owl’s Brew has created a mances: The six-time Grammy-award winning positive opportunity to educate LGBTQs and allies, as box set for the holiday season that singer’s first-ever live album features the most the game features more than 2,400 questions in six includes threeflavors: The Classic, memorable live performances from her storied ca- Coco-Lada, and Pink and Black. categories. Produced by Windy City Times Publisher Disco fever You certainly can judge a book by reer. Among the features are Houston’s 1991 rendi- but I can’t keep this to myself. After last week’s Moreover, it pairs well with a variety Tracy Baim, there are a limited number of copies of the its cover. In this case, Disco: an tion of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Super of spirits, including vodka, whiskey, game available now at Chicago’s Women & Children First encyclopedic Guide to the cover Bowl, her 1983 debut on The Merv Griffin Show and gin, rum, tequila and champagne. Bookstore and Gaymart. art of Disco ($49.95; Amazon.com) her duet with Mariah Carey at the 1999 Academy shows just that. There are covers Awards. of records by artists such as Don- na Summer, Village People, Teddy Pendergrass and O’Jays as well as and is hissed at by Cats! Until next time, remem- lesser-known musicians. Be warned, Brothers in arms though: The fashions of that time Brooks Brothers (www. are on full display, too. brooksbrothers.com and local stores) has been known for its outstanding Print condition reunion special, Chad (a train wreck himself) quality—I can personally testify For those who like to get literary, Out of Print (www.outof- based on a shirt I have owned for printclothing.com) has a variety of novelty items, including GIFT GUIDE ISSUES clothes, jewelry and even coaster sets. One of my favorites? a couple years. Fortunately, after checking out some other items, that The iPhone case that has the cover of The Great Gatsby we high standard has been maintained. all read in high school (the one with the darker blue back- (By the way, the company is currently Mucho gusto ground, complete with a woman’s eyes and lips); inside, that offering complimentary shipping on When it comes to making case reads, “Hello, old sport!” ber: One man’s filth is another man’s bible. its items.) premium coffee (and Chicago loves its caffeine), it’s hard to beat the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Beverage system by DeLonghi (http://www.delonghi.com; posted the most vitriolic Instagram rant—and I To market we go $129.95). Users can customize beverage strength and preparation abe’s Market (www.abesmarket.com) may advertise itself with the seven-level LED display as selling items that promote “mindful living”—but some controls, and it even comes with are just plain cool. From a kiwi coconut exfoliating mask six capsules. Incidentally, the to the Hala Wine Rack to cocktail cupcakes to those very Dolce Gusto makes a lot more than popular infinity scarves, this site definitely has something gourmet coffees, such as lattes, for everyone. iced drinks and cappuccinos. Feeling the Love A number of companies submitted candies for consid- Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 eration, but norman Love confections (www.normanl- A kit above oveconfections.com) won, hands down, for its decadent Bevel, by Walker & Company, is a subscription service that offers truffles (with flavors such as eggnog latte, candy cane and a full-range shaving system. Each 30-day starter kit ($59.95; get- S’mores)—and assortments start at $6.25. bevel.com) features a double-edge safety razor along with blades, a badger shaving brush, priming oil, shaving cream and restoring balm. (Each kit after is for 90 days, and is $29.95). I have to ad- mit: These items are pretty high-quality.

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Chick Flick the Musical Heartfelt female Action Tank, Affinity, Puerto Rican Cul- Tickets: https://secure2.convio.net/ COMMUNITY friendship and empowerment wrapped tural Center (Vida Sida) 6:00pm Lake afoc/site/Ticketing;jsessionid=89C2 in the iconic conventions of chick flicks. View Presbyterian Church 716 W Addi- 0FAC819F7ED5EAE8BD1331E88A34. Cast of four, a live band. 90-minute. son Chicago https://act.myngp.com/ app263a?view=Tickets&id=102361 CALENDAR No-intermission. Open run. 7:30pm Forms/-3172559444831433984?mid AVER Monthly Meeting Chicago Chapter Royal George Theatre 1641 N Halsted qs=4479674254350090240 of American Veterans for Equal Rights, St Chicago 312-988-9000 http:// the national organization of LGBT veter- Wed., Nov. 23 www.ticketmaster.com/Chick-Flick-the- Thursday, Dec. 1 ans formerly known as Gay, Lesbian and Windy City Gay Chorus and Windy City Musical-tickets/artist/2284729?tm_ Art AIDS America Groundbreaking exhibi- Bisexual Veterans of America (GLBVA). Treble Quire: A Christmas Carol Tick- link=edp_Artist_Name tion underscores the deep and unforget- 7:00pm Center on Halsted, 3656 N Hal- ets use code WCGC. Dates through Dec. King Charles III Charles. Camilla. William. table presence of HIV in American art sted Chicago http://www.averchicago. 31 7:30pm Goodman Theatre 170 N Kate. Harry. One family hOlds the future with more than 100 significant contem- org/ Dearborn St Chicago Tickets: http:// Of Great Britain in its hands. But what porary works in a wide range of media. New Town Writers’ Workshop Writers are GoodmanTheatre.org will it be? 2015 Olivier Award: Best New Brought to Chicago by the Alphawood invited to bring printed copies of the SpanksGiving: a Spankathon Barlesque Play. Through Jan 14. 8:00pm Chi- Foundation, culminating a U.S. tour work they will be reading so that other Benefit Come and take a whack for a cago Shakespeare Theatre 800 E Grand which included Tacoma Art Museum participants may follow along. This will good cause. Barlesque benefits the Test Ave Chicago 312-595-5600 http://chi- in Washington State, the Zuckerman be the last meeting in 2016. 7:00pm Positive Aware Network 9:00pm Tou- cagoshakes.com Museum in suburban Atlanta, and the - 9:00pm Gerber Hart Library and Ar- che 6412 N Clark St Chicago http:// Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York chives 6500 N Clark St Chicago touchechicago.com Sunday, Nov. 27 City. Free admission with timed tickets. Poetry Reading, KOKUMO: Reacquainted THAT’S ‘WIFE’ Monthly gathering of LGBTQ Asian and Runs from World AIDS Day through Sun- with Life KOKUMO is a musician, perfor- Thursday, Nov. 24 Through Dec. 10 Pacific Islanders (API) Christ Church day, April 2, 2017. 11:00am - 8:00pm mance artist, poet, trans activist, and A Church 4 Me MCC free community of Chicago (Tri-C) and Invisible to In- Alphawood Gallery, 2401 N. Halsted St. organizer. 7:30pm Women & Children Thanksgiving meal A Church 4 Me About Face Theater’s I Am vincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of http://ArtAIDSAmericaChicago.org First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Chicago MCC, part of the Metropolitan Commu- Chicago (i2i) are sponsoring meetings 2016 World AIDS Day Celebration http://www.womenandchildrenfirst. nity Churches (MCC. Doors open 11am. My Own Wife is running at on the fourth Sunday of each month, a and Health Fair Access Community com/event/poetry-reading-reaquaint- To reserve a place at the meal, please Theater Wit. space for stories, information, resourc- Health Network (ACCESS) hosting. Af- ed-life-kokumo contact Mike Schuppe at 847-529-8440 Photo of Delia Kropp es, support. Email Chicagoi2i@yahoo. finity among the community vendors. or [email protected] 12:00pm by Michael Brosilow com or pastor@christchurchchicago. 2:00pm - 5:00pm ACCESS Center for Friday, Dec. 2 aChurch4Me, 7366 N. Clark St., Chicago net. 3:00pm - 5:00pm Tri-C, 6047 N. Discovery & Learning: 5139 S. Ashland, Reading, Q&A and Book Signing, Laura http://www.achurch4me.org Chicago Jane Grace. Tranny: Confessions of proud to present a world premiere en- Rockwell Ave. Roz & Ray show and Benefit for Affin- Punk Rock’s Most Infamous Anarchist tirely from the works of, and performed aChurch4Me Sunday Worship Service A Friday, Nov. 25 ity Gripping untold story of one doc- Sellout Ticketed, off-site event, which by, transgender, genderqueer, intersex, place to find peace, comfort and prayer I Am My Own Wife Based on the true sto- tor’s ethical struggle at the onset of the will be held at Wilson Abbey (935 W. Wil- and non-binary artists. Through Dec. 11:00am aChurch4Me, 7366 N. Clark ry of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf (born Lo- AIDS crisis in the 1980s. $30 ticket in- son). Purchase of a ticket to this event 17. 8:00pm Vault at Collaboraction St., Chicago http://www.achurch4me. thar Berfelde) who, against all odds, hid cludes viewing of the exhibit of Art Aids includes one copy of Laura Jane Grace’s Studios, Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 org from the Nazi and Communist regimes America, wine and appetizer reception, book. Doors open 6:15 pm. 7:00pm N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago Tickets: in East Berlin in plain sight dressed as Monday, Nov. 28 admission to the performance. A third of Wilson Abbey, 935 W. Wilson, Chicago, a woman. Feature transgender actress http://bit.ly/2dcUgOJ Post-Election Action Forum An LGBTQ your ticket price goes back to Affinity. IL http://www.womenandchildrenfirst. Delia Kropp and three additional actors. response to the Trump presidency. Im- 6:00pm Victory Gardens Theater 2433 com/event/author-reading-laura-jane- The new production will frame Char- Saturday, Nov. 26 pact and how to protect LGBTQ Ameri- N Lincoln Ave Chicago http://www.af- grace-tranny-confessions-punk-rocks- lotte’s story through a transgender lens. Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance cans and other groups. Equality Illinois, finity95.org most-infamous-anarchist-sellout Tick- Through Dec. 10. About Face Theater (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about Howard Brown Health, AIDS Foundation World of Chocolate A decadent experi- ets: http://www.brownpapertickets. 7:30pm Theater Wit 1229 W Belmont illnesses, symptoms, treatment, doc- of Chicago, Test Positive Aware Network, ence held annually. Dress to impress. com/event/2704760 Ave. Chicago Tickets: https://www.the- tors, and personal issues such as dating, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, Chi- All event proceeds benefit the AIDS aterwit.org/tickets/productions/291/ relationships and work. Every Saturday. cago House, Black Treatment Advocates Foundation of Chicago. 6:12pm - performances#top 11:00am - 12:30am Center on Halsted Network, Association of Latinos/as Mo- 9:12pm Revel Fulton Market, 1215 [Trans]formation Nothing Without a 3656 N Halsted Chicago http://dbsa- tivating Action, Center on Halsted, Pride W Fulton Market, Chicago https:// Company and The Living Canvas are glbt-chicago.com

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