Poet Richard Blanco Keynotes National Archives LGBTQ Human and Civil Rights Discussion

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Poet Richard Blanco. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald/www.MysticImagesPhotography.com Poet Richard Blanco keynotes National Archives LGBTQ Human and Civil Rights discussion

By Matt Simonette sure that I belonged to America or what part of America belonged to me,” Blanco said. Speaking at the Chicago History Museum July 16, poet Richard Blanco was the inaugural poet at President Barack Obama’s Blanco said that his work has long been dominated by a search second inauguration in 2013; he was the first openly gay perfor and a remembrance of “home,” adding that he frequently son, and the first immigrant, to fill that role. He was in Chi- evoked “a universal longing to ‘belong’ to someone or some- cago July 15-16 as part of the National Archive and Records BRIT BY BRIT place.” Administration’s (NARA) National Conversation on Rights and Growing up as part of a Cuban family in Miami, Blanco said Justice series, which this month focused on LGBT human and Talking with the stars of ‘Absolutely Fabulous: there were two representations of ‘home’ that frequently haunt- civil rights. The Movie.’ ed his imagination: Cuba, of which his exiled family frequently Blanco spoke about the importance of studying and preserv- Photo from Fox Searchlight spoke, and the generic representations of American families, ing historical documents, illustrating his point with a 1978 20 like the Brady Bunch, that populated afternoon TV reruns. “This was the only America that I thought existed. I wasn’t Turn to page 6

RACHEL WILLIAMS JIM FLINT RITA ADAIR Activist talks about BYP100, recent shootings. Baton founder looks forward while turning 75. Activist talks about Photo by Danielle Scruggs 8 Photo by Hal Baim 10 upcoming book, social work. 17

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NEWS A look at trans-related workplace bias; column 4 download National Archives event 6 this issue Pence and Trump; RNC protest 7 and browse the archives at BYP100 activist Rachel Williams 8 Jim Flint looks forward, at age 75 10 www.WindyCitytimes.com Viewpoints: Samantha Power 12 ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS NATioNAL Scottish Play Scott 13 Theater reviews 14 TReAsuRes Knight: Ab Fab movie, Star Trek Beyond 16

Rita Adair talks new book, social work 17 vol 31, no. 43 July 20, 2016 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com NIGHTSPOTS 18 ‘Ab Fab’ stars Saunders, Lumley talk 20

Poet Richard Blanco. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald/www.MysticImagesPhotography.com OUTLINES Poet Richard Blanco keynotes Calendar Q; Art AIDS America 21 National Archives LGBTQ Human Classifieds 22 and Civil Rights discussion Chicago Dancers United By MATT SiMoneTTe sure that I belonged to America or what part of America belonged to me,” Blanco said. Speaking at the Chicago History Museum July 16, poet Richard Blanco was the inaugural poet at President Barack Obama’s Blanco said that his work has long been dominated by a search second inauguration in 2013; he was the first openly gay perfor and a remembrance of “home,” adding that he frequently son, and the first immigrant, to fill that role. He was in Chi- evoked “a universal longing to ‘belong’ to someone or some- cago July 15-16 as part of the National Archive and Records BRIT BY BRIT place.” Administration’s (NARA) National Conversation on Rights and Growing up as part of a Cuban family in Miami, Blanco said Justice series, which this month focused on LGBT human and Talking with the stars of ‘Absolutely Fabulous: there were two representations of ‘home’ that frequently haunt- civil rights. The Movie.’ ed his imagination: Cuba, of which his exiled family frequently Blanco spoke about the importance of studying and preserv- Photo from Fox Searchlight spoke, and the generic representations of American families, ing historical documents, illustrating his point with a 1978 20 like the Brady Bunch, that populated afternoon TV reruns. “This was the only America that I thought existed. I wasn’t Turn to page 6

RACHEL WILLIAMS JIM FLINT RITA ADAIR Activist talks about ByP100, recent shootings. Baton founder looks forward while turning 75. Activist talks about Photo by Danielle Scruggs 8 Photo by Hal Baim 10 upcoming book, social work. 17

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com online exclusives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

OH, SHEILA Sheila E. (left) was among the musicians providing a lot of entertainment at the Taste of Chicago. Photo by Vern Hester

REMEMBERING SANDRA

August 20, 2016 WORLD PREMIERES BY Randy Duncan 5pm Harrison McEldowney Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom EMCEES Carisa Barreca and Tim Mason 7:30pm of The Second City ‘KIN’ DO Auditorium Theatre WCT reviews the theatrical of Roosevelt University BENEFICIARIES production Kin Folk. A vigil was held in the Loop on the one- year anniversary of Sandra Bland’s death The Dancers’ Fund PERFORMANCES BY AIDS Foundation of Chicago that occurred while she was in custody. Giordano Dance Chicago Photo by Nina Matti Hubbard Street Dance Chicago $15 – $75 Performance Only

Joffrey Ballet Mattingly Dara Holmes & Tom Sandro | DANCER PHOTOGRAPHY Chicago Dance Crash $250 – $600 Includes admission A TALL ORDER JAZZIN’ IT UP Visceral Dance Chicago to the 5:00p.m. gala reception and On the reality show My Giant Life, premiere seating at the 6’8” Katja Bavendam is planning to performance SPONSORS have a child with her 5’2” wife.

Trans star Jazz Jennings was among plus those at the TLC Block Party. ChicagoDancersUnited.org | 312-922-5812 DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo of Jazz (center) with her parents by Nina Matti /DanceForLifeChicago @danceforlifechi /DanceForLifeChicago 4 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Looking at workplace bias against trans GUEST VIEW by Nadine Smith people of color The Problem is Fear: By Carrie Maxwell non-conforming people of color who’ve been discriminated against since the EEOC ruling Gun control and the LGBT In April 2012, the Equal Employment Opportu- is Austin Fonville of Beaufort County, North nity Commission (EEOC) determined in the case Carolina. Fonville—who identifies as a Cuban community in the wake of Orlando Macy v. Holder that transgender and gender African-American transgender male, attends I am a pretty good shot with a rifle. huddled in camo gear as part of their non-conforming people are a protected class community college in nearby Pamlico County, I won a turkey shoot as a teenager. I make-believe militias. under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, North Carolina and was the school’s Student have destroyed clay pigeons and discs They wish it were not so. They which protects people based on sex. Government Association president last year— skeet shooting with a double-barreled cannot accept the story that they are This EEOC ruling was affirmed by numerous told Windy City Times it’s only gotten worse shotgun. I trained on an M-16, an the bad guys, because they believe, court decisions, the Department of Labor and since HB2 was signed into law. adaptation of the AR-15.So when I talk when push inevitably comes to shove, the Department of Justice. These federal en- “HB2 made my life worse,” said Fonville. about guns, I understand the allure we will be begging to join them as the “It’s opened me up to cruelty from my school’s —and the repulsion. I wore a uniform boogeymen come for “decent people.” board members and pointed a spotlight on me when I fired that M16. Civilians should They believe they have faced up to an even more than there already was. People have not be walking about with that kind of inconvenient truth the rest of us want been reluctant to hire me because I may cause firepower. desperately to avoid. They have a story them to lose business. Within this small com- that is as logical and munity, there aren’t many secrets. It’s hard to powerful to them prove why you don’t get a job, but when some- “But we make a mistake if as it is cynical and one tells you directly, ‘Look, I like you but I dangerous to us.:“I’m can’t hire you because they won’t let me’ that we simply believe the NRA’s a good person. I’m not says it all. looking for trouble, “I’m in school to be a group counselor, but dollars have purchased the but I will protect they make it difficult here for me to offer help mine.” to the LGBTQ community. I don’t have a crimi- conscience of legislators.” We may mock the nal record, so there’s no reason why I can’t get “good guy with a gun” a job. When I apply for jobs, if someone knows rhetoric, but the idea me from before, they feel it necessary to inform that a good heart and people of my previous name/pronoun. This can The Senate’s failure to impose the a weapon, real or imaginary, will save potentially put me in danger. I’m in the process bare minimum gun safety measures is us inundates us daily. The simplicity N.C. trans resident Austin Fonville. of applying to colleges further north so I can unconscionable.I will do my best to of this ideology is as attractive as it Photo courtesy of Fonville leave this state, because not only have I been remove these cowards from office for is self-fulfilling. Their xenophobia, targeted, my wife and daughter have as well.” dereliction of duty. racism, and fear of all difference is what tities findings make it illegal to discriminate In Sept. 2013, the Movement Advancement But we make a mistake if we simply is eroding our social contract. Guns are against transgender and gender non-conform- Project, the National Center for Transgender believe the NRA’s dollars have purchased not making us safer, as mass shootings ing people across the country despite some Equality (NCTE), the Human Rights Campaign the conscience of legislators. and the normalization of daily carnage state and local municipalities lack of employ- and the Center for American Progress put out It isn’t simply the money; it is the attest. In difficult times, we need each ment protections for these individuals. a report—A Broken Bargain for Transgender ideology of fear. It is their central story other. We are not islands. It is why we According to the EEOC site “the commis- Workers. The report included information from that the world is doomed to become a don’t permit hoarding or price gouging sion has obtained approximately $6.4 million the 2011 National Transgender Discrimination terrifying place of scarcity: that when in the wake of a hurricane. Our lives in monetary relief for individuals, as well as Survey, which “found that the unemployment the oil is gone and the water is scarce depend on cooperation. numerous employer policy changes, in volun- rate for transgender workers was twice the we will all go feral and only the strong These blaze of glory fantasies tary resolutions of LGBT discrimination charges rate for the population as a whole (14 percent will survive. Our decline cannot be cannot be indulged. Weapons capable under Title VII since data collection began in compared to seven percent), with the rate for halted; collapse is inevitable.. of mowing us down in our schools, 2013.” transgender people of color reaching as high as Will it be roving bands of “urban” theaters, places of worship, our President Obama’s Executive Order 1148, en- four times the national unemployment rate.” home invaders that come for our nightclubs do not make anyone safer. acted in July 2014, took this ruling a step fur- The survey also found that “24 percent of families? Activated terrorist cells? A These are weapons of mass slaughter, ther. It explicitly forbids discrimination based transgender people in the U.S. identified as tyrannical government that will turn and their flow must be stopped. But on sexual orientation and gender identity in people of color, compared to 22 percent of the on the docile, weapon-less masses it is we delude ourselves if we think this is both federal agencies and private firms who re- general population.” supposed to serve? simply a matter of money. ceive federal contracts. Going further, the survey notes transgender These are the fears, spoken by the The problem is much deeper than Despite these national employment protec- people indicating they were denied employ- survival cultists but whispered by an money. The problem is fear. tions, a number of transgender and gender ment due to their gender identity with the inner voice even to those who aren’t non-conforming people have either not gotten numbers being higher for transgender people hired, been denied a promotion, were harassed of color—47 percent of Latinx, 48 percent of Nadine Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Equality Florida, the state’s largest and/or were fired from their jobs, especially Black and 56 percent of multiracial respon- organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation transgender and gender non-conforming peo- dents. and gender identity. ple of color. This aligns with national trends Another finding stated 78 percent of trans- that show people of color across the board are gender and gender non-conforming employees often discriminated against in hiring and when were harassed in the workplace with transgen- promotions are considered in favor of white der people of color having even higher rates of people. harassment. One of the reasons this persists is because According to the survey results, transgender employers often ignore the EEOC federal statue people of color (other than those identifying in favor of state and local laws which omit LG- as Asian) were also more likely to report having Family. Friends. BTQ people from discrimination protections. lost a job than their white transgender coun- Just under half of the states protect against terparts. employment discrimination in the public and This data was complied prior to the EEOC private sector based on sexual orientation ruling and the recent findings by the Williams Community. and gender identity. This discrepancy would Institute at UCLA that showed there are twice be eliminated if the Equality Act—that would as many transgender adults in the U.S. than add sexual orientation and gender identity to previously reported—an estimated 1.4 million the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in all areas includ- or 0.6 percent of the total population. Linda Kuczka, Agent We’re all in this together. 954 W Webster ing employment—was passed by Congress and Later this year, the NCTE will release the re- ® Chicago, IL 60614 State Farm has a long tradition of being there. signed into law by the president. sults of the U.S. Trans Survey, which was con- Bus: 773-975-9111 That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Since the EEOC ruling is relatively new, data ducted in late 2015 and had more than 27,000 [email protected] the LGBT community. is still being collected on how many transgen- respondents. The new survey report will con- ® der and gender non-conforming people of color tain data about the workplace experiences of Get to a better State . have continued to experience negative work- an unprecedented number of transgender peo- place environments, haven’t been hired or were ple around the nation. fired. See EEOC.gov, TransEquality.org and Lamb-

Among the many transgender and gender daLegal.org. 1211007 State Farm, Bloomington, IL WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 5

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UNBC1839_MA1_WindyCityTimes_10x13.5.indd 1 3/27/15 3:37 PM 6 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES BLANCO from cover Land. “We really have to start viewing our work in a totally different way. … After the horrible letter from Harvey Milk to then-President Jimmy National Archives massacre in Orlando, many organizations came Carter, asking for the president’s help in defeat- together. … It was the first time in a long ing the anti-gay Briggs Initiative. The LGBT time. where that happened.” panels cover legal, trans, “Push the egos aside so we can work togeth- community often faces what he called a defi- cit of institutional memory on its own history, er,” added Brady-Davis. since “issues like Stonewall, Anita Bryant and socioeconomic issues Brady-Davis’ fiancé—activist Precious Davis, Matthew Shepard aren’t in history books.” a diversity professional and social justice fa- He added, “I see these historical documents By Matt Simonette But when Goldberg offered a look at rights of cilitator—moderated a final panel focusing on as a kind of poetry … . They memorialize these transgender Americans, the picture was much issues affecting transgender and gender non- issues by humanizing them.” The National Archives and Records Adminis- more stark. She illustrated that, in a number of conforming individuals. Owen Daniel-McCarter The arts play important roles in exposing audi- tration (NARA) hosted a series of discussion states, the rights of trans persons were disre- of Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and Sarah Mc- ences to history as well as the humanity of an panels July 16 with local and national speak- garded, if not being attacked outright by con- Bride of Human Rights Campaign Foundation oppressed community. After that, Blanco said, ers highlighting current concerns in the LGBTQ servative elements. “This is horrific,” she said, joined Davis. “It gets difficult for our foes to deny our human- community. later adding that “bathroom-rights” bills were McBride discussed the overlap between is- ity.” The discussions, which took place at the Chi- ultimately a gateway for state politicians to at- sues affecting both trans persons and persons A poet’s job is to give their audience a collec- cago History Museum, came as part of NARA’s tack the home-rule of municipalities and other of color, noting, “All of the fights against in- tive vision of hope, he added. “All great artists yearlong National Conversation on Rights and local governments. equality are inextricably linked. … There’s no and leaders understand that … . Art is great at letting us envision a future. ‘Maybe this is who we are. This is the hope of actually being that From left: Dale Carpenter, Tyrone Hanley, James Bennett, Naomi Goldberg and Mary Morten way.’” discuss legal issues facing the community during the opening panel. Early in Blanco’s career, he compartmentalized Photo by Tracy Baim the many facets of his identity. “I thought that my story as a Cuban American had nothing to do with my sexual identity as a gay man,” he said. But as his work evolved, he began to see par- allels between the aspirations of the LGBT and Cuban American communities. Both, he realized, were searching for a sense of home, which he described as a safe space “where someone can live their life without fear, to belong to some- place culturally.” Blanco read several of his poems and discussed his formative years. He shared pictures of himself as a child: One of him relaxing with his cat, another of him writing, yet another of him visibly uncomfortable at a Little League game. He was introverted and shy, so writing offered a way to make his observations known, he said. Much of his presentation focused on his grandmother, whose sharp criticisms and outright homophobia played a part in formulating his self-consciousness. When she did not like something, Blanco said, his grandmother immediately dismissed it as “gay.” Introducing his poem “Queer Theory, According to My Grandmother,” he was blunt: “I do hope you laugh at her, not with her.” But despite her cutting observations, Blanco was ultimately forgiving of his grandmother and said that growing up she was in many ways his best friend. He noted that, looking back, she’d given him numerous insights into “the com- plexities of human behavior,” adding, “What’s From left: Imani Rupert-Gordon, Myles Alexander Brady-Davis, Abbe Land, Naomi Goldberg and Mary Morten discuss socioeconomic issues. going on is a particular type of homophobia tied Photo by Matt Simonette into machismo. It’s about secrecy, pretense and pretending.” Blanco spoke of and read a poem about the From left: Owen Daniel-McCarter, Sarah McBride, and Precious Davis. question that the trans movement and Black shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in Photo by Matt Simonette Lives Matter have a lot to learn from one an- June. “Growing up in Miami, Orlando was a sec- other. At the end of the day, these fights are ond home,” he said. about being able to walk down the street with- He further reflected on political and social out the threat of violence.” turmoil across the United States. “I think our She added that the onslaught of anti-trans country is at a crossroads,” he said. “I think we laws so soon after the LGBT community’s vic- need to decide what kind of nation we want to tories for marriage equality “is a reminder that be.” progress is not always linear.” Blanco concluded with his inaugural poem Daniel-McCarter noted that, after the Al- and spoke about how, being given the opportu- liance surveyed a number of Illinois trans nity to deliver it, he felt as if he was finally “at students, the results showed that issues like home.” He also realized, he said, that America Justice series, which address civil and human “They’ve realized there is a lot of fear around bathrooms and gender-pronouns were not nec- was a “work in progress.” rights in a number of communities and take bathrooms,” Goldberg said. essarily their chief concern. Instead, many “Without hope, of course, we have nothing place in cities across the United States through Goldberg was joined in a second panel fo- were worried about safety and crime, just as left,” Blanco said. 2017. cusing on socioeconomic issues by Myles Al- other students were. Opening remarks at Blanco’s talk were deliv- The opening panel discussed legal issues fac- exander Brady-Davis of Howard Brown Health; “What we’re talking about is creating a space ered by Kim Hunt, executive director of Pride ing the community and featured James Bennett Abbe Land of the Trevor Project; and Imani where our transgender students can learn,” he Action Tank; National Archives Foundation Rupert-Gordon of Affinity Community Services. said. board member Fay Hartog Levin; Mario Cama- of Lambda Legal; Naomi Goldberg of Movement (Morten again moderated.) Goldberg gave an- The panel ended on an optimistic note, as all cho, president of LEAGUE at AT&T; and United Advancement Project; Dale Carpenter of Uni- versity of Minnesota; and Tyrone Hanley of Na- other overview, noting that, thanks to census acknowledged recognition for the trans com- States Archivist David Ferriero. Poet and activist munity brought about under the auspices of Antonio Gray introduced Blanco. Michael Hussey tional Center for Lesbian Rights. Mary Morten data, we now know that same-sex couples are the Obama administration, with Davis mention- of NARA moderated a discussion after the talk. of the Morten Group was moderator. present in numerous communities across the ing that many people she knew had now been The National Conversation on Rights and Jus- Goldberg opened with a presentation on re- nation. to the White House. tice is a yearlong series presented by the Na- cent progress in LGBTQ rights since full mar- “That’s one stereotype we need to push “Sometimes it’s taken longer than we’ve tional Archives “to advance discussion across riage equality came about in the summer of against—that we’re only in big cities, that we wanted—that’s a fair critique,” said McBride. the nation that forefronts the challenges to 2015. only live on the coast, that we don’t lift in the “But time and time again, everything within rights and justice that persist as we celebrate “Marriage equality was in many ways a cas- South,” she said. their power, they have eventually delivered for the 225th anniversary of the ratification of the cade,” Goldberg said, noting that even some of The panelists spoke on the importance of Bill of Rights through the National Archives’ the least progressive states had shown some collaboration between large and small organi- us.” Amending America initiative,” according to a improvement on acknowledging the rights of zations to tackle significant issues, particularly United States Archivist David Ferriero deliv- NARA statement. gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens. “This is those that are intersectional. ered closing remarks after the panels. The online edition of this article has links to starkly different than where we were a year “We can no longer approach our work with- See more event coverage online. video from the event. ago.” out approaching it through that lens,” said WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 7 Trump names Pence Protests greet RNC attendees Protesters made their way to Cleveland, Ohio, for the Republican National Convention (RNC) this week. Security is high, but it’s not keeping away those with a message to the GOP. as running mate; Julie Grahm from Cleveland led hundreds of marchers July 17 across the Hope Memorial Bridge during the Circle the City with Love rally, where they held a 30-minute moment of silence, span- ning the entire bridge. Also, the “Shut Down Trump and the RNC” protest took place through LGBTs criticize move the streets of Cleveland, with groups such as Black Lives Matter joining. Presumptive Republican presidential candi- The RNC will run through Thursday, July 21. date Donald Trump made it official July 15 as Photo by Tim Carroll; more images at WindyCityMediaGroup.com. See more online. he announced Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his running mate. “I am pleased to announce that I have chosen Governor Mike Pence as my Vice Presiden- tial running mate,” Trump tweeted. Trump held a series of auditions with Pence and other top contenders such as New Jersey Gov. Chris Chris- tie and well-known figure Newt Gingrich. Pence is known for his conservative ideology—something pro-LGBTQ groups noted in their press releases. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin said, “Donald Trump just doubled down on his agenda of hate and discrimination by choosing the notoriously anti-LGBTQ Mike Pence for his ticket. Mike Pence has never left any question about his animus toward LGBTQ people, from peddling a hateful and damaging ‘right to discriminate bill’ in Indiana last year, to his longstanding opposition to marriage equality—positions shared by Donald Trump. “Hillary Clinton has laid out the most ambitious agenda for LGBTQ equality that our nation has ever seen from a presidential candidate. She will not only protect the gains we have made over the last eight years, but fight for full federal equality day in and day out in GOP vice presidential candidate Mike Pence. July 17 protest in Cleveland, Ohio, against Donald Trump and the Republican National the White House.” Official headshot Convention. HRC also said that “Pence became a national Photo by Tim Carroll disgrace in 2015, for his ‘license to discrimi- troubling and sends chills down the backs of nate’ bill that could have allowed businesses 20 million LGBT Americans and to those who to deny service to LGBTQ people—and subse- believe in civil rights for all citizens.” quently defending the bill over an outcry from Brian C. Johnson, the executive director of the business community and a majority of Hoo- Equality Illinois, also criticized the selection of sier voters. In a now notorious interview with Pence, saying, “In March 2015, we in Illinois ABC last year, Pence refused to answer eight watched in shock as Gov. Pence signed into law separate times when asked whether businesses a bill that established discrimination against should be able to discriminate against LGBTQ LGBT Hoosiers as statewide policy. So not only people.” do Hoosiers legally feel the sting of prejudice National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund Dep- and intolerance due to the actions of Gov. uty Executive Director Russell Roybal said in Pence, but Illinoisans who are protected under a separate release, “In selecting Mike Pence, Illinois state law from discrimination could be Donald Trump has picked a vice-presidential refused service and be discriminated against as running mate who is best-known for a law that soon as they cross the state line, which they was so extremely anti-LGBTQ that businesses, must do frequently for travel and work. organizations and major events threatened to “With Gov. Pence, the man whom Donald flee Indiana in droves. One can only imagine Trump believes should be one heartbeat away what sort of impact this type of person might from the Oval Office, Trump chose a man who have on the lives of LGBTQ people across the has made a career out of advocating for and country, and on our nation’s economy and fu- implementing right-wing policies that are anti- ture.” LGBT, anti-women, anti-immigrant and anti- Equality Forum Executive Forum Malcolm low income people.” has also weighed in, saying, “The selection of Pence was running for re-election as gover- anti-gay crusader Gov. Mike Pence, along with nor; however, Indiana law prevents him from THIS WEEKEND! the homophobic Republican party platform and seeking two offices at once. July 22-24 | 9am-9pm Daily (hours vary by business) a deafening silence on the LGBT Equality Act Pence, 57, was born in Columbus, Indiana. completes a trifecta of hate from Donald Trump He graduated from Hanover College with a B.A. Sale Route: 5000 - 5800 N. Clark St. on LGBT rights. Although Trump claims he’s a in history and went to law school at Indiana ‘friend’ of the LGBT community, his rhetoric is in University. Reportedly, Pence is a favorite of direct contrast to his actions which are deeply conservative brothers Charles and David Koch. Featuring AKIRA JAMESON LOVES DANGER SPARKLES FINE JEWELRY ALAMO SHOES LA COLOMBE SPEX now a part of MyEyeDr. ELECTIONS 2016 Department of Human Rights; activist Rick ANDERSONVILLE ANTIQUES MARGUERITE GARDENS SWEDISH AMERICAN Garcia; East Aurora School Board Vice Presi- ANDERSONVILLE GALLERIA MERCANTILE M MUSEUM LGBTs among dent Alex Arroyo; and attorney Ed Mullen. BRIMFIELD MILK HANDMADE THE RUNNER'S EDGE Headlining speakers for the convention CHICAGO DANCE SUPPLY MURRAY & WHITE TERRY'S TOFFEE Illinois delegates were announced July 15. Those include First CHIRO ONE Wellness Centers NOTICE TOYS ET CETERA By Matt Simonette Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sand- CROSSROADS ORANGE SHOE Personal Fitness TURLEY ROAD ers and DREAMer Astrid Silva on July 25; FOURSIDED PRESENCE WOMEN & CHILDREN FIRST A number of individuals from the LGBT com- former President Bill Clinton and “Mothers GUS GIORDANO DANCE SCOUT THE WOODEN SPOON munity will be among the Illinois delegates of the Movement,” including, among oth- at the 2016 Democratic National Convention ers, the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael in Philadelphia. Brown and Sandra Bland on July 26; Presi- Illinois delegates include consultant Mi- dent Barack Obama and Vice President Joe chael Harrington; Ald. Ray Lopez (15th Biden on July 27; and Hillary and Chelsea andersonville.org | #avillesale Ward); Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th Ward); Clinton on July 28. Rocco Claps, former director of the Illinois

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 8 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES tion, the disregard for the families and friends at a lot of organizations, I don’t see any Black who have to watch their family member’s ex- folks who are differently able-bodied, so I try Activist Rachel Williams ecution for ratings or newspaper sales is the to push the door open because many of us have new age version of lynching. The fact that two felt neglected in spaces. One of my missions Black men were found hung in Atlanta and New is to make sure that spaces are accessible and talks #SayHerName, Orleans isn’t lost on me, either.” inclusive of everyone.” As for how their identity influences the work Williams is also working on political educa- they do, Williams said, “I identify as a fat, dif- tion and deep community building and plans BYP100, intersectionality ferently able-bodied [they have cerebral palsy, on continuing their liberation work for the By Carrie Maxwell “I knew about BYP100 for quite some time a condition that permanently affects body foreseeable future. before I actually took the plunge and joined movement, muscle coordination and balance], As for Williams’ message to the world, they Chicago native Rachel Williams has been an their organization because I’d been scarred by queer, Black femme. As a person at the margins said, “Stop overpolicing Black and Brown activist since their high school years at Chi- other organizing spaces,” said Williams. of society in so many ways, I’m in a unique po- folks.” cago Public School’s John Hope College Prep Williams is also involved with the #SayHer- sition to amplify the most marginalized voices See http://byp100.org/ and http://www. in Englewood. Along with their activist work, Name campaign—an initiative of the African- in the work for Black liberation. When I look aapf.org/sayhername/ for more information. Williams also served on the student council and American Policy Forum think tank that raises competed with the policy debate team at their awareness and seeks justice for Black women high school. who’ve been subject to police violence. They Born in 1991, Williams grew up on the Far got involved when one of the leaders of BYP100 South Side. Like a lot of Black queer high at the time brought them in as a co-lead for school students, they struggled with accept- the campaign. ing their identity. (Williams uses the pronoun “The #SayHerName campaign was created to “their.”) address how Black girls, women, femmes and

Angie Wines’ display in Lake View on Pride Sunday. Photo courtesy of Wines ternoon of the parade. “People were really Annual Pride party taking their time to go through,” she said. “That made me feel like, as challenging as remembers Orlando this was to do, it was worth it.” By Matt Simonette For Chicagoan Angie Wines, the June 26 Hearing on HB2 Pride Parade was to be like it had been for the past several years. set for Aug. 1 Wines, who lives on the West Side, set up a On Aug. 1, U.S. District Judge Thomas large tailgating party along Halsted. Schroeder will hear arguments about block- “I’m a chef and I love to cook,” she said. ing provisions of the controversial anti-LGBT Rachel Williams. “We show up at the parade early, stake out a law House Bill 2 (HB2) while a lawsuit filed Photo by Bob Simpson spot and watch the parade. What we do is no by six LGBT North Carolinians is pending in different from what other people do, just on federal court. gender non-conforming folks are treated by “My high school activism was limited to put- a larger scale. This year, we had about 135 The law, passed in an emergency session of state sanctioned violence, intra-community vi- ting ribbons together in solidarity with Jena people join us; last year it was about 150.” the General Assembly in March, bans trans- olence as well as intimate partner violence and Six and also being an ensemble member with But Wines decided that her 2016 Pride gender people from accessing restrooms and how that ties together,” said Williams. “Be- About Face Youth Theatre,” said Williams. gathering was an opportunity to pay tribute other facilities consistent with their gender cause when the Black community at large talks “Going north to Boystown and the Center on to the the persons killed and injured in the identity and blocks local governments from about these issues, it’s directed at cisgender Halsted [the Center], I realized that this sup- Pulse Nightclub shooting. She and friends protecting LGBT people against discrimina- Black males who most of the time identify with posed utopia for LGBTQ people was a fantasy created signs that remembered the individu- tion in a variety of areas. heteronormativity.” for those of us who weren’t white cisgender gay als who lost their lives there. Along with their work with BYP100 and the men with a hell of a lot of access and money. “I was inspired by the people who took #SayHerName campaign, Williams is also a Black and Brown youth were over-policed and part in the vigil at Center on Halsted,” Wines Guide released debate coach at Michele Clark Magnet High made to feel not valued, but at the same time recalled. “It kind of made me ask myself, School—a CPS school on the Far West Side of for uninsured, were used to bring funding into the Center. We how we wanted to remember these people. I Chicago. were forced to go through the side door be- wanted to bring attention back to them and cause we aren’t a good representation to what “I spent most of my high school career in underinsured away from the politics that have surrounded The Chicago Health Guide: Resources for the perfect clientele was. This was the a turn- policy debate,” said Williams. “I wanted to give this, back to the people whose lives were the Uninsured and Underinsured was un- ing point for me as a Black queer person.” back in a way that’s transformative, so I be- lost.” veiled at a July 12 press briefing with health During Williams’ high school years, between came a debate coach.” She and six friends spent the Friday evening care and community leaders during the 41st 50-60 students were lost to violence; this fact, In light of the recent events in Baton Rouge, of Pride weekend creating the signs. Wines’ Annual Conference of the National Associa- along with their experiences in Boystown, has Louisiana, and outside of St. Paul, Minnesota, girlfriend suggested tying the signs together tion of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), held at the fueled their activism since the mid-2000s. Wil- where police shot and killed Alton Sterling and “to represent these bonds that would not be Hyatt Regency Chicago. liams explained that, at the time, they thought Philando Castile, respectively, Williams told broken,” Wines added. “I had a lot of help, NAHN, the National Black Nurses Asso- the only way to do community work was to go Windy City Times that “the assault on Black but I didn’t know what I was getting into.” ciation, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago to college, so they went to Kentucky State Uni- bodies by the state has existed since the incep- Preliminary weather reports suggested rain, and Pfizer RxPathways presented the publica- versity, a historically Black college, but didn’t tion of the ‘new world.’ The notable deaths of so they thought the signs would need lami- tion. finish school. Black men, including Alton Sterling, Philando nating to protect them from the elements. The guide is a comprehensive listing of “I don’t have plans to finish my degree at this Castle and Alva Braziel—[the latter] in Hous- Wines arranged for an expedited job at her healthcare resources that are available to point of my life,” said Williams. “Maybe one ton, Texas—aren’t uncommon. The fact that we local FedEx outlet, which was likely to be an help uninsured and underinsured residents of day when or if college education doesn’t equal actually don’t know the names of the countless expensive proposition. But she was stunned Chicago. The guide (presented in a bilingual debt and having to hold off building a family nameless Black women (cis and trans), girls, when, after placing the order, the FedEx format) provides health tips and contact in- because of the debt that you acquired trying to femmes and men who’ve been killed by police manager called her back. formation for healthcare organizations. subscribe to a fake-ass American dream. Plus is disturbing. “She was so moved by what we were doing, The free guide will be available to the pub- a degree shouldn’t define your intelligence or “Rodney King’s beating brought the hor- she took up a collection from her employees lic via the United Way of Metropolitan Chi- worth in a capitalistic society.” ror that Black folks have known about all our to cover most of it,” Wines said. The manager cago office, community health centers and Williams returned to Chicago in the fall of lives. Before camera phones, the collective raised the rest of the money contacting other other community-based service providers as 2013 and immediately dove into activist work. consciousness of America took the words of the outlet managers. well as through 888-720-1337 (toll-free). For In November 2014, Williams got involved with police for the truth and justified the execution Wines was impressed by how respectfully more information on Pfizer RxPathways, visit Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) and current- of Black bodies. In this moment where Black people looked through the memorial the af- PfizerRxPathways.com. ly serves as an organizer with the group. death is playing on replay for mass consump- WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 9

Michael Albert (left) with phlebologist Michelle Fiola. New blood-donation Photo by Matt Simonette rules for gay men slowly take effect By Matt Simonette the incident, rumors circulated that the FDA would lift their ban on donations from sexu- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in ally active gay men, but those proved to be December, significantly reduced the timeframe false. Many gay men have wanted to donate, during which gay men would have had to ab- but couldn’t, even as blood supplies ran low. stain from sex in order to make blood dona- But Albert learned that LifeSource blood cen- tions, down to 12 months. Many blood dona- ters would begin accepting donations from gay tion centers, however, have been slow to put men on July 18 and was finally able to make an that new rule into effect. appointment. Chicagoan Michael Albert, a sign-language “We had to look at our processes,” said Life- interpreter, began calling donation centers Source Regional Executive Director Eva Quinley. monthly after the change, only to be told that “It sounds like a very simple change, but we they were unprepared with new paperwork and had to look at the different areas that change and at first they’d say, ‘Congratulations.’ Then She said yes, and Albert added that it “hurt changing over their computer systems. He had can affect.” they’d realize why, and say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry,’ It’s so good.” long wanted to donate blood. Those included their questionnaires, data- kind of true; the way the criteria are listed, if “Welcome to the family,” replied Fiola. “Every time there would be a natural disaster bases and staff training, she said. you’re really boring, you make a great donor,” “I can’t wait to see what you do for Thanks- or something bad, like Sandy Hook, I would “We submit those changes back to the FDA,” he said. giving,” he answered. always want to donate, and end up thinking, Quinley added. “Sometimes they have addi- Phlebologist Michelle Fiola, who attended to After Albert was finished, he said he planned ‘Son of a bitch,’” he said. “For years, I thought, tional changes they want made, and sometimes Albert, said that she was glad to see the new on donating again in the near future, and he ‘I can always lie; I know my blood is safe,’” he they just go ahead and approve it. Fortunately, rule taking effect. “We’re trying to replenish hoped that gay men who met the eligibility cri- said. “But I just couldn’t lie about it.” they approved them outright in this case.” the supply—blood is needed so badly,” she teria would do so as well. Albert, like many gay men, became even Albert donated at the Evanston LifeSource noted. “Part of the reason I hope they come forward more eager to donate after the Pulse nightclub blood center on July 18, the first day he was She took Albert’s information and prepared if they can is that maybe the FDA will see that shootings in Orlando in June. “After Orlando, I able. He joked that he was glad to donate, but him for the donation process. Once Fiola stuck the world doesn’t collapse, that the blood sup- called right away,” he said. lamented the reason he could: He hadn’t had him and adjusted the needle, he asked, “So, ply is safe, and they can look into reducing the The Pulse shootings highlighted numerous sex or traveled recently. we’re flowing?” window,” he added. problems in the blood-donation system. After “I told my friends what I was doing today,

dition of Damon Cates, senior associate vice Puerto Rican Cultural Center: VIDA/SIDA; and Manning attempts president and campaign director at University Adam Zebelian, assistant state’s attorney at of Chicago; Robert Fojtik, public affairs man- the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. suicide; lawyers ager at AON PLC; Lindsay Gaskins, founder/CEO In May, Chicago House announced Scott Am- decry breach of Marbles: The Brain Store; Steve Sondheimer, marell as the new CEO following an extensive On July 5, reports surfaced that trans whis- senior compliance analyst at Chicago Housing national search. tleblower Cheslea Manning was rushed to the Authority; Maritxa Vidal, director of health ed- For more information about the organization, hospital from the prison at Fort Leavenworth, ucation, community outreach and marketing at visit ChicagoHouse.org. Kansas, after an apparent suicide attempt. On July 11, Chelsea Manning’s attorneys Chase Strangio, Vincent Ward and Nancy Hol- THE BRAD LIPPITZ GROUP presents lander released the following statement jointly: “After not connecting with Chelsea for over a 3150 N Lake Shore Dr, 24F week, we were relieved to speak with her this morning. Though she would have preferred to Renovated Showplace! keep her private medical information private, and instead focus on her recovery, the government’s gross breach of confidentiality in disclosing her personal health information to the media has created the very real concern that they may continue their unauthorized release of information about her publicly without Richard Turner. warning. Due to these circumstances, Chelsea Photo courtesy of Turner Manning requested that we communicate with the media and her friends and supporters on Fountain was previously executive director of her behalf. the Pride Center of Vermont. “Last week, Chelsea made a decision to end Also, longtime LGBTQ-rights activist Richard her life. Her attempt to take her own life was Turner has been chosen to chair the board of unsuccessful. She knows that people have directors. Turner, now retired after a long ca- questions about how she is doing and she reer in professional philanthropy, was one of wants everyone to know that she remains un- the first inductees into the Chicago LGBT Hall der close observation by the prison and expects of Fame. to remain on this status for the next several weeks.” In 2013, Manning was sentenced to 35 years Chicago House in prison for espionage when she divulged clas- sified information to WikiLeaks while working unveils new leaders Chicago House and Social Service Agency has as an intelligence analyst in Iraq. welcomed new leaders to assist the organization in achieving its objectives and to serve in- Truly spectacular total renovation of expansive 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence with the most amazing views in all directions, day and night, of the lake and the city. Be the first to live in this showplace where everything is Center on Halsted dividuals and families who are disenfranchised new and perfectly finished: gorgeous built-in open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and waterfall Carrera by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, countertops with breakfast bar opening to huge living and dining rooms with built-ins with marble top. French doors from the living room lead to the third bedroom currently used as a fabulous den with additional built-ins, reveals new leadership homelessness and/or gender nonconformity. marble top and wine cooler. Enormous second bedroom and master suite with designer baths, featuring penny Center on Halsted announced new leader- Ray Koenig, partner at Clark Hill PLC, will tile, Duravit sinks, Phillipe Starke bathtub, Toto toilets and Hans Grohe fixtures. New ebony-stained white oak ship within the organization. The new lead- lead Chicago House’s board of trustees as the floors and custom lighting throughout. Full-amenity building with fantastic garage, doorstaff, concierge and pool in the heart of East Lakeview. Move right in and enjoy! $865,000 ers are slated to advance the Center’s stated new chair, replacing Ray Lechner, who served mission “of securing the health and well-being as chair for three years. Koenig, who recently BRAD LIPPITZ of LGBTQ people of Chicagoland and assist in served as internal vice chair, will be joined by 3323 N. Broadway | Chicago, IL 60657 guiding the organization in its new three-year Ryan Garrison, of seoClarity, as external vice 980 N. Michigan Ave #900 | Chicago, IL 60611 strategic plan.” 773.404.1144 chair; Kinley Preston, of Vanite’a Paul Mitchell [email protected] Kim Fountain, Ph.D., is joining the organiza- Focus Salon, as internal vice chair; Drew Fer- BradLippitz.com tion in the newly formed chief operating offi- guson, of DeVry, Inc., as secretary; and Tom cer position, a role that involves assisting CEO Smith, of BMO Harris, as treasurer. Modesto Tico Valle in executing the strategic The board of trustees also welcomed the ad- plan while overseeing programs and grants. 10 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES “In the earlier days we were much more to- erybody there is a star.” gether,” he said. “We had to be. We looked Even when his performers leave the Baton, Legendary Baton out for and searched for people. We built our Flint follows their careers like a doting father. allies together. Today, instead of using social “Every time I read something positive or I media like Facebook for education, promotion see someone like Candis Cayne in [the TV show] and building the community together, there’s Dirty Sexy Money, I am so very proud of my owner Jim Flint so many people out there slamming each other time with them,” he said. and being completely destructive.” There is no doubt that many of the Baton’s Recently, that side of social media was aimed performers have drawn from Flint’s own lessons looks ahead, at 75 at drag performers. and the challenges he surmounted. Paramount Flint took a pivotal role in raising the art of among Flint’s recollections of those challenges By Gretchen Rachel Hammond people into your corner so the base is much drag from the shadowed ambiguity of a stage were the police and the mafia. larger before you try to make a lot of changes.” which Baim and Keehnan described as a “piece “Being a poor boy from Peoria, I never real- In their 2011 biography of one of the Chicago Flint believes that, if the political process is of plywood on top of 16 beer cases” into enter- ized this sort of thing went on,” Flint said. “It’s LGBTQ community’s most longterm entrepre- ignored, whether out of cynicism or lethargy, tainment so embedded in popular culture that funny because it’s 50 years this month that the neurial figures Jim Flint: The Boy From Peoria, those changes are imperiled. the who’s who of celebrities who have visited Club Chesterfield was raided in 1966. The mob authors Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen de- “We have to get out into our community and the Baton Show Lounge stretches as long as was going to use me as a scapegoat. But I met scribed the owner of the nearly half-century- make sure everybody out there registers to the line to get into the club on a Saturday a lawyer named Ralla Klepak and here I am.” old Chicago landmark The Baton Show Lounge vote to get people in office who support us or night. In the Boy From Peoria, Flint remembered and the founder of Continental Pageantry Sys- want to move our agenda forward,” he said. “So The Miss Continental Pageant Systems Flint that “they were using me, trying to bargain me tems as “something of an enigma to those not many just sit back and gripe and complain but founded 37-years ago has received an inter- through the court system as a way to find me familiar with him.” they don’t even vote. Everybody needs to be national prestige that helps launch its contes- guilty so I’d be gone. Then they could say, ‘Hey, “This former Baton twirler from Peoria is an ultimate juggler,” Baim and Keehnen added, “happiest when all his ‘batons’ are flying Jim Flint (as drag alter ego Felicia) and fellow gay bar owner Chuck Renslow in 1979. through the air—preferably on fire, with Flint Photo from the book The Boy from Peoria on roller skates for an added level of risk as well as showmanship.” On July 25, at the renowned Lincoln Park concert venue Park West—aptly based in what began in the 1920s as a Vaudevillian theater and became another of the city’s focal points of provocative entertainment—Flint will celebrate his 75th birthday surrounded by just a fraction of the people his work has affected; each an inheritor of the lessons learned and battles won since the day as a child that he “leaped into this stream of humanity with eyes wide open.” Much like Flint himself, they are lives and careers he shaped and elevated from obscurity to extraordinary. The evening, which begins at 8 p.m. and ends “when Jim says it’s over,” will feature more than 30 performances, including Desiree DeMornay, Tiffany T. Hunter, Dana Douglas, Maya Douglas, Jackie Couture, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Kalil Valentino, Angel Saez, Joey Taylor, Mykul, Valentine, Antonio Edwards along with a host of surprise special guests from across the country. It promises to surpass the boundaries of the unforgettable which are Flint’s trademark, however it would not be Flint if the event were wholly self-serving. politically involved. I remember the first gay- tants into the kind of careers which even those the bartender who was a bad element is gone, Each of the performers are donating their rights bill we pushed in Chicago. We did it just who reach the Miss Worldly heights of its cis- we didn’t know what was going on.’ In that way time in order for proceeds from the celebration to see who was and who wasn’t in our corner so gender counterparts can only dream of. they could reopen. They were trying to use me to benefit the Orlando Pulse Employees Recov- we knew who we had to go after.” Yet, particularly on social media, even the as the scapegoat to get the bar license back ery Fund set up by Pulse nightclub co-founder He said he credits the Gang of Four—Art myriad of performers who, under Flint’s employ, after the raids.” Barbara Poma following the June 12 massacre Johnston, Jon-Henri Damski, Laurie Dittman have magnified and brought distinction to the Testifying at subsequent mob trials put Flint that claimed 49 lives. and Rick Garcia, who were the architects of art of drag have found themselves excluded at his most vulnerable. “The most important thing about this birth- Chicago’s groundbreaking 1988 human-rights from the LGBTQ movement while a number of “Those first mafia trials were very hard,” he day is making sure what happened in Orlando ordinance ending discrimination due to sexual vitriolic commentators have declared drag per- said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to keep mov- never happens again,” Flint told Windy City orientation—as an example of the methodol- formers as beneath the increasingly multifacet- ing. I wanted to pick up and run somewhere Times. “So [the event] is a tribute to Orlando ogy’s success. ed membership of the transgender community. and hide because I was scared to death. I got and will help those who are in need.” “A lot of times we have the wrong spokespeo- “We shouldn’t be separated at all,” Flint said. through it because I was myself. Because I am Flint was at his Baton Show Lounge offices ple out there,” Flint asserted. “We have to get “We might have differences of opinion. We gay. I am very proud of who I am. I have never when Windy City Times caught up with him. together and instead of having people speak might not like this person or that for what- felt discriminated against because of who I am. While most people at 75 might have long since for us, we all must have the same agenda.” ever reason but we certainly don’t have to start I treat people the way I want to be treated.” hung up the customary uniforms of their pro- A chorus of dissonant voices each with their showing our negative side on Facebook. Let’s When he was organizing the first Miss Con- fessions in favor of an equally mainstream set own goals faces an uphill battle when it comes keep our community positive and show people tinental Pageant in 1980, Flint needed people of golf shoes, Flint has no such appetites. to protecting the transgender community. It is who we are.” who knew what was possible with that sort of The love for what he does and the people a community so deeply intertwined with Flint’s No matter what the disparagements they re- unwavering faith in the strength of their iden- and community with whom he works is too pro- work and advocacy as an ally that Baim and ceive on social media, Flint is proud of each tities. nounced. Keehnen credited him as being “part of the and every one of the Baton’s family past and “Getting contestants to believe that we could Besides, the dreams he has yet to realize reason transgender issues are more prominent present. Again, he remembered Billings, who successfully do it was hard,” he said. “The only both for himself and others leaves little time today.” worked at the Baton for five years before even- pageant going was Miss Gay America and they for reflection or even an interview centered “We’ve had transgender people comfortably tually going on to an award-winning theater, didn’t let any person enter who had hormones upon an abbreviated repetition of a life already use [public] bathrooms for years,” Flint said. TV and film career. or silicone or any body enhancements, so I detailed in Baim and Keehnen’s book. “And very few have pushed that idea forward. “What a role model. She’s just so positive,” wondered if we would ever get enough people For Flint, this is a time to look forward. People like Alexandra Billings and Candis Cayne Flint said. “She gives me a lot of credit for together to get it going. We ended up with 14 Naturally he looks at the progression of the have pushed that farther and a lot more edu- that. In all the years at the Baton we’ve been and kept moving from there. This year we are LGBTQ movement in a way that is antitheti- cationally than Caitlyn Jenner did. She came very accepting of everybody no matter who going to have 51 girls and 34 boys.” cal to the conventional visionary or impatient into the community not knowing a lot and then they are. I am very lucky. I have my own family “I never thought it would get where it is to- activist. started turning it against her by her politics.” and I have my drag family. A lot of them are day,” Flint added. “We’re into Canada, Puerto “I think we have to be a little slower in the The commotion and division wrought by fig- like my kids. When I started the Baton, I found Rico, Hawaii. I never believed this would hap- way we move things along and get people to ures like Jenner is a far cry from the LGBTQ people that I was very comfortable working pen.” adjust through education,” he said. “You get community Flint remembers. with. I built a family atmosphere. In our dressing room we don’t have jealousies because ev- Turn to page 11

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 11 Matt Kirouac was approached by Gatehouse Publishing last spring about writing a book about Chicago as part of its The Hunt series. The problem was the publishing house is in Singapore, which is where the series started before eventually coming to North America. So, for Skype meetings, Kirouac often was in pajamas at 10:30 p.m. on a Sunday, since Singapore is 12 hours ahead. “But the process was fun and very gratifying, mostly because it was such a personal passion project, and the book is essentially a glorified journal of all things I love about Chicago—from restaurants and bars to galleries, activities, sights, museums, shops, etc.,” Kirouac said. “I wrote it from late spring into late summer, so it took me a few months. A ton of content, so it took plenty of time, and I worked many weekends.” Kirouac had another obstacle to complete the book: His wedding was the same week as the book deadline. The Hunt Guides: Chicago is about 100 pages, costs $12 and is now available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble distribution, at The Art Institute of Chicago and a few local independent businesses as well. The book has nine chapters of neighborhoods, and Kirouac said one of the hardest parts was simply narrowing down the neighborhoods, “since dogs and deep-dish pizza, and rooftop spots. in the LIFE Chicago has so many great ones packed with unique culture.” “The neighborhood chapters were definitely my favorite part,” led by Ultimately, he went with Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, he said. Matt Kirouac River North, Wicker Park, West Loop, Pilsen, Hyde Park and Logan Square. The Hunt Guides is geared to both locals and tourists, he said. TEXT BY ROSS FORMAN Each chapter had about 10 venues, which was a profile of a different “One of the coolest parts of the book is the ‘ambassadors’—guest PHOTOS courtesy of Kirouac independent business that he likes. recommendations from Chicagoans across a wide spectrum of careers “I feel every venue [mentioned in the book] does a great job exhibiting and backgrounds, each recommending their personal picks for Chicago • Age • Hobbies the varied character and style of the neighborhoods,” he said. 28 “Running, reading, venues,” Kirouac said. The ambassadors include Liz Pesnel, Managing Kirouac’s husband, Bradley, did most of the photography for the book. watching movies Director of Third Coast Percussion; Erin Hartz from the One of a Kind • Relationship status The book also features a 48 Hours section of his top picks for things to at home, sneaking Married to Bradley Show; Jared Batson from The Nomad Food Company; Andrew Kaplan, who candy into movie do if you only have two days in the city. Plus, there are different themes Kirouac works for Rachael Ray; and others. theaters, board chapters, such as winter activities, lakefront activities, museums, hot • Neighborhood games, bowling and Ukrainian Village riding my bike.” • Job title • Favorite app Freelance writer/ Instagram editor for • Little-known fact companies such My right ear is as Zagat, Chicago crimped, sort of like Scene, Dining an elf, and when I Chicago, Plate was in elementary Magazine and school I used to Choose Chicago tell classmates I • Favorite movie was secretly an elf Silence of the who worked at the Locations featured in The Hunt Guides: Chicago include (L-R) Chicago Brauhaus, National Museum of Mexican Art and Hyde Park Records. Lambs North Pole. Photos by Bradley Kirouac

FLINT from page 10 our pageants and copy what they see because we are so advanced when it comes to fashion Indeed, could a boy from Peoria ever have and how to wear it.” dreamed that he would one day be sharing That dream will be realized in the same way a cocktail with legends in film, politics and that the enigma of Jim Flint may best be sum- sports? marized: strength of will and the belief in the limitless possibilities of existence. “I remember in the ’70s when people like Get Joan Crawford and Rock Hudson were coming The Baton is three years away from turning to the Baton and I was sitting and talking with 50. Flint was in no hurry to predict what will Windy City Times’ them. Getting to know them was really inspir- happen on that birthday and beyond. ing,” Flint said. “I have to give a lot of credit “When we get to 50, we’ll see what we we’re official to my mother who always pushed us. She was going to do after that,” he said. 2016 Chicago the great role model and I had a great family.” For more information about Jim Flint’s In his interview for the book, Flint recalled birthday party, call 312-527-2269, M-F 11 LGBTQ Visitor’s his mother being back at work two days after a.m.-4 p.m. Guide now! delivering his younger brother Ronnie—one of To buy a copy of Jim Flint: The Boy From 13 children. “She had all of us and she had a Peoria, visit https://www.amazon.com/Jim- responsibility to provide for us,” he said. Flint-Peoria-Tracy-Baim/dp/146639840X. That sense of responsibility has never left It’s available in both color and B&W edi- 124 pages of him. tions, also from Women & Children First LGBTQ and “I feel like I’ve done my job but sometimes Bookstore. I feel like I haven’t done enough,” he admit- mainstream ted. “You always have to build together a unit Jim Flint things to in Jimwhich Flint: you can The all Boy share From ideas. PeoriaI was very

Meet Jim Flint, known to many as Felicia—a fortunate.truly remarkable man whoI hasremember done some truly myself and three other Jim Flint do in remarkable things. Raised in Peoria, Illinois, Flint was a precocious kid who “shined shoes” for older bartendersgentlemen at age 8 and joinedwere the Navy talkingat 17. He about AIDS and think- was a serviceman with a distinguished record who The Boy From dreamed of becoming a missionary brother, yet Chicago ingonly this months later was became one too of the most big popular for us. We organized a big gay bartenders in Chicago. Before long, he was stopping traffic on Clark Street as a roller-skating, Peoria meetingbaton-twirling drag atqueen, eagerthe to garner Baton attention and then another and by Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen and for his now-legendary female impersonation bar, that’sthe Baton Showhow Lounge. Chicago House started and moved Running a gay bar in Chicago in the 1960s and 1970s meant placating corrupt police and city throughout forward.”inspectors eager for bribes, as well as shadowy, silk-suited Mafiosi. In addition to the Baton, in a few scant years Flint was also running a down- Thereand-dirty leather are bar and headingmany a gay motorcycle dreams for Flint yet to realize. club. In the process he became a community Illinois leader, eventually even running for the Cook From Peoria The Boy He Countywants Board as one to of Chicago’s see first openlya cure gay for AIDS in his lifetime. candidates for public office. Flint also found the time to lay the foundations for a gay sports league.

He Flint’swants story includes dozensto ofsee unforgettable those souls that were lost to characters such as Baton stars Chilli Pepper, Ginger Grant and Mimi Marks, transgender theentertainment disease legends Alexandra immortalized, Billings and not just as names on Candis Cayne, and many others who inhabit the spotlights, the dressing rooms, and the evolving a quiltworld of female but impersonation. as Flint peopleis also the with their own detailed founder of the celebrated Continental Pageant System. A poor shoeshine biographies—pages torn away by the disease boy rose to become As a witness to and a pioneer in the formation of the modern LGBT community, Flint has attracted memorable people from Chicago’s impresario of all walks of life. Meet Richie, the Baton doorman who hurled insults at the customers, Tillie the Dirty Old Lady, a parade butof madcapwho patrons, “must battling bartender be boyfriends, remembered handsome S&M bikers and club kids,over sports stars, and celebrities, over.” political female impersonation. bigwigs, and gay-rights activists of all descriptions. Unfortunately, domestic violence, serial killers, and drug addictions were This is Flint’s story, and Meanwhilesome of the dangers in Flint’s circle,Flint and of course wants the AIDS epidemic usheredto insee its own storm Miss of drama and deepConti tragedy. - that of the fascinating In the midst of all this is Flint himself: energetic, warmhearted and generous, yet quick-tempered and opinionated, always characters—entertainers, nentalrespectful of takehis flamboyant, a ultraglamorous, further often emotionally step fragile bevyinto of supertalented the performers. public eye KEEHNEN barkeepers, sports

Baim people, politicians, Jim Flint: The Boy From Peoria is the colorful story of an amazing man and the LGBT community he helped to shape, as he championed an out-of-the-closet, be-who-you-are lifestyle. Authors Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen unravel the many activists, cops and throughmysteries of Chicago becoming gay community icon Jim Flinttelevised. in this provocative new biography. mobsters—who knew him in the heady years “IfMORE you THAN look 400 PHOTOS! at Miss Universe last year, Miss of the emerging LGBT Puerto Rico had the same gown as Miss Europe movement. FIND THE GUIDE AT: Jim Flint: The Boy From Peoria Prairie avenue Productions, iSBN-13: 978-1466398405, PRAIRIE ContinentaliSBN-10: 146639840X. had on that year only in a different AVENUE PRODUCTIONS color,” he said. “So a lot of these$25.00 U.S. girls do watch www.windycitymediagroup.com 12 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES letters

and where a 2013 poll found that 90 percent of rights, and we chip away at the misconception WINDY people think society should not accept homo- that LGBTI rights are somehow subordinate to sexuality. Now, even before the President set other human rights. foot in Kenya, protesters took to the streets None of these are steps that we have taken CITY to warn him not to bring the issue up. Their alone; in each instance, we’ve worked with a Samantha arguments will be familiar ones to many of coalition made up of countries from the global POWER you—including that the U.S. should not im- North and South. I will never forget the words TIMES pose its views on people with different cultural of my Chilean counterpart at the UN when I and religious traditions. An argument, I would asked if his country would co-sponsor the Se- VOL. 31, No. 43, July 20, 2016 The combined forces of Windy City Times, A call on governments: note, that the diversity of advocates in this curity Council’s session on LGBTI rights, again, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, room— the room you are in—clearly rebuts. an unprecedented occurrence. He said: “We are founded May 1987. Integrating LGBTI Here is how President Obama responded when with you. We may be all alone, but we are with rights into asked about the issue at a press conference in you.” In the end, thankfully, we were not all Nairobi with Kenya’s president: he said, “I be- alone. PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tracy Baim foreign policy lieve in the principle of treating people equally And we’ve had to defend virtually every one under the law … and that the state should not of our collective gains working with partners— ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent discriminate against people based on their sex- governmental partners and Civil Society part- MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Representative to the United Nations, spoke at ual orientation. … [W]hen you start treating ners. Consider the UN Secretary-General’s 2014 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette the U.S. Permanent Representative to the Unit- laudable decision to extend benefits to the BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine people differently—not because of any harm DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright ed Nations, on “A Call on Governments: Inte- they’re doing anybody, but because they’re dif- families of all UN employees, including same- ART DIRECTOR/NIGHTSPOTS EDITOR Kirk Williamson grating LGBTI Rights into Foreign Policy,” to the ferent—that’s the path whereby freedoms be- sex couples. In March 2015, Russia launched SENIOR REPORTER Gretchen Rachel Hammond Global LGBTI Human Rights Ministerial, July 13. gin to erode and bad things happen. … And as an effort to try to strip these benefits, which Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk Her remarks, as delivered, are included below. Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen an African-American in the United States, I am would have sent a totally devastating message Rachel Hammond, Scott Duff painfully aware of the history of what happens that LGBTI families do not deserve equal rights NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Let me begin by thanking the government and when people are treated differently, under the within the UN’s own house. We and our part- SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa civil society leaders chairing this conference: law.” ners fought that effort vigorously, and in the Keen, Yasmin Nair from Uruguay, Foreign Minister Nin Nova and end we succeeded. Out of 193 countries, only THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan President Obama’s point was that there’s CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. Ovejas Negras; and from the Netherlands, For- no legitimate alibi for violating basic human 43 voted with Russia. SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman eign Minister Koenders and COC-Netherlands. rights. Treating people differently because of Now, I recognize the obstacles that we gov- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS I had planned to be in Montevideo with you who they are is always wrong. So while it is ernments must overcome—and the risks that Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, but, unfortunately, the escalating violence in we face—pale in comparison to those con- Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel wise, and indeed necessary, to ask which tac- COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Harper, South Sudan has kept me here at the UN. Much tics will be most effective in advancing equal- fronting many activists here. And that is pre- Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah as I regret missing the opportunity to meet ity—we can’t let the false justifications of cisely why governments at this conference, as Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, many of you in person, I’m honored and in- culture, sovereignty, or anything else hold us well as those not at this conference, must do Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. credibly humbled to be able to speak with you much more to support you. Kuda, Angelique Smith, Meghan Streit back from fighting discrimination. That’s why SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Tim today. we are not only standing up for LGBTI rights Let me conclude. Prior to Orlando, the worst Carroll, Ed Negron Being an advocate for LGBTI rights these days in public statements, but also through other mass killing of LGBTI people in the United WEBSITE LISTINGS VOLUNTEER Gene Naden can feel almost schizophrenic. While more than means, such as the diplomatic efforts of our States occurred in 1973, in New Orleans, when 50 countries worldwide now prohibit discrimination’s first-ever Special Envoy for the Human a gay club called the UpStairs Lounge was CIRCULATION nation based on sexual orientation, more than Rights of LGBTI persons, the great Randy Berry, firebombed, killing 32 people trapped inside. CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright 70 countries criminalize consensual same-sex who is with you in Montevideo and has gotten The story made front page news in the local DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and Victor conduct. In elections last month in the Philip- to know many of you in his travels to 43 coun- newspaper, which described the grisly scene in WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pines, voters elected both a Senator who called tries. detail, but not one of its many stories men- programmer: Martie Marro) gay couples “worse than animals,” and the Second, we must work to integrate LGBTI tioned that the attack had targeted a gay club. Copyright 2016 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media country’s first-ever transgender Representative. rights into the DNA of multilateral bodies like And though it was the worst fire in the city’s Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back In Brazil, which has a proud history of push- the UN. It may seem self-evident that the in- modern history, local officials made no public issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, ing for LGBTI rights at home and abroad, in- stitution whose Universal Declaration of Hu- statements, nor did national politicians. Mul- and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and cluding introducing the first-ever UN resolu- man Rights affirms that “everyone is entitled tiple churches refused to hold services for the no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. tion, in 2003, to prohibit discrimination on All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy to all rights and freedoms … without distinc- victims, and no one was ever prosecuted for City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned the basis of sexual orientation—a monitoring tion of any kind” would fight against discrimi- this heinous crime. for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing group has documented nearly 1,600 killings nation based on sexual orientation and gender Compare that to the response to the horrific and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own of LGBTI people over the past four and a half identity; yet too often, throughout history, it attack in Orlando, where, in the words of a doc- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City years. That’s approximately one LGBTI killing has not. tor who treated the injured, “after the worst Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy per day in Brazil, every day, since 2012. And Here are a few ways we and partners, many of humanity reared its evil head…the best of City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the while same-sex couples now have the right to of whom are in the room there, have worked to humanity came roaring back.” First respond- sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make marry in all 50 American states, and people change that record in the last few years. ers rushed to the scene. Residents lined up for this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept no longer have to hide who they love to serve In 2011 and 2014, we worked with partners hours to donate blood. The city and our nation responsibility for advertising claims. in our nation’s military—you can still be fired on the UN Human Rights Council to pass reso- mourned. At the U.S. Mission to the UN, we (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 from a job because of your sexual orientation, lutions compelling the Council to systematical- had to put out four condolence books—be- e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] and an estimated 40 percent of trans people ly document LGBTI rights violations around the cause so many representatives of other gov- in the United States attempt suicide—approxi- globe—a key step toward breaking the pattern ernments came to write messages of solidarity. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com mately 30 times the national average. of impunity for such abuses. In many of your countries, you participated in podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com You all know these ups and downs, because In August 2015, we co-chaired the first-ever vigils and other public shows of support. you live them day to day. Consider this very UN Security Council meeting focused on LGBTI Perhaps most moving were the stories of the WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, conference: while some civil society partici- 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A rights—on the persecution of LGBTI people by 49 individual victims, which have revealed the (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) pants can live tweet and blog about the issues ISIL. In doing so, the world’s foremost enforce- beautiful diversity of just a small sliver of the discussed here in real time, others have to keep ment body for peace and security signaled that LGBTI community—from the Army reservist, to Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. their heads down, they have to keep a much it is wrong to violate people’s rights because of the travel agent who organized international OUT! Chicago’s LGBTQ Visitor’s Guide Online www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com lower profile, knowing that calling attention who they love. tours for LGBTI people, to the young man who, to their work here—or any of your efforts to Just last month, as you know, a Latin Ameri- in 2003, was the only person brave enough to “Windy City Media Group generated enormous advance LGBTI rights—could lead to harass- can led resolution created the first-ever perma- come out in his high school of 2,500 people. As interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT ment, imprisonment, or worse in their home nent Independent Expert at the UN to provide President Obama said after meeting with rela- Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 countries. consistent reporting on violence and discrimi- tives of the victims, “These families could be print and online media partners who participated To state the obvious: Governments do not in the survey, Windy City was the best performing nation based on sexual orientation and gender our families. In fact, they are our family.” regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners have to choose between advancing LGBTI identity—an initiative that 628 NGOs from over That is the difference 43 years has made. That with a nationwide footprint were able to generate rights within their own countries and around 150 countries rallied behind. When a group of is the difference when a society moves from a greater number of responses.” —David Marshall, the world. We can and must do both. countries tried to block the effort—calling it one where existence of LGBTI persons is not Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. How? First, we must be willing to use all the reckless and arrogant, and even calling for a even acknowledged—much less embraced—to tools in our toolkit to shift the policies and vote to strip the resolution of its title—those one where we are finally recognizing LGBTI attitudes of the governments that condone or same Latin American countries vigorously beat rights as human rights. Our work—the work of even fuel discrimination and violence against back those efforts. governments and of civil society—will not be LGBTI people. Of course, these steps have not yet succeed- finished until LGBTI people are welcome in ev- Let me give you just one example: Last July, ed in stopping widespread discrimination and ery nation, every community, and every family. President Obama traveled to Kenya, a country violence against LGBTI people. But with each I thank you. where having a consensual same-sex relation- of these “firsts,” we weave another thread of ship is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, LGBTI rights into the fabric of universal human WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 13 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

‘Space’ exploration 14 18 20 Richard Gamboa (left) and Sean Parris co-star in Space Age. Photo by Jose Rivera LondonHouse’s rooftop bar. Mr. Midwest Rubber at Touche.

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Zak said most theatergoers probably won’t From Profiles to Pride see any irony in his LGBTQ-focused company Like many in Chicago’s theater community, taking over the former Profiles spaces. Back in Pride Films and Plays executive director David 2009, Zak shut down Bailiwick Repertory The- Zak was unsettled by the allegations of abuse atre in large part because he didn’t want to Finding [HOME] at Profiles Theatre that were reported on by the carry on the real estate and upkeep responsi- Chicago Reader earlier this year. In the wake bilities of running a theater complex at 1229 BY SCOTT C. MORGAN son— like my relationship with my dad—play of the controversy, Profiles Theatre soon shut- W. Belmont Ave. (Theater Wit would later take a big role I have for the text of the show,” said tered. over and renovate the space into the three- When Andrew Volkoff took over as artistic di- Mendoza, who has been part of About Face’s But Zak and Pride Films and Plays have theater venue that is there today.) rector for the LGBTQ-focused About Face The- outreach efforts in the past. “I very much en- stepped in to take over Profiles’ former the- “We’re excited about the spaces where we atre in 2013, one of his producing goals was joy doing the outreach shows and talkbacks, it ater spaces along Broadway Street with the can show films, have guest artists like GayCo to make each new show by the About Face kind of gives me a glimpse of what I might like new umbrella title of the Pride Arts Center. The or Hell in a Handbag or maybe gay choruses,” Youth Theatre (AFYT) debut on an annual basis to do in the future—either being part of an 90-seat space at 4139 N. Broadway will be re- Zak said. “Not everyone will be LGBTQ-related rather than unveiling a world premiere every ensemble or going solo in starting conversa- named The Broadway and will be the primary or all the works won’t be LGBTQ-themed, but two years. tions and sharing your truths and making queer home for Pride Films and Plays productions we wanted to make sure that people sharing Largely tasked with that accelerated artistic theater.” starting in 2017. Meanwhile, the 50-seat stu- the space with us have the same sort of energy schedule has been Ali Hoefnagel, About Face’s The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble’s dio at 4147 N. Broadway will be renamed The and dedicated to work to restore those spaces.” education and outreach director. Though Hoef- world-premiere production of AD HOC [HOME] Buena and will be primarily used by visiting Zak said Pride Films and Plays opted not to nagel said it took some major adjustment at plays from Thursday, July 21, through Sunday, theater companies. switch venues from Rivendell Theatre for its fall first, AFYT is meeting Volkoff’s goal—especially July 31, at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Clau- “It was a relatively quick process,” said Zak, production of Resolution since so much prepa- with the latest show AD HOC [HOME] premier- dia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington St. A noting that Pride Films and Plays previously ratory design work had already been complet- ing this week in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at 7:30 p.m. preview is Thursday, July 21, with produced the Jeff Award-winning musical Un- ed. Producing theater companies interested in the Chicago Cultural Center. an official press opening 7:30 p.m. Friday, July der a Rainbow Flag in one of Profiles’ spaces. renting the 90-seat Broadway and the 50-seat “Last year we did 15 Breaths, which was an 22. The regular run is 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and “What makes it attractive to us as a space is Buena spaces right away should call Pride Films examination of intergenerational queer rela- Fridays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. the fact that with the two theaters, you can and Plays at 800-737-0984 or send an email to tionships, and I think that a large theme that Tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door. Ad- be performing in one and the other could be [email protected]. For more infor- emerged from that which we really didn’t intend vance reservations can be made by calling 773- generating rental income.” mation, visit PrideFilmsAndPlays.com. for was an idea of family and chosen families 784-8565 or by visiting AboutFaceTheatre.org. created from our queer communities,” Hoefna- gel said. “That was something that stuck with us and with the ensemble quite a bit.” It’s a theme that resonated with AFYT en- The cast of semble member Isis Mendoza, a trans actor AD HOC [HOME]. asking to be identified on second references Photo by with female pronouns. Christopher Semel “The title of the show came very much from that same theme of family and chosen family,” Mendoza said. “We decided on AD HOC for the title, which means coming together to serve a specific purpose, and we added [HOME] for that imagery of intertwining leaves and branches forming a safe home.” Unlike last year’s AFYT show, AD HOC [HOME] doesn’t follow one specific set of characters through a dramatic journey. Instead, Hoefnagel and her co-director Kieran Kredell steered the 13-member AFYT ensemble (who are between the ages of 14 to 23) to write more of a series of personal vignettes. “We’re not following one specific person,” Hoefnagel said. “We do follow a progression and we do follow a narrative which happens to be of the ensemble and all of their experiences. We are going in specific chapters of our lives, so there is a through line and it does move in a linear fashion.” The general public gets a very limited chance to see AD HOC [HOME], since it only plays eight public performances. Yet the show will go on to have a future life as it is adapted into a 30-minute touring piece by About Face’s Youth Task Force to travel to various schools, libraries and other community groups for the upcoming season. “A lot of my experiences as being a trans per- 14 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES production of Pyramus and Thisbe, with Nick DOUBLE REVIEW Bite: A Pucking Queer Cabaret. Bottom as Pyramus. The four lovers are played Photo by Carolyn Reynolds Photography A Midsummer with aplomb by Sarah Wisterman (Hermia), Tony Carter (Demetrius), Ali Burch (Helena) Night’s Dream and T. Isaac Sherman (Lysander). Playwright: Shakespeare This production isn’t electrifying, but it At: First Folio Theatre, Mayslake makes a most pleasant and pretty summer eve- Forest Preserve, Oak Brook ning, especially if you come early and picnic. Tickets: 630-986-8067; First Folio has taken steps to minimize the FirstFolio.org; $29-$39 mosquito population (near zero on cooler eve- Runs through: Aug. 14 nings), but the fireflies still twinkle charmingly as night falls. Bite: A Pucking Pride Films & Plays director/adapter Derek Van Barham throws away most of Shakespeare Queer Cabaret in Bite: A Pucking Queer Cabaret, in which Playwright: Derek Van Oberon (Kevin Webb) and drag queen Titania Barham, after Shakespeare (Raymond K. Cleveland) magically rule a gay At: Pride Films & Plays at bar. They quarrel over their open relationship, Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. with Titania noting “Open means honest and Tickets: 800-737-0984; that you are not.” The mortals who stop for a PrideFilmsAndPlays.com; $25-$30 drink are three women and a man, presenting Runs through: Aug. 14 shifting affectional possibilities. Bite offers an eclectic mix of 17 pop songs BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL in 90 minutes, among them hits recorded by Adam Lambert, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s Rufus Wainwright and even Mama Cass. Some comedy in which mortals and fairies intersect Folio Theatre director Hayley Rice has provided pop/mod for fairies and colorful for all, with are sung live, some lip-synced and others sung in a mythological forest as fairy king Oberon a straight-forward, plain-spoken, low-concept lovely patterned gowns for the leading ladies. over the original recordings. The dozen per- (Michael Joseph Mitchell) quarrels with fairy interpretation for the Mayslake Peabody Estate Act I is slow going, filled with exposition formers are strong-voiced and passionate. The queen Titania (Johanna McKenzie Miller), plays Forest Preserve. At the same time, Mary’s Attic and the set-ups of the various intertwined choreography by Van Barham and Christopher tricks on four human young lovers and turns hosts a jukebox genderfuck shorthand version, storylines, but the show springs to life after Young is far better than necessary, adding blue collar guy Nick Bottom (Steve Peebles) Bite: A Pucking Queer Cabaret. Rest assured intermission for a very lively second half. The greatly to the lively show. Bite begins silly and into a donkey. that fairies rule the night in both. well-known scene between the four young lov- shallow but deepens through the appropriate, There are lots of different ways to do “Dream,” First Folio offers Midsummer in its entirety, ers lost in the forest—their affections altered varied music selected by Van Barham and music which has been “translated” into operas, bal- with Angela Weber Miller’s Art Nouveau-inspired through interference by Oberon’s assistant, director Jeff Bouthiette. lets, movies, comic books, rock versions, pup- scenic design providing a graceful arabesque Puck (Sydney Germaine)—is especially suc- FYI: Pride Films & Plays has taken over the pet adaptations and gender switch-genderfuck of curving tree trunks as backdrop for the ac- cessful as is the play’s penultimate delight, former Profiles Theatre at 4147 N. Broadway manifestations. It’s nice, therefore, that First tion. Elsa Hiltner’s mixed-genre costumes are the blue collar artisans’ bumbling theatrical and will begin producing there in September. vaguely 18th-century for mortals and vaguely

THEATER REVIEW staging bits into their Free Street Theater show how Gamboa and Parris’ lives as 30-something ages go on longer than the explanations of why that so shocked early 1990s right-wing Repub- gay men were shaped by pop culture’s lack of Gamboa and Parris were so influenced by these Space Age licans when they were pioneered by the likes of Latino and Black role models, Space Age often fictional heroes. Playwrights: Ricardo Gamboa and Sean Parris the “NEA Four” (a group of performance artists feels overburdened with too much material. It’s Despite the show’s faults (and its curious ti- At: Free Street Theater at Pulaski who were denied individual performance grants as if the show’s stars, frightened at never get- tle since fantasy films are name-checked more Park Field House, 1419 W. Blackhawk St. by the National Endowment for the Arts due ting to do another show, were determined to than sci-fi ones), Gamboa and Parris prove Tickets: Freestreet.org; to “controversial” material in their work, which cram in as much content as possible. to be very dynamic and engaging perform- Pay-what-you-can admission included LGBTQ content). Like two ricocheting pinballs, Gamboa and ers who are clearly bursting with talent—and Runs through: Aug. 1 For instance, both Gamboa and Parris take a Parris recount unsettling childhood stories sweat thanks to the inadequate air condition- page from Tim Miller by performing the entire- filled with homophobia and abuse before en- ing (coolers of water and soda are on hand for BY SCOTT C. MORGAN ty of Space Age in their underwear (although acting whole scenes from the Nightmare on Elm sweltering audiences). Miller went further with full-frontal moments). Street or Batman film franchises. Recent per- Gamboa and Parris clearly have a lot to say Artistic and romantic collaborators Ricardo And aping Karen Finley, notorious for smear- sonal tragedies get bumped up against coming and share as gay performance artists, and it’s Gamboa and Sean James William Parris have ing chocolate all over her bare torso, Gamboa out dilemmas involving alcohol and anonymous great that they’re creating material for and done their homework on their new confession- gets a jar of salsa poured down his front while Craigslist hookups. about themselves. Space Age may be an imper- al two-man performance art piece Space Age recounting a spicy bedroom encounter. These are all fascinating topics, but many are fect start, but the duo have the makings of a (For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide It’s nice that Gamboa and Parris pay homage so glibly treated that you wish Gamboa and winning collaboration if they can make future When The Universe Is Not Enough). to their performance art predecessors, but one Parris offered more elaboration. Also, many of shows more exactingly shaped and honed. Director Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke has Gam- wishes that Space Age was better-focused and the film reenactments can come off as self- boa and Parris readily incorporate creative curated. Ostensibly a personal mediation on indulgent—especially when these campy hom- c

THEATER REVIEW everybody in the play might not be what CRITICS’ Eamonn Walker they appear, because characters who say Between Riverside in Between things like “if it weren’t for your being to- PICKS Riverside and tally wrong, you’d probably be right” were, Chimerica, TimeLine Theatre, through July and Crazy Crazy. until recently, dismissed by urban audiences Playwright: Stephen Adly Guirgis Photo by 31. Nick Bowling directs an incisive take on as buffoons afflicted with the compulsive lo- Lucy Kirkwood’s Olivier Award-winning drama At: Steppenwolf Theatre, Michael quacity engendered by a diet of whiskey, junk 1650 N. Halsted St. Brosilow questioning what might happen if a deter- food and rooftop reefer. Racism within the mined U.S. photojournalist tried to uncover Tickets: $20-$89 ranks of our constabulary is no longer funny, Runs through: Aug. 21 the identity of the famed “Tank Man” in the however, nor is the hardscrabble economy of 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre in Beijing. a working class seeing their security erode BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE SCM under unchecked bureaucracy and injustice. Company, Writers Theatre, Glencoe, extend- Recognizing this, director Yasen Peyankov When the 2015 Pulitzer Prize was awarded ed through Aug. 7. It’s Stephen Sondheim and has instructed his cast to take the high road, George Furth’s groundbreaking 1970 Broadway to Stephen Adly Guirgis’ wry examination of is African-American, by the way—rather than endowing each character’s every utterance musical about a New York bachelor weighing marginalized citizens struggling to get by— accept a settlement, the 30-year NYPD vet- with empathy and the unlikeliest of plot the pros and cons of marriage. SCM and not particularly choosy how they do it— eran sued the city. Eight years later, the case twists—even a detour into Magic Realism— against overwhelming odds, nobody suspect- is still pending, but Walter’s anger remains GhostBustier: The Story of the Real Ghost- with plausibility. In a universe governed by , Gorilla Tango Theatre, through July 23. ed that the troubles of these disenfranchised unabated, its corrosive influence evidenced busy chaos, anything is possible. Those naughty burly-girls of Bucktown who lowlifes would be vying for national attention in the deterioration of the Washington fam- Eamonn Walker’s Walter commands Collette brought you Game of Thongs and A Nude Hope a year later. Don’t come expecting cheap ily apartment into a refuge for son Junior’s Pollard’s comfortably cluttered stage with are at it again. MSB ripped-from-the-headlines hindsight, though. ill-starred business ventures and itinerant ac- patriarchal presence, while the supporting , Gift Theatre, through Keep your fists at your sides and hankies in quaintances (who call Walter “Dad” and drift The Grapes of Wrath performances are everything we have come to Aug. 14. Frank Galati’s Tony-winning adapta- your pockets, and you will emerge wiser. in and out of the household like so many stray expect of the Steppenwolf ensemble, Special tion of John Steinbeck’s classic American novel The major trouble revolves around Walter cats). Walter’s former colleagues advise him mention is due Lily Mojekwu, however, whose is ingeniously flat-packed into Gift Theatre’s Washington, a policeman before his career to put an end to the attrition, but only after portrayal of the mysterious Brazilian-born very intimate space with an enormous ensem- was abruptly curtailed by injuries sustained a visit from a church volunteer—who may not vodou sorceress posing as a “Church Lady” ble that is insightful and shockingly relevant in in an after-hours bar shooting. Since the be what she appears—is the proud old man holds us spellbound from the first exotic syl- its non-traditional casting. SCM shooter was another policeman and the gun- finally stirred to action. lable (courtesy of dialect consultant Tanera —By Barnidge fire accompanied by racial epithets—Walter It takes a while for us to consider that Marshall). and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 15

PERFORMANCE Hot-button issue at center of ‘Privilege Lindsey to Pee’ Devereaux’s

Honey West in Privilege to Pee. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond

By Gretchen Rachel Hammond the full weight of the joy they take in their art to Privilege to Pee. Although a theater’s Monday night stages are Organized through the efforts of Reinhart FEMALE IMPERSONATION SHOW! traditionally dark, Stage 773 of Lakeview’s Cir- and the evening’s hosts, Landree Fleming and cle Theatre was lit by an ensemble gold mine Bobby Arnold, just a few of the highlights in- of talent July 11. cluded a beautifully funny performance of “Ve- The evening brought a capacity audience lociraptor” from Circle Theatre alum Michelle continually to their feet, while wiping away Lauto, an audacious rendition of “Beautiful” the tears of laughter and poignancy wrought by given by a magnificent Danielle Davis, a pas- some of the city’s most ethereal voices in often sionate and angelically delivered “The Life I deeply personal choices of songs, each tied to- Never Had” by renowned performer Dixie Lynn gether in the defiant message “It’s a Privilege Cartwright, while an equally moving James to Pee. Owning your Identity and Other Basic Nedrud belted “I am What I Am,” from La Cage Human Rights.” Aux Folles. While the exceptional has become a hallmark Legendary artist Honey West and Dream- of the 30-year-old organization under the helm girls star Donica Lynn provided the evening’s of Artistic Director Nicholas Reinhart, Privilege denouement with exquisite performances of ® to Pee was particularly unique as it formed a “Come In From the Rain” and “I’m Here,” re- part of the Full Circle Series created after Chi- spectively. cago director Matthew Gunnels passed away “We are gathering together to celebrate who from cancer in 2014 and a benefit performance we are,” Fleming said in a press release. “Not of Gunnel’s 2012 critical and box-office hit pro- just the things that make us different from one duction of Reefer Madness was held with all another, but what unifies us: our humanity.” proceeds donated to the nationwide nonprofit For more information about the Circle Fight Colorectal Cancer. Theatre, visit: Circletheatrechicago.org. For SUNDAY, JULY 31 The Chicago-based nonprofit Chicago House more information about The Chicago House and, in particular, the organization’s TransLife TransLife Center, visit ChicagoHouse.org/ Center, were the beneficiaries of those who lent causes/translife-center. 5:00pm e SPOTLIGHT TICKETS ON SALE If you missed The New Colony and Definition Theatre’s January co-production of Byhalia, Mis- SATURDAY, JULY 2 sissippi, Evan Linder’s critically acclaimed and Jeff Award-winning drama is back with its entire original cast in a much-anticipated revival. Thanks to Steppenwolf Theatre’s Visiting Company Initiative, Linder’s astute and cutting drama returns to make audiences question modern-day race relations. It all kicks off when the wife in a proudly trashy couple unexpectedly gives birth to an African-American baby in a northern Mississippi town. Definition Theatre and The New Colony’s revival of By- halia, Mississippi plays from Friday, July 22, through Sunday, Aug. ©2016 Blue Chip Casino. Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid state or government issued photo ID to attend concert. Doors open 1 hour prior to show time. Other restrictions apply. Don’t let the game get out of hand. For assistance call 800-994-8448. 21, at Steppenwolf Theatre’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $30-$35; call 312-335-1650 or visit Steppenwolf.org. Caption: Evan Linder and Liz Sharpe in Byha- lia, Mississippi. Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux MICHIGAN CITY, IN | BlueChipCasino.com

78666Fbo_BC_PrimaDonnaFemaleShow_wct_AD_4.875”x13.5”_PRO_6.17.16 16 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES KNIGHT at the movies

By Richard Knight, Jr.

Chris Pine in Star Trek Absolutely Beyond. Photo from Fabulous; Star Paramount Trek Beyond; The Witness

Sweetie sweetie darlings Patsy and Edina—those two narcissistic, hard-partying London-based “sweetie darlings” who took the world (and just about every gay bar’s TV set) by storm—are back, 25 years after the Britcom debuted in the early ‘90s. In Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, their first (out actor Zachary Quinto), along with the Stewart) and Silas (played by super-hottie to tears, hence the series cancellation after on-screen romp, Jennifer Saunders returns as rest of the crew of the SS Enterprise (includ- Nicholas Hoult) begin a forbidden and pas- two seasons. So now, with the film, all the Eddy, the trend-chasing publicist whose most ing Anton Yelchin, the young actor who was sionate romance in a futuristic society where loose ends are going to be wrapped up in this renowned client is ‘60s pop singer Lulu, and killed recently in a tragic accident, as Chekov emotions have been outlawed, leading them to 85-minute film finale. http://www.hbo.com/ Joanna Lumley is right beside her as Patsy, the engineer) find themselves facing a deadly attempt a dangerous escape. movies/looking-the-movie Eddy’s fun-loving best friend who works as a alien threat when they are stranded on a hos- —Star Trek Beyond (July 22): See details —Nerve (July 27): Partnered with a mysteri- sometime fashion editor. tile planet. above. ous stranger (Dave Franco, brother of James, The immediate questions hanging over the The big news for the LGBT community is, of —The Witness (July 22): See details above. and who played gay in Neighbors 2), a high movie—“Are they still relevant?” and, more course, that the character of Sulu (played by —Looking: The Movie (July 23): The end school senior (Emma Roberts of Scream Queens importantly, “Are they still funny?”—are Harold & Kumar’s John Cho) is not only gay is here for out writer/director Andrew Haigh’s and American Horror Story) plays a popular on- quickly answered: yes and yes. The expected but he’s got a husband and a child, presumably HBO series focused on a group of gay men in line game that starts to take a sinister turn. wisecracks, zingers and sight gags flow faster awaiting back on Earth. Although LGBT rights San Francisco. The include the sweet but com- —Jason Bourne (July 29): Former CIA op- than the “champers” as the duo do everything activist/actor George Takei, the original Sulu, mitment-shy Patrick (the criminally talented erative Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) starts they can to satisfy their unending craving for has gone on record that he would have pre- gay actor Jonathan Groff); his drug-addled to remember his past. How’s that for a short attention and illicit pleasures. They seem to ferred a new character of the queer persuasion, best friend Augustin (Frankie J. Alvarez); and synopsis? Damon reunites with director Paul have been hermetically sealed, a bit longer in Simon Pegg, who co-wrote the screenplay (and Dom (Murray Bartlett), the muscular, bearish Greenglass for what promises to be an action- the tooth, a bit wider (“I think I am now offi- returns as crewmember Scotty), respectfully elder statesman of the trio. packed thriller that will find Damon’s Bourne cially fatter sideways than I am front on,” Eddy disagrees. Either way, I’m more psyched now Haigh’s naturalistic approach—which found outsmarting the entire CIA and, no doubt, ev- whines mournfully) but just as outrageously than ever to go Trekking. critical favor in his sublime gay romantic film eryone he encounters. self-centered. Editor’s note: Read an interview with Saun- Weekend—caught the fancy of many view- The plot focuses on the accidental drowning ders and Lumley on page 20. ers (this one included) but bored many more by Eddy of supermodel Kate Moss in the Thames.

Hounded by the paparazzi and the authorities, Kitty lives the divine duo, with Eddy’s granddaughter Lola way) and RuPaul Charles (RuPaul’s Drag Race) James Solomon’s documentary The Witness in tow, head to the French Riviera in search of ‘Transparent,’ The trans series Her Story received a nomi- focuses on the horrific 1964 incident in which one of Patsy’s old loves, a rich roue she hopes nation for Outstanding Short Form Comedy 28-year-old Kitty Genovese was stabbed to ‘Her Story,’ RuPaul to ensnare in exchange for financial security or Drama Series Her Story is co-written by death outside a Queens, New York, apartment for the both of them. When that doesn’t work, Jen Richards (I Am Cait) and Laura Zak building while 38 witnesses sat by and did among Emmy nods Patsy dresses in man drag and weds one of the The 68th annual Primetime Emmy Award (#Hashtag), is directed by Sydney Freeland nothing. But were there really 38 witnesses? world’s wealthiest women. Naturally, the cops nominations were announced July 14, with (Drunktown’s Finest), with cinematogra- Was the New York Times story reporting that and the press are hot on their trail amidst all a diverse list of nods that included Transpar- phy by Berenice Eveno. Executive-produced number and other details, taken as fact and these shenanigans. Director Mandie Fletcher, ent, RuPaul’s Drag Race and Modern Family— by Eve Ensler and produced by Katherine embroidered into our culture ever since, entire- who helmed the most recent AbFab incarna- as well as Her Story, a web series that looks Fisher, Her Story features predominantly ly accurate? Kitty’s young brother Bill, a child tions and has overseen years of British comedy at the lives of trans women. LGBTQ women, on and off screen. As the at the time, has admittedly never found clo- television, keeps things moving at a brisk pace. Some of the nominations are as follows: series notes, “Her Story is about two trans sure and digs deep into the story, determined Saunders, who created and wrote the TV —Outstanding Drama Series: The Ameri- women in Los Angeles who have given up to bring to light not only a more complex ver- show, has also penned the film script, toss- cans, Better Call Saul, Downton Abbey, Game on love, when suddenly chance encounters sion of what happened, but also to free his ing in cameos for everyone from Jon Hamm to of Thrones, Homeland, House of Cards and give them hope.” Among the actors in the sister from her identity as just a victim of a Rebel Wilson to Dame Edna to Graham Norton Mr. Robot IndieGoGo-funded production are Richards, terrible crime. to Joan Collins—more than 60 celebs in all. All —Outstanding Comedy Series: black-ish, Angelica Ross and Fawzia Mirza. (A Windy This he does. As Bill tracks down surviv- the favorite characters from the show—Edina’s Master of None, Modern Family, Silicon Val- City Times profile of the production is at ing witnesses and pieces together other for- conservative daughter Saffy, her ex-husband ley, Transparent, Veep and Unbreakable Kim- http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/ gotten details of the crime, the lively, feisty Marshall (who has now gone trans), Eddy’s dim- my Schmidt Web-series-aims-to-tell-realistic-trans-expe- young woman—a lesbian—that was his sister witted assistant Bubble, her dotty but insight- —Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Se- riences/54013.html.) Kitty, fairly leaps off the screen through vivid ful mother, and Patsy’s speed-talking fashion ries: Keri Russell (The Americans), Taraji P. TheWrap said that notable snubs included memories (including those of her girlfriend), editor Magda—are all back and garner their Henson (Empire), Claire Danes (Homeland), Girls and The Good Wife while shows receiv- rare photographs and brief vintage footage. share of the laughs. (One of my favorite scenes Robin Wright (House of Cards), Viola Davis ing their first nominations included The The result is both a loving homage and a truly takes place in a drag queen-packed lesbian bar (How to Get Away with Murder) and Tatiana Americans and Master of None. Also, despite thought-provoking redress of history. The film where Saffy (the ever-patient Julia Sawalha) Maslany (Orphan Black) winning Best Supporting Actress two years plays at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. sings a mournful karaoke version of Janis Ian’s —Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy in a row, Orange Is the New Black star Uzo State St., beginning Friday, July 22. http:// “At Seventeen.”) Several new characters— Series: Anthony Anderson (black-ish), Will Aduba was not nominated in 2016. www.siskelfilmcenter.org/thewitness Eddy’s uber-gay hairstylist (a very funny Chris Forte (The Last Man on Earth), Aziz Ansari Beyonce’s Lemonade was nominated for

Colfer) and the aforementioned granddaughter (Master of None), William H. Macy (Shame- Outstanding Variety Special and got three Upcoming movie calendar (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness)—have been less), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) other nominations, including Beyonce her- Highlights from films (alphabetized by date) added to the line-up, bringing new laughs. and Jeffrey Tambor (Transparent) self for directing. Orange Is the New Black opening in Chicago, July 22 and 29 (with some Best of all, of course, are those two incorri- —Outstanding Reality-Competition Pro- only received one nomination, for Outstand- descriptions coming from studio press materi- gibles Edina and Patsy—as endearingly, hilari- gram: The Amazing Race, Amazing Ninja War- ing Casting for a Drama Series. als): ously awful as ever. rior, Dancing with the Stars, Project Runway, Game of Thrones had the most nominations —Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (July Top Chef and The Voice with 23, followed by People v. O.J.’s 22. HBO 22): See details above. Sulu is gay! —Outstanding Host for A Reality or Reality- led all networks with 94 nods. —Café Society (July 22): The latest from The Star Trek movie franchise reboot returns Competition Program: Ryan Seacrest (Ameri- The 2016 Emmy Awards airs on ABC Sun- Woody Allen, set in New York in the ‘30s, stars with Star Trek Beyond, a third edition that can Idol), Tom Bergeron (Dancing with the day, Sept. 18, with Jimmy Kimmel returning Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively, looks to be pretty darn snazzy. (The film wasn’t Stars), Jane Lynch (Hollywood Game Night), to host, having last performed the duty in Steve Carell and Corey Stoll. screened in time for WCT deadlines.) Captain Steve Harvey (Little Big Shots starring Steve 2012. For more information, see Emmys.com. —Equals (July 22): Two Kristen Stewart Kirk (Chris Pine) and his logical No. 2 Spock Harvey), Heidi Klum/Tim Gunn (Project Run- movies in one week! In this one, Nia (Kristen WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 17 PROFILE going to look at mental health issues within the African-American community, guns [access] and domestic violence. I’ve started doing this research, attending conferences and Rita Adair talks doing public speaking and what I’ve learned is this is very common unfortunately. There aren’t enough services for the family members of activism, upcoming those who’ve killed other people. Those families are judged and not given any support. It’s hard when an adult child of yours does something wrong. No matter how adult your child is, book, social work others judge the parents.” Adair noted that when she completes her By Carrie Maxwell raine, came out in the ‘70s as transgender and book she doesn’t know where she’ll land; how- took the name Larry it was no big deal to any- ever, Chicago is still in the running. She said When Rita Adair moved to Chicago five years one in her family. Chicago gets a bad rap due to gun violence and ago, she’d already made a name for herself as Even though Adair knew about Larry when the politics of City Hall, but she doesn’t see the an activist and social worker in her hometown, she was in elementary school, she was still in- city that way. Madison, Wisconsin. Adair currently lives in fluenced by the Black Baptist church she at- “The truth is Chicago is a vibrant, diverse, the Edgewater neighborhood; however, she’ll tended. incredible place to live,” said Adair. “I wish be leaving the city at the end of the month to “I got a clear message from church: I’d go people would discover Chicago the way I have, travel and write a book. to hell if I was a lesbian,” said Adair. “I didn’t especially what the LGBTQ community has to Born in 1955 to a white Norweigan mom want to go to hell so I did what I was sup- offer.” who was a professional costumer and an Afri- posed to do which was get married to a man In terms of what she does for fun, Adair was can-American dad from the South, Adair—the and have children. It wasn’t until I was 45 and a professional background vocalist off and on middle child among six siblings—spent her two times divorced that I was able to live my for 30 years. She also loves attending spoken- childhood living in a variety of places, attend- life authentically. Actually my mom told me I Rita Adair. word events, does interior design, spends time ing many schools in both the United States was a lesbian. I’ll never forget that day. She Photo courtesy of Adair outdoors and swims. (She was a swimmer at and Canada due to her stepdad’s—Sailor Art asked me when I was going to stop this (want- the 1967 Youth Olympics in Montreal, Canada.) Thomas’—career as a professional wrestler with ing a man) and admit I was a lesbian. Her ac- that, I wasn’t able to do my work the same Recently, Adair and her best friend went skylin- the WWE. (He was named Mr. Black Adonis in ceptance made me know it was okay to be a way, so that’s why I decided to retire. When ing in the Wisconsin Dells and she’s planning 1973.) lesbian and live my life.” anyone was talking about what he did, they on going race-car driving and jet skiing next. As Adair entered high school, her family set- Adair had two children and adopted her always began it by referencing me because I As for what Adair wants to convey to the tled in Madison, where she attended Madison youngest daughter—Tyrone Adair (deceased), was a well-known member of the community. I world, she said, “Sometimes I think it’s easy for East High School. She didn’t graduate but later Raven Adair and Brandi Grayson. She has six wasn’t treated badly. The people were actually us to have passion but the hard part is to take went back and got a high school equivalency grandchildren (two deceased) and two great- very kind to me but it was really hard to stay action. It’s important to light the match and I diploma. Adair studied social work at the Uni- granddaughters. Grayson followed in her mom’s in Madison.” mean that in a good way. We can’t keep sitting versity of Wisconsin at Madison for a while but footsteps and founded Young Gifted and Black, Although Adair loves Chicago and what she’s back and wallowing in our emotions. There are didn’t complete her studies, as she was also is the chair of #BlackLivesMatter Madison and done here, she explained that the reason why many things that need to be addressed and we working full time as a single parent. continues to teach, protest/march and speak she’s decided to put her stuff in storage and all have to get involved.” “The state of Wisconsin tested and licensed locally and across the country. travel is so she can focus on the book she’s To join WACT, visit https://www.facebook. me as a social worker/counselor without com- “When I had my first relationship with a writing about her life with Tyrone. com/groups/152344554812622/. More info pleting my degree because of my many years of woman, we moved in together right away,” said “I want to learn more about familicide so about Lez In Color is at https://www.face- social work experience,” said Adair. Adair. “It was the classic U-Haul lesbian joke. I can educate people,” said Adair. “I’m also book.com/groups/LezInColor/. In addition to being a foster parent to 23 I didn’t want my grown kids to know because teenage girls over a period of 17 years, Adair I still wasn’t sure what I was doing. After a spent the bulk of her working life as a social few months, my son and I were in the car and worker for Dane County in Wisconsin. She he said to me, ‘Mom, you still think you have worked in the Dane County District Attorney’s to earn my respect?’ and I said, ‘What did you Office for 16 years in many roles—the Coor- just say?’ and we looked at each other and I CULTURECULTURE CLUBCLUB dinator for the Dane County Prostitution Proj- said, ‘You’re talking about Tina’ and he said, ect, Community Service Coordinator and Intake ‘Yes, mom—why did you think you couldn’t tell Counselor as well as facilitating domestic vio- me?’ He told me that he got together with his lence classes and teaching criminology. sisters and they decided he would be the one “I spent most of my time at the district at- to talk to me. My kids are fine with me being torney’s office dealing with domestic violence a lesbian.” and sensitive crime cases,” said Adair. “I got When Adair retired, she’d already made Chi- tired of being in the office and meeting people cago her second home, having traveled to the after they committed a crime. I decided I want- city to hang out with the Black lesbian com- ed to work in the community, so I took a job as munity here. She went to parties and joined the Community Social Worker with Dane County groups ahead of her move; when she arrived Human Services. I did that for 13 years before she dove right in and got involved on the plan- I retired in 2011.” ning committee of Women of All Colors To- While working for the county, Adair also gether, also known as Women of All Cultures owned an upscale LGBTQ blues-and-jazz club in Together (WACT). Adair also volunteered at the Madison called Adair’s Lounge. Center on Halsted’s front desk. Adair not only helped those in her commu- Until recently, Adair was also the co-chair, nity by raising millions of dollars for various alongside Toi Williams, of Affinity Community agencies, developing programs and changing Services’ Trail Blazers committee. She also cre- neighborhoods for the better; she took her ac- ated Adair Entertainment and started the 2nd tivism national. She was the co-organizer of Sunday Parties for queer women who don’t real- the 34 Black women contingent from Madison ly like the nighttime bar scene; Adair also cre- to the 1997 Million Woman March in Philadel- ated/managed two profession lesbian lip-sync phia and spearheaded the resettlement of 30 groups—Style & Swagg and Seduction—as people to Madison following Hurricane Katrina. well as a Facebook page, LezInColor, on which Adair raised $155,000 in the first 24 hours af- queer women can let people know what’s going ter the hurricane hit and continued to fund- on across the country. raise after that. “WACT is pretty informal and has an active “My mom was a Freedom Rider,” said Adair. membership of about 60 people who show up “I come from a long line of activist work so to our first Sunday of the month pot lucks held it didn’t surprise me that I became an activist at members’ houses,” said Adair. “As for Affin- myself. In 2005, I was voted the most news- ity, we did some groundbreaking work includ- worthy person in Dane County and was honored ing events and raising money.” by the state of Wisconsin (certificate of com- Other than finding a larger, more diverse mendation), the Wisconsin Legislative Black queer woman community, the underlying rea- Caucus (citation by assembly), and the Madi- son for Adair’s move from Madison to Chicago son Police Department and Dane County Execu- is because of what happened with her son Ty- tive for my community work.” rone and his family. Adair noted that her family is accepting of “In December 2009, Tyrone committed people’s differences because of her parents’ familicide,” said Adair. “He shot and killed his status as a biracial couple. She explained that two daughters (my grandchildren) and each when her mom’s best childhood friend, Lor- of their moms. He also killed himself; after 18 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES

LondonHouse the DISH salad (left) and Weekly Dining Guide in the view from WINDY CITY TIMES LondonHouse Chicago’s rooftop bar. SAVOR Nicholas James LondonHouse Photography Chicago’s imaginative cocktails and culinary fare, while six to 12 guests. See https://londonhouse.tock- sage. The cold smoked salmon tartare (which has rooftop bar there’s an outdoor terrace on LH on 22, which tix.com/#/home#tickets.) a knockout smoky presentation) was fantastic, as has one of the most expansive views in the city. It says a lot that one can go to the rooftop bar was the rye berry risotto. BY ANDREW DAVIS Exclusive in-dome dining awaits at the exclusive on a rainy day and still be impressed with the And don’t forget the drinks: I had a frothy con- LH on 23. (Also, it was interesting how people view. Although the visit on LH on 22’s terrace coction called Peach Treats that was absolutely LondonHouse Chicago’s rooftop bar (85 E. Up- made themselves at home at LH on 21; it seemed was brief during a recent stormy evening, I could divine, and there’s an extensive list of wines and per Wacker Dr.; LondonHouseChicago.com) is at all that was missing were pajamas—not a criti- still see that the view atop Michigan Avenue and cocktails. the center of a lot of buzz these days—and one cism, but merely an observation.) Wacker Drive was absolutely breathtaking. The only (off-site) complaint is that clicking of the reasons becomes obvious when going to (By the way, there are different packages As for the food, the quality is pretty high (al- on the menus on the website kept taking me the dining establishment, as it’s the only tri- available through Aug. 31 on LH on 23’s cupola, though the quantities of dishes vary). Chef de back to the hotel’s homepage—well, that, and level rooftop venue in Chicago, as it’s on the although some are a bit pricey: For example, the cuisine Jacob Verstegen’s grilled lamb (with cu- that I didn’t stay long enough: This rooftop bar 21st, 22nd and 23rd floors of the LondonHouse proposal experience in the cupola is $500 per cumber yogurt and marinated cucumber noodles) is wonderfully impressive. hotel (called, respectively, LH on 21, 22 and 23). person [two to three guests] and the LH on 22 was fall-off-the-bone great while the addictive LH on 21 houses an indoor bar with some tasting table experience is $180 per person for cheese bread rolls also contained andouille sau-

TOUCHE THE SOFO TAP Fetching images from the Mr. Midwest Rubber 2016 contest, Sat., July 16. OTTER: Gotta catch ‘em all! Sat., July 16. Photos by Kirk Williamson Photos by Kirk Williamson

SIDETRACK Oh, Bey-hive! All Things Beyonce, Wed., July 13. Photos by Jed Dulanas WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 19 Billy Masters

“I think that it is a project that is misconceived and (sadly for the players) badly cast. The producer and director seem to have missed the point entirely.”—Richard O’Brien, writer of The Rocky Horror (Picture) Show (and the original Riff Raff), gives his opinion on the FOX remake starring Laverne Cox as a “sweet transvestite.” Many of my older readers never thought they’d see a drag queen with a TV show—with the ex- Robert Sepulveda Jr. will be the belle of the ception of Milton Berle and Benny Hill. A more ball on a gay Bachelor-type show. recent generation thought it’d seen it all when Facebook photo RuPaul got a show—in fact, most of the Logo network centers around RuPaul. How do you top the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. That last bit was that? By making history with an Emmy nomina- when the Ahmanson Theatre hosted the national tion as Outstanding Host for a Reality or Real- tour of Grey Gardens starring Rachel York and ity Competition Program. Not only did Ru get a Betty Buckley. The highlight of the evening nomination—she was nominated alongside Jane happened before the show even started. As the Lynch (Hollywood Game Night), Tom Bergeron lights dimmed, in scurried Angela Lansbury— (Dancing with the Stars), Ryan Seacrest (Ameri- well, as much as a 90-year-old can scurry! Some can Idol), Steve Harvey (Little Big Shots), and people noticed and applauded, but then the pre- Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum (Project Runway)— show announcement was made. You know—the officially making it the gayest category in Emmy one about no taking of photos, silencing your history. RuPaul, who once notably said, “I’d cell phones, unwrapping your candy. Except the rather have an enema than have an Emmy,” is person making the announcement was Angela likely a long shot. But it’s an honor just to be Lansbury—who starred in Blithe Spirit in the nominated. “I dedicate this Emmy nomination to same theatre last year. After the pre-recorded outsiders everywhere,—brave souls who stick to speech ended, the audience started applauding. I their dreams and make the world a more color- said, “Wouldn’t it be great if ... wait—she’s up!” ful place,” RuPaul said. I think she just said the Yes, Lansbury got out of her seat, bowed and got Emmy should go to Tim Gunn! a standing ovation! It was certainly a special mo- Elsewhere on Logo, Lance Bass is helping a ment (that we caught on camera, of course). male supermodel find love—’cause he’s a giver. Sometimes those of us in the media use the The network is touting Finding Prince Charming power of the press to persuade producers. I as the “first-ever gay dating show”—obviously can think of two instances where I wrote about forgetting James Getzlaff and Boy Meets Boy something hoping to make it happen—and in from Bravo in 2003. OK, so that show did have both cases, I was successful (and, no, I will not the unfortunate twist of sprinkling some straight tell you the details). But sometimes such at- suitors into the mix ... just to make it icky. Be tempts are ludicrous, such as a recent item by that as it may, we hear that Logo encouraged its our sister-in-gossip, Cindy Adams—you know, 20 prospective beaus to amp up the drama and the one with that bun on her head. I think her cattiness while filming in an LA-area estate. I’ll bun was on a little too tight when she said that be interested to see how many of the hunks hook Carol Channing had been approached to fill in up with each other—something ABC’s “Bachelor” for Bette Midler during matinees of the upcom- franchise rarely has to worry about. ing Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly! In Adams’ Regarding the guy handing out the roses (or defense, she did say that it was an improbable 1 Month whatever a gay bachelor hands out—PrEP, per- rumor and one that the producer and publicist haps?), Robert Sepulveda Jr. has been described had denied. And then Carol Channing spoke out: FREE as “an interior designer with Puerto Rican roots “At no point has the topic of my filling in on with promo code: who now lives in Atlanta.” But regardless of what matinees been discussed, with either the produc- the network says, this isn’t the 33-year-old’s first tion company or with Bette. In fact, I find the WCT attempt at finding love on camera. Way back in very suggestion to be an insult to Bette.” THAT’S 2011, he was cast on Bravo’s Most Eligible New the ludicrous part? That Bette would need some- York—a show I don’t believe ever aired. Around one to fill in at matinees? Because the idea of that time, he was romantically linked with Marc the 95-year-old Channing playing Dolly again is Jacobs. When asked about their relationship, he so plausible (but I’d LOVE to see it). said, “We are friends, and I don’t really want to Christopher Meloni certainly doesn’t mind at- comment any further”—so I guess they were an tention from the gays. One fan recently Tweeted, item. “@Chris_Meloni: I finished the Oz series two Not surprisingly, Robert also has an exten- days and I’m depressed about it (especially with sive modeling portfolio in which he’s featured the end of your character). how to handle?” Mel- wearing as little clothing as possible. He’s 6’2,” oni accommodatingly responded thusly: “Take a 195 pounds, has a 42-inch chest and a 30-inch shower and pretend I’ll be joining u” To help get waist—or at least he had a 30-inch waist once. you in the mood, we’ll show you every inch of As for that all-important measurement, he’s him in the shower on our website. a 10—in footwear, silly! He also occasionally When RuPaul’s dreaming of an enema, it’s defi- throws some blond highlights into his luscious nitely time to end yet another column. You can salt-and-pepper locks ... but who am I to judge? get an expanded version of this column—with Your place or mine? He also appears to be circumcised, as you’ll see photos—at www.BillyMasters.com—the site that on BillyMasters.com. always goes deep. Although we didn’t have room The mobile hookup site for gay and bi men L.A. may slow down in the summer, but it for an “Ask Billy” question, you can always send sure ain’t boring. This past week, we had the your queries to me at [email protected], Dreamgirls reunion (with exclusive and exten- and I promise to get back to you before Meloni sive footage on BillyMasters.com), Diana Ross passes me the soap! So, until next time, remem- at the Hollywood Bowl, and Broadway royalty at ber: One man’s filth is another man’s bible.

*Offer expires 31st December 2016

Visit Squirt.org on your mobile to hookup today 20 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Jennifer Saunders (left) and Joanna Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. Image from Fox Searchlight

MOVIES Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley: The ‘sweetie darlings’ of ‘Ab Fab’ talk

By Richard Knight, Jr. probably get away with it. After all, she’s only of a man in the café as you pass by. Can you cross-section back when it wasn’t really that trying to attract a 90-year-old person who talk about the difficulty of doing your stunts PC to do it. So, thank you for that. Those sweetie darlings—the appallingly self- can’t see. in your fabulous frocks? JS: Oh, it’s been our pleasure, actually. We centered, hard-partying PR maven Edina “Eddy” Q: I’m still a little bit confused about JL: We insisted on doing our own stunts. owe the gay community a huge deal, too, be- Monsoon (played by Jennifer Saunders) and her Patsy’s gender, so I— Obviously, it’s a reach from a car traveling at cause they’ve helped make the show popular, constant gal pal, the blonde beehived man- JL: You’re confused? almost three miles an hour to take a cigarette and we love having them as fans. trapping, chain-smoking sometime fashion Q: Patsy does some very mild cross-dress- off a completely supine man. It was a bit chal- Q: Your gay fans have always adored both editor Patsy (played by Joanna Lumley)—are ing in the movie, and it’s hinted she was lenging. I managed it. Jennifer, would you like of you. I was just wondering why each of you back. once a man. I was wondering: Is she a trans- to add something about how you managed to think you’ve connected so deeply with the These iconic characters, first seen in the hit gender person who was born male and tran- get on the scooter to go— LGBT community because you have. Britcom Absolutely Fabulous that Saunders cre- sitioned to female? If so, was that always JS: Yes. I’d never been on a scooter before, JL: I think, from Patsy’s point of view, she’s ated and wrote, were sensations on both sides the intention, or is that a recent thing in and they wouldn’t let me wear a helmet. I was very easy to copy if you’re a boy and want to of the Atlantic from the get-go. Beloved from the movie? very, very brave. It’s almost the most exercise dress up as Patsy because Patsy’s quite tall. You the start by the gay community, AbFab mania JL: Patsy was born a girl and was a woman, I’ve ever done. just want to get your good, yellow wig on. Lots reached a fever pitch in the early ‘90s, when but she took some hormones in the ‘60s be- Q: Do you want to talk about your cos- of lovely, red lips. Most men have very good the show was at its height. Although the pair cause she fancied being a man, and then went tumes, though? legs—much better than mine—so men’s beau- have been occasionally glimpsed in the ensu- down with Edina, her best friend, to Morocco JS: Patsy, cool as ever. Edina, well… tiful legs showing in good stockings. Nice pair ing years, not much has been heard from Pats and had a very poor operation, and it withered JL: Well, Edina is always over-ambitious, a high heels. Glass of champers. Cigarette on and Eddy since the mid-’90s. away and dropped off after a year. should we say, with her costume. She always the go. Dark shades on. You’re there. All that is about to change with the impend- So, she stopped taking the hormones, shaved thinks she’s going to be really thin by tomor- JS: I think as far as the characters go, they ing release of Absolutely Fabulous: The Mov- a bit and went back to being a woman. She was row and never is so is squeezed into some ap- live for each other, and they live a life they ie. Saunders and Lumley are most definitely a man again. palling outfits. don’t apologize for. They don’t need men. They back—as are the rest of the show’s familiar JS: It’s always been just something to play Q: She looks fabulous. don’t need a relationship in order to have fun characters, along with a batch of new ones— within the kind of Euro-trash idea, too, I think. JS: Thank you. Thank you. and get on in the world. and are as over-the-top as ever. JL: She thinks by combing her hair back and Q: I want to know. How did this current Q: All the drugs and the drinking and Saunders again took on writing chores in putting on a very bad false mustache. And move toward political correctness in pop cul- the facial injections and all of that really addition to playing Eddy while Lumley, who [she] keeps the mustache on even when she’s ture affect your writing of the screenplay? resonated with the hard-partying, 1990s makes 70 look enviable, hams it up as the nas- blatantly wearing women’s clothing. I don’t JS: Quite a bit, to be honest, only because gay male crowd, many of whom have toned ty but delightful Patsy. The wacky plot revolves think they care. That’s the truth. As it turns people are much more ready to be offended it down in the meantime. I was wondering around this horrifically funny duo fleeing to out, nor does the woman that she’s marrying. these days. Also, if you write a movie, you have whether you were concerned at all, when France after Eddy accidentally knocks super JS: I think it’s about it doesn’t matter. Be a raft of lawyers telling you who you can offend writing this, if that wouldn’t resonate with model Kate Moss off a balcony and into the who you can be and want to be. and who you can’t offend, and who’s going to today’s LGBT crowd. Thames. Q: I loved all the celeb cameos in the film. sue you and who won’t. So, it was quite an is- JS: Do you know, when you write it, I write it Windy City Times participated in a telecon- Was there somebody you wanted who you sue, I have to say. to amuse Joanna, really. I think if you wrote it ference with the two stars from their home didn’t get—Anna Wintour, perhaps, or Kate Q: I’d like to know which celebrity you with too many people, too many audiences in base in London during Pride weekend. Bush? would like to kill in real life. mind, you’d die of the pressure. I just basically Q: Happy Gay Pride from Chicago, ladies. JS: No. I mean, to be honest, no because you JS: I would never kill anyone, but I’d quite write what I think will be funny, and what I Jennifer Saunders: Thank you. always end up with the people who are avail- like to slap Donald Trump. wanted is if people could see this film, and not Joanna Lumley: Oh, we love Chicago. able on the day and who you love and who you Q: So, Ab Fab is unique in a lot of ways have known the series and still enjoy it, but Q: Joanna, you announced recently that know and who are easygoing and happy. I don’t for me because it was a show about women, that it would also satisfy people that knew the Patsy has gone transgender. Will Edina be think we ever—we just said, “Look, we’re hav- written by women. Has the environment series extremely well. far behind? ing a party. Will you come and be in it?” Lots of changed very much for women as far as the Q: I want to know if you guys are friends JS: She’s always far behind. people turned up and were incredibly generous. television world goes? outside the movie. JL: Patsy’s been a man before. Patsy was Q: How do you update the characters from JS: I don’t think it has, actually. It makes me JS: We are friends. We’re very good friends. a man in series two. We had a flashback to the end of the series to the movie? Does a bit sad that, if anything, that people seem to JL: We’ve known each other now for 25 years, the ‘60s, [when] she had a mustache and was the time— want to go back to an old model of normality, and we know each other very well. dressed in a Sgt. Pepper coat to be like a Bea- JS: Well, we just get older. It so happens. and sitcoms seem to want to be about ordinary Q: Do you think there’s going to be a se- tle. Edina gets older and fatter, and actually Patsy families and things that aren’t very interesting. quel? JL: This time she didn’t bother to go the doesn’t change at all. She’s just sort of em- I just think it’s a bit sad. It’s a shame that life JS: Well, Joanna keeps telling me there’s go- whole hog and take the hormones and have balmed and remains exactly the same. is still depicted in a very straight way, I think. ing to be a sequel, so there’s going to be a something stitched on. Through her experi- Q: You have an exciting low-speed chase in Q: Yes, it is interesting to me. It’s one of sequel. [Laughs] ence, she’s knows that they drop off after a the film. Jennifer, you have to exercise from the other things that I always find so strik- http://www.foxsearchlight.com/absolute- year, so this time she just glued a mustache on your front door to your car door and Joanna, ing about the show, too, is you involved gay lyfabulous/ and put her hair back and thought she could you have to grab a cigarette from the mouth characters and trans characters and a broad WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 21

Floor Gallery. Matthew Adamczyk - 3rd products will benefit Pride Action Tank be joined by mentor Steve Abrams and COMMUNITY Floor Gallery. $5 suggested donation at and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. CQAMP Program Director Joseph Va- the door. 7:00pm - 9:00pm Center Free. RSVP online 5:00pm - 6:00pm risco for a conversation with audience. on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago North End 3733 N Halsted St Chicago 7:00pm - 8:00pm Center on Halsted CALENDAR http://www.centeronhalsted.org/new- Tickets: http://events.aidschicago.org/ 3656 N Halsted Chicago https://www. events-details.cfm?ID=11305 site/R?i=zW9Vi19uu330VnnujNzV5g centeronhalsted.org/newevents-details. Author Lauren Weisberger, author Pride Action Tank fundraiser Celebrate cfm?ID=12211 Thursday, July 21 of The Devil Wears Prada New York the 10th anniversary of Gay Games Double-Dutch: An Exhibition by Sam Times Bestselling Author debuting her VII, which was held in Chicago July Tuesday, July 26 Kirk Tunes by DJ Demchuk. Drinks by new book The Singles Game, sexy and 15-22, 2006. Gay Games VII attracted Author Reading: Amy Rose Spiegel, Arbor. Kirk shares her experience bounc- wickedly entertaining novel about nearly 12,000 athletes from 70 coun- ACTION: A BOOK ABOUT SEX ACTION ing between Chicago and Brooklyn, the world of tennis. Talk, Q&A, sign- tries, with the opening ceremony at interweaves Spiegel’s own sexual auto- self-funding her own “residency” with ing. 7:00pm Anderson’s at Hollywood Soldier Field and closing ceremony at biography with sex-positive advice on a second studio and home in Brook- Palms, 532 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL Wrigley Field. Percentage of the sales of one-night stands, relationships, and ev- lyn to immerse herself in culture, fall http://books.simonandschuster.com/ MillerCoors products will benefit Pride erything in between. 7:00pm Women in love, and explore the layers of her The-Singles-Game/Lauren-Weisberg- Action Tank and the AIDS Foundation & Children First Bookstore 5233 N Clark multiracial and queer identity. Through er/9781476778211 of Chicago. Free. RSVP online 5:00pm St Chicago (773) 769-9299 http:// Aug. 30 7:00pm - 10:00pm IPaint- Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play - 8:00pm North End 3733 N. Hal- www.womenandchildrenfirst.com/ MyMind Gallery 2545 W Diversey, Chi- New cast has all-new sketch comedy and sted St.; https://www.facebook.com/ event/author-reading-amy-rose-spie- cago https://www.facebook.com/ games. In between audience members events/261200290917350/. gel-action-book-about-sex events/978885732195617/ ‘DUTCH’ TREAT can play Game of Neighborhoods. $15 Chicago Bound: The Great Migration of Chicago Michfest Gathering, free Toshi Thursday, July 21 table seats cost $20. 21+ 8:00pm The the Blues A Chicago Park District Night Thursday, July 28 Reagon Show With the Heritage Blues Public House Theatre 3914 N. Clark St. Out in the Parks presentation. Narrated Lollapalooza 25 Grant Park 337 E. Ran- Orchestra 5:00pm Pritzker Pavil- IPaintMyMind Gallery will Chicago http://thepubtheatre.com/ by Cheryl Corley. Lucy Smith’s Autumn dolph St Chicago. See Lollapalooza.com. ion Millennium Pk 201 E Randolph St show/bye-bye-liver-2/2015-12-04/ in Augusta. Lucy, vocals. Ernie Adams, Lambda Women & Wine: a pop-up event Chicago https://www.facebook.com/ show “Double-Dutch: An Exhibition by Sam Kirk.” drums. Runere Brooks, bass. Marcin Fah- for LBTQ women Women’s Council of events/1529562137349458/ Saturday, July 23 my, keys. Donovan Mixon, guitar. Free Lambda Legal’s third pop-up event. Free Out & Equal Citywide Pride Event Fea- Photo of Kirk courtesy Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance 5:00pm Taylor Park, 39 W. 47th Street and open to all LBTQ women 5:30pm turing LGBT Chamber of Commerce of the artist (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about (at Federal) 312-747-6728 http:// Joie De Vine 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. Learn about the work of the LGBT illnesses, symptoms, treatment, doc- www.lucysmithjazz.com Chicago Chamber, members, how companies can tors, and personal issues such as dating, Author Reading: James Magruder Love engage with LGBT-owned businesses, http://she100.org relationships and work. Every Saturday. Sunday, July 24 Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall 7:30pm about the unique challenges faced by Textual Empowerment: Lesbian Publish- 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on Halsted aChurch4Me Sunday Worship Service A Women & Children First Bookstore 5233 LGBT businesses in engaging companies ing in the 1970s and 1980s The 1970s 3656 N Halsted St., http://dbsa-glbt- place to find peace, comfort and always N Clark St Chicago (773) 769-9299 and how LGBT Business Resource Groups and 1980s was a period of initial devel- chicago.com needed prayer. 11:00am AChurch4Me http://www.womenandchildrenfirst. (BRGs) and/or Employee Resource opment and growth of lesbian publish- Puck and Grind benefits LBGT athletes MCC, 7366 N Clark St, Chicago http:// com/event/author-reading-james- Groups (ERGs) can connect with and ing with networks and collectives that Burlesque and hockey team up again to www.achurch4me.org magruder influence supplier diversity decisions taught running printing presses and create awareness for LBGT athletes and OUT and PROUD: A Rainbow Celebra- within their organizations. Register on- publishing practices, helping women benefit the You Can Play Project. Tour- Monday, July 25 tion benefit for The Center Orlando line. The event includes hors d’oeuvres take full control of the printing and nament is all-ages to attend but after Limelight Series: Who is Alexa Grae? Cabaret diva Melissa Young and Nick and refreshments. 5:30pm - 7:30pm distribution processes. Exhibit running party is 21+ 12:00pm Johnny’s Ice- An evening with multidisciplinary opera Sula takes audiences on a tour of the Charles Schwab 430 N. Michigan Ave., through September 2016. 6:00pm - House West, 2550 W Madison St., Chi- and movement-based queer performance gay rights movement through song and Chicago https://www.surveymonkey. 9:00pm Gerber Hart Library and Ar- cago http://www.puckandgrind.com artist ALEXA GRÆ, the inaugural partici- comedy. One night only benefit for The com/r/2016CWPChasSchwab chives 6500 N Clark St Chicago http:// 10th anniversary of Gay Games VII in pant of 2016’s Chicago Queer Arts Men- Center Orlando. Reservations online or She100 Proposal presentations. Ques- www.gerberhart.org Chicago Gay Games VII attracted nearly torship Program (CQAMP). Live perfor- by phone. 8:00pm Davenport’s Piano tions and proposals can be sent to 12,000 athletes from 70 countries, with mance of “Sur la nuit” combining French Bar and Cabaret 1383 N Milwaukee Ave [email protected]. 6:00pm Friday, July 22 Opening Ceremony at Soldier Field and opera and electronic soundscape in ad- Chicago 773-278-1830 http://Daven- - 8:00pm Groupon’s Corporate Head- LGBTQ Artists Gallery Opening: Kenny Closing Ceremony at Wrigley Field. A dition to a film preview of the|prince. portsPianoBar.com quarters, 600 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago Yip & Mathew Adaczyk Kenny Yip - 2nd percentage of the sales of MillerCoors Following performance ALEXA GRÆ will

‘Art AIDS America’ coming Dec. 1 Art AIDS America—a groundbreaking exhibi- the traveling exhibition exclusively for its Chi- tion that underscores the presence of HIV in cago presentation will be works by a variety art in this country—culminates its U.S. tour of other artists, among them major works by at the Alphawood Gallery, 2401 N. Halsted St., famed Chicago Imagist Roger Brown. Dec. 1-April 2, 2017. Racial and ethnic minorities have historically This temporary space has been created in a and presently not benefited from the same vis- former bank by the Chicago-based Alphawood ibility as white male artists in shaping the nar- Foundation to bring the exhibition to its only rative of the epidemic. The Chicago presenta- Midwest venue. tion of Art AIDS America will include additional This is the first exhibition to explore how works by artists, as well as programming, fo- the AIDS crisis forever changed American art. cused specifically on expanding the exhibi- Since the first reports of mysterious illnesses tion’s inclusivity. Related programming in the in the early 1980s, HIV and AIDS have touched form of panels, discussions and performances nearly every U.S. resident in some way. While will explore how the underlying issues of race, acknowledging and honoring the enormous an- politics, culture and institutional practice have ger, loss and grief generated by the epidemic, created barriers to more equitable representa- the exhibition refutes the narrative that AIDS tion. is only a tragic tangent in U.S. art. Instead, Admission to the exhibition will be free with Art AIDS America offers a story of resilience timed tickets; it opens on World AIDS Day. and beauty revealed through the visual arts, Prior to Chicago, Art AIDS America will have and of the communities that gathered to bring appeared at the Tacoma Art Museum in Wash- hope and change in the face of a devastating ington state, the Zuckerman Museum in subur- disease. ban Atlanta and the Bronx Museum of the Arts The Chicago presentation of Art AIDS in New York City. America will feature more than 100 signifi- Major support for the exhibition and cata- cant contemporary works in a wide range of logue has been provided by The Andy Warhol media—from oil on canvas and photography Foundation for the Visual Arts and The Paul G. to three-dimensional installations and video. Allen Family Foundation. Additional support The artists represented include Judy Chicago, for the U.S. tour was provided by the Leslie- Chloe Dzubilo, Karen Finley, Robert Gober, Fé- Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art and by lix González-Torres, Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer, Gilead Sciences. Derek Jackson, Kia Labeija, Annie Leibovitz, Tickets will be accessible this fall by visiting Tino Rodriguez’s Eternal Lovers (2010), one of the Art AIDS America exhibit items. Robert Mapplethorpe, Kiki Smith, Joey Terrill, ArtAIDSAmericaChicago.org. Photo from event website David Wojnarowicz and Martin Wong. Added to 22 July 20, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Bonded and insured. Chestnut Cleaning Ser- RELIGIOUS SERVICES vice: 312-332-5575. www.ChestnutClean- CLASSIFIEDS ing.com (11/23/16-52) ADVERTISE HERE ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your HELP WANTED ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRITS WANTED. Achieve product, service, etc. to thousands of readers? You Are Loved, Personal & Financial FREEDOM. 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No Cost or Family Owned & Operated Since 1965 Obligation (2/28/17-52) 24-Hour Emergency Service We Service ALL Makes & Models choral music. Prior to joining WCPA, • Residential • Service WCPA names new Esparza was the artistic director and conductor for International Voices • Commercial • Installation artistic director Houston, United Nations Association Windy City Performing Arts (WCPA) • Industrial • Sales International Chorus and World Voices has announced the selection and ap- Houston. Find us on Facebook at pointment of Dr. Eric Esparza as the ar- 847-729-7889 Esparza holds several degrees, includ- www.facebook.com/AAService tistic director of Windy City Gay Chorus www.AAServiceCo.com ing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in and Windy City Treble Quire. 550 Anthony Trail, Northbrook, IL choral conducting from Boston Univer- In addition to directing WCPA’s flag- sity. ship choruses, Esparza is the director of His debut performance will be at choral activities and vocal area coordi- Windy City Performing Arts’ holiday nator at DePaul University in Chicago. concert in early December. Visit Windy- He conducts the DePaul Chamber and CitySings.org. WCPA Artistic Director Dr. Eric Esparza. Concert choirs, and teaches courses in Robert T. Badesch Photo courtesy of the WCPA Tina Abramovitch Cory Blalock•Nicole McKinnon BOOK REVIEW tion. Thirty-two people died that night. Downs writes of a New Yorker with a “vi- William McSurley•Karen VanderMeer Stand by Me: sion” of a bookstore/gathering-place for LGBTQ Family Law • Divorce • Mediation “homophiles” to mingle and share ideas, Adoption • Paternity • Division of Property The Forgotten rather than their bodies. He explains how a soon-to-be-famous writer was relentless in • Custody • Children’s rights History of Gay his search for gay history in Nazi Germany. Child support and enforcement He examines how activism and gay politics • Maintenance • Domestic violence Liberation spurred the creation of gay newspapers, and by Jim Downs how LGBT publications affected “people of Post divorce enforcement and modification $27.99; Basic Books; 262 pages color” and domestic workers. Coming full- Grandparents and extended family rights REVIEW by TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER circle, he shows how gay churches and Pre-nuptial and post nuptial agreements newspapers supported gay men in prison. You had no idea. In any history, there’ll always be surpris- How could you know? No one ever told es, facts and tales that are forgotten or ig- you, nobody sat you down to explain what nored until someone finds and reveals them was what. You were blissfully unaware, kept anew. And that’s exactly what author Downs in the dark for far too long, but read Stand has done here in Stand by Me. by Me: The Forgotten History of Gay Libera- Starting with concern over what he per- tion, by Jim Downs, and you may see the ceived to be a simplistic premise for a docu- Family Law light on a few things. mentary, Downs moves on to a story that was Years ago, when he was a college student, largely ignored by nationwide news outlets, Downs spent evenings with his best friend then to activists and beginnings of an LGBT Donald B. Boyd, Jr. in a back room in the William Way Lesbian, covered was “the largest massacre of gay press. His narrative encompasses the years Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community people in American history.” (This was be- roughly prior to Stonewall through about • Pre-Marital Agreements • fore this year’s tragedy in Orlando, Florida.) the late 1970s, and it includes a number of Center in Philadelphia, poring through ar- LGBT Issues • Divorce/Wills/Trusts • Real Estate Closings It happened on June 23, 1973, in New coincidental connections that are nicely re- chives. Then, he had no idea of the value Custody Violation • Child Support of the old newspapers and articles he’d Orleans: A group of 120 gay, lesbian, and vealed. This book is informative, sometimes found—but after seeing a documentary on straight worshippers was holding a church horrifying, interesting and—unlike your old the 1970s and AIDS, he suddenly under- service on a Sunday night on the second high-school history books—ever dry. Free Initial Consultation stood. floor of a building in the French Quarter. Older LGBT readers may not see anything Bothered by conclusions drawn in the They were members of the Metropolitan new or shocking here, but younger gay men 708-848-1005 movie—specifically, what he felt was a Community Church, which had been estab- and lesbians will truly find some eye-open- 113 South Marion St., Ste. 100, Oak Park, Ill., 60302 focus on promiscuous sex—he returned to lished so that LGBT individuals had a safe, ers. If you don’t know what you don’t know, inclusive place to worship. On that night, Stand by Me will give you some ideas. Evening & Weekend the archives. It was there that he saw how Appointments Available much of LGBT history is unknown or misun- they were raising their voices in song when Want more? Look for A Queer History of Major Credit Cards Accepted derstood. His research led to this book. a still-unknown person threw flammable the United States, by Michael Bronski; or One of the more shocking things he dis- liquid on the stairs, trapping the congrega- The Gay Revolution: The Story of a Struggle, www.BoydDivorce.com by Lillian Faderman. WINDY CITY TIMES July 20, 2016 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS

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