force gears up for home opener WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 April 9, 2014 PAGE 25 vol 29, no. 28 TIMESwww.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Woman fights for right to ‘walk while trans’ By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer prostitute is a police officer.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona agreed that the Joanne On April 11, Monica Jones—a 29-year-old trans woman and law gives Phoenix police broad discretionary powers. Should, gurion’s student of the Arizona State University’s School of Social for example, a female tourist travel to the city for the Super viewpont Work—will enter the Municipal Court of Phoenix and fight for Bowl in 2015 wearing clothing that is appropriate for warm her constitutional right to be able to walk down a city street weather and if she attempts to hail a cab or wave to someone on gay son without being arrested on suspicion of prostitution. across the street or even ask a police officer for directions and page 10 Section 23-52 A of the Phoenix Municipal Code prohibits the that officer is of the opinion that she might be soliciting sex, “manifest[ation] [of] an intent to commit or solicit an act of she can be arrested. prostitution.” Essentially, the code states that if—in the opin- Jones has maintained that if that woman is transgender, the ion of a police officer—a person shows an intent to commit chances of arrest are heightened. If she is a trans woman of an act of prostitution, that person is guilty of a misdemeanor. color, she might as well bank on it. Such an opinion and subsequent arrest can be gauged on It is as a trans woman of color that Jones said she has come whether a person “beckons to or stops to engage passersby in under police scrutiny numerous times in Phoenix neighbor- conversation repeatedly” or “attempts to stop motor vehicles hoods, whether just talking to a friend or simply going shop- by hailing or waiving of arms or other bodily gesture” or that ping. The social work student is more than 6 feet in height and the person “inquires whether a potential patron, procurer or sticks out in a crowd. In May 2013, she had been part of a crowd at a rally protest- Right: Poster demanding an end to profiling trans women of ing a local initiative called Project Rose. color. Image from Micah Bizant Turn to page 6 SOUTHERN COMFORT gay former swimmer samuel ciochon now deals with real estate pagE 24

page 23 page 20 ALCC EXEC. DIR. ANN HILTON FISHER RETIRES pagE 9

Nashville-based singer/American Idol judge Keith Urban and Tennessee-raised local theater actress Amy Matheny (in the production Cicada) lend some Southern exposure to this week’s issue. PR photo of Urban; photo of Matheny by Joe Mazza/Brava Lux 2 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES Experience Aurora NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS HOMEOWNERSHIP EXPO CEO ousted; meningitis 4 Scottish Play Scott 13 Corporate pride event 5 Theater reviews 14 Saturday, April 12 • 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Trans woman’s fight 6 ‘Cicada’ interview: Amy Matheny 20 CWHC moves to Uptown 7 Chicagoan goes to Hollywood 21 Knight: Captain America, notes 22 South Side Stories; Project Fierce 8 Why is Aurora such a great place to live? Hilton Fisher, Crossroads events 9 American Idol’s Keith Urban 23 Ex-swimmer now in real estate 24 Ranked Top in Suburban Home Sales and named one of the Top 10 Mother’s viewpoint 10 Safest Mid-Sized Cities in America, Aurora provides reliable city Gay in the Life 11 prepares 25 services, scenic parks, and incredible homeownership opportunities VIEWS: Rudolph; letter 12 Dish: Leghorn Chicken’s chef 26 – just to name a few reasons! Books: The Summer I Wasn’t Me 30 Billy Masters 29 Learn so much more at the Experience Aurora Images on cover (left, from top): Chicago Ride for AIDS photo benefit 30 Homeownership Expo featuring: Force photo courtesy of Force; photo of • Down-payment assistance programs of up to $12,000 Joanna Gurion courtesy of Gurion; photo of OUTLINES for qualifying first-time homebuyers and those who have not Samuel Ciochon from Ciochon; photo of Ann Classifieds 26 purchased a home in the last three years! Hilton Fisher by Matt Simonette Calendar 28 • Trolley Tours of 10 magnificent houses in or near downtown Aurora! • An additional 20 Open Houses of beautiful homes

’S GAY, LESBIAN, F CHICAGO 85 THE VOICE O D TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 19 BI AN l 9, 2014 Apri 28 Go 29, no. ChiCa vol Ce WINDY CITY for rs up Gea Me for ho opener Group.com throughout Aurora! TIMESwww.WindyCityMedia

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rMer Gay fo er sWiMM saMuel W CioChon no l With rea deals to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. • Representatives that will estate PAGE 24

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The Chicago Architect John Latino Film SHOWER POWER Gidding sheds light Festival (marking Robin and Jason Delgatto are awaiting on various aspects its 30th year) is the birth of their baby girl—and had a of decorating—and running through shower at Sidetrack to celebrate. his personal life. Photo by Josh Thomas April 16. Photography Photo by Jerry Nunn THE NAME GAME Chef Yoshi Katsumura (of Yoshi’s Cafe) CONFERENCE CENTRAL has a Lake View intersection named after him.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Find out the latest about Deborah Harry, Bill Maher and Days of Our Lives. Several conferences took place last week, including Engendering Change, Amnesty International and the plus Midwest Political Science Association’s gathering. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo of Donnie Bierer, Andre Banks, Trian Alexander and Clare Byarugaba at Amnesty’s conference by Tracy Baim

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Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Anti-gay Mozilla CEO resigns after backlash Cultural Q’s Mozilla co-founder/CEO has re- licly called for Eich to step down, and three by FRANCESCA ROYSTER signed after he came under fire for donating to of the company’s six directors—Gary Kovacs, a campaign to ban gay marriage in California, John Lilly and Ellen Siminoff—left the board ABC News reported. in protest. Superfriends for the Struggle: The appointment of Proposition 8 supporter Eich (the inventor of JavaScript) actually co- Brendan Eich as CEO of Mozilla (the company founded Mozilla, but made headlines when it Mentors and Icons that makes the world’s second-most popular was reported he had donated $1,000 to sup- Internet desktop browser, ) provoked port California’s anti-gay Prop 8 in 2008, ac- On Sunday, March 23, The New York Times his teenage daughter that he’d had when dissent within the company’s ranks and on its cording to The New Civil Rights Movement. celebrated Gloria Steinem, who has just he was just a teenager, about his frustra- board of directors—and the larger tech world Other companies have taken action against turned 80. The Sunday Review section tions with the colleagues who seemed to responded as well, according to a Forbes ar- Mozilla. Communications firm FitzGibbon featured an icon of Steinem that took up pull rank with him—the only tenure-track ticle. Media—which represents many progressive the whole page, with her familiar cheek- junior faculty of color at that time. Alfred Then, in a statement on the Mozilla website, groups, including MoveOn.org, CREDO, NARAL bones and center-parted hair framing her had a long mustache, beautiful and white Executive Chairwoman Mitchell Baker said April Pro-Choice America, American Federation of knowing eyes. against his brown, still-young skin and 3, “Mozilla prides itself on being held to a dif- Teachers, Color of Change and Thoughworks— Steinem has become for many Ameri- eyes that burned with fierce warmth. cans the face of feminism. For me, she’s Janet brought me and her other stu- ferent standard and, this past week, we didn’t posted a message on its website urging Firefox an icon of the longevity of feminism, even dents into her home once a month, fed live up to it. We know why people are hurt users to drop the Web browser. as we still debate what it means. Steinem us from the huge pasta bowl that she got and angry, and they are right: it’s because we In addition, married gay couple Hampton has influenced many in her activism and as a wedding gift decades ago and then haven’t stayed true to ourselves. and Michael Catlin, the co-founders of the soft- writing, her humor and her humanity over listened closely to our work, teaching us “Brendan Eich has chosen to step down from ware manufacturer Rarebit, have published a these past four decades. by example how to be loving, tough crit- his role as CEO. He’s made this decision for notice on their company’s website announcing But Steinem’s survival also reminds ics for each other. Sometimes she pried, Mozilla and our community. Mozilla believes a boycott of Firefox, including removing their me of those mentors who have not sur- stepped a little out of bounds with her both in equality and freedom of speech. Equal- apps from Firefox’s marketplace. Hampton told advice. “Is that boy re- ity is necessary for meaningful speech. And MSNBC that the boycott was still in effect, but ally the one for you?” you need free speech to fight for equality. Fig- that they’re no longer calling for Eich to step “What are you eating, uring out how to stand for both at the same down, saying a simple apology would suffice. sweetheart? You look time can be hard.” “We thought that last week Mozilla would “All three of them in their own thin. Is this being a Baker added that the future leadership of the immediately come out with a statement of sup- vegan really the an- company is being discussed. port of equality and Brendan would issue an ways made a home for me from swer?” or maybe just The dating site OKCupid was among those apology,” Hampton Catlin of Rarebit emailed which to do the work that I “Tell me about your fa- companies that fired back after Eich’s appoint- CNET after hearing of Eich’s resignation. “Un- ther.” But we knew she ment. Users of the site who access it through fortunately, this has become a far larger issue wanted to do and that wasn’t went there because she Mozilla’s Firefox browser have started receiv- and I’m not sure there is a solution that would loved us. ing a message asking them not to use software please everyone.” there before.” Barbara read my made by a company whose CEO has donated Selisse Berry, CEO and founder of Out & Equal half-baked disserta- money to outlaw same-sex marriage in Califor- Workplace Advocates, stated in a release, “We tion drafts with such nia. were happy to see the statement by Mozilla Ex- seriousness, glasses at OKCupid ended its boycott April 2 after “con- ecutive Chairwoman Mitchell Baker about the vived the costly work of speaking truth to the tip of her nose, or stuck back into her sultation with Mozilla and understanding their controversy and Out & Equal Workplace Advo- power, those who might not be celebri- salt-and-pepper afro when she was ready commitment to take affirmative action,” a cates stands ready to be of help to Mozilla as it ties, but who put their bodies and names to make an important point. Even though spokesman told ABCNews.com. works to ensure equal workplace policies for all on the line for women’s rights, for LBGTQ she was completely overworked as chair In addition, some Mozilla employees pub- of its employees.” rights and for the rights and visibility of of African American Studies, she took me people of color. on as a student after meeting me once, Recently, I watched along with my stu- debating me gently, pushing me to take a dents Litany for Survival—a documentary more radical line of argument, advocating of the life of another important feminist for me without me even knowing. icon, Audre Lorde. Together we watched I think often about how lucky I was Area officials monitoring on film her slow deterioration from liver to stumble on this committee, and their cancer, as she loses her voice, her fine willingness to see me, to work with me L.A. meningitis scare brown plumpness leaving her. But still from where I was, to imagine with me the her gaze is both sharp and kind behind possibilities for a life of the mind that By Matt Simonette her glasses, as she reads her poem “Today I was terrified of, and to push me. And is not the day”: I think about how difficult that level of Chicago health officials are closely monitor- Dr. Magda Houlberg, chief medical officer engagement is, and how unrewarded in ing several cases of meningitis that have re- at Howard Brown Health Center, said that I am not afraid to say the academy. How they spent their time cently broken out in the Los Angeles area, meningitis is often passed when individuals Unembellished against the grain of status and power, and but say that for now there is no evidence are in close quarters, through sexual contact I am dying that had a cost. that any widespread outbreak has spread to or sharing of towels or eating utensils, for But I do not want to do it I think of the writers, activists and art- the Chicago region. example. Looking the other way. ists whose words I’ve loved and taken to Eight Los Angeles County residents, four of “So if you think you might be at risk for heart, but never met, and the toll of their whom were gay or bisexual men, have come meningitis, you should definitely speak with I think of the fact that all three of my work of seeing and knowing, and naming, down with meningitis in 2014. Three of your physician about getting vaccinated,” best graduate school mentors—Janet, the risks of their openness: Audre, taken those men have died; two of them were HIV- she added. “What’s scariest about meningitis Barbara and Alfred—have died. Jewish, from us by liver cancer; Gloria Anzaldua positive. Los Angeles County health officials is how quickly the symptoms cake take hold, African American and Chicano, I used to (diabetes); Essex Hemphill and Marlon are calling for HIV-positive men to be vac- usually over three to seven days.” call them my “Rainbow Coalition,” my Riggs (complications from AIDS); and too cinated, as well as other men who regularly Symptoms include fever, headache, vomit- “Superfriends”—so needed at my mostly many others. have sex with men. ing and a stiff neck. white university. All three of them in Though they never matched the ce- “Every year Los Angeles has between 12 Chicago health officials were last year con- their own ways made a home for me from lebrity of Steinem, these figures are my to 30 cases of this terrible infection,” said cerned when a meningitis outbreak amongst which to do the work that I wanted to do Superfriends, models for me of generosity Dr. Robert Bolan, medical director of the gay and bisexual men in New York City oc- and that wasn’t there before. of the mind and heart. Their lives have Alfred laughed freely and raucously over taught me what it means to question au- L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, in a statement. curred relatively close to the time of the coffee and sandwiches at the outdoor café thority, including your own, to give up “Though the number of total cases since Jan- International Mr. Leather weekend. CDPH of- on Bancroft Avenue, a big brother. He the pose of all-knowingness. When I think uary 1 [isn’t] outside the expected range, the ficials passed out flyers to raise awareness told me about writing poetry, sometimes of their work, I am reminded of the ethi- number of gay men who have been infected of meningitis symptoms, in case an unknow- on the sly, and the importance of decolo- cal obligation to be responsible to each is.” ingly infected individual had traveled to IML. nizing your mind; about racing cars and other, which is also sacred. To keep—to Brian Richardson, director of Communi- “This year there will likely be enough time about fooling around and sometimes mak- both watch and to hold in one’s heart. for the Los Angeles health department to cations for Chicago Department of Public ing mistakes; about how proud he was of Health, said that there has only been one re- contain the situation before IML,” Houlberg ported case of meningitis in Chicago in 2014, said. Francesca Royster is a Professor of English at DePaul University, where she “So we are not calling for mass vaccinations The NYC outbreak last year led the CDC to teaches courses on Shakespeare, Popular Culture, gender, race, sexuality and right now. But we are closely monitoring the conclude that gay and bisexual men were at performance. Her books include Sounding Like a No-No: Queer Sounds and Ec- situation in Los Angeles and keeping in close an increased risk of meningitis. centric Acts in the Post-Soul Era (University of Press, 2013) and Be- contact with the CDC.” coming Cleopatra: The Shifting Image of an Icon (Palgrave, 2003). WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 5 Company pride groups come Victor Salvo (front center) together for The Legacy Project with pride- group members. By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer the corporate space,” she said with a smile. Photo by “We can compare notes on what we’re doing Gretchen Rachel On April 3, the Downtown Bar and Lounge was and together we can accomplish more.” Blickensderfer crammed with employees from a who’s who of The shared goal of the evening was a fund- top American and global companies. PNC Bank, raiser for the Legacy Project—an outdoor mu- United Airlines, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, seum and walk in Lakeview that immortalizes BMO Harris, Mesirow Financial, JP Morgan the historic work of LGBTQ icons like James Chase, Northern Trust, CNA, Accenture, KPMG, Baldwin, Harvey Milk, Frida Kahlo and Dr. Mar- AON, Cars.com and a host of others were repre- garet “Mom” Chung to advance society world- sented. Although they spent the day working in wide. Working with organizations such as the under consideration so far include composer of its façade while it also serves as a resource different offices (oftentimes in competing or- Safe Schools Alliance and consortiums Leonard Bernstein, astronaut Sally Ride, Fa- center for the international nonprofit Planting ganizations), each of the employees enjoying such as Prevent School Violence Illinois, The ther Mychal Judge and a plaque commemorat- Peace. Founded in 2004 by Aaron Jackson and cocktails, dance music and spirited discussions Legacy Project is dedicated to fighting anti- ing the Stonewall Riots. Even though this will John Dieubon, Planting Peace is committed to in the sophisticated environment of the River gay bullying and sentiment through the power max out the number of pylons available, Salvo a goal of “spreading peace in a hurting world.” North bar had something in common—they of education. said he has no intention of allowing the mu- Among that organization’s many projects is the were a part of their company’s Pride Group. Legacy Project Executive Director Victor Sal- seum to remain static. Although the project is operation of underground safe-houses in Ugan- Nadia Hummer is one of three co-chairs of vo personally guides groups of students along not making an official announcement as yet, da to provide a place of refuge for those facing Wells Fargo Pride, which she said has been in the Legacy Walk and explains the rich and he said he hopes to open a visitor’s center in terror and extermination due to the Museveni operation for a quarter century. “We have al- often surprising history behind the faces on the fall of 2015. “The oldest plaques—which government’s anti-gay policies. ways been very supportive of our employees,” each of the bronze plaques emblazoned on the will have been on the street for three years Jackson spoke at a luncheon held by the Leg- Hummer said. “We’re doing a lot of commu- North Halsted Street rainbow pylons. Accord- by that point— will begin to rotate to the in- acy Project last year and later contacted Salvo nity involvement—such as with the Chicago ing to Salvo, British mathematician Alan Tur- door facility,” Salvo said. “This will make room with a unique proposition. “He asked how we House—as well as a lot of volunteering and ing—the inspiration for the Legacy Project—is outdoors for new plaques, keeping the museum would feel about opening an installation in the awareness.” remembered in his hometown of Manchester, as dynamic. Our commitment to our donors is that Equality House so that people would have a Chad Thompson—with Bank of America’s a “victim of prejudice.” But his plaque on the the plaques will always be on display.” reason to come inside,” Salvo recalled. LGBT Pride Group—said that the company has Legacy Walk is the only one in the world that He also stated he hopes that—two years lat- Part of that installation includes 18 mock- an ally program with advocates that reach to states Turing was gay. er—the visitor’s center will have evolved into ups of the plaques currently on the Legacy the highest levels. “Our CIO, Cathy Bessant, is- “We give kids who are struggling with self a full museum. “We want the ‘L’ of our logo Walk. “On April 12—the day after the Day of sued a statement saying we want all of our em- esteem issues—because they don’t ever learn to be like the Good Housekeeping Seal,” Salvo Silence—there’s going to be an anti-bullying ployees to be involved in the LGBT movement,” about anybody like themselves—something to said. “We want to be known as the creator of march in Topeka and the grand opening of Thompson said. hold onto by telling them inspirational stories the only rock-solid, age-appropriate education ‘Equality House presents The Legacy Project.’” Gavin Malloy, president of United Airlines’ about people who had to overcome tremendous materials that teach about the contributions Salvo said with enthusiasm. “It’s going to be LGBT business resource group, was at his first obstacles in their lives in order to contribute LGBTQ people make.” amazing to be affiliated with them. We’re going official event. “We’re in the start-up phase,” to society,” Salvo explained. “They didn’t come For the present, Salvo used the evening to to bringing educational tools into the heart- he said. “We have big plans and we’re looking from supportive environments but they still did announce a unique partnership with the Equal- land for kids.” forward to an exciting year.” amazing things for humanity.” ity House project. The rainbow colored building For more information about the Legacy Hummer added that the occasion provided a Salvo said that each of the plaques costs sits opposite the Westboro Baptist Church in Project, visit www.legacyprojectchicago.org. unique and surprising opportunity. “It’s so nice $10,000 and requires a sponsor. The project Topeka, KS as a symbol of hope against hatred. For more information about the Equality to realize there’s a network of LGBTQ folks in is working on nine more for 2014. The names The Equality House regularly draws hundreds of House, visit https://www.equalityhouse.org. visitors who have their pictures taken in front 6 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES WALK from cover The day after the rally against Project Rose, Jones was arrested. She asserted that her ar- rest came about after she was seen by a police Created by ASU Associate Professor and Di- officer simply walking down the street. She was rector of the Office of Sex Trafficking Interven- told that she was stopped because she lived tion Research Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, MSW, in a low-income area known for prostitution. Ph.D., Project Rose describes itself as an “al- “So I was like no matter where I walk, because ternative to arrest” of suspected sex-workers in I live in a low-income area, I’m always going Arizona. The project asserts that it addresses to be a target,” Jones said. “They only target “the responsibility of local government to en- women and trans women of color.” force applicable laws in a fair and impartial While she couldn’t go into specific details, manner.” Jones alleged that at the time of her arrest, In a typical Project Rose sting, suspects are she was denied both access to an attorney and swept up and transported to Bethany Bible the ability to make a phone call. “They took my Church in Phoenix. Without access to legal purse and my cell phone,” she stated. “I said counsel and in order to avoid prosecution, they ‘I’m innocent’ and I asked to speak to a lawyer. are required to complete the “DIGNITY Diver- They said ‘no you’ve got to go through this pro- sion Program” which begins with a meeting cess’ and ‘well there’s a lawyer in the next of- with a caseworker and is followed by a course fice.’ They take me into the next office and it’s that involves counseling and education on a prosecutor. I asked to speak to a public de- topics including sexually transmitted diseases, fender and they said ‘Oh we don’t have that.’” drug abuse and domestic violence. Failure to Jones said she was then informed of the complete the program can lead to charges be- charge of Manifestation of Prostitution and ing filed in municipal court and possible jail that she was going to be transported to the time. downtown jail. “As a trans woman, they put Jones said that Project Rose includes a you in with the males if you haven’t had reas- week-long class of eight-hour days. “You sit in signment surgery,” she said. “That was scary a room and they talk down to you,” she said. for me so I just signed this paper and said I “They talk about how bad it is to be a sex work- was going to fight it later on.” er. There’s a faith-based tone about it, like you Jones was eventually released. Four months are violating a moral standard. It is definitely later she received a letter in the mail pressing religiously based.” formal charges against her. They are charges She added that 80 percent of the women she is choosing to fight in Municipal Court. in Project Rose don’t complete the program. It is a fight in which Jones has found herself “They’re not making any money while they’re in with a great deal of support. Organizations like it. There is no child care, sometimes they have SWOP have helped to rally community and me- no way to even get there. They are set up for dia attention around her case that was origi- failure,” she said. nally scheduled for March 14. “I have a great A member and organizer of the Phoenix attorney,” Jones said. “He’s been supportive Monica Jones surrounded by supporters at a Phoenix Arizona press conference. Photo courtesy chapter of the Sexworker Outreach Project and he believes in what I’m doing.” of Alec Robinson (SWOP)—a national social-justice network The ACLU of Arizona is now involved. Legal dedicated to the fundamental human rights of Director Dan Pochoda said they are examining until April 11 to give prosecutors a chance to who have lived the experience.” sex workers and their communities—said Proj- both the Manifestation of Prostitution law and respond. Jones has lived the experience and the stig- ect Rose embodies a moral panic in the United Project Rose very closely. The brief also referenced The City of Chicago ma that a trans woman walking down the street States. Asking to be identified under an alias, “Project Rose does raise civil-liberties is- v. Morales—a gang-congregational ordinance is a sex worker. “Coming from my position as “Sandra” maintained that the project sets out sues,” Pochoda said. “To use the coercive that the Illinois Supreme Court ruled as uncon- a trans woman, going through the system and to undermine a person’s autonomy and choices. technique of arrest as a way to bring people stitutionally vague through its authorization of now fighting the system, it’s hard to leave that “It’s tied to and is seen as a model of an anti- into the program when it should be a voluntary arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. stigma behind,” she said. “I get stopped at the trafficking movement in Arizona that has a decision and then to not allow them to have “Local governments don’t have the author- grocery store, and they [the police] will say ton of money and resources going into it,” she lawyers when they get there even though by ity to enact ordinances that effectively provide ‘what are you doing here?’ If I ask if I’m free to said. “It further criminalizes sex workers and definition they are under arrest, we just think absolute discretion to police officers to make go, they start threatening an arrest for Mani- makes people think their tax dollars are going it raises a whole lot of issues about the inter- moment-to-moment judgments on the streets festation.” to work by strengthening the moral fabric of mingling of the criminal system and so-called as to whether the same acts by person A are Jones said that there’s a great deal at stake the country.” ‘intervention.’” crimes and the same acts by person B are not,” for her April 11. She is worried that a loss will A “fact sheet” provided to Windy City Times “I don’t know whether there is a church vs. Pochoda said. “The Manifestation of Prostitu- not only affect her continuing education but be by Roe-Sepowitz claimed that Project Rose state constitutional challenge yet,” he contin- tion law allows the cops to target anyone they devastating to other trans women. Should she “is not a faith-based or faith-oriented event ued. “There’s often a gap between what good want. There are no limiting factors. It makes lose, Jones pledged she will take her fight all though the host church and the Archdiocese policy is and what is a proper way to treat being a trans woman a status crime.” the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Dominique of Phoenix play supportive roles as part of the people and what will be considered illegal and Owen Daniel-McCarter, an attorney with the [Roe-Sepowitz] told me that once you’re a sex partnership.” The sheet goes on to add that, unconstitutional. The fact that they are liter- Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois worker you’re always a sex worker,” she said. out of every average $1,500 raised for the ally brought there under arrest by the Phoenix and the TransLife project of the Chicago House, “That’s not how I view myself and I’m scared sting, “one thousand dollars is given to Betha- cops, then it does raise questions. The project told Windy City Times that he thinks the Jones for other girls out there. People are like ‘well ny Bible Church to pay for food costs to feed all claims that the criminal process is somehow case will highlight the pervasive profiling of this can’t happen to me’ but it does happen to clients, staff, volunteers and law enforcement just suspended and that people are out to do trans individuals who have faced arrest across them. These girls need to be educated and get over 24 hours.” good and help out. It’s just nonsense and you the country for “walking while trans.” legal counsel and have the option to fight.” “There’s a stipend of money that goes to couldn’t have a worse model than starting off “It seems like the purpose of the Arizona law Pochoda said that he and the ACLU are pre- Catholic charities,” Sandra said. “It’s adver- with an arrest as a way to bring in clients.” is in line with other laws recently enacted in pared and committed to fighting alongside her. tised as a ‘well-intentioned savior project’ that The ACLU helped draft a brief for Jones’ de- Arizona that keep people out of public spaces “We want to assist Monica and her attorney at gets a lot of positive publicity. Dominique has fense lawyer challenging the Manifestation who don’t fit who lawmakers and voters want every stage as long as they want it,” he said. “I been using Project Rose as a model to crack of Prostitution law as a violation of both the to see in their communities,” he said. “It fits would certainly want to be a part it this case as down on trafficking around the Super Bowl.” Arizona and U.S. Constitutions. Specifically, with the general trend of using criminalization far as it goes in terms of its legal challenges to Jones—who describes herself as an “outspo- the brief addresses rights of pure speech and to legitimize discrimination.” the statute itself.” ken activist for human rights”—maintains that expression protected by the First Amendment Daniel-McCarter added that trans profiling in He added that his office has begun meetings Project Rose paints all sex workers in Phoenix as well as asserting that the law overly crimi- Chicago is such a pervasive problem that there to garner the necessary information that would with the same brush. “They treat us like we are nalizes protected conduct such as “talking and is a police general order stating that officers allow them to take steps to reduce the impact all selling our bodies for drugs,” she said. “That waving of arms” and—in Jones’ case—pro- cannot use someone’s transgender identity as of Project Rose. wasn’t my story so I didn’t take to it. I told tected conduct that expresses gender identity. reasonable suspicion that they have engaged Meanwhile Roe-Sepowitz told Windy City them that I have a right to my own body. ‘You “The First Amendment protects the expres- in prostitution. However, he agreed that there Times she was “unable to participate in any cannot tell me what to do with my body’ I said, sion of one’s gender identity through clothing is a danger that a program like Arizona’s Proj- discussion about specific participants involved so they rushed me through the program. They and other items consistent with that gender,” ect Rose could easily be repeated as a part in my research work.” The fact sheet she sent told me it was because I had a ‘strong person- the brief stated. “For a transgender individual, of the continuing gentrification of Chicago’s instead claimed: “All clients brought to Proj- ality and we don’t want you to rub off on the like Ms. Jones, by wearing clothing and other neighborhoods. ect ROSE are contacted by law enforcement other girls.’ But when a program like this comes items associated with a particular gender, one “Project Rose may come from a place that is because they are participating in activity that along, of course I’m going to stand up for my expresses their identification with that gender. a desire to do good,” he said. “But actually it is illegal under the Phoenix City Code and/or rights and everybody else’s rights.” Like clothing that symbolizes one’s ethnic or does exactly the opposite because there is not Arizona Revised Statutes. Clients are all found Prior to her taking part in the protest against religious beliefs, here Ms. Jones’ ‘tight-fitting a systemic analysis of how profiling works, or in plain view engaging in illegal activity. The Project Rose, Jones and Roe-Sepowitz had a black dress,’ which prompted the officer to stop the many, many reasons why people may en- enforcement against this illegal activity is discussion. “I was trying to get an understand- her, communicated the message that she is a gage in the sex trade and also the profiling of supported by Arizona Revised Statutes and is ing of where she [Roe-Sepowitz] was com- woman and that the fact that she was assigned trans women and women of color. It’s an exam- done in the same manner as every other vice- ing from,” Jones said. “But we ended up just male at birth did not change her female iden- ple of how well-intended programs can backfire enforcement activity addressing sex trafficking agreeing to disagree on the success rate of the tity.” when they don’t have that kind of analysis or and prostitution.” program.” The judge in the case postponed the hearing the direct involvement in leadership of people WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 7 Women’s health center moves to Uptown By Janean L. Watkins them to offer clients a variety of resources. In addition to earned income, about 30 per- Amidst an audience of clients, community sup- cent of CWHC’s funding is derived from grants. porters, board members and members of the One such donation is being put to use to pro- collective, Chicago Women’s Health Center vide greater access to clients. With the help (CWHC) celebrated its recent move to the Up- of the Crown family, the center is hiring nurse town neighborhood. practitioners to join the provider team. The organization was housed in Wrigleyville’s They will also be able to bill insurance com- Links Hall prior to moving to their new location panies beginning this summer, something they at 1025 W. Sunnyside Ave. in Uptown. Direc- haven’t done in recent history. tor Jess Kane expressed her joy at being able CWHC has been able to deliver care to many to move to a community from where many of uninsured or underinsured clients because of CWHC’s clients hail. their commitment to sustaining their sliding- “We found that many of the people we serve scale fees for services. Through partnerships come from Uptown, so it’s great that we can be with outside entities like and Pacific College in this community,” Kane said. “We’re only a of Oriental Medicine, the center offers clients a mile and a half from where we were before and holistic approach to health care with acupunc- still near the Red Line which was important to ture and therapeutic bodywork. us. We wanted to remain accessible for all of “In relation to the Affordable Care Act, this Louise Champlin, CWHC collective member of 29 years, chats with a supporter at the open our clients.” will enable us to not only ensure [that] we house event. Photo by Janean L. Watkins The new area houses three counseling rooms, continue to be financially accessible to those one room for the Integrative Health Program who do not have insurance, but also ensure we tion for Women’s LBTQ Giving Council, it will “We’ve provided these services for about and four gynecological exam spaces. The are financially accessible to the growing num- begin to offer feminizing hormone therapy in 3,227 youth and adults who have engaged new facility is fully accessible, with a room ber who do have insurance,” said Kane. May of this year. in our program,” said Megan Selby, Collective equipped with an exam table specifically made This summer is slated to bring about many “CWHC is a place where everyone is respect- member. “The program also offers tips and re- for providing care to people with physical dis- new initiatives. One of these will be newly of- ed and they can receive compassionate care sources to parents about communicating with abilities. fered primary care options at the center itself. that addresses their needs. They can also be their children about health care.” Chicago Women’s Health Center opened its “We see clients as not only body parts,” said an active participant in their care,” said cur- CWHC prides itself on its ability to offer ser- doors in 1975 with a mission born from the Kane. “We’ve always approached [providing rent board member and former intern Courtney vices to its clients while still maintaining its radical ideals of the underground Jane Collec- health care] by seeing the whole person, now Chambers. “You are the expert in your own niche for empowering the individual. tive; a core belief that health care should be we’ll be able to offer care for more aspects of care.” “We’re really doing the work and want our accessible for all. the entire individual.” Under the direction of collective member clients to inform how we do that work,” said “Everyone should have access to the same In 2007, CWHC changed its mission to in- Scout Bratt, CWHC also offers education and Kane. “We are providing health care the way we quality of health care,” said Kane. clude transgender people after conducting as- outreach for a sliding-scale fee. They’ve es- think it should be provided, health care that is Moving to Uptown was just one aspect of the sessments to understand the needs of their cli- tablished a partnership with Communities in dignified and empowering.” organization’s efforts to expand services. They ents. Since then, it has offered masculinizing Schools of Chicago and offer fourth through Disclaimer: The author of this article is part- have also established a number of relationships hormone therapy, counseling acupunctureand twelfth grade students with access to resourc- nered with a CWHC health educator. with other organizations in Uptown, allowing massage services to trans individuals. Now, be- es, self-esteem building exercises and positive See www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for more cause of support given by the Chicago Founda- body image classes. photos.

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2020 W. Fullerton Ave. 773.235.2300 8 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Stories, but came to a realization during one his hope that others respond with community- of the workshops: despite a close relationship building solutions. with his mother, she never acknowledged his “It’s amazing that we have all these great queer identity despite having known for seven lines that go to the North Side for work and years. Hoping for a resolution, Dean called his resources for [the youth], but we have to cre- mother for a candid discussion, which can be ate that for them on the South Side as well,” heard in his video. he said. “I needed to talk to my mom and have that Such a vision is top of mind for the Ci3 team moment,” Dean said, adding that the project at University of Chicago, according to one of allowed him to sift through emotional baggage the initiative’s researchers. The stories will in- in a creative way. “Sharing [my story] was form individual projects for a group of seven heartfelt and personal, but I think it speaks graduate and medical students selected as Ford to the community because I felt safe to share Scholars, who will work as part of South Side those things with people who I really didn’t Stories’ grant award from the Ford Founda- know.” tion. Youth advisers collaborate with research- In another short video shared at the event ers during the process, as part of Ci3’s goal to for South Side Stories, Aaron Talley, a graduate ensure their efforts best reflect the needs and student at University of Chicago, describes how viewpoints of Black youth. a typical Red Line trip from Garfield to Belmont “It’s a reciprocal relationship. What we’re try- evokes the tensions between his identities as ing to do is expand the understanding of how a Black gay man. [community workers] talk about and represent “I’m riding this train from one part of me, young people ... often, we can be very dismis- to the other part of me, beginning at the stop sive,” said Ragnar Anderson, research specialist with people who look like me,” Talley said. “I’m for Ci3. “What you have here are complex rep- headed north ... my blackness being beat down resentations of things that are most important into a rainbow. These are the people who love to young people … and these were the stories Larry Dean (left), a youth participant in the South Side Stories project, and co-facilitator like me, but have no love for the people who they wanted to tell.” Keith Green. Photo by Derrick Clifton are dark like me.” The digital narratives will be released in Both stories resonated with participants dur- phases during the next several weeks. To view ing breakout sessions at the storytelling event. the first collection of more than a few dozen For Ken Martin, who recently moved from At- South Side Stories, visit the project’s online Online media project lanta to Chicago’s South Side, the stories fuel home, SouthSideStories.org. hopes to shape info about Black, LGBT youth Project Fierce goes online to nity partner along with the YMCA of Metropoli- finance LGBT youth housing by Derrick Clifton tan Chicago and Global Girls. “As a community, By Matt Simonette organization has essentially been in a “tran- we don’t always leverage public platforms ... sitional state” since its inception last year. Chicago’s North-South divide continues to and sometimes they aren’t available to us,” he A local grassroots organization is in the It has an all-volunteer staff, and she esti- define the city, even after decades of social said, adding that digital platforms are a new midst of a month-long, online fundraising mated that each member contributed about change for Black and LGBT communities. Chal- catalyst for social change. drive to raise $25,000 for a transitional home 10 hours a week. Project Fierce will not seek lenging that reality has united South Side After community partners identified youth for LGBT youth on the South or West Sides. funding from government sources, so as not youth and university researchers for a new dig- participants, the South Side Stories were cu- Project Fierce Chicago, which formed in to deprive other community organizations ital storytelling project, which seeks to build rated during a series of intensive, three-day 2013, hopes to have the home purchased by from work they are doing already. bridges of understanding. workshops facilitated by youth advisers and September of 2014, and get it ready for its Last year, the organization raised $10,000 The University of Chicago’s Center for Inter- media educators. Each session included digital residents by January 2015. through an Indiegogo campaign, and used disciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual media training, as well as an emotional em- “Local organizations have been doing a that money to set up an organizational infra- and Reproductive Health, otherwise known as powerment exercise called a story circle, which fantastic job, but a shelter is in no way the structure and get its 501c3 status. Ci3, teamed with community organizations uses oral and written prompts to inspire the same thing as being able to lay your head “We’re probably not going to have an office serving Black youth ages 13 to 24 to create reflection and conversation necessary to create down in the same place every night,” said until we are able to move into a home,” Boyd “South Side Stories.” As part of an effort to finished stories. Jacqueline Boyd, one of Project Fierce’s co- noted, adding that the office would likely be create a body of social science research, the “In the circle, it’s all about the disclosure founders. partitioned from the rest of the house so the digital narratives aim to demonstrate how dis- and sharing. When you see people alongside Boyd said that one of the most important residents would not be engaging with office crimination, stigma and violence constrain the you taking those risks, you learn that you’re goals of the facility will be to give residents staff. sexuality, freedom and health of young people. not taking the risk alone,” said Seed Lynn, both resources and life skills. Residents will She was excited that the home would likely During one of the first storytelling events digital storytelling manager for Ci3 and South be encouraged to help the facility be as self- be on either the South or West Sides, and since the project’s February launch, more than Side Stories, who also works as a spoken-word sustaining as possible, with a community not necessarily in Lake View. “You can have 50 gathered with the Chicago Black Gay Men’s artist. “We come to understand power as per- garden and workshops so that they can help something like this in any part of the city.” Caucus recently for a viewing and talk-back mission, and then people get into the world of create daily living items. The current Indiegogo campaign runs session at BLUE1647, 1647 S. Blue Island Ave., their stories.” “It’s going to be small, with room for from through April 25 and can be found in the Pilsen neighborhood. During the event, Lynn co-facilitated break- about five to 10 residents, depending on the at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ “This is an opportunity to teach young peo- out discussions after participants viewed se- house,” she added, noting that the goal is project-fierce-chicago-get-us-home. Get ple how to give voice to their own experienc- lected stories, including the coming out story for each resident to have their own room. Us Home, a campaign wrap party, will be es, and to do so in a way that resonates with of Larry Dean, an undergraduate student at “They will be the ones establishing the cul- held April 24 at Nisei Lounge, 3439 N. people,” said Craig Johnson, board chair of the . Dean wanted to share ture there.” Sheffield Ave., 7-10 p.m. For more infor- Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, a Ci3 commu- his coming-out experience through South Side Cassandra Avenatti founded Project Fierce mation, visit www.projectfiercechicago. along with Boyd, Andre Perez, Katrina San- org. ford and Cassandra Warren. Boyd said the

ALEO PRIDE the 37th annual Peter Lisagor Awards for Ex- VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL Kurtis, Baim, Meyer emplary Journalism banquet on Friday, May 2, at The Union League Club of Chicago, 65 > Addictions Treatment Chicago’s Dedicated and to receive awards Comprehensive LGBTQ Program CHICAGO—The Chicago Headline Club, the W. Jackson Blvd. largest Society of Professional Journalists Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m., and the din- > Detox chapter in the country, has announced the ner/awards presentation is at 7 p.m. The A Safe, Affirming, three winners of its 2013 Lifetime Achieve- cost to attend is $90 for Headline Club mem- bers, $105 for non-members and $900 for a > Behavioral Health Therapeutic Environment ment Awards. Master of ceremonies for the 37th annual table of 10. Tickets may be purchased online Free Assessments Peter Lisagor Awards for Exemplary Journal- at http://headlineclub.org/ or email chc. > Dual Diagnosis 24 Hours per Day/365 Days per Year ism will be Andy Shaw, the president and [email protected]. Reservations for the awards chief operating officer of the Better Govern- dinner must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25. > Intensive Outpatient Program 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE ment Association. Lifetime Achievement Award recipients To purchase tickets, visit http://www. CHICAGO, IL 60640 include veteran journalists Tracy Baim, Bill headlineclub.org/component/content/ 1-800-888-0560 Kurtis and Karen Meyer, who all will be hon- article/402-buy-lisagor-tickets.html . www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com ored for their work in Chicago journalism at WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 9

Outgoing ALCC Executive Director Ann Hilton Fisher and incoming Executive Director Tom Yates. Photo by Matt Simonette ALCC celebrates work Illinois Safe Schools Alliance receives its award from Crossroads Executive Director Jeanne of Ann Hilton Fisher Kracher (holding award). Photo by Hal Baim

By Matt Simonette She appealed on behalf of people who work for community organizations everywhere: Crossroads Fund About 175 friends, family and colleagues gath- “They’re often not only not acknowledged, but ered at the law offices of Winston & Strawn, 35 they’re sometimes shuffled aside before they’re W. Wacker Dr., to help AIDS Legal Council of given a chance to retire on their own terms.” presents annual awards Chicago (ALCC) Executive Director Ann Hilton Fisher told audience members to acknowl- The Chicago-based Crossroads Fund, which grants money to a wide range of grassroots and Fisher celebrate her retirement April 3. edge those person’s contributions and “make progressive organizations, held its annual Seeds of Change benefit April 4 at the Cultural Center Kimball R. Anderson, ALCC’s founding board a donation in their honor—don’t always make in downtown Chicago. president, said that when Fisher came to ALCC donations in honor of the people on top of the This year’s event was very LGBTQ inclusive, given the success of various community efforts in 1997, she brought “renewed confidence to stationary. It’s such a little thing but, assum- over the past year. The Ron Sable Awards, named for the openly gay doctor and progressive the organization. She was frankly very smart, ing that their agency has a decent fundraising activist who ran unsuccessfully for alderman and who served on the Crossroads board for 10 with her academic credentials, and she had a infrastructure, they’ll hear about it, and they’ll years, were presented to the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and then jointly to Illinois Unites prestigious clerkship in the Seventh Circuit. be pleased.” for Marriage and the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality. … She has been a tireless advocate of those Tom Yates, ALCC’s incoming executive direc- Crossroads Executive Director Jeanne Kracher was the event emcee, and she spoke passion- less fortunate and those who needed access to tor, told Fisher that she “sets a standard for ately about the role both Illinois Unites and the March on Springfield had in helping push for justice.” advocacy and a standard for being an effective marriage equality in the state of Illinois. Jim Bennett represented Illinois Unites and Tracy ALCC board member Stuart Graff noted that executive director. I treasure following you and Baim represented the March in accepting the awards. Fisher “gave clients confidence that they could I treasure being able to fill the position that Sean Carpenter was the designated speaker for the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, and he face their challenges … and resume their lives you held so long and did so well.” spoke about the critical role youth play in the LGBTQ movement. and face the future knowing that not only did The recipient of many honors, including last The Donald F. Erickson Synapses Award was presented to Alphawood Foundation, represented they have justice on their side, but a team that year’s Chicago Bar Foundation Morsch Award by James McDonough. Alphawood partnered with Crossroads to create the Solidarity Fund to would help them achieve justice in their lives.” for career contributions to public interest law, raise money for the funds withheld by Catholic Campaign for Human Development from member In her remarks, Fisher lamented that, with Yates came to ALCC in November 2013 after groups of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights over their perceived support thousands of baby boomers retiring every day, 17 years as supervising attorney and general of gay marriage. few people end their professional lives with counsel at Health & Disability Advocates. Janine Hoft and Michael Collins ended the evening with a pitch for monetary support of celebrations so vast. She praised and thanked Crossroads Fund. all the legal professionals who worked with Many more photos, plus event video, with the online version of this story. Photo by Hal Baim ALCC as well as the individuals she called the LGBT confab at “infrastructure” of ALCC: the support staff, de- McHenry April 12 velopment team, donors and board members McHenry County College will present “Pride: who kept the various cogs of the organization The Changing Perceptions of the LGBTQ Com- going. munity” conference on Saturday, April 12, 8 “Infrastructure sustains organizations and a.m.-4:15 p.m., at 8900 W. Route 14, Crystal allows them to build and grow,” Fisher said. Lake. “One of the things I’ve been proudest of at The annual drag show (with the theme “The ALCC has been our ability to meet the changing Fabulous ‘20s”) will be held Friday, April 11, at epidemic, our changing client populations and 6-9 p.m. in the MCC Conference Center. Admis- the changing legal environment. We’ve learned sion is $10. immigration law, mental health law and prob- Tickets for both the drag show and confer- ably know as much about the Affordable Care ence combined are $35. Registration fee in- Act as anyone in the state … Now we’re get- cludes a continental breakfast and lunch. ting in calls that would have been unimagi- Pre-registration is required; see www.mchen- nable 17 years ago—gay couples wanting to April 1– June 13, 2014 ry.edu/pride or email erademaker@mchenry. Silhouette Window Shadings know what would happen to the benefits of the edu. HIV-positive partner if they’d gotten married.” Light that invites. $25 to $10 0 ® * Silhouette Window Shadings diffuse the sun’s rays, creating soft rebate per unit light that naturally illuminates your home. Save now with valuable ON SELECT HUNTER DOUGLAS rebates. Ask for details. WINDOW FASHIONS

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for purchases made 4/1/14 – 6/13/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. © 2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. SPG14MB3 41382 10 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES social worker from LINKS, who moderated the Pride Youth group in our area. A mother reacts to son’s marriage There is no perfect instruction manual for parents of LGBT children. Like all children, each By Joanne Gurion one is unique, having his or her own interests, Joanne Gurion (center), with her son fears, hopes and dreams. Our primary respon- After my son Charlie came out 10 years ago, Charlie (left) and his new husband sibility as parents is to nurture and love our I was overwhelmed with crippling feelings of David Wilk. Photo courtesy of Gurion children. That part came easily for me. Charlie guilt, fear and anxiety. I began to chronicle was still the same lovable child I held in my my journey, first as the “mother of a gay man,” arms the day he was born. Yet those two words, until I finally returned to being just “Charlie’s “I’m gay,” took away the security I’d taken for mom.” granted being the mother of a so called “nor- My son married the love of his life, David mal family.” Suddenly I feared my child would Wilk, on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014. On the previ- be viewed by some as being abnormal, and pos- ous day, after a court ruling, they were the first sibly be exposed to the same hatred and dis- same-sex couple to receive a license from Cook crimination his grandparents had faced years County Clerk David Orr’s office. While there had ago because of their Jewish heritage. He was been emergency same-sex marriages prior to now part of a minority group victimized by bul- that date (due to health reasons), this was the lies, who could be isolated, made fun of and first time non-emergency licenses were issued. denied rights inherent to him under the U.S. They were part of history, but to me, they are a Constitution. At that point, the natural urge I special couple because they are my sons. had as a mother to protect my child went into I often remind my children to never take for overdrive. granted being part of a large, loving family. Our local high school provided no social During WWII, when the Nazis invaded Poland, group for LGBT students. Instead, the kids met my mother-in-law’s family was exterminated. privately during school hours, with the school She survived interment in Auschwitz. My fa- psychologist. I felt that this sent the wrong ther-in-law lost most of his family members, message to the students because it implied and barely survived imprisonment in a Siberian that they needed to continue to hide an im- gulag. My parents grew up during the Depres- portant part of their identity. I worried they sion. They both lost their mothers at an early was planned for September of 2014. When the finding a wife had been changed to him some- might feel isolated, when instead, they should age. My dad was in an orphanage and then the Illinois marriage equality passed last fall, it day finding a husband, which seemed highly be building the self-confidence needed to inte- foster care system. These experiences made our had been the icing on the cake. Groomsmen unlikely at the time. grate with their peers. The school administra- parents value family above anything else. Al- and groomswomen were chosen. All seven of When our son came out, we knew of no one tion explained to me that they were protecting though my husband and I came from different their nieces and nephews were excited to have who was openly gay. We were well aware of the identities of the students because none of cultural and religious backgrounds, the impor- been given special jobs. A venue was secured. the dangers of Internet dating. Charlie needed them were out yet, except Charlie. The other tance of family was the glue that bound our Tastings had been arranged. Save-the-dates help finding gay friends in the suburbs as well high school in our district already had an LGBT families together. The hardships our parents had gone out to family and friends. Charlie ex- as finding adult mentors. We were referred to youth group which met after school, like most had endured made them determined to always plained to me that the date to obtain a mar- a very knowledgeable clinical psychologist in other school-sponsored clubs. By the time love and support their children. riage license had been moved up. He was so Oak Park who specialized in the area of same- Charlie graduated in 2007, one had finally been My father-in-law, Max, was a very wise man. overjoyed and excited that he couldn’t wait sex relationships. After meeting with all of us, established at our school. He liked that my family was composed of so any longer to marry David. He went on to say she kindly informed us that Charlie was just The simple act of coming out allowed many different ethnicities that we didn’t iden- that they’d obtained a license earlier that day fine; it was we who needed information to help Charlie to thrive. If anything, his new-found tify with just one. When each of our children and could be married 24 hours later. I knew alleviate our fear and anxiety. I left her office self-confidence seemed to attract many more were born, he was ecstatic, explaining to us that prior to this, he believed that he and Da- with a list of reading material, the location of friends. I think it’s that way for most people. again and again, how he felt that the blend vid might never have the opportunity to marry the nearest PFLAG meeting and the name of a Self-acceptance begets happiness. Happiness of so many different ethnic backgrounds would legally. I could hear the eagerness and antici- attracts those around you. He still needed, make our children stronger. He taught us that pation in his voice. I had been waiting for this however, to find a nearby place in which to diversity was not only good, but desirable. day ever since the time he told me that David meet other gay teens, so he decided to attend Eventually we were blessed with four children, was “the one.” Everyone in our family already a Pride Youth meeting. The first time he went, and became a typical suburban family, living loved David. There was no reason they should Charlie wasn’t even old enough to drive. I went in Northwest suburban Palatine, Ill. We felt se- wait any longer. with him and while he was there, I attended cure in the knowledge that our children were When we arrived at marriage court, you could a PFLAG meeting. Afterwards I met the Pride healthy, happy, normal kids. After Charlie came feel the excitement in the air. Everyone’s faces group leader, Erschel De Leon and volunteer, out however, I began to question just what the were beaming. Judge Martin Moltz gave us a Paul Dombrowski. They explained to me that term “normal family” really means. warm welcome. His small chamber was bursting the meetings provided local LGBT youth a place At 38 years old, I was not expecting another with overwhelming happiness, love and antici- in which to gather. It was a safe atmosphere pregnancy. Several years prior to Charlie’s birth, pation. A news crew was present. I was wor- where the group could share feelings and have I’d been informed that I was in early meno- ried that since there were so many of us, some questions answered in an honest and informa- pause. Thirteen years later on a frigid January might be asked to leave. Yes, history was be- tive manner. Some of the kids in this group morning, Charlie was born. My Irish Catholic ing made, but to us, Charlie and David are our eventually became mentors themselves by be- mother considered it a miracle. Our daughter family. Everyone wanted to be present to sup- ing given the opportunity to speak about their Lisa was 16 at the time, and our twin sons, port them as they pledged themselves to one Above: (L-R) Charlie’s dad Henry, David, coming out experiences at health classes at Dave and Dan were 13. Charlie was welcomed another. I cried, as amidst all the excitement, Joanne, and Charlie at the Cook County area high schools. They answered questions with open arms; all of his older sibs arguing I saw David and Charlie hold hands and stare Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Gurion. from faculty and students about what it’s like with each other, over who would get to hold at each other, eyes misty with tears. All of a Below: Charlie Gurion (left) and David to be a gay teen. Charlie flourished under the him first. Two years later after Henry’s dad Max sudden, the judge began to speak. And then, I Wilk were the first to apply for a marriage direction of Paul and Erschel, even receiving died, Grandma Gina moved in with us. Charlie felt a tremendous sense of peace envelop me, license in Cook County on Feb. 21 when a a partial scholarship to DePaul University be- grew up showered with love and affection. knowing that finally Charlie and David would judge opened up the door for all same-sex cause of the volunteer opportunities they gave In retrospect, when he was growing up, I’d no longer be looked upon as second-class citi- marriages in the county. Photo by Matt Sim- him. To this day Paul and Erschel remain our had some level of awareness that Charlie was zens. They could now feel the same joy and onette. close friends. It meant so much to me that Paul gay. I quickly pushed the thought to the back yes, sometimes the frustration, experienced by and his partner, Joe Serio, were married only of my mind though, being unable to process all married couples. a few hours later on the same day Charlie and it at the time, largely due to my own fear and After brunch at Atwood Cafe, we dropped the David married. ignorance. It was easier to attribute to child newlyweds off at their home in Avondale. On Since Charlie came out, I’ve had experiences rearing trends in the 1990s. Children were en- our way home, Henry and I talked about what with him that I never imagined I’d have. I ad- couraged to play with toys other than those a journey it had been since Charlie came out to mit to being a stubborn Irish woman. In my considered gender specific. I’d always let us at age 15. He’d been so happy and relieved zeal to be the best mother ever, I went over- Charlie choose the toys he was attracted to. to make us understand that he was very clear board; subscribing to gay publications, wearing He played with dinosaurs and he played with about his gender preference. He’d approached rainbow attire and constantly bringing up how Polly Pockets. Along with collecting Pokemon us during junior high, but was put off by a proud I was of my “gay son,” in general, being cards and Power Rangers, he collected Spice therapist who’d assured us it was just a phase an annoyance. Finally he gently reminded me Girl memorabilia. He had some male friends but he would grow out of. I remember feeling numb that being gay did not define who he was. It they were greatly outnumbered by his female as we both hugged him and assured him that was just a part of his identity. When I began friends, with whom he seemed more comfort- his being gay would never change our love for to relax and just enjoy our relationship, rather able. him. After he left, Henry and I clung to each than feeling that I had to prove my support, Just a few weeks ago, Charlie surprised me. other and sobbed. The tears flowing down my it became much more fun. I cheered Charlie He called to request that I get the family to- face were mingled with grief and fear for my on at the Bud Boyz Contest, hit the bars in gether at Cook County marriage court the next child. We both knew how hard it could be for Lakeview for his 21st birthday and explored the morning, to witness his marriage to David. I him to face the hatred and discrimination aris- Castro with him in San Francisco. More than was speechless, a rare occurrence. They had ing from homophobia. I worried he could be become engaged last August and a wedding a victim of HIV. Our dream of him some day Turn to page 11 WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 11 Those attending Venus in Fur—currently showing at the Goodman Theatre—will discover the biography of one Alden Vasquez in the program. It will say that this is his 21st season at the Goodman, that he GAY in the is a member of Actors Equity, that his credits also include 23 productions of A Christmas Carol and that the tremendous roster of theaters he has LIFE been associated with include Ford’s Theatre, American Theater Company, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Royal George Theatre. Alden Vasquez However, he’s not on stage. By GRETCHEN RACHEL BLICKENSDERFER After the director of a piece of theater has given her/his opening night pep talk to the cast and retired to the auditorium to enjoy the show alongside the audience, her/his authority is passed to the glue who has held everything and everyone together throughout rehearsals and for the rest of the run: the production stage manager. Vasquez Vasquez started his career in theater by spending four years as a member works with of the Air Force in a high security position at the White House during the actors Carter administration.“I had originally wanted a career in the military,” he during remembered.“The first year that I was in the service I accepted the fact rehearsals that I was gay. Back then there was no such thing as ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t of Venus Tell,’ so everyone was pretty closeted.” in Fur. Vasquez said that leaving the military was a tough decision. “But I Photos wanted to be free and be myself,” he recalled. “So I went right to the West from Village of New York City and did all that Studio 54 and Christopher Street Vasquez craziness back then.” Eventually, Vasquez ended up in what is now the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts in Age Regarding the theater as a family Washington DC with 57 “We just lost our Resident Lighting every intention of becoming an actor.“In the middle of it I decided I just wasn’t cut out to be an Designer, Bob Christen. We all came actor,” Vasquez smiled modestly. “But, since I was older, they had me stage manage their student Neighborhood productions and I fell right into it. I loved it.” Edgewater together. We mourned him. We went to his wife’s house and stayed with her.” It was the artistic director of the Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, Penn., who, by means of a Job title scholarship, sent Vasquez to the Goodman as an intern stage manager. It has since been his trade for Production stage manager, Goodman Thing to be most proud of 30 years. Theatre “That I lasted 30 years. I am proud of Vasquez believes an important part of his role is keeping everyone on schedule and ensuring that the people I have worked with. That I everything that comes out of the rehearsal room is communicated to the proper department. “I was Relationship status have learned from my mistakes and that brought up to support the actors,” he said. “On the first day, I talk to them and set the tone. I try to Single. I made it.” impart the importance of being on time and that we are here to create but that we are also here to Regarding the theater and Unforgettable theater story work.” LGBT culture Unforgettable theater story: Opening However, he also wants his artists to feel safe to be vulnerable: “I try to make it comfortable and “We’re out of the shadows. There should night of Glengarry Glen Ross at the old fun for them to tell a story.” be more writing. More storytelling about Goodman. Joe Mantegna forgot his lines. Vasquez said that, while there have been other theaters he has worked with that have carried our lives.” It was my first professional opening a pervasive anti-LGBT sentiment (even in Chicago), he always feels safe to be himself at the The worst thing an actor can do night. I was young and I was terrified Goodman.“I’ve always been comfortable being me,” he said. “I do goofy things and I camp it up “Be late. I have this thing about but I went behind the scenery and gave sometimes. We have dressing room decorating contests during Christmas Carol and people laugh and lateness.” him the line three times.” we have fun. I am so grateful that I am in this business. In the military I had to behave, wear a uniform and adhere to certain customs and protocols, but when I went into theater, I could just be me.”

GURION from page 10 began to flow. Eventually, instead of viewing Charlie and David as a curiosity, folks began to view them as just another couple. They get up anything else, I enjoyed the company of the and go to work every day, feed their dogs, take many friends I’ve met through him. care of their home and enjoy time with friends I am a story teller who also appreciates hear- and relatives, just like other “normal” families. ing the stories of others. I have been honored I feel impatient with families who say that to listen to some very personal stories told to they cannot love their LGBT children due to the me by gay men I have met either through Char- constraints placed upon them by their religious lie or in my own travels. So often though, the beliefs. Some may find it ironic that I claim it stories are dominated by feelings of loss and is indeed my Catholic education, which contin- rejection. Each one has a place in my heart ues to fuel my passionate belief that all hu- and together, they have had a powerful im- man beings are created equal and are therefore pact on me. Often when conversing with new deserving of equal rights. I was educated by gay friends, I am asked in jest, if I would be Franciscan and Benedictine nuns. These strong a mother to them. This seems to have become women fought for social justice. Their mantra a pattern. I am deeply touched and yet sad- was the most basic tenet of Christianity, “Love dened by this. I feel anger toward whomever one another, as I have loved you.” The archaic caused their pain. Anger doesn’t accomplish and mean-spirited rhetoric used to shame and much though, other than frustration. I needed marginalize gays by Church hierarchy is a clear to find a way in which I could turn my frustra- abuse of power. It creates division among fami- tion into action. lies, not allowing them to accept and love their I started to write about my own experiences children within the context of their own faith. as Charlie’s mom. At first I wrote responses to We families and friends of LGBT people need self-righteous letters to the editor filled with to reeducate those around us. Misconception, misinformation, vitriol and Bible passages con- shame and fear can help be eliminated by shar- demning the “gay agenda.” Rather than to re- ing and networking. spond in an adversarial way, I tried to correct I have come full circle. Instead of feeling misnomers and false stereotypes with reality- scared and anxious, I now enjoy feelings of based on personal examples and experiences. hope, optimism and renewed faith that people I began writing letters to politicians and on will continue to fight for what is fair and just. Facebook using the same approach. I wrote The hard-fought battle to achieve equal rights from the perspective of a mother. I shared that has brought about legislative change which is my fondest dream for many years, had been to finally occurring at a more rapid pace. I feel dance at Charlie’s wedding. Pretty soon people much joy watching my grandchildren grow up in the community began to approach me in with the attitude that it is always good to cel- grocery stores, wanting to hear more stories. ebrate people who love and commit themselves Politicians answered back. What seemed so to each other, regardless of gender. I found a normal to me was a curiosity to others. Even beautifully written children’s book to read to my mom, who lives in a retirement center, tried them about a wedding with two grooms. One to help pass the marriage bill by sharing sto- of them looked at me afterwards and said, “We ries about David and Charlie around the lunch already know that Gramy. It’s not a big deal table. Soon, her best friend shared that she has anymore.” a son who is gay. The conversation at the table 12 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINT WINDY CITY “Something started that night that I think TIMES DANA had a very powerful ripple effect,” she adds. VOL. 29, No. 28, April 9, 2014 They took the film to cities across the coun- The combined forces of Windy City Times, RUDOLPH try, tapping into a network of lesbian mom founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, support groups and other feminist organiza- founded May 1987. tions. “People were just so hungry for this kind PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR of film,” Klausner says. Tracy Baim To promote the film, they would book them- MOMBIAN selves on local talk radio shows, many of whom ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky had conservative hosts and audiences opposed MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Classic film about to lesbians having children. Nevertheless, BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright Chasnoff says, “The experience of engaging in ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson lesbian mothers the mainstream media about our film like that SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette now on DVD was one of the first times that the topic ever Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, surfaced in the mainstream media.” Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen Blickensderfer The Fosters, ABC Family’s drama about two The film was officially released in 1985, the PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff moms raising their five children, ended its very same year the first second-parent adoption in NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 successful first season this week. But The Fos- the country was granted, allowing nonbiologi- SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie cal mothers to become legal parents of their J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, ters—and many real-life two-mom families— Yasmin Nair, Kate Sosin owe a debt of gratitude to a film that premiered partners’ children—another indication of the THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan 30 years ago and is now newly remastered and pivotal period that their work captures. Chas- CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. available on DVD: Choosing Children, the first stories was hard. The filmmakers sent an- noff and Klausner had a first child of their own BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair in 1988, and a second two years later. Hitchens SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman documentary to look at lesbians who became nouncements by postal mail to lesbian, gay ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS parents after coming out. and feminist newspapers, and then drove helped them get second-parent adoptions each Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence The film, by Academy Award-winning film- around the country to meet the dozens of les- time. Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan maker Debra Chasnoff and her then-partner bian mothers who replied. Although the two later broke up, they remain Abarbanel co-parenting partners. COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Kim Klausner, offers a snapshot of lesbian life Many of the women who appear in the film Harper, Meghan Streit, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie in the early 1980s, complete with 80’s hair- discuss issues that, while not gone entirely, The DVD bonus feature also brings us up to Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, styles and a background song, “Having Another were more widespread 30 years ago—the de- date on the families in the film. Some of the Sally Parsons, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, Baby,” commissioned from the era’s iconic nial of assisted reproduction to lesbians or couples are still together, while others are not. Francesca Royster, Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler All of their children are grown. SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, feminist singer/songwriter Holly Near. More single women; the lack of legal recognition for Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan importantly, though, it captures a crucial turn- non-biological parents; creating then-untested Klausner reflects, “The film was really the Mattes ing point in LGBT family history. contracts between a known donor and a female crest of the wave of the lesbian parenting CIRCULATION The six lesbian families profiled in the film couple; a mother being denied entrance to the movement. It opened up the option for many, CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright had their children through known donors, un- hospital where her partner has just given birth many people, and helped them realize that this DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, was a possibility in their lives.” Sue and Victor known donors, and adoption. There are three to their severely premature child. We see them, WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead couples, a single mother, one woman co-par- however, being proudly visible and gradually That is the greatest gift of the film for us programmer: Martie Marro) enting with a gay man, and a group of five shifting others’ attitudes—for example, in mo- today—to see that other parents and children have been there long before us, facing many of women co-parenting together. The women are tivating a birthing class instructor to start say- Copyright 2014 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media White, Black, and Hispanic, and include two ing “partners” and not just “fathers.” the same issues, and have nevertheless found Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back interracial couples. Attorney Donna Hitchens, answers and overcome challenges to raise their issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). At the same time, many of the topics they Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, one of the founders of the Lesbian Rights and their children grappled with are ones that children to adulthood. Both as a piece of his- and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and Project (now the National Center for Lesbian still concern us today: whether to use a known tory and as a still-timely inspiration, Choosing no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy Rights), provides legal commentary. or unknown donor, the relative importance of Children belongs in every LGBT parent’s col- City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned In a new interview with the filmmakers on male role models, how a nonbiological mother lection (and would make a great baby shower for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing gift). and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, the DVD, Chasnoff explains that at the time, if can build a bond with her child, and how wel- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own you came out, it was assumed you would not come their children will be in school. Choosing Children was preserved by the UCLA and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Film and Television Archive, a project funded Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of have children. Lesbian mothers were those who Watching the everyday interactions of these a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy had had children in a previous relationship moms and their children, it is easy to forget by the Outfest Legacy Project for LGBT Film City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the Preservation. It is available through Chasnoff’s sexual orientation of such person or organization. While with a man. Still, stories were starting to cir- that these families were pioneers. When the we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make culate in the lesbian community about women film premiered in Boston in 1984, Chasnoff film company, Groundspark (groundspark.org), this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept who were having children together. Chasnoff recalls in the DVD interview, “It was one of and comes with English and Spanish subtitles. responsibility for advertising claims. and Klausner were intrigued. “It was a film those moments where you felt like something Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 of Mombian (mombian.com), an award-win- e-mail: [email protected] or that Kim and I both personally needed to see,” major just shifted in the world.” She would see [email protected] Chasnoff says. “We needed to hear the stories couples in the audience suddenly look at each ning blog and resource directory for LGBT of other lesbians.” other and say, “Honey, do you want to have a parents. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Before the Internet, however, finding such baby?” podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 U.S.A LETTERS (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. Pigeon-holed? to financial. They had no other choice but to OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE seek help from where they would be accepted www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityQueercast.com Dear Editor, and not judged. But there are those, too, who Send letters and are there because of the choices they make and “Windy City Media Group generated I am responding to the article printed March the consequences that follow. viewpoints to There are great things happening at the enormous interest among their readers 12, “Pansexual woman’s journey empowers her in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index TransLife Center for those who choose to utilize to help others.” Survey. Out of approximately 100 them. I personally am grateful for the center’s Andrew@ After reading the article I was very disturbed print and online media partners who harm-reduction program as well as its sup- by the stereotype being described for those participated in the survey, Windy port with substance-abuse and mental-health WindyCity living at Chicago House or being serviced at City was the best performing regional the TransLife Center. I find it offensive to hint issues—very important topics that were not media in the U.S. Only survey partners that everyone there is HIV-positive, a high-risk mentioned in the article. MediaGroup. with a nationwide footprint were prostitute or a trans person of color with legal I just feel the public should know the ex- able to generate a greater number of issues. After living and receiving services there ample used is not the norm, or a good one. We com. responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research for over five months, I know that not to be wish LayMorris the best, but that was her story Director, Community Marketing, Inc. the case. I myself am biracial and gender non- and not ours. Items may be conforming, and I am not a prostitute nor do I have HIV. There are also people who live there Sincerely, who work and volunteer. Joseph Carr edited It is distressing to me to have the perception Chicago that the example given is the norm. I, for one, for length or am not. Most people I have met there have come from many different backgrounds and are clarity. there for different reasons, ranging from health WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 13 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Michael Brosilow

BEFORE & LAUGHTER Fawzia Mirza (with Damian Conrad) stars in Brahman/i: A One-Hijra Stand Up Comedy Show. See the review on page 14. THEATER DISH BOOKS ‘Happy’ times. Leg(horn) work. ‘Summer’ time. Page 14 Page 26 Page 28 Photo from Happy Endings Photo of Leghorn Chef by Amanda de la Guardia Sieger Bayer by Andrew Davis

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT A Fine Line There’s a typical Brit- ish complaint about having to wait forever Sexual and gender for a London bus, only to have three show up at once. The same could hold similarly dualities on stage true for Chicago-area audiences who have BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Dorantes then realized that the space was had to wait years for meant to be a pan-Latin one that embraced a play centering on The cascade of LGBTQIA works on Chicago-area cultures stretching from North to South Amer- an intersex character, stages continues with two world premieres ica. Hence in Dorantes’ play El Incas, the bar and then having two opening this week. One deals with bisexual- becomes the sort of safe space where dialogue open in the exact same ity among Latino immigrants living in Chicago, can actually happen. month. while another focuses on an intersex installa- Dorantes also made his characters’ origins Already playing is tion artist trying to make amends as death ap- also very pan-Latin. The lovers Martin and Fer- Silk Road Rising and proaches. nando are from an unnamed Central American About Face Theatre’s country and the same town of El Progresso regional premiere of El Incas (Dorantes chose this name since he joked that Brahman/i: A One- Out Mexican-born and Chicago-based play- so many Latin countries have a town named Hijra Stand Up Com- wright Raul Dorantes expects to stir up some El Progreso). The nosy drag queen Cata, who edy Show in Chicago. controversy with El Incas, his new play deal- owns and holds court over El Incas as a multi- It’s soon to be joined ing with two Latino men who furtively carry national Latin enclave, is also from El Progre- by Waukegan-based on a gay relationship on top of their marriages so. But Dorantes was more specific about the Clockwise Theatre’s to women. The fact that Colectivo El Pozo is men’s spouses, with Fernando’s wife, Cristina, world premiere of Rob producing El Incas in the heart of Puerto Rican coming from Argentina and Martin’s wife, Mata, Winn Anderson’s A Fine cultural stronghold Humbolt Park is also a risk. being Puerto Rican. Line, which is about “An objective with the production is to pro- As with most Colectivo El Pozo productions, an intersex artist try- voke dialogue about sexual diversity in our the company tries to reach out to the largest ing to make piece with own community,” said Dorantes, who decided possible audience linguistically. That’s why any oneself and loved ones to write El Incas when a friend of his com- spoken Spanish will be translated with project- near the end of life. plained that too much of his previous work ed English titles and any spoken English will Raul Dorantes, the playwright of El Incas. Photo by Elena Voltchek “It’s really fascinat- dealt with immigration issues. “But I laughed be augmented with projected Spanish transla- ing because this was a little bit, because my friend didn’t realize it tions. written a few years was also about immigrants -- immigrants who In addition to looking at gay and bisexuality Sunday, May 11, at La Casa de Oscar Lopez, ago,” said Anderson, a are dealing with being gay or bisexual. This is in the Latino community in El Incas, Dorantes 2628 W. Division St. There is an 8 p.m. straight playwright and director who was in- kind of taboo in the Spanish-speaking Latino says another major issue is “Latino identity in preview on April 10, with an official press spired to write A Fine Line when he researched community.” Chicago, because I think that everything not opening at 8 p.m. April 11. Subsequent a story of an intersex person who lived six El Incas as a title refers to a fictional Chicago only has to do with sexual identity, but also performances are from 8 p.m. Thursdays months of the year as a man and the other bar that takes its inspiration from the long- identity when you’re asked if you are Mexican through Saturdays, with 3:30 p.m. matinees six months as a woman. “Sometimes it’s about gone Pilsen gay Latino hangout La Cueva Bar or Latino or Hispanic. Myself, I consider my- on Sundays. Performances are in Spanish and when is the right time for a piece and it seems from the 1990s. When Dorantes originally vis- self first an immigrant who must embrace many English with projected translations. Tickets to me that it’s now for this subject matter.” ited La Cueva, he was initially thrown by its cultures.” are $15 and $10 for students; for advance Mayan décor and its drag queen host who of- Colectivo El Pozo’s world premiere of El In- Turn to page 29 tickets, email [email protected]. fered a welcome to “Inca country.” cas plays from Thursday, April 10, through 14 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW Volkoff was very lucky to get actor Fawzia Mirza to bravely tackle the lengthy title role, since Brahman/i: A she nimbly handles its comedy demands with lots of skill and panache. One-Hijra Stand Up Brahman/i focuses on an American of Indian Comedy Show descent sharing the struggles of being a “Hijra” Playwright: Aditi Brennan Kapil (a Hindi word for Intersex person) from child- At: About Face Theatre and Silk Road hood ambitions to be popular in school to be- Rising at Chicago Temple, ing faced with nearly a dozen choices on how 77 W. Washington St. to live one’s life after puberty sets the course Tickets: 312-857-1234; of the body’s development. Mirza masterfully www.aboutfacetheatre.com or delivers Kapil’s intelligently inserted punch www.silkroadrising.org; $20-$35 lines tied to Indian vs. American cultures, plus Runs through: April 27 lots of history to help root her main character’s views on colonialism and cultural imperialism. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Mirza is backed up by a laconic bassist iden- tified as “J” (a very supportive Damian Con- New About Face Theatre artistic director Andrew rad), and she straddles the gender divide of Volkoff is certainly making a bold statement the title character well in designer Jeremy W. for his Chicago directorial debut with the local Floyd’s costumes that emphasize male and fe- premiere of Aditi Brennan Kapil’s Brahman/i: A male sides. One-Hijra Stand Up Comedy Show. Yet not everything works. There is an extend- This smart collaboration with Silk Road Ris- ed comic sequence about Stonehenge that is ing tackles an underrepresented group within meant to trash Britons that Mirza hasn’t mas- the extended LGBTQIA community. (The “I” tered. (Perhaps she needs to find better British in the acronym stands for intersex, meaning accents or work on the timing to make it com- people physically born with both sets of male edy gold.) I also wonder if set designer Roger and female genitalia.) The show also serves to Wykes might have been wiser to reconfigure expound upon the dualities faced by a person the basement space into an actual comedy club of Indian descent growing up and living in complete with cabaret tables and chairs. The America. current configuration is fine, but Silk Road Ris- The show’s format as an extended stand-up ing’s past musical revues have shown what else comedy routine is also unconventional, so one can be done in its theater. can’t accuse Volkoff of neglecting any of the But on the whole, Brahman/i entertains as diversity boxes when it comes to checking off much as it educates. This makes Brahman/i categories of gender, sexuality, minority cul- quite the illuminating comedy, and it bodes Happy Endings. Photo by Amanda de la Guardia tures or theatrical forms. very well for Volkoff’s artistic stewardship of Thankfully, Brahman/i works wonderfully as a About Face Theatre for the future.

THEATER REVIEW in fiction. So we can’t say we weren’t warned, theater piece that also delivers loads of laughs. but by the time the ax falls, we are so emo- Happy Endings tionally invested in Matt Messina’s, Daniella Playwright: Matt Tassell Collucci’s and Patrick Belics’ piteously vulner- At: Second Thought Theatre Company able young lovers—we can even sympathize at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. with their airheaded het sidekick Stan, played A Place in the Tickets: 773-327-5252; by Joseph Galizia—that we depart the theater Woods. Photo www.stage773.com; $25 in hopeful anticipation of a possible reconcili- courtesy Runs through: May 4 ation, once the alarums and excursions subside of The Fine and the devastated comrades can discuss the Print Theatre BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE situation from the rational perspective granted Company us by our brief respite from the shock of im- History records many instances of gay men mediate confrontation. and het women enjoying long and affectionate friendships, while romantic literature abounds in deathbed confessions of hitherto suppressed devotion—and where would classical tragedy CRITICS’ PICKS be without innocent lives thwarted by lies born unearths a well of bad memories and family of desperation? Bat-Hamlet, Corn Productions at the THEATER REVIEW recriminations. Though everyone in the fam- All these themes grant precedent to Matt Tas- Cornservatory, through April 26. Melan- A Place in the Woods ily is accepting of Shaun’s homosexuality to- sell’s tale of Eddie and Stella, close comrades choly Dane and Dark Knight meet in an Playwright: Erik Gernand day, things weren’t so rosy back in the 1980s since their troubled youth, now grown to adult- action-packed two-genre spoof featuring At: The Fine Print Theatre Company when Shaun and Brady were teenagers. hood. When the former helps the latter move a Rocky Horror-sized performance by Lu- at The Alley Stage of Profiles Gernand uses the inquisitive Alex to prod into the apartment she will share with Adam, cas Thatcher as the Jester. MSB Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway most of these feelings out of his relatives as the two gay men are immediately smitten with A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre, Tickets: www.thefineprinttheatre.org; $25 he tries to find out information about Shaun one another, making for household tensions as through April 13. As is their wont, Lifeline Runs through: May 4 and Brady’s late high school friend, T.J. This the roommates chafe under Eddie’s loyalty to has pared down the famous Dickens tale device is good way of building up a sense of them both. Then one night, after Stella has to its essential love triangle story, cutting BY SCOTT C. MORGAN mystery, but one gets the feeling that Ger- been dispatched on a blind date, Eddie learns away the multiple subplots and second- nand could have trimmed some flab from his that his girl-pal is dying of cancer—a revela- ary characters to shape a fast-moving and The LGBTQ community in America has made script to make A Place in the Woods less me- tion that plummets him into a seize-the-day clear narrative. It’s a handsome show, too! incredible strides in the past few years when andering and more dramatically taught and frenzy spurring him to propose marriage to JA it has come to gaining more equal rights and to the point. Adam and initiate carnal consummation with Russian Transport, Steppenwolf The- increasing societal acceptance. But there is Director Patrick Kenney generally draws Stella. Intermission. atre, through May 11. Human trafficking plenty of lingering pain and anger from when good performances from his cast, especially An intermission in a 90-minute one-set pro- isn’t always stranger-danger—in Erika times weren’t nearly so enlightened, which is with the teary emotional outbursts that turn duction is not just a bar-and-bathroom break, Sheffer’s unflinchingly candid play, it can what playwright Erik Gernand explores in his on the waterworks near the end. But most of though—it also serves as a dramatic pause, even be your neighbors’ family business. world premiere family drama A Place in the the time, the cast feels a tad too self-con- strategically placed to allow us a moment to MSB Woods for The Fine Print Theatre Company. scious when it comes to other events, like mull over what we have witnessed and examine Venus in Fur, Goodman Theatre, through Gernand’s play largely centers on a fam- dodging the uncomfortable questions raised it for possible clues to what is to transpire lat- April 13. If size matters to you, see David ily crisis that forces a fortysomething Chi- by Alex or dealing with the unplanned ap- er. This gives us an advantage over the play’s Ives’ acclaimed Broadway comedy that cago gay filmmaker named Shaun McAllister pearances of police officer Cherry (Natasha characters, who don’t have the luxury of de- playfully explores male-female power (James Bould), to return to his hometown Tsoutsouris, who is a bit too aware that her tachment, however abbreviated, and thus are dynamics and sadomachoism in director of Hunter, Ind., with his biological teenage character is there largely for comic relief). thrown into confusion at the discovery that Joanie Schultz’s large-scale production son, Alex (Jacob Bond), in tow. What happened in the past is clearly still they are the victims of a Macchiavellian hoax before the play starts popping up in every Shaun’s mother, Linda (Barbara Berndt), haunting the remaining McAllister family permissible in a Regency romp, but unforgiv- other storefront theater. SCM is starting to mentally slip into dementia, members in A Place in the Woods, which ably repugnant in a realistic context. while his alcoholic brother, Brady (Mike serves as a potent reminder of how far the Adam Benjamin directs a cast that navigates —By Abarbanel, Barnidge Rice), hasn’t been the best caretaker. people have come in the LGBTQ community the deliberately ambivalent tone of Tassell’s and Morgan What starts as a thorough and forced from just a few decades ago. Though A Place text with unwavering conviction and irresist- clean-up of the ramshackle McAllister home in the Woods could do with some judicial ible charm right up to the unsatisfying denoue- (emphasized by set designer Katie-Bell pruning, it’s still a strong work that shows ment, for which we should have been prepared Springmann’s stylized white-painted and the lingering damage of ignorance and ho- by Eddie’s earlier assertion that life doesn’t al- black-outline cardboard scenery) ultimately mophobia in one particular family. ways offer the kind of tidy closure that you find WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 15 SPOTLIGHT

Beirut-born multimedia artists Lina Saneh and Rabih Mroue make their Chicago debut with the semi-documentary 33 RPM and a Few Seconds, a farewell letter of a suicidal young man living in Lebanon during the revolutions of the Arab Spring. After his death, his electronic devices live on as institutions and individu- als search for a meaning behind his suicide. 33 RPM and a Few Seconds plays at the Edlis Neeson Theater at MCA Stage at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Performances are performed in Arabic, English and French with projected English translations at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12. Tickets are $10- $28; call 312-397-4010 or visit www.mcachicago. org. Photo of Mroue (purposely obscured) by Pascheit Spanned Peter and the Starcatcher.

THEATER REVIEW I was flying blind into this show that seemed ently weren’t familiar with the grown-up show, production to life originally and it has created like a slow theatrical set-up at first. This quick- either. a hands-on feel to Starcatcher that is simply Peter and the ly faded away as the show built up steam and John Sanders steals the spotlight as Black magic. really started to cook, thanks to Hook in the Stache (or the Captain Hook role) and gives the There is a homemade drag mermaid scene Starcatcher second act. crowd the middle finger along with his whole that is not to be missed, thanks to Paloma Playwright: Rick Elice This fable begins with an orphan called Boy, hand. He eats the stage, devours it in fact and Young, who won a Tony for best costume de- At: Bank of America, 18 West Monroe innocently played by Joey deBettencourt, does so with relish on top until the hook ar- sign. Tickets: 800-775-2000 or on Mollusk Island with a friend called Molly, rives. There many such hilarious moments in www.BroadwayInChicago.com; $18-$85 strongly played by Megan Stern. They encoun- The orchestra is composed of two sound-ef- this Peter Pan prequel so run out to catch Runs through: April 13 ter characters like Black Stache and a ferocious fects men one on each side of the stage hoist- Starcatcher before it flies out of town April 13. crocodile called Mister Grin. Many adventures ed in the air inside a box. This is very effective This is a chance to catch it before the novel of BY JERRY NUNN ensue before the tale ends in a place called and fun to watch them work like an old time the show will be made into a big-budget Walt Neverland. radio show. Disney picture with director Gary Ross (The Are you a bigger fan of Captain Hook or Peter Is Stache playing on our team? His band of Peter and the Starcatcher doesn’t necessar- Hunger Games). Pan? After seeing the five-time Tony-winning merry men seem to think he does, and even say ily need the Bank of America’s huge stage to As the Sally Field reference in this produc- Peter and the Starcatcher, gay audience mem- so in this version of the classic story. work; this is a show that could play well in a tion comically says, “You like me; you really bers might lean toward Hook, although Pan The Disney Theatrical Group produced small venue as well. It feels like the old theater like me”—and as far as this reviewer goes, yes, does have that baby face. Starcatcher but it is surprisingly adult at times saying, “I’ve got a barn; let’s put on a show.” I did. Underneath the title it states “A Grownup’s and some parents escorted their children out In fact, after interviewing John Sanders for Prequel to Peter Pan” but somehow I missed it. at intermission on opening night. They appar- his role I learned that the props brought this 16 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

What is STRIBILD? • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) What should I tell my STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as infection. If you also have HBV healthcare provider before a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in STRIBILD is a prescription medicine and stop taking STRIBILD, your taking STRIBILD? adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines used to treat HIV-1 in adults who hepatitis may suddenly get worse. have never taken HIV-1 medicines Do not stop taking STRIBILD • All your health problems. Be before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. before. It combines 4 medicines into without fi rst talking to your sure to tell your healthcare provider 1 pill to be taken once a day with healthcare provider, as they will if you have or had any kidney, bone, food. STRIBILD is a complete need to monitor your health. or liver problems, including hepatitis single-tablet regimen and should not STRIBILD is not approved for the virus infection. be used with other HIV-1 medicines. treatment of HBV. • All the medicines you take, STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 including prescription and I started my infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 Who should not take STRIBILD? nonprescription medicines, vitamins, infection and decrease HIV-related Do not take STRIBILD if you: and herbal supplements. STRIBILD illnesses you must keep taking may affect the way other medicines personal revolution STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare • Take a medicine that contains: work, and other medicines may provider if you have questions about alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, affect how STRIBILD works. Keep how to reduce the risk of passing ergotamine, methylergonovine, a list of all your medicines and HIV-1 to others. Always practice cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, show it to your healthcare provider Talk to your healthcare provider safer sex and use condoms to lower pimozide, sildenafi l when used for and pharmacist. Do not start any ® about starting treatment. the chance of sexual contact with lung problems (Revatio ), triazolam, new medicines while taking body fl uids. Never reuse or share oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb STRIBILD without fi rst talking needles or other items that have St. John’s wort. with your healthcare provider. STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 body fl uids on them. • For a list of brand names for these • If you take hormone-based medicines, please see the Brief birth control (pills, patches, rings, treatment in 1 pill, once a day. IMPORTANT SAFETY Summary on the following pages. shots, etc). INFORMATION • Take any other medicines to • If you take antacids. Take treat HIV-1 infection, or the antacids at least 2 hours Ask if it’s right for you. What is the most important ® medicine adefovir (Hepsera ). before or after you take information I should know STRIBILD. about STRIBILD? What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? • If you are pregnant STRIBILD can cause serious or plan to become side effects: Serious side effects of STRIBILD pregnant. It is not • Build-up of an acid in your may also include: known if STRIBILD can harm your blood (lactic acidosis), which is • New or worse kidney problems, a serious medical emergency. unborn baby. Tell your including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider Symptoms of lactic acidosis include healthcare provider should do feeling very weak or tired, unusual if you become pregnant regular blood and urine tests to while taking STRIBILD. (not normal) muscle pain, trouble check your kidneys before and breathing, stomach pain with during treatment with STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding nausea or vomiting, feeling cold If you develop kidney problems, (nursing) or plan to especially in your arms and legs, your healthcare provider may tell breastfeed. Do not feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or you to stop taking STRIBILD. breastfeed. HIV-1 can a fast or irregular heartbeat. be passed to the baby • Bone problems, including bone • Serious liver problems. The liver in breast milk. Also, pain or bones getting soft or thin, some medicines in may become large (hepatomegaly) which may lead to fractures. Your and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of STRIBILD can pass healthcare provider may do tests to into breast milk, and it liver problems include your skin or check your bones. the white part of your eyes turns is not known if this can yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” • Changes in body fat can happen harm the baby. urine, light-colored bowel movements in people taking HIV-1 medicines. You are encouraged to report (stools), loss of appetite for several • Changes in your immune system. negative side effects of days or longer, nausea, and/or Your immune system may get prescription drugs to the FDA. stomach pain. stronger and begin to fi ght Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, • You may be more likely to get infections. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. lactic acidosis or serious liver provider if you have any new problems if you are female, very symptoms after you start taking Please see Brief Summary of overweight (obese), or have been STRIBILD. full Prescribing Information with taking STRIBILD for a long time. In The most common side effects important warnings on the some cases, these serious conditions of STRIBILD include nausea and following pages. have led to death. Call your healthcare diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider provider right away if you have any if you have any side effects that symptoms of these conditions. bother you or don’t go away.

10043_pdiqdp_WindyCityTImes_Winston_fi.indd 1-2 6/14/13 9:20 AM Ad Page 1 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes Ad Page 2 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 17

What is STRIBILD? • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) What should I tell my STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used as infection. If you also have HBV healthcare provider before a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in STRIBILD is a prescription medicine and stop taking STRIBILD, your taking STRIBILD? adults who have never taken HIV-1 medicines used to treat HIV-1 in adults who hepatitis may suddenly get worse. have never taken HIV-1 medicines Do not stop taking STRIBILD • All your health problems. Be before. STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. before. It combines 4 medicines into without fi rst talking to your sure to tell your healthcare provider 1 pill to be taken once a day with healthcare provider, as they will if you have or had any kidney, bone, food. STRIBILD is a complete need to monitor your health. or liver problems, including hepatitis single-tablet regimen and should not STRIBILD is not approved for the virus infection. be used with other HIV-1 medicines. treatment of HBV. • All the medicines you take, STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 including prescription and I started my infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 Who should not take STRIBILD? nonprescription medicines, vitamins, infection and decrease HIV-related Do not take STRIBILD if you: and herbal supplements. STRIBILD illnesses you must keep taking may affect the way other medicines personal revolution STRIBILD. Ask your healthcare • Take a medicine that contains: work, and other medicines may provider if you have questions about alfuzosin, dihydroergotamine, affect how STRIBILD works. Keep how to reduce the risk of passing ergotamine, methylergonovine, a list of all your medicines and HIV-1 to others. Always practice cisapride, lovastatin, simvastatin, show it to your healthcare provider Talk to your healthcare provider safer sex and use condoms to lower pimozide, sildenafi l when used for and pharmacist. Do not start any ® about starting treatment. the chance of sexual contact with lung problems (Revatio ), triazolam, new medicines while taking body fl uids. Never reuse or share oral midazolam, rifampin or the herb STRIBILD without fi rst talking needles or other items that have St. John’s wort. with your healthcare provider. STRIBILD is a complete HIV-1 body fl uids on them. • For a list of brand names for these • If you take hormone-based medicines, please see the Brief birth control (pills, patches, rings, treatment in 1 pill, once a day. IMPORTANT SAFETY Summary on the following pages. shots, etc). INFORMATION • Take any other medicines to • If you take antacids. Take treat HIV-1 infection, or the antacids at least 2 hours Ask if it’s right for you. What is the most important ® medicine adefovir (Hepsera ). before or after you take information I should know STRIBILD. about STRIBILD? What are the other possible side effects of STRIBILD? • If you are pregnant STRIBILD can cause serious or plan to become side effects: Serious side effects of STRIBILD pregnant. It is not • Build-up of an acid in your may also include: known if STRIBILD can harm your blood (lactic acidosis), which is • New or worse kidney problems, a serious medical emergency. unborn baby. Tell your including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider Symptoms of lactic acidosis include healthcare provider should do feeling very weak or tired, unusual if you become pregnant regular blood and urine tests to while taking STRIBILD. (not normal) muscle pain, trouble check your kidneys before and breathing, stomach pain with during treatment with STRIBILD. • If you are breastfeeding nausea or vomiting, feeling cold If you develop kidney problems, (nursing) or plan to especially in your arms and legs, your healthcare provider may tell breastfeed. Do not feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or you to stop taking STRIBILD. breastfeed. HIV-1 can a fast or irregular heartbeat. be passed to the baby • Bone problems, including bone • Serious liver problems. The liver in breast milk. Also, pain or bones getting soft or thin, some medicines in may become large (hepatomegaly) which may lead to fractures. Your and fatty (steatosis). Symptoms of STRIBILD can pass healthcare provider may do tests to into breast milk, and it liver problems include your skin or check your bones. the white part of your eyes turns is not known if this can yellow (jaundice), dark “tea-colored” • Changes in body fat can happen harm the baby. urine, light-colored bowel movements in people taking HIV-1 medicines. You are encouraged to report (stools), loss of appetite for several • Changes in your immune system. negative side effects of days or longer, nausea, and/or Your immune system may get prescription drugs to the FDA. stomach pain. stronger and begin to fi ght Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, • You may be more likely to get infections. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. lactic acidosis or serious liver provider if you have any new problems if you are female, very symptoms after you start taking Please see Brief Summary of overweight (obese), or have been STRIBILD. full Prescribing Information with taking STRIBILD for a long time. In The most common side effects important warnings on the some cases, these serious conditions of STRIBILD include nausea and following pages. have led to death. Call your healthcare diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider provider right away if you have any if you have any side effects that symptoms of these conditions. bother you or don’t go away.

10043_pdiqdp_WindyCityTImes_Winston_fi.indd 1-2 6/14/13 9:20 AM Ad Page 1 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes Ad Page 2 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston 18 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

Patient Information • Do not stop taking STRIBILD without fi rst talking to your The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: - digoxin (Lanoxin®) STRIBILDTM (STRY-bild) healthcare provider • Nausea - disopyramide (Norpace®) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ • If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to • Diarrhea - estazolam tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, bothers you or that does not go away. please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you - ecainide (Tambocor®) stop taking STRIBILD • These are not all the possible side effects of STRIBILD. For more - fl urazepam information, ask your healthcare provider. What is STRIBILD? - uticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent® Diskus, Who should not take STRIBILD? • Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. Flovent® HFA, Veramyst®) • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD is a complete Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: - itraconazole (Sporanox®) ® regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. • adefovir (Hepsera ) What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) • STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) HIV-related illnesses. including: - mexiletine • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine ® • Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal ) mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, hepatitis B infection HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection ® ® ® ® - perphenazine equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body uids Migergot , Ergostat , Medihaler Ergotamine , Wigraine , ® ® ® • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ® on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer Wigrettes ), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate , Methergine ) STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider - phenobarbital (Luminal ) sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. • oral midazolam – There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral - propafenone (Rythmol®) ® medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to ® What is the most important information I should know • pimozide (Orap ) collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk - quinidine (Neudexta ) about STRIBILD? • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) this registry. ® STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: • sildenafi l (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems - rifapentine (Priftin ) 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic ® ® ® • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) • simvastatin (Simcor , Vytorin , Zocor ) breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar ® (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious • triazolam (Halcion®) - salmeterol (Serevent ) or salmeterol when taken in combination - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of with uticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can • the herb St. John’s wort passing HIV-1 to your baby. be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem - sildenafi l (Viagra®), tadalafi l (Cialis®) or vardenafi l (Levitra®, - Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms medicines, including: dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have pass into your breast milk. which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare ® ® - Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed provider or get medical help right away. • feel very weak or tired Viread , Truvada ) your baby. - tadalafi l (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or ritonavir (Combivir®, Emtriva®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, hypertension • have trouble breathing ® ® Norvir , Trizivir ) including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, - telithromycin (Ketek®) • have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting and herbal supplements: STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old. - thioridazine • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. - voriconazole (Vfend®) • feel dizzy or lightheaded What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD? • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) • have a fast or irregular heartbeat STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects: following medicines: - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in • See “What is the most important information I should know - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) people who take STRIBILD. In some cases, these liver problems about STRIBILD?” Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and - Antacid medicines that contains aluminum, magnesium show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your before or after you take STRIBILD STRIBILD without fi rst talking with your healthcare provider. provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your of liver problems: healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you - Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children. • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) develop new or worse kidney problems. blood pressure This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information ® ® • dark “tea-colored” urine • Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. - amiodarone (Cordarone , Pacerone ) about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may - atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®) healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or • light-colored bowel movements (stools) pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to ® ® • loss of appetite for several days or longer check your bones. - bepridil hydrochloric (Vascor , Bepadin ) professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com. ® • nausea • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 - bosentan (Tracleer ) Issued: August 2012 • stomach pain medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat - buspirone in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegreto®) You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health - clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®) been taking STRIBILD for a long time. effects of these conditions are not known. - clonazepam (Klonopin®) 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution - clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®) (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, (fl are-up) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “fl are-up” is when your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght infections that - colchicine (Colcrys®) TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare - medicines that contain dexamethasone are the property of their respective owners. • Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refi ll your prescription or talk provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after ® to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone starting your HIV-1 medicine. - diazepam (Valium ) © 2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. STBC0036 06/13

10043_pdiqdp_WindyCityTImes_Winston_fi.indd 3-4 6/14/13 9:20 AM BS Page 1 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes BS Page 2 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 19

Patient Information • Do not stop taking STRIBILD without fi rst talking to your The most common side effects of STRIBILD include: - digoxin (Lanoxin®) STRIBILDTM (STRY-bild) healthcare provider • Nausea - disopyramide (Norpace®) (elvitegravir 150 mg/cobicistat 150 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg/ • If you stop taking STRIBILD, your healthcare provider will need to • Diarrhea - estazolam tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) tablets check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare provider Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that - ethosuximide (Zarontin®) Brief summary of full Prescribing Information. For more information, bothers you or that does not go away. please see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you - ecainide (Tambocor®) stop taking STRIBILD • These are not all the possible side effects of STRIBILD. For more - fl urazepam information, ask your healthcare provider. What is STRIBILD? - uticasone (Flovent®, Flonase®, Flovent® Diskus, Who should not take STRIBILD? • Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. Flovent® HFA, Veramyst®) • STRIBILD is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults who You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. have never taken HIV-1 medicines before. STRIBILD is a complete Do not take STRIBILD if you also take a medicine that contains: - itraconazole (Sporanox®) ® regimen and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. • adefovir (Hepsera ) What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking STRIBILD? - ketoconazole (Nizoral®) • STRIBILD does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. You must stay on • alfuzosin hydrochloride (Uroxatral®) Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, - lidocaine (Xylocaine®) continuous HIV-1 therapy to control HIV-1 infection and decrease • cisapride (Propulsid®, Propulsid Quicksolv®) HIV-related illnesses. including: - mexiletine • ergot-containing medicines, including: dihydroergotamine ® • Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing • If you have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including - oxcarbazepine (Trileptal ) mesylate (D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine tartrate (Cafergot®, hepatitis B infection HIV-1 to others. Do not share or reuse needles, injection ® ® ® ® - perphenazine equipment, or personal items that can have blood or body uids Migergot , Ergostat , Medihaler Ergotamine , Wigraine , ® ® ® • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ® on them. Do not have sex without protection. Always practice safer Wigrettes ), and methylergonovine maleate (Ergotrate , Methergine ) STRIBILD can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider - phenobarbital (Luminal ) sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to lower the chance of • lovastatin (Advicor®, Altoprev®, Mevacor®) if you become pregnant while taking STRIBILD. - phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) sexual contact with semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. • oral midazolam – There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral - propafenone (Rythmol®) ® medicines during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to ® What is the most important information I should know • pimozide (Orap ) collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk - quinidine (Neudexta ) about STRIBILD? • rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®) with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in - rifabutin (Mycobutin®) this registry. ® STRIBILD can cause serious side effects, including: • sildenafi l (Revatio®), when used for treating lung problems - rifapentine (Priftin ) 1. Build-up of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic ® ® ® • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not - risperidone (Risperdal®, Risperdal Consta®) • simvastatin (Simcor , Vytorin , Zocor ) breastfeed if you take STRIBILD. acidosis can happen in some people who take STRIBILD or similar ® (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic acidosis is a serious • triazolam (Halcion®) - salmeterol (Serevent ) or salmeterol when taken in combination - You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of with uticasone (Advair Diskus®, Advair HFA®) medical emergency that can lead to death. Lactic acidosis can • the herb St. John’s wort passing HIV-1 to your baby. be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem - sildenafi l (Viagra®), tadalafi l (Cialis®) or vardenafi l (Levitra®, - Two of the medicines in STRIBILD can pass to your baby in your like symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare Do not take STRIBILD if you also take any other HIV-1 Staxyn®), for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you get breast milk. It is not known if the other medicines in STRIBILD can provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms medicines, including: dizzy or faint (low blood pressure), have vision changes or have pass into your breast milk. which could be signs of lactic acidosis: • Other medicines that contain tenofovir (Atripla®, Complera®, an erection that last longer than 4 hours, call your healthcare ® ® - Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed provider or get medical help right away. • feel very weak or tired Viread , Truvada ) your baby. - tadalafi l (Adcirca®), for the treatment of pulmonary arterial • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain • Other medicines that contain emtricitabine, lamivudine, or ritonavir (Combivir®, Emtriva®, Epivir® or Epivir-HBV®, Epzicom®, Kaletra®, Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, hypertension • have trouble breathing ® ® Norvir , Trizivir ) including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, - telithromycin (Ketek®) • have stomach pain with nausea or vomiting and herbal supplements: STRIBILD is not for use in people who are less than 18 years old. - thioridazine • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs • STRIBILD may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how STRIBILD works. - voriconazole (Vfend®) • feel dizzy or lightheaded What are the possible side effects of STRIBILD? • Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the - warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®) • have a fast or irregular heartbeat STRIBILD may cause the following serious side effects: following medicines: - zolpidem (Ambien®, Edlular®, Intermezzo®, Zolpimist®) 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in • See “What is the most important information I should know - Hormone-based birth control (pills, patches, rings, shots, etc) people who take STRIBILD. In some cases, these liver problems about STRIBILD?” Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of all your medicines and - Antacid medicines that contains aluminum, magnesium show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Call your healthcare hydroxide, or calcium carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours new medicine. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your before or after you take STRIBILD STRIBILD without fi rst talking with your healthcare provider. provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms kidneys before you start and while you are taking STRIBILD. Your of liver problems: healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking STRIBILD if you - Medicines to treat depression, organ transplant rejection, or high Keep STRIBILD and all medicines out of reach of children. • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice) develop new or worse kidney problems. blood pressure This Brief Summary summarizes the most important information ® ® • dark “tea-colored” urine • Bone problems can happen in some people who take STRIBILD. - amiodarone (Cordarone , Pacerone ) about STRIBILD. If you would like more information, talk with your Bone problems include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may - atorvastatin (Lipitor®, Caduet®) healthcare provider. You can also ask your healthcare provider or • light-colored bowel movements (stools) pharmacist for information about STRIBILD that is written for health lead to fractures). Your healthcare provider may need to do tests to ® ® • loss of appetite for several days or longer check your bones. - bepridil hydrochloric (Vascor , Bepadin ) professionals, or call 1-800-445-3235 or go to www.STRIBILD.com. ® • nausea • Changes in body fat can happen in people who take HIV-1 - bosentan (Tracleer ) Issued: August 2012 • stomach pain medicine. These changes may include increased amount of fat - buspirone in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, and around - carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegreto®) You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver the middle of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms problems if you are female, very overweight (obese), or have and face may also happen. The exact cause and long-term health - clarithromycin (Biaxin®, Prevpac®) been taking STRIBILD for a long time. effects of these conditions are not known. - clonazepam (Klonopin®) 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you have hepatitis B virus • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution - clorazepate (Gen-xene®, Tranxene®) (HBV) infection and take STRIBILD, your HBV may get worse Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your COMPLERA, EMTRIVA, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, HEPSERA, STRIBILD, the STRIBILD Logo, (fl are-up) if you stop taking STRIBILD. A “fl are-up” is when your immune system may get stronger and begin to fi ght infections that - colchicine (Colcrys®) TRUVADA, and VIREAD are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ATRIPLA HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other marks referenced herein have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your healthcare - medicines that contain dexamethasone are the property of their respective owners. • Do not run out of STRIBILD. Refi ll your prescription or talk provider right away if you start having any new symptoms after ® to your healthcare provider before your STRIBILD is all gone starting your HIV-1 medicine. - diazepam (Valium ) © 2013 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. STBC0036 06/13

10043_pdiqdp_WindyCityTImes_Winston_fi.indd 3-4 6/14/13 9:20 AM BS Page 1 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes BS Page 2 PALIO Date: 06.7.13 • Client: Gilead • Product: Stribild • File Name: 10043_pgiqdp_journal_ad_WindyCityTimes_Winston.indd Windy City TImes Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” • Bleed: N/A • Live: N/A Winston 20 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES CULTURE CLUB THEATER Chicago play brings two former flames full

THE AMERICAN PREMIERE OF THE DANCE circle in ‘Cicada’ OF DEATH By Sarah Toce Amy Matheny and Jerre Dye have been in each BY AUGUST STRINDBERG | IN A NEW VERSION BY CONOR MCPHERSON other’s lives on and off since the age of 15. DIRECTED BY HENRY WISHCAMPER

PICTURED: SHANNON COCHRAN. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BROSILOW. First friends, then partners, then friends again, FEATURING SHANNON COCHRAN*, PHILIP EARL JOHNSON* AND LARRY YANDO* Matheny is perhaps one of Dye’s biggest fans. When she stopped off to see his show in Mem- NOW PLAYING phis, she put her foot down … he would have at 664 Vernon Ave, Glencoe to relocate it to Chicago—end of story. Three Minutes from Chicago on the Edens or Metra years later, Cicada is scheduled to open to the-

FOR TICKETS: WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG | 847-242-6000 atergoers in the Windy City. *Denotes Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers The play is essentially about Matheny’s character, Lily, her life and her 17-year-old son, Ace. Matheny plays an elderly role in the haunting tale. The ghosts of her mother, grand- mother, great-aunt and her big sister reside in the home with them. The story presents the question: How we are haunted and helped by those that passed on and who came before us? Although it’s an all-ages show, the topics are profound. “There’s definitely a conversation about sex- uality and the way people talk about sexual- ity in the 1970s in Mississippi,” Matheny said. “It’s something that gay men will really relate to—this extremely attached and connected re- lationship to a mother, because the character Amy Matheny in Cicada. Photo by Joe Mazza/ of Ace, he’s ready to go. He’s ready to go be a Brave Lux man and at the same time, his mother is kind of his life partner like they are—it’s just the two of them, right? And so they’re like best month after I came out. I thought I was really friends—it’s like the Gilmore Girls for a guy and on trend because I was this Southern good girl, his mom. leading lady, debutant lesbian … .” “The most interesting part of this story that I Almost 25 years later, Matheny and Dye are think people can probably relate to is that my back on the same stage for his play, Cicada, in high school boyfriend [Dye] and I both happen Chicago. Matheny laughed, “It’s really like our to be gay and still be in each other’s lives,” silver anniversary.” Matheny added. “We met at the age of 15 on a Three years ago, Dye was the artistic director BEING GAY WASN’T PART blind date. We were set up by somebody who of a theater in Memphis called Voices of the knew [both of us] when he was moving to my South. Matheny had made Chicago her home OF THE MASTER PLAN hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee—which is a for a solid 19 years and urged her oldest friend very small, conservative—the reddest county to come out to the Windy City with his work, in the state of Tennessee, which is a very red but he refused. “He loved his Memphis com- GOOD BOYS state. It’s also a very big religious community.” munity and he had purpose there, so I went Was it love at first sight? down to see the play he had written that was AND TRUE “Jerre and I really found each other when having a production in Memphis, and it was he moved there and we both were cast in high called Cicada,” she said. BY ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA school opposite one another in My Fair Lady,” Although Matheny knew nothing about the DIRECTED BY CODY ESTLE Matheny said. “He was a year younger than me. play before seeing it, she was smitten and kept I was Eliza Doolittle and he was Henry Hig- pushing Dye to reconsider moving to Chicago: gins, and we were both play-acting and playing “After seeing that production I said, ‘Jerre, I MARCH 11 – MAY 3 grownup and he had shoe polish in his hair think we should bring this play to Chicago, and and we just had this wonderful time in high I want to help you do that, and I really want to RavenTheatre.com RAVEN school of being—going on scavenger hunts, be in this show.’” or 773.338.2177 THEATRE pep rallies, staying up late working on spirit The rest, as they say, is history. pep stuff, and just being high school kids. Now, Matheny’s connections in the Chicago the- being all grown up, I see what an amazing gift ater community aided in the production finding that was—that as queer kids we found one an- its legs. She started with an outfit close to her other.” heart. “I’ve worked with two different theater As often occurs at the end of one’s high companies in Chicago—one that I founded school years, students part ways, best friends with a group of other people in 1994-95 called become strangers, life goes on and many paths Greasy Joan and company, which is a reference cross into unknown directions. to Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost,” she “We both went off to college—I went off a said. “I left that company in 2000 after I creat- year earlier to Rhodes College in Memphis, Ten- ed and produced a show called Xena Live, based nessee. A year later he came to the Univer- on the popular show Xena: Warrior Princess.” sity of Memphis, and we were both in theater Xena Live was a huge cult hit in Chicago and departments there. We broke up because Jerre started out as a late-night show in 2000. It knew his truth before I did,” Matheny recalled. ran for approximately six months in different For Matheny, Dye’s revelation affected their incarnations. A second episode was created af- About Face Theatre and Silk Road Rising co-present friendship in a substantial way: “It was awk- ter Sept. 11, 2001, to help cheer up the com- ward because he was my best friend and we munity. Xena Live: Episode Two: Xena Lives the A One-Hijra Stand were really, really close, but we were growing Musical was born. BRAHMAN/I: Up Comedy Show up.” The second location Matheny approached Something shifted when Matheny joined the was About Face Theatre, which was the nation’s Written by Aditi Brennan Kapil Tickets at Memphis theater community. “It was a very largest gay and lesbian theater company back silkroadrising.org March 27 through April 27 wonderful community for me to come out in as in 1999-2000. Matheny was a member there for aboutfacetheatre.com Directed by Andrew Volkoff a young lesbian in the early ’90s when it was a decade. all lesbian chic—the cover of Newsweek was like, ‘Lesbian Chic,’ I swear to goodness like a Turn to page 21 WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 21 to think and it’s also, as a result, brought a dif- from all over the world to go to those cruise ferent audience out to standup clubs.” lines, and I discovered that there is an audi- Sapna Kumar chases She also thinks that the lesbian community ence out there for my act, that really likes this has really helped support a lot of the lesbian act, that is from everywhere,” she said. dreams to Hollywood comics doing standup today. Visit http://sapna-kumar.com. “I think the support that comes from the by Charlsie Dewey community is a lot of what bolstered a lot of those comics careers,” she said. “They wouldn’t Dustin Lance Black Stand-up comic, actor and longtime Chicago have been able to even say there act 10 or at Elmhurst resident Sapna Kumar (a former Windy City 20 years ago. They wouldn’t have been able Times 30 Under 30 honoree) has chased her to do those acts if it wasn’t for those women College on May 8 dreams to Hollywood. centered events where they found an audience Openly gay and Oscar-winning screenwriter The out performer, who has appeared on for their voice. … These were voices that were Dustin Lance Black (Milk) will be at Elmhurst LOGO TV’s One Night Stand-Up and NBC’s Last not going to be heard by the mainstream and College’s Frick Center Thursday, May 8, at 7 Comic Standing 4, as well as in indie films these are communities that are going to sup- p.m. Promise Land and Jamie and Jessie Are Not To- port it, and it’s continued through time and I In addition to Milk, Black’s credits also in- gether, moved to Los Angeles this past October think that’s great.” clude the movie J. Edgar and the play 8, which and said, so far, things are going well. In fact, it was support from the LGBT com- portrays the closing arguments in the federal “I’ve been doing a lot of standup and I’m munity that ultimately helped Kumar decide to trial that led to the overturning of California’s also part of an acting program here, and my pack up and head West. Proposition 8 and the establishment of mar- goal is to do sitcoms,” she said. “I did the Olivia Cruise’s 40th anniversary in riage equality in the nation’s largest state.. She just booked two projects that, once com- Dominican Republic in 2013, and just going on Visit http://public.elmhurst.edu/cultural_ pleted, will provide her with the option of get- that cruise and finding the fact that there was events. ting her Screen Actors Guild card, though she’s this audience out there, because people come not sure if that’s the route she’ll take. Kumar said she can’t talk about either of the CICADA from page 20 being from the South,” she said. projects other than to say they are both new Would she ever move back to the South again? media and that one will be released in April Finding the perfect match for Cicada was a “You know, you may be tapping on some- and the other in May. personal mission for Matheny: “This produc- thing that’s my reason for wanting to do the Although she’s been going on auditions on tion I really just wanted to help shepherd. I play,” Matheny said. “I can’t ever see that I a weekly basis, she is hoping to get a TV and really wanted to find the right people, the would live in the South again full-time. But film agent soon to help her establish herself in right director, the right team, the right home I know that as soon as I moved away from her new home. Sapna Kumar. PR photo for this play to live and thrive here in Chi- the South, I started claiming my Southern When she is not busy auditioning, she is per- cago.” heritage more and more,” Matheny said. “I forming in clubs around L.A. than any other time in my life, that I have the It took two years to find said home, but remember early on when I moved to Chicago, She mentioned that she recently did an support of both my siblings, which I did not it happened. I started listening to the country music sta- eight-minute act for The Ice House (which cre- have before,” she said. “We were invited to be a part of Route 66 tion, and I had never ever listened to coun- ates online comedy videos), all of which made In more recent years she’s also begun includ- Theater Company’s monthly reading series in try music when I lived in the South. I bought it to the club’s online channel. ing a lot of material based on the recession, July 2013. I had actually kind of given up my first pair of cowboy boots after I moved “They can use none of the footage or they the terrible economy and her more current ex- hope. ... I had met with a lot of people and to Chicago. So I think there is an ache for might use one clip of the footage, but I was periences. tried to seduce some directors to love the the South. I have to go back to Southern lucky enough that they divided it up into three “I think I tend to gravitate to the top- project, because I knew that I just wanted mountains and smell that air and walk. different clips and they used all of it,” she said. ics that are more universal in general for the to be an actor [and not direct]. What ended For her, the South is a family affair. “I Each of the clips received between 1,400- mainstream population, and any population up happening was that the woman who is mean, my family is all in east Tennessee, my 1,500 views in the initial weeks after being because we are all people and that is what I the associate artistic director of Route 66 grandmother is still 105, and she lives in her posted. gravitate towards,” she said. [Erica Weiss] was directing our reading, and home that my mother was raised in and has Kumar began standup comedy when she was While it’s often said that female comics face I just watched her—and I saw her really fall been in that home for 70 years now and it 19 years old and still in college, performing a lot of discrimination in the world of standup in love with the play in the one rehearsal definitely is a house that was built during at coffee shops around her school. She later comedy, Kumar said she prefers not to think that we had. Then we had so many people the Civil War, so if you kind of wanted the landed some tour dates and eventually relo- about her triple minority status too much and come to the reading—we were packed. We most stereotypical Southern upbringing, I cated to Chicago where her career really began to just focus on her act. had about 85 people show up in a room that had it,” she said. taking off. “I think every woman has felt it over the holds about 45 or 50. Erica said, ‘I don’t Matheny can visit the South every night She said her routine for a long time focused years—being that lone woman in the club in care whoever does this, I want to direct this in Cicada: “A luxury of this play is that I get on her family’s trials and tribulations as Indian the back of the room with the guy that gets play.’” to live [in the South] five shows a week and immigrants living in Indiana and her own dif- on stage and says some things that [make you With Route 66 squared away as the host, share something that I think is universal and ficulty finding acceptance within her family. say,] ‘Oh my God. I can’t believe they just said it was time to get the show on the road— poetic and sensitive and incredibly strong “I have a very unique act that was about my that about women or gays or whatever,’” she so to speak. Now that the balls were all in about the Southern spirit, incredibly endur- coming out experience, being a daughter of said. her court, Matheny dug deeper into the sto- ing—especially Southern women.” these Indian parents and that was a huge thing However, she noted that the atmosphere in ryline and pulled out the facets that meant Cicada goes into previews April 9 and that was my own experience and my identity in comedy clubs has changed a lot since she first the most to her and, she envisioned, for the the play runs through May 25 at the my family,” she said. audience. started performing, becoming more similar to Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lin- She also regularly pokes fun at her hyper- “[Cicada] is a play about mothers and sons, the audience she faced while performing in im- coln Ave.Tickets are available online: responsible older sister and her laid back, fun and I don’t have a child. But it’s so much prov troupes. www.cicadatheplay.com . Amy Matheny is loving brother. more than that … . The basic storyline is “I think we have to thank the alt comedy host of Windy City Media Group’s Windy “They are really supportive and it took a long about rural Mississippi 1974—so obviously movement for that, because they brought a dif- City Queercast show, and she is a senior time to get the support from my family in gen- the Southern aspect of it is relatable to me, ferent style of comedy to the clubs,” she said. account representative for the company. eral and now I think they are more supportive “It’s a little bit more intelligent, it gets people

A NEW LECTURE SERIES WINDY CITY TIMES PRESENTED BY & CENTER ON HALSTED

tHe FINAl lecture IN tHe SerIeS Sat., May 3, 2014, 11am-1pm TIMOTHY STEWART-WINTER From Civil Rights to Gay Rights in Chicago Timothy Stewart-Winter is an Assistant Professor of History at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. This talk is based on Stewart-Winter’s forthcoming book on the rise of gay politics in Chicago since the 1950s. The talk will examine trace how black insurgency paved the way for Midwestern gay activists to challenge police brutality and job discrimination, and how the gay movement’s priorities shifted during a long struggle for a political voice in one of the nation’s most segregated big cities. $25 per lecture https://community.centeronhalsted.org/lavenderuniversity 22 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES I first met Lewis 10 years ago when he was in town for the Reeling Film Festival and had the pleasure of working with him off and on in the ensuing years. Our paths crossed again last fall KNIGHT and not surprisingly, Lewis was just as delight- AT ful as when we first met. His enduring support for LGBT film will be sorely missed. THE —The late playwright and screenwriter Ar- MOVIES thur Laurents penned 1948’s Rope for his then-lover, Farley Granger. Granger co-stars with John Dall (who was also gay) as two college lovers who murder their intellectu- ally “inferior” classmate for the thrill of it and then invite the victim’s family over for dinner. By Jimmy Stewart plays their suspicious college Richard professor who figures out “the boys” have been Knight Jr. up to no good. Director Alfred Hitchcock fa- mously edited this twisted little tale—his first in Technicolor—with its barely concealed ho- Captain America: moerotic underpinnings, so that it appears to be happening in real time. The film was based The Winter on the infamous crime of real life killers Loeb and Leopold. The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Soldier; notes Southport Ave., is screening the film as part of their ongoing matinee series on Sunday, April When it comes to Captain America: The Win- 13 at 11:30 a.m. www.musicboxtheatre.com ter Soldier, the sequel to 2011’s Captain Amer- —Let It GO! Two seemingly unrelated films— ica, it’s clear from the box-office receipts and From left: Anthony Mackie and Chris Evans in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. I Am Divine, the fascinating story of the its reviews that this is one of those rare times 300-pound drag queen underground film star who took the world by storm (in cahoots with that audiences and critics have both embraced It’s not that I don’t love big-budget action/ Line. writer-director John Waters); and Frozen, the a movie. In its opening weekend the film had fantasy blockbusters either. But clearly some- Oscar-winning animated juggernaut (both crit- the distinction of having the most financially thing about the Marvel superhero movies has Film notes: ically and financially)—are just out on home successful box-office opening of any April re- left me behind—hence my feeling distracted —The film world lost a passionate advo- release (the latter in multiple versions). Both lease ever (by the time you read this it will during the screening and slightly depressed as cate for queer cinema when Lewis Tice, a film focus on individuals shunned by the main- most likely have gone on to make half a bil- the credits crawled trying to understand what publicist and programmer, passed away un- stream world for being different only to not lion worldwide). It also enjoys an 89-percent it is about these movies that doesn’t connect expectedly at 44. A gentle, soft-spoken man, only triumph, but be lauded for the very talent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the critic with me. Tice spent part of his early career with the that at first put them at odds with the main- film website. Since 2008 there have been nine films as Chicago International Film Festival and went stream world. So why did it leave me out in the cold? Over part of the so-called Marvel Cinema Universe— on to work with Frameline and Sundance. For Okay: It might seem a stretch to connect the course of the movie’s over two-and-a-half- the media franchise responsible for the col- many years he was the publicist for the LGBT these two films but, agree or not with my read, hour running time, I must have checked my lected movies which share the same fictional film distributor TLA Releasing (which oversees there’s no doubt these two stellar films should world and characters. The first one out of the Philadelphia’sQ Fest), rejoining them in 2011. be added to your collection. gate, Iron Man, remains in my estimation the strongest—and that’s because it gave Robert Downey Jr. a character that combined the ring- Reeling to take ‘Queer Queens of a-ding ‘60s Mad Men bravado and charm with the fascination for high-tech toys that, five place in Sept.; Qomedy’at Mayne years ago, really did dazzle. The subsequent films that have included two Iron Man sequels call for entries Stage on April 13 (each with diminished returns) and focused on Reeling 2014: The 32nd Chicago LGBT In- The all-lesbian revue “Queer Queens of other comic-book superheroes (the Hulk, Thor, ternational Film Festival is now accepting Qomedy” tour will stop at Mayne Stage, 1328 Captain America and Marvel’s The Avengers) film and video entries for this year’s festival, W. Morse Ave., on April 13 at 7:30 p.m. have left me increasingly uninterested. which will take place Sept. 18-25. The headliners will be Jennie McNulty, San- I find myself mentally checking out of these The event will screen approximately 75- dra Valls and Poppy Champlin. popcorn superhero flicks because, for me, their 100 independent films and videos during Tickets are $25-$25; see www.MayneStage. predictability isn’t particularly comforting (as that span. com and www.QueerQueensOfQomedy.com. it is in, say a sisterhood genre picture like The Entries are eligible for audience awards Help), their bloated running times test my pa- and juried cash awards in the categories of tience and, mostly, because I’m bored with all Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Sally Field pens the gut-busting, “my dick is bigger than yours” Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Docu- open letter subtext that runs rampant in every single one mentary Short, and Best Animated or Experi- of these male testosterone-driven pictures. mental Film. about gay son And this isn’t exclusive to the Marvel universe: To download a PDF of the entry form and Oscar-winning actress Sally Field released Spider-Man, Superman and every other super- guidelines, visit http://reelingfilmfestival. an open letter about her gay son, accord- heroman have the same effect on me. org or submit online through FilmFreeway or ing to a Human Rights Campaign (HRC) press I guess I’m just tired after a decade of hav- Withoutabox. The entry form can also be e- release. ing to pay close attention to these juggernauts mailed or snail-mailed upon request; contact Field urged people to get behind HRC, and Divine (in I Am Divine). Photo by Clay [email protected]. discussed her youngest son, Sam, who is gay. Geerdes (because these are the movies that Hollywood churns out, don’tcha know), that not one of In part, the letter reads, “At 20, long after them has taken the homoerotic prick-teasing he beat his brothers at tennis and computer watched five or six times. I wasn’t bored by and brought it front and center. I want the Queer concert games and knew as much as anyone about the film’s admittedly nifty, carefully crafted long-promised openly gay superhero movie series starts , Sam was able to stand up proudly set pieces, but I didn’t find them particularly and to hell with this genre until that happens. and say, ‘I am a gay man.’ engaging, either. And the old-school plot— Oh, and aside to Garry Shandling (who plays April 9 in Chicago “One of the great privileges of my life to focused on a secret baddie spy organization a crooked senator in the film): Even though Anna Deshawn of E3 Radio has announced have been allowed to be a part of Sam’s headed by a wizened, diminutive, tottering you offered momentary distraction, you are not the “Queer As Art” concert series. journey. There are people out there—orga- Robert Redford embedded within the peace- allowed to have one more plastic-surgery pro- The series is a sequence of four concerts nizations and politicians, strangers who have keeping S.H.I.E.L.D. (a hybrid CIA peacekeep- cedure. Ever. hosting a variety of queer artists from across- never even met Sam—who would rather de- ing force)—a carbon copy of 10,000 other such Of related interest: Well, here I am imme- the country. The shows will display music, vote themselves to denying his happiness. plots was strictly from Screenwriting 101. (I diately making an exception to my rule—of poetry, comedy and additional surprises. Why would anyone want to prevent my son— will pay $50 to anyone who can prove that sorts. I had a great time at The Desolation The first installment in the series happens or anyone’s son or daughter—from having one single audience member worldwide texted of Smaug, part two in director Peter Jackson’s Wed., April 9, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted basic legal safeguards like family medical “OMG, this plot is fantastic!” at any point dur- Hobbit trilogy when it was in theaters. The film St. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the leave, Social Security survivors benefits, or ing or after the movie.) is certainly filled with it share of gut-busting concert begins at 7 p.m. Among the slated health insurance? Not even the spectacular male eye candy of set-action sequences, too, but perhaps it is acts are comedian Dana Austin, drag queen “Whether you are LGBT yourself, a parent or star Chris Evans—returning for his second out- also centered in the realm of fantasy, has some Vixen and singer-songwriter/poet Storie De- grandparent of an LGBT child, or just a great ing as Captain America, the WWII hero who decided plot surprises, its share of gay actors vereaux. person with strong convictions about what’s awakens to find himself in the present—nor his (Sir Ian McKellen starring as Gandalf) and is Windy City Times, Sidetrack and Remy Mar- fair and right, I hope I’ve convinced you to easy-on-the-eyes co-stars Scarlett Johansson, genuinely enthralling at times. The movie is tin & Co. are among the event’s sponsors. stand with HRC for equality. You’ll be glad Anthony Mackie and Frank Grillo were enough just out in home release (Blu-ray, DVD, down- Tickets are $10 in advance, and $15 at the you did!” to elevate my torpor (and how unfair is it that load, and combinations thereof) from New door. See www.e3radio.org. Evans keeps his shirt on? That’s just not right!). WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 23 find constantly with Idol even, is that it’s not just about having the talent, it’s about having Judging ‘American Idol’ the passion for it. WCT: Your wife Nicole told Jimmy Kimmel recently that you started teaching Faith to with Keith Urban play the guitar. How are the lessons going? KU: I don’t know if I really am teaching her by Jerry Nunn ence, it can really throw you and I think we to play guitar, but she can sort of mimic a little have seen that a little bit this year. bit of what I am doing strumming-wise. That’s Australian country singer Keith Urban tore up I notice even from rehearsal to the show that really what I am trying to teach her, she’s only the charts with a string of hits since his debut night, it’s a particular thing to be able to per- three. But what I love is how she gravitates to- in 1999 on Capital Nashville. With nine studio form in front of an audience with the energy wards the guitar. She’s got a little pink guitar, albums under his belt, he took a breather to and the cameras on and all that sort of stuff. she will go get it and hold it and she sits and judge Fox’s American Idol and concentrate on It’s been an interesting group, because now strums with it right. I hope she keeps going family life with Nicole Kidman this spring. I am watching a lot of them really rise to that. with that because it does seem to be some- We gave him a call to discuss judging one of I think the very first show threw a lot of them, thing that she reaches for. the biggest singing competitions in the world. and then the second week got a little easier WCT: On the upcoming Raise ‘Em Up Tour, Windy City Times: Hi, Keith. How are you? for them and I think most of them are in their how do you choose the set list? Keith Urban: Good, thank you. groove now and we are seeing that consistency KU: I mean, I find the biggest challenge is WCT: First off, I wanted to know what your starting to rise. the same one each year. Thank God it’s a beau- opinion is of MK Nobilette the first openly WCT: Do you think it was time for MK and tiful problem, is that there is “x” amount of lesbian contestant [and member of the LGBT Majesty to go, or would you have liked them songs that people want to hear but we’ve only community] to make the voting rounds. Do to stay longer? got, you know, a couple of hours to play what- you think the story is more important than KU: It’s tricky because on one hand, if we ever it is. What I am trying to figure out is the singing? don’t use the save, everybody boos us, but you which of the songs people would be really, re- KU: Well, I mean the story is beautiful and could really answer it also by saying we agree ally upset if we didn’t do and which of the ones it’s very inspiring. I think she is, as far as a with America, because that’s why they’re sing- that people who have seen us over and over singer, she has a really beautiful voice. I think ing because they are at the bottom based on again would be happy to leave out of the set where MK hit a wall with the show was simply everybody’s votes. I think so far, the three of list and instead replace with something new. in regards to the performance and the fact that us haven’t agreed across the board on saving So that’s what I am in the midst of right now, it is a visual medium too, it’s not just audible. somebody, so in a couple of cases, at least one is figuring out which of the older songs do we Some sort of visual way of performing is really of us would’ve wanted to save that person, but absolutely, positively have to have in there important. It doesn’t mean running around the I think we are really coming down to the wire Keith Urban. Photo by Andrew Evans regardless, and then from there, threading in stage, it just means performing in such a way now, so this week or next, it will be interesting some sort of obscure ones and certainly a lot that it sort of like goes through the camera and to see who we have to use our save for. week, is that we felt like we were starting to of songs off Fuse. I think the set list is going connects with people. I think she is obviously WCT: What do you think of only one guy see the same thing. She’s got extraordinary tal- to feature a good chunk of songs off of Fuse going to keep working on this because she is being voted off so far? ent, she really is gifted, but she now needs simply because of the feedback I have been really, really gifted, so I will be interested to KU: I don’t know what to make of it, I mean, life. She just needs to get out there and really getting from a lot of people on songs on that hear more from her. it’s just the way people are voting. Everybody’s define who she is and find herself as an artist. record they want to hear. WCT: There is a lot more country music performing and everybody’s responding and WCT: Would you ever let your kids go into WCT: I hope you are coming to Chicago on represented on American Idol this season. voting accordingly, so what I find interesting showbiz? this tour. What do you think about it? more so is the fact that nobody seems immune KU: Absolutely! If they are willing to work KU: I hope so too. I know we are putting all KU: I think country has always been fairly to being in the bottom three. I mean you’ve for it, if they have an aptitude towards it and that together right now but I hope we get to well-represented. It might be a little more got somebody like Sam that seems to have an a real desire to work towards really anything, come back. prominent now. I don’t know if that’s because absolute army of devoted female fans and yet whatever they have a passion for, they just American Idol sings for its supper every I’m there or what it is. Last year was good with he can end up in the bottom three as well if need to work at it. That’s the big thing that I Wednesday and Thursday on Fox. that too, and this year I like that we’ve got he does a sort of subpar performance. That part diversity in the country area this year because has been interesting to watch this year from you’ve got somebody like C.J. And Jessica who week to week. can fit into that genre. I like the diversity that WCT: What advice would you give some- we’ve got. I also think that Idol has always one after Idol to achieve success like Kelly played very, very well in those places, Midwest Clarkson? and the sort of rural states that have huge KU: For me, it’s the same advice across the country audiences, so I am really grateful to be board, which is it’s what you do with this going on the panel because of that, and hopefully we forward now that’s going to make it either work can discover some exceptional country talent or not work, because winning Idol doesn’t au- this year too. tomatically catapult you into the stratosphere. WCT: Are you able to be objective when You have to then set about finding the songs the contestants sing country? and making a record, then you’ve got to go out KU: I just respond to feeling. It’s got noth- and do all the interviews. You’ve got to be able ing to do with genre. It’s got everything to do to do all the work. It can get you to the front with the sense of believability and authenticity of the line a little quicker, but it doesn’t mean and a feeling. It could be something someone that it’s going to happen right away. comes in and performs that doesn’t really fit It has been interesting with this show that any particular genre. I am just going to react over the years we’ve seen just as much success and respond to how it makes me feel. come from the non-winners as the winners. So WCT: Who is a frontrunner on this season? I think that’s also testament to the people that KU: I’ve got asked that question at the end that judges have chosen over the years, obvi- of the show [March 27] and I truly can’t say; ously the Chris Daughtrs and the Adam Lam- I don’t really know at this stage. I don’t have berts and the Jennifer Hudsons, etc. who have a personal front runner because we’ve already gone on to have exceptional careers, so it’s re- seen, for me, the surprise of who ends up in ally what you make of it after the fact. the bottom three each week and it’s not really WCT: Has sitting on the judging panel with been consistent. So I think what I am liking Harry Connick and Jennifer Lopez changed about this season is America’s responding to your approach in any way? the performances from night to night. KU: Not at all, no. I mean, I respond to what It doesn’t seem like there is such an intense I feel, what I see. I don’t overthink it. I re- fan club for any particular artist where those spond to something. The only time for me it will override the performance and I like that. gets sort of into the thought is like if I can I think that’s what makes the show interesting then pinpoint what it is that I am missing in for me from week to week right now, is anybody this performance and how they might be able can be the front runner. So it’s going to be to fix it. I mean in some cases you’ve got interesting to see who’s in the top three, let people that just hit a wall, you can just see alone, one and two. I really don’t know who they’ve hit a wall where they now need to go that will be. and live life. And they need to keep either writ- WCT: What have been the challenges for ing songs or they need to keep performing live; the performers on the big stage? they need to do something, but now they just KU: I think it’s one of those places where need all the experience. And I find that there you can be very, very young—15, 16, 17—and is not a lot of advice that you can give other have a great voice, be a great singer, have a than you’ve just got to get out there and live good look, be everything like that, but if you life and it’s just going to take some time now. don’t have any experience in front of an audi- I think that is what happened to Majesty last 24 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES his 18th birthday. He worked in the city, too, new day will bring. I couldn’t imagine doing to help pay for his education. Swimming then anything different.” Gay former college was not his main focus for the first time. Ciochon this year is launching a new real- “It was about exploring other life possibili- estate team affiliated with Coldwell Banker: ties,” he said. Chicago Lifestyle—Luxury Real Estate Experts. swimmer now a rising Ciochon said he was called a fag a few times “Our goal is to capture the lifestyle behind the in high school, but it didn’t impact him. property,” he said. “That was my main decision “I believe in the laws of attraction,” he said. to collaborate with Coldwell Bankers Previews. force in real estate “What you visualize and think is what you are As a certified Luxury Previews Property Special- going to find more frequently. I am a very posi- ist, it enhances the experience each client re- By Ross Forman tive person; my stepmother taught me this at ceives, on top of getting a true international age 12, and it has helped me get through every network. Samuel Ciochon was an NCAA Division I swim- situation. If I got upset at every little thing, I “Chicago is such an amazing city for the fact mer at the University of Illinois-Chicago who would never be happy.” that we are so diverse in our real estate. Al- now works in the Chicago real-estate market. He Ciochon still swims, though not on a regular though I have done the gamete, my main focus was an openly gay athlete in both high school schedule, and he has even participated in a few is on the condo and single-family home mar- and college and now, for the first time, Ciochon meets since graduating. ket in Near North, Lincoln Park and Lakeview shares his story exclusively with Windy City Memories, though, are plentiful—18 years of [neighborhoods].” Times. swimming smiles. Ciochon started in the industry at the bottom “The people who I met through [swimming] of the market, he said, “and I have adapted to Being an openly gay swimmer in high school have forever changed my life,” he said. “The the way consumers want information,” he said. and then at an NCAA Division I school didn’t one thing I love about swimmers, no matter “There is a lot of data that is accessible to ev- affect Samuel Ciochon, 24, in the pool. where you go in life, swimmers always can con- eryone just due to the Internet, and my job is His sexual orientation didn’t make him faster nect on a different level. Swimmers are a dif- to take that data and interpret it to maximize or slower. ferent breed.” your results. I work with buyers and sellers. “The only thing [being gay] does [for a Ciochon said he’s considering swimming this Each one should be treated differently. My goal swimmer] is, [it] makes you want to wear cuter summer in Cleveland at Gay Games 9, or per- is to enhance their results through tailored ser- swimsuits,” he said, laughing. “I’ve been a haps at the Games in 2018 in Paris. vices that meet the individual client’s needs. huge advocate since I came out that being gay “I would love to compete [at] the Gay Games, For sellers, this means a full pricing consulta- doesn’t change me. I’m still the same country and I have looked into it numerous times. It tion and marketing strategy. For buyers, I meet boy from Wisconsin with huge morals. I love has been my goal for the past four years when with them for a personalized consultation, so my family and friends. I still work hard, if not I heard about it for the first time. All I have they can trust in my abilities and knowledge harder than anyone else. Gay doesn’t define to say is, I need to whip my butt into shape,” of the market. In this spring market especially, me. I’m way more than [just] being gay.” he said. we are seeing a lack of inventory and a high Ciochon (pronounced “sha-hon”) lives in Samuel Ciochon. Photo from Ciochon “I will swim until the day I die. It is my past, demand for properties. This is resulting in mul- Chicago’s River North neighborhood and is a my present, and my future. It is who I am,” tiple offers and appraisal issues. We come up rising real-estate consultant with Coldwell he said. with a full strategy prior to give my clients Banker Previews. He has worked in the indus- Ciochon has played volleyball in the predom- the most competitive edge and luckily with “My coming-out was unbelievable, and I try for about five years, including time while inantly gay Chicago Metropolitan Sports Asso- my years of experience, I have made business thank my higher power that it was that way,” a student at the University of Illinois-Chicago ciation (CMSA) for the past five years. connections to assist with any issues that may he said. “My [high] school was extremely pro- (UIC)—an out student-athlete, that is. But nowadays, Ciochon’s world is a lot more arise.” gressive in terms of the support system that Ciochon started swimming at age 2 and was a professional—at least professionally dressed. About 50 percent of Ciochon’s clients are they had for their LGBT students. The first competitive swimmer growing up with Ozaukee “After being personally mentored by three LGBT, including luxury, first-time homebuyers, people I told were my family, whom shockingly Aquatics in Cedarburg, Wis., even qualifying of Chicago’s top producers, I am proud to an- investors, sellers, and renters. were extremely supportive. The safety concerns and medaling at state and regional meets. nounce that I have just affiliated my personal “I am extremely focused on life both in busi- that my mother had were dissipated once she He then was a four-year varsity swimmer team with Coldwell Banker Previews,” he said. ness and personal, and 2014 is going to be a attended a PFLAG meeting. at West Bend West High School in Wisconsin, “I grew up as a military brat. Moving came with great year,” he said. “I am extremely excited “We had a wonderful support system with our graduating in 2007 after competing in various the territory, and I have developed a strange for this summer—for the margaritas, beach, guidance counselors. Lois Pellegrini was a lead- swimming races, with numerous All-Conference obsession with the whole process. I mean, who and country music that it will have in store for er in LGBT rights, and I was lucky enough to honors, multiple school records and more. has seriously moved 24 times in 24 years? I me. In my free time, I love volunteering. I just have her as a guidance counselor and be great Ciochon swam for UIC for three years and was bring that passion to my clients, whom typi- started working at the Animal Care and Control friends with her daughter. Lois established a top 16 in all events at the collegiate confer- cally find it more annoying than exciting. Real trying to save some amazing animals that need care group for LGBT students to meet once a ence meet. He earned a bachelors degree in estate is everything that I could have ever love in their lives. Also, I am trying to expand week as a safe haven to discuss issues, edu- Economics with an Emphasis in Real Estate in wanted it to be: a businessman, teacher, the UIC Athletic Alumni Club, which works on cate, and mentor. We had around 60 students 2012. coach, consultant, decorator, psychologist, assisting athletes to maximize their potential who attended this, even though half of them Ciochon came out at age 14, as a high school entrepreneur, salesman, and even a CEO. Every through money and equipment.” weren’t fully out to the rest of the student freshman. morning, I wake up excited to see what the population.” Ciochon said he was “fortunate” to not get picked on, anchored by his ability to be strong- Artemis Singers Michigan Ave. willed and care-free. Open and free to the public, this event “I choose to live everyday with the happiness concert May 31 at gives prospective buyers the opportunity to of being myself, and I never had issues with purchase one-of-a-kind items from nearly ev- ery discipline. anyone on my teams with me being gay,” he Broadway United In the key of Artemis Singers, Chicago’s lesbian feminist Visit www.saic.edu/springartsale. said. “My perception of how the team handled chorus, kicks off Pride Month a day early on [a gay teammate], and how others perceived 3 Saturday, May 31, with “A Feminist Mosaic” they handled it, are two separate experiences. Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles has 3 Pride concert and dance at Broadway United Gay men’s chorus to key concerts in 2014, with a gig here “Swimming was my life. The famous phrase Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway. that I ate, slept and breathed swimming was Open to the public, “A Feminist Mosaic” celebrate Broadway and a parade there. JOIN us & ENJOY Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) cel- an understatement. Luckily, I was always the begins at 7:30 p.m. The dance with live DJ ebrates the best of last decade of Broadway fastest swimmer on my high school team plus immediately follows the concert. Both con- Champagne Showcase: with the “Bouncing of the Walls: Broadway the team captain my senior year. The guys saw cert and dance are accessible. Our Way” concert series. A TOAST TO how many hours I would be in the pool. High Among other songs, Artemis Singers will “Bouncing” will revisit memorable Broad- JAZZ ROYALTY school swimming for me wasn’t about making perform “I Am Here,” a song written by cho- way shows including Wicked, The Book of Center on Halsted friends on the team. I was a leader, and I de- rus member Lynda Elimon as a tribute to her Mormon, Kinky Boots, Newsies and many 3656 N Halsted St, Chicago manded respect.” lesbian daughter and her daughter’s partner, more. He thrived on his club team, and also built both of whom are also in the chorus. The Sat | March 8 The shows will take place: lifelong friendships among his teammates. nonprofit chorus will showcase songs such 6:30 Reception, 7:30 Concert —Saturday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Emmanuel “Being gay wasn’t an issue [on the club as “Proud,” by Heather Small and Peter John BRITISH A RAINBOW Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave., Rockford, Ill. team],” he said. “No one dated [and] we didn’t Vettese; Holly Near’s “Singing for Our Lives”; INVASION RHAPSODY —Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m.; North Shore drink. Who had time for that?! It was about the and “Beautiful,” by Linda Perry. Apr 12, 2014 Annual PRIDE Concert Center for the Performing Arts,9501 Skokie sport and the friendships. Plus, it kept me very See www.ArtemisSingers.org. Jun 10, 2014 Blvd., Skokie innocent to the outside world, which allowed —Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m.; Harris The- me to mature in a completely different way BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! ater, 205 E. Randolph St. than most. My team was almost my incubator, SAIC art sale —Sunday, June 1, at 8 p.m.; Wentz Concert Go to LakesidePride.org my sanctuary. It allowed me to express who I April 11-12 Hall, 717 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. truly wanted to be. For all of this, I am forever The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Tickets are $20-$50 depending on the ven- grateful that I was given that opportunity.” MEDIA SPONSORS RESIDENT PARTNER (SAIC) will hold its 14th annual “Spring Art ue and service fees; visit www.cgmc.org or Things changed, somewhat, when Ciochon Sale” April 11-12 in its ballroom at 112 S. call 773-296-0541. landed in Chicago for college—two weeks after WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 25 not returning. Chicago’s special teams unit will look a little Still, Bache said the 2014 team is impres- different this season as long-time kicker Tricia sive—on paper. Charbonneau has retired. Carolyn Lee is return- Game on: “We have the most talent and the deepest ing after a season off and she has handled the roster we’ve ever had. But we’ve had a num- kicking duties in the past. Lee will play wide Force drive to defend ber of veterans who have missed a lot of pre- receiver as well. season practice time due to career or medical Head coach John Konecki is returning for his issues. So I feel like things are a little messy sixth season, and boasts an overall record of national championship right now,” Bache said. “Once we can get into a 47-7. His winning percentage over the past groove, I think it will come together and hope- three seasons is 94.3 percent. By Ross Forman fully we’ll just get better as the season goes. Bache said the team has “a long list of

But for right now, I have concerns about our very promising newcomers,” such as Amber The word of the day for the Chicago Force, from readiness for [the] start of the season. Kimbrough, Emilie Belanger, Jill Airaki, Paula now through early August, is: repeat. “I’m most excited about the talent level and Lehtinen, Elina Kero, Kelsey Casey, and Anne Nothing else will please the defending Wom- the depth of this year’s roster. There’s a lot of Witt. en’s Football Alliance (WFA) national champi- playing experience amongst our veterans. And “We’re excited to be hosting the national onships, who opened the 2014 season April 5, we’ve been very fortunate to have some players championship the weekend of Aug. 1-2 at Lane on the road against the Detroit Dark Angels. join us who have previous playing experience, Stadium,” Bache said. “My main motivation in [Editor’s note: The Force won 70-0.] such as Leeann Bluske, Kerri Olivar, Meagan submitting a bid to host was that I thought we The Force home opener is a week later—April Crockett, Anna Sandford and Kayley Peterson.” had a good chance to be in it. Not many of our 12, when the come to town. Bache said the cold temperatures and snow- fans were able to go to San Diego [in 2013] to The Force plays an eight-game regular-sea- filled winter “wreaked havoc” on the team’s cheer us on in the championship. I was hoping son (four home, four away), wrapping up with a practice schedule. Numerous indoor practices to get back to the championship in 2014 and home game June 7 against the Columbus Com- were cancelled due to storms that made driving be able to play in front of our home fans in the ets. The playoffs kick off in mid-June and wrap impossible. Outdoor practices started March 1, biggest game of all.” up Aug. 2 with the league’s national champion- but the fields were still covered in snow and ship game, which will be played at Lane Tech ice, so it was limited what could be done. High School on Chicago’s North Side. “Consequently, we are much farther behind in The Force plays its regular-season games at our preparation than we have been in previous Evanston Township High School, and home foes Second City Tennis years. I hope that our opponents have been also include the (April similarly restricted in what they could do and honors champions 26) and a game on May 31. Brandy Hatcher of the Chicago Force. Photo are also less prepared,” Bache said. Second City Tennis (SCT) finished off “There’s no question that we are capable of courtesy of the team Chicago’s biggest strength this season is, what is being known as the “Polar Vortex repeating this year as National Champions,” game against the that will be without question, its core group of returning Season” of winter doubles with a mid- said Force owner Linda Bache. “We definitely played in Munhall, Pa. veterans, many of whom are the best in the March playoffs at Midtown Athletic Club have the talent; it’s a matter of whether the and Lakeshore Sport & Fitness and an “For the past four or five years, Chicago, Bos- league at their position. That list starts with team can retain its focus and commitment af- awards ceremony at Atmosphere. ton and D.C. have been the top three teams in quarterback Sami Grisafe, wide receiver Jea- ter winning it all last season. The champions for the 2013-14 season the Eastern Conference. The fact that we’re all nette Gray and linebacker Darcy Leslie. Grisafe “In order to repeat, we’ll need to avoid in- are as follows (division in parentheses): playing each other in the regular-season means and Leslie were the top offensive and defensive juries, particularly to key personnel. But most —Gerard Almoninia and Ken Ore (Open) that seeding for playoffs will be determined by players, respectively, in the conference last important, the players have to realize that —Chris Biersmith and Scot Reinhart the outcome of those games, rather than a season, and Gray was the leading receiver in 2013 is over. This year’s team hasn’t won any- (A1) mathematical tie-breaker formula,” Bache said. the league in every category. thing, yet. And we’ve got a huge target on our —Leo Alaniz and David Baumgartner “The past three years, we have hosted Boston The Force also boasts four all-Americans re- backs; we will get every opponent’s best effort. (A2) in the conference championship [game] by turning on the offensive line: Dawn Pederson, I’m concerned about a letdown; I see some —Marco Sampaolo and Paul Tong (B1) virtue of a better point differential. So there’s Tami Engelman, Jamie Menzyk and Liz Okey. complacency with some of our veterans. If we —Mike Geary and Craig Nichols (B2) a tremendous amount riding on those regular- Key returning running backs include Brandy phone it in, we will not repeat. We have to —Kari Barlan and Nicole Bashor (C) season games.” Hatcher and Mary Choules. bring the same desire, commitment and inten- The Second City Tennis winter doubles The Force enters the season with key losses Keys on defense include all-Americans Kim sity that we had last year.” league ran November-March, and was on offense and defense, including offensive su- Marks and Angel Smith, along with Jen Dulski, The Force has its most challenging regular- played on Friday evenings. perstar Ashley Berggren. The offense also will Elisha Okrey, Dorian Bridges, Melissa Nelson season schedule ever, including a road game be without Karlee Quaritsch and Roz Bennett. and Martha Dantuma. April 19 against the D.C. Divas and a May 17 On defense, Amanda Malsch and Taz Brooks are

FRIDAY, MAY 2 (for youth) Presents 2-9 pm, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Ave. presents Open to youth age 25 and under who have been impacted by homelessness. Registration: FREE. But you must register online http://chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness.com What the youth who attend will receive: —$50 gift card —One-day CTA transportation pass —Gift bag —Free lunch and snacks

SATURDAY, MAY 3 9 am-5 pm, University of Illinois at Chicago, Behavioral Sciences Building, 1007 W. Harrison St. Open to youth, non-profits, government agencies, politicians, foundations, activists, service providers. Registration: $45 adults; youth free. You must register online.

MONDAY, MAY 5 8 am-Noon, Museum of Broadcast Comm., 360 N. State St. Report from the summit to government agencies, politicians, foundations and other funders. Registration: FREE. But you must register online.

The foundations and groups so far assisting with the summit include: The Crossroads Fund, True Colors Fund, Polk Bros. Foundation, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Pierce Family Foundation, Lehman-Stamm Family Fund, Woods Fund of Chicago, Heartland Human Care Services, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, Affinity Community Services, Lambda Legal, Information and links to registration and donation pages here: AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Chicago House, Howard Brown Health Friday, May 2 for Youth Center, and ChicagoPride.com. The venues donating their facilities 2-9 p.m., Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, 225 East Chicago Avenue are: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, The University of http://chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness.com Illinois at Chicago Gender and Sexuality Center, and the Museum of Open to youth age 25 and under who have been impacted by homelessness. Broadcast Communications. Registration: FREE But you must register online http://chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness.com What the youth who attend will receive: — $50 gift card — One-day CTA transportation pass — Gift bag — Free lunch and snacks

Sat., May 3 Mon., May 5 9 a.m.-5 p.m. University of Illinois at Chicago, Behavioral Sciences Building, 8 a.m.-Noon 1007 West Harrison Museum of Broadcast Comm., 360 N. State St. Open to youth, nonprofits, g overnment agencies, politicians, Report from the summit to government agencies, foundations, a ctivists, service providers. politicians, foundations, and other funders. Registration: $45 adults, youth free; You must register online Registration: FREE, But you must register online

Information and links to registration and donation pages here: http://chicagosummit.lgbthomelessness.com The foundations and groups so far assisting with the summit include: The Crossroads Fund, True Colors Fund, Polk Bros Foundation, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Pierce Family Foundation, Lehman-Stamm Family Fund, Woods Fund of Chicago, Heartland Human Care Services, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, Affinity Community Services, Lambda Legal, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Chicago House, Howard Brown Health Center, and ChicagoPride.com. The venues donating their facilities are: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, the University of Illinois at Chicago Gender and Sexuality Center, and the Museum of Broadcast Communications. 26 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES theDISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN hurt in the process of opening Leghorn. Dishing with Leghorn chef Sieger Bayer WCT: And 2 percent of the proceeds go to LGBT organizations. Which ones do they go BY ANDREW DAVIS Windy City Times: What do you think to, and how do you choose? makes Leghorn stands out? SB: Right now, we’re working with a bunch of On paper and through personal experience, Sieger Bayer: We’re not like any other restau- groups [to determine the recipients]. We just Leghorn Chicken (959 N. Western Ave.; rant—or even any other chicken place. We’re don’t want to give to one; we want to spread http://www.leghornchicken.com) is one of the not like Honey Butter or some of those other the wealth. I think we’re going to start a Twit- more unconventional restaurants in Chicago. places; we don’t have any other protein on the ter thing, and get people’s ideas about who First, Leghorn—which opened March 6— menu. they’d like to see getting the [proceeds]. We’ll calls itself a socially conscious eatery. To that Our view is that we were just going to take stick with local groups for now. end, the Ukrainian Village fast-food restaurant fried-chicken sandwiches, and put them on WCT: Oh, and condoms? plans to, among other things, offer branded awesome biscuits and awesome buns. We do SB: Yes, they’re in the works. We hope to condoms and donate 2 percent of its proceeds the sides in house and the sauces in house, and have Leghorn condoms soon. Branding is a to LGBT organizations. It also supports local stick with that. There are specials, but they’re hard thing. Some people thought this might Sieger Bayer. Photos by Andrew Davis farmers/artisans and, according to a press re- all parts of the same bird. We have chicken- be, like, a Planned Parenthood, but it’s just lease, “we abhor corporate bullshit.” fat fries and chicken nuggets—it’s all from the condoms. However, there’s also controversy. Aside from same bird. favor of it, and a lot of people against it. It’s WCT: Wow—that’d be some business. a personal preference. For us, it’s the music we [Bayer laughs.] Is there anything else you choose to play—and it’s hip-hop, obviously. It want our readers to know? varies from the ‘80s to today; it’s not straight SB: Yes. We’re BYOB. We work with The Jay-Z and Kanye. Sportsman’s Club right across the street [at 948 WCT: So no rock music? N. Western Ave.], and they have a takeaway SB: Not at all. [Smiles] You’ll never hear license, so you can grab a beer and come over Nickelback or any of those “awesome bands.” here. And they don’t have a food license, so WCT: From reading the website, I learned you take your chicken over there. that the bird the restaurant is named after WCT: And eventually, will this be a chain? is endangered. Do you see world domination? the condoms—which are bound to rankle con- WCT: The opening time is basically until SB: Yeah. People have come together for Leg- SB: [Laughs] Yeah, there’ll be one on every servatives—the music (loud, explicit hip-hop) the food the gone, right? horns. We don’t serve them here—we’re here to corner, like a Starbucks. We’ll see. even prompted an article in The Chicago Tri- SB: Right. We can only get a certain num- help them, not hurt them. No Leghorns were bune about the now tunes “vexed” some pa- ber of chickens from farms but we’ve been able trons. (The cash-only restaurant does post out- to hook up with TJ’s Poultry, which is in Piper side that it plays “loud and explicit music.”) City, Ill.—but we still run out. MARRIAGE: As for the food, the chicken sandwich I had WCT: What time? was delightful, and the fries are probably the SB: It really varies. Right now, we’ve been Celebrations Tobin/Fahnstrom best I’ve ever had in Chicago—and that says a open until 9 p.m.; during the weekends, it’s lot. So the chefs here (Sieger Bayer and Jared about 10 o’clock or so. A lot of it has to do Van Camp) definitely know what they’re doing. with the weather. I have a feeling that during Charlie Tobin (right) and Dale A. Fahnstrom (By the way, Leghorn stands apart by being the summer, when we’re jammin’, it’s gonna be (left) exchanged vows March 17, 2014, in their open from 11 a.m. until the food is gone. Also, ridiculous. The first couple days we closed at Edgewater home. It was the 18th anniversary of there’s catering and the powers-that-be are about 3 or so. the day they met, making the day extra special. working on a delivery system.) WCT: There’s been some controversy about 17 family members gathered to witness this Windy City Times recently sat down with an the music, although it’s says it right here loving union, including sons Kiel and Chris. They affable yet confident Bayer to discuss Leghorn, [pointing at the window] that you play it. are so happy and proud to be legally married and look forward to many years together. its food and its social consciousness. SB: Exactly. We’ve gotten a lot of people in

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Rollins, gracious living expert, tastemaker, by a coffee hour. Free and open to the author of Soiree Entertaining with Style. public. Also Sunday School, weddings, 10:00am - 5:00pm Botanic Garden 847- service projects, book group, film group. 835-6944 http:// Tickets: http://www. 10:30am - 12:00pm Ethical Humanist CALENDAR chicagobotanic.org/antiques Society of Chicago 7574 N. Lincoln Ave. SAIC 14th Annual Spring Art More than Skokie , IL 60077 http://www.ethicalhu- Brought to you by the 120 undergraduate and graduate students man.org combined efforts of from the School of the Art Institute of Fred Says fundraiser Team Fred Ride For Chicago will exhibit and sell their work AIDS Chicago needs your support. Raise during the fair. Open and free to the pub- funds for this incredible team and TPAN. Wed., April 9 explores history, mythology, gender roles. lic, this event gives prospective buyers Fabulous raffle prizes and great silent auc- the opportunity to purchase high-quality tion items and door prizes. Go to www. Trans*Health @ UIC Community Forum Through April 27. Start times to come. items from nearly every discipline: Pho- rideforaids.kintera.org for more info about to Celebrate, Educate, and Create Alli- 12:00pm Silk Road Rising, Pierce Hall tographs, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, our team or just to donate. 2:00pm ances Gender identity, race, the right to at the Historic Chicago Temple Building, prints and drawings, jewelry and fashion - 6:00pm Marty’s Martini Bar 1511 W medical access, why the new trans* inclu- 77 W. Washington St., Chicago 312-857- accessories, and more. 11:00am - 7:00pm DIVE IN Balmoral sive health policy at UIC matters to all. 1234 ext. 201 http://www.silkroadrising. 112 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60603 Chicago Prime Timers Second Sunday of Panel discussion. Refreshments. RSVP to org Tickets: http://aboutfacetheatre.com http://www.saic.edu/lifeatsaic/cam- Saturday, April 12 each month open social. Prime Timers are Ryan Viloria at [email protected] 3:00pm One Love Wedding Event Plan your histo- puslifeandinvolvement/studentartsales/ older gay or bisexual men (and younger - 5:00pm UIC Student Center East Illinois ry-making union at a wedding event for Tickets: http://www.saic.edu/lifeatsaic/ Out gay Olympic diver men who admire mature men). OSet-ups Room 613, 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago same-sex couples. With music, drinks, and campuslifeandinvolvement/studentart- Greg Louganis will be are $1. Social hour is followed by a din- http://irrpp.uic.edu the city’s top wedding vendors, One Love sales/ ner and a program at 7pm. $20 for mem- 2014 HIV/AIDS Advocacy Days HIV advo- is the perfect place to sip and scout the at St. Andrew’s Country Vegetarian cooking class LBTQ Giving bers or non-members. Non-members and cates in Springfield, Ill., this year to help modern wedding of your dreams. Registra- Club in West Chicago, Council of Chicago Foundation for Women. guests are always most welcome. 6:00pm improve services and protect the rights of tion is FREE, but limited. 5:30pm - 8:30pm You will be guided by two Whole Foods Ill. Ann Sather - Belmont 909 W Belmont Ave people living with HIV/AIDS. Register on- Chicago History Museum 1601 N Clark chefs, benefits the Lavender Fund. $45 in- Photo courtesy of Louganis http://www.chicagoprimetimers.org line. 9:00am - 9:00pm Tickets: http:// http://chicagohistory.org/planavisit/up- cludes instruction and tasting with wine. Queer Queens of Qomedy The all-lesbian wfc2.wiredforchange.com/o/8810/p/ comingevents/one-love-wedding-event Tickets online. 6:30pm - 9:30pm Whole revue tour headliners will be Jennie Mc- salsa/event/common/public/?event_ Tickets: https://services.chicagohistory. Foods Lincoln Park, 1550 N. Kingsbury St, Nulty, Sandra Valls and Poppy Champlin. KEY=72004 org/auto_choose_ga.asp?area=129 Chicago https://www.facebook.com/even $25-$25 7:30pm Mayne Stage 1328 Queer as Art Concert Series Young entre- Parents of transgender individuals For ts/644393712263478/?source=1 Tickets: W Morse Ave http://www.QueerQueen- preneur Anna Deshawn of E3 Radio, cel- decades, PFLAG has been proud to be a 40th Anniversary of the revered female Af- http://www.cfw.org/cookingclass sOfQomedy.com Tickets: http://www. ebrating the artistic talent and beauty of resource for transgender and gender non- rican-American a cappella ensemble Sweet “Out Of My Head” with James Gavin MayneStage the LGBTQ community. Four concerts host- conforming people, their families, and Honey In The Rock. 4:00pm - 6:00pm Old Singer James Gavin entertains at his first ing a variety of queer artists from across friends. For more info: parentsoftransgen- Town School of Folk Music 4544 N Lincoln feature gig at 3160, accompanied by pia- the country in music, poetry, comedy and [email protected] 7:00pm Center on Ave., Tickets: http://www.oldtownschool. Monday, April 14 nist Brian Felder and guitarist Julie Gorz- Sister Spit Chock-full of cutting-edge dyke a heap of additional surprises. $10 ad- Halsted 3656 N Halsted St., http://com- org/events/event.php?event_id=6285 kowski. To perform second Friday of each female writers and performers with young, vance, $15 at door. 7:00pm Sidetrack munity.pflag.org/transgender New Beginnings featuring Greg Louganis month. 9:00pm - 1:00am 3160 3160 emerging queer and queer-influenced art- 3349 N Halsted St., Tickets: http://www. El Incas New play by Mexican and Chicago- Featuring five-time Olympic medalist, au- N Clark St., http://www.3160chicago.com ists of all genders. Free. 7:00pm Uni- e3radio.org based writer/playwright Raul Dorantes thor, speaker, tv personality Greg Louganis versity of Chicago Reva and David Logan Cicada Coming of age ghost story deeply exploring sexuality, relationships, and the who will talk about his life as a positive Center for the Arts, 5801 S. Ellis Ave., rooted in the life of a small southern fami- open and closed dimensions of our identi- Saturday, April 12 gay male, Olympian and person with HIV/ Pride: The Changing Perceptions of the Tickets: https://graycenter.uchicago.edu/ ly on the verge of transformation. Through ties. In Spanish with English supertitles. AIDS. Annual Fundraiser for Open Door LGBTQ Community Tickets for both the events/sister-spit-performance-workshop May 25, 2014 8:00pm Greenhouse The- Through Sunday, May 11. Tickets $15 gen- benefiting their clinics in Elgin and Au- conference and the drag show (Friday, ater Center 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. 773- eral, $10 student from colectivoelpozo@ rora. Tickets online. 6:00pm - 10:00pm April 11 7pm, another location) and con- 404-7336 http://greenhousetheater.org gmail.com 8:00pm La Casa de Oscar St Andrews Country Club, 2241 Route 59, Tuesday, April 15 ference combined are $35. The conference Frontrunners/ Frontwalkers Chicago A Windy City Gay Idol 12th annual search for Lopez in Humboldt Park, 2628 W. Divi- West Chicago 847-695-1093 http://www. alone is $20 if pre-registered, $25 at the club for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, the Windy City’s best singers in the LGBT sion St, Chicago www.colectivoelpozo.org opendoorclinic.org Tickets: http://www. door. Registration fee includes a conti- transexuals and friends who are interested community. Up to 20 singers perform and Tickets: www.colectivoelpozo.org opendoorclinic.org/new-beginnings/ nental breakfast and lunch. Questions to in running and walking together along are judged by an expert panel of judges, BabyBoomer Lesbian Dinner Group Baby- Em Rademaker, Coordinator of Student Chicago’s great open lakefront, meeting but it’s the audience’s votes that count. Friday, April 11 Boomer lesbian social group. 6:00pm Life [email protected] 8:00am - twice weekly, on Saturdays at 9am and Top two performers will advance to the National Day of Silence/Night of Noise - 9:00pm Hoanh Long Vietnamese & 4:15am McHenry County College, 8900 Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Totem pole in Lin- semi-finals in June; first place singers National Day of Silence is a day of action Chinese Restaurant 6144 N Lincoln Ave, W. Route 14, Crystal Lake, Ill., 815-455- coln Park, https://www.facebook.com/ wins $100 cash! Sign ups begin at 9 pm, in which students across the country vow Chicago, IL 60659 8772, http://www.mchenry.edu/pride groups/52950773133/ contest starts at 10. $5 cover; $10 contes- to take a form of silence to call atten- British Invasion, Lakeside Pride Sym- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance tant sign-up fee. $4 Smirnoff cocktails, $5 tion to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT phonic Band Take a trip back in time to Weekly Saturday meetings. A peer-led Tanqueray and Ketel One cocktails. 8:30 bullying and harassment in schools. Kits the sixties when hot Brits invaded the Wed., April 16 support and education group for people LGBTQ Women’s Book Club - Tipping the p.m. sign up. 9:30pm The Glenwood will be delivered to schools at the Day of States. 7:00pm Preston Bradley Center with mood disorders and family and Velvet Free women’s monthly book club Bar 6962 N Glenwood Ave http://www. Silence Organizing Summits or arrange to 941 W Lawrence http://lakesidepride. friends. Ask receptionist for room number. that welcomes all LBTQ women and our windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/Idol2014- pick up by contacting lawrence@illinois- cloudaccess.net/index.php/british.html 11:00am - 1:30am Center on Halsted allies interested in thought-provoking 8x10.pdf safeschools.org or by phone. 8:00am - Tickets: https://www.vendini.com/ticket- 8:00pm Various schools nationally 312- 3656 N Halsted 872-216-3272 http:// software.html?t=tix&e=1fd0fa5f7cb968ba discussion. Snacks will be provided! The www.dbsa-glbt-chicago.com book for this month: Tipping the Velvet by Thursday, April 10 368-9070 ext 316. illinoissafeschools.org aafce7fae0c7972e 15th Annual Jack Daniel’s Chili Cook-off Sarah Waters Please RSVP to Betsy at Bet- Brahman/i: A One-Hijra Stand Up Comedy Tickets: http://www.dayofsilence.org/ Wanted: Judge and jury. Taste and judge [email protected] or (773) 388-8993 Show About Face Theatre and Silk Road PDFs/DOS_organize6steps.pdf Sunday, April 13 over a dozen entries. $10 donation at the 6:30pm - 8:00pm Howard Brown Health Rising present the Chicago premiere by Antiques & Garden Fair Heralds the re- Ethical Humanist Society of Chicago Meet- door to benefit the Chicago Area Gay & Center 4025 N Sheridan Rd., http://www. Aditi Brennan Kapil, directed by AFT Ar- turn of spring, through Sunday, April 13. ing every Sunday from 10:30 to noon, Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 2:00pm howardbrown.org tistic Director Andrew Volkoff, with Fawzia Miles Redd, an interior designer known featuring a speaker on a variety of topics- - 6:00pm Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St Mirza in the title role. Provocative play for his quirky brand of cozy glamour, has -personal ethics, education, psychology, http://www.sidetrackchicago.com masquerading as a stand-up comedy rou- brought to life rooms infused with bold- politics, philosophy, medical care, equal Sweet Honey in the Rock Celebrate the tine, an Indian intersex person, or hijra, ness, fantasy and sophistication. Danielle rights, the environment, etc., followed

BOOK REVIEW Verdi draws us into a world most of us don’t mits he was once one of them. But, having un- know (and would—if you’re like me—find hor- dergone reparation therapy, he now embraces The Summer rifyingly gripping if we were exposed to such a the kingdom of God. place). She does so by introducing us to four Through a combination of daily exercises, re- I Wasn’t Me gay teens whose lives we desperately want to flection, and adoption of pink clothes for the by Jessica Verdi survive unharmed by the “reparative” influenc- girls, and blue and tan for the boys, the camp- $9.99; Sourcebooks; 342 pages es of the adults who run New Horizons summer ers set forth on their journey to remove the by SALLY PARSONS camp. sins of same-sex attraction (SSA) and rejoin Lexi is a 17-year-old from a small town in the fold. This gripping YA (young adult) novel is a great South Carolina who is still recovering from her From my cursory Web research, it appears read for OAs too! (That’s “older adults” in my first love (unrequited and rejected) for another Verdi accurately describes what some of these lexicon.) Its focus is on gay reparative thera- girl. Matthew (16) is the rebel, determined to camps can actually be like. Brainwashing, re- py—or “de-gayifying” as Lexi (the “I” in The remain true to himself but also make it through ligious fervor, rigorous discipline, and pres- Summer I Wasn’t Me) would call it. Seventeen- the summer so he can reunite with his male sure to conform are all woven into the story year-old Lexi is sent off by her mom to a sum- lover of two years. Carolyn (16) often seems line here. Verdi apparently believes, accord- mer camp to “straighten” herself out. caught up in another world and not living ing to her publicist’s blurb, that “… exposure A side note before I continue: According to in the moment. She catches Lexi’s eye, who to honest books about contemporary issues an ongoing study by Bowker Market Research quickly is smitten. Daniel (15) truly believes he helps teens become compassionate individuals (as reported in Publishers Weekly), publishers should be straight once again and is commit- who are able to see past their own world to a bracket kids 12 to 17 in the YA category. Yet ted to following to the letter the instructions brighter future.” over half the buyers of YA books are over 18. laid down by the camp leaders. I would say she probably accomplishes that And they aren’t just buying these books to give All four of these teens are grouped together for her audience. Her characters are well-drawn to kids. They’re reading them themselves. to share their experiences and keep each other and likeable. We grow to wish the four young Verdi’s novel gives credence to this trend. in line for the summer, on their way to being teens at the center of this story find what they She is an engaging writer and tells a story that re-oriented to the hetero world. Or so the camp are seeking. will not only win the hearts of almost any gay leaders would like to believe. Each of the kids Verdi lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her hus- teen who’s wrestled with this kind of pressure, has a strong need to survive the summer and band and her dog. She received her MFA in but any teen at all who wants to understand graduate, although not necessarily back into Writing for Children from The New School. Her the world of their gay peers. And adults will straight lifestyles. previous novel My Life After Now is about a find the same appeal. The camp is led by Mr. Martin, who freely ad- teenage girl living with HIV. WINDY CITY TIMES April 9, 2014 29 BILLY MASTERS

“Well, I’m a gay guy. ... I’m not a straight sario behind ‘NSync and the Backstreet Boys is Thi guy who can let himself go.”—Anderson Cooper still in prison for swindling people out of mil- responds to Howard Stern’s compliment on the lions of dollars. And although it’s been over 15 Saturday Silver Fox’s good looks. years since the Backstreet Boys fired him, they We open with a fascinating study in contrasts. are still pissed off that he allegedly cheated Two prominent gay men gave interviews where them out of over $3 million! This action was they discussed being public people. First we initiated as part of a response to Pearlman’s have Anderson Cooper—previously very private bankruptcy case. The boys claim that Lou about being gay. He spent over an hour talking to Howard Stern about a variety of topics. I’ll th post the whole interview on BillyMasters.com, 15 annual but here are some highlights. As you may know, he was a model as a child. Anderson revealed that he stopped modeling when a photogra- pher propositioned him when he was 13 years old!!! When pressed for details, he also added that the guy offered him $2,500! While I know chili I should be outraged at the pedophiliac aspect of this story, I’m more shocked at the amount ... and that Anderson turned it down! Coop joked that he thought it was a little low. cook off When asked about his penis size, Cooper said, “I’ve never had complaints.” He also swears we’ll never see an AC360 sex tape: “No, knock on wood. No, I’ve never taped, never videoed.” I don’t know if this is because Andy likes to be coy, but every time Howard asked if he was in love with partner Ben Maisani, Coop would ® say (as if rolling his eyes), “Yeah, sure.” Will they marry? “I don’t know—we’ll see.” Since we’ve all read about Ben’s purported extracur- ricular dalliances, I was interested when How- WANTED: JUDGE & JURY ard asked if Anderson’s “totally monogamous.” The newsman quickly said, “I don’t want to talk TASTE & JUDGE OVER A DOZEN ENTRIES about that. ... I don’t talk about my partner The life of James Franco (here in Oz, the ‘cause he’s not a public person.” Stern said, $10 donation at the door benefits Great and Powerful) is filled with twists, The Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian “I’m talking about you; I didn’t mention any- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE according to Billy. thing about your partner.” When pressed, Coop simply stated, “I’m a traditional guy,” to which Sidetrack the Videoideo BarBar •• 33493349 N. HalstedHalsted •• SidetracSidetrackChicago.com.com Robin piped in, “Well, traditionally, most peo- didn’t fulfill their contract and that he owes ple cheat, right?” them $3,451,456.04—roughly! On top of that, On the other side of the coin is the Hollywood they want $87K in legal fees. Lou’s lawyers are SCOTTISH from page 13 Reporter interview with Kevin Spacey—yeah, asking time to review the 2,700 pieces of evi- like he’s NOT gay. Here’s what Spacey said: dence. Not like Lou doesn’t have time. “Let’s let people live their lives and do it the Another group of Big Lou’s boys are reunit- A Fine Line focuses on D. Garfinkel, who way they want to do it. All the chips will fall ing. The band O-Town announced it has gotten has straddled dual genders and acceptance in the end, and we’ll all be judged by a much back together for the first time in more than a and sorrow throughout life. Now that death higher power than Entertainment Weekly can.” decade. Well, they aren’t exactly ALL together. is approaching, Garfinkel tries to reach out I’m not really sure what any of that means, but Notably absent is Ashley Parker Angel, Lou’s to a now-grown foster son named Bradley I suddenly have a craving for potato chips! A favorite. While not discussing why he rejected who was previously removed from his home step in the right direction. After years of ve- the reunion, Ash did post a sizzlin’ hot shirtless (Anderson says his main character primarily hemently denying being gay, he softened. In selfie, which we’ll share on BillyMasters.com. identifies as male, since that was the gender 2010, he said, “I don’t live a lie. You have to Now, for some sad news—we just learned that was imposed early on when Garfinkel understand that people who choose not to dis- that Montecore is dead. He’s the white tiger was a child even though he had two sets of cuss their personal lives are not living a lie.” I that picked up Roy, of “Siegfried and Roy,” genitals). respect that. And I still want those chips. by the neck and shook him around like a rag “He’s trying to find this kid and reconcile Someone who frequently denied the gay ru- doll. (His actual name was Mantecore.) Roy with him and make some peace,” said An- mors is Michelle Rodriguez. Who can forget the recounted this touching (and somewhat trou- derson, who creates a device of Garfinkel infamous, “I’m not a lesbian. Yeah, Michi likes bling) story about a close call shortly after the writing a series of letters to Bradley so he sausage” quote? Last year, she came out as bi. tiger’s birth: “I went back to find him pretty can “explain himself and why he made the decisions he did, and to hopefully help the And now, she’s out publicly canoodling with lifeless, with a cold nose and blue lips. I gave kid understand who he is.” British supermodel Cara Delevingne. And they him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and put Anderson also creates a number of fantasy look awfully cute together. him inside my shirt and held him tight ... my characters of different genders for Garfinkel If you are a fan of this column, you know mouth-to-mouth resuscitation brought him to interact with in his play, and he finds it that I have taken many gay people to task for back—I saved his life and he saved mine, so interesting that director Andrea J. Dymond having partners who are significantly younger. we were even.” Roy ended by saying, “It was has opted to cast her production of A Fine So it’s only fair that I write about James Franco my great honor to be beside him at the end. Line with all men. The production is also with just as much zeal. It’s a story as old as He is now playing with his siblings in white notable for being Clockwise’s first Equity time—actor takes Instagram video with cute tiger heaven.” And I bet he was delicious with production with the casting of professional girl at stage door; chats with her online; finds a light béarnaise sauce. actor and director Doug McDade as Garfinkel. out she’s not yet 18; offers to get them a hotel When I’m sharing recipes, it’s definitely time Anderson is an Ohio native and a North- room and share some iced tea. But here’s the to end yet another column. Before ending, I western University alum, and he currently Doug McDade in Clockwise Theatre’s A fascinating part. It was just announced that want to acknowledge the passing of the divine lives in Florida where he’s in the midst of Fine Line. Photo by TreSe Productions Franco would star in a film produced by Gus Van Kate O’Mara. Whether as Caress Morell, Rani on directing a community theater production of Sant about Michael Glatze. Who is Michael Gla- Doctor Who, or Patsy Stone’s sister Jackie (on the musical Hairspray. Yet Anderson was able tze? As a young man, he was a vocal and public Absolutely Fabulous), she was always abso- onciliation, to move beyond what happened to participate in Waukegan rehearsals of A in the past. gay activist. However, he later went through lutely fabulous. Speaking of fabulousness, do Fine Line via the computer program Skype. Clockwise Theatre’s A Fine Line plays conversion therapy and became a poster child check out www.BillyMasters.com—the site that And though Anderson’s directing duties will from Friday, April 11, through Sunday, for the “ex-gay movement.” And in a rather always delivers. Although I didn’t have room to prevent him from attending the opening May 4, at 221 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. ironic twist given the timing of this announce- run a question in print, I always find some way night of A Fine Line, he hopes to catch the Performance times are 8 p.m. Fridays and ment, he was also editor of XY, a magazine for to accommodate each and every one of you. Do show later in its run. Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are gay men that featured erotic photos of twinks drop a note to me at [email protected] Though A Fine Line focuses on an inter- $20; call 800-838-3006 or visit www. of questionable age. I couldn’t make this stuff and I promise to get back to you before Franco sex character, Anderson said the play is ul- clockwisetheatre.org for more informa- up if I tried. is cast in The Roman Polanski Story. So, until timately a story of self-acceptance and rec- tion. Someone who certainly enjoyed the company next time, remember, one man’s filth is another of underage boys was Lou Pearlman. The impre- man’s bible. 30 April 9, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES graph by one of Chicago’s leading LGBT pho- Photographic fundraiser to tographers.” (Photos will be emailed after the event). SpringSNAP! ($50 per person) will feature support Ride for AIDS hors d’oeurves from Pastoral Artisan Cheese and Wine, and an open bar, plus fine art. “The event objective is not only to raise By Ross Forman and will be participating in his fifth Ride. “At- money for the Ride, but also help bring about tendees are invited to come dressed in spring greater awareness to the Ride’s mission, which Smiles in the spring will help participants of attire and will have a chance to have a pro- includes fighting the shame and stigma of the Ride For AIDS Chicago this summer. fessional photograph taken by Doug—either HIV,” Campbell said. “We won’t have any for- Rob Campbell and Doug Birkenheuer are both alone, with a friend/partner, or with a group of mal speakers, but, we want attendees to walk openly gay Chicago residents who will be cy- up to six people.” away having a greater sense of what the Ride cling in the two-day, 200-mile event in July Everyone will receive one complimentary is all about.” are the co-hosts for SpringSNAP!, a fundraiser photo. This is Birkenheuer’s first time participating benefitting the Test Positive Aware Network SpringSNAP! will be held April 11, 6:30-8:30 in the Ride, and he is donating all of his time (TPAN), which produces the 11th annual bi- p.m., at the Cornelia Arts Center, 1800 W. Cor- and photographic experience for SpringSNAP! cycle ride. nelia Ave. There also will be a silent auction with a “We wanted to hold an event that is not a “This [fundraiser is] designed to take the variety of items, including personal massages, typical fundraiser [held at a] bar, and one that bar element out of the fundraising and begin private yoga lessons, artwork, and two tickets brings folks together in a casual, social atmo- to explore the different cultural opportunities for a tour of a local distillery. sphere that not only raises money for the Ride, and spaces in Chicago in a fun, energetic at- Tickets for SpringSNAP! can be purchased at but also gives them something to celebrate. mosphere,” Campbell said. “There is still the brownpapertickets.com; search “SpringSNAP!” In this case, it’s the arrival of spring weather,” social element to meet new folks, socialize Ride pals JD Louk, Michael Reyes and Rob said Campbell, 40, who lives in Andersonville with friends and receive a professional photo- Campbell in 2012. Photo from Campbell

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