THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, , BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Nov. 18, 2009 • vol 25 no 7 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com State Changes Trans-ID Policy By SAMUEL WORLEY Hall A new policy adopted by the Depart- page 7 ment of Public Health’s Division of Vital Records of Fame makes it easier for transgender people to receive birth certificates that accurately reflect their gender identity. Previously, trans people who had sex-reas- signment surgery (SRS) were only able to have that surgery recognized if it was performed by a U.S.-licensed surgeon. With the policy change, people who travel overseas for surgery—for rea- sons of cost or to seek surgeons with greater expertise—will be able to obtain birth certifi- cates reflecting the fact of their SRS no matter where it was performed. The change came as the Division of Vital Re- cords issued new birth certificates to two trans- women who had overseas surgeries. It also is- sued a new birth certificate to a transman who, under the previous policy, would have been re- Clinton quired to have medically unnecessary surgery. page 4 “I am a woman and now I have a birth certifi- in Chicago cate that reflects this reality,” said Victoria Kirk, one of the beneficiaries of the policy change, Vital said in a statement. Kirk was a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois. According to the ACLU, Illinois had for years al- Idols page 8 lowed individuals to change the gender marker on their birth certificates regardless of where SRS took place. Earlier this decade, the state reversed its policy and began interpreting the relevant law to require that individuals obtain Vital Bridges/Groceryland volunteer manager and activist Lori Cannon (far left) took part in treatment from U.S.-licensed surgeons only. honoring Victor Salvo, Stuart Keeshin and John Regalato (next to Cannon, from left) as Groceryland’s The statute pertinent to the case requires “[a] founders Nov. 15 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. See page 8 and www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com for more photos of the event. Above photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Turn to page 5 Taylor Dayne page 14 and cyberstalking by Meghan Streit Rebecca Dreke, a senior program associate at tions, and to have someone targeting you can the Stalking Resource Center in Washington DC, be really hurtful and frightening,” she said. “Un- Cyberbullying among adolescents and teens has said that as social networking sites become in- fortunately, with the use of technology to stalk, grabbed headlines lately, but using technology creasingly ubiquitous is our daily lives, the cre- laws sometimes aren’t keeping up with ways November 11, 2009 #1005 to harass or stalk someone is a problem in the ation of fake MySpace or Facebook profiles with stalkers are doing these things.” adult world as well. the intent to harm someone’s reputation is fast Illinois’ stalking law was amended last year Cyberharassment or cyberstalking can take becoming one of the most common methods of to include cyberstalking. The statute defines nightspots many forms. A disgruntled employee could write cyberstalkers. cyberstalking as “knowingly and without law- n a negative, and possibly untrue, blog post about Just like in-person or phone harassment, ful justification, on at least two separate oc- pick it up Snow Fooling! you, a jilted ex-lover could bombard you with Dreke said cyberstalking victims can suffer real casions, harassing another person through the Snow White and the Drag Who Stole X-mas hits Hydrate this weekend. take it home inSIDE page 14 Jesus Christ, Halloween Behind bars with Mink Stole. psychological stress and fears about personal use of electronic communication.” It also covers was fun! threatening e-mails, or someone you barely page 8, 16-17 page 20 know could use the web to discover personal safety. Turn to page 6 information about you. “It can be so damaging to people’s reputa-

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page 18 windy 1118 pass:Layout 1 11/12/09 4:07 PM Page 1 2 Nov. 18, 2009 GIVE SHARON GLESS IN THE GIFT YOU’D WANT YOURSELF THE 2009-10 STEPPENWOLF PASS Treat those on your holiday list this year Return Chicago Engagement to the Steppenwolf Pass— World Class Theatre that fits into their schedule. after sold-out shows during its premiere Gene Siskel Film Center of the Get 3 tickets to one show or 1 ticket to three shows, the Pass is School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State the most flexible way to experience our season. With quantities limited, don’t miss out on the easiest way to enjoy any of these Sharon Gless ( as Folk, Burn Notice, exciting plays. Tickets are subject to availability. Cagney & Lacey) stars in the drama Hannah Free, a film about a lifelong love affair between Friday Nov. 27 an independent spirit and the woman she calls home. The film is the story of six decades in the Saturday Nov. 28 American Buffalo life of a lesbian partnership. Tix thru the Film Center Box office or Sunday Nov. 29 December 3, 2009 – February 7, 2010 Ticketmaster, 800-982-2787, www.ticketmaster. com, and all Ticketmaster outlets. The Film Monday Nov. 30 Center and its Box Office 312-846-2800 (24-hour The Brother/Sister Plays movie hotline) or 312-846-2600, or visit January 21 – May 23, 2010 www.siskelfilmcenter.org. Thursday Dec. 3

Endgame “(((”— Chicago Tribune April 1 – June 6, 2010 “Hannah Free affords a terrific role for Sharon Gless, who runs with it gloriously. ... Claudia Allen has skillfully adapted her play to the A Parallelogram screen.” — Los Angeles Times July 1 – August 29, 2010 Austin Gay & Lesbian Philadelphia Q-Fest International Film Festival Audience Award - Best Narrative Feature Best Feature Film

Order online at steppenwolf.org Montreal Image+Nation LGBT Film Festival or call 312-335-1650. Audience Award

5 NOMINATIONS - Midwest Independent Film Festival 5 NOMINATIONS - Out Music Awards

RIPE FRUIT FILMS PRESENTS SHARON GLESS IN “HANNAH FREE” TAYLOR MILLER MAUREEN GALLAGHER ANN HAGEMANN KELLI STRICKLAND JACQUI JACKSON Executive steppenwolf Producers SHARON ZUREK CLAUDIA ALLEN TRACY BAIM Music by MARTIE MARRO Makeup Designer JILLIAN ERICKSON Costume Designer IRIS BAINUM-HOULE Editor SHARON ZUREK Production Designer RICK PAUL Director of Photography GRETCHEN WARTHEN Written CLAUDIA ALLEN Produced by WENDY JO CARLTON MARTIE MARRO SHARON ZUREK TRACY BAIM Directed by WENDY JO CARLTON www.HannahFree.com Nov. 18, 2009 3 ts ke st! fa , tic g index ry in ur ll H se NEWS e Clinton talks at Hilton 4 ar has Saved Laiacona petitions Mell 5 Schroer at Center 5 the Best Seats Just for You! Birth-certificate benefit 5 Maddox; Fiorito 6 Patti’s award 6 Cyberstalking & LGBTs 6 Hall of Fame pics 7 Vital Bridges ceremony 8 Truth in Progress 8 Forum; Stroger; vets 9 Quotelines 9 Views: Keen, Mixner 10

ENTERTAINMENT Scottish Play Scott 11 Theater reviews 12 Local singer Stephen Leonard talks about Kushner; arts awards 14 music and marriage equality. See page Taylor Dayne 14 15 Stephen Leonard 15 Photo by Nathan Fry Photography Kuda book review 16 KATM; Reeling 17 Billy Masters 19 Comcast channel & gays 21

OUTLINES Calendar Q 18 Real estate; classifieds 20 Sports: AFC, Midtown 26

Cover photos and credits (from top): Frank Robinson at Becoming Ingrid (above) is one of the the Hall of Fame ceremony by Hal Baim; Bill Clinton by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com); Taylor productions reviewed this week. See page Dayne PR photo 13.

Photo by Rory Tanksley

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?Xcc f]=Xd\ ;FNECF8;K?@J >fkfnnn%N`e[p:`kpD\[`X>iflg%Zfdkf[fnecfX[Zfdgc\k\`jjl\jf] :c`ekfe M`kXc `e:_`ZX^f @[fcj N`e[p:`kpK`d\jXe[E`^_kjgfkj% KXpcfi C>9KjXe[ZpY\ijkXcb`e^ ;Xpe\ n K_\eZc`ZbfeXepX[Xe[Y\kXb\e[`i\Zkcpkfk_\X[m\ik`j\iËjN\Yj`k\ www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Purchase these ONLINE INDEX great seats to see

November 11, 2009 the show everyone is SNOW #1005 LE VILLAGE PEOPLE WHITE X-MAS Get a taste of the French- talking about & benefit Canadian retreat known Photo by Adam Veness as Montreal and its very Equality Illinois.

Snow Fooling! gay Le Village area. Snow White and the Who Stole X-mas hits Hydrate this weekend. inSIDE page 14 Jesus Christ, Halloween Behind bars with Mink was fun! Stole. page 8, 16-17 page 20 Photo by Blair Mishleau ACTOR Join Equality Illinois for the CHEYENNE JACKSON Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009 SHOW# 338 money business performance at Tom Franklin (left) starts the first in a series of articles on LGBTs and www.WindyCity financial matters. (The final night of previews!) Queercast.com Hurry... HE’S A SURVIVOR get tickets for this special event at

With Survivor currently on TV, it’s a perfect time www.EQIL.org to find out what’s going Check out our on with Todd Herzog video channel for (right), the show’s second EQIL event graciously sponsored new videos weekly gay champ. in part by our friends at... www.QueerTV Photo courtesy of CBS Network.com 4 Nov. 18, 2009 Clinton noted that Chicago has the sixth- diverse Palmer House crowd—especially in com- Clinton speaks largest HIV/AIDS problem in the country. “But parison to the TV show Mad Men. you’re doing your job because you’re not the “You ever watch that TV series Mad Men? If at Chicago sixth largest city,” he said, highlighting the I keep watching this program, will I ever find work of Chicago House. a happy person? Great television. Good drama. Clinton said homeless HIV/AIDS patients are But a lot of really painful reminders in that show House series in dire need of healthcare reform. about how Black people were supposed to run By Ross Forman “There’s still an increasing number of home- the elevators ... were supposed to ask permis-

less people with HIV/AIDS, and a lot of that is sion before they get on an elevator. The way Former President Bill Clinton envisions the day because of the health care crisis,” he said. women were treated is appalling, and only oc- when there is a cure for HIV/AIDS—hopefully in The homeless are three to nine times more casionally funny to me.” his lifetime, he said. But first, Clinton predicted likely to have HIV/AIDS than people with stable Clinton told the tale of a 15-year-old HIV- on Nov. 11, during a speech at the Palmer House housing, according to a 2004 study by Centers positive boy in Rwanda whose parents already Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, there will be a vaccine. for Disease Control and Prevention and the De- had died of AIDS. The Clinton HIV/AIDS Initia- Clinton spoke to about 1,000 guests at the partment of Housing and Urban Development. tive built him and his sister a new home. Clinton inaugural Chicago House Speaker Series, spon- Clinton, in his speech, attributed this fact to the spoke to the youngster, who had only made it to sored by Harris Bank. The two-hour event, which high cost of medications and treatments, and the third grade because of his illness. included a 45-minute speech from Clinton, fol- said public healthcare could curb homelessness “I said: ‘I hope you’re not discouraged to go to lowed by a 20-minute question-and-answer ses- for those with the virus. school,’” Clinton said. sion of pre-screened questions, hosted by Yas- Bill Clinton. Photo by Ross Forman He added that healthcare reform is not only The boy replied, ‘No,” according to Clinton, min Bates-Brown of Harris Bankcorp, Inc., raised morally right, but, because reform will encour- who added that the boy then said he planned to about $400,000. Chicago House helps more than in 1992; then, he saluted Veteran’s Day. From age preventive care, it will save money in the study hard, go to medical school and become a 1,100 Chicago-area residents with HIV/AIDS and there, he moved into a commentary about the long run. doctor to help other sick children. their family members find housing, medical care, tragic events at Fort Hood. “The government will have to provide a health- After speaking, Clinton exited the grand ball- and emotional, spiritual support. “Think about what sparked the tragedy at care program not just to be as healthy [as other room rather slowly—in true political fashion. “I hope I live [long enough that doctors and Fort Hood,” he said. “Some of the most moving countries,] but also to be economically competi- He shook hands with many, posed for pictures scientists can] find a cure,” Clinton said. things I have read since the Fort Hood tragedy tive,” he said. and signed some autographs, all the while sur- The wide-ranging speech addressed HIV/AIDS, have been the comments of our Muslim veterans Clinton also discussed the budget deficit, the rounded by Secret Service agents. homelessness, health care, current events and who were horrified by what happened and feel rising costs of higher education, global warm- Todd Hamilton, the founder/managing direc- more—even the TV show Mad Men. Clinton told no one will ever trust them again.” ing, race relations and auto-industry woes. He tor for Bolder Capital and a member of Chicago touching personal tales and brought the crowd Several LGBT notables were in attendance, urged the attendees to not be down about the House’s board of trustees, introduced Clinton. to laughs on multiple occasions. including Mark Ishaug, president of the AIDS nation’s problems, highlighting the work of Chi- “We were thrilled, so grateful,” Rev. Stan He opened the address noting that the Palmer Foundation of Chicago, and Art Johnston, owner cago House. Sloan, the CEO of Chicago House, said of the House Hilton was where he celebrated win- of Sidetrack and Equality Illinois board member, Clinton, on numerous occasions, noted the event. “Our board [of directors] stepped up to ning the Democratic nomination for presidency among others. the plate incredibly.”

More of what Clinton said: —On AIDS: “The U.S. finally ended its policy Hurry for Fall Occupancy!!! that existed when I was president—I’m ashamed to say—of prohibiting HIV-positive people from Still time to make visiting or immigrating to our country. And the House of Representatives passed their version of personal decorating choices the health care reform bill. Live/Work Lofts in Evanston “I spoke to the Senate democrats at their lunch yesterday and urged them to follow suit. Starting at only $335,000 • 1000 to 2700 square feet in size They’re doing a lot of things, but you know as • 1 and 2 level units available well as I do, the CDC just said we have a 40 percent bigger AIDS problem than we originally Some Units Available for Lease • 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms/offices all thought. We’ve got more than a million cases in with 2 bathrooms America. We have more than 56,000 cases every year. Chicago has the 6th biggest load in the • All new, top quality construction country, which means you’re doing a good job • Lobby and private, open air courtyard since you’re not the 6th biggest city, you’re big- with green space ger then that. You’re doing well. And you should feel responsible for that. “But if you look at where we are, there’s still Standard features include: an enormous number of homeless people with HIV/AIDS, and a lot of it is because of health • Hardwood floors care costs. Fewer than one in five infected peo- • All new stainless appliances ple in America have stable health coverage in the private insurance market. Almost half the • Central air conditioning people who are HIV-positive lack access to ad- • In-unit Washer/Dryer equate health care services notwithstanding the government programs. • Private outdoor space Read what Clinton had to say on education, homelessness and other topics online at www. • Heated indoor parking WindyCityMediaGroup.com.

ONLINE AT WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM … Just blocks from bike trail, shopping, and public transportation and minutes from the lakefront NATIONAL NEWS Great Financing Available 5% interest with 5% down OPEN HOUSE —Ted Haggard: “I was never Sundays from 1-4 anti-gay.” —Anti-gay professor For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact: not censured Lon Porter at 312-493-4474 —Lambda Also, check out our website at www.Evanston-Condos.com Legal’s battle with SkyWest Nov. 18, 2009 5 dress on her petition. ... My lawyer put that ad- “My ambition was to be a little analyst at the Laiacona dress in the city’s database, which is online, and Library of Congress and pay the rent. Next thing, it came up that no one is registered there. ... I’m talking to a producer at 20-20.” files petition And case law says that although you don’t have In September 2008, a federal judge ruled that to reside at the place put on the petition, you the Library head discriminated on the basis of against Mell have to be a registered voter in the district.” sex when it refused to honor the job offer. The by ANDREW DAVIS Laiacona added that he is “confident” he will ruling did not result in her working at the Library prevail. “It’s not a done deal until the courts of Congress, however, since the library continued The Democratic race for the 40th District seat rule on it. We have a hearing on Monday [Nov. to refuse to consider employment and that op- in the Illinois House—which initially stood out 16] with the Board of Elections, when they give tion had been removed from the table early on. because both candidates are openly gay—has their decision. That can be appealed to the Throughout the case, according to Schroer, the taken on another twist. circuit court, and that can be appealed to the greatest support came from former military co- According to the Chicago Sun-Times, chal- appellate court and [that] can be appealed to workers who believed that skill and experience lenger Joe Laiacona has filed a petition against the supreme court of the state. I think I have a Diane Schroer. Photo by Bob Roehr should be the most important considerations in incumbent state Rep. Deb Mell, charging that really good lawyer in Richard Means, and I think federal hiring for anti-terrorism related fields. she is not registered to vote at the address she we will prevail.” has as her primary residence. Mell told , “He’s got it com- “The job description could have been written out Laiacona told Windy City Times how the peti- pletely backwards. Election law says that you of my resume; it was a perfect fit,” she said. YPC alleges tion came about: “I had a volunteer who had an have to be 21 years or older, you have to be a She told the Center on Halsted audience that, multiple attacks attorney friend who wanted to meet me, so we citizen, you have to live in the district two years after the job offer was firm, she moved up a Youth Pride Services—which includes Youth met for lunch. He went back to his office and did and you have to get 500 signatures to get on scheduled surgery so that she could begin the Pride Center (YPC), a South Side organization a search on Mell, and couldn’t find her address. the ballot; it says nothing about having to be a job as Diane and minimize the reaction among that focuses on the needs of LGBTQ youths and He then told my volunteer, who told me. (This registered voter. would-be co-workers. She said that she also ar- young adults of color—has issued an e-mail was last June.) I looked up her voting address “Just because you challenge someone’s peti- ranged to meet in advance with the person who stating that 17 YPC members have been at- in the database I had and found a Clybourn ad- tion doesn’t make what you say correct. I feel would have been her supervisor to advise in tacked in 2009. dress. Well, [Laiacona’s partner] Patrick rides his really confident that I’m going to be on the bal- good faith that the transition was coming. The letter reads in part, “As with tradition, YPC bicycle down there, so he stopped at [the] ad- lot in February. I’ve got the law on my side so I “The next day I received a hectic call saying sends out an email when one of our ‘openly gay’ dress and there was no name on the door; the feel pretty confident that I’m going to prevail.” that the decision had been reached that I didn’t youth are attacked or jumped. Our 17th attack only name was a man’s name. So we kept that in The electoral primaries are Feb. 2, 2010. after all meet their needs,” she said. this year is one that almost resulted in death mind. Her first thought was to live with the disap- and hopefully it will allow us to get some atten- “Then, Aug. 4 came about and we were col- pointment. As time went on, though, the offense tion to what we see as an overlooked problem, lecting petitions. ... My attorney [advised] me Trans officer of being told by someone who had not endured although we keep emailing the media about it. to get the city list, which is a CD of all the reg- the trials of military service that she was no lon- “This youth was simply waiting for his ride at istered voters in your district. I looked up Deb talks about ger qualified to serve the federal government, a CTA train stop after leaving YPC University on Mell’s name, and she wasn’t listed. Then I called began to gall. Tuesday night. Yes he carries a handbag, wears my lawyer and told her she’s not registered in library case “I’m normally the quiet professional but this what some would consider feminine clothes, and my district. He said, ‘You should get the list of BY JEAN ALBRIGHT was a clear injustice and I made inquiries.” She is obviously gay, but we at YPC along with Af- expired registrations.’ And, indeed, her name was gives credit to the American Civil Liberties Union finity and GenderJust feel there is not enough listed as an expired voter.” Transgender advocate Diane Schroer spoke at the for helping her see the possible ramifications of attention being paid to attacks on gay youth “It would seem to me that she moved and Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Nov. 15. her case and to step up. on the south and west sides by anyone. If these forgot to change her registration. It’s a simple Schroer is a highly decorated former Army The ACLU has a second primary mission of types of things would happen on the north side, mistake; anyone could do it. So we were on pins special operations officer who had the offer of educating the public. Her case would increase someone would think 17 attacks in one year, and needles, not knowing where she was going a terrorism research analyst position rescinded public understanding of variations in gender from one youth center is a bit too much to han- to register from. And Oct. 26 [the filing date] by the Library of Congress based on her plan to identity but would make her private work with 25-21856 IADT_WindyCityTimes_FINAL:Layoutdle.” 1 10/9/09 9:50 AM Page 1 came; I got a copy of her petition and the ad- transition from male to female. self-identity a very public matter.

geon was located. “But this is a huge improve- TRANS from cover ment over what is was.” n affidavit by a physician that he has performed The change, he said, “puts [Illinois] a little an operation on a person, and that by reason more back in the norm,” where previously the of the operation the sex designation on such state “was alone in having that kind of require- person’s birth record should be changed.” ment.” Under the newest policy, said ACLU attorney Cynthia Richards, president of Illinois Gender John Knight, individuals seeking a change in Advocates, called the policy change “a huge DESIGNNOW the gender marker on their birth certificates step forward for the state of Illinois.” IMAGINE. CREATE. INSPIRE. need to file two affadavits with the state if Richards said that while Illinois is generally they had surgery overseas: one from the doc- progressive when it comes to policies protect- tor who performed the surgery, and one from a ing the rights of trans people, the surgeon- U.S.-licensed physician able to “confirm” that licensing requirement was “the sore thumb Findyourfutureattheschoolthatgetsyou–andwhereyou the surgery took place. sticking out. It was a point of frustration.” wanttogo.Learnalongsidestudentswhoshareyourpassion “This is not necessarily the policy we would After several years of trying to persuade the have asked for,” Knight told Windy City Times, state to change policy, the ACLU filed suit in andinstructorswithreal-worldexperience. noting that the initial interpretation of the January 2009 on behalf of several plaintiffs, law—the one in place until several years ago— including Kirk. Now that the policy has been required only one affadavit from the changed, the suit is expected to be dismissed FashionDesign | MerchandisingManagement | InteriorDesign attending surgeon, no matter where that sur- within the month. Also included in the case was transman Ri- ley Johnson. In 2004, according to the ACLU, Illinois began requiring transmen to obtain Sketch by: Demetrius M. Denton genital surgery in order to obtain new birth 2009 IADT Chicago Fashion Forward winner cerficates—surgery “for which the vast major- ity of applicants have no medical need, nor a desire to complete.” Although no official rules have been released, with the issuance of a new birth certificate to Johnson, this policy has now apparently been reversed. CallToday! Attorney Knight said, though, that the de- tails of the new policy remain to be seen, and that he does not know when the state will re- lease the new rules: “We’re going to wait to see 888.446.1777 what comes out of that,” Knight said. Richards said that her group, too, is eager to see the specific rules laid down by the Division of Vital Records. “We are currently very curi- ous to see just what the language will be for the new policies,” Richards said. “We’re very One North State Street • Chicago, IL 60602 encouraged that the ACLU has made such in- iadtchicago.edu roads.” John Knight. Photo by Jay Geneske IADT Chicago does not guarantee employment or salary. CEC2328390 10/09 Hall of Fame

6 Nov. 18, 2009 Subcommittee passed a resolution asking that he be removed from active duty—he continued to testify in DUI cases until last week. At the same time that the Cook County State’s Patti’s award Attorney’s office has used Fiorito’s testimony in DUI cases, the officer has invoked the 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimina- tion in an ongoing grand jury investigation into his actions. In a statement, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said that given “serious questions about Fior- ito’s credibility,” he would no longer testify in DUI cases. Attorney Jon Erickson, who represents the plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit, said, “We con- gratulate [Alvarez] for finally doing the right Jon Erickson. thing by dismissing all pending Fiorito DUI cas- es, but until she indicts Fiorito, justice will not be served.” The board of directors of the Alliance of Illinois Judges recently presented an award to More plaintiffs Justice Sebastian Patti in recognition of his appointment as the first openly gay member of in Fiorito case Maddox memorial the Illinois Appellate Court. Find out more about the alliance at www.TheAIJ.com. From left: BY SAMUEL WORLEY Judge Mary Colleen Roberts, secretary; Judge Sherry Pethers, board member; Judge Tom Chi- Nov. 28 at ola, president; Patti; Judge Colleen Sheehan, vice-president; Judge Jim Snyder, treasurer. Lawyers in the federal civil-rights lawsuit Leather Archives against embattled police officer Richard Fiorito A memorial for Robert Maddox, who co-owned were given permission to add 16 plaintiffs to the Male Hide Leathers, will take place Saturday, In 1972, Bob and Frank set up shop in the Gary Chichester told Windy City Times, “I al- case, bringing the number from 21 to 37. Fiorito Nov. 28, at the Leather Archives & Museum, basement of the Gold Coast bar at 501 N. Clark, ways respected Bob for being a great business- has been accused of falsifying DUI arrests—al- 6418 N. Greenview, at 6 p.m. and which was itself internationally known as man. At the time, there weren’t many gay busi- legedly to increase the overtime pay that comes Maddox, co-founder of the legendary Male Hide a center of gay male leather culture. In August nesses. [ Bob and business partner Frank Goley with court testimony in those cases—and ha- Leathers, Inc., passed away suddenly Oct. 25; he 1974, the store expanded into a street-level ] made some inroads. He was a great guy and rassing LGBT motorists. was 74. With his lover and partner, Frank Goley, storefront adjacent to the Gold Coast at 66 W. I’m going to miss him. I’ve known him over 40 Fiorito is on administrative duty in the 23rd Maddox began making leather attire for friends Illinois. Maddox and Goley remained there until years. ... We’re going to miss Bob a lot.” District, which includes the Boystown area. He at their kitchen table before opening their first 1984, when the building was converted to of- —who originally approached was taken off active duty in early October, fol- store. fices and Male Hide had to move. They relocated Maddox and partner Frank Goley about opening lowing the release of a video showing his arrest Maddox was the loving son of Livonia and the to 2816 N. Lincoln, bought the building and re- Male Hide, according to the Chicago Gay and of a motorist who appears to easily pass a DUI late Lon Maddox; dear brother of Ronald (Frieda) modeled it. Lesbian Hall of Fame’s Web site—said, “He was test. and Ted (Betty); fond uncle of David and Mat- During these years, Maddox and Goley sup- a great man—a wonderful man. Bob was a man That driver, Michael Vaughn, had his driver’s thew Maddox and Nancy Lee Maloney. He was a ported the burgeoning gay and leather commu- of great integrity. We were very good friends.” license reinstated earlier this month. member of the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. nity with donations of merchandise and financial Maddox was interred next to Goley in Pineville, More video, released last week and taken from support. Maddox would set up temporary shop Ky., Oct. 30. In lieu of flowers, donations to the the dashboard of Fiorito’s squad car, appears at motorcycle events, club runs and leather pag- Leather Archives & Museum or Season of Con- to strengthen the case against him: it shows eants nationwide. cern in Maddox’s memory are encouraged. Fiorito’s cruiser tailing a car as its driver looks for a parking space. Though the driver seems to be driving safely, the accompanying police While the available legal remedies vary by report—authored by Fiorito—says that the car CYBER from cover case, Landis said people should still involve lo- is “swerving from side to side” and “almost strik- cases in which someone creates or maintains a cal law enforcement if they feel unsafe. ing multiple parked vehicles.” Web page that “contains statements harassing “If you can show it’s a pattern of harass- The car’s driver, Christopher Quinn, was pulled another person.” ment, intended to cause emotional stress, I over and arrested for driving under the influ- However, as with traditional stalking laws, wouldn’t dissuade people form trying to make ence. the cyberstalking law stipulates that the com- contact with the police, because if things “He perjured himself,” said Andy Thayer, munication must include an actual threat. escalate, you have that record,” Landis said. whose organization Gay Liberation Network is “If a person experiences some postings about “People shouldn’t have to be sure that what involved in protests against Fiorito. “He wrote a them on MySpace or Facebook, they often don’t they are experience is stalking.” written report completely variant with what’s on have a lot of resources,” Dreke explained. “Law One area in which a victim of cyber harass- the video tape.” enforcement will say, ‘Was there a threat, and ment may have some legal recourse is if a Thayer added that although complaints was there a previous relationship?’” harasser reveals another person’s HIV status, against Fiorito have been ongoing for months— Blogs present a legal challenge as well, Dreke online or otherwise. Ann Fisher, executive di- the first lawsuits against him were filed as early Robert Maddox. said. If a blogger uses his or her blog to dis- rector of AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, said as March, and in August the 23rd District’s GLBT close someone else’s personal information or disclosure of another person’s HIV status is writes things intended to damage that person’s prohibited by Illinois’ AIDS Confidentiality Act. reputation, the case may be difficult to pros- Fisher said her organization has been contact- ecute. ed by people who have been harassed by some- “That is one of the biggest questions, where a one else revealing their HIV status online. lot of privacy issues butt up against civil rights “We have been successful in some cases, and and freedom of speech,” Dreke said. “What a our normal strategy is to have people contact lot of places have said is if there’s not a direct the Internet service provider,” she said. threat, anybody can say whatever they want.” In one successful case, AIDS Legal Council Nevertheless, Dreke encourages people to helped two refugees from Africa who had vis- contact law enforcement if they believe they ited a self-identified faith healer, who later are being harassed or stalked online. Most im- posted the men’s pictures on his business web portantly, she cautions people to “document, site and claimed he had cured them of AIDS. document, document.” Print out e-mails, save In that instance, Fisher said AIDS Legal Coun- screen shots of harassing web pages, take pic- cil contacted the Internet service provider and tures of text messages, and compile any other were able to legally prohibit the faith healer evidence that “establishes a pattern of behav- from continuing to maintain his business web ior.” site. Dreke said an additional obstacle for LGBT People who disclose another person’s HIV people who are being stalked by a former ro- status can be fined up to $10,000, accord- mantic interest is the fear that law enforcement ing to Johnathan Briggs, spokesman for AIDS may not be receptive. If that is the case, Dreke Foundation of Chicago. suggested first contacting a local women’s cen- “As social media allows people to become ter or gay and lesbian advocacy group. content producers, everybody is their own little Leslie Landis, a spokeswoman for the City of publishing house and not everyone is trained Chicago Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence, on how to avoided libel and defamation,” he has seen an increase in the Internet and social said. “People are basically creating problems networking sites being used to harass in do- for themselves.” mestic violence cases. Hall of Fame

Nov. 18, 2009 7 Hall of Fame welcomes new members

The City of Chicago, which hosts the only The range of inductees this year was vast, From left: , known government-backed Gay and Lesbian Hall from 83-year-old Frank Robinson, a former Marcia Lipetz. of Fame in the world, held its 19th annual induc- speechwriter for Harvey Milk, to youth activist tion ceremony Nov. 12 at the Cultural Center. and filmmaker Zaida Sanabia, 24. Mayor Richard Daley, who has attended almost The Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ every induction, was in good spirits as he spoke Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and to the crowd about the importance of the LGBT Transgender Issues oversees the Chicago Gay and community to the overall city of Chicago, as well Lesbian Hall of Fame. as the need for LGBT civil rights and marriage. Individuals honored this year are: Paula Basta, Commission on Human Relations Chairman Dana Lou Conte, Lori A. Cooper (who could not at- Starks spoke primarily against the military’s tend), Marcia J. Lipetz, Ph.D., Amy Maggio, Joey Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, with the Hall of McDonald, Frank M. Robinson, Jane M. Hussein Fame coming the day after Veteran’s Day. Saks, Zaida Sanabia, Patrick Sinozich and Jorge Hundreds of Chicagoans packed the standing- Valdivia. From left: Marilyn Urso and room-only ceremony, which included 11 LGBTs, Friends of the community inducted were: U.S. Mayor Daley. two allies and one community group, AIDS Foun- Rep. Mike Quigley and Marilyn Urso, R.N. Patrick Sinozich in dation of Chicago. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus See www.GLHallofFame.org and more de- front of the Chicago performed, and C.C. Carter and William B. Kelley tails on this year’s winners at www.windycity- Gay Men’s Chorus. announced the honorees. Gary Chichester said mediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE. the event was dedicated to two past Hall of Fam- php?AID=23422. Photos by Hal Baim; more on- ers who died this year, Tony Midnite and Bob line at www.windycitymediagroup.com Maddox.

From left: Frank Robinson and Bill Kelley.

Zaida Sanabia, From left: friends and From left: Dana Starks, Jane Jorge Valdivia family. Saks and Mayor Daley. and Mayor Daley.

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Building bridges Rev. Gil Caldwell and Marilyn Bennett. Photo courtesy of Bennett

career in LGBT advocacy, served for five years Project as executive director of the Chicago-based Rec- onciling Ministries Network, an organization of LGBT-supportive UMC churches. Caldwell remains examines a UMC minister, now retired, while Bennett has left the church. Black, LGBT “Truth in Progress” tells the story of a unique friendship, forged in their shared advocacy, with struggles an almost family intimacy—they affectionately by WILLIAM BURKS term one another “elder brother” and “little sis- ter.” Conceived as a multimedia project includ- Marilyn Bennett and the Rev. Gil Caldwell see ing print, video and Web-based materials, it will the dialogue between the LGBT and African- provide a history of two movements that have American Christian communities as a challeng- often been compared yet been at odds with ing one. Caldwell is a 75-year-old heterosexual the other. They two have also begun a blog at African-American clergyman, and Bennett is a http://truthinprogress.wordpress.com/, where 47-year-old white lesbian. The two are collabo- others can comment on and add to their reflec- rating in a multimedia endeavor they call “Truth tions. in Progress,” covering the history of the LGBT The authors hope that both African Americans and Black civil-rights movements, particularly as and LGBT communities will discover elements they experienced them in working together for of a shared struggle as well as appreciation of LGBT equality in the United Methodist Church the differences between the two movements. Vital Bridges marked 15 years of its Groceryland program feeding people with HIV/AIDS. (UMC). “Maybe there can be a conversation within, that Lori Cannon presented awards to the three designers who helped make the first Groceryland Their shared history extends back a decade, maybe our project will help diffuse some of the possible: Victor Salvo, Stuart Keeshin and John Regalado (pictured with Cannon, top left)— when they found themselves on the same side tension by saying, ‘This isn’t the same struggle. at a Nov. 15 event at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Activist Charlotte Newfeld is in the lower of the fight within the UMC to extend full rights These are different histories. These are differ- left image and performer Angelique Munro is in the lower right pic. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald to members of all sexual orientations and gen- ence experiences. But the fight for civil rights (MysticImagesPhotography.com); more at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com der identities. Once their paths converged, they and acknowledging equal [LGBT] rights is the know, white majority, and then, in African Amer- shared conversations, meetings and marches in same thing,’” Bennett said. ity’ by having both sides (‘pro’ and ‘anti’ gay) ican communities there is the power of the vote, support of their goal. They were arrested twice Caldwell said he hopes the two “can kind of talk in the same venue. This formal hearing to to vote against same-gender marriage, or within at the 2000 General Conference of the UMC for be the tip of the arrow in terms of our indi- ‘engage in healthy dialogue’ was merely a way the church against ordination of gays, so that their peaceful disruption of the proceedings. Yet, vidual conversations, that say what other folk for church folks to feel like both sides had been everyone is aware of the ways they can affect the church did not offer full equality to its LGBT don’t say, whether they’re African-American or heard without acknowledging the damage done another person for good—or for bad.” members: non-celibate gay or lesbian Method- whether they are white and gay.” to sexual minorities. In written selections from the print version ists cannot become ministers in the UMC. Bennett noted one of the differences in the “At the hearing Gil tried to speak to the absur- of their work in the form of letters between the Caldwell, whose activism in the civil-rights two struggles, as, over a period of years, she dity of these conversations by using an example two, Caldwell and Bennett’s discussions range movement extends to the 1963 March on Wash- and Caldwell attended church meetings and con- of race as the ‘issue.’ [He said,] a ‘dialogue’ of from the deeply personal to the general and ington and Selma and Montgomery marches of ferences on LGBT inclusion. At a hearing before this kind would be like presenting ‘both sides’ theoretical, on such issues as being invisible as 1965, co-founded United Methodists of Color for a national church commission about homosexu- of racism (pro and con) without ever stating African American or LGBT persons, the meaning a Fully Inclusive Church—advocating full inclu- ality in 2002, she remembered how Caldwell that racism is wrong. The church does not move of “passing” as white or as heterosexual, issues sion of LGBT members—in 2000. He was also summed up some of her feelings: “By then I’d towards change, only towards an eased con- of white privilege and unconscious racism or recently named to the national board of Par- found these presentations rather distasteful as science.” homophobia, and African American clergy who ents, Friends and Families of and Gays they often turned out to be a way for church She added her hope that the project helps speak to or about LGBT persons as though Black (PFLAG). Bennett, who has spent much of her people to think that the church is doing some- makes people aware of the power they hold over thing to solve the ‘divisive issue of homosexual- others: “We all have different power plays, you LGBTs do not exist. Caldwell related the experience of LGBT people who “pass” as heterosexual to experiences in his Sunday, Nov. 22 own family, who, he said, were fearful of being 4:30 p.m. present “with someone ‘dark’ because they are Rabbi Larry Edwards fearful of their friends if they are seen with me Rabbi Benay Lappe then they will be found out, they will be ‘outed.’ Torah Queeries: Weekly That’s another kind of thing. Whether there are Commentaries on the comparable kinds of experiences, is one” of the Hebrew Bible issues the project is designed to address, he Co-sponsored by said. “I happened to be looking at Cornell West’s book, Race Matters” Caldwell said, “and I just Saturday, Dec. 5 wanted to see if this plays in terms of gayness: Have your 10:00 a.m. Cornell West in his chapter about sexuality, said Amy Krouse Rosenthal this one sentence, ‘White fear of Black sexuality premiums Sugar Cookies is a basic ingredient of white racism.’ I wonder Select Italy Travel if you could say, ‘Straight fear of gay sexuality increased is a basic ingredient of heterosexism.’? Here’s a Italy. topic we don’t talk about. And, in a sense, I 5233 N. Clark tend to talk of same-gender couples rather than recently? (773) 769-9299 Need we say more? same-sexual, both because I think it’s accurate but also because I think of the taboo around See me: sexuality in our society, in our church society.” Charles T. Rhodes, Talking about some of the uncomfortable ta- Agent Your Italian travel experts since 1997 boos that exist between two communities strug- 2472 N. Clark gling for equality—with honesty and compas- 303 W. Erie Suite 410 sion—is at the heart of “Truth in Progress.” 773.281.0890 [email protected] Chicago, IL 60654 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company www.womenandchildrenfirst.com www.selectitaly.com/wct (not in NJ) Parking Available State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) 800-877-1755 Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois Wheelchair Accessible Nov. 18, 2009 9 QUOTELINES Q BY REX WOCKNER “Twenty-two years ago, in a decision “Under the hate crimes rubric, gays rooted in fear rather than fact, the are asked to see themselves as sad, pas- United States instituted a travel ban on entry sive victims of hate, reaching out to govern- into the country for people living with HIV/ ment to protect them more than those just AIDS. Now, we talk about reducing the stigma targeted for other reasons (having money, for of this disease—yet we’ve treated a visitor liv- example). ... Does anyone seriously believe ing with it as a threat. We lead the world when that a hate-crimes federal law will actually Stroger (third from right, front row) met with local LGBT leaders. Photo courtesy of Equality it comes to helping stem the AIDS pandem- prevent gay bashing? How exactly?” — Gay Illinois ic—yet we are one of only a dozen countries writer Andrew Sullivan in response to President that still bar people from HIV from entering Barack Obama’s signing a GLBT hate-crimes law our own country. If we want to be the global Oct. 28. Equality Illinois Forum looks at leader in combating HIV/AIDS, we need to act like it. And that’s why, on meets with sexual pleasure Monday my administration by emmanuel garcia will publish a final rule Todd Stroger that eliminates the travel Equality Illinois facilitated the first-of-its kind Project CRYSP and LifeLube.org sponsored a sex- ban effective just after the If we want tobe meeting of Cook County President Todd Stroger uality forum at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. New Year. Congress and the global leader with representatives of almost two dozen groups Halsted, entitled “We’re Taking Pleasure Back!” President Bush began this that provide services to the LGBT community in Held on Nov. 11, the event was one of a series process last year, and they in combating Cook County. The leaders discussed how Cook with a focus on building conversations around ought to be commended HIV/AIDS, County could better work with the organizations issues related to gay men’s sexuality like previ- for it. We are finishing the we need to in providing services to LGBT residents of Cook ous events “Tunnel of Love,” “Risky Business” job. It’s a step that will act like it. and “Sex on the Superhighway.” The talk-show- County. encourage people to get —Barack Obama “This was the first time in my memory that style forum was hosted by Fausto Fernos and tested and get treatment, such a group was assembled to meet with a Cook Marc Felion of the Feast of Fun podcast, and it’s a step that will keep County Board president,” Rick Garcia, director of included panelists Dr. Gary Harper from DePaul families together, and it’s public policy at Equality Illinois, said in a state- University; activist and spoken-word artist Keith a step that will save lives.” — President Barack “I don’t want (my music) to be a po- ment. “We were able to let President Stroger Green (also Project PrEP director); and Samuel Obama, Oct. 30. litical or social thing right away. Eventu- know of our work and we explored ways that we R. Galloway, a sex educator from Tulip Toy Gal- ally I would love to mess with that, but it’s a could all collaborate more closely in meeting the lery (also from the ). Each “To all the activists, all the organiz- tricky, tricky road. There’s a part of me that’s needs of Cook County residents.” were asked to “creatively” talk about gay men’s ers, all the people who helped make a businessperson and part of me that’s an “Major items of discussion were the need for sexuality without including the spectrum of dis- this day happen, thank you for your years of artist, and the artist wants to push buttons services for LGBT youth who are homeless and ease and risk. advocacy and activism, pushing and protesting and break boundaries, but the businessperson lesbian women’s health care needs,” Garcia One of the topics the panelists discussed was that made this victory possible. You know, as a goes, ‘Well, that doesn’t really sell albums.’ I added. that, since the AIDS epidemic in 1982, many nation we’ve come far on the journey towards don’t want to alienate a bunch of people who Among the attendees were representatives of gays live in fear of getting the disease and find a more perfect union. And today, we’ve taken would otherwise be into what I do.” — Openly Equality Illinois; Chicago House, which provides it difficult to embrace their sexuality as some- another step forward. ... No one in America gay American Idol celebrity Adam Lambert to housing to those impacted by HIV and AIDS; thing good. Fernos explained, “Why not talk should ever be afraid to walk down the street Details magazine, November issue. Center; the Center on about all the fantastic sex we have? What about holding the hands of the person they love. Halsted; Affinity Social Services, which provides our friendships and our community. Being gay is No one in America should be forced to look “Get your faggot ass out of here.” — outreach to lesbian women of color; Vida/Sida, not a disease.” over their shoulder because of who they are. Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson an outreach group for Latino gays and lesbians; The panelists also talked about body image, ... At root, this isn’t just about our laws; this to reporters in the locker room Oct. 26. He later and PFLAG, which works with parents and friends societal expectations and labels. A podcast ver- is about who we are as a people. This is about apologized but was suspended from the team of lesbian and gay people. sion of the event is available at www.Feastof- whether we value one another—whether we until Nov. 9 anyhow. A day earlier, Johnson had Fun.com; see more information on Project CRYSP embrace our differences, rather than allowing called a fellow Twitter user a “fag” during a at www.LifeLube.org. them to become a source of animus.” — Presi- tweet argument. dent Barack Obama as he signed a GLBT-inclu- sive hate-crimes law Oct. 28. “Admit it—it feels really good to say ‘cunt’. There’s just something so strong about Honoring vets “I just hope the community can appre- the word, with its biological directness and ciate the meaning and magnitude for this monosyllabic oomph. It has a blunt power that legislation—first federal LGBT rights law as makes it perversely fun to toss off, even if you I understand it—and the start of more good never want to blurt it in any serious setting things to come.” — Steve Hildebrand, Barack that could get you yelled at.” — Village Voice Obama’s deputy national campaign director and columnist Michael Musto on his blog, Oct. 28. current unofficial gay-issues adviser, in response to Obama’s signing a GLBT hate-crimes law Oct. —Assistance: Bill Kelley 28.

LGBT veterans were honored by Chicago’s American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) chapter on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. The 17th annual Veteran’s Day Dinner was attended by several dozen people. The keynote speaker was Lt. LeAnna Bradley, USN, who dressed in full uniform, as did other retired military personnel at the event. Bradley, who is trangendered, served 37 years for the military and has two Purple Hearts among her many medals. Happy Warrior Awards were given to Bradley, Ed Wosylus, travis and Ed Zasadil. Photo of Bradley, Jim Darby and Ann Bidwell by Tracy Baim; more photos at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. com 10 Nov. 18, 2009

VIEWPOINTS VOL. 25, No. 7, Nov. 18, 2009 The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, level of private assets to secure a $38 million a company founded in 1997 by gay activist Wil- founded May 1987. loan it had taken from the agency. liam Waybourn and Southern Voice editor Chris But many believed someone would step in and Crain. In 2001, the company teamed up with PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR LISA buy the —a 40-year-old paper Avalon Equity, a capital venture firm run by New Tracy Baim which had been on the cutting edge of report- Yorker David Unger, and purchased The Washing- KEEN Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky ing the gay civil rights movement in the nation’s ton Blade and its younger sister, The New York MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis capital and beyond. Blade.” Over the years, Window Media acquired Business manager Meghan Streit So when word broke that the Blade and its more properties—including the Voice— Director of New Media Jean Albright ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson sister paper in Atlanta, the Southern Voice, were nd formed an “alliance” with another gay pub- account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk Wash., D.C. gay closed for business—immediately—the news lishing group, Unite Media, and Genre magazine. Williamson, Cynthia Holmes, Carlos Paret was a shock to most people, including its em- Together, they billed themselves as the largest Promotions director Cynthia Holmes ployees. LGBT publishing company in the world. NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson paper shuts down National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Laura Douglas-Brown, longtime editor of the But by August 2008, Window Media was SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie The recorded message on the Washington Blade’s 21-year-old Southern Voice, told reporters she in receivership. Insiders insisted the papers J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, didn’t learn the news until she arrived for work would continue publishing, but soon after news Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia phone on Nov. 16 gives no hint at what hap- TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan pened. It still said, “Thank you for calling the Monday and found the locks to the offices had broke—in February 2009—about the SBA put- Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. nation’s most trusted gay newspaper, serving been changed and a note posted on the door ting the papers into receivership, the publica- BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair saying the paper had been shut down. tions began to skid. Genre magazine was the ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS the community since 1969.” But as of that date, Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, the paper is no more. Its Web site is down and The note stated: “It is with GREAT regret that first to suspend operation. That happened in Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, its employees are without jobs. we must inform you that effective immediately, March, with Unger, then chief executive officer Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel Employees at both the Blade and a sister pa- the operations of Window Media, LLC and United of Window Media, saying it was a casualty of the Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie Media, LLC have closed down. Please return to struggling economy. In July, the New York Blade Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe per in Atlanta, the Southern Voice, found out Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris when they arrived for work Nov. 16 that their this office on WEDNESDAY, November 18th, 2009 suspended operation. Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, papers were shut down over the weekend and at 11:00 AM to collect personal belongs and to Naff told Los Angeles Frontiers reporter Karen Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy Masters, John receive information on your separation stipula- Ocamb that he and others on the staff will meet Fenoglio that their parent company, Window Media, was PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, filing for bankruptcy. tions. Please bring boxes and/or containers that Tuesday to discuss starting their own ”new en- Steve Becker, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia The Blade staff had just celebrated the paper’s will allow you to collect all your personal be- tity.” But Blade publisher Lynn Brown would ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart 40th anniversary last month. The Southern Voice longings at one time. Regretfully, Steve Myers neither confirm nor deny that plan. CIRCULATION had been in publication for 21 years. and Mike Kitchens.” Said Brown: “It’s the end of an era.” Circulation director Jean Albright Myers and Kitchens were co-presidents of Win- The Washington Blade had just last month cel- Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Many gay news media observers knew the pa- Sue and Victor pers were in trouble. The broke dow Media. ebrated its 40th anniversary of publishing. the news last February that the U.S. Small Busi- Ditto in Washington, D.C., where Editor Kevin ©2009 Keen News Service ness Administration had put the papers into Naff said two corporate officers greeted staff The author was the chief editor of The Wash- receivership. The problem, according to the members at the Blade offices Monday morning, ington Blade from 1983 to 2001 and of its Small Business Administration (SBA), was that advising them the paper was shutting down im- sister paper, the New York Blade News, from Window Media’s major stockholder, the Avalon mediately and filing for bankruptcy. 1997 to 2001. She was also one of several Equity Fund, had failed to maintain a necessary The Washington Blade and Southern Voice major stockholders at the time the papers were the primary papers of Window Media, LLC, were sold to Window Media in May 2001.

Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media leadership. For example, who talked to the Pres- peal of DOMA and DADT. How in the world can Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. ident about Maine? Why did the White House Speaker Pelosi justify not being on Congressman Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). DAVID Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, refuse to become heavily involved? Why was At- Nadler’s “Respect for Marriage Act?” No sponsor- and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and torney General Eric Holder’s statement not dis- ship equals getting no money, it is really that no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. MIXNER All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy avowed by the White House? Did we have direct simple. In addition, we must cease giving money City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned access to the President or not? Wanting to know to groups that contribute to those ‘Blue Dog’ for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, these answers is fair. Holding organizations that Democrats who are holding so much of our leg- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own ask for our money and support accountable is islation up. Instead of national party commit- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City not divisive it is common sense. We want leaders tees, give to those politicians who have proven Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy and organizations that represent our interests themselves directly. How can we possibly send City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the Election: and are not beholden to the trappings of po- money to the Democratic National Committee sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make What now? litical power. Time to end the cozy relationship which urges the people of Maine to phone New this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept between our national leaders and Washington Jersey and not a word about our struggle? How responsibility for advertising claims. can you justify it? (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 Over the next weeks, there will be numerous well- power brokers and start playing tough. Organizations should follow the role model of New tactics must be embraced and honored. e-mail: [email protected] meaning proposals to deal with the aftermath of Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) in New York. Civil disobedience must now be on the table and our brutally unfair defeat in Maine. Clearly there www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com it is time for a long discussion about how it is to are many ways to respond. However, with all the They must refuse to allow anyone to speak at radio: WindyCityQueercast.com take place in the community. Perhaps we have energy I can muster, I have come to the clear their dinners who is not for marriage equal- video: QueerTVNetwork.com to fill the jails, block military bases, sit in Con- conclusion that we can’t continue on the path ity. That includes the President of the United gressional offices, block marriage bureaus, etc WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, we have been following the last two decades. States. If they insist on doing so, we should stop enabling them and stop buying tickets. in order for them to know that business as usual 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA The time has come for a major shake-up in ideas, (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) has stopped. Careful and thoughtful consider- tactics and priorities. Guess what? ESPA, because of their policy, is ation must be given now to this option. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Those who hang on to the nostalgia of the past not viewed as fringe or ineffective. In fact, they Watching the coverage on Maine and the re- Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. can live in it. There is no question in my mind are one of the toughest and best state organiza- tions in the country. Why in the world would we sults tells me the press doesn’t really take us Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now that the vast majority of the LGBT community online only seriously as a civil rights movement. If that ini- is ready to move forward with new visions and give people platforms and honors who don’t sup- Deadline The 10th of month prior. tiative had said people of different faiths could OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE new tactics. What is happening to us with this port full equality now? We must stop it. They are not marry does anyone really believe that it www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com expanding system of gay apartheid in America abusers of our graciousness and our kindness. would be a sidebar story this week? The media cannot be allowed to continue and if it does, we There is no room for them anymore. has grown used to us being abused and we are cannot go quietly into the night enabling such As so many others have said, “The Gay ATM Ma- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com enabling them to ignore it. “Oh yeah, another www.WindyCityQueercast.com abuse anymore. chine is closed.” Not one penny more for those loss, how sad, we support you.”GLAAD has to www.QueerTVNetwork.com How can we have any dignity, honor or pride in who are fair weather friends, who ask us to delay consider making this a priority and force the me- ourselves if we validate this continued process and who insist patience is a virtue in the face dia to accept us as the civil rights movement we of ballot box terrorism? How can we stand tall of injustice. I was astounded a few weeks ago in have become in the last months. Nothing could next to each other if we explain away another’s Washington when all my liberal friends were urg- be more important. I will take a stereotype on a cowardliness? How can we allow people to dehu- ing me to support the Democrat Owen in upstate television show in exchange for serious and com- “Windy City Media Group generated manize our relationships and our very integrity New York who won election on Tuesday. When I prehensive coverage of our civil-rights struggle. enormous interest among their readers if we give people passes to sit out the battle responded that he was strongly against marriage There is so much more to say and be debated in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index for our very freedom? No longer are political equality and opined that they shouldn’t be sup- over the next months. Maybe the ideas above are Survey. Out of approximately 100 timelines a reason for delay, no longer are incre- porting him, it was quickly pointed out to me not the best but at least they are bold and not print and online media partners who mental approaches acceptable and no longer can that the Human Rights Campaign was support- more of the same. We can’t survive more of the participated in the survey, Windy the political process expect us to be patient and ing him. Well, you know what? I don’t care. If same. Apartheid for the LGBT community is be- City was the best performing regional wait our turn. Our turn came long ago and there we support people who are against full equality, coming a way of life and everyone is beginning media in the U.S. Only survey partners will be no more waiting. how can we expect others to do differently? No to adjust to it. We can’t, we simply can’t, allow with a nationwide footprint were Our national organizations should be put on more excuses. Stop it. Close the checkbooks to those who are not fully on our side. that to happen. able to generate a greater number of notice that we expect more from them and that responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research Promises are not enough. Before we support we want more accountability and more dynamic Turn to page 21 Director, Community Marketing, Inc. people they must be co-sponsors for the re- Nov. 18, 2009 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Nathan Fry Photography EVEN STEPHEN Chicago singer Stephen Leonard sings about marriage equality. Read page 15. THEATER MUSIC MOVIES Where it’s ‘Fat.’ The Dayne event. Now, with Reeling. Page 12. Page 14. Page 17.

Photo by Photo by Kat Fitzgerald Jovanka Novakovic (MysticImagesPhotography.com)

SCOTTISH passing representation of HIV/AIDS which didn’t the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 PLAY SCOTT exist in 1989.” N. Lincoln. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Though Kearns had plenty of hindsight to alter Nov. 22. Tickets are $25-$30; call 773-871- and change his work, he opted not to change a 3000 or visit www.victorygardens.org. Kearns gets word and to keep intimacies as it was. “I’ve had 20 years of living and those two de- Also at the Biograph… intimate cades have resulted in what I think is a per- The producers of the critically acclaimed off- formance that is far more textured, far deeper, off-Broadway show Yank! are in town to drum up with Chicago far more complicated than it was,” Kearns said. investors for a planned off-Broadway run of the BY SCOTT C. MORGAN “Even though they’re my words and I’m using World War II gay romantic musical at The York

the same text, it’s going through a different ves- Theatre Company. It was 20 years ago when Michael Kearns first sel.” Authors and brothers David and Joe Zellnik will performed his one-man show, intimacies, and As for changes in Hollywood in terms of grow- be on hand to perform songs from the show and he wasn’t sure that he was going to be around ing acceptance of openly gay actors, Kearns give an overview of the project at the Victory much longer. Kearns not only came out profes- himself isn’t entirely convinced. Gardens Biograph Theater at 6 p.m. Thursday, sionally as a gay actor in the 1970s, but had “There’s a big difference between deciding to Nov. 19. With the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military publicly disclosed his HIV-positive status in the come out and being pushed out,” said Kearns, policy still being enforced, the producers and late 1980s. Although he was working regularly contrasting his own situation of coming out on creative team of Yank! feel their show is very in Hollywood, Kearns didn’t know how much lon- his own volition in the 1970s versus actors like timely and needs to be heard by a larger audi- ger he’d be alive. Neil Patrick Harris and T.R. Knight, who came ence. “Who’d have thought it? I mean when I did Michael Kearns. out recently due to tabloid pressures. Visit www.yankthemusical.com or call 773- this show the first time, I didn’t think I’d be worry about.” “I am glad those guys are out and coming to 871-3000. alive after the next two to three years,” said As someone who has benefited from break- the table and being loud and proud about it, Kearns, who built a career in Hollywood with through HIV medications and therapies, Kearns but it’s a different phenomenon,” Kearns said. Of New York interest important credits on shows like Cheers, Murder is grateful about the many strides have been “There’s a big difference about coming out when The long-running Chicago-area interactive She Wrote and Beverly Hills 90210. “So to have made in terms of giving people longer lives. your career is ahead of you—not when you have comedy Flanagan’s Wake has just started pre- lived 20 years and be able to have the energy to “But the drugs are not miracles, nor should they already made millions of dollars.” views in New York at the new off-Broadway The- travel around the country and do shows, that’s be called that,” said Kearns, commenting about But what Kearns notices most about Hollywood atre at Sweet Caroline’s. Here’s hoping for a long like ‘Wow!’” the litany of side effects the HIV-drug therapies nowadays is how discriminatory it is toward ag- run. At the age of 59, Kearns is humbled and cause. “And there is still a large amount of se- ing actors. Also New York-bound is Steppenwolf Theatre amazed to be able to do an intimacies anniver- roconversion within the LGTB community. So I “In Hollywood, you’re not considered sexual Ensemble member Eric Simonson’s play Lom- sary tour in six cities (and is pretty sure more think that 20 years later—any spotlight that I if you’re over 40—with very few exceptions,” bardi, about the legendary Green Bay Packers towns will be added to the itinerary soon). Yet can put on the subject again is critical and I’m Kearns said with a laugh. “I did a commercial football coach Vince Lombardi. Producers are Kearns is aware that his upcoming single per- happy to be alive to do it.” recently when I wasn’t identified as gay or het- aiming for a fall 2010 Broadway berth for this formance of intimacies at the Victory Gardens Kearns was originally moved to write and per- erosexual—just old.” biographical drama that first premiered in 2007 Biograph Theater (where it is part of a larger form in intimacies as a response to the types of Though the so-called “AIDS plays” might not at Madison Repertory Theatre in Wisconsin. Queer “Fresh Squeezed” series) is a lot less than people affected by HIV who were excluded from be as big of a fashionable draw as they were 20 Closer to home, general ticket sales for the from his month-long run at the long-gone Hal- the media. years or so, Kearns feels secure about presenting Chicago production of the 10-time Tony Award- sted Theatre Center in 1989. “The story of the gay white male seemed to be intimacies as it was and is today. winning Billy Elliot The Musical go on sale 10 “There was a period when AIDS was kind of the predominant story that was being depicted “I think that people come to see my show be- a.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Call 800-775-2000 or visit sexy; it was on everyone’s agenda in terms of not only in the theater but in the news and Peo- cause of the HIV aspect, but also because of my www.broadwayinchicago.com for more informa- World AIDS Day and going to benefits and wear- ple Magazine and TV talk shows,” said Kearns. activism,” Kearns said. “And also because I have tion. ing ribbons and being supportive and on the “Of my six characters (in intimacies), one is a a little bit of a reputation as somebody who puts Please pass along theater news and other bandwagon,” Kearns said. “Those days are over gay white male, but the rest are of various colors on a good show.” tidbits to [email protected] and and now I think that it’s misconstrued as some- and stripes. This particular piece was borne out Michael Kearns’ intimacies plays one night [email protected]. thing of the past that we don’t have to think or of that desire to see a more fair and all-encom- only as part of the Fresh Squeezed series at 12 Nov. 18, 2009

SPOTLIGHT The Audacity of Nope.

Comedian and South Side native Erica Watson (Precious, Dirty Laundry, Last Comic Standing) returns home with five performances ofFat Bitch! Watch how Watson comically tackles issues of race, gender and plus-size politics in her adults-only one-woman show. Fat Bitch! plays 8 p.m. Nov. 19-21 and Nov. 27-28 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green. Tickets THEATER REVIEWS playwright Tony Lewis serves up a mélange of are $10-$15; call 312-733-6000 or visit www.theaterland.com. Photo of Watson by Jovanka Brothers Grimm catch phrases mixed with ele- Novakovic The Audacity ments of Christmas favorites like A Christmas Story and the The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. American lore to Judaism. walk with the aid of a staff topped by a grisly of Nope He then tops off with Christmas and pop-song Into this tiresome mix comes older brother skull. or How I Fell parodies (like Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” and Rob (Ian Paul Custer), home from college with Well, can you think of anybody in this social Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”). a pocket full of grass and a head full of plans to circle with whom you could occupy the same for a Pansy Scheme All this doesn’t always mesh together cohe- light out for California and become a folk singer. room and not eventually find yourself convers- Playwrights: The Ensemble sively, causing a lack of focus and not enough Rob’s career aspirations are met with about the ing with a corpse? Whatever validity the distinc- At: Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway material for Emily Rogers’ super-talented Snow same level of enthusiasm you’d expect had he tion between drug supplier and drug user may Phone: 800-838-3006; $20 White. But as a trade-off, more drag queens announced he was going into the priesthood, exercise in this subculture, our concerned father Runs through Dec. 5 get to sparkle, particularly Eric Bond’s beauti- and it’s his introduction into the family dynamic is hardly in a position to disapprove of the com- fully sung Sleepy Pillowtalk (“Walking in a Homo that sets the stage for roughly an hour’s worth pany his boy keeps. Wonderland”), Aaron Michael Amakiewicz’s of screaming across the Roman dinner table. This brand of lurid face-in-the-grit fable has Snow White and dunce-like Dopey Dupree and Omicah House’s Director Steven Robman keeps the argumenta- been a staple of popular fiction for centuries, bitchy Grumpy Hangover. tive pitch at headache-inducing levels. The sole but the late Reinaldo Povod savors his nothing- the Drag Queen Once again stealing the show is Madame X, respite comes with an almost touching backyard held-back confessional with the relish charac- Who Stole X-mas who is exquisite with her comic timing and fan- scene of brotherly love, as Rob lights up and teristic of ghetto-bred playwrights doomed to Playwright: Tony Lewis tastically tailored costumes as the villain Ma- shares a smoke with young Billy. die young—in this case, of AIDS at age 34— At: MidTangent Productions at Hydrate, 3458 dame Grinch. Madame X truly is a drag queen The primary conflict Gross seems to want to while still enmeshed in the throes of splenetic N. Halsted that others should aspire to emulate. illustrate lies between Nate and Esther’s val- anguish, never to learn the value of editing as a Phone: 773-975-9244 or tix.com; $10 GayCo and MidTangent’s holiday shows clear- ues and those of their children. To the parents, tool to reconfiguring telenovela-length yarns to Runs through Dec. 12 ly cater to LGTBQ audiences. But they’re both raised in the great Depression, the suburban the restrictions of live performance. But if the packed with enough impressive talent and lifestyle represented by Iroquois (read: Skokie) thoroughness with which Povod portrays Teddy’s BY SCOTT C. MORGAN naughty humor that they should appeal to any- Illinois is the American Dream made tangible. childhood mentors makes for a long night, it also one. But to the Gross children, Iroquois is a prison renders each potentially-stereotypical character Gay theater for its people, by its people and of of conformity and hollow values. Bar mitzvahs refreshingly and three-dimensionally complex. its people. That’s how some casual theatergoers THEATER REVIEW seem to represent the pinnacle of hollowness, For this collaborative UrbanTheater/People*s might write off GayCo Productions’ new comedy according to Robbie, who delivers a long speech Theater production, UTC member Marilyn Cama- revue The Audacity of Nope or How I Fell for a High Holidays describing just how soulless his own ceremony cho directs a hard-working cast, led by Madrid Pansy Scheme and MidTangent Productions’ Snow Playwright: Alan Gross was. St. Angelo and Christian Kain Blackburn, who White and the Drag Queen Who Stole X-mas. At: Goodman Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn But in Gross’ dialogue, a moving story of an in- deliver marathon performances as the troubled But why ghettoize shows that both have abun- Phone: 312-443-3800; $10-$40 tergenerational battlefield is buried under char- parent and progeny. Hank Hilbert, Julian Marti- dant talent and irreverent humor? Whether or Runs through: Nov. 29 acters so shockingly dislikable the production nez, Kamal Hans, Ivan Vega and Erynn MacKenzie not you belong to the LGTBQ community, both becomes a chore. What should be a provocative contribute likewise unclichéd portrayals of their shows succeed with plenty of universal wit and BY CATEY SULLIVAN emotional portrait of lives on the cusp of a de- various personae. And the entire ensemble is to performance panache. cade about to explode becomes an exercise in be commended for their stamina, maintaining Under Sean Cusick’s astute direction, GayCo’s If High Holidays is indeed autobiographical (as ugly tedium. the energy and intensity at a high level even as The Audacity of Nope or How I Fell for a Pansy the program claims), then playwright Alan Gross their play’s running time approaches the three- Scheme serves up plenty of prescriptive laughs deserves our deepest pity. The Jewish family in THEATER REVIEW hour mark. Their effort makes a strong argument for those unhappy with the speed of gay rights this piece (set in 1963) is so over-the-top in its for increased support of Latino playwrights, if legislation or annoyed by Chicago parking, the abrasive, abusive ways that Gross’ drama feels Cuba and His only to expand the repertoire of ambitious eth- H1N1 virus and culturally backward Fox News like anti-Semitic propaganda designed to show Teddy Bear nic-based storefront companies beyond super- how horribly unfit Jews are as parents. annuated hankie-wringers like this debut by a commentators. Playwright: Reinaldo Povad The piece centers on Billy Roman (Max Zuppa), talent left forever unfulfilled. But GayCo doesn’t stint on critical ribbing for At: UrbanTheater Company/People*s who—for reasons never adequately plumbed— its own people, and it more than dishes out Theater of Chicago at the seems pathologically unable to prepare for his laugh-out-loud humor on the shallowness and Batey Urbano, 2620 W. Division pending bar mitzvah. This infuriates his alter- rampant political correctness that can some- Phone: 773-371-1868; $20 nately cruel and crazed parents. His father, Nate times thrive within the LGTBQ community. Runs through: Dec. 13 The whole cast is great, but Andy Eninger par- (Keith Kupferer, an actor who deserves far better than this), calls the kid a “subnormal,” while ticularly stands out as a gay brunching guy who BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE hypocritically freaks out when his straight room- his mother, Esther (Rengin Altay), screeches af- ter him with a butcher knife. In language salted mate (Kathy Betts) finds happiness. Jim Ben- Don’t be fooled by the title. Our milieu is not the with Hebrew and Yiddish, Nate and Esther be- nett is another bright spot, particularly when he tropical West Indian island nation, but New York come two of the most hateful, dysfunctional sticks it to those in master/slave relationships City’s squalid Lower East Side district circa 1985, parents this side of a Grimm’s fairy tale. as a submissive who also has a prominent City where “Cuba” is the name of a cocaine dealer As Nate tries to bully Billy into learning his of Chicago job. whose adolescent son, Teddy, is reluctant to join Torah portion for the bar mitzvah, High Holidays MidTangent’s Snow While and the Drag Queen the family business. Instead, the lad professes grows downright puzzling. Billy whines that he Who Stole X-Mas serves up more in this sequel to his desire for a career as—surprise!—a writer, can’t memorize words he doesn’t understand, its hit production of Snow White and the Seven mentored by a once-renowned author who hap- while is mother clucks and fusses and his fa- Drag Queens. Instead of mostly lip-syncing, the pens to be a heroin addict. Other denizens of ther rants about his “umbleck” (loser) son. But entire cast now sings out their songs in a show this underworld are Cuba’s sidekick, marijuana- Gross never really explains why Billy has almost that runs longer than its predecessor. peddler Jackie. High-rolling pimp Redlights and a physical aversion to studying; all we get is Cuba and His Teddy Bear. Photo by Anthony But like most sequels, this Snow While pales his Top Girl, Lourdes. Oh, and a no-name free- a puzzling portrait of a boy who prefers Native Aicardi when it comes to plot continuation. Director/ lance buyer whose abscessed leg forces him to Nov. 18, 2009 13 prove it, along with the adage regarding the dis- At its most extreme, it could have emerged an tinction between amateur and professional lying obsessed-stalker thriller, à la Stephen King. Len- in the latter’s ability to do the job even when tini takes none of these well-worn paths, instead not in the mood. leading her two protagonists to enlightenment Ingrid—no surname—is the celebrated Ameri- by way of the title character’s awakening sense can author of a book documenting in minute of responsibility toward her unwanted disciple— detail her own confrontation with a tragedy in who utters fatuities like “a writer’s lover is her her life. Her confessional earns itself a four-year words”—eager to sacrifice earthly joys upon the stint on the best-seller lists, but the follow-up to Byronic altar of romantic melancholy. this cri de coeur is less well-received (her agent The Rubicon Theatre Project deftly sidesteps suggests something “lighter” next time). In an their material’s potential mawkishness, weighing attempt to rekindle the fires of inspiration, she artistic subjectivity against affected egocentric- now lives in a remote corner of Scotland, where ity with unjudgmental candor. Katie Schweiger’s she passes the time—measured in days of rain collage-like scenic design in the stark confines and hours of sunshine—teaching at the local of Stage Left’s black-box studio likewise walks university, cuddling with a grant-financed boho the line between thematic illumination and artist and discarding the evidence of her writers’ parody. Meg Harkins makes a charmingly ingenu- block. Unknown to her, however, a young matron ous mythologizer, while April Fletcher delivers a likewise seeking her muse is about to comman- mature and irony-free performance as the object deer the distraught wordsmith as her personal of her admiration, flanked by Heidi Katz, Billy mentor. Fenderson, Jessica Thigpen and Jeff Taylor play- Becoming Ingrid could have been a snide com- ing an assortment of aesthetes and philistines mentary on the literary cult of Self-Absorption. immediately identifiable to their practicing real- Or a coming-of-age story recounting a starry- life counterparts. Little Women. Photo by Bob Knuth eyed fan’s discovery that her idol has clay feet.

THEATER REVIEW the Civil War, with particular focus on adoles- cent sisters Meg and Jo and secondary focus on Little Women younger sisters Beth and Amy. Playwright: Bob Knuth, adapter Despite small deviltries, the March girls are At: Circle Theatre, bright, attractive, dedicated young women bless- 7300 W. Madison, Forest Park edly surrounded by adults of both sexes who are Tickets: 708-771-0700; every bit as warmly, generously, unbelievably www.circle-theatre.org; $20 good as they are. Even the token adolescent Runs through: Jan. 24 boy—the handsome and rich Laurie—is a virtu- ous paragon of sensitivity and stylish clothing. BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL Alcott gives the girls highly individual person- alities and this is the saving grace of a work Boys read Treasure Island. Boys didn’t read Little that otherwise lacks sustained dramatic conflict Women, not even future gay boys, so I’ve never beyond Meg and Jo’s slowly evolving love lives. read this 140-year-old classic. More surprisingly, And despite Jo’s independent and tomboy na- I’ve never seen any of the numerous previous ture, one really can’t make her (as some have stage, screen and even opera incarnations, so to tried) into a proto-feminist or crypto-lesbian. Little Women I’m as virginal as the March Sis- Hey, Alcott married Jo off in Part II. Becoming Ingrid. Photo by Rory Tanksley ters. So the challenge for any stage adaptation is to In some hands, Little Women easily might be- keep it interesting. Adapted (and directed and come cloyingly sentimental or, worse, overarch- designed) by Bob Knuth, Circle Theatre’s new ingly Christian. Circle Theatre presents it as a version is about half way there with most of the holiday show, but nonetheless avoids the pitfalls problems in Act I. At 90 minutes, it’s too long of bathos and piety. Based on Part I of Louisa and also is highly episodic with too many scenes THE MUSICAL SENSATION LIVE ON STAGE! May Alcott’s novel, it narrates a year with the of self-contained incidents that don’t contribute March family of Concord, Massachusetts during to a longer story arc. Subtitled “A Play with Mu- sic,” this version uses mid-1800’s Christmas and secular songs to bridge the many scenes, with a CRITICS’ PICKS few sung by the cast. The music provides atmo- sphere but isn’t intrinsic to the story, although The Addams Family, Ford Center/Oriental there may be ways to integrate more diverse pe- Theatre, through Jan. 10. Critics can’t see it riod music. until Dec. 9, but you can. With Nathan Lane As usual at Circle Theatre, the design elements and Bebe Neuwirth respectively as Gomez are first-class. Knuth’s cozy March house is Vic- and Morticia and a creative team headed by torian Italianate rather than a more likely Early vets of Jersey Boys and Shockheaded Peter, Federalist style, but Knuth’s details of wallpaper, how wrong can ya go? JA wood trim and even random-width floorboards Days To Come, The Artistic Home, through are dead-on. Patti Roeder’s costumes are bril- Nov. 29. Lillian Hellman’s early play of De- liant in cut, color and pattern from hoop skirts pression-era industrial tensions wears its to bonnets, from kid gloves to spats. social conscience on its sleeve, but The Ar- The show is anchored by the good-looking trio tistic Home ensemble never condescends to of Laura McClain, Kieran Welsh-Phillips and Jere- its material—making for a museum piece of my Myers as Meg, Jo and Laurie respectively, de- surprising resilience. MSB lineating adolescent turmoil with charm. Caring End Days, Next Theatre, through Nov. 29. support comes from Anita Hoffman (Marmee), Deborah Zoe Laufer’s quirky comedy may Kevin Anderson (Brooke), Jill Sesso (Beth) and have all the glaring signatures of a sitcom, ringletted Abigail St. John (Amy). Mary Redmon but she also posits questions into deeper is a droll scene-stealer as Aunt March. issues of Evangelical faith and belief in the Rapture. Next’s production is plenty of fun. THEATER REVIEW SCM Mojo Mickybo, Seanachai Theatre, Becoming Ingrid Playwright: Liza Lentini through Dec. 6. Playing 17 roles between At: Rubicon Theatre Project at them, Robert Kauzleric and Dan Waller Stage Left, 3408 N. Sheffield capture both the summertime idyll of two Phone: 773-466-1835; $10-$20 Belfast 10-year-olds and the tragedy of Runs through: Dec. 5 Ireland’s devastating troubles that eventu- ally ensnares them. Director Jeff Christian BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE makes Owen McCafferty’s drama vivid and +"/6"3: memorable. CS “Write what you know” is good advice to begin- —By Abarbanel, Barnidge, ]] ners, but it can be a double-edged sword. So 5JDLFUTBWBJMBCMFBUBMM#SPBEXBZ*O$IJDBHP#PY0GGJDFTPSBOZ5JDLFUNBTUFS0VUMFU]DATE / VENUE (SPVQT  Morgan and Sullivan says playwright Liza Lentini, who proceeds to TICKET INFORMATIONWWW.DREAMGIRLSONSTAGE.COM 14 Nov. 18, 2009 MUSIC Taylor Dayne: Not yet satisfied Honoring dance By Terri-Lynne Waldron and changes and becomes relevant to the times. That’s the journey. As the iconic voice behind such ‘80s anthems WCT: You were recently a part of the “NOH8” like “Tell It To My Heart” and “Prove Your Love,” [anti-Prop 8] photo campaign. How did you Taylor Dayne is a soul survivor whose career get involved in that? has now spanned over two decades. With over TD: They came to me, and asked me and art- 75 million singles and records sold worldwide, ists that resonate in that community. I live in she is set to release a greatest-hits CD in 2010. L.A. and I am part of the gay community in the The Grammy-nominated singer talked about her sense that I have performed for the gay com- musical evolution and the legacy she wants to munity for so many years whether it’s been for leave behind. AIDS awareness and, now, there’s another type Windy City Times: Why do you think that of awareness that they’ve been crying out for— your music has been embraced by the gay and that’s [equal-marriage] rights. community? WCT: We’re you a country-music fan before Taylor Dayne: It always starts with the mu- doing the reality show Gone Country 3 earlier sic. And also, the gay community is passionate this year? about a bigger voice—personality-driven and TD: I certainly had an appreciation for country passionate vocals—hence, your Chers, your Ma- music, and I had recorded a lot of my record, Na- donnas and your Barbara Streisands. ked Without You, in Nashville in 1998. I learned Celebrating Dance in Illinois was the focus of Arts Alliance Awards 2009, the annual gala WCT: You released your last CD, Satisfied, an awful lot on that show and I’m going back to of Arts Alliance Illinois, formerly the Illinois Arts Alliance. The event took place Oct. 29 at in February 2008 and you are on the verge of Nashville to do more recording with some pro- the Merchandise Mart. re-recording some of your greatest hits for an ducers. Arts Alliance Illinois honored business executive Pamela B. Strobel with its Arts Advo- upcoming CD. Will it include new material? WCT: How do you feel about celebrities who cate Award. Homer Hans Bryant, founder and artistic director of the Chicago Multi-Cultural TD: Yes, it is going to include two to three new brand themselves with perfumes and clothing Dance Center, was presented with the Arts Alliance’s prestigious Arts Legend Award while songs. lines? Dance for Life—which has been raising funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and educa- WCT: What will the music sound like? TD: I think it’s a reflection of the times. The tion since 1992 while promoting the art of dance in Chicago and beyond—received special TD: I really want something that’s uptempo, urban community started it because they were recognition. Photo of (from left) Dance for Life co-founders Keith Elliott, Harriet Ross and dance and classic-sounding. tired of wearing everybody else’s name. They Danny Kopelson courtesy of Kevin Morrissey WCT: But I am hearing that it will be re- were smart enough and they crossed it over to leased in Europe first and then North Ameri- be cool enough. That’s where you’re making your ca? money. You don’t make it selling records any- TD: That actually is the intention of the people more. And I think that your product is a reflec- Chicagoans get Leona Lewis’ that I am working with over there in Europe. tion of who you are musically and it’s all work- WCT: How has your sound evolved since the ing. I think it’s genius; it tells your story. OUTMusic nods new CD out first CD, Tell It To My Heart, in 1988 up until WCT: Tell me more about the autobiography The soundtrack for Hannah Free, a new les- British singer Leona Lewis has released the Satisfied? that you are working on. bian feature film made in Chicago, has been CD ECHO, the follow-up to Spirit, the 6-million- TD: The single “Tell It To My Heart” came out TD: It will happen but I just don’t want to put nominated for five OUTMusic Awards. The an- selling record that included the single “Bleed- in late ‘87. When one is 23 years old I would say the cart before the horse. There are a lot of is- nual awards are Dec. 8 in New York City, just ing Love.” the journey was that you wait your entire life sues that I want to focus on like my choices of three days before the film has its New York City Clive Davis and Simon Cowell, who teamed and you’re working hard at that point to achieve marriage and not marriage, my choices of having debut, Dec. 11-17 at The Quad Cinema. up to sign Lewis to a record deal with J Re- that kind of overnight stardom. And then, I was children and who’s the woman now. Music composer for Hannah Free was Martie cords/Syco Music, co-produced ECHO. on a wave and nobody wants you to fall off the WCT: What legacy would you like to leave in Marro, who also served as sound supervisor. Visit www.leonalewismusic.com for news, up- wave. I started to question the writing aspect the entertainment business? Marro is a member of the rock band Stewed dates and more. of different material by 1992 and 1993. I think TD: I don’t want to sit there and say, “I could Tomatoes, which received additional nomina- that shows on the record Soul Dancing, where have done that and I should have done that.” I tions for their song and video “Leather Daddy.” there’s music written and produced by me. Music think I’ve proven that on many levels and I’ve Chicago’s Scott Free is nominated for best pro- Issa in evolves as the artist goes within and explores got more things to prove. ducer and OUTmusician of the Year. Ellen Ros- Evanston Dec. 3 ner, also from Chicago, was nominated in the The Canadian singer/songwriter Issa (for- pop category. Jeffrey Altergott was nominated merly known as Jane Siberry) will perform an in the songwriting category. acoustic show Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Space, Regarding non-Chicagoans, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, As Siberry, the artist has recorded such al- Taylor will be honored an an OUTMusic bums as Jane Siberry and When I Was a Boy. Dayne. Icon and Deborah Harry will receive the OUT- On the latter album, she recorded “Calling All Music Pillar Award. Angels” with k.d. lang. See www.outmusic.com. Call 847-492-8860 or visit www.evanston- space.com.

Kushner in Chicago

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iPhone app Openly gay playwright Tony Kushner—best known for Angels in America—has been named the recipient of the 2009 Chicago Tribune Literary Prize for lifetime achievement. He re- http://tinyurl.com/iPhoneWCT ceived the award Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. at the , 220 S. Michigan. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Nov. 18, 2009 15 MUSIC and nostalgic connection to it. Also, 1997 was a great year in music. Such good pop music.” Doin’ the ‘Samba’ Love and ‘8’: —A memorable 25th birthday in 2009: “The Samba Bamba—a band that member (and National Equality March album was released on Windy City Times movie critic) Richard Knight, Musician sings for my birthday; this was the first time one of my Jr., describes as “Sergio Mendes meets the songs was officially released on an album. And B-52’s”—will mark its 15th anniversary with marriage equality to have it part of this movement was in itself, performances at Martyr’s, 3855 N. Lincoln, on By ROSS FORMAN a tremendous and unforgettable gift. I also Monday, Nov. 23. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the performed a full set that night at Wild Pug. So first set is at 8 p.m. Stephen Leonard had a passion for music as a needless to say, it was a very busy and fulfilling The band is lead by Knight as Monty “Sug- youngster and his mom persuaded him to it. She day.” arloaf” Mattachine; Lupe Lowenstein, a Mex- signed him up for trumpet lessons and he played —Favorite sports: Hockey, golf and lemon ican-Jewish singer with an amazing voice for a few years. parties (portrayed by Jen Zias); and Lindo McCartney, Then, in the mid-1990s, he discovered his —Favorite pro team: Detroit Red Wings the busboy who sings, dances and holds Mat- mom’s classical guitar under the basement stairs —Favorite pro athlete: “My mother named tachine’s drinks (portrayed by Victor Salvo). me after [hockey player] Steve Yzerman, so nat- at his home in the Detroit area—and he found Stephen Leonard. See dickoday.com/Dick_O_Day_News-page. his calling. urally my heart lies with my mother’s decision.” html. “I was very self-indulgent [at the time], lis- “I had no expectations of what the turnout —Favorite TV show: Golden Girls and Glee tening to female singer/songwriters and coming would be, and I certainly did not expect the —Favorite movies: Wet Hot American Sum- to terms with my body and the idea of sexuali- numbers that they are still estimating,” he said. mer and Once Robbie Williams’ ty,” said Leonard, now 25 and living in Chicago’s “The most beautiful moment happened just min- —Superstition: “That women have two sets of teeth.” trip to ‘Reality’ Lakeview neighborhood. “I picked up that guitar utes before the march. I was standing in McPher- Robbie Williams has released his latest CD, —Fan tales: “I have great friends who have and wanted to sing and express myself like Ala- son Square was told to look up. So I did and in Reality Killed The Video Star, on Astralwerks. been very supportive of me since I began shar- nis Morissette and Tori Amos.” the clear, blue sky, we saw an intense rainbow The single “Bodies” was released digitally ing pieces of myself in college. They’ve stuck The songwriter came alive in Leonard. haloed around the sun. It was absolutely stun- Oct. 13 and is available in two special mix- around and I’ve been fortunate to gain some “It was really the best way I found to keep my ning and it lasted there for a few minutes. I es. The album was produced by Trevor Horn new friends along the way. As for tales … hmm, thoughts inline and get to the core of what I can’t help but think of it as a nice, supportive (Paul McCartney, Seal, Pet Shop Boys, Cher) I did have someone quote one of my songs to was experiencing,” he said. “So I started writing gesture from the gods.” and features 12 brand-new tracks (plus one me during an intimate moment. As vain as I can lyrics and attempting to sing them. And then Leonard will release his first album, With A reprise). sometimes be, I knew that I had to draw the line I started sharing songs I wrote both in high Pen, in mid-November. Of the album, Williams said in a statement, there.” school and college, and I felt this overwhelm- “It’s been a long time coming,” he joked. “I want people to feel elated, I want them —Playing for the Chicago Gay Hockey As- ing connectedness and I really haven’t stopped “These songs have been with me for quite some to dance, I want them to forget about who sociation (CGHA) team, known as the Black- since.” time and I’m ready to give them a proper re- they are and where they are for 50 minutes— wolves: “I love playing hockey. I’ve been on ice Leonard is now a promising local musician, lease. It has always been something I’ve wanted and, within those 50 minutes of forgetting skates since I was 4 years-old when my mother bound for glory. He’s lyrical and vocal, with a to do since I started writing music. And this year who they are, I also hope people relate to was building rinks in our backyard. I played for nice acoustic-rock vibe. I really found a voice and confidence inside my- the songs. This is a record that I’m very proud about 12 years back in Michigan and when I His first single, titled “Still Say No,” has its self, [so] I decided to buckle up and just do it. of—I think it’s fucking brilliant.” moved to Chicago I was hoping to get involved roots in California’s Proposition 8. “The majority of the album was recorded in See www.RobbieWilliams.com. “After Proposition 8 passed, I remember how my bedroom. I moved this past summer and, [again]. It’s great playing with a group of like- horrible it felt,” Leonard said. “I sat in my room until recently, I didn’t have a bed frame, so I minded and supportive guys. I think it’s helped thinking to myself, ‘How could this have hap- would push my mattress against the wall and clear up those insecurities I had when I was pened?” The day before, there was this posi- created this little homemade-style studio. But younger and with sports.” tive energy in the streets everywhere that we the record itself consists of songs written over —Web site: www.facebook.com/stephenleon- couldn’t escape when [Barack] Obama was elect- the past six years, surrounding personal experi- ardmusic ed [President]. But the moment it passed, that ences and self-discovery through relationships, energy quickly disappeared for many of us. It politics and intoxication. I think each song has was tough experiencing it in the Midwest and a reference of drinking and I’m not sure if that’s I couldn’t fathom how those in California were a good thing or bad. The title track, With a Pen, dealing, and I really felt as though I could do is a song about taking experiences whether per- something. But being in Chicago I knew the only ceivably good or bad, owning them and letting thing I could really do was continue to say ‘no’ them build the basic confidence to move for- and stand up and get involved here.” ward.” The public has been saying “yes” to Leonard’s Leonard has two local musical gigs, at Wild No. Pug and Mary’s Attic. Wild Pug offering is “I mean, it’s no ‘Poker Face,’ but I think on a “Unpugged”—an acoustic music series with LGBT local level it can really allow for some to feel and supporting acts. Leonard is the host and in- connected to this movement without being on troduces two different acts every Tuesday—and the frontlines,” he said. “I have no control over each plays sets of almost an hour. “Wild Pug is how many people listen to it, but I can at least a great venue and it’s an incredibly fun time,” contribute to some awareness and if that is the Leonard said. “We have some very talented per- only takeaway from this, then I consider it an formers from the community. The lead singer of accomplishment.” Sixteen Candles, Adam LeBlanc, will be perform- “Still Say No” landed on the 13-track National ing solo with us next month.” Equality March compilation CD, an album with Leonard’s alliance with Mary’s Attic stems songs from various LGBT and supporting acts. from his passion for open-mic nights. “I met The proceeds benefit Equality Across America with Ashley, owner of Hamburger Mary’s, and we and the National Equality March on Washington, brainstormed Mary’s Spotlight: Open Mic Vari- D.C. The song has been the most downloaded of ety Showcase! It gives the stage to song, drag, the 13. monologue and comedy. It’s currently scheduled “In my eyes, I think [the march and the CD] once a month,” he said. serve as another leg in this movement and sup- Join The Impact Chicago is a local organization port toward national awareness for equality,” intent on building awareness of LGBT struggles, Leonard said. “I am very honored and thrilled to specifically marriage equality—and Leonard was share my voice alongside other great artists who aligned himself with the group. also stand for such positive change and action. So what’s ahead for Leonard? I really hope the album does well. “I hope to continue to grow personally and “Still Say No” is available on iTunes. musically and allow myself to be challenged,” “When I wrote ‘Still Say No,’ I remember day- he said. “Next summer, I would love to perform dreaming about playing it at a rally or protest; at local festivals, such as [the Chicago] Pride little did I think this song would play a bit part [Festival] or Market Days.” in the national movement,” he said. “But, if anything, I think it’s encouraging to know that More Stephen Leonard: if you push and allow yourself to be heard, you —College: Michigan State University will. And sometimes such incredible opportuni- —Moved to Chicago: In 2006 ties arise.” —Status: Gay, in a relationship Leonard said the October march in the nation’s —Hobbies: Burritos at 2 a.m. capital was, “incredible; a memorable and ex- —Musical influences: Alanis Morissette and hilarating experience.” Tori Amos. “I love anything with an emotional 16 Nov. 18, 2009 BOOKS estate near Alcalde just north of Santa Fe. She Students League and Steiglitz, to the growing hosted, along with many notables, women with” market for Indian tourism—all presented with unconventional lifestyles.” In 1953, the year knowledge and accuracy. One character, in a Land of before her suicide in Chicago, she dedicated the scene very unlike anything in the 1942 Judy Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe Garland/Angela Lansbury film, comes west to enchantment that she had created to house her private col- earn a living as a “Harvey” girl. Fred Harvey by Marie J. Kuda lections gleaned from years of world travel. hired young, single women to staff his chain of restaurants built to nourish travelers at Santa Land Beyond Maps by Maida Tilchen (Savvy Fiction as history Fe Railroad depots along western routes. Such Press, $14.95) is the 2009 New Mexico Book Artist/historian Tee A. Corinne noted in her details enrich our understanding of the area’s Awards finalist in two categories: GLBT and His- entry on photography in “Lesbian Histories history. torical Fiction. The awards are sponsored by an and Cultures” (Garland, 2000) that “During the Gilpin is already the subject of a biography; impressive array of literary organizations and 1930s, Laura Gilpin (1891-1979), famous for her but Tilchen really wanted to explore and pre- businesses in the state; winners will be an- photographs of the American Southwest, made serve the interlocking circles of women’s lives nounced at an Awards Banquet in Albuquerque gentle portraits of her beloved companion, Betsy and lesbian history long-lost below the surface Nov. 25. While searching for a publisher, Tilchen Forster (1886-1972), a nurse working with the of America’s southwest. She felt this could best received the Arch & Bruce Brown Foundation Navajo.” Maida Tilchen has created her historical be accomplished by taking liberties only fiction prize for lesbian/gay historical fiction at the novel around the lives of these two women and allowed—mixing real people with composites, 2000 Lambda Awards Banquet here in Chicago. eled all over northern New Mexico in the ensu- the folks they met as they moved about Navajo imagining conversations and emotions. Her Tilchen was a campus activist in her under- country in the 1930s. technique of moving the focus of each chapter graduate days at Indiana University, Blooming- ing years recording some of her impressions in Death Comes For the Archbishop (1929). Geor- Land Beyond Maps opens (and closes) with back and forth among her characters takes a lit- ton in the 1970s, and was an organizer of one Morna Brewster, wife of a failed artist from New tle getting used to, but the adventure, the his- of the first university sponsored gay and lesbian gia O’Keefe painted iconic desert canvases in the 1930s; but a whole generation of “unknown” York, who runs a trading post at which Laura tory (the her-story) is worth the effort. Unusual conferences in the nation. In 1975 she attended and Betsy stop for gas and refreshments. Tilchen in a work of fiction, Tilchen has also provided an the 2nd Annual Lesbian Writers Conference in women like Chicago artist Nellie A. Knopf pre- ceded her (a recent Antiques Roadshow valued captures everything from questing eastern art- exciting bibliography of her major sources. Chicago and presented her slide show on lesbian ists and photographers connected with the Art Copyright 2009 by Marie J. Kuda pulp novels as a source of our history. While one of her desert paintings at $15,000). Anthro- she has published many essays on golden dyke pologist Ruth Benedict learned of the Zuni men- oldies and lesbian history, Land Beyond Maps is women from her teacher Elsie Clews Parsons and her first novel. Tilchen and her wife of 23 years, would later include sections on the Zuni people Terry, good Marsha (they were married in their home state she studied in her influential Patterns of Culture of Massachusetts in 2000), have spent years fol- (1934). Frieda Lawrence (wife of novelist D.H.) lowing the trails of their precursors and explor- and author Katherine Mansfield became lovers ing the area that became the novel’s locale, from in digs provided the novelist by New York arts their base, a vacation condo in New Mexico. patron Mabel Dodge, who became hostess to a In the last half of the 19th century, gold fe- colony of creatives at her hacienda in Taos after ver in claims from California to the Black Hills her marriage to Native American Tony Luhan. or an opportunity to reinvent oneself on home- Ordinary Chicago lesbians also fell in love with steaded land, heralded the clarion call of “Go the Southwest. Jeannie Begg Dixon courted her West, young man!” But the call to independent, partner Georgia Cole here at the 1933 Fair. In young women—most of them single, many of 1922, 16-year-old Jeanne had accompanied her them lesbian—wasn’t heard until a generation railroad exec father in a private railway car to later. the opening of Yellowstone to tourists. After her By then, railroads and the motorcar had made father’s death in 1936, she and Georgia eventu- easier access to remnants of ancient civiliza- ally moved out west and lived out their lives tions, open spaces of quiet beauty, the spiritu- together. ality of nature and matrilineal culture of pueblo Another Chicago connection was hardware peoples. The draw of the Southwest for artists, heiress Florence Dibel Bartlett, one of a genera- photographers, and writers after the First World tion of wealthy, educated local women who (like War was compelling. And the attraction of the those of Hull House) created their own brand of four corners area (New Mexico, Arizona, Colora- philanthropy. [Her brother Frederic Clay Bartlett do & Utah) was particularly strong for lesbians. was a major donor of paintings to the Art Insti- tute and her sister Maie Bartlett Heard co-found- Lesbians in the Southwest ed the museum bearing her name in Phoenix, Ar- izona.] In Chicago, for decades, Florence was an In her novels published in the early decades of Writer/performance artist Terry Galloway made appearances at several local venues over executive with the Eleanor Clubs for single work- the 20th century, Pulitzer Prize-winning author the past week to promote her latest book, Mean Little deaf Queer. Here, she reads from the ing women, and founder of their summer camp Willa Cather wrote of near mystical experiences book at a Nov. 11 appearance/signing at Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark. Photo by at Conference Point in Lake Geneva. Beginning at the ruins of cliff dwellings in Walnut Creek Tracy Baim Canyon, Ariz., and Mesa Verde in southwest in the 1920s she spent summers in New Mexico, Colorado. With her partner Edith Lewis she trav- eventually building ”El Mirador” her multi-acre CULTURE CLUB

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WRIT ERSTHEATRE.ORG Media Sponsor WRITERS’ 847-242-6 0 0 0 THEATRE Nov. 18, 2009 17 loon parts are usually the ones I remember him Hannah Free was shot entirely in the Chicago from (Natural Born Killers, Wag the Dog, 2012, Hannah Free area last November and also stars Taylor Mill- etc.) but when I look over his resume it’s his er (All My Children), Maureen Gallagher, Ann lesser-known portrayals that jump out (such as returns to Siskel KNIGHT The movie Hannah Free will return to the Hagemann, Kelli Strickland and Jacqui Jack- the affected gay dandy in The Walker, the bitter Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art son. The film was directed by Wendy Jo Carlton AT drunken tyrant in The Prize Winner of Defiance, Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State, Nov. 27-30 and written by Claudia Allen (based on her ac- Ohio). His work here as the tortured, lonely Tony THE and Dec. 3. claimed stage play). is an outstanding addition to that gallery. Sharon Gless, (Queer as Folk, Burn Notice, See www.siskelfilmcenter.org. See www.Han- MOVIES Foster first came to my attention (and, I’m sure, Cagney & Lacey) is the title character in the nahFree.com for additional screenings around that of a lot of other gay male moviegoers) when story of a lifelong love affair between an inde- the world. he played the strapping winged mutant Angel in pendent spirit and the woman she calls home. X Men: The Last Stand, who rejects the serum that will strip him of his powers and, instead, flies out over the crowd, declaring himself proud to be a mutant (read: gay). He then registered in the homoerotic 3:10 to Yuma, where his in- The reel deal sane devotion to Russell Crowe bordered on the, well, homoerotic and he played a great Renfield- The Messenger; like character in the vampire flick 30 Days of Night. The tightly wound actor (both physically 2012 and psychologically) brings a quiet intensity to by RICHARD KNIGHT, JR. his Will Montgomery but adds surprising shades throughout the movie (a laugh when least ex- I’m not sure if co-writing scripts with queer di- pected, etc.). It’s one of those roles that put rectors Todd Haynes and Ira Sachs (for I’m Not actors in a new, higher profile category (like say, There and Married Life, respectively) has given Ryan Gosling’s turn in Half Nelson) and hope- Oren Moverman a fuller understanding of the fully will do the same for Foster. male psyche, but it sure hasn’t hurt. His di- Filled with unexpected character twists to rectorial debut, The Messenger, which he has offset its intense emotionalism, The Messenger again written in collaboration (this time with is a rewarding indie that’s sure to also elevate Alessandro Camon) is ostensibly the story of Moverman’s profile. Don’t be surprised if it gets two mismatched Army soldiers charged with the bandied about during awards season. thankless job of delivering the news of fallen soldiers to loved ones. Not satisfied with taking out most of the world But as the film progresses what emerges is in previous outings, director-writer Roland Em- something much more than just a movie about merich goes for the full enchilada in 2012, a the terrible effects of war on those left be- doomsday thriller that’s an exquisite example hind—though that would certainly be enough of disaster porn. Surely there is no other genre for a movie to deal with (and this one handles (well, perhaps camp) that is as satisfyingly these scenes beautifully). Moverman’s debut junky and fun than the disaster genre. And as Reeling 2009: The 28th Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival held its closing- gives us that and adds a complex portrait of the modern-day disaster flick has aged, tech- night party Nov. 15 at Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood. The event was held after two individuals who find each other at an im- nology has kept it a go-to genre for audiences the showing of Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!—and the movie’s director, Evgeny Afineevsky, was portant juncture in their lives and against the who love nothing more than seeing entire cities one of the attendees at the party. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com); odds build a deep friendship. The Messenger is a washed away by floods; flattened by earthquakes more at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com sobering drama that at its core is a heterosexual and asteroids; spewed over by raging volcanoes; love story between two men. To be clear, there’s or encased in winter’s icy death grip by subzero no homoerotic undercurrent here but it’s a love weather. story of opposites falling for each other, never- John Cusack (as a doomsday novelist moon- theless. lighting as a chauffeur to a Russian billion- Ben Foster plays Will Montgomery, a wounded aire—really!) heads an improbable assemblage combat vet who has just returned stateside after of varying talents (Amanda Peet, Woody Har- nearly dying in Iraq. With three months to go relson, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, et al.) he’s assigned to the U.S. Army’s Casualty No- playing an improbable assemblage of characters tification Service and paired with Tony Stone who engage in one of movie audience’s favorite (Woody Harrelson), who’s been at the desper- games—“Who will survive?” As various charac- ately awful job too long. In order to wall himself ters plunge to their deaths or cling tenaciously off emotionally, Tony follows the rule book—no to life during the intermittent spectacular set touching the survivors, no softening of the news pieces, Chiwitel Ejiofor (who played the gay drag in order to give hope, etc. And Tony’s also an an- queen in Kinky Boots) pleads for humanity while noying hedonist whose know-it-all, world-weary character actor Oliver Platt, as the meanie real- monologues barely camouflage his loner status. ist, argues to let the unlucky shove off the mor- Will, haunted and angered by his experience, tal coil. Gay characters, as usual for the genre, just wants to get the damn job over with and, are nonexistent (although I got a distinct homo gritting his teeth, jumps into the horrible as- vibe from a Chinese construction worker). signment. This film—the end-of-the-world movie to end The scenes in which the two men deliver ‘em all—turns out to be a sort of cross between their fateful edicts—like door-to-door angels the sci-fi camptacular When Worlds Collide and of death—are heart-wrenching; they deliver an every previous Emmerich movie. At two and a emotional wallop each time that is harder and half hours it’s too long but provides enough harder to bear during the course of the film. guilty pleasures to balance its waterlogged, Steve Buscemi, perhaps the screen’s most reli- phony emotionalism. able character actor, delivers a memorable por- Check out my archived reviews at www. trait of the father of a fallen soldier who lashes windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- out at the two and later returns to apologize. ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the But it is Samantha Morton, as Olivia, who gets latter Web site. to Will—mainly because her reaction is unex- pected and out of sorts with what he has come to expect. Against his better judgment and the advice of Tony—with whom he is slowly and surprisingly building a friendship—Will finds The reasons to meet up with Olivia, and a tentative Messenger. relationship begins. NOW ON SALE Moverman and Camon’s script is filled with r great character details and Moverman has cast November 24–29 his movie with actors who embody their roles and register often in just a line of dialogue or 800 775 2000 r TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE AND ANY two. He has drawn from Harrelson a tremendous "2/!$7!9).#()#!'/"/8/&&)#%s'2/503   performance. Harrelson’s stoner, crazy-as-a- www.thetentenors.com 18 Nov. 18, 2009

expert panel, including Amber Hollibaugh, Chief Officer of Elder and LBTI Women’s Services at Howard Brown Health Center, will identify factors that contribute to loneliness and provide easy coping strat- egies and suggestions for safe places to visit for support and comfort during the Brought to you by the combined efforts of holidays. 1:30pm, http://www.howard- brown.org Fifth Annual Night of Fallen Stars, A Day ‘NOPE’ AND FAITH of Remembrance Transgender perform- Through Sat., Dec. 5 ers are featured. Special appearance by Jaila Simms, the first transgendered art- ist to win a reality series: MTV/P. Diddy’s Gayco’s The Audacity of Nope “Making His Band.” 5:30 p.m. reception, 7 is running at Strawdog Theatre, Wed., Nov. 18 p.m. performance. $5 suggested donation 3829 N. Broadway. Power Groups Looking for African American at the door. Hosted by Broadway Youth MSM’s who are HIV+ and have a history RICE AND EASY Center, Center on Halsted, Howard Brown Photo courtesy of substance abuse to participate in a 6 Thursday, Nov. 19 Health Center, Illinois Gender Advocates of GayCo week intervention to reduce the risk of and Equality Illinois. www.centeronhal- further transmission or re-infection, and Dylan Rice will be performing at sted.org to reduce the use of substances. This Martyr’s, 3855 N. Lincoln. barbara&barbara’s Anniversary The lesbian- groupmets twice a week on Monday and owned and operated alternative gallery, Wednesdays from 1-3 at 5537 N Broadway. located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village, POWER is Positive Outcomes Wellness Edu- teronhalsted.org Photo by Emily J. Nelson celebrates its one year anniversary with cation and Recovery. Call the POWER line a reception and exhibit. 7 p.m., http:// Al Gore signing for Our Choice: A Plan to at 773-944-9400 and ask for the POWER barbaraandbarbaraloveyou.com Solve the Climate Crisis at Borders, 150 N. department. 1pm, 773 989-9400, www. Cake Chicago Presents: A Night of Live State, at 12 p.m. www.borders.com; 312- tpan.com Music & Spoken Word! Cake Chicago Pres- 606-0750 Movie: “En soap” A Transgender Aware- ents Spoken Word by Jenn P. Live Music by Tuesday at the Cabaret ChicagoPride.com ness Month event Sexually frustrated Kathryn Tapper, Ripley Caine & The Locals. sponsors Tuesday at the Cabaret every salon owner Charlotte befriends M-to-F open to women whose partners are transi- newtownwriters.org/ $5. Cake Chicago named “Best Gay Variety Tuesday night at Hydrate; featuring the neighbor Veronica. A tribute to friend- tioning and identify alongamle spectrum. Federation of Gay Games Legacy Awards Show, 2009” Readers Choice in The Chi- Chicago Cabaret Project. 8:45pm, Hydrate, ship. Subtitled. 4pm, Center on Halsted, The group will offer support for those who Federation of Gay Games Legacy Awards cago Reader. 9pm, 773-274-5463, http:// 3458 N. Halsted, http://www.chicagocab- 3656 N Halsted are coping with the changing identity of will be presented to Tracy Bam for Media www.myspace.com/cakechicago aretproject.com Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of their partner and their relationship. Top- and Journalism, and to Dick Uyvari, hon- Commerce, Mixer Networking and upscale ics will include identity, communication, oring his and late partner Joe LaPat’s work Sunday, Nov. 22 Wed., Nov. 25 loungeamsphere, complimentary passed gender, sexuality, culture and social sup- for Outreach and Scholarship Support. Chicago Bea Arthur Memorial Fellow silver- Power Groups Looking for African American appetizers and martinis from 6 p.m. to 7 port systems. This group is offered in These honorees were vital to the success haired cabaret chanteuse, Chicago based MSM’s who are HIV+ and have a history p.m. and then a cash bar until 9pm Mem- conjunction with Chicago Women’s Health of the Scholarship Pro- Carla Gordon along with musical director, of substance abuse to participate in a 6 ber: $20. Non-Member: $30; 6 p.m. Center and Center on Halsted. Registra- gram in Chicago. 8pm, Mary’s Attic, 5400 Beckie Menzie will be performing the sa- week intervention to reduce the risk of Chicago Pride Timers Book Group Tonight: tion is through the Center. 6pm, Center N Clark, www.gaygames.com lute. 5pm, 773-278-1830, http://daven- further transmission or re-infection, and The Beautiful Room. This joint program is on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, http://www. Fat Bitch! Erica Watson One woman com- portspianobar.com to reduce the use of substances. This open to all older adults. 7:30pm, Center centeronhalsted.org edy by Chicago Southsider Erica Watson Victory Gardens: Fresh Squeezed Victory groupmets twice a week on Monday and on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, http://www. New Town Writers planning meeting New debuts. “Big, bold and beautiful” actor, Gardens Fresh Squeezed performers include Wednesdays from 1-3 at 5537 N Broadway. centeronhalsted.org Town Writers, gay and lesbian writers’ comedian, director and commentator for openly gay and HIV+ actor Michael Kearns POWER is Positive Outcomes Wellness Edu- Amy & Freddy at Pops For Champagne Join salon based in Chicago, encourages play- the Oxygen Network. Benefits organiza- doing his solo show intimacies and Terry cation and Recovery. Call the POWER line Diva Amy Armstrong and Piano Man, Fred- wrights, translators of theatrical pieces, tions dealing with young people and Galloway, author of www.meanlittledeaf- at 773-944-9400 and ask for the POWER dy Allen for their performance at POPS for songwriters whose songs are originally self-esteem. Through Nov. 28. $15/$10 queer.com; 7:30pm, 773-871-3000, Vic- department.. 1pm, 773 989-9400, http:// Champagne. 8:45pm, Pops For Champagne, meant for inclusion in a stage work, and advance online. $10 students/seniors tory Gardens Theater, 2257 N Lincoln Ave, www.tpan.com 601 N State, http://www.amyfreddy.com others, to attend a workshop/planning (with ID. Reception follows. 8pm, 312- http://www.victorygardens.org meeting on structure/content of NTW 733-6000, theaterland.thundertix.com/ Mean Girls Unlimited Mimosa Brunch Thursday, Nov. 26 workshops/sessions, number of sessions events/1022/performances Come see the Biggest & Best Divas per- Drag Race with Frida Lay The last Thurs- Thursday, Nov. 19 for the coming year and goals we would Dylan Rice Band Dylan Rice Band Concert. form live while you enjoy the best food in day of the month features Roscoe’s popu- Partners in Transition This 6-week group is like to achieve in 2010. 7pm, http://www. Wilson & Analog Device open $7 Cover. town. 11am, 708-358-8840, Velvet Rope, lar monthly Wet Boxer Contest hosted by 21+; 9pm, http://www.martyrslive.com 728 West Lake, Oak Park; velvetropeoak- Frida Lay with a first place prize of $100. park.com Register at 10pm, Show at 11pm in the Friday, Nov. 20 front bar. 11pm, Roscoe’s Tavern, 3356 N Pate Conaway’s sculptural installation Monday, Nov. 23 Halsted St, http://www.roscoes.com opens The Galleries at the Center on Hal- Tasting Tradition: Tales at the Table in sted will present artist Pate Conaway’s Jewish Culture Celebration of Jewish cul- Friday, Nov. 27 sculptural installation 2nd floor art gal- ture hosted by and Sper- Hannah Free returns to Chicago Screening lery. The installation is also a part of tus Institute of Jewish Studies includes Nov. 27-Dec. 3 at Gene Siskel Film Center, World AIDS Day 2009. The show will run family-style dinner of classic Jewish 164 N. State. Hannah Free, an indepen- from Nov. 20 – Jan.13. 6:30pm, Center on dishes by noted kosher chef Laura Fran- dent film shot in Chicago last year, will Halsted, 3656 N Halsted kel of Wolfgang Puck Catering, and stories make a return engagement to the Gene The Audacity of Nope In their newest com- from Ilana Shavanov, Michael Przygoda Siskel Film Center of the School of the edy, GayCo dives into the gap: The gap be- and Julie Ganey of Serendipity Theatre Art Institute of Chicago after numerous tween generations, between activists and Collective’s 2nd Story. Spertus Institute of sold-out shows during its recent Chicago pessimists, between what we expect and Jewish Studies 610 S Michigan Ave, Crown theatrical run. 5pm what we get. 8pm, 800-838-3006, http:// Family Great Hall. 6:30pm www.gayco.com It’s Just Bingo Bitch with Frida & Lauren Monday, Nov. 30 Snow White and the Drag Queen Who Every Monday Night! It’s Just Bingo Bitch! TPAN World AIDS Day Benefit with cast of Stole X-Mas Break out the eggnog and Join hosts Frita Lay and Lauren Jacobs The Jersey Boys TPAN’s World AIDS Day the leggings! MidTangent Productions for what is bound to be the most fun you Benefit will feature the cast and hamny presents its spectacle sequel SNOW WHITE have ever had outside of the bedroom! of ’s The Jersey Boys AND THE DRAG QUEEN WHO STOLE X-MAS, 11pm, Charlie’s, 3726 N Broadway with a special performance and raffle a holiday extravaganza in two acts on the Samba Bamba—a band that’s “Sergio Men- prizes. Tickets are available online for $15 Hydrate Nightclub stage. $10; www.hy- des meets the B-52’s” and fronted by WCT and the night of the event for $20 and dratechicago.com movie critic Richard Knight, Jr., as Monty include two complimentary drinks. 6pm, “Sugarloaf” Mattachine—performs at Mar- 773-989-9400, ext 233, Sidetrack, 3349 N tyr’s, 3855 N. Lincoln, at 8 p.m. See dicko- Halsted St, http://www.tpan.com Saturday, Nov. 21 day.com/Dick_O_Day_News-page.htmel. It’s a Bitch to Quit Howard Brown Health Thursday, Dec. 3 Center is offering Chicago’s only LGBT Tuesday, Nov. 24 World of Chocolate 2009 World of Chocolate smoking cessation program to support TRANcinema Film Festival Center on Hal- is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) community member’s in kicking the habit! sted celebrates Transgender Awareness annual holiday fundraising event held in The eight-week session will be lead by Month with “TRANcinema Film Festival” at commemoration of World AIDS Day. Guests a trained smoking cessation counselor. the Hoover-Leppen Theatre. Enjoy a casual sample scrumptious chocolate creations Space is limited, so call today to reserve movie night for those 18+ who identify as from more than 30 of Chicagoland’s finest FREE RETURNS your place! 773-388-8682; 12:15pm, transgender or have an interest in ques- restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. 5 773-388-8682, http://www.howardbrown. tions of gender identity. A suggested $5 p.m., Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Friday-Thursday, Nov. 27-Dec. 3 org/bitchtoquit donation may be offered to support con- Michigan, www.aidschicago.org/events/ LGBT Isolation: The Holiday Edition Our tinuing transgender programs. www.cen- world_of_chocolate.php The movie Hannah Free is back at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Pictured are co-stars Kelli Strickland and Ann Hagemann : online ChicagoPride.com Nov. 18, 2009 19 Check out the new Halloween & Night of 100 Drag Queens galleries at SidetrackChicago.com

BILLY MASTERS SAT, NOV. 21 •5-8PM “I’d like to see Obama naked. Someone told me overlooked one key ingredient. Contestants. that they worked out with him in a gym in Chi- They couldn’t find anyone to participate—which cago and it was big.”—Alan Cumming reveals his I find hard to believe. Was Tina Yothers busy? SSiiddeettrraacckk BBeeaarrss celebrity crush. Shades of Miss Lewinsky, n’est ce OK, maybe she was. What about Tina Louise? Or pas? Tina Sinatra? Maybe I gotta get off the Tina. Mariah Carey and Helen Mirren—twins. You Kathy may have lost the “Dance” gig, but she SSooffttbbaallll TTeeaamm don’t see it? Admittedly, I can’t see Mariah play- still has “My Life on the D-List.” Bravo picked up H O S T S ing Queen Elizabeth (I or II) any more than I the show for a 6th season and will run 10 new H O S T S could see Helen swimming in her bra and pant- episodes next summer. The funny lady can also ies while singing “Hero” to a dolphin. And yet, check something off her bucket list—a dramatic they’ve been up for the same roles...kinda. Carey part. Yes, Griffin has been cast in an episode of is earning kudos for her performance in “Pre- “Law & Order: SVU.” No, she won’t be playing cious,” but she was a last-minute replacement “Dead Crack Whore #3.” She’ll be a lesbian activ- for Mirren, who had to drop out due to a sched- ist. The episode airs on February 10th. BBeeaarr--eeookkee uling conflict. The first person director Lee Dan- Since we touched on “Twilight,” let’s go to a iels went to was Jane Fonda. OK, that I can see. vampire-related “Ask Billy” question. Steven in SSppoonnssoorreeddOOppeennBBaarr:: And then, without even pausing for a Kathleen Lake Placid asked: “You haven’t written anything Turner or Swoosie Kurtz, he went straight for Ma- about ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Those guys are the DDoommeessttiiccbbeeeerr••WWeellllddrriinnkkss riah Carey. And the rest, as they say, is history. hottest on TV—how did you miss it?” FFrroozzeennddrriinnkkss••LLooaaddssooffffuurrrryyffuunn!! Let me tell the powers-that-be in Hollywood that the search for the new “Captain America” DDoonnaattiioonn::$$2200 is over. Scott Herman is your man...er, boy. Well, man-boy at best. Do you remember sexy Scott? He was the fitness/underwear model from “Real World: Brooklyn,” and is in possession of one of the most delectable bodies around (his face ain’t so bad either). Of course, I’m not sure if he can act his way out of a paper bag—casting him as “Captain America” could position the franchise as a successful series of After School Specials (if they even make those anymore). Hunky Herman dressed as “The Captain” (which is how he refers to the character) in some bicep and butt hug- ging latex. Scooter did a very funny web video about bartending at a Halloween party and how The Video Bar some people thought he was gay. Because, if 3349 N. Halsted you’re handsome, have a hot body and wear ly- SidetrackChicago.com cra, you’re a big fag! I have to say, Scott relates this story in a very fun way...especially when he makes it clear he doesn’t mind his lycra being squeezed. We’ll post it on BillyMasters.com—it’s a hoot and it’s hot. I’m having a love/hate relationship with Tay- lor Lautner. On one hand, I hate that he’s in those god-awful movies. On the other hand, they give him the chance to be shirtless. Of course, I could just go out and buy the “New Moon Il- lustrated Movie Companion,” which is a coffee White’s a good color on Mariah Carey... table book (as if any of those tweens have a cof- um, we mean Helen Mirren. It’s so easy to fee table). I know you all have seen enough hot mistake one for the other. pics of Taylor—although, is there really such a thing as enough? Certainly it wasn’t enough be- Miss it? Please—I miss nothing...especially fore these pics because, WOW, they are HAWT... when it comes to hot guys. Paul Wesley and Ian as the kids say. Check ‘em out on BillyMasters. Somerhalder are certainly hot. And there have com. been rumors about both—especially that one But we’re not done with Taylor. He recently with those eyebrows. That’s the one who, like told “Star” magazine (so take it from whence Mr. Lautner, complains that he had to add 20-30 it comes), that the key to achieving his newly- pounds to his slim frame. Hate them all. But, enhanced physique was constantly eating. And let’s turn to something we like—for instance, that’s a problem? “Most people were like, that Somerhalder’s penis. Oh, yes, we’ve seen it. And sounds amazing—to be able to eat all the time. we’re VERY impressed. There’s a very explicit And it is at first. But after a year and a half of scene in the short-lived HBO series “Tell Me it, I mean, I have to put something in my mouth You Love Me” which shows quite clearly Ian’s every two hours. So it becomes kind of annoy- impressive appendage—and, wait, is he a little ing.” Fill in your own joke. “excited”? I guess you’ll have to check out Bil- Many of you have written in bemoaning the lyMasters.com to see for yourself. fact that Matt Dallas was killed off of “Eastwick.” When Kathy Griffin can go from the “D-List” “Is he really dead?” was what most of you asked. to the “L-Word,” it’s definitely time to end yet The answer is yes—and so is the show. ABC has another column. This week, I’m in Las Vegas already pulled the plug on the dud (although I and have a mighty full plate. Lily Tomlin, Bette was enjoying it). You will get to see all 13 epi- Midler, Matt Goss ... I’m in heaven. There are sodes which were shot and that’s it. On the posi- even some hot boys I’ll be looking up—and tive side, rumor has it ABC is thinking of moving down. Sure, you can wait for my full report in “Ugly Betty” to this prime Wednesday night po- next week’s column. But why not stay ahead of sition. If they rehire the now-unemployed Re- the curve and just go to www.BillyMasters.com, becca Romijn, she could stay in the same time the hottest site on the web. No matter where I slot. am, I’m still plugged into my fans (some of them “Eastwick” had it lucky—at least it got on have been plugged into me, but that’s another the air. ABC is also canceling “Let’s Dance”— story). Just reach out and touch me at Billy@ less then a week after it announced the dance BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to competition Kathy Griffin was to host. While the you before Mirren is cast in “Glitter 2”! So, until brass felt they had a winning concept—celebs next time, remember, one man’s filth is another recreating iconic dances in competition—they man’s bible. 20 Nov. 18, 2009 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE LIMITED TIME – 1ST MONTH FREE. 1 bedrooms at $700 including heat and water. Call 847-520-4201. 6633 OUT OF TOWN N. Sheridan Road. www.pabcormanagenent.com FOR SALE IN UNION PIER. Custom home. 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Chestnut Cleaning Service: 312-332-5575 773-401-1339, or e-mail [email protected] (4/30/10-tk) [P-TB] 1 South Nov. 18, 2009 21 TRAVEL across the Comcast programming platform, the majority placed during shows popular with LGBT Erb your enthusiasm New Comcast audiences, from the Food Channel to the com- Basil Hayden Bourbon and OUT magazine munity-specific Logo Network. presented “The OUT Style Set”—a tribute to channel targets Comcast certainly scores diversity points for Marshall Erb—tribute Oct. 28 at Cuvee, 308 their sponsorship of LGBT organizations and W. Erie. According to his Web site, Erb is an gay market events, but this initiative simply makes good interior designer who “incorporates his archi- business sense. Approximately 70 percent of the tectural background with a vast knowledge of BY MICKI LEVENTHAL Chicago LGBT market subscribes to cable and, furniture, antiques, artwork, textiles and pe- as Newman noted, “gays and lesbians generally riod detailing in each project resulting in cre- Gay business is big business, and gay travel is have more disposable income.” ative, lasting environments.” Photo by Frank even bigger business. Comcast Spotlight ac- The channel will be available in the Wash- Failing of Male Image Photography; see more knowledged that fact when they launched the ington, D.C., market in February and Newman at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Gay Travel On Demand Channel Oct. 14. Subscrib- continues to work on partnerships with tourism ers can now click onto tourism videos featuring companies to pursue placement in more mar- and Gay Friendly Halifax. kets, noting that the sponsor determines which Canada is a prime destination for gay travel segments are shown in which markets. FlyNovaS- and the LGBT travel market is so desirable to cotia.com, for example, is interested in Chicago Canadian businesses that FlyNovaScotia.com and East Coast placement, logically perceiving not only sponsored a travel video on behalf the scenic Atlantic province as a more likely des- of its capital city of Halifax (2006 population: tination for travelers who live east of the Mis- 372,679) but it also sponsored the Gay Chicago sissippi. This reality does not dampen Newman’s video, which opens and closes with an ad driv- Bryan Herb. aspirations. ing viewers to the province’s tourism Web site. “I want the Gay Travel Channel to exist Nancy Newman is integrated marketing man- throughout the nation,” she says. “We want to ager for Comcast Spotlight, the cable giant’s ad- meaningful and resonate with the audience”—a see a dozen, two dozen, videos up there from vertising division where targeted content, from sophisticated audience often regarded as reces- Gay Chicago to Gay-friendly Thailand. My favor- children’s programming to exercise videos, is sion proof. ite line is ‘crawl, walk, run’—we’re crawling right produced for digital subscribers. Gay Travel On Thirty-second spots advertising GTOD will run now, but we’ll getting there.” Demand (GTOD) was Newman’s brainchild and she now serves as the executive producer of the series. Once Spotlight committed to the Gay Travel concept, Newman and her team were given the green light to exhibit at the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) confer- ence in May. Newman became a member of that organization as well as the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. “This led to ex- panded relationships and partnerships with the businesses and industry leaders that will help us make this work,” Newman said. Both the Chicago and Halifax videos are hosted by Bryan Herb, chairman of IGLTA. Herb, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Zoom Vacations, has developed a print and online presence as a gay travel expert and will continue to serve as the host for the series as Spotlight develops additional packages. Newman is quick to point out that her prod- ucts are decidedly not infomercials, citing the high production values, explaining that the vid- eos are “definitely more content than commer- cial,” and comparing them to public television’s travel features. She and her team determine content, not the advertiser/sponsor. “Quality is important to me, I want the content to be MIXNER from page 10 For more than 30 years I have been fight- ing ballot-box measures and even have won some. What I have seen is a system of laws go in place around the country that prevents us from full equality. Some laws are specific like banning our participation in the military or DOMA. Some states ban adoption or foster care. Others give people permission to dis- Sidelined by diarrhea? At least 18 years of age? criminate against us. We are not denied a few rights, we are being denied our basic freedom HIV-positive? and dignity. No longer can I stand before you in speech- es and rallies urging you to stay the course. If so, you may be eligible to participate in our clinical study. We The course needs changing and we need to toughen up in the process. Yes, we must continue fighting but this time, instead of are testing an investigational medicine that may help control responding to their strategy, we must forge our own. Make no mistake about it. The days HIV-associated diarrhea and get you back in the game. For of acquiesce are over. There is no option ex- cept one at this stage and that is full equality now. more information, call Alianza Research at 312-988-4500. Freedom, liberty and justice are not mere words. They represent a way of life that is being denied to LGBT Americans every day of our lives. Enough. No more. Enough. David Mixner—a civil-rights activist, writer and political strategist—blogs at www.davidmixner.com. 22 Nov. 18, 2009 SPORTS Red Stars to hold Built to last: fall, winter clinics The local women’s pro team Chicago Red Stars is holding multiple soccer clinics throughout AFC announces Chicagoland this fall and winter. Several sessions include the opportunity to new program learn alongside Red Stars defender and 1999 By Ross Forman World Cup champion Kate Markgraf as well as Red Stars forward and former University of Illi- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) honored nois All-American Ella Masar. Space is limited for an integral part of its past—marathoners—and the Red Stars’ winter clinics, so register early. then immediately looked to the future. Contact Red Stars Camp Director Kate Westfall With more than 25 runners of all shapes and It is our mission that the funds raised by our at 708-496-9511, or register online at Chicag- sizes, ages and ethnicities standing on stage participants will play a role in the fight to finish oRedStars.com. Fall clinics run Oct. 24; winter Nov. 12 at the University of Chicago’s Gleacher the AIDS epidemic.” sessions run Dec. 21-Feb. 27. Center, 450 N. Cityfront Plaza, AFC President AFC netted more than $4 million over the past Mark Ishaug—himself a multi-time AIDS mara- seven years through fundraising by NAMTP par- thoner—officially announced Train 2 End AIDS. ticipants, so honoring them “only made sense,” Second City Badminton Also known as T2, this is AFC’s new official en- Briggs said. “AFC is truly proud to have served has open gym dates durance-training program. as a beneficiary of the National AIDS Marathon Second City Badminton’s open gym dates will After seven years, AFC ended its affiliation Training Program for the past seven years and span from October through January. As always, with the National AIDS Marathon Training Pro- enormously grateful to all the runners and in- this information is posted on the CMSA Web site, gram (NAMTP). Gone are NAMTP’s familiar yellow dividual supporters who helped make the pro- www.chicagomsa.org . training shirts, replaced by the red and black gram a huge success over the years. Participants The cost is $7 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 of T2. like the ones honored [Nov. 12] are the reason Dick Uyvari. Photo by Ross Forman N. Broadway, 6:30-9 p.m. every Monday except “Train to End AIDS, or T2 for short, is a new en- that AFC was able to net more than $4 million for holidays. The dates are as follows: Nov. 30; durance-training program developed by AFC that through marathon training. Those funds have Dec. 7, 14 (skip for Christmas and New Year’s); allows participants to get fit and raise money supported our housing, case management, pre- SPORTS SHORTS and Jan. 4 and 11 (skip Jan. 18 for the Martin in the fight against AIDS,” said AFC spokesman vention and policy programs that advance our Luther King, Jr., holiday). Johnathon Briggs. “Participants simply choose mission to end new HIV infections and improve FGG to honor Also, winter doubles will start Jan. 25, 2010. their challenge—marathon, half-marathon or the lives of people with HIV/AIDS. We couldn’t Sign-ups will begin Jan. 4 at open gym. triathlon—and T2 staff help them each step possibly thank them enough.” Baim, Uyvari The Federation of Gay Games (FGG) is having of the way by providing professional training, Ryan Singleton, a first-time AIDS marathoner an event to present its Legacy Awards to Windy fundraising and nutritional support.” in 2009 who finished the Bank of America Chi- SkiBudz trip City Times Publisher Tracy Baim, for media and The main difference between T2 and NAMTP is cago Marathon Oct. 11 in about 3:30, spoke on to Wis. Jan. 8-10 journalism, and to Dick Uyvari and Joe La Pat for the addition of the triathlon training. behalf of all runners. SkiBudz, a local LGBT skiing/snowboarding outreach and scholarship support. These honor- “The local triathlon market is underserved and “The endurance training program truly is a club for participants of all levels, is travelling ees were vital to the success of the 2006 Schol- we know that is a market worth attracting to the vital part of our work as a foundation,” Briggs to Wauwau, Wis., for its 4th Annual Granite Peak arship Program in Chicago. fight against AIDS,” Briggs said. “We also have said. “We specialize in funding and coordinating Trip Jan. 8-10, 2010. The event will be Thursday, Nov. 19, 8-9:30 many runners-turned-T2-coaches who will help prevention, care and advocacy projects. And all The Jefferson Street Inn is even offering p.m., at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark. A donation provide participants with a high level of person- of our development activities—World of Choco- SkiBudz discounts for its rooms, which now to the Gay Games Scholarship Program of $10 is al attention and professional coaching. People late, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, Dance for Life cost $109-$259 per night. Reservations must be suggested. who have ran marathons in support of AFC often and, now, T2—help raise the money necessary booked by Dec. 5. Online donations are accepted at www.gayg- talk about the camaraderie they experience with to prevent new infections and improve the lives For more information on the Granite Peak ski ames.com/en/donate/. their fellow marathoners. We can be quite a spir- of people living with HIV/AIDS. [In 2009,] more area, see www.skigranitepeak.com. For more ited bunch. T2 will expand on that by creating than 400 runners raised more than $400,000 net about SkiBudz, visit www.skibudz.org. a sense of community across endurance events. for AFC. We’d love to see T2 attract hundreds Whether they are first-timers or veterans of en- more participants so that we can continue to durance events, all of our participants really are make a difference. In this economy, the needs The following Saturday we graduated to part of a larger movement to end AIDS.” of people living with HIV/AIDS is greater than Midtown Tennis: medium-weight tennis balls. My favorite serve Added April Whitworth, T2 endurance events ever before.” was an overhead called the “angel,” with the coordinator, “There is a huge demand for qual- A love affair racket in the back of the person like a halo. So how will T2 differ from other training pro- By JERRY NUNN ity triathlon training in Chicago. Chicago plays grams next summer along the lakefront? By the third lesson we learned scoring and host to the largest triathlon in the world. For terms such as “love” and “deuce.” A ball hit “The individualized attention that participants Midtown Tennis Club, 2020 W. Fullerton, of- some, taking on a sport that demands three me square in the forehead and I turned as red will receive from our coaching staff,” Whitworth fers a variety of choices for times and days disciplines, particularly swimming, can be very as John McEnroe. “Show me you’re ready” had said. “There’s a great deal of detail and sport of the week to partake in tennis lessons. Be- scary. We will offer a supportive, no-intimidation a whole new meaning from Ron. specific guidance that takes place between ing left-handed, limp-wristed and athletically environment to take participants through all the We moved up to regular tennis balls for coach and athlete. Our program will see that challenged did not help matters much for this training necessary to get them to the finish line the fourth and last class. My backhand had each participant performs at their personal best ball boy. happy and healthy. Triathlon, also, is a natural strengthened and I actually had some control and has a lot of fun in the process.” The Saturday afternoon group had four girls; progression for marathoners looking for a new over the ball. Practice didn’t make perfect but T2 coaches Katie Wargula, Darren Dunbar, Dan the instructor, Ron; and me. We began on the challenge.” did help me improve. Lantvit and Richard Cordova were among those indoor court with foam Nerf-like oversized ten- So what’s with the name T2? After finishing our last class, you could tell honored at AFC’s annual meeting. nis balls. Learning to control the ball was a “We wanted the name to be multifunctional,” everyone bonded and we were offered to con- Briggs confirmed that T2 will not train runners challenge, so this toddler toy did make things Whitworth said. “It needed to be short and to tinue our tennis education—and I discovered for any out-of-state marathons in 2010, but the easier. Ron gave good individual attention the point enough to be shouted out to partici- that more schooling might benefit me. For ex- group is not eliminating travel marathons from after my left-handed handicap placed me in pants: ‘Go T2!’ And we wanted to make sure it ample, I definitely need to work on my “hot its future plans. opposites to the rest of the girls. We learned was abundantly clear of what the program is: a dog,” which is where a player hits the ball be- “It’s our first year out with a new program, so forehand, backhand and basic serves. Follow training program to end AIDS. Straight to the tween their legs back to the net. we want to focus on the local marathon, half- through was another feat. I tended to stop the point. Another element that was great about the The great thing about these tennis courts marathon and triathlon events,” Briggs said. racket when I managed to make contact with shortened version, T2, is that it already reso- is that they are indoors. With unpredictable “We are, however, exploring the possibility of the ball. Holding the tennis racket correctly nates with the triathlon community. Transition weather, this gives Chicagoans an opportu- training a select group of participants for the was a key to success. 2, the part of a triathlon when you go from the nity to play year round. Watch out, Serena 2010 Gay Games, which will be held [next sum- In between weekend sessions, Midtown of- bike portion to the run, is shortened to T2. I Williams—here I come! mer] in Cologne, Germany. fers tennis mixers that include refreshments liked the double meaning of it: T2 is your last Memberships start at $101 a month and more “We’d love to bring back the travel marathons and practice. There is a full gymnasium for stop before running through the finish line. We information can be found at www.midtown. in 2011. We know that the chance to complete exercise and state-of-the-art ball machines to believe that the funds raised by our participants com. a marathon in Hawaii, Amsterdam or Italy, for play solo. will play a role in the fight to finish the AIDS example, appealed to many participants, so we epidemic.” certainly won’t rule it out.” Briggs said there is a chance T2 will expand T2 will partner with TriMonster and Fitness to train participants for other activities as well, Formula Clubs for the triathlon training portion Midtown such as century cycling (bicycling for 100 miles), of its program. “TriMonster has an amazing track Tennis trail running and adventure racing. record of providing exceptional training to its class with T2’s new color scheme was not left to chance, athletes. Fitness Formula Clubs gives our partici- the author either. pants a great place to train indoors,” Whitworth (right). “Red is associated with the AIDS awareness said. ribbon and we figured we’d incorporate that For more information on T2’s 2010 season, color into our logo,” Briggs said. “The tagline go to www.t2ea.com. for the program is: ‘Join the fight to the finish.’ Nov. 18, 2009 23

Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC A widely published author and speaker, Ray is a legal authority on all of his practice areas, which include probate, trusts, CONNE IONS guardianship, estate planning, and elder law, X including the litigation of those areas. MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS He is a longtime advocate for and member of the LGBT community, and is involved in several charitable groups, community associations, and professional organizations. Clark Hill is a full-service law firm consisting of a diverse team of attorneys and professionals committed to our clients and our communities. Count on Us. Count on More.

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more than a pretty garden

e Chicago Botanic Garden has 23 display gardens and has just unveiled its 24th—on top of a building. Not just any building, but the new Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center.

e new green roof garden allows Garden scientists to test hundreds of new species of plants for their suitability in green roof applications. e results will make green roofs not only more beautiful, but also more environmental and sustainable.

e opening of the new Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center confirms the Garden’s role as a world leader in plant conservation science. A 38,000-square-foot laboratory building designed to earn a gold LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council, the Plant Science Center offers expanded research facilities, dynamic exhibitions, a 16,000-square-foot green roof garden, and public accessibility.

savetheplants.org

One of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County