Slight Decline in Lakeview

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GAY NBA EXEC RICK WELTS WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 April 4, 2012 vol 27, no. 26

PAGE 31 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES Citywide crime down in 2011, slight decline in Lakeview By Erica Demarest town area and which found itself at the center of con- tive officer of the Area Central Detective Bureau) told troversy last summer when several high-profile violent Windy City Times that CPD officers had uncovered and For the third straight year, the city of Chicago is re- crimes rocked the community, posted a more modest were working to dismantle several auto theft rings. City- porting steady year-end crime decreases, according to 2.7 percent dip. Citizens reported 1,589 crimes in 2011, wide auto theft rates rose 1.8 percent in 2011. data recently released by the Chicago Police Department compared to 1,633 in 2010. Boehmer also noted that in the 23rd District’s Boys- BAYARD RUSTIN (CPD)’s News and Affairs Office. While murder and felony theft rates dropped dramati- town neighborhood, it’s common for drunken revelers to CONFERENCE In 2011, the number of citywide crime complaints, or cally (about 20 percent each), the number of reported forget where they’ve parked their cars and report the ve- pagE 7 reported crimes, dropped 7.7 percent to approximately crimes in the district—which spans Boystown and parts hicles stolen. These complaints may have inflated auto 85,000. of Lakeview and Uptown—rose in other categories. theft data. While most complaint categories posted modest shifts In 2011, there were six more reported criminal sexual In terms of trends, both the 23rd District and the city (varying from -0.7 to 2.4 percent), the city saw a 10 assaults, 20 more aggravated batteries and 47 additional as a whole saw crime upticks in summer months; these percent reduction in aggravated battery and a whopping motor vehicle thefts. tapered down as 2011 drew to a close. Crime increases 30 percent reduction in theft. In an interview last summer, then-Commander Kath- during warmer weather are standard. The 23rd District, which includes the heavily gay Boys- leen Boehmer (who was recently appointed acting execu- Turn to page 8

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MADONNA IN MOVIES, MUSIC page 27

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A GAY LEATHER MYSTERY NOVEL MEET THE AUTHOR MARK ZUBRO READING FROM HIS NOVEL SATURDAY APRIL 21 2:00 P.M. LEATHER ARCHIVES & MUSEUM 6418 NORTH GREENVIEW CHICAGO, IL 60626 773-761-9200 www.leatherarchives.org for more information www.markzubro.com Available as a paperback and e-book at mlrpress.com other internet retailers and from Unabridged Bookstore in Chicago WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Prop 8 attorneys; poet Rich dies 4 Scottish Play Scott 19 DOMA case with lesbian widow 5 Man behind Miss Richfield 1981 26 An LGBT Yelp; Lake County 6 Knight: Conversation, Shame 27 Rustin conference highlights 7 Pop Making Sense 28 Crime analysis in Chicago 8 Tichina Arnold of ‘Happily Divorced’ 29 Citywide health plan 9 Simon Doonan dishes on book 30 Belic in danger; Oak Park forum 10 Gay NBA exec Rick Welts 31 Gingrich-Jones’ talk; Rarick dies 11 Dish: Ombra 32 T in the Life; marriage report 12 Billy Masters 37 Anti-bullying bill; Kushner event 12 Gay in the Life 13 OUTLINES AIDS @ 30 14 Real estate; classifieds; pets 34 Viewpoints: Zubro; Sendziak letter 18 Calendar Q 36 Sports: Strike Out Hunger 38

Photos on cover (left, from top): Photo of Rick Welts from the NBA’s Golden State Warriors; photo of Mandy Carter by Tracy Baim; photo of Candace Gingrich-Jones by Carrie Maxwell; Madonna PR photo

BIAN, 1985 THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LES NS COMMUNITY SINCE BI AND TRA 2012 NBA April 4, . 26 GAY 27, no EXEC WINDY CITYvol RICK WELTS TIMES www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

PAGE 31 told ureau) ctive B l Dete vered and d unco of the Area Centrafficers ha ngs. City- officer t CPD o theft ri - tive es tha al auto Citywide crime downnter of con Wi ndyin City Tim di2011,smantle sever ent in 2011. oys- c B the ce olent to 1.8 per strict’s lf at ofile vi re working s rose 23rd Di to nd itse high-pr est we rate in the velers nd which fou veral re m od e auto theft that runken re area a when se wid on for d the ve- town er n 2011, m eport last summ unity, posted a moimes i Boehmer also onotedod, it’s com cars and r auto troversy e comm 9 cr ghborh their inflated ed th ported 1,58 ei ed ve slight declinemes r ock izens re in Lakeview- town n they’ve park nts may ha cri . Cit ramati ere rEst re- rcent dip 010. ropped d forget wh These complai ity DEma Chicago is 2.7 pe in 2 ates d rted olen. ct and the c By Erica ty of g to theft r r of repo hicles st d Distri the ci ccordin ared to 1,633 umbe . the 23r ses, a nt comp rder and felony ), the n data both r months; thesees d straight year, e decrea rtme nt each own and parts theft trends, creas ir d crim ce Depa While mu ce ans Boyst es. terms of upticks in summe For the th year-en icago Poli ut 20 per tegori In crime se. Crime in steady he Ch cally (abo ict—which sp other ca xual w rew to a clo porting the distr rose in nal se as a whole sa 11 d d. e. nts, or mes in ptown— ted crimi al n as 20 ndar recently releasedai byrs Otffic me complai ly cri and U ore repor addition ered dow e sta o page 8 data d Aff ide cri oximate view e six m d 47 tap er weather ar Turn t ews an r of cityw to appr of Lake r teries an arm IN (CPD)’s N umbe 1, there we avated bat during w UST 11, the n ed 7.7 percent In 201 r Kath- DOWNLOAD THIS! In 20 ropp fts ande AYARD R es, d est shi ults, 20 more aggr. -Comm u- B rted crim ed mod assa s then repo es post w a 10 icle theft summer, acting exec NFERENCE gori city sa motor veh w last appointed CO 85,000. laint cate he ing vie ecently E 7 t comp percent), t a whopp In an inter ho was r PAG While mos to 2.4 ry and w from -0.7 ravated batte leen Boehmer ( (varying in agg oys- reduction eft. gay B percent n th he heavily eduction i includes t 30 percent r ct, which d Distri The 23r Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com having

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The Baton Pubert celebrates interviews 43 years. Matt Alber. page 21 page 14 PLUS Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES A graduate of the University of Virginia, Del- ery earned a law degree at Yale. He clerked for ONLINE AT Profiling the Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM Byron R. White. Delery and his longtime partner, Richard Ger- NATIONAL NEWS attorneys in the vase, are fathers of two sons, according to the gay newspaper Metro Weekly of Washington, D.C.. Both parents are active in Rainbow Fami- lies DC, a non-profit organization for LGBT par- April 4 DOMA case ents and prospective parents in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. attorney general’s civil-rights division, argued by Chuck Colbert DoJ is no longer defending DOMA, but the —D.C. group to that DOMA infringed on Massachusetts sover- Keen News Service Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) of the honor Art Smith (left) eignty, trespassing on the state’s ability to de- U.S. House hired attorney Paul Clement, former When a panel of three judges on a federal ap- termine eligibility for issuing marriage licenses. Solicitor General for President George W. Bush, —President Jimmy peals court hears arguments against the federal During oral arguments, attorney Healey led a to do so. Carter talks about Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), three openly full-court press. In strong words, she told the At that time, Clement was a partner at the gays in new book gay lawyers will argue the law is unconstitution- U.S. District Court judge that DOMA “forces Mas- law firm of King & Spaulding. When the law firm al. Opposing them will be one straight attorney. sachusetts to engage in a kind of invidious dis- withdrew from the DOMA case, Clement resigned —Study: Dolphins Legal gay icon Mary Bonauto will once again crimination.” and joined another smaller firm, saying, “Repre- engage in bisexuality, make a case for equal marriage, arguing on be- How? By denying same-sex married couples sentation should not be abandoned because the homosexuality half of seven gay couples and three widowers, of the same benefits received by opposite-sex client’s legal positioning is extremely unpopular all married in Massachusetts after the 2003 Go- couples—or risk losing federal aid. in certain quarters.” odridge v. Department of Public Health decision. Even worse, DOMA is “animus-based national “Defending unpopular positions is what law- While the state affords them all the rights, marriage law,” said Healey. She contended that yers do,” said Clement, to Washington Post col- nin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Court. benefits, protections and responsibilities of the law infringes on Massachusetts sovereign umnist Jonathan Capehart. “The adversary sys- When Clement arrives in Boston to defend legal wedlock, the federal government, under authority and “forces the state to discriminate tem of justice depends on it, especially in cases DOMA, he will be fresh off an appearance this DOMA, denies them more than 1,000 federal pro- against its own citizens.” where passions run high. Efforts to delegitimize past week before the U.S. Supreme Court in any representation for one side of a legal contro- landmark litigation seeking to overturn the Af- versy are a profound threat to the rule of law.” fordable Care Act. Clement will also be defending A Wisconsin native, Clement, a graduate of DOMA in other cases. Georgetown University, holds a law degree from ©2012 by Keen News Service. All rights re- Harvard. He clerked for Associate Justice Anto- served.

couples,” the lawsuit states, “these Plaintiffs Lesbian poet are being denied the immigration rights af- Adrienne Rich dies forded to other similarly situated binational Lesbian feminist poet Adrienne Rich died couples.” Were the plaintiffs opposite-sex March 27 at her home in Santa Cruz, Calif., couples, the suit says, “the federal govern- according to the Washington Post. She was ment would recognize the foreign spouse as 82; son Pablo Conrad said she died of com- an ‘immediate relative’ of a United States citi- plications from rheumatoid arthritis, SFGate. zen, thereby allowing the American spouse to com reported. petition for an immigrant visa for the foreign Rich wrote more than 20 books of poetry. spouse, and place [them] on the path to law- In the 1970s, Rich was one of the first main- ful permanent residence and citizenship.” stream poets to write from a lesbian point “The families in today’s lawsuit meet every of view. One of Rich’s most famous books of qualification for immigration benefits, with poetry, 1973’s Diving Into the Wreck, won the the sole exception that they happen to be Attorneys Mary Bonauto (left) and Maura Healey. National Book Award. In her 1976 essay col- lesbian or gay,” said Rachel B. Tiven, Esq., lection, Of Women Born, Rich started writing executive director of Immigration Equality. from an openly lesbian perspective, penning, “Solely because of their sexual orientation, grams, benefits and legal protections afforded to Like Bonauto, Healey is no stranger to high “The suppressed lesbian I had been carrying they have been singled out, under federal opposite-sex couples. profile gay litigation. Prior to joining the At- in me since adolescence began to stretch her law, for discrimination and separation. That’s Perhaps best known for winning the 2003 torney General’s Office, Healey was an attorney limbs.” not only unconscionable; it is unconstitution- Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling in at the Boston office of WilmerHale, a prestigious “I write as woman, lesbian and feminist,” al. We know DOMA cannot withstand careful Goodridge, Bonauto is the civil-rights project di- law firm. There, she provided counsel to the Ser- she told The Washington Post in 1981. “I review, and we know we will prevail on their rector of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders vicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) in make no claim to be universal, neuter or an- behalf.” (GLAD). a 2006 case, Cook v. Rumsfeld, that challenged drogynous.” A copy of the lawsuit, biographies of each Goodridge was the first state Supreme Court the constitutionality of the armed forces’ ban In 1997, she refused to accept the National plaintiff couple and other information are victory for advocates of the freedom to marry for on openly gay service, a federal law and military Medal of Arts, in part, as a protest against available at www.immigrationequality.org/ gay and lesbian couples. policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” proposed funding cuts to the arts. lawsuit. Before Goodridge, Bonauto and two other at- Before law school, Healey, a New Hampshire Rich was born May 16, 1929 in Baltimore, torneys won an important 1999 decision in Bak- native, played women’s basketball for Harvard Md. Her father was a professor at Johns Hop- er v. State of Vermont, a ruling that prompted College. There, as point guard, she captained the kins Medical School; her mother mother was a Gay-resort owners lawmakers there to adopt what was then the school to an Ivy League championship. After- former concert pianist. arrested in Nicaragua ground-breaking option of civil unions. Civil wards, Healey went on to play professional ball Rich married economics professor Alfred Plans to build Nicaragua’s first gay resort unions afforded same-sex couples all the rights, in Europe. She is a 2006 inductee into the New Conrad in 1953. After they divorced in 1970, community have been suspended following benefits, and responsibilities of marriage, but England Basketball Hall of Fame. She holds a law he committed suicide. Michelle Cliff had been the arrest of the project’s two proprietors, not the word marriage. In 2009, Vermont law- degree from Northeastern. Rich’s partner since 1976. Rich also has three Francis DeFranco, 50, and Jan Van Den Broek, makers made same-sex marriage legal. For the April 4 arguments, GLAD’s and the sons and two grandchildren. 50, of Belgium, according to the Nicaragua A May 2004 New York Times Magazine profile attorney general’s lawsuits have been consoli- Dispatch. on Bonauto likened her to the late U.S. Supreme dated. They are referred to as Gill v. Office of The two men, owners of Granada’s Ho- Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who, before Personnel Management. Gay immigrant tel Joluva and the nearby gay development becoming a judge, argued before the high court When the cases were first heard in U.S. District families file suit project known as Club Alegria, were arrested in the historic case of Brown v. Board of Educa- Court, the Obama Department of Justice (DoJ) along with two tourists—a 55-year-old Ca- tion, which ended racial segregation in public was still defending DOMA. But last year, DoJ against DOMA nadian and a 65-year-old U.S. citizen—and Five lesbian and gay couples have filed education. said it would no longer argue the law is uncon- the hotel’s 18-year-old bartender. All five are suit in the Eastern District of New York, chal- A native of Newburgh, N.Y., Bonauto is a grad- stitutional. charged with promoting tourism for the pur- lenging Section 3 of the federal Defense of uate of Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y., and This time, the DoJ will be arguing against pose of sexual exploitation, pornography and Marriage Act (DOMA), which prevents lesbian holds a law degree from Northeastern University, DOMA. And it will do so in the person of openly sexual abuse. and gay U.S. citizens from sponsoring their located in Boston. gay attorney Stuart Delery, promoted recently to However, the number of people arrested is spouses for green cards. Bonauto and her wife, Jennifer Wriggins, reserve as DoJ’s Acting Assistant Attorney General in dispute. According to a Seattle Gay News The lawsuit, filed on the couples’ behalf side in Portland, Maine, where they are raising for the Civil Division. item, as many as 30 people may have been by Immigration Equality and the law firm of twin daughters. Like Bonauto and Healey, Delery has experi- arrested, with two being U.S. residents. The Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Just as GLAD won a favorable same-sex mar- ence with high-profile gay litigation. While a discrepancy in the number of people arrested alleges that DOMA violates the couples’ con- riage ruling in the federal district court in Bos- partner at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., he may be because some individuals linked with stitutional right to equal protection. ton in July 2010, so did and the Commonwealth was pro bono counsel of record for the Service- the hotel were reportedly apprehended in “Solely because of DOMA and its uncon- of Massachusetts. members Legal Defense Network’s unsuccessful other locations. In a suit brought by the state’s attorney gen- lawsuit in the First Circuit that challenged the stitutional discrimination against same-sex eral, Maura T. Healey, chief of the Massachusetts military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 5 O’Connor must give Farley’s death benefit to To- constitutional and should be struck.” bits, as required by the plain language of the If the court decides that DOMA applies to a pri- DOMA hearing held plan,” said Minter, adding, “The U.S. DoJ agrees vate companies’ (Cozen O’Connor) benefit plan that DOMA does not apply to private employ- and awards the benefits to the Farley’s the ruling ers, and is also arguing that if the judge holds will extend DOMA to non-governmental actors. involving widow that DOMA applies here, then DOMA violates the Currently, DOMA defines the terms “spouse” and equal protection clause of the federal constitu- “marriage” only in federal laws and regulations. tion and should be struck down. We strongly A ruling in this case is still pending and may beneficiary case agree that if DOMA applies, it is blatantly un- not be handed down for a number of months.

BY CARRIE MAXWELL the law firm has several offices in states where same-sex marriage is legal, and also has diver- The motions for the interpleader action case sity and non-discrimination policies that include (Cozen O’Connor, P.C. v. Jennifer J. Tobits, et sexual orientation. From left: al. and Estate of Sarah Ellyn Farley) involving At the hearing, the court asked all of the in- President a same-sex widow’s pension plan proceeds were volved parties to address the constitutionality William H. heard by Judge C. Darnell Jones II of the Unit- of DOMA. Both the United States Department of Taft and ed States District Court, the Eastern District of Justice (DoJ) and the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Archibald Butt. Pennsylvania, March 12. Group (BLAG) of the House of Representatives Sarah Ellyn Farley worked for six years as an at- have intervened in the case and are also parties. torney in the Chicago offices of Cozen O’Connor. The DoJ, under President Obama’s instruc- Tobits and Farley were married in 2006 in To- tions, is no longer defending the constitutional- ronto, Ontario, Canada. ity of DOMA. In 2010, Farley died at the age of 37 from a BLAG, under the direction of Speaker of the never settle down with him rare form of cancer. House John Boehner, R-Ohio, has convened to Frank Millet, in a domestic relationship, Millet is writing Cozen O’Connor filed a lawsuit claiming that defend DOMA in the courts, and is doing so in friends about his love for and impending mar- the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents this case. Archie Butt and riage to Lily Merrill.” Katz adds: “In this era, them from recognizing Tobits as the beneficiary The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) no homosexual-heterosexual divide told peo- the Titanic at 100 ple they had to be either gay or straight, and On the 100th anniversary of the death on Millet is a good example of that era’s erotic the Titanic of painter Frank Millet, OutHistory. fluidity.” org has published transcriptions of all Millet’s This first transcription of all Millet’s letters letters to writer Charles Warren Stoddard. The to Stoddard was the work of OutHistory volun- letters indicate that the two had a loving, teer Claude M. Gruener, a gay artist and writer sexual affair in Venice in 1875. in Albany. The intimacy of Millet and Stoddard is also OutHistory is also publishing an original described in a chapter republished on OutHis- survey of the personal life of Millet’s friend, tory from Jonathan Ned Katz’s book Love Sto- the bachelor Archibald Butt, who died with ries: Sex Between Men Before Homosexuality. him on the Titanic. This study is by volunteer Photos of Millet accompany Katz’s history. James Gifford, a professor of humanities at “A fascinating aspect of Millet’s devotion Mohawk Valley Community College. A photo of to Stoddard,” said Katz, “is that just eight Butt accompanies the text. months after he realizes that Stoddard will The Titanic sank April 15, 1912. Tennis in No Time® 6 SESSIONS $115 STARTS MAY 5 Sarah Lynn Farley (left) and Jennifer Tobits on their wedding day. Photo courtesy of Tobits Midtown’s patented Tennis in No Time® is designed to turn beginners into tennis players in just three weeks. of Farley’s pension-plan death benefits. Their and co-counsels Teresa Renaker and Julie Wilen- You’ll enjoy six lessons with our certified professionals, plus argument says that DOMA applies to private sky of Lewis, Feinberg, Lee, Renaker and Jack- free use of the club throughout your session. To reserve companies as well as the federal government. son, P.C.; and Benjamin L. Jerner, Tiffany Palmer your spot, call today. Space is limited. The firm has asked the court to determine who and Rebecca Levin of Jerner and Palmer, P.C. should receive the death benefits, Tobits or Far- represented Tobits in court. ley’s parents. H. Robert Fiebach of Cozen O’Connor’s Phila- Tobits then filed a breach of fiduciary duty delphia law office represented the firm in court counterclaim against Cozen O’Connor, alleg- while Thomas Brejcha and Peter Breen from the ing that if the firm did not intend to recognize Thomas More Society, Randall L. Wenger from the same-sex spouses, it had a duty to inform Tobits Independence Law Center and Jonathan W. Mi- of that fact. Tobits wants to be recognized as chael from Burke, Warren, MacKay and Serritella, the legal surviving spouse and beneficiary of her P.C. in Chicago are representing the Farleys. late wife’s pension plan proceeds. During the hearing, which lasted more than Farley’s parents are also challenging the legal- four hours, Minter said, “An attorney from the ity of the couple’s marriage under DOMA, saying U.S. DoJ appeared to argue that if DOMA ap- that Cozen O’Connor’s pension plan is Employee plies in this case, then DOMA is unconstitutional Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)-quali- and an attorney from BLAG argued in defense of fied. ERISA is a federal mandate, however, and DOMA.” does not define the word “spouse.” The court also heard from Susan Katz Hoffman, Farley’s parents never approved of her daugh- an ERISA expert from Little Mendelson, who ar- ter’s sexual orientation nor her marriage to To- gued that DOMA does not prevent an employer bits. from voluntarily providing benefits to a same- Tobits has already been appointed as admin- sex spouse, and that if an employer does not istrator of her late wife’s estate by an Illinois intend to do so, the employer must make that probate court. In the Illinois case, the court clear. Hoffman also wrote an amicus brief on rejected the Farley’s claim that their daughter behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, arguing was single, and ruled that Tobits and Farley were that DOMA does not apply to this case. legally married and entitled to all the rights and “Judge Jones was very engaged and seemed protections given to spouses under state law. to understand that Cozen’s position, that DOMA Cozen O’Connor’s pension plan states that a prohibits private employers from recognizing spouse is a person to whom an employee has same-sex spouses, would unsettle thousands of been married for at least one year. The pension existing private pension plans,” said Minter. 2020 W. Fullerton Ave. • Chicago plan does not indicate that the same-sex spous- “We hope the judge rules that DOMA does not 773.235.2300 • midtown.com/chicago es are excluded from participating. Additionally, apply to private benefit plans and that Cozen 6 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Rainbow Chronicle: An LGBT Yelp by David-Elijah Nahmod The Rainbow Chronicle homepage is self-ex- planatory and easy to navigate. After register- Although he’s not gay, Travis Lowry understands ing, users can cast their ratings for the places, what homophobia looks like. He grew up in the events and leaders they’ve encountered. There’s Dallas area and saw firsthand how LGBT people a Hall of Fame section for the gay-friendliest are often forced to live. “If I had used a racial places, and a separate link for places deemed slur in high school I would have gotten into a unsafe for LGBT people. Users can add new list- lot of trouble,” recalled the 24-year-old entre- ings at any time. preneur. “But if you call someone a ‘faggot,’ then The site also offers an option for LGBT news it’s OK.” links. Lowry himself posted a link March 14:

Gina Osting-Riddle and Andrea Riddle being married by Rev. Deeya Roberts. Photo from Dayne Roberts Lake County accused of rejecting Indiana civil-union application BY KATE SOSIN Lake County clerk’s office. The couple is also contacting Lambda Legal. They have also filed An Indiana lesbian couple has filed a complaint a formal complaint with the Cook County clerk’s against the Lake County (Ill.) clerk’s office after office. being denied a civil-union license on the basis BREAKING NEWS: On April 2, Lake County Clerk of their Indiana residency, they said. Willard Helander called to let the couple know Gina Osting-Riddle and Andrea Riddle drove that, having received and reviewed their legal more than four hours from their Fairmount, Ind., compliance letter, they have decided that they home March 29 to get a civil-union license in will—after all—issue civil unions to couples Waukegan, Ill. But they were rejected, they said, from jurisdictions where such unions will not be because the clerk’s office employees told them recognized. that their home state prohibited civil unions. From left: Conor Clary and Travis Lowry. Photo from Lowry “I was crying after we left the courthouse,” said Osting-Riddle. “It was like a Julia Roberts WCT up for two moment. ... We have one girl flipping her hair Lisagor awards and telling me I’m below her standards.” The Chicago Headline Club has announced “I was disappointed in the disconnect with “100 Real Tweets From Homophobes Who Would According to Osting-Riddle, County Clerk em- its annual Peter Lisagor Award nominations for American values,” he said via a telephone in- Murder Their Gay Child.” ployees told them that because Indiana prohib- Chicago-area news media. Windy City Times is terview with Windy City Times (WCT). “Everyone “Local leaders, such as a sheriff or city council ited civil unions, Lake County could not issue nominated for two awards, both for in-depth re- is free to be happy, but that doesn’t apply to member, affect people’s lives on a daily basis” them a civil union certificate. porting for a non-daily publication. gays.” said Lowry. “Their records are hard to find. Rain- Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov said The WCT AIDS @ 30 series is nominated for the One day, while working as a journalist in Mas- bow Chronicle can change that. Site members that the law in Illinois is clear about allowing work of staff and freelance writers in that series, sachusetts, he heard a radio interview with gay are welcome to post news links as well. Just couples from other states to obtain civil union which began April 2011 and runs through April activist Dan Savage. Savage was talking about write in your own titles, add a link and include a licenses. 2012. Most of the articles will be collected into his now-famous “It Gets Better” Project. Lowry, short description.” “No state prohibits a person from entering a a book available later this year. More than two who said that homophobia is rampant even in What if a business owner disagrees with a rat- civil union,” he said. “A state can say ‘we don’t dozen writers have contributed to the series. liberal enclaves like Cambridge, decided to do ing? Lowry said, “If you are acting in an open recognize it.’” The AIDS @ 30 series was also a finalist for the something tangible that might help to make way, you should be able to rally friends to coun- Illinois has issued many civil union certificates national Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defa- things better. With high school pal- turned- ter that review. If there is a concentrated ef- to couples out-of-state, including Indiana. mation (GLAAD) media awards in the newspaper business partner Conor Clary, who’s also straight, fort to post a review in a false way, this can Osting-Riddle and Riddle were granted a civil- article category, and lost to the Boston Globe. Lowry launched Rainbow Chronicle, an online re- be handled administratively. Threats and violent union certificate in Cook County March 30. The New York Times was also a finalist in that source that he claims “puts the power of the posts get removed.” Lake County Clerk Willard Helander was out of category. web to better use.” For more, visit www.RainbowChronicle.com. the office at the time of publication. A spokes- The second Peter Lisagor nomination is for the The concept of Rainbow Chronicle is simple. person for the office said that Helander was the Windy City Times series, “Lakeview crime: The Users can list and rate businesses, places and only person who could comment on the allega- numbers,” an investigation of crime statistics in events for their gay friendliness, or lack thereof. Summer LGBTQ tions and would not be available to talk until the Lakeview neighborhood. The series was writ- “We ascribe a color code to persons or places program at Monday. ten by Erica Demarest, Kate Sosin and Andrew that allow you to quickly and graphically judge Mexican school Riddle and Osting-Riddle have been together Davis. them. Green is for the friendliest, red is for the CETLALIC, a progressive Spanish immersion for three and a half years and are currently rais- The annual Lisagor Awards will be announced least friendly. There are colors in between that school in Cuernavaca, Mexico, is offering its LG- ing three children together. They are hoping to during an event Friday, May 4, 5:30 p.m. at a allows users to look at a neighborhood, street, BTQ social-justice programs June 16-July 6. expand their family and decided to get a civil location to be announced. or business and judge how gay friendly it is There is intensive Spanish language instruc- union in Illinois. For details, see www.headlineclub.org. or isn’t. Is it a good place for LGBT couples or tion integrating texts and discussions to supple- Osting-Riddle’s father will start chemotherapy groups? What’s the attitude of others?” ment program focus, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday April 2, and the couple wanted to have their Launched Jan. 11, Lowry reported that the Bechdel exhibit through Friday. Students are evaluated and civil union beforehand. They brought their ex- site is slowly picking up steam, with 4,500 in- placed at the appropriate level with a maximum tended family to Illinois to witness the ceremo- frequent users and 800 heavy users. “There’s has opening of five students in each class. All levels are wel- ny, scheduled for March 30. nothing like this online,” Lowry said. “It’s a hot- reception April 5 come, from beginners to advanced. The couple will continue with their ceremony, button issue. Hopefully it’ll catch on.” “Fevered Archives: 30 Years of Comics from Topics/activists may include visits with art- but were not legally joined until March 31, af- The CEO of Texas-based Cinemark Theaters the Not-So-Mixed-Up Files of Alison Bechdel” ists, activists and community leaders; participa- ter a mandatory 24-hour waiting period on their came under fire a few years ago for donating will have an opening reception Thursday, April tion in Mexico City’s gay pride march; and shar- civil-union license expires. money to anti-gay causes. In the gay-friendly 5, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for the Study of ing coming-out stories with Mexican men and Their ceremony was performed by Rev. Deeya San Francisco area, individual Cinemark Theaters Gender and Sexuality, 5733 S. University Ave. women. There will also be weekend excursions Roberts. Roberts and her partner—Dayle Rob- employ LGBT people at both the floor staff and Bechdel and Professor Hillary Chute (English) to Mexico City and the ruins in Xochicalco. erts, who is president of Parents and Friends management levels. WCT asked Lowry if Rainbow are the recipients of a Mellon Residential Fel- CETLALIC also offers a year-round regular pro- of Lesbians and Gays in Palatine—were wed in Chronicle might inadvertently hold individuals lowship for Arts Practice and Scholarship at the gram. 2009 in Massachusetts. They said they will be responsible for the actions of corporate execu- Richard and Mary L. Gray Center for Arts and In- See www.cetalic.org.mx. using their resources to make sure Lake County tives over which they have no control. quiry at the University of Chicago. addresses the issue swiftly. “You can rate a specific theater or the corpo- See http://gendersexuality.uchicago.edu or Cherkasov said Equality Illinois is in the pro- ration,” explained Lowry. “It’s another level of call 773-702-9936. cess of drafting a legal compliance letter to the nuance that we offer.” WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 7 UIC celebrates Mandy Carter at the Rustin conference. Rustin centennial Photo by Tracy Baim By Jamie Anne Royce majoring in gender and women’s studies, introduced Carter. A Bayard Rustin Centennial Conference took Carter is the national coordinator of the Ba- place in Chicago last weekend to commemorate yard Rustin Centennial 2012 Project of the Na- the 100th anniversary of the gay African-Amer- tional Black Justice Coalition. ican civil-rights activist’s birth. The University As a young African-American woman living of Illinois (UIC) at Chicago Gender and Sexuality in an orphanage, Carter began to come out as Center sponsored the March 30-31 conference. a lesbian and looked for someone like her. At Rustin is probably best remembered as Martin the time, she did not know about Rustin or his Luther King Jr.’s right-hand man during a signifi- work, and she lamented not having him as a role cant portion of the civil-rights movement. King model. and his fellow organizers kept Rustin’s sexuality “This is so precious to me. Bayard’s centennial under wraps out of fear he would tarnish their presents a unique opportunity to share who he writer. He contributed to his culture,” said Cart- activism. When a politician threatened to ex- is, what he did and how he influences us today,” and “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen,” ac- er. pose Rustin, King accepted his resignation. said Carter. companied by director and pianist Johari Jabir. Members of the UIC theater department (Jas- Rustin stayed in the shadows for three years A disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, Rustin was The March 31 program featured a series of min Camarillo, Luigi Salerni, Daniel ‘DK’ Sim- until he was called upon to organize the 1963 committed to non-violence, which Carter ad- speeches and panel discussions. mons and Maximus Thomas) read “Tonight We March on Washington, causing infighting among mires. Rustin historian John D’Emilio, author of Lost Remember,” an original performance adapted movement leaders because some believed Rustin Since 1983, the African-American communi- Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin, from archival letters written by Rustin and from would embarrass the march—because he was ty has been trying to find a way to recognize kicked off the day with a discussion of the com- files from prison guards and doctors during the gay. Rustin’s contributions in decennial commemo- plex legacy of Rustin, including his relationship 1940s. It details Rustin’s imprisonment in Ash- “How do we honor Bayard Rustin properly?” rations of the 1963 march on Washington, ex- with the peace movement, President Lyndon land, Ky., sentenced to four years for refusing to said Megan Carney, an organizer of the con- plained Carter. They started by inviting an Af- Johnson and the Vietnam War. serve in the military during World War II. ference and director of the center. “We knew rican-American LGBT speaker to the event and, The next panel featured Johari Jabir, assistant Rustin stirred up trouble in prison, organizing it would require a forum of diverse voices and eventually, by the 2003 celebration, they asked professor of African-American Studies at UIC; hunger strikes and other acts of civil disobedi- communication. … . We really wanted to weave LGBT organizations Southerners On New Ground Adam Green, associate professor of American ence to desegregate the prison, with one guard’s together different voices and experiences for the and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to history at the University of Chicago; and Bar- account describing Rustin as an “extremely ca- conference.” co-sponsor the event. bara Ransby, UIC interim provost for planning pable agitator.” The conference kicked off with a keynote ad- Carter also highlighted Rustin’s other accom- and programs and author of Ella Baker and the Guards and fellow inmates discovered Rustin’s dress from Mandy Carter, an African-American plishments, including his artistic talents. Black Freedom Movement. They were joined by homosexuality, and he was separated from the lesbian social-justice advocate who has been “We want to see all of Bayard. He wasn’t just a D’Emilio. general population and forced to perform me- organizing since 1968. Jinna Holt, a UIC junior thinker, a strategist. He was a singer. He was a The afternoon session was on intersectional nial work. Doctors examined him and found him coalition building and planned speakers were mentally ill, transferring him to a harsher pris- Kim Hunt, executive director of Affinity Com- on. There he focused on his release, so he could munity Services; Asucena Lopez and Jasmine rejoin the civil-rights fight on the outside. Thomas, Chicago Freedom School Fellows; Rev. “[Rustin] just inspires me and gives me hope Benjamin Reynolds; and Shari E. Runner, senior John D’Emilio for me and my generation today. Perhaps I can vice president for strategy and community de- at the Rustin make a difference, too,” said Jasmin Camarillo, velopment at the Chicago Urban League. conference. one of the performers of “Tonight We Remem- The conference concluded April 1 with a dis- Photo by ber.” cussion of how to continue the Rustin year of Tracy Baim Rustin also loved music, drawing on traditional commemorations and events. See www.rustin. spirituals in his acts of resistance. Anthony P. org for more information. McGlaun closed the evening by singing several —Also contributing: Tracy Baim of them, including “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”

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Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Call for Exceptional FREE In-Home Appointment Brokerage, investment and nancial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and 800.245.7790 services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2011 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. www.DraperyConnection.com Ext. 10 Ask for Jessica Jessica’s Web Page 8 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES CRIME from cover unable to procure such detailed information. As * A note on methodology: The Chicago Police This system measures and tracks crime differ- such, it is not possible to pinpoint exactly where Depart issued detailed monthly index crime reports ently than Chicago had in previous years. As such, “The lakefront in the summer is the lakefront the violent crimes occurred. from January 2004 to November 2011. These re- it is not possible to provide apples-to-apples com- in the summer,” Boehmer said. Despite fluctuations, 2011 closed on a down- ports, available at www.chicagopolice.org, were used parisons of 2011 data and that found in earlier Property crime rates in the 23rd District ward slide. as the basis for most of Windy City Times’ charts and reports. The CPD News and Affairs Office provided dropped steadily toward the end of 2011. Vio- While there were some good crime trends graphics. Windy City Times with comparable 2010 and 2011 lent crime rates vacillated for the latter half of in 2011 in Chicago, unfortunately in the first In mid-2011, former Newark Chief of Police Garry year-end data that we’ve used as the basis of our the year (40-60 reported crimes per month) and quarter of 2012, the murder rate in the city has McCarthy was appointed police superintendent of written analysis. ended on a low note. jumped 35 percent. There have been 114 mur- Chicago. The veteran officer instituted in Chicago his All data sources are noted in captions for the Windy City Times repeatedly requested 2011 ders as of March 29. hallmark CompStat program, which has been credited charts. beat-by-beat data for the 23rd District, but were with lowering homicide rates in New York City.

A month-by-month breakdown of crimes reported between January and November 2011. Source: The Chicago Police Department’s 2011 Index Crime Summaries.

A visualization of month-by-month crime data from January to November 2011. Source: The Chicago Police Department’s 2011 Index Crime Summaries.

A tally of crimes reported between 2004-2010; data reflects year-end totals. Source: The Chicago Police Department’s 2011 Index Crime Summaries.

Crime trends from 2004 to 2010; data reflects year-end totals. Source: The Chicago Police Department’s 2011 Index Crime Sum- maries. WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 9 CDPH releases

Year-End crime complaints as citywide LGBT plan compiled by the Chicago Police Department’s Office of News and BY KATE SOSIN for shining a spotlight on LGBT health care. To- Affairs. The CPD altered in mid- gether we can build a healthier, stronger Chi- to late-2011 how it measures According to the Chicago Department of Public cago and serve as a model for other cities across and tracks crime. Health (CDPH), the prevalence of smoking, lack the nation.” of culturally competent medical care, hate vio- More information is available at www.cityof- lence against transgender people, HIV and obe- chicago.org/city/en/depts/cdph.html. sity are among the most pressing health issues facing LGBT Chicagoans. CDPH has released its citywide “LGBT Commu- HBHC and nity Action Plan” in coordination with the may- feds negotiate or’s office. City officials presented the document repayment settlement at a March 30 meeting with elected officials and Chicago-based Howard Brown Health Center service providers who helped draft the plan. (HBHC) has reached a settlement with the fed- Published as part of the city’s “Healthy Chi- eral government to repay funds associated with cago” initiative, the document lays out health five federally awarded grants, according to a disparities among LGBT people along with 22 press release. strategies for combating those disparities. The government concluded the funds were mis- “We have come a long way,” said 44th Ward used by the previous HBHC administration dur- Ald. Tom Tunney, an openly gay man and long- ing the period between 2005 and 2010. The fed- time AIDS advocate. “We still have a long way to eral agencies to be repaid include the Centers for go, but this is a step in the right direction.” Disease Control (CDC), the National Institutes of Tunney said he believed that the plan could Health (NIH), and the Health Resources and Ser- become a model in other parts of the country. vices Administration (HRSA). According to CDPH Commissioner Dr. Bechara The repayment consists of one-time payments A comparison of Choucair, the city has identified obesity among of $53,924 to the CDC, and $86,076 to HRSA 2010 and 2011 lesbians of color, tobacco use, school bullying, that were made today. Over the next three reported crimes, by cancer in lesbian and HIV among gay men to be years, three annual payments totaling $575,000 category. Source: posing some of the most serious health risks to are due to the NIH in accordance with the terms The Chicago Police the LGBT community. of the agreement. In all, $715,000 will be re- Department’s Office The plan stresses the need for healthcare pro- paid resulting from the negotiated settlement of News and Affairs. viders to collect sexual orientation data in their reached today. records before 2014 when the Affordable Care HBHC’s financial exposure at the beginning Act kicks in. City officials want to use that data of the investigation exceeded $3.3 million plus in ongoing policy work around LGBT health. penalties and interest. However, the government The plan also suggests training for healthcare agreed to a significantly reduced settlement. providers in LGBT health issues and working with Windy City Times will be following up on this the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and related HBHC stories. to ensure that transgender people report hate crimes. Mona Noriega, director of the Chicago Com- Paul Varnell mission on Human Relations, said that a lack memorial April 15 of reporting means that the city is unable to intervene and compile information used in pre- at Leather Archives venting hate crimes. A memorial event for Paul Varnell will take “To me, it’s a real priority that we identify vio- place Sunday, April 15, in the Etienne Audito- lence in our community as a social issue that’s a rium of the Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. health issue,” she said. Greenview Ave. The plan seeks to combat bullying by encour- The event will start at 2 p.m., with doors aging school staff and faculty training, and it opening at 1:30 p.m. states a commitment to discouraging tobacco Included in the afternoon lineup of confirmed use, fighting obesity, educating landlords and speakers are Jack Rinella, a lecturer and author employers about HIV, and offering LGBT-specific who will recount Varnell’s mentorship and en- resources on pregnancy. Finally, it includes a couragement; conservative gay leader Tim Drake, plan to advocate for increased State funding for who will speak on early conservative/libertarian LGBT mental health. political activities; Dr. David Ostrow, who will Choucair said that CDPH has been aggres- address his and Paul’s early AIDS activism; and sive about implementing the “Healthy Chicago” Milan Vydareny, who remembers Varnell as a strategies promised in other areas and that LGBT “connector and early adopter.” health would keep pace. CDPH releases monthly The final portion of the afternoon will be re- reports on the progress of “Healthy Chicago,” he served for a moderated open discussion and ex- said, and LGBT strategies would be included in temporaneous presentations by attendees. those reports now. That report goes to Mayor The event organizers, Milan Vydareny and Greg Emanuel as well the City Council. Nigosian, were longtime friends of Varnell and Service providers questioned Choucair on the have participated with him over the years in Types of crimes vacancy of the post of director of CDPH’s Of- various projects and activities related to activ- committed, by fice of LGBT Health, which has remained unfilled ism and the advancement of gay rights. percentage. since June 2010, leaving some speculating that See http://varnell.lionwood.com for more in- Source: The that office might close. Choucair said that CDPH formation. Chicago Police is committed to filling the position in the near Department’s future. An initial search for the position did not Corrections Office of News produce a hire, he said, but efforts to fill the and Affairs. In last week’s issue, an article on the LGBT seat were being renewed. health should have stated that 440,000 U.S. Choucair stressed that the LGBT plan would residents die from smoking each year. primarily focus on policy work within CDPH, Also, a photo credited to the theatrical pro- while the city would work with health provid- duction F--in’ A actually is with Bend in the ers on making those policies a reality through Road. programs. Windy City Times regrets the errors. “This is a lot more than just announcing a set of strategies,” he said. “Now the real work begins.” In a statement, Center on Halsted CEO Modesto “Tico” Valle said, “We commend Mayor Emanuel 10 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES the “prioritization” was completed has caused “I recall my dismay at the college’s repeated uproar at the school, Albers said. The decision failure to leverage these prestigious awards and Columbia’s women was later reversed for the time being, but the honors to cultivate student recruitment, finan- fact that it preceded the end of the June process cial support and national visibility,” Cardona led some to believe the recommendations were wrote. and gender institute set in stone. Allison believes that the institute will survive Despite protest from students, faculty and regardless of Columbia’s support. It is simply too institute supporters, few speculate foul play in large and well-known to evaporate in funding the recommendation to cut the institute. If any- cuts. “I want to keep it in Chicago,” Allison said. on the chopping block thing, they say, the priorities of the “prioritiza- But a new home in a new city is also possible. tion” are simply confused. In her 2007 interview for ChicagoGayHistory. BY KATE SOSIN But good faith may not save Columbia from org (a project of WCT publisher Tracy Baim) Saks loss of support of some its most renowned sup- described, with apparent pride, the inception of Those who struggle to recall the full name of porters. the institute and the way it flourished. Columbia College’s Ellen Stone Belic Institute for Evette Cardona, a well-known local LGBT activ- “I think most people in their lives have jobs, the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and ist and institute advisory board member, wrote and I have work,” she said. “And I can’t ever Media have little trouble recognizing its impact Carter and announced her intention to withdraw forget that.” on arts, gender studies and media in Chicago financial support if the institute is cut. and beyond. However, after just over six years, Columbia is considering axing the institute. The news has sent a shock wave through a community that Oak Park forum focuses regarded the institute as one its most ambitious undertakings and one of Columbia’s most prized on marriage and civil unions programs. The recommendation to cut the institute has largely evaded media attention while By Carrie Maxwell recommendations to cut the Chicago Jazz En- semble and the Center for Black Music Research More than 50 people attended a forum to dis- have been noted in recent media reports. cuss marriage equality and civil unions at the The process has widely been referred to as Oak Park Temple April 1. “prioritization,” an extensive review of Colum- Annika Rothbaum organized the event. bia’s programs and centers, through surveys and Jane Saks. Speakers included Oak Park Temple Rabbi outside research. Max Weiss; Equality Illinois CEO Bernard “Prioritization” aims to ensure the vitality of Cherkasov; Jaime Garcia and Daryl Rizzo (a third of her teaching engagements as a result of couple who entered into a civil union last the school in the long run, said Columbia Presi- funding cuts. dent Dr. Warrick Carter, in a statement released year) along with their daughter, Siena; Oak However, she called the proposed elimination Park Village Trustee Colette Lueck; and state to Windy City Times. of the institute “short-sighted.” “The media cen- From left: State Sen. Don Harmon, state “At its core, it is an opportunity to ensure Sen. Don Harmon. (State Rep. Camille Lilly Rep. Camille Lilly, Oak Park Village Trustee ter is enormously successful,” she said. “There is was also a member of the panel, but Harmon we are offering a curriculum and programs that nothing like it. That’s the main thing. There isn’t Colette Lueck and Equality Illinois CEO remain on the cutting edge of arts and media spoke on her behalf.) Bernard Cherkasov. Photo by Carrie Maxwell anything like it in the country.” Weiss provided a brief overview of homo- education and best position our students for the Addario agrees. In 2008, the institute awarded future,” Carter said. sexuality and marriage equality within Reform her a fellowship for her project, “Congo: Women signing the surgery papers (they had to wait While the “prioritization” has been billed as Judaism. He noted that the Women in Reform Portraits of War.” for Garcia’s brother to arrive to authorize the an exciting step for the college, most speculate Judaism group passed a resolution calling Up until then, Addario had worked for years surgery) but he was also denied the right to that a lack of funds has fueled the massive pro- for the decriminalization of homosexuality in on assignment. But she had her own ideas for visit Garcia in the hospital. They also spoke gramming cuts. The college, they say, is catch- 1965 and, in 1977, the entire Reform Jewish projects, and she searched for years for funding of the importance of the word “marriage” and ing its breath after a booming expansion. The community embraced the idea and began to to make them happen. what that means to the wider world in terms institute and other programs proposed for re- welcome LGBT people into its congregations. “I had never been given that opportunity be- of recognition and access to the same rights moval were founded during more fruitful times, “In the year 2000 we were the first group fore,” she said. and responsibilities that opposite-sex married but the poor economy has rendered the school’s of clergy [Reform Judaism] in America to The exhibit that resulted, a look at the impact couples enjoy. rapid growth unsustainable. suggest that marriage equality should hap- of sexual violence on women in the Democratic Lueck talked about the trouble she and her The result has been a process that is threaten- pen and we also began performing marriage Republic of Congo, toured the United States partner had when they wanted to adopt their ing to strip the college of some its most valued ceremonies for same-sex couples,” said Weiss, and was displayed at the United Nations. (Other son. (Lueck is the biological parent.) First, resources from the institute to Dr. Randall Al- adding that a call to action is needed to move photographers included Marcus Bleasdale, Ron Lueck had to relinquish her rights as a par- bers, a veteran teacher in the fiction writing de- equality forward. Haviv and James Nachtwey.) ent to the state; then she and her partner partment that began Columbia’s renowned Story Cherkasov then talked about Equality Il- “That work, it basically couldn’t have been had to prove to the state that they were fit Week festival. linois’ relationship within the Jewish com- possible without the institute,” Addario said. parents to her biological son. Lueck said that The institute was opened in 2006 by Jane munity before shifting to the 648 rights and The difference, say institute supporters, is that this process was very unsettling to their then- Saks, a longtime LGBT-rights advocate and 2009 responsibilities that are afforded to people in no other program nurtures, insulates and em- 4-year-old son, who couldn’t understand what Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee. civil unions in the state. He then explained powers the vision of the artists it supports in why this process was taking place. Lueck said Saks has won numerous awards for her work both the Equality Illinois and Lambda Legal Civil quite the same way. Moreover, they argue, the that getting a civil union has helped them within and outside of the institute. She currently Union Tracker, which aims to ensure that prestige awarded to Columbia by its association but “language matters and has meaning and serves as the institute’s executive director, and same- and opposite-sex couples who are in with the institute, far exceeds its financial bur- in our culture the word marriage is incredibly most credit her with its success. Saks declined civil unions are treated fairly under Illinois den on the college. meaningful.” to be interviewed for this story. law. Through this tracker, Cherkasov said, “Most institutions would die for that kind Harmon updated the crowd on the status of In its short life, the institute has provided they are learning that the concept of civil of press and prestige,” said Johnson, who is a the newly introduced marriage equality bill in fellowships to Pulitzer Prize winners Lynsey Ad- unions does not legally work, especially when Northwestern University professor in addition to Illinois. (It was referred to the rules commit- dario and Lynn Nottage. It has supported the couples travel to other states where their re- being an institute fellow. tee, which means it is dead at the moment.) creation of Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the lationships are not recognized. Johnson, too, said that “Sweet Tea” would not Harmon also talked about the general slow- South, E. Patrick Johnson’s award-winning book Cherkasov also asked attendees to sign have happened were it not for Saks and the in- ness of the legislative process and, as an ex- and theatre production based on personal inter- Equality Illinois’ petition for marriage equal- stitute. ample, used the Illinois Anti-Discrimination views. A fellowship from the institute supported ity called “I Do support marriage equality,” “I’m still numb by the thought of there not Bill SB3186, which protects the state’s resi- transgender filmmaker Jules Rosskam in creat- and to also call their representatives and being an institute,” he said. “It’s unfathomable dents against discrimination based on sexual ing his documentary “against a trans narrative.” senators and ask them to support the federal to me.” orientation and gender identity in housing, (Windy City Times publisher Tracy Baim was also Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) that In fact, the college itself appears to agree. The credit, employment and public accommoda- awarded a fellowship in 2009.) In total, the in- would prohibit discrimination and bullying office of the provost’s recommendation to cut tions. The bill was introduced, Harmon said, stitute has supported 35 fellows. in schools based on sexual orientation and the program notes that “given the institute’s in 1975, adding that it took until 2005 to get Those closest to the institute say that they gender identity nationwide. Current co-spon- extraordinary achievements and the lasting con- it signed into law. understand the need for budgetary cuts, but sors for SNDA from Illinois include Sen. Dick tributions it has made to the culture of Chicago However, Harmon also noted that some they are largely baffled by the choice to kill the Durbin and Reps. Danny Davis, Luis Gutierrez, and beyond, it is with regret that I recommend things are moving faster in terms of LGBT institute. Jesse Jackson Jr., Mike Quigley, Bobby Rush that the institute be closed.” But it does not legislation, and that acceptance of same-sex Diane Doyne, associate vice president of public and Jan Schakowsky. explain why the institute could be cut. marriage is growing—especially among the relations for the college, declined to comment Garcia and Rizzo spoke about their jour- Many are quick to point out that the institute’s younger generations. beyond Carter’s released statement, which does ney as a couple and the ways in which their impact extends beyond artistic circles and Chi- During the Q&A, Lilly was asked if she sup- not specifically address why the institute made civil union has legitimized their relation- cago academia. Its programs regularly draw ev- ported marriage equality in Ill and she ex- the list for cuts. ship to the wider world. They related that, eryday Chicagoans, and its end would be a loss pressed her support. Dorothy Allison, queer writer and author of the before their civil union, Garcia needed an to Chicago’s LGBT and feminist communities, See www.oakparktemple.com and www.eqil. novel Bastard Out of Carolina, sits on the insti- emergency appendectomy; when they got to they say. the hospital, not only was Rizzo barred from org for more information. tute’s advisory board. Allison said that she sees No final decision will be made until June. cuts happening everywhere. In 2008, she lost a Still, a decision to cut Albers’ position before WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 11 tional, contemporary spirituality worship, and a space that understands what we’re trying to aChurch4Me? is grateful to have found a new do, understands who we’re trying to be,” said Gingrich-Jones talks home in the LGBT-affirming United Church of Brown. Rogers Park. Worship services for aChurch4Me? convene “It felt like just a really good fit,” said Brown. Sundays at 11 a.m. at 1545 W. Morse Ave. activism at NEIU “This is huge. It’s really a big deal. I’m excited.” While aChurch4Me? will no longer be meeting in Lakeview, the congregation still plans to sup- Unitarian church By Carrie Maxwell any way you want to.” port the Lakeview Pantry, Lakeview Action Coali- welcomes new It was only after her brother became Speaker tion and Night Ministry. of the House, in 1994, that she became aware “The GLBT community doesn’t just live in minister Candace Gingrich-Jones spoke about her activ- The Rev. Adam Robersmith is to be installed of his anti-gay statements. During the media Lakeview. The GLBT community is far broader,” ist life and LGBTQ issues to a crowd of about as the new minister for the Second Unitarian frenzy that followed, a reporter asked her if she said Brown. “With that in mind, we’re reaching 50 people at Northeastern Illinois University’s Church, 656 W. Barry St., where many gay and was a lesbian; when she confirmed it, people out to where people are living. It’s not just one (NEIU’s) Presidential Lecture Series March 29. lesbian groups have met over the years. The in- assumed she was a militant activist, Gingrich- neighborhood like it was 50 or 20 years ago.” Gingrich-Jones is the lesbian half-sister of stallation will occur Sunday, April 22, at 4 p.m. Jones related. She added that this assumption In an effort to reach out to Spanish-speaking former Speaker of the House and current GOP The installation and reception are open to the could not be further from the truth, since in LGBT community on the South Side, aChurch4Me? presidential candidate Newt Gingrich. public. the seven years prior to her brother becoming is hosting book studies, Bible studies and con- She currently serves as the associate director Robersmith has been serving the congregation speaker she lived her life as an out lesbian and versations in Spanish. for the youth and campus outreach program at as consulting minister since January 2010. He experienced no discrimination. When she was United Church of Rogers Park and aChurch4Me? the Human Rights Campaign. was elected settled minister after a congrega- thrust into the national spotlight and learned will collaborate in several aspects of ministry, Sharon K. Hahs, president of the university, tional vote last October. more about LGBTQ discrimination, her view of including children’s chapel on Sundays. But the introduced Gingrich-Jones and thanked her for “We believe that Adam Robersmith’s creden- the world changed. main Sunday morning worship services will still taking part in their presidential lecture series. tials enable him to guide our growth in many In 1995, she attended the annual March con- be independent. Gingrich-Jones thanked the university for the directions,” said August Staas, who serves as ference of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in “We’re still who we are. We’re still our kind of opportunity to meet with LGBTQA students at chairman of the church’s board of trustees, in a Washington, D.C. and it was there that her ac- radical, out-there selves, and we’ve finally found the reception and for providing gender-neutral news release. bathrooms just outside the auditorium that eve- tivist life began. In a speech before the crowd ning. Gingrich-Jones said, “I’m glad that you all didn’t wait until your brother became speaker of the House before your voice was heard.” Gingrich- Jones then embarked on a six-month, 60-city town-hall tour for HRC, telling the NEIU audience what moved her the most were the stories she heard from the people she met during that tour. “Educating people with our coming out stories is a very powerful tool,” Gingrich-Jones said. “Sixteen years later, living openly and honestly is still the most powerful way I can help people.” Now, college students are fortunate to have many places where they can identify LG- BTQ people which she didn’t have in 1987, she added. “If you haven’t had your defining activist/re- activist moment, find one; those of you who are From left: Mike Barnes and Bart Rarick. Photo from Barnes activists, don’t stop. Rarick’s weight had dropped from 170 to 125 “There are people in positions of power who PASSAGES pounds, and he even struggled at times get- are saying very negative things about the LGBTQ ting out of bed or eating. community and the most dangerous enemy we Bart Rarick By Ross Forman Barnes, 55, is a pharmacist at a Lakeview Candace Gingrich-Jones at NEIU. Photo by have is people’s ignorance” said Gingrich-Jones. Walgreens, and has been a bowler since the Carrie Maxwell “The personal is political and we have to make Bart Rarick, who had been HIV-positive for mid-1980s in the local gay leagues. Barnes the political personal.” 22 years and lived in Chicago’s Lincoln Park has lost two other longtime partners to HIV/ Turning to her autobiography, The Accidental Following her speech and a Q&A session with neighborhood, died March 29. He was 53. AIDS. He was with his first longtime partner, Activist: A Personal and Political Journey, Gin- the audience, Gingrich-Jones signed copies of Rarick’s partner since 1999, Mike Barnes, Donald Hendricks, 1984-89. Hendricks was di- grich-Jones said that for most people there is her autobiography. posted the news late March 29 on Face- agnosed with HIV in 1986 and died in 1989. no such thing as being an accidental activist. It book. He wrote, “Bart died this evening. We Barnes was then with Sky Bixby 1989’97. takes something that happens in people’s lives were laying in bed and he suddenly stopped Bixby learned he was HIV-positive in 1995 to spur them into activism, Gingrich-Jones ex- MCC ministry breathing. It was about 10:45 p.m. and he and died in 1997. plained and, for her, the 1994 Republican revo- finds new home had had an awfully painful day. But he died “Everyone always wonders why they’re here lution was the catalyst. By Jamie Anne Royce peacefully and in his sleep.” in life. After Sky [died], I figured that must Gingrich-Jones shared her coming-out story, Rarick was a flight attendant for American be my lot in life: I’m here to take care of HIV telling the audience that she always felt differ- Members of aChurch4Me?, a Metropolitan Com- Airlines, but had been on a five-year leave of guys,” Barnes said in January. ent, even as a young girl. She said that, during munity Church (MCC), began meeting at United absence, the company limit. Rarick endured Barnes was profiled earlier this year in the puberty, she developed her first crush while at- Church of Rogers Park, April 1. serious liver issues, caused by his HIV and Windy City Times; see www.windycityme- tending Girl Scout camp. She remembered think- What originally started as a small Bible study cancer treatment over the past two decades, diagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE. ing that her feelings were not wrong, but it was at the Center on Halsted in 2007 blossomed into Barnes told Windy City Times earlier this year. php?AID=35695. the late 1970s, and very few people were out of an MCC congregation hosting worship services the closet—with none of them in her commu- for more than 70 members at National Pastime nity. Theater in Lakeview. To stave off her feelings for other girls dur- The theater moved locations, so aChurch4Me? ing high school, Gingrich-Jones said that she had to find a new venue, leasing Second Stage Chicago’s Dedicated and became very involved with many activities and Theatre temporarily. The congregation has now Comprehensive LGBT Program clubs. Going to college changed everything, entered into a space sharing agreement with ALEO since it was the first time she met other people United Church of Rogers Park, allowing them VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL Valeo at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital who were already out and open about their sexu- meet on Sundays on the third floor. provides comprehensive psychiatric ality. and addiction-related treatment for The new worship space is large enough for 150 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender Seeing those people gave her the ability to people and is accessible through an elevator. It and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. fully accept who she was, Gingrich-Jones told also has a stage, kitchen and parlor. The program offers a safe, affirming the crowd, and after her mom discovered a les- therapeutic environment for members In the past, aChurch4Me? has only leased of the LGBTQ community. The Valeo bian newsletter in her bedroom she came out to space for Sunday mornings, but United Church staff is comprised of well-trained, her on the spot. It was 1987 and although her of Rogers Park has given aChurch4Me? access to experienced gay and gay-sensitive mom asked questions like, “What happened to behavioral health professionals from the entire facility all week long, including office a wide variety of disciplines. you that turned you into a lesbian?” and “Where space. did Dad and I go wrong?,” Gingrich-Jones was “We’ll have the opportunity to do more events surprised that they were having a rational con- and be more involved and have an address to do versation about the issue. that out of in a true sense of space sharing,” 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE Soon after the rest of the family found out— said Pastor Rachelle Brown of aChurch4Me?. CHICAGO, IL 60640 including her brother, GOP presidential candi- Gay men, who were kicked out of their own 1-800-888-0560 date Newt Gingrich, who said to Gingrich-Jones, churches because of their sexuality, founded www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com “It’s your life and you have the right to live it MCC in 1968. MCC prides itself on non-tradi- 12 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES Lucky Mosqueda WCT seeks Identifies as how beautiful the water flowed and how pink- nominations Tin the LIFE Genderqueer ish red the full moon was rising over, and I Pronouns knew then they didn’t have a gender identity for 30 Under 30 COMPILED BY KATE SOSIN Masculine and gender-neutral and that I had it in me all along. I knew then, CHICAGO—Windy City Times is seeking to I didn’t belong to those gender binaries like the recognize 30 more outstanding LGBT indi- Neighborhood water or moon did, and why the f**k should viduals (and allies) for its annual 30 Under Originally from North Lawndale, currently I? It wasn’t until two years later (a few weeks 30 Awards. resides in Albany Park ago) that I came out to my partner that I’ve Nominees should be 30 years or under as Life’s work been with since 2009. I was so scared to tell of June 30, 2012, and should have made “I’m a struggling artist. Whether it’s acting, her I was genderqueer because I feared she some substantial contributions to the LGBT play/screenwriting, filmmaking, photography, would leave me. But, she was cool with it, and community, whether in the fields of enter- sketching, making collages, poetry, or direct- a weight lifted off my shoulders.” tainment, politics, health, activism, aca- ing films and plays, I feel the arts should not What issues outside of the queer community demics, sports or other areas. explain what gender is. Art is like the elements do you care about? The deadline to nominate individuals is flown together. When it comes to injustices and “Mostly on issues surrounding disability, being Friday, April 20. oppressions surrounding gender, sexuality, dis- that I have a learning disability as well as suf- Individuals, organizations, co-workers, ability, ethnicity, I use art as a way to express fering from depression/anxiety. It saddens me etc. can nominate a person by e-mailing my emotions towards these injustices.” that mental disabilities such as mental illness [email protected] or fax- Life’s work II are being ignored these days, especially in the ing to Andrew Davis’ attention to 773-871- “If I’m not making art, then I’m also a strug- city of Chicago where mental health clinics and 7609. Self-nominations are welcome. gling organizer, since the arts and direct- vital social services that handle mental illness The nomination should be 100 words actions actually help rile people to get up and are becoming critically endangered.” or fewer, and should state what achievements or contributions the nominee has make a difference.” What do you think are the most important issues made. Nominators should include their own When did you start questioning gender? facing the trans/ gender-variant community? names and contact information as well as “When I was about five or seven years old, so, “I think safe spaces, like public restrooms, the contact information and the age of the mostly growing up.” as well as dealing with the public school and community college system here are/should be nominee. What is the best thing about being trans/ extremely important. I also think that the en- Note: Following the policy instituted in gender-variant? tire health community, not just mental health, 2005, individuals can only win once. Those “That I can grow my hair long like the other should be held accountable in making their have won the award since that year are in- metalheads and get away with it.” clinics and services affirming and friendly for eligible for this year’s awards. Do you have a coming out story? the trans/gender-variant community.” Honorees will be notified in May and rec- To nominate a person “It wasn’t until I went to Detroit for the US ognized at a free ceremony Thursday, June for T in the life, email: Kate Sosin Social Forum in June, 2010. When I saw the 28, at 5:30 p.m., at Center on Halsted, [email protected] riverfront facing Windsor, Ontario, I noticed 3656 N. Halsted St.

According to the report, marriage equality will coalition of local groups. (Scriber is also policy preventing, investigating and following-up on Report: Illinois bring $4.5-$8 million in new sales and lodging director at the alliance.) complaints. tax revenues. That number is for Illinois resident One of the bill’s two objectives was axed just Perhaps most significantly, it places an em- marriage equality weddings alone. The Williams Institute notes before going to vote, Schriber said. phasis on “restorative” measures rather than that same-sex couples prefer marriage over In its initial drafts, HB 5290 added protected “punitive” discipline. Rather than punishing boosts revenues other forms of legal recognition and that same- classes to the current code. Those were appear- students who bully, the amendment mandates BY KATE SOSIN sex couples often travel to neighboring states ance, homelessness, socioeconomic status, aca- education, emotional support, counseling and to marry, bringing additional revenue to those demic status, pregnancy and parenting status. other community-based solutions intended to If same-sex couples are allowed to marry in Il- states and local businesses. However, just 24 hours before going to vote, address root causes of bullying. linois, the state will enjoy millions of dollars in There are an estimated 23,049 same-sex cou- those categories were stripped. Punitive enforcement has largely failed, said revenue and other benefits, according to a re- ples in Illinois, 3,831 of whom are raising 7,662 “I was disappointed that that was removed,” Schriber. In addition, LGBT students and stu- cent report issued by the Williams Institute at children, the report says. Schriber said. dents of color are often disproportionately pun- the University of California Los Angeles School Illinois legislators introduced the Religious The current code is intended to protect all stu- ished, two groups the bullying code seeks to of Law. Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act in February, dents, but certain marginalized groups, such as protect. According to the report, released March 28, but LGBT advocates have said that winning mar- LGBT students, are named specifically to show “It doesn’t teach students to behave better opening up marriage to same-sex couples in the riage in Illinois could take years. those groups they are protected and encourage and it doesn’t make our schools safer,” Schriber state will generate $39 million to $72 million More information is available at williamsinsti- enforcement. said. over more than three years and improve the tute.law.ucla.edu. The measure, however, does contain policy Windy City Times will update as details be- emotional health of LGBT people. intended to make sure schools are active in come available. The statistics—compiled through 2010 census enforcing the policy. It contains procedures for data, state agencies and other studies—support Illinois General current efforts to make marriage equality a reality in Illinois. Assembly passes Equality Illinois has said that it will use the re- anti-bullying bill port in lobbying efforts around marriage equal- BY KATE SOSIN Tony Kushner ity. at the AIDS “This report affirms that there are no reasons A bill that would strengthen current anti-bul- Foundation of in logic or law why thousands of Illinois cou- lying protections in Illinois has passed out the Chicago dinner. ples and their children should be deprived of Illinois General Assembly, according to Shannon Photo by the same legal protections and social and com- Sullivan, executive director of the LGBT youth Kat Fitzgerald munity support that other families enjoy,” said organization Illinois Safe Schools Alliance. Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, in a Bill HB 5290, introduced by lesbian state Rep. statement. Kelly Cassidy, is headed to the Illinois Senate. In states that offer marriage equality, an aver- The bill is not directly related to LGBT issues. age of 30 percent of same-sex couples married Rather, it adds to the current code to create a within the first year it was offered, compared model bullying prevention policies for schools with just 18 percent for civil unions and domes- for 2013. The current school code does contain tic partnerships. LGBT anti-bullying protections. Also, marriage equality may improve the emo- “To get straight to the heart of bullying in Kushner featured at AFC dinner tional health of LGBT people in Illinois. our schools, it will take a comprehensive ap- Award-winning playwright Tony Kushner (Angels in America) was the keynote speaker at the “Same-sex couples gain social support from proach among parents and educators,” Cassidy AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC’s) annual spring dinner, “An Angel Among Us: An Evening with their families and a greater level of commitment said in a statement. “By giving school district Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright Tony Kushner.” to each other when they can marry,” the report the tools to combat bullying and working with The event took place March 27 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave. Among other states. the community to offer youth programming and highlights, Lisa Henry-Reid and Gary Metzner received the Civic Leadership Award and the Lori Randy Hannig, public policy director of Equal- professional development for staff, we can help Kaufman Volunteer of the Year Award, respectively. ity Illinois, pointed out that the report comes ensure a safe and healthy learning environment On a related note, Kushner’s Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Approaches and Part 2: at a time when the state’s budget is stretched for children and schools.” Perestroika will run through June 3 at the Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Call 773-753-4472 or and that information on the financial benefits of The bill’s advancement, however, did not come visit www.CourtTheatre.org. marriage equality for the state only strengthen without setbacks said Sarah Schriber, a spokes- Many more photos are at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. the case for marriage equality. person for Prevent School Violence Illinois, a WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 13

GAY in the LIFE Joseph O’Brien Text AND PHOTOS BY ANDREW DAVIS

Change is certainly a part of life—and Joseph O’Brien’s world altered significantly in 1999 and 2000. The first was of a more personal nature, as he and partner Vince exchanged vows in O’Brien’s father’s home in November 1999. The second big change involved Parkview Pet Supplies, located at 5358 N. Broadway, which O’Brien has owned since Jan. 1, 2000—but “it has operated since 1921 as a pet shop,” he said. “It used to be on Clark Street. It got its name because, before Francis Parker [School] was built, you could see the park through that field. “I moved up here eight years ago April 2.” Asked why he thinks his business has been successful, O’Brien said it’s “the emphasis on the pets themselves. When I bought the shop, the thrust of the industry was going boutique. I was not necessarily going high-end, but I did more with collars, leashes, clothes, key chains, coffee mugs— Thursday, April 5 [ways] to care for pets. I tried to make it more convenient to care for your pet. Now, there’s an entire segment of the 7:30 p.m. industry that does day care. I try to emphasize health and Jessica Maria Tuccelli co-existence.” Glow He said that he’s always been interested in pets “and it started with a parakeet. We had a couple dogs growing up. Age Then, in my mid-20s, my good friend Ralph was breeding Thursday, April 12 48 birds, so I helped him with his aviary.” 7:30 p.m. Michelle Gamble-Risley Neighborhood O’Brien grew up in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, the The Galewood area of Chicago youngest of five children. He said it was a “typical blue-collar California Girl Chronicles: family,” as his father worked for Commonwealth Edison. Then, Brea and the City of Plastic Hometown the family moved to the Portage Park area of the city, and Chicago O’Brien eventually attended the University of Illinois at Chi- Job title cago after attending Catholic grammar and high schools. Owner, Parkview Pet Supplies With O’Brien being a lifelong Chicagoan, what’s the biggest Relationship status change he’s witnessed? “It would have to be the physical ap- 5233 N. Clark Partnered with Vince, a chief financial pearance of the city,” he said. “When you’re about 10 years (773) 769-9299 officer for a plumbing company old, you start to notice your surroundings. The city looked Favorite local restaurant terrible back then [in the early ‘70s]; it was dirty, and it Gaetano’s in Forest Park looked like it was in serious decline. ... The city looks much more cared-for. Favorite snack food “There have also been changes in the West Side, where I Cashews now live. When I was growing up, it was burned-out and deso- [email protected] Mantra late. That’s changed dramatically. The other thing was the www.womenandchildrenfirst.com “They hate me because I’m beautiful.” decline in industry. I remember growing up in a neighborhood Parking Available where one could smell things. It’s more residential now.” Wheelchair Accessible

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A special series in partnership with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago Steven Wakefield: Former Chicagoan speaks about AIDS @ 30

By Sarah Toce guys (and not the customers coming through). had the name “AIDS”, and we were just going to At the time, it was a guerilla storefront opera- call it the AIDS Project. It was just going to be a Steven Wakefield has waged war on the destruc- tion, where people hung sheets on clotheslines little project, and we didn’t know where we were tion of HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epi- as room dividers, and we were working with the going to get the $2,000, but we knew we had to demic more than 30 years ago. In this interview, CDC and the Health Department to provide STD do something. the former Howard Brown Health Center director testing and care for gay guys who could not ad- Well, a couple of the docs who were with How- shows us the very real and personal scars ob- mit to their physicians who they were and what ard Brown wrote a grant application to do re- tained on the quest toward a cure in his life- they did. They still went to the family physi- search on a study called the Multi AIDS Cohort time. The former Chicagoan now lives in Seattle, cian, they could not tell that family physician, Study (MACS). The National Institute of Health still working on fighting HIV/AIDS. because telling the family physician would be (NIH) wanted to do a study on the natural histo- coming out to the entire family. There weren’t a ry of AIDS; so it was the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Windy City Times: How did you get your lot of gay practitioners at the time. Study. Out of all the applications, they funded start in gay-rights activism? One of the docs who was also a volunteer at five universities and one clinic. One communi- Steven Wakefield: When I was eight years old, the time was Ken Mayer, who is now the medical ty-based clinic. We got the grant, and it was I used to go to Operation Breadbasket, which director for Fenway in Boston. He was in med a multimillion-dollar grant, and we didn’t know was the precursor to Operation Push, and we school in Chicago at the time … or residency. what to do. We had never had anything like this, Steve Wakefield in 2007. Photo by Hal Baim were following those rebel rousers, those Mar- While we were doing what Howard Brown did at and we were going to have to actually now go the time, which was providing STD testing and out and create a research center with medical tin Luther Kings and Jesse Jacksons, and doing were subcontracting with Northwestern Hospi- care, people started doing research around the records and systems that we did not have and things. By the time I got to university, it was tal. They were our subcontractor on this grant. Hepatitis B vaccine. … There was an [Hepatitis did not know how to get. the Vietnam War era. I remember in 1969 there That was when I left chemical manufacturing B] epidemic in our community, and we knew we WCT: The first thing on the list was to find was a rally and I got really, really pissed, and and went to work on getting us ready, as an needed a vaccine against it, so we helped the the appropriate space to construct the insti- I took the microphone, and I said, “You white employee of Howard Brown. CDC with that research. That was sort of my first tution you had no idea you were going to be people don’t know how to rally … how to give WCT: And all of this started because you entry into research. awarded. Tell us about that experience. a riot. If you really believe what you’re saying, were trying to meet someone with passion Then along came this thing called GRID [Gay- SW: The person who was the then executive you’d tear this university apart brick by brick.” and compassion in his heart. Related Immune Deficiency], and we were all director, Harley McMillen, and I went down to Then I went home, because there wasn’t enough SW: Yeah, whoever he was—I got too busy part of the 4H Club—I don’t know if you have sign a lease on the new space that we were go- anger for me. and never met him. read about that, but it was a pretty terrible ing to need to do this, and I asked for a copy As I got through school, I channeled that into WCT: Part of the study was figuring out thing. I was working in chemical manufacturing. of the lease. Well, since I ran warehouses for more constructive things. A group of friends how many sexual encounters one had. This I worked for Armour Dial Purex, at a time when a living, I read the lease and said, “There’s no and I started a not-for-profit so that we could was during the sexual revolution. How in the more than half the country used Dial soap—the way. He’s charging us to build out a bathroom. actually create housing for mentally challenged world did you calculate your partnerships? bar of soap that’s their household product. I was He’s gotta build out bathrooms for anybody.” I adults to live on their own with supervision, SW: This is an important piece of the epidemic their distribution manager for the eastern half tried to negotiate with the potential landlord— which was a rebel rouser idea at the time, now for me. In my very first interview for the study of the country for manufacturing when I was on the community had agreed on that space—but I you can’t imagine that a housing authority as a study participant, the person said, “So we’re the board of directors at Howard Brown. I be- wouldn’t sign the lease as the chair of the board. wouldn’t provide that. However, my movement going to ask you some questions and we’re go- came the Tuesday night volunteer coordinator, I ended up tearing up the $10,000 check. I had into healthcare actually came because as a gay ing to figure out some things here. How many the board of directors was expanding, and they never torn up a—I don’t know if I’ve ever torn man I wanted to meet people some place other guys have you had sex with?” I said, “500.” He wanted people on the board from the direct ser- up a $10,000 check since—in front of the guy’s than in the bars; I knew everybody in the bars. said, “No, no, no, we have a way to help you vice component; everybody from Tuesday night, face, because he wouldn’t negotiate. I hung out enough in the bars, I should say. figure that out.” They took you back through which was the biggest night because if you had We ended up in a different space, which was Still, I kept thinking, “I want to meet guys that chronological history and asked you when you sex Saturday night you were dripping by Tuesday an old furniture warehouse, and we gave one have some level of philanthropy in their heart of first had sex, and they talked you through all the night. I went on the board, and the next thing of the most fabulous pre-construction parties. something. They found more to life.” I had tried years that you had had sex. I was 34. He takes I knew, I was the chair of the board. I can’t tell It was one of those parties that only gay men to get involved in the MCC churches, and I didn’t me through this whole thing like, “So when you you how that happened. It is the history of what could give in my mind—with hard hats and the find exactly what I was looking for there, al- were in college, in your freshman year of col- we Wakefields do. whole ball of wax. We ended up moving into the though, I did find my longest relationship there. lege, what kind of things did you do and how of- WCT: Originally, you thought GRID was go- new Howard Brown home, which was less than WCT: Well, there you go. Without looking, ten did you have sex?” We talked through all of ing to be this little thing that would eventu- a block from where my parents had lived when you found it. the years, and we got to 487 when he was done. ally go away with a little time and money, I was born. It was a phenomenal moment. In SW: When we had our first date night together I said, “I forgot 13 people. I told you 500!” That right? terms of the epidemic, there were things that [in August], he said he had asked me out in number was not unusual. It was somewhat of a SW: I remember our summer meeting, which we needed to have in place for the NIH that we May and that I had just stared at him like he’d surprise to some of the people who were doing was just supposed to be a picnic, where they subcontracted to Northwestern Hospital. North- lost his mind and kept going. I don’t remember the interviewing, but that was not unusual for a told us that we needed to raise $2,000 to start western was the premier hospital in Chicago; it that, but he swears it’s true. I went to How- gay man to have had that many partners. ard Brown Health Center [then Howard Brown this little project that wasn’t going to take long was the place where if the mayor got sick, that Memorial Clinic] to volunteer so I could meet and wouldn’t take a lot of money. By then we was where they rushed him. We, this little clinic, Turn to page 15

Steve Wakefield (center) at the July 22, 1995 Human Wakefield (left) and Phill Wilson, at a Rights Campaign 6th annual Chicago gala at Navy Pier. From Wakefield (left) with Gay Chicago’s Dan DiLeo (front) and Pat Kasaras of Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays event, left: Dr. Isaiah Crawford, Armando Smith, Wakefield, Renae Christopher Street (center), and other friends, circa mid 1980s. Photo from 1995. Outlines/Windy City Times archives Ogletree and Michael Pleasants. Photo by Tracy Baim the Gay Chicago archives WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 15

WAKEFIELD from page 14 Currently I work in the HIV vaccine trials network at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center WCT: Why is that? in Seattle. We are using stem cell research to SW: There was a level of comfort. You used to help us move towards a cure. For me, it’s excit- say, “Hey would you like to come over for a cup ing today to be at a place where there is both of coffee?” You would get in your front door; vaccine research and cure research going on si- shut the door and say, “I don’t have any coffee multaneously. Even if we find a cure, or when we … .” We were able to enjoy who we were. That’s find a cure for those who have already become all. I think, yes, you are right, I think the whole infected, the ability to protect future genera- country was into a sexual revolution. That study tions from ever becoming infected with a vac- really became the pivotal study to understand cine as we do with polio, as we do with many how people became infected. There were always other diseases, is still the way we’re going to these major universities and this one little com- stop this epidemic. munity-based clinic. WCT: So, tell me what works and what defi- WCT: You witnessed the start of the epi- nitely does not work (regarding prevention demic when, I imagine, many of your friends and testing for a cure)—in your opinion. and loved ones passed on because of it. How SW: What we do is we don’t just test a vac- difficult was that time for you? cine—we give a person condom access. If they SW: I had a lot of grief and a lot of loss at need to learn how to use a condom, we’ll teach the beginning of the epidemic. My lover died. them. We make sure they know how to get sexu- We became a community of caregivers; we took ally transmitted diseases treated. Any new sexu- care of each other. We took care of our friends. ally transmitted infections they might have, we I was at such a point of devastation that I had, Wakefield (left) at a 1992 ACT UP press conference at the State of Illinois Building, downtown tell them that they are going to be in a study what probably if I had been clinically diagnosed, Chicago. Cathy Christeller of the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project is speaking at the microphone. where some people are going to get a vaccine would have been a nervous breakdown. I ended Photo by Mike Carter, Outlines/Windy City Times archives that we think might offer some protection—we up leaving Howard Brown and taking some time have only had one vaccine out of the hundreds to fit myself together. catch the words that have just come out of your the gay and lesbian community leadership, we tested that offered partial protection—and There were 36 guys who would meet every mouth and say, “I can’t believe I said that.” It were looking for the right appointment, that he some people are going to get a placebo. You week in a field house in Chicago to share infor- was real telling of the personal impact for me of could make an appointment that was an openly have as much chance of getting the placebo mation about HIV and they had incorporated as the epidemic —that my idea of a great week was gay person. Part of why I was the right appoint- as getting the vaccine. So protect yourself. Do a not-for-profit called Test Positive Aware—the a week that nobody died. ment was I was Black, and so there were people not think that you got the vaccine; you have as network wasn’t founded yet. There were 36 guys I also promised myself that I would leave the who would fight an openly gay appointment who much chance of getting the placebo. We know who would Xerox HIV medical information that Night Ministry if the Night Ministry’s budget wouldn’t fight a Vlack appointment to the board what the rates are in the 21 cities where we are they got, meet in this field house to share and for HIV work ever got more than 20 percent. of health. So I got to be the Vlack guy and the doing the studies of HIV. We want to protect then go back and tell their doctors because they In January of 1999, the board passed a budget gay guy all at once … in a major city. against HIV infection, but we test vaccines, and were trying to save their own lives. that had 20.46 percent HIV work, and at the I was also on national committees for the NIH so right now, we have over 20 different studies WCT: So they all had HIV? end of the board meeting I said, “We need to around HIV research, and really involved in the going on. SW: They all had HIV, all 36 of them. They make a plan for me to leave.” They said, “But epidemic as both a vocation and an avocation The largest study in the world right now of put a job announcement out and they wanted you brought us the budget!” and I said, “The over the years. One of the greatest opportunities an HIV vaccine is going on across America for to hire a director. I applied and I was the final treasurer brought you the budget. It’s the right for me was I was invited in the formative weeks a vaccine that we believe is safe and can pro- candidate and they made me an offer. It was budget for the organization where it is today, and months, to join the board of directors of an vide protection. But what we know about it, is $3,000 less than I had said I would make, be- and it’s also the right time for me to leave.” They organization called the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy that we need to have men who don’t have a pre- cause I promised myself I would never make less didn’t want to hear it, so later that spring I just Coalition: (AVAC). It is no longer … the work disposition for a certain cold virus and that we than half of what I was making when I worked said, “Here’s my last day.” It was easier for them of AVAC has expanded, so we’ve kept the AVAC need to have men who are circumcised, because in industry. They went onto their next candidate to make a plan for my departure that way. It was name, but it’s AVAC Global HIV Prevention. the jury is still out on the role of circumcision and when they called to ask me why I didn’t take a great five years. WCT: What are your thoughts about the in gay men. Someone said the other day, and I the job, I said, “What do you mean?” Because I WCT: Did it feel like a little bit of a break AIDS Memorial Quilt? just thought, “Oh, what a brilliant statement”, didn’t know they had gone onto their next can- for you from doing the HIV work? SW: I remember the last time the quilt was that “If we wanted to do a true HIV interven- didate. I thought they were going to meet and SW: It felt like a great break from the chal- on the mall in D.C. It was a sea of grief. You tion that we knew 20 years from now would drop decide to hire me. Anyway, I went back and told lenge of grief and loss, because there’s some- were not there to commemorate a person; you the HIV rate in the US, we would mandate in- them, “You need to hire me. I’m the person that thing about reconnecting a runaway child; were there to feel the weight of this epidemic. fant circumcision.” Circumcision has historically can do this job. It’s my job to raise the money, there’s something about—the statistics about Talk about, for me, visionaries, for Cleve [Jones] been adapted as a way of reducing the number so you hire me and I’ll raise the money.” the number of young kids who are gay or lesbian, and the others to be able to put together that of sexually transmitted diseases, and we know Now in my second board meeting, I had them who aren’t really running from something, they project. To this day, I can pop in that video and that the HIV rates would be lower, but they are pass a resolution that we would pay salaries are running to a better situation. They know the go to a place of healing because of what has not significantly low enough to mandate circum- first before we paid rent or bills. The good news situation that they are in is not safe for them, happened with that [project]. cision among adult gay men. So, adult gay men is, when I left the organization, there was the is not right for them; they weren’t running away WCT: Do you feel that we will ultimately need a vaccine. fundraising for the next 18 months. There was from home, they were running to something bet- find a cure for HIV/AIDS through extended One of the most effective interventions money in the bank for the next year’s operat- ter. What you could do is connect them often (and sometimes) non-conventional methods against HIV is a condom. No one has come up ing and the next 18 months fundraising. I left a to something better. You could find that aunt, of research and prevention? with a better condom. So imagine if someone stable organization. Nevertheless, that was five that relative, that community person in their SW: We have to continue to do research. We were working on the technology for a spray-on years later. When I got there, we moved into an neighborhood, with whom you could help them have to find that next generation of drug. We condom that with a little bit of friction—so you old warehouse, because I had experience doing get into stable housing, which was the key to a have to combine that with a vaccine, and who would spray it on and then it’s going to say, this now. We painted—when I was hired, it was stable life. You could also get into longer-term knows? Maybe a partially effective vaccine and a “Okay on this side it’s 98.6.” As soon as it knows one support group, once a week, but a bunch of housing. partially effective drug—because see the drugs it’s 98.6 on the other side, it becomes a protec- really brilliant guys who had a vision for taking There are many stories about how we didn’t depend on human beings to take them, and yes tive barrier. For $2 and the use of a condom, care of each other and taking care of the com- exactly always follow the HUD rules for how long people will take them to protect themselves, but you can protect somebody from HIV infection; munity around HIV. It was a painful job. Pain- you could provide housing. Because we were they’re not going to take a pill every day. People you can protect 96 percent or more of the new ful, painful, painful. That board of directors that allegedly providing emergency housing, techni- have trouble taking vitamins every day. Diabet- infections. hired me, six months later, half of them were cally after so many days you are supposed to ics who can measure how much their blood sugar At one time as a community, we made sure— dead. kick a kid out. In a Chicago winter, we would is have trouble doing what they do every day. when the health departments weren’t distribut- It was a job riddled with grief and loss, and kick him out, and say, “If you happen to sleep Everybody I know who believes in good dental ing one condom because they weren’t interested an expectation that you would just keep going. in the sleeping bag next to the space heater in care, you floss better the week before you go to in the lives of gay men; condoms were about By then I had some new resources—I had some the basement, we won’t tell anybody.” My staff the dentist. Without monitoring an adherence, birth control—we went out as a community and new resiliency, but at the end of five years, I was would always worry, and I would say, “If the po- people are not going to be able to do this. So we made condoms available to ourselves; we back at that place where I said, “I can’t do this”. lice come, call, I’ll come over and I’ll be the one maybe there’s a pill out there people can take— took care of each other. That’s a big part of AIDS I went to do something simple. I went to work arrested.” It was great work, and it’s still great now, coitally is the word we use in the field, at 30: as a community, we have continued to with the Night Ministry, which did homeless and work, and the Night Ministry thrives. It was sup- but just before you have sex. Maybe there’s a figure out ways to take care of each other and runaway youth. It seemed simple. ported at that time by over 200 churches and combination HIV-Viagra pill. Let’s keep doing ourselves. WCT: Well yeah, compared to what you were synagogues across Chicago. the research to find it now. Let’s not just settle. What’s unfortunate about our younger genera- living. On the other side of it, when Richie Daley was Let’s get what we know works now and let’s im- tion is many of them are dependent on a medi- SW: One of my friends called me on Friday af- elected [mayor], he needed to appoint people to plement it where it makes sense to implement it, cally driven healthcare system to take care of ternoon and she said, “How was your first week various boards of directors. I was appointed to but let’s commit to the research to continue to them that’s not building community … no one’s at work?” I said, “It was great. Nobody died.” the board of health as the HIV guy. We agreed, find what we need to find. going to slap you or punch you in the face be- It was one of those times that you just want to cause you didn’t use a condom. 16 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

ACLU takes on the tough cases, including HIV/AIDS By Erica Demarest community who were prejudiced,” Grossman islation throughout the 1980s. The duo focused science and law. That made it particularly pain- said. “I don’t know where their lack of scientific on cases involving employment discrimination ful to people.” A teacher fired from her post. reliance came from, but they just threw science and medical privacy breeches, but soon became By the early- to mid-1990s, the AIDS and Civil A staffer booted from the mayor’s office. to the wind and were overcautious based on fear overwhelmed by the deluge of complaints. Liberties Project’s workload decreased fairly Children segregated at school. … . We would see doctors who were totally out By 1988, it became obvious that the ACLU dramatically. Several celebrities came out as be- As AIDS hysteria swept the nation in the to lunch.” needed at least one full-time HIV/AIDS attor- ing HIV-positive, and media discourse began to early 1980s, the American Civil Liberties Union To counter the doctors’ erroneous testimonies ney. Promising young lawyer John Hammell was catch up to medicine. (ACLU) of Illinois stepped up to the plate with in court, the ACLU enlisted its own court-ap- brought into the fold, and the AIDS and Civil “The public opinion really started to turn, and bold, decisive litigation that helped shape Il- pointed experts: prestigious doctors, heads of Liberties Project was born. we saw somewhat of a diminution of the overt linois’ response to a growing epidemic. infectious disease departments at hospitals and “One of John’s strengths was connecting hostility,” Grossman said. “As the law started to The longstanding nonprofit established civil- universities, and medical school professors. somewhat esoteric legal theories with the real get established, we had to do fewer and fewer rights protections with landmark cases, and in human impact of protecting those civil rights,” test cases. Our office is not a high-service office 1984, helped draft the nation’s first law to ex- Executive Director Colleen Connell said. … . Once the law’s established, we expect that pressly protect the rights of HIV-positive indi- With Harvard-educated Hammell at its helm, other service agencies will start taking advan- viduals. Harvey the fledgling project took on ambitious cases. In tage of that law to do individual cases.” “We tend to do cases that establish the law,” Grossman. 1989, it boasted 11 major items on its docket. As the AIDS Legal Council and other local said Harvey Grossman, ACLU legal director. “And Courtesy of the These ran the gamut from dental discrimination organizations took the reigns, the ACLU slowly when we started in the mid-’80s, there was no ACLU and criminal prosecution to school harassment started accepting fewer AIDS cases each year. body of law [around HIV/AIDS]. That was up for and illegal dismissals of government employees. Hammell, who was openly gay, worked on a grabs.” One high-profile case involved the Chicago Po- mix of LGBT and AIDS cases until his death in In the early years, Grossman said, fear of lice Department. New applicants were required 1995. Grossman continues to serve as the ACLU’s transmission was the leading cause for discrimi- to go through HIV testing as part of the appli- legal director. nation. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) cation process. Those who tested positive were Today, the ACLU of Illinois continues to work had not yet established protocols, and few peo- booted from the program. on HIV/AIDS cases in a much smaller capacity ple understood the deadly virus. Though the ACLU of Illinois won an impressive with a focus on education, advocacy and impact “It was a very difficult time for people who “That became the vehicle we started to use in number of cases—changing several legal prec- litigation. Current efforts include pushing for were trying to do anti-discrimination work,” doing that work,” Grossman said. edents in the process—the work was taxing. comprehensive sex education, which could re- Grossman said, “because you have to work on Another measure was the ACLU’s AIDS Advi- “It was very painful for staff because our cli- duce HIV transmission rates, and striving to re- the basis of medical opinion. What was dan- sory Panel. It brought together science, law and ents were dying,” Grossman said. “They hadn’t peal a handful of discriminatory HIV/AIDS laws gerous? What wasn’t dangerous, in terms of policy experts with the goal of drafting protec- worked out the cocktails yet, and basically, you held over from the 1980s and 1990s. potential transmission? There were just lots of tive legislation. Dr. Bernard Turnock, former went to this stage of full-blown AIDS … . It was To learn more about the ACLU of Illinois, unknowns.” head of the Illinois Dept. of Public Health, was hard to see your clients suffer.” visit www.aclu-il.org . Grossman recounted one of the ACLU’s first a prominent member. AIDS-related discrimination was particularly [Windy City Times featured John Hammell, cases. In 1984, a young HIV-positive boy in In 1984, the panel helped draft the Illinois agonizing, Grossman said. a gay attorney for the ACLU in the 1990s, in the metro East St. Louis area was thrown out of AIDS Confidentiality Act, the first law in the U.S. “It’s different than gender and race discrimi- last week’s AIDS @ 30 section. The longer public school buildings and segregated due to to expressly protect the rights of HIV-positive nation,” he said. “These acts of discrimination version of that feature is online at http:// his status. The child was forced to complete his individuals. were overt. No one was hiding their discrimi- www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/AIDS- schoolwork alone in a trailer in the parking lot. Grossman and Associate Legal Director Benja- natory intent. They were doing these things to Attorney-John-Hammell-He-fought-the- “There were actually people in the medical min Wolf continued to work on AIDS-related leg- people openly, blatantly and contrary to both good-fight/36979.html .]

with AIDS. His very presence connected the new said “He was an agitator in the best sense of the AIDS @ 30: President to a population that had never been word. Bob often meant trouble because Bob was AIDS @ 30: represented in the White House before. never satisfied. Activist Bob Hattoy Clinton asked Hattoy to deliver an AIDS In a New York Times article from June 6, 1993 Playboy Playmate Robert Keith Hattoy was born on Nov. 1, 1950 speech at the 1992 Democratic National Conven- by Richard Berke, Hattoy said, “Yuppies, young in Providence, R.I., and was open about his ho- Rebecca Armstrong tion. The speech was nationally televised and kids, come up to me at the White House and say: mosexuality for as long as he could remember. Like many others, former Playboy Playmate Re- made him a forceful advocate for gays and les- ‘It’s so great what’s happened to you, Bob. All He was the son of a mechanical engineer and a bekka Armstrong thought that HIV could not af- bians in the Clinton White House. The speech at that fame from your AIDS speech.’ And I’ll say, school registrar. Hattoy became politically ac- fect her. When she became ill at age 22, she the convention came 11 years into the epidemic, ‘Well, thank you, but there’s a down side.’ And tive protesting the Vietnam War; he said he con- found out she was wrong. though the White House under the Reagan and they’ll say, ‘What’s that?’ And I’ll say, ‘I have sidered politics a form of lifesaving. In an interview with Jewell Cardwell in the first Bush administrations had waited years to AIDS’. And believe me, I would trade with them. Hattoy bounced around different colleges in Akron Beacon Journal from Nov. 29, 2009, she publicly acknowledge AIDS and mount a public I would rather work in a bakery and not have seven years but never earned a degree. After said, “Everyone needs to know that AIDS is not health response. AIDS than work in the White House with it.” working at Disneyland he landed his first po- just a problem in the gay community. It only At the Democratic National Convention of In an article from The Los Angeles Times from litical job in the mid 1970s with the California takes one time; one of having unprotected sex, 1992 Hattoy said, “We are part of the American Sept. 11, 1995, Faye Fiore said that Hattoy, as Democratic Party, spending three years as an to change your life forever.” family (addressing then President George H.W. Associate Director of White House personnel, aide to Zev Yaroslavsky, a Los Angeles City Coun- After being the centerfold in Playboy in Sep- Bush) and Mr. President, your family has AIDS had the Administration’s ear. He was in the loop cil member. tember 1986, Armstrong became a public fig- and we are dying and you are doing nothing and AIDS was his cause. From 1994 to 1999 Hat- ure with a $100,000 annual income. Armstrong about it.” He went on to say, “I don’t want to toy was White House liaison to the Interior De- contracted the virus as a teenager during un- die, but I don’t want to live in an America where partment. Clinton also named him to the Presi- protected sex; she found in 1989 that she was Bob Hattoy. the President sees me as the enemy. I can face dential Commission on HIV/AIDS. In 2002, he positive for HIV. She started drinking and using dying because of a disease, but not because of was appointed to the California Fish and Game drugs heavily because she thought she had lim- politics.” Commission and in April 2007 he was appointed ited time on this earth and she wanted to ‘go According to a New York Times article from president. out with a bang’. Her immune system was failing March 6, 2007 by Tim Weiner, Hattoy’s words According to his longtime friend and former and she had bouts of pneumonia and meningitis riveted a nationwide audience. In the article Mi- partner Bob Pelham, Hattoy died March 4, 2007 as well as bladder, kidney and brain infections as chael Petrelis, a writer and activist, said “Bob from cardiac arrest brought on by a bone marrow a result of the disease. Hattoy gave people with AIDS and gays in Amer- infection while he was recovering from an AIDS- In 1981 Mr. Hattoy found a calling at the Si- After taking all of the pharmaceuticals she had ica hope with that speech.” related illness. “We have lost a pioneer, a leader, erra Club where he worked for a decade on en- in her possession with tequila, she drove her car In a San Francisco Chronicle article about Hat- and a friend,” said former President Bill Clinton vironmental justice and as a regional director into a brick wall and then to a parking lot where toy from March 6, 2007 by Wyatt Buchanan, a and Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York in a joint for the club for the states of California and Ne- she called a friend who found her unconscious. founding member of the AIDS Coalition to Un- statement released to the press. vada. When President Ronald Reagan proposed At the hospital they pumped her stomach and leash Power (ACT UP), Eric Sawyer, called the The Clintons went on to say, “Bob Hattoy de- opening the California shoreline to oil drilling, after 36 hours in a coma, she awoke with a new speech “revolutionary” and said it reflected the voted his life to the fight for civil rights and Hattoy worked on forming a coalition of people purpose. In an article in People magazine from independent streak that guided his work. Saw- social justice for the gay community and people and organizations across the social and political 1997, Armstrong said, “It took me hitting rock yer said, “Bob was one of the few insiders who living with AIDS. We will always be grateful for spectrum to oppose the plan. bottom to decide, ‘Well, I’ve got to do some- was consistently vocal on behalf of people with his courageous and moving speech at the 1992 After working for the Sierra Club for a decade, thing.’” AIDS, on the true situation of people with AIDS, Democratic National Convention and afterward he joined Bill Clinton’s campaign for president She started to fight her illness by being as what the real needs were and he wasn’t afraid to for his years of dedicated service in the admin- and became his leading environmental advi- healthy as she could and by taking aggressive criticize.” In the New York Times article by Wein- istration. He gave hope to a community that sor in 1992. He came to Washington with the drug therapy. She also started to campaign to er, Richard Socarides, who was special assistant feared their voice would never be heard at the Clinton team as a 41-year-old openly gay man to Clinton in charge of gay and lesbian policies, highest levels of government.” Turn to page 17 WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 17

Red Ribbon event held

Elected officials and activists joined together for an event hosted by Tumia Romero for the Illinois “Quality of life, Red Ribbon Cash” lottery. Pictured: The Chief Senate bill sponsor of Illinois’s “Quality of life, Red Ribbon Cash” lottery Senator Jackie Collins; Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a supporter of “Quality of life, Red Ribbon Cash” legislation; “Red Ribbon Cash” legislative co-organizing supporter and community activist Michael O’Connor; host Tumia Romero, Congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis; and Ben Montgomery “Quality of life Red Ribbon Cash” legislative co-organizing supporter and community activist, also retired congressional staffer for Congressman Danny From left: Linda Coon, Project Director, Families and Children’s AIDS Network; Renee Radosz, K. Davis. Corrections Case Manager, Austin Health Center - CBC Initiative; Ramon Gardenhire, Director of red Ribbon Cash lottery has $1.4 million for HIV/AIDS prevention and care. This year the Government Relations at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago; Patricia Canessa, Executive Director, lottery will fund 14 community-based organizations engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Salud Latina; Craig Johnson, Secretary, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus. Photo by Erica Demarest ing down, the subjects offer an uncensored look HUD gives $33 million into the challenges of dating, living and loving to HIV/AIDS housing with HIV. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban “I felt there was a huge disconnect in the pub- Advocates push against Development announced March 29 that more lic with the advancements in HIV medicine and than 1,200 extremely low-income persons living the affliction by the general population,” said with HIV/AIDS will continue to receive perma- the film’s director, Charlie David. “We made this healthcare budget cuts nent housing as a result of nearly $33 million in documentary to educate those who know little grants HUD is awarding. of HIV, to shed light on the rise of HIV infection health promoter at Rush Hospital, highlighted By Erica Demarest Annually, these grants will provide permanent among today’s youth and to give inspiration to how cuts could affect minority communities. supportive housing for over 1,200 households so people living with HIV that they are not alone, “We’re often a constituency that you do not HIV advocates urged Illinois lawmakers to resist they can manage their health and access needed nor should be seen as a danger to society.” see heavily in the room, but we know that we’re healthcare budget cuts as the Illinois House Hu- supportive services such as case management Each of the four subjects feature a dynamic disproportionately affected in the state of Il- man Services Appropriations Committee gathered and employment training. perspective on the reality of living positive to- linois,” Johnson said. “When we see other de- March 16 in downtown Chicago. In Chicago, the grants went to: Chicago De- day: a straight 18-year-old First Nations woman mographics’ disparities leveling off, we’re still “In addition to saving lives, HIV services are partment of Public Health ($1,487,815), AIDS living in an impoverished rural town, a gay seeing increases in the African-American com- also very cost-effective,” said Ramon Gardenhire, Foundation of Chicago ($1,476,160), and Chi- 25-year-old white urbanite, a 23-year-old Afri- munity, especially among Black gay and bisexual director of government relations at the AIDS cago House ($1,285,370). can American YouTube figure and a 27-year-old men.” Foundation of Chicago (AFC). “The anticipated The anti-gay Salvation Army (in Los Angeles) club kid jet-setter. Johnson argued that fewer HIV-negative peo- cost of these proposed budget cuts—in terms also received some government funds. Medical and psychological experts also weigh ple would get tested as a result of the proposed of new infections and medical care—would be in to provide up-to-date facts and a historical cuts, and that fewer HIV-positive people would a $6.9 million increase in 2013 alone. The pro- context to the reality of living positively. have access to life-saving care. jected long-term cost would be $40 million.” LOGO airs ‘Positive Positive Youth will air internationally on Sat- Renee Radosz, a corrections case manager at On Feb. 22, Gov. Pat Quinn proposed a lean Youth’ urday, May 19, 2012 at 8 p.m. EST on TV net- the Austin Health Center, shared a personal story $33.9 billion budget that would include massive LOGO TV’s documentary Positive Youth shines works LOGO TV in the United States and OUTtv to illustrate how destructive cuts to community Medicaid cuts, a $4 million reduction in HIV pro- a light on the new reality of living HIV+. The in Canada. The film will also begin premiering organizations can be. grams, layoffs, and several state-run facility clo- film follows four dynamic youth, ages 18 to 27 in theaters across North and South America, Eu- After working for some time with released in- sures. The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) who are either infected or affected by HIV. rope, Australia and Asia, beginning March 30, mates, many of whom were HIV-positive, Radosz would remain untouched. Proving that the next generation is not back- 2012. Ramon and five other local activists testified lost her job to budget cuts. Though the health against the proposed cuts recently in the Michael center was later able to rehire Radosz, many of A. Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St. About 40 her clients left the program and relapsed during ARMSTRONG from page 16 people gathered for the 3-hour meeting, which her time away. focused on line-item cuts. Had Radosz been able to work with the former warn teenagers about the risks of HIV and how HIV research and community-based services inmates consistently, she argued, most or all of they are also vulnerable. She started investing were tops for reductions, while certain medica- her clients would’ve remained on track. a lot of time in herself and her own health. She tion programs were left unscathed. “This is going to cost the state millions if started taking the medications that were pre- “The entire catalogue of HIV services works in these individuals go back [to jail],” Radosz said. scribed for her illness every day. She stopped liv- tandem together to make sure that no new infec- Feigenholtz promised to take the testimonies ing a wild lifestyle; she quit drinking, smoking tions occur,” Gardenhire said. “If someone has into consideration before making any final bud- and doing drugs. She wanted to be as healthy as to worry about housing, mental health services, get decisions. she could be during her remaining years. and dental services, they’re much less likely to be “This committee truly appreciates the gravity Armstrong is working now as a competitive medically adherent, which means there’s a pos- of this cut and how it affects people in the com- bodybuilder and a fitness model while continu- sibility for increased transmission.” munity,” she said. “We’re hoping that perhaps ing to try to save the lives of teenagers across Committee Chair Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12), there’s a way we can work around it somehow. the country. She has spoken at high school and who presided over the meeting, expressed con- It’s early in the game—probably about the sec- colleges around the country. Her mission is to cern about testing and education cutbacks. ond inning. We could go the extra innings.” inform girls that their belief that a disease like “This is the first time we’ve seen such a sig- Republican spokeswomen Rep. Rosemary Mul- HIV cannot affect them is false and that they are nificant reduction on the prevention side,” Fei- ligan (R-65) and Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-18) joined indeed at risk and should take precaution. genholtz said. “[Since focusing on prevention in Feigenholtz on the committee. Salud Latina Ex- Armstrong is still alive and living a healthy the state], we’ve seen breathtaking reductions. ecutive Director Patricia Canessa, Families and lifestyle. In the interview with People magazine, My fear is that the number will change and the Children’s AIDS Network Project Director Linda she said, “Sure, there are things I wish I hadn’t transmission rates will grow.” Coon, and HIV Housing Assistance consumer Vin- done, but why waste time saying, ‘Oh, God, if Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBGMC) Sec- cent Moorman also offered testimonies. only I had done it this way?’ It’s better for me retary Craig Johnson, who works as a community Rebekka Armstrong from her bodybuilding to just make my future better than my past.” website. see http://rebekkaarmstrong.com . 18 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY VIEWPOINTS TIMES I wouldn’t have recognized her in a thousand Stupid me—all the little things I dismissed VOL. 27, No. 26, April 4, 2012 MARK years. She told me her name, and she has a hus- or didn’t pay attention to. I asked once at the The combined forces of Windy City Times, band and kids, and lives in town. So, we chatted place where I went to get replacement tires, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, ZUBRO less than five minutes, and I walked back home. “Wasn’t it odd that I was getting nails in my founded May 1987. That next day, Sunday, she’s there again. She tires so often? Couldn’t someone be sabotaging PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR introduces me to the clerks at the store adding them?” The clerk at the time said no, adding Tracy Baim that she always liked me as a teacher and said I they must be nails from construction sites. Much was always good to her and her friends. That was as I might fantasize about studly construction ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky good. But the conversation quickly lagged, like workers, I’d never so much as gotten close to MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit one of those moments when you kind of don’t a construction site, and certainly never driven DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright A walk to want to be talking to this person, or at least through one. ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson can’t think of anything to say, and are starting The woman reiterated that they used to brag SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy to feel uncomfortable. I finished the conversa- about what they’d done. Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano, Kirk Smid PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes the store tion and walked home. This all happened after the books had come NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson The next Saturday, she was there again. She’d out. NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 In interviews with reporters and on panels at been chatting with the clerk again, but as I Teenage homophobia: A form of intimidation SENIOR WRITERS Kate Sosin, Bob Roehr, Rex mystery conventions, I am occasionally asked turned to go, she followed me out of the store. and bullying. Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Per- egrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair, Erica Demarest if I experienced any discrimination connected The weather was nice that day as it has been. I never put it all together. The incidents all THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan with my being an openly gay teacher while hav- Over the few days and brief conversations we’d happened too far apart for me to connect them. CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. ing 23 gay themed mysteries published. Mostly, talked about other students who were in the I think on some of those interviews and panels BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair things were good. Only a couple letters to the same year with her. I usually remember the kids I may have said something like, “Oh, I was pret- SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS superintendent who was very supportive, and from a particular year, if at all, as most teachers ty lucky. There wasn’t much of a problem with Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence Fer- lots of positive feedback from my colleagues. do, by the most rotten kids in the class. Since homophobia, only a few letters from parents,” ber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel There was one essay from a kid, an eighth she was in her thirties the people and events and then I’d tell the story about the letter. It COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet grader who wrote, in part, the following: “I we were talking about happened years and years turns out there was constant homophobia of a Harper, Lee Lynch, Alex Lubischer, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Tyler Gillespie, Sarah know he’s gay because I know what his books ago. violent and dangerous kind, and I missed it. Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Emmanuel are about. They’re about gay people. I think my The most rotten kid that year was Biff. The woman at the store apologized several Garcia, Jamie Anne Royce, Joe Franco dad is right about what should happen to gay The woman—I’ve forgotten her name now, and times. She repeated that her husband wasn’t in- SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel people: a bullet hole in the head.” This student since she was married her name wasn’t the same volved, and named the names of kids I’d long Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, Dave Ouano, Tim Carroll was in my class for a full year. I didn’t read the as when she was a kid—said that her husband forgotten who’d helped Biff. essay with this comment in it until after the CIRCULATION had gone to a school in the next district over So, yes, there was the bullying of a teacher, CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright school year was over. I found this more sad than from mine. Her husband had been best friends and I was too naive or stupid or arrogant to see DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, anything else. with Biff and his cronies. it. What a fool. Sue and Victor So, except for these few blips, I always pre- Then she apologized to me. She told me Biff, She was so was so nice and so apologetic. WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- grammer: Martie Marro) sumed the overall reaction to my being an open- but not with her husband (maybe I believed At least now I know more of the reality. An ly gay teacher and gay author was reasonably that), came to my parking lot and flipped my introduction might be in order—real world, this benign. car. She said she was so sorry for that, and she is Mark; Mark, this is the real world. Try to get Copyright 2012 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back Then the following occurred in the past few always liked me as a teacher. along. issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). weeks. I told her that no one had ever flipped my car, I ask myself how I couldn’t have put it to- Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and I walk to the convenience store down the if she meant as in turned it over on its roof. gether. The basic fact is, I didn’t. no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. street every day to get my newspapers and so She said she’d always wondered if what they’d I should have been frightened then. It kind of All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy I can claim I’m getting exercise every day. Yes, City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned bragged about had been true. She then listed scares me now. I also find it disheartening and for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing even in winter, I just bundle up and then bundle the other things they’d done. depressing. and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, up some more and hope I don’t slip on the ice. I cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own These were all too true. All of this also makes me angry. I’m a mys- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City tripped and fell once this year as I got distract- One time, my car had been picked up and tery writer after all, and I’m always looking for Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of ed by a beautiful dog that was being taken into a few more corpses for my plots. I think I’ve got a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy moved about three feet from the perpendicular. City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the the animal grooming place two doors down from I drove a high-mileage, small compact car so it plenty, probably enough for several books. sexual orientation of such person or organization. While the convenience store. Just a klutz, no medical was possible. Two other times, the windshield Openly gay mystery writer Mark Zubro lives we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept issues. was smashed. Nails in tires. A broken window in in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. He has responsibility for advertising claims. Once in a blue moon, I run into former stu- the apartment. Sand in the gas tank—I got a written and published 23 mystery novels and (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 dents. At least they introduce themselves as locking gas cap in all subsequent cars. The list five short stories, all set in Chicago with gay e-mail: [email protected] or such, since some of them are now in their twen- went on. main characters. His most recent book, out [email protected] ties, thirties, forties or even early fifties. At the time, I’d called the police for a few of last November, is Black and Blue and Pretty Two weeks ago on a Saturday a woman in her www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com the incidents, but there was nothing to be done. Dead, Too. His next book, tentatively titled radio: WindyCityQueercast.com thirties who was chatting with one of the clerks I had no clue as to the identity of the perpetra- Another Dead Republican, is slated to be fin- video: QueerTVNetwork.com at the store turned to me and asked the usual, tors. ished within weeks and be out later this year. “Aren’t you?” I said the usual: “I’m sorry. I don’t It didn’t all happen at once. In fact, they hap- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, remember your name. Please tell me.” pened over about a four-year span. 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 U.S.A (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY)

Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. LETTERS OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Long arm of the (by)law renewing your membership, or supporting our notice of such proposed action has been an- www.WindyCityQueercast.com work by donating to Gerber/Hart, please visit nounced in the notice of such meeting.’” www.QueerTVNetwork.com www.gerberhart.org. The article states that members report that Dear Windy City Times: “Windy City Media Group generated no such meetings were announced. Windy City enormous interest among their readers Sincerely, Times consulted with an attorney on these two In your online article dated Friday, March 23, in in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index your reference to previous Gerber/Hart bylaws, Karen Sendziak and members clauses in particular. He confirmed that the Illi- Survey. Out of approximately 100 you omitted Article XV, “Amendments,” para- of the Gerber/Hart Library nois Not For Profit Corporation Act requires that print and online media partners who graph two. This paragraph reads: “The Board of and Archives members who are eligible to vote on bylaws be participated in the survey, Windy Directors shall have the power to make, alter, board of directors allowed to do so, regardless of bylaws amend- City was the best performing regional amend or repeal the bylaws of this Corporation ments. This is, in part, due to the fact that media in the U.S. Only survey partners by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board at any WCT reporter Kate Sosin responds: It is true non-profit bylaws must remain consistent with with a nationwide footprint were regular or special meeting thereof...” We are that the former version of the organization’s by- Illinois laws. able to generate a greater number of puzzled as to why you did not include this infor- laws include an amendment that allows board It is possible still that Gerber/Hart’s bylaws responses.” —David Marshall, Research mation in the article. members to alter its bylaws. were changed legally. Windy City Times asked Director, Community Marketing, Inc. Many charities throughout the United States This fact is clearly noted in our coverage: Sendziak to clarify how the bylaws were legally are membership organizations without giving “The 2000 bylaws stated: ‘Each member shall changed without member input. their members the right to vote for the board of be entitled to vote at the annual meeting in the She wrote: “We [the board of directors] spent directors. The American Cancer Society is one of election of the Board of Directors and at any time reviewing your additional questions and them. This is a very common structure for chari- meeting of the membership. Members shall also we believe that the responses provided to you ties, according to our attorney Paula Goedert. be eligible to vote to amend the bylaws of the on Tuesday, March 20, sufficiently answer all of Gerber/Hart Library and Archives values and corporation.’ your inquiries.” respects its members, donors and supporters. If “That document goes on to state that the anyone is interested in becoming a member or board of directors may change the bylaws ‘where WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 19 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Carol Rosegg

NULL AND ‘FREUD’ Martin Rayner stars as Sigmund Freud and Mark H. Dold is C.S. Lewis in the Midwest premiere of Freud’s Last Session. See page 24. DISH THEATER TELEVISION Ombra’s on. ‘Sea’ change. ‘Happily’ ever after. Page 32. Page 24. Page 20.

Photo of mushroom panini Photo from Alli Urbanik PR photo of Tichina Arnold by Shira Kollins

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Silk Road rolling along multiple pathways

BY SCOTT C. MORGAN and the organization’s message were reaching limited audiences. This led to Silk Road’s drive In September 2011, the Chicago theater compa- to produce its own original content online to ny known as Silk Road Theatre Project changed capture audiences on a global scale. its name to Silk Road Rising. The name switch “In trying to devise a way to have a reach be- was made in response to the organization pro- yond Chicago, obviously we kept thinking about ducing online dramatic content in addition to the Internet because it’s the most democratic, its founding mission to produce theatrical works egalitarian and accessible medium out there,” From left: Malik Gillani and Jamil Khoury of Silk Road Rising. Photo courtesy of Silk Road Rising focusing on peoples from and of nations stretch- Khoury said. “Even locally there are people who ing from Japan to Italy that made up the ancient are interested in the spirit of our work, but re- Silk Road. ally don’t care much for live theater but who for and against the building of a new, more to produce online content, both Gillani and The timing to coincide with the 10-year anni- also spend a lot of time online.” liberal-leaning mosque in Naperville. Viewers Khoury stressed that Silk Road Rising has not versary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Rather than streaming full-length plays are actively sought to provide comments on the turned its back on producing live theater (al- had a parallel, since out artistic and life partners (which would have been a nightmare negotiat- video shorts, and Khoury said he may or may not though it did not produce a play this past fall or Malik Gillani and Jamil Khoury co-founded Silk ing various rights issues and with union con- use their responses in shaping possible future winter). Road Theatre Project in 2002 as a response to tracts), Silk Road started creating short-form plans for a stage adaptation of Mosque Alert. Re-Spiced: A Silk Road Cabaret is currently on counter a wave of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim content with narrative stories or in documentary Like some of the previous stage plays Silk Silk Road’s boards and it’s something of a sequel sentiment that they saw growing in America. styles. Khoury created a semi-autobiographical Road has produced like Caravaggio and Precious to it previous revue Silk Road Cabaret: Broadway “From the inception of the company, we start- short film called both/and that examines what Stones, there are gay characters in the mix in Sings the Silk Road. However, rather than draw ed hearing from people not living in Chicago and it means to juggle multiple identities of Arab, these online works. And although Silk Road is its inspiration solely from the Great White Way, often overseas, particularly Muslim women liv- American and gay. Silk Road also produced a not actively seeking Muslim audiences for the Khoury and out director Steve Scott have Re- ing in Europe, who somehow stumbled upon our documentary called Not Quite White that ex- online content, they are being accessed in Arab Spiced featuring other music genres like country, website and would be very taken with the mis- plored immigration and Arab and Slavic notions countries. rap, rock and folk to examine Asian and Middle sion and the message of our work,” said Khoury. of what constitutes whiteness in America. “Five of the 10 largest countries that are most Eastern images as conjured up in U.S. and Brit- “They would contact us and ask if there was However, perhaps the most ambitious online accessing the works are from the Middle East, ish songs. some way they could participate, and of course, project is Khoury’s Mosque Alert, which was cre- which is fascinating to me because in many “[Re-Spiced is] going deeper with this idea of short of flying to Chicago and buying a ticket, ated in response to not only the recent media parts of this world, you cannot be openly gay,” how representation of Silk Road peoples either there really wasn’t.” frenzy surrounding the Muslim community cen- said Gillani. “The fact that our work is being in literature and music shaped perception in the Although Silk Road grew from a small itiner- ter planned to be built near Ground Zero in New accessed in those countries tells me that we’re West, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K. for ant Chicago troupe to a highly esteemed theater York, but also to the resistance of multiple com- serving a Muslim population that really wants to better or for worse—particularly worse because company ensconced in the basement of the his- munities across America to the building of new have access to these topics and these conversa- toric Chicago Temple in the Loop, Gillani and mosques. tions.” Turn to page 26 Khoury realized that their often-acclaimed work Mosque Alert features characters that are both With the company name change and the push 20 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

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Loss Lossof fat of from fat fromthe legs, the legs, your yourcondition condition Ery-TabEry-T®, abPCE®,® PCE, Pediazole®, Pediazole®, Ilosone®, Ilosone®), and®), troleandomycin and troleandomycin (TAO ®(T)AO®) armsarms and face and mayface alsomay happen.also happen. The cause The cause and long-term and long-term health health effect effect of these of these COMPLERACOMPLERA may affectmay affect the way the otherway other medicines medicines work, work, and otherand other med icinesmedicines may may • an antifungal• an antifungal medicine medicine by mouth, by mouth, including including fl uconazole fl uconazole (Difl ucan (Difl ®ucan), itraconazole®), itraconazole conditionsconditions are not are known not known affectaffect how COMPLERAhow COMPLERA works, works, and mayand causemay cause serious serious side effects.side effects. (Sporanox(Sporanox®), ketoconazole®), ketoconazole (Nizoral (Nizoral®), posaconazole®), posaconazole (Noxafi (Noxafi l®), voriconazole l®), voriconazole (Vfend (Vfend®) ®) • Changes • Changes in your in yourimmune immune system system (Immune (Immune Reconstitution Reconstitution Syndrome) Syndrome) can happen can happen • methadone• methadone (Dolophine (Dolophine®) ®) whenwhen you start you starttaking taking HIV medicines. HIV medicines. Your immuneYour immune system system may getmay stronger get stronger and and beginbegin to fi ght to fiinfections ght infections that havethat havebeen beenhidden hidden in your in bodyyour bodyfor a forlong a time.long time. Tell Tell This listThis of list medicines of medicines is not is complete. not complete. Discuss Discuss with yourwith yourhealt healthcarehcare provider provider all all LearnLearn more more at wwwat www.COMPLERA.COMPLERA.com.com your healthcareyour healthcare provider provider if you if start you starthaving having new symptomsnew symptoms after afterstarting starting your your prescriptionprescription and nonprescription and nonprescription medicines, medicines, vitamins, vitamins, or herbal or herbal supplements supplements you you HIV medicineHIV medicine are takingare taking or plan or toplan take. to take.

COMPLERA is a prescription medicine used as a complete single-tablet regimen to treat HIV-1 in adults who have never taken HIV medicines before. COMPLERA does not cure HIV or AIDS or help prevent passing HIV to others. one The for me New COMPLERA A complete HIV treatment in only 1 pill a day. Ask your healthcare provider if it’s the one for you.

Patient model. Pill shown is not actual size.

FDA-Approved Patient Labeling COMPLERA may help: Also tell your healthcare provider if you take: The most common side effects of COMPLERA include: Patient Information • Reduce the amount of HIV in your blood. This is called your “viral load”. • an antacid medicine that contains aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, or calcium • trouble sleeping (insomnia) ® COMPLERA (kom-PLEH-rah) • Increase the number of white blood cells called CD4+ (T) cells that help fight off other carbonate. Take antacids at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take • abnormal dreams (emtricitabine, rilpivirine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) Tablets infections. COMPLERA. • headache • ® Reducing the amount of HIV and increasing the CD4+ (T) cell count may improve your a histamine-2 blocker medicine, including famotidine (PEPCID ), cimetidine • dizziness Important: Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that should not be (TAGAMET®), nizatidine (AXID®), or ranitidine hydrochloride (ZANTAC®). Take these immune system. This may reduce your risk of death or infections that can happen when • diarrhea taken with COMPLERA. For more information, see the section “What should I tell my medicines at least 12 hours before or at least 4 hours after you take COMPLERA. your immune system is weak (opportunistic infections). • nausea healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?” • the antibiotic medicines clarithromycin (BIAXIN®), erythromycin (E-MYCIN®, ERYC®, • rash Read this Patient Information before you start taking COMPLERA and each time you COMPLERA does not cure HIV infections or AIDS. ERY-TAB®, PCE®, PEDIAZOLE®, ILOSONE®), and troleandomycin (TAO®) • Always practice safer sex. ® • tiredness get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of • an antifungal medicine by mouth, including fluconazole (DIFLUCAN ), itraconazole • Use latex or polyurethane condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with any ® ® ® • talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. (SPORANOX ), ketoconazole (NIZORAL ), posaconazole (NOXAFIL ), voriconazole depression body fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, or blood. (VFEND®) Additional common side effects include: • What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA? Never re-use or share needles. • ® methadone (DOLOPHINE ) • vomiting Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to prevent passing COMPLERA can cause serious side effects, including: Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is • stomach pain or discomfort HIV to other people. 1. Build-up of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis can happen in one that is listed above. • skin discoloration (small spots or freckles) some people who take COMPLERA or similar (nucleoside analogs) medicines. Lactic Who should not take COMPLERA? Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your • pain acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. • Do not take COMPLERA if your HIV infection has been previously treated with healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. Your healthcare Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does Lactic acidosis can be hard to identify early, because the symptoms could seem like HIV medicines. provider and your pharmacist can tell you if you can take these medicines with not go away. symptoms of other health problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you • Do not take COMPLERA if you are taking certain other medicines. For more COMPLERA. Do not start any new medicines while you are taking COMPLERA without get any of the following symptoms which could be signs of lactic acidosis: information about medicines that must not be taken with COMPLERA, see “What first talking with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask your healthcare These are not all the possible side effects of COMPLERA. For more information, ask your • feeling very weak or tired should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA?” provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that can interact with COMPLERA. healthcare provider or pharmacist. • have unusual (not normal) muscle pain Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to • have trouble breathing What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking COMPLERA? How should I take COMPLERA? FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088). • have stomach pain with Before you take COMPLERA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • Stay under the care of your healthcare provider during treatment with COMPLERA. - nausea (feel sick to your stomach) • • have liver problems, including hepatitis B or C virus infection Take COMPLERA exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. How do I store COMPLERA? - vomiting • • Always take COMPLERA with a meal. Taking COMPLERA with a meal is important have kidney problems • • feel cold, especially in your arms and legs Store COMPLERA at room temperature 77 °F (25 °C). • have ever had a mental health problem to help get the right amount of medicine in your body. A protein drink does not • feel dizzy or lightheaded • Keep COMPLERA in its original container and keep the container tightly closed. • have bone problems replace a meal. • have a fast or irregular heartbeat • Do not use COMPLERA if the seal over the bottle opening is broken or missing. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if COMPLERA can harm your • Do not change your dose or stop taking COMPLERA without first talking with your 2. Severe liver problems. Severe liver problems can happen in people who take unborn child healthcare provider. See your healthcare provider regularly while taking COMPLERA. Keep COMPLERA and all other medicines out of reach of children. COMPLERA or similar medicines. In some cases these liver problems can lead to death. Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiviral • If you miss a dose of COMPLERA within 12 hours of the time you usually take it, take Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver medicines during pregnancy. Its purpose is to collect information about the health your dose of COMPLERA with a meal as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose General information about COMPLERA: (steatosis) when you take COMPLERA. of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. If you miss a dose of COMPLERA by Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient this registry. more than 12 hours of the time you usually take it, wait and then take the next dose Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms Information leaflet. Do not use COMPLERA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. The Centers for Disease Control and of COMPLERA at the regularly scheduled time. of liver problems: Do not give COMPLERA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Prevention recommends that mothers with HIV not breastfeed because they can pass • Do not take more than your prescribed dose to make up for a missed dose. • your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice). It may harm them. the HIV through their milk to the baby. It is not known if COMPLERA can pass through • When your COMPLERA supply starts to run low, get more from your healthcare provider • dark “tea-colored” urine your breast milk and harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best or pharmacy. It is very important not to run out of COMPLERA. The amount of virus in This leaflet summarizes the most important information about COMPLERA. If you • light-colored bowel movements (stools) way to feed your baby. your blood may increase if the medicine is stopped for even a short time. would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your • loss of appetite for several days or longer • If you take too much COMPLERA, contact your local poison control center or go to the healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about COMPLERA that is written • nausea Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription nearest hospital emergency room right away. • stomach pain and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. for health professionals. For more information, call (1-800-445-3235) or go to www.COMPLERA.com. You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are COMPLERA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may What are the possible side effects of COMPLERA? affect how COMPLERA works, and may cause serious side effects. If you take certain female, very overweight (obese), or have been taking COMPLERA or a similar COMPLERA may cause the following serious side effects, including: What are the ingredients of COMPLERA? medicine containing nucleoside analogs for a long time. medicines with COMPLERA, the amount of COMPLERA in your body may be too low and • See “What is the most important information I should know about COMPLERA?” Active ingredients: emtricitabine, rilpivirine hydrochloride, and tenofovir disoproxil it may not work to help control your HIV infection. The HIV virus in your body may become 3. Worsening of Hepatitis B infection. If you also have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection • New or worse kidney problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. resistant to COMPLERA or other HIV medicines that are like it. fumarate and you stop taking COMPLERA, your HBV infection may become worse (flare-up). A If you have had kidney problems in the past or take other medicines that can cause Inactive ingredients: pregelatinized starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Do not take COMPLERA if you also take these medicines: kidney problems, your healthcare provider may need to do blood tests to check your COMPLERA is not approved for the treatment of HBV, so you must discuss your HBV • COMPLERA provides a complete treatment for HIV infection. Do not take other HIV kidneys during your treatment with COMPLERA. cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, povidone, polysorbate 20. The therapy with your healthcare provider. medicines with COMPLERA. • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have tablet film coating contains polyethylene glycol, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, ® ® ® • Do not let your COMPLERA run out. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare • the anti-seizure medicines carbamazepine (CARBATROL , EQUETRO , TEGRETOL , any of the following symptoms: triacetin, titanium dioxide, iron oxide red, FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow provider before your COMPLERA is all gone. TEGRETOL-XR®, TERIL®, EPITOL®), oxcarbazepine (TRILEPTAL®), phenobarbital - feeling sad or hopeless #6 aluminum lake. ® ® ® ® • Do not stop taking COMPLERA without first talking to your healthcare provider. (LUMINAL ), phenytoin (DILANTIN , DILANTIN-125 , PHENYTEK ) - feeling anxious or restless ® ® • If you stop taking COMPLERA, your healthcare provider will need to check your health • the anti-tuberculosis medicines rifabutin (MYCOBUTIN ), rifampin (RIFATER , - have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ® ® ® ® often and do regular blood tests to check your HBV infection. Tell your healthcare RIFAMATE , RIMACTANE , RIFADIN ) and rifapentine (PRIFTIN ) • Bone problems can happen in some people who take COMPLERA. Bone problems Manufactured and distributed by: provider about any new or unusual symptoms you may have after you stop taking • a proton pump inhibitor medicine for certain stomach or intestinal problems, include bone pain, softening or thinning (which may lead to fractures). Your healthcare Gilead Sciences, Inc. ® ® ® COMPLERA. including esomeprazole (NEXIUM , VIMOVO ), lansoprazole (PREVACID ), omeprazole provider may need to do additional tests to check your bones. Foster City, CA 94404 (PRILOSEC®), pantoprazole sodium (PROTONIX®), rabeprazole (ACIPHEX®) • Changes in body fat can happen in people taking HIV medicine. These changes may What is COMPLERA? • more than 1 dose of the steroid medicine dexamethasone or dexamethasone sodium include increased amount of fat in the upper back and neck (“buffalo hump”), breast, Issued: August 2011 COMPLERA is a prescription HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medicine that: phosphate and around the main part of your body (trunk). Loss of fat from the legs, arms and • is used to treat HIV-1 in adults who have taken HIV medicines before. HIV is the • never St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) face may also happen. The cause and long term health effect of these conditions are COMPLERA, the COMPLERA Logo, EMTRIVA, HEPSERA, TRUVADA, VIREAD, GILEAD, and virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). If you are taking COMPLERA, you should not take: not known. the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or its related companies. • contains 3 medicines, (rilpivirine, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) • other medicines that contain tenofovir (VIREAD®, TRUVADA®, ATRIPLA®) • Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen ATRIPLA is a trademark of Bristol-Myers Squibb & Gilead Sciences, LLC. All other combined in one tablet. EMTRIVA and VIREAD are HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency • other medicines that contain emtricitabine or lamivudine (EMTRIVA®, COMBIVIR®, when you start taking HIV medicines. Your immune system may get stronger trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. virus) nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and EDURANT is an EPIVIR® or EPIVIR-HBV®, EPZICOM®, TRIZIVIR®) and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. HIV-1 non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). © 2011 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. • rilpivirine (EDURANT™) Tell your healthcare provider if you start having new symptoms after starting your HIV It is not known if COMPLERA is safe and effective in children under the age of 18 years. • adefovir (HEPSERA®) medicine. 202123-GS-000 02AUG2011 CON11248 11/11

PALIO Date: 11.16.11 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • File Name: 20178_pgitvd_pt_ad_WindyCityTimes.indd PALIO Date: 11.16.11 • Client: Gilead • Product: Complera • File Name: 20178_pgitvd_pt_ad_WindyCityTimes.indd BS page 1 • Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” Windy City BS page 2 • Trim: 10.25” x 13.5” Windy City 24 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW Freud’s Last Session Playwright: Mark St. Germain At: Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave. Tickets: 773-325-1700 www.mercurytheaterchicago.com; $45-55 ($22 w/ student ID) Runs through: June 3

BY STEVEN CHAITMAN

If your answer to the age-old party conversation starter “Which three historical figures would you invite to dinner?” includes Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, then you’re in luck—if not a bit From left: Mark H. Dold and Martin Rayner in theologically bewildered. Freud’s Last Session. Photo by Carol Rosegg Freud’s Last Session, an off-Broadway smash set to open on a global scale throughout the next year, makes its Midwest debut at the Mer- pressive rapport. They offer complete character A Moon for the Misbegotten. Photograph courtesy of Jackie Jasperson cury Theater, original cast in tow, and by cast portraits, depictions that not only capture these that of course means all two of them. Martin great men as minds and learned theorizers, but Rayner plays an ailing octogenarian Freud and also as human beings who are by no means im- THEATER REVIEW Hairy Ape), rather than rely on the stamina of a Glenview native Mark H. Dold assumes the part pervious to having their own thoughts and ideas single powerhouse duo. The Seanachaí ensemble of Lewis prior to writing his most famous works, used against them, and in psychoanalytic ways A Moon for has never flinched in its exploration of the Irish like The Chronicles of Narnia. no less. experience, however, and here are three reasons Mark St. Germain’s play runs with an idea pro- Dold gives Lewis a very human nervousness the Misbegotten for its emerging victorious once again: one would think inherent in meeting (let along Playwright: Eugene O’Neill posed in a book by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi, Jr., 1) The production is performed in a small going toe-to-toe with) a venerated genius, At: Seanachaí Theatre Company who ponders the possibility of whether Freud room, reducing the physical distance between while Rayner implodes the Freud stereotype by at the Irish-American Heritage and Lewis met after Freud immigrated to Eng- actor and actor, as well as actor and audience, presenting a Freud we can relate to, one with a Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. land and not long before he took his life dur- to an intimacy maximizing the emotional im- sense of humor; this is in addition to embody- Tickets: 866-811-4111; ing his long battle with oral cancer. The very pact. The restricted movement mandated by the ing the sense of self-assuredness and pride for www.seanachai.org; $24-$28 prospect is enough to incite a curious itch in likewise small stage also abbreviates the run- which the scientist is known. Runs through: April 29 the mind of any intellectual, not unlike the way ning time to a comfortable two and a half hours rock-‘n-roll nostalgists have kept the seats of With two full-bodied characters, the play un- with one intermission. folds as more than a game of wits or an exhibi- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE the Apollo Theater full throughout the run of 2) Director Kevin Theis rejects conventional tion for theological debate. The background of Million Dollar Quartet. typecasting, selecting the sturdy Steve Pickering England entering World War II also adds some There’s the balcony courtship in Romeo and Ju- As one would imagine, wits and philosophies for the role of the dissipated Jamie Tyrone, and crucial context that anchors down what could liet, and Cyrano de Bergerac, but Western the- clash in this historical imagining, which serves the statuesque Carolyn Klein to be the defiant have snowballed into an overly abstract match ater’s most difficult love scene is the one tak- up the existence of God as its main course, with Josie Hogan. Together, they navigate O’Neill’s of ideological ping-pong. It certainly meets the ing up nearly the entire second half of this final Freud the devout atheist and Lewis the self- flowery prose and stilted period-slang (“You’re requirement of an intellectual’s giddy fantasy, chapter in Eugene O’Neill’s saga of the doomed converted Christian. Each makes powerful argu- the goods, kid!”) to forge a cliche-free portrait but its true success is showcasing these men’s Tyrone family. Not only are its lovers deliberately ments only to have the other convincingly turn of lost souls whose proud veneer of courage ren- hearts as well as their minds, even despite the deceiving one another from the beginning (and it on its head. In the end, the two characters on ders their vulnerability the more moving for its story’s obvious limitations in terms of conflict. themselves, too, albeit less deliberately)—their stage are not the only ones forced to confront silence. Intimate, witty and thought-provoking, Freud’s risk is not concerned simply with matters of the their own views and beliefs. 3) The tightly integrated technical team has Last Session should have Chicagoans lining up heart, you see, but with those of money, proper- Having performed this play for nearly two created, in microcosm, a museum-grade example for a turn on the proverbial couch, perhaps even ty and filial loyalty. Add in the various stages of years and more than 700 performances, actors of early 20th-century scenic naturalism, ranging beyond the June 3 closing. intoxication associated with seasoned alcoholics Mark H. Dold and Martin Rayner have an im- from a nowadays rarely-seen painted drop to Ju- versus novice tipplers, and that’s a heavy load of lian Pike’s achingly subtle Connecticut sunrise. subtext for two solitary actors to convey at full (Watch Klein sharpen an ax with a hand-held intensity for an hour or more. whetstone for a lesson in rural life before the sistance in rescuing his missing companion. O’Neill being U.S. theater’s foremost play- THEATER REVIEW invention of electrical tools.) Fortunately, the dowager Mrs. Rafi extends wright, all worthy theater companies must, hospitality to the castaway, seeing in him a sooner or later, grapple with the challenges The Sea Playwright: Edward Bond confederate to her own schemes. of his richly-textured dramas. Less ambitious At: Theatre Mir at Theater Wit, Hindsight vision tells us that World War I troupes tend toward his communal narratives 1229 W. Belmont Ave. will break out a few years hence, with heavy (e.g. Long Day’s Journey Into Night, or The Tickets: 773-975-8150; damages forever altering society as it existed www.theaterwit.org; $25 during the reign of Edward VII. How its citi- Runs through: April 15 zens respond to their imminent extinction is the focus of Bond’s allegory: Mrs. Rafi stub- SPOTLIGHT bornly adheres to protocol, while secretly BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE plotting her daughter’s escape. Hatch suc- Rarely have Americans experienced the om- cumbs to paranoia and despair. Old Captain nipresent foreboding that pervades villages Evens accepts universal upheaval as an inevi- on the southeastern coast of England, where table part of evolution. In the end, the young church choirs sing “Eternal Father, Strong To survivor and the drowning victim’s fiancée de- Save” (aka “The Seafarer’s Hymn”), drama part to ensure the continuation of their spe- clubs re-enact Orpheus ferrying the Styx, and cies in more propitious surroundings. the daily test-fire of cannons remind the den- Theatre Mir’s non-representational aesthetic izens of their island kingdom’s vulnerability is evidenced in Magritte-like motifs: char- to attack by foreign powers or cruel nature acters are ensconced in pews before filing herself. Add the potential threat posed by an onstage in drill-formation. Thomas Dixon’s arms race between the British and German soundscape begins by locating us in a hur- navies, and it’s no wonder that eccentric be- ricane so realistic that we can almost feel the haviors sometimes emerge. salt spray, only to send us home two hours In the unnamed seaside town depicted by later with a merry march played on the kazoo. Edward Bond, this malaise finds expression A funeral is reduced to slapstick chaos, with in the local draper’s conviction that creatures mourners hurling the deceased’s ashes at one from outer space are infecting the country- another in playground-sandbox fury. Director Jonathan Berry anchors Bond’s slip- Get ready to hear from a plethora of women performers exploring issues of sexuality, freedom side (before you scoff, recall the panic in- pery tonal ambience with exemplary tag-team and other topics in the ever-changing cabaret revue Beast Women, back again for a special duced in our own country once by a radio play turns from Rachel Slavick and Patrice Egleston spring series. Each show promises a variety of genres including music, poetry, dance, perfor- proposing a similar invasion). Thus, when a as the formidable Mrs. Rafi and her meek side- mance art, spoken word and burlesque. Beast Women plays Saturday evenings at 10:30 p.m. shipwrecked stranger washes up on the shore kick, flanked by Patrick Blashill’s genially until Saturday, May 12, with a special performance of Beast Women: Rising at 7 p.m. Sunday, during a storm, volunteer coast-guard sentry phlegmatic sea-dog/philosopher. April 22. Performances are at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are Hatch suspects an extraterrestrial plot and $15; call 773-404-7336 or visit www.greenhousetheater.org. Photo courtesy of Beast Women refuses the distraught mariner’s plea for as- WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 25 as our weapon we will be here tomorrow,” as the actor says towards the end of the show. In Nigeria, same-sex activity is still punishable by stoning and incarceration in some states. Before he passed away from AIDS in 1997, Kuti fought for a better country, and this is a show he would be proud of—with good reason.

CRITICS’ PICKS

Beyond the Horizon, Eclipse Theatre Company at Athenaeum Theatre, through April 22. Love does not conquer all in this early Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Eu- gene O’Neill, but it is still worth seeing thanks to some strong supporting perfor- Fela! Photo by Monique Carboni mances from the cast. SCM Enron, Timeline Theatre at Baird Hall, THEATER REVIEW where the band resided for five years; this is the easier said than done. through April 15. This true-life saga of cor- setting of the show. Director Bill T. Jones keeps Melanie Marshall—as Kuti’s mother, Funmi- porate crime is recounted by Lucy Prebble Fela! the storyline from being a by-the-numbers biog- layo—hits notes that almost shatter glass and as a grotesque fantasy-fable with Bret Playwright: Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones raphy, the moving things along in concert form. Paulette Ivory, as Sandra, keeps Kuti on his amo- Tuomi playing an antihero as flawed as any At: Oriental Theatre, The story is told with Tony Award nominated rous toes. Neither stopped him from marrying found in Shakespeare. MSB 24 W. Randolph St. Sahr Ngaujah filling Kuti’s shoes. 27 wives, represented by nine women onstage. Sky’s the Limit (Weather Permitting), Tickets: 800-775-2000 In many ways, this is a one-man show with (Incidentally, they all married in one day.) The The Second City e.t.c., in an open run. If www.BroadwayInChicago.com; $25-$90 dancers, singers and a band onstage supporting real-life Sandra appeared for opening night in the current cast is as funny as the original Runs through: April 15 him. Ngaujah has a charisma and charm that Chicago. one in this long-running sketch comedy re- works well with an audience that he has rising This touring show feels like a concert that vue, then be prepared for plenty of hearty BY JERRY NUNN out of their seats and chanting “Yeah, yeah.” follows a loose plot and history. Ngaujah plays laughs from this clever show that finds The lights—complete with a disco ball—keep saxophone while flashing a sweaty six-pack. plenty of humor from pessimism and the The true story of Nigerian music innovator Fela the mood light for the first act, and the pro- (Fact: He runs for miles before the show to get complications of modern technology. SCM Kuti is brought to life onstage with an explo- duction truly flies by. Subtitles projected on the into character.) This multitalented showman A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Chicago sion of color, dance and music, thanks to big- back wall help with some of the lyrics that can captures the spirit of Kuti. Shakespeare Theater, through April 8. Gary name producers Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter as well as be difficult to follow. As in real life, the show and Kuti become more Griffin works his wizardry on the classroom Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, among many oth- The audience is transported to Africa by political. The second act is heavier, with some classic with oodles of sensory dazzle, but ers. However, in the show fans learn that Kuti watching this production with true style, and graphic quotes and torture. Symbolically, the at- it’s Elizabeth Ledo’s ambisexual Puck who did not use famous people like Bob Marley but one doesn’t need to know the background to tack on his commune—where women were raped steals the show. MSB danced to the beat of his own drum. have a good time. Audience members rose from and his mother was thrown from a window—was Kuti was a pioneer and creator of Afrobeat mu- their seats to attempt to move to the tune of difficult to watch, even artistically. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge sic, a blend of jazz, funk and chanted vocals. a time clock; a pelvic thrust from 6 to 12 was We can all relate to the message “with music and Morgan It was originated in a club called Afro-Shrine,

Robert Battle Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya Associate Artistic Director

Robert Battle Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya Associate Artistic Director Kirven James Boyd.Kirven Photo by Andrew Eccles.

APRIL Phone: 800.982.Arts (2787) 4 Easy Online: Ticketmaster.com Ways to Box Ofﬁ ce: 50 E. Congress Pkwy Order 11-15 Groups 10+: 312.431.2357 auditoriumtheatre.org

FOLLOW US ON Offi cial Vehicle Partner of Student Matinee Student Matinee Ailey Sponsor Offi cial Hotel Offi cial Alvin Ailey Sponsor Sponsor Partner Airline American Dance Theater 26 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES country-western dance on every Atlantis Events cruise. It’s such a great activity, and so social. Talking with You can’t two-step and not smile. It’s just the best. I have to fly in and out this time to Chi- cago, but I adore Charlie’s and I shall return. the man behind WCT: Will we be seeing Miss Richfield in any more TV commercials for Orbitz? RK: I just taped another commercial yester- Miss Richfield 1981 day in Atlanta. What a crazy and fun experience to be part of that. I usually use a cameraman BY JON PUTNAM to become more specific, but always true to her and me to produce my videos, but with a full- Midwestern, family roots. commercial crew, there must have been at least Attendees will be tempted by a variety of ir- WCT: I was surprised to read that you never 25 people on the shoot. We shot in a studio for resistible packages April 14 at the Boystown had an interest in drag before creating the four hours and then went on location to a re- nightspot Sidetrack, when the Chicago Gay character. ally lovely hotel in Atlanta, a boarded-up build- Men’s Chorus unveils its Fourth Annual Big Pack- RK: No. I was a journalist for six years out ing on the street and ended the day in a soup age Auction. of college, then the communications director of kitchen! It’s exhausting, but amazingly fun! I Some of the city’s hottest male underwear the Minnesota AIDS Project for five years. I quit think it’ll air later this summer on Logo, and you models will strut their stuff while guests bid that job in 1998 to pursue a performance ca- can always find the ads online as well. on luxurious prize packages that include: a six- reer—partially funded by freelance writing—un- WCT: How about Russ King’s future in com- night South African photo safari; a seven-day til 2003, when I was able to make Miss Richfield edy? Caribbean or Mexican cruise on Holland America a full-time occupation. RK: I write a new show for Miss R every year Cruiselines; and a two-night getaway to New WCT: Do Russ King and Miss Richfield have and that keeps me busy! This year’s show is York City, complete with Broadway tickets and much in common? “2012: We’ll All Be Dead By Christmas.” It’s a TV tapings. RK: Not on the surface. But I think any artistic celebratory look at the coming Armageddon. As a special treat, this year’s auction will be creation is always a reflection of the artist on And I’m working on a YouTube presence sched- hosted by none other than Miss Richfield 1981, some level. So I think we’re probably similar in a uled for May. I’m wanting to do a two-minute a fixture on Atlantis Cruise Lines and spokesper- desire to entertain in a positive manner without “Ask Miss R” show that will be weekly. So start son for Orbitz. WCT caught up with Miss Rich- straying into the distasteful and vulgar direction thinking of questions—and thanks a million for field 1981’s alter ego, Russ King: that much of comedy has gone. chatting. Chicago is one of my favorite places on Windy City Times: Do you find that you’re WCT: Your hometown really is Richfield, earth. continually fine-tuning the character of Miss Minn. Do you still have relatives and friends The Big Package Auction will take place Sat- Richfield? there? What kind of reaction have you gotten Miss Richfield 1981. PR photo urday, April 14, 5-8 p.m., at Sidetrack, 3349 Russ King: Surprisingly, the essence of the from them? N. Halsted St. Ticket information and more character is consistent with its creation back RK: No relatives live in Richfield today, but it’s details are available at www.cgmc.org, the in 1996 at a traditional drag act in a bar. Even a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis, so most of us R, not Richfield! Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ website. there, Miss R was always clean with no foul lan- live close by. Overall the response of Miss R to WCT: An interesting thing about Miss Rich- guage, which is what made the character ap- the locals is positive. There’s always those in life field’s appeal is how her audience goes way pealing and different. As I began to do cabaret who take themselves way too seriously and just beyond just gay men. Could this mean that work in 1997 and onward, Miss R has continued don’t get the fact that the joke is really on Miss as a country we’re growing more accepting of Lesbian part of differences? RK: The gay audience has always been such SNL ensemble Comedian Kate McKinnon could be the a wonderful base for Miss R’s work, but you’re CULTURE CLUB first lesbian cast member on NBC’s Saturday right; the straight world also enjoys the shows. Night Live, according to Advocate.com. Part of that is gay folk inviting their family and Rockefeller Memorial Chapel McKinnon was part of the ensemble on friends when I’m in their city! I appreciate that! presents... Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show and was also But I also find women connect with the charac- in the web series Vag Magazine. McKinnon ter in a really special way—seeing the character will reportedly debut on the April 7 show CAMERON as a throwback to what their lives were or might that Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara is host- CARPENTER have been about 25 years ago! ing. WCT: Is Miss Richfield rooting for any of the In 2010, she was nominated for the SUNDAY APRIL 15 presidential candidates? Emerging Comic Award by the ECNYs, which 5 PM RK: Miss R hasn’t backed a presidential candi- celebrate the comedic performing arts in Love and Death date because I don’t think she’d know who was New York, the Huffington Post reported. running. Although I think she’d find a Mormon Speaking of the show, veteran cast mem- tempting, as multiple wives would increase her Tickets $10 general ber Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) is expected at door or online at chances of finally landing a man. to make a decision about her future at“SNL rockefeller.uchicago.edu WCT: Does Miss Richfield share your love of later this year. The incomparable Cameron Carpenter two-stepping? Will you have time to visit our brings his prodigious virtuosity to Rockefeller’s E.M. Skinner organ, with a Rockefeller Memorial Chapel local country-western bar, Charlie’s? program including selections from his 5850 South Woodlawn Avenue own Visions of the Organ from Space Chicago, Illinois 60637 RK: As a matter of fact, Miss R usually leads a (Science Fiction Series) and dazzling and unconventional arrangements of classics. SILK ROAD from page 19 “So Silk Road Theatre Project or Silk Road Ris- ing, either way I think in the minds of the the imagery was often at the service of a co- Chicago theater community we are Silk Road lonial or a war project,” Khoury said. whatever word or words follow that.” Khoury is particularly curious about the Silk Road Rising’s Re-Spiced: A Silk Road potential audience reaction to Toby Keith’s Cabaret runs now in previews through, Fri- “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” which day, April 6, with an official opening Satur- promises U.S. revenge and vengeance after day, April 7. Regular performances continue the attacks of Sept. 11. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 p.m. “The lyrics to that song are hard for me to Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. Saturdays listen to,” Khoury said. “But then you have and Sundays, through Sunday, May 6 at the an ensemble of eight American actors of color Chicago Temple Building’s Pierce Hall, 77 W. singing this song and it’s powerful to watch Washington St. (There will be no Chicago because there’s something so incredibly iron- shows Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, ic and subversive going on and it changes the since the show will be performed at Gover- meaning of the song.” nors State University in University Park on So whether they’re producing live theater or the latter date.) Tickets are $20 for previews online content, Khoury and Gillani hope audi- and $30 during the regular run; call 312-857- ences will go along with all of their expanded 1234, ext. 201, or visit www.silkroadrising. endeavors for Silk Road Rising and that they’ll org. get over the organization’s name change. Also, Khoury’s video play of Mosque Alert, “Most people refer to us as Silk Road, and his semi-autobiographical video both/and, we were rarely called Silk Road Theatre Proj- and the documentary Not Quite White can all ect except in official context in the past,” be viewed online at www.silkroadrising.org. Khoury said about the company’s branding. WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 27 inevitably wind up a two-time faddish loser. But sentimental softie that I am, the chance to see Cameron’s epic mash-up of the fictional, doomed KNIGHT romance—with his epic, jaw-dropping, thrilling- ly detailed recreation of the tragic liner’s maiden AT and final voyage—might be just enough to lure THE me back into theatres. Certainly, there are worse ways to commemo- MOVIES rate the 100th anniversary of the tragedy and if it will make my husband happy to take the voyage again; swoon over the beauty of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet (not to mention Billy Zane as her villainous fiancée); revel in the sass By of Kathy Bates as the unsinkable Molly Brown Richard and the late, great Gloria Stuart as the spell- Knight, Jr. binding storyteller who sets the plot in motion; and shed a few tears at the powerful fade-out as Celine Dion belts out the trillion-selling ballad Conversation over the end credits, who am I to deny him? Check out my archived reviews at www. Piece; Madonna: windycitymediagroup.com or www.knightat- themovies.com. Readers can leave feedback Truth or Dare; at the latter website. Shame; film note

The DVD/Blu-ray releases this week and next of Visconti’s Conversation Piece, Alek Keshishian’s Michael Fassbender in Shame. Madonna: Truth or Dare concert film and director Steve McQueen’s Shame offer prime exam- remarkably astute show-business professional; ked bravado, Shame certainly set a new standard ples of objectification, the movies’ most primal the bratty, narcissistic, demanding diva; and the in mainstream cinema (in queer cinema, it must appeal. vulnerable loner who seems only to connect to be pointed out, not so much). Subject matter and genre aside, the enduring her past when it services her present—and the Film note: allure of each of these movies begins and ends movie, for the most part, is enormously enter- —Reports are not good on the darkening ef- with its stars. And what a line-up of beauties to taining. fect that transferring Titanic to 3D has had on dream and fantasize about—Silvana Mangano, In its nearly complete manipulation of the James Cameron’s 1997 epic, but this version Helmut Berger, Madonna, Michael Fassbender audience (Madonna, no surprise, produced and hasn’t been screened for the majority of film and Carey Mulligan—reason enough to revisit paid for the film), Truth or Dare is a complete critics so I can’t report on the rumors’ veracity. this trio of films. Stunning looks aside, each film sham. (The surest sign of this comes early in As regular readers of this column know, however, has additional compensations as well. the “documentary,” when Madonna’s one refusal I’m generally not a fan of the 3D process, which By 1974, when renowned Italian director to allow the camera to film her is when she’s I consider nothing more than an attempt by the Luchino Visconti began work on Conversation about to take a business meeting.) In present- studios to revive what was a gimmick the first Piece, his penultimate film, his energy and cre- ing an “honest,” unvarnished portrait of herself, time around in the ‘50s and which I contend will ativity were quickly ebbing. Further burdened Madonna gives her one great performance in a with a debilitating stroke, the director was still movie. Musing at length in front of the camera, determined to continue working. According to alone in various lavish hotel suites or kibitzing the essay by Mark Reynolds in the lavishly illus- with famous celebrity pals as the tour moves Use Code WINDY.* trated booklet included in the restored Blu-ray All Tickets $15 For Previews, Mar 30–Apr 8. from Japan to America to Europe, the singer- release of the film, the answer for Visconti was cum-actress is a bawdy, quick-witted, diminu- a project much smaller in scale than one of his tive dynamo who imagines herself as the mis- famed epics like The Damned or The Leopard. placed mother of her gathered back-up singers, The interior, apartment set storyline of Con- WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT band of gay dancers (with the exception of one versation Piece—in which a family of jet setters tiresome homophobe who is given way too much interrupt and shake up the hermetic lifestyle of screen time) and personal attendants (which, at Burt Lancaster as a stodgy, bookish art collector the time, included her gay brother, Christopher, and historian—fit the bill perfectly. Visconti’s with whom she is now famously estranged). scenario also supplied his real-life lover, Helmut A PRESENTATION... The movie captures Madonna at the peak of Berger, with another juicy part—that of the her manufactured beauty and the film crackles petulant, swaggering kept boy/man of Mangano with the combined force of that beauty and her as well as the sexual paramour of both her son hardened but very enticing personality. The film and daughter and the object of fascination for Direct from VG’s IGNITION, captures her at the moment she was about to the professor. reinvent herself again, morphing from the queer the festival that brought you The movie suggests that the professor is the community’s go-to hit machine into the world’s surrogate father to Berger’s sybaritic character, Pulitzer ﬁ nalist The Elaborate push-the-envelope sex goddess to the refined Konrad but the more potent scenario is closer Entrance of Chad Deity, comes British Lady, settled down into motherhood and to what Visconti and the eerily gorgeous Berger domestic bliss (temporarily, as it turned out). this brave, funny new work shared in real life. No matter how you view the Twenty years later, she’s back working the dance about a group of actors who relationship between the two, the film has aged floor from whence she came but as Truth or Dare a lot better than the bad reviews and scant au- lose control of their play. clearly points out, the triumphs of the past, diences that greeted Conversation Piece upon even the manufactured ones, can never really be its release would have imagined. Flawed and recaptured. misshapen as the movie remains (the set-up is downright laughable and the acting is of the Finally, there is Shame, director Steve McQueen’s scenery-chewing variety in too many sections), 2011 treatise on the dangers of sexual addiction it’s also clearly the work of a master of the cam- in which the audience is alternately turned on era—albeit one in his autumn years. by the brooding, handsome Michael Fassbender BY JACKIE SIBBLIES DRURY and his full-frontal nudity, and caught up in Madonna: Truth or Dare, released in 1991, has the sick-to-the-soul weariness of his character. also held up and remains a compelling record of DIRECTED BY ERIC TING I’m a huge fan of Fassbender’s risk-taking per- the apogee of the Material Girl’s music career. formance and the film itself (which includes a (Dick Tracy, released as Truth or Dare was being devastatingly good turn by Carey Mulligan as MARCH 30 – made, is the apex of her feature-film career.) This Fassbender’s messed-up sister), although the chronicle of the singer’s Blond Ambition tour— APRIL 29 movie’s subconscious moralizing about Fass- at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago mixing black-and-white, behind-the-scenes bender’s character straying into the “shocking” *Offer only valid on performances footage offsetting Technicolor-lensed highlights March 30 – April 8, 2012. $15 ticket 773.871.3000 (TTY 773.871.0682) world of gay sex is something to be decried and offer expires April 8, 2012. Not valid victorygardens.org of the expertly contrived stage show—offers a called out. However, when it comes to objectifi- on previously purchased tickets. lively portrait of the multifaceted entertainer. Offer cannot be combined with any 20 Tix Daily for $20 • Students $15 • Groups (10+) call 773.634.9874 cation at the movies, thanks to Fassbender’s na- other offers or discounts. She’s alternately the hard-as-nails, determined, 28 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES time, she seems to be Sinead O’Connor offers a mature outlook on re- songwriter John Grant’s “Queen of Denmark.” targeting Lady Gaga on lationships. “Old Lady” bears witness to love’s Here, she sings, “I casually mention that I “Gimme All Your Luvin’” depth at a wiser stage in life and she finds hope pissed in your coffee … why don’t you bore the and “Some Girls.” on “The Wolf Is Getting Married.” O’Connor con- shit out of somebody else.” O’Connor skillfully Does MDNA have tinues to embrace her universal mother persona ties her experiences into her art throughout this the same charm and hooks with “4th and Vine.” On “Reason with Me” she collection, although some outlets would rather as 2005’s Confessions on a confesses, “I really want to mend my ways.” dwell on her appearance, love life or tweets. Dancefloor? No—nor will I “V.I.P” is a vocal-focused editorial about today’s O’Connor is scheduled to take to the stage at give it more rotations than misconstrued value of celebrities. Although this Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., on Sunday, POP Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite set is very age-appropriate, the Irish siren still May 13. or Robyn’s Body Talk. But acts feisty with the fitting cover of out singer- MAKING MDNA certainly gets out the bad taste that 2008’s the occult—will take place April 6-8 at the SENSE dreadful Hard Candy left in S&S Project, 3145 S. Morgan St. by David Byrne my mouth. It also guaran- Among the artists whose works will be with Tony Peregrin tees I will not be craving shown are Christos Andres, Sofia Moreno, confections from any of Daniel McKernan and Erika Keck, among oth- the millennial pop tarts ers. McKernan is curating the festival. anytime soon. See www.facebook.com/bridgeportart.

Ross DVD out in May Shout! Factory will release the legendary New York concert special “Diana Ross—Live In Central Park” on DVD May 15. Originally broadcast in 1983, the concert has never before been made available for home entertainment. “Diana Ross—Live In Central Park” will contain the entire concert special as it was broadcast, and the bonus features include the complete rain-shortened concert and a new commentary by director Steve Binder (The T.A.M.I. Show, Elvis: The ’68 Comeback Special). Additionally, American Public Television has made a broadcast version of the main program ‘Leatherman’ book available to its premium service client sta- up for National tions. Cowboy Junkies. PR photo Among the songs she performs are “Endless Love,” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Leather Assoc. Hand)” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” writing award along with many others. On her latest, MDNA, Madonna secures her posi- National Leather Association-International, tion as the reigning queen of clubland, refer- Madonna’s tour comes to The United Center, a leading organization for activists in the ences her earlier material and tries to keep the 1901 W. Madison, on Wed., Sept. 19, and Thurs- pansexual S&M/leather/fetish community, ‘Technicolor younger generation in check. With 41 number- day, Sept. 20. announced finalists for its annual writing Dreamcoat’ one hits on the dance charts, the icon surely will When I heard that Joan Osborne was work- awards for works published in 2011. have more to follow from MDNA. ing on a blues album, I rejoiced with the idea Named after activists and writers Geoff sing-a-long The set aptly could be called 53 Going on 23; of such an overdue project for the talented art- Mains, John Preston, Pauline Reage, Cynthia just check out the fresh “Turn up the Radio” or ist. Bring It on Home finds the Lilith Fair vet- Slater and the onetime lesbian-feminist BDSM movie April 4 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream- the catchy “Some Girls.” The edgy “Gang Bang” eran tackling blues and R&B classics like Ray organization Samois, the awards are given coat, starring Donny Osmond, is coming to lo- is too hot for the clean version of the album, as Charles’ “I Don’t Need No Doctor” and Al Green’s annually to recognize excellence in writing cal movie theaters Wed., April 4, at 7 p.m. (all Madonna revisits the sleaze-style vocal delivery “Rhymes.” and publishing about leather, S&M, bondage time zones). This exclusive sing-along version of “Erotica” over a pulsating heartbeat. MDNA I never thought Osborne would deliver such a and fetishes. with subtitles also features an introduction not only slows down, but steers off course with sexually charged number as the title track. Just A biography of Chicago leather legend and question-and-answer session with Os- the Golden Globe-winning track “Masterpiece.” the way she cries out “baby” can melt vinyl. Chuck Renslow is among the finalists for an mond live from Salt Lake City, plus an ani- Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.’s cameo on “Gimme All “Shake Your Hips” has Osborne flirtatiously go- award. Among the nominations are: mated opening sequence which features an Your Luvin’” is just another case of much young- ing back and forth with a harmonica over a tre- —The Geoff Mains Non-fiction Book 80-piece orchestra. er, trendier guests being recruited to help ex- mendous rhythm that builds up to an undeniable Award: Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen, The event will be broadcast to nearly 550 pand the audience, as witnessed on the misfire climax. The bisexual blonde has bright moments Leatherman: The Legend of Chuck Renslow select movie theaters across the country. Hard Candy. Minaj can spit out a fast rhyme, but like her funky version of the Ike & Tina Turner (Prairie Avenue Productions); Gayle Rubin, Among the local theaters involved are AMC not necessarily a good one as she also appears gem “Game of Love” and “Shoorah! Shoorah!,” Deviations: A Gayle Rubin Reader (Duke Uni- River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St.; Showplace on the weak “I Don’t Give A.” This track jokingly which features blues legend Allen Toussaint on versity Press); and Jim Stewart, Folsom Street Webster Place 11, 1471 W. Webster Ave.; Roo- reminds us “There’s only one queen and that’s piano. Osborne provides a great insight to the Blues: A Memoir of 1970s SoMa and Leather- sevelt Collections, 150 W. Roosevelt Rd.; and Madonna, bitch.” 12-song collection in the liner notes, reflecting folk in Gay San Francisco (Palm Drive) Evanston 18, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston. Madonna is only as creative as the person who how the standout “Broken Wings” was recorded —The Cynthia Slater Non-fiction Article Tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Tech- is in the room with her, hence her impressive in one take. Osborne keeps 2012’s trend of must- Award: Jack Fritscher, “Leather’s Burning nicolor Dreamcoat are available at participat- guest list of co-writers or co-producers. The pro- have blues albums by female artists going with Man: The History of the Folsom Street Fair” ing theater box offices and online at www. ducers here include the dance luminaries Benny Bring It on Home. (Bay Area Reporter); and Mollena Williams, FathomEvents.com. Benassi, William Orbit and Martin Solveig. Here, Wilderness marks the fourth set in the Nomad “Tables Briefly Turned” (from her blog at the Michigan-born megastar is following trends series by The Cowboy Junkies. The set shines www.mollena.com) once again instead of defining them. Orbit has brilliantly with Margo Timmins intimately sing- —The Geoff Mains Non-fiction Book worked on many of her hits, like “Justify My ing over a strumming guitar on “Angels in the Award: Rachel Kramer Bussel, Surrender: Erot- Joan Love” and “Ray of Light.” Here, the single-wor- Wilderness” and “I Let Him In.” Wilderness ic Tales of Female Pleasure and Submission Collins in thy “I’m a Sinner” is the not-so-distant cousin opens with the gorgeous “Unanswered Letter,” (Cleis); Rachel Kramer Bussel, Best Bondage Joseph and to the pair’s previous collaboration, “Beautiful which could have been from the vaults of the Erotic 2012 (Cleis); and Alison Tyler, Slave to the Amazing Stranger.” 10,000 Maniacs. The Canadian quartet shows its Love (Cleis) Technicolor “Girl Gone Wild” brings us back to the days sense of humor on “Fuck, I Hate the Cold.” “Idle The winners will be announced at the Na- Dreamcoat. of Madonna-mania as it cites Cyndi Lauper’s Tales” has the act at its best with its familiar tional Leather Association’s annual general “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” But this opener melancholy coffee house feel. meeting, which will be held during Tribal Fire also nods to Madonna’s overlooked 1993 single During its live shows, Timmins shares enjoy- (May 4-6) in Oklahoma City, Okla. See www. “Bad Girl.” “Superstar” features daughter Lola able stories on the material and band. Cow- tribalfireokc.com and www.nla-i.com. Leon on back-up vocals. Here, Madonna rattles boy Junkies returns to the Chicago area with a off a list of Hollywood’s elite and cleverly gives concert on Saturday, April 14, at Space, 1245 herself props on the bridge by singing, “You’re Chicago Ave., Evanston, and two performances Queer occult films Travolta/Getting into your groove.” on Friday, April 27, at Old Town School of Folk “The Homoccult Show”—featuring short ex- Madonna claims her turf, as she has done for Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. perimental queer films about the magic and the last 20 years to multiple newcomers. This On How about I Be Me (And You Be You)?, WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 29 TELEVISION touch so many hearts. bad economy, and you have a lot of people who Then [the host] Terrence asked me about real- are divorced but who are forced to live together; ity shows, and I’m like, “Back in the day, there they have to co-exist. were talk shows and before that, there were soap WCT: You also work with Rita Moreno... Tichina Arnold: operas.” Everything comes full circle; we’re now Arnold: Oh, my God—she is a hoot. [Both in that reality-show stage. I think show business laugh.] I love her so much. She’s so amazing. is a wonderful outlet to tell stories, and I think She’s so old-school, but she’s so new-school. ‘Happily Divorced’ some celebrities take for granted that we have She’s everything rolled up in one. She has a an amazing platform to teach and to get posi- foul mouth; we curse like sailors—and she says tivity out there. That’s what has taught me as a whatever’s on her mind. She’s like, “I’m 80 years actress on the show mother; I can’t just take any role. old. I say whatever the hell I want to say.” WCT: You mentioned reality shows. It seems WCT: You’ve talked about music and I know like the very definition of “celebrity” has you’re a singer, so I have to ask: Where were and meeting Whitney changed over the years. you when you found out Whitney Houston had Arnold: Yeah. Our jobs have become less be- died? cause of reality shows. That’s why I’m happy to Arnold: That’s when you know somebody im- BY ANDREW DAVIS his Facebook page from people thanking him for be on TV Land Network. TV Land gets it—they’ve pacted your life—you know where you were coming out and for the show. put out some good shows, like Hot in Cleveland. when that person passed. I was traveling; I had During the ‘90s, people tuned in every week to WCT: You mentioned how they basically I’m not [slamming] reality shows but there’s just gotten to New York. I was heartbroken. I see comedian Martin Lawrence and other actors turned potential tragedy into triumph, so something to be said for variety. After all, we was just staring at the TV; I couldn’t leave. It in the sitcom Martin. On that show, Tichina Ar- to speak. Isn’t that a sign of the times, in have 80,000 channels. [Laughs] When I watch took me two days to get it together. nold was Pam, Lawrence’s foil who could match a way—that you can take your own personal TV, I want something that takes me away. I had the privilege and honor of meeting and him insult for insult. drama and make a show out of it? WCT: How is the second season of Happily dining with Whitney. She gave me such an inspi- Since then, Arnold has kept herself very vis- Arnold: Of course. I was just on [the BET show] Divorced different from the first? rational talk. No one has ever inspired me like ible, playing roles such as the mother in the TV 106 & Park talking about music and stuff—and, Arnold: I don’t think it’s that different, but that, except for Wanda Sykes. I was introduced series Everybody Hates Chris, which was based by the way, I don’t watch a lot of videos, as I’m there are different situations. Fran is still tell- to Whitney by [gospel singer] BeBe Winans, a on the life of comedian Chris Rock. She now co- really into politics (I’m watching MSNBC right ing a lot of stories that happened to her and stars with Fran Drescher, Rita Moreno and oth- now)—and I said that music makes the world go Turn to page 30 Peter—their struggles and triumphs. That’s ac- ers on the TV Land sitcom Happily Divorced, in round; I was raised in it. Through music, you can tually another subject, altogether. You have this which Drescher’s character lives with her gay ex- husband (a scenario based on Drescher’s actual life). Arnold talked with Windy City Times recently Professional Theatre at about the show, Whitney Houston and politics. Windy City Times: I saw you on the Wendy Angels in America Williams Show recently. Part One: Millennium Approaches Part Two: Perestroika Tichina Arnold: Yeah—that was really fun. WCT: I’m curious, because I interviewed sponsored by By Tony Kushner Directed by Charles Newell [Williams] once: How do you find her? the University of Chicago March 30 – June 3 at Court Theatre Arnold: With Wendy, I had a problem with her once because, you know, she trashed a lot of Box Office (773) 753-4472 Bring a Group & Save 20-30% on tickets! Call Kate at (773) 834-3243.

Tichina Arnold. PR photo

people when she had her radio show. But I’ve been on her show twice, and she’s been very pleasant. Eventually, you have to let bygones be bygones, and move on. WCT: Let’s talk about Happily Divorced. For our readers who may not know, could you de- scribe the [premise] of the show? Arnold: Yes. The show is based on Fran Dre- scher’s life. She married her childhood sweet- heart, who’s an actor as well [Peter Marc Jacob- son], and years later he told her he’s gay. She was obviously devastated; they were friends and with each other for so long. To this day, though, they’re still joined at the hip; they’re very good friends and both executive producers of the show. It’s wonderful that they were able to take something that could’ve been so negative and destructive, and make it work. I’m even more happy that this show has gotten viewers we didn’t expect to get. We have a lot of young people who are gay themselves and are afraid to come out who watch our show. Peter just told me that he gets a lot of hits on www.CourtTheatre.org 30 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES BOOKS WCT: Although you don’t talk much about food, you do feel that it—like town and cit- Concert duo ies—can have sexual orientation. Simon Doonan: SD: Oh, yeah—well, I’m all about sweep- offers ‘All in the ing generalizations. When I started looking at food as being either gay or straight, it all made Musical Family’ Chicago concert artists Beckie Menzie Chewing the ‘Fat’ about bears, sense to me. It’s like life; you need a balance of and Tom Michael are presenting their new gay and straight. So with that steak, you need musical offering, “All in the Musical Fam- a fluffy mesclun salad instead of mashed pota- food and gay cities ily,” at Davenport’s, 1383 N. Milwaukee toes. Ave., every Saturday in April at 8 p.m. BY ANDREW DAVIS WCT: I thought about that as I was eating a Menzie and Michael’s new show cel- skirt steak salad recently. ebrates many of the most popular and In Gay Men Don’t Get Fat, writer/creative di- SD: There you go! That sounds like the gayest timeless musical families, including The rector Simon Doonan (the husband of home- steak you can get—don’t be ashamed. [Inter- Carpenters, The Andrew Sisters, The Jack- furnishings designer Jonathan Adler) offers his viewer laughs.] sons, The Judds, Steve Lawrence and Ey- own perspective on everything from fashion to WCT: Since you rely on sweeping generaliza- die Gorme, The Bee Gees, John and Bonnie food while relating real-life experiences. The tions, do you think some people, in our PC Raitt, and others. British author talked with Windy City Times re- society, may be offended by those? For reservations, call 773-278-1830 or cently about the book. SD: I have no interest in offending people. My visit www.DavenportsPianoBar.com; also Windy City Times: Where did you get the writing style has developed since I started writ- visit www.BeckieMenzie.net and www. inspiration to write this? ing in the ‘90s; it’s broad, and it’s humor writ- TomMichael.net. Simon Doonan: I thought it was time to take ing, so you can’t take anything too literally— my nuggets and nuances of gay wisdom, and put any more than you could watching a stand-up them in one book, delivering it to the public comic. Percussionist with great velocity. I always tell people that I’ve made a career

WCT: I was caught off guard, initially. One out of being “unoffendable.” When you’re un- Coley at Center reason is because when I saw the title—and offendable, you’re in a very strong place, and me being an editor—I took it literally, and that comes from always looking at the source of on Halsted April 17 Percussion soloist and collaborator Mat- thought the book was going to be exclusively something. It didn’t take me long to get there; thew Coley will perform as part of the Cen- about food. [Doonan laughs.] However, you I’ve always kept my eyes on the prize. ter on Halsted’s SingOUT series Tuesday, cover a lot more ground. When I came to America, I was told, “We don’t April 17, 7-9 p.m. at 3656 N. Halsted St. SD: Yes, absolutely; I’m not that interested give green cards to gay people.” At that point, Coley will perform with three other well- in food, quite honestly. The title is a parody of I had a choice: Either I could say, “That’s very known percussionists from the Midwest: [Mireille Guiliano’s best-selling book] French offensive” or think, “How am I going to get a Simon Doonan. Cory Hills (Lawrence, Kan.), Renee Keller Women Don’t Get Fat and [Bruce Feirstein’s] Real green card?” I knew what I wanted. My goal has (Chicago) and Bridget Leahy (Blooming- Men Don’t Eat Quiche. So it’s kind of a mash- always been to build a great life, and not make ton, Ind.). up of those self-help books, except I’m not very it contingent upon other people’s approval. Tickets are $10 in advance (email helpful. I’m more of a humor writer. I’m into in- WCT: Elsewhere in the book, you mention that When gay marriage is finally given the [email protected] or call 773- spiring people into being uninhibited and crazy. you feel a solidarity with larger women. thumbs-up [nationally], I won’t say, “Thank SD: I’ve always expressed a strong solidarity 472-6469, ext. 452) and $12 at the door. Wacky Chicks is all about eccentric women, you.” It should have happened years ago, but with plus-size chicks because I am undersized All proceeds from this concert will benefit eccentric glamour; it’s about dressing without that doesn’t affect me, really. People have to for a guy, so I understand that frustration of the Center on Halsted. being self-critical or masochistic—being uncon- get their shit together and move forward with shopping and feeling like an outsider. Everybody Visit www.hearmatthewcoley.com for ventional. life without having people give you all the check seems to find great things, but I can’t. more information. WCT: There are many interesting nuggets marks. in this book, such as towns and cities having WCT: My favorite chapter was probably “Op- sexual orientations. Living in Chicago—and eration Goldilocks.” [Doonan laughs.] What was the most surprising thing you learned knowing you’ve been here, because Jonathan Arnold: Every day. When I read that script about bears? TICHINA from page 29 has a store here—what do you think of this for the first time—we had a table read—Terry SD: I think the most surprising thing was how city? good friend of mine. When I met Whitney, I Crews [who played the father] and I knew many there are. According to an article I read SD: I’ve been to Chicago many, many times; was just awestruck. She was just a homegirl. we’d have a successful show. They did a really in the Harvard Gay & Lesbian Review, there are I’ve been going there since the 1980s. I feel I was, like, “Oh my God. She’s normal.” She good job of structuring the show, but if they 1.7 million bear-identified gay men in America. very at-home there. Sometimes I think of Chi- would say, “Girl, come on. Pass the bread.” didn’t care for something in the script they’d It’s a subculture, but a really big one. But if you cago as being very hetero; then I meet a whole I would always sneak into Clive Davis’ [pre- change it on the spot. I had to learn pages of think about it, it’s a very inclusive movement bunch of gays and I think, “Maybe the Windy Grammy] party because the security would dialogue 10 minutes before we shot; it kept with a lot of camaraderie; it’s non-judgmental City can blow your beehive off,” and it seems know me from Martin. I was standing there me on my toes. with a sense of community, so it’s attracted a more homosexual. It’s a city with a long his- one year and I see this big crowd of people WCT: And that Terry Crews—he works out. lot of people. tory of style and glamour, with those glamorous and I’m like, “Oh my God. That’s Whitney Arnold: OK? He loves his body, honey. If he Also, if you’re a bear, your gayness becomes apartments all facing the lake—it’s very gay and Houston!” So we’re watching them and Bobby gets a chance to be naked, he will. invisible; it’s a great camouflage. When I walk fabulous. [Brown] sees me and he waves hello. Whit- WCT: I saw him like that in the movie down the street, anybody can see I’m gay. When WCT: Now what’s the most hetero city you’ve ney then saw me, said “Tichina,” and then Gamer. they see a bear walking down the street, they’re been to? walked over to me and talked to me for over Arnold: If you worked out as much as he just thinking, “Oh, here’s some big, burly dude SD: It’s probably Detroit, because it’s all based seven years about how much she appreciated did, you’d show your body, too. He loves on his way to Home Depot to buy some screws.” on making cars, which is fundamentally very my work. I’m not even supposed to be in this working out. Somebody’s gotta do it, but I [Interviewer laughs.] heterosexual. party! I was in shock. That was my last mem- sure don’t. [Laughs] I just maintain; I don’t WCT: And you consider yourself to be a ory of Whitney. The world lost a great one— eat pasta and bread, and I don’t like choco- chinchilla? and I don’t want to bury my mother [like Cissy late. SD: Well, I went through all the categories, like Houston did]. I felt the same way as I did WCT: Wow. My last question is this: Since “otter” and “polar bear” and “polar bear,” and when Aaliyah died. you follow politics closely, what do you I was thinking, “What am I?” I then thought, WCT: I do want to switch gears. How of- make of this whole presidential race? “Well, I’m small and I have a lot of gray hair, so ten do you get called Pam? Arnold: I think the GOP presidential race maybe I’m a chinchilla. Woo!” Arnold: Oh, every day of my life. [Both and the candidates are all fools, to put it sim- WCT: By the way, I’m pretty sure you’re laugh.] It doesn’t upset me at all; it means it ply. It’s unfortunate that they are starting ra- the only person I’ve ever talked with who’s did my job right. cial discourse, and saying things that are det- referred to himself as a “dingleberry whis- WCT: Speaking of Martin, do you have a rimental to the country. It’s disrespectful to perer.” favorite insult? the president. I just hope the average person SD: [Laughs] There’s a whole chapter about Arnold: I liked when he didn’t expect to can rise above it and vote with their heart. being prissy and why that’s a good thing, and [joke]; he would crack up. We had laugh com- They’re taking away women’s rights, voting I referred to my ability to our little doggy. We petitions on the show—whoever would be rights—they’re trying to go back to where we always take him into the ocean and wash off his the first to crack up would lose. Tommy would used to be. People have fought and died for dingleberries. It takes a real man to do that. always be the first to go. Me and Tisha would us to get where we are. WCT: Well, I give you credit. I also have to hold out the longest. I’m impassioned about politics. I like to give you credit for listing Paris Is Burning— WCT: And then there was Everybody Hate learn. It’s a serious business, and there are one of my favorite films—as one of your top Chris... things happening in the political arena that 13 movies. Arnold: I wish we could’ve gone on a little are just disgusting to me. SD: Yes; I think it’s a great documentary that longer. We had two years left on that show. Happily Divorced airs on TV Land Wednes- should be mandatory viewing. It’s very touching, WCT: How many times would you get a days at 9:30 CT. See www.tvland.com. and it’s an important historical document. In a script and be reminded of your childhood? way, it’s about everything: class, race and other aspects of culture. WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 31 ing-out, interestingly, coincided with that of But not one has come, which he said is, “com- CNN anchor Don Lemon. pletely shocking.” Gay NBA exec Rick Welts: Welts’ revelation also led to the coming out of “I was prepared for something different, and ESPN Radio announcer Jared Max in New York. that’s been the best part of the experience,” Also last spring, the NBA initiated a relation- Welts said. “Now it’s a case of, what do I do On coming out, resulting support ship with GLSEN to broadcast public-service an- with that.” By Ross Forman nouncements (PSAs) during the NBA playoffs. In Welts said he left the Suns with the intentions fact, when Welts returned to Phoenix from New of not working for a while, perhaps writing a York, two Phoenix Suns players—Grant Hill and book or expanding his work as a public speaker. Jared Dudley—were filming the PSA. Until the Warriors came calling. Now the book is Despite the PSAs, Kobe Bryant was caught ut- on hold, though he definitely plans to write one, tering an anti-gay comment during a broadcast eventually. last spring, and Chicago Bulls superstar Joakim The Suns’ owner actually called the Warriors to Noah also spat anti-gay venom during a game in suggest/recommend they contact Welts. 2011. Welts, now 58, spent nine years with the Suns, “It was an amazing series of events” in a short serving as the president and CEO for the last two period of time, Welts said, “and I do think it seasons. raised the quality of the dialogue pretty signifi- Before joining the Suns, Welts had a suc- cantly over that period.” cessful 17-year (1982-1999) career at the NBA Four months after the New York Times story, league office in New York, where he ascended Welts resigned from the Suns, telling team of- through the ranks to eventually become the ficials he was determined to mesh his personal league’s third-in-command as the executive vice and professional lives. He moved to the Bay Area president, chief marketing officer and president to be closer to his partner, Todd Gage, but Welts’ of NBA Properties. retirement was short-lived. He was soon hired Welts began his career in the NBA in 1969, at by the Golden State Warriors as the team’s presi- age 16, as a ballboy with the Seattle SuperSon- dent and COO. ics. He spent 10 yeas with his hometown Su- Welts, with about 40 years of experience in perSonics serving a number of roles, including the league, is back in the game—energized and director of public relations during back-to-back excited to bring a winning team back to North- appearances in the NBA Finals (1978 and 1979) ern California. and the team’s lone NBA championship in 1979. “I think the interview I had for this job was His lifelong friendship with NBA icon Russell fascinating to me as a gay man because it was was rooted in their Seattle days. the first time in my life, in a professional envi- Welts was photographed in 2011 for the popu- ronment, that I ever sat down with a potential lar NOH8 Campaign and was given the U.S. Ten- employer who completely knew my story before- nis Association’s ICON Award. hand,” Welts said. Welts truly is a legend under the rainbow. Welts was two hours into the interview with However, he admitted to Windy City Times, the two primary owners of the Warriors before he’s still trying to figure out what he can do to one casually—almost matter-of-factly—asked best impact the LGBT community: “I feel I have about that New York Times story and its affect, an obligation to continue to be part of the dis- particularly with the team owners in Phoenix. cussion because of the platform I’ve been given Welts’ coming-out was a non-issue with Phoe- [in my job]. However, I don’t know yet how to nix—and his orientation is a non-issue with have the greatest voice.” Golden State. Welts said he has seen “a lot of progress” in Rick Welts. Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors “Perhaps there’s a lessening of the real or per- the gay community. After all, he had an uncle, ceived barriers of what there is between sexual Dr. Bob Welts, who also was gay, though Welts orientation and sports,” said Welts, who, in mid- didn’t find out that his uncle was gay until he paper the next morning. However, while some January, said he finally is close to catching up was in his late-20s. The two were very close, On a snowy night last January, Rick Welts had 35,000 feet in the air, the story was being post- with the correspondences he’s received since last Welts said. “Hearing his stories … clearly, I feel dinner in New York City’s Upper East Side with ed on the paper’s website. May when he came out. very blessed to be living when I am as opposed longtime friend and public-relations veteran Dan Welts’ life was changing, literally, right below He printed out every email, a stack that’s now to any other time in this country’s history.” Klores. him. about a foot high, perhaps more. He’s saving Welts’ coming-out also impacted his 13-year- Then 57 and the president/CEO of the NBA’s “I had no idea what was going to happen each, though isn’t exactly sure what for. old niece, Lexie Schulte, of Indianapolis, who he Phoenix Suns, Welts revealed to Klores that he [when the story was released]. It was very sur- “If there was, or is, the ability to affect the life said was his favorite call that he made last May had been thinking about coming out publicly as real,” he said. of somebody who had lived the [kind of] life that when he came out publicly. gay. Before meeting with Berry, Welts came out pri- I had lived, [and] was struggling to know whether She claimed her “coolness factor” at school “I didn’t know how big, how [much of an] im- vately with several key colleagues and friends they could pursue what they really felt was their had gone up about tenfold when people found pact story might have, how important of a story within the NBA, including Commissioner David passion in life because of who they were, and this out that Welts was her uncle. this might be,” Welts said. Stern; the Suns’ top player, perennial All-Star could change their opinion or give them hope “I thought back to when I was 13, and I don’t In fact, Welts admitted he didn’t even know if Steve Nash; and Basketball Hall of Famer and that they really could be successful and happy, think that news would have been dealt with the it was newsworthy at all. longtime friend Bill Russell. then whatever else would come my way would be same way [by] my peers,” Welts said. “That was Klores assured him that, yes, it was definitely All stood behind Welts—personally and pro- worth it,” Welts said. the best call of the day for me.” newsworthy—and he offered to help with his fessionally. He was expecting at least 10 percent of all coming-out. Klores connected Welts with Pulit- Welts also, as he was set to leave San Francis- post-coming-out correspondences to be negative, See sidebar on page 38 zer Prize-winning author Dan Berry of the New co on that Sunday, emailed about 100 in his in- anti-gay, perhaps even hate mail or death threats. York Times. “That was a holy cow moment for ner circle, including family, friends and business me,” Welts told Windy City Times, “because I associates. He wanted each to know personally didn’t know [how big of a story it would be;] I that the story was breaking. was just too close.” “What I never could have anticipated [once Berry eventually spent three days with Welts the story was published] was the reaction I re- in Phoenix, “and I had never been interviewed ceived from the general public,” said Welts, who by anyone quite the way Dan did,” Welts said. has received thousands of emails and more than Berry had an attention to meticulous detail 100 handwritten letters, plus countless voice- that was nothing short of extraordinary, Welts mail messages. said. He asked Welts about past meetings that The rich and famous—such as Charles Bark- he was in, and Berry wanted to know specifics ley—reached out and supported Welts. Unknown about the room where the meeting was held, people from obscure parts of the world also sup- what was hanging on the walls, what people ported him. were wearing, and more, not just what was dis- Welts is the highest-ranking executive in cussed. men’s professional sports to acknowledge pub- “What I purposely didn’t spend a lot of time licly that he is gay. thinking about was, what would happen after The response to Welts’ coming-out, about [the story came out.] That would have made me eight months later, has been 100-percent posi- crazy,” Welts said. tive and supportive, he said. Then, last May 15, Welts was flying from San “I do think last year was kind of a watershed Francisco to New York—because Berry’s story [year], in terms of the discussion [particularly was scheduled to run on the front page of the about gays in sports],” said Welts, whose com- 32 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

the DISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN English tea sandwiches, and a few hot entrée- perfect platter: prosciutto, sopressa (Italian sa- like small plates. All of the dishes are meant for lami), Taleggio (Italy’s version of Brie), pecorino sharing, and Ombra is designed for lingering and and Robiola, a pungent soft white cheese. savoring: Have a few bites, savor the flavors, The beef shortribs were a favorite among my drink some wine, talk for a bit, try something group of dining companions. The juicy meat is you’ve never eaten before, drink some more served atop a flavorful polenta cake with a side wine, chat while you nibble on some cheese, of wilted greens. However, my top pick from BY Meghan Streit order another round of small plates, drink some among the heartier items was the polenta “lasa- more wine. Repeat until you’re pleasantly full gna.” Marinated mushrooms are stuffed between and completely relaxed (and possibly a little thin slabs of polenta and the savory stack is Ombra tipsy). topped with a thick layer of cheese baked so I enjoyed nearly everything I ate at Ombra, perfectly golden brown that it almost forms a A small corner of Andersonville’s Acre has been but there were definitely a few dishes that stood bready crust. transformed into a bustling new spot for Italian out. (Hint: Order these.) The simple forma- Since you’re lingering, as you surely will be at small plates. You might miss Ombra if you were ggi was my favorite of the panini choices. It’s Ombra, go ahead and order a few sweet treats to strolling down Clark Street because the exterior gooey Parmigiano, Asiago, Fontina and roasted round out your leisurely Italian feast. Tiramisu remains the same muted gray color as Acre. The garlic melted between two crisp slices of olive is always a reliable option, and Ombra’s version inside, however, has undergone a serious make- oil-soaked bread—what’s not to love? The other is quite good. But, if you only want to spend over. panini options sound more interesting on the your dessert calories on one item, opt for the The tiny and inviting space is made even co- menu—there’s one with mushrooms, Fontina far more memorable Nutella panino. Obviously, zier with polished wooden beams, walls covered and truffled aioli and another with lamb sau- Nutella is delicious when eaten directly from the in yellowed Italian newspaper and long booths Above: Ombra’s sweet potato and prosciutto sage, goat cheese and spicy sun-dried pesto. jar with a spoon. So, when you fry it with ba- where you might end up dining with strangers bruschette. Lower right: Fried smelt. Photos Both were delicious, but the formaggi was the nanas on crisp Italian bread, the result is, in a who could turn into new friends. You’ll immedi- by Meghan Streit one that really hit the spot. word, spectacular. ately be drawn to Ombra’s handsome bar, which I would not advise leaving Ombra without try- ombra is located at 5310 N. Clark St.; call is stocked not with alcohol but with Italian a glass of wine. Ombra has a robust wine list of ing a platter of cured meats and Italian cheeses. 773-506-8600 or visit www.barombra.com. delicacies like smoked trout, roasted Portobello mostly Italian reds and whites, available for $8 You can select as many or as few as you’d like for Do you need some more Sugar & Spice in mushrooms and calamari with Meyer lemon vin- to $10 a glass. I chose the Barbera D’asti Moliss, $5 to $8 each. The platters come with crostinis, your life? Follow me on Twitter: @SugarAnd- aigrette. Those bites, along with about 25 other a fruity but not sweet red from the Piedmont as well as spicy mustard and sweet jam so you SpiceMS—for inside scoop and commentary Italian appetizers called cicchetti (pronounced region of Italy, and it paired nicely with all of can build your own perfect bite. My picks for the on Chicago’s dining scene. chi-KET-ee), are all displayed in a case for din- my cicchetti choices. ers to pick and choose the ones they want to Ombra’s cicchetti list is so long, deciding what try. It’s kind of like a less-sugary candy store for to order can be a little overwhelming. There’s a adults—with wine! “chef’s value” option for $15, which gets you a Ombra, my knowledgeable server told me, sample platter of five items. I went that route refers to the first glass of wine, meant to be and my entire group was pleased with all of the enjoyed with a couple of rounds of cicchetti, a selections that quickly appeared on our table. casual tapas-style of dining popular in Venice. Our first cicchetti platter had a cold salad with So, peruse the cicchetti bar on your way to your farro (an Italian grain similar to couscous) and table to get an idea of what you’d like to sample, asparagus, potato salad with rosemary and sun- and then get down to the business of selecting dried tomatoes, some smoked trout, a slice of asparagus frittata and buffalo mozzarella driz- zled with basil pesto. The cicchetti platter won’t fill you, but it will whet your appetite and give Perfect Party Room you something to nibble on while you sip your for your Spring Event wine and peruse the rest of the menu. You’ll find plenty of more substantial offerings, including paninis, bruschette, tramezzini, cold white-bread sandwiches that are similar to

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DiMarco stressed that while the person LGBT seniors and lives basically payment-free, “there is no free lunch. It’s accruing against the principal reverse mortgages balance so, in essence, the loan amount is BY ANDREW DAVIS growing. This is a great vehicle for those on a

fixed income.” An increasing number of elder LGBT individu- monthly REAl EStAtE SEction DiMarco illustrated reverse mortgages with als are investing in reverse mortgages. an example: “You’re 62 or older. You’re free Steve DiMarco—president of Baird & Warner and clear. An appraiser says your house is Financial Services and a member of the firm’s NYC hotel serves LGBTA tourists worth about $400,000. The scale, in that executive committee—said that the mort- case, would probably bring you up to a New York City has its first hotel that’s strictly ter occupies 5,000 square feet, and has a gym, gages are “federally insured offerings through 65-percent loan devalue. So 65 percent of for the LGBTA community. treatment room, sauna and steam room. HUD [Department of Housing and Urban De- $400,000 is [$260,000]. You can choose to THE OUT NYC is New York City’s first “straight- This is an idea whose time has come. What velopment]. put that in your bank account, or they’ll give friendly” urban resort, according to a release. makes THE OUT NYC a desirable hotel is the com- “With reverse mortgages, you can’t be de- you a checkbook. You can draw on that, and The complex is located at 510 W. 42nd St. in fort level and tailored amenities for both the gay nied for one of these loans, provided that the principal balance will grow accordingly. Hell’s Kitchen. and straight communities,” said Parkview Devel- you’re at least 62 years of age. There’s a chart “If your heirs were to sell your property af- Steps away from Times Square and Chelsea, opers Managing Partner Ian Reisner in a state- based on your age, and the lender will deter- ter your passing, and sold it for $400,000— the complex comprises a 105-room boutique ho- ment. “THE OUT NYC will become a ‘can’t-miss’ mine at what loan devalue they can finance with you owing [$260,000]—they’d keep tel; the 14,000-square-foot XL Nightclub; Caba- for gay tourists as well as the epicenter of gay your home.” [the difference]. ret & Lounge by John Blair, Betto Sutter and life for LGBT New Yorkers. With New York’s recent “With me, I make a mortgage payment every “However, let’s say the house sells for FV Events; KTCHN, a restaurant opening in May; legislation, we look forward not only to host- month. Each payment has two components; $200,000. The heirs are not on the hook for three courtyards; a business/conference center; ing countless gay couples, but marrying them as one’s for interest and the other’s for principal the amount above and beyond what you sold function space; and a wellness center. well.” reduction. With a reverse mortgage, a mort- the house for—which is a pretty damn cool Rooms start at $250 a night. Choices include In late 2010, Lords South Beach opened in Mi- gage amount is agreed upon and interest ac- feature.” superior, deluxe, deluxe double, executive and ami, and was touted as the first gay hotel brand crues against that loan balance, but it’s not Editor’s note: Websites on reverse mortgag- one-bedroom suites. There are also eight-sleep in the country. Founder Brian Gorman told Windy paid on a monthly basis—and is not really es are www.GayAndLesbianReverseMortgage. shares at $99; these are European hostel-style City Times he chose that city because “Miami paid at all—until the property is disposed of. com, www.ReverseMortgageDaily.com and rooms with four full-sized beds, personal TVs, a has always been, to me, one of the sexiest, most ‘Disposed of,’ in the case of a senior, means www.ReverseMortgageAdviser.com/illinois. bathroom, shower, cubbies and privacy curtains. fun, liberal beach environments I’ve ever been that the individual dies and the asset is dis- html. All rooms feature wireless high-speed Inter- to.” posed of in the manner that person dictated. Steve can be reached at steve.dimarco@ net, a 40-inch flat-screen IPTV, mp3 docking Architect Paul Dominguez designed THE OUT It’s at that point that the loan is repaid to keymortgageservices.com. stations, a workspace and a mini-bar. NYC. the federal government or the HUD program.” The hotel has spaces to host weddings, ca- See www.theoutnyc.com. tered events or conferences. The wellness cen-

THE OUT NYC hotel. Press photo

Kat Fitzgerald Photographer

www.mysticimagesphotography.com 36 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES

cused on majic and the occult. Themes of mysticism and ritual, sacred and profane will be richly portrayed on screen with a companion show of multidisciplinary work by select Chicago artists to complete the exhibition. 7pm, S&S Project, 3145 S. Morgan St., mysproject.blogspot. Brought to you by the combined efforts of com/2011/12/scented-illusions.html A Billie Holiday B-Day Tribute w/ Jazz WINDY CITY Vocalist Jesse Charbonier in Concert TAX BREAK Celebrate the birthday of the legend- TIMES ary Miss Billie Holiday with acclaimed jazz vocalist Jesse Charbonier. Join him Tuesday, April 10 and his illustrious band, Adrian Joel State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Wed., April 4 Ruiz on piano, Michael Lough on bass and Nils Higdon on drums. Two shows: will lead a tax-return Spring is in the Air Drink creations by Mas- IDOL PATH 8 & 11 pm. No cover, 2-drink minimum. ter Barman and Mixologist Carlos Cuarta, seminar for gay and To make your reservation call 773-327- experience the delightful cooking talent Wed., April 4 lesbian couples at the 5969 or visit www.3160Chicago.com. of Chef Ashley Simone of Foodgasm and Windy City Gay Idol will kick 8pm-11:15pm, 3160, 3160 N. Clark St., Center on Halsted. get free ring cleaning and a chance to up- off this year’s competition www.3160chicago.com date your older fashion jewelry to a more 9 to 12 No Tap Bowling League Longest Official headshot exciting look. 4pm-6:30pm, Tucker, Inc. 5 at The Glenwood, 6962 N. running GLBT Bowling League in suburban S. Wabash Ave., Ste 507 Glenwood Ave. Chicago 191 South River Road (just north ASAP Kick-off Event Jerry Azumah and the of Rand Road) in Des Plaines; 9pm, 630- amateur drag contest, hosted by Frida ASAP Foundation Hosts Kickoff Event for 567-7196, River Rand Bowl, Des Plaines Lay! A hit at Roscoe’s since its premier in the Fourth Annual Signature Fundraiser at Photo by Constance Ruholl CAKE Chicago, Queer Arts Showcase Show 2000. 10pm, Roscoe’s, 3356 N Halsted St., Swank Hotspot, Studio Paris; 6pm-9pm, Theme: Classic Rock, $5. cover. 9 pm, www.roscoes.com Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL Megan “Bird” Sieberg blend the sounds Gay Liberation Network meeting Join with of Australian Folk with the sincere mu- Tuesday, April 10 Chicago’s LGBT direct action group at their State Rep. Kelly Cassidy Hosting Tax Re- Trans Greater Access Project (TGAP), which AfterWork Karaoke Thursday AfterWork sic and rhythm of the midwest. 9:45pm, monthly organizing meeting—new mem- turn Seminar for Same-Sex Couples Free promotes trans affirming healthcare. The Karaoke every Thursday in Andersonville Crumbs Off the Table is the groove-based bers welcome! 7pm-9pm, 773-209-1187, event for couples who have entered a Civil program provides hormone therapy, trans at The Call on Bryn Mawr. Singing starts rock/soul heart child of Andrea Bunch. Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheri- Union and are filing a joint Illinois tax sensitive gynecological exams and coun- at 7pm. Always a secret song for $25 bar 10:30pm, Dead End Days is currently Mike dan Rd., www.gayliberation.net return. RSVP by phone. 7pm-8:30pm, 773- seling, among other services. 9pm, The tab! Hosted By Karaoke by Creagh. Beer Petruccelli and Stephanie Levi. 9pm, Red Curtains Up! Showtune Video Night A night 784-2002, Center on Halsted, 3656 N Hal- Burlington 3425 W. Fullerton Ave., www. bucket specials all day - but order by 10p Line Tap, 7700 N Glenwood Ave., www. of your favorite showtune videos in Ander- sted St., www.windycitymediagroup.com/ facebook.com/events/352764204775036/ and get a basket of fries from our friends facebook/cakechicago sonville! All of the classics from stage and lgbt/cassidy-hosting-tax-return-seminar- at Burger Philosophy. Weekly themes. So Bear Night w/Great Lakes Bears Chicago’s screen and a lot of new ones thrown in for-same-sex-couples-/37021.html Thursday, April 5 who are you gonna sing? 7pm-11:30pm, biggest bear party with midnight pizza for your singing, laughing and watching The Improv Play InFusion Theatre Company, Mary Weismantel, PhD The Women’s Center 773-334-2525, The Call (Chicago), 1547 W panic and guest DJ Jim Lewis. 10pm, enjoyment! 9pm, The Call (Chicago), 1547 in association with DCA Theater, presents is recognizing the accomplishments of no- Bryn Mawr Ave. Touche, 6412 N Clark St., www.touchechi- W Bryn Mawr Ave. the world premiere of Randall Colburn’s table Northwestern University women for Seven Years of Attacks Nightspots Maga- cago.com Windy City Gay Idol Windy City Gay Idol, The Improv Play, directed by the Com- their work on behalf of women. Director zine presents an evening of live readings now in its 10th year, kicks off the 2012 pany’s Artistic Director Mitch Golob, April search for the best amateur GLBT singers of the Gender Studies Program and a Pro- from humor/lifestyle columnist Homer Sunday, April 8 Easter service at Urban Village Church 10 – May 20 at the DCA Storefront Theater, in the Chicago area. Singers sign up at fessor of Anthropology, Gender Studies, Marrs, celebrating 7 years of his column Spiritual worship is about coming togeth- 66 E. Randolph St. 7:30pm-11pm, www. 8pm. Learn more online. 9pm, The Glen- and Latin American and Caribbean Stud- Marrs Attacks. Also reading are fellow er as community to make space for God to dcatheater.org wood, 6962 N Glenwood Ave., www.windy- ies. 12pm-1pm, 847-491-7360, Evanston Nightspots columnist A.K. Miller and edi- move in us. It’s a place to receive God’s citymediagroup.com/lgbt/windy-city-gay- Campus Women’s Center, 2000 Sheridan tor/columnist Kirk Williamson. Tickets $5, Rd., Evanston, www.northwestern.edu/ to benefit the Windy City Foundation. grace and love and to give of ourselves, Wed., April 11 idol-kicks-off-10th-year-/36745.html Dorothy Roberts, JD Dorothy Roberts is a womenscenter/ 8pm-10pm, Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark St., as well. Invite a friend and join LGBT wel- Bloom-n-Boom Subject to Change will host Professor of Law, African American Stud- American Veterans for Equal Rights (GLBT www.hamburgermarys.com/chicago coming Urban Village Church for Easter. Bloom-n-Boom at The Burlington, to cel- ies, and Sociology, and is a Faculty Fel- veterans) Monthly meeting first Thursday Drag Idol Hydrate Nightclub presents sea- 10:15am-11:30am, Urban Village Church, ebrate the early blooming springtime, low with the Institute for Policy Research. of each month. 7pm, Center on Halsted, son two of Drag Idol! A winner is chosen Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan, Chi- and the ongoing blooming of trans folks 12pm-1pm, Evanston Campus Women’s 3656 N Halsted St., www.averchicago.org every week to take home a cash prize of cago, www.urbanvillagechurch.org with the Chicago Women’s Health Center’s Center, Harris Hall 108, 2000 Sheridan $100 and secure a spot to compete in the Urban Village Church: Andersonville Eas- Rd., Evanston, www.northwestern.edu/ Drag Idol Finals to win a prize package ter service Andersonville is a neighbor- womenscenter/ worth over $10,000! 9pm, Hydrate, 3458 hood full of passion, art, diversity, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Ex- N. Halsted St., www.hydratechicago.com/ eclectic energy, all which makes Urban Vil- perience the power of Ailey and see for home/ lage Church thrilled to be joining the community! Spiritual worship is about coming yourself why this extraordinary company together as community to make space for is hailed as America’s cultural ambassador Friday, April 6 to the world. Through April 15. 7:30pm, Goodbye To Granville Book Sale Check site God to move in us. Invite a friend and join Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., for details. 12pm-4pm, 773-381-8030, LGBT welcoming Urban Village Anderson- www.auditoriumtheatre.org Gerber/Hart Library, 1137 W Granville ville Church for Easter. 10:30am-11:45am, 1602 W. Ainslie), www.newchicagochurch. Ave., www.gerberhart.org Saturday, April 14 Homoccult Show: Queer Film Screening/ com Angels in America, Part 1: Millennium Exhibition Experimental queer films fo- Brunch at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Approaches and Part 2: Perestroika A cused on majic and the occult. Themes of and Wine Bar Fleming’s Prime Steak- portion of the opening night proceeds mysticism and ritual, sacred and profane house and Wine Bar will serve brunch and will benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chi- will be richly portrayed on screen with feature three delicious courses for only cago. 3pm Part 1: Millennium, 6pm Din- a companion show of multidisciplinary $34.95 and $12.95 for children’s brunch ner (Included in Ticket Price), 8pm Part work by select Chicago artists to com- excluding tax and gratuity. Call or make 2: Perestroika Tickets $150 each. 3pm, plete the exhibition. 7pm, S&S Project, reservations online at www.flemingssteak- 312-334-0935, Court Theatre, 5535 S. El- 3145 S. Morgan St., mysproject.blogspot. house.com; 11:30am-3pm, 312-329-9463, lis Ave., www.afchicago.org com/2011/12/scented-illusions.html Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar Sister Spit Next Generation–Chicago Host Club Kylie Celebrate Kylie Minogue at the 25 E. Ohio St. Michelle Tea (Best Music Writing 2010, original Kylie party. DJ Riley York plays Dignity Chicago Progressive, inclusive and Chelsea Whistle, Valencia, Rent Girl), au- rare videos, remixes and live performances welcoming Catholic Community. Mass each thor Dorothy Allison (Bastard Out of Caro- of the Aussie Diva. 9pm, The Call (Chica- Sunday evening. dignitychicago@gmail. lina, Two or Three Things I know for Sure, go), 1547 W Bryn Mawr Ave. com; 5pm, 3338 N. Broadway, Chicago, www.dignity-chicago.org Cavedweller), nationally ranking slam Urban Village Church: Wicker Park evening poet and Mr Transman 2010 Kit Yan and Saturday, April 7 others; 7:30pm-9:30pm, 415-341-2859, This Will Have Been: Art, Love, & Politics service Wicker Park is a neighborhood full CIMMFEST, Wicker Park Art Center, 2215 in the 1980s The years shaped by two of passion, art, diversity and eclectic en- W. North Ave., www.radarproductions.org/ phenomena that frame the 1980s: femi- ergy. 5:30pm-7pm, 1502 N. Hoyne, www. tour nism and the AIDS crisis. Within these newchicagochurch.com Matt Alber LIVE In Concert See out singer- larger outlines, the exhibition finds desire songwriter Matt Alber, celebrating the - rather than cynicism or irony - to be the Monday, April 9 6th anniversary of The Flesh Hungry Dog real tenor of the decade. Through June Live Band Karaoke with Amy Armstrong Show. Doors open at 9 pm, show starts at 3, 2012. 12pm, Museum of Contemporary Every Monday night at 10PM in the Front AILEY NEWS 10. Tickets at www.fleshhungrydog.com. Art, 220 East Chicago Ave., www.mcachi- Bar, hosted by the one and only Amy Arm- 9pm, Jackhammer, 6406 N Clark St. Wed.-Sunday, April 11-15 cago.org/media strong; 10pm, Roscoe’s, 3356 N Halsted Homoccult Show: Queer Film Screening/ St, Chicago, www.roscoes.com Drag Race with Frida Lay Chicago’s only Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform at Exhibition Experimental Queer films fo- the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy. Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Photo by Eduardo Patino : online ChicagoPride.com WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 37

BILLY MASTERS Build Your Easter Bonnet because of the suit, we now know even more Saturday, April 7 • 3-6pm “All I have to say is it’s true: I have a man-crush than Walters wrote. Maybe Jackie can file her on Adam. It blows me away people can pick up on own defamation suit against Nancy! that just by watching us on television. I want to You might think you’re immune to this type kiss him. I want to kiss him so bad. I don’t care of disclosure because your mom isn’t Barbara if it’s mutual or not.”—Blake Shelton admits his Walters. Think again. Gay porn star Samuel Colt lustful desires for fellow The Voice judge, Adam recently said how shocked he was when his mom Levine. called to ask if he was a gay male porn star. I’m not a Roman Catholic, but believe me How’d she find out? Here’s his story: “She had when I tell you I have nothing against this had a date with a guy and he had stood her up. current pope. I really don’t. He orders custom- She wanted to entertain herself so she went to made red sandals from Provincetown. Fine. He’s the adult bookstore to buy a dildo.....” Right rumored to have been a Nazi. I saw The DaVinci there, blood would be coming out of my ears Code; nothing surprises me—or so I thought. and I’d be screaming, “La-la-la-la-la.” But, Sam- Then I saw Pope Benedict XVI driving in the uel continued to listen to his mother’s tawdry Popemobile to preside over a mass in Mexico tale. “She decided to browse the gay magazines while wearing a sombrero on his head! This because she said that’s where the hottest guys

Gareth Thomas (left) says that Mickey Rourke /SidetrackBar You supply the creativity... is still on board. we’ll supply the supplies.

S I D E T R A C K T H E V I D E O B A R 3 3 4 9 N . H A L S T E D S T. S I D E T R A C K C H I C A G O . C O M

was actually the second sombrero of his trip. always were. And there I was, on the cover of He was presented with the first sombrero by a the magazine.” This story could only get worse mariachi band the night before. Are you telling if she bought the magazine—“to entertain her- me this sandal-wearing Nazi Pope is doing shots self!” with a mariachi band and then is riding down Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Travis in the streets of Guadalajara wearing a sombrero Denver: “Was that Harry Hamlin who picked up like he’s on spring break? It’s like Popes Gone little Ian on ‘Shameless’ last week? Damn, he Wild—show your tits and he’ll toss you a string still looks mighty hot. Will we be seeing more of of rosary beads! Next thing you know, he’ll be him?” inaugurating a wet vestments contest at St. Pe- That was, indeed. Although I’m not sure he ter’s! I’m sure more than one cardinal is think- knows Ian’s name—“I’m gonna call you Gin- ing, “That could really liven up midnight mass ger” seemed to stick. It’s safe to say that Harry on Easter!” Hamlin’s still got it. He looks positively scrump- Gareth Thomas has refuted reports that Mickey tious for 60. Strike that—he looks good for 50! Rourke will not be playing the openly gay rugby This may be the first viewing of Harry’s assets great in a biopic: “Any notion that Mickey is giv- since 1994’s “Save Me” (which I think was one ing up on the role are way off the mark. I teamed of those Cinemax flicks). A couple of years ago, up with Mickey because in my opinion there’s Hamlin was asked if he’d consider doing a sequel nobody better to take on such a challenging role to Making Love. He said, “If they want to do and nothing has changed there. He’s so moti- something about a gay octogenarian, I may be vated by the role it’s blown me away.” Address- up for it in a couple of years.” How prophetic ing other rumors about the film, Thomas said, that his Shameless character could fulfill that “We’d love Tom Hardy to be involved, but he will goal. And, yes, he will be returning next sea- not be playing me.” No one’s ruling out playing son—but in a surprising way that I can’t dis- WITH him, however. close. By the way, Cameron Monaghan plays the I had no idea Barbara Walters was being sued aforementioned Ian and let me share a cute ... and in a Massachusetts court! In her auto- story: The director waited until his 18th birth- biography, Audition, Walters discusses daughter day to avoid any controversy when filming the Jackie’s problems while attending the Wykeham nude scene and an earlier sex scene. Of course, Rise School, a boarding school in Connecticut. there’s nothing controversial about me posting Here’s the passage in question: “Jackie had a it on BillyMasters.com. new friend named Nancy, whom the school When I’m not being controversial, it’s defi- kicked out midterm for bad behavior. She and nitely time to end yet another column. I still Jackie had been found in the nearby town, high can’t get over my first story. I wouldn’t be sur- on God-knows-what.” According to Nancy Shay, prised if those photos of the Pope in a sombrero the drug use was “pure fiction” and that she, in will resurface at some competency hearing at fact, was having a lesbian romance with Wal- the Vatican. If that happens, you know I’ll cover ters’ daughter! She’s accused Babs of having her it on www.BillyMasters.com, the truly diverse expelled from the school to thwart the Sapphic website. If you’ve got a question for me, drop romance, and says Walters’ forced her to stay a note to [email protected] and I promise silent about the affair, saying, “You’ll ruin your to get back to you before Samuel Colt’s mom name. Never mind, you’ll ruin my name and my decides to make a film of her own! Until next daughter’s name.” Horrors! The presiding judge time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s stated that since Nancy’s last name wasn’t print- bible. ed in the book, very few people would know it was her and there was no defamation. Ironically, 38 April 4, 2012 WINDY CITY TIMES would take off, but I’m very happy with the success of it. I’m happy we’ve been able to grow ‘Strike Out Hunger’ and sustain the event. I’m grateful for the support from the community.” Debbie Hinde, the chief health care strategist rolls on in Des Plaines for Vital Bridges, said the event has a “huge impact.” By Ross Forman “I’m proud that it is a good contribution,” said “I think it’s wonderful that groups of people John Paquet, who was the president of the 9 in the community do something to help,” she The 15th annual Strike Out Hunger bowling fun- To 12 League for 12 years. “The fact that we’ve added. “The [9 To 12] league has been commit- draiser, held March 31 at River Rand Bowl in been able to raise $100,000, I’m very proud of ted to raising funds, and just being supportive.” north suburban Des Plaines was a success. that. Tonight is all about fund-raising and hav- About 130 bowlers participated, spread out ing a good time—and I really think everyone is over 23 of the facilities’ 24 lanes. About $7,000 having fun.” ‘Bike the Drive’ was raised for Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Teams of six bowled three casual games each, Care—and more than $100,000 has been raised with every game carrying a carefree approach. May 27 The 2012 Bike the Drive—when people can over the years. “I really enjoy this event,” said Jack Marunde, cycle the length of Lake Shore Drive and auto traffic is closed off—will take place Sunday, May 27. The event begins at 5:30 a.m., and organizers recommend starting no later than 7:30 a.m. The route begins at Columbus Drive and Jack- son Drive; the round-trip distance is 30 miles, with the northern turnaround point at Bryn Mar Jim Stubblefield at Strike Out Hunger. Photo Avenue and the southern turnaround at 57th from John Paquet Street. There will be rest stops along the way. See www.BikeTheDrive.org. 43, who lives in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood and is now the 9 To 12 League president. Disability awareness “I’ve been attending this event for the past three or four years, and it really is a blast; I run/walk April 29 have fun every year and think everyone does.” The “Celebrate Differences” Disability Aware- The event is the brainchild of former league ness 5K Run/Walk will take place Sunday, April bowler John Kautz, who suggested a fundraiser 29, at 61 Franklin St., Oswego. to aid the former HIVCO (HIV Coalition) facil- The run start time is 9 a.m.; registration is ity in Elk Grove Village. “The first [fundraiser] 7:30-8:30 a.m. was relatively modest; we filled about half of the All participants will receive a reusable draw- lanes. Now it’s basically a sellout, and has been string gear bag and a high-performance tech for years. shirt. Pre-register at www.ItsRaceTime.com. “I had no idea, at the first event, that this

9 to 12 President Jack Marunde. Photo from John Paquet impactful.” Welts said he is open to helping Welts on Kobe, the Warriors produce such a video, as other gay players and more pro teams have done, such as the San Fran- ADVERTISEMENT By Ross Forman cisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and others. When experience counts... This could be The Year. —Being openly gay in Northern Califor- In service to the community for over 30 years. Rick Welts said he would not be surprised in nia: “It is very easy, just as it was for me an athlete playing in one of the big four male in Phoenix, New York [City], Seattle and Los The Law Offices of professional team sports (baseball, basket- Angles. People are very welcoming here.” Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss & Associates ball, football and hockey) came out as gay— —Dating: Welts has been dating Todd Gage. while still active, and his choice to do so. Gage, a father of two, splits time between the “I don’t think it’s that far away [from hap- San Francisco-Oakland area and Sacramento, LANDLORD’S OBLIGATION TO RETURN SECURITY DEPOSITS pening,] whether it’s one year, or three years, Welts said. “He is great, wonderful. It’s great or five years, I don’t know. … I do, I really do to be able to include him in the work part of Q. I am planning to move out of my apartment during the spring. I expect to have a problem with my [think it will happen soon, though,]” Welts my life,” Welts said. landlord in getting my security deposit refunded when I move. What is my landlord’s responsibility under said. Gage joined Welts in December at the War- the law to return my security deposit? In talking with players, including peren- riors’ annual holiday party, attended by players and key staff. “That was a great experi- A. Chicago’s “Residential Tenant and Landlord Ordinance” applies to all residential, rental real estate nial All-Star Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, located within the City of Chicago. The law establishes responsibilities for landlords not only in leasing Welts said he has not heard any objections ence that I haven’t had before—choosing to apartments but in handling their tenant’s security deposits (the law does not apply, however, to owners of to an openly gay player. In fact, he said that include someone like that in my professional buildings of six units or less AND owner occupied). Nash comments when Welts said he is gay life,” Welts said. Welts courted Gage, a flight The landlord must pay interest to his tenants. And the landlord is obligated, within 30 days of the end included, “I can’t even believe we’re talking attendant for Southwest Airlines, after spot- of each 12-month rental period, to pay any interest due to the tenant by cash or a credit against the rent. about this in 2011. How can this possibly ting him on a flight. Welts introduced himself When a landlord receives a security deposit from a new or existing tenant he is obligated to give a even be an issue?” because “he was someone who I wanted to receipt to the tenant showing the date received, the amount of the deposit and the name of the person Here are Welts’ comments about various meet.” receiving it. other subjects: —Participating in the 2014 Gay Games The security deposit cannot be used for the last month’s rent although it is a very common practice. —Anti-gay comments in 2011 from Kobe in Cleveland or the annual Coady Roundball Under the law the tenant must pay the last month’s rent even though they plan to move at the end of the Classic in Chicago, the oldest and longest- last month. When the apartment is vacated the landlord has 45 days within which to return the security Bryant and Joakim Noah: “I cut them some deposit to the tenant plus any interest. slack; I really do, right or wrong. Both [com- running gay basketball tournament, held Your landlord may deduct from the security deposit any unpaid rent and a reasonable amount necessary ments] were [made] at the height of frustra- every April: “I’d have to get back on the to repair any damage to the property. If the apartment is damaged and your landlord wants to deduct tion. I think both of them now really regret court and get in better shape,” before par- money from the security deposit to pay for the repairs the landlord must within 30 days after the tenant what they said. During the heat of the mo- ticipating, he said, laughing. “I think I have vacates the apartment deliver or mail to the tenant an itemized statement of the damages caused to the ment, each [thought], ‘What is the most hurt- more to offer sports from the administrative premises and the estimated or actual cost of repairing each item. If the items have been repaired the ful thing I could say to this person who is side of things as opposed to playing.” How- landlord must attach copies of the paid receipts for the repairs or replacements. causing me frustration?’ And the most hurtful ever, he would attend a gay sporting event. If the landlord or the landlord’s agent (management company) fails to comply with the city ordinance or thing they could think to say was, [basically] “I’d have to make sure my game was up to my refuses to return the security deposit the tenant can take the landlord to court and recover an amount equal ‘You’re a homosexual.’ That was the ultimate own standards,” he added with a smile. to two times the security deposit plus interest with court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees. insult.” —Chicago: “It’s the one city that I’ve —An openly gay player in the NBA: “I wanted to live in that I’ve never had the think the vast majority of the athletes [in the opportunity to live in, because I really love • Bankruptcy • Wills, Trusts & Probate NBA] could care less about someone’s sexual Chicago.” Welts has been to Boystown mul- • Real Estate Closings • Civil Unions orientation; they just want to know if [the tiple times, including its gay bars, although he didn’t remember which ones. 19 S. LaSalle, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603 player] can help the team.” —It Gets Better videos: “They can be very 312-263-8800 [email protected] We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. WINDY CITY TIMES April 4, 2012 39 CONNE IONS X MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS State Farm® Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC Providing Insurance and Financial Services Family Law Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710 Ray is a legal authority on all of his practice areas, which include probate, trusts, guardianship, estate planning, Donald B. Boyd, Jr. and elder law, including the litigation of those areas. He is a longtime • Divorce/Wills/Trusts advocate for and member of the • Real Estate Closings LGBT community, and is involved in • Civil Unions • LGBT Issues several charitable groups, community associations, and professional Linda Kuczka, Agent • Custody Violation • Child Support organizations. 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