MAKING EBONIE DAVIS Running for Vacated State Rep Position

vol 33, no. 05 Oct. 18, 2017 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com VERY

JOHN LEWIS Congressman talks LGBT, civil rights. Sasha Velour. Interview on page 16. Photo of Congressman John Lewis courtesy of Lewis 10 Photo by Adam Ouahmane VELOUR Speaking with drag champ Sasha Velour MAKING EBONIE DAVIS Running for vacated state rep position. Photo courtesy of Davis 11 SPACE The premiere of the Dyke LEGACY WALK Spaces exhibit Dedication honors Harlem Renaissance. Dyke Spaces creators Kristen Kaza, Ruby Western and Liz Weck. Photo of Victor Salvo by Carrie Maxwell 4 Photo by Carrie Maxwell PAGE 8

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 2 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES

In adults with HIV on ART who have diarrhea not caused by an infection

IMPORTANT PATIENT INFORMATION This is only a summary. See complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com or by calling 1-844-722-8256. This does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite). Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include: • Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or Tired of planning your life around diarrhea? call 1-800-FDA-1088. Should I Take Mytesi If I Am: Pregnant or Planning to Become Pregnant? • Studies in animals show that Mytesi could harm an unborn baby or affect the ability to become pregnant Enough is Enough • There are no studies in pregnant women taking Mytesi Get relief. Pure and simple. Ask your doctor about Mytesi. • This drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed A Nursing Mother? Mytesi (crofelemer): • It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Is the only medicine FDA-approved to relieve diarrhea in people with HIV • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop • Treats diarrhea differently by normalizing the flow of water in the GI tract taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Has the same or fewer side effects as placebo in clinical studies • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Comes from a tree sustainably harvested in the Amazon Rainforest • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to What is Mytesi? find out if Mytesi is right for you Mytesi is a prescription medicine that helps relieve symptoms of diarrhea not caused by What Should I Know About Taking Mytesi an infection (noninfectious) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART). With Other Medicines? If you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine, herbal Important Safety Information supplements, or vitamins, tell your doctor before starting Mytesi. Mytesi is not approved to treat infectious diarrhea (diarrhea caused by bacteria, a virus, or a What If I Have More Questions About Mytesi? parasite). Before starting you on Mytesi, your healthcare provider will first be sure that you do not For more information, please see the full Prescribing Information at have infectious diarrhea. Otherwise, there is a risk you would not receive the right medicine and Mytesi.com or speak to your doctor or pharmacist. your infection could get worse. In clinical studies, the most common side effects that occurred To report side effects or make a product complaint or for additional information, call 1-844-722-8256. more often than with placebo were upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, and throat) infection (5.7%), bronchitis (3.9%), cough (3.5%), flatulence (3.1%), and increased bilirubin (3.1%). Rx Only For Copay Savings Card and Manufactured by Patheon, Inc. Patient Assistance, see Mytesi.com for Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. San Francisco, CA 94105 Copyright © Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mytesi comes from the Croton lechleri tree harvested Please see complete Prescribing Information at Mytesi.com. in South America.

NP-390-23 RELIEF, PURE AND SIMPLE WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 3 NEWS Legacy Walk dedication; column 4 OBITS: John Charles Power 5 Trans woman of color claims discrimination 6 Affinity coming-out event 7 Dyke-spaces exhibit opens 8 LGBT History Month: Congressman John Lewis 10 Elections 2018: Ebonie Davis 11 Viewpoints: Lynch; letter 12 ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Dancin’ Feats 13 INDEX

download this issue and browse the archives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

Theater reviews 14

vol 33, no. 05 oct. 18, 2017 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com VERY Sasha Velour talks RuPaul, Chicago and more 16

JOHN LEWIS Parking-meter art 18 Congressman talks LGBT, civil rights. Sasha Velour. Interview on page 16. Photo of Congressman John Lewis courtesy of Lewis 10 Photo by Adam Ouahmane VELOUR Speaking with drag champ Sasha Velour NIGHTSPOTS 20 MAKING Classifieds; calendar 22 EBONIE DAVIS Running for vacated state rep position. Photo courtesy of Davis 11 SPACE The premiere of the Dyke Above: WCT reviews Zombie Bathhouse. LEGACY WALK Spaces exhibit Dedication honors Harlem Renaissance. Dyke Spaces creators Kristen Kaza, Ruby Western and Liz Weck. Photo of Victor Salvo by Carrie Maxwell 4 Photo by Carrie Maxwell PAGE 8 Photo by Scott Free @windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com

online exclusives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

‘BLOCK’ and roll The latest Bent Nights is about The Hideout Block Party. Photo of Sally Timms (left) by Vern Hester

‘MARSHALL’ LAW

SWITCH PERFECT Find out about the local LGBTQ dance-partner party called SWITCH.

THAT’S SHOW BIZ Find out the latest about Shaun T, Bjork and the amfAR gala.

WCT covered the red-carpet plus screening of the film Marshall. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo of Jussie Smollett by Jerry Nunn 4 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Legacy Walk honors GUEST COLUMN Harlem Renaissance by Kelsi Williams at dedication Fighting transphobia By Carrie Maxwell A lot of people believe that being completely The whole idea of not dating a transgender open with your significant other is an im- person being a preference leads to those situa- The Harlem Renaissance (1919-1929) was hon- portant part of any relationship, but to what tions where trans people—especially women— ored with a bronze memorial plaque Oct. 15 at extent does this statement stand? A popular are losing their lives. A preference is under- the sixth annual Legacy Walk dedication cer- debate today is whether or not someone should standable, but what is the reasoning and the emony. The plaque is located between Melrose inform their partner that they identify as trans- definition behind this specific preference? A Street and Aldine Avenue on Halsted Street in gender. This raises the question: Are the people lot of times there is no answer to the question Lake View, and celebrates the first urban LGBTQ who think that knowing this information is im- so it is deemed as a transphobic response. community in the United States. portant transphobic? Whether they face physical or emotional This milestone joins 37 other bronze memorial For those that do not know, a transgender abuse by these acts is irrelevant, the point is plaques commemorating the Stonewall Riot and person is someone who does not identify with that real people are getting hurt for being who the Pink Triangle as well as the lives of LGBTQ the gender that they were assigned at birth. It they are. This exact reason is why the whole people from across history and around the world. does not matter if the person undergoes sur- situation is considered transphobic, not even Among these individuals are Jane Addams, Jose- gery, they are still valid and no one really has just for the simple act of having the prefer- phine Baker, James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry, the right to tell them otherwise. ence, but because of the actions that may or Barbara Jordan, Frida Kahlo, Dr. Sally Ride, Sylvia Most answers to the debate of revealing not follow once the person finds out their part- Rivera, Bayard Rustin, Alan Turing and Walt Whit- trans identities end with people saying yes ner’s gender identity. man. that they would want their partner to alert When asked, several people, my age and Polish artist and illustrator Krzysztof Wasko Post-dedication ceremony emcee Wayne even older, have admitted provided the artwork while University of Illinois Johnson. that if they were to find out at Champaign-Urbana History Professor Dr. Kevin Photo by Carrie Maxwell that the person they were Mumford consulted on the text for the plaque. A “Whether they face physical or involved with identified as consortium of private individuals sponsored the then becomes what we recognize as valid history. transgender they would no plaque, which was spearheaded by Legacy Project The Legacy Project challenges that erasure.” emotional abuse by these acts is longer be in the relationship Board Member Paul Highfield. Legacy Project co-founder/Executive Director irrelevant, the point is that real anymore. When hearing all of Legacy Project Board President Ralph Kennedy Victor Salvo noted that this endeavor is a labor this, I was initially surprised spoke about the almost one million dollars that of love and called the Legacy Walk a “community people are getting hurt for being because in 2017 everyone has been raised from corporations, organizations garden’ due to the variety of individuals involved claims that they are evolved and individuals over the past six years. in making it come to life. He explained that the who they are.” and that this generation is Highfield noted the friends and co-workers who Legacy Walk is the only installation of its kind a very open one, but these have helped him raise funds for this year’s plaque that honors the contributions of LGBTQ people responses were the complete and 10 other plaques. and milestones in the world. opposite of exactly that. Af- Chicago Commission on Human Relations Board “The Harlem Renaissance was an African Ameri- them if they identify as transgender. They be- ter my initial shock wore off I considered the Chair and Commissioner Mona Noriega explained can cultural watershed propelled by the LGBTQ lieve that having this piece of information will fact that this is still a very controversial topic Mumford’s role in “calling out the realities and people who were the main movers and shakers determine whether or not they want to be in no matter how much the world has evolved and beautiful African American queerness of the Har- within that community, people like Gladys Bent- the relationship with that person. The ones that these answers should still be expected. lem Renaissance.” ley, Langston Hughes, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith who have those beliefs think that it is a simple Although mindsets are not expected to Noriega said her job involves seeing the ugli- and Wallace Thurman,” said Salvo. ”The neigh- preference and that it has nothing to do with be completely changed, violent actions are. ness of discrimination and hate crimes “but an borhood was the first gayborhood in the United anything being wrong with transgender people, Things like abuse and killing are obviously not affirmative part of my work is about recognizing States but it did not start out that way. African they just prefer to not be in relationships with acceptable in the first place, but it is even all communities and the diversity even within American people from all over the country, and them. more harmful to know that someone’s life can each of those communities, which for today particularly the south, were escaping the epidem- Advocates for proper treatment of transgen- be in danger due to something that is at their means recognizing and holding up for all to see ic of lynching and Jim Crow laws to come to the der individuals do not appreciate that side of very core as a human being. For years to come ... the queerness of the Harlem Renaissance.” north [including to Harlem] and make a new be- the argument and consider the need to know this same debate will more than likely be in Noriega spoke about reclaiming history because ginning and in the midst of all that LGBTQ folks about it transphobic overall. In the case of circulation, but as people trying to evolve and it saves lives. She said that in this moment, when found each other and began to create, without transgender people, some partners who have educate ourselves, everyone must remember many communities are feeling under attack with even realizing it, the basic elements that would found out that they have transitioned, or iden- that no matter your sexual orientation, gen- policies that are based on old stereotypes and come to define that era.” tify as transgender, get very violent with them. der identity, race, height, whatever it may be, lies, it is important to be reminded of the people Following Noriega’s and Salvo’s remarks, jazz In the most extreme cases, the transgender everyone deserves to be treated with respect. who have persevered despite the obstacles they chanteuse/recording artist Tovi Khali read the person gets killed because the partner feels So even if you would no longer date your trans faced. biography for the Harlem Renaissance ahead of betrayed or tricked. Whatever their reasoning partner do not treat them as less just for being “I love that the Harlem Renaissance is referred the unveiling. is, they still end up harming a person that was who they are. to as a cultural explosion and a literary, musical, A reception followed at Sidetrack with Chicago trying to open up to them. cultural and political movement, but most often television personality Wayne Johnson as emcee, it is not recognized as being shaped by LGBTQ and it featured a performance by Khali. About people,” said Noriega. “We all know that erasing, 75 people attended the afternoon dedication and not recognizing or outright denial of the con- celebration. Kelsi Williams is a senior at Lindblom Math and Science Academy where she writes for their tributions of African Americans, women, queer Johnson explained that due to talented and newspaper “The Talon”. people and many others, is a part of the false nar- rative that gets weaved into history books that Turn to page 5 WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 5 PASSAGES ter on Addison and Red Door Animal Shelter. John leaves behind his husband and partner of John Charles Power 40 years, Raymond Terry Tatum; his partner of John Charles Power died suddenly of cardiac ar- 21 years, Robert A. Novak:, his kitties Scooter, rest Aug. 23 in Chicago. He was 74. Sass/Sweet Pea, Tommy, Fluff and Geebers; out- He was born in Sherman, Texas, raised in Caddo door cats that he cared for, including Mom Cat, and McAlester, Oklahoma, and came to Chicago in Brewster, Castor and Tortie; and friends that he 1968 after college and stints in the U.S. Navy and cherished. American Red Cross. John was one-quarter Choctaw on his mother’s He received a master’s degree in social work side, and he took great pride in his Native an- from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle cestry. in 1974 and an associate degree in nursing from Donations in his memory can be made to the Harry S Truman College in 1981. John was active John C. Power Endowed Scholarship at the Ameri- in early Chicago gay rights and social service or- can Indian College Fund (www.collegefund.org). ganizations in the 1970s, including Chicago Gay A memorial celebration of John’s life will be Alliance, Gay Horizons (where he organized and held on Sunday, Oct. 22, 5-8 p.m., at Ann Sather, ran the Peer Counseling program), Howard Brown 909 W. Belmont Ave. For more information, email Health Center and Mattachine Midwest (serving [email protected]. as president). He also actively participated in many Chicago pride parades, beginning with the second one from Washington Square to the Civic Center (now Victor Salvo, Tovi Khali and Mona Noriega (from left), with the Harlem Renaissance plaque in the Daley Center). For several years in the 1970s, background. John lived in the “Emerald City,” a commune of Photo by Carrie Maxwell gay men living in an old house on Winthrop Av- enue in the Edgewater neighborhood. In 1976-1977, he fostered, as an “out” gay LEGACY from page 4 ing Salvo and Stoli Ambassador Patrik Gallineaux adult and with the support and licensure of the doing a tour of the walk. This is part of Stoli’s creative people and organizations, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family Ser- year-long campaign, “Raising the Bar,” featuring Legacy Project, there has been an increased vis- vices, an “out” gay teenager. heroes of diversity—one of many video series un- ibility of the LGBTQ community over the years. While a nurse at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New der the Raising the Bar umbrella. He said it is great to hear men refer to their hus- York City in 1982-83, John took care of many An exhibit of museum artifacts from the Harlem bands and women refer to their wives as well as early AIDS patients, a task in which he took great Renaissance was on display at the reception as LGBTQ people succeeding in business and poli- pride. well as a mock-up of the plaque itself. tics. He was a member of the Chicago Cossacks The reception featured a silent auction, raffle “As we know the job is not done,” said John- leather club in the 1980s. He worked for almost prizes, bar items by Stoli, food by J&L Catering son. “We live in an amazing community here in three decades for the Community Counseling Cen- and sponsorship courtesy of Levi Strauss & Co., Chicago, but there are many folks around the ters of Chicago (C4) as a psychiatric nurse and Stoli Group USA, MillerCoors, Walgreens, Side- world and across the spectrum who still deal with social worker, retiring in 2015. track and Center on Halsted. great challenges from adolescents to adults. Edu- John loved his garden and reading, including See http://legacyprojectchicago.org/ and cation and awareness helps create comfort zones mystery novels and books about history, medi- https://www.facebook.com/legacyprojectchica- for more folks to emerge from the shadows and cine and quantum physics, and he was devoted go/ for more information. that includes the Legacy Walk. I am happy to be to his cats. John Charles Power. Note: Carrie Maxwell is a volunteer with the here and be a part of it all.” In his retirement, John volunteered at the Cen- Photo from Terry Tatum During the reception a video was shown featur- Legacy Project.

Turn the place you live into the home you love.

Consider a U.S. Bank Home Equity Line of Credit for your next project. With competitive rates and flexible payment options, lasting home improvements could be within reach.

Call 800.209.BANK (2265), visit a local branch, or go to usbank.com/dreambig

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2017 U.S. Bank. 171177 8/17 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. 6 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Chicago trans woman alleges discrimination at Indiana orchard by Matt Simonette But Wade was asked yet again three more times. When asked just before the group tried A transgender Chicago woman is contemplating to take the farm’s hay ride, someone pulled her legal action after she and her friends were eject- aside, leading to the incident resulting in the po- ed by police from a popular Northwest Indiana lice being called. apple farm. “By then I was irritated and frustrated, because LaSaia Wade and 11 friends were asked to leave I had been asked multiple times,” she explained. County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana, on Oct. “I even showed the certificate [on the phone] 7 after staff objected to Wade’s dog, a pit bull, when, legally, I shouldn’t have to.” which Wade said she repeatedly explained was a Wade added, “I told [the employee], ‘You’re service animal. She maintains that the ejection speaking to the dog before you’re speaking to me. was the result of racism (Wade is African-Amer- You don’t have the right to speak to her. I don’t ican), transphobia and ableism—allegations the even feel like I’m human right now. You’re calling farm denies. my dog ‘beautiful,’ but you’re not speaking to me Wade, a prominent activist on transgender- like I even have rights.’” rights issues, told Windy City Times that she has She further maintained that “no one there the dog for seizure alerts as well as emotional knew about the laws and information about ADA” support. Dogs for seizure alerts specifically fall and said that this last employee refused to look under Americans with Disabilities Act accommo- at the proof on her phone. “We live in a technol- dations. ogy age, and I’m not going to carry paperwork According to Department of Justice regulations, around. That’s just something that you don’t do,” businesses and other entities are only allowed to Wade said. ask if an animal is required for a disability and In an Oct. 10 statement to Windy City Times, LaSaia Wade. what tasks the animal is trained to perform. Per- Ryan Richardson, whose family owns the farm, Photo by Sarah-Ji Rhee sons requiring service animal accommodations maintained that Wade had not provided them But Richardson maintained in an Oct. 9 state- families can feel safe and create memories. are not required to carry documentation or certi- with even the minimal amount of information ment that the employees were only concerned “We have had dog attacks in the past and are fication proof. Businesses and other entities may about her service dog. about enforcing the pet and service animal pol- very concerned for the safety of all of our visi- not prohibit particular breeds of animals based “Based on our understanding of ADA with icy: “Shortly after the incident this group made tors. on prior experiences. regards to service dogs, there should be no the decision to portray via social media that “… We have hosted thousands of service ani- Wade said she was stopped by several employ- relevance in the certification or legitimacy of County Line Orchard, its staff and the Hobart Po- mals, brought in by all types of visitors and have ees throughout their visit, beginning at the front certification of the dog,” Richardson said. “The lice Department were discriminating against the never had a problem. gate. An employee there asked if the pit bull was ADA guidelines outline the following criteria for group based on race, gender and or sexual orien- “Our policy is congruent with ADA policy and a service dog, Wade recalled. “I said yes, and that us to follow: 1) is this a service dog? 2) is the tation,” he said. we do not require paperwork. We were simply in- was pretty much it at first.” dog present to provide service associated with Richardson added, “We find this claim to be quiring about the tasks the dog performs and if But the questioning did not stop, she said. a disability? 3) what services has the dog been offensive and disturbing based on the fact that the dog was necessary for a disability, neither of About three minutes later, another employee ap- trained to provide? none of the staff, the owners and or the police which were made clear to our staff at the time. proached. “We were lacking cooperation with the above were aware of any description or characteristics “… I would love nothing more than to have “She was a little more aggressive,” Wade said. inquiries and guidelines. We were also fielding of the guests other than their unwillingness to the group come back and get to experience why According to Wade, the second employee asked to concerns from parents that there was a pit bull answer questions in regards to the pit bull. so many folks flock to the orchard each year. My see the dog’s paperwork, and Wade reminded her with a retractable leash on site. “County Line Orchard and its staff have worked team pours their heart and soul into this business that such a request was illegal. That person told “It is not uncommon for us to have visitors extremely hard to champion diversity in the work and we are passionate about serving every guest Wade she needed to “check in up front,” which with service dogs on property. Due to a lack of force and our customer base. Our own diversity as that takes the time to visit.” Wade told her she’d already done. Wade was told cooperation and inconsistencies regarding the a company and the attention by owners to create Wade said that she has received more than 10 the dog needed something visible indicating it above, we made the decision to escort the dog and support an open and diverse working envi- death threats since going public with the story, was a service dog; Wade explained that is also and the guest from the property.” ronment is what makes our organization special. and is contemplating legal options. not the case, however. Vests and other similar Wade maintained that the Hobart police officer, “We find it incredibly sad that this group “I’m talking to some people now, because I was items signifying service animals are not required who had been hired by the farm, was “aggressive. chooses to use our attention to a pet policy to in the complete right,” she said. under ADA rules. He wouldn’t listen to me. I wanted to say, ‘I know label us as something opposite of our beliefs and She admitted to “feeling disgusted with hu- The employee backed down, but about four you are a policeman and doing your job, but you integrity,” said Richardson. mans right now. … I understand that the orchard or five minutes later, yet another employee ap- didn’t have to be a dick while doing your job at Richardson attempted to phone Wade Oct. 8 to is probably a big deal for Indiana, and carries proached. This person seemed to be “a secretary the same time. You could have asked and seen apologize. She subsequently posted the message a lot of jobs for people. But they weren’t even or something,” Wade said, and told the group the certificate, and you could have seen that I to social media. County Line Orchard officials said treating me as human when they did what they that “unless I had something physically showing was in the right. I could have helped to file a that their Oct. 9 statement, emphasizing the ser- did. For me to get pushback—even when I had that she was a service dog” they’d have to leave. report, that this is discrimination.’ But that’s not vice animal policy and the allegations of Wade’s the law behind me—with people saying I’m in “Again, I said, ‘This is illegal for you to ask me the point. He was there to secure capitalism in non-compliance, came about because the episode the wrong, shows that you don’t really care about [about the dog] or demand that she have some- that moment, not to secure a person in need, had been blown up on social media. civil rights or anything like that. For [my dog] to thing on her proving that she is a service dog,”’ [who is also] a person with a disability.” “Yes, I am very sorry for all involved that an be discriminated against because she’s a certain Wade said. “What I did was pull out my phone Footage of Wade and her friends’ ejection from incident like this happened at our farm,” Rich- kind of breed is a whole other level.” [which had photographic proof of the certifica- the premises was widely circulated on Facebook, ardson said Oct. 10. “In my 12 years of owning The video was posted on YouTube at https:// tion] and went to the front and showed it to and on social media they have maintained that it we have never had to ask a guest to leave. We www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-VBkl5h11I. them. They let me go, and once again I thought the ejection came about because of racism, are passionate about having an environment that everything was good.” transphobia and ableism. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 7 Affinity hosts Coming Out Day event by Vern Hester

National Coming Out Day, held every year on Oct. 11, was celebrated at “Our Stories, Our Voices,” which featured social mingling and a program of speakers sharing their coming out stories at the Near South Side offices of Affinity Community Services. Throughout history, Black LGBTQ and same- gender-loving people have been faced with ad- versity and many of those stories were never shared. “Our Stories, Our Voices” aimed to address that silence through an evening of story- telling and sharing. The LGBTQ speakers ranged in age from their 20s through their 60s. Antonio King, the admin- istrator for the LGBTQ Health and Outreach Pro- gram of the City of Chicago Department of Public Heath, emceed. Sponsoring organizations were Affinity Commu- nity Services, the Brave Space Alliance and the Chicago Gay Black Men’s Caucus. Affinity Director Imani Rupert-Gordon joked with Brave Alliance Imani Rupert-Gordon and Phyllis Johnson. Saturday, Nov. 4 Director LaSaia Wade and Caucus board member Photo by Vern Hester David Dodd, “We call ourselves the ‘ABC’s.” Aavafa Payne spoke about her coming out accepted her but gave her strong advice: “Before South Loop, 9 am in the early 1970s and how she found a clini- you tell me who you are be sure you know who cal book on homosexuality at the public library you are … .” when she was 15. While bowling with her family This led to her transition which, though met 5K ruN, 1 miLe waLK, ruN or roLL the book fell out of her jacket pocket and was with acceptance by her mother, ignited rage in the pink hat run will benefit organizations that provide services, noticed by two women who she did not know. her father and was the lynch pin for them get- They told her that she might enjoy a place called ting in a fist fight and him pulling a gun. After advocacy and support to women and girls, and are central to improving The Daisy Patch on Granville Avenue that held a several more confrontations, with bullets being the lives of Chicago communities. “no-alcohol teen night.” Payne went and eventu- fired, Wade and her father were able to establish ally gravitated toward LGBTQ activists, including peace and Wade continued her inner and outer the 5K/1 mile run, walk or roll is a pledge drive along Chicago’s Vernita Gray. transition. beautiful lakefront and museum campus downtown, with a starting point Michael O’Connor spoke about growing up in “I perceive myself as a ‘goddess,’” she said at the rough Chatham neighborhood in the ’70s and the start of her story. Wade is not only the direc- on prairie avenue in the South Loop neighborhood, how he learned early that Black gays were not tor of the Brave Space Alliance but is founder next to the women’s park & Gardens. welcome in white gay bars. He spoke about how of The TNT J Project in Tennessee, a member of the bars would demand an active passport for en- the Trans Liberation Collective, and the first trans piNK hat ruN ChiCaGo’S 2017 beNefiCiarieS iNCLude: try, adding, “If you were not white, male, and woman in Illinois to he honored during Comptrol- • access Living • moms demand action Chicago didn’t have money, you were invisible.” ler Susana Mendoza’s Women’s History Month. • Chicago foundation for women (Cfw) • pediatric aidS Chicago prevention He also spoke about how difficult it was with There were more stories at the event, many of • Chicago National organization for initiative the added burden of Black gay men discriminat- which spoke on the importance of a supportive women • personal paC ing against each other. With those seeming dis- and loving family and friends, the difficult task of • Chicago women take action (Cwta) • planned parenthood illinois action advantages, he educated himself and began his self-acceptance, and finding “your tribe.” activism work. • Chicago women’s aidS project • a Sister’s hope Lee, a trans man in his 20s, spoke about grow- • fierce over 40 • women’s march on Chicago ing up in rural Ohio where there, “is a church on LPAC names Vaid • mujeres Latinas en acción • ywCa metropolitan Chicago every corner,” and how he was shielded from any depiction of an LGBTQ community. Attempting to as interim leader LPAC, founded in 2012 as the first lesbian po- the pink hat run brings together women, allies and families - come out to his family, he was greeted with Bibli- litical action committee, announced that Urvashi cal quotes and confrontation until he went away “pink hatters” - to participate in a day of community and wellness. Vaid—a longtime attorney and organizer in lLGBT to college at Kent State. participants will enjoy a morning of fun, conviviality and sisterhood while and social-justice movements—will serve as the After a series of bad relationships, Lee accept- organization’s interim executive director as the raising funds for these worthy organizations. the registration fee includes ed his attraction to women and also started his search for a permanent executive director begins. a t-shirt and pink hat. this is a pledge drive event, with each organization transition. Now in Chicago for work, he closed Vaid has held senior executive positions at his story by saying he was trying to find his com- fielding teams of participants to raise funds for their agency. the Arcus Foundation, the Ford Foundation,and munity. the National LGBTQ Task Force. She is CEO of The Wade spoke about her evolution despite a di- Vaid Group a social innovation firm focused on pinkhatrun.com vided home where her mother was loving and ac- strategies to advance equity and justice, and is a cepting and her volatile father was a strict Catho- founder of LPAC. lic. Figuring out that she was gay, her mother pinkhatrun For more information, visit TeamLPAC.com. 8 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Dyke-spaces exhibit debuts on National Coming Out Day

By Carrie Maxwell Ashley Tribble served as the evening’s emcee. Poignant, moving and hilarious coming-out A rousing night of queer women comedy kicked stories were the focus of each of the perform- off Howard Brown Health’s “Lost & Found: An ex- ers—Tribble, Molly Brennan, Carly Ballerini, Molly hibit exploring Chicago’s dyke spaces of the 70s Kearney, Tamale Sepp, Shannon Noll, Morgan Mc- and 80s” on National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11, Naught, Bindu Poroori and Ashley Ray-Harris. at Reunion Chicago, 2557 W. North Ave., in Hum- Also on hand were Andy Bellamo, Lisa Ivy and boldt Park. Lilly Rascal (Nasty Bois) who performed a drag The exhibit runs through Oct. 28 and features king performance to Janet Jackson’s “Nasty Boy.” Some of the exhibit items—newspapers, softball uniforms, posters and more. items from Gerber/Hart Library and Archives and Kaza, Western and Weck said they were heart- Photos by Tracy Baim the Windy City Times and Tracy Baim archives. ened by the intergenerationality of the attend- Guests noshed on eats from Black lesbian- ees. They noted that seeing folks across age, owned Taylor’s Tacos and drinks courtesy of a experience and identity enjoying the exhibit and pop-up dyke bar ahead of remarks by exhibit pro- laughing together at the queer comedy show was ducer Kristen Kaza. (Event curator Ruby Western absolutely glorious. and Howard Brown Health’s Liz Weck were also in Upcoming events include guided tours Satur- attendance.) day, Oct. 21, a panel discussion on ’70s and ’80s Kaza previewed the exhibit’s upcoming events dyke spaces on Monday, Oct. 23, and a closing and explained that all of the bar proceeds would night Slo ‘Mo Party Saturday, Oct. 28. go toward the Maria Fund to support Puerto Rico For more information, see https://howard- after Hurricane Maria. She also noted that the brown.org/event/lost-and-found-dyke-bar-chi/ sound was provided by DJ Selah Say! and Free and http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/ Write Sound & Vision, a subsidiary of Free Write Exhibit-explores-citys-dyke-nightspots/60607. Arts & Literacy. html.

Kayleigh Green, 15, went missing from their home sometime in the night between the evening of Oct. 2 and the early morning of Oct. 3. Media reports refer to Green as a female, but a missing-persons poster distributed locally by their family says that they identify as male. Green’s parents told CBS 2 on Oct. 11 they believe Green was lured from the house by someone they’d met online. The teenager re- portedly left behind a note saying that they had headed for New York. Green was also on a number of medications, which they did not take with him. Green is Caucasian, 5’7” and weighs 165 pounds, with medium build, brown eyes, and hair that is short and brown on sides and longer and blonde on top. They probably wore black jeans, or joggers and a hoodie. There is also multiple scarring on their arms and legs. YES REAL Anyone with information is urged to call 911 PURRFORMING or 312-744-8266. CBS 2’s story is at http:// RESCUED CATS! chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/10/11/kayleigh- LIVE AND green-missing/#.Wd9Pf05l4ec.facebook. The only all cat band in the entire world! IN PURRSON Trans teen missing 10/19-10/22 GUINNESS WORLD Correction from Portage Park In the Oct. 11 issue, Erik Grazetti was the Vittum Theatre RECORD HOLDER! A transgender boy who went missing from subject of the In the Life profile. Noble St. Chicago Portion of the proceeds beneﬁts Animal their Portage Park nearly two weeks ago is still Windy City Times regrets the error. 773-342-4141 Care and Control Chicago. missing, according to reports. PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE

WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 9

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE “SOMETHING TO SAVOR!” –The New York Times

MUSIC BY SARA BAREILLES COMPOSER OF “LOVE SONG,” “BRAVE” Photos: Matthew Murphy Murphy Matthew Photos: 10 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT HISTORY MONTH Congressman John Lewis on LGBT equality, social justice John Lewis speaking at the 1963 March on Washington. Photo courtesy of Jen Colletta By JEN COLLETTA American people are demanding it. They want us to act, to do something. People say, “We have to When President Barack Obama linked Selma, Sen- wait, we have to be patient.” Before the March on eca Falls and Stonewall in his second inaugural Washington, they told us to wait, to be patient. address, it was a connection that hit home for We cannot wait. We cannot be patient. We want Congressman John Lewis. freedom, and we want it now. We want gun con- For more than six decades, Lewis has been on trol now. the front lines of the fight for social justice— PGN: Switching gears, you have degrees in religious studies. What do you think can be whether it’s racial equality, the women’s move- recent years. The scars, the stains of racism and JL: I say over and over to people—young done to close the chasm between the LGBT ment or LGBT rights. Lewis began his work in the bigotry are still deeply embedded in American so- people and not so young—that, in spite of ev- community and some religious communities? civil-rights movement in the 1950s, and quickly ciety. It’s a constant struggle for us to redeem erything that has happened, you must be hope- JL: I think it’s important for members of reli- became a national leader. He was the youngest the soul of America—during the movement, we ful. You must be optimistic. If you lose hope and gious communities to understand and know that of the “Big Six”—a national group of movement called it “a beloved community.” I believe we will you lose optimism, it’s like you don’t exist, like members of the gay community are part of the leaders, alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who get there. I think many members of the gay com- you are dead. You cannot afford to lose it. Right human family. I grew up in a Baptist Church. organized the 1963 March on Washington—and munity today are playing a major role in helping after the election, people would come up to me I attended churches of all kind in Atlanta, in an original Freedom Rider. Lewis led hundreds us get there, along with women’s groups, young and say, “Congressman, I’m so down, so down.” Nashville. People shouldn’t discriminate against of civil-rights marchers into Selma, Alabama, in people, children. I believe our finality will be the They’d walk up and say, “I need a hug.” I said, “I someone who is gay or put someone down. Many 1965, in a demonstration hat would come to be young—middle school, elementary school, high need a hug too,” and we all hugged. But we have of the members in our churches, in our religious known as “Bloody Sunday,” as protestors were school, college. They will help us get there, to lay to get up—keep picking up and putting down institutions, are gay. The church is supposed to beaten and tear-gassed by police; Lewis still down the burden of sexism, bigotry, hate, anti- and keep saying, “I’m going to keep the faith, preach the gospel of love, the gospel of peace, bears the scars of a skull fracture suffered that Semitism. We will get there. I’m very optimistic. keep moving, keep hoping and keep building that the gospel of sisterhood and brotherhood, that day. PGN: What do you say to those who don’t sense of community for the common good.” we are one family—that we all live in the same Lewis parlayed his protests into politics, ris- share that optimism, in light of the current Jen Colletta is the editor of Philadelphia Gay house, not just an American house but a world ing from a City Council member in Atlanta to a administration? News. member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a house. As Dr. King said, “Learn to live together as role he has held for more than 30 years. During brothers as sisters. If not, we’ll perish as fools.” that time, Lewis has been a constant ally to and The church needs to learn and understand that advocate for LGBT causes. there is not any room in our society—or any so- Justice Dept. steps Madigan files Philadelphia Gay News sat down with the Con- ciety—to discriminate against someone because gressman to explore his view of the evolution of of sexual orientation. in trans murder case anti-bias brief In an unusual move that Attorney General Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with American equality. PGN: You’ve been fighting for civil rights, Jeff Sessions initiated, the Justice Depart- 17 other attorneys general, filed an amicus Philadelphia Gay News: You led a congres- particularly racial justice, for decades. What ment has dispatched an experienced federal brief with the U.S. Supreme Court arguing that sional sit-in following last summer’s shoot- are your thoughts on the current state of race hate-crimes lawyer to Iowa to help prosecute employment discrimination that is based on ing at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando. What did relations in this country, compared to 60 a man charged with murdering a transgender sexual orientation violates Title VII of the Civil that accomplish, and do you think something years ago when you started this work? What’s high school student last year, according to The Rights Act. like that would be effective again, given the changed and what hasn’t? New York Times. The case, Evans v. Georgia Regional Hospital, events in Las Vegas? JL: We’ve come a distance and made a lot of Kedarie Johnson (a 16-year-old student in involves Jameka Evans, a security guard at a John Lewis: Dr. Martin Luther King once said, progress. When I was growing up and getting in- Burlington, Iowa) was fatally shot in March Savannah hospital who was harassed at work “The time is always right to protest for what is volved in the movement, you would see signs: 2016. Christopher Perras, a Justice Department and forced out of her job because she is a les- right.” We have had too much gun violence, lost “White men” and “Colored men,” “White women” lawyer, will serve as a county prosecutor in the bian. too many people. After Orlando, and after the sit- and “Colored women.” In 1961, the year Presi- case, according to court documents. Joining Madigan in filing the brief were the in on the House floor, we thought we’d see some dent Obama was born, blacks and whites couldn’t However, some have viewed this develop- attorneys general from California, Connecticut, action on the part of the House and the Senate, be seated together on a bus leaving Washington, ment with skepticism. Lambda Legal Director Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mary- but we have not seen any action. We have not D.C., and traveling through the South. We were of Strategy Sharon McGowan said, “Of course it land, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsyl- moved. Even now, with what happened in Las arrested. We were jailed. We were beaten. But is important and right that the Department of vania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, Wash- Vegas, people are saying, “It’s too early to do today, the signs are gone and the only places we Justice assist in bringing to justice the murder- ington and the District of Columbia. something.” see those signs are in a book, on video or in a er of Kedarie/Kandicee Johnson, one of the far The full brief is at IllinoisAttorneyGeneral. We have to do something. As I said on the steps museum. So we have come a distance. We made too many transgender people, and especially gov/pressroom/2017_10/17-370_tsac_the_ of the Capitol today, we lost too many mothers, progress. People who say we haven’t, I feel like transgender people of color, targeted in the on- states_002.pdf. fathers, sisters and brothers, too many of our saying to them, “Come walk in my shoes.” People going lethal epidemic of hate violence. But it is friends. The time is right for action. We will be can register to vote now where during the 1950s the height of cynicism for Attorney General Jeff engaged in some form of non-violent protest at and ’60s they were beaten, arrested, jailed. Some Sessions to use this—frankly rare—instance of the Capitol or in some building because we can- people were murdered when they attempted to civil rights enforcement under his tenure to de- not wait. We cannot see more and more people register to vote or encouraged others to register. flect from the current department’s sustained being murdered at a concert, a dance hall, in a There are folks who are trying to make it harder, opposition to its historic mission.” school, in a church, a mosque, a temple. We are to undo the progress we’ve made. What happened The New York Times article is at https://www. determined to put control of the proliferation of in [Charlottesville] Virginia a few weeks ago nytimes.com. gun violence on the Congressional agenda. The traumatized this country more than anything in WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 11 ELECTIONS 2018 WCT: How do you feel about the representation that Rep. Flynn Currie has offered up? How might your representation be similar or Ebonie Davis running for different? ED: With the work that Leader Currie has done, we share some of the same ideologies in terms of vacated state rep position the way the district should be represented, especially with regards to youth and making sure By Matt Simonette the hill, and be an advocate for them. The oppor- there is affordable health care and comprehensive tunity became available for when Leader Currie legislation protecting nursing home residents Ebonie Davis simply says that the reason she is steps down, and so I thought now is the time. from abuse. … These are some of the things that deciding to run for the post of 25th District state WCT: What experiences and achievements are of great concern to me, so I would want to representative—a post being vacated by long- would you be drawing from? What does “work- ensure that the work that she has already put time state Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie—is “now is ing on the ground” mean for you? in continues, and nothing is dismantled or dis- the time.” ED: I’m the board president for Affinity Com- rupted. The work that she did was to protect the Davis—a longtime advocate who has worked as munity Services. In that role, and being on the most marginalized of the 25th District. an instructor and facilitator for Illinois Depart- board, and the community advisory board for WCT: What do you see as the most pertinent ment Human Rights’ Institute for Training and Equality Illinois, [it means] really understanding issues for the LGBT community in the district? Development—has also been active in a number the issues that affect the LGBT community and ED: The most pertinent issues are [involving] of community LGBT organizations, among them the many intersecting identity issues in the com- maintaining our rights. Affinity Community Services and Equality Illinois. munity. It means working to help to pass legisla- When you think of what happened federally, a In a recent conversation with Windy City Times, tion by informing voters [about it] and talking license to discriminate was pretty much issued she explained her priorities for the district and to legislators, and explaining why a bill needs by this administration. And with what happens Ebonie Davis. her commitment to the area’s LGBT community. to pass. It also means going to the capitol and federally, the states sometimes try to follow suit, Photo courtesy of Davis Windy City Times: Why are you running? lobbying for different issues that directly impact so I think that the most important issue for the How and why do you think you can bring about different communities. That experience informs LGBT community right now is to preserve the wins that is a reformation that has to take place and change at the state level? the work that I am going to do as a legislator. that we have already made. Even though Gov. it’s going to take time, but it’s a concern for the Ebonie Davis: I’ve been involved in state gov- WCT: What are the most pertinent issues for Rauner signed a lot of the bills in favor of the 25th District. ernment for about 12 or 13 years, and I’ve seen the 25th District? LGBT community—in terms of banning conver- Another of the most important issues is educa- a lot of the changes that have happened on the ED: The first is economic development and sion therapy, for example—we have to remember tion reform. Making sure that our public schools state level. [But also] it is because just being infrastructure. Bringing jobs to the district, for that this is a new era. stay open and are funded. One of the things that “on the ground,” when the budget came to an example. I currently live in South Shore, and So it is very critical that we have legislators on Leader Currie was instrumental in was ensuring impasse, I saw how so many single parents, for South Shore is a food desert. I’m thinking about the hill making sure that they are advocating and that our state programs funded pre-K services for instance, lost their jobs because they couldn’t groceries and other businesses that could help representing the needs of the LGBT community Illinois children. The 25th District has a lot of afford their childcare, because those subsidies rebuild South Shore and other parts of the South to preserve those rights. Special-interest groups children who are in pre-K, so making sure that weren’t being paid anymore. Side. When you bring in an infrastructure, it also will come about, and they will have bills that those services continue, as well as early interven- I also saw how children with disabilities aren’t brings jobs into the district … and dollars stay [they will try to use to] dismantle the rights of tion services, is important. We know that early able to receive full services and a quality edu- in the district. the LGBT community. It’s time to be prepared. intervention and things like that can help to give cation because of that. I saw communities here Criminal-justice reform is important as well. The way to do that is have allies on the hill, sup- our children a quality education. But we also and around the state that were drastically af- We have to consider what criminal justice looks porters who will make sure that your rights are know that money is getting to privatized schools, fected. I thought that, if the opportunity became like, not only in the 25th District but at the state preserved. taking money away from our public schools. available, I would really want to run for Illinois level with regards to gun control. Also focusing Note: Friends of Ebonie Davis will hold a cam- Those are things that I know are key concerns state representative, so I could be a voice for the on making sure that we don’t continue to just fill paign kickoff fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 21, 12- of the 25th District and I want to make sure that people and address their issues and concerns on our prisons with Black and brown young men. All 3 p.m., at Porkchop Hyde Park, 1516 E. Harper Ct. they are brought to the forefront and addressed For more information on the event, visit http:// on the hill. bit.ly/2xHumfK.

Activism meet-ups, personal book recommendations, weekly events, Kids Storytime, and more! There are so many reasons to support Chicago’s only feminist bookstore. 12 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES letters

A tale of discrimination Instead of acting as a mediator, Officer Ahmad acted This danger is evident in the thousands of Face- as an enforcer for the orchard threatening LaSaia book users’ statements against Black, disabled, In light of the misinformation being spread, it has and members of her party with arrest for “criminal queer and trans folks which reveals just how much become necessary to state the following: trespassing” and daring to speak up about the dis- anti-Blackness, homophobia, ableism and trans- On Oct. 7, LaSaia Wade and a group of 11 queer crimination taking place. phobia have continued to intensify and deepen the and trans friends visited County Line Orchard in He later threateningly yelled at the videographer wounds of this instance of discrimination. Hobart, Indiana. Upon entering the orchard, LaSaia to “Back away from me.” The videographer responds, On October 8, co-owner Ryan Richardson left a checked in her service dog. Due to differing under- “I’m allowed to film you.” Officer Ahmad countered voicemail for the videographer apologizing for the standings in how said dogs should be outfitted, she saying, “Yes, not this close to my gun. Back away experience our group had at the orchard stating “ asked if she was allowed to have her dog at County from me.” [I] understand we didn’t handle a situation with you Line and was given verbal clearance by four different The fact that the officer did not answer LaSaia’s guys and your friend and your group very well.” Fol- staff members. It is of note that La Saia was told she questions, did not look at her official animal docu- lowing this, the orchard released a statement falsely would not be asked for further verification after said ments, threatened to arrest her for criminal tres- accusing our group of “unwillingness to cooperate PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR clearance. passing, threatened to arrest others for speaking up with [their] staff and security team.” The reality is Tracy Baim While attempting to board the tractor that drives for her, and then threateningly made reference to his that the staff was repeatedly shown documentation gun to the videographer are all signs that the situa- for the service animal by LaSaia and no one present- ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky people deeper into the orchard, two additional em- MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis ployees stopped LaSaia saying they needed verifi- tion was not handled properly by the police. ed themselves as a member of the orchard security ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette cation of the dog’s clearance nullifying the assur- The obvious staff confusion in orchard policy team at any point during our visit. BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine ances offered mere moments before. Although she around service animals, the poor and antagonistic This is why the incident of the police officer evict- DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright response by employees, and the calling of police ing LaSaia Wade should not be narrowed to argu- ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson provided documentation, the employees stated Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, that they needed to check in with management be- instead of management over a customer service is- ments about service dog/emotional support animal Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Scott Duff, fore they could let LaSaia and her dog move any sue due to conflicting information offered by staff documentation and rights. Monika Pickett, David Strzepek points to this situation being handled improperly by It should not be diminished to a dispute about NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242- further. Instead of asking for the guidance of their 6863 management, representatives from County Line Or- County Line Orchard. what “law” was broken (e.g. trespassing onto private SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, chard called the police. Officer Adam Ahmad (Badge In the video’s description we noted that this in- property, etc.) Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair cident was evidence of ableism and anti-Blackness. It is not about who is more at fault: County Line or THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan 127) responded, and in seeing that an officer was CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. responding instead of management, members in La- LaSaia’s service dog was present with her because Officer Ahmad? SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman Saia’s party began filming immediately. she assists her in managing her care related to her This is about this being an example of anti-Black- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS The posted video, which has since gone viral, be- disability. She disclosed this to the staff and was ha- ness and the excess use of police officers, which are Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Mel rassed because of employee ignorance around such an extension of historic slave patrol. Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel gins just seconds after Officer Ahmad arrives instead COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet of minutes as people are alleging. This video (as well animals, the law, and an ambiguous company policy. LaSaia should have never been asked to leave her Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy as the others shot) was filmed as a protective mea- This incidence points to anti-Blackness because de- dog behind; dogs have been allowed at County Line Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa spite disclosing information not required by law, she before. Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick Patricca, Liz sure; Black people and other minorities have dis- Baudler, Rex Wockner, Angelique Smith proportionately been the victims of police violence was not believed, was mistreated and subjected to The officer should have never been called. Staff SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal and the police response instead of the anticipated embarrassment by being ejected by the police. members could have dealt with the situation. Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron managerial one was alarming and concerning. The Anti-Blackness doesn’t just occur when someone The officer should have never threatened to take WEBSITE LISTINGS VOLUNTEER Gene Naden calls you a name; it’s also subtle. It’s present in not her to jail. CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright video begins with that LaSaia was sitting down next DISTRIBUTION Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue to her dog, who was sitting next to her silently when having your truth believed and being questioned to The officer should have never threateningly refer- and Victor Officer Ahmad told her to leave. the point of experiencing harassment. It’s evident enced his gun (or put his hand on his gun). WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead programmer: Martie Marro) He responded, “The owners of this property no in people speaking to the animal accompanying you This is not about one officer or one instance of longer want you on the property. If you refuse to and not you. It’s present in people exaggerating discrimination against a Black person. Copyright 2017 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media and outright lying about what you said or did so This is not about one bad apple. This is about an Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back leave again, you’re gonna be arrested for criminal issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). that they can assume the posture of victimhood. It’s entire orchard of violence that stems from the roots Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, trespassing. This is private property, okay?” and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and LaSaia says: “I have one quick question.” present in the assumptions people make about your of this nation’s racism and mistreatment of minori- no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. intent. ties. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy Officer Ahmad: “Regardless, I’m just letting you City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned We sincerely believe that if this were a white per- In the aftermath of this situation, it has become for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing know right now. You need to leave right now or you and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, will be arrested for trespassing. Regardless of the son, the situation would have been handled much clear that there is need for restitution, policy revi- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own differently and the police may not have even been sion, and apology. and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City case, the owners no longer want you on this prop- Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of called. a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy erty. So, you have to leave now.” City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the LaSaia: “I feel very uncomfortable with you near While the officer potentially did not know that La- We ask that: sexual orientation of such person or organization. While Saia is queer and trans, he did know she is Black and LaSaia Wade receives financial restitution for this we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make me, right now, please, because you are giving me this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept really bad anxiety. If you want to walk in front of we believe that she was mistreated due to this. This situation and be compensated for the gas money responsibility for advertising claims. video has now garnered more than 568,000 views, and emotional labor she expended as a result of this (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 me...“ e-mail: [email protected] or Officer Ahmad: “I am the police and you are break- 6,042 comments and 3,911 shares on Facebook as of situation. [email protected] Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. County Line Orchard produces a clearly written pro- ing the law right now and I need you to leave.” www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com This exchange highlights the rapid escalation of This video was shared to point to the discriminato- tocol (and visible signs) about their policy related podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com this situation and offers example of the antagonism ry nature of what occurred and the online responses to support animals including emotional support ani- to this video reinforce this. The fact that LaSaia, as mals, service dogs, and therapy dogs. WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, LaSaia was subjected to at County Line Orchard. Offi- 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A cer Ahmad was called in to evict LaSaia after she was well as other members of the group, have been re- County Line Orchard produces a clearly written (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) ceiving public and private statements of harassment employee protocol about how to handle eviction given permission to be on the property by the staff. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Four County Line Orchard employees gave clearance including death threats, exemplifies what we want situations which should include information on the OUT! Chicago’s LGBTQ Visitor’s Guide Online for LaSaia and her service animal to navigate the to highlight: people of color, queer, and transgender following: www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com grounds and because of their disagreement with that folks are subjected to discrimination and mistreat- —Who will handle eviction situations? decision other staff members decided to engage the ment in many forms. —Who is the first line of management/security police. Officer Ahmad did not attempt to gain clarity The orchard’s request for police intervention and —Who is the official authority on those decisions? in this situation, did not ask to see the paperwork the responding officer’s aggression was the first ex- —What constitutes a need to call police? for the dog or honor requests to show him said docu- ample of how excessive reliance on police escalates ments, and refused to have a dialogue with LaSaia. situations and places marginalized people in danger. Turn to page 17 WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 13 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

14 20 20 You ‘Two’ WCT reviews the production Two Mile Hollow. Chromium. American Brotherhood Weekend. Photo of Jose Nateras and Aurora Adachi-Winter by Juli del Prete

DANCIN’ FEATS The ‘Play’ is the thing ence of the self and the performance of self,” ac- By Joanna Furnans cording to a press release. Presumably less about the interplay between audience and performer, In a few weeks, Faye Driscoll and her cast of per- this work promises a deep investigation into the formers will return to the Museum of Contempo- language of the body layered on top of or de- rary Art Chicago for the second installment of her tached from the verbal stories we tell. And, given performance trilogy, Thank You for Coming: Play the physically demanding nature of Driscoll’s (Nov. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 12, 2:00 p.m., at 220 work, it also seems to be about a unique style E. Chicago Ave.). of virtuosity, stamina and endurance for the per- The first iteration of the series, Thank You for formers and choreographer alike. Coming: Attendance, premiered in March 2014 in For numerous reasons, most independent cho- New York City and has been touring extensively reographers do not set out to make multi-year throughout the United States and abroad ever performances of this scale. Not only are the logis- since. Chicago audiences got to see this finely tics of rehearsing, funding, producing and tour- tuned experimental dance work at the MCA last ing consecutive performances often Herculean in February and it lived up to its hype as a startling, nature, but one can imagine the additional pres- uncomfortable, joyous and brilliantly complex sure of sustaining creative inspiration related to piece of live art. the singular (albeit complex) thematic arch of a The six main ensemble members of “Atten- trilogy. dance,” including Driscoll herself, gave spot-on Commenting on her choice to embark on the performances and their vibrant collective energy Thank You for Coming series, Driscoll said, “I’m was crucial to the work’s success given its poten- trying to think of myself as someone who wants tial to ostracize viewers adverse to audience par- to create a body of work over many years and get ticipation. Over the course of the evening-length out of the project-to-project mentality and cycle. work, the piece gradually devolved into a cha- That’s how the funding system is set up, that’s Thank You for Coming’s Sean Donovan, Paul Singh, Alicia Ohs and Brandon Washington (from left). otic playground where audience members donned how the presenting system is set up and if you Photo by Julieta Cervantes gold shower caps, held ropes, twirled props and want to use those systems than you in some way skipped around the stage with the professionals. have to engage with that model. I was tired of For those weary of the “schtick” of politically and that. And mainly tired of how it made me think of the way. “It’s been one of the works that’s actu- difficult time in our nation’s history, Driscoll is philosophically loaded fourth wall-breaking the- myself and my work and the ongoing hustle and ally gone through some of the most permutations determined to keep examining, questioning and ater, “Attendance” can be challenging. For those desperation around that.” of any of my pieces and I think its because the reframing the way we perceive the world around on board with a free-for-all approach to human “Play” premiered in September 2016 at the work is trying to actively deal with meaning mak- us. “Like many of us,” she said, “I feel like, let’s connection, the work was a welcome delight. Wexner Center for the Arts at the Ohio State Uni- ing, stories, language, and the body in relation- not mess around. Let’s not hold back. Let’s be The Thank You for Coming series is concerned versity and has undergone many fruitful revisions ship to all those things,” she said. “It’s a complex bold. Let’s be in this as artists.” with questions around perception, authenticity, in the past year not least of which included a and, in a way, impossible topic that I’m dealing For tickets and more information about identity and methods of shared realities: through major shift in content after the Presidential elec- with so it demands a kind of constant update.” Thank You for Coming: Play, visit MCAChicago. bodies, our stories and created environments. tion last November. Remaining astutely aware of Thankfully, the most interesting choreogra- org/Calendar. Where “Attendance” was specifically investigat- the ever-shifting cultural landscapes surrounding phers aren’t afraid to take risks, change gears and ing and re-constructing group experiences, “Play” each performance, Driscoll said she enjoys the rework their dances over the long haul. And as a will be more focused on the “dichotomous experi- opportunity to revise and refine the work along queer female choreographer working in a rather 14 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Dr. Van Helsing becomes a semi-comic character, THEATER REVIEW both of which DO influence the story. From left: Most of all, Mina—married to Jonathan Harker Dracula Breon Arzell in the novel but only his intended here—emerges Playwright: Sean Graney adaptation (left) and as the heroic figure, and ends this version by re- from Timothy F. Griffin’s script fusing to marry Harker, declaring she has tasted At: The Hypocrites at Mercury Maurice Demus in Dracula. “freedom” and has found empowerment in vam- Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave. pire slaying and sharing Dracula’s. The feminist Tickets: 773-325-1700; Photo by Brett A. Beiner ending comes out of left field as Mina already is MercuryTheaterChicago.com; $30-$55 the leading female figure and equal to the men Runs through: Nov. 5 in destroying Dracula, just as Stoker created her. Does it ruin the evening? No, but it definitely BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL diminishes things. You couldn’t ask for a better cast, all deft co- Lurid tales, gory mayhem and blood-splashed vio- medians. Breon Arzell is strong (physically) and lence have engaged audiences from Shakespeare’s Dracula mostly is sensational (in several mean- hospital. As someone says in another fantasy, fierce as the blood-thirsty Dracula. His scenes time to contemporary slasher films. ings) fun, directed by Graney in a high-energy, “People come and go so quickly here!” It’s quite with Maurice Demus (Harker) definitely have Often collectively called Grand Guignol (after high-spirited and slightly campy way in a tradi- entertaining. homo-erotic overtones, perhaps because both an early 20th-century Parisian theater that spe- tional proscenium arch theater. The proscenium As he usually does, Graney makes changes to are handsome, young actors. The vivid women cialized in lurid horror), it’s designed to shock, stage makes special effects (dismemberments the story. He follows the original Bram Stoker are Janelle Villas (Lucy), Erin Barlow (Renfield) titillate and, perhaps, delight. It seems odd, and disappearances, say) considerably easier to novel as much as other adaptations have, but and especially Aurora Real de Asua (Mina). Robert then, that there isn’t a Grand Guignol treatment achieve, and Graney is greatly assisted by de- significantly alters emphasis and interpretation, McLean (Van Helsing) and John Taflan (Seward) among the many stage and film incarnations of signers Mike Durst (lighting) and John Musial sometimes arbitrarily. For example, he makes complete the capable cast. Dracula—until now. Enter auteurist adapter/di- (scenic). Musial’s claustrophobic room of con- Renfield—Dracula’s insane fly-eating minion—a Prop note: It’s London, so ditch the Kentucky rector Sean Graney, whose tongue-in-cheek ap- crete walls, a single massive door and unreach- woman, which neither helps nor harms the sto- Maker’s Mark for Scotch whiskey. proach weds the vampire classic with Grand Gui- able skylights serves as everything from Dracula’s ry. Then, his Dracula hardly is the suave, subtle gnol style in time for Halloween. Transylvania castle to Dr. Seward’s London mental figure of the novel (and most film versions) and THEATER REVIEW assistant” Charlotte, whose surname we never expose the restrictive perimeters of its insular hosting this simultaneous world premiere.) learn)—have gathered, following the sale of the universe. The only person immune to these aberrations Two Mile Hollow property, to pack their belongings and discuss The Donnelly clan’s troubles are undeniably is Charlotte, whose claim to a “New Haven edu- Playwright: Leah Nanako Winkler the terms of the late patriarch’s will. first-world—Mary suffers from gluten intoler- cation” hides a less prestigious childhood, and At: First Floor Theater at These characters are played by Latinx actors ance, Joshua and Christopher squabble over whose social-climbing aspirations finally spur her the Den, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. Jazmin Corona and Jose Nateras, African-Amer- who will inherit their sire’s motorcycle, Blythe to flee “all these white people!” to seek her for- Tickets: $10-$20 ican actor Kai Ealy, and Asian-American actors laments a favorite supper club’s new proprietor- tune in less culturally stagnant realms. Runs through: Nov. 4 Deanna Myers and Aurora Adachi-Winter. Every- ship. Their language is childishly euphemistic. Hutch Pimentel and his cast embrace their sa- one except Adachi-Winter is wearing a blond wig. (Christopher expresses his disgust in an impas- tirical subtext with unswerving conviction. Win- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE In a playbill note, Leah Nanako Winkler ac- sioned “Baaaaaaarrrf!) Huge swaths of exposition kler’s diatribe could have made its case in under quaints us with a division of dramatic literature hang from the dialogue like so much moss. Sub- its current 105 intermissionless minutes, but Arnel Sancianco’s scenic depiction of the summer she dubs “White People By The Water”—a canon conscious agendas are confessed freely and fre- there is no denying the fresh light her observa- home once owned by now-deceased Hollywood encompassing Chekhov, O’Neill, Terrence McNally, quently, while bursts of melodic and terpsichoreal tions shine on a sociological profile long overdue mogul Derek Donnelly boasts a beachfront porch A.R. Gurney and numerous other writers devoted spectacle break out at intervals. At one point, for examination. in its foreground and a large dining table farther to recounting the woes of the privileged classes. someone declares, “Go back to August Osage c upstage. Here, the surviving Donnellys—widow After encountering a plethora of theater seasons County!” At another, a shout-out references a Blythe, stepdaughter Mary, sons Joshua and dominated thereby, our author proposes to de- Chicago theater critic known for controversial CRITICS’PICKS Christopher (the latter accompanied by “personal construct this popular genre and, in doing so, views (a gag presumably adapted to each city Fun Home, Victory Gardens Theater, through Nov. 12. Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori’s Tony-win- THEATER REVIEW North Rory Homeward, is a smoking, horror film- love and being alone—and Cadville and Home- ning musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s 2006 loving, negative downer who is hired as a DJ for ward do a great job with it. “Save the Earth graphic memoir is back. Broadway veteran Gary Zombie Bathhouse: the bathhouse. Why his fun-loving friends Jason Kill a Human” is a funny insight about how the Griffin directs a gloriously intimate and heart- (Marc Prince) and Freddy (Derek Riensi Van Tas- earth might be better off without humans. And breaking production. SCM A Rock Musical sel) like him or why a guy (Michael Cadville) “I Love my Gun,” sung by Melissa Van Kersen The Heavens Are Hung in Black, Shattered Music & Lyrics: Scott Free has a crush on him we’re not quite sure. Luck- (Doris, Michael’s ultra-supportive mother), is Globe Theatre at Theater Wit, through Oct. 21. Book: Brian Kirst ily, as the show goes along and he falls in love charming and disturbing. The year 1862 tested Abe Lincoln to his political Directed by: Dan Foss with a Zombie named Ash (Dennis Frymire), he Other performances worth mentioning include and personal max. James Still’s history pageant At: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. gets more appealing. Yes, these characters are Shamus Jarvis’ animalistic zombie Scrimm, who makes a few bits up, but brings Abe to life as well Tickets: ZombieBathhouse.net; $20 named after horror-film icons. steals his moments and campy Van Gerard Gar- as anyone has, especially as played by Lawrence Runs through: Oct. 29 “Key to Their Happiness,” a song about cia Jr., who throws shade for laughs. Riensi Van Grimm. JA love sung by the bathhouse attendant Vinnie Tassel, as Freddy, and Taylor Raye, as an LGBT The Making of a Modern Folk Hero, Other BY ERIC KARAS (played by Adam E. Hoak), was charming. Den- historian, both have great stage presence. Theatre at Chicago Dramatists, through Oct. 29. nis Frymire, as Ash, is hunky and does a good The songs in this show, by Scott Free, have Martin Zimmerman warns us that revolutionary Just in time for Tricks or Treats comes Zombie acting job as the spiritual zombie/love interest very clever lyrics/themes and are worth a sec- movements and cult religions can often be traced Bathhouse: A Rock Musical at the Center on Hal- but he doesn’t have the rock pipes to pull off ond hearing—even if the cast doesn’t always to precisely the kind of origin stories found in sted—a tale of love, identity and flesh-eating the songs. One of the best is “Man Meat,” a hi- live up to the score. This show gets more laughs comic book literature. MSB set in a gay bathhouse. larious song comparing how zombies feel about and is more engaging as it goes along. There’s The Legend of Georgia McBride, Northlight The show starts off with a pitchy production eating flesh and how gay men feel about flesh an interesting theme on why horror films are Theatre, Skokie, through Nov. 18. Playgoers number called “Happy Dread.” Unfortunately, for sex. appealing to a LGBT audience because they are championing the manifesto of liberation through the earnest cast members doesn’t seem to blend Other songs were performed solidly as well. about outsiders. There is little gore or horror gender fluidity of Kinky Boots will find affirma- well together or can’t hear themselves. The In the second act, the song “Alone Together” here and that is not really the point. The treat tion in Matthew Lopez’s comedy. MSB main character, Michael, played believably by explores how introverts can negotiate being in here is really the songs. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 15

Evie Riojas and Daniel Shtivelberg in Punk. Photo by Evan Hanover

THEATER REVIEW forged by the unit’s fiercely protective adminis- trator, Olivia (Monette McLin), and the prison’s Punk unseen warden. Playwright: Michael Allen Harris Travis seems to adjust a tad too quickly, given At: The New Colony at The Den Theatre, that he has white supremacist leanings. But as 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. expected, Travis’ presence does ultimately be- Tickets: TheNewColony.org; $20 come a destructive force. He also serves as a Runs through: Nov. 5 reminder that private information can easily be weaponized. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN As Sonya, Riojas gives such a strong and com- manding performance that you wish that Punk Prison dramas are known for grappling with con- was actually written more around her. It also ditional or forced same-sex relations among in- would have been nice if Punk co-directors Diana mates. Yet Michael Allen Harris’ world-premiere Raiselis and Katrina Dion could have elevated drama Punk for The New Colony slightly changes Riojas’ co-stars up to her performance level. the dynamics since it is set in a GBTQ unit of a Design-wise, Punk benefits from Eleanor Kahn’s “Elegant. maximum security prison. stark and confining sets that delineate the Harris penned Punk after seeing a documen- script’s locational shifts. Eric Watkins’ lighting Profound. tary about a prison unit for gay, bisexual and design also gives the right antiseptic feel thanks Moving. trans prisoners to feel protected, if ghettoized, to his occasional use of deadening industrial amongst themselves. Yet it’s odd that Harris opt- fluorescents. Beautiful.” ed to focus so much of Punk’s dramatic incidents Aside from some clunky exposition and charac- around the self-identifying “straight” prisoner ters who sometimes come off as too self-aware — Ballet Dance Magazine Travis (Daniel Shtivelberg) and his visiting “baby and revealing, Punk largely fascinates. Punk mama” Emily (Keyanna Khatiblou). opens up a dramatic window to people who are Travis was already serving a life sentence for typically shunned or forgotten. murdering a gay man before his transfer away With Punk, The New Colony once again shows from the general prison population. So under- its vitality to Chicago’s theater scene by giving standably GBTQ inmates like the self-confident new playwriting voices a chance to be heard. And and transitioning Sonya (Evie Riojas), the shy since it was just announced that the company’s and artsy Glenn (Kyle Encinas) and sarcastic for- founding co-artistic directors Andrew Hobgood mer drug user Georgia (Aaron Sanchez) are all un- and Evan Linder will be be stepping down in nerved by Travis’ arrival. January 2018, let’s hope that their replacements Harris uses Travis as an interloping plot device will continue to take chances and keep up all the to discover the inner workings of this prison unit great and creative new work. and share it with audiences. Just how Travis ends up there is due to a budgetary bargaining deal

eSPOTLIGHT OCTOBER 18–29 | TICKETS START AT $34 JOFFREY.ORG/GISELLE | 312.386.8905 The Joffrey Ballet plans to abandon the Audito- Groups of 10+ call 312.386.8937 rium Theatre of Roosevelt University in favor of the Civic Opera House in 2020. But before that happens, catch the Joffrey performing a classic story ballet with its 2017-18 season opener:

Giselle. This is the Chicago premiere of cho- 2017–2018 SEASON SPONSORS PERFORMS AT: reographer Lola de Avila’s recent adaptation involving love, loss and ghostly maidens who Tickets are $34-$174. Call 312-386-8905 or entrap men by dancing them to death. Giselle visit Joffrey.org. plays 10 performances only through Sunday, Caption: Dancers from Oregon Ballet 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago Theatre performing Lola de Ávila’s adapta- Oct. 29, at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt Thanks to Giselle Production Sponsor JHL Capital Group and Live Music Sponsor The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. Sundays. tion of Giselle. Photo by Ansa Deguchi Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Ansa Deguchi in Giselle | Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert 16 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES wanted to represent myself. Sasha Velour. The number one advice for people going on the Photo by David Ayllon show is that you need to know how you want people to see you. Once they see you on television that is who you are. Thankfully I was really at that moment in drag, where I knew exactly what I wanted and what I wanted the message to be. WCT: What was that message? SV: Beauty and ugliness combined. It is playing and pushing people’s boundaries of what they are comfortable with. I think that has always been a little bit of what drag is. I am a child of intellectuals and over thinkers. That has been shown as a weakness on television. My family over thinks but we think of it as a tool for success. It is using it to know just how to strike. Being someone intellectual is not about being elitist, but about love and passion. WCT: Did you experience bullying growing up? SV: Yes, for everything. People love an outlet to make people feel less than, unfortunately. It comes from a bad place. WCT: Has social media been difficult to navigate? SV: It is an interesting return to being talked to that I haven’t experienced since I was a little kid. it is a good test to my becoming an adult and dealing with it by laughing at it. I will agree with NUNN ON ONE them when they are right. WCT: What has been the meanest or nicest things people have said? Sasha Velour talks SV: The meanest thing is that I don’t deserve the attention of the show. The nicest thing is that I have changed someone’s life. I think a lot of us never thought we would hear RuPaul, family that doing what we do and love. WCT: You just performed Kate Bush at Ros- coe’s. Is it about finding unique songs for your drag? and Chicago SV: I love Kate Bush. My taste in music is really strange. I don’t let other people tell me how to do drag or influence what I do. WCT: Is there a musician you want to perform that you haven’t yet? SV: I’ve been working on a Siouxsie Sioux number for a really long time. If I can get it together it will be on my monthly show Nightgowns. I created this night to be nonprofit so every after a recent appearance to undress and let her proximation anyways so… by Jerry Nunn cent we make goes to the LGBT community. The hair down. (Note: Velour will be in Chicago on WCT: Talk about your name. vision of show is to be about the community and Oct. 21 for Howard Brown Health’s Big Orange SV: My name is Sasha out of drag as well. That Sasha Velour is a gender-fluid artist making a liv- eventually take it on the road. I try to make sure Ball.) was the name I was given as a little kid. It is ing in Brooklyn, New York and is currently the the spotlight I got from RuPaul’s Drag Race is Windy City Times: Where are you from origi- technically Alexander. Sasha is a Russian nick- artistic director, and co-founder with partner shared with other people. I wouldn’t be near the nally? name for Alexander. Growing up people always Johnny Velour for Velour: The Drag Magazine! queen I am without them. Sasha Velour: My whole family is from Northern said I had a girl’s name so I always loved that Also described as a coffee table book, it is pub- WCT: Did you gain friends from RuPaul’s Drag California. That is where I was born. I was a child a little bit. lished twice yearly, with over a hundred pages Race? of hippies and feminists! Velour is an imitation fabric. I prefer velvet, and is advertiser free. Her illustrations and com- SV: I got a ton of friends from the show. You I was raised in Urbana, Illinois. I lived there which is my favorite, is luxurious. Velour is a ics have been published in QU33R, Posture and know Shea Coulee. We instantly connected. We from age nine to 17. That was the majority of my cheap imitation that is easier to find and easier Cicada, among others. She has also created a se- discovered that we narrowly crossed past in high life in becoming a young drag queen. to use. I thought it was an interesting metaphor ries based on the Stonewall riots that heralded school theater throughout Illinois. We have a WCT: When did you come out of the closet? for drag so I went with it. as “an artful take on a difficult historical event.” love of fashion. It is amazing to find someone SV: I came out at age 13. I had been doing WCT: Did you always sew? Velour took home the crown after winning Ru- you can creatively collaborate with. drag since I was four. My parents let me express SV: More like pinning and draping. i don’t know Paul’s Drag Race season nine with a heated lip- It is hard with two egos but this was a peaceful my gender how I wanted to and as a result I have how to construct clothes if I am honest. sync battle on the finale that astounded many. process. It made competing against each other always been a gender fluid little freaky kid. WCT: How did you get on RuPaul’s Drag Race? She currently produces the drag show Night- way more difficult. We cared about each other’s WCT: What pronouns do you prefer? SV: I auditioned two years in a row. I have gowns in her hometown. Upcoming projects in- feelings. SV: I use “they” out of drag and “she” in drag, been a fan of the show since the first season. I clude a children’s comic starring her dog and a WCT: How was the preparation for the finale? House of Velour app that spotlights her merchan- but I only do drag so everyone, my boyfriend felt that the type of drag that I did didn’t have a dise and performances. and friends call me “she.” It is not the complete place on television, that I wouldn’t know how to This Russian doll sat down at Roscoe’s Tavern truth, but works well. Words are only a poor ap- fit in. I put a lot of thought into the audition. I Turn to page 22 WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 17 ‘50s return in Pride Films’ ‘Arrangement’ Pride Films and Plays is now presenting Perfect Arrangement, by Topher Payne, through Oct. 22, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago. It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to “Great truths about HAPPINESS and GRIEF, the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department em- ” ployees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with ART and REALITY, LIFE and DEATH identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. – Chicago Tribune There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay, and have married each other’s partners “POWERFUL PERFORMANCES… and moved next door to each other as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of touching meditations on mortality the earliest stirrings of the American gay-rights and the endurance of art” movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs – Daily Herald Grand marshals give way to provocative drama as two “All-Amer- named for Nov. 4 ican” couples are forced to stare down the closet door. Pink Hat Run Appearing as Bob is Eric Lindahl, a Jeff Award CHICAGO—Illinois state Rep. Juliana Stratton winner and three-time Jeff nominee. Making her (D-5) and Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell (D-3) have PFP debut as his co-worker Norma is Autumn been named Grand Marshals for the inaugural Teague. Bob and Norma’s secret significant oth- Pink Hat Run, Walk and Roll, a 5K and one-mile ers are played by Lane Anthony Flores, and Riley recreational event. The elected officials will greet Mondragon. participants and launch the start on Saturday, Kelli Harrington, a two-time Jeff Award-winner, Nov. 4, in Chicago’s South Loop. plays Barbara Grant—another State Department Both women represent the area in which the official who has something to lose. race is being staged, the South Loop, Museum Completing the cast are Armando Reyes and Campus and revitalized McCormick Square area Amber Snyder as Bob and Norma’s bombastic, of the city. Both are “pink hatters” in their own uber-patriotic boss and his wife, Theodore and right, fighting for the rights of women through- Kitty Sunderson. Additional casting includes out the city and state. Tommy Thurston (u/s Bob & Theodore), Christo- The first annual Pink Hat Run, Walk and Roll pher Young (u/s Jim), Kendra Verhage (u/s Millie starts at Prairie Avenue and 18th Street, next to and Kitty), and Shannon Webber (u/s Norma & the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens. This loca- Barbara). tion was selected because of the women’s park, Tickets are available at PrideFilmsAndPlays.com THE which includes the Jane Addams hands sculpture or 800-737-0984. as well as a new exhibit on women in Chicago at the Chicago Park District Fieldhouse. The streets are also home to the historic Glessner House Mu- seum and the Clarke House Museum. LETTERS from page 12 REMBRANDT The route takes participants along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront and Museum Campus. This ac- County Line Orchard offers a public apology A Chicago premiere by Jessica Dickey tion is a pledge-drive event to benefit organiza- that includes: tions that provide services, advocacy and support —A statement about their unnecessary em- Directed by Hallie Gordon to women and girls, and are central to improving ployment of police intervention Featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan (9/7 – 10/22) the lives of Chicago communities. —A statement about how involving police puts Pink Hat Run, Walk and Roll Chicago’s 2017 Black people in danger and John Mahoney with Joe Dempsey (10/24 – 11/11), beneficiaries include Access Living, Chicago —A statement acknowledging that four em- Ty Olwin, Karen Rodriguez and Gabriel Ruiz Foundation for Women (CFW), Chicago Wom- ployees gave verbal permission and permitted en’s AIDS Project, Chicago Women Take Action LaSaia and her dog to access the orchard (CWTA), Fierce Over 40, Moms Demand Action County Line Orchard addresses the homophobic, Tickets start at $20 for Gun Sense in America, Mujeres Latinas en Ac- transphobic and racist harassment we have re- ción, National Organization for Women-Chicago, ceived from hundreds if not thousands of people. steppenwolf.org | 312-335-1650 League of Women Voters of Chicago, Pediatric The events that transpired on Oct. 7 have AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, Personal PAC, brought to light that there is need to address the Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), A Sis- treatment of marginalized persons including peo- ter’s Hope, Women’s March on Chicago and YWCA ple with disabilities and people of color as well Major Production Sponsor Metropolitan Chicago. how we need to resolve conflicts within commu- Organized by veteran activists Jennifer Lee, nity without police intervention. This statement Cathy Seabaugh, Tracy Baim and Leni Manaa- and associated asks are offered as a means to Hoppenworth, Pink Hat Run is sponsored by address the discriminatory treatment of LaSaia Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, A and N Mortgage Wade and to mitigate any future harm individuals EXTENDED Services Inc. and Windy City Times. would experience at County Line Orchard because BY POPULAR DEMAND Website: pinkhatrun.com of the identities or disabilities they bear. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkhatrun Alicia Crosby, Val Holdahl, TO NOV 11 Hannah Jones and Jes Scheinpflug 18 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES Parking-meter art launches, to benefit youth homeless projects Ava’s Change4Youth, a program of Pride Ac- dition, Art Houses painted by youth will be avail- tion Tank (PAT), launched Oct. 11 as part of the able as donation stations in retail outlets. The Andersonville Arts Week on Chicago’s North Side. Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and 48th The first parking meter, designed by artist Sam Ward Ald. Harry Osterman were excited to be the Kirk, is now on display outside of Women & Chil- first area to launch the Ava’s Change4Youth cam- dren First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark. The book- paign. store will continue to house the art meter after All of the donations will go to AIDS Founda- Arts Week. tion of Chicago, which is the parent organization The campaign visually raises awareness of for PAT. Program youth participants will serve youth experiencing homelessness in Chicago on an advisory board to help decide how funds while collecting small change in donation sta- are allocated to applicants from youth homeless tions to make big differences in the lives of projects. When working in collaboration with PAT youth. This program also promotes community on decision-making, youth are empowered to be building through art and advocacy efforts. actively involved with solving a problem. They Ava’s Change4Youth is a project created by promote the program through sharing their sto- From left: Pride Action Tank founder Tracy Baim (front), Pat Ewert from Rep. Kelly Cassidy’s youth for youth. Ava Volpe-Santos, 13, brought ries, community building and leadership. office, Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sara Dinges, Ava Volpe-Santos, the idea to PAT after seeing other cities using Ava’s Change4Youth is a unique program be- Sam Kirk, Theresa (back) and Mercedes Volpe-Santos, Women & Children First co-owner Sarah re-purposed parking meters to raise funds for the cause funds raised are directed toward impacting Hollenbeck, and Pride Action Tank’s ED Kim Hunt. homeless. Santos-Volpe and her moms, Theresa youth specifically, while actively engaging them and Mercedes, worked with nationally renowned to help with a problem affecting their lives. sor an art meter by funding the purchase, instal- work with an artist or join the advisory board. Chicago artist Sam Kirk to create a model art me- Individuals, business owners, artists and poli- lation and upkeep of a meter. Install one near —A volunteer who wants to help can also con- ter for Chicago, with a special design, “Forward ticians can support the project in the following their organization or business to show support tact Thaney. Focused,” for the first meter. ways: for the program. For sponsorship levels, contact Direct donations are accepted at prideaction- The goal of Ava’s Change4Youth is to have doz- —Alderpersons can assist in installing Art Me- Jackie Thaney, [email protected]. tank.org/ac4y-donate. ens of Art Meters, designed by artists and youth ters in prominent areas in their ward. —An artist can donate their time to mentor a See http://andersonville.org/aaw/ for more impacted by homelessness, across the city. In ad- —Businesses, groups and individuals can spon- youth in the creation of a meter(s). information on the Andersonville’s Chamber of —A youth can contact Thaney to volunteer to Commerce’s Arts Week.

WINNER OF 5 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL

MUSIC BY JEANINE TESORI

BOOK & LYRICS BY LISA KRON

DIRECTED BY GARY GRIFFIN

BASED ON THE GRAPHIC NOVEL BY ALISON BECHDEL

NOW–NOV 12 FUN “Easily the Finest Theatre Score in a Decade” HOME THE HUFFINGTON POST GET TIX: 773.871.3000 OR VICTORYGARDENS.ORG Ava Volpe-Santos with artist Sam Kirk (right) and the meter. Photo by Tracy Baim WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 19 Online Chicago Chamber ‘Georgina McBride’ exhibition Choir starting 22nd year through Oct. 22 features The Chicago Chamber Choir (CCC), a 40-voice ensemble, is marking its 22nd sea- Northlight Theatre—under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Execu- son with three programs: a commentary on our world and the joy of singing in tive Director Timothy J. Evans—will present the Chicago premiere of The Legend of Wright October, a consideration of the night sky and celestial bodies in December and an Georgia McBride through Oct. 22 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. exploration of the complex nature of love in April. The plot is as follows: A down-on-his-luck Elvis impersonator has an overdrawn photos The choir’s season promises to be in step with the year’s exuberant tone set by checking account and a baby on the way. When a drag show takes over the enter- When Frank Lloyd Wright Sean Kirchner’s Unclouded Day. tainment at the Florida Panhandle bar where he performs, he’ll also be out of a traveled to Japan for the first “Sing” (Oct. 21-22) will feature works by Brahms, Rheinberger, Barber and others; job—unless he’s willing to step into some high heels. time in 1905, he used a 4-by- “Seek” (Dec. 9, 16-17) considers the night sky and the stars above us with works for Admission is $30-$81 each; visit Northlight.org or call 847-673-6300. 6-inch camera to document choir and organ, with Esenvalds’ Stars opening the concert; and Love (April 21-22, this adventure. 2018) will have the choir performing Barber’s Reincarnations and Sarah Hopkins’ The 40 photographs from Past Life Melodies. Wright’s personal album are See ChicagoChamberChoir.org. now the subject of an online exhibition (WrightsJa- pan1905.org) titled “1905: Japan Through the Lens of Frank Lloyd Wright,” curated by David Bagnall of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust. In addition to Wright’s photographs, the exhibition web- CULTURECULTURE CLUBCLUB site includes an interactive map charting Wright’s route through the country, interpre- tive essays exploring the relevance of the photographs to GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO Wright’s work and a timeline detailing Wright’s enduring FALLSERIES relationship with Japanese art and culture. OCT 27&28, 7:30pm

‘Burf of a “Ferocious...rapid-fire Nation’ ...dancing at the edge” through -Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

Nov. 19 . LUX JOE MAZZA—BRAVE BY GODINEZ. PHOTO PICTURED: HENRY MPAACT is staging Burf of a Nation, or From Covfefe with Love through Nov. 19 at The Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. NOW PLAYING TICKETS 205 E. Randolph Drive 312.334.7777 harristheaterchicago.org Carla Stillwell and Leonard 847-242-6000 | WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG House wrote the play. The production is the story of Covfefe Lamont Jenkins, a Southern farmer so enraged LGBTQ History of the Upstairs Lounge THE AWARD-WINNING BLOCKBUSTER IS BACK! by the current political cli- Arson Disaster in New Orleans, June 24, 1973 mate and an ongoing Twit- ter beef with the president ONE-EYED PUPPY ENTERTAINMENT presents of the United States that he takes an action so extreme it sends the entire country into a tailspin. October 27 - Tickets are $22-$40 each; November 26 visit MPAACT.org or call 773- at The Broadway in 404-7336. THE MUSICAL the Pride Center

by Wayne Self based on the book by Clayton Delery NOW PLAYING

PorchlightMusicTheatre.org Ruth Page Center for the Arts upstairsthemusicalchicago.brownpapertickets.com 1016 N. Dearborn Street additional information at: upstairsthemusicalchicago.com 20 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES rary American cuisine. Executive Chef Amanda There’s another reason to check out this res- Barnes (from the restaurants Hot Chocolate and taurant, which is for club members and hotel Packing House) has come up with some intrigu- guests exclusively: It’s placed strategically near ing dishes that are health-conscious, sinfully in- the pool deck and hotel (for some interesting the DISH dulgent—or both. people-watching, or just for convenience). The Weekly Dining Guide in Barnes commented to Savor that she likes to space houses 182 seats, with private dining for use as many parts of the animal as possible, 16 and outdoor dining for 60. WINDY CITY TIMES which has led her to create some creative and en- By the way, if you can’t stay, Chromium has ticing dishes. For instance, take the salmon-skin plenty of grab-and-go items. SAVOR chicharrones (coupled with hot honey) or the And here’s a bit of trivia: The restaurant is wagyu-and-beef heart meatballs—which Barnes named in honor of Midtown’s co-founder, Kevie Chromium said is a favorite of clubgoers. Both of these Schwartz, who, among other things, developed BY ANDREW DAVIS dishes were very tasty, but if you had told me the process to chromium-plate the huge Chicago Chromium’s grilled chicken. I’d ever eat (let alone enjoy) those chicharrones Tribune cylinders to print large runs of the Sun- Midtown Athletic Club (formerly known as Mid- Photo by Andrew Davis while drinking kombucha, I would’ve branded you day issue. town Tennis Club) is undergoing a massive reno- three shades of crazy. Midtown Athletic Club is, of course, known for vation. featuring contemporary design elements with However, there are plenty of tasty, more tradi- its slew of exercise-related offerings. However, Among them is a new hotel slated to open next luxury amenities and what promises to be stun- tional offerings, such as ham panini, fried-chick- with Chromium and the forthcoming hotel, the month—witn no less a personality than tennis ning city views. en sandwich, whole snapper (which I loved), club is adding promising new facets. superstar Venus Williams lending a hand to de- Another change involves the club restaurant roasted half-chicken (another winner) and Job’s Note: Restaurant profiles/events are based sign a suite. Also, it’s slated to have 55 rooms, Chromium (2444 N. Elston Ave.; https://www. tears (tomato, cauliflower, roasted mushrooms, on invitations arranged from restaurants and/ midtown.com/chicago), which offers contempo- baby mustard greens and almonds). or firms.

SIDETRACK Were you lucky enough to have been at their Friday the 13th party? Photos by Jerry Nunn

Oh, brother! Attendees of American Brotherhood Weekend held October 6-8 at Touché Chicago and the LA&M. Photo by Brian Mincey WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 21 Billy MastersMasters

“Girl, listen, this is getting juicy. Andy Cohen, I’m waiting for The Real Housewives of Eastern Eu- rope. Go get ‘em! Get on this, Andy Cohen. Those bitches are gonna be fighting with swords and everything!”—Sheryl Underwood on The Talk discusses Andy Cohen’s offer to mediate between Ivana and Melania Trump. I’d definitely watch that show. Every time I think I’ve seen it all, something manages to actually shock me. Last week, I got a fan letter from an honest-to-goodness reverend! Now, I don’t know whether he is affiliated with an actual church or if he’s one of those rever- ends who was ordained on the internet. But he was certainly smart enough to start his letter by saying, “Thanks for your thoughtful and humorous comments!” Well, you had me at thanks and kept me with humorous. And he obviously knows something about religion because he was writ- ing to tell me that there is actually a Biblical Andy Cohen has a new gig. passage that talks about men wearing women’s PR image from Fox clothing. It’s in the book of Deuteronomy, chap- ter 22, verse 5: “A woman shall not wear any- moment Kathy was fired. But, news is news. thing that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put Then there’s all this Weinstein drama, and one on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an must give credit where credit’s due. I’m not the abomination.” You know what this means? Diane biggest fan of Satchel Ronan O’Sullivan Farrow Keaton is condemned to eternal damnation—as Allen Sinatra—aka Ronan Farrow. But he did do if sleeping with Woody Allen wasn’t punishment the legwork on this piece and did the digging enough! even without the support of a news outlet. He When last we saw Kathy Griffin, she had an- went rogue (if not commando), and got people to nounced a world tour, shaved her head in soli- talk. That NBC passed on the story is yet another darity with her sister who had cancer and was mystery, but Ronan’s tenacity got it to The New feuding with a neighbor over a pool party. Since Yorker. The rest is history. That said, I have to then, her hair has started to grow back in, her admit something that won’t be popular—I really sister died and the neighbor thinks she’s spying don’t care about any of this. I mean, Cosby was on him. On top of all that, she made a surprise drugging and raping people—that was interest- appearance in Los Angeles. Except it wasn’t much ing. And I have enormous sympathy for anyone of a surprise—Kathy has appeared at the annual who is physically assaulted. That is horrific. But “Best in Drag” fundraiser almost 20 times in the what about the story that Harvey put his hands past. So the fact that she chose that venue to on Gwyneth Paltrow’s shoulders and suggested make her first domestic stage appearance since then Quasimodo had an idea—what if she had they get a massage. Do I believe it happened? the Trump debacle was not surprising. That she someone to satisfy her sexual needs? She made a Sure. Does it get me excited? Nah. What about re- entered the stage wearing a non-bloody Trump wish list. Cut to that limber lad so attractive to ports that he made advances on Angelina Jolie? mask and taking a knee was perhaps somewhat women and men alike. A golden boy who’s will- What interests me is the common thread—Brad of a surprise. ing to bend over backwards (and forwards) to get Pitt! I’m waiting for Jennifer Aniston to come What she did was less of a routine and more ahead. Suddenly he’s on the hubby’s payroll and forward with a teary testimony. of a proclamation that she was back. And just banging the wife. You see, he thought she’d leave Didya watch the Dynasty reboot? I know— to prove it, she read some letters she got from Cyclops for him. But, in actuality, it was all yet YAWN! But plans are afoot to make it juicier. Like fans and foes alike. The most amusing was an another deal. When the mover and shaker figured what, you may ask? Like what they did on the email addressed to Anderson Cooper but cc’d to it out, he threatened to go public. And suddenly, original series—by bringing in Joan Collins! But Kathy: “Dear Anderson. From one homo to anoth- poof, he was offered his dream role on Broadway! Billy, I can hear you cry, how can 84-year-old er, you’re a fickle faggot. Really? Not supporting And like so many whores before him, he kept his Joan Collins be the ex-wife of 55-year-old Grant and backing Kathy Griffin after she had your back big mouth shut—even when the Broadway show Show? Is he into necrophilia? No. But she won’t for years? Even to talk about your cock-sucking in was mysteriously postponed. be playing Alexis. The powers that be tried to her comedy back when you were still a closeted When you can huff and puff and blow a blind convince her to join the cast as Blake’s MOTHER! queen. And another thing, Anderson. Homo rule item down, it’s definitely time to end yet another Well, Joan’s a shrewd lady and she had a better 101—you always back your fag hag.” You can see column. Of course, we’re far less circumspect on idea—what if she were Cristal’s mum? Hmmm— the rest of her appearance on BillyMasters.com. www.BillyMasters.com, the site that cannot be now THAT’S interesting. Speaking of Anderson Cooper, you all know that bought—but can be rented. And like so many Could it be there’s another “victim” whose Kathy was fired from co-hosting New Year’s Eve on rent boys before me, you can send your requests keeping quiet? Well, of course, there’s the wife CNN with Coop. At long last, a replacement has into BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back who got where she is the same way all those oth- been named. And that is ... drum roll, please— to you before I take a vow of silence ... or chas- er starlets did. But when she saw what was hap- Andy Cohen! You didn’t need to be Jeane Dixon tity—or any vow at all! So, until next time, re- pening around her, she threatened to leave. And to predict this—I said this would happen the member: One man’s filth is another man’s bible. 22 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES details.cfm?ID=14577 Tickets: http:// centeronhalsted.org/newevents-details. Werner’s recent travels to Cuba. 7:00pm community.centeronhalsted.org/pages/ cfm?ID=14580 City Winery Chicago 1200 W Randolph COMMUNITY historyandactivism Sex Kiki and workshop with Coriama St. Tickets: http://concertwith.me Virginia McGathey teaches B.A.N.K. sys- Couture First half hour, mingle and pur- Wed., Oct. 25 CALENDAR tem The openly LGBT business owner chase tickets for a drawing of items from Bridging Systems Against Hate Sum- will discuss “a reverse-engineered per- Early2Bed, Howard Brown Health Center, mit Registration 8:00 am. The Chicago sonality profiling system designed to and in.Power*. Bar open for those 21+. Commission on Human Relations’ second Wed., Oct. 18 dramatically improve your Communica- 6:00pm - 8:00pm Center on Halsted annual hate-crimes summit. A coalition Meet & Mingle, Expanding Inclusion in tions, accelerate your Negotiations, 3656 N Halsted St. Tickets: http:// of community advocates, government the LGBTQ Community How to work and Close More Sales.” Register online. community.centeronhalsted.org/pages/ agencies and law-enforcement officials with and provide services to LGBTQ 6:30pm - 8:30pm Ridgemoor Coun- asexkiki will raise awareness regarding hate adults with developmental disabili- try Club, 6601 W Gunnison St. Tickets: Fun Home Hailed as one of Broadway’s crimes, address the barriers to report- ties. 5:30pm - 8:30pm Center on Hal- http://www.eventbrite.com/e/bank- most original musicals and winner of ing them and provide opportunities for sted 3656 N Halsted Chicago Tickets: tm-chicago-launch-and-workshop-tick- five Tony Awards, Fun Home is inspired networking, collaboration and study. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet- ets-37742026417 by Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic Speakers: Cook County State’s Attorney mingle-with-proud-included-tickets- Pride Action Tank’s 2nd Anniversary memoir. Through Nov. 14. $15-$54 Kim Foxx; Christian Picciolini, a former 38027215425?aff=es2 Pride Action Tank launched two years 7:30pm Victory Gardens Theater 2433 skinhead and current peace activist; and Kesha’s Rainbow Tour 7 p.m., Aragon SUDDENLY SUSAN ago as a project of the AIDS Founda- N Lincoln Ave Chicago Tickets: http:// Stephen Scaffidi, the mayor of Oak Creek, Ballroom 1106 W Lawrence Ave., Chica- Sunday, Oct. 22 tion of Chicago. Featured speaker is Lee victorygardens.org/our-season/fun- Wisconsin. 9:00am - 3:30pm Univer- go Tickets: http://www1.ticketmaster. Bey—respected expert, writer, urban home/ sity of Illinois at Chicago, Student Cen- com/kesha-rainbow-tour-2017-chicago- Susan Werner planning consultant and photographer ter East, 750 S. Halsted St. http://www. illinois-10-18-2017/event/040052FBA1 will perform at of the built environment. Performance Saturday, Oct. 21 cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cchr/ 742AB6#efeat4212 City Winery. by Brandon Markell Holmes. RSVP to Big Orange Ball Dance at Chicago’s hot- supp_info/2017HateCrimesSummit.html Jackie Thaney at jthaney@aidschicago. test Halloween costume party, ben- Network for Equality Equality Illinois’ Photo by Vern Hester Thursday, Oct. 19 org 7:30pm - 9:30pm Clark-Hill PLC, efiting Howard Brown Health. General premier LGBTQ networking after-work Chicago Foundation for Women, Acti- 130 East Randolph, Suite 3900, http:// admission $150. At the door, $175. reception that benefits Equality Illinois. vate annual luncheon and symposium prideactiontank.org 8:00pm - 1:00am Carnivale 702 W Ful- Appetizers, beer, and wine and a short Connect with local organizations and ton Chicago http://howardbrown.org/ speaking program. 6:00pm - 8:30pm learn about all the ways to take action LGBTQ History and Activism Forum with Friday, Oct. 20 event/big-orange-ball-2017/ Tickets: 10 E. Randolph St Tickets: http://www. to make a difference for women and John D’Emilio To celebrate LGBTQ His- LGBTQ Artists’ Gallery Opening Jess T. http://orange2017.gesture.com/ equalityillinois.us/events/nfe/ girls. 12:00pm - 1:30pm Hyatt Re- tory Month, a lecture by author and his- Dugan: Photography. Catherine For- gency Chicago 151 E Wacker Dr Chicago torian D’Emilio followed by a facilitated ester: Drawings and video. Reception Sunday, Oct. 22 http://www.cfw.org/32nd-annual-lun- Q&A. 6:00pm - 8:00pm Center on Hal- with cash bar. Suggested donation $5. Susan Werner Writer, singer and musician. cheon-and-symposium/ Tickets: http:// sted 3656 N Halsted Chicago http:// 6:00pm - 8:00pm Center on Halsted New music from An American In Havana, www.cfw.org/ www.centeronhalsted.org/newevents- 3656 N Halsted Chicago http://www. a collection of original songs inspired by

COUNSELING & PSYCHOTHERAPY HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING ARE YOU GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME? MAKE YOUR DECK LOOK FABULOUS! Get on our sched- CLASSIFIEDS Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Is ule to have your deck cleaned and sealed. We also do CLEANING SERVICES your relationship struggling? I can help you better Remodeling, Carpentry, Drywall Repairs, Painting. “A+” CHESTNUT CLEANING SERVICES: We’re a house clean- understand these situations and create solutions for with BBB. Licensed-Bonded-Insured, One year War- ing service for homes, small businesses and small them. My practical approach entails a therapeutic ranty. Free Estimates! Andy OnCall 847-328-3100 buildings. We also have fabulous organizational skills alliance that is affirming, empathic, and interactive. www.andyoncallchicago.com (2/15/18-60) (a separate function at a separate cost that utilizes Michael J. Bland, Psy.D., LCPC. Northside location. your assistance) for what hasn’t been cleaned in many 773-404-8161. [email protected], www. months or years due to long-term illness, depression, BlandTherapy.com (9/26/18-52) REAL ESTATE physical/mental challenges, for the elderly, if you have downsized and more. Depressed about going HELP WANTED FOR SALE – CONDO home to chaos? We can organize your chaos, straight- ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRITS WANTED. Achieve Person- MAGNIFICENT 3-BR CONDO IN LAKEVIEW Fab lake en out your chaos, help you make sense of your chaos al & Financial FREEDOM. Help us help you help oth- views from this 3-BR, 3-BA on the drive. Newer kitch and finally clean what is no longer chaos. Can we help ers. It’s what we do. Earn while you learn to invest & baths; W/D, INCL. garage space and 1 outdoor you? Bonded and insured. Chestnut Cleaning Ser- VERY PROFITABLY in Real Estate. For a brief online space. $699,000 Lisa McGuirt, Broker Baird & Warner vice: 312-332-5575. www.ChestnutCleaning.com overview, call or text your name to 708-292-8778. RE 312-860-5390 [email protected] (11/23/17-52) (10/25/17-4) (10/18/17-1)

VELOUR from page 16 not happy with the lip synchs over the season. greyhound. I selected her because Catherine the WCT: I have worked for Howard Brown and They wanted the finale to redeem the perfor- Great of Russia had a pack of Italian greyhounds. Carnival, so my worlds are coming together. SV: It was grueling and short. We had only a mance aspects of the show. That is the art of drag If it is good enough for the czar, it’s good enough SV: I saw picture of the staircase in Carnivale, couple of days notice. We had a day to prepare to be able to work up a crowd. for me! so I will plan my numbers accordingly and have the songs. We had costumes already so we had WCT: One thing you learned from Drag Race? WCT: You are returning to Chicago for the Big an entrance. to hope they would work with the songs. I had SV: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Orange Ball? WCT: Don’t break heel. a story to tell and wanted to use rose petals. I WCT: That’s a tough one. SV: Yes, I am so excited. It seems like a really SV: Or do? [Laughs] ran out to Michaels and got my fake rose petals SV: It is because at the end of the day we all rare costumed event in the city. It is just like Velour headlines Howard Brown Health’s Big in bulk. I tried it once in the hotel room before do so much! my show in New York. It is not just fun but we Orange Ball on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Carnivale, going on. WCT: What did you do with the prize money? are raising money for an organization that really 702 W. Fulton Market, 8 p.m-1 a.m. Visit How- WCT: It is interesting that RuPaul focused on SV: It is going into some costumes. needs it and knows how to use it. We need more ardBrown.org and SashaVelour.com for more lip-synchs this season. I got myself a little puppy; he is now an Ins- places like Howard Brown Health who give ser- information. SV: They were very clear with us that they were tagram sensation. Vanya Velour is a little Italian vices for LGBTQ people. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 18, 2017 23 CONNE IONS

X MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS MODERN LUXURY LOFT Wedding Officiant 2101 W RICE #307 Judge James a. shapiro (ret.) Specializing in Same-Sex Weddings In English and/or Spanish Starting at $300

Judge Shapiro actively supported same-sex weddings ... now he gets to officiate them! TexT or call: (312) 782-4615 [email protected] CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A SHOWING JudgeShapirolaw.com betrealty.com 180 N. laSalle Street, Suite 3700, chicago, Il 60601 ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON CAR ACCIDENT, WORK INJURY OR ORTHOPAEDIC INJURY Mulryan • BACK • SHOULDER • ELBOW • WRIST • HAND • HIP & York • KNEE • ANKLE Attorneys At Law • FOOT serving: Artists GOLD COAST ORTHOPAEDIC SPINE AND HAND SURGERY Professionals ROBERT JAMES FINK, M.D. Business owners 4001 N. Wolcott Conveninetly located at 7200 N. Western Ave., 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60613 312-654-8800 www.goldcoastorthopaedic.com www.abd-cpas.com • (847) 257-7330 (773) 248-8887 ¡Se habla Español!

The Law Office of Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss, P.C. Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC

When experience counts... In service to the community • Probate for over 35 years. 312-855-0875 | 221 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL • Trusts [email protected] • Guardianship • Business Organization 24/7 Emergency Phone : 847-309-7777 • Estate Planning • Wills, Trusts & Probate • State & Federal Courts • Weapon & Gun Charges • Felonies & Misdemeanors • Elder Law • Real Estate Closings • Internet & White-Collar Crime • Drunk Driving Clark Hill is an entrepreneurial, full service law firm that provides • All Drug Charges • Orders of Protection business legal services, government & public affairs, and personal • Premarital Agreements legal services to our clients throughout the country. With offices • Expungements in Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia, Clark Hill has more than 300 attorneys and professionals. 33 N. Dearborn St., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60602 Speak to an experienced 312.985.5938 [email protected] attorney within minutes who 312-263-8800 [email protected] clarkhill.com 24 Oct. 18, 2017 WINDY CITY TIMES TAKE THE LEAD

Take an active role in your health. Ask your doctor if an HIV medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

onepillchoices.com

UNBC4619_B_LEAD_10x10_Blue_WindyCityTimes_p1.indd 1 10/3/17 10:41 AM