Derby days Cruising and bruising: Milwau- kee’s Brewcity Bruisers take command of the roller rink. Page 4

The voice of progress for Wisconsin’s LGBT community

January 28, 2010 | Vol. 1, No. 6 Making Valentine’s Day LOve we do our own By Louis Weisberg child. WiG Staff Writer This Valentine’s Day, Maria From the jewelry counter and Jennifer Cadenas, who to the Hallmark shop, same- had a civil union ceremony in sex couples are surrounded 2003, will have 13-month-old by idealized images of het- Alejandra in tow if they go erosexual love. But people out to celebrate their rela- like them are almost invisible tionship. But, “We might just — or, when they’re not invis- buy a cake and stay home,” ible, often controversial. Maria says, noting the perils Despite this unwelcoming of dining out with an infant. environment, the love that Although Alejandra is once dared not speak its a new addition to their name is thriving. Just ask the relationship, the Cadenases same-sex Wisconsin cou- will continue practicing a ples WiG spoke with about personal tradition they’ve Valentine’s Day: observed since their first Valentine’s Day together: Maria & Jennifer They will create handmade Cadenas cards for each other. As executive director “Mine tend to be very of Cream City Foundation, short,” Maria says. “She puts Maria Cadenas promotes the glitter on hers and uses col- visibility of same-sex couples orful markers.” by coordinating the “Gay In addition to Jennifer, Neighbor” campaign, which Cadenas remembers her features pictures of same-sex friends on Valentine’s Day. couples and their families on Love page 9 billboards and public transit. Cadenas’ life reflects that of the couples on the billboards From top left: Jennifer, — she has a spouse and a Alejandra and Maria Cadenas, Mark Pocan and Phil Frank, This John Becker and Michael Knappen, issue Genia Stevens and inside and online at Andrea Kleinheksel. wisconsingazette.com g r a p h i c : j a s o n s m i t h News WiGWAG ��������������������� 2 Milwaukee Gaze ���������� 3 LGBT groups send aid to Haiti National Gaze �������������� 8 Editorial ������������������������� 6 By Lisa Neff are providing alternatives tor, including Haiti’s LGBT Opinion ������������������������� 7 Wig Staff Writer to donating to faith-based community,” said IGLHRC International Gaze ������ 9 International and national organizations with poor Haiti page 9 LGBT and HIV/AIDS groups records on LGBT rights. Features are exporting hope, not They’re focusing their efforts Coast Guard crew- WiGOUT ��������������������11 homophobia, to Haiti. on supporting healthcare in Film �������������������������������12 members airlift a Hai- Organizations such as the the Caribbean country, which tian girl to a local hos- Dining ���������������������������19 International Gay and Lesbian was devastated Jan. 12 by a Real Estate ������������������21 pital for treatment on Human Rights Campaign, magnitude 7.0 earthquake. Jan. 18. StarGaze ����������������������22 New York’s Aid for AIDS and “The earthquake has been Photo: U.S. Coa s t G ua r d / Houston’s Rainbow Relief catastrophic for every sec- E t ta S m i t h 2 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010

LGBT news with a twist WiGWAG By Lisa Neff & Louis Weisberg

She said need to start taking a stand “ M a ” er unjust. But Honolulu’s have won) visited Chicago’s about the cold weather. Meghan McCain, daughter for equality.” I n g a l l s Roman Catholic Bishop Boystown Jan. 13 while he Then, she said, the “man of Cindy and John McCain, in the Larry Silva said, “Not all dis- was in the city taping “The wearing a dress” pushed her has long supported same- But he said “ L i t t l e crimination is unjust. Some Oprah Winfrey” show. After and the other man attacked sex marriage and been John McCain, however, House on is quite justified, because it is dining at Pingpong, Lambert her with the Mace. For the vocal about her position. In said through his U.S. Senate the Prairie: The based on reality and truth.” stopped in at Roscoe’s record, the high tempera- mid-January, she endorsed office that he still opposes Musical” — cel- And therefore, Silva said, it Tavern around 11 p.m., just ture in Milwaukee on New NOH8, a gay rights group legalizing marriage for gays ebrated. Gilbert is all right to discriminate in time to catch the gay Year’s Eve was 31 degrees. opposed to Proposition 8. and lesbians. “I respect is in Madison, where the against gays and lesbians and bar’s weekly Drag Race, The ballot measure passed the views of my family, but Overture Center for the deny them equal rights. according to justenjusten. Gays in outer by California voters in 2008 remain opposed to gay Arts is staging the show. com. Apparently Lambert, space? bans same-sex marriage. marriage and believe the Laura Ingalls Wilder was Bankroll on who was accompanied by The Christian right isn’t In a photo on her Twitter sanctity of marriage is only born near Pepin in 1867 and the ’bowl a small entourage of about happy about the blockbuster site, she wears silver duct defined as between one man her first novel chronicled The word was that the five people, behaved very movie “Avatar,” which fun- tape across her mouth and and one woman,” read the early life in Wisconsin’s pio- anti-gay Focus on the Family un-diva like. damentalists claim glorifies “NOH8” on a cheek. senator’s statement. McCain neer country. was suffering big money pantheism, puts down mili- in 2008 backed a ballot mea- woes, but Focus can still Cold weather, tary imperialism and criticiz- And she said sure amending the Arizona Word of rely on the kindness and hot temper es capitalism. They bristle at Cindy McCain, wife of Constitution to ban same- the day wallets of some wealthy A man sprayed Mace in the movie’s suggestion that John McCain, also sup- sex marriages. The word of the day is benefactors. The organiza- the face of a Florida woman humans are not entitled to ports same-sex marriage. “discrimination.” The dic- tion is buying a 30-second at Mayfair Mall on New Year’s do whatever they like with In a photo on the NOH8 Half-pint’s day tionary defines “discrimina- spot during the Super Bowl Eve, apparently in retaliation nature. And one conserva- Web site, she wears duct Gov. Jim Doyle pro- tion” as “treatment or con- for a commercial starring for a perceived insult she’d tive poster on the blog tape across her mouth and claimed Jan. 19 as “Laura sideration of, or making a 2007 Heisman Trophy win- directed at his cross-dress- republicanoperative.com “NOH8” on a cheek. The Ingalls Wilder Day.” Melissa distinction in favor of or ner Scott Tebow and his ing companion. But accord- gave “Avatar” the ultimate gay rights campaign said Gilbert, the actress who against, a person or thing mom. SB spots sell for more ing to the Wauwatosa, Fla., right-wing insult: it’s gay. Mrs. McCain offered to help. portrayed rambunctious based on the group, class or than $2.5 million. police report, the woman “Looks pretty gay to me, Meghan McCain Tweeted Laura “Half-Pint” Ingalls category to which that per- claimed that she had said and I refuse to watch it,” with pride: “I couldn’t be Wilder in the “Little House son or thing belongs rather Idol sighting nothing to provoke the he wrote. “The aliens look more proud of my mother. on the Prairie” TV series – than on individual merit.” American Idol Adam attack — that she’d merely fake, and the eyes look …I think more Republicans and who is now portraying Discrimination sounds rath- Lambert (well, he should complained to her friend gay.”

G E T T H E W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E d e L i v e r e d . C A LL 414-961-3240

DOGGY DAYCARE > Heroes & Villains Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm Heroes and unnamed, are heroes in by retracting the cartoon PET PARENTS! Just added: Saturday Perry v. Schwarzenegger our book. and opening its opin- Spoil your furry is the official name of the ion pages to explore the 8am-3pm case challenging the con- Villains issue. The newspaper edi- best friend for Enroll now for stitutionality of California’s Don’t laugh. The tor resigned. The editor in Valentine’s $18 per visit. Proposition 8. But just as Observer, a student news- chief dropped the cartoon. Day. the real defendant is not paper at the University And the university presi- Reservations are limited California Gov. Arnold of Notre Dame in South dent issued a statement: for the Valentine Packages, Schwarzenegger, who actu- Bend, Ind., published “The “The university denounces ally supports same-sex Mobile Party” cartoon Jan. the implication that vio- so call today to book your marriage, the real plaintiff is 13 depicting two charac- lence or the expressions spot: 262-784-7297 or not Kris Perry or her part- ters engaged in a sitcom- of hatred toward any per- The [email protected] ner or the male couple list- style conversation. son or group of people is Valentine Special ed in court documents. It’s Character One: “What acceptable or a matter that includes: the American Foundation is the easiest way to turn a should be taken lightly.” The • 1 Overnight Stay in a Suite for Equal Rights, which pro- fruit into a vegetable?” cartoonists, meanwhile, vided the impetus as well as Character Two: “No apologized. • Tuck-in Treat the money behind the land- clue.” And the villains here? • Walks Outside mark trial that is underway. Character One: “A base- The cartoonists, of course, • Unlimited Playtime And it took a lot of ball bat.” who are responsible for • Massage Bath money to hire lawyers of The cartoonists say the their work. But also the • Bag of Cookies to Take Home the stature of Theodore original punchline — and Catholic university admin- Olson and David Boies. they meant the big laugh- istration, which has repeat- $49-$59 The organization’s money getter not a blow to the edly rejected the adoption Price based is rumored to come gut — was “AIDS.” of a non-discrimination pol- on breed largely from gay entertain- The response to the car- icy and repeatedly stone- ment mogul David Geffen toon was immediate, on walled requests for club * Package valid February 12-14 and other progressive campus and off campus. The status from the school’s * Cannot be combined with any Hollywood elites, includ- Gay and Lesbian Alliance unofficial gay-straight alli- other coupon or special offer 5055 S. Emmer Drive, Suite 100 ing Steve Bing and Rob Against Defamation ance, AllianceND. * Restrictions apply New Berlin, WI 53151 Reiner. All of the people demanded an apology and Share your heroes & villains. behind AFER, both named the newspaper responded www.wisconsingazette.com. W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 3 Get OUT in Milwaukee!

celebrate the legend the life and the legacy of the king of pop!

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By Todd Wellman Eights have Kat Scratch Fever WiG Contributing Writer check out and Jenerous Beatings. “Boom. Boom. Pow!” No, a boUt As the Jan. 16 bout began, this isn’t the hit Black Eyed Go to www.brewci- a gaggle of refs stationed Peas song or Adam West tybruisers.com/bouts. themselves in the center throwing punches in the Save a couple of of a fluorescent, taped-off “Batman” TV series. These bucks on $15 adult racetrack. The offense and are the sounds of Milwaukee’s tickets by purchasing defense stood ready at their Brewcity Bruisers taking online or at a presale respective lines. Then the command of the roller derby location: www.brewci- opening whistle blew for the rink. tybruisers.com/tickets. initial jam, the first of many The Bruisers launched — T.W. 2-minute maximum innings. into its fourth season Jan. The defense players took 16 amid a World Wrestling off from their more forward Federation atmosphere bol- urged the audience, “The placement on the track. stered by a capacity crowd more you cheer for them, There was one pivot posi- at the Milwaukee County the drunker they get.” tion per team at the lead Sports Complex. According to Sexi Mexi and three blockers each in Fans waved homemade (aka Melina Rodriguez) of the pack. The second whistle signs and pockets of die- team Maiden Milwaukee, the P h oto : b r uce be r n A sounded, and the only two hards wore coordinating col- league has gained a repu- Capacity crowds are turning out for the Brewcity Bruisers roller derby. offensive players on the track ors. tation in the roller derby launched their attack from The pompom-wielding world for its standout pro- roller skating moves of Break duction of each player. Rollettes. A cute male ref- the rear. Beerleaders (read: cheerlead- duction values — and open- Sk8 (think a more technical Everything and everyone eree is named Sloppy Joe. Each of the attackers is ers) kept the fans at full boil, ing night did not disappoint. version of the choreography in this league has a clev- The Shevil’s roster includes known as a “jammer,” and helped along by the booming It included energizing music, from Madonna’s Confessions er sobriquet, with team Grace Killy and Becky the she’s visible by a helmet with voice of emcee Gloria Hole a half-time show featuring tour) and projections of pic- names such as Crazy Eights, Butcher. The Maidens boast a star. Her goal is to shove (aka Stephanie King), who the hip hop and break dance tures and names at the intro- Shevil Knevils and Rushin’ Habeas Kickass. And the Derby page 5 BILL OF RIGHTS CELEBRATION Featuring Wonkette Founder and Air America Correspondent - ANA MARIE COX Saturday, February 20, 2010 6 p.m. Hotel InterContinental, Milwaukee

TICKET PRICE: As the founding editor of the Capitol Hill based politics and lifestyle blog Wonkette, Ana Marie Cox has been covering Washington politics $125 per person, $300 for the dinner for over a decade. As Air America’s National Correspondent, she is a including a private reception with regular presence at White House press briefings and presidential news Ana Marie Cox 2009 Bill of Rights Award Recipients conferences, and was a member of the McCain campaign press corps. (A limited Number of tickets are available) The Eunice Z. Edgar Lifetime Achievement Award: Ana Marie as been an outspoken advocate on ACLU issues such as The Progressive Magazine first amendment rights (particularly the journalist shield law), marriage equality, repealing don’t ask, don’t tell, and net neutrality. Table Price: The William Gorham Rice Civil Libertarians of the $1,250 for a table of 10, $3,000 for Year Award: West Bend Activists for Free Speech E-mail Marion Ecks at [email protected] a table of 10 including a private or call 414-272-4032 ext. 18 for more information or reception with Ana Marie Cox The Jack and Lucy Rosenberg Youth Civil to register for the event. Libertarians of the Year Award: Camp Everytown > RSVP Deadline is February 13. Act quickly we expect to sell out! W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 5

Got news? Tell us Wisconsin GAzE [email protected]. ‘OPEN’ for business Madison group for LGBT professionals grows By Marcelle Richards Facebook following is OPEN as a way to encourage WiG Contributing Writer approaching 400 people from internal and external support Out professionals in both the private and public between LGBT employees Madison now have an in. The sectors — from executives and their employers. establishment of the Out to people just starting out in “I believe OPEN will play Professional and Executive their careers. a role in making Madison Network offers the infra- “We’ve managed to bring an even more vibrant com- structure and visibility for together a coalition of pro- munity by building a stron- lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- fessionals who’ve all demon- ger connection between our gender and allied profession- strated considerable leader- LGBT leaders and our busi- als to make connections and ship across a wide range of ness community,” Fox said. build support on the work industries,” Farabaugh said. OPEN may also act as a front that many once had to “Together we’re develop- template for other cities. find on their own. ing what I feel will become Farabaugh said people in Kim Nemechek, an OPEN a crucial resource for our Rockford, Ill., have sought out director at large and real membership and for com- the group to facilitate creat- estate broker for Bunbury panies that identify the value ing a similar group there. Realtors, appreciates the vis- P h oto : M a r c Ko ro b k i n in creating safe and open The first OPEN Annual ibility of other out profes- Brian Thompson, UWM Chancellor Biddy Martin, J. James Tye III, Marty workplaces.” Dinner takes place March sionals that OPEN makes Fox and D.J. Johnson One tool used to promote 10, featuring Rebecca possible. that goal is the Corporate Ryan of Next Generation “It’s nice to know who ed OPEN’s inception during which rippled into OPEN’s al development, education, Diversity Initiative Report, Consulting, who will pres- those people are in your a conversation between co- formation. public service, networking produced by OPEN vice ent the keynote address on community,” she said, noting founders Patrick Farabaugh From the initial meetings, and presenting extraordinary president Marty Fox, a “Building Our Next City: the group has allowed her to and J. James Tye III. They 15 business leaders stepped social events.” retired Alliant Energy Center How the LGBT Community meet people she would not subsequently held a few small forward to navigate the OPEN’s chartered mem- executive, and the Madison can Cultivate the Creative have met otherwise. gatherings, each time invit- group’s first year, with a mis- bership has risen to about LGBT magazine Our Lives. Class,” at the Edgewater in A similar sentiment seed- ing guests to invite guests, sion to engage in “profession- 70, and the organization’s The report recommends Madison.

FrontRunners The group’s most recent ben- times our average gift size!” “We hope this helps Cream gives $500 to Cream eficiary, Cream City Foundation, CCF plans to use the funds City as they continue in their City Foundation received a $500 gift Jan. 16. to support its LGBT Youth efforts to create equality for Every Saturday after Front- “This is a tremendous honor,” Homelessness Initiative. “An esti- all LGBT people, including our buy · sell · trade Runners/Walkers completes its said CCF executive director mated 24 percent of all homeless youth,” said FrontRunners/ weekly run/walk, members gather Maria Cadenas. “The members youth identify as LGBT, (and) a Walkers member Dan Lagerman. for breakfast. When the bill and of FrontRunners/Walkers took donation of this size is invaluable For more information about tip are paid, leftover dollars and something as simple as collect- in helping us get that message Front Runners/Walkers, visit ullr- cents are pooled to contribute to a ing change from a joint outing out,” said CCF president Stacey wolf.com/frontrunnersmke/wel- Milwaukee non-profit group. to make a donation (that’s) five Herzing. come. —­­ L.ouis Weisberg ‘It’s total chick power’ Hi! We’re the new kid in town. Derby from 4 Please tell your friends about the Wisconsin Gazette.

through the defensive wall to receive points by passing the opposing team’s players. Ready for a While there is no outright fighting during a jam, the Jan. New Direction? 16 audience reacted enthusi- John Meier, M.Ed. LPC astically to well-timed body checks and to offenses that P h oto : b r uce be r n A Guidance & Support for: sent skaters to the penalty The Brewcity Bruisers roller derby box — which in past seasons • Self-Esteem modern•vintage•new was presided over by guest “We’re treated like every- going, Zocher said. • Relationships used•recycled fashion drag queens. body else and we’re very Zahra Kiarang, a two-year • Growth & Healing Lesbian-identified skat- open,” Zocher said. “People volunteer, said LGBT people for LGBT individuals er Pound Anya (aka Joey talk about boyfriends and should be fans because, “It’s & couples 414.263.1690 Zocher) said only about 10 girlfriends.” total chick power. Awesome 2943 north humboldt percent of the “80 really racy The group skates in the gals go out there and rough (414) 305-3049 mon – sat 11am – 7pm sun noon – 5pm women” are out lesbians. gay Pride parade and, if a it up a little bit. Professional [email protected] www.rethreadsclothing.com/gazette But, she added, this also is gathering is held at a lesbian sports are all men and this is www.JohnMeierTherapy.com an LGBT-friendly sport. bar, no one has qualms about a chance to see women.” 6 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 { Editorial } > TAKE ACTION!

Potentially devastating The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is calling for comments on its Achieving Health Equity draft plan, which is intended to identify and address The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a potentially devastating blow to democracy with health disparities. In the 2,000-page document, lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals its ruling to roll back restrictions on corporate spending in federal campaigns. The are mentioned twice, while transgender individuals are not mentioned at all. In 5-4 decision, with conservative justices forming the majority, could unleash a tor- comparison, the ethnic group closest in size to the LGBT community is mentioned rent of corporate-funded attack ads in upcoming elections. 93 times. In their ruling, the conservative Justices said essentially that corporations are entitled to the same free-speech rights as individuals. That might sound good in What can you do? principle, but corporations with millions to spend on behalf of politicians who sup- Go to minorityhealth.hhs.gov/npa/templates/browse.aspx?lvl=1&lvlID=31%20, port their interests are not the equivalent of ordinary citizens. click on “Comment on National Plan for Action” and urge HHS to include LGBT In fact, corporations are not individuals at all, but rather government-chartered citizens. The plan will be available for comment until Feb. 12. entities with unique benefits and obligations that go far beyond those of individuals. They are treated differently under a multitude of laws, including regulations con- cerning their “free speech” about the products and services they offer. The recent ruling could be particularly bad news for progressive and LGBT citizens. If there’s any doubt about who will benefit from this decision, consider the differing reactions from leaders on opposing ends of the political spectrum. “Sadly, the majority of justices have sent the message that money, power, and influence rule the day,” lamented U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., an out lesbian and a political progressive. { Letters } The progressive and LGBT-friendly Wisconsin Democracy Campaign blasted the ruling as “a bastardized version of democracy.” The Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group called the High Court’s action a case of “judicial activism” that A bad check ings, is really an example of his comparison to refinancing “turns back the clock on over 60 years of precedent.” No longer content to sim- “Enron-like accounting” since a home. It is a high stakes bet But leaders on the far right hailed the ruling. Officials of Focus on the Family, ply pretend that he has fro- it is based on paper gains based on arbitrage. Further, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America, Wisconsin Right to Life zen the tax levy, when it has not yet realized but pro- short-term performance and other conservative activist groups were gleeful in their praise. actually increased by nearly jected forward and multiplied during a market surge is no The right is rejoicing because its leaders know a tsunami of unrestricted dollars $45 million during his tenure, for effect. When this check indication of long-term per- could now flow into the coffers of neo-cons who support the corporate agenda. Milwaukee County execu- bounces, the rhetoric will fall formance. Remember that for decades neo-con candidates have used the trifecta of “guns, tive Scott Walker upped the flat. Finally, the County God and gays” to spur uneducated voters into supporting politicians who oppose ante during his State of the Cutting hundreds of jobs Executive forgot to credit their economic interests. County address by making an and doubling furloughs for President Barack Obama and The Court’s decision seems to effectively overturn laws in Wisconsin and 23 arbitrary and irresponsible deputies as the county exec- Congress for providing the other states that restrict corporate involvement in campaigns. In Wisconsin, where bet when he promised to utive has done erodes service financial stimulus, which is Democrats hold a fragile majority, corporate involvement could turn the political lower the tax levy next year. quality and makes our com- the basis of his Milwaukee tide toward conservatism in 2010. This may say more about munity less safe. These are County Works program. his perception of his politi- not characteristics of lead- Walker’s plan to borrow cal prospects than his man- ership; they are policies of very aggressively in 2010 and agement ability. Given the long-term decline. The com- utilize more than $40 million state takeovers and service parison in business is a CEO of one-time federal stimulus deterioration that Milwaukee who manages based on the funds is an exceptional turn- The Wisconsin Gazette is published County has experienced, it’s next quarter’s performance around from his stance less biweekly and distributed throughout the clear that the county execu- and personal opportunity than one year ago. Milwaukee area, Madison, Racine and tive’s managerial track record to benefit while undermin- It is good to hear the Kenosha. To have WiG delivered to your is lackluster. ing the company’s long-term county executive singing address, contact circulation@wisconsin- There is no need to pro- fundamentals. Far from being positively about Milwaukee CEO/PRINCIpal gazette.com or call 414-961-3240. pose a responsible budget actual fixes, these are short- County, but citizens must Leonard Sobczak WiG Publishing, LLC. © 2010 if you plan to skip town for term maneuvers that bear no look beyond the rhetoric to a new job. The impending relation to the real demand see the peril of short-term Publisher/ fallout will not manifest until for county services. promises. Simply put, it must Editor in Chief later, when taxpayers suffer Despite the six-month be an election year. Louis Weisberg Entertainment Editor the increasing consequenc- track record, Walker mis- Milwaukee County Supervisor Gregg Shapiro es of service cuts, deferred leads the public again when Theodore Lipscomb, 1st District Managing Editor maintenance and broken he claims success on the use Lisa Neff Real estate writer promises. of pension obligation bonds. Kerrie Kennedy Walker’s $200,000,000 This $400 million “borrow- Creative Director check to taxpayers, an insin- and-invest” scheme is far Send letters to managingedi- Jason Smith contributors Harry Cherkin- cere metaphor about sav- more complex and risky than [email protected]. ian Jr., Jody Hirsh, Bruce Joffe, Rick Karlin, Advertising Manager Paul Masterson, Marcelle Richards, Angel Perry Lewis Sevilla, Max Thomsen, Jennifer Vanasco, Paul Varnell, Todd Wellman Account Executives Melissa Bruns, Will Elwood Technical consultant Our mission Kevin Rux To inform, engage and empower Wisconsin’s LGBT community by providing a professional, independent print and online source for news and commentary, www.wisconsingazette.com as well as coverage of political and cultural issues. W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 7 Not tying the knot A contractual agreement There are tons of issues I’ve fallen behind in my such contracting. and eventually the federal related to dating in your reading lately, so I am only It could be up to religious government would follow 20s, but should getting now getting to “Uncommon sects whether to recognize suit.” Opinion married really be one of Sense” by Gary Becker and such contracts and offer cer- Becker and Posner some- them? Richard Posner. As some emonies. times disagree, but in this BY Paul Varnell My brother celebrat- readers may know, Becker is Posner points out that case Becker agrees. “I have ed his 18th birthday this tionships, because that’s a professor of economics at marriage has taken differ- long argued that hetero- ized gay marriage, as have month and he plans on what humans do. The 20s, the University of Chicago and ent forms over the centu- sexual unions should (also) more foreign countries. And marrying his 18-year-old though, just aren’t an ideal Posner is a judge on the 7th ries, from the purchase of be based on contract.… If Washington state now allows girlfriend within the year. time to try and share your Circuit Court of Appeals and a husband (dowry) or a married heterosexual cou- full civil unions, lacking only He’s already purchased life with someone. There’s a lecturer at the University of wife (“bride price”) to the ples also had to base their the word marriage. the ring, though neither too much personal stuff Chicago Law School. arranged marriages of chil- relations on contract, gay David Boies and Theodore of them has finished high going on. The book reprints some dren, temporary marriage couples may not feel strongly Olson are arguing a lawsuit school yet. In gay relationships, I’m of the essays from their blog (often a cover for prostitu- they suffer from discrimina- seeking not to allow gay mar- I have no doubt they always surprised when I on a wide variety of topics tion in some counties) and tion if they cannot be consid- riage but to disallow legisla- love each other, but why have to deal with some- — from doping athletes, file polygamy. So the arguments ered legally ‘married.’” tive or voter approved prohi- the rush? one my age or older sharing and capital punish- that marriage has always Both also prefer legisla- bitions of gay marriage. They I’ve been in love and who is closeted. That’s a ment to CEO compensation been as it is now lack merit. tive enactments rather than seem quite optimistic about I’ve been engaged, but huge burden on the part- and eminent domain. While this seems a sig- court decisions that might the outcome, although I can- now, at 23, I’ve realized ner who is out, because But no doubt the most nificant change, Posner points produce a strong backlash not share their optimism. that my 20s are only going now he or she has to interesting to many readers out that marriage is moving against the courts. Support for gays and gay to come around once. I go through the whole will be the essays on gay toward contract, as exem- Although both men take marriage or civil unions con- want my 20s to be my closeted lifestyle all over marriage. plified by pre-nuptial agree- advantage of the book’s tinues to rise by one-half to 20s because, honestly, I again. The couple can’t Posner suggests ending ments and no-fault divorce. publication to append some 1 percent a year. More het- wouldn’t want to burden hold hands in public, can’t the special status of “mar- In light of such consider- “afterthoughts” to their erosexual couples are choos- anyone I really care about meet friends or family. riage” and letting contract- ations such, Posner says, “I essays, they do not do so on ing to live together without with all of the mistakes The whole relationship is ing parties choose the form imagine that if the homo- gay marriage. However, things being married. The offer of a I’m making and lessons I’m essentially a secret. of partnership that works sexual-rights lobby dropped have changed a bit in the four contract-based “civil union” learning. That just adds bad For teens and twenty- best for them. There could marriage from its agenda and and a half years since the first to heterosexual couples weight to a relationship. somethings, coming out be a “default” contract for put all its effort into lobbying publications of these essays could have a clarifying effect Let’s say a young per- can sometimes be a hard couples who did not want for civil unions, many states on the Web. on their opinions about mar- son does get seriously situation to deal with, pos- to bother with the details of would soon recognize them More states have legal- riage — gay and straight. involved with his or her sibly even directly conflict- partner and they spend ing with home life if the years together. There’s closeted person is living still a huge chance they’ll with parents. break up before they’re I have sympathy for A question of fairness 30, leaving both past their these people, but I’m not prime with nothing but a going to get involved with Gay marriage is not like people become more con- couples. We are asking that broken spirit and possibly them. No one wants to go abortion. servative about as they age.” the laws apply equally to us. a kid. Divorce rates in the back into the closet once This might seem obvious Opinion Also, when people change Yes, we can opt out of the United States are always they’ve come out. Once — one is about keeping a their minds about gay mar- system altogether. We can sky high, and they get even you’re 30, though, you life from starting, the other By Jennifer Vanasco riage, they tend to do it get married in a church with- higher for couples who can pretty much assume is about joining two lives in only one direction — out the state’s involvement have been together for that anyone your age is together — but in fact, gay the Court made a big deal become approving. Abortion or not marry at all, but live less than 10 years. out and, if not, you’ll be marriage is compared to about it and caused a back- can change minds either way. together as a couple. That I remember an episode old enough and hopefully abortion a lot. lash that we’re still suffering Why is this? Because intui- would be a private choice, of “Oprah” that aired a mature enough to handle People lump same-sex from. tively, people understand that and that is the sort of choice few years ago. It featured the situation. marriage in the same polar- But gay marriage is not abortion (or gun control) is already addressed by the the cast of the explosive I think there should be izing issue category as abor- abortion. fundamentally different from overturning of sodomy laws “Sex and the City” movie. an amendment to mar- tion and gun control all the In a New Yorker article gay marriage. by the Supreme Court in Oprah Winfrey was ask- riage laws, and not the time. It’s one of the issues, it on Perry v. Schwarzenegger, Abortion and gun control Lawrence v. Texas. ing the women if they amendment the religious seems, that defines someone the Proposition 8 trial that’s are both privacy issues. But what we want is for could go back and change right advocates. Aside as a liberal or conservative, underway in San Francisco, People who want an abor- the law to apply to us. We anything about their lives, from making gay-marriage or that defines a state as red Margaret Talbot writes that tion or want to own a gun want to be regulated in the what would they do. universally legal, there or blue. researchers who “have stud- (or who don’t want to wear same way as anyone else. Sarah Jessica Parker should be an expiration The Washington Post ied public opinion on gay a seatbelt or get their kid We want the state to sanc- said she would’ve stayed date on the contract. Ten stated in a headline in 2004 rights, believe that in five immunized) are people who tion our unions. We want to single throughout her 20s years down the line, if two that gay marriage is “the new years a majority of Americans want to make a personal abide by the state’s tax laws instead of diving into rela- people feel like renewing, abortion.” will favor same-sex marriage choice without government for couples. tionships. The rest of the they can have another And often, legal experts — the result of generational interference or regulation. The reason that people cast generally agreed that wedding with a big banner and talking heads will pre- replacement and what (one In a world without a gov- (even conservative people, your 20s are the years that reads, “We still love dict the outcome of a U.S. researcher) calls ‘attitude ernment, they would be able like Dick Cheney) move when you can be selfish each other!” Supreme Court gay marriage adjustment.’” to make these choices unhin- toward acceptance of gay about your time and your But for twentysome- battle by looking at Roe v. She goes on to say, “The dered. marriage is because eventu- growth as a person, and things, well, they should Wade. That decision was a generational divide does not Also, they apply to every- ally they recognize that the it’s acceptable because it’s take their studies and disaster, they say, because the produce such results for all one equally. Either every issue is not a moral ques- necessary. I’ve got to say careers seriously and leave Court’s opinion protecting social issues. On abortion, for woman can get an abortion tion — as abortion is — but that I agree. long-term romance on the the right to an abortion was instance, younger Americans or no one can. instead is about a fundamen- Of course, we’re all backburner. There’s plenty far ahead of public opinion. tend to be less supportive of Gays and lesbians who tal issue of fairness. going to get into rela- of time for that later. The country was heading unfettered rights. Nor does want to get married are sim- Gay marriage is not abor- toward making abortion legal gay marriage seem to be a ply asking to be regulated tion. Let’s not predict failure anyway, the theory goes, until life-cycle issue — one that in the same way as straight just because we think it is. 8 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010

Got news? Tell us national GAzE [email protected]. Prop 8 trial continues in California By Lisa Neff Supreme Court — Olson children.” Proposition 8 to end and for WiG Staff Writer represented George W. Bush • The defense dropped a more positive, joyful part of ‘I want to “This case is about mar- and Boies represented Al four people from its wit- our lives to be begin.” riage and equality. Plaintiffs Gore in the dispute over ness list, leaving only two. • Harvard history profes- marry Sandy.’ are being denied both the counting Florida ballots in Attorneys said people were sor Nancy F. Cott challenged right to marry, and the right the presidential election. reluctant to testify, fearing the defense position that to equality under the law,” Observers in U.S. District publicity. procreation is the “central said attorney Theodore Court Judge Vaughn Walker’s • Zarrillo, Katami, Perry and … defining purpose of Olson of the American courtroom in San Francisco and Stier testified. “The word marriage.” She said, “I would professor Letitia Peplau testi- Foundation for Equal Rights. said the attorneys worked ‘marriage’ has a special mean- certainly agree it is one of fied that there is no evidence With those words, well together — like a mar- ing. …If it wasn’t so impor- the purposes, but certainly to suggest that marriage Olson opened his attack ried couple — in the first tant, we wouldn’t be here not the central or the defin- equality would harm others. on the constitutionality of weeks of the trial, which today,” Zarrillo said. “I want ing purpose. It’s a surprise to • San Francisco economist Proposition 8, the ballot mea- is expected to continue to be able to share the joy many people to learn that Edmund Egan testified that sure banning same-sex mar- through this week. and the happiness that my George Washington, who is Prop 8 is a drain on gov- riage in California that voters A glance at the first weeks: parents felt, my brother felt, often called the father of our ernment budgets, and that approved in November 2008. • The court viewed the my friends, my co-workers, country, was sterile.” legalizing same-sex marriage In the federal case Perry v. video deposition of William my neighbors, of having the • Yale professor George would generate significant Schwarzenegger, Olson and Tam, a pro-Prop 8 activist, opportunity to be married. Chauncey testified about revenues. attorney David Boies rep- who wrote an e-mail during It’s the logical next step for the history of discrimination. • Cambridge University resent two same-sex cou- the ballot initiative fight that us.” Prop 8, he said, played on professor Michael Lamb tes- P h oto : D i a n a Wa l k e r ples — Paul Katami and Jeff stated: “They lose no time “I want to marry Sandy. stereotypes used historically tified, “We have a substan- Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo and Kris Perry and in pushing the gay agenda I want to have a stable and to portray “homosexuals tial body of evidence docu- Zarrillo are two of the Sandy Stier — who want to — after legalizing same-sex secure relationship with her as perverts who prey on menting that (children) being plaintiffs in the Prop 8 marry. marriage, they want to legal- that then we can include our young children, (who) entice raised by same-sex parents trial. The trial is in its In 2000, Olson and Boies ize prostitution. What will be children in,” Perry testified. straight people into sick are just as likely to be well- third week in a fed- were adversaries in a sig- next? On their agenda list “And I want the discrimi- behavior.” adjusted as children raised by eral courtroom in San nificant case before the U.S. is: legalize having sex with nation we are feeling with • University of California heterosexual parents.” Francisco.

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4601 N. Oakland Ave. • Shorewood, WI 53211 • 414-403-1050 www.lifesteps-wi.com W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 9 From the cover ‘The level of distress is indescribable’ How to help Haiti from 1 munity groups at the interna- to access treatment. About La Guerre said 14 men International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights tional, national and local lev- 120,000 Haitians — a con- participating in the group Commission: www.iglhrc.org. executive director Cary Alan els focused on raising money servative estimate — are liv- died, two participants sur- Metropolitan Community Church Disaster Relief Johnson, who visited the and supplies to fend off epi- ing with the disease. vived. “Light a candle for Fund: www.mccchurch.org. — L.N. country in 2009. demics, treat the wounded SEROvie, which provides these souls and for Haiti,” The Haitian government, and care for the sick. HIV/AIDS services to the he said, adding that SEROvie as of Jan. 23, estimated that The Pan American Health GLBT community in Haiti, needs food, clothes “and any 200,000 people died, 250,000 Organization said hospitals was hosting a support group type of help.” lished the Disaster Relief of the MCC church in the suffered injuries and some 2 and mobile clinics needed when the earthquake struck. IGLHRC responded, rais- Fund to help the MCC con- Dominican Republic. million were homeless in a more surgeons, nurses, sup- “The sound is unforgetta- ing about $10,000 in the first gregation in the neighboring “What we will need is nation of 9 million. plies, and better sanitation ble,” said SEROvie director days following the quake. Aid Dominican Republican, which both the spiritual and the As the focus in Haiti and water. Steve La Guerre. “I can’t even for AIDS collected unused has a number of Haitian physical support to rebuild shifted from rescuing people GLBT and HIV/AIDS describe the horror as the HIV drugs, as well as antibi- members. lives and communities. There from rubble to caring for the activists shared concerns ceiling and the wall of the otics, antivirals and antialler- “The level of distress is are no walls to tear down injured and feeding and shel- for Haitians living with HIV/ conference room started to gics. Also, the Metropolitan indescribable,” said the here; only the work of build- tering the homeless, com- AIDS — and their inability fall.” Community Church estab- Rev. Tania Guzman, pastor ing up hope again.

Embracing romance Love from 1 much of our own space,” WHY DO WE SMOKE MORE? Becker says. “Michael made a RR UU RReady?eady? “In Mexico, Valentine’s Day card and bought some candy One of the leading factors associated is also Friendship Day — “El and trinkets and decorated with LGBT people smoking is minority Dia de Amor y Amistad” — my room while I was gone. It READY and it’s a chance to call your was a sweet gesture. It was stress—the stress related to the stigma friends and say how much unexpected.” they mean to you as well,” This year, Valentine’s Day and discrimination we feel in our daily Cadenas says. will be less modest, but TO QUIT!? lives as LGBT people. Even those who still frugal. They’re living in John Becker Milwaukee now, where have successfully quit for a period of & Michael Knaapen is taking pre-med time are more likely to state they Knaapen courses and Becker, who’s a Every year in Wisconsin, nearly John Becker and Michael musician and singer, is looking 7,000 years of life are lost to returned to smoking because of the Knaapen got married four for work. stressors of our lives. years ago in Toronto dur- “We’re going to combine lesbian, gay, bisexual, and ing spring break from celebrating Valentine’s Day UW-Steven’s Point. Their first with our anniversary (March transgender people because of WHAT WORKS? Valentine’s Day together was 22),” Becker says. “We’ll • You can double or triple your chances a modest event. probably have a nice dinner, their tobacco use. “We were living in the and we like to surprise each of a successful quit by combining dorms and we didn’t have Love page 10 Tobacco use represents a private strategies. Cold turkey rarely works. • Build a social support network among Romance 101 hunt in your house. Leave crisis for LGBT people in What makes for a great little tokens or clues that Wisconsin; it comes at a huge your friends and family that cheers Valentine’s date? WiG lead to a love note with you on. asked Greg Halpen, a gay a rose or a card that’s public cost to us all. dating expert based in redeemable for two kiss- • Work on changing the habits of Syracuse, N.Y. es or a special evening in First of all, Halpen the bedroom with candle- smoking. Think about where and advises, forget the hype light.” when you smoke. What triggers your about what constitutes According to Halpen, a romantic evening. “Do the key to holding on to smoking behaviors? Be aware of the something that’s special romance is to take intima- feelings that increase your desire to and intimate and very cy to new levels. He says, mindful of each other,” “(Couples) become stuck smoke and work on those. he says. as to what steps to take When it comes to to explore more with GET HELP. romance, money can’t each other, to go deeper, buy love, he adds. “Leave to spice it up. They need Check out a secret love note on to be more creative.” www.rm2breathe.org the pillow with a little On the Web: www.the- Hershey Kiss before you gayguyslovecoach.com Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for go to work,” Halpen says. loads of resources, including “Create a little treasure — L.W. This program is funded by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s Wisconsin Partnership Program nicotine replacement products.

WIgazette-jrPgAd 10 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010

‘It was sweet’ For a heart-y “Ahuacuatl,” which trans- Egyptians used it for libido appetite lated means “testicle tree.” enhancement. Love from 9 “I hadn’t gotten flowers in Long before Viagra, men The fruit hangs in pairs on • Garlic is said to stir 10 years,” she says. were trying to find ways to the tree. sexual desires. However, Stevens and Kleinheksel perk up their sex lives. In • Bananas, both the fruit both partners need to par- other with something like a live in Beloit, where they ancient times, there were and the flower of the tree, take, unless of course, one note on the bed or a box of became well-known locally many foods thought to put have a suggestive shape. The of them is a vampire. chocolates or flowers.” as a couple after the Beloit people in the mood. The fruit is rich in potassium • Ginger stimulates the Becker says he refuses to Daily News profiled them on old saying, “The way to a and B vitamins, necessities circulatory system, and a let the heterosexism in soci- the front page for a story on man’s heart is through his for sex hormone produc- little more blood circulat- ety put a damper on his the state’s domestic partner stomach,” may be based tion. ing in the areas of desire relationship. registry. But for Stevens, who somewhat in fact — and • Almonds have been a • Chocolate contains couldn’t hurt. “As a musician, I perform hosts the podcast SistersTalk apply to women as well. symbol of fertility through- chemicals thought to affect • Nutmeg was highly at weddings, and it’s slightly Radio, being out is a way Some foods, such as out history. The aroma is neurotransmitters in the prized by Chinese women bittersweet, because you’re of life. liquor, lower inhibitions. thought to induce passion brain and a substance relat- as an aphrodisiac. In quan- reminded every time that This holiday, they are going Others, such as chocolate, in a woman. ed to caffeine called theo- tity, nutmeg can produce a we’re denied that kind of to Atlanta, where they plan release endorphins, chemi- • Aniseed was used as an bromine. hallucinogenic effect. public affirmation of love in to enjoy an elegant dinner cals in the body that bring aphrodisiac by the Greeks • Coriander, the seed of • Oysters have a reputa- our own state,” he says. and an evening on the town. on a feeling of well-being. and the Romans, who the cilantro plant, is an aph- tion as an aphrodisiac that “That is our gift to each Some foods are high in zinc, believed that sucking on rodisiac that dates back to dates back to the second Genia Stevens other,” Stevens says. “We necessary for sperm pro- the seeds increased sexual the tales of the Arabian century A.D. & Andrea love to travel.” duction. And some foods desire. Nights. Kleinheksel thought to act as quasi- • Avocados derive their • Fennel is a source of “I finally like Valentine’s Mark Pocan & aphrodisiacs are: name from the Aztec term natural plant estrogens. The — Rick K.arlin Day,” says Genia Stevens. “To Phil Frank me, it used to be just a stupid This Valentine’s Day, Mark holiday, because I never had Pocan and his spouse Phil a person I was in love with Frank plan to be on a plane before.” traveling home to Madison Romance and remote-control After meeting Andrea from South Africa. They origi- Kleinheksel a little over a nally wanted to marry there year ago, Steven’s attitude in 2006, but instead tied Open the wine, plate the er and visible as a couple at Shaver). While there, Vivian changed. the knot in Toronto before strawberries, exchange the a time when such a thing still encounters Cay (Patricia “I remember tell- a honeymoon in Bali and cards, and then cuddle up on bordered on the scandalous. Charbonneau) and some ing (Genia) that after this Indonesia. the couch for some romance. And yet their partnership unexpected feelings as they Valentine’s Day, you’re going It’s perhaps ironic that was celebrated and honored. embark on a passionate affair to love Valentine’s Day,” Pocan, who’s an openly gay “Brokeback (Designer turned director of the (desert) heart. Kleinheksel says. state representative from Mountain” Tom Ford’s film adaptation of She was right. Madison, had to travel out of This Oscar-winning, Isherwood’s “A Single Man,” “Go Fish” For their first Valentine’s state to get married. ground-breaking film, adapt- starring Colin Firth and Before she acted as one Day, Stevens warned As co-chair of the ed from Annie Proulx’s Julianne Moore, was one of of the co-creators of “The Kleinheksel that she didn’t Assembly’s Joint Committee short story, is so beloved the best films of 2009.) L Word,” Rose Troche made like spending money on on Finance, Pocan wields a that to this day it remains a wonder to behold.) a little indie film called “Go flowers, because they die. lot of power in Madison. But a cultural touchstone with “Desert Hearts” Fish” and turned the lesbian So Kleinheksel made paper when it comes to romance, regard to same-sex relation- “Chris & Don: A Released in 1986, a land- movie audience on its head. flowers and wrote a poem he’s an ordinary citizen. ships — on and off screen. Love Story” mark year for LGBT film Filmed in black and white, that she framed and left on “One Valentine’s Day we Featuring breathtaking per- Guido Santi and Tina (including titles such as with a cast of actors and Stevens’ dresser. rented a room at a little formances from lead actors Mascara’s loving docu- “Parting Glances” and “My non-actors (read: friends of But Stevens has come to hotel here and decorated it,” Jake Gyllenhaal and the late mentary tribute to writer Beautiful Laundrette”), the director), “Go Fish” is embrace romantic gestures Pocan says. “Another year, I Heath Ledger, it stunningly Christopher Isherwood and “Desert Hearts” is still con- a free-flowing story of the like flowers and candy. In fact, took lessons from a mas- depicts love’s endurance and visual artist Don Bachardy, sidered the pinnacle of lesbi- desire to find a mate that she sent both to Kleinheksel seuse, so I could do a real is one of the great roman- who were together for three an movies. Based on the novel captures the lesbian zeitgeist at the school where she nice massage.” tic stories of the 21st cen- decades, is a true love story. by lesbian writer Jane Rule, of the mid-1990s. Oh, and teaches. Her colleagues gave But, “birthdays are the days tury, gay or straight. (Lee’s And what makes it even “Desert Hearts” unfolds on did I mention that it’s funny? her a good-natured ribbing, that we tend to go more gay-themed “The Wedding more special is the fact that a Reno dude ranch following Yes, that’s right – it’s a lesbian Kleinheksel says. overboard on,” he adds. Banquet,” from 1993, is also Chris and Don were togeth- the divorce of Vivian (Helen rom-com. — G.S. W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 11

WiGOUT!Wisconsin Gazette entertainment The man in blue An interview with actor Michael Cudlitz aka Officer Michael Cooper

By Gregg Shapiro think, “Oh, it’s dangerous, and this and that.” The training that expertise in something, they can pull you as a rookie into WiG Staff Writer we did for the show (included) some ride-a-longs. (Co-star) assisting in a special group or task force. You may be a really Ben (McKenzie) was giving me a hard time about this, because good young guy or woman and they want to use you under- fter being dropped by NBC, the gritty Los he says I’m addicted to them. …I’ve done a total of eight or cover in a gang unit. You can then move into detectives very Angeles cop series “Southland” has resurfaced 12, I think. Because my character has been in the force so quickly. at TNT. That’s great news for the series’ fans — long, he would have transferred from many different divisions. GS: So the police definitely earned your respect. “Southland” is absorbing and one of the harder- They only keep you for about four years and then, depending MC: Yes! hittingA dramatic series on television. on where you are in your career, (that) determines into what GS: I’m glad that you mentioned the fact that Cooper’s been Michael Cudlitz portrays John Cooper, a veteran cop who division you transfer. A lot of guys like to retire out of West on the job for a long time, because he comes across as the voice is the voice of wisdom and a source of stability in unstable L.A., but when they’re younger they want to go into South of reason, responsibility and experience, and at the same time, he situations. Cooper also is gay, a subject that’s treated with Central and do the heavy crime suppression stuff. … Prior peppers it with a great sense of humor. respect and realism in the series. to all of this, I thought that you went through boot camp, you MC: I think a lot of what you see is that gallows sense I spoke with Cudlitz when he was in Chicago for a fan- were a patrol officer and then, if you were smart and lucky, of humor is a coping device. It’s like the old TV show appreciation screening of “Southland.” you became a detective. It has nothing to do with that. It’s “M*A*S*H*,” the idea of breaking the tension in that humor- Gregg Shapiro: Has playing a police officer in “Southland” had your choice. You can choose to stay a patrol officer. You are ous way is the only way you can deal with it. You see it, day any effect, one way or the other, about your opinion of police and not out-ranked by a detective. You are out-paid by a detective. in and day out, and you can’t process it as, “These are just law enforcement? GS: So it has nothing to do with your experience. normal people.” No, they’re not normal people. There are Michael Cudlitz: Absolutely. I had no idea what they did. We MC: It has nothing to do with that. There are minimums horrendous circumstances, people doing horrendous things think we all have an idea of what it is to be a police officer. You that you have to do to go into it. But if you show a certain Cover page 14 12 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010

On the big screen ‘Glee’ gets “The Lovely GLAAD nod Bones” For the fourth Paramount/ year running, ABC DreamWorks Film leads nominees for By Gregg Shapiro awards from the Gay Before he became the and Lesbian Alliance Oscar-winning director of murder mystery, with a few Against Defamation. the box office blockbuster highly charged moments The network “The Lord of the Rings” tril- of suspense. One in par- earned eight nomi- ogy, Peter Jackson made an ticular, involving Susie’s sis- nations for the 21st exceptional little film called ter Lindsey (Rose McIver) annual GLAAD “Heavenly Creatures,” star- snooping in Harvey’s house Media Awards, with ring future Oscar winner and discovering an incrimi- “Brothers & Sisters,” Kate Winslet. If anything, it nating piece of evidence, is “Grey’s Anatomy,” proved that he could create especially effectual. “Private Practice” and an intimate cinematic experi- But there are a multitude newcomer “Modern ence as effortlessly as he was of problems with the film. Family” among the able to craft special-effects The book’s devoted legions contenders. fantasies. are already up in arms over GLAAD also Unfortunately, with his film the movie, particularly the announced Cynthia adaptation of Alice Sebold’s way in which Susie’s murder Nixon will be hon- highly regarded novel “The is handled. And the acting is ored with the Vito Lovely Bones,” it’s clear that all over the place. Have there Russo Award, which is Jackson has lost some per- Susan Sarandon stars in “The Lovely Bones,” now in theaters. ever been two more miscast named after a founding spective. actors than Wahlberg and member of GLAAD Set in the 1970s, “The ting go of her surviving fam- and wants to become an the one spark of life to the Weisz? The special effects and is presented to a Lovely Bones” is narrated ily and potential boyfriend active participant in the story, with the arrival of feel like castoffs from “What gay media professional by 14-year-old Susie (Saoirse Ray (Reece Ritchie), all of investigation, becoming a nui- hard-living Grandma Lynn Dreams May Come.” While who has made a dif- Ronan), who was murdered whom are devastated by the sance to Detective Fenerman (Susan Sarandon, who is a it’s admirable that Jackson ference in promoting by neighbor Mr. Harvey loss. Susie’s parents Jack and (Michael Imperioli). Abigail much-needed breath of fresh would want to take on such equal rights for the gay (Stanley Tucci). The story fol- Abigail (Mark Wahlberg and basically shuts down, eventu- air and a source of momen- a project, he might be better community. lows her as she navigates Rachel Weisz) each react dif- ally temporarily leaving the tary comic relief). off with an author whose — WiG her way to heaven. Part of ferently to the tragedy. Jack family to become a migrant Ultimately, the movie work is more suited to him, getting there involves let- obsesses over the murder worker. Her departure brings functions as a supernatural such as Tolkien.

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By Jody Hirsh The pace and WiG Contributing Writer On one starry Friday night timing of this in the mythical unincorporat- Theater ed district of Almost, Maine, WiGOUT theatrical the residents meet, confront, love, lose and find each other enmeshed in romantic adven- mosaic is in what playwright John tures showing that, indeed, masterful. Cariani describes as a kind of there is someone for every- “Midwinter Night’s Dream.” one; yet the play suggests The setting is so cold and that people often make mis- remote that one charac- takes that can end a relation- ter speaks of going south ship or miss out on one. to Vermont for the warmer In “Almost, Maine,” the a universal picture of the joy, weather. whole is greater than the and the pain, of love. The play unfolds as 19 sum of the parts. In the last Directed by company characters, including nine scene of the show, Dave, pur- member Laura Gordon, the couples, learn about relation- suing the tomboyish Rhonda, pace and timing of this theat- ships, love, serendipity and gives her a gift of an abstract rical mosaic is masterful. Set loss in a dizzying eight scenes painting he’s created. “I did it designer Susannah M. Barnes in which four actors play all with a bunch of little blocks has fashioned an inventively the roles. In Almost, Maine, of colors, see,” he tells her, simple set that presents an love is quirky — sometimes “and if you look at the blocks array of locales in Almost, P h oto : J ay w E S t h ause r exhilarating, sometimes sad of colors, it’s just colors, but Maine, and lighting designer Steve Haggard and Elizabeth Ledo in “Almost, Maine” at the Milwaukee and always challenging. The if you step back and look at Barry G. Funderburg has cre- Rep through Feb. 7. message of the diverse, comi- the whole thing, it’s not just ated enchanting effects in cal, and often wildly physi- little blocks of colors, it’s a this frozen north, including Deborah Staples — have through Feb. 7 at the milwaukeerep.com. cal stories is that no one is picture of something.” Just a magical Northern Lights realized the residents of Milwaukee Repertory immune to the complexities so, the stories presented are display. The four actors — Almost, Maine, with perfec- Theater’s Stiemke Theater. E-mail managingeditor of love. Men and women — diverse, but if you step back Steve Haggard, Elizabeth tion. For more information, call @wisconsingazette.com, tell us gay and straight alike — are and look at them, they form Ledo, Gerard Neugent and “Almost, Maine” runs 414-224-9490 or visit www. what you think! The Barber Is Back!!!

In The Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva, with help from Figaro, Win a pair of free tickets! wooed and won the lovely Rosina away from her Click ”F would-be husband, Bartolo. WisconsinGazette.comree Stuff In The Marriage of Figaro, the story continues… ” at Charming, lighthearted and endlessly enjoyable, The Marriage of Figaro is a delight for opera newcomers and veterans alike. January 29 ~ www.skylightopera.com sponsored As with all Skylight Opera Theatre productions, this work will be performed in English. by February 14, 2010 (414) 291-7800 14 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 Gotta dance The Cream City Squares, Milwaukee’s Shoreline-Milwaukee also offers a square dance club, will offer lessons begin- dance opportunity at Hot Water/The ning Feb. 14 at Lake Park Lutheran Church, Wherehouse, 818 S. Water St., at 7:30 Present corner of Park and Stowell. p.m. the second and fourth Fridays. The club will host a drop-in at the For more information, call 414-747- church at 1 p.m. Jan. 31. For more infor- 0388 or go to www.shoreline-milw.org. mation, call 414-461-5359 or go to iagsdc. org/creamcity. — WiG

sing-a-long ‘TNT has embraced it’ Cover from 11 edly. They have put so much into the launch of this. Worse case scenario: the six epi- Cover sodes that we shot are going to each other. And how do I WiGOUT to be aired. say, “Oh, it’s OK”? You don’t. GS: Were you aware of You go, “that guy’s a fucking that come up with John. the efforts being made by idiot.” There’s a history of abuse “Southland” fans to save the GS: Cooper’s got some great and relationships in his life show? lines. that have not been what you MC: I was one of the ones MC: The best! I love how expect. It’s very interesting who was very aware, because Ann (Biderman) writes for the way he and Ben Sherman I was active on Twitter. … John. She’s a genius. — they’re almost polar oppo- We had finished filming, they GS: “Southland” also makes sites when you first meet were still airing episodes, and good use of an ensemble them and, as you get to know we were still doing press cast, including Regina King, them, you realize how much to promote the first seven Ben McKenzie and C. Thomas they are similar. The rela- (episodes). I had about 700 Howell… tionships do unfold, and you followers at that point. The MC: … Michael McGrady, get to know them in a very show got cancelled, I said Kevin Alejandro, Shawn realistic way; and you are some things on my Twitter Hatosy. I’ve said this before left to interpret, as an audi- that got picked up by The and it bears repeating, you ence member, what you’ve New York Times and The Los could take any three people just seen. You’re never beaten Angeles Times, and overnight and make another show and over the head with anything. my Twitter more than dou- Win a pair of free tickets! it would be phenomenally There’s not going to be a big bled because of the fans. I acted. coming-out episode for John, got on and said, “Great! You Click”Free Stuff” at GS: There’s a scene at the a very special “Southland.” guys are obviously excited WisconsinGazette.com end of the pilot episode, where I don’t know if it’s some- about the show, go post on John is in a gay bar and he sees thing that’s never been done all these sites, tell people the male hustler who had been before, but it’s definitely not you are pissed off, let them busted earlier in the day, and the way that these relation- know.” they start to have a conversa- ships are handled on televi- GS: Finally, is there anything tion. It’s the first indication of sion, and it’s about time that you want to say to fans of the John’s personal life, and it’s it is. But there’s always a long show in the GLBT community? handled with great subtlety. way to go with these kinds MC: Just keep watching. I MC: And the camera pulls of hot-button issues with the think you’re going to be very back, and you’re like, “Hey!” general society. (It’s good) happy. It’s a very interesting There’s more of that. It’s han- to be having this discussion position to be in. I say you’re dled the same way that it’s about this kind of gay char- going to be happy, but it’s handled meeting someone acter on a major network not going to make everyone for the first time in real life. as one of the regulars, not a happy. At times, within itself, Not in some bullshit TV-land superficial character. what I’m learning is that it’s way. The same way that peo- GS: “Southland” is being a very split, (factionalized) ple don’t walk in and scream, given a second chance on TNT. community, but all I can say is “Hi! I’m heterosexual.” John But do you remember how you that the role of John Cooper, doesn’t walk in and say, “Hi, reacted when you first heard from my standpoint, is that I’m gay.” that NBC had canceled it? I’m very aware of my place GS: Will there be a love inter- MC: Oh, yeah! I was pissed in this new arena that I’ve est for John? off, really pissed off. It was entered and I’m going to MC: Yes. John was previ- just sort of out of nowhere. handle the character with ously married to a woman. We were blindsided, and a love and care. He’s still dealing with that, lot of people were put out of Limited Engagement - One Weekend Only! and he’s close to his ex-wife. work. That being said, that’s It’s a very realistic relation- over. Obviously people lose February 19 - 20, 2010 ship. He’s still figuring out their job and get pissed off C A L L All tickets everything. He’s definitely gay, — that’s a no-brainer. If any- 4 1 4 - 9 6 1 - 3 2 4 0 Skylight Opera Theatre there’s no question about one’s confused or surprised t o p l a c e a n a d 158 North Broadway just $25! that. But he’s figuring out his that I was pissed off, they’re t o d a y . www.skylightopera.com • (414) 291-7800 relationship stuff. There are an idiot (laughs). But TNT really amazing family issues has embraced it wholeheart- W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 15 Between Lady Gaga and Owl City

ble in new wave revival and and “Beautiful” could be modern dance-pop. La Roux lost Madonna tracks. “Roller seems intent that listeners Coaster” rides the Kylie rail. Music worship at the altar of the DJ The addition of Sheila E. on By Gregg Shapiro booth and get off their knees “Time to Realize” proves the and on their feet on “In high priestess of percussion The ubiquitous Lady Gaga For The Kill,” “Quicksand,” still has it, while the Prince- and the swiftly gaining Owl “Bulletproof,” “Fascination” penned “Sex Shooter,” fea- City represented the oppo- and “Growing Pains.” turing Pepper Mashay, shoots site ends of the electro/ blanks. dance music spectrum in “The Boy Who 2009. As might be expected, Knew Too “Embers” they have inspired others to Much” Nadia Ali, Smile In follow them. Mika, Casablanca/ Bed Universal Republic Nadia Ali works an exot- “The Listening” When you find a success- ic vibe along the lines of Lights, Sire ful formula, it’s usually safe to Nelly Furtado on “Embers.” Lights, performing Jan. 28 stick with it, and that’s pre- There’s a Middle Eastern ele- at the Majestic, 115 King in cisely what mono-monikered ment woven into the fabric Madison, is the female equiv- Mika has done with his sec- of “Crash and Burn,” as the alent of Owl City, right down ond album. From the colorful persistent beat of “People” to the religious affiliation. Silly Peter Max-like album graph- leads listeners to believe moon/spoon/June rhymes ics to the Scissor Sisters/ that Ali is sincere when she The Black Eyed Peas’ newest release is “The E.N.D.” aside, Lights (AKA Valerie Elton John/Queen-inspired sings “I won’t stop.” The lop- Poxleitner), can carry a sim- tunes and Mika’s refusal to ing “Be Mine,” the house-y ple tune. The Christian imag- commit to a Kinsey Scale “Fine Print” and the vintage “The E.N.D.” pseudo dance act. Poseurs Body,” “Out of My Head,” ery is subversive: “break off number, “The Boy Who disco clapping beat of “Love The Black Eyed Peas, without a purpose for more and “One Tribe” guarantee the chains” in “Saviour; the Knew Too Much” knows Story” sound like Ali is most Interscope than 10 years, BEP appear to that the Peas will be in the “road” that “drives” a soul in how to make listeners move. at home on the dance-floor. The multi-Grammy have found a safe space amid black for a long time to come. “Drive My Soul”; the water “We Are Golden,” “Blame It Award nominated “The the club-goers, and tracks imagery and being taken over on The Girls,” “Rain,” “Good “Things Happen E.N.D.” solidifies The Black such “Boom Boom Pow,” “I What’s on your playlist? in “River”; the “crusade” and Gone Girl,” “Touches You” At Night” Eyed Peas’ transformation Gotta Feeling” (did someone Write managingeditor@ “faith” in “Lions!” and so and “One Foot Boy” will Ultra Naté, Blufire/ from pseudo-hip hop act to say “mazel tov?”), “Rock That wisconsingazette.com. on. So, while opportunities keep feet busy. Unruly for dancing are plentiful, the A supporter of the disco whole experience feels less “Pretty Mess” cause for nearly 20 years, like a nightclub or party than Erica Jayne (El) Ultra Naté serves up a a tent revival. What Erika Jayne lacks in steaming six-song platter. originality, she makes up for A “Baltimore club album,” Surprise “La Roux” in energy. I can’t be the only “Things Happen at Night” is La Roux, Cherry Tree/ one who thought of the sug- a stew of samples, rapid-fire your Valentine with a gift Interscope/Polydor/ gestive 1984 hit by Vanity beats, nasty lyrics and an all- Big Life when I first came across the around excuse for working from the Tool Shed! Elly Jackson of La Roux is title of the Jayne’s “Pretty up a sweat long between the closer in spirit to Lady Gaga Mess.” What’s more, Jayne time when the sun sets and and she probably has more sounds like she’s trying to rises. Collaborations with fun — at least in this world replicate the godmothers DJ King Tutt (“Faster Faster — than Lights on the duo’s of modern dance music — Pussycat”), DJ Class (“Hey eponymous debut. Along gay divorcee Madonna and DJ”) and “Hero” (disco leg- with Ben Langmaid, Jackson Kylie Minogue. “Everybody end Jocelyn Brown) are all gives voice to a dozen songs Wants Some” borrows from the proof listeners need that (including hidden bonus track Depeche Mode and Dee- Ultra Naté plays well with “Growing Pains”) that dab- Lite. “Give You Everything” others.

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SM • Books, CDs & DVDs • For Your Pet The Tool Shed • Collectibles & • Jewelry & Watches 2427 N Murray Ave, MKE Fine Art • Travel & Leisure 414-906-5304 • Food & Beverages • & Much More! Milwaukee LGBT Community Center www.toolshedtoys.com 16 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 community listings Milwaukee Bay View Gays, 414-482- Court St., 414-272-9442. Outdoors Group, deby- 1821 N. 16th St., 414-344- a UWM, U.W.-M. Student Arts/entertainment 3796, www.bvgays.com. Lesbian Fund of the [email protected]. 1746. Union, P.O. Box 413, Cream City Squares, 414- BWMT Milwaukee (Black Women’s Fund of Greater Washington Heights Divine Word Lutheran Milwaukee, 53201, 414-229- 445-8080. & White Men Together), P.O. Milwaukee, 316 N. Rainbow Association, 414- Church, 5505 W. Lloyd St., 4116. Men’s Voices Milwaukee Box 1091475, Milwaukee, Milwaukee Street, Suite 215, 217-1571, on Facebook. 414-476-3189. Marquette U G/L Alumni, Chorus, Plymouth Church, 53209, 414-463-5359. 414-290-7350, www.wom- SAGE Milwaukee, 1845 N. First Unitarian Society of P.O. Box 92722, Milwaukee, 2717 E. Hampshire St., CONNEXUS/African ensfund.com. Farwell Ave., Suite Milwaukee, 1342 N. WI 53202. Shorewood, 414-964-1513. American LGBT Social and LOC/Women of color, 220, 414-224- Astor St., 414-273- Marquette Univ. Gay/ Milwaukee Gay Arts Educational Program, 2439 P.O. Box 93594, Milwaukee, 0517. 5257. Straight Alliance, 1442 W. Center, 703 S. Second St., N. Holton, Milwaukee, WI WI 53203, 414-263-1631. Wisconsin Lake Park Wisconsin Ave. 414-383-3727. 53212, 414-390-0444. Log Cabin Republicans, Rainbow Lutheran Project Q, 315 W. Court Milwaukee LGBT Film/ Cream City Foundation, P.O. Box 199, Milwaukee, Families, Church, 2647 Video Festival, 414-229 759 N. Milwaukee St., Suite 53201, 414-755-1954. 315 W. N. Stowell Ave., St., Suite 101, 414-223-3220. 4758, www4.uwm.edu/psoa/ 212, 414-225-0244. Milwaukee Lesbian Court St., 414-962-9190. Rainbow Alliance at programs/film/lgbtfilm. Equality Wisconsin, 2717 Gay Bisexual Transgender Room 112, Metropolitan UWM, 220 E. Kenwood Ave., Queer Program, P.O. Box E. Hampshire, Milwaukee, Community Center, 315 W. info@wirain- Community 414-229-6555. 090441, Milwaukee, 53209, 53211, 414-431-1306, www. Court St., Suite 101, 414- bowfamilies. Church, 1239 W. UWM LGBT Resource 414-265-8500. equalitywi.org. 271-2656, www.mkelgbt.org. com. Mineral St., 414-383- Center, UWM Union WG89, Queer Zine Archive Firebirds, P.O. Box 159, Milwaukee LGBT History 1100. www.uwm.edu/Dept/OSL/ Project, 2935 N. Fratney St. Milwaukee, 53201. Project, 414-224-0517, www. Business Milwaukee Friends LGBT. Shoreline Country FORGE, PO Box 1272, mkelgbthist.org. Gay & Lesbian Tavern Meeting (Quakers), 3224 N. Dancers, 818 S. Water St. Milwaukee, WI 53201, www. PFLAG-Milwaukee, 315 W. Guild, 209 E. National Ave. Gordon Place. Kenosha (Hot Water Bar), www. forge-forward.org. Court St., 414-299-9198. Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Religion/spirituality shoreline-milw.org. G/L Community Center, Pridefest, 315 W. Court Health Hampshire Ave., Milwaukee, Bradford Community Wisconsin Cream City 904 S. 1st St., 414-643-1652. St., Suite 203, 414-272-3378, AIDS Resource Center 414-964-1513. Church-Unitarian Chorus, 315 W. Court St., G/L Community Trust www.pridefest.com. of Wisconsin, 820 N. St. James Episcopal Universalist, 5810 8th Ave., Suite 101, 414-276-8787. Fund, P.O. Box 1686, Pride Parade, www.pride- Plankinton Ave., 414-273- Church, 833 W. Wisconsin 262-656-0544. Women’s Voices Milwaukee, WI 53201, 414- parademke.com. 1991. Ave., 414-271-1340. Milwaukee, 315 W. Court St., 643-1652. SHEBA/Sisters Helping BEST Clinic, 1240 E. Brady Madison womensvoicesmilwaukee@ Gemini Gender Group, Each other Battle AIDS, St., 414-272-2144. Sports Arts/entertainment gmail.com, 414-534-5645. P.O. Box 44211, Milwaukee, 2439 N. Holton, Milwaukee, Diverse and Resilient, Front Runners, 414-332- Dairyland Cowboys WI 53214. WI 53212, 414-390-0444. 2439 N. Holton St., 414- 1527. Community Lesbian Alliance, 315 W. WanderWomyn 390-0444, www.diversean- GAMMA-Milwaukee, P.O. and Cowgirls, Club 5, 5 dresilient.org. Box 1900, Milwaukee, WI Applegate Court, 608-277- Galano Club, 315 W. 53201-1900, www.milwau- 9700. Court Street, Suite 201-A, keegamma.com You Know You Wanna Know. 414-276-6936. Metro Milwaukee Tennis Community Health Institute of Club, 414-616-3716. OutReach, 600 Williamson Milwaukee, 1817 N. Martin Milwaukee Gay Soccer St., 608-255-8582, www.lgb- Get Tested. It’s Free! Luther King Drive, Suite 3, League, 1012 E. Clarke St., toutreach.org. 414-263-9999. 414-405-5878, www.milwau- Milwaukee Women’s keegaysoccer.org. Politics Center, 611 N. Broadway, Milwaukee Gay Volleyball Fair Wisconsin, 122 State, At no cost to you, we provide: Suite 230, 414-272-6199. League, http://milwaukeegay- Suite 500, 608-441-0143, STD Specialties Clinic, volleyball.com. www.actionwisconsin.com. • STD testing and treatment 3251 N. Holton St., Saturday Softball Beer for men. Milwaukee, 414-264-8800, League, 2333 N. 56th St., Sports www.stdspecialties.org. 414-350-7147, www.ssblmil- Madison Gay Hockey • Hepatitis A & B Vaccinations Walker’s Point waukee.com. Association, www.madison- for gay or bisexual men. Community Clinic, 611 W. gayhockey.org/ • Hepatitis B Vaccinations for National Ave., Suite 400, Youth/education 414-384-1400. Alliance School, 850 W. Madison Volleyball Group, straight men and women. Walnut St., 414-227-2550, 608-251-8716 • Anonymous or name Religion/spirituality www.allianceschool.org. associated HIV testing Central United Methodist Alliance for LGBTQ Church, 639 N. 25th St., Youth, 1212 S. 70th St., 414- Racine and counseling for men 414-344-1600. 453-1400, www.cssw.org. Community and women. Congregation Shir Gay Youth Milwaukee, P.O. LGBT Center of Hadash, 414-297-9159, Box 090441, Milwaukee, WI Southeast Wisconsin, 1456 Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays www.cshmilw.org. 53209, 414-265-8500. Junction Ave., 262-664-4100, 6:00pm - 8:30pm Cross Lutheran Church, LGBT Resource Center www.lgbtsewisc.org.

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BestD_WI Gazette_0210.indd 2 1/21/10 9:47:11 AM

copyright 2008 Kevin Flahaut - free to use but may not be redistributed

copyright 2008 Kevin Flahaut - free to use but may not be redistributed W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 17

WiG BRINGS THE SCENE TO YOU! Cupcake queen Sandy Ploy (left) oversees yet Wisconsceneanother spectacular IronCupcake challenge. Seen & heard By Louis Weisberg WiG Staff Writer WiG’s staff was saddened to learn that M’s Bar, 1101 S. Second St.., shut down Jan. 17. Just two days earlier, M’s hosted Wisconsin Gazette’s first Gayme Show event, and the place was packed with a lively, friendly crowd. Trivia mas- ter Anthony Torti tested our knowledge of everything from gay authors to Madonna to LGBT historical events. WiG gave away more than a dozen prizes, including tickets to upcoming attractions at the Milwaukee Rep, gift certificates to the Tool Shed and Regency Florist, garden art from Samara Studios and Scott Malcom’s latest CD. If you missed WiG’s Gayme Show, you missed a great time — but don’t despair. It will be coming back soon at another location. Patriotic carbs At the same time the Gayme Show was teasing our memories at M’s, a very different sort of event was unfolding across town at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where MAM After Dark presented the annual Wearable Sculpture Fashion Show. This year, the focus was on the environment. In their fashion homage to Mother Earth, enterpris- An overhead shot of the crowd at MOCT on Jan. 18 for ing designers made clever use of such unlikely materials as garbage bags, the IronCupcake beer challenge computer parts, moss and even live birds. Among the models strutting their stuff was Dear Ruthie, who looked stunning in an ensemble that seemed inspired by sock monkeys. Not everyone can pull that off, so hats off to Ruthie. If you wanted to make a garment out of cupcakes, Sandy Ploy would be the person to call. Her wildly popular IronCupcake challenges have stretched the limits of the humble pastry by daring competing cooks to use such unlikely ingredients as soda pop, mustard, curry, wasabi and cheese. On Jan. 18, cupcake fans mobbed MOCT Bar, 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave., for the IronCupcake’s beer challenge. Two dozen chefs sweetly plied their skills with the drink that made Milwaukee famous, raising cash for the Wisconsin Brewer’s Guild and the Red Cross’ Haitian relief efforts. Next up on the cupcake menu: bacon. Miraculously, the Jan. 19 fire that deci- mated Pizza Man, 1800 E. North Ave., spared Wisconsin Gazette’s flaming red box, which was located just a few feet from the res- taurant’s front door. We join with the rest of the city in mourning the loss of this cherished institution, which offered not only terrific pizza but one of the best wine lists in the city.

“East Meets West” is the Dear Ruthie struts title of this get-up. her monkeys at the Wearable Sculpture Fashion WiG’s Gayme Show at M’s Show. Bar on Jan. 17

A Wisconsin Gazette box miraculously survived the Pizza Man blaze.

photos: IronCupcake: James Conway Wearable Sculpture: Max Thomsen Gayme Show: Will Elwood Pretty people at WiG’s WiG box: Leonard Sobczak Smiling for the camera at WiG’s Gayme Show Gayme Show 18 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 ARCW Medical Center “Never in the history of AIDS Out & About has there been so much Milwaukee. Mikey’s, 811 N. Walker’s Pint, 818 S. Ballgame, 196 S. Jefferson, 414-273-5397, Second St., 414-643-7468, promise for helping patients Second St., 414-273-7474. mikeysmilwaukee.com. www.walkerspint.com. succeed with HIV treatment. Sports bar. Trendy bar. Neighborhood bar. Boom, 625 S. Second St., MOCT, 240 E. Pittsburgh Woody’s, 1579 S. Our goal is to fulfi ll this 414-277-5040. www.boom- Ave., 414-273-6628, www. Second St., 414-672-0806, promise for all our patients mke.com. Neighborhood bar. themoct.com. Dance club. www.woodys-mke.com. Cafe Centraal, 2306 S. Out ‘n About and Sports bar/drag. so they can live long Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-755- Mona’s Restaurant, 1407 and healthy lives.” 0378, thecafecentraal.com. S. 1st St., 414- 643-0377, Kenosha Bar, restaurant, music. www.m-o-n-a-s.com. Club Icon, 6305 120th John Fangman, MD City Lights, 111 W. Nightclub/restaurant. Ave., 262-857-3240, www. Medical Director Howard Ave., 414-481-1441. Nessun Dorma, 2778 club-icon.com. Dance club. Neighborhood bar. N. Weil St., 414-264-8466, Cuvee Lounge, 177 nessundormariverwest. Madison Medical Care Mental Health & Wellness Dental Care N. Broadway, 414-225- com. Neighborhood bar and Club 5, 5 Applegate 9800, www.cuveemke.com. eatery. Court, 608-277-8700, www. Cocktail lounge. Redroom, 1875 N. club-5.com. Nightclub. Last year 251 new HIV patients chose the ARCW Medical Center Elsa’s on the Park, Humboldt Ave., 414-224- Plan B, 924 Williamson for their care joining more than 1,000 HIV patients at 833 N. Jefferson, 414-765- 7666. Neighborhood bar. St., www.planbmadison.com. 0615, elsas.com. Upscale Suite, 1103 Old World Nightclub. Wisconsin’s largest provider of HIV health care. lounge. Third Street, 414- Shamrock, 117 W. Fluid, 819 270-9653. Dance Main St., 608-255-5029, S. Second St., club, lounge. www.shamrockbar.com. 414-643-5843, Taylor’s, Neighborhood bar/dining. fluid.gaymke. 795 N. Woof’s, 114 King St., com. Cocktail Jefferson St., 608-204-6222, www.woofs- AIDS RESOURCE CENTER OF WISCONSIN lounge 414-271-2855, madison.com. Sports bar. Excellence in HIV Health Care taylorsmil- waukee.com. Racine Kenadee’s Trendy lounge. Jo’Dee’s Call for an appointment: (414) 223-6800 or 800-359-8272 extension 6800 Ultra Pub, 725 This Is It, International, 2139 N. Milwaukee, 414- 418 E. Wells St., 414- Racine St., 262-634-9804, 431-5556, kenadees.com. 278-9192, www.thisisitbar. www.jodeesintl.com. Trendy bar. com. Cocktail lounge. Neighborhood bar. Kruz, 354 E. National Trocadero, 1758 Water Ave., 414-272-5789. St., 414-272-0205, ztrocade- Neighborhood bar. ro.com. Hip bar, restaurant. La Cage, 801 S. Second Tropical Night Club, To get listed e-mail St., 414-383-8330, www. 626 S. Fifth St., 414-460- managingeditor@ lacagemke.com. Dance bar. 6277. Latino dance club. wisconsingazette.com.

Jan. 28, Thursday Main St. in Madison, wel- Tropical Night Club, 626 S. comes The Arge with The Fifth, hosts Noche De Divas On stage Pointy Birds and Catalogue at 11 p.m. Call 414-630-6055. Babies at 10 p.m. Call 608- Shank Hall, 1434 N. By Gregg Shapiro 819-8777. Farwell, presents Howie Day Jan. 30, Saturday and Serena Ryder at 8 p.m. Act Play Festival through Ben Gibbard & Jay Farrar Call 414-276-7288. Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Call 414- play Turner Hall Ballroom, “Rent” continues at the 383-3727. 103 N. Fourth, at 8 p.m. Call Overture Center for the Tropical Night Club, 626 S. 414-286-3663. Arts, 201 State St. in Madison, Fifth, hosts Divas Night at 11 Tropical Night Club, 626 S. through Jan. 31. Call 608-258- p.m. Call 414-630-6055. Fifth, hosts Noche De Divas 4141. Skylight Opera Theater’s at 11 p.m. Call 414-630-6055. “Pearl Bailey…By production of “The Marriage Renaissance Theaterworks Request” runs through Feb. Of Figaro” runs through Feb. presents “Blackbird” by 28 in the Stackner Cabaret 14 at the Broadway Theatre David Harrower, through Feb. at the Milwaukee Repertory Center, 158 N. Broadway. 7 at the Broadway Theatre Theater, 108 E. Wells. Call Call 414-291-7800. Center, 158 N. Broadway. 414-224-9490. Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell, Call 414-291-7800. The Frequency, 121 W. has Southern Tradition, Maple JT And The Clouds are at Main in Madison, welcomes Road and Mathew Haeffel at The Frequency, 121 W. Main The Bloodsugars with Miles 8 p.m. Call 414-276-7288. in Madison, at 10 p.m. Call Nielsen at 10 p.m. Call 608- “Almost, Maine” runs 608-819-8777. 819-8777. through Feb. 7 in the Stiemke Jan. 31, Sunday Jan. 29, Friday Theater at Milwaukee Tropical Night Club, 626 S. Milwaukee Gay Arts Repertory Theater, 108 E. Fifth, hosts Divas Night at 11 Center, 703 S. Second, pres- Wells. Call 414-224-9490. p.m. Call 414-630-6055. ents the God & Gays One The Frequency, 121 W. On stage next page W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 19 pay for any recovery effort. tomorrow. “Whether it’s and-let-live, come as you are stuff. I know there’s a lot But hell, I am not hearing Rants, called the Conch Republic, attitude – Key West is inter- going on in the country and enough LGBT activists say- Name that tune Cayo Hueso, Bone Island or nationally acclaimed as a top the world, but, as my mom ing it is wrong to enact a law Raves & When I was a little bitty the Southernmost City, Key gay and lesbian destination.” said, a promise is a promise. that sentences someone to baby my mama rocked me in West is known as paradise death. Isn’t that on the pro- Other the cradle. to over 500,000 gay and Keeping track Weary of gressive agenda? How come lesbian tourists who visit the To all you Barack Obama- winter we only sometimes fight half Remarks Think heat island each year. Imagine a lovers, I’m keeping track. He Hello out there. the fight? Turn on the light. Shine subtropical island glowing m a d e Is there anything it in your face. Close your with the rainbow colors of a l m o s t happening? Come Name that eyes and think summer bougainvillea, royal poinciana 200 cam- out of hibernation. tune II Rapping — green leaves, blue skies, and hibiscus blooms, where p a i g n !@#$?* I want to play. We will we will rock you. Robertson warm breeze, sand and sun. the year around tempera- promises, I’d like to take Pat Doesn’t that feel better? ture is in the high 70s. Here and he’s Death Robertson to a deserted two turquoise bodies of doing a penalty island and turn on a weather Book now water — the Atlantic Ocean good job either keeping or argument machine that would send a The gay travel asso- and the Gulf of Mexico - lap working on a whole lot of I’m hearing a lot of LGBT tornado, tsunami, hurricane, ciation’s destination of the shore. From its gay and them. But if you look at a activists saying it’s wrong earthquake, blizzard and hail- the month announcement lesbian nightlife, accommo- lot of the political Web sites, to enact a law that sen- Got something to say? Post storm his way. And then I’d arrived in my e-mail today. dations and events — to its you’ll notice that his agenda tences someone to death your rave, rage or whatnot at like to make Rush Limbaugh I’m making reservations welcoming community, live- has mostly stalled on LGBT just for being gay or lesbian. www.wisconsingazette.com. State-line supper club

Inovasi turesque downtown was a lowing day. and black truffles, served in cake, tres leches cake and 28 E. Center Ave., delight for us big city dwell- The Tuscan tomato soup a spicy citrus sauce. The acid the house-made sorbet, a Lake Bluff, Ill., 847- ers. Entering the gorgeous was one of the few dishes of the sauce provided a per- delightful apple and Ceylon 295-1000, inovasi.US bar, we were greeted by a that was difficult to share fect complement to the rich Dining tea confection. friendly hostess who took — and it was so good that cheese. Similarly, goat cheese By Rick Karlin Inovasi offers a well Having friends in neigh- our coats and then showed you wouldn’t want to anyway. tempura got a dose of black thought-out and reasonably boring states can be a bit us to our table in the spa- The rustic, chunky soup was truffle, and the rich cheese among an evening of winners, priced wine list, and wine problematic. With friends in cious yet cozy dining room. rich in flavor, thanks to the played off a hearty tomato was the pork shoulder, mar- suggestions for each dish Milwaukee and Chicago, it The décor is a tip off to use of Italian tomatoes, fresh ragout served with brioche inated then cooked confit were listed on the menu. seems someone is always the care with which Inovasi’s oregano and extra virgin croutons and caramelized and smoked over a four-day There was also a lengthy list driving two or more hours owners take in all aspects of olive oil. A topping of crispy onions. Even the lowly tater preparation period. Before of exotic cocktails, most of to get together for dinner. the dining experience. Even leeks added a nice textural tot got the artisan treatment, being served, it was lightly which were too sweet for It’s a pain, and, consequently, though the restaurant was contrast. The red oak leaf topped with Swiss cheese, sautéed and served atop our taste. we don’t see one another as full (on a Monday night, no salad also was a step or two fresh herbs, roasted hazel- polenta drizzled with basil Inovasi is the perfect desti- often as we like. less), the sound level never above the expected. Delicate nuts, fresh mint and vanilla oil. A watermelon radish and nation dining spot and a great So I was happy to learn interfered with our conver- leaves of lettuce were topped crème fraiche red wine reduction rounded place for locals. about Inovasi, an incred- sation. with Amish blue cheese, One of the most beauti- out the dish. Absolutely one The Bottom Line: Five plates, ible restaurant in Lake Bluff, Inovasi’s menu groups homemade bacon and hard- ful dishes was the sautéed of the best things I’ve ever which will provide more than not too far south of the dishes into three categories, boiled eggs from Inovasi’s Lake Huron walleye, present- eaten. enough for two diners, and a Wisconsin-Illinois border. vegetables, meat and seafood. own chickens. In fact, much ed on canvas and “painted” You might be tempted glass of wine or a cocktail will Even if we didn’t have inter- All of the dishes are meant to of the food served is grown with four sauces in Jackson to skip dessert, but that run about $40 per person, tax state friendships, I’d make the be shared, and they are the locally on a farm with acre- Pollock style. This elegant would be a mistake. We had and tip included. trip for the innovative (hence equivalent of two-thirds of a age devoted solely to Inovasi. dish was served with a tasty a hard time choosing from Inovasi) take on contempo- typical entrée portion. Three Fresh agnolotti (similar to farro verde (a grain similar the menu, which included Recommend a restaurant rary American cuisine. of us shared about 10 dishes, a raviolo) were filled with to couscous) and roasted such temptations as coffee- for WiG to try. Write manag- Parking right in front of and there was plenty left to garlic-infused cheese, more almond-black olive tapanade. pistachio mousse with crispy ingeditor@wisconsingazette. Inovasi in Lake Bluff’s pic- take home for lunch the fol- of Inovasi’s homemade bacon The most outstanding dish, phyllo, pumpkin cheese- com.

On stage Make a date Cream City Foundation, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Marcus Center On Stage from 18 Acoustic Tour,” with acoustic p.m. Call 414-630-6055. partnered to present Broadway Nights, a fundraiser for the LGBT community featuring sets by Droids Attack and Scott Burns Quartet plays an appearance by Marvin Hamlisch. Details: Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marcus Center The Frequency, 121 W. Helen Money at 9 p.m. Call the Sharon Lynne Wilson for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. For tickets, call 414-225-0244 or Main in Madison, presents 608-819-8777. Center for the Arts, 19805 go to www.creamcityfoundation.org. The Bears Of Blue River, Feb. 4, Thursday W. Capitol Dr. in Brookfield, Time Since Western and The Dr. Dog stops by Turner at 8 p.m. Call 262-781-9520. Giving Tree at 8 p.m. Call Hall Ballroom, 103 N. Fourth, The Northern Lights 608-819-8777. at 8 p.m. Call 414-286-3663 Theater at Potawatomi Bingo Call 608-258-4141. Wells. Call 414-286-3663. The Northern Lights Feb. 1, Monday Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell, Casino, 1721 W. Canal, pres- High Noon Saloon, 701 E. The second annual Great Theater at Potawatomi Bingo At 8 p.m., A.A. Bondy welcomes GB Leighton at 8 ents comedian Grandma Lee Washington in Madison, has Midwestern Bluegrass Bash Casino, 1721 W. Canal, pres- and Willy Mason play the p.m. Call 414-276-7288. with Tiffany Ellen at 8 and 10 Dr. Dog and the Growlers at begins at 9 p.m. at the ents Cowboy Mouth’s Annual High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Dark Star Orchestra per- p.m. Call 414-847-7922. 9:30 p.m. Call 608-268-1122. Majestic, 115 King in Madison. Rock and Roll Mardi Gras at Washington in Madison. Call forms at The Pabst, 144 E. Madison Symphony Feb. 6, Saturday Call 608-251-2582. 8 p.m. Call 414-847-7922. 608-268-1122. Wells, at 8 p.m. Call 414- Orchestra presents vio- Tropical Night Club, 626 S. Feb. 7, Sunday Feb. 10, Wednesday Feb. 2, Tuesday 286-3663. linist Pinchas Zukerman, 5th, hosts Noche De Divas Tropical Night Club, 626 S. James Lee Stanley per- The Frequency, 121 W. Feb. 5, Friday tonight through Sunday at at 11 p.m. Call 414-630-6055. 5th, hosts Divas Night at 11 forms at 8 p.m. in Shank Hall, Main in Madison, welcomes Tropical Night Club, 626 S. the Overture Center for the Jamey Johnson performs p.m. Call 414-630-6055. 1434 N. Farwell. Call 414- the Nick Oliveri “Death Fifth, hosts Divas Night at 11 Arts, 201 State in Madison. at 8 p.m. at The Pabst, 144 E. Feb. 9, Tuesday 276-7288. 20 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010

Calendarwhat’s going on? Ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays- Lesbian Alliance movie night, HIV/AIDS group, OutReach, Saturday Lutheran Church 2647 Tuesday Saturdays, the LGBT Center LGBT Community Center, 600 Williamson St., Madison. 9 a.m., Frontrunners N. Stowell, Milwaukee. 12:30 p.m., third Thursday, of SE Wisconsin, 1456 315 W. Court St., Milwaukee. Info: 608-255-8582, www. Milwaukee Run Walk, start- Info: www.iagsdc.org/ Retired Old/Older Lesbians Junction Ave., Racine, holds Info: 414-272-9442; www. lgbtoutreach.org. ing at the Water Tower creamcity/#Calendar. (ROLLers), Madison. Info: drop-in hours. Info: www. lesbianalliance.org. 6 p.m., second Fridays, at the East end of North 7 p.m., AA The Big Book 608-219-7751. lgbtsewisc.org, 262-664- 7 p.m., AA Living Sober; Lesbian Alliance game Avenue, Milwaukee. Info: Meeting, The Galano Club, 5 p.m., AA Over 40, and 7 4100. 7 p.m., Crystal Meth night and potluck, LGBT 262-285-7645. 315 W. Court St., No. 201, p.m. AA The Blue Group, The Anonymous, The Galano Community Center, 315 W. 9 a.m., Frontrunners/ Milwaukee. Info: 414-276- Galano Club, 315 W. Court Thursday Club, 315 W. Court St., No. Court St., Milwaukee. Info: Frontwalkers Madison, 6936, galanoclub.org. St., No. 201, Milwaukee. Info: 201, Milwaukee. Info: 414- 414-272-9442; www.lesbia- Wingra Park off Monroe 5 p.m., OutThere LGBT 414-276-6936, galanoclub. 2:30 p.m., first and third 276-6936, galanoclub.org. nalliance.org. Street, Madison. Info: 469- youth group meeting, org. Thursdays, LGBT senior 6 p.m., QGrads, UW 7 p.m., AA, The Galano 4882 OutReach-Gateway Mall, adults discussion, Madison Memorial Union Rathskeller, Club, 315 W. Court St., No. 6 p.m., AA The Women’s 600 Williamson St., Madison. Wednesday Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin 800 Langdon St., Madison. 201, Milwaukee. Info: 414- Light Meeting; 7:30 p.m., Info: 608-255-8582. St., Madison. Info: fering- 7:30 p.m., Four Lakes 276-6936, galanoclub.org. Spiritual Light, The Galano 7 p.m., AA 12 Steps and [email protected]. Bears, Michelangelo’s Coffee 8:30 p.m., second and Club, 315 W. Court St., No. Monday 12 Traditions, The Galano 6 p.m., third Thursdays, Shop, 114 State St., Madison. fourth Fridays, Shoreline 201, Milwaukee. Info: 414- Club, 315 W. Court St., No. same-sex parents group, Info: 608-251-5299. Milwaukee line dancing and 276-6936, galanoclub.org. 7:30 p.m., AA Came to 201, Milwaukee. Info: 414- OutReach, 600 Williamson lessons, Hot Water, 818 S. Believe, The Galano Club, 276-6936, galanoclub.org. St., Madison. Info: 608-255- Friday Water St., Milwaukee. Info: Sunday 315 W. Court St., No. 201, 8582, www.lgbtoutreach. 414-383-7593, www.shore- Milwaukee. Info: 414-276- Send listings to org. 5:30 p.m., second and line-milw.org. 1 p.m., Cream City 6936, galanoclub.org. managingeditor@ 7 p.m., third Thursdays, fourth Fridays, Pozitive Lite Squares dances, Lake Park wisconsingazette.com.

The next two weeks Save the date Thursday Sunday 7 p.m., STD Specialties OutReach Mardi Gras Party, 5-9 p.m. Feb. 16 at The Jan. 28 Jan. 3 Free HIV/STD testing, Kruz Cardinal Bar, 418 E. Wilson St., Madison. Info: 608-255- 5:30 p.m., STD Specialties 1 p.m., LGBT square in Milwaukee. Info: 414-264- 8582. Free HIV/STD testing, M’s dancing, Lake Park Lutheran 8800. Castaways MC of Milwaukee Valentine’s Day Beer/ in Milwaukee. Info: 414-264- Church, corner of Park and 8 p.m., Volleyball, Soda Bust, 3-7 p.m. Feb. 14, Kruz in Milwaukee. Info: 8800. Stowell, Milwaukee. Info: 414- Milwaukee GAMMA, Beulah [email protected]. 461-5359, www.iagsdc.org/ Brinton Center. Info: milwau- Cream City Squares dance lessons, 1 p.m., Feb. Friday creamcity. keegamma.com. 14, Lake Park Lutheran Church, Park and Stowell, Milwaukee. Info: 414-461-5359, iagsdc.org/creamcity. Jan. 29 Tuesday Saturday 7 p.m., Single Me Out Social Club movie night, Feb. 2 Feb. 6 “Love Actually,” LGBT Risk and Resiliency for 10 a.m., Winter Community 101/Fostering and Adopting Murray Ave., Milwaukee. Info: Center SE Wisconsin, 1456 LGBTQ Youth seminar, The Breakfast, Milwaukee LGBT a Child, Milwaukee LGBT 414-963-9089. Junction Ave., Racine. Info: Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Community Center, 315 W. P h oto : C o u rt es y M G AC Community Center, 315 W. 7 p.m., Milwaukee GAMMA 262-664-4100. Madison, with Diverse and Court St. Info: 414-292-3066. Milwaukee Gay Arts Court St., Milwaukee. Info: board meeting. Info: milwau- 8 p.m., Volleyball, Resilient executive director 10 a.m., Equality Wisconsin Center, 703 S. Second 414-292-3065. keegamma.com. Milwaukee GAMMA, Beulah Gary Hollander. Info: 608- Voices of Faith work- St., hosts “A Hint of 7 p.m., Gay Reading Brinton Center. Info: milwau- 263-7023. shop, Unitarian Universalist Homosexuality: Gay Group discusses “Kiss of the Wednesday keegamma.com. 6 p.m., Share-A-Bration, Church in Brookfield. Info: and Homoerotic Imag- Spider Woman,” Outwords Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, equalitywi.org/news. ery in American Print Books, 2710 N. Murray Ave., Feb. 10 Saturday 703 S. Second St., Milwaukee. 6:30 p.m., Broadway Nights Advertising” through Milwaukee. Info: 414-963- Noon, Milwaukee GAMMA Info: 414-383-3727. benefit for Cream City Feb. 26. Info: 414-383- 9089. Blue-Plate Special Lunch. Info: Jan. 30 Foundation, Marcus Center 3727. 9 p.m., STD Specialties milwaukeegamma.com. 12:30 p.m., Moonlighting Thursday for the Performing Arts, 929 Free HIV/STD testing, Fluid 6:30 p.m., Yard Sales/ Career Pathing Group, LGBT N. Water St., Milwaukee. Info: 244-8690. in Milwaukee. Info: 414-264- Thrift Shops, Ebay: The Center SE Wisconsin, 1456 Feb. 4 414-225-0244, www.creamci- Orchid Quest 2010, 8800. Environmental Awareness Junction Ave., Racine. Info: 9 p.m., STD Specialties tyfoundation.org. through Feb. 7, Exhibition Program, Milwaukee LGBT 262-664-4100. Free HIV/STD testing, 7 p.m., Monthly Party, Hall at Alliant Energy Center, Tuesday Community Center, 315 W. 8 p.m., Strap-On Sex 101, Woody’s in Milwaukee. Info: Milwaukee GAMMA. Info: Madison. Court St., Milwaukee. Info: The Tool Shed, 2427 N. 414-264-8800. milwaukeegamma.com. Feb. 9 414-292-3065. Murray Ave., Milwaukee. Info: 8 p.m., Madison Gay Video Monday 7 p.m., Lesbian 414-906-5304, www.tool- Friday Club watches “Shank” and Reading Group discusses Want to see your event listed? shedtoys.com. “Focus: The Story Begins.” Feb. 8 “Photographs of Claudia,” Send details to managingedi- Feb. 5 Info: www.mgvc.org, 608- 6:30 p.m., Financial Literacy Outwords Books, 2710 N. [email protected]. W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010 21 LET OUR SALES TEAM HELP YOU. CALL 414-961-3240 TODAY! real estate Mad about Madison By Kerrie Kennedy WiG Real Estate Writer

here is the gay neighborhood in W Madison? It’s a question that Keller Williams real estate agent Devery Cash is used to hearing — and one that he’s grown used to answering. “It just doesn’t exist,” Cash says. “There is one neigh- borhood outside of town, the Jennifer Street area, that tends to be a little more lesbian, but frankly, we don’t have any area in Madison that’s considered a gay neigh- borhood. We’re all inter- spersed here.” At a time when gay men and lesbians in large cit- ies across the country are choosing to live outside tra- ditional gay neighborhoods, P h oto S : d E V E ry C a s h leaving many gay enclaves The Capitol Building (left) and a wintry Madison street scene struggling to remain relevant, Madison seems like a model elected to the U.S. House of ket over the past fives years on a regular basis. Capital the best cities to live in the city for the future. ‘This is a very Representatives. is in the downtown market. Square serves as the site for country, it’s not without at “This is a very open and open and A liberal college town A major influx of new-con- art fairs, concerts, Taste of least a couple of drawbacks. accepting community. We just whose residents range struction condominiums has Madison and the local farm- “The taxes are definitely don’t have to have separate accepting from hard-partying stu- brought new vitality to the er’s market (every Saturday high here,” Cash says. “For bars or separate neighbor- dents (hence, the nickname area, as well as new resi- from Memorial Day through every $100,000 you spend hoods. I guess we’ve always community.’ “Madtown”) to socially con- dents. “It’s no longer limited November). on a home, you pay close to been a little ahead of the scious activists, sports fans to just college students,” says Vital, thriving, open-mind- $2,000. We’re certainly not curve here,” Cash says. to artists, environmentalists Cash, who lives downtown. ed and safe—the city’s low a diverse city as far as our Cash moved to Madison to politicos, it’s easy to see “This is a very appealing area crime rate means you can population goes, and because seven years ago from Mobile, ingly small. why Madison is a good place for the LGBT community.” walk just about anywhere at there is some money here, Ala., where he was living a “The majority of people for LGBTs to live. According to Cash, new-con- night without worrying — housing tends to be expen- closeted life. He came out live within the beltline, so “Because of the liberalism struction condominiums in it’s easy to understand why sive.” when he got to Madison and we’re a very tight com- of the university, we draw downtown Madison range in Madison is an appealing place And all that open-minded- never looked back. “I have munity here,” Cash says. a highly-educated population price from about $175,000- for so many people, espe- ness? Occasionally, it gets on never felt frowned upon Madison’s small size might here,” Cash says. $300,000. cially gays and lesbians. the nerves. “Just about every- here,” he says. “I’ve always help explain why its LGBT Although the Madison real Brimming with restaurants, While Madison is consis- body’s a tree-hugger here,” felt comfortable.” population is well inte- estate market has been hit boutiques, bookstores, muse- tently ranked near the top of Cash says. And yet, to outsiders, grated into nearly every by the economic downturn, ums and theaters, Madison’s Madison may not seem like sector of the community. the city hasn’t been affected downtown is pedestrian- it has a thriving gay com- An estimated nine church- severely. friendly and just eight blocks Sale $ 2.49 munity. Not only does it lack es in Madison call them- “Short sales and fore- from the University cen- Price a gay neighborhood, there selves “open and affirming.” closures represent maybe ter. The State Street area In-Store $1.50 isn’t much of a gay bar scene. The local fire chief is an five percent of the market — within five blocks of Reward There are currently four gay out lesbian, and numer- here,” Cash says. “We’ve seen any point downtown — is You Pay bars in Madison, but even ous LGBTs hold positions a slight decrease in prices closed to traffic and offers Now those aren’t strictly gay. “A in public office. Madison and the number of sales are abundant shopping. The new $.99 lot of straight people go to native Tammy Baldwin was down about 10-15 percent Overture Center is a venue the gay bars to dance,” Cash not only the first woman over our peak years. We like for concerts, symphonies HARDWARE & says. “We tend to mingle elected to Congress from to say it’s been more of a and theater. The Winona PLUMBING CROWN SUPPLY everywhere here.” the state of Wisconsin, she correction.” Terrace Convention Center, With just over 200,000 also was the first-ever open- The biggest change in two blocks from the capi- residents, Madison is surpris- ly gay non-incumbent to be Madison’s real estate mar- tal, ensures tourist traffic 2016 N. M.L. KiNg drive (3rd street) MiLwauKee, wiscoNsiN 53212 GET THE WISCONSIN GAZETTE DELIVERED. CALL 414-961-3240 phoNe: 414-374-5100

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Happiness. Raymond Carver

So early it’s still almost dark out. I’m near the window with coffee, and the usual early morning stuff that passes for thought.

When I see the boy and his friend walking up the road to deliver the newspaper. I think if they could, they would take each other’s arm. It’s early in the morning, and they are doing this thing together.

They come on, slowly. The sky is taking on light, though the moon still hangs pale over the water.

Such beauty that for a minute death and ambition, even love, doesn’t enter into this.

Happiness. It comes on unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really, any early morning talk about it.

Mandel Group.

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Happiness starts at home. Expect it.

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University Club Tower, The Watermark, RiverCrest, The Point on the River, Marine Terminal Lofts, Gaslight Lofts, One at The North End, Corcoran Lofts, East Pointe Commons, Trostel Square, Library Hill, Presidio Square, Boston Lofts, Sunset Ridge, Norhardt Crossing, The Woodlands, Ravinia, Plum Tree, River’s Cove, New Fountains and Lake Bluff.

Award winning condominium and apartment homes developed and managed by Mandel Group, Inc. 24 W i s CO n s i n G A Z E TT E .COM | January 28, 2010

It’s more you.

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