PLACE in North Carolina

vol 31, no. 28 April 6, 2016 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Dan Savage, uncensored

Dan Savage. Photo by LaRae Lobdell

by ANDREW DAVIS WCT: Apparently, there’s never been a bill of this scope. It even reaches beyond the LGBT community and stops cit- Dan Savage is many things—columnist, activist, author, ies from increasing the minimum wage. “It Gets Better” co-founder and pundit. However, he’ll don DS: Yeah—it’s just appalling. another hat when he hosts his HUMP Film Festival—which WCT: Switching gears, you’re a Chicago boy. You grew up showcases homemade porn—later this week in his hometown on which side of the city? of Chicago (which he frequently visits). DS: North Side—Rogers Park. However, before that event, Savage candidly talked with WCT: What was that like? I didn’t move here until the Windy City Times about a variety of topics, including his first ‘90s. gay bar, his relationship with the transgender community— DS: [Laughs] Well, Rogers Park was very different than it is and his affinity for musical theater. The topic began with the now. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, [leather bar] Touche was not there. recent passage and signing of the controversial anti-LGBT law [Both laugh.] It was an Irish Catholic neighborhood on one ‘FIRST’ PLACE in North Carolina. side and Jewish on the other—basically, a religious dividing Windy City Times: The passage of the law in North Caro- line. Basically, the most important thing to know about some- Center on Halsted hosts annual Human First gala. lina is [causing chaos]. one in Rogers Park was what parish they belonged to. It was Photo of honoree Mike McRaith by Kat Fitzgerald Dan Savage: There will be lawsuits. They will pay dearly for a very different time and place. 22 whatever they thought they accomplished. Turn to page 18

COVENANT HOUSE BODY IMAGE IAN HARRIS SCHROEDER Agency expands to Chicago. So Canadian YouTube series examines GBTQ Activist diagnosed with brain cancer, needs Image courtesy of Covenant House male body-image issues. funds. 8 Photo by Kyle McGregor 21 Photo of Schroeder and fiancee Patrice Foster courtesy of Foster 10

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 1.577 pt

2 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES

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Brian, age 45, California WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 3 WINDY CITY TIMES March 31 – May 29 INDEX

NEWS Emanuel installs travel ban to N.C.; column 4 download Proud2Share launches 5 this issue Day of Action march in the Loop 6 and browse the archives at Transgender Day of Visibility 7 Covenant House to expand to Chicago 8 www.WindyCitytimes.com Activist diagnosed with brain cancer 10 Trans PAC forms 12 Passages: Sportsman; L.A., German politicians 12 Views: Senior Moments, Mombian 14 ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS

Scottish Play Scott 15 vol 31, no. 28 April 6, 2016 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Dan Savage interview 18 Trans art book 20 Dan Savage, YouTube series on LGBT body image 21 Human First gala photos 22 uncenSoreD

Author Augusten Burroughs 23 Dan Savage. Photo by LaRae Lobdell

by ANDREW DAVIS WCT: Apparently, there’s never been a bill of this scope. It even reaches beyond the LGbT community and stops cit- NIGHTSPOTS 26 Dan Savage is many things—columnist, activist, author, ies from increasing the minimum wage. “It Gets Better” co-founder and pundit. However, he’ll don DS: Yeah—it’s just appalling. another hat when he hosts his HUMP Film Festival—which WCT: Switching gears, you’re a Chicago boy. you grew up showcases homemade porn—later this week in his hometown on which side of the city? of Chicago (which he frequently visits). DS: North Side—Rogers Park. However, before that event, Savage candidly talked with WCT: What was that like? I didn’t move here until the Windy City Times about a variety of topics, including his first ‘90s. gay bar, his relationship with the transgender community— DS: [Laughs] Well, Rogers Park was very different than it is and his affinity for musical theater. The topic began with the now. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, [leather bar] Touche was not there. recent passage and signing of the controversial anti-LGBT law [Both laugh.] It was an Irish Catholic neighborhood on one ‘FIRST’ PLACE in North Carolina. side and Jewish on the other—basically, a religious dividing Windy City Times: The passage of the law in North Caro- line. Basically, the most important thing to know about some- Center on Halsted hosts annual Human First gala. lina is [causing chaos]. one in Rogers Park was what parish they belonged to. It was OUTLINES Photo of honoree Mike McRaith by Kat Fitzgerald Dan Savage: There will be lawsuits. They will pay dearly for a very different time and place. Calendar Q 29 22 whatever they thought they accomplished. Turn to page 18 Classifieds 30

COVENANT HOUSE BODY IMAGE IAN HARRIS SCHROEDER Agency expands to Chicago. Canadian youTube series examines LGbT body- Activist diagnosed with brain cancer, needs Image courtesy of Covenant House image issues. funds. 8 Photo by Kyle McGregor 21 Photo of Schroeder and fiancee Patrice Foster courtesy of Foster 10

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com online exclusives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

issues and answers A recent webinar examined the stigmatization of LGBT-related health issues. Screen shot of webinar (left) by Margo Anderson; image by the National Black Justice Coalition

show me the ‘may’ A world premiere from the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning playwright of Killer Joe, Superior Donuts and August: Osage County

By ensemble member Tracy Letts Directed by artistic director Anna D. Shapiro

The upcoming documentary The First Get up close to the actors and feel the drama Monday in May (about Anna Wintour in the most intimate and exciting way possible and the Met Gala) is among Five Worth ‘pearl’ talk with Steppenwolf’s newly added Pit Seats. Rev. Irene Monroe discusses Left Finding. on Pearl, a documentary about Image courtesy of Magnolia Pictures International Women’s Day marchers who took over a Harvard University | building in 1971. VISION OF VISIBILITY steppenwolf. org 312-335-1650

Lead Production Support Corporate Production Sponsors urban sprawl Dining news covers restaurant openings, including a new urbanbelly in Wicker Park. Major Support for Steppenwolf’s New Play Development Initiative The Davee Foundation | Zell Family Foundation Major Foundation Support National Endowment for the Arts | Edgerton Foundation The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation THAT’S SHOW BIZ Find out the latest about Bette Midler, 2015/16 Grand Benefactors Antonio Sabato Jr. and Nate Berkus.

2015/16 Benefactors Michaela Mendelsohn is a transgender board member of The Trevor Project. plus Photo courtesy of ILDK Media DAILY BREAKING NEWS 4 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Emanuel to enact travel ban for N.C.— Open To Thinking and try recruiting by Nick Patricca its businesses Sheltering the artist at risk By Matt Simonette aware, the state of North Carolina has enacted On March 10, 2016, ISIS (aka Islamic types of artists at risk. Ithaca, New legislation which bars transgender persons State) murdered the 56-year-old Syr- York, Las Vegas and Pittsburgh were Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel will not only pre- from using bathrooms and changing facilities ian poet Mohammed Bashir al-Aani and among the very first cities to join this pare an order banning travel to North Carolina corresponding to such person’s gender identi- his son Elyas. Al Aani and his son had network of host cities. for non-essential city business, but he’ll use ties, excludes sexual orientation and gender been kidnapped and held captive by Co-founded by Ralph Henry Reese the passage of virulently anti-LGBT legislation identity from its anti-discrimination protec- ISIS since September 2015 when they and Diane Samuels in 2004, the Pitts- as an opportunity to recruit businesses from tions, and prohibits units of local government returned to their home in eastern Deir burgh City of Asylum has developed as the Tar Heel State, according to reports. from extending such protections to LGBT citi- a grassroots orga- In comments at a March 30 event, Emanuel zens. …Chicago is on record supporting efforts nization enjoying said, “When Indiana … expressed intolerance, to promote mutual understanding and respect strong community I immediately not only expressed our views among all people who live and work in our “This plague of intolerance—whether it support, includ- but went about recruit- be based in political, national, ethnic, ing that of Mayor ing companies that did Bill Peduto. In ad- not want to be part of a sexual identity, gender identity, or dition to protect- state with those values, religious ideologies—attacks the heart ing and promoting but wanted to be in a city the writers whom or a state with the values of what it means to be a human being: it shelters, this of inclusion,” according Chicago Mayor liberty and creativity. Tyranny fears program has con- to Chicago Sun-Times. Rahm Emanuel. tributed greatly to Emanuel attributed the imagination.” the rejuvenation Photo by Gretchen relocation of a Whole Rachel Hammond of several neigh- Foods distribution ware- borhoods on Pitts- house from Indiana to burgh’s North Side. Pullman to early conver- Ezzor province to bury their wife and The two writers currently in residence sations stemming from mother. The reason given for their ex- are: Yaghoub Yadali from Iran and Is- Indiana’s attempt to ecution: ‘apostasy.’ rael Centeno from Venezuela. implement anti-LGBT leg- Al-Aani, a highly respected poet who Pittsburgh City of Asylum has taken islation in early 2015. He wrote in the lyrical tradition of East- on the leadership task of recruiting is also putting in place a ern Syria, had published three volumes more ICORN cities in the U.S. I en- travel ban to North Caro- of poetry and was a member of the courage all to take a good look at the lina on non-essential city Arab Writers Union in Syria. He was excellent work it is doing both for art- business. an outspoken critic of the government ists and for the people of Pittsburgh: “Not only are we do- of President Bashar al-Assad. ISIS and http://cityofasylum.org/ . ing the executive order President Bashar are sworn enemies. Every year PEN International docu- as it relates to travel. I Yet, ISIS murdered Al-Aani. ments around 1,000 cases of writers have already been on the Sadly, this type of senseless killing is being forced into silence, imprisoned or phone and have asked my staff to draw up a great City. a daily fact of life for too many refugees being placed in life-threatening jeop- list of companies that we think we can talk,” “…You have been a tireless leader on LGBT and migrants, not just in the Middle ardy for practicing nonviolent freedom Emanuel said. issues in Chicago and we are hopeful that you East but throughout the world. When of expression. Every year hundreds of A number of businesses, many with signifi- will lead us again in standing in solidarity we contemplate the massive flow of artists must flee their families, cities, cant presences in North Carolina urban centers, with New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle, peoples across seas and continents— countries in order to be safe and to have objected to the North Carolina law, which which have taken similar actions to condemn people fleeing famines, wars, pogroms, practice their vocations. was rushed through both legislative houses North Carolina’s discriminatory law.” genocide, disease, failed states, terror- This plague of intolerance—whether and signed by Gov. Pat McCrory on the same Gov. Andrew Cuomo also implemented such a ists, and the adverse effects of climate it be based in political, national, eth- day. American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda ban for New York State. change—we might well wonder wheth- nic, sexual identity, gender identity, or Legal and Equality North Carolina are now su- Members of the LGBT Caucus include Alds. er it is possible to do anything to help. religious ideologies—attacks the heart ing the state over the matter. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward), Deb Mell (33rd), All migrants and refugees need our of what it means to be a human being: The travel ban was requested March 29 in a Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th), Tom Tunney (44th) careful attention. In this column, how- liberty and creativity. Tyranny fears letter from members of the City Council’s LGBT and James Cappleman (46th). ever, I would like to tell you about an imagination. Caucus as well as 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke. Chicago Sun-Times’ article is at http://bit. organization that provides shelter for Art—all of the arts—creates bridges The letter to Emanuel states, “As you are ly/1RAuVLG. artists and writers at risk. and channels of communication for In 1989 Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran crossing borders, for creating commu- issued a fatwa calling upon Muslims to nities of individuals and groups who murder Salman Rushdie for the alleged seek to understand and appreciate the Mississippi adoption Ryan’s hometown blasphemies contained in his novel manifestation of the human spirit that ban overturned bans LGBT Satanic Verses. This fatwa caused the celebrates the miracle of life in each of On March 31, U.S. District Judge Daniel P. death of many writers throughout the us. Jordan III overturned Mississippi’s ban on al- discrimination Muslim world who were murdered be- At a time when our city is divided lowing same-sex couples to adopt children. Janesville, Wisconsin—which happens cause their writings were judged insult- by racial and economic violence, I call In ruling for the couples who had sued, Jor- to be the hometown of U.S. House Speaker ing to Islam. In response to these kill- upon our mayor and city council, our dan said the ban is unconstitutional after re- and former Republican vice-presidential can- ings Salman Rushdie, Václav Havel and universities, our library system, our cent U.S. Supreme Court decisions legalizing didate Paul Ryan—has approved a measure Wole Soyinka created an international artists, and our business community to same-sex marriage as well as benefits for gay that prohibits discrimination on the basis of writers organization which in turn cre- work together to join ICORN, to make and lesbian couples. sexual orientation and gender identity. ated a cities of asylum/refuge network Chicago a City of Asylum for the artist “It also seems highly unlikely that the same The measure also specifically would allow for writers in jeopardy. at risk. court that held a state cannot ban gay mar- transgender people to use a public restroom Today this network—now known as By living and working in our neigh- riage because it would deny benefits—ex- based on their identified gender instead of the International City of Refuge Net- borhoods, these artists in exile would pressly including the right to adopt—would the gender on their birth certificates. work (ICORN)—comprises 50 cities and help us to come together: to remember then conclude that married gay couples can Restroom bills have been in the spotlight regions which give shelter to around the value of our home, to remind us to be denied that very same benefit,” Jordan lately. North Carolina recently passed a law 140 artists, sometimes with their fami- respect the creative spirit at work in all wrote. (that its governor signed) that bars locali- lies: http://icorn.org/ . of the people of our great city. The Campaign for Southern Equality and the ties from passing LGBT-inclusive ordinances, Some of the ICORN host cities have Family Equality Council backed the couples. such as the one the Janesville City Council expanded their mission to include all © [email protected] In 2006, President George W. Bush nomi- approved. nated Jordan to a seat on the United States Ryan, 46, was the running mate of presi- District Court for the Southern District of dential candidate Mitt Romney in 2012, with Nick Patricca is professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, president of Mississippi. The U.S. Senate confirmed him the pair losing to President Obama and Vice Chicago Network and playwright emeritus at Victory Gardens Theater. later that year. President Joe Biden. He was named speaker of the House last October. WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 5 percent of them are LGBTQ. African American same-sex couples are three times more likely to Campaign launched to create live in poverty than white same-sex couples. More than one in four LGBTQ individuals experi- unity in ending LGBTQ poverty enced a time in the last year when they did not have enough money to look after themselves or By Gretchen Rachel Hammond it won’t make much of a difference if you’re their families. More than 43 percent of LGBTQ poor.” adults live in poverty. A glorious view of the City of Chicago as seen Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL) was recog- The congressman credited Chicago House from the offices of Jenner & Block served as nized for the role he has played in helping to CEO Stan Sloan for initially raising awareness a fitting backdrop for the nonprofit advocacy create visibility for those LGBTQ people who of those numbers to the LGBTQ caucus which organization Chicago House and its partners to are suffering from poverty. Quigley co-chairs. That awareness began to announce the launch of the Proud2Share at a “Every once in a while, it’s OK to take a bow,” spread through Capitol Hill. March 31 event attended by some of the most Quigley said. “It’s great to have legislative vic- “For the first time, there were discussions prolific LGBT activists and advocacy groups in tories. It matters. But the world changes so and hearings on these particular issues in the the city alongside philanthropic leaders and a quickly around us and, at the same time, the halls of Congress,” he said. “Those initial dis- slate of elected leaders. scenery is changing behind us. We’re reminded cussions have made a big difference.” According to its literature, Proud2Share is that any of these victories can be taken back. More2Share is designed to do the same thing an “annual, federated campaign that has a pri- The tenacity of hatred that I have watched by elevating that awareness on a nationwide mary goal of creating a new source of pride and since 1981 just percolates up in so many dif- level. unity within the LGBT community. The second- ferent forms.” The fight will begin with LGBTQ support. ary goal of the campaign is to raise awareness Quigley had a message for legislators in Proud2Share program co-managers Ayanna and funding for those living in LGBTQ poverty, states like North Carolina and Mississippi which Armstrong and Anthony DiFiore stated that 95 thus dispelling the myth widely held about LG- have enacted or are on the verge of enacting percent of LGBTQ people do not donate to LG- Chicago House CEO the Rev. Stan Sloan. BTQ affluence.” horrific anti-LGBT laws. BTQ causes. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond One of the campaign’s key supporters is the “When Lincoln spoke of the Constitution, he “That is a problem, not only in Chicago but Alphawood Foundation, whose staff took part always insisted that you read it alongside the nationwide,” Armstrong said. “There are also for those used by an impoverished LGBTQ per- in an initial planning session three years ago Declaration of Independence—that the two factors in Chicago that make it the right place son. The message will be “Swap a lace. Change and have remained integral to the formulation were intertwined,” he said. “Holding truths to to start changing that trend.” a life.” of the campaign. be self-evident, that all men are created equal. “We have all these amazing networks in place “We’ve all heard the phrase that ‘if you give Critical support has been also been provided They are endowed by their creator with certain to help and motivate and reach our people,” a person a fish, you feed them for a day. If you by a number of nonprofit organizations and unalienable rights and, among those, are life, DiFiore noted. “There really is a chance that teach a person to fish, you feed them for life,’” corporations including The LGBT Community liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” we can change the poverty in our community.” Sloan said. “We don’t want to feed them for a Fund of the Chicago Community Trust, The Polk “All those rights don’t matter if that pursuit The mechanics of the campaign as designed day. We don’t want to feed them for life. That’s Brothers Foundation, Jenner & Block and the is blocked,” Quigley added. “No one is guar- by Razorfish include both digital and physical not their biggest problem right now. Their big- nationwide digital marketing agency Razorfish. anteed anything but you have to have those elements. There will be a social media hashtag gest problem is that, even after they learn how “We thought about the issues that are out same rights.” and logos, along with opportunities for people to fish, they’re not given access to clean waters there that would interest and excite LGBTQ Quigley quoted documented figures includ- to literally walk in the shoes of poverty-strick- where fish actually live. The campaign’s goal is people,” Alphawood Executive Director James ing those reached by The National Transgender en LGBTQ individuals. to break down the divisions within our commu- D. McDonough said. “Youth homelessness, el- Discrimination Survey which states that trans- The In Their Shoes initiative will report the nity that keep people from that chance to get der care, trans isolation, bullying, immigration gender people are four times as likely to have a real stories of LGBTQ people living in or try- to clean waters.” and asylum issues, disproportionate incarcera- household income of under $10,000 and twice ing to overcome poverty. The shoes they wear For more information about Chicago House, tion—the list goes on. The common thread as likely to be unemployed. will be photographed across the city in places visit http://www.chicagohouse.org. is LGBTQ poverty. The assimilation of LGBTQ He noted that an estimated 1.6 million youth they have had to live and sleep. Donors will be For more information about Proud2Share, people into the mainstream is one thing, but experience homeless each year and up to 40 asked to swap-out one of their own shoelaces visit https://www.facebook.com/Proud2Share.

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“This ain’t no April Fool’s joke!” Chicago Teach- ers Union (CTU) member Luis Tubens said to the thousands gathered in front of the Thomp- son Center in downtown Chicago April 1. The rally was followed by a demonstration that spanned the length of entire streets as people wound through the Loop in solidarity with the CTU at the end of a one-day strike. Their accomplished goal was encapsulated in the cry “Shut it down!” Their targets included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin, Immigrations Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Chicago Po- lice Department (CPD), the banking industry Pro-LGBT protesters at the rally. and fast-food giant McDonald’s, along with its Photo courtesy of Andy Thayer peers. Demonstrators formed a coalition built from ers accountable.’ Does he not know we’re tax- 60 years ago authorized unfair labor practice payers too? We are here not only for the chil- strikes under the National Labor Relations Ac- across the city, nation and even countries such Chicago Teachers Union President Karen as Mexico and France. They not only included dren of Chicago but we’re here for the young tion,” the CTU said in a statement. “We believe Lewis. adults of Chicago and we’re here for people who teachers have those rights.” the CTU’s membership but representatives from Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond a roster of organizations including the Black deserve and are entitled to a real future.” LGBTQs were a visible part of the march, in- Lives Matter Movement (BLM), the Black Youth Much like he did during the Black Friday cluding those carrying rainbow flags. Project 100 (BYP 100), the Chicago Light Bri- and [is] trying to close the only historically protests, Rev. Jesse Jackson appeared just be- “The reasons for our participation were sim- gade, Communities United, the Illinois Alliance Black university in Illinois to pay the banks fore the march began in order to provide the ple: demanding funding for public education, for Retired Americans, Project Nia, the Illinois and protect wealthy supporters.” demonstrators with statements of defiance to stopping the cuts which disproportionately hit Leadership Academy and unions representing No matter their separate parties, to the dem- repeat. people of color and working class people, and everyone from electrical, bakery confections, onstrators Rauner and Emanuel were two vil- “Fight, end war, end poverty, reinvest in basic solidarity,” said gay activist Andy Thayer. tobacco and grain millers workers to the Uni- lains cut from the same cloth of corruption and schools not jails,” he declared. “End racism “Back in the late 1970s, when Harvey Milk and versity of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago State and greed. now. End sexism now. We will win anywhere. the movement he was a spokesperson for de- Northeastern Illinois University faculties. The results in textbook shortages, loss of We are not afraid. We will not give up. We will feated the anti-LGBT ‘Briggs Amendment,’ they The issues raised were not limited to the arts, language education and libraries, edu- not get tired. We will not surrender.” could not have done it without their alliance glaring inadequacies in Chicago Public School cators trying to teach massively overcrowded The enormous column of people then set with the teachers and their unions. Likewise (CPS) funding, but the below-poverty-rate classrooms, school counselors with lists of chil- off up Clark Street, along Wacker Drive toward today, the future of most LGBTQ people, since wages paid to fast-food employees, the pro- dren in the hundreds, children forced to walk to Michigan Avenue, where they turned south be- most of us are working class, is bound up with liferation of ICE deportations in the city, and school through gang-infested neighborhoods, fore heading toward Lake Shore Drive at the the movements of working people. Today in racial and economic injustice as well as dis- the closure of mental health facilities, the loss height of the rush hour. Chicago, that means supporting the teachers parities. of living wages, CPD profiling of Black and La- The peaceful demonstration served as the and the Chicago Teachers Union. The weather provided a fitting “rain-or- tino people and the violence from some of its grand finale of a full Day of Action which began “We hoped to carry on in the best of the tra- shine” backdrop to the resolve of the protes- officers were detailed in cries for an end to at 6:30 in the morning as teachers picketed ditions of our movement, where LGBTQs sup- tors to make their voices heard. No matter “the death by a thousand cuts” suffered by the outside CPS schools across the city. Teach-ins port teachers, and vice versa, where LGBTQs what the conditions, which alternated between disenfranchised people of Chicago. and rallies were held at City Hall, Northeastern speak out and organize against racism regard- downpours and bright sunlight, those voices “The governor of this state has decided to and Chicago State universities along with the less of our skin color, where we articulate the did not waver in their frustrated anger. hold everybody hostage,” CTU President Karen University of Illinois at Chicago. Project Nia connections between supposedly ‘separate’ is- As far as they were concerned, enough was Lewis said after taking the stage erected in led a march demanding the closure of youth sues, and where we show that solidarity across enough from Springfield lawmakers and Rauner front of the Thompson Center. “He’s a terror- prisons. false lines is the way we can win better lives whose squabbling is having severe ramifica- ist.” Charges filed by CPS earlier in the day against for all of us.” tions on the actual kids under the teacher’s Earlier in the day, Rauner had labelled the the striking teachers were met with the same More photos are online at WindyCityMedia- charge. Enough was enough from a City Hall strike as “shameful” and accused the CTU ac- measure of opposition. “The Supreme Court Group.com. represented by Emanuel who, as a distributed tion of victimizing children. leaflet entitled Broke on Purpose stated “closed “Rauner can’t stop us,” Lewis stated. “He can 50 schools in Black and Latino neighborhoods say things like ‘teachers can’t hold the taxpay- Cherkasov departs Bernard Equality Illinois Cherkasov. By Matt Simonette Photo by Matt Simonette Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov, who announced in January that he would be step- ping down from his post, officially left March 31, and he will next head operations for a new-to-Chicago children’s relief organization. Cherkasov will become executive director for the national organization Cradles to during the state’s protracted battle for mar- Crayons, which provides essentials—such as riage equality, as well as during pushes to clothing and school supplies—to children in ban anti-gay conversion therapy and guard need. against school bullying. Equality Illinois re- “It means so much to me to be a part of cently celebrated its 25th anniversary and this organization, because, when I was a kid, also opened a satellite office in Springfield my brother and I were on the receiving end as a base for its Central Illinois operations of those kinds of services,” he said, adding last year. The board of directors has not yet that he would be helping to build a Chicago publicly named Cherkasov’s successor. presence for the organization, which has so “It’s a little bit sad,” Cherkasov said. “Hav- far been active mainly in Boston and Phila- ing been part of this organization, loving delphia. Cherkasov added that childhood nearly every part of my work for the last sev- poverty is an issue about which he has long en years, and to now know that I have just a been “passionate.” few days left. But I feel great about the last He previously worked as an attorney and seven years and the position that the agen- entered his Equality Illinois post in 2009. cy is in, and I look forward to seeing what Protesters at the Day of Action. Cherkasov was at the organization’s helm Equality Illinois is going to achieve next.” Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 7 defining myself as trans. I think this is true for every trans person I know, the fact that we’re Transgender Day of trans is the least interesting thing about us.” He added that he has been a part of Reso- naTe since October of last year. Joining the group has already had a significant impact on Visibility observed his life. “Whenever a big life change happens to me, I forget how to be a person,” he said. “So having locally, nationally something to do every single week became a staple. Rain or shine, somehow choir managed By Gretchen Rachel Hammond TDOV events were held across the country to get me out of bed and feeling like a human in cities such as Philadelphia; San Francisco; with people who care. I’m not as afraid to sing The 2016 International Transgender Day of Vis- Omaha, Nebraska; Palm Springs, California; and in front of people anymore, my voice is a little ibility (TDOV) met and exceeded its March 31 Grand Rapids, Michigan. more under control but, more than any of those goal. In Charlotte. North Carolina, despite the re- things, I have friends.” The hashtag #TDOV began trending early on cent passage of dehumanizing anti-transgender “This is a really great opportunity for us to Twitter with supportive tweets from organiza- legislation, the Wells Fargo building was lit up participate with the broader community in a tions including the Black Youth Project (BYP) in the colors of the transgender flag. beautiful way,” Siler said. “We’ve all become 100, The Trevor Project, TED Talks, It Gets Bet- The light of visibility was seen across Europe friends. We are a really lovely, disparate group ter and the American Civil Liberties Union. The and reached as far as Australia. of people.” hashtag is estimated to have reached 6.2 mil- Closer to home, The Center on Halsted cel- “Zachary and I are both very big dreamers,” lion people according to the tracking website ebrated the day by playing host to a perfor- Jackson Hearns added. “So one of our big hopes Keyhole. mance from ResonaTe—described on their is for ResonaTe to become a voice care center, Chicago trans activist Meggan Sommerville website as Chicago’s first and only choir for specifically for the sake of being visible.” and her ally Pamela Valentine were thrilled trans singers. There is no doubt that “for the sake of being with the response to the MoreThanVisibility Founded by vocalist and voice teacher Liz visible” has become a need of vital importance campaign which resulted in multiple bloggers Jackson Hearns, musician and artistic director if only to counter the diabolical narratives about transgender people being utilized by the airing their thoughts on the event’s Facebook Zakary Siler and Associate Professor of Philoso- Lee Hanten, a member of ResonaTe. phy at Chicago State University Das Janssen, right wing in order to terrify the populace into page including a man from Ireland who posted Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond a video of him coming out to his family. Ap- ResonaTe aims to “create a safe, engaging and supporting bills designed to strip transgender individuals of their rights and erode their hu- proximately 1.8 million people internationally creative environment for trans singers to de- Despite the evening marking the first public manity. were reached with the hashtag MoreThanVis- velop confidence and community through vocal performance of ResonaTe, the choir betrayed The TDOV is one day when such narratives are ibility between March 30 and April 1. education.” no sign of nerves as they performed with an en- combated. But, according to Sommerville, it is “For the first time doing something like this Even though it is still in its formative stages, thusiastic gusto and liberated joy that quickly not enough. we saw great success,” Sommerville told Windy ResonaTe has already taken enormous steps in radiated through the audience. “This needs to be more than just once a City Times. “We set out to have bloggers and the accomplishment of that mission as dem- Members not only sang solos but talked can- year,” she said. “This needs to happen on a social media people reach out to their audi- onstrated at the Center’s March 31 event when didly about their experiences as transgender regular basis.” ences and we achieved that. Our allies stepped nine of its members performed an hour-long individuals and members of ResonaTe. For more information about ResonaTe, vis- up and talked about their experiences. For a program that included Kiki Dee’s I’ve Got the “As you may have gathered, I am trans,” Lee it Resonatechoir.org. larger audience to understand who the trans Music in Me, Carole King’s I Feel the Earth Move Hanten said. “That is a sentence that has taken community is and the issues that we face is and the 17th Century English ballad Scarbor- me a very long time to articulate. I don’t like always rewarding.” ough Fair. @windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com

May 10, 2016 Host a conversation. www.onthetable.com 8 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Covenant House youth shelter expanding to Chicago News analysis by Tracy Baim money is not just for housing; it can include employment, outreach, case management and A New York-based international non-profit that other services. The remaining funding appears operates youth shelters in 27 cities in six coun- to be from a mix of private donors, foundation tries is going to open in Chicago later this year. grants, corporations and special events. Covenant House International President Kev- The main large-scale fundraiser Covenant in Ryan told Windy City Times they selected House does is a “sleep out” in each city, in- Chicago after a lengthy search, “largely influ- cluding a major one each year in New York City. Kevin Ryan (middle) with Covenant House youth. enced by the willingness of the local provider Since I chaired a Sleep Out in Chicago last community to partner with us. It was dra- year that raised $44,000 for 19 youth home- Photo courtesy of Covenant House matically more substantial than in any city we less projects, I asked Ryan if they would work same problems, poverty, abuse, exploitation, kids to move forward in their lives.” looked at.” together to show their partnership in Chicago. trafficking, and I thought the government and Jama Shelton, the True Colors Fund deputy Chicago certainly has a need for more shel- He said they would explore this, but that’s not child-welfare system would be a way to help executive director, is the point for the Cove- ter beds serving youth experiencing homeless- how they have worked in other cities. people and strengthen families. It was a terrific nant House International partnership. ness. There are fewer than 400 beds of any kind Ryan said they have $1 million in commit- opportunity to work on repairing the New Jer- The reason for the partnership is clear. “There (shelter, transitional living, scattered site) ted funds for their Chicago location, part of sey child-welfare system, but I learned impor- have been accounts, historical accounts, of for what is estimated to be several thousand a $14-million estimated cost here. While they tant work both inside and outside government. young people reporting some extreme mistreat- young people unstably housed in the city. The initially will not rely on government funding, I felt I wanted to be part of this movement, ment,” Shelton said. “This is from LGBT young Chicago Public Schools notes some 22,000 of they are seeking government help in finding a which is bigger than the state of New Jersey people, from staff and other young people in its youth are in this situation, many of them location. They said they have been encouraged and ending trafficking.” the space. They earned a reputation of not be- unaccompanied teenagers. to find a spot on the North or Northwest Side The issue of sex trafficking is not easily ing safe. … I think part of it was, yes, prac- But even though there is a great need, there of the city, and they hope to announce a loca- defined or solved. Some youth see their sex tices that were not safe and not affirming, and are also limited supports to maintain even the tion very soon. They do not plan to build from work as under their own control, especially environments that were not safe, and a recog- services now in place. The Illinois budget crisis scratch, but to take over an existing structure. when they don’t work for a pimp. “Some young nition of that, and wanting to move past that has meant that most agencies serving youth “We hope to be up and operational by fall,” people living with us may do this, and they and change that. And also try to repair that who are homeless, as well as other social ser- Ryan said. don’t get kicked out if doing sex work,” Ryan history and change the reputation. vice agencies, are cutting budgets and staff. The size of the facility could serve anywhere said. “We do want kids to have choices, and “When we entered into this partnership, Some have even closed their doors. In Chicago, from 20-60 homeless, trafficked and runaway we work really hard to give them choices. From there were some people that were upset. I there is concern that another agency open- youth, Ryan added, and there will be an execu- an advocate’s position, the federal definition understand that because I understand the his- ing up now will further dilute government and tive director from Chicago running the facil- is really clear. We work with advocates to cre- tory of what had happened, and I also feel as other funding resources. ity. Each of the Covenant House entities has ate resources and opportunities, safe centers a social worker, and from a solutions-focused Ryan said he is aware of the funding crisis in autonomy, but they are still connected to the to go to.” perspective, my response was I hear you and Illinois. He said the agency already has 7,000 main international body. Ryan said they are part of a study of 800 validate that, but if there are people who want donors in Illinois who give to the international Ryan also said they plan to partner with youth who are homeless, from Anchorage to to do right by our young people, should I not Covenant House movement. Ryan said they local non-profits for some of the services at Florida, being studied on sex trafficking. Those try to facilitate that? I will say Kevin and ev- have committed not to ask for any local or Covenant House. “We’re negotiating with other results will be out this fall. In a previous study, eryone have come to the table and wanting to federal government funding for the Covenant NGOs [non-governmental organizations] for 25 percent of young homeless people were ex- learn. That’s excellent. … Different sites have House location in Chicago for the first four medical care, education, food support, behav- ploited or trafficked. “There were young people different degrees of understanding of LGBT years of its operation. ioral counseling, etc. We are a 24-hour, 7-day, who said they only did this because they had and competency and learning. There are many “We know city resources are scarce, the state no-barrier open intake for homeless youth no place to sleep, even if they did not have a hopes that through this process there will be is in paralysis, so we’re committed to work re- shelter, and we want to collaborate with ex- pimp,” Ryan said. “For us, it is all about giving some pretty clear understanding of policies and ally hard to grow philanthropy among our do- isting nonprofits, to partner with others, and kids choice. There are young people, very few, procedures to make LGBT young people safe.” nor base over the next four years,” Ryan said. serve our kids.” who say this is what they want to do, but with Shelton explained the work she is doing on “So our pitch is to deepen their investment in Covenant House not only runs shelters, but poverty and no place to sleep, it’s really tough this partnership. our work. We want to grow the pie, not shrink they also operate transitional living facilities to say that is a true choice.” “We conduct our True Inclusion assessment the pie.” where youth can live for a specified period of process at all sites in the U.S. and Canada,” The Covenant House structure is complex. time. Their Chicago plan includes opening a Including LGBTQ youth Shelton said. “It is a three-step process, to Ryan heads Covenant House International. transitional or transpermanent housing facility While Covenant House is not an LGBTQ or- gauge the level of LGBT affirming and inclusive The money the international agency raises is within 18 months. ganization, any institution serving homeless care. The first step is objective, it asks ques- from private philanthropy. He said they raise young adults is aware that anywhere from 20 to tions like does [each Covenant House location] half the money for each of the Covenant House Serving youth 40 percent of their clients are LGBTQ. Ryan said have this policy in place, or gender-neutral sites. “We are fully responsible for funding the Ryan’s own life has included a lengthy past “there are more LGBTQ young people sleeping bathrooms, or if it houses trans youth based on first four years of a launch,” Ryan said. with Covenant House, starting in 1992 when he under a Covenant House roof than any other gender identity. The second step is for all staff, worked at the Skadden Arps law firm and did a entity, because we are in six countries.” not just direct care, but every staff member, two-year fellowship with the agency, launching But Covenant House has a checkered past from security to overnight, legal team, etc. It its legal-aid clinic. He stayed 10 years, helping when it comes to serving those youth. As a gauges staff members’ knowledge about LGBT- to write legislation focused on youth experi- result, the LGBTQ, Cyndi Lauper-founded True related topics and working with and comfort encing homelessness. He then went to work in Colors Fund is advising them on how to over- level working with LGBT youth, and asks them New York and New Jersey on issues including come that past. the type of training or professional develop- homelessness and immigration. He served as Reverend Bruce Ritter, a Franciscan priest, ment they need to increase knowledge and New Jersey’s first Child Advocate, first commis- started working with New York’s poor in the comfort levels. And if they think it is safe for sioner of Children and Families, and then with late 1960s, and with others founded Covenant LGBT youth in their care. The third step is a the United Nations as the first chief of staff to House in 1972. But the religious-based organi- voluntary youth survey for all youth, not just the secretary general’s first special envoy on zation was not known as a safe place for LGBTQ LGBT, and asks them questions: is it safe for malaria. He worked for a time under New Jersey youth, and it went beyond just lack of accep- LGBT, trans included, and in the past seven Gov. Jim McGreevey. tance. In 1990, Ritter was forced out after alle- days if they have witnessed any of following, In 2009, he returned to Covenant House as gations of sexual abuse from some of the youth things like physical harassment, verbal harass- its international president—he was its first the agency served. Ritter was also accused of ment, by staff, or other young people, based Covenant House in New York. leader not to come from a Roman Catholic re- financial misconduct, but the district attorney on race, gender expression or sexual orienta- Photo courtesy of Covenant House ligious order. stopped pursuing the case after Ritter stepped tion.” Ryan is heterosexual, but he does have a down. An international Covenant House inves- Shelton said this third phase can assist ad- Once Covenant House locations are on their high-profile gay brother, Owen Ryan, who is tigation appeared to side with the agency, but ministrators in making changes based on the own, some of them do in fact get large fed- executive director of the International AIDS did say their was extensive “cumulative” evi- work done from the first two assessment phas- eral grants from the U.S. Department of Hous- Society based in Geneva, Switzerland. dence against Ritter. es. True Colors makes recommendations during ing and Urban Development and the Runaway Why did Ryan come back to Covenant House? Whether sexual abuse took place or not, the the process and at the end of it. They are in the and Homeless Youth Act. In Alaska, 43 percent “I loved the young people I have been work- agency itself was not seen as a safe haven for midst of this for all of the U.S. and Canadian of their funding is from the government, ac- ing with, and saw an enormous opportunity to LGBTQs. sites, 17 in all, having started about a year cording to Charity Navigator. In New York, 45 grow Covenant House, to raise the work, in- Ryan said that the True Colors partnership “is ago. The process should end by May, Shelton percent comes from the government, while in cluding human trafficking,” he said. “When I helping us to achieve great advantage in safe said. California it is 26 percent. Some states appear went to public service, I was frustrated see- spaces and evidence-informed practices, to get to get no government funds. The government ing kids, teens, young people, experiencing the Turn to page 9 WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 9 Trans birth certificate bill to go to Illinois House floor by Matt Simonette across the United States. “It is the same standard that the federal gov- The House Human Services Committee, on ernment uses for the change of gender markers April 5, passed a bill 8-6 that would allow on passports,” he added. “It is also the same transgender Illinoisans to more easily change standard that the federal government uses the gender marker on their birth certificates. for the purposes of social security, and that a The bill now moves to the House floor. dozen other states have adopted for their state HB 6073, introduced in February by openly laws.” gay state Rep. Greg Harris, allows a transgen- Three witnesses spoke in favor of the bill, der individual to change the birth certificate including Aeryn Skorich, who said, “I’m a wom- gender marker without undergoing surgery, a an with a secret, because my birth certificate requirement many individuals are unable or un- says I’m not a woman. Because of Illinois’ an- willing to carry out. The new bill allows for the tiquated law, I cannot get the gender-marker State rep. Greg Harris (center) speaks at a hearing on HB 6073, accompanied by (left to change with documentation from a physician [changed] on my birth certificate to reflect the right) Aeryn Skorich, Maya Zimmerman and Elijah James Valentin. that says the person is undertaking appropriate person that you see before you today.” Photo courtesy of Kelly Cassidy medical care and treatment. She explained that having a birth certificate rate birth certificate is critical. … As part of difficulties that can result from any surgical Illinois has not updated its statute allowing with a marker that does not align with her my transition process, I have contemplated procedure.” persons to change their gender marker, though gender presentation puts her at risk of being surgery, and indeed I would like to have sur- Ralph Rivera, a lobbyist for the Illinois Fam- it was first introduced in 1962, Harris said, subjected to “harassment, hate and violence.” gery. The reality is that it is something I am ily Institute, spoke against the bill, asking adding, the new standard is generally accepted Maya Zimmerman added, “Having an accu- unable to currently afford, and I do not know whether it would open up Illinoisans to charg- if I will ever be able to afford it. My finan- es of discrimination should they choose not to the sovereignty of the Tennessee and Georgia cial circumstances, however, should not be a recognize such a change on someone’s birth State Freemason chapters, since membership matters within roadblock to my being fully recognized as a certificate. He was challenged by Committee the Freemasons are usually determined state woman.” Vice-Chairperson Litesa E. Wallace, who asked head opposes by state. But that has not stopped Washing- Elijah James Valentin said, “Like each of you how such a personal matter would impact his gay bans ton, D.C., and California chapters from sus- I have several identities—family, friend, broth- constituents, then added, “Your religious free- pending relations with Tennessee and Geor- er, son, grandson, Puerto Rican, graphic de- dom is duly protected.” By Matt Simonette gia, according to the Tennessean. signer—these, and countless other labels. For Shortly before the vote, Harris said that, if The Tennessee Freemasons voted to uphold purposes of this discussion, perhaps the most passed, the law could positively impact about The head of the Grand Lodge of Illinois the vote March 24, in a closed meeting in relevant identity is that I am male, a transgen- 49,000 Illinoisans. Freemasons has publicly opposed actions by Nashville. Last fall, the Grand Lodge of Ten- der male. I’m been living as male for nearly A second trans-related bill, HB 4474, which grand lodges in Tennessee and Georgia ban- nessee suspended two members, Dennis Clark five years. … My fundamental document, my requires schools to designate rest rooms and ning gay members. and Mark Henderson of Somerville, Tennes- birth certificate, remains unchanged. Current changing facilities for the exclusive use of On March 26, Grand Master Anthony R. see, after they’d gotten married. The Georgia Illinois law demands that I have surgery before one sex, was referred to the Human Services Gracco wrote on the Grand Lodge of Illinois’ ban was implemented in Sept. 2015 and up- I can change the gender marker on my birth Facilities Subcommittee. Their next committee website that the ban upheld in Tennessee held the following month. certificate. I simply cannot afford the surgery, meeting has not been scheduled as of press two days earlier “is not consistent with Ma- Clark told The Tennessean that he has re- and even if cost was not a deciding factor, it time. That bill is opposed by LGBTQs and their sonic principles. It contradicts the open and ceived encouragement from members across is not clear that I would choose to have sur- allies. inclusive culture that is the foundation of the country. “The vast majority are absolute- gery, given all the possible complications and Masonry which unites men of various geo- ly appalled,” said Clark. “The opinion of the graphic, religious, ethnic, socio-economic, fraternity itself should remain as positive as etc. backgrounds. We purposely bring good ever.” men together to collectively improve our- Gracco’s statement is at ilmaason.org. selves, serve our Masonic family and support The Tennessean’s article is at http://tnne. our communities.” ws/1MHUnSG. He added, “The influence of individual religious beliefs on the actions of these two Grand Lodges is not appropriate for Masonry Affinity offering and has no place in the governance of its members. It is through the religious toler- free HIV testing ance and acceptance taught in Masonry that Affinity Community Services will continue enables Brothers from various faiths to see offering free HIV/AIDS testing, taking place past differences to look for what matters at its Hyde Park location on the first and most, a Brother’s good heart and upright ac- third Wednesday of each month at 1-3 p.m., Learn to play tions.” in collaboration with Center on Halsted. Gracco nevertheless said that he respected See Affinity95.org.

® moved far beyond its past. They have support COVENANT from page 8 from LGBTQ individuals and organizations. They have openly gay people on their international Moving forward board of directors. “I don’t feel I have to prove Do the religious roots of Covenant House anything to the city,” Ryan said. “I have to hamper its ability to serve some youth? Shel- 6 LESSONS 3 WEEKS $99 earn that with the homeless young people of ton said she sees the religious influence mainly Chicago. Will young people who are desperate, STARTS MAY 7 through the agency’s mission and core values. and trying to make a decision, whether it is She also said many young people have had bad better on the street or if they are better off There’s a reason the word “LOVE” is experiences with religion, so it could be seen inside, will they come inside. I hope they come used in tennis. It’s because tennis is as a barrier to their receiving inclusive and af- inside, that they will view it as a safe place to firming services. not so much a sport as it is a passion. turn their life around.” “For some who experience religious persecu- And you can learn it in no time at There is a mixture of excitement and wari- tion or abuse, or those who have parents who ness filtering through the youth homeless- Midtown Athletic Club. used religion as a thing against them, they service community in Chicago. There is a need may never walk in the door of a religious-based for more beds and related services. But there is place,” Shelton said. “This is an issue for any Register at midtown.com/tnt also a fear that a larger international agency religious-based place.” coming in may take away from funding sources Ryan said those religious roots provide the already at risk, whether from the state govern- agency with a mission of social justice and ment, private foundations, corporations or in- helping the poor. “This movement is about dividuals. The impact of Covenant House on the celebrating young people for exactly who youth service community—and for youth—is they are,” he said. “Gay, lesbian, transgender, an unknown. straight, for who they are. We don’t use the The only thing for sure is that in 2016: Chi- narrative of tolerance. It is about connecting cago will become the 28th city with a Covenant kids to their authentic selves.” House location. Ryan said he believed Covenant House has 10 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Activist diagnosed with brain cancer, seeks assistance By Carrie Maxwell also volunteered at a battered women’s shelter in Columbia, Missouri. Local LGBT activist, social worker and artist “Ian is looking forward to getting out in Ian Harris Schroeder has been diagnosed with nature like they did as a kid when we visited brain stem glioma—cancerous tumors in and the Black River near St. Louis, moving in with around the brain stem. Patrice and celebrating their engagement with A few months ago, Schroeder began experi- all of their loved ones,” said Dani Schroeder, encing dizziness, nausea, and blurred and dou- Schroeder’s sister. “I’m looking forward to that ble vision that doctors first diagnosed as an day and being a part of their wedding.” inner-ear virus. They said Schroeder’s virus was “Ian is a fierce advocate for the community psychosomatic and a side effect of their tes- members that Chicago House serves,” said Stan tosterone hormone therapy. Schroeder wasn’t Waclaw, Chicago House chief administrative getting the help they needed so they went and human resources officer. “They possess an to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. extraordinary spirit and passion for honoring It was there that doctors correctly diagnosed and celebrating the lives of their clients. We’re Schroeder on March 7. so grateful for Ian’s openness, kindness, dedi- From left: David Munar, Caitlin White and Duke Alden at the annual meeting. Schroeder recently got engaged to Patrice cation and humor. They are a true inspiration Photo by Matt Simonette Foster, an actor/director and teaching artist, to their clients and to the employees at Chi- on March 9. They’ve been a couple for a year. cago House.” March 9 was also the day that Schroeder went “Ian is one of the most committed, passion- New BYC location announced at Howard Brown event By Matt Simonette frameworks.” The news caps an eventful year for Howard A new, permanent location for the Broadway Brown, which last August received a pres- Youth Center (BYC) was among the announce- tigious designation as a federally qualified ments at the 2016 annual meeting for Howard health center, qualifying it to apply for grants Brown Health, held March 30 at its Anderson- under Section 330 of the Public Health Service ville Brown Elephant Resale Shop location, Act as well as enhanced Medicare and Medicaid 5404 N. Clark St. reimbursements. President and CEO David Ernesto Munar de- In September 2015, Howard Brown an- scribed Howard Brown’s previously announced nounced that it would be taking over unused efforts to move the BYC facility—currently lo- spaces in the Rogers Park building currently oc- cated at Wellington Avenue United Church of cupied by Gerber/Hart Library for a new North Christ in Lakeview—into underutilized spaces Side clinic. Howard Brown also announced, on in Howard Brown’s Sheridan Road clinic. March 15, plans for a new clinic on the South “Though technically possible, the plan proved Side, to be called Howard Brown Health 63rd unfeasible, exorbitantly expensive and com- Street. plex, given the array of services at that site,” An extensive advertising campaign will be Munar said. “The advisory board recommended launched around the time of the Rogers Park a standalone location, if at all possible.” clinic’s opening, according to Munar, who add- Ian Schroeder (left) and fiancee Patrice Foster. A location has been chosen for BYC at 4009 ed that the new facilities would hopefully ease Photo courtesy of Foster N. Broadway. The new location will be custom- wait times and overcrowding. “We are outgrow- ized to include drop-in space, storage lockers, ing our existing facilities,” he said. a computer lab, in-house laundry services, Heartland Health Centers was given Howard in for their craniotomy—the surgical removal ate, loving, caring and brave people I’ve ever showers, classrooms and health promotion and Brown’s Friend for Life Award for partnerships of part of the bone from the skull to expose met,” said Bonsai Bermudez, YEPP’s executive insurance-navigation services. The move is ex- and assistance it has offered to the organiza- the brain. Since then, Schroeder had a second artistic director. “Their work building relation- pected to be completed by the end of 2016. tion over the years. Caitlin White, who is lead extraventricular drain to relieve elevated fluid ships and community has profoundly and posi- Latonya Maley, formerly BYC’s youth HIV/STI clinical nurse at Howard Brown Health Sheri- and pressure in their brain. Currently, Schro- tively supported the lives of the young people prevention manager, has been selected as its dan, was presented with the Spirit Award for eder is in the ICU recovering from their recent we work with. Their vision and practice to build new director. She replaces Imani Rupert-Gor- consistent excellence in her work, while the tracheotomy to allow them to breathe, and will a loving and healthier world has inspired me don, who left the organization to become exec- Digital Kitchen agency received the Heart of be undergoing radiation in the coming weeks. and other YEPP members to dream, take action utive director of Affinity Community Services. Howard Brown Award for their pro bono work Schroeder is a family-ties case manager at and transform our lives. Their laughter and en- Munar said Maley “brings a wealth of direct rebranding the organization and designing its Chicago House and the artistic coordinator ergy always illuminate any room they enter and experience with her, as well as a background in website. Howard Brown Board Chair Duke Alden with the Youth Empowerment Performance young people’s healing paths. We miss them trauma-informed restorative and social-justice introduced Munar. Project (YEPP). They were also featured in profoundly. Please consider donating to their this publication’s 30 Under 30 series last year. fundraising campaign so they can recover with- Schroeder received their bachelor of science out worry and continue the great work they do Washington, D.C. (April 28). Jeff Grinspoon degree in psychology from the University of for the organization and the world.” Chicago part of and Jon Foley will host the Chicago stop, Minnesota, Twin Cities and a master of arts de- They have been unable to work for the last slated for 7 p.m. gree in social-service administration from the two months and are in need of financial assis- A Wider Bridge tour Said tour will introduce KALA (Hebrew A Wider Bridge—the LGBTQ advocacy University of Chicago. tance. So far, there’s been a little over $5,000 abbreviation of Kehila Lahatavit Ethiopit, group building connections between the Prior to moving to Chicago, Schroeder volun- raised of the $8,000 needed. translated to “LGBT Ethiopian Community”) Israeli and North American LGBTQ communi- teered with the Metro Trans Umbrella Group and For more information on Schroeder’s prog- to North America for the first time to facilities—announced a U.S. tour with leaders of the now-defunct LGBT Center of St. Louis, Mis- ress, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ tate collaboration between diverse commu- the Ethiopian Israeli LGBTQ community. souri, where they were raised. As an undergrad, ianschroederbrain and to make a donation nities in the areas of advocacy, human rights The U.S. tour will cover San Francisco they were very active politically with LGBT and visit https://www.youcaring.com/ian-schroed- and cultural exchange. (April 17), Los Angeles (April 20), Chicago underserved communities in the Twin Cities. er-542074. See AWiderBridge.eventbrite.com. (April 25), New York City (April 27) and While on summer break from college, Schroeder

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 11 vid Schwartz, chair of infectious diseases at LGBT fund announces CCHHS. “Their continued partnership will help us provide care to persons with HIV and AIDS Summit focuses on transformational who are not accessing critical health services, grants thereby preventing unnecessary illness, hospi- The LGBT Community Fund at The Chicago talizations and death and reducing transmis- Tiny Home designs to Community Trust has announced three trans- sion of HIV to others.” formational grants—supporting projects that aim “to significantly advance Chicago’s LGBTQ combat homelessness community toward a better quality of life,” according to a press release. CHICAGO — Experts from six cities will be in Institute of Architects–Chicago, Pride Action The LGBT Fund will award $350,000 in this Chicago April 18-19 for a Tiny Home Summit Tank, Alphawood Foundation, Landon Bone transformational grant round. to address the housing crisis in Chicago, par- Baker Architects, and Windy City Times. The projects receiving funding involve: ticularly focused on new, creative solutions for Monday, April 18 at 5 p.m., there will be a —Howard Brown Health Center and Advocate youth experiencing homelessness. These solu- tour of the model, built by Price Construction, IL Masonic Medical Center (to develop the nations could easily apply to the general afford- and displayed next door to the summit. A Tues- tion’s first LGBTQ-specific assault survivor-ad- able housing crisis in Chicago. day morning panel, led by Catherine Baker of vocacy and assault-prevention program); Pride Action Tank and Polk Bros. Foundation Landon, Bone, Baker, and moderated by jour- —Chicago House and Sarah’s Circle (to will host the Tiny Home Summit at the Univer- nalist Ley Bey, will feature the three architects strengthen the safety net for transgender indi- sity of Illinois-Chicago, 750 S. Halsted, Mon- who won the competition: Lon Stousland, Terry viduals living in poverty by providing expanded day, April 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday, April Howell, and Marty Sandberg. drop-in support services and interim housing); 19, 9 a.m.-noon. The schedule is at http:// The design concepts of the winner, runners- and chicagotinyhomes.com/schedule/. up and honorable mentions from the competi- —AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Uni- A wide range of experts from local and nation will also be on display at the summit, as versity of Chicago (to expand the PrEPLine, a tional organizations will address the summit, coordinated by AIA-Chicago. phone hotline providing information, counsel- including speakers from the U.S. Department of ing and connections to healthcare providers for Housing and Urban Development, the Chicago PrEP). Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant. Housing Authority, the Chicago Department of This marks the second of three giving cycles, Official headshot Urban Design and Planning, the Chicago De- which will infuse $1 million into the Chicago partment of Planning and Development, the region’s LGBT community: the Fund’s inaugural Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, the Cook grant cycle in October 2015; this second round Miss. governor signs County Land Bank, the Metropolitan Planning of transformational grants; and a third cycle of Council, ONE Northside, the Housing Authority grantmaking later this year. religious-freedom law of Cook County, the Illinois Housing Develop- More than 20,000 youth experience home- Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has signed a law ment Authority, CSH, All Chicago, Enterprise, lessness in the city of Chicago each year, in that lets businesses refuse service to same-sex Teen Living Programs, Unity Parenting, The addition to tens of thousands of adults living CORE Center couples and others based on the employers’ re- Night Ministry, Heartland Alliance and Boot- on the streets or temporary housing. More than ligious beliefs. strap Villages. 50,000 people are on wait lists for subsidized awarded grant for Bryant, a Republican, said in a statement Debbie Reznick and Deborah Bennett of Polk housing in the city. The tiny homes movement HIV-patient on Twitter that he signed the law “to protect Bros. Foundation and Bradford White of Alpha- can offer creative solutions for dignified hous- sincerely held religious beliefs and moral con- wood Foundation will discuss foundation sup- ing that comes with services and resources for victions of individuals, organizations and pri- port for housing in Chicago. those seeking a path to independent living. assistance vate associations from discriminatory action by By Matt Simonette The concept of using tiny or micro housing “We are excited to bring together experts state government.” to help solve homeless issues is not new. Sev- from across the country to discuss the tiny The Cook County Health & Hospital System’s Pro-LGBT organizations have criticized the eral U.S. cities have implemented tiny housing home movement,” said Debbie Reznick, Senior (CCHHS) Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center has development. Jennifer Riley-Collins, executive solutions, others are in the planning phase. Six Program Officer with Polk Bros. Foundation. been awarded a two-year grant from the Chica- director of the American Civil Liberties Union cities will be represented during the Monday “There is no single solution that will end home- go Community Trust’s Rose Bernice Charitable of Mississippi, said in a statement, “This is a morning portion of the summit: Alan Graham, lessness in Chicago, but we can learn from in- Trust to support care coordination services for sad day for the state of Mississippi and for the Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Austin; Reverend jeff novative projects in other cities, and adapt HIV-positive patients through CORE’s Project thousands of Mississippians who can now be carr, Infinity Fellowship, Nashville; Teri Ham- these to what will work for Chicago.” CONNECT, according to a March 24 statement. turned away from businesses, refused marriage mer, Tiny Houses Greensboro, NC; Stephanie The Pride Action Tank, a project of the AIDS Project CONNECT is a transitional care coor- licenses, or denied housing, essential services Reyes, Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Foundation of Chicago, and the Windy City dination program assisting HIV-positive indi- and needed care based on who they are. This Memphis; Architect Brent A. Brown, AIA and Times, along with lead sponsor Polk Bros. viduals who are newly-diagnosed, have been bill flies in the face of the basic American prin- John P. Greenan, Central Dallas Community Foundation, joined by UIC’s Gender and Sexu- forced to discontinue care or have experienced ciples of fairness, justice and equality and will Development Corporation, Dallas; and Melinda ality Center and Alphawood Foundation, are an unplanned hospital or emergency depart- not protect anyone’s religious liberty.” G. Nichols, Low Income Housing Institute, Se- summit hosts. Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy ment visit. More than 700 individuals have “Gov. Phil Bryant adds his name to a list of attle. City Times and co-chair of the Pride Action been enrolled in the program over the last four disgraced Southern governors by signing this There will be a display of a non-working model Tank, is chairperson of the summit. years. hateful and discriminatory bill into law,” said of the winning design of the recent Tiny Home To register for the Tiny Home Summit, vis- The grant, which runs through January 2018, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin Design Competition, hosted by the American it http://chicagotinyhomes.com/register/. provides the CORE Center with $110,000 in in a separate release. “[He] refused to meet funding in its first year and will be managed with LGBT people and even turned us away at by The CORE Foundation. It allows Project CON- the door of his office. He refused to listen to NECT to hire a new program associate and two business leaders. He refused to listen to Missis- peer navigators, who will assist individuals in sippians. And now his state will suffer because John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital’s HIV inpatient of his ignorance and failure of leadership. Just services. as we’re doing elsewhere, we will continue to 6137 N. Clark St. “We are enormously grateful for the support rally fair-minded voters, businesses and civil- of The Chicago Community Trust,” said Dr. Da- rights advocates to repeal.” 773-764-0726 • minastv.com

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Family owned and operated. Serving the Chicagoland area for 45 years. 1211007 State Farm, Bloomington, IL 12 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES hangs in the balance—from defending mar- But the alderman said that he’s been met riage equality to passing comprehensive non- with resistance from some residents, who “are PAC launches to build discrimination—not only do we need champi- trying to fight me in changing the culture of ons in the U.S. Senate like Tammy Duckworth, the neighborhood” and using homophobic slurs we need a progressive majority that will pro- online to do so. trans political power tect our rights, and confirm progressive judicial On March 25, Lopez wrote a Facebook post nominees,” said LPAC Executive Director Beth with a photo of an incident wherein gang mem- By Matt Simonette of violence.” Shipp in a statement. bers exploded a truck mid-afternoon in a city Trans Latin@ Coalition Executive Director LPAC will continue to announce endorse- park. A group of trans individuals and allies, on Bamby Salcedo added, “I’m part of Trans Unit- ments throughout the spring. “This is not how we are meant to live: in fear April 4, announced the launch of Trans United ed because trans people need a strong political of gangs and wannabes trying to to show their Fund—the first political action committee ded- voice to support the activism, legal, policy and ‘street cred’ by terrorizing their own communi- icated to building political power for trans in- direct service work already happening. … We Ald. Lopez’s call for ties, damaging their own own parks, and strik- dividuals and advocating for their full equality. save lives every day but we can’t reach every- safety met with ing fear in the hearts of those they grew up According to a statement, the Washington, one with direct services. We need to move from with,” wrote Lopez, who ended the post with D.C.-based Trans United Fund will engage being primarily reactive to proactive, going to anti-gay remarks the hashtag “#Urban Terrorist.” trans people and their allies in the political the root of institutionalized transphobia. And By Matt Simonette The post set off a tumultuous Facebook process, build political leadership and capac- that requires a stronger political voice.” thread, with other posts and threads follow- ity within their ranks and endorse candidates “Trans United Fund’s launch is the next exam- Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) has ing. Lopez was tagged on some that included with commitment to transgender equality and ple of sophistication within this movement,” recently called for additional law enforcement homophobic slurs about him. Some included a pro-equality platforms. The group has also de- said Robert Raben, political consultant and for- in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, where photo of comedian Chris Kattan playing an ef- veloped a questionnaire for candidates in the mer assistant attorney general under President he says gang-related violence has gotten out feminate gay character on Saturday Night Live; 2016 election as a legislative scorecard pro- Bill Clinton. “As long as we have a privately of hand. But the City Council member has said it was captioned “Ald. Lopez & His Thugs Get gram. raised finance system, participating in it is some neighborhood opponents have met his Tough on Crime.” According to the group’s website, Trans crucial to achieve the progress we need. Few calls for action with homophobic remarks on Lopez said he was not in the habit of policing United Fund will rank presidential candidates in the nation have faced the challenges trans- social media. social media, but only noticed the picture and on their commitment to trans legal equality as gender Americans face; kudos that, despite the Lopez, who is openly gay and a member of remarks because he was tagged. well as their commitment to tackling health- discrimination, they are still willing to engage the City Council’s LGBT Caucus, on March 29, “These are people who are often trying to ap- care and socio-political disparities, among in the political process to make this country wrote to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and pease the LGBT community by trying to show other challenges. The organization will also as- stronger.” asked for officers from the Sheriff’s gangs, vice, how ‘progressive’ they are, until they real- sess campaign employment practices and the For more information, see TransUnitedFund. human trafficking and guns teams to coordi- ize that we live here,”Lopez said. “Thankfully candidate’s willingness to use their office as a org. nate with the Chicago Police Department in most of my residents are supportive no matter bully pulpit on trans issues. fighting crime in the ward, located on the city’s what.” “The transgender community is no stranger Southwest Side. He added that the persons behind such re- to adversity, but what we face today is a new Lesbian PAC “In terms of raw data from the Chicago Police marks are “trying to turn the conversation challenge—a coordinated, national and vicious Department’s ClearMap Summary Report, Back away from what’s important, which is making backs Duckworth of the Yards/New City is ranked #2 for 1st/2nd the neighborhood safer. …This is not a ‘gay vs. attack from the far right at municipal, school LPAC, the country’s first and only lesbian Degree Homicides, #3 for Aggravated Battery, straight agenda,’ unless they’re trying to under- district and legislative levels,” said co-founder political action committee, announced its en- #3 for Weapons Violation, #5 for Aggravated mine efforts to reduce crime in the neighbor- Hayden Mora. “Trans United Fund will fill a dorsement of Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) for Assault, #5 for Prostitution, and #9 for Crimi- hood.” crucial gap in our movement, creating a space U.S. Senate. nal Sexual Assault,” Lopez wrote in the letter, for transgender people and our allies. We can- Duckworth is running against Republican in- which was first reported March 29 in the Chi- not only fight these vicious political attacks cumbent Mark Kirk in this November’s general cago Sun-Times. that cater to fear and division, we must build election. Lopez told Windy City Times, “We are in the a proactive politics to address other issues that “This year, as reproductive rights face attack Top 10 in every [crime] category monitored in impact our community—from HIV to homeless- at all levels, and when so much LGBT progress ness to immigration and the horrific epidemic the city.” Make Your Voice Heard For too long the rules have been rigged so money matters more than people in the decisions that affect our lives. 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Dash_poster_2016-1.indd 1 1/11/16 11:16 AM WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 13 PASSAGES Sportsman was preceded in death by par- died on March 18 at age 54 of leukemia, ac- Trans woman attacked ents Clyde and Doris Sportsman, brother Garry cording to PinkNews. Roger Paul Sportsman, stepbrother Richard Duchossois He had become the country’s most senior at Stonewall Inn and his special friend Timothy Goddard. gay politician when his party joined Angela New York City police are searching for Sportsman There will be a private interment at Bluff City Merkel’s second coalition government. West- a man suspected of sexually assaulting a Roger Paul Sportsman passed away Feb. 17. Cemetery in Elgin, Illinois, at a later date. A erwelle was foreign minister from 2009 until transgender woman in a bathroom at the He was 64. celebration of his life will be held Saturday, 2013, and was also vice chancellor of Germany historic Stonewall Inn bar in Greenwich He was the father of Elena (Scott) Watson, April 9, at 555 W. Cornelia Ave., 6-9 p.m. All from 2009 to 2011. Village. Erin Sportsman and Robert (Kathy) Sportsman; family and friends are invited to attend and Westerwelle’s party left the coalition after Police said the victim was in the unisex grandpa of Olivia, Zachary and Madeline Wat- share memories of Roger. the 2013 elections, and the following year it bathroom when the unknown man entered son, Hunter and Kennedy Miller, and Kayleigh See more at http://www.cremation-society. was reported that he had been diagnosed with and apparently sexually assaulted her, add- and Robert Sportsman; stepson to Lois Sports- com/obituary/Roger-Paul-Sportsman/Chicago- the disease. ing that the suspect fled the bathroom, re- man; brother of Wayne (Chris) Sportsman, IL/1592020#sthash.bnLZGWIn.dpuf. Westerwelle leaves behind his partner, Mi- turned a short time later and assaulted her Kevin (Linda) Sportsman, and Keith (Diana) chael Mronz; they registered their partnership a second time before leaving. Sportsman; stepbrother to Deb O’Reilly and in 2010. Stonewall Inn is the site of 1969 riots Barb Knippschild; and special friend to Matt Gay German The full article is at http://www.pinknews. that helped give rise to the gay rights Swanson. co.uk/2016/03/18/germanys-first-gay-vice- movement. Two New York legislators have politician dies chancellor-dies-aged-54/. started a campaign to designate Stonewall Inn as the first national landmark honoring LGBT history. L.A. councilman Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund Executive Director Michael Silverman Bill Rosendahl dies Bill Rosendahl—who was the first gay man said in a statement, “We are extremely dis- to serve on the Los Angeles City Council—died turbed to hear about this sexual assault March 30 at age 70 after a battle with cancer. against a transgender woman and join the Rosendahl was diagnosed in 2012 with can- New York City LGBT community in con- cer of the ureter; the disease went into remis- demning the attack. It is very troubling to sion in 2013, but it reappeared in 2014. learn that the incident took place at the The outspoken Rosendahl had long witnessed Stonewall Inn, known as the birthplace historical moments. He said he went to Wash- of the LGBT-rights movement and a place ington, D.C., in 1963 to hear the Rev. Martin where all LGBT people should feel safe. Luther King Jr. deliver his “I Have A Dream” “Transgender women continue to face speech, and he also described being at the tremendous rates of violence and we must Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in 1968 the all do everything in our power to stop it. night Robert Kennedy was assassinated. Our thoughts are with the woman who ex- Rosendahl decided not to run for a third term perienced this assault. We thank the NYPD Guido Westerwelle. after his initial cancer diagnosis. for its efforts to find her attacker and bring Facebook photo Rosendahl is survived by his longtime part- him to justice.” ner, book publisher Hedi El Kholti. They regis- Anyone with information is asked to call Guido Westerwelle, the openly gay former tered for a domestic partnership in 2012. Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477). Roger Paul Sportsman. chair of the Free Democratic Party in Germany, Photo from Paul Concialdi

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other’s wives for being whores. In fact, nobody talks about Angela Merkel’s WINDY Call me old-fashioned, call me a stick in the penis. That’s just the way I like it! Ronald Rea- mud, but I don’t like waking up to the morn- gan, for all his failings, never talked about his ing news, only to be forced into visualizing the genitals in public, or Nancy’s for that matter, CITY private parts of these unattractive men and and Barbara Bush never posed in a catsuit and St. Sukie their phony plasticized wives-for-hire. I don’t stilettos on a tiger fur rug like Melania. The DE LA CROIX want to think about Donald Trump’s crumpled positioning of Ms. Bush’s nipples was a mystery button mushroom, Ted Cruz in bed with five to us all. I never thought about them once. TIMES different women, Heidi Cruz giving a john a Nothing was further from my mind. VOL. 31, No. 28, April 6, 2016 Senior moments $10 hand job up a back alley, or stare down I’m ignoring the fact that the Republican The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, Melania Trump’s fake cleavage or at her face- presidential candidates are all women-hating, founded May 1987. Whatever happened to dignity and decorum? lifts that make her look like Sam the Eagle from fag-bashing, racist Neo-Nazis—as are all of I’m very proud to be British today. Or, to be the Muppets. I feel like I should be offering their supporters, including Bruce Willis, Kid more accurate, I’m proud NOT to be an Ameri- her a grape to reward her squawks of “Pretty Rock, former KKK grand wizard David Duke and PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR can. Watching the recent puerile antics of GOP Melania, pretty Melania.” I don’t want to think “Woman of the Year” Caitlyn Jenner. I’m just Tracy Baim Republican presidential candidates, if I were about the contents of their undergarments or focusing on their lack of dignity and decorum. ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky American I’d swallow arsenic, crawl into a hole what they do in their private moments. When did it become OK to put the spotlight on MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis and happily die in agony. The inane utterances More and more GOP politicians and wannabes a politician’s private parts? ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette and general craziness spilling from the lips of are turning into Muppets, Trump’s tantrums I’ll tell you when. Dignity and decorum left BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine Republicans is beyond embarrassing. I realize DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright closely resembling those of the egoist Miss the building in 1998 with the Monica Lewinski ART DIRECTOR/NIGHTSPOTS EDITOR Kirk Williamson that boys will be boys but there’s a time and Piggy. I can hear Trump quoting her: “I would scandal. “I did not have sex with that woman,” SENIOR REPORTER Gretchen Rachel Hammond place for locker room banter, toilet humor and like everyone to take a moment, just a single Linda Tripp, Kenneth Starr and the blue dress, Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk pee-pee jokes. moment out of your busy day, to think about complete with sordid details, were dragged out Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen However, that time and place is not during a Rachel Hammond, Scott Duff, Freddie Bain how lucky you are to know me.” I find the lives of the bedroom and into the sunlight by the NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 presidential election while the whole world is of these greasy swine—these omnivorous, GOP to embarrass Bill Clinton. The Lewinsky SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa watching. The ongoing spat between the GOP even-toed ungulates—to be repulsive. scandal opened a can of worms (or was it a bag Keen, Yasmin Nair presidential candidates is painful to watch. Other world leaders don’t talk in this man- of dicks?) that I, for one, wish had been left THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan Marco Rubio—gone but not forgotten—Ted CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. ner. The chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, tightly closed shut. SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman Cruz and Donald Trump: That triumvirate of doesn’t talk about her penis, and Israel’s Ben- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS bloated windbags has made reference to pe- jamin Netanyahu talk about her penis, either. Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, nis size, and Cruz and Trump are trashing each Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, The book takes us through the emotional gay card?” Roach speculates. “Before, I think Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. ups and downs not only of waiting for a child people assumed our lives were a lot more ex- Kuda, Angelique Smith, Meghan Streit to become available for adoption, but of the otic.” SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron hurdles in bringing him home after that. “The His is a “show me, don’t tell me” approach WEBSITE LISTINGS VOLUNTEER Gene Naden bottom line is that adoption is one long act to why we need equality. He does not dwell Dana of faith and devotion,” Roach says. Their own heavily on political or legal issues but raises CIRCULATION RUDOLPH devotion was tested not by animus towards gay them when they impinge on his parenting jour- CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright dads, but because the Guatemalan judge who ney. He also shares how becoming a parent led DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and MOMBIAN was assigned to their case took a sudden leave Manford to activism on behalf of other LGBTQ Victor of absence when his father died, putting their families, becoming involved with the Family WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead programmer: Martie Marro) Gay dad pens funny case on indefinite hold. Pride Coalition (now Family Equality Council) Roach also shows us how he and Manford and eventually taking a board seat. Copyright 2016 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media new memoir on Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back navigated the systemic bias that meant only PopDaddy is self-published, but Roach is a issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). one of them (Manford) could be the legal fa- good enough writer to pull it off, with a knack Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, international adoption and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and ther of Jackson when they adopted him from for dialog and an eye for the unintentionally no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. A friend of Jeffrey Roach and Ken Manford Guatemala in 2002. (Roach then had to do a funny moments of family creation and early All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy second-parent adoption once they brought parenthood. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned once told them that as the first gay dads many for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing people had ever seen, saying, “You’re ambassa- Jackson to the States.) Manford made one solo The book is a good complement to previ- and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, trip to visit Jackson while they waited on the ous gay-dad memoirs about adoption. Emmy cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own dors, whether you like it or not.” Roach’s new and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City memoir PopDaddy: Boy Meets Boy Meets Baby Guatemalan judge. They made another together Award-winning actor and writer Dan Bucatin- Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of because Roach decided he had to see their son, sky’s Does this Baby Make Me Look Straight? a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy might thus be considered a sort of ambassado- City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the rial communique, but with a hefty addition of too, but couldn’t do so without the prospective (2012) is more about raising kids than starting sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make humor and heart. legal parent. Manford then made a final trip a family per se, with insightful observations alone to bring Jackson home. about parenting and gender assumptions. Sex- this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept Roach gives us an approachable and down- responsibility for advertising claims. to-earth look at his and Manford’s path to par- Throughout the book, the support of their columnist Dan Savage’s The Kid (1999) has a (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 enthood through international adoption. The family and friends shines through. From their blunt and often racy style, which, while amus- e-mail: [email protected] or decision to adopt, to their trips to Guate- ing, means it might not be the book you want [email protected] two were living in Texas in 2001 when they decided to start a family, motivated by the preg- mala, through the first year of parenting and to share with your own relatives to give them a the epilogue of their wedding in 2011, Roach glimpse of life as adoptive gay parents. (But if www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com nancy of their straight friend Marti. Manford podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com had always wanted kids, but had thought being makes it clear that the proverbial village was at you do, more power to you.) Both earlier books gay meant he had to give up on the “white work. Even before Jackson arrived, they joined also involve domestic adoptions, not interna- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, a group of other parents, gay and straight, tional ones, and are set in more liberal states 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A picket fence dream.” Roach convinced him (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) that they could have a baby—”Well, I mean we who had adopted from Guatemala. They found (California and Washington, respectively), can’t have a baby. There’s no way I’m putting needed support, even if the cost was Roach’s rather than the Texas of PopDaddy. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. on all that extra weight”—and while surprised having to dress up as “a gay, slim, sexy, Mariah PopDaddy is thus a memoir of gay parenthood Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE at his own willingness to consider fatherhood, Carey wannabe Santa” at the group’s Christmas that takes readers to new places. It should find party. Each of their mothers later accompanied fans among other same-sex couples hoping to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com decided “this was the right thing at the right www.WindyCityQueercast.com them to visit Jackson in Guatemala; their sis- follow in their footsteps. As an ambassadorial time.” ters provided constant support; and Marti re- missive, however, it should also delight readers The road to adoption, however, “was long, “Windy City Media Group generated enormous complex, and paved with paper.” In an at- mained a helpful presence in their lives. Both of all types looking for insight into the variety interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT sides of the family threw them baby showers, of families today. Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 tempt to add some humanity to the impersonal print and online media partners who participated process, Roach joked and quipped his way and descended again for Jackson’s first birth- Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher day party. of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Me- in the survey, Windy City was the best performing through the home study, the difficult choice regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners among three eligible children, meeting with a Even the extended family members whom dia Award-winning blog and resource direc- with a nationwide footprint were able to generate Roach feared may be closed minded were tory for LGBTQ parents. a greater number of responses.” —David Marshall, lawyer, several trips to Guatemala, and inter- Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. minable delay before they finally brought their friendly toward the new dads and their son. “I son home. wonder if the parent card somehow trumps the FOUNDING MEMBER

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FOUNDING MEMBER WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 15 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

‘Add’ men 16 28 26 Windy City Times reviews the production Adding Machine: A Musical. Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis Arami. Dragons bachelor auction at Sidetrack.

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT the closet while he was still alive and there’s a Although both Basanavicius and Johnston 30-year difference between our lives, so I was separately remarked on the great strides made looking to explore the differences between our by the LGBTQ community in recent years, they lives in 1978 and 2008.” still want audiences to remember the past and Double bind Johnston stresses that The 30 Year Gap isn’t to not become complacent. specifically about his Catholic uncle who lived “I think it’s very important to emphasize how BY SCOTT C. MORGAN sational comedy, Hatfield said the theater has in Oak Park, though he does draw some inspira- far we’ve come generationally and how much been branching out to present and produce tion from his short life in The 30 Year Gap. more comfortable it is to be out of the clos- Thursday nights at The Public House Theatre more serious works. “I just felt angry at him for not being able to et—we’re not 100 percent there, but things are are set to take on a lavender hue in April. “All stories need to be told,” Hatfield said. come out and I wanted to find a way to sympa- moving forward,” Johnston said. “I think it’s That’s because two world-premiere plays—a “Especially those that are hard to tell.” thize and connect,” Johnston said. “I wanted very important to explore the struggles people lesbian drama called Jensen and Wit and a gay Gay playwright Matthew Johnson looked to to explore the idea behind what puts someone had 30 years ago versus people of today and drama called The 30 Year Gap—both play the his own extended family to find inspiration for in that position of fear, loathing and not want- why it’s important to keep fighting on.” same 8 p.m. Thursday time slot in The Public The 30 Year Gap. His drama focuses on the con- ing to be outed to their family members.” The world premieres of The 30 Year Gap House’s two theaters. trasting decisions of an uncle and his nephew Family and friends also play an important and Reutan Collective’s Jensen and Wit both “They are both serious plays with comedic aged three decades apart. One makes a life- part in Jensen and Wit, a drama by hetero- play 8 p.m. Thursdays through April 28 at overtones that I think paired nicely for the long decision to stay closeted, even while the sexual playwright Felicia Basanavicius. A co- The Public House Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St. night they share,” said The Public House’s man- other has come out as gay. founder and literary manager of Reutan Collec- Tickets to each play are $10; call 800-650- aging director, Sasha Hatfield. “The motivation came from my uncle Tom. He tive (whose other main effort is the web series 6449 or visit www.pubhousetheatre.com for Although The Public House has more of a was born with cerebral palsy and he died on The Un-Supers), Basanavicius was inspired to more information. reputation as a home for sketch and improvi- his 50th birthday and he never came out of the write Jensen and Wit after performing a scene closet,” Johnston said. “I myself was out of from the 2009 film Away We Go in a theater showcase when the baby-seeking couple was switched from being heterosexual to a lesbian Big Noise’s ‘Cabaret’ one. April 22-May 8 Cordero Johnson (seated) and Warren “In plays and movies about the struggles of Big Noise Theatre Company, a division of Jay star in The 30 Year Gap. gay rights, the focus is usually on the political Winnetka Theatre, continues its 2016 sea- Photo by Jeremy Kanne side,” Basanavicius said. “And the story isn’t son with the musical play Cabaret. usually just a love story.” Cabaret will be performed at the Prai- So Basanavicius wrote Jensen and Wit to fo- rie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des cus on the two title lesbians who make a mu- Plaines, from April 22 through May 8. tual decision to raise a child together in the Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for se- town of Bourbon, Missouri. Yet the two women niors; visit www.bignoisetheatre.org or call know they’re going to face some resistance 847-604-0275. from their small-town family and friends. “I grew up in Missouri around a bunch of people who grew up in small towns. The older ‘Sound of Music’ I got, the more I realized that many of these people want to settle down together and live tickets available in this small town and that’s all they literally Broadway In Chicago has announced that want to do and I don’t see that for very many individual tickets for The Sound of Music— gay couples,” Basanavicius said. “Many people directed by three-time Tony Award winner in these small towns just don’t have an under- Jack O’Brien—are on sale. standing and they’re just not as open-minded The Sound of Music will play the Cadillac and they haven’t been around [lesbian or gay Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., June people] as much as in big cities.” 7-19. Basanavicius also set Jensen and Wit in June The production features music by Richard of 2015 right before just before the U.S. Su- Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, preme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, “Gay marriage and equal rights are a big fac- suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by tor in this show, but it’s also not the main fo- Maria Augusta Trapp. Last year marked the cus,” Basanavicius said. “I wanted to write a 50th anniversary of the film that stars Ju- play that was just focused on the love of two lie Andrews. women.” Tickets are $24-$90; passes are available Basanavicius cited her time at Missouri State at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 University when she became politically aware W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 of injustices toward the LGBTQ community. As W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the a result of her increased awareness, Basanavi- Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at 800- cius helped to organize a campus reading of 775-2000 and all Ticketmaster retail loca- Dustin Lance Black’s play 8, which examined tions, and online at broadwayinchicago. the fallout of California passing the anti-same- com. sex marriage ballot initiative Proposition 8.

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com 16 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW Audrey Francis and Darci Nalepa in Kill Floor. Kill Floor Photo by Michael Brosilow Playwright: Abe Koogler At: American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St. Tickets: 773-409-4125 or www.atcweb.org; $38-$48 Runs through: May 1

BY SCOTT C. MORGAN

Despite its title, Abe Koogler’s 2015 off-Broad- way drama Kill Floor doesn’t feature a slaughterhouse scene where the carcasses of recently killed cows are cut apart. Yet there are a few disquieting descriptions that not only make audiences squirm in their seats, but also to ponder the symbolic significance of the show’s title in American Theater Company’s involving Chicago premiere production. Kill Floor doesn’t aim to be an exposé of factory meat in the vein of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. Instead, it’s a personal-toll examination of the working poor via a desperate ex- con trying to reintegrate back into society and tranged 15-year-old son, who goes by the can class differences. Andy blankly respond to these moments could family life after serving a five-year prison sen- nickname of “B” (Sol Patches). As a vegan, B Director Jonathan Berry’s near environmental be a sign of her character’s powerlessness and tence. only shows contempt for Andy’s job and all her production surrounds the audience with chilly desperation to avoid speaking out. Andy needs Andy (Audrey Francis) is desperate to find misguided gifts. corrugated metal, a nice touch by set designer to hold onto this job, even though it gives her any kind of work, which is why she accepts B has his own problems, too, as seen in his Dan Stratton that rightfully inspires ominous constant nightmares. a grisly entry-level abattoir job near her unhealthy crush on Simon (Louie Rinaldi), an dread. Berry also oversees the many moving As a drama, Kill Floor certainly works at hometown. Andy initially feels lucky that the aspiring rapper classmate who goes by the and realistically detailed performances by his pushing many different buttons ranging from slaughterhouse manager Rick (Eric Slater) is nickname of “D.” Simon reluctantly hangs out ensemble. unease to pity. Unabashedly bleak, Kill Floor a former high school classmate, but then he with B, though it’s largely just to smoke pot Some may question the actors’ character does have a redemptive quality though its starts showering her with some unwanted and and for non-reciprocal oral sex. reactions when they bump up against a few characters who try to make amends for past inappropriate attention. Also in the mix is the well-off suburban mom instances of casual racism in the dialogue—es- wrongs despite so many leftover regrets and Andy’s life is also complicated by her many Sarah (Darci Nalepa), whose sometimes oblivi- pecially considering how Andy is the mother of recriminations. failed attempts to reconnect with her her es- ous presence helps Koogler to illustrate Ameri- a mixed-race son. Yet, Francis’ decision to have

THEATER REVIEW gather visible and mathematical evidence of than Brecht, made Joan of Arc (in St. Joan) Popes troupe by, and Shawn Douglas as Galileo heliocentrism, a theory that had circulated for far more three-dimensional in opposition to is as charming and personable as possible for a The Life of 50 years. The Catholic Church—adamantly sup- the Church than Brecht’s Galileo. The Church man obsessed. Still, The Life of Galileo is more porting an earth-centered universe—tolerated knew Galileo was correct but nonetheless per- history pageant than emotionally engaging Galileo the theory ... so long as there was no proof! secuted him and suppressed his work (a ban drama. Playwright: Bertolt Brecht The Life of Galileo doesn’t really cover his not completely lifted until 1835), and that’s Brecht dates each scene, to which Sandys (David Hare, translator) life, as he’s already 46 when it starts. It then the crux of Brecht’s play: not people as people, adds modern dates (“Florence 1633/New At: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company bounces through 30 years of his conflict with but the spirit of inquiry and how power deals York 1947”) and modern dress (Rachel Lam- at The Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. the Church in a brilliant drama of ideas but with knowledge. bert, costumes) to link Galileo’s persecution Tickets: 773-404-7336; not a very good play, partly because the pro- Remy Bumppo gives this problematic, rarely with Brecht’s persecutions in Nazi Germany www.RemyBumppo.org; $42.50-$52.50 digiously prolific Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956) produced play a lively staging under company and America (the House Un-American Activi- Runs through: May 1 died unexpectedly, leaving behind multiple artistic director Nick Sandys. Translator David ties Committee subpoenaed Brecht in 1947), versions of Galileo. Hare, the contemporary British playwright but the parallel dates without explanation are BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL Also, Brecht didn’t give his title character well-known for his leftist views, is a good fit puzzling. Joe Klug’s plain-looking thrust stage any ongoing deep personal relationships with with the Marxist Brecht. Hare, Sandys or both scenery disguises tricks, among them projec- Popular Wisdom says Galileo Galilei (1564- other characters, among them his daughter, make very naturalistic work out of Galileo so it tions (John Boesche, Yeaji Kim) of sketches of 1642) invented the telescope and discovered whose marriage prospects he casually destroys. will seem more human and less tract-like, but the cosmos and mathematics, presumably Gali- our heliocentric solar system with Earth mov- The drama’s conflict is between man and insti- it doesn’t work well because so many charac- leo’s. Christopher Neville’s scientific props are ing around the sun, not vice versa. Not quite. tution—Galileo and the Church—rather than ters are two-dimensional and appear in only nifty. Someone else invented the ‘scope, but Galileo between flesh-and-blood characters. George one or two scenes. (Most actors play several advanced it from toy-ish terrestrial spy glass to Bernard Shaw, no less intellectual a playwright parts.) It’s never a dull show as Medicis and c celestial instrument, thereby allowing him to CRITICS’ THEATER REVIEW American expressionistic drama. The symboli- fired and replaced with a newfangled adding cally named clerk Mr. Zero silently endured a machine. PICKS Adding Machine: drawn-out monologue in bed from Mrs. Zero Although set in the early 20th century, after all the terrible things I do, About going on about her constant dissatisfaction much of Adding Machine still feels very timely Face Theatre at Theater Wit, through April 10. A Musical with life and her marriage. for today with its examination of technology Book and Lyrics: Jason Loewith and A. Rey Pamatmat sidesteps stereotypes to forge In Button’s approach to the opening scene, replacing human workers and unrequited love a contemplative tale of intergenerational en- Joshua Schmidt; Music: Joshua Schmidt the silently dazed Mr. Zero (Patrick Du Laney) in the form of Mr. Zero’s pining co-worker. At: The Hypocrites at The Den lightenment in a small-town bookstore. MSB is still harangued by Mrs. Zero (Kelli Har- Daisy (Neala Barron). There’s also unknown The Explorers Club, Windy City Playhouse, Theatre’s Heath Main rington). But now the ensemble has been questions of an afterlife, as personified by the Stage, 1329 N. Milwaukee Ave. through April 17. Farce isn’t easy, even when it brought in to thrust everything into a ca- well-sung Bear Bellinger playing the death- revolves around a fraternity of Victorian Scien- Tickets: www.the-hypocrites.com; $36 cophonous whirl of motion as the repetitive row prisoner Shrdlu. Runs through: May 15 tists, but David H. Bell’s direction keeps men, blandness of the Zeros’ urban lives is played The rest of the vocally rich and busy ensem- women, flora, fauna and libations flowing at a out again and again. ble also ably assists Button’s stark vision for BY SCOTT C. MORGAN lively pace. MSB Button’s staging busyness for the opening Adding Machine as they take on multiple roles Heathers: The Musical, Kokandy Productions is a valid approach, but it’s too difficult to au- that include inanimate objects like a coat Those who caught the astonishing 2007 at Theater Wit, through April 24. The bullying dibly comprehend. The overamplified orches- closet. The production also bursts forth with a and murderous high schoolers from the dark world premiere of Adding Machine: A Musi- tra drowns out most of the lyrics (a temporary riot of colors thanks to lighting designer Mike cal at the now defunct Next Theatre will ini- 1988 film comedy Heathers now get to sing out misstep by sound designers Joe Court and Durst’s work that so vividly saturates all the in this campy 2014 musical adaptation. Ko- tially be thrown off guard by The Hypocrites’ Brandon Reed), so the production risks losing dense fog-machine smoke (bring a fan to bat first Chicago-area revival of the show. Thank- kandy Productions’ Chicago premiere features the disoriented audience from the start. some of it away if you are sitting up close). soaring vocals and fun performances. SCM fully, that sense of confusion soon shifts as Thankfully, things soon settle down so au- The Hypocrites’ revival of Adding Machine the original brilliance of the piece eventually I’ve Got the World on a String, City Lit, diences can start grappling with Mr. Zero’s more than makes up for its rocky start. In through April 10. Harold Arlen’s jazzy, bluesy, shines through in director Geoff Button’s vital murderous dilemmas when this nondescript addition to being so dramatically engaging, new production. soulful melodies and toe-tapping tunes are employee of an accounting firm kills his boss hopefully Adding Machine might also prods featured in a delightful 80-minute revue, with A scene of tedious stasis originally launched (Andres Enriquez) on the day of his 25th audiences to live their lives more fully by see- playwright Jason Loewith and composer Josh- lyrics by Yip Harburg, Ira Gershwin, Johnny employment anniversary. Rather than being ing Mr. Zero’s frustratingly bland existence as Mercer, etc. JA ua Schmidt’s engrossing musical adaptation rewarded, Mr. Zero finds out that he’s to be a potent cautionary tale. of Elmer Rice’s pioneering 1923 exercise in —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 17

From left: Andrew L. Saenz, Riley McIlveen and Sahar Dika in Mosque Alert. Photo by Airan Wright “ ” (out of four) –Chicago Tribune

THEATER REVIEW (impeccably delivered by Steve Silver), made me want to shout down the fictional character Mosque Alert on stage! They also suggested thoughts and Playwright: Jamil Khoury actions implied by certain Presidential can- At: Silk Road Rising, 77 W. Washington St. didates. Brecht’s attitudes are definitive and Tickets: 312-857-1234; Galileo has a definitive ending (supported by www.silkroadrising.org; $35 history), while Khoury’s intelligent and focused Runs through: May 1 script is satisfied to raise many issues—perhaps too many for the play’s two-hour running BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL time—without providing definitive endings either for his story or its characters. Both my reviews this week are about highly Mosque Alert presents two Naperville fami- political plays inspired by true events. Each, lies—the Islamic Qabbanis and Christian Bak- in its own way, condemns intolerance and the ers—who are longtime friends. The young adult manipulation of perceived knowledge. kids are close social friends, while the wealthy Set in 17th-century Italy, Bertolt Brecht’s fathers (Tawfiq and Ted) are personally tight, Galileo is every bit as modern as Mosque Alert, politically well-connected and equally corrupt. Jamil Khoury’s world premiere set in today’s Circulating around them are the assimilative Naperville. Some contemporary religious au- local Imam (no beard, no robe) and his fire- thorities use sanctimonious arguments to brand wife, and Ted’s pathologically-bigoted condemn, say, stem cell research as surely as brother who stirs up the hateful hornets’ nest. 1600s Church authorities condemned Galileo’s Political and religious complications—such proof that the earth circles the sun. In Khoury’s as that of MINO individuals, over-assimilated play, bigotry is non-denominational but almost “Muslims in name only”—strain families and racial as Naperville residents oppose repurpos- friendships, although the wives and kids re- ing an historic building as part of an Islamic connect in a semi-idealistic ending even as the cultural center. Several Islamic characters call fathers threaten each other. There are no easy non-Muslims “white people” while opponents answers here. of the Islamic center refer to “us” and “them.” It’s a snappy two hours, fluidly directed by Khoury ups the ante by also addressing Islam- Edward Torres on Dan Stratton’s beige-toned, ic intolerance when the local Imam scorns a thrust-stage unit set, with actors swiftly re- young, gay journalist who likens Islamophobia arranging basic furniture pieces and windows to homophobia. Bigotry, Khoury confirms, is an to suggest the play’s locations. The energetic equal-opportunity offender. company genuinely conveys the mixed feelings Khoury’s play is more complex than Brecht’s, of disappointment, anger, betrayal, concern, which occasionally verges on polemics. Khoury cynicism, sincerity and hopefulness through employs polemics only once—to devastating which most of them (but not quite all) pass. effect—closing Act I with a vicious, dema- The issues of Mosque Alert are large, real and gogic, incendiary attack linking all Muslims occurring HERE and NOW, so attention must be No rotten tomatoes here, The Flick is a critics’ pick: and Islam to terrorism and world conquest. The paid. falsehoods of the speech, cloaked in patriotism “Gorgeous, angst-ridden… superbly cast and richly textured production” –Chicago Tribune

“A theatrical homage to human SPOTLIGHT nature and the silver screen” e –Chicago Sun-Times The Windy City Playhouse hosts New York drag queens Ariel Sin- clair, Skyla Versai and All Beef Patty of LIPS in A Toast to the Queens, a special one-night-only post-show event hosted by Tom Boi following a regular performance of the comedy The Explorers Club. The bar opens at 6 p.m. with By Annie Baker Directed by Dexter Bullard the play beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the Windy City Winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Rd. Three central characters, one run down movie house Tickets are $25 to $45; call 773- and the complicated bond of workplace friendships. 891-8985, or visit www.windycityplayhouse.com or www.lipsnyc.com Tickets start at just $20 | steppenwolf.org | 312-335-1650 more information. Publicity photo of Skyla Versai Corporate Production Sponsors 18 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES straight alliance. [Interviewer laughs.] SAVAGE from cover WCT: Right. So it wasn’t until I moved to Things started changing when I was a teen- Chicago that I felt the mothership had called ager. There was an influx of new energy, and me. But do you remember the first gay bar there were bodegas and taquerias. It was more you went to? urban and more exciting. DS: Yeah; it was a place called The Bushes, WCT: I imagine that if there were a Touche on Halsted. It’s not there anymore, and I think there, your childhood could’ve been quite it was named in honor of the bushes in Lincoln different. Park, where people would meet for sex back in DS: [Laughs] Well, luckily for me when I was the day. an adolescent, I had a bicycle. Rogers Park I distinctly remember the first time I walked might feel like it’s far away from Boystown— in those doors. I’ve described it to people as a but it’s a pretty quick bike ride. I was always passenger airlock, and all that pressure I had exposed to gay people who were living openly. [put on myself] was suddenly lifted. That ex- I would go to Unabridged Bookstore and found perience of being in a place where everyone my way into the gay neighborhood. I was an was gay and, suddenly, the thing that seemed older teenager so I wasn’t going to bars; I was too important and definitional in every way seeing people who were openly gay and saying, is the common denominator—and everything “Hmmm... This is possible for me. This isn’t go- else about you is what sets you apart. That was ing to be awful. [Laughs] I see happy people terrifying [laughs] and very freeing to go from and people who are going into bars with their my Irish Catholic home and school—where I friends and lovers.” was hiding—to a place where my worries were People will, because of the “It Gets Better” lifted. It was intoxicating; I felt everything project, have asked me if I wish there was pop. [such a] project when I was a teenager—and Kids today with their apps and Grindr—I my answer is always “There was one for me—all wonder if the experience is as profound for the gay men who were publicly out in Chicago young kids because they have access to these in the ‘70s and ‘80s.” I have this memory from virtual spaces where they can be themselves childhood of going to Water Tower Place with and interact with others. We only had actual my parents and siblings, and there were these spaces in 1980, when I went to The Bushes. two guys holding hands to buy tickets for the WCT: On another Chicago-related note, I movies. My mother pulled me—not my siblings, have to congratulate you on the [ABC] show just me—toward her (so I think she knew). I The Real O’Neals [which is based on an idea then said to myself, “I know what I am—and by Savage]—and I love Martha Plimpton. those men are happy.” DS: Thank you. Martha is great, and so’s Noah WCT: You did have that advantage. Growing [Galvin, who plays Kenny, the teen middle up in a smaller town in Virginia— child who reveals to his family that he’s gay]; DS: —So there weren’t men holding hands in I think their relationship is the center of the line at the movie theater? show. Everybody’s great, including Mary [Hollis Dan Savage. WCT: No, not too many. So the closest thing Inboden, who plays Aunt Jodi], who’s a Chi- people had was drama club in high school. cago actress. thing anywhere. L.A. got passed off as Pawnee, The filmmakers can release them onto YouTube DS: [Laughs] Which is the original gay- I just wished they filmed the show in Chica- Indiana, in the show Parks & Recreation. It’s or XTube. go—but nobody will spend money to film any- depressing. WCT: How can I phrase this: What films Last night’s episode [of The Real O’Neals] was have stood out in your mind over the years? about pornography, and there’s a scene where DS: [Laughs] There are so many! There was a train goes by. I think they’re trying to pass it one with an anal hook in it that traumatized so off as the “L,” and it’s clearly the Los Angeles many people. CULTURECULTURE CLUBCLUB train system. [Laughs] The first ones looked like amateurs who WCT: But there are shows filming here, like were trying to make commercial porn—and all the Chicago Fire and P.D., as well as Em- those were not the ones audiences responded pire. to. They responded to ones that were really DS: Hmmm. I just wish—well, you know. unique, personal, off-the-wall, dirty and sexy. [Laughs] With The Real O’Neals, it’s, like, the There are ones that reflect kinks. There was streets are too wide or the apartment buildings one from a couple years ago called “Go Ahead are all wrong. But the important things are the and Pee”—and it featured a woman wearing a writing and the cast. green leotard while jumping on a trampoline. WCT: You mentioned pornography a couple A voiceover said, “Go ahead and pee,” she did minutes ago—which leads me to HUMP. For that—and the film ended. People were saying, our readers, could you describe how this “That’s not porn”—but I said, “That’s some- event originated? body’s porn.” There was another called “Pie DS: It started as a joke—like my column Sluts,” in which people were hitting each other started as a joke. But, with HUMP, a co-worker in the face with pies and smearing them all at my home newspaper in Seattle and I joked over each other. And then there was one called that we should take a page and call for home- “Anal Alley” in which someone uses a butt plug made porn for a festival. We eventually got the to knock down bowling pins; I think that one publisher to let us do it—although there was would play well in Chicago, where people like a lot of resistance because the publisher didn’t to bowl. think that people would make short porno films WCT: [Laughs] Wow. I don’t know if that’s starring themselves that would be screened in down my alley, no pun intended [Savage the city in which they lived. But he was wrong laughs]—but, as the saying goes, “Every- and we got tons of off-the-wall, funny, inter- body’s got their something.” By the way, esting submissions. have you shown one of yourself? Then, we booked a theater and we wondered DS: No. I’m one of those people who’s very if people would come to a movie theater and comfortable with other people’s nudity but not sit next to strangers in the dark and watch por- my own. I’m very uncomfortable being naked nography—and the answer was “yes.” [Laughs] myself, so I haven’t been in a HUMP film, al- Every screening sold out, and it was a huge though I’ve written a couple. I’m happy to be success. Five or six years later, we expanded it naked—just not in public. to Portland and, now, throughout the country. WCT: I wanted to move on to politics, and The promise we make to everyone is that the presidential race. What do you think of they’ll be porn stars for the weekend. If HUMP Donald Trump? doesn’t come to you or you can’t make it to DS: I’m really torn. I find him dangerous, JOIN US FOR THE HUMP, you can’t see [the movies]. They’re not but it’s satisfying to see the Republican Party INAUGURAL PRODUCTION IN anywhere else. hoisted by so many of its own petards at once. OUR NEW HOME AND WCT: Because you destroy the submissions, Trump is the golem that the Republican Party THE 100TH IN OUR HISTORY! correct? created. Right now, he’s destroying the party— DS: For the first few years, we’d show the and he’s not saying anything the GOP hasn’t films and bring the tapes on the stage and said. He’s just not doing it in code anymore. then destroy them with a hammer. Now, it’s On the other hand, if he wins the nomination NOW PLAYING all digital so we can’t destroy the tape—but, WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG | 847-242-6000 at the end of each festival, we shred all the PICTURED: CHAON CROSS AND SCOTT PARKINSON. PHOTO BY SAVERIO TRUGLIA. paperwork and destroy our copies of the films. Turn to page 30 WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 19 NUNN ON ONE: THEATER ‘Bullets Over Broadway’ brings Zarr to Chicago by Jerry Nunn I was auditioning for the ensemble and they gave me some sides to read, such as Warner Watch out Woody Allen fans: Bullets Over Purcell. I ended up reading and singing in Broadway the Musical is premiering in Chicago front of Susan Stroman. I got the call that they this April. It’s the story of a playwright who wanted me for the role so I was ecstatic. obtains financial backing from a mobster and WCT: What is the history of the live show already has audiences rolling in the aisles. of Bullets Over Broadway? Susan Stroman brought the Woody Allen mov- BAZ: It played on Broadway in 2014 and was ie to life as the original director and chore- nominated for several Tonys. It had a short ographer. The production is now on a national year on Broadway and was outshone by some tour and heading to the Windy City. other shows that were opening. Bradley Allen Zarr plays Warner Purcell and is Woody Allen was approached by several also the dance captain on the tour. He brings companies to make Bullets into a musical. experience from other national tours like The He declined because he didn’t like the origi- Drowsy Chaperone, Catch Me If You Can and nal music. Songs from the ‘20s were eventu- Anything Goes. ally suggested and he is a big jazz fanatic. He Windy City Times: Hi, Bradley. What is played the clarinet actually. He decided to work your background? on it with Susan Stroman, who also has a vast Bradley Allen Zarr: I grew up in North Caro- knowledge of that time period and the music written. They worked together to create a song list that integrates the songs into the plot. Af- ter years of rewriting it eventually came out on Broadway so that is how it came about. Bradley Allen Zarr (left) co-stars in Bullets Over Broadway. WCT: I’m glad the songs are not just words of the plot. BAZ: No, they have an authenticity because Center on Halsted) tells the story of Mama it is using music from the era. The audience is ‘Charm’ having run Darleena, an African-American trans woman immersed in the 1920s. in her 60s teaching an etiquette class to WCT: Does the Dianne Weist character in Minneapolis trans youth experiencing precarious housing Minneapolis’ Mixed Blood Theatre will run steal the show like she does in the movie? in a LGBTQI Chicago community center. Philip Dawkins’ production Charm—which BAZ: Helen Sinclair is brilliantly written. She Charm is the first of three plays by Dawkins Skokie’s Northlight Theatre originally per- is played beautifully by Emma Stratton, who to run on Minneapolis stages this year, fol- formed last year—April 20-May 8. is our leading lady. She’s fantastic and gotten lowed by Le Switch at The Jungle and his Charm (inspired by the true story of Mama rave reviews everywhere we have been. adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ The Sneetches. Gloria Allen and her volunteer work at the The show is very smart. Woody added some See MixedBlood.com. one-liners and zingers to make it a little more along the lines of musical comedy. It still has the cerebral sense of Woody Allen. It is all based in reality. It’s not like Guys and Dolls where people are playing at being a gangster. With this show you will have the sense that they are gang- sters. They might be tap dancing but you will be scared for your life! WCT: I remember the movie being campy but don’t remember any specific LGBT parts. BAZ: Well, Harvey Fierstein makes a cameo. WCT: Are you ever asked to do your Harvey Fierstein impression at an audition? BAZ: How did you know about that? WCT: I saw it on your resume. BAZ: [Laughs] I have never been asked at an audition but one time I was looking for rep- Bradley Allen Zarr. resentation and an agent asked me to do it. PR photo It is always fun to pull that out. It is my one lina. Both of my parents were professionals in party trick. the theater when I was a kid. My mother was a WCT: It must sound raspy. high school drama teacher and my dad used to BAZ: It is not easy on the vocal cords. I would build sets for a living. I came to New York when love to meet him. He’s a huge inspiration to me I was 18 and studied at the American Musical growing up in the South. It was hard growing and Dramatic Academy. up being gay and looking for positive influ- I started dancing when I was 17, so had a ences. I remember seeing Mrs. Doubtfire, and late start but went full force into it. I never that was my first introduction to him. In high looked back! school, I learned about how much he has writ- WCT: Do you sing also? ten for the theater. He’s been so important to BAZ: Yes, since I was a kid. It runs in my LGBT history. I would to do a show with him or blood. I was part of a children’s choir. at least sit down for a drink with him. I have a One time we took a trip to New York and the lot of questions! first Broadway show I saw was 42nd Street. WCT: What else do you like about Bullets That was when I decided that is what I want- Over Broadway? ed to do. I love the MGM-style shows and tap BAZ: The costumes are fabulous with William dancing. I begged my family for tap lessons Ivey Long Tony-nominated designs. The set is and they eventually gave in. stunning. It is definitely the most beautiful WCT: How did you land Bullets Over Broad- show that I have been a part of. way? The ensemble is gorgeous and the most tal- TICKETS NOW ON SALE BAZ: Last year, I was doing the national tour ented dancers I have worked with. To be the Performed in the Gillian Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe of Anything Goes. They asked a group of us dance captain of the show is a huge honor. from that show to do a dance commercial for I am really excited about bringing this pro- WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG | 847-242-6000 the upcoming tour of Bullets Over Broadway. duction to Chicago audiences! INAUGURAL SEASON SPONSOR OFFICIAL LIGHTING SPONSOR CORPORATE SPONSOR NEW WORK SERIES SUPPORT We went out and learned several numbers from Bullets Over Broadway opens fire April the show. 19-May 1 at The PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. That is where we met some of the creative Monroe St. Visit broadwayinchicago.com for PICTURED: MICHAEL PEREZ, KAREN JANES WODITSCH, JENNIFER ENGSTROM, JOHN HOOGENAKKER team. They asked me to come in to audition. ticket information. AND MARC GRAPEY. PHOTO BY SAVERIO TRUGLIA. 20 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Author reflects on new trans kids’ book and his own journey By Carrie Maxwell Omahne was introduced to Hillenbrand through his friend of 30 years, Lance Ehlers. Both “My thought was there needed to be a book for Omahne and Ehlers previously worked together kids that talked about what happens physically at MTV in New York City. when someone transitions,” said first-time au- “I wanted something that would stand the thor and transgender activist/advocate Jenson test of time in terms of the illustrations and he Hillenbrand of his new book—Parts & Hearts: A delivered,” said Hillenbrand. “I asked him to Kids (& Grownups) Guide to Transgender Tran- make one or two changes to the illustrations, sition. “Kids deserve to have age appropriate, but other than that he’s had full control over accurate information about their bodies— in- the look of the book and has also designed my cluding knowing where babies come from, what website, [www.partsandhearts.com]. He’s an puberty is and what the proper terms are when absolutely amazing artist.” referring to their body parts.” “With the transgender community slowly be- Hillenbrand—who was born and raised in ginning to gain visibility, I was elated when Frankfort, Illinois—received his bachelor’s de- Jenson pitched me the idea for his book,” said to know that I had a hand in transgender edu- ers—are concerned if there’s one kid that gets gree in fine arts from Columbia College Chicago Omahne. “I wanted to create illustrations that cation.” the answers they’re looking for then I’ll con- and his master’s degree in special education everyone could relate to by using welcom- As for the response to the book, Hillenbrand sider that a victory,” said Hillenbrand.”I want from the University of Phoenix. He currently ing colors and simple shapes. I would say my noted that he’s gotten great feedback from a this to be a national success, like Jennifer Has cross-section of society who told him it’s well- Two Daddies and Heather Has Two Mommies. I written and has just enough information. think every kid in America should read my book “I only got one negative response and it was and it should be in every library. from an LGBT bookstore in San Francisco,” said “I want my book to be a part of the national Hillenbrand. “They said I was 15 years behind conversation to help inch us toward under- the times with my terminology because I used standing, empathy and compassion on the gender pronouns. They also asked why I didn’t issue of being transgender and to bridge the address those who are genderqueer or other gaps that people might have about the transi- Author Jenson Hillenbrand. gender identity names and what they mean.” tion process so we can create a better society.” Photo by John Merkle When asked if he would continue writing On June 21, Hillenbrand will be speaking books, Hillenbrand said, “I’d like to write a to the Children’s Gender and Sex Development book that explores the nitty-gritty of transi- Program teen transgender group at Lurie Chil- tioning. It would be a lay person’s guide to dren’s Hospital and will also be appearing at transitioning catered toward academics and Gender Odyssey in Seattle as a vendor/work- medical people.” shop presenter on Aug. 4-7. Recently, Hillenbrand spoke at his niece and “My hope is to have as many opportunities nephew’s high school’s (Wheaton-Warrenville as possible to read this book out loud to kids,” South) gay-straight alliance. About 125 stu- said Hillenbrand. lives in Lombard, Illinois. greatest challenge working on this project was dents—a dozen of whom identified as trans— To contact Hillenbrand, visit www.facebook. Prior to writing the book, Hillenbrand spent figuring out how to ensure the end result would attended the talk. com/partsandheartsbook and www.twitter. a number of years as a restaurant manager and resonate with both children and adults alike. “As someone who feels strongly about things com/PartsAndHearts. later teaching special needs kids. Whether I achieved that or not is up to the as far as the little ones—including teenag- “My mom became terminally ill about five reader, but nonetheless, it’s rewarding enough years ago, so I started taking care of her full-time until her death two years ago,” said Winnie campaign to become the first Draga- Hillenbrand. “It was during that time that I Composer bans pella® beauty-shop quartet to be elected ‘Hannah Free’ began my transition. Prior to both of my par- president of the United States on the Repub- ent’s deaths, I spoke to them about my gender works from lican ticket. screening April 16 A screening of the 2009 lesbian-themed identity and they said do what you need to General admission is $32; call 773-278-1830 do to be happy. I wish they were both here to North Carolina movie Hannah Free will take place Saturday, In response to the new anti-LGBT North Car- or visit http://reservations.davenportspiano- see my transition but knowing that they loved April 16, at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 olina law HB2, Tony-winning Broadway com- bar.com/events/the-kinsey-sicks/. and supported me before they died is a really N. State St., at 3 p.m. poser Stephen Schwartz—who’s behind such nice memory to have. I have an older sister Among those slated to attend are cast mem- musicals as Godspell, Pippin and Wicked—will and both she and my extended family have also bers such as Sharon Gless, and screenwriter not allow any of his musicals to be staged in Flower & Garden been supportive.” Claudia Allen. the state. Hillenbrand said he looks up to Chaz Bono, Show winners Tickets are $11 each; visit SiskelFilmCenter. In a statement, Schwartz said, in part, “ To who also transitioned at age 40. org/hannahfree. my fellow theatre writers and producers: As One of the reasons why Hillenbrand decided announced you no doubt know, the state of North Caro- Several competitions were held during the to write the book is due to his role as a Sun- lina has recently passed a reprehensible and 2016 Chicago Flower & Garden Show, which day school teacher and special needs teacher. discriminatory law. I feel that it is very im- ran March 12-20 at Navy Pier. They are: When Hillenbrand transitioned, the parents in portant that any state that passes such a law —AFID Tablescapes Competition: The his circle asked him how they should explain suffer economic and cultural consequences, American Institute of Floral Designers (AFID) that Auntie Jen is now Uncle Jen. partly because it is deserved and partly to evaluated the tablescapes based on a variety “I searched online and went to Howard discourage other states from following suit. of technical and visual factors and chose Ke- Brown to try and find resources for the parents “Therefore, I and my collaborators are act- hoe Designs as the winner of the 2016 com- and kids in my life and I couldn’t find a single ing to deny the right to any theatre or organi- petition. thing,” said Hillenbrand. “Everything was for zation based in North Carolina to produce any —Popular Vote Tablescapes Competition: adults. There were a handful of trans children’s of our shows. We have informed our licensing Tablescapes were also voted on by visitors books but they were stories in support of trans organizations and touring producers of this, to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, who children.” and I’m happy to say have met with compli- selected the display that the Chicago High When asked why he chose Parts & Hearts as ance and approval from them.” School for Agricultural Sciences created. the title of his book, Hillenbrand said, “It re- —Window Box Competition: People texted fers to the last paragraph of the book which their votes in this year’s Window Box Com- says ‘No matter how anyone may change on the Kinsey Sicks at petition, which was held among several local outside, the most important thing to remember garden clubs. The “people’s choice” winner is is that in the end, it’s not the parts of people’s Davenport’s April 13 the window box that the Geneva Garden Club The Kinsey Sicks will hold the world pre- bodies that make them who we love; it’s what’s created. miere of the new musical Electile Dysfunction in their hearts, and that never changes.’ The —Chicago Area Retail Bakers Associa- 2016: Hard Choices, Firm Choices on Wed., parts of our bodies can change but what’s in tion Regional Cake Decorating Contest: April 13, 8-9:30 p.m., at Davenport’s Piano our hearts doesn’t change and that’s what we This year’s winner is the team representing Sharon Gless (left) and Maureen Bar, 1393 N. Milwaukee Ave. love about a person, what’s in their heart.” Kirsten’s Danish Bakery and Sweet T’s Bakery Gallagher in Hannah Free. In the show, Rachel, Trampolina, Trixie and Hillenbrand chose artist and illustrator, & Cake Studio. Photo by Hal Baim Quinlan Omahne, to do the book’s illustrations. WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 21 Canadian YouTube series examines GBTQ body-image issues BY TERRI-LYNNE WALDRON WCT: What was the selection process like? KO: We were pretty conscious in the men that Bare Naked: Gay Men and Body Image is a six- we selected and we really strategically chose part YouTube series produced by Pink Triangle people who we felt would be more supportive Press (PTP)—a Canadian LGBT media organiza- of each other. tion—in conjunction with its online website WCT: There is a stereotype in the gay com- Daily Xtra. munity about achieving body perfection. Did Inspired by Egale (Canada’s Human Rights any of the guys talk about eating disorders Trust) and its m.bodiment campaign and se- or what they have gone through to achieve ries about body image, PTP let four men bare that perfection? their souls and parts of their bodies on camera. KO: Rashad [Richards] had an eating disorder Windy City Times spoke with PTP supervising that he was quite open about. He talked about producer Kevin O’Keefe (who also produced the being in a long-term relationship with some- series) about body image, eating disorders and body who accepts him for who he is. He doesn’t his inspiration for Bare Naked. feel like he has to do a lot to conform to this Windy City Times: Egale created the ideal gay body. m.bodiment campaign. It has produced a WCT: Did you grow up with any body-image video series whose goal it is to have con- issues and could you see yourself doing a versations with gay, bi, trans and queer men series like the m.bodiment one? Interview subject Caiden Chih. discussing their body image. Pink Triangle KO: Will I take all my clothes off? I probably Photo by Simon Baker wouldn’t be able to do it. I was 6’2” when I was 12 years old and I was always the skinny tall one and I was very self-conscious. You want to WCT: Did any of the guys worry about how here and if they can, they want to use their fit in and blend in, and I guess that my body their participation might affect their ca- experience to help other people overcome. I image was just being super tall. I love it now. reers? think they have all experienced different levels WCT: The men get naked in the m.bodiment KO: No, they didn’t and I don’t know if it’s an of trauma because of how they looked, their series, but in Bare Naked: Gay Men and Body age thing or whatever. They’re quite young and body and being gay. I guess they see it as try- Image, everybody is wearing towels on cam- my experience working with younger guys is ing to get some meaning into the suffering era. Did you wrestle with the idea of how that their definition of privacy is a little differ- that they went through. naked you wanted the men to get? ent. Caiden [Chih] is an engineer and he works Bare Naked: Gay Men and Body Image airs KO: The towels I struggled with because I felt all day with straight engineers and he has a Thursdays on Daily Xtra’s YouTube channel at the message was so important and I wanted to girlfriend and they want to have a threesome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yny- do a more PG version. I love the Egale series one day. nYOp2w. For more on Egale’s m.bodiment and I think it’s really powerful and even in our WCT: The men are very brave. campaign go to http://mbodiment.ca/. first episode that we posted, we use clips from KO: I think the guys see it as a greater good it. But I had to limit that on YouTube and put it as an age restriction so that every time you log on to it you have to click to get through to it. I know that’s an obstacle for people because it’s not safe to view at work or you’ve go to be careful if you’re viewing it on public transit. So I know it just limits the message getting out there.

Pink Triangle Press’ Kevin O’Keefe. ‘The Piano Men’ Photo by Christopher Gentile April at Davenport’s Press produced the YouTube series “Bare Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael will pres- Naked: Gay Men and Body Image” that was ent “The Piano Men”—paying tribute to inspired by the Egale video series. What in- Barry Manilow, Michael Feinstein and Billy spired your show? Joel—will run every Saturday in April at Kevin O’Keefe: I saw the teaser video for the Davenport’s, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., at 8 m.bodiment series and I really liked the mes- p.m. sage and I thought it was really important and The longtime local entertainers have relevant and I wanted to do a short story on appeared at venues including Millennium this campaign. We talked to Egale and they Park, Maxim’s and Carnegie Hall. gave us a list of a bunch of the guys who had Call 773-278-1830 or visit DavenportsPi- participated in the series. We had a chat with anoBar.com. Also, see BeckieMenzie.com them about why they did it and how their body and TomMichael.net. image has affected their lives. What I quickly discovered was that there was a lot of material here from dating to relation- Vintage Garage ships, sex and the way they view their bodies. Chicago opens It impacted so many aspects of their lives. So we decided to use the Egale m.bodiment series April 17 as a jumping off point to explore all the dif- Vintage Garage Chicago will celebrate five ferent ways gay men describe their bodies and years of nostalgia when it returns to Up- how it impacts their lives. town on Sunday, April 17 at 5051 N. Broad- WCT: In the gay community, is there a way. competitiveness or more of a support sys- HGTV’s Kevin Grace will be on hand. In SATURDAY tem in terms of body image? addition, Grace will assist the winner of KO: In terms of the gay community, I think Vintage Garage Chicago’s $250 shopping that there is both. I think what we worked re- spree. For a chance to win free money to APRIL 9 ally hard to do in the series is the latter. I spend at the show and free professional ON SALE NOW was talking to people that had worked on our advice on buying vintage, shoppers can series and had worked on other series and they text GARAGE to 33444. THECHICAGOTHEATRE.COM felt that there is that tendency to one-up each The event is held the third Sunday of other and say, “I’m better looking, more attrac- April through October at 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Chicago Theatre provides disabled accommodations and sells tickets to disabled individuals through our Disabled Services tive, more muscular.” I think it’s a big problem Admission is $5 at the gate. department, which may be reached at 888-609-7599 any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ticketmaster orders are subject to service charges. in the gay community. See VintageGarageChicago.com. 22 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Center’s gala features announcement of broadened mission By Matt Simonette our children grow us as healthy and well-ad- justed as their peers. The Center must educate Services and programming aimed at LGBT and provide cultural competency training to a youth, transgender individuals and LGBT fami- wide array of professionals and create stronger lies will be a larger part of the mission of Cen- support services for LGBT families, particularly ter on Halsted in the years ahead, according families of color, low-income families and fami- to officials. lies with transgender parents.” Center CEO Modesto Valle, AT&T External Affairs executive Brian Gray, Mario Camacho of That was the central announcement at the By filling these gaps, Valle noted, “One day AT&T, Center Board Chair Duane DesParte, Bill Brandt, Michael McRaith, Carol Ronen, Patrick Center’s annual Human First gala, held this our children will celebrate full equality. We Sheahan, Lori Healey, Manuela Hung and Denise Foy. year at Geraghty Chicago, 2520 S. Hoyne Ave., must not give up.” Photos by Kat Fitzgerald, www.mysticimagesphotography. See many more photo from the event April 2. About 675 guests attended the event. Valle also said the city faces a crisis “as at www.WindyCityTimes.com In his opening remarks, the Center’s CEO, members of our community, especially our Modesto “Tico” Valle, explained how these cat- youth and our youth of color, are disposed of learn. And we will act, to honor the voices of The Community Spirit Award was also pre- egories fit into the Center’s recently revised as ‘trash.’ Tonight, 2,000 homeless youth will diversity, seeking inclusion.” sented to AT&T, while the program was emceed mission. sleep on the streets. … Lift them up and hold Among recipients of the Center’s Human First by LeeAnn Trotter of NBC 5. Co-chairs were Bill “There is no doubt in my mind, that, in our them, into a future of hope and stability.” Awards were Lori Healey, CEO of the Metropoli- Brandt and Manuela Hung, while honorary co- community, our best years can be ahead of Valle last year introduced a youth-centered tan Pier and Exposition Authority; activist De- chairs were Patrick Sheahan and former state us,” Valle said. “But we must not give up un- housing initiative and he said that this year nise Foy, who co-chairs the LGBT Community Sen. Carol Ronen. til every member of our community is secured the Center was “fulfilling that promise. We will Fund at the Chicago Community Trust; and Among the political officials in attendance and recognized as equal. We stand with other, join forces with partners like Chicago House, Michael McRaith, director of the Federal Insur- were Ald. Tom Tunney; Ald. James Cappleman; hold each other for support, and lift each other Heartland Health Outreach and Teen Living to ance Office. state Rep. Kelly Cassidy; Cook County Commis- up—only then will we move into the future house our young people. We will lift them up In his speech, McRaith echoed Valle’s remarks sioner Bridget Gainer; Chicago Department on that we’ve created together.” and celebrate the whole person.” about the hardships LGBT youth must endure. Human Relations Commissioner Mona Noriega; He cited the enormous number of murders The Center’s model for the program was cre- “Tonight in Chicago … 2,000 young people are Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl; Lake Forest of trans individuals across the country, and ated over the course of two years with input without a safe place to sleep. About 800 of Ald. Prue Beidler; Judge Nancy Katz; former added, “From high rates of poverty, harass- from city officials, youth providers, funders and those—40 percent—are LGBTQ. As we move Gov. Pat Quinn; congressional candidate Raja ment and violence, to poor health, limited job youth themselves, Valle noted, adding, “The forward, and embrace economic fairness for all Krishnamoorthi; U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky; opportunities and isolation from their larger model will ensure resources, education, em- Americans, and as we work to protect our LG- and U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is run- communities, transgender people are among ployment, recreation, food and nutrition, and BTQ family from discrimination, we will do it ning for the U.S. Senate. the most vulnerable communities in our coun- intensive case management, all aimed to meet together,” McRaith said. try. We must stand together, and move into the the individual needs of our youth.” future, where health and wellness, education, Ultimately, the Center will share the results employment and housing are equal rights for of the model with providers and officials “to all trans people.” change the system that has been broken and

Valle added that LGBT families are “part of archaic,” he said. “… We will move into the the American fabric. Two million children are future as one family.” being raised by [LGBT] parents. Children of Valle promised that the Center would ex-

LGBT parents live in 96 percent of U.S. coun- pand its “geographic reach beyond the walls of ties, and decades of research has shown that Halsted and Waveland. We will listen. We will

WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 23 BOOKS Augusten Burroughs explores relationships in new memoir by Tony Peregrin of all the things he loathed about me,” said Burroughs. “I asked myself do I really want to Augusten Burroughs describes the difference be with someone who merely tolerates me? Do between love and libido in his seventh autobi- I want to be with someone who kept this this ographical work, Lust & Wonder, which picks up long list of things about me, not sharing little where Dry left off, chronicling the raconteur’s grievances day to day, but has been stockpil- return to drinking and his exasperating search ing for the great apocalypse this list of fea- for a meaningful relationship. tures and traits in my personality that he can’t There’s Mitch, “a deeply odd” writer of one of stand?” Burrough’s “favorite books,” and then George, Dennis’ potential reaction to this unflinch- whose tragic demise unmoors Burroughs, leading, public portrayal of their relationship didn’t ing him to excessive drinking, bouts of bed- distract the memoirist from his writing process. wetting, and unquenchable gem buying ses- “You know, it’s not a factor for me, said Bur- sions on QVC (an experience that inspired the roughs. “We spent about 10 years together, so author’s only published novel Sellevision in he knew how I wrote, he knew my writing style, 2000). he knew that I was very honest with myself and Finally realizing his romantic feelings for his others, and he knew that I don’t hold back. I’ve agent, Christopher, Burroughs is knocked fur- never allowed myself to focus on what other ther off course after Christopher reveals that people are going to think— and that goes for he is HIV-positive. Determined to meet a man readers as well, because it can be so distract- who is not “medically off limits,” Burroughs, ing and I get paralyzed. I have to write for me now sober, meets “normal and stable” Dennis and I guess that sounds pretty selfish— but it on a popular dating site and they enter a years- really is the only way to write material that has long relationship in which they adopt dogs, any chance of connecting with someone else. build a home, and eventually realize they are Because what people connect to is the scent of no longer in love with each other. the truth—and you can only get that by being bluntly, brutally honest,” he said. As his relationship with Dennis continued to implode, Burroughs resisted his burgeoning feelings for Christopher because of his then- agent’s HIV status. “I was an asshole,” said Burroughs. “It was Augusten Burroughs. understandable to a degree because I had lost Photo by Christopher Schelling someone in the ‘90s to AIDS when I was in my early 20s, and I was devastated by it and I just thought ‘I don’t want to go through that again.’ I was young and stupid, I don’t know how else to put it. I look back on the feelings that I had about dating someone who was HIV positive, and I realize that I hadn’t examined that bias since I was in my 20s, and when I looked at it again, I thought, ‘Oh, well actually, it’s not that I don’t care—I think it’s amazing.’ This guy has been HIV-positive since the fucking All Things Chocolate ‘80s—he has the one quality I admire the most in a person—he is an incredible survivor.” Masquerade In 2013, Burroughs and Christopher eloped on April Fools Day, because—as he noted in “I felt like such an idiot staying in this re- an essay for the New York Times—“we are both Indulge. Succumb to temptation. lationship when all the road signs were telling fools.” Their familial brood features three dogs Unmask your love of all things chocolate. me to take the next exit! Go now!” said Bur- including a puppy with floppy, Flying Nun Ears roughs during a recent phone interview with that Burroughs met at WGN-TV studios in Chi- Windy City Times. “We’re told relationships cago while touring behind the paperback re- are all about compromise—but how much of lease of his self-help manual This is How: Sur- Order tickets today for a memorable evening a compromise? I know I was compromising viving What You Think you Can’t. to support the growth of Open Door Health my whole life away and I kept thinking this “I texted Christopher a picture of me holding was normal. I guess this is what people do. this puppy in front of this huge image of Bozo Center as they work towards discrimination Could we have gone forever? I guess. We didn’t The Clown, both of us with the same awkward scream and fight every day, but I just couldn’t expression on our faces and said, ‘I’ve made free healthcare. stay another minute.” this grave error. I think we should adopt this In the book, Burroughs reveals that at the dog,’ knowing full well he’d be like, yeah, right. beginning of their relationship, the couple And I don’t think it was five minutes later that All Things Chocolate: Masquerade decided to wait to have sex because Dennis he texted me that Radar is coming on a plane wanted feelings of love and affection to de- and that I’m going to go pick him up at the is a celebration of the arts and includes music velop before hopping into bed. airport,” said Burroughs. and dancing, live time auction, silent auction, “I don’t know if that is still a good idea,” Burroughs spent a large part of his relation- said Burroughs. “Sometimes, sex is just sex. ship with Dennis wondering, “Are you as happy raffles, cash bar, delectable culinary treats & Maybe sex isn’t so precious that it has to be as I am?” He no longer ponders the skewed placed in a blue Tiffany box and handed out mathematics involved in defining an equally the best chocolate confections in the area. later. I think about all the bad advice I’ve been happy couple. given by therapists and others about sex and “It is something I used to wonder about with Masks encouraged. Black tie optional. I’m just so wary about giving advice to other Dennis—the equality of our love, this unknow- people, especially in this area. I’m not sure able measurement,” Burroughs said. “It just there is a hard and fast rule.” doesn’t come up in my mind now with Chris- April 23, 2016 l 6:00pm At one point, Burroughs realized Dennis was topher because my answer is already there. I Royal Fox Country Club, St. Charles just as unhappy with the relationship, so he can see the happiness on his face. Putting that emailed his partner (they were both home at love on a scale and weighing it is not only im- the time) and gently suggests he write him a possible, but beside the point. Order tickets: www.odhcil.org letter explaining what is wrong. Lust & Wonder, published by St. Martin’s or call 847-695-1093 ext. 250 “His response was a list, several pages long, Press, is now available. 24 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Download our new Windy City Times LGBT LGBT Wedding Guide magazine! Wedding Guide www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/WCMG_weddingguide_20160217_web.pdf

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[email protected] CLEANING SERVICES Christina Frum, McCaffrey-Boss & Associates, www.olinsellschicago.com Keith House Chicago Cleaning Co. GCG Financial, Inc. P.C. 1900 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago 312-907-7909 773-896-7161 Three Parkway North, 33 N. Dearborn St., Suite 800 Scott Ferguson, Dreamtown www.keithhousechicago.com [email protected] Suite 500, 312-263-8800 [email protected] Deerfield, IL [email protected] scottfergusonhomes.com 847-457-3228 Morris Performing Arts Center DENTAL 105 W. Colfax Ave., Compass Dental [email protected] Rosemary Mulryan, VENUES www.gcgfinancial.com South Bend, IN 415 W. Belmont Ave. Mulryan & York, Attorneys at A Church 4 Me MCC 574-235-5612 773-525-2011 Law 1545 W. Morse Ave., Chicago www.palaisroyale.org www.compassdentalchicago.com FLOWERS 4001 N. Wolcott 708-951-4862 The Blossom Boys Chicago, Illinois 60613 www.achurch4me.org North Shore Center for the Dr. Sims Dentistry 9911 S. Walden Pkwy. 773-248-8887 5503 N. Clark St., 2nd Floor 773-779-4400 www.mulryanandyork.com Performing Arts Chicago History Museum 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 773-878-7467 1601 N. Clark St. Events manager at www.GrantSimsDDS.com GIFTS LICENSES 312-799-2254 www.chicagohistory.org/hostevent 847-679-9501 x 3005 Leigh Gallery David Orr www.northshorecenter.org/rent-the- 3306 N. Halsted St. ENTERTAINMENT Cook Co. Clerk’s Office center/ Artists, Events and 773-472-1865 cookcountyclerk.com/ City Winery Chicago Entertainment Inc www.theleighgallery.com vitalrecords/marriageequality 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago 312- [email protected] 229-5989 Palmer House 312-832-1100 Catering Team www.artistsandevents.com www.citywinery.com OFFICIANTS [email protected] 17 E. Monroe St. INVITES Dignity/Chicago 312-422-1325 Becca Kaufman Orchestra Shirts Illustrated www.dignity-chicago.org/content/ www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/ 847-892-4150 1340 W. Belmont Ave. families Congress Plaza Hotel weddings www.beccakaufmanorchestra.com 773-871-4785 520 S. Michigan Ave. [email protected] 312-427-3800, ext. 5071 www.beatmixmusic.com shirtsillustrated.weebly.com Living Well Ministries [email protected] [email protected] Polo Cafe and Catering 773-655-4357 www.congressplazahotel.com Bill Pollack Band www.livingwellministries.net 3322 S. Morgan St. 847-475-0411 Total Promotions, Inc. 773-927-7656 Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa [email protected] Contact David Strzepek, Rite On! Ceremonies www.polocafe.com 773-505-7794 Galena, IL Deb Rostorfer, M. Div. DJ Moose www.totalpromote.com 800-892-2269 Renaissance Chicago 312-547-0725 www.eagleridge.com [email protected] www.riteonceremonies.com Downtown soundcloud.com/moosebox JEWELRY [email protected] 1 W. Wacker Dr. Jan Dee Custom Jewelry Firehouse Chicago 312-372-7200 Michelle Marchisotta, venue manager www.renaissancechicagodowntown.com Elaine Dame 1425 W. Diversey Pkwy., Chicago Michele Wolgel Rose, 773-871-2222 1545 W. Rosemont Ave. 773-296-0831 Certified LifeCycle Celebrant www.jandee.com 773-850-1545 www.elainedame.com 847-215-7715 Rotary Botanical Gardens Janesville, WI [email protected] [email protected] Galena JDC 608-752-3885, ext. 16 Marshall Pierce & Company roselifecycleceremonies.com Lucy Smith’s Soul Celebration 29 E. Madison St., Suite 600 www. galena.org/weddings [email protected] www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org 773-844-9135 312-372-2415 PHOTOGRAPHY/ www.lucysmithjazz.com www.marshallpierce.com Grand Geneva Resort & Spa [email protected] VIDEO 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Sidetrack Steve Quick Jeweler amyBcreative photography Lake Geneva, WI 3349 N. Halsted St. 847-571-0684 773-751-0034 800-558-3417 773-477-9189 Psychic Entertainment by [email protected] www.stevequickjeweler.com www. GrandGeneva.com www.sidetrackchicago.com Barbara G. Meyer www.amybcreative.com [email protected] 773-282-6556 [email protected] Sparkles Fine Jewelry The Grove Redfield Estate Bean Blossom Prod. www.bgmeyer.com 5405 N. Clark St. 1421 Milwaukee Ave. St. John’s Episcopal Church www.BeanBlossomProductions.net 773-944-9600 Glenview, IL 3857 N. Kostner Ave. 773-727-5642 www.SparklesFineJewelry.com 847-298-0095 773-725-9026 EVENT PLANNING www.redfieldestate.org www.stjohnschicago.com Amy Bloom Inc. Tucker, Inc. John Gress Photography 773-742-1753 312-545-5438 5 S. Wabash, Suite 507 Hilton Orrington www.amybloominc.com http://johngress.com [email protected] 312-263-3315 847-556-7940 www.tuckercompany.net www.orringtonevanston.hilton.com [email protected] WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 25 CHM presenting Angelica Ross in Her Story. PR photo ‘Style’ spring festival The Chicago Humanities Festival has present- Jackson will also be presenting. ed the full line-up for its inaugural spring fes- Others who will be at the festival include tival, “Style.” The title does not simply relate Huffington Post co-founder and editor-in-chief to fashion, according to a press release: “ Style Arianna Huffington, writer Karl Ove Knaus- governs where writers break a line, how activ- gaard, actress Mary-Louise Parker. Sunday, May ists present and represent a movement, how we 1, will feature three National Book Award win- dance to the records, and which we spin over ners: Robin Coste Lewis, winner of the 2015 and over and over.” poetry prize for the collection Voyage of the There will be more than 20 events April 28- Sable Venus; James McBride, winner of the May 1. 2014 prize in fiction, now with a new biogra- Style presenters range from Alicia Garza, one phy of James Brown, Kill ‘em and Leave; and of the co-founders of #BlackLivesMatter, to Andrew Solomon, winner of the 2001 prize for fashion’s Iris Apfel, and a number of First Lady nonfiction who latest book is Far and Away. tion and audio-descriptive services are avail- Michelle Obama’s fashion designers, including The full line-up for Style, the first Spring fes- ‘Her Story’ screening, able by calling 312-413-8619. Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Maria Pinto and Ra- tival from the Chicago Humanities Festival, is See HerStoryShow.com and https://www.face- chel Roy. Pulitzer Prize winner Robin Givhan available at chicagohumanities.org/style. talk on April 7 book.com/UICGSC/posts/1003679779724007. and inclusive retail and disability advocate Liz A screening and discussion of the trans- centered new-media series Her Story will take place Thursday, April 7, at the James J. Stukel Towers, 718 W. Rochford St. (next to the UIC Forum). The screening will be 4:30-5:30 p.m., with a panel/discussion at 5:30-7 p.m. Her Story takes a look at how trans women navigate the intersections of love and identity. The discussion will be with the series’ Jen Richards, Angelica Ross and Fawzia Mirza. The event is free and the location is wheelchair-accessible. Captioning, ASL interpreta-

Lilly Wachowski makes first public appearance Director Lilly Wachowski made her first public appearance since coming out as transgender at the GLAAD Media Awards held April 2 in Beverly Hills, California. “My flight instinct is off the charts right now but you have to fight against it,” Wachowski told TheWrap of her nerves. She and trans sister Lana attended the event in support of her Netflix series Sense8. Windy City Times broke the news about Lilly on March 8. (That article is at http:// www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Second- Wachowski-filmmaker-sibling-comes-out-as- trans-/54509.html.) In an article sent to the publication, she said, in part: “Being transgender is not easy. We live in a majority-enforced gender binary world. This means when you’re transgender you have to face the hard reality of living the rest of your life in a world that is openly hostile to you. “I’m out to my friends and family. Most people at work know too. Everyone is cool with it. Yes, thanks to my fabulous sister they’ve done it before, but also because they’re fantastic people. Without the love and support of my wife and friends and family I would not be where I am today.” The awards also included a surprise appearance by singer Taylor Swift, who presented actress/model Ruby Rose with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award. Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Queen Latifah, Caitlyn Jenner, Patricia Arquette, and Ross Mathews were just a few of other stars who attended the event. Some of the night’s other winners included HBO’s Bessie; the shows Sense8, Transparent, and The Bold and the Beautiful; and Lovato, who received the Vanguard Award from Jonas. Additional awards will be presented at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City at the historic Waldorf Astoria on Saturday, May 14. Tickets are available now at glaad.org/medi- aawards. TheWrap’s item is at http://www.thewrap. com/lilly-wachowski-makes-first-public-appearance-at-glaad-media-awards-photo/#. dpuf. For more about GLAAD, see GLAAD.org. 26 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES nightspots weekly nightlife section in

/nightspots @nightspotschicago @nightspotschicago

SIDETRACK Chicago Dragons bachelor auction, Sat., April 2. Photos by Kyle Henderson WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 27 Billy Masters

“As a dude, I like to hang out with a guy with a big penis—that’s why I like firemen. I’m just saying, I don’t need a guy with a big penis—I want a guy with a big penis.”—Comedian Christopher Titus has strong views on penises. Although he’s heterosexual (and twice-married), he’s always Dancer Roberto Bolle has caused some heat, been one of our allies. So if he wants a big penis, Billy says. who am I to say no? Instagram photo of Bolle with another dancer The German word “schadenfreude” refers to deriving pleasure at someone else’s misfortune. sexy men skillfully playing various roles in the en- While I can’t say I’m guilty of this on a regular semble. Sure enough, it was Aleks Pevec—who I basis, there is one exception—when someone with vividly remembered from the 2007 LA production an enviable physique gets fat. It’s a horrible thing of Chess. That’s yet another reason to check out to admit, but it really does give me pleasure. In Something Rotten. some ways, I like the person more because they go My next theatrical stop was Charles Busch’s up and down like the rest of us—with the excep- Cleopatra. At this point, it’s almost silly to trot tion of Carnie Wilson, who famously said, “What out superlatives about what Charles and his troupe does it matter if I go up and down 20 pounds?” do. I am repeatedly astonished by the skill, tal- When does “down” kick in? ent, and love that his efforts convey. As usual, the Then there’s Wentworth Miller. This week, he entire run sold out even before the first preview. publicly acknowledged a meme which shows him But Busch has earned a loyal following and always shirtless in his Prison Break prime next to a photo delivers to us, his disciples. The production has of him a few years later, significantly heavier. Ap- the joy and energy of kids putting on a show in parently this meme annoyed Went because at the their backyard—and that joy and energy comes time of his weight gain, he spiraled downhill men- right back at them from the audience. Charles’ tally and was suicidal. He said, “In 2010, at the Cleo is kinda like if Susan Hayward played the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking every- role, with more than a dash of Mae West. He steals where for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned snatches from Claudette Colbert, Vivien Leigh, to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alco- Elizabeth Taylor ... and even Barbra Streisand. hol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could (You have to see it.) Busch is surrounded by a look forward to.” fabulous cast—most notably Tony Sheldon (from Why, oh why, didn’t he choose sex? If he had “Priscilla”), who plays Caesar, wife Calpurnia and chosen sex and alcohol, maybe I would have had a one of Caesar’s successors, Marcus Lepidus. What chance. While I don’t wish him pain, it is hard to Tony does with his voice is mind-boggling—very have too much sympathy for someone who gained reminiscent of early Peter Sellers from “The Goon weight after a large part of his success came from Show.” Although the run is technically sold out, showing off his once-hot body. As it turns out, there are a few tickets being released before each this meme had two positive ramifications for Wen- performance. Try to snag one at SmartTix.com— tworth: 1) It reminded him that those tough days the show closes on April 17. were behind him and b) it showed him smiling. He Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Patrick in was happy. Well, of course he was—he had prob- Detroit: “I’ve heard dancer Roberto Bolle is gay. ably just eaten! Is he? He’s one of the hottest guys I’ve ever seen. A former security guard for Elton John is su- And do you have any nude photos of him?” ing the singer for sexual harassment. Jeffrey Wen- Roberto Bolle is an Italian ballet dancer who is ninger says that in 2014, John repeatedly tried to 42 years old—pretty old, by ballet standards. He touch his genitalia. Doesn’t he realize that’s how made history in 2009 when he was named a princi- many of us gay men say hello? If I were sued by pal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre—the everyone whose penis I’ve “mistakenly” touched, first time an Italian male was given that honor. Dick Cavett would be first in line! In one of the The New York Times called him “utterly gorgeous instances, Elton allegedly tweaked Wenninger’s (in both looks and dance)”—and who am I to ar- nipples and said, “You gorgeous thing, you.” An- gue with them? He’s pretty cagey about his per- other time, Elton allegedly tried to put his hands sonal life, although rumors abound. down Jeffrey’s pants. And on another occasion, El- Things heated up a few years ago when a French ton said, “Get your todger out.” I had to look that magazine published an interview where Roberto one up. Apparently, “todger” means penis. See? appeared to come out. He quickly retracted that This is an educational column. announcement: “My statement about the subject Last week, I spent a few blissful hours in NYC of homosexuality was taken completely out of con- catching some marvelous shows. I’m not even sure text and misinterpreted—probably because of my how to describe Something Rotten—it’s as if Spa- imperfect command of French. I never speak about malot and Book of Mormon had a baby, which was my private life and I will not start now, so the raised by The Producers. It’s irreverent, it’s outra- news of the alleged ‘outing’ is not based in truth.” geous, and it’s hysterical. As to your second question, he has only appeared The story of two brothers trying to one-up Wil- nude onstage once—in Naples in 2010. While the liam Shakespeare is crazy enough. Throw in some theatre confiscated all cameras, someone miracu- catchy tunes and witty lyrics with triple entendres lously snuck a video. If you want to see every inch which send up virtually every show in Broadway of Roberto, check out BillyMasters.com. history. Add in great direction and choreography When Bolle’s dancing as fast as he can, it’s defi- that makes a chorus line of old women in walkers nitely time to end yet another column. Boy, this seem tame. And it all comes together in Some- was a long one (words I suspect Roberto hears thing Rotten—one of the best shows I’ve ever quite frequently). So I’ll briefly tell you to check seen. While Brian d’Arcy James and John Cariani out www.BillyMasters.com, the site that’s always are the “stars,” the show is ably stolen by Chris- en pointe. Send your questions to Billy@BillyMas- tian Borle (as a buff rock star of a Shakespeare) ters.com, and I promise to get back to you be- and Brad Oscar (the lesser-known befuddled neph- fore someone makes a gay porn called The Artful ew of Nostradamus). There’s not a bad performance Todger! So, until next time, remember: One man’s on that stage. I was certain I knew one of the filth is another man’s bible. X

28 April 6, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES nightspots the big TO-DO OUR WEEKLY PICKS TO PLAN YOUR NIGHTLIFE CALENDAR

Trannika’s Most Wanted: REPLAY Tyrannosaurus Wrecked! It’s the pits (and that’s a good thing) at Tat Tuesday with Mr. Chicago Leather Todd Harris, Tue., March 29. Photos by Kirk Williamson

entrance. Arami (which seats 90 people, including salmon and yellowtail. The selections were all a private room that accommodates 20) has a non- wonderful (especially the salmon)—and the server descript exterior in a sea of nondescript exteriors enhanced the experience even more by advising along this stretch of West Town. Upon entering, which pieces should be eaten first and which the DISH you’ll encounter an unpretentious atmosphere and should be accompanied with the soy sauce. Wed., April 6, 10 pm Weekly Dining Guide in staff—which make the quality of the cuisine even The maki was probably my favorite course of the Berlin, more of an unexpected delight and which can put evening (with dessert and the ramen vying for a 954 W. Belmont Ave. WINDY CITY TIMES A prehistoric drag show that’s sure to (bed)rock. Featuring Sara Andrews, DiDa SAVOR Ritz, Nico, Alexis Bevels and Kat Sass. Hosted by Trannika Rex and guest co- Arami host Birdy Gabkham. DJ Adam El. BY ANDREW DAVIS FKA presents: Arami (1829 W. Chicago Ave.; AramiChicago.com) Tacos vs. Pizza is the best Japanese restaurant I’ve been to since ... well, its brother eatery Ani, which I visited a few weeks ago. However, that is still very high praise, with Ar- ami and Ani a step above most of the other Japa- Photos by Andrew Davis nese places in Chicago. Getting there is no problem—but you will have even the most intimidated of diners at ease. close second). We tried the ebi tempura asparagus, to pay attention to make sure you don’t bypass the My dining companion and I started with drinks, an intoxicating olio of flavors and textures with Fri., April 8, 9:30 pm as she had a beer and I had a Scarborough Fair shrimp tempura, spicy salmon, asparagus, spicy Big Chicks, cocktail, a very tasty concoction consisting of cin- mayo and aonori (seaweed). However, the Arami 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. namon clove syrup, lemon, thyme-infused Effen ramen was pretty impressive, too—with pork belly, The showdown you’ve all been waiting Vodka, rosemary and Asian pear. (By the way, if soft egg, grilled enoki and house tsukemono (pre- for! Presented by Formerly Known As. DJ it’s sake you’re craving, Arami definitely has a wide served vegetables). Even in this age of ramen-ma- [X]P and guest DJ Ldy Prblms. variety of that as well.) nia, this dish was better than just about all others Cuisine-wise, things started solidly with the I’ve tried. seared hotate—scallops with Japanese mush- Lastly, there was the combination of black-ses- rooms and ponzu brown butter. However, things ame ice cream and cookies with vanilla ice cream really took off with the dish that followed: mai- and miso caramel—a dish that was experimental take mushrooms and Berkshire pork belly cooked and delicious. The ice cream’s taste resembled cof- Sidetrack Saturday Market on a robata grill. The mushrooms were done well, fee, and the cookies were the perfect complement. but I took even more of a shine to the belly, which Chefs de cuisine Ajay Popli (hot kitchen) and was especially flavorful. Nelson Vinansaca (sushi) acquitted themselves ad- The next course was a selection of sashimi in- mirably, to say (or write) the least. Do not pass by volving bluefin tuna, Japanese red sea bream, Arami—it’s worth the trip.

Sat., April 9, 1-4 pm Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. Enjoy cocktails while you shop local. Vendors selling juices, pies, cheese, preserves, confections, baked goods and many more wonderful products.

Cupcake Wars 2016

Sun., April 10, 5 pm Touche, 6412 N. Clark St. Trident International Windy City presents this cupcake bake-off, to benefit Broadway Youth Center. Bring your sweet tooth and vote for your favorite. MARY’S ATTIC Photo of 2015’s event by Kirk Williamson Springtime Tea in A-ville, Sun., April 3. Photos by Jerry Nunn WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 29

City Playhouse, 3014 West Irving Park Rd., Saturday, April 9 Matt Damon Improv Remember that time COMMUNITY Chicago 773-891-8985 Tickets: http:// Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance when Matt Damon* got caught saying a windycityplayhouse.com (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about ill- number of tone-deaf things while mans- Chigaygo: The April Show! Get a laugh on nesses, symptoms, treatment, doctors, and plaining what diversity is to Effie Brown, CALENDAR with Chicago’s best gay and gay-friendly personal issues such as dating, relation- the Black Woman who produced the movies comics. This month’s sexy line up: Casey ships and work. Every Saturday. 11:00am “Dear White People” and “But I’m a Cheer- Larwodd, Joseph Ivan, Joseph William Re- - 12:30pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- leader”? “Matt Damon” is an improv com- Wed., April 6 ese, Drew Frees, Mona Aburmishan, Gwen sted St., http://dbsa-glbt-chicago.com edy show based around racial and social Queer speed dating A round-robin style LaRoka, and Scott Duff as your hostess Lurie Children’s Gender Program LEGP tensions within the world around us. Last event, giving participants a chance to with the mostess. Use the promo code Playgroup for Gender Expansive Youth three Sundays in April. $12. 9:00pm Un- meet other queer individuals in a relaxed, “PRIDE” for $10 tix. 10:00pm The Laugh Ages 5 to 12 and at least one parent/ der the Gun Theater, 956 W Newport Ave., casual environment. $10 advance, $15 Factory Chicago 3175 N Broadway Chicago guardian. 1:00pm - 2:30pm Sulzer Re- Chicago http://www.undertheguntheater. at door. 6:30pm - 8:30pm Center on Tickets: http://www.laughfactory.com/ gional Chicago Public Library 4455 N Lin- com Halsted 3656 N Halsted St.; http:// clubs/chicago/date/2016-04-07 coln Ave Chicago community.centeronhalsted.org/qsd Wanda Sykes Live On Stage Well known out Tuesday, April 12 The Integrity of the In Between Sean Parker Friday, April 8 lesbian comic, film and TV star 8:00pm Equal Pay Day (EPD) Rally Draw attention Dennison, pastor of Tree of Life UUC Church Happy Hour with Jeff Lewis The Bravo The Chicago Theatre (Chicago) 175 N. to the gender wage gap and action steps in McHenry, IL, will be hosted by Gay and star is partnering with Walter E. Smithe State St. Chicago Tickets: http://www. to address the issue. CCHR’s Kelly Suzanne Lesbian & Family and Friends Ministry. to bring fresh and affordable design vi- ticketmaster.com/wanda-sykes-chicago- Saulsberry and Wendy Lalli, members of Welcoming Catholic pastors, teachers from sion and has curated ten room vignettes illinois-04-09-2016/event/0700504AC24 EPD Chicago’s planning committee, out- parishes throughout the Chicago area as using resources only available at Walter 54C35?CAMEfrom=CFC_CHICAGOTHEATRE_ reach at Columbia College Chicago’s Big well as pastors, leaders, people in the pews out of sykes E. Smithe that will be showcased at the wandawct Mouth event. 9:00am Daley Center Plaza from other faith communities. 7:30pm - Saturday, April 9 Smithe Chicagoland showrooms through Ripley Caine CD-release party For her new 50 W Washington St Chicago https://www. 9:30pm St. Nicholas Church, Oldershaw September 2016. RSVP: events@smithe. full-length recording Bravo 9:00pm 1012 facebook.com/ChicagoCHR/?fref=photo com 5:00pm - 7:00pm Walter E. Smithe Hall, 1108 Washington St., Evanston 847- Comedian Wanda Sykes Church St., Evanston http://www.ripley- 864-1185 Furniture Lincoln Park Showroom 2009 N caine.com Wed., April 13 Ani DiFranco @Park West Special guest will perform at The Chicago Clybourn Ave. http://smithe.com LGBT Equality Advocacy Day Daylong ad- to be announced. $40 plus fees. Sold Theatre, 175 N. State St. Annual Crossroads Fund Seeds of Change Sunday, April 10 vocacy event in Springfield, with lobbying out. 8:00pm Park West Chicago 322 W Photo by Craig Blankenhorn BenefitHonoring three groups with awards Community Convention: 2016 Diverse training, lunch, meetings with legislators. Armitage Ave., Chicago Tickets: https:// this year: Invisible Institute, Coalition to Communities United for Justice Take ac- Coordinated travel from some parts of the www.etix.com/ticket/p/3094092/ani- Revitalize Walter H. Dyatt High School and tion with north side neighbors to demand state for small registration fee. Travel sur- difranco--chicago-park-westchicago-il Black Youth Project 100. 5:30pm Chi- that key decision makers put communi- vey link up now. Questions to pmedairy@ LBTQ women and femme-identified folks cago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington ties ahead of corporate profits. Confirmed eqil.org. Register and arrange travel at the Thursday, April 7 together. RSVP Requested. Free. 5:30pm St. Chicago Tickets: https://donatenow. participants: Senate President John Cul- following two links. 11:00am - 4:00pm Her Story The series reclaims the narrative Joie De Vine 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. Chi- networkforgood.org/crossroadsfund?mc_ lerton, Senator Heather Steans, Represen- Springfield, IL http://tinyurl.com/ for trans women with the story of some cago Tickets: http://support.lambdalegal. cid=918c0cf027&mc_eid=b8d7277686 . tative Sara Feigenholtz, Representative advocacy-travel Tickets: http://tinyurl. very human women in queer communities. org/site/Calendar?id=106043&view=Detail Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) Greg Harris, Representative Ann Williams, com/2016-advocacy-day Screening followed by panel with Jen Rich- American Veterans for Equal Rights 4th annual art auction fundraiser hosted Representative Will Davis; Congressman ‘E Pluribus Unum’ chat The latest in its ards, Angelica Ross, Fawzia Mirza. Free and (AVER) LGBT military veterans meet on the by intermedia artist Lyra Hill with live and Danny Davis; Alderman James Cappleman, Chats series considers the need for a open to the public. All audiences welcome. second floor first Thursday of each month. silent auctions of 20+ pieces of art and live Alderman Tom Tunney, Alderman Harry global LGBTQ community. What LGBTQ ac- Wheelchair accessible. Captioning, ASL in- 7:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- comics readings by local artists. 7:00pm Osterman, Alderman Michele Smith, Alder- tivism and volunteerism look like. Travis terpretation and audio-descriptive services sted Chicago 773-472-6469 http://www. The Hideout 1354 W Wabansia Ave Chi- man Walter Burnett, Alderman Joe Moreno. Bluemling has been Central Regional Office available by request by phone. 4:30pm averchicago.org cago http://www.cakechicago.com #ONSunited4justice. RSVP online. Doors diversity recruiter and a Peace Corps vol- - 7:30pm James J. Stubel Towers, 718 Toast to the Queens Windy City Playhouse LGBTQ Artists’ Gallery Opening: Lea Basile open at 2pm Childcare and bus transporta- unteer in Indonesia. Jackie Kaplan-Perkins W. Rochford St. (corner Halsted and Roo- and LIPS, New York City’s #1 Drag Queen and Rob Bondgren Lea Basile: 2nd Floor tion from our neighborhoods will be pro- is Human Rights Watch director of Chicago sevelt, next to UIC Forum), Chicago 312- Show, celebrate the royal themes of the Gallery. Rob Bondgren: 3rd Floor Gallery. $5 vided. Keep checking back for bus pick-up and the Midwest. $5 suggested donation. 414-8619 current Playhouse hit, The Explorers Club, suggested donation at the door. 7:00pm - details. 2:30pm - 4:30pm Lake View Questions to culture@centeronhalsted. Lambda Women & Wine: a pop-up event for with a high-energy post-show performance 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Halst- High School, 4015 N. Ashland Ave., Chi- org. RSVP online. 6:30pm - 8:00pm Cen- LBTQ women Join the Women’s Diversity by three of LIPS signature talents: Ariel ed Chicago http://www.centeronhalsted. cago Tickets: http://onenorthside.org/ ter on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted St., Chi- Council and Bon Foster Host Committee of Sinclair, Skyla Versai and All Beef Patty. org/newevents-details.cfm?ID=11303 convention-2016/ cago https://community.centeronhalsted. Lambda Legal for this opportunity to bring Drag show 10:00 pm. 7:30pm Windy org/Chats

year’s awards. Nominations sought This year’s sponsors include Polo Cafe & Ca- tering, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on for 30 Under 30 Halsted, Howard Brown Health and Chicago Awards; ceremony House. at new site Honorees will be notified in May. Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBT individuals (and allies) Sidetrack holding for its annual 30 Under 30 Awards. The awards are moving this year to the South LGBTQ community Side, to Polo Cafe and Catering, 3322 S. Morgan events this spring St., on Wed., June 22. There will be a 5:30 p.m. Several community organizations will be reception, with the program being 6-7:30 p.m. holding gatherings and fundraising events this Nominees should be 30 years or under as spring at Sidetrack, 3349 N Hasted St. of June 30, and should have made some sub- —Saturday April 16, 4-8 p.m.: Chicago Gay stantial contributions to the Chicagoland LGBT Men’s Chorus Big Package Auction. Chicago Salsa dancers at last year’s “Havana in Chicago” event. community, whether in the fields of entertain- Gay Men’s Chorus presents The Big Package Photo by Vern Hester ment, politics, health, activism, academics, Auction ‘16, hosted by Judy Tenuta. There will sports or other areas. be comedy, gourmet food, cocktails, and silent The deadline to nominate individuals is Fri- and live auctions—featuring a super-sexy all- There will be a Cuban buffet from Siboney Cu- day, April 15. male big package auction. The VIP reception ban Restaurant (SiboneyChicago.com) and Cu- Chicago TV Awards Windy City Times Managing Editor Andrew Da- starts at 4 p.m., with the main event starting ban music by Angel D’Cuba and guests. April 18-20 vis coordinates the awards program for the pa- at 5 p.m. There will also be a Cuban inspired silent per. Hundreds of people have been honored by The Chicago International Television Awards Visit CGMC.org/2016-events/big-package- auction with artwork, artifacts and gift certifi- will expand its programming April 18-20. the paper in the more than 10 years since the auction/ cates. All the money raised during this event— awards were established. Most honorees have All events will take place at the AMC River Event page: https://www.facebook.com/ from ticket sales, silent auction and drink East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. gone on to great success in their careers and events/520675301445143/ sales—goes directly to First Hand Aid. Tickets educations, including working for the Obama Among the events slated are a screening of —Saturday April 23: Proud to Runway are $50 available online and at the door. the Chicago-based Fox show Empire, complete presidential campaign and administration, plus 1980s. Proud to Runway is back and in full —Saturday May 14, 1:30-3:30 p.m.: MOMosa individual successes in music, legal, profes- with a panel discussion including key crew force to celebrate the 35th annual Proud to Brunch 2016. It’s a brunch cocktail event for members; and a screening of the newest epi- sional and academic careers and much more. Run Race. As an homage to their start, this year patrons, their mothers, and all friends and fam- Individuals, organizations, co-workers, etc. sode of HBO’s Veep, along with actor Gary Cole the models are bringing ‘80s realness. Benefi- ily who support equality! All proceeds benefit speaking about the show, now in its fifth sea- can nominate a person by emailing Andrew@ ciaries for this year include Trans Tech Social the work of Equality Illinois. son, as well as his Chicago roots. WindyCityMediaGroup.com or faxed to Andrew Enterprises, About Face Theatre and Center Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/ The expanded programming culminates Wed., Davis’ attention to 773-871-7609. Self-nomi- on Halsted A $20 donation includes two drink events/972944832792232/ April 20, with the annual Chicago International nations are welcome. tickets and benefits Frontrunner/Frontwalkers Schedule subject to minor changes. Please Television Awards at the AMC River East 21. The The nomination should be 100 words or few- Chicago. contact Sidetrack or the individual organiza- celebratory evening begins at 60 p.m. with a er, and should state what achievements or con- Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/ tions for additional details. cocktail reception at the Lucky Strike Lounge tributions the nominee has made. Nominators events/233978070283120/ Sidetrack opens at 3 p.m. Monday through followed by the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. should include their own names and contact —Saturday April 30, 4-8 p.m.: Havana in Friday, and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets ($20 screening passes, $15 members/ information as well as the contact information Chicago—a benefit for First Hand Aid Many of these events have a suggested dona- students; $35 screening and award-night cer- and the age of the nominee. Proceeds from this event will be used to help tion at the door. Sidetrack will offer separate emony; $75 screenings and award-night cer- Note: Following the policy instituted in 2005, First Hand Aid fulfill its mission of delivering bar areas open to the general public, with no emony/reception) are on sale now; visit Chica- individuals can only win once. 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It’s bullshit, and that argument will go nowhere. SAVAGE from page 18 WCT: Where does your relationship stand with the over- then the violence we’ve seen in the primaries is going to be 10 all transgender community today, given past skirmishes times worse in a general-election campaign. It’s going to get you have had with some transgender activists? What do & York ugly, and people could get hurt or killed. Black people, brown you think of the push by some gays who have called for a people and Muslims are going to get attacked—so it concerns separation of transgender rights from the LGBT movement, me when I see progressives taking too much delight in what a including in a recent USA Today column? Attorneys At Law Trump candidacy could do to the GOP. That said, I don’t think DS: I consider myself a trans ally, and feature tons of trans he can win; but if he gets the nomination AND we have a reces- people on my show, which has a large straight and cis lis- sion AND we have a terrorist attack in October—who knows? I tenership—people who need to hear from trans people, not 4001 N. Wolcott want there to be a brokered GOP convention and somebody else just about them. [Regarding the proposed separation,] I am getting the nomination. emphatically opposed to any effort to “drop the T.” Hateful Chicago, IL 60613 I love what [MSNBC morning host] Joe Scarborough said bullshit. (773) 248-8887 about Trump: “The GOP realizes that the economy never trickles WCT: My last question: Your life is such an open book. Is down. The problem with the Republican Party over the past 30 there a little-known fact about you? years is they haven’t ... developed a message that appeals to DS: [Laughs] I’m trying to think of one. Usually, people are the working-class Americans economically in a way that Donald interested in my sex life, but I don’t like to talk about it. I don’t know if it’s little-known, but I’m a musical-theater Trump’s does.” People are angry and confused. It’s a terrifying The Law Offices of moment. queen. Musicals are my favorite thing ever. I’m coming to Chi- WCT: I was wondering if you had heard of Australian poli- cago a couple days early because I want to go to Showtunes Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss tician Bob Day, who recently quoted you in his argument Night at Sidetrack. I’ll drink the boozy slushies and sing along. & Associates against marriage equality. WCT: OK—tell me three of your favorite musicals. DS: Yes, I had. A lot of people here in the United States, DS: Oh, my God—just three? Let’s see: Mame, A Little Night When experience counts... where we have marriage equality, attempted to launch the same Music and South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut—The Musical, In service to the community made by Stone and Parker before they did Book of Mormon, argument—that gay people shouldn’t marry because gay people for over 35 years. aren’t monogamous. which is amazing. South Park is the best movie musical of the It’s a place they don’t want to go and it’s easy to push them last 30 years—and I say that knowing that Chicago exists. That • Bankruptcy musical was made for us. out of it because gay male couples are the least likely to be mo- • Wills, Trusts & Probate nogamous, straight couples are more likely and lesbian couples The HUMP! Film Festival will take place at the Music Box are the most likely. So if marriage is based on monogamy, then Theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave., on April 8-9 with shows at • Real Estate Closings 7 and 9:30 p.m. In addition, on Thursday, April 7, Savage only lesbians should be allowed to marry. • Premarital Agreements It’s a ridiculous double standard, because you can be married will have a live recording of his podcast “Savage Lovecast” and not monogamous if you’re straight. No one says to the also at the Music Box, starting at 8:30 p.m. Savage will an- 33 N. Dearborn St., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60602 Clintons that they’re not married. Monogamy is definitional for swer sex questions from the audience with some help from [email protected] marriage only if gay people want to be married. Gay people are other revered freaks and “sexperts.” 312-263-8800 told that marriage is about monogamy, children and religion— For an overview of each film and tickets for both events, We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. but those are all options when straight people want to marry. check out Humpfilmfest.com. WINDY CITY TIMES April 6, 2016 31 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS

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