THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Oct. 21, 2009 • vol 25 no 3 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com The Importance of Jon-Henri Damski By Owen Keehnen Fullerton to Irving Park with east/west borders as the lake and Halsted. Yoko Jon-Henri Damski was a cornerstone of Chicago’s A vast curiosity prompted his eagerness to ex- LGBTQ community who helped reveal our lives plore. He was a philosopher and a journeyman in Ono page 15 and world in over 1,000 newspaper columns constant search of the deeper truth. His playful, from 1977 to 1997. His words helped define us. provocative and insightful columns tended to He chronicled the changing about be- explore issues rather than preach about them. ing gay, the media’s coverage of LGBTQ issues, He had his point of view, but never let it blind police harassment, porn theaters, the local take him. Damski believed that a cornerstone of LG- on national and international politics, transient BTQ journalism was a need to remain an advo- hotels, queer theory, rock and roll, outing, crime cate for freedom and a willingness to remain and violence, mentoring, tricking, marriage and open. His “business” card said it all. It was a HIV. In short, he covered it all. His beat was the caricature of Damski with the words “Gay Writer/ world but his stomping grounds were Chicago’s Jon-Henri Damski. Queer Thinker.” Shepard gay ghetto known as “New Town” which ran from Turn to page 16 Rally page 7 Teacher page 8 chastised for slur by STEVEN CHAITMAN

A Geneva High School teacher accused of mak- ing a derogatory gay and racial remark in class received a warning notice by the district’s board of education last Tuesday, Oct. 13. After investi- gating a student complaint alleging that teacher Dave Burk used the term “some Black fag” in a class lecture Oct. 5, Geneva School District 304 officials issued Burk a “notice to remedy”—a warning that a repeat offense could result in dismissal. The board determined the consequence after Chita a two-hour closed session following a regularly Rivera scheduled board meeting. The school district page 15 then released a statement that deemed Burk’s behavior unacceptable, but offered no further comment on the reasoning behind the chosen consequence. Getting Craig Collins, District 304’s assistant superin- tendent for personnel services, said, “I can as-

October 14, 2009 #1003 sure you that the board and the administration Personal are very concerned about what has happened and we will be engaging in some ongoing con- versations once we put a little bit of distance nightspots between the incident and the board meeting. We n have every intention to look at this situation for pick it up From the Ashes The pro-choice organization Personal PAC held its annual luncheon Oct. 19 at the Chicago Hilton ...rises Scarlet! See photos from opening night. page 21 what it is and ensure that that it does not hap- take it home inSIDE A special garbage-picking Actor Alec Mapa in and Towers, 720 S. Michigan, with none other than Sandra Bernhard as the guest speaker. Bern- Devil In the Details. Nightspots MAFIA. page 28 page 29 pen again.” hard poses above with Personal PAC President Terry Cosgrove. See more images on page 7 and online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com; photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography. Turn to page 8 com)

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ENTERTAINMENT Dr. Christopher Koch (above) was one FashionDesign | MerchandisingManagement | InteriorDesign of the honorees at Safe Schools Scottish Play Scott 11 Alliance’s brunch. See page 8. Theater reviews 12 Knight at the Movies 14 Photo by Blair Mishleau Sketch by: Demetrius M. Denton Designer Horacio Nieto 14 2009 IADT Chicago Fashion Forward winner Chita Rivera; Yoko Ono 15 Jon-Henri Damski 16 Knight at the Movies 16 Kuda review; Sarfaty 17 Billy Masters 20 Decibelle; Angell loves Nicks 21 CallToday! OUTLINES Calendar Q 18 888.446.1777 Real estate; classifieds 19 Sports: CRU love 22 Sports shorts 22

Fedra: Queen of Haiti (above) is one of Cover photos and credits (from top): Yoko Ono photo several theatrical productions reviewed One North • Chicago, IL 60602 copyright Yoko Ono 2009; Attendees at the Matthew Shepard rally by Blair Mishleau; Chita Rivera Spider this week. iadtchicago.edu Woman photo by Catherine Ashmore Photo by Sean Williams IADT Chicago does not guarantee employment or salary. CEC2328390 10/09

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And it’s our responsibility Supreme Court entities who offer religious or other First Amend- to speak out against it, whenever it happens. ment justifications for their actions. “Every child who is a minority faces discrimi- sits out In Choose Life v. Illinois, an anti-abortion nation, exclusion and oppression at some point group petitioned the state for the right to have in their lives. It is actions like those of this LGBT cases its motto “Choose Life” stamped onto a series state official—refusing to marry a loving couple By Lisa Keen of automobile license plates. By state law, the because of personal prejudice—that perpetuate Keen News Service group needed two things to make that happen: the discrimination and racism that continue to several thousand signatures from residents will- pervade our culture. There was no dramatic sit-in on the steps of ing to buy license plates with the specialized “There is also the fact that this state official the U.S. Supreme Court this month at the 2009 slogan, and approval from the general assembly. is just plain wrong. There are countless children March on Washington. It was there, during the Choose Life got 25,000 signatures—a number of interracial parents who grew up to embody 1987 march, that one of the movement’s larg- that “far exceeded” the minimum required, ac- the strength of our families: President Barack est and most intense moments of direct action cording to court documents. But the plan was Obama, Tiger Woods, Soledad O’Brien. And par- was staged. Thousands of gay-rights supporters shot down in a legislative subcommittee. The ents themselves—like Seal and Heidi Klum, for- Janet Napolitano. stood together at the bottom of the court’s en- anti-abortion group filed a lawsuit, arguing that mer Defense Secretary William Cohen and jour- trance and systematically defied police orders it violated their First Amendment right to free- nalist Janet Langhart. And the lists go on and initiative Proposition 8, according to the San to stay off the court’s open gathering plaza. In dom of expression. on, with millions of successful families who have Francisco Chronicle. Walker had already said that protest of the high court’s 1986 decision, Bow- The Court of Appeals for the thrived in the face of prejudice directed at their a trial is necessary to resolve issues involving ers v. Hardwick, upholding state laws prohibiting Seventh Circuit ruled that the state had a “rea- parents and their children. Prop 8’s constitutionality. The judge also said consenting same-sex sexual relations, hundreds sonable rationale that messages on specialty li- “The story of Connecticut state Rep. Jason Bar- that federal courts have not yet dealt with laws of the demonstrators stepped onto the plaza, sat cense plates give the appearance of having the tlett, also deputy director of the National Black that treat gays and heterosexuals differently. down, and were arrested. government’s endorsement, and Illinois does not Justice Coalition, illustrates this truth. When he President Barack Obama has nominated Min- The 2009 march planned no such demonstra- wish to be perceived as endorsing any position grew up, his mother told him that he might not neapolis Assistant Chief of Police Sharon Lubin- tion directed at the U.S. Supreme Court. In large on the subject of abortion.” On Oct. 5, the U.S. be accepted by some who are white, and might ski as the U.S. marshal for the District of Minne- part, that is because the high court has since Supreme Court refused to hear the group’s ap- not be accepted by some who are black, because sota, according to the Minnesota Independent. reversed itself on Hardwick. It ruled, in 2003’s peal of that decision. of his mixed heritage. But he learned through In the process, Lubinski has become one of Lawrence v. Texas, that state “sodomy laws” were The court also refused to hear an appeal in understanding who you are in the knowledge of the first—if not the first—openly gay people unconstitutional. It also ruled, in 1996’s Romer Frazier v. Smith, which centered on the parents your family’s love, that he could overcome those to be nominated for the post. If confirmed, v. Evans, that state laws cannot be based on of a Florida public high school student who re- obstacles. she would be the 13th female marshal in the animus towards gay people. fused to stand in class during the pledge of al- “It is that very love of a family that helps history of the United States. However, the Supreme Court has not become legiance. The school policy said that was OK, but overcome the oppressions that so many Ameri- The Mississippi chapter of the ACLU has a reliably hospitable place for LGBT people. And only if the student, Cameron Frazier, brought in cans continue to face. And knowing who we taken up the case of 17-year-old high school while pro-gay legal groups do not, so far, see a written request from his parents asking that he are—as people, and as a family—is at the heart student Ceara Sturgis, a lesbian whose photo— any cases before the court that they intend to be excused from participating. The U.S. Supreme of survival in a culture that is too-often still with her in a tuxedo—was excluded from the become involved in this session, there are scat- Court ruled in the 1940s that a state cannot hostile to our lives.” yearbook by school officials at Wesson Atten- tered cases involving LGBT issues. force students to recite the pledge. But Frazier Lettman resides in the Washington, D.C., area dance Center, according to ClarionLedger.com. The Supreme Court refused during its official refused to even stand and his parents sued, say- and recently married a master sergeant of the The ACLU chapter has sent a letter to Copiah opening-day orders Oct. 5 to hear the appeal ing the requirement to stand also violated his United States Air Force, who returned this past County School District Superintendent Rickey of a Michigan school district that was seeking First Amendment rights. The 11th Circuit split July from a tour of duty in Balad, Iraq. Clopton, stating that there is an issue involving to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the parents of a the baby: It said the school could not require See www.NBJC.org. the violation of Sturgis’ constitutionally protect- student who was allegedly being repeatedly students to stand during the pledge but that it ed freedom of expression. Sturgis is a straight-A harassed, and called “queer” and “faggot.” The could require parental permission for students student who is on the soccer team and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Cir- who chose to exercise their right not to stand. NATIONAL band. cuit ruled in January that the case, Hudson Area Cases involving the pledge are springing up In Kalamazoo, Mich., gay-rights group One Schools v. Patterson, should proceed to trial. all over the country, many testing whether the Kalamazoo has aired a 30-second ad support- Court records indicate other students repeat- words “under God” violate the constitutional ROUNDUP BY ANDREW DAVIS ing an anti-discrimination measure, according edly harassed the Patterson student, calling him rights of students who don’t believe in god. A to On Top Magazine. City officials have approved “queer,” “gay” and “faggot;” writing anti-gay federal judge in New Hampshire last month ruled On her CNN program, The Joy Behar Show, a measure that makes it illegal to discriminate slurs and drawings on his books and locker; and that federal law does not require anyone to re- the host wondered if Homeland Security Sec- on the bases of sexual orientation and gender urinating on his clothes. Despite the student cite the pledge and that a state law requiring retary Janet Napolitano is out, according to identity. However, the organization Kalamazoo seeking help from school officials, the harass- school children to recite it was “a civic patriotic Advocate.com. In an exchange with gay writer Citizens Voting No to Special Rights opposes the ment escalated with a student sexually assault- affirmation, not a religious exercise, and inclu- Dan Savage, Behar asked, “Isn’t she gay?” when legislation, saying it discriminates against reli- ing him in a locker room. The assailant was sion of the words ‘under God’ constitutes, at Savage said that Napolitano has done nothing gious groups. eventually dismissed but the coach in charge of most, a form of ceremonial or benign deism.” to advance gay rights. Savage answered, “I’ve In Georgia, administrators at Morehouse the locker room later commented to the victim ©2009 Keen News Service never slept with her.” Napolitano has repeatedly College, an all-male historically Black school, and others in the locker room that they should said she is not lesbian. have banned the wearing of women’s clothes “not joke around with guys who can’t take a man In a video, gay blogger/activist Andrew Sul- and make-up in a crackdown on campus at- joke.” Coalition responds livan has called for Human Rights Campaign tire, according to CNN.com. The school’s new Because the Supreme Court refused to hear the (HRC) President Joe Solmonese to resign, ac- “Appropriate Attire Policy” also bans sagging school’s appeal, the parents’ lawsuit will now be to decision in cording to an Advocate.com item. Sullivan has pants, pajamas in public and walking barefoot. heard in a federal district court in Detroit. interracial case said that HRC “has 20 years of zero achievement The move comes after school officials took disci- for gay rights in Washington, D.C.” Sullivan plinary action against two female staff members Religious crusades National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) Execu- spoke Oct. 10 at the Equality to End HIV/AIDS who sent anti-gay e-mails. The Supreme Court also refused Oct. 5 to hear tive Director Sharon J. Lettman has responded Rally and Vigil in front of the White House, just Gay and lesbian couples are now able to ap- an appeal from an Episcopal Church in Los An- to the denial of a marriage license to an oppo- before President Barack Obama addressed HRC at ply for marriage licenses in New Hampshire, geles that sought to break away from the na- site-sex couple in Louisiana. its annual dinner. although they cannot wed until Jan. 1, 2010, tional denomination because the denomination “It is hard to believe that a Louisiana state In California, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger according to Advocate.com. The licenses cost allowed the consecration of a gay bishop, Gene official could simply refuse to follow the law of has signed a measure recognizing May 22 as $45 each and are valid for 90 days. Couples in Robinson of New Hampshire. the land as set forth in Loving v. Virginia. The Harvey Milk Day throughout the state, ac- civil unions will automatically be considered The St. James parish in the diocese of Los An- status of this person as a justice of the peace is cording to Advocate.com. According to Equality married on Jan. 1, 2011, when such unions will geles broke away from the denomination in 2003 something that needs to be revoked,” Lettman California, the bill “would require the governor be dissolved. and tried to take the church property with them. said. proclaim May 22 each year as Harvey Milk Day. It In Montana, the state supreme court ruled But the denomination fought the parish’s efforts Keith Bardwell, a Louisiana justice of the peace would encourage public schools and educational 6-1 in favor of lesbian Michelle Kulstad, who to take the property, and the California Supreme from Tangipahoa Parish, refuses to marry inter- institutions to conduct suitable commemorative sued former partner Barbara Maniaci for parental Court agreed. racial couples. He told the : “I’m exercises on that date.” rights of the children they had raised together, By refusing to hear the St. James Parish ap- not a racist. I just don’t believe in mixing the Tom Perez, the head of the Justice Depart- according to Advocate.com. The court ruled that peal, the U.S. Supreme Court has left the ruling races that way. I have piles and piles of black ment’s civil-rights division, has said that he Kulstad had established a parental relationship of the California court intact. But the Califor- friends. They come to my home, I marry them, is making LGBT-related claims a top priority, while in a 10-year relationship with Maniaci, nia decision affects no other states, and, im- they use my bathroom. I treat them just like according to a 365Gay.com item. Among other who is now married to a man. portantly, there are similar cases percolating in everyone else.” He said his refusal was based on things, Perez said, “We must fight for fairness On Oct. 8, the U.S. House voted 281-146 to other states. For instance, the entire Episcopal concern for children they might have. and basic equality for our LGBT brothers and pass a Defense Department funding measure Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, has a lawsuit un- “Time and again we have seen public officials sisters who so frequently are being left in the that includes a bill that extends hate-crimes derway attempting to acquire church property discriminate against loving, committed couples shadows,” and “ensure that there’s a level play- protections to people based on gender, gen- with its separation. And, the Supreme Court’s and claim that their discrimination is really mo- ing field in which our LGBT brothers and sisters der identity, sexual orientation or disability, refusal of St. James v. Episcopal Diocese does not tivated by concern for children,” Lettman con- are judged by the content of their character.” Advocate.com reported. The U.S. Senate will de- preclude it from taking up a similar case from tinued. “That justification is wrong when it’s In California, Chief U.S. District Judge bate and vote on the conference report for the another state. used to deny marriage to a couple on the basis Vaughn Walker refused to dismiss a lawsuit defense measure as soon as the week of Oct. There are several cases reaching the high of their race. It’s wrong when it’s used to pre- that challenges the anti-same-sex-marriage 12. court now that test the government’s power to vent committed gay and lesbian couples from Oct. 21, 2009 5 Up. H.D. appeared in the POOL films productions After the war, H.D. suffered a mental break- Foothills (1927) and Borderline (1930), which down, and returned to Switzerland. She lived at Gay History received their most enthusiastic reception in Kusnacht, a clinic, and various hotels. She was Germany. now 60, yet was experiencing the most prolific Project continues H.D. and Bryher lived at this time in Kenwin, writing years of her life. Her book “Hermetic Def- Be sure to catch next week’s issue of Windy the Bauhaus home Bryher had built near Riant inition” (1972, New Directions) contains the an- City Times, when there will be a previously Chateau in Switzerland. H.D. sought out analy- gel-haunted poems of her old age. Other books unpublished interview with legendary jour- sis, and Bryher, an early supporter of psycho- include “Selected Poems of H.D.” (1957, Grove nalist Walter Cronkite (below) as well as a analysis, arranged for Dr. Hanns Sachs and Have- Press) and “Trilogy” (1973, New Directions). profile of the gay poet Walt Whitman. lock Ellis to recommend H.D. to Sigmund Freud. In July 1961 she suffered a stroke and died H.D. referred to herself as Freud’s pupil, and he on Sept. 21, 1961. She was buried on Nisky Hill, referred to her as his analysand, during 1933 in Bethlehem, Pa., among her family. She was and 1934. H.D. later wrote “Tribute to Freud” as survived by Bryher, her daughter and son-in-law, a fictionalized memoir of this period. her grandchildren and many other family mem- Her interests at this time also included mysti- bers and friends. cism, Hellenic studies, Egyptology, and astrol- H. Hernandez wrote, “Her gravestone lies flat ogy. Her long poem “Helen in Egypt” reflected in Nisky Hill Cemetery… and usually has sea those interests. She and Bryher were able to get shells on it, left in tribute. It bears lines from to London when World War II broke out; Bryher her poem ‘Epitaph’: barely escaped Switzerland before helping over a …So you may say, H.D. hundred refugees to homes in other countries. Greek flower; The years during World War II were very pro- Greek ecstasy GAY HISTORY PROJECT ductive for H.D. She and Bryher lived together reclaims forever during this time. H.D. became very interested in one who died The life of spiritualism, and her poetry began to strain at following intricate song’s the boundaries of Imagism. “The Walls Do Not lost measure. Fall,” the first part of “Trilogy,” was her break H.D.” the poet H.D. with Imagism. by SUSAN JORDAN

The bisexual poet H.D., whose full name was Hilda Doolittle, was born Sept. 10, 1886, in Bethlehem, Pa., to a wealthy upper-middle class family. A contemporary of the American poet Ezra Pound, with whom she was involved at one Casa Vista Los Arcos point, she became a great Imagist poet, who at Puerto Vallarta’s gay-owned, elegant Spanish hillside villa the end of her writing career broke with strict Imagism. She received literary awards including the Gold Medal from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and, later in life, the Brandeis and Longview Awards. Doolittle attended the Ivy League women’s college Bryn Mawr, but dropped out and moved to England in 1911. Her romance with Ezra Pound had ended, but he introduced her to Lon- don’s avant-garde literary circles. She married the novelist Richard Aldington in 1913. The Imagist poets believed in direct treatment of the subject, allowing no inessential words and following the musical phrase rather than strict, traditional regularity in their rhythms. H.D.’s first published poems appeared in the journal Poetry in January 1913. H.D. was fascinated by ancient Greek culture, and now she began to travel throughout Europe and saw Greece for the first time. Her poetry ap- peared in the English Review, the Transatlantic Review, and the Egoist. She also began an in- tense but non-sexual relationship with novelist D.H. Lawrence, and her marriage became trou- bled. (Her novel “Bid Me to Live” is largely about this time.) She lived downstairs from her husband’s mis- Ask about our tress, and was introduced to a friend of the Law- boys’ and rences, Cecil Gray, who became the father of her girls’ weeks! daughter, Frances Perdita, named for H.D.’s first Nestled on a hillside with amazing ocean views, the beautiful, great love and lifelong friend, Frances Gregg, open-aired villa accommodates up to 10 with 4 ensuite bedrooms, and for the lost daughter of Hermione in Shake- 3 kitchens, large outdoor area with heated pool (perfect for parties speare’s The Winter’s Tale. The birth left H.D. very ill, but a woman named Bryher came to her & weddings). English speaking staff, wireless internet and free rescue. calls to and from The U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. Bryher, born Annie Winifred Ellerman, met H.D. on July 17, 1918 in Cornwall. She took Proud supporter of: the name Bryher from one of the fabled Scilly Isles, located to the west of Cornwall and site of many ancient legends and megalithic stone monuments. A wealthy heiress who was also a writer, her friendship with H.D. blossomed into love. They were lifelong companions, although often maintaining separate residences and their independence. They travelled together and kept their relationship throughout their other affairs, and throughout Bryher’s marriages to Robert McAlmon and Kenneth Macpherson. The two women moved to Paris, mingling with the expatriate literary community. After Bryher’s marriage to McAlmon ended, and the one to Macpherson began, they were drawn into WWW.CASAVISTALOSARCOS.COM the world of film. Bryher and Macpherson began POOL Productions and the film magazine Close- 773-960-5721 6 Oct. 21, 2009 D.C. MARCH WEEKEND munity full equality.” —Jean Leigh, owner of The Leigh Gallery: “I went to a “March on Washington” many years Being in D.C. Chicagoans ago, so I do understand the mentality and at- by BLAIR MISHLEAU tempt for hope and results—but there has never WINDY CITY TIMES reflect on been a “March” that has had any impact on the government. It just puts revenue in the pock- Signs laid on the grass as excited activists be- D.C. march ets of businesses around the mall—that’s about gan setup for the march. A loud scream rang by andrew davis it.” out: “Look!” Above us, on a cloudless day, —Mike Bauer, political activist: “Roger [Si- was a rainbow. If this were merely irony, it Hundreds of thousands of people participated in mon, Bauer’s partner] and I watched the rally showed its face at the most poignant time. the Oct. 11 National Equality March that took on C-SPAN on Sunday, and I was struck by the The National Equality March in Washington, place in Washington, D.C. Windy City Times com- large numbers of LGBT youth both attending the D.C., brought together hundreds of thousands piled thoughts from locals (some of whom at- rally and speaking. Listening to the articulate- of LGBT activists Oct. 11 to demand equal- tended) about the march and the Human Rights . Photo by Kat Fitzgerald ness and passion of the LGBT youth who spoke ity now, and brought many younger people to Campaign gala that President Barack Obama (MysticImagesPhotography.com) at the rally was a thrill for both of us—giving the front of the equality battle. spoke at the previous night. Jones and Sherry Wolf give some history of or us great reassurance that there is a whole new The group I went with, Join the Impact Chi- For more insights, visit www.WindyCityMedia- striving for rights in America. Then, we pro- generation arising within the LGBT community cago, had four buses with 220 people leav- Group.com. ceeded over to the Convention Center to a little who are going to push hard and differently to ing Chicago Oct. 10. As we got situated on —Gail Morse, attorney: “I was struck by the demonstration to remind the president, “Obama, advance LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS issues in this the bus, getting ready for a 14-hour drive, we diversity in the crowd: young and old; gay and Obama, let momma marry momma” and, of country. Even through the medium of television, couldn’t help but be giddy. For some, it was straight; and ethnic diversity, too. I was of- course, “What do we want? Equality. When do I could feel all this intense, incredible grass- their first march; for others this was second fended by Congressman Barney Frank (“Crank”)’s we want it? NOW!” roots energy that I fully expect will re-energize nature. But it was a big moment for all. comment that it was a waste of time. It is nev- As the well-dressed LGBT folks headed into our community’s political battle for equal rights As people marched onto the bus carrying er a waste to exercise one of our fundamental the dinner, we not-so-well-dressed individuals in this country.” their pillows, snacks and iPods, a feeling of rights. While we all supported Obama, by and chanted our wants for equality. It was lovely to —Michael Carr, Log Cabin Republicans: I excitement started to take hold. We were go- large his speech the night before was unremark- see both ends of the spectrum of our communi- wasn’t in D.C. for the March, nor was I at the ing to march at the nation’s capital—and it able in its lack of specifics or any real passion ty—those in black tie and those in black jeans. HRC Gala. was exhilarating. for the urgency of the need to end discrimina- Sunday, the day of the march, was just awesome. I hope that the march was not an exercise in Unfortunately, bad news struck within the tion against our community.” The diversity the numbers of youth and the col- futility. I’d rather see and read about young peo- first few hours. Bus #1, which held most of —Vernita Gray, activist: I could not think of ors of the rainbow that shone in the sky above ple contacting their legislators, and convincing the protest signs and many of the main orga- a better way to kick off my next 40 years of us just brought tears to my eyes. The ‘60s poem their family and neighbors to do the same. What nizers for the conference, had broken down in activism than to head off to the National Equal- said the revolution would not be televised, but will really change the hearts and minds of leg- Ohio. ity March in Washington, D.C., with thousands after a while exhaustion set in and we headed islators is tangible pro-marriage equality com- With a shaky voice, our bus leader gave of LGBT people who demanded that our days of back to the condo to watch some great speeches munication from their constituents. The march the news. We were now down a quarter of our second-class citizenship have to end and that on C-SPAN. ... Dustin Lance Black was very in- should be considered a step towards mobilizing group. This would not quiet us, though; it we should be treated with all the dignity and spirational in his call to come out on that lovely young people to get more active in politics, would only make us louder as we marched to respect due ri us as humans first, and as citizens Sunday. What a great way for us all to come out making phone calls and convincing others to do Obama’s doorstep. of the United States. together in our demand for equal rights! Power so is not glamorous but it is vital. As dusk set in, most riders got ready for Both marriage equality and the right to serve to the people! The president’s promises to our community sleep. Cuddling seems to be a common theme in the military are my rights as a taxpaying citi- —State Rep. Greg Harris: “I think that the during his speech at the HRC gala were already with the gays: Most bus buddies snuggled zen, and I headed to Washington to have my march and the rallies in cities around the United made during his campaign. I hope to see Presi- up and slept as to be ready for the grueling voice heard. On Oct. 9 at a local gay bar I met a States show how important achieving full equal- dent Obama make good on his promises; until march the next day. couple of African immigrants who reminded me ity in society is to hundreds of thousands of then, his position of support for our community The next morning we groggily awoke, but of how fortunate we are in this country. I shared LGBT Americans. People should now take the amounts to frustrating rhetoric. If the president within a few moments we realized that where the story of Sakia Gunn, a Black 15-year-old who knowledge they acquired during these events is fully committed to ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t we were: the capital of our nation. In just a was brutally murdered because of her sexual ori- and use their energy by continuing the fight in Tell,” then his first order of business should be few hours, we would be multiplied into the entation. On Saturday, Oct. 10, I headed over their hometowns and states as well as pressuring to stop fighting the Log Cabin Republican law- hundreds of thousands, walking as one. to Busboys and Poets restaurant to hear Cleve Congress and President Obama to give our com- suit seeking to overturn that terribly harmful After a quick breakfast, we started to walk act. towards the starting point. At first it was just —T.J. Williams, advocate: One of the things us, but more and more people joined us until that I have been concerned about is the lack we flowed together like a river. of progressive voices of faith in these events. We began slowly, picking up speed as we Conservatives have always used Christian voices went along the route. Bystanders screamed to take away rights while with in the queer com- their support, and chants rang out through munity have fought hard to muffle those voices. the crowd. While doing so, middle America is not listening This being my first march, I was constantly to our cry for justice and equality. in awe over how united people were. While I applaud Cleve Jones for being there to work our ethnicities, localities, ages and many with myself, Pastor Will Moore of Las Vegas, Rev. other factors could divide us, for that one day Irene Monroe and the Gaylin Haggler of Plym- we marched as one group with one mission: outh Congregational Church. equality now. In the middle of the chaos, I We planned the official service for the march took a moment and thought: if this were the that was held at 8 a.m. with the hopes of speak- only thing I had to show for myself, I would ing on LGBT issues. We did this with a unified be okay with that. voice—UCC, Moorlight Presbyterian, Jewish and Once everything was over, we slowly piled Muslim. Rev. Mike Schuenem and many others back onto the buses. Our throats were sore helped us hold this service, not just because we and our bodies hurt. It was so worth it. believe that we just should but because we re- The Oct. 11 National Equality March. Photo by Joe Tresh ally believe that voices of faith really belong in the fight for justice.

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It’s Personal

Joe Laiacona. Joe Laiacona takes on Deb Mell BY ANDREW DAVIS

Joe Laiacona is taking on incumbent state Rep. Deb Mell in what is shaping up to a very intrigu- The 20th Personal PAC (Political Action Committee) award luncheon took place Oct. 19 at the Hilton Chicago and Towers, 720 S. Michigan. The ing race in the state’s 40th District. Does Laia- event celebrated people and politicians devoted to women’s reproductive rights in Illinois—and entertainer Sandra Bernhard was the special cona realize the magnitude of the task before guest. The Personal PAC Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the late Dr. George Tiller, a man who spent his life and career devoted him? Absolutely. Is he intimidated? Hardly. to the rights of legal and safe abortions who was recently murdered by an anti-abortion activist. The Irving B. Harris Spirit of Choice Award Windy City Times: How’s the campaign go- was given to board member Prudence Beidler. The upper picture shows Bernhard with (from left) Maury, Tiller’s son; Rebecca, Tiller’s daughter; ing? and Jeanne, Tiller’s widow. Among the many politicians who appeared were state Rep. Deb Mell, Congressman Mike Quigley and Gov. . Joe Laiacona: It’s going very well. I see myself Text by Byron Flitsch; photos by Kat Fitzgerald. Many more photos are online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. as the David in this situation; I’m hoping I have the slingshot [to take on Goliath]. But it’s going well in my district. For the past weeks, I’ve been collecting sig- natures—and I’ve gotten a surprising and good reaction from [the constituents]. WCT: I saw the exchange on your Web site where you mentioned to a constituent who your opponent was and the person responded, “Why didn’t you say so?” JL: That happened a lot; I didn’t make it up. I don’t believe in negative campaigning. I just said I was running. However, most people signed up because they believe in easy ballot access; they really want to have a choice. WCT: Deb Mell talked about her vote for [not impeaching her brother-in-law] former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Is that a sticking point with you? JL: Yes. I think she represented her family, not her constituents. I don’t think she had to vote “yes.” I think she should’ve voted “present.” I was in that same situation myself. (This is going back about 30 years.) There was some tur- moil in a company I worked for, and my sister- in-law was one of the employees under me. My supervisor called me and asked me to fire her. I said, “Dennis, I can’t fire my sister-in-law,” and he said, “That’s OK. I’ll do it for you.” Voting “present” would have been another way [for Mell]. WCT: Something I didn’t see on your Web site was anything on LGBT rights. Did I over- look that? JL: No. WCT: Why is that the case? You have worked for a gay publication [as columnist “Jack Rinella” for magazine]. JL: First of all, it’s not an issue in my neigh- borhood... Sidelined by diarrhea? At least 18 years of age? WCT: How do you know that? JL: I’ve talked with my constituents. But I HIV-positive? think they should be called “human rights.” Spe- cifically, I address marriage rights in my plat- form. If so, you may be eligible to participate in our clinical study. We WCT: But there are other issues that are of concern to the LGBT community. are testing an investigational medicine that may help control JL: Yes—but I want equality, irrespective of race, creed, sexual orientation, gender, age. HIV-associated diarrhea and get you back in the game. For WCT: But do you understand why it might appear to some people that you’re white- washing [your gay identity]? more information, call Alianza Research at 312-988-4500. JL: I do understand. See www.friendsforjoelaiacona.org. Also, Laiacona is holding a reception Thursday, Oct. 22, at Trattoria Caterina, 616 S. Dearborn, 5-7 p.m.; RSVP at the Web site. Read much more of the interview—includ- ing what Laiacona said is his biggest obstacle in the race—at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. com. 8 Oct. 21, 2009 After the rally, participants marched. They such groups. The alliance also has subcommit- walked down Halsted, through the streets of tees, dealing with issues such as school policies, TEACHER from cover Lakeview, past the office of Alderman Tom Tun- professional development and youth training. ney and the 23rd District Chicago Police Station “In our work at the alliance, it is really a core before ending back at the 7-11 parking lot. part of a dynamic, youth-led nationwide move- Leaders of the march began with chants of ment with a goal of ensuring that sexual orien- “Hey hey, ho ho, Fiorito has got to go,” call- tation and gender identity are part of every facet ing for his resignation. Marchers shouted similar of our schools,” said Shannon Sullivan, ISSA’s chants throughout the vigil, ranging from de- executive director. “What that means is that manding marriage equality to opposing police when the word ‘faggot’ is used as a weapon in brutality. our hallways, there will always be students and Some believe the Chicago vigil does not suf- adults in that environment to stand up and stop ficiently focus on remembering Shepard. it.” “Matthew’s death was tragic. The focus of a The organization relies heavily on students to vigil should be to solemnly remember his death fulfill its mission. Students help to implement and other victims of hate crimes. I don’t think gay-straight alliances, and also have influence screaming up and down the streets in protest- in policy, among other things. Attendees at the Oct. 17 Matthew Shepard form is paying Matt the respect he deserves,” “It’s directed work, they know what to do. rally/march. Photo by Blair Mishleau said Paige Toe, 19, a student at Columbia Col- They know what to do to get stuff done,” said Jordan Hunter. Photo courtesy of Hunter lege. Tea Sever, 17, a senior at Lincoln Park high Originally the vigil was to be Oct. 1, in protest school. Sefer is a member of the Youth subcom- But for Geneva High School senior Jordan Gathering of a concert by anti-gay performer Buju Banton. mittee, which helped to get gender identity and Hunter, 17, the openly gay student who filed However, the show was cancelled and the date expression onto Chicago Public School’s anti- the complaint, the board’s decision is unsat- of the vigil was changed back to Oct. 17. discriminatory policy. isfactory. remembers When asked whether schools are safe for LGBT “I don’t believe [writing a warning letter] students, people seem unified on how divided is acceptable or serious enough of a conse- Shepard ISSA honors safety can be. quence for what he did,” Hunter told Windy by BLAIR MISHLEAU advocate, student “It depends on the school and the community. City Times. We try very hard to create safe and affirming According to Hunter, Burk was explain- Matthew Shepard’s brutal beating and death oc- at brunch environments. Is it as good as it should be? No. ing the National Endowment for the Arts in curred on a cold October night 11 years ago. In by BLAIR MISHLEAU But that’s why we are working with orgs like the a lecture about tax dollars during his 10th remembrance of his death, the Gay Liberation Alliance,” said Renae Ogletree, a community re- hour consumer-education class when he said, Network and hosted the annual Educators, students and activists met Oct. 18 lations employee with Chicago Public Schools. “How do you feel about your tax dollars go- Chicago vigil for him Oct. 17. for the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance’s (ISSA’s) “There’s such a North/South divide. A lot of ing to pay some Black fag in New York to take Between 200 and 250 people attended, accord- brunch. Over a hundred people were attended LGBT youth at [the North Side’s Walter] Pay- pictures of other Black fags?” ing to Chicago police. The vigil began at 7 p.m. the brunch at Rockit Bar and Grill, 22 W. Hub- ton [College Prep] feel safe, whereas at other Hunter filed the complaint immediately with a rally at the corner of Halsted and Roscoe, bard. schools not so much. It has been proven that after class and the investigation quickly fol- in the parking lot of a 7-11 convenience store, The brunch was held to honor the Alliance’s having a GSA [gay-straight alliance] helps LGBT lowed. He said the district assured him the before people took to the streets to march. Advocate of the Year, Illinois State Superinten- students feel more safe, and that’s what the Al- issue was being handled seriously, but the This year the focus of the vigil was on the dent of Education Dr. Christopher Koch, and the liance does,” said Sefer. end result left him feeling otherwise. violence of Chicago Police Department officer Activist of the Year, Xavier Ramirez (who was “I’m having a Stephen Colbert moment, ‘We’re “I think it’s ridiculous that the school Richard Fiorito. Fiorito is the subject of more also honored this year with a Windy City Times here, we’re queer, they’ll get to us eventually,’” seemed to not take it as seriously as they than 20 lawsuits by LGBT persons. Leaders called 30 Under 30 honorable mention). said board chair Laura McAlpine, referring to the promised me they were taking it,” he said. “I for Alderman to fire and prosecute Those in attendance included the national motto Colbert suggested for the LGBT commu- don’t think they thought about it any terms Fiorito. (Fiorito was recently placed on desk president of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Les- nity. other than what the handbook says. I think duty while the charges against him are gone bians and Gays), representatives from Equality “Everybody in this room isn’t waiting for even- they looked at it as he made an indecent re- through.) Illinois and more than a dozen members of the tually. We’ve been working on this for so many mark and not as anything more.” Another topic of discussion was the war in Chicago Teacher’s Union. years, and it’s not eventually. ... We’re doing this Hunter said he believes Burk should have Afghanistan. Juan Torres, who lost his son in The Alliance “envisions a world in which youth right here, right now,“ said McAlpine. been fired, but Burk is a tenured teacher of Afghanistan, was scheduled to speak, but was develop to their fullest potential, learning in As Koch accepted his award, he kept his speech 28 years, which decreases the possibility in unable to attend due to vehicle trouble. Gay Lib- safe and nurturing schools, living in communi- short and his message focused: “It seems like it these situations. eration Network co-founder Andy Thayer spoke ties that except and honor differences, where would be common sense that keeping schools According to Illinois State Board of Educa- in his place. everyone has the freedom to express their sexual as safe learning environments where kids can tion spokesperson Mary Fergus, Illinois case “You may be asking why are we talking about a orientation and gender identity,” according to fully develop to their full potential would be a law has shown that if a tenured teacher does war several thousand miles away at a gay-rights its mission. given, but it’s not. It’s something we all have to something not considered “completely egre- rally,” Thayer said. “Well, if we’re concerned with The organization accomplishes this through get involved with. Looking at some things we’ve gious” and the board determines it remedi- violence against our communities, and we’re not multiple outlets. It has helped create gay- managed to accomplish, [it’s] really as individu- able, that teacher may often only receive a concerned about violence against entire whole straight alliances and mentor existing ones als, when we say ‘what can we do?’” warning. nations, then we’re not worthy of any solidarity throughout Illinois. There are currently over 125 Hunter said he’s not sure if there’s any fur- for anti-gay hate crimes.” ther action he can take with the school dis- trict, but he’s looking into the matter. In light of the incident, District 304 is plan- Wed., Oct. 28 ning to address some of the language in its 7:30 p.m. teacher discipline bylaws about harassment. Hope Edelman The bylaws do not specifically mention sexual The Possibility of Everything orientation on the list of prohibited forms of discrimination, but Collins said this specific Thursday, Oct. 29 policy is due for review in the next couple of 7:30 p.m. months. Deborah Willis “The timing is perfect,” Collins said. “We Posing Beauty: may move [that policy review] up ahead of African-American Images some other ones, but we’ll certainly get to it from the 1890s Have your as soon as we can and not delay it unneces- to the Present sarily.” Select Italy Travel premiums In the meantime, Hunter hopes that his ex- ample and all the national media attention Rome increased the incident has received will inspire others Florence to speak up in these situations. Venice “Students have said [Burk has] made simi- 5233 N. Clark recently? lar comments, but no one has reported it be- (773) 769-9299 You’re definitely not in fore,” he said. “I think it’s sad when people Kansas anymore! See me: don’t speak up. When you know something is Charles T. Rhodes, wrong, say something about it.” Agent At his request, Hunter was moved out of Your Italian travel experts since 1997 the consumer-education class, which he will 2472 N. Clark 303 W. Erie Suite 410 take with a new teacher next semester. He [email protected] 773.281.0890 said 99 percent of the feedback he’s received, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Chicago, IL 60654 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company both over the Internet and from his class- Parking Available www.selectitaly.com/wct (not in NJ) Wheelchair Accessible 800-877-1755 State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) mates, has been positive. Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois Oct. 21, 2009 9 rates the monument to a gay poet together with WORLD the homophobic mayor of Moscow,” he said. Last June, in her month statement, ROUNDUP Clinton vowed: “Gays and lesbians in many parts of the world live under constant threat of ar- QUOTELINES by rex wockner rest, violence, even torture. The persecution of BY REX WOCKNER gays and lesbians is a violation of human rights Zimbabwean and an affront to human decency, and it must end. As Secretary of State, I will advance a com- Q but appointing a gay man ambassador to New gay leader dies prehensive human rights agenda that includes “I have seen and witnessed so many Zealand is not a very bold step. ... We’ve got Key Zimbabwean gay leader Keith Goddard, di- the elimination of violence and discrimination things over the past two years and I can say to keep doing the work to push him to do the rector of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, died against people based on sexual orientation or with such certainty that this is the single most right thing.” — National Equality March lead Oct. 9 from pneumonia. He was 49. gender identity.” important moment of my career. ... The young- “Keith dedicated his life to the advancement er generation, my generation, we are the ones organizer Cleve Jones responding to President of LGBT rights, human rights and his passion coming up in the world, and we must continue Obama’s Oct. 10 speech to the Human Rights for music,” the group said in a statement. “The Boyzone’s Stephen to push this movement forward and close the Campaign, to this column, Oct. 11. struggle for LGBT rights is a difficult struggle gap. We must demand full equality for all. They and in many instances in the history of GALZ Gately dies say that this country is free and they say that “I was totally disappointed (by Presi- Keith stood gallantly in the frontline. He dared Openly gay Irish singer Stephen Gately, who this country is equal, but it is not equal if it’s dent Obama’s Oct. 10 speech to the Human where most men would not go.” achieved fame as lead singer of the boy band (only) sometimes (equal). Obama, I know that Rights Campaign dinner). Our community let Scott Long, director of Human Rights Watch’s Boyzone, died Oct. 10 in Spain of acute pulmo- you’re listening. ARE YOU LISTENING?! We will him off and we did not force him by coming to LGBT Rights Division, said Goddard “oversaw nary edema. He was 33. continue to push you and your administration that dinner to (announce) substantial change. (GALZ’s) transition from a group representing Officials attributed the death to natural causes to bring your words of promise to a reality. All we got was another ‘Please wait.’ He got an the urban white elite to one rooted in the ma- and said it “had nothing to do with consumption We need change now. We jority population and its urgent needs.” of alcohol or drugs.” demand action now.” — “He could on many occasions have left Zimba- Gately had been on vacation in Majorca with Lady Gaga at the National bwe and settled into the comparative comforts his partner, Andy Cowles. Equality March in Washing- of armchair activism abroad,” Long said. “He ton, D.C., Oct. 11. I could not didn’t. He stayed—even when he was framed on Commission tells ludicrous charges of assault that hung over him “I’m working with discern for years. He faced, and overcame, oppression EU nations to the Pentagon, its lead- anything new. Ferber Lawrence by Photo and opprobrium that the rest of us could not ership and the members —Cleve Jones, even imagine. Whenever I visited GALZ, Keith respect gay rights of the House and the Sen- on Obama’s speech was always, amid swirling fears and social cha- GLBT rights are a prominent topic in the Eu- ate on ending this policy. os, imperturbable—a rock.” ropean Commission’s Oct. 14 progress reports on ... I will end Don’t Ask, at the Oct. 10 HRC gala Leading British gay activist Peter Tatchell said the seven countries that are planning to join the Don’t Tell. That’s my com- Goddard “risked his liberty and life many times, European Union: Croatia, the Former Yugoslav mitment to you.” — Ba- speaking out against homophobia and transpho- Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia rack Obama at the Human bia, even though this marked him as a potential and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia and Rights Campaign’s national dinner in Washing- A-plus on the Cliff Notes version of our rights target for state and vigilante violence. The dan- Kosovo. ton, D.C., Oct 10. The address was carried live that we’re denied, but a C-minus on what he’s ger of kidnapping, arrest, imprisonment, torture The reports recommend that the nations adopt on CNN. actually doing to take care of it.” — National and murder never deterred him. Keith will be GLBT antidiscrimination laws and policies that Equality March Co-Director Robin McGehee to remembered as a pioneer and hero of the LGBT meet EU requirements and, in the two nations “While progress may be taking longer this column, Oct. 11. liberation struggle in Africa.” that have passed such laws—Croatia and Ser- than you’d like as a result of all that we Leading Indian gay activist Vikram Doctor bia—that GLBT people be protected against dis- face—and that’s the truth—do not doubt the “’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ has always been said: “It could have been so easy for him to have crimination “in practice.” The commission was direction we are headed and the destination bad policy that was made out of a bullshit left, emigrating to Europe like so many white particularly critical of Serbia, where the Belgrade we will reach. My expectation is that when you political compromise. You know, like you’re do- Zimbabweans did, fleeing to refugee camps in gay pride parade was canceled Sept. 19 after the look back on these years you will see a time in ing now with health care. It never made sense South Africa like so many black Zimbabweans prime minister told organizers that police could which we put a stop to discrimination against to begin with: ‘Here in the Army we’re all about were forced to. But Keith stuck it out and kept not protect marchers from violent anti-gay hoo- gays and lesbians, whether in the office or on honor. And trusting the man next to you. Now going with GALZ until his untimely death. I ligans who planned to attack the event. the battlefield. You will see a time in which lie to my face about your sexuality, Johnson, know Keith would probably have laughed at the The commission also criticized Turkey for vio- we as a nation finally recognize relationships or I’ll report you behind your back.’ But forget idea of being considered a hero, but more than lating gay activists’ rights to freedom of expres- between two men or two women as just as real all the good arguments for repeal, like because most people I know, he was.” sion and association. and admirable as relationships between a man it was promised to us in the campaign or be- In 2001, GALZ ran out of money and its phone “The commission’s progress reports are one of and a woman.” — Barack Obama at the Human cause it gets lonely on a submarine. Do it be- (and dialup Internet) was cut off for three the most important tools at hand for the EU in Rights Campaign’s national dinner in Washing- cause it’ll make Rush Limbaugh explode like a months. When he finally got back online, God- influencing the human rights situation in can- ton, D.C., Oct 10. The address was carried live bag full of meat dropped from a helicopter. Do dard encountered 1,566 e-mails. didate and potential candidate countries,” said on CNN. it because it’ll make Sarah Palin go rogue in “Not all of them were junk mail trying to sell Lilit Poghosyan, programs and policy officer for her pants.” — HBO’s Bill Maher writing at The us Chinese chemicals or offering us free holidays the European Region of the International Lesbi- “I could not discern anything new. It Huffington Post, Oct. 9. to places we have never heard of,” he wrote to an, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association felt like a reiteration of the pledges he made fellow activists. “Luckily, we have been able to (aka ILGA-Europe). during the campaign, it felt like a campaign “I don’t call what I do outing, I call sell a fridge to pay for the water and the phone “The gradually wider and more self-evident speech. It was well-written, it was beautifully it reporting—and I’d never report on the bill and our new funding cycle with HIVOS (Hol- inclusion of LGBT human rights in the commis- delivered—the man has the gift—but, you private life of a private person. Celebrities, land’s Humanist Institute for Development Co- sion’s monitoring system and in the progress know, I hope this is not true but, we need to politicians and professional athletes, on the operation) is set to start in the first week of reports shows that LGBT rights are recognized keep reminding ourselves and the young peo- other hand, made a choice to live their lives in November. We are all very sorry indeed for the within the European Union and that it is expect- ple who were not present during the Clinton the public eye for their careers. They need to long silence.” ed and demanded of the future members that administration that this is very similar. This is be prepared for the public talking about their they comply with the European values.” déjà vu all over again. The beautiful speeches, private life.” — Gay blogger Perez Hilton to the Anti-gay Moscow the flowery proclamations, the willingness to Oregon gay newspaper Just Out, Sept. 18. Web site, attend our parties, and the list of well-con- mayor unveils nected people who get great jobs. I’m sorry, —Assistance: Bill Kelley contestant settle Whitman statue Russian reality-show contestant Vasily Pechen, Anti-gay Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov and U.S. who was on Big Brother, and the Web site Gay.ru Secretary of State Hillary Clinton unveiled a have settled a legal case stemming from Gay.ru’s statue of presumably gay poet Walt Whitman at having alleged that Pechen is gay and accepted Moscow State University on Oct. 14. money for sex, according to a report on GayRus- Brothas Saving Brothas Luzhkov has banned gay pride events for the sia.ru. past four years in Moscow, sent riot police to Gay.ru will pay Pechen $5,077 and retract its Be Part of a Bonding violently arrest people who violated the bans, story, GayRussia.ru said. Experience Where You Will and called gay parades “satanic” and “weapons Pechen claimed that the reporting and cer- of mass destruction.” tain photos that accompanied it damaged his ʈ Receive great incentives for time spent! Moscow Pride organizer Nikolai Alekseev un- career and stressed his mother, contributing to ʈ Experience a free, everlasting retreat with successfully had called on Clinton “to publicly her death. He had originally asked for about express her position on gay rights to one of the $68,000 in damages. other men of color. top homophobic politicians in Europe.” A separate lawsuit against the newspaper Ex- “I think that no one would understand her press Gazeta, over its publication of similar in- For information, contact Edwin Ervin at 773.293.4740 ext. 29 silence on the breach of fundamental rights of formation, is ongoing. Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) www.behiv.org LGBT people in Russia (on) the day she inaugu- —Assistance: Bill Kelley 10 Oct. 21, 2009

VIEWPOINTS VOL. 25, No. 3, Oct. 21, 2009 The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, It’s also because of the discriminatory impact of allow those families to remain vulnerable and founded May 1987. U.S. marriage laws; the federal government does excluded from immigration reform efforts. Fami- TRACY not recognize same-sex unions when it comes lies in his district, and around the country, are PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR to binational LGBT couples. This leaves many counting on his continued leadership to end the Tracy Baim BAIM LGBT couples and families divided by national discriminatory immigration laws that force them Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky borders. apart.” MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), Gutierrez said keeping families together is of Business manager Meghan Streit which is co-sponsored by Gutierrez and more primary importance, and that immigration re- Director of New Media Jean Albright than 100 others in the House (including Illinois form must treat all families fairly and equally. ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk Gutierrez: Do Reps. Davis, Hare, Jackson, Quigley, Rush and “It’s important that ‘all families’ include LGBT Williamson, Cynthia Holmes, Carlos Paret Schakowsky and Sens. Durbin and Burris), is a families too,” Ralls said. Promotions director Cynthia Holmes the right thing standalone bill to assist LGBT families. Immigra- Immigration Equality points out that nearly NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson tion Equality, an LGBT group, is urging Gutierrez half of all binational couples are raising chil- National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez’s commitment to LGBT SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie to include UAFA as part of his own immigration dren, and those children face the very real pros- J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, civil rights goes back to his 1980s campaign reform bill. Windy City Times also asks Gutierrez, pect of losing one of their parents or of being Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia during the aldermanic special elections mandat- our longtime Chicago LGBT supporter, to make forced to leave the U.S. in order to keep their TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan ed by the courts. He was a supporter of Mayor an inclusive LGBT-friendly immigration bill a pri- family intact. “If Congress delays action on re- Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. , and ran successfully during BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair ority. form that is LGBT-inclusive, it will mean that, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS the 1986 special election held in several key “Congressman Gutierrez’s bill is especially im- literally, thousands of families will be torn apart Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, districts. portant to LGBT families because, as a progres- before Congress intervenes again. Immigration Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, I interviewed Gutierrez during that campaign, sive piece of legislation that will certainly influ- Equality is aware of several families who are al- Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel for Windy City Times, and he spoke of his com- Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie ence the crafting of comprehensive immigration ready making plans to leave the U.S. if Congress Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe mitment to gay rights. This was a heated time in reform measures later this year, it can send a doesn’t take action on their behalf soon,” Ralls Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Chicago’s history, with dividing the strong message that lawmakers support ending said. Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, city by geography, race and more. But Gutierrez discrimination against LGBT binational families,” It is long past time for our immigration poli- Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy Masters, John stood firm for gay rights and he did not waver Fenoglio said Steve Ralls of Immigration Equality. “Guti- cies to be reformed across many levels, including PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, from that commitment as an alderman. errez is a staunch champion of both LGBT issues for LGBT families. Rep. Gutierrez, you have stood Steve Becker, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia Now Gutierrez is an important U.S. representa- and immigrant families, and legislation under with us before; please stand with us now. ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart tive, and is sometimes asked to work on gay-re- his stewardship that is LGBT-inclusive will be in- See www.immigrationequality.org. CIRCULATION lated issues. Immigration is one of those issues strumental in ensuring that our families are not Tracy Baim is publisher of Windy City Media Circulation director Jean Albright that our community often forgets is very gay- Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, forgotten. In short, his bill can be instrumental Group. Sue and Victor related—not just because there are many LGBT in putting Congress on notice that lawmakers immigrants, some fleeing anti-gay countries. who care about LGBT immigrant families will not

U.S., tea-party protests with guns at its rallies following explaining this “post-racial” genera- and a vicious right-wing contingent blocking the tion of African Americans that includes Barack REV. President of the United States from delivering Obama, Harold Ford, Cory Booker and my gover- IRENE an innocuous back-to-school speech encourag- nor, Deval Patrick: MONROE ing America’s children to stay in school, we are “Their deeper kinship resides in their identi- seeing strong efforts at play to delegitimize ties as breakthrough figures—Africa American Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Obama’s authority. politicians whose appeal transcends race. Men Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). And, of course, the specter of race surfaces. reared in the post-Selma era and schooled at Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, You must ask, how much does race play a key elite institutions, developed a political style of and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. The conversation factor and not a backdrop to Obama’s policy de- conciliation rather than confrontation, which All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy cisions? complemented their natural gifts and, as it hap- City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned America won’t And, like any unresolved conflict, the warts and pens, nicely served their ambitions.” for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, boils bubble up, unseeingly, out of nowhere. This political style these men employ Shelby cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own have on race “Racism ... still exists and I think it has bub- Steele depicts it best in his recent book “A and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of bled up to the surface because of a belief among BOUND MAN.” Steele states that, in the African If we resided in a post-racial society then Wil- a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy many white people, not just in the south but American community, there are two types of City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the liam Faulkner’s words uttered in the 20th cen- sexual orientation of such person or organization. While around the country, that African-Americans are people—the “bargainer” and the “challenger.” tury would not ring true in this century: ”The we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an What is a “bargainer” or a “challenger?” this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept past isn’t dead and buried. In fact, it isn’t even abominable circumstance and grieves me and According to Shelby Steele, a bargainer strikes responsibility for advertising claims. past.” (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 concerns me very deeply,” former President Jim- a bargain with white America in which they say With the election of Barack Obama as this na- e-mail: [email protected] my Carter told NBC News. I will not rub America’s ugly history of racism tion’s first African-American president many of Whereas Carter thinks race is indeed the under- in our face if you will not hold my race against www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com us had hope we could finally close the door on lying issue Obama thinks otherwise. me. radio: WindyCityQueercast.com America’s original sin: slavery. “Now there are some who are, setting aside A “challenger,” on the other hand, does the video: QueerTVNetwork.com But the vestiges of that institution lingers not the issue of race, actually I think are more pas- opposite of a “bargainer.” A “challenger” charg- only in the backwaters of America, but they also WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, sionate about the idea of whether government es white people with inherent racism and then linger in the hallow halls of Congress. 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA can do anything right,” he told ABC News. “And demands they prove themselves innocent by When South Carolina Republican House Rep. (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) I think that that’s probably the biggest driver of supporting black friendly polices like affirmative Joe Wilson belted out “You lie!” during Obama’s some of the vitriol.” action and diversity. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. televised joint session of Congress address, Wil- Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. But Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder No matter what kind of shape-shifters or mask- son jolted us back to Faulkner’s words. Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now might perceive Obama’s rejoinder as cowardice. wearers we are as African Americans leaders, If Wilson’s act of incivility were merely about online only In February, Holder received scathing criticism even our post-racial leaders are finding out that Deadline The 10th of month prior. Joe the man, and not about a nation still haunt- for his speech on race. He’s critics said the tone the nagging issue of race is an unavoidable is- OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE ed by and grappling with its shameful and un- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and tenor of the speech was confrontational and sue. examined legacy of racism, then the fodder and accusatory. And our attempts to dodge the issue of race in fuss that followed would not have ensued. “Though this nation has proudly thought of it- American public discourse is itself a racial act. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com As a mater-of-fact, we could have viewed Joe’s self as an ethnic melting pot,” Holder said, “in And the reason race bubbles up to the surface, www.WindyCityQueercast.com outburst as all about him, an impassioned man www.QueerTVNetwork.com things racial we have always been and continue unseeingly out of nowhere, is because it is the in opposition to Obama’s current political dis- to be, in too many ways, essentially a nation of conversation America won’t have. cussions. After all, I too, find Obama’s health- cowards.” care plan and government spending to be a Obama is part of a new generation of African- brow-raiser. American male leaders who come after the ‘60s. But when you see an onslaught of racist imag- They would argue that they don’t flee from race Send letters to “Windy City Media Group generated es of Obama by those in opposition to him, like issues, but rather they don’t employ the black enormous interest among their readers placards that read “Afro-Communist,” “Obama in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index civil rights movement paradigm, often viewed as Andrew@ ribs ‘n chicken ... plus a nice slice of watermel- Survey. Out of approximately 100 confrontational, to enter into mainstream poli- on for the darkie,” and now the recent poster, WindyCityMediaGroup. print and online media partners who tics. And they are heralded as American’s post- flooding the Internet, showing Obama wearing a participated in the survey, Windy racial leaders who successfully navigate through com. feather headdress and a bone through his nose City was the best performing regional this country’s lingering legacy of racism with the as a witch doctor, there is unquestionably some- Letters may be media in the U.S. Only survey partners intent purpose of disarming whites of their guilt thing deeper going on than merely opposing his with a nationwide footprint were and fears. edited for policy. able to generate a greater number of Peter Boyer’s article in the Feb. 4, 2008 issue And when you have a Birther Movement pro- responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research of The New Yorker, titled “The Color of Politics: A length or clarity. mulgating lies that Obama wasn’t born in the Director, Community Marketing, Inc. Mayor of the Post-Racial Generation,” wrote the Oct. 21, 2009 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Paul Metreyeon DOLL IN THE FAMILY The Hypocrites’ version of Frankenstein has Stacy Stoltz with some strange bedfellows. See more scary treats below. MOVIES MUSIC SPORTS Adult ‘Education.’ Yoko motive. CRU love. Page 14. Page 15. Page 22.

Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Brando Mataya Yoko Ono and John Sanders

Well, maybe not once you see the extremes that til Oct. 31 at 4830 N. Broadway; $10; 733-561- Scottish the women go to in Lights Out Alma at the 4665 or www.annoyanceproductions.com Annoyance Theatre. This co-conceived piece by Play Scott Irene Marquette and her cast runs through Oct. Scream a song BY SCOTT C. MORGAN 29 at 4830 N. Broadway; $10; 733-561-4665 or So many things go better with music. So why www.annoyanceproductions.com. not Halloween? Not all theater companies tailor their October After a hiatus of a few seasons, Porchlight Mu- shows around Halloween the way that many do That ‘Hollow’ feeling sic Theatre has brought back a revamped Macab- for the holiday season in December. But there Somehow a memo got out for the Washington aret. Journey into a macabre world with great are plenty of Chicago troupes that get into the Irving classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to tunes in this Halloween musical revue. It plays spooky spirit by offering haunting shows that be taken up by multiple companies this Octo- through Nov. 1 at the Theatre Building Chicago, vary from scary, sexy, silly and song-filled. ber. 1225 W. Belmont; $30; 773-327-5252 or porch- Theatre-Hikes’ Sleepy Hollow takes audiences lighttheatre.com. Hey! Mr. Spaceman! Photo by Matt Liang through Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, The Salem witchcraft trials of 1692 may have Truly scary Chaboud If you want truly theatrical chills up your Lisle. This musical revival by Judy Freed, Eliza- inspired Arthur Miller to write The Crucible, but spine, catch these shows: beth Doyle and Owen Kalt runs now through Nov. themed show Rollin’ Outta Here Naked, Vaudezil- these unfortunate incidents have also inspired Theatrical mastermind Sean Graney of The 1. Tickets are $25, and $18 for kids. Phone 630- la mines monsters for inspiration. Monster Bur- the joke-filled show Salem! The Musical at the Hypocrites has conceived a new adaptation of 968-0074 or visit www.theatre-hikes.org. lesque Academy plays one night only on Oct. Annoyance Theatre (now to Oct. 30). The Annoy- Mary Shelley’s horror novel Frankenstein. Get Tyler Beattie and Scott Ferguson find even 31 at the Portage Theatre, 4050 N. Milwaukee; ance offers even more musical mirth in Bucket up close and personal with this monster of many more music in Irving’s tale for Filament Theatre $15-$20; 773-736-4050 or www.vaudezilla.com. of Blood, a musical spoof of the Roger Corman parts now through Nov. 1 directly on the MCA Ensemble, which presents The Legend of Sleepy Dream Theatre mixes burlesque and a disturb- script about a guy who must continually cover stage of the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 Hollow: A New Folk Musical now through Nov. 9 ing Dickensian tale of a young woman trying to up for his many killings (now to Oct. 31). Both E. Chicago; $20-$25, and $10 students. Call 312- at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western. Tickets save her dignity in Jeremy Menekseoglu’s drama shows play at 4830 N. Broadway; $10-$15; 773- 397-4010 or visit www.mcachicago.org. are $16.50, and $10 for kids. Call 773-296-6024 The Black Duck. It plays until Nov. 1 at 556 W. 561-4665 or www.annoyanceproductions.com. Dream Theatre takes you along with Anna in or see www.filamenttheatre.org. 18th; tickets are $20 each. Call 773-552-8616 or What happens when a teenage girl in the 1950s the Darkness 2009: The Basement, Jeremy Me- GreatWorks Theatre Company also adapts The see www.dreamtehatrecompany.com. falls in love with a robot from outer space? Find nekseoglu’s drama about a school teacher barri- Legend of Sleepy Hollow with an eye for ele- out in The Strange Tree Group’s Hey! Mr. Space- caded in the basement from a crowd out to lynch mentary school-aged children at the Greenhouse Titters for terror man! This new play with songs by Emily Schwartz her. It’s being presented now until Nov. 1 at 556 Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln. There are week- You’ll laugh and cry at these comical creepy plays until Oct. 31 at The Building Stage, 412 W. 18th; Tickets are $15; call 773-552-8616 or end matinees now through Oct. 31; $15; 773- offerings: N. Carpenter; $20-$50; 773-598-8240 or www. see www.dreamtheatrecompany.com. 404-7336. Death Toll—A Drinking Game Performance strangetree.org. See what gory special effects are in store for is a Halloween-themed improv comedy playing Two of the biggest macabre musicals to hit Oracle Productions’ Disturbed IV, which takes Hubba-hubba Halloween now through Oct. 31. Corn Productions offers up Chicago don’t even open until next month. its inspiration this year from Dante’s Inferno. Burlesque has experienced a boom in Chicago, even more comedy with Nightmares on Lincoln That’s when the national tour of the Mel Brooks Get your 15 minutes of fright at 3809 N. Broad- so why not have a bodacious boo-fest for Hal- Ave., now through Oct. 31. Both shows play the musical Young Frankenstein plays the Cadillac way until Nov. 1; $8; 773-244-2980 or www. loween? Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln; $7-$15; 312- Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Nov. 3-Dec. oracletheatre.org. Off Off Broadzway hollers out Trick or Teets! 409-6435 or www.cornservatory.org. 13, while the pre-Broadway world premiere of If puppets scare you in any way, then you at Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Fans of Choose-Your-Own-Adventure novels The Addams Family sets up house at the Ford might want to avoid InFusion Theatre Company’s Milwaukee, until Oct. 30 and also at Fizz Bar and will want to check out Zombies Attack Chica- Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre Rhymes With Evil. Charles R. Traeger’s drama Grill, 3220 N. Lincoln until Oct. 29; $12; 773- go. Nothing Without a Company lets audiences Nov. 14-Jan. 10. Visit www.broadwayinchicago. involves a stay-at-home dad who makes puppets 278-1830 or www.offoffbroadzway.com. decide who will survive through Oct. 30 at The com for more information on these mega-mon- for his beloved daughter. But all is not what The Greenhouse Theater Center opens the door Spot, 4437 N. Broadway; $15; 773-728-8934 or ster musicals. it seems in this chilling drama, playing now to burlesque in Chris O. Biddle’s revue, Peek-A- www.spotchicago.com. Please send theater-related news and other through Nov. 8 at 77 E. Randolph; $23; 312- Boo!, through Oct. 31; $10-$25; 773-404-7336 The Annoyance Theatre revives a classic from tidbits to [email protected] and 742-8497 or www.dcatheater.org. or www.greenhousetheater.org. its past with Splatter Theatre, the famed show [email protected]. Sisters should always stick together, right? After scoring a hit with its Big Lebowski- that spoofs 1980s slasher flicks. Get bloody un- 12 Oct. 21, 2009

SPOTLIGHT

Assassin, cannibals and vultures—oh, my! You’ll find all of these dastardly folks inBas - tards of Young, Tympanic Theatre’s collec- tion of eight short plays that aim to give you a shock this Halloween season. Bastards of Death of a Salesman. Photo courtesy of Christa Rolf Young plays 8 p.m. Thursdays through Sun- days until Nov. 8 at The Side Project, 1439 THEATER REVIEW open, caliper-style, to reveal the interior of the W. Jarvis. Tickets are $15; $10 for students refuge that is now little more than a mound of and seniors. Some free tickets will be issued Death of debts. Thus are we immediately caught up in the Thursday, Oct. 22, as part of the League of consciousness of this lonely man who exhorts Chicago Theatres’ Free Night of Theatre ini- a Salesman his reluctant children to fulfill his thwarted am- tiative. Call 773-442-2882 or www.www.tym- Playwright: Arthur Miller bitions, who seeks guidance from the ghost of panictheatre.org. Photo courtesy of Tympanic At: Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark his enviable brother, and whose loved ones are Theatre Phone: 773-338-2177; $25-$30 helpless to halt the anomie that will lead, inexo- Runs through: Dec. 5 rably, to his destruction. Which is just how Arthur Miller wanted it. So aided by their silent and existentialist ac- the Monster in the closet of a pre-adolescent boy BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE (Look at the directions in the script, if you don’t companist/composer Jean-Paul-Pierre (an ac- as the cycle sets to repeat itself with variation. believe me.) In a welcome return to the aes- complished Jeremy Ramey), the two playfully Throughout, Neff plays all the bad boys—and Most playgoers know Willy Loman primarily thetic that made the Raven Theatre Company one-up each other in the style and sophistica- Lucinda is attracted to them—while MacKechnie through textual analysis in the classroom. So what it is today, director Michael Menendian has tion departments. But unbeknownst to Dom- plays the good guys. even when viewing his sorrowful story on the forged an ensemble dynamic steeped in emo- inque, Fatiguée plans to break up the act. Well, they play pretty good guys: Adam does stage, we tend toward academic detachment, tional urgency devoid of study-guide signposts. As Fatiguée, Jennifer Chada is definitely the have an affair, and it hardens Lucinda’s heart blurring our awareness that we are witness- JoAnn Montemurro rejects Edith-Bunker clichés brassier of the two. Chada is also expert at less because of the infidelity and more because ing the last 24 hours—yes, it all happens that to make Linda Loman a wife whose loyalty to her showing off her backhanded jealousy of Domin- Adam dared to do it. “You can’t forgive me be- fast—of a fundamentally good and innocent spouse remains unswerving despite his flaws, ique’s obvious awareness of her own beauty. As cause you wanted to do it,” he says. “I discarded man hovering on the brink of a spiritual abyss. while Jason Huysman and Greg Caldwell convey Dominque, Kelly Anne Clark gets to vamp it up expectations, that’s why you can’t forgive me.” It has always been the American way to chase the heartbreaking frustration of Willy’s sons, and show off her gorgeous soprano voice. As they part, he delivers the cruel but truthful a dream of betterment for oneself and one’s kin. confronted with their sire’s deterioration. Both Chada and Clark make wonderful carica- coup-de-grace: “You may still be right, but does Willy chased the dream, not as an artisan like Andrei Onegin’s scenic design and Michael tures of experienced French women who know all that make you good? And will it keep you warm his father or an adventurer like his brother, but Tutaj’s score of wistful incidental music keep our too well about unfaithful lovers and disappoint- at night?” as a purveyor of the dream’s seductive promises. universe firmly established in our hero’s subjec- ments in their respective singing and ballet ca- McCullough has packed a great deal into this After a life devoted to bluff and braggadocio, tive perception, allowing for a fluidity of move- reers. And under director/choreographer Rudy pithy work of magic realism, including impres- however, he now finds himself, at age sixty, still ment facilitating Chuck Spencer’s vigorous per- Hogenmiller, the two actresses shine brightly sively rich subtext deeply interpreted by direc- pursuing a satisfaction that continues to out- formance as an angry Willy Loman overwhelmed throughout. tor Jessi D. Hill and a flawless cast. Physically pace him. by disillusionment, regret and, ultimately, de- The French stereotyping extends to the pro- impressive Laidlaw often plays Amazons (she The first thing we see, entering the auditorium, spair. You may have seen this American classic duction design as well. Courtney O’Neill’s cozy was Xena in About Face’s adaptation of the TV are a pair of barn-like garage doors, upon which staged before, and will probably do so again, but café set design is an art nouveau novelty, while show), so it’s a breath of fresh air to see her later a video sequence will be projected, sharing never will it haunt you like this timely lesson for costumer Darcy Elora Hofer lays it on heavy with play a character—girl-to-woman—of fragile and with us Willy’s long drive down the highway be- a restless society. the feather boas and shiny chiffon. changing nature. Neff emerged last year as a fore arriving in the night. The doors then swing While C’est la Vie probably won’t win any young actor to watch, and has not disappointed THEATER REVIEW awards from the Alliance Française for authen- through several leading roles to date, playing ticity, it certainly will chime with audience innocence and worldliness with equal aplomb. CRITICS’ PICKS C’est la Vie members’ romantic notions of a night out on the MacKechnie is excellent in the least-showy role Playwright: Greg Opelka town in Paris. And if you are genuinely a fan of of three, and is consistently persuasive as Adam Broadway Sings the Silk Road, Silk Road At: Light Opera Works’ Second Stage, all things French, you’ll feel like you’re in on (and a few others). Grant Sabin’s uncluttered, Theatre Project (SRTP), through Nov. 1. How 1420 Maple, Evanston Opelka’s finely crafted joke. ever-changing bedroom set cleverly mutates does showbiz see cultures of the Silk Road? Info: 847-869-6300; $24-$39 from American Girl Place pink to sophisticated Songs from Kismet, Bombay Dreams, Pacific Runs through: Nov. 15 THEATER REVIEW neutral tones, from single bed to marriage bed Overtures and more tell the sometimes-sad to no bed at all. Kat Doebler’s costumes use story. Sterling sever-person cast. JA BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Lucinda’s Bed simple variations on one or two basic outfits The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Playwright: Mia McCullough for each actor, helping to create a clean, fast Victory Gardens/Teatro Vista at the Bio- You don’t have to be a Francophile to enjoy C’est At: Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago show. graph, through Nov. 1. You might have come la Vie. But loving all things that Americans ste- Tickets: 312-633-0630; I never expected an entire life’s journey or for the sweaty muscle-men grappling skin- reotypically view as French (and having at least www.chicagodramatists.org; $25-$30 such truth (so it seems to me) about men as well on-skin in the ring, but you’ll leave with a a junior high school understanding of the Gallic Runs through: Nov. 8 as women. Lucinda’s Bed shows why McCullough fresh understanding of how it reflects your language) will certainly help. has earned her stripes as a playwright. place in American society. MSB This first local professional staging of Greg BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL Fake, Steppenwolf Theatre, through Nov. Opelka’s revue is something of a triumphant re- 8. Eric Simonson’s play is flawed, but fas- turn. C’est la Vie originally debuted in 2002 at Mia McCullough’s new play surprised me in the cinating in its examination of an infamous the Theatre Building of Chicago under the title best way. Scene One introduces Lucinda (Eliza- mystery concerning the Missing Link and La Vie Ennui, and has since received internation- beth Laidlaw) on the verge of pubescence, per- the eternally complex relationship be- al productions in Vienna, Budapest and on tour haps 11 or 12. It also introduces the Monster tween science and spirituality. A top-tier in Spain. under her bed, a handsome young man (Lucas cast (Frances Guinan, Alan Wilder, Kate Ar- Now under the auspices of Light Opera Works, Neff, a handsome young man) about whom Lu- rington, Larry Yando and Coby Goss) makes C’est la Vie proves to be plenty of frothy fun. cinda is curious rather than fearful. His looks, it possible to overlook the convoluted plot. Opelka shows off his love of French cabaret body-hugging clothes and subtly suggestive dia- CS songs in the style of Edith Piaf, by simultane- logue quickly establish that this scene is about Faust, Lyric Opera of Chicago, through ously honoring and sending them up. a girl’s psychosexual awakening. It’s amusing at Nov. 7. Gounod’s take on part one of The plot (of which there isn’t a lot) hinges on first, but the play’s darker colors soon emerge. Goethe’s classic novel might not be as heav- two scheming chanteuses with heavy French ac- The second scene, with Lucinda now a high- ily admired as it was in the 19th century, cents named Dominique and Fatiguée. (The joke schooler, introduces “good” boy Adam (Doug but this traditional Lyric revival generously in the latter’s name is that it sounds like the MacKechnie) who loves Lucinda but dares not offers a load of hummable tunes sung by French word for “tired.”) Forced to sing Piaf touch her. In a quick 80 minutes, the play fol- great opera stars of today. SCM songs night after night at the second-tier caba- lows Lucinda through loss of virginity (near-rape —By Abarbanel, Barnidge, ret Chez Leplée (named after the club owner who by a college jock), marriage to Adam, parent- Morgan and Sullivan discovered Piaf singing in the streets), the two hood, infidelity, divorce and, finally, death due Lucinda’s Bed. Photo by Jeff Pines arrange for their boss to be temporarily detained to Lucinda’s heart turning to stone, literally. In so they can perform their own material. the surprising final scene, Lucinda is reborn as Oct. 21, 2009 13 THEATER REVIEW and the monarchy. But most of these portentous events are evoked by contrived telling rather Fedra: Queen than organic showing. For example: We know storm-toss’d rebellion is a Big Deal, because the of Haiti King gets on the walkie-talkie and starts barking Playwright: N. Nicole Brooks intense queries such as “What’s the position of At: Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower our military units?” Also, it rains in one corner Water Works, 821 N. Michigan of the stage. Phone: 312-337-0665; $28-$62 In Brooks’ world, characters are constantly Runs through: Nov. 18 having conversations that seem to exist for no other reason than to fill the audience in on BY CATEY SULLIVAN what’s going on. But as directed by Laura Eason, the key mis- “The king is dead. The son is lost. The queen is fire here isn’t in the dialogue. It’s in Fedra’s so- mad,” reads the breathless tag line to J. Nicole called lust for her stepson, Hippolyta. Frankly, Brooks’ Afrocentric adaption of Fedra. To which the TV show Cougar Town offers a more realistic we might add, “The play is ridiculous.” With take on lady lust after a certain age. Writhe and the depth of Cliffs Notes and the aesthetic of a emote though she will, Brooks never displays cheesy 1970s Vogue shoot, Fedra is also laugh- the all-important chemistry of longing at the ably strained in its attempts to bring a hip, ur- root of the story. ban edge to an ancient Greek tragedy. Hippolyta’s (“Call me Hip”) relationship with Calling Princess Aricia “baby girl” and mak- the emo-goth Aricia is similarly unconvincing. ing Fedra a cutter may give the proceedings a Their cuter-than-puppies scenes together play façade of hipster street cred, but such (labori- as overly adorable outtakes from a Judy Blume ously self-conscious) touches can’t compensate novel. for cardboard cut-out characters acting out what Lettice and Lovage. Photo by Christopher Burpeee. The focal point of much of the story isn’t the amounts to an outline for an uninspired term title character, but Afrodite, the mischievous paper. goddess who seems to exist merely to torment infected by this obsessive lunacy (assisted by Directed by Laura Eason and starring Brooks in THEATER REVIEW Fedra. Bt while putting Afrodite in a name-ap- liberal draughts of a homemade liquor possess- the title role, plenty of stuff happens in the all- propriate Afro might work on paper, in practice, Lettice and ing mysterious properties). Their unlikely cama- powerful Haiti of Fedra’s futuristic world: Violent that halo of hair pulls focus. And it doesn’t help raderie leads to make-believe games that nearly storms (“Citizens are advised to take precautions matters that Afrodite’s candy-apple red couture- Lovage end in tragedy after a re-enactment of Charles against the storm!”), crucially important council Playwright: Peter Shaffer like gown wears her instead of vice versa. the First’s beheading in 1645. votes (“The council is deadlocked!”), counter- At: Redtwist Theatre, 1040 W. Bryn Mawr In Afrodite’s dress, we see the downfall of Fe- Fanciful interpretations of documented chron- votes (“The council has spoken in favor of Fe- Phone: 773-728-7529; $22-$30 dra: The show is all style and no substance. icles, based in fuzzy nostalgia, are an easy sell dra!”) and uprisings all bearing a direct relation- Runs through: Nov. 8 to American audiences. Yes, we know that the ship to Queen Fedra’s tenuous grasp on sanity great upheavals of yore were as much endured BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE as enjoyed by our ancestors and that no age has a monopoly on thrilling deeds or soul-starving “Fantasy floods in where fact leaves a vacuum,” drudgery, but if we are to empathize with these declares Miss Laetitia “Lettice” Douffet (pro- pre-menopausal spinsters immersed in folie à nounced “doo-FAY”, thank you). To that end, deux, their disdain for self-effacing mediocrity the tour guide to “the dullest house in England” and hunger for grand gestures must capture our proceeds to embellish her accounts of the build- imaginations as inexorably as it does theirs. ing’s history with an ever-escalating inventory of The key to persuading us to buy into author Pe- speculative details, to the elation of her charges ter Shaffer’s manifesto is to seduce, rather than and the chagrin of Miss Charlotte Schoen, her overwhelm, us with its passion. Fortunately, di- supervisor at the Preservation Trust conducting rector Steve Scott has at his disposal Millicent the educational excursions. Hurley and Jan Ellen Graves, a pair of actresses But just when we think this will be a Shavian who attack their roles with a gusto never spill- comedy pitting practical-minded commoners— ing over into excess. In the tiny Redtwist The- Lettice is not above soliciting tips from her atre storefront where the energy from the stage rapt audiences—against stuffy authorities, our is capable of filling the room to its corners, the confabulating heroine reveals an agenda beyond conjuration always begins quietly, gradually simply livening up her boring job and making swelling to its crescendo with each of us follow- a little money on the side. Her mission is to ing as entranced as the subordinate characters liberate the citizens of a drab modern society likewise drawn in. If, at curtain call, you feel an through vivid stories designed to restore the inexplicable impulse to rise up and give three drama and excitement of a romanticized past. cheers, you won’t be alone. Fedra: Queen of Haiti. Photo by Sean Williams Gradually, her straitlaced adversary becomes CULTURE CLUB Lifeline Theatre presents ROSENCRANTZ AND GIORDANO OCTOBER 23 & 24, 8PM GUILDENSTERN TREASURE ARE DEAD ISLAND THIS WEEKEND ONLY BY TOM STOPPARD DIRECTED BY MICHAEL HALBERSTAM Performed at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe 3 WORLD PREMIERES including a piece by “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.” hip hop superstar choreographer “RAZOR-SHARP.” Rennie Harris “SUBLIMELY SPARKLING.” MOVE!

- CHICAGO SUN-TIMES Buy 3 get 1 FREE with code “WIND”! some restrictions apply Production Sponsor MARY PAT STUDDERT Through November1, 2009 TICKETS START AT $15 NOW PLAYING–ORDER TICKETS TODAY! Corporate Production Sponsor 312-334-7777 HARRIS THEATER FOR MUSIC AND DANCE Call 773-761-4477 or visit harristheaterchicago.org 205 East Randolph Drive I Chicago’s Millennium Park WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG | 847-242-6000 Media Sponsor WRITERS’ THEATRE www.lifelinetheatre.com 14 Oct. 21, 2009 A Shine of Rainbows starring Aidan Quinn and Connie Nielson, a charming yet sobering story about an orphaned boy with crippling shyness KNIGHT who comes to live with his new parents on the Irish coast—a kindly mother and difficult, dis- AT approving father—is just one of the quality en- THE tries the fest will feature. A ghost story for kids, From Time to Time starring Maggie Smith and MOVIES Alex Etel and the latest Wallace & Gromit adven- ture, A Matter of Loaf and Death! also promise to be festival highlights. The festival will utilize seven different screening locations. Complete schedule, ticket and screening information at www.cicf.org —Valentino: The Last Emperor, out director An Education. Matt Tyrnauer’s award-winning portrait of the legendary clothing designer and his life/busi- pounds on the wall, shouting, “No French sing- Film notes: ness partner Giancarlo Giammetti ,returns by ing!” Jenny doesn’t know it (though we do) but —The 26th annual Chicago Children’s Inter- popular demand to the Gene Siskel Film Center, Amelia note; she’s about to exchange one oppressor for that national Film Festival kicks off Thursday, Oct. 164 N. State, Oct. 22. See www.siskelfilmcenter. of another kind—father for a lover. Her dreams 22, with a gala opening night event hosted by org. An Education; of living in Paris while listening to Jacques Brel Australian actor Luke Arnold, star of Broken Hill. —For anime fans, the Music Box Theatre, 3733 and smoking Gauloise cigarettes and escaping The fest will have a host of activities and treats N. Southport, is hosting a one-week run (Oct. film notes her humdrum life are about to come partially for the kids, along with a lineup of short films. 23-29) of Evangelion 1.0: You Are (Not) Alone, By Richard Knight, Jr. true. The opening night festivities will be held at the first of four theatrical sequels to the popular David—with his fancy car, tailored suits and Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chicago, and will kick mid-’90s Japanese television show Evangelion. Amelia, director Mia Nair’s biopic of legendary exquisite manners—quickly charms her parents, off at 6 p.m. (Broken Hill will also be screened See www.musicboxtheatre.com. aviatrix Amelia Earhart starring two-time Oscar and they agree to let young Jenny date him. He on Oct. 28 at the Kerasotes Showplace Theatres, Check out my archived reviews at www. winner Hilary Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan introduces her to his best friend, Danny (Coo- 2600 N. Western at 10:15 a.m.) The fest contin- windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- McGregor as well as out actor Cherry Jones in per), and Danny’s girlfriend, a gorgeous blonde; ues through Nov. 1, showcasing over 260 films ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the a supporting role—gay audience favorites all— he then takes Jenny to a posh supper club, from 40 different countries. latter Web site. wasn’t screened for critics in time to meet Windy where they dance to “I’m Comin’ Home, Baby” City Times’ deadline. However, I want to let you by Mel Torme (one of the coolest songs ever). know as soon as possible my thoughts on the Jenny is swept away—dazzled by the realization film. Check the Windy City Times Web site Friday, that this world she’s longed for is a matter of Oct. 23, for my review. Damned good a point of view and a quick car ride away. But, naturally, heartbreak lies ahead. An Education, based on Lynn Barber’s memoir, There’s more than a hint of Jane Eyre, Rebecca is one of those tried-and-true coming-of-age and even bits of The Ghost & Mrs. Muir in the stories (this one set in suburban London in story of the sophisticated aesthete dazzling the 1961) in which a young lady is swept up by a eager student of life longing for the unconven- Prince Charming who turns who to be, in the tional, the risky and the fun. But though direc- words of Sondheim, “charming but not sincere.” tor Lone Scherfig gets great performances from The movie is enlivened by the performance of her cast, the story—so compelling as it gets newcomer Carey Mulligan in the leading role of going—just sort of fritters away as it plays out. Jenny, whose heart is captured and then reck- Also, Sarsgaard isn’t quite the irresistible hottie lessly broken by Peter Sarsgaard, who plays her that Cooper is (and the tantalizing prospect of sophisticated lover, David. There are several an illicit romance within the illicit romance is great supporting turns by Alfred Molina as Jen- kept at arm’s length, too). As this winning story ny’s difficult father; Emma Thompson as a no- faded off into a haze of emotional ennui—just nonsense school headmistress; and heartthrob as those Juliette Greco records do—I thought, Mississippi Damned—a movie about African-American children who deal with addiction, Dominic Cooper as David’s wastrel best friend. as I always do when I see a movie like An Educa- violence and abuse while living in the Southern state—won the Gold Hugo award for Best Jenny’s father, a mini-tyrant, has drummed tion, about how much I want the gay movie dop- Film in the Chicago International Film Festival’s feature-film competition Oct. 18, according into her head that education is all but, though pelganger of this story. It’s certainly a scenario to a press release. Additionally, Jossie Harris Thacker won the Gold Plaque for Best Support- she’s an excellent student, she dreams of the very, very familiar to Our People. ing Actress, and Tina Mabry won the plaque for Best Screenplay. Pictured is part of Missis- café society life. After a chance meeting with sippi Damned’s team, including (from left) Mabry’s partner, Morgan Stiff (producer); Mabry David, who instantly charms her, the 16-year-old (writer/director); Thacker (Actress); and Chastity Hammitte (actress); photo is courtesy of Jenny lies on her bed listening to the records the festival. of French chanteuse Juliette Grecco until Dad

NUNN ON ONE: FASHION level of Marc Jacobs or Ralph Loren and that I have to prove myself and put my name out is not going to happen that way very easily. I there, so people know what I do. I am probably Horacio Nieto: think someone with real talent would not be on the only designer in Chicago that does both men that show and win. and women’s wear. I actually have two lines. Behind the scenes WCT: So that is your goal to build up the WCT: How are thing progressing behind the BY JERRY NUNN business? scenes? HN: Yes, I could say that I want to be the next HN: I was able to get a lot of sponsors for the Horacio Nieto is all set to be Chicago’s very Oscar de la Renta but realistically I just want to gift bags. It’s growing big now because the city own next big designer. Windy City Times went be doing what I love to do and be able to live is starting to promote it. Tickets are going fast inside the 28-year-old’s studio to see behind the off of it. If it ever gets that big, that’s great and and now the nerves are starting to kick in. It’s scenes of his next collection. I am still able to do collection after collection. crunch time! Windy City Times: Did you always want to My daily routine is always different. I get asked WCT: Do you have interns helping you? be a designer? what my typical day is and I don’t have one! HN: Yes, I have interns helping me and we Horacio Nieto: No, I wanted to be a paleon- WCT: Do you make a lot of money with this finished all the patterns. We started with the tologist after watching Jurassic Park. The next job? women’s patterns even though some are getting thing I wanted to be was a doctor because we HN: No, it all goes back into your business. crossed off and being replaced at the last min- have one in our family. I saw his lifestyle and he People may see a thousand dollar dress but ute. I don’t want to be doing it the day before. has a big house, but my grandmother talked me Horacio Nieto. imagine how much money we put into the fabric. We started on the men’s and it’s a lot easier. out of it. Being a doctor was nice but he never Two thirds of that money is going back to make WCT: When do you fit your models? got to enjoy it because he was at the hospital all HN: Not now, not anymore. When I was in a new collection or buy a new sewing machine. HN: The week before. We had a casting call the time. school I tried out for the very first time that There’s always a bill. last week. That’s why I have that whole pile In middle school I started sketching and they did it. They didn’t have the regulations that WCT: You are presenting your 2010 Collec- there. We had a meeting last night and I had my watching fashion shows. I was always that arts you had to be out of school back then. There are tion Oct. 23. Is this men’s and women’s de- fashion team come, we watched the models all and crafts kid. I learned how to knit when I was so many backlashes that come with it now. You signs? walk on the video. really young from my great grandmother. By the are portrayed as a character and no one takes HN: Yes, men and women, 30 looks each. My To read the entire interview and find out time I was in high school I knew that is what I you seriously as a designer because you become designer friends think I am insane. I have to what Horacio feels the upcoming trends are, wanted to do. that reality person. For the winners, what has look at it this way; this is the first time doing see www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. WCT: Would you ever want to do a reality TV really happened for them? They are not at the my own show. All the other shows that I have There’s more fashion on page 21 as WCT show like ? done have been organized by someone else. talks with designer Joshua-Paul Angell. Oct. 21, 2009 15 NUNN ON ONE very best. I am thrilled that I am considered an example. WCT: Tell our readers about your new CD, Chita Rivera: And Now I Swing. CR: Well, years ago I did many shows in Lon- Still in the don. A producer named Michael Croiter said, “Let’s do an album.” The album was titled And ‘Swing’ of things Now I Sing. But we changed it to Swing so we By JERRY NUNN could do a swing album. It started with songs that I had done in so many wonderful shows but Chita Rivera, the Puerto Rican-American singer, we changed the beat. We did it from a different actress and dancer is a legend in the world of angle and that’s what this is. musical theater. This two-time Tony Award win- WCT: I loved hearing “Nowadays,” from Chi- ner is still swinging after all these years! cago the Musical, on the CD. Windy City Times: Hola Chita. Your middle CR: I haven’t even heard the whole thing yet. I name is Conchita. [Note: Her birth name is don’t listen to any of the shows that I have done Yoko Ono (second from right) and the Plastic Ono Band. Photo copyright Yoko Ono 2009 Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero.] When until months later. It never seems to sound the did they start calling you Chita? way it feels. You know what I mean? YO: Do you know about Cornelius? It is a name Chita Rivera: Well, it was in the ‘60s. I was WCT: Yes, and it could change your perfor- NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC for Keigo, Shimmy and Yuko in a group on this going by Conchita Del Rivero and a show called mance also. album. They happen to be Sean’s friends. You Shoestring Review said that it was just too long CR: Yes, absolutely! When we do those cast Yoko Ono: should check it out. [and] typically American. People had been call- albums, as far I am concerned and most feel ing me “Chita” so that was fine, but I wanted my this way, we do it much too soon. Because we WCT: I will have to listen to them. You are last name to have an “a” on it. There’s gotta be a ‘Head’-strong a guest on the new Basement Jaxx album, haven’t really discovered the characters until we By JERRY NUNN rhythm to it. So then I thought Chita O’Hara be- have been running for a while. Scars, with the song “Days of the Sunflowers cause I loved Maureen O’Hara. But people then (We March On).” WCT: You have a song called “Circle of Yoko Ono has been a strong force in the world embarrassed me by hanging up when I called YO: Isn’t that great? He’s something else, Friends.” of music and art and continues with Between and said Chita O’Hara. For three days that lasted; right? It is a tribute to indie musicians. Even my CR: That’s a wonderful song. It comes close to My Head and the Sky. The album—produced by then I changed to Rivera since it rolled off the friends who really know music well ask me what the end of my act. It’s about all of my friends her son, Sean Lennon—blends styles with her tongue better. indies are. Oh, dear! I think this is now and the that I have had through my entire life. It brings artistry. This past May she designed a T-shirt for WCT: There was a restaurant named after future, that we are going that way. the audience together. the Fashion Against AIDS campaign and created you called Chita’s in New York. WCT: How do you stay creative after all this WCT: Is there any role in a musical that you the John Lennon: The New York Years exhibit for CR: Yes, it was open for six years. It was a lot time? have wanted to do and haven’t? the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. of fun. YO: I don’t know. It’s like breathing. If you are CR: You know what? I haven’t said that I wish Windy City Times: This is such an honor for WCT: You originally started in a Broadway not creative then you die. I had done one that I haven’t, no. Isn’t that nice Windy City Times to talk to you. production Call Me Madam because you went WCT: You had a song called “Everyman…Ev- to say? Yoko Ono: Chicago is beautiful and I love that with a friend to an audition. Did you ever erywoman…” that you released remixes of to WCT: Yes, it is. expression: Windy City! Just those two words are think it would lead to all this? support same-sex marriage. CR: Besides the roles that I have been fortu- like a poem. Somehow, Chicago did inspire me. CR: It all starts very simply. If you are lucky YO: Yes, we changed it to “Every Man Has a nate to do are all so gratifying. Many of them I haven’t been there too many times, but just it goes in the right direction. If you are unlucky Man Who Loves Him” and “Every Woman Has a have been in shows that break boundaries. You the times that I went there I was inspired as an then you are in trouble. It’s all the games of life Woman Who Loves Her.” I am very happy that have a diamond; what are you going to wish artist by Lake Michigan. that happen. I did. There was also that little dig that maybe for—something bigger than a diamond? I don’t WCT: This is the first album since 1973 with WCT: I saw your performance in Kiss of the a politician didn’t get in because of that song. think so! [Both laugh.] Except maybe another the Yoko Ono/Plastic Band as a title. Spider Woman. They always blame me for something. They diamond, which is what I wished for when I did YO: It has been many years. This has certainly CR: Oh, yes in Chicago. I love Chicago. I haven’t would blame me for Pearl Harbor if they could! The Visit at the Goodman Theatre several years loosened me up a bit in many ways. I became been there since I did The Visit [in 2001]. I was not in action then. People have to relax a ago. The song “Love and Love Alone” is from wiser maybe. The Plastic Ono Band—John WCT: You just won the Presidential Medal of bit, don’t you think? that. Is the Goodman still running great? named it for both of us, we used that name. Freedom this August given to you by Barack WCT: What future projects do you have com- WCT: Yes. They have a show called Animal When John passed away, I felt like a big rock Obama. How was that experience? ing out? Crackers about the Marx Brothers right now and I didn’t want to know about it. Then Sean CR: It is something that I will never forget. YO: I go one by one. I try to do my best. It that a friend of mine is in. opened it up and asked for me to please use Outside of having my daughter Lisa, it’s the was really great being the studio making an al- CR: Oh, wow! That sounds like fun. Wish your “Plastic Ono Band.” most exciting experience that I have ever had. bum. That’s the part that I like. It’s a trip to go friend good luck from me. WCT: What was it like working with your son This particular president is wonderful. To be to places and promote it. It’s not my thing, I WCT: I will. So what are doing “Nowa- on this? along side these amazing people, it’s a gift and would much rather go into the studio and make days?” YO: When he first said “Let’s do it,” I thought you don’t know how you did it. He said during another one. I get scared when I make another CR: We are taking the show around the coun- no pressure but I had a little fear there. I said his speech that these are people that do what one and there is a big scene for it. try. We are booked well into the next year. Some “Yes” and, surprisingly, it went very well. I was they do because it’s a passion, not for fame, not WCT: You are doing The View on ABC tomor- of them are just my trio and some with a thirty- amazed. for money, just for hard work and they just do row. piece symphony orchestra. I will have a variety WCT: You also worked with Yuko Honda from it. When you live your life like that and you are YO: I know! Please don’t tell me about it… of feeling musically, so we are excited about it. [the group] Cibo Matto. given a reward, you go wow! It’s a great example WCT: Good luck with them. It is an honor to talk to such an amazing YO: Yes, Yuko is like family. Independently she for kids that something wonderful can happen YO: I will try my best. Keep on marching, performer. And Now I Swing is out now. is an incredible musician. She has the whole if they work hard at what they do and do their Windy City! Cibo Matto thing.

WCT: I love them!

Reel Affirmations—Washington, D.C.’s, Entertainment LGBT film festival—kicked off Oct. 8 with the Quentin Crisp documentary An English- news man in New York, according to the Washing- Gay columnist Meryl Cohn (a.k.a. Ms. Be- ton Blade. The festival will run through Oct. 24 havior) has won the 2009 Jane Chambers and feature approximately 100 movies, includ- Playwriting Award for her new work, The ing the lesbian short film Buttery Top, the AIDS Siegels of Montauk. Siegels features an LGBT- documentary Fig Trees and the psychological friendly Jewish family with three adult sisters, thriller Pornography. See reelaffirmations. their mother and two friends who gather to bside.com. close out the recently deceased father’s beach Singer Belinda Carlisle has filmed a video house. Ms. Behavior is the nationally syndi- in support of same-sex marriage while asking cated lesbian advice columnist with humor and for donations for Maine’s “No on 1” campaign, tips about relationships, manners and sex. Advocate.com reported. In the video, Carlisle Singer John Mayer is denying reports that says that she is not only a public figure but is he made out with another guy while in a a mother of a gay son (17-year-old James Duke gay club Oct. 10, according to Us Magazine. Mason). She says, “My son, James, is gay, and I On Twitter, Mayer wrote, “Rumor check: went want him and every other gay person out there to gay bar in Palm Springs, yes. Had a blast. to have the same opportunities and rights that Danced my face off. Someone there planted I’ve had in life.” a kiss on me? No.” He added that he found Read much more entertainment news at the crowd at Toucans Tiki Lounge “even more www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Chita Rivera. respectful than in a straight club.” However, Mayer once kissed blogger Perez Hilton. 16 Oct. 21, 2009 DAMSKI from cover knocked off-center by the obscure, by what was unspoken.” In 1989 Damski addressed his importance After his terminal diagnosis and a year prior to in his typically bemused way. “I have never Jon-Henri’s eventual passing friends gathered to thought that I was the voice of the community; give him a farewell party at the AIDS Care Cha- the trouble was that until New Town was big pel. It was perfectly in character. If Damski were enough, I was the only columnist...” going to have a memorial service, he wanted to He wasn’t a native of the area. Damski was be part of the celebration. born March 31, 1937 and raised in the Seattle Jon-Henri Damski died of complications from area. He received his BA degree in English from malignant melanoma on Nov. 1, 1997 at the age Whitman College, his master’s from Brandeis of 60. An icon was gone, but he left so much University in The History of Ideas, and his Ph.D. behind in the form of people he had known per- from The University of Washington in Classics. sonally as well as those he had touched through He briefly taught Latin and Roman History at his writing. Damski also left behind a bounty Bryn Mawr College. of those superb columns which remain an in- His gift to the community happened by chance, sightful porthole into our community at a crucial or perhaps it was fated. At any rate Damski came stage in its development. There is nostalgia in to Chicago in 1974 for an academic conference these pieces, but it is mixed with a resonance and though he didn’t get a job appointment, he and wisdom that remain as pertinent today as remained here. He claimed he stayed because he on the day they were pounded out on that magi- lacked the funds to return to either coast, but cal Underwood manual typewriter. the real reason was that Damski loved this town. As his journal from that year states, “in Chicago even fags walk like Americans.” He began his extensive journalism career by Jon-Henri Damski (left) with Harry Hay, one of the national gay movement’s pioneers, in a rare sending epigrams and observations to GayLife Chicago visit before his death in 2002. Photo by Tracy Baim and Chicago Gay News, the two main bar rags of the era. Gay Chicago accepted his submissions Jon-Henri spent a great many of his days Reports” (a collection of poetry that came in a first. Soon he was working as a columnist for the walking the streets, talking to people, getting to medical folder along with his X-ray), and “Dam- paper, writing both his Nothing Personal as well know them, and finding out what was important ski to Go” (with his pithy remarks, and graph- as his “Bits & Pieces” columns. It’s important to in their lives. A familiar face in the Lakeview ics by Vernon Huls, printed on rainbow slips of note that, from the start, Damski wrote under neighborhood, he could often be seen in his be- paper and put in a Chinese take-out container). his real name which was very atypical for a gay loved Cubs hat—chatting, stopping for coffee, During this period he also compiled “Angels into journalist in the late ‘70s. He was also perhaps dining or holding court at The Wheel Around Dust,” a selection of his columns which were pri- the first out gay columnist to have his photo (now Stella’s) restaurant, and befriending a di- marily character sketches of various denizens of accompany his work. verse cross-section of the public. He knew all New Town he had known. It was published just the politicians, the homeless, the hustlers, the prior to his passing. bar owners, the activists, the elderly and almost A few years later Firetrap released “Dead/ everyone else. He was genuinely interested in Queer/Proud,” a collection of diverse Damski es- people and that compassion came through says over the years. In the introduction of the clearly in his work. book Neal Pollack wrote, “I didn’t always under- Damski (right) with Larry McKeon, who would That concern was also evident in his political stand everything Jon-Henri said, or everything become the first openly gay and openly HIV- involvement. As a member of the Gang of Four he wrote. Like his schizo mind, his writing some- positive Illinois state representative. He died (along with Laurie Dittman, Rick Garcia and Ar- times goes off on odd tangents. Secret shards of in 2008. Photo by Tracy Baim thur Johnston), Damski’s lobbying efforts helped knowledge burst out, seemingly disconnected to to pass the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance the previous paragraph. Popular references get in 1988 (banning discrimination on the basis Damski’s business card. of sexual orientation in housing, employment, public accommodations and credit transactions). After his stint at Gay Chicago, Damski switched In 1989 he received The Liberty Bell Award from papers, moving to GayLife before eventually the Chicago Bar Association for his efforts in transitioning to Windy City Times and, finally, getting the Human Rights Ordinance passed. He Nightlines and Outlines. At the time of his pass- was an original inductee in the Chicago Gay and ing in 1997, Damski was believed to be the Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1991. Damski was also a longest-running columnist on gay and lesbian founding member of The Illinois Federation for issues in the United States. Despite his prolific Human Rights, now known as Equality Illinois. career he never missed a deadline or ran out of In 1993 Damski was diagnosed with cancer. topics to discuss. Week after week his columns Upon hearing the news his response was to in- he pounded out articles on his Underwood man- crease his output so that he would “be in the ual typewriter in his single-room occupancy do- middle of his work instead of at the end of it.” micile at The Belair Hotel on Diversey and Pine In addition to his weekly column he also began Grove. his collaboration with John Michael Vore of Fire- trap Press. In a short time he published “X-Ray

Damski event Nov. 1 Firetrap Press is pleased to announce the release of a new compilation of 75 of Jon-Henri Damski’s most important columns in Nothing Personal: Chronicles of Chicago’s LGBTQ Community 1977-1997 ($22.95). Nothing Personal is available at Unabridged Bookstore and online through Amazon. “Damski X 4”—an afternoon of performance, celebration, and all things Damski—will take place Sunday, Nov. 1, at 4 p.m. at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville. For more information call Jon-Henri Damski’s obituary in the Chicago Tribune. 773-381-8030. (Also available from Firetrap Press are two newly compiled collections of Damski’s poetry: My Blue Monk and Fresh Frozen: First Chicago Poems.) Oct. 21, 2009 17 could have been rectified had the planners con- sulted with activist women of the day. While the BOOK REVIEW Burnham plan was hailed as visionary, Metzger Mental: Funny maintains it was little more than a medium for merchants to move their goods and themselves in the Head conveniently and efficiently around the metro- Written by Eddie Sarfaty politan area without encountering evidence of $15; Kensington urban blight. Real change, she suggests, would Press; 335 pages have incorporated the work begun and imple- REVIEW BY YASMIN NAIR mented by the progressive women city builders, like Hull House founder . The title and cover of Eddie Sarfaty’s book Men- Metzger gathers a few dozen activist women tal: Funny in the Head lead us to believe that prominent in 19th-century Chicago circles, sits this is to be a rollercoaster ride into the quirky them down in imagined meetings discussing dives of one man’s head, a set of wild esca- their ideas in a kind of “you are there” approach pades and crazy adventures. The truth rarely to a history that might have been. After a half acknowledged is that most comics are terrible dozen introductory chapters on the Plan and the writers on the page. They mistake punch lines principals to set the stage, Metzger constructs for plot development and do little more than chapters on major issues—transportation, la- string together comedic jabs in the vain hope bor, immigration issues, education, the judicial that, somehow, the reader will be fooled into BOOKS system, housing, etc. In each she imagines thinking that all of that constitutes a book. the women, some familiar (Ida B. Wells, Add- And so it was that I picked up Sarfaty’s book If women had ams, Bertha Palmer), some little known (Mollie and waited for the worst: A set of clichés about Eddie Sarfaty. Netcher, Bessie Abramovitz, Mary Bartelme), in the fun and funny life of a gay, Jewish, stand- their way: committees discussing their areas of activism. up comic living in New York. the poignant with dry wit suffuses the piece. A brief biography of the women participating Fortunately, for the reader, Mental is the op- His mother is resolute about including her hus- An urban fantasy precedes each chapter. In this fantasy, Addams posite; a set of hilarious, vivid and thought- band in every activity. She is equally resolute by Marie J. Kuda presents a final document, summarizing all the ful commentaries on, well, yes, what it means about finding a bottle of Shalimar, a perfume suggestions of the various meetings, to Burn- to be a gay, Jewish stand-up comic living in available at Bloomingdale’s, convinced that it Up until a few years ago it was safe to say that ham in May 1909. New York. But it’s Sarfaty’s gift for observation must be cheaper in Paris than in the United most Chicagoans had no idea who Daniel Burn- Graft, corruption and the inequities of prop- and telling details that enable him to create States. It is not, of course, but her quest is ham was; the master architect of the fabled erty tax assessment—were also issues that original pieces that stand on their own as short not unlike that of millions of other tourists “White City” at the 1893 World’s Columbian Ex- the women dealt with. Their recommendations gems. Like Bob Smith, a fellow stand-up comic who leave home to find the familiar in strange hibition was merely a name in the history books. stressed that the plan must address “the com- and author of Selfish and Perverse, Sarfaty is lands. That began to change when Mayor Daley’s mid- plicated issues of taxation ... if it is to have that rare comic who knows how to write. Sarfaty is fearless about recounting his sex night minions plowed through the tarmac of any value to future generations.” Metzger has In “My Tale of Two Cities,” Sarfaty accompa- life and it’s a resolutely and unapologetic gay Meigs Field and reclaimed Northerly Island as said one of her favorite stories involves Anita nies his parents to Paris and London on their sex life. At a time when gay men, in the pursuit public land. The Island is the only one of the McCormick Blaine and her mother Nettie Fowler once-in-a- voyage to Europe. Sarfaty’s of marriage, seem determined to wipe out any handful projected by Burnham to have actually McCormick requesting reassessment of their re- father, now dead, had Pick’s disease, which can traces of their erotic lives, this book comes as been built on landfill for the Fair. spective property values saying they were “woe- be mistaken for Alzheimer’s. Or, as Sarfaty de- a welcome change. Mental is the sign of a fresh More recently, Burnham, and the platitude fully underestimated” and that “those able to scribes it, “In addition to Alzeheimer’s it has new talent. credited him, “make no little plans, they have pay the taxes should pay them.” Equitable tax components of Lou Gehrig’s disease and Par- To read the full review, including opinions no power to move men’s ... etc.” became a com- revenues would have provided the needed funds kinson’s as well. It’s kind of like winning the of chapters such as “Lactose Intolerant,” monplace during the skirmish over relocating to implement their recommendations. neurological trifecta.” This ability to combine see www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. the site of the Children’s Museum from Navy Metzger credits some of the men who were Pier to Grant Park. The 1909 Plan for Chicago activists in the progressive movement, but ne- hatched by Burnham and fellow businessmen of glects others, who like (an- the Commercial Club in the early years of the other civic gadfly and a gay man) may have last century called for the creation of “the City offered input in his periodical writings of the Beautiful” with harmonious development, a grid time on the issues she raises. Fuller whose novel system of streets, improved public transporta- “With the Procession” was critical of merchants ;Yh tion, and a park system of land reserved as pub- who aggrandized themselves by returning some lic breathing spaces amid increasing industri- of their questionable gains to the public in the idXUhYg alization. Land leases of public property (some name of philanthropy, also volunteered at Hull dfYj]Ykg for 100 years) and favored franchises enacted House. following the implementation of the Burnham Metzger notes that her book would have been UbX Plan have often been at the heart of even recent impossibly difficult without the invaluable in- City/Citizen disputes. formation offered in the Schultz/Hast ency- gdYW]U`WcbhYbh" At the time of the 1893 Fair, women were not clopedic Women Building Chicago, 1790-1990: even in agreement about how to display their A Biographical Dictionary (Indiana University art and industry. Social doyenne Mrs. Potter Press, 2001). Much of the dialogue among the Palmer and her Board of Lady Managers had suc- women in What Would Jane Say” is reconstruct- ceeded in getting a Women’s Building to show- ed from their own writings—letters, biographies case women’s work. Lesbians from all over the and other archival ephemera. In a final chap- world participated; Nathalie Micas exhibited her ter, Metzger asks “Can we recover what we have invention, a railway brake. Her lover, the art- lost?,” taking on the Chicago Plan for the 21st ist Rosa Bonheur, the first woman to receive Century proposed by Chicago Metropolis 2020. the rank of Officier de la Legion d’Honneur, Readers from feminists to educators, histori- displayed her paintings (as did Anna Klumpke, ans to aldermen have been unanimous in their later to become Bonheur’s second “wife”). Pro- praise of the book, and echo its premise urging testing women, mostly suffragists, who felt that our current, and future, city planners to pause women’s work should stand equally with men’s, and consider what Jane (and the other ladies) formed the Queen Isabella Association (noting would have to say about their proposals before that Columbus’ feat would have been impossible proceeding. without her support). Harriet Hosmer, a lesbian Lake Claremont Press specializes in books on and foremost woman sculptor of the period, was Chicago’s history. A companion volume that in- commissioned to create a statue of Isabella; she forms Metzger’s book is Lisa Holton’s For Mem- refused to have it exhibited in the women’s pa- bers Only: A History and Guide to Chicago’s vilion. Oldest Private Clubs (2008). In addition to the ZUWYVcc_"Wca# In this year of city-wide Burnham Centen- history and attitudes of Chicago’s civic and cul- nial celebrations and conferences, urban activist tural clubs for both men and women, Holton’s k]bXmW]hmaYX]U[fcid Janice Metzger, with her twentysomething-year book shows that in Burnhams’s time a handful history as a gadfly to regional planning agencies, of African-American clubs were in existence— offers her unique approach to the 1909 Plan. In the earliest founded in the 1840s. Both books ZUWYVcc_"Wca# her book What Would Jane Say? City–Building are rich additions to our understanding our city’s Women and a Tale of Two Chicagos (Lake Cla- expansion and inform today’s discussions on the b][\hgdchg remont Press, $18.95) Metzger posits that many directions of its growth. of the urban ills that continue to plague Chicago Copyright 2009 by Marie J. Kuda 18 Oct. 21, 2009

sted.org EQIL: Women for Equality Women for Equality, an event for LBT women and friends, in support of Equality Illinois. Tickets are $50 and include Hor d’oeuvres, wine and beer. RSVP by October 21. For more information or to purchase tickets Brought to you by the combined efforts of call 773-477-7173. http://www.eqil.org/ women.html DRAG DOLLS Sunday, Oct. 25 Tuesday, Oct. 27 Mean Girls Unlimited Mimosa Brunch Come see the Biggest & Best Divas perform live while you enjoy the best food in town. Night of 100 Drag Queens 708-358-8840 http://velvetropeoakpark. will take place (through Wed., Wed., Oct. 21 com Oct. 28) at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Power Groups Looking for African American COURTING FAVOR Male Call with Miss Foozie at Roscoe’s Halsted. MSM’s who are HIV+ and have a history of Roscoe’s and ChicagoPride.com present substance abuse to participate in a 6 week Thursday, Oct. 22 Male Call with Miss Foozie. Here’s your intervention to reduce the risk of further chance to meet the unexpected and end Photo from 2008 by Kirk Williamson transmission or reinfection, and to reduce Lesbian Cook County Circuit Court the weekend right. http://www.roscoes. the use of substances. This group meets judicial candidate Linda Pauel is com twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-3 at 5537 N. Broadway. POWER having a fundraiser at Halsted’s, is Positive Outcomes Wellness Educa- 3441 N. Halsted. Monday, Oct. 26 tion and Recovery. Call the POWER line LGBTQ Grief Group LGBTQ Grief Group of- at 773-944-9400 and ask for the POWER fered in partnership with Rainbow Hos- Thursday, Oct. 29 Windy City Times file photo department. 773 989-9400 http://www. pice, LGBTQ Grief Group is a bi-monthly Carpenters Halloween. Through Nov. 7, tpan.com group designed to help grieving members Tues.-Sat. @ 8pm; Tickets $15-$20. Rainbow Group at the Center on Halsted of the LGBTQ communities to find support (800)838-3006 http://www.scootyjojo. Rainbow Group: this support group is for and information as they mourn someone com LGBTQ individuals with chronic mental ill- er David Foster will debut his new con- and the Internet for an intriguing and they love. http://www.centeronhalsted. Closet Karaoke Enjoy singing your heart out ness. The purpose of the group is to foster cert “HIT MAN: David Foster and Friends” entertaining exploration of intellectual org at the Closet. Join bartender Karen as she a new sense of pride, share this experience at the Rosemont Theatre, Wednesday, property and the value of dance. This 10- Art Haus Grand Opening at Scarlet Art works some seriously tasty drinks for all. with http://www.centeronhalsted.org Oct. 21st at 7:30 p.m. http://www.rose- month effort will culminate in a provoca- Haus is a weekly Chicago art happening Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber monttheatre.com/david_foster.php tive new work premiering Oct. 22-31 at the every Monday at Scarlet with a still art Friday, Oct. 30 of Commerce, Mix & Mingle Chicago Area CARPENTERS HALLOWEEN October 14 - No- Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. exhibition and live showcase followed by FETISH (Weekly Girl Party) iQ2+1208 Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, vember 7, Tue-Sat @ 8pm; Tickets $15- Michigan. (312) 369-8330 http://www. a live DJ. http://www.scarletbarchicago. Presents ::FETISH:: For WOMEN that enjoy Mix & Mingle Networking Event at 6 p.m. $20. (800)838-3006 http://www.scooty- colum.edu com the company of other WOMEN at Drag- plus stay for Scooty and JoJo’s Carpenters jojo.com Frat House Thursday at Scarlet Join Chi- onfly Mandarin, 832 W Randolph (773) Halloween at Mary’s Attic, 5402 N. Clark cagoPride.com and Scarlet as we host all 942-3483 http://www.facebook.com/q. St. 773-303-0167 http://www.glchamber. Thursday, Oct. 22 frat guys and their fans! www.scarletbar- Tuesday, Oct. 27 of.iq2ent org Linda J. Pauel fundraiser Fundraiser for out chicago.com 17th Annual Night of 100 Drag Queens Stewed Tomatoes: Varitease Cabaret, Bur- Creating a Life that Matters Creating a Life lesbian running for Cook County Circuit Equality Illinois’ wild and wacky fundraiser lesque, Comedy Over 20 Burlesque Acts, that Matters: Rediscover Your Relation- Court Judge: Linda J. Pauel at Halsted’s Friday, Oct. 23 featuring the talents of amateur and sea- Comedy, and Live Music by the Stewed To- ship with the Sacred; 6:45pm - 8:45pm. Bar and Grill, 3441 N. Halsted at 6 p.m. Carpenters Halloween The Cult Hit Re- soned performers in a hilarious revue filled matoes at The Lakeshore Theater. Tickets $25 materials fee (scholarships available) RSVP to [email protected] http://www. turns For Its 3rd Year! Don’t Miss Ac- with outrageous routines! 773-477-7173 are $15.00 and the show starts at 10:30 http://www.centeronhalsted.org lindajpauel.com claimed Queer Duo The Scooty & Jojo http://www.eqil.org; through Oct. 28 p.m. SLDN’s “Freedom to Serve” Cocktail Fund- Lucky Plush Productions: “Punk Yankees Show’s Spine-shivering Send-up Of John World AIDS Day Candle Light Vigil plan- Magic Chicago A Halloween Celebration raiser at Sidetrack to support repeal of Project” To mark its 10th anniversary, Carpenter’s Horror Classic Set To The The ning Planning meeting for this years Magic Chicago is now celebrating our 5th “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (202) 21-5408 Lucky Plush Productions (LPP), known for Carpenters’ Classic Songs. Starring Popu- candle light vigil for Chicago’s World AIDS magical year as seen on TV. Magic Chicago http://www.sldn.org/events/archives/ a distinct blend of contemporary dance lar Drag Artist Scooty As Jamie Lee Curtis Day will be Oct 27th, 7pm in the Center is our town’s premiere showcase for mag- chicago-event-at-sidetrack/ with physical theater and visual design, And Featuring Original Cast Members, The on Halsted ic, mystery and wonder. (773) 984-3817 HIT MAN: David Foster and Friends Famed presents the “Punk Yankees.” “Punk Yan- Big-headed Church Puppets And A 3-piece UNPUGGED: An Acoustic Concert Series http://www.magicchicagoshow.com musical showman, producer and songwrit- kees” combines live performance, video Band! Shows Do Sell Out Early - Advance Rock out at Wild Pug’s acoustic concert Ticket Purchase Recommended Online. series. http://www.worldsgreatestbar.com Saturday, Oct. 31 800-838-3006 http://scootyjojo.com The Open Mic with Amy Armstrong & Northalsted Halloween Parade — Theme: Guerrilla Girl Bar by Sapphic Adventures Lloyd Young Tuesday nights in Chicago “Mad Hatter’s Ball”; parade starts at 6 Join ladies from Sapphic Adventures for will never be the same! http://www.holi- p.m.; see www.lakeviewcitizens.org/hal- this new event! This month we will try Old dayclubchicago.com loween.asp Town Social. Old Town Social is a new up- Pugaween Costume contest for the best scale spot on the edge of Old Town, serv- Wed., Oct. 28 dressed dog! It’s a fundraiser for PAWS. ing over 50 beers, a full bar and a huge Power Groups Looking for African American Buy a ballot and pick your favorite. 773- wine list. The décor is rustic, grand, and MSM’s who are HIV+ and have a history 784-4811 http://www.worldsgreatestbar. has an old charm feel. We’ll be in the main of substance abuse to particiapte in a 6 com bar area right when you walk in. http:// week intervention to reduce the risk of Kama Sutra The Musical: Vegas Bound and www.sapphicadventures.org further transmission or reinfection, and Gagged TURBAN RENEWAL” – GENDER- NUGALA 2009 Homecoming & Reunion to reduce the use of substances. This BENDING ACTOR TAKES OVER ROLE IN Celebrate your PURPLE PRIDE with North- group meets twice a week on Monday and LONG-RUNNING CHICAGO HIT http://www. western Gay & Lesbian Alumni as we kick Wednesdays from 1-3 at 5537 N Broadway. kamasutrathemusical.com off Homecoming weekend at Minibar’s chic POWER is Positive Outcomes Wellness Edu- new space. Rated one of 773.871.6227 cation and Recovery. Call the POWER line Wed., Nov. 4 http://alumni.northwestern.edu/nugala at 773-944-9400 and ask for the POWER BEHIV Art Therapy Reception & Exhibi- department. 773 989-9400 http://www. tion Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) tpan.com Art Therapy program does amazing work Saturday, Oct. 24 Thoroughly Modern Millie Drury Lane Oak- for people struggling with the emotional It’s a Bitch to Quit brook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, stress of an HIV+ diagnosis. http://www. Center is offering Chicago’s only LGBT IL, presents the winner of 2002’s “Best behiv.org smoking cessation program to support Musical” Tony Award THOROUGHLY MODERN community member’s in kicking the habit! MILLIE, directed by Artistic Director Wil- Thursday, Nov. 5 The eight-week session will be lead by liam Osetek. THOROUGHLY MODERN MIL- SOFA CHICAGO 2009 Opening Night Preview a trained smoking cessation counselor. LIE runs through December 20. Holly Ann Gala Celebrating its 16th year, SOFA CHI- Space is limited, so call today to reserve Butler will star as “Millie”, who recently CAGO 2009, the critically acclaimed Sculp- your place! 773-388-8682 773-388-8682 finished the first National Tour of JERSEY ture Objects & Functional Art Fair, returns http://www.howardbrown.org/bitchtoquit BOYS as “Lorraine”. (630)530-0111 to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand CoH presents ActOUT Center on Halsted Rainbow Group at the Center on Halsted Avenue) to present masterworks from top presents “actOUT” in conjunction with Rainbow Group: this support group is for international galleries and dealers. (773) Steppenwolf Theatre Company at 5 p.m. LGBTQ individuals with chronic mental ill- 506-8860 http://www.sofaexpo.com Steppenwolf will host a private reception ness. The purpose of the group is to foster Reeling 2009: Reeling opens this year’s for Center on Halsted patrons with artists a new sense of pride, share this experience festival with The Big Gay Musical. http:// MAKES CENTS from the company’s production of “The with http://www.centeronhalsted.org www.reelingfilmfestival.org House On Mango Street,” based on the Project Runway at CREW New network, new Thursday, Nov. 5 novel by Chicago writer Sandra Cisneros. night and time, same drama! http://www. (312) 335-1650 http://www.centeronhal- worldsgreatestbar.com SOFA (Sculpture Objects & Functional Art) 2009 gets started with a preview gala at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Photo from the 2008 exhibit by Andrew Davis : online ChicagoPride.com Oct. 21, 2009 19 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Exciting Lakeview Nightlife. To Schedule A Showing EDGEWATER - BEAUTIFUL, COMPLETELY REHABBED 2 THREE + BEDROOM Call 773-248-9936. Visit our Website at www.wtrm. BDRM. 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JOSEPH RICE Inte- Installation, Wood Staining, Varnishing, Finishing, Car- FREE ROOM AND BOARD Share a luxury 2 BR, 2 bath who came from Venezuela 7 years ago. We met in Boys- riors, Inc. Full Decorating Services with a specialty in pentry Designers Consultation upon request. ALWAYS condo in Lincoln Square area in exchange for cook- town 10-01-09. I am from Iowa. I think he lives in Oak window treatments for over 24 years. 773-271-2361. ON TIME, CLEAN WORK, WITH GREAT REFERENCES. ing healthy meals, light housekeeping and being an Lawn. I want to visit and see him again. Redheadjj@ (10/21/09-52) ACTIVE PAINTING,INC. (847)414-4186 email: ac- occasional workout buddy. Me: a non smoking, very yahoo.com (10/21/09-2) [email protected] (11/11/09-8) light drinking middle aged gay executive who wants a healthier lifestyle,lose some weight and get a little 20 Oct. 21, 2009 BILLY MASTERS “I still love her. But she’s retarded, too.” — Guy cold. He called to Cowles, who rushed out of the Ritchie tells us how he feels about Madonna to- bedroom—presumably the same bedroom Georgi day. In these politically correct days, he’s been was in—and he attempted CPR, but it was too taken to task by a disabilities advocacy group. late. Gately was only 33. Rest in peace. “Use of the R-word demeans people with intel- In happier queer news, Mariah Carey has lectual disabilities.” Lord in merciful heaven! helped bring a young gay couple together. It I suppose it was only a matter of time before all happened when Maurie Sherman and Mathew I ended up on stage at Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Di- Almeida of Toronto planned to attend Mariah’s vas Simply Singing.” Needless to say, this was show at the Palms. Maurie wanted to get mar- 8 the doing of the beautiful, bawdy, and boda- ried, but Mathew told him three years ago that 18 10 cious Jenifer Lewis, who asked me to give her an he’d only marry him if he got to meet Mariah. 2 opening chord for her a capella version of “The Sherman plotted the proposal with Mariah’s

4 Star Spangled Banner”—a la Mahalia Jackson. management and he kept his fingers crossed it Prior to singing, she and Sheryl Lee were teas- would go off without a hitch. When the time 16 11 9 1 ing each other to the delight of the capacity came, Carey brought the guys on stage and Mau- house. Meanwhile, I was chatting with Yolanda rie said, “I’m hoping that my Mariah will accept 17 12 3 Adams in the wings. Suddenly, Lewis got it in his Nick Cannon.” Mariah had champagne wait- 6 19 55 14 5 her head to do some cartwheels. Why? ‘Cause she ing for the boys and toasted their engagement. 15 13 can. Suddenly I hear Jenny bellow, “Where’s Billy How great is that? You can watch the video on

7 Masters? Get out here, Billy!” Just like that, I BillyMasters.com. was part of the act...I’m not sure what kinda act One couple comes together, another breaks

58 it was, but it would have fit in on the Orpheum apart. Cherry Jones has confirmed that she and 46 48 47 circuit! I’m thrilled to say that Jenifer brought Sarah Paulson are no longer a romantic couple. 60 44 45 down the house and got her standing ovation These rumors have been circulating ever since

54 one of the very few of the night. Jones neglected to thank Paulson in her Emmy 59 acceptance speech. Cherry says that the two are 50 still great friends. “It’s the happiest break-up 52 25 49 that’s ever been. We grew so much together and 37 22 51 24 26 now we can send each other off with a kiss and 32 great love.” You lesbians aren’t all sweet and loving when Maurie had a 33 you break up. The dirt is ready to fly between 31 30 56 vision of love... 23 Martina Navratilova and her ex, Toni Layton. Al- 53 and Mariah helped 39 28 38 41 57 though the couple did exchange vows, it was 36 it come to light. 29 in New Hampshire in 2000—10 years before 40 27 See the video on 21 43 gay marriage was legal in that state. Since it’s 42 BillyMasters.com 34 not technically a “divorce,” Layton has filed a 20 lawsuit stating that the couple had agreed to “evenly share all assets earned and obtained by either.” Toni is seeking half the value of their 35 shared homes, return of her three cars and all gifts she gave Martina during the relationship, estimated to be worth $1.5 million. While Navra- ANDERSONVILLE 18 Touché 35 Manhandler 52 Jeffrey Pub 1 @mosphere 6412 N. Clark St. 1948 N. Halsted St. 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. tilova’s people aren’t speaking, it’s rumored that 5355 N. Clark St. ToucheChicago.com 36 minibar/winebar the tennis legend is planning to wed former Miss atmospherebar.com 19 Wild Pug 3341 N. Halsted St. THE BURBS 2 The Anvil 4810 N. Broadway Ave. minibarchicago.com 53 Club Krave Universe contestant Julia Lemigova. 1137 W. Granville Ave. WorldsGreatestBar.com 37 North End 13126 S. Western Ave. We have another ally in the fight for gay mar- 3 3733 N. Halsted St. Blue Island, IL “Divas” was not without numerous stand-outs. riage. Belinda Carlisle taped a PSA supporting 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. BOYSTOWN NorthEndChicago.com ClubKrave.com BigChicks.com 20 3160 38 Pie Hole 54 Hideaway The aforementioned Yolanda Adams brought the Protect Maine Equality. We’ll run the whole mes- 4 Cattle Call 3160 N. Clark St. 737 W. Roscoe St. 7301 W. Roosevelt Rd. crowd to church and was in spectacular form. sage on BillyMasters.com, but here’s a quote, 1547 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago3160.com PieHolePizzaJoint.com Forest Park, IL CattleCallChicago.com 21 Berlin 39 Roscoe’s 55 Hunters Speaking of church, Sam Harris turned the con- “My son James is gay, and I want him and every 5 Crew 954 W. Belmont Ave. 3356 N. Halsted St. 1932 E. Higgins Rd. cert into a revival meeting with a soulful “Bridge other gay person out there to have the same op- 4804 N. Broadway Ave. BerlinChicago.com Roscoes.com Elk Grove Village, IL WorldsGreatestBar.com 22 Bobby Love’s 40 Scarlet HuntersNightclubs.com Over Troubled Water.” Frenchie Davis displayed portunities and rights as I’ve had in life.” YAY! 6 Eagle 3729 N. Halsted St. 3320 N. Halsted St. 56 John L’s Place remarkable control and purity with “Home.” This week’s “Ask Billy” question came from 5001 N. Clark St. BobbyLoves.com ScarletBarChicago.com 335 154th Pl. Loretta Devine killed with a rockin’ version of Roger in Lake Tahoe (presumably not IN the ChicagoEagle.com 23 Bucks Saloon 41 Sidetrack Calumet City, IL 7 El Gato Negro 3439 N. Halsted St. 3349 N. Halsted St. 57 Maneuvers “Bust Your Windows.” My new best friend Brenda lake): “There’s a really hot guy on Lifetime with 1461 Irving Park Rd. BucksSaloonChicago.com SidetrackChicago.com 118 E. Jefferson St. Russell made “Get Here” sound more touching the last name Pavelka. Wasn’t that the same guy ElGatoNegroBar.com 24 Cell Block 42 Spin Joliet, IL 8 The Glenwood 3702 N. Halsted St. 800 W. Belmont Ave. JolietManeuvers.com and fresh than ever before. “All-4-One” showed who was on ‘The Bachelorette’ this summer? I 6962 N. Glenwood St. www.CellBlock-Chicago.com Spin-Nightclub.com 58 Moda VIP they’ve still got it with a classic song and new know I’ve seen him before.” TheGlenwoodbar.com 25 Charlie’s 43 Steamworks 2409 N. Mannheim Rd. hit. Faith Evans got Sheryl Lee to get down dur- You may have seen him before. You may have 9 Hamburger 3726 N. Broadway Ave. 3246 N. Halsted St. (bath) Franklin Park, IL Mary’s/Mary’s CharliesChicago.com SteamworksOnline.com myspace.com/modavip ing “Love Like This.” Phenomenal 12-year-old heard the name before. And you may have seen Attic 26 Circuit 59 Rumors Gabi Wilson was easily the crowd favorite and the name attached to a hot guy before. But, it’s 5400 N. Clark St. 3641 N. Halsted St. DOWNTOWN 2433 Desplaines Ave. HamburgerMarysChicago.com CircuitClub.com 44 The Baton North Riverside, IL Kelly Price got people all worked up. But the not the same guy. There are two Pavelkas ... if 10 Jackhammer 27 The Closet 436 N. Clark St. RumorsPubOnline.com highlight for me was Tamia, who held the audi- you can believe that. There is the scrumptious 6406 N. Clark St. 3325 N Broadway Ave. TheBatonShowLounge.com 60 Velvet Rope ence in the palm of her hand with a mesmerizing Jessie Pavelka, who is the host on DietTribe. Jackhammer-Chicago.com 28 Cocktail 45 Second Story Bar 728 W. Lake St. 11 Joie De Vine 3359 N. Halsted St. 157 E. Ohio St. Oak Park, IL rendition of “Me.” Brava! Then there’s Jake Pavelka, who was on The 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. CocktailBarChicago.com VelvetRopeOakPark.com This past weekend, Stephen Gately from the Bachelorette. And we haven’t seen the last of 12 Man’s Country 29 FireFly NEAR NORTH 5017 N. Clark St. (bath) 3335 N. Halsted St. 46 Club 2506 INDIANA British group Boyzone died under somewhat Jake—he’s going to be the next Bachelor, which MansCountryChicago.com FireflyOnHalsted.com 2506 N. Clybourn Ave. 61 Dick’s R U Crazee? mysterious circumstances. Gately was on the is- starts airing in January. FYI, these guys are not 13 Scot’s 30 Halsted’s Bar & 47 Crobar 1221 E.150th St. land of Majorca with his hubby, Andy Cowles. related. And neither one appears to be gay ... 1829 W. Montrose Ave. Grill 1543 N. Kingsbury St. Hammond, IN ChicagoScotsBar.com 3441 N. Halsted St. 48 The Prop House DicksRUCrazee.com We know that around 2 a.m., the pair went out DAMN! But they’re really hot, so I’ll post pics on 14 SoFo HalstedsChicago.com 1675 N. Elston Ave. 62 Encompass to The Black Cat, which has been described as BillyMasters.com. 4923 N. Clark St. 31 Hydrate 2415 Rush St. SofoBar.com 3458 N. Halsted St. Lake Station, IN a somewhat seedy dance club. When they left When I’m thinking of starting my own benefit, 15 Spyners HydrateChicago.com THE SOUTHSIDE EncompassNightclub.com around 4 a.m., they were in the company of a “Divas Simply Dishing,” it’s definitely time to end 4623 N. Western Ave. 32 Kit Kat 49 Club Escape Spyners.com 3700 N. Halsted St. 1530 E. 75th St. swarthy 25-year-old Bulgarian named Georgi Do- yet another column. Over the next few months, 16 Star Gaze KitKatChicago.com ClubEscapeChicago.com chev. No one is saying exactly what was going I’ll be making lots of personal appearances, so 5419 N. Clark St. 33 Little Jim’s 50 Escapades on, but one insider did say this: “Andy retired check out my schedule at www.BillyMasters.com. StarGazeChicago.com 3501 N. Halsted St. 6301 S. Harlem Ave. 17 T’s LittleJimsChicago.com 51 InnExile to the bedroom with the Bulgarian while Ste- If you have any questions, e-mail me at Billy@ 5025 N. Clark St. 34 Lucky Horseshoe 5758 W. 65th St. phen stayed in the lounge and sat on the sofa in BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to TsBarChicago.com 3169 N. Halsted St. InnExileChicago.com his pajamas.” At 1 p.m., Dochev seems to have you before Dick Cheney does a PSA supporting come out of the bedroom, found Gately crouched his daughter’s right to a same-sex marriage! So, in front of the sofa with his head buried in a pil- until next time, remember, one man’s filth is an- low. Georgi says Gately was very pale and very other man’s bible. Oct. 21, 2009 21

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The Decibelle Music & Culture Festival—a non-profit event that aims to “help build and foster a supportive arts community that inspires, educates, breaks down stereotypes, and encourages bold creative expression,” accordring to its Web site—took place Oct. 15-18 in various venues around Chicago. Among the performers were Emilie Simon, Me’Shell Ndegeo- ® cello, JD Samson, Ugandan singer Sarah Ndagire, artist Psalm One and members of Sister Spit: The Next Generation (hosted by Michelle Tea). Each year, Decibelle features female musicians and partners with women’s non-profit organizations. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald Siidettrrack The Viideo Barr (www.MysticImagesPhotography.com) and Mel Ferrand; see many more online at www. 3349 N..Hallstted •• SiidettrrackChiicago..com WindyCityMediaGroup.com and in next week’s issue of Nightspots.

FASHION The right Angell: Designer inspired by Stevie Nicks BY ANDREW DAVIS

Singer Stevie Nicks has inspired many people in the LGBT community—but probably none more so than suburban designer Joshua-Paul Angell. The affable Angell, 30, talked with Windy City Times about his connection with Nicks and de- signer Isaac Mizrahi; his background; and the best and worst aspects of his career. Joshua-Paul Angell. Photo courtesy of Windy City Times: How did you come to be Angell interested in fashion? How did you discover you have a knack for it? sic just speaks to me. I did a dress recently Joshua-Paul Angell: You know, I have no for- and I titled it “Rooms on Fire” because that’s mal training whatsoever, but I’ve been inter- one of her songs. You can almost tell what I ested in fashion for years and years and years. listened to by the [item]. I’ve always sketched dresses, blouses, what WCT: What are the best and worst parts of have you. your career? Last March, I was working in retail at Fannie J-PA: I would say the best part is designing Mae as a manager. The district manager said a something new—a new look, a new edge. The few things to me that I didn’t like; I gave my worst part is when you hear comments from keys to the assistant manager, jumped in the people who don’t like what I do: “It’s too col- car, and Stevie Nicks was singing “Gypsy”—and orful” or “It’s too out-there” or “Why do you Stevie is my muse. It inspired me to do what I tie-dye?” They don’t understand that they came want to do with my life. up with this chemical process 4,000 years ago Since then, I’ve gotten a home studio, and in India to make fabrics beautiful. started selling at flea markets with basic T- WCT: What’s the difference between fash- shirts. I started with tie-dye and it evolved ion and style? into a chemical infusion; I use chemical pro- J-PA: Fashion, to me, is almost a mass-pro- cesses to alter fabrics. I’ve worked with a few duced look, like Michael Kors. Style is being designers and a fashion photographer; since able to go into a thrift store, pick something then, it’s just come out of me. Nothing comes out and look good in it [as well as] feel confi- out of me unless I have Stevie on, though; I’ve dent. tried other singers but it doesn’t work. Also, I Find out more about Joshua-Paul—includ- design things that I feel Stevie would wear. ing his connection with Isaac Mizrahi—on- WCT: So no Britney, no Rihanna ... noth- line at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. ing? For more about the designer, see www. J-PA: Nothing. Something with all of her mu- designertiedye.com. 22 Oct. 21, 2009 ship daily; you can not hide behind a piece of CRU romance: paper as the bond to the relationship.” —Complete the following sentence: I’m bet- Couple plays and ter than my boyfriend at … BM: “Cooking, being organized and directions.” JS: “Rowing” stays together —Favorite movie: BM: Sliding Doors. JS: By Ross Forman thezeitgeistmovie. —Favorite TV show: BM: Lost. JS: “I don’t What started on a blind dinner date in early really like TV; Brando watches enough for both 2001 has turned into a relationship that is now of us.” eight years strong, and everything truly is sail- —Favorite sports besides rowing: BM: Gym- ing right along just fine for Brando Mataya and nastics and swimming. JS: Basketball, baseball John Sanders. and football. They live together in Bucktown, are the co- —Hobbies: BM: Working out, yoga, martial owners of Simple Floors, Inc., and are team- arts, dancing, photography, wine and fine cui- mates, boat mates and the First Family, so to sine. JS: “I like mental and physical self-im- speak, on the Chicago Rowing Union (CRU), the provement and enlightenment-oriented activi- area’s only predominantly gay rowing club. ties. I enjoy moderate body-building and work “CRU is a great organization to meet other out four or five times per week and practice GLBT in a unique environment,” said Mataya, 42, budokon, a mixture of martial arts, meditation, who has been rowing for three years. “It’s nice and yoga.” to meet people who have the same interest in Brando Mataya (left) and John Sanders. Photo courtesy of the couple —People don’t know that I... : BM: “Gradu- the sport. It’s very important to define ourselves ated [from] college when I was 19 and passed The winter months are used for off-water train- talk about rowing frustrations, but not directly as rowers who happen to be gay as opposed to the CPA Board Exam shortly thereafter.” JS: “Was ing and fund-raising for new, improved equip- against each other. the other way around. CRU provides great train- raised a Jehovah’s Witness in Washington state, ment. Mataya also is working to improve CRU’s Mataya and Sanders are one of at least three ing, coaching and facilities to all members. but got ex-communicated from my friends and website. “We want the website to not just tell couples of CRU members, but they have the lon- “This year, the organization has grown tremen- family for ‘being gay.’” gest relationship. Sanders is the captain of CRU’s dously in terms of membership and the numbers our story, goals and objectives, but we want to Club team. He also is the CRU equipment man- of entries in all races/regattas. The quality of draw more awareness in terms of membership/ ager, responsible for maintaining CRU’s boats. SPORTS SHORTS rowing is definitely improving as we have start- recruiting, community outreach and support, “The single most [important key to our rela- ed winning some of the races this year.” and fund-raising,” he said. Red Stars to hold tionship success] is a deep understanding that CRU and the D.C. Strokes are the only two pre- Mataya and Sanders compete in the same in a real sense we are ‘one’ and in this togeth- dominantly gay rowing clubs in the U.S. There boat, though on different sides. Mataya works fall, winter clinics er,” said Sanders, 39. “When you are one, you The local women’s pro team Chicago Red Stars are 40 active CRU members, plus many more that the port, while Sanders is starboard. Thus, Mata- put the others’ needs/feelings up there with is holding multiple soccer clinics throughout only row during one season or another (Sprint ya said, “rowing is just like our relationship: one your own. You are more thoughtful, and you Chicagoland this fall and winter. or Head). Participants range in age from 20 to compliments the other.” are more understanding of faults/imperfections. Several sessions include the opportunity to 48, with men and women. CRU members work in “It’s nice to have your boyfriend there as there Nothing is perfect, but we can do things sepa- learn alongside Red Stars defender and 1999 the food industry, the hospitality industry, IT, are times that I need some moral support before rate from each other without insecurity of being World Cup champion Kate Markgraf as well as engineering and sales; there are consultants, or even during the race,” Mataya said. “It’s nice hurt cause each of our needs are in the others’ Red Stars forward and former University of Illi- doctors, lawyers, scientist, business owners, to have someone reassure you that everything is best intent. nois All-American Ella Masar. Space is limited for students and more. going to be just fine. The race is always exciting, “We are both competitive, but the teamwork the Red Stars’ winter clinics, so register early. The CRU season is April through October, in- but can be nerve-wracking, too. element trumps the competitive element of row- Contact Red Stars Camp Director Kate Westfall cluding Learn-To-Row classes in April. CRU of- “As long as we gave it our all, losing a race ing.” at 708-496-9511, or register online at Chicag- fers three teams – Novice, Club and Competitive is not frustrating to me. I don’t think losing Mataya and Sanders went to Copenhagen this oRedStars.com. Fall clinics run Oct. 24; winter – based on skill level. affects our relationship and I don’t remember bringing home any frustration about rowing. We past summer to compete in the 2009 World Out- sessions run Dec. 21-Feb. 27. games, and they returned to Chicago wearing two bronze medals, won in the Men’s Masters 4+ (1K Sprint Race) and the Men’s Open 4+ (6K Second City Badminton Head Race). has open gym dates “The Outgames was an amazing experience, Second City Badminton’s open gym dates will competing internationally with other gay row- span from October through January. As always, Women’s Indoor ers,” Mataya said. “There were about 200 row- this information is posted on the CMSA Web site, ers and though the competition was fierce, the www.chicagomsa.org . sportsmanship and camaraderie was truly evi- The cost is $7 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 Volleyball dent.” N. Broadway, 6:30-9 p.m. every Monday except Sanders added: “The rowing was great, but the for holidays. The dates are as follows: Oct. 26; Teams are forming now for CMSA. overall experience was beyond my expectations. Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 (skip Nov. 23 for Thanks- To date, it was my most memorable regatta.” giving week); Dec. 7, 14 (skip for Christmas and Mataya and Sanders also have been winners in New Year’s); and Jan. 4 and 11 (skip Jan. 18 for Playing at Kilbourn Park on the Men’s Masters 4+ finishing second place at the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday). Sundays starting Dec. 13 and the Milwaukee River Challenge in September and Also, winter doubles will start Jan. 25, 2010. running through March. the Men’s Masters 4+ finishing third at the 10th Sign-ups will begin Jan. 4 at open gym. Trail of the Fox Regatta in Wisc., held earlier Team fee: $400 this month. Player fee: $25 And also, most importantly, in the game of SkiBudz meeting life. Oct. 21 CRU is having a fundraiser to celebrate the SkiBudz, Chicago’s gay ski and snowboard Three divisions available: end of its first season on Thursday, Oct. 22, club, is having its 2009-2010 Season kickoff Competitive, Intermediate and the at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, 7-10 p.m. For a event Wed., Oct. 21, 7-9 p.m., at The Wild Pug, Division (recreational). $10 cover charge, you get three drinks with 4810 N. Broadway. All players must be current CMSA members in order to participate. 100 percent of the proceeds going to CRU. At the meeting, people will learn about This can be paid online as well. SkiBudz and the upcoming ski and snowboard More about Brando Mataya (BM) and John trips to Aspen Colo.; Granite Peak, Wis.; Steam- Sanders (JS): boat Springs, Colo.; and Whistler Ski resort in —High school: BM: Pagbilao Academy in the British Columbia, Canada. , Class of 1983. JS: Rochester Wash- SkiBudz is open to skiers of all levels including ington, Class of 1991. beginners. See www.skibudz.org. Register online at www. —College: BM: Enverga University in the Phil- ippines, Class of 1987. JS: Seattle Central. chicagomsa.org or contact —Ever thought of going to a state that al- Go Go Green [email protected] lows gay marriage: BM: “Not really. Marriage 5K Run/Walk Oct. 24 for more information. equality is great and I am all for it. I think there The 2009 Go Go Green 5K Run/Walk—benefit- are other human rights issues that are as impor- ing the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum—will tant.” JS: “I am all for gay marriage and equal take place Saturday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m. at Lincoln rights. Marriage in general, as an institution, is Park/Diversey Harbor, across from the museum not the answer to all. It is, after all, a piece at 2430 N. Cannon. of paper and brings along with it expectations Registration is $12-$37, and packets must be of entitlement over another individual. I believe picked up prior to race day. Visit www.naturemu- you have to prove your value in your relation- seum.org and click on the “Go Go Green” box. Oct. 21, 2009 23

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

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Download each issue of Windy City Times and Nightspots at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 24 Oct. 21, 2009

SAVING OUR HEALTHCARE

Where does healthcare really begin? With plants. Aspirin came from willow bark. Taxol came from the yew tree. Fifty percent of medicines are derived from plant sources. What other cures are out there? e Chicago Botanic Garden is saving 30 million seeds from 1,500 species of plants from the tallgrass prairie, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world and found here in the Midwest. Garden scientists are storing and preserving seeds of valuable plants that one day may cure disease, provide food, or become viable parts of a healthy ecosystem.

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

savetheplants.org

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