Janis Ian Un-Sung Folk Legend & NORTH SHORE CENTER for with Livingston Taylor the PERFORMING ARTS in SKOKIE 2013 Grammy Winner 9501 Skokie Blvd

La Toya jackson talks ‘celebrity apprentice’ WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, PAGE 19 BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Feb. 27, 2013 vol 28, no.21 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES Two roads to gay marriage BY KATE SOSIN There are benefits and drawbacks to each, said Taylor, ning it through legislation, and that you shouldn’t be who sat down with Windy City Times for an in-depth so myopic in search of one remedy that you neglect the Camilla Taylor knows how to win marriage equality. She interview on both roads to marriage in Illinois and the other. trans YOUTH did it in Iowa as the lead attorney in a lawsuit that strategies behind that fight. We didn’t dream, I think, that we would have as much dies overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, and Windy City Times: You are in the unique position success so fast in state legislatures around the country. page 9 she’s been moving toward that goal for years in Illinois, of fighting two marriage campaigns in the same Winning in November in marriage-related votes in four among other places, as the national marriage project state. Did you imagine this would be the case? states, depending on how you count it, was a huge pro- director for Lambda Legal. Camilla Taylor: Well, we did draft the marriage legisla- pulsion to greater legislation traction here. Today, Lambda Legal Midwest and the American Civil tion with [state] Rep. Harris and Sen. Steans prior to I think also we didn’t anticipate the welcome that Liberties Union of Illinois are in the unexpected posi- filing the lawsuit. The lawsuit was years in the making, received from elected officials when we filed the law- tion of fighting for equal marriage in Illinois on two and we had a draft complaint for almost a decade. My suit. We of course expected our elected officials would fronts. Both organizations filed lawsuits seeking to predecessor Pat Logue had played a big role in working treat us fairly with the expectation that equality is for overturn the ban on same-sex marriage last year. Now, with some of the clients at the very beginning. all people, including lesbian and gay citizens and their both are among the leading organizations fighting for So we’d done an awful lot of work and made a great the passage of marriage equality in the Illinois General investment in that case, and we knew we were filing it Turn to page 10 Assembly. but we also knew that there was a possibility of win- Action CUFF Jackson ENOUGH ‘PREGNANT MAN’ Before stopping by Davenport’s Jax Jackson stars as Jaq in March 2, Tony winner Levi VISITS NU Teddy Ferrara. Courtesy of The Kreis chatted with Windy City page 8 Goodman Theatre Times. See page 19. Photo courtesy of the theater

pages 16 page 19

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW WRAP-UP pagE 20

Her gentle but compelling performances blur the line between story and song –Washington Post 847.673.6300 NorthShoreCenter.org Known for “At Seventeen” & “Society’s Child,” this Janis Ian un-sung folk legend & NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR with Livingston Taylor THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE 2013 Grammy winner 9501 Skokie Blvd. FREE PARKING Thu, Mar 14 at 8pm should not be missed! There’s More at the North Shore! B:10.25” T:10.25” 2 Feb.S:10.25” 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES YouYou knowknow whowho lovesloves rainbows?rainbows? B:13.5” S:13.5” Infants.Infants. T:13.5”

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LESBIAN, OF CHICAGO’S GAY, THE VOICE BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 198513 Feb. 27, 20 , no.21 vol 28 La Toya WINDY CITY jaCkson TaLks y LebriT ‘Ce TiCe’ m appren PAGE 19 TIMESindyCityMediaGroup.co www.W MY

win- ility of Two roads to a possib n’t be re was ould hat you sh ct the so knew that theon, and t negle but we al gislati ough le remedy that you g it thr of one h r, nin in search s muc lo myopic ld have a each, said Tay so e wou try. ks to depth . , that w the coun y. or an in- other think es around four Assembl efits and drawbac s f the islatur votes in are ben City Time and We didn’t dream,state I leg ro- There h Windy fast in arriage-related huge p gay marriagen wit arriage in Illinois cess so r in m t, was a at dow to m suc count i who s both roads ition ng in Novembe ow you iew on ique pos Winni n h tion here. that interv d that fight. pending o ion trac elcome BY KATE SOSIN arriage equality. Shehat hin re in the un the same tates, de gislat DOWNLOADhe w THIS! it t ies be s le ate t law- win m lawsu strateg imes: You a aigns in o greater nticip led the s how to n a nd T ca mp case? pulsion t t a fi uld ylor know attorney i age, a Windy City marriage be the a- also we didn’ when we ials wo Ta he lead ex marri , would l d officials d offic Camilla wa as t n same-s inois fighting two marriage legis I think electe r electe y is for in Io ban o ars in Ill of aft the rior to ed ou lit did it state’s l for ye t id you imagine this dr eans p received from that equa ed the state. D Well, we did n. St g, ctation rturn oward that goa al marriage projec aylor: nd Se e makin . We of course expecthe expe 10 Teen ove oving t on la T rs in th suit y with t o page rans s been m the nati Camil de. My us fairl Turn t T she’ places, as n Civil ith [state] Rep. Harriswsuit a was yea a deca treat other rica tion w it. The la r almost ing among da Legal. si- e lawsu laint fo in work dies or Lamb t and the Ame ed po omp ole 9 tor f gal Midwes o filing th a draft c layed a big r PAGE direc Le the unexpect on tw we had e had p ginning. day, Lambda inois are in Illinois and t Logu very be great To Ill age in cessor Pa at the ade a on of marri seeking to prede e clients ork and m Liberties Uni uits h lot of w ere filing it fighting for equal s filed laws year. Now, with some of t n awful ew we w on of nization age last d we kn ti rga arri ting for we’d done a ase, an CY . Both o sex m ns figh So hat c CUFF fronts on same- nizatio eral nt in t e ban g orga inois Gen investme overturn th the leadin in the Ill ong equality both are am arriage ge of m UGH Go to a www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com the pass ort’s eno Davenp by stopping evi Before ion indy City March 2, Tony winner L tted with W aCT eis cha . Photo Kr 19 ee page s. S ater Time the the kson courtesy of C q in age 19 ja rs as Ja p ta he Jackson s y of T Jax . Courtes Ferrara Teddy re n Theat Goodma an’ nT M pages 16 ‘preGna nU VisiTs PAGE 8 to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. CMY

00 73.63 47.6 nter.org aGo n Post 8 eCe CHiC shingto hor oW ng –Wa rthS o sH y and so No aUT een stor ER FOR -Up betw NT OKIE rap the line HORE CES IN SK W s blur n” TH S NG ART RKING mance ntee NOR FORMI REE PA E 20 rfor t Seve HE PER lvd. F PAG lling pe or “A T kokie B ! compe nown f ” this 9501 S Shore ntle but K s Child, e North Her ge Society’ & ore at th & “ legend ere’s M ung folk Th Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! un-s inner ammy w 2013 Gr ed! Taylor t be miss should no with Livingston pm Janis I 14a at n8 Thu, Mar K online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ‘FALL’ GUYS Windy City Times reviews an operatic interpretation of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher.

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Read about the WCT provides a author Kim Flowers NOAH’S ARC gender-neutral gay tour of Rome. presents a diverse WCT chats with Noah Michelson, who “frarority” Delta helms the Huffington Post’s Gay Voices Lambda Psi at Photo from Jeff cast of multi-racial section. NEIU. Guaracino characters across

Photo from Jorge Vargas the LGBT spectrum in a dystopian US, SHIRLEY, YOU JEST Catch up on events that took place being grounded 200 years in the around town, including a chat with future. The nation Shirley MacLaine. is separated into normal towns and ENTERTAINMENT NEWS gay communities, Find out the latest about Clay Aiken, and seventeen-year Susan Boyle and Matt Bomer. old Serenity secretly The latest Pop Making Sense column joins the revolution plus profiles Helen Money (above) and Dita von Teese, among others. to end the divide. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo by Travis McCoy “The Divide has the potential to bring LGBTQ stories to new audiences ... ” nightspots OSCARS POST-SHOW #1087 • February 20, 2013 —Windy City Times nightspots WITH AMY AND SCOTT Paperback and e-book available at QueerTeen Press, TPAN’s NEO NOIR JMS Books LLC, Women and Children First Bookstores, TAKES OFF AT THE Amazon, and BarnesandNoble.com PARK WEST TAKING IT OFF Neo Noir, TPAN’S Chicago Takes Off fundraiser, hits the Park West, Sat., March 2. page 21 Show #510 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES discourse, and as a result has important cultural latest Gallup data and from Gates’ 2011 analysis and political significance. One limitation of this closely approximate data collected by a major Massive survey approach is that it is not possible to separately media coalition during the national elections consider differences among [LGBT] individuals. in 2010 and 2012. The National Election Pool A second limitation is that this approach mea- found that about 3 percent to 4 percent of reiterates LGBT sures broad self-identity, and does not measure people answering exit poll surveys when leaving sexual or other behavior, either past or present.” the voting booth identified themselves as gay, The 3.5-percent estimate from the latest mas- lesbian, or bisexual. sive Gallup Poll data corresponds exactly with An earlier release of the Gallup data, cover- estimate—with twists an LGB estimate Gates provided in April 2011, ing data collected between June 1 and Sept. when he released his analysis of five different 30, 2012, included about 121,000 respondents, population studies. noted Gates. The analysis released this month (Counting transgen- was collected from June 1 to December 30. Keen News Service der people, he esti- Two “big takeaways” Gates offers from the Gal- mated 3.8 percent.) lup data is that the variation from state to state There’s a kind of urban myth that most LGBT The five U.S. surveys “doesn’t play into the stereotype that the LGBT people live in large urban areas on the West included the mam- community is entirely concentrated in New Eng- Coast and the northeast region of the country, moth General Social land and the West Coast” and, with one excep- and that they’re mostly gay, male, young and Survey of 2008 and tion, “all the top ten states are some of the most white. However, a new study out this month the National Survey gay friendly states in the country.” begs to amend this perception slightly. of Sexual Health and The exception is South Dakota, where 4.4 per- Data from the most extensive study ever of Behavior of 2009. cent of 722 adults surveyed identified as LGBT. LGBT people in the general population say the In both analyses, Gates suggested South Dakota might have shown highest percentage of self-identified LGBT peo- Gates was estimat- a higher percentage because it was among the ple lives in Washington, D.C., followed by the ing the percent- nine states where the polling sample was under relatively small population states of Hawaii, age of adults in 1,000. In fact, four of the top ten states plus Vermont, Oregon, Maine and Rhode Island. And the United States D.C. had polling samples under 1,000. while the distribution of self-identified LGBT who self-identify as Counting only states where at least 1,000 people still falls roughly along the West Coast LGBT. But Associat- people could be sampled, the highest LGBT self- and the northeast region, there are incon- ed Press’s report on identification rates were in Maine, Massachu- gruities like low self-identification in marriage Gates’ 2011 analysis setts, Nevada, California, Washington, Kentucky, equality state Iowa and high self-identification focused on the find- Arizona, New York, Michigan and Illinois. in bordering South Dakota, a sparsely populated ing that 1.7 percent Illinois and Michigan had 3.8 percent identify- Republican-dominated agricultural state. identified as “homo- ing as LGBT. The analysis was based on data collected by sexual.” “Does this mean that gay people are moving the Gallup Poll group through phone interviews “That’s a much to those states or that those states are more ac- with 206,186 adults throughout the United lower figure than cepting and so people are more willing to iden- States. The pollster asked participants a number the 3 percent to 5 tify?” asked Gates. “I’m skeptical that it’s the of questions, including, “Do you personally iden- percent that has migration to friendly,” said Gates. “The evidence tify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender?” been the conven- suggests more the latter. If a state has a more The data was then analyzed and re-weighted tional wisdom in the accepting social climate, the higher the level of to reflect known demographic factors by Gallup last two decades,” identification.” Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport and Williams In- noted the AP report, But there’s another stereotype being undone stitute Distinguished Scholar Gary Gates. carried widely by the and another variable in play, said Gates. A dis- Out of the entire sample, all interviewed be- mainstream media. proportionate number of the self-identifying tween June 1 and December 30, 2012, 3.5 per- Only near the bot- LGBT people are not young, gay, white and male, cent said yes. tom of the article but young, bisexual, non-white and female. The highest percentage of “yes” responses was did AP mention that “The young is not surprising. Younger people found in Washington, D.C., where 10 percent of Gates’ study found are more likely to self-identify,” said Gates. 493 adults self-identified as LGBT. another 1.8 percent As for female, Gates said he has been seeing The second highest percentage—5.1 per- identified as bisexu- multiple surveys of women identifying largely as cent—came in Hawaii, where 643 adults were al. bisexual. And non-white people who self-identi- surveyed. Others among the top ten states with The estimates of fy tend to be younger and female. the highest percentages included Vermont (4.9 people willing to ©2013 Keen News Service. All rights re- percent of 664 surveyed), Oregon (4.9 percent identify as LGBT are served. of 3,655 surveyed, Maine (4.8 percent of 1,286), naturally smaller Rhode Island (4.5 percent of 735), Massachu- than estimates of setts (4.4. percent of 4,253), South Dakota (4.4 people who have percent of 722), Nevada (4.2 percent of 1,493), ever felt a sexual at- Former Surgeon California (4 percent of 18,636) and Washington traction to a person state (4 percent of 5,990). General Koop dies of the same sex or The 10 states with the lowest percentage of Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. C. Ev- who have ever had LGBT people willing to identify themselves as erett Koop, 96—who was one of the few sex with a person such to Gallup were North Dakota (1.7 percent voices of reason during the start of the of the same sex. In of 615 people surveyed), Montana (2.6 percent AIDS epidemic in the 1980s—died Feb. 25. his famed studies of 1,329), Mississippi (2.6 percent of 1,961), Koop, a pediatric surgeon by training, of the 1940s-1960s, Tennessee (2.6 percent of 4,889), Utah (2.7 per- was appointed to his national post by researcher Alfred cent of 2,726), Idaho (2.7 percent of 1,582), President Reagan in November 1981 and Kinsey estimated Nebraska (2.7 percent of 1,592), Pennsylvania served until October 1989. 10 percent of males (2.7 percent of 9,716), Alabama (2.8 percent of In the 2009 book Infectious Ideas: U.S. “are more or less 3,603) and Iowa (2.8 percent of 2,692). Political Responses to the AIDS Crisis (Uni- exclusively homo- “This is the largest single study of the distri- versity of North Carolina Press), Jennifer sexual for at least bution of the LGBT population in the U.S. on Brier, UIC assistant professor of gender and three years between record, and the first time a study has had large women’s studies and history, wrote how the ages of 16 and enough sample sizes to provide estimates of the the AIDS crisis, in the face of the expand- 55.” A Williams In- LGBT population by state,” notes a Gallup report ing New Right, influenced American politi- stitute analysis of released with the data. cal matters involving health care and for- subsequent studies To be more precise, this is the largest single eign policy, reproductive health, gay and found eight percent study of the distribution of LGBT people willing lesbian rights and racial justice. of adults reported to self-identify as such in a random phone sur- Brier wrote that AIDS divided conserva- LGBT survey that Gallup issued. Image courtesy of Gallup.com having had sex with vey, but even with that more narrow assessment, tives. One example was between Koop and a same-sex partner at the data is still very important. Gary Bauer, who served as under secretary some point in their “A lot of people don’t truly understand how anywhere else.” of education, and later, as chief domestic lives and 11 percent had been attracted to a little data we have,” said Gates, who has been And Gallup was careful to qualify and explain policy adviser for President Reagan. “While person of the same sex. studying LGBT demographic data for many years. its methods: Koop was never entirely successful in Gates has been careful to point out, however, And because in all but nine states the survey “There are a number of ways to measure les- implementing policies that acknowledged that Kinsey did not rely on large, population- involved more than 1,000 people, the analysis bian, gay, and bisexual orientation and trans- people’s sexuality, Bauer was equally sty- based data, but rather interviews with several could “credibly” estimate the percentage of gender status,” noted the Gallup press release. mied when trying to enact AIDS policies thousand participants in a study of human sexu- LGBT people willing to identify as such in all “Gallup chose a broad measure of personal iden- that were driven by his strict definition of al behavior. 50 states, said Gates. “Those data doesn’t exist tification as LGBT because this grouping of four morality,” she said. statuses is commonly used in current American The 3.5-percent estimate nationally from the WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 5 riage Act, or, more powerfully, by saying that “the question would arise whether it might take every American has that right.” on some of the other pending cases, so as to Unknowns haunt To reach that latter—bold—result, the Su- reach the more fundamental constitutional dis- preme Court would have to agree with the Sec- pute. That, however, might come too late for a ond Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals decision in U.S. decision this Term, with a likely recess in late Supreme Court cases v. Windsor that courts should given a heightened June.” level of scrutiny to laws treating people differ- Briefs from parties on both sides of both cases By Lisa Keen But a lot of these unknowns are about to be ently because of sexual orientation. are due to the court on the issue of legal stand- Keen News Service resolved. Critical briefs—particularly from the “If the Supreme Court adopted that reasoning ing, as well as the Olson-Boies’ brief about the solicitor general’s office—are due to be submit- to strike down DOMA [in Windsor] and Prop 8 merits of the Prop 8 argument, were due last One month away from the most historic and, ted to the Supreme Court this week. [in Perry],” wrote gay legal scholar William Es- week. perhaps, influential U.S. Supreme Court cases in Friday, Feb. 22, is the solicitor general’s dead- kridge, in a December 9 post at scotusblog.com, ©Copyright 2013 by Keen News Service. All LGBT history, a surprising number of facts are line for laying out the Obama administration’s “every state marriage law excluding lesbian and rights reserved. still unknown. view of how the court should resolve the DOMA gay couples would be in immediate jeopardy, For instance, while New York attorney Roberta dispute. And Feb. 28 is its deadline to file a brief because no state could muster a compelling or Kaplan will argue the merits of lesbian plain- in the Prop 8 case, if it chooses to do so. substantial public interest that would satisfy the tiff Edith Windsor’s position that the Defense This much is known: The Obama administra- Second Circuit’s approach.” of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional and tion considers DOMA unconstitutional and Presi- That’s how big the decisions in Windsor and Vatican denies lesbian law professor Pamela Karlan will argue dent Obama has publicly made very clear that he Perry could get. “Windsor and Perry are likely to be two of the gay-related reports Windsor’s position on the legal standing issues, believes same-sex couples should have the right The Vatican is denying reports that Pope most important constitutional decisions in our it has not yet been decided exactly who will ar- to marry. Benedict XVI’s resignation was linked to an lifetimes,” wrote law professors Neal Devins and gue the merits and the legal standing issue for The question, according to two articles this emerging scandal involving gay priests and Tara Leigh Groves at scotusblog Dec. 8, 2012. “If the couples opposing Proposition 8. Ted Olson, month in The New Yorker magazine, is whether high-priced blackmail, according to USA [as we suspect], the Court reaches the merits of who along with David Boies is leading the le- the Obama administration will take positions Today. each case, we believe it will advance the cause gal team challenging Prop 8, says his team will that promote a “bold” striking down of all an- Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Ber- of same-sex marriage by invalidating both DOMA decide who will argue the merits and who will ti-gay marriage laws, beyond DOMA, or a more tone, who didn’t specifically mention the and Prop 8. But, in our view, the Court’s jurisdic- argue the standing issue after seeing what the “cautious” dismantling of them, state by state. scandal, said, “It is deplorable that as we Solicitor General decides to file—or not file—in In the Prop 8 case, notes legal analyst Jeff tional rulings—on the power of a single chamber of Congress and private sponsors of ballot initia- draw closer to the time of the beginning of their case. Toobin, “Obama could take the position, as the the conclave ... that there be a widespread There have been no signals from the Supreme plaintiffs have, that the Constitution compels tives to defend federal and state measures—will also have important implications, informing the distribution of often unverified, unverifi- Court that it will make the audio recordings of every state in the union to allow same-sex mar- able or completely false news stories that the two cases available to the public on the riage.” scope of the constitutional separation of powers at both the federal and state level.” cause serious damage to persons and insti- same day as the arguments, as it did with the “If adopted,” he said, “this argument would tutions.” turn the Hollingsworth case into the gay-rights But “if the court reaches the merits of each landmark health reform cases. (Normally, such A story that was originally in the Rome equivalent of Loving v. Virginia, the 1967 land- case” is one of the looming uncertainties in audio is not available until the end of the week, newspaper La Repubblica claims the pope’s though a written transcript is often available on mark decision that said states could no longer both cases. The court may not rule on the merits decision to step down dates to Dec. 17, the same day as the argument.) ban interracial marriage.” of each case. It could make a ruling on standing 2012, after he first saw a nearly 300-page It has still not been announced by the Solici- In the DOMA case, notes gay Democratic ac- that would preclude it reaching the merits of the dossier—dubbed “VatiLeaks” by the Ital- tor General’s office what argument—narrow or tivist and attorney Richard Socarides, where the disputes. ian press—that details meetings between broad— the Obama administration will take in government is already on record, the bigger is- “If the Court does not rule on the marriage priests and other officials working in the opposing DOMA. And there has been no indica- sue is “whether the federal government should rights issue itself in either of the granted cases, Vatican and laymen who were “united by tion of whether the Obama administration will just abide by state laws legalizing same-sex and that is all that is concludes on the issue this their sexual orientation.” even take a position in the Prop 8 case. marriage, by overturning the Defense of Mar- Term,” wrote veteran Supreme Court reporter Lyle Denniston, in his Dec. 7 post at scotusblog,

CIVIL UNIONS & WEDDINGS Center on Halsted; the Community Media Workshop; Ellen Stone Belic Institute for Women & Gender in Arts AT THE KEITH HOUSE & Media, Columbia College Chicago; and Windy City Times newspaper are honored to present The Keith House is among Chicago’s oldest grand houses, in the heart of the renowned Prairie Avenue Historic District, 10 minutes “Irresistible Revolution: from downtown Chicago. It resides next to the beautiful Chicago A Discussion of the Contemporary LGBT Movement” Women’s Park and Gardens, which is perfect for pictures. with LGBT rights advocate and award-winning author We can accommodate up to 90 people for cocktail style reception and 60 Urvashi Vaid for a sit-down in a single room. for the only public program in Chicago to discuss her new book, Also available for corporate “Irresistible events, retreats and Revolution: meetings. Confronting Race, Class, and the Assumptions of LGBT Politics” Magnus Books Publishing.

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1900 S. Prairie Avenue Phone: 312.907.7909 Chicago IL 60616-1321 [email protected] 6 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES

Chicago marks Manning Cleve Jones (right) blasts a convening of LGBT journalists for crossing a workers’ boycott at Hy- att Hotels Feb. 22. His comments were part of a Q&A session held with longtime activist David milestone at Pritzker Park Mixner (left). Photo by Kate Sosin BY ANDREW DAVIS

A variety of events took place around the world Feb. 23 to mark out U.S. Army private Bradley Manning spending 1,000 days behind bars. Controversy brews over LGBT According to PolicyMic.com, Manning is accused of leaking state secrets to WikiLeaks in the largest intelligence leak in U.S. history. Originally charged in June 2010 with leaking classified group’s Hyatt cancellation information, 22 additional charges against Manning were announced in March 2011, including “aiding the enemy”; and multiple counts of theft of public records, transmitting defense informa- BY KATE SOSIN the cost of the retreat itself. That release states tion and computer fraud. that group wants the cancellation fee waived. Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and Chicago World Can’t Wait co-sponsored the local event, In the latest in a controversy that has embroiled However, Hyatt said that both parties agreed which was held at Pritzker Park in the South Loop. At one point, Thayer said, among other things, LGBTs nationally, an LGBT group is facing signifi- to the contract and that it thinks Funders for that Manning’s leak showed the Obama Administration’s support of the 2009 military coup in cant penalty frees after canceling their retreat LGBTQ issues has been misled about the Hyatt’s Honduras that “left thousands of Hondurans dead.” at a Hyatt hotel in New Mexico in response to policies and commitment to LGBT issues. Thayer added, “The LGBT movement in our country does no service to its brothers and sisters a boycott. “In our contract with the Funders for LGBTQ, abroad by not supporting Bradley Manning. ... The response of the U.S. government has been to Funders for LGBTQ Issues, a national group, we had an industry standard cancellation poli- vilify Bradley Manning. President Obama said that Bradley Manning was guilty. [Obama] was a has been hit with a $40,600 cancellation fee for cy, which both the organization and the hotel constitutional-law scholar at the University of Chicago; he should know better than anyone else pulling the plug on its agreement with Hyatt. agreed to,” wrote Katie Rackoff, director of cor- that you do not prejudice a trial before it happens ... by calling someone guilty before he’s had Hyatt is the target of a workers boycott, after porate communications for Hyatt, in a statement his day in court.” more than three years of failed contract negotia- to Windy City Times. “We’re always happy to sit Others spoke as well, including members of Chicago Can’t Wait and Brandon Pruitt, who identi- tions with hotel workers’ union UNITE HERE. down with any of our customers and discuss any fied himself as a “non-gay ally.” People passed out postcards (addressed to “Bradley Manning The boycott has embroiled LGBTs nationally and concerns they may have. We hope to welcome 89289, 830 Sabalu Road, Fort Leavenworth, Kan., 66027”) that expressed support for Manning. in Chicago, where Hyatt is based. this organization back to Hyatt in the future.” The event concluded with a march up State Street. Veteran LGBT activist Cleve Jones works with UNITE HERE, and he has called on LGBTs to respect that boycott. He drove that message home Laura Bush in movements: pursuit of broad or narrow agendas, to a convening of LGBT journalists in Philadel- Urvashi Vaid in integration of economic and racial justice, inte- phia Feb. 22, blasting journalists in the room marriage-ad flap grating sexual orientation and gender identity Former First Lady Laura Bush wanted to who had crossed the boycott at other events in Chicago April 3 in human rights frameworks, the persistence of be removed from a pro-marriage-equality Author of Irresistible Revolution: recent years. sexism, the dilemmas of bipartisanship, and the ad that is part of a $1 million campaign Confronting Race, Class, and “In my union, we negotiate contracts that challenge of seeing beyond the short term to from a new coalition, according to Advo- the Assumptions of LGBT Politics protect our people in states where there is no secure gains made for the long run. cate.com. [LGBT] legislation protecting them, and then RSVP: To make a reservation, contact Tom In an ad for the Respect for Marriage CHICAGO: Longtime LGBT rights advocate Ur- you cross our picket line,” Jones said. Elliott at [email protected] or 773- Coalition, Bush appears among clips from vashi Vaid will be in Chicago Wed., April 3, for a Two years ago the Chicago-based Interna- 472-6469. a series of Republicans (including former free event at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- tional Mr. Leather competition took heat for BOOKS: To purchase and/or reserve your copies Vice President Dick Cheney) supporting sted St. She will discuss and sign copies of her continuing with its event at the Hyatt Regency call Women & Children First Bookstore at 773- marriage equality. The group is already new book, Irresistible Revolution: Confronting downtown. IML organizers said the costs of can- 769-9299 or visit www.womenandchildrenfirst. planning its second ad in the campaign, so Race, Class, and the Assumptions of LGBT Pol- cellation and booking another hotel made it im- com. Guests are encouraged to reserve copies or the first ad will quickly be replaced on air; itics. This is her only public program in Chicago. possible for the event to move hotels. prepay to ensure an adequate number of books. however, there are no plans to remove the The event will start at 7 p.m. and is co-host- Now, Funders for LGBTQ Issues is facing that Reserved copies and a limited number of addi- first lady in the current version. ed by Center on Halsted, the Community Media reality. tional copies will be available at the event. On a related note, The Respect for Mar- Workshop; Ellen Stone Belic Institute for Women “The moment we heard about the boycott, we For more information, contact the Ellen Stone riage Coalition has launched a second na- & Gender in Arts & Media, Columbia College Chi- felt we had to move the retreat,” said Ben Fran- Belic Institute for the Study of Women & Gender tional television ad which features Craig cago; and Windy City Times newspaper. Women & cisco Maulbeck, President of Funders for LGBTQ in the Arts & Media, Columbia College Chicago at Stowell, a Republican and former Marine Children First Bookstore will have books for sale Issues, in a statement. “There’s such a strong 312-369-8829. corporal, speaking out for the freedom to at the event. Vaid is a community orga- history of solidarity between the movements for About the author: marry, according to a press release. From one of the nation’s best-known social nizer and attorney who has been a leader in the workers’ rights and LGBT rights—dating back to Titled “Stowell,” the national televi- justice leaders and community activists comes a LGBT and social-justice movement for 30 years. Harvey Milk’s early organizing work in San Fran- sion ad is part of the Coalition’s ongoing strategic and informed argument about the pit- Currently the director of the Engaging Tradition cisco. We just couldn’t imagine having our re- falls of limited political vision, and the benefits “#Time4Marriage” advertising campaign. Project at Columbia Law School’s Center for Gen- treat, talking about issues of equality and social of an agenda that encompasses, yet moves be- “Stowell”—which features Craig Stowell, der and Sexuality Law, Vaid is a former staff at- change for LGBT communities, in a space that yond, equality. wife Berta, and brother Calvin, who is torney with the ACLU National Prison Project, we knew was under boycott by workers.” Irresistible Revolution is intended for a broad gay—began airing on cable, and will air and a former executive director of the National According a release put out by UNITE HERE, and general audience. The book looks at many during networks’ Sunday shows over the Gay and Lesbian Task Force. She lives in New the cancellation fee is a substantial chunk of the common controversies, rhetoric, and strategic coming weeks. York City with her partner of 25 years, humorist LGBT group’s operating budget and more than questions that face contemporary social change Kate Clinton. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 7

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Smith_WCT_NOW.indd 1 2/20/13 10:49 AM 8 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES Study: Bullying ‘Pregnant man’ speaks decreases over time at Northwestern Univ. By Carrie Maxwell cluding how they would be listed on the birth BY MARGO ANDERSON has become legal in several additional states, certificate. Beatie has since given birth to two and the gay rights movement has picked up ad- About 50 people attended a talk the Northwest- sons, Austin and Jensen and although their chil- A recent study in Pediatrics has found that bully- ditional momentum. So I would expect to see ern University student group Kaibigan sponsored dren are a year apart in age, Beatie noted that ing of LGB youth really does decrease over time. more of an effect of the gay-rights movement on that featured LGBT and human-rights activ- they act like triplets (their children share the More than 4,000 English teens were inter- anti-gay bullying after 2010.” ist Thomas Beatie at Northwestern University’s same biological father). The couple is currently viewed annually from 2004 to 2010. One hun- It is also true that many teens have not yet Swift Hall Feb. 23. in the process of getting a divorce. dred eighty-seven of these teens identified fully discovered their sexuality or may not feel Known as the world’s first pregnant man, themselves as LGB. Fifty-seven percent of les- comfortable identifying as LGB publicly, even if Beatie gained national attention when his During the Q&A session, Beatie was asked bian and bisexual girls and 52 percent of gay they would do so privately. This can introduce story first appeared in The Advocate. He later about the results of his surgery; he explained and bisexual boys reported being bullied at ages “noise” into the study, making it more difficult that he can still have children since he didn’t 13-14. However, by the ages of 19-20, only 6 to obtain clear results. To reduce this problem, have a hysterectomy. As for the reaction to his percent of lesbian and bisexual girls and 9 per- participants were only interviewed about LGB story, Beatie said he was blown away by the cent of gay and bisexual boys reported that they status in the last two years of the study. That negativity when the story first broke. When were being bullied. is, 57 percent of girls and 52 percent of boys asked about his relationship with his father, However, when considered relative to their who later identified as LGB were bullied at age Beatie explained that their relationship has im- heterosexual peers, the findings are more com- 13-14, before they had identified as such. Said proved enough that his father now refers to him Robinson, “By asking about LGB identifica- as his son. People don’t really take notice of him tion at later waves, the [survey] avoids some for the most part and the people who do recog- of the challenges regarding the truthfulness of nize him are supportive, Beatie explained. responses to LGB identification questions posed All proceeds from the evening went to the of younger children ... but, of course, it doesn’t charity Believe International. quite capture identification during high school.” See www.definenormal.com/PregnantMan/ However, as Robinson points out, “There were Home.html for more information on Beatie. For significant differences ... and it is certainly in- more about Kaibigan, visit http://groups.north- teresting ... that LGB identification after high western.edu/kaibigan and www.facebook.com/ school is a significant predictor of bullying dur- groups/2200021994. ing high school.” The study also stated that peer victimization is associated with suicide attempts, anxiety, Law-school symposium psychotic symptoms and sexual risk. The au- looks at LGBT rights thors found that higher levels of victimization By Jamie Anne Royce explained about half of the emotional distress in LGB youth. As Robinson notes in the article, “We IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law hosted the LGBT find that bullying during high school is related Civil Rights Symposium Feb. 22 to discuss le- to emotional distress during young adulthood, Thomas Beatie. Photo by Carrie Maxwell gal issues related to marriage equality and LGBT which suggests we should focus on reducing bul- people in the workplace. lying early on because these experiences during The symposium, themed “We Are Not Alone,” high school can have lasting consequences.” appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and Larry kicked off with a performance of “Repentance,” And Sullivan mentioned that it is “very impor- King Live, as well as in People Magazine and professor Henry Perritt’s original short play tant to ensure bullying prevention work inclu- many other media outlets. Founder of the screen about a gay law student who is considering go- sive of sexual orientation and gender identity printing and clothing company Define Normal, ing back into the closet as he enters the job is done in the K-8 years. ... School personnel Beatie is also the author of Labor of Love: The market. need to be given the tools to intervene in the Story of One Man’s Extraordinary Pregnancy. One of the concerns raised in the play was language and prevent it from happening again.” Following introductions by Angelica Cabrera outing yourself in your resume by including work Illinois Safe Schools Alliance’s Shannon Sullivan also noted that “providing quality and Jermaine Dictado, co-presidents of Kaibi- with LGBT organizations and legal associations. Sullivan. professional development to school personnel gan, Beatie spoke about his life and work as an “It’s me saying very forcefully that I am a gay on addressing sexual orientation and gender activist. person interviewing for a job at a law firm, and identity, ensuring all school/district policies Beatie began by making a joke that he isn’t how does that affect me getting this job?” said plex. At the ages of 13-14, LGB boys and girls protect based on sexual orientation and gender Jon Gosselin. Then Beatie explained that he William Lopez, one of the actors in the play. were twice as likely as heterosexual boys and identity and the school community knows about sees himself as a man who just wanted a fam- A panel discussion on sexual orientation em- girls to be bullied. But by the ages of 19-20, les- those policies, and having a gay-straight alli- ily. He noted that fame and fortune were never ployment discrimination, including the emer- bian and bisexual girls were only as likely while ance or similar club in the school all contribute his intentions and becoming an activist for the gence of gay-on-gay claims, followed the per- gay and bisexual boys were four times as likely to a more positive school climate. transgender community was accidental. formance. Participants were each handed a case to be bullied. That is, bullying gets compara- “There is also a bit of new research showing Then Beatie explained that during his child- study and panelists—including legal practitio- tively better for girls but comparatively worse that curricular inclusion of sexual orientation hood he always wanted to be like his father ners Hon. William Borah, Scott Gilbert, Aaron for boys. and gender identity topics in schools also con- and that he always felt like a boy. Beatie noted Maduff and Lopez—discussed the potential out- Study co-researcher Joseph Robinson told tributes to a more positive school climate.” that he was always a tomboy; however, after comes of the cases. Windy City Times, “Our research provides strong Robinson said he is hopeful: “I think the gay- his mother committed suicide his father pushed Because there is no federal non-discrimination evidence that it gets better, and yet, there is rights movement will have an impact on reduc- Beatie to discard his tomboyish ways. At his fa- legislation based on sexual orientation, and lo- still room for improvement.” ing the magnitude of the LGB–straight bullying ther’s urging, Beatie became a model and was a cal and state legislation is spotty, many cases Although this study was conducted in Eng- disparity—but only time will tell.” finalist in the Miss Hawaii Teen USA pageant. of employment discrimination are handled as land, Robinson said, “It’s highly probable that The full study can be accessed at http:// While attending college Beatie said he discov- sexual harassment cases or gender-based dis- we would see similar patterns in the U.S. Our hy- pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/ ered who he was and the words that described crimination. pothesis about the different trends among males early/2013/01/29/peds.2012-2595.full. his gender identity. It was then that he cut his Maduff used a real-life example from the and females was based on prior research (mainly pdf+html?sid=2305c3d7-fac7-4bf4-bfa9-e29f- hair and changed the way he dressed. Beatie sexual-harassment lawsuit he is leading against conducted in the US).” d6aea085. said that he felt happier and more analytical and Chicago’s Spin Nightclub, quoting inappropriate Shannon Sullivan of the Illinois Safe Schools driven following his initial surgeries: “I believe sexual comments alleged by his client against Alliance told Windy City Times, “We’ve long Howard Brown our dreams are universal. ... We owe it to our- the manager. That case is currently headed for known that bullying in general [in the United selves to find out who we are.” trial. States] peaks during the middle school years holding In the years that followed, Beatie petitioned A second panel of speakers discussed recent and tends to lessen as students get older.” Thus, April 7 brunch and won the right to have all of his legal docu- developments in the legal landscape of marriage there is reason to believe that these results do Howard Brown Health Center is holding its ments changed to reflect his chosen name and equality. Panelists included Katharine Baker, generalize to the United States. “Mad Hatter’s Brunch” Sunday, April 7, 11:30 his status as a male. Beatie explained that he professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law; These results may reflect not only a change in a.m.-2 p.m., at ZED451, 739 N. Clark St. always wanted to be a father, however, his wife Karen Sheley of the American Civil Liberties bullying due to age but also a change due to so- The Kinsey Sicks—often called “America’s fa- Nancy couldn’t bare children due to health is- Union of Illinois; and Camilla Taylor of Lambda cietal increases in acceptance of LGB individuals vorite dragapella beauty-shop quartet”—will sues. Since Beatie still had his female sex or- Legal. They tackled the recent marriage equality and less of a social acceptance of bullying. As provide entertainment. gans, the couple decided that he was the best vote in Illinois as well as the legal contract of Robinson notes, there is no way to disentangle Proceeds will benefit the Broadway Youth Cen- choice to carry their children. “I felt like I was marriage. these effects; however, he does say that “since ter. Tickets are $175-$250 each; see www.How- man enough to be pregnant,” said Beatie. A reception sponsored by the Chicago-Kent 2010 (the last year of this study), the ‘It Gets ardBrown.org. After the birth of their first child, Susan, the LAMBDAs, an organization of gay and straight Better’ project has started, same-sex marriage couple faced a number of legal obstacles, in- law students, closed the symposium. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 9 Transgender youth LGBTQ youth of color activists Michael ‘Makayla’ lead nationwide summit By Melissa Wasserman

Gwinn dies Over 40 LGBTQ youth of color, representing approximately 17 organizations, from 16 cit- BY KATE SOSIN ies across the nation gathered in Chicago to share activist tactics in the Connect Our Makayla/Michael Gwinn—a young transgender Roots organizing summit Feb. 15-17. person whose life work was in mentoring fellow New York City-based organization FIERCE, LGBTQ youth, among other things—died Feb. dedicated to building the leadership and 16. Gwinn was 23. power of LGBTQ youth of color, assembled An active performer, makeup artist and LGBTQ the three-day grassroots organizing summit. youth advocate, Gwinn loved life and worked Affinity Community Services, Broadway Youth Attendees at the conference. Photo by to give back to Chicago’s LGBT community, said Center, Gender Just and Young Women’s Em- Andre Perez friends. Gwinn, who identified as transgender, powerment Project (YWEP) worked in partner- used the names Michael, Mikayla and Jaiden as ship with FIERCE, serving as the program’s hosting committee. well as both male and female pronouns (a choice we don’t take the initiative to change these Nathaniel Phillipps, a Las Vegas resident, reflected in this article). issues. I think the summit proves that’s not traveled to Chicago to participate in the sum- “He loved life,” said DaMina Ross, Gwinn’s fos- true. There’s a whole bunch of queer and trans mit due to what he describes as a lack of re- ter parent. “He was multitalented. He was smart, youth of color here right now that are willing sources for queer young people of color in Las witty, infectious personality, and he was loyal.” to learn that and have so much knowledge Vegas. Gwinn was active in a number of LGBT initia- about the issues that affect them and what’s “Las Vegas isn’t necessarily known for be- tives. She facilitated workshops and discussions going on in their communities.” ing community and family-oriented and that’s at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, where she for- Each member of the panel discussed the a problem we have,” he said. “So I wanted merly lived. history of their respective organizations, cur- to come here and connect with other awe- Kevin Pleasant, a mentor and friend to Gwinn, rent campaigns each are involved with, strat- some activists and organizers from across said Gwinn was dependable and committed to egies as well as sharing experiences as LGBTQ the country, learn from FIERCE’s rich history work with youth. youth of color. The evening’s event evening about how to make life and community better “He was youth advocating especially for LGBT concluded with a performance from Chicago for people my age in Las Vegas.” youth,” Pleasant said. “He just wanted equality singer-songwriter Kokumo, an African-Amer- Makayla/Michael Gwinn. Photo from National The weekend began with a panel open to for LGBT youth. He wanted them to have the ican transgender woman. Youth Pride Services the public at the Chicago Freedom School lo- same opportunities as non-LGBT youth.” “There’s plenty of adult spaces out there, cated in the south loop. The panel of nine Gwinn was also very involved in National but we really need to create a youth space LGBTQ youth of color organizers from FIERCE Youth Pride Services (NYPS). from Chicago,” Walker said. “I think eventually where young people can actually talk,” said and various Chicago-based organizations led Frank Walker, founder of NYPS, said he was the mainstream media is going to have to start Krystal Portalatin, co-director and co-founder the evening’s discussion with approximately shocked to hear of Gwinn’s passing. noticing that a lot of Black LGBT youth are dy- of FIERCE. “I think one thing that were trying 60 people, including summit participants, According to Ross, Gwinn was found dead ing.” to figure out are the common grounds that youth organizers from around Chicago and outside a residence in Ravenswood on Chicago’s Services for Gwinn are scheduled for Saturday, we all organize from. A lot of what we talked adult allies in attendance. North Side, after a possible drug overdose. March 2, at Destiny Worship Center, 5510 W. Chi- about tonight [in the panel] was the intersec- The panel featured FIERCE members Ana Walker and Ross said Gwinn’s life had not been cago Ave. A wake will be held 12-1 p.m. The tionality of our work and our identities.” Conner and Lee Jimenez; Dominique McKin- easy or simple. funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Donations to cover Throughout the rest of the weekend, ac- ney, site co-director of Young Women’s Em- Gwinn was born in Waukegan and later moved the cost of services can be made through Brooks cording to a summit agenda, Connect Our powerment Project (YWEP);Daphnie Williams, to Chicago. At age nine, she entered the foster Memorial Chapel at 773-699-3323. Roots continued to focus on youth building YWEP’s administrative coordinator; Reyna care system. When Ross met her, Gwinn was liv- organizing skills and share organizing models Wences, co-founder of Immigrant Youth Jus- ing as female in a group home with men. Ross PASSAGES and strategies. Participants discussed specific tice League; Rossette, an Amigas Latinas later filed the paperwork to become Gwinn’s fos- conditions they are facing in their regions, Organizer; Veronica Morris-Moore, a member ter parent. Jackie Lane lead political education sessions on topics of Fearless Leading by the Youth (FLY); and Despite challenges, Gwinn succeeded both such as LGBTQ history and immigration, and academically and professionally. She graduated Smitherman Fresco Steez and Alexis, youth organizers for Jackie Lane Smitherman—a resident of Lakev- conducted visionary planning to build the Affinity Community Services. Coordinator of from St. Gregory the Great High School and pur- iew for the past 20 years—passed away sud- presence, capacity and effectiveness of LGBTQ Youth Programs at Chicago Freedom School sued an associate’s degree in applied market- denly at age 40 due to liver and kidney failure. youth organizing across the United States. Tony Alvarado-Rivera served as panel modera- ing from Harold Washington College. He later Many knew lane at Ragin’ Raejean’s video “FIERCE is really hopeful this is going to tor. earned his certification as a makeup artist after store that he managed for several years. He also be the first step in building a national net- “I just want to build relationships with attending London Eyes International Academy of worked at He Who Eats Mud on Broadway and work of LGBT youth of color organizers,” said these folks and become allies,” said Jimenez, Makeup. He was working as a makeup instructor recently at Windy City Sweets. He loved his last Portalatin. “We’re looking for some direction a FIERCE member since 2008. “I just think it’s at the time of his death. job very much—candy, kids and happy people with some support from everybody here and empowering to see a bunch of queer and trans Gwinn also performed at local clubs and was a were his joy. to be able to do that together. Chicago is do- youth of color in this space especially because member of the ball house, House of Evisu. Lane is survived by his loving partner, Leon ing really amazing work and it’s been really we’re very marginalized and we’re looked at “I personally like how, even though all these Stevens; parents Jackie and Sharon Smitherman; inspiring and we’ve been really inspired.” worlds were against her, she made her way to be and brothers Chet and Kenny of Crystal Springs, like as we don’t care about these issues and what she wanted,” said Walker. Miss. Ross said Gwinn had a close and supportive A memorial service was held at Holy Trinity chosen family. He is also survived by biological Lutheran Church in Lakeview on Feb. 10. Smith- siblings. erman loved collecting comic books and Wonder Ross remembered Gwinn as funny, charismatic, Women items. Chicago’s Dedicated and loyal and courageous. All who knew Lane remember his beautiful Comprehensive LGBT Program Gwinn’s passing marks the eighth death of smile, kind words and love of animals. He lived ALEO Valeo at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital an NYPS youth in less than a year, a stunningly a short life but is remembered by all who knew VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL provides comprehensive psychiatric high number. The deaths are believed to be un- him as “the gentle giant.” and addiction-related treatment for related, but the unusually high rate among Black gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender LGBTQ youth in Chicago is sparking fears among and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. The program offers a safe, affirming advocates and youth alike. therapeutic environment for members Gwinn was friends with Paige Clay, a transgen- of the LGBTQ community. The Valeo der woman whose murder last Spring garnered staff is comprised of well-trained, experienced gay and gay-sensitive national attention. Jackie Lane behavioral health professionals from Walker said that in its first nine years of oper- Smitherman. a wide variety of disciplines. ating, NYPS saw just two deaths in the organiza- Photo from tion. In the last few months alone, he has seen Leon eight. Walker cannot make sense of those losses. Stevens NYPS has started keeping track of the number of 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE Black gay youth who die in the United States. CHICAGO, IL 60640 They receive notice of one death a week. 1-800-888-0560 “The majority of them are people we know www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com 10 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES MARRIAGE from cover ried. Actually, when you seek the freedom to marry, you often obtain all sorts of freedoms kids. But to have the attorney general move to along the way, simply by virtue of your demand intervene in the lawsuit just two days after it that there be equality in marriage. Sometimes was filed, in order to say this law must be struck the lives most transformed by the freedom to down and then to have the states attorney and marry are the lives of kids who may face incred- the Cook County clerk hold a joint press confer- ible discrimination, not just in school but rejec- ence just a couple weeks later to express the tion at home and from churches and so on, who same thing and make their filing was a real affir- now get affirmation from their government that mation. I think that was also helpful in creating they can share in the same dream of whatever legislative momentum. kind of family they want to have when they grow WCT: Do these two separate campaigns im- up, and that there is absolutely nothing wrong pact each other? with them. I think that’s the biggest value of CT: Yes, I think they do. I think legislators eliminating a marriage ban. want to be responsible for doing the right thing. They want to be on the forefront and to say, “we took this step.” And the court case provides a certain time constraint on that. WCT: There’s also mounting political pres- Berrios clarifies sure. It’s not just about doing the right thing. marriage stance, In Illinois, many of the major players are backing this. plans to vote‘yes’ CT: Yes. Every single newspaper editorial board BY KATE SOSIN around the state that has opined on this issue has been soundly in support and repeatedly call- State Rep. Toni Berrios has clarified her ing upon the legislature to do the right thing. Camilla Taylor. Photo by Kate Sosin stance on same-sex marriage, after reports We’ve had the governor, the mayor, all sorts of that she was wavering the equal marriage elected officials at every level. ... It’s really been bill currently in the Illinois House. an overwhelming year in that regard. go solely with couples from [the city]. In fact, nation case. We understand that judges are re- DNA.info.com had reported Feb. 21 that WCT: I want to talk about Iowa and that of the 16 plaintiff couples in our suit, eight of quired to rule on the law and we trust them to a Berrios spokesperson said that Berrios campaign. A lot of people had long seen the them are from areas outside of the greater Chi- do so. would not disclose her stance on the mea- Midwest as flyover country for LGBT rights. cago area. I went to law school in order to try to take sure until it was out of committee and she CT: There was a great sign that I saw in Iowa We wanted to make sure that everyone felt cases that I thought might make a difference in could review the final language. on the day that marriage decision was rendered. included and that the concerns of downstate people’s lives. That world view only makes sense That statement likely came as a surprise There were spontaneous rallies in numerous cit- couples and their family members were going if you trust that courts actually follow the law. If to many LGBT people. Berrios previously ies around the state, and the statewide equality to be heard. Some of the most amazing and you don’t have the law, you can’t win the case. told Windy City Times that she backed group had done a great job of preparing activists moving and heartfelt stories are coming from WCT: When do you think we will see equal equal marriage, and she has been support- for the day when it could come down and asking these downstate couples, who have so much to marriage in every state? ive Chicago LGBT groups in the past. everyone to come out in the streets. share, not just about the challenges they face CT: Things have moved a lot faster than many Contacted by Windy City Times, Berrios So these public squares filled with people with as an out lesbian couple or an out gay couple in of us could have dreamed. When I joined Lambda said she stands firmly in support of the posters that they had made and one of them downstate Illinois, but also about the embrace Legal back in 2002, there [were] still 13 states bill. said “Flyover Equality.” It still brings tears to that they’re experienced from their communi- that criminalized intimacy between people of “I’m not undecided,” she said. “I’m defi- my eyes to think about that because everyone ties. the same sex. nitely a ‘yes’ vote.” in Iowa understood that that’s how they were So, we have to be careful too not to stereo- We have moved with lightening speed on Berrios said that a staffer likely declined viewed. type downstate. this issue. How long will it be before every last to offer a stance on bill when Berrios could WCT: That seems to be the case for the WCT: What are the benefits and drawbacks state? I think I’m going to see it in my lifetime. not be immediately reached for comment. southern part of our state. How do you recon- to each of these different marriage cam- I’m certain of that. Will it be in the next 10 However, Berrios added that her stance cile the push for marriage equality in Chicago paigns in court and in the legislature? One of years? Probably. is not wavering. She said she is currently with that of southern Illinois? the concerns seems to be that if a marriage WCT: What comes after marriage equality? working with colleagues in the Legislative CT: It’s really the same way that we responded bill is not done right in the General Assembly, What do you see as the major legal challenges Latino Caucus, urging them to vote “yes” to this challenge with respect to our marriage you could end up rolling back protections in for LGBT people down the road? on the Religious Freedom and Marriage lawsuit. We were very careful to make sure that the Illinois Human Rights Act. CT: We have a whole docket full of cases of Fairness Act. this was a case that was going to be for all cou- CT: Yeah. In state legislatures, every time a kids who are being bullied in schools or who are She said she would also speak in favor of ples in Illinois and their kids. Even though we marriage bill has been pushed forward, there has trying to form student clubs on the same terms the bill during a full house vote if needed. had couples clamoring to be part of it, we didn’t always been an effort by opponents, who can as other student clubs. ... There are employment “I’m looking forward to the passage of this legislation,” she said. Jan Dee. Photos courtesy of Dee see that they’re on the wrong side of history cases that need to be brought. with this and that the legislation is likely to We’re also seeing a lot of effort from anti-gay pass, to make opportunistic use of the fact that organizations that still vastly outnumber us and Momentum builds the legislation is moving forward in an effort have significantly more funding than we do. for marriage as Wed., Feb. 27 to carve out exemptions to pre-existing non- These anti-gay organizations are trying to cre- discrimination protections for lesbian and gay ate a body of law that would permit individuals bill heads for House 7:30 p.m. individuals throughout the state. or businesses to exempt themselves from non- BY KATE SOSIN Michael Hainey As a sort of a bargain, you trade discrimina- discrimination laws simply by articulating some tion in employment in the workplace or in public sort of religious description of their discrimina- Illinois’s same-sex marriage bill was head- and Barbara Hainey accommodations like restaurants and hotels in tion. We’re seeing elements of that in the chal- ed for the House after the measure passed After Visiting Friends return for the freedom to marry. That’s what they lenges to Obamacare. out of the Senate on Valentine’s Day. The ask. So when you fight for legislation providing WCT: One of the biggest critiques of the bill was expected to be heard in commit- the freedom to marry, you also have to combat same-sex marriage movement has been that tee Feb. 26. Friday, March 8 the expectation that some trade must be made. it does not apply to all LGBT people, that it The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fair- 7:30 p.m. WCT: And the drawbacks to doing it in the will afford rights to some couples but not to ness Act had been assigned to the House Francesca T. Royster courts? LGBT people as a whole. What do you think Executive Committee, its first test before it CT: The courts take a long while. We filed this are the next steps in terms of pursuing some can go a full House vote. Sounding Like case because we confident that the law is with of those rights for people not in couples or Momentum for the measure continues to a No-No us, so we have a great deal of optimism about not interested in marrying? build. the outcome of our court case. But it does take CT: I think a lot of those cases are cases that Illinois Unites for Marriage, a coalition 5233 N. Clark a long while. we already do. They’re cases on behalf of kids in of groups supporting marriage equality, (773) 769-9299 WCT: Something that is very much in the schools or employees who are facing discrimina- announced Feb. 24 that 23 prominent La- background of the lawsuits is the identity tion, whether they’re cases on behalf of trans- tino leaders had signed a letter in support of Judge Sophia Hall. She is an out lesbian gender people who are facing discrimination in of the bill. judge, and opponents have called on her to custody disputes. The Human Rights Campaign has also put recuse herself from the case. There’s a whole docket of cases that I think 15 field organizers on the bill. Freedom to CT: The calls for a judge to recuse him or her- will have broad ramifications for people outside Marry, another national LGBT organization, self because of sexual orientation are ludicrous of the marriage work. is investing $800,000 in six marriage bat- [email protected] demands. We don’t suggest that a divorced judge Now that said, I think there is sometimes a tle states, Illinois among them. womenandchildrenfirst.com is incapable of overseeing a divorce or for that misperception in the community that “Gay Inc.” A date has not ben set for a full House matter be particularly qualified to do so. And focuses on marriage cases to the expense of ev- Parking Available vote yet, said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of neither do we think that a woman is somehow erything else and that marriage cases have no Equality Illinois. Wheelchair Accessible required to recuse herself from a sex discrimi- bearing on people’s lives unless they get mar- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 11 When Troy Karnoff moved from Long Beach, Calif., to Chicago almost six years ago, he barely knew anyone; also, the few friends he knew, they too traveled regularly. But a brunch club ultimately brought everyone together. GAYin the The simple idea has blossomed into the Big Gay Brunch Club, formed in April 2009, in which Karnoff and friends joke around, chow down and test out local LIFE restaurants. Troy Karnoff Text by Ross Forman photos courtesy of karnoff

They’ve had brunch at the House of Blues and the rooftop bar, Vertigo, at the Dana Hotel—and everyone dressed in robes for that one, provided by the hotel. “I just posted a fan page on Facebook [for the Big Gay Brunch Club] and asked people to join. I now have over 800 members,” Karnoff said. “The Age worst part of managing the brunch is if it gets too big.” 44 The group gets together once a month, on a Sunday. They have dined Neighborhood at Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club in Lakeview, and Tapas Las Ramblas in Rogers Park Andersonville is one of the group’s favorite stops. Brunches range from 25 to 100-plus people. Job title Consultant for Arbonne Hobbies Volleyball and skiing

Favorite local restaurant “This is a GLBT networking group to meet new people in the Chicago MorseL [gay] community,” said Karnoff, who serves as the brunch organizer. “They Favorite movie are a great time, fun to mingle at, and just purely social.” Willy Wonka and the Chocolate And yes, several have found their significant others at the Big Gay Brunch Factory Club. Karnoff said he knows of at least three couples that are now together after meeting at the brunch. It also has led to business opportunities for Favorite TV show some, he said. New Girl “The Big Gay Brunch Club has introduced me to several great brunch Must-have for an awesome brunch locations that I would have never known about and to a countless amount “Bottomless mimosas [laughs]; I of new friends,” said Dougie Collins of Chicago, who has eaten with the guess I would say eggs.” Brunch Club about 20 times, which he labeled as “Great food, great drink, zero attitude—and just a wonderful way to kick off any Sunday Funday.”

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Finance offers end 4/1/13. 12 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINTS WINDY CITY TIMES for “focusing its work too much on poverty and moral evil,” Cardinal Ratzinger stated in a 1986 economic injustice, while keeping ‘silent’ on Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on VOL. 28, No. 21, Feb. 27, 2013 REV. The combined forces of Windy City Times, abortion and same-sex marriage.” This rogue Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons. founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, IRENE group of Catholic sisters were not only under- On the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine founded May 1987. MONROE mining the Church’s teaching on the priesthood of Faith website, directed by then Cardinal Ratz- and homosexuality, but they were also brashly inger, he wrote: “Those who would move from PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR promoting “certain radical feminist themes in- tolerance to the legitimization of specific rights Tracy Baim compatible with the Catholic faith.” for cohabiting homosexual persons need to be ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Benedict pushed back against the tide of pro- reminded that the approval or legalization of MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis It’s time for a gressive theologies by upholding a rigid ortho- evil is something far different from the tolera- BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine doxy of millennium-old church doctrines and tion of evil.” DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson queer-friendly pope creeds. Benedict believes that evil is born into a SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy Case in point, Benedict suppressed the growth person and that it is part of their ontological Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Chris Cheuvront Just hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced of liberation theologies in Third World countries, makeup; therefore, when you remove the bad PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes his unexpected resignation, a bolt of lightning the emerging face of the Catholic Church, for seed, you ostensibly remove the evil. And many NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 SENIOR WRITERS Kate Sosin, Bob Roehr, Rex struck St. Peter’s Basilica. their supposedly Marxist leanings that exposed religious conservatives feel that since you can- Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Per- Many say it’s unequivocally a sign from God. classism. However, Liberation theology com- not remove LGBTQ people from society, then egrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair, Erica Demarest If so, I’m hoping it’s an Amen moment signal- bines Christian theology with political activism society must either restrain or deny them their THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan ing the end of an oppressive era of LGBTQ bash- on issues dealing with human rights and social civil rights. CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair ing as the church now moves forward. justice. Liberation theologies emphasize the And one clear way to do that is to call that SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman “With the pope’s impending resignation, the biblical themes that God’s actions on behalf of group of people “evil” or state that they contrib- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS church has an opportunity to turn away from his the enslaved, the poor, the outcasts like women, ute to, if not create, evil in the world. Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence Fer- oppressive policies toward lesbian, gay, bisexual people of color, and LGBTQ people, just to name St. Augustine argued that evil arose from the ber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet and transgender Catholics, and their families a few, are a central paradigm for a faith that original sin committed by Adam and Eve. And Harper, Meghan Streit, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie and friends, and develop a new understanding embraces the world—as it is today—from an en- St. Thomas Aquinas said that evil derives from Maxwell, Billy Masters, Tyler Gillespie, Sarah Toce, of the ways in which God is at work in the lives gaged and committed stance that does justice. man’s abuse of God giving us the choice of free Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Melissa Wasserman, of faithful and loving people regardless of their It is liberation theologies that have given will. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century Jamie Anne Royce, Matthew C. Clark, Joe Franco SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, sexual orientation or gender identity,” said the women, people of color, LGBTQs, developing that philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau stated Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan LGBT Catholic group Equally Blessed in a state- countries a voice. And it’s liberation theologies that evil was not an intrinsic nature found in Mattes ment. that allow us all—churched and unchurched, be- man, but instead it was caused by the corrup- CIRCULATION This pope has used his papal authority to hold liever as well as atheist—to stand in the truth tion and constraints of a society. And I side with CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright back the tides against modernity. And the early of who we are. Rousseau. DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, signs were there long before Benedict became Sue and Victor Benedict’s venomous attacks on LGBTQ people Evil exists in its various machinations because WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- pope. The reaction by many religious progres- has been unrelenting. of systems, regimes, presidencies and, yes, the grammer: Martie Marro) sives to the election of then Cardinal Joseph Just this past December, the pontiff’s Christ- Vatican, which allow it to give birth unchecked. Ratzinger in April 2005 as Pope Benedict XVI mas sermon denounced same-sex marriage, ad- As a system whose wheels churn on the absence Copyright 2013 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media had been tempered by either their faith to keep vocating it would destroy the “essence of the of goodness, evil reduces people to objects of Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back hope alive or by an apologetic acceptance in human creature.” In previous sermonic anti-LG- sin and targets of hatred, thus denying them issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, deference to Pope John Paul II. BTQ diatribes during his tenure as pope Benedict their basic human needs. And its strength to and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and If the Catholic Church was looking for a reli- has stated that marriage equality is a “manipu- maintain human suffering is proportionate not no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy gious leader who embraces the world—as it is lation of nature,” and a threat to world peace. only to its political and capital clout, but also City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned today—Pope Benedict XVI a.k.a. Cardinal Jo- The pontiff doesn’t equivocate his stance on to the strength of its religious ideological under- for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, seph Ratzinger was not the man. us with the theological qualifier to “love the sin- pinning. cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Benedict used his authoritarian and “Rottwei- ner but hate the sin.” Instead, Benedict takes The problem with evil is not only how it di- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City ler” persona of church doctrine to maintain an Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of his stance to a level that invites LGBTQ-bashing minishes human life, but also how it denies the a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy ecclesiastical lockdown on the churches progres- justified in the name of God. suffering it causes. City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the sives. sexual orientation of such person or organization. While “Although the particular inclination of the ho- It’s time for a queer-friendly pope. And the we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make For example, just last year he publicly bashed, mosexual person is not a sin, it is more or less bolt of lightning striking St. Peter’s Basilica is this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept not surprisingly, a group of U.S. “dissident” nuns a strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic no clearer sign. responsibility for advertising claims. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

problems arise when religious groups want ex- vices like this, it cannot discriminate on vari- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com JENNY emptions that go beyond protecting the church ous bases including sexual orientation. Allowing podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com door and extend into the public sphere of com- an exemption for religiously affiliated agencies PIZER mercial transactions and social services. could have broad implications, such as blocking WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, We especially are watching out for proposals to children who need families from placement with 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 U.S.A exempt marriage “celebrations.” Marriage “cel- eligible same-sex couples and putting those who (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) ebrations” often means wedding receptions, not need shelter at risk of rejection because they are just solemnization ceremonies done in a church. gay. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. So if a bill includes this language, a religiously It is exciting to see our allies in legislatures Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. ASK LAMBDA LEGAL OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE affiliated agency that rents out space to people across the country standing up for the freedom www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com of all faiths and backgrounds for wedding re- to marry. We are working vigilantly with them www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Religious exemptions ceptions can deny gay and lesbian couples the to protect our core nondiscrimination policies in www.WindyCityQueercast.com chance to rent that space. This type of discrimi- the process. www.QueerTVNetwork.com Q: I live in Illinois and have been eagerly nation usually is unlawful under human rights If you feel you have been discriminated waiting to see if we become the next state laws like the one in Illinois, which says organi- against based on your sexual orientation, gender “Windy City Media Group generated to win marriage. I was reading about an issue zations that offer goods or services to the pub- identity or HIV status please contact our Legal enormous interest among their readers with religious exemptions. Can you tell me lic may not discriminate on a series of grounds Help Desk at www.lambdalegal.org/help. in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index what that means? including race, religion, national origin, marital Jenny Pizer is the senior counsel and direc- Survey. Out of approximately 100 A: In addition to Illinois, Colorado is consid- print and online media partners who status, disability, age, sex or sexual orientation. tor of the Law and Policy Project for Lambda ering a civil-union bill and Rhode Island and participated in the survey, Windy Another type of religious exemption that can Legal. Hawaii are reviewing marriage measures. As we City was the best performing regional harm LGBT people allows a religious organiza- work toward equality for same-sex relationships media in the U.S. Only survey partners tion to not “recognize” a same-sex couple’s across the country, we are having to resist sug- with a nationwide footprint were marriage. This is particularly alarming when we gestions in some states that new exemptions able to generate a greater number of consider what can happen in religiously affili- Send letters and should be created from current state nondis- responses.” —David Marshall, Research ated hospitals when visitation or decision-mak- crimination laws. viewpoints Director, Community Marketing, Inc. ing depends on one’s legal status. Just imagine The proposed exemptions we are seeing are needing emergency care, being taken to the to Andrew@WindyCity clauses in bills designed to allow religious or- nearest hospital, and having your spouse kept ganizations to discriminate against same-sex MediaGroup.com. from your bedside because the hospital refused couples who are getting married or entering a to respect your legal marriage. civil union, or have done so. Religious belief and Items may be A third example concerns social services. The expression are already protected by our federal government provides funding to many organiza- edited for Constitution and every state constitution, so ex- tions that provide adoption services, addiction emptions in bills are not necessary to protect length or clarity. recovery, hunger relief, senior services, and help the freedom of clergy and houses of worship to for those who are homeless. Usually, if an or- decide whose marriages they will solemnize. The ganization receives public funds to provide ser- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 13 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Macall Polay

BOXED OFF Mia Wasikowska (above), Nicole Kidman and Matthew Goode star in the movie Stoker. See page 17. DISH THEATER SPORTS French twist. ‘Saints’ and sinners. On a roll. Page 18 Page 15 Page 22

Photo of coq au vin Photo of Lori Danko at Brasserie 54 by Andrew Davis Photo from 25 Saints by Mariah Carson by Michael Brosilow

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Caldwell still feels that LGBT choruses have important work to do, even if some of the original founding principles for many have been changed WCPA sings for a cause, through the years. “It’s a time when many gay choruses are re- examining their purpose—because when the greets new leader gay chorus movement started, it was all about having a place where people could be out and BY SCOTT C. MORGAN the drawl to prove it, comes to Chicago’s old- proud,” Caldwell said. “The world has changed est gay choral organization with many years of enough that it isn’t as absolutely immediately I’ve been singing with the Windy City Gay Chorus conducting and composing experience. Locally, urgent and necessary as it was at that time. Now for 10 years and writing freelance for Windy City Caldwell previously conducted the Chicago Chil- there are a lot of choruses that people can sing Times for nine years. In that time, I’ve rarely dren’s Chorus in the early 1990s and he has been in and be out and nobody cares.” written in these pages about Windy City Gay artistic director of the Youth Choral Theater of However, Caldwell feels that LGBT choruses Chorus and its umbrella organization, Windy City Chicago for the past dozen or so years. Caldwell are particularly poised to celebrate the advance- Performing Arts (WCPA), unless I disclosed up is also known for his choral collaborations with ments made in terms of equality efforts toward front that I was a dues-paying member. composer Sean Ivory that have been performed gay marriage and other issues important to the Despite past pressure from some WCPA mem- from Australia’s Sydney Opera House to Carnegie community. bers for increased coverage, I felt it was a jour- Hall in New York. “Not that long ago, this was unthinkable and nalistic conflict of interest to use my newspaper Like many people inspired by the “It Gets Bet- the cause has been moved forward by leaps and connections to highlight a Chicago chorus I sang ter” project to encourage struggling LGBT youth bounds,” said Caldwell. “For any member of the with over others. So why am I throwing my eth- to live for a better tomorrow, Caldwell felt it LGBT community who ever sang in a high school ics out the window for this feature on the up- was important for him to be more out and open or college course, there is a place waiting for coming WCPA concerts titled “A Flood of Hope” about his life as a gay man. Caldwell made a very you at WCPA.” at Ebenezer Lutheran Church on Saturday, March well-produced It Gets Better online video fea- Caldwell admitted that he’s still getting his 2? turing himself and members of the Youth Choral bearings with WCPA, but he still feels there is The answer, in part, is due to the fact that Theater, and he now makes it a point to come plenty of good it can still do for both its mem- the performances are Hurricane Sandy Relief out as gay whenever he travels to guest conduct bers and audiences. A major goal is “having the Concerts to benefit the storm-damaged Ali For- ensembles and at competitions throughout the organization be a part of the larger community ney Center for Homeless LGBT Youth in New York country. Paul Caldwell. Photo by Dane Tashmina and creating a situation where the world is a City. The other reason is to highlight the arrival Realizing that he had previously never pro- better place because the gay chorus exists.” of the new WCPA Artistic Director Paul Caldwell, grammed a concert solely for an LGBT organi- “A Flood of Hope”—which the Windy City organization over the past decade. WCPA has who will conduct both the Windy City Gay Chorus zation before, Caldwell was also inspired to be Gay Chorus and Aria will perform—takes also seen fluctuations in membership, with many and the women’s ensemble, Aria, in “A Flood of more involved directly with Chicago’s gay com- place at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 2, at long-term members and followers of the chorus Hope.” munity. Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster often bemoaning how the chorus has never been “Gay organizations like Windy City Performing “When the position with Windy City Perform- Ave. The concert is a Hurricane Sandy relief as populous as its heyday in the 1980s. Arts are particularly well-suited both to assist ing Arts came open, I thought that would be a concert to benefit the Ali Forney Center for “You have to make sure that the people in the and to celebrate important issues in the gay good way for me to do it,” said Caldwell. “I’m Homeless LGBT Youth in New York City. Gen- room are having a good time, said Caldwell when community,” said Caldwell about making his in- thrilled to be here and I think it’s a period of eral admission tickets are $20; see www. asked about membership retention. “Particularly troductory WCPA conducting foray into a benefit great growth and great excitement—building on windycitysings.org. Discounted tickets of $15 with volunteer choruses, people are choosing to for LGBT youth. “Music gives us such a wonderful a tradition that is really legendary and imbuing for seniors and $10 for students and kids will give their leisure time to this activity and if they opportunity to do that. It is sort of an opportu- that tradition with new energy.” be available at the door. nity missed if we don’t direct at least some of Now WCPA has seen its share of many lead- don’t feel like a burden in their life has been our efforts that way.” ership struggles, with more than five different lightened a bit week after week, then there isn’t Caldwell, a South Carolina native who still has choral directors rotating in and out to lead the much reason for them to keep doing it.” 14 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES SPOTLIGHT

Why should queer revues only play in the LGBT- friendly neighborhoods of Boystown or Anderson- ville? See how the popular monthly revue Making Out with Wes Perry and Friends plays in The Hide- out when the title host invites acts like Seth & Kel- len, TV SCREAMS, Superhuman, burlesque performer Mister Junior, vogue-dancer Nic K, alternative drag artist Jüdi Blüüm and many more performers to contribute their talents. Making Out with Wes Perry and Friend plays 8 p.m. Sunday, March 3, at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Tickets are $5 on- Crime Scene: A Chicago Anthology. Photo by Cesario Moza line or at the door. Call 773-227-4433 or visit www. hideoutchicago.com for more information. Photo courtesy of Wes Perry DOUBLE REVIEW work of Liviu Pasare and John Wilson. Whether Crime Scene does inspire audiences to Crime Scene: take action remains to be seen, but it’s nice to A Chicago see that the artists of Collaboraction creatively react to problems in their own community. THEATER REVIEW motifs necessary for its characters’ fall, not Anthology As for Dog & Pony’s Counterfeiters, it really from lofty heights, but—to paraphrase Den- Conception and Direction: Anthony Moseley needs a better thesis introduction upfront to in- City of nis Lehane—from the curb to the gutter of a At: Collaboraction at Flat Iron form audiences what they’re in for: a disparate cruelly cynical urban-American dystopia. Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. vaudeville revue of poetry, songs and sketches Dreadful Night Henry Behel’s decor invokes the asymmetri- Playwright: Don Nigro Tickets: 312-226-9633 or by playwright Aaron Weissman and songwriter cal compositions associated with noir’s iconic At: The Den Theatre, www.collaboraction.org; $15-$25 Annie Prichard to explore historical questions of images, as does Cat Wilson’s lighting, which 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. Runs through: March 10 what is real and isn’t in terms of U.S. monetary favors knife-edged shadows cast by venetian Tickets: 773-398-7028; policy and practice. blinds or men lurking in doorways. Matthew www.thedentheatre.com; $25 Though a lot of design work has clearly gone Isler, Justine C. Turner and Sam Guinan-Ny- Runs through: March 16 Counterfeiters into Counterfeiters, ranging from the creative hart deliver their laconic speeches with ap- Playwright: Aaron Weissman period and often androgynous costumes by Cath- propriately frozen-lipped impassivity. There’s Co-songwriter: Annie Prichard BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE erine Tantillo to the cozy cabaret set of Grant even a video-projected roster of production At: Dog & Pony Theatre Company Sabin, it’s all stylistic window dressing for a credits in the ranking order and style of the at Collaboraction Octagon Theatre, 1579 N. What must be understood about the cinemat- script that’s focus is pulled in too many differ- period. Why, if it weren’t for language forbid- Milwaukee Ave. ic genre dubbed “film noir” is that its defin- ent directions. And unfortunately, it feels like den by the Hayes Code, or dialogue taking Tickets: 773-360-7933 or ing works were made cheaply and quickly, the talented actors are having more fun perform- reciprocal stichomythia to absurd extremes www.dogandponychicago.org; $25 their trademark chiaroscuro scenography and ing Counterfeiters than the audience will have (“She went to the zoo,” “What did she do?” Runs through: March 16 minimal text arising in response to low bud- watching them. “She looked at the animals!” “Why would she gets and restrictive shooting schedules. What look at animals in the zoo?”), we’d almost BY SCOTT C. MORGAN must be understood about the literary form think we were watching the real thing. known as parody is that, unlike spoof—where CRITICS’ PICKS Therein lies the factor that elevates parody Violent crime and historical troubles in the U.S. the ridicule is immediately apparent—this over mere burlesque. As Tony’s shell-shocked economy are respectively explored in two world brand of comedy is often all but indistin- memory gradually revives, and Ben Hertel’s premiere revues currently playing at Chicago’s guishable from the target of its mockery, seemingly innocent counterman is slowly re- Flat Iron Arts Building. Collaboraction is inter- Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Lyric with only a few selected analogisms tipping vealed to be other than he appears, we are preting the facts of Crime Scene: A Chicago An- Opera of Chicago, through March 3. Com- us the wink. Playwright Don Nigro’s museum- gradually drawn in by the serpentine trail of thology, while Dog & Pony Theatre Company has memorate the bicentennial of Richard grade pastiche of classic Hollywood noir falls discoveries unspooling before us. We may minted the musical revue Counterfeiters. Wagner’s birth with out director Sir David squarely into the latter category. giggle at wordplay heavy on atmosphere but Of the two, Crime Scene is more successful at McVicar’s beautifully realized co-production The story involves Gus, a possible gangster, light on content—”cherry pie” is particu- laying out its intent up front. Crime Scene is the that emphasizes how the arts are vital to a who suspects that his girl friend, Anna, is larly fraught with significance—in the early brainchild of Collaboraction artistic and execu- community. This operatic romantic comedy two-timing him. His solution is to hire Tony, scenes, but as reversals come faster and iden- tive director Anthony Moseley, and he starts the may last five-and-a-half hours, but it’s all his war-damaged boyhood chum to spy on tities are exposed, so riveting is the suspense show off with a great staging device of having extremely worth it. SCM the lady, whose haunts include a diner rep- that we sit in rapt silence right up to the the audience mill about on top of a map of Chi- Julius Caesar, Chicago Shakespeare The- licating Edward Hopper’s famous painting, tarnished-romantic denouement. cago. It’s as if to imply that we all part of the ater at Navy Pier, through March 24. The Nighthawks. In that scenario, we have all the city and need to play our part to help stem the classroom classic gets a sexy new Twitter- growing tide of murders and violence in the city and-SmartPhone makeover from guest (the show even has a moderated talk-back ses- director Jonathan Munby, with the most sion after each performance to help foster dia- spectacular assassination scene since Je- logue in that direction) rome Hines played Boris Godunov. MSB Crime Scene is drawn from interviews, online Sunset Boulevard, Drury Lane Theatre, comments, news pieces, which give the show a Oakbrook Terrace, through March 24. There mish-mashed and fragmented feel in the drive may be some casting quibbles, but director to present so many varying stories and opinions. William Osetek delivers a solid production But the meat of the production is the telling of of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1990s musical in- three real-life Chicago crime scenes: the mistak- spired by Billy Wilder’s classic 1950s film en 2000 murder of Orlando Patterson, the 2012 about a dethroned and demented Holly- murder of aspiring rapper Joseph Coleman (Lil wood queen of the silent screen. SCM Jojo) and the violent 2010 baseball bat-attack Wine in the Wilderness & Florence, ETA of Natasha McShane and Stacy Jurich. Creative Arts Foundation, through March Performance-wise, the ensemble is very strong 3. Although less well-known today than as they take up multiple characters and even- her contemporary, Lorraine Hansberry, Al- tually raise up their voices to sing ensemble ice Childress provides keen commentary on member Victoria Blade’s song “Let Hope Rise,” grassroots-level race relations in the mid- perhaps a too hopeful conclusion to a very bleak 20th century. MSB and often jolting show. Also strong is the mul- —By Abarbanel, Barnidge timedia-filled production design featuring the and Morgan City of Dreadful Night. Photo by Joe Mazza WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 15 THEATER REVIEW THEATER REVIEW

25 Saints Same Sex, Part of Playwright: Joshua Rollins the cast of At: Pine Box Theater Company Different Gays Playwrights: Beverlee Bailey, Jason Geis, Same Sex, at the Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Different Tickets: 773-404-7336; Brad Kemp, Brett Mannes, Amy Rose Ramelli and Patrick Serrano Gays. www.pineboxtheater.org; $25 Photo Runs through: March 31 At: pH Comedy Theater, 1515 W. Berwyn Ave. Tickets: 1-773-961-8214; by Bev Bailey BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE www.whatisph.com; $15 Runs through: March 30 Three handguns, a claw hammer, an industrial- strength necktie and a box of kitchen matches BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL are needed to murder all seven of the low-life desperados in Joshua Rollins’ follow-up to his Specializing in improv and sketch comedy for a 2011 hard-boiled thriller, A Girl with Sun in Her decade, pH Comedy Theater recently set up per- Eyes. This doesn’t mean that audiences are ex- manent quarters in Andersonville across from men, two women) also are among the writ- pected to keep count of the homicides during Ranalli’s pizzeria and kitty-corner from one of ers and it shows. In some cases the glitch is Chicago’s queerest Starbucks. Fittingly, they are the course of the show, but it does raise suspi- 25 Saints. Photo by Michael Brosilow technical—a song not in the best key for the cions that the author may have inventoried his celebrating their new ‘hood, in a way, with an performer’s range, for example—but more often arsenal before starting his script. LGBTQ musical revue. Same Sex, Different Gays the performer simply seems awkward or tenta- Our setting is a woodland cabin in the Appa- tacle and minimal character backstory into a bare has many of the ingredients necessary to cook tive in his/her characterization, not fully in the lachian mountains, whose cozy decor is immedi- 70 minutes. Helping to camouflage the seams in up an airy soufflé of a show—but for several skin of the character. Improv, under the best of ately interrupted by violence bursting through this well-stitched yarn is a cast well-trained in reasons this soufflé falls flat. circumstances, depends on the acting chops of the door as clean-cut Charlie, disabled-vet Tuck microcosmic acting, performing under the direc- The problem is not the concept of the show, the performers and their ability to perform out- and sexy-babe Sammy proceed to brutally beat tion of Susan E. Bowen, that includes Caroline which squeezes 15 original songs into a one- side their comfort zones (“play the fear” is the an already-wounded police officer unconscious, Neff as the self-styled damsel-in-distress, Molly hour running time. The ideas for the pieces are improv rule). later hiding the presumed-dead body in an heir- Reynolds as the criminal operation’s flinty ma- good, the lyrics are clever and offer some unex- Also, not all cast members are equally capable loom chest. Unsurprisingly, drugs are involved triarch, and the formidable Danny Goldring as pected twists, and the tunes are varied and solid singers as they need to be in an all-singing mu- in the altercation—Charlie and Tuck’s brother the lawman on a mission to improve the lives of (although it’s unclear whether Brad Kemp wrote sical revue. On that score, too, several songs has abandoned his methamphetamine business, the people in his economically depressed region all the music or only some of it). Casual sex is need to end with greater finality or a bigger fin- leaving girl friend Sammy indebted to his buy- through pharmaceutical intervention (whoever treated in “One Night Stand,” the pleasures of ish—what folks in the music biz call a “button.” er—who happens to be the county sheriff. Ah, said that lurid sensationalism didn’t have its gay parenting in “Stay At Home Dad,” the burn- That’s a fix director Beverlee Bailey and musical but if her rescuers can deliver one more ship- sociologically-significant elements?). out factor of long-term relationships in “At First director Brad Kemp ought to be able to do be- ment of the illegal substance, the crooked arm The all-star technical team likewise strives (love is a joy)” and the absurdity of dating in, fore the run is over. Perhaps, too, they can find of the law will free them to live the idyllic sea- for, and mostly achieves, the heightened real- well, the acerbic “Absurdity of Dating.” There’s a few simple ways to add more visual pizazz to side life in Virginia Beach. Uh-huh. ism of comic-book melodrama, its tone set by even a through-line for two characters who meet the rather plain staging. Tracy Letts didn’t invent rural-noir, but his Ryan Bourque’s imaginative fight design within as the “Least/Most Attractive @ Orgy,” proceed The opening-night audience was heavy on cou- seminal country-pulp Killer Joe certainly shares the production’s intimate space. Contempla- tentatively to love in “Wait, I Thought” and ples—guys, women, mixed—and of an age that responsibility for the abundance of white-trash- tive playgoers may lament the preponderance close the show with a gay wedding. definitely was Andersonville and not Boystown. capitalist dramas proliferating since its premiere of machinations over motives, but fans of the So what’s holding this show back? Well, gener- With a very modestly priced ticket (and you can in 1990. Rollins takes the literary form to new Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez school of ally speaking the performers of an improv-based BYOB from Ranalli’s), Same Sex, Different Gays is levels of efficiency, however, packing the requi- frontier justice will find their morality vividly revue double as the writers but that’s not the a good fit for dinner and a show in A’ville. site intricate plot reversals, grand-guignol spec- demonstrated in this over-the-top parable. case here. Only two of the six performers (four

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                                        Oak Park Area   Lesbian & Gay  Association                      16 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES Jax Jackson makes history on Goodman stage

By Tracy Baim my pursuit of a career in the arts, I was able to learn and grow in a big urban environment Jax Jackson made history this year when he where I could have a variety of experiences, and became the first openly transgender actor to I got some of the best acting training that the perform on stage with the Goodman Theatre. I Midwest has to offer. Liam Benzvi as Gabe, Patrick Clear as the school president, and Jax Jackson as Jaq in Teddy first met Jax in 2008 when he starred as Greta The program at DePaul offers a variety of Ferrara. Photo courtesy of The Goodman Theatre in Hannah Free, a film I produced. Hannah Free methods for training the voice, body and mind starred Sharon Gless as Hannah, and Jackson to be flexible enough to create a variety of char- played Greta. The film was written by Claudia Al- acters, and healthy enough to sustain a lifelong vestors who wanted to see a film that reflected ask myself the question: “Which is more im- len and directed by Wendy Jo Carlton, who also career in theater. Because of this training I am their experience and through Kickstarter [and portant, being an actor or being myself?” And directed Jackson in her next film, Jamie and Jes- able to perform confidently onstage alongside IndieGoGo] campaigns. On set for both films, I found this to be a stupid question, because sie Are Not Together. actors who are much, much more experienced I felt a broad freedom to create knowing that they’re the same thing. So I started seeing a So I was excited when I found out Jackson, than I am and who have worked with more pres- we were so supported by the community. As for therapist to figure out the best way to come out who moved to New York two years ago, would tigious companies than I have ever dreamed of. playing a lesbian, I identified as a lesbian for to friends and family, and to make a decision be in Chicago to perform in Teddy Ferrara at The WCT: You played a lesbian in two feature most of my high school years, so it wasn’t too about medical transition. Goodman Theatre. What follows is an email in- films show in Chicago, Hannah Free and Jamie far to reach to find that in myself. WCT: What was the process for you in find- terview with Jackson. and Jesse Are Not Together. What were those WCT: Previously you identified as a queer ing out about Goodman’s world premiere of Teddy Ferrara runs through March 3. See experiences like? actor and used the pronoun “she.” What has Christopher Shinn’s Teddy Ferrara? http://www.goodmantheatre.org/season/teddy- Jax Jackson: I love Chicago. For both queer changed for you over these past couple of Jax Jackson: A mutual friend of Chris Shinn ferrara. people and actors, there are huge and intersect- years? and I saw a reading of the play in L.A. and called Windy City Times: Please tell us about your ing communities here full of loving, supportive Jax Jackson: I’m still queer, still an actor. I me up to ask how I knew Chris. I said I knew of theatrical education, especially how it relates people. It certainly isn’t perfect, but I’ve no- prefer the pronouns he/him/his or they/them/ his plays, but had never met him in person, and to what you are doing now in New York and ticed that in both the theater and the queer their. I started hormone therapy, and am seeing my friend said, “Really? Cause he wrote you in Chicago. worlds there are critical conversations that are a doctor at a clinic for the LGBTQ community a show that’s going to be at the Goodman.” I Jax Jackson: I went to school here in Chi- starting to happen around race, class, sexuality in NYC who is understanding and knowledgeable worked harder on that audition than I’ve ever cago—at The Theatre School at DePaul Univer- and gender. These are the kind of conversations about my identity and is working with me to worked in my life. I did not want to give the sity, and got my BFA in acting. I’m intensely that create space for films like Hannah Free and personalize my treatments so that I transition Goodman any reason to cast a cisgender person privileged to have this education, for many rea- Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together to be made. slowly, which is my preference. in a transgender role! sons. I had a supportive family that encouraged Both films were funded in no small part by in- I don’t want to just say that my gender has WCT: This play takes a very complex look changed. That would be a rather boring couple at sexuality and gender identity. Rather than of years if that were the only thing that hap- a good vs. evil approach, it actually shows pened! I think that going through the process the nuances of characters, LGBT and straight. CULTURE CLUB of questioning gender has sparked a kind of in- Did you have any hesitation in taking on this ternal revolution. I took for granted how many role? structures enforce a binary gender system. I’m Jax Jackson: At first I had to struggle with not just talking about bathrooms and Barbies! this being one of the first major theater pro- When you don’t fit in that binary you start to see ductions that features a transgender man as a just how ingrained it is, from schools to prisons, character, and he’s not portrayed as the nicest hospitals, yoga studios, retail clothing stores, most perfect most bestest guy ever. I was afraid movies and billboards, even my IMDB profile still that people would see this character and con- says “Actress” on it because they gendered me clude that all transgender people are outrageous when I got my first film role. and aggressive. But I read the play and knew I When I began to comprehend how surrounded wanted to be a part of it. I appreciate that the we are by this droning enforcement of “male characters we’d normally see as victims or he- OR female”, I started to extend that thought roes have major flaws, and that those we would to other privileged ways of existing. I began to ordinarily think of as the villains of the piece understand just how much the systems that are have moments of truth and clarity. built for binary-gendered people are also built I think that if people come away thinking for able-bodied people, white people, English- that people within the LGBTQ community are speaking people, straight people, monogamous sometimes nasty to each other, well, there’s relationships or what have you. I don’t think some truth in that. If their conclusion is that all that it’s wise to work toward inclusion of mar- trans people are terrible all the time, then in my ginalized identities into these false dichoto- opinion, that’s an irresponsible way of viewing a mies, so I have found myself engaging in groups piece of theater and might have more to do with working toward building new structures founded their own confirmation bias than it has to do on self-determination. with me or the character Chris Shinn wrote. WCT: When did you start to think about is- WCT: What is most demanding about doing SWEET sues of gender identity? this stage production? How does it compare Jax Jackson: When we made Hannah Free, I to other plays and film work you have done? CHARITY identified as a queer and femme woman. I was Jax Jackson: If anything, this production may Book by Neil Simon, Music by Cy Coleman, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields also in a heterosexual relationship. It can be dif- be the easiest time I’ve had acting yet. The Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano BOOK BY NEIL SIMONProduced, MUSIC for the Broadway BY CY COLEMAN stage by Fryer,, LYRICS Carr and BY Harris DOROTHY FIELDS ficult to feel included in the queer community Goodman takes such great care of its actors, and Conceived, Staged and Choreographed by Bob Fosse Based on an original screenplay by FREDERICO FELLINI, TULLIO PINELLI and ENNIO FLAIANO when you’re invisible to it, so playing a queer getting paid to act means I don’t have to get Produced for theDirected Broadway stage by by Artistic FRYER, CARR Director and HARRIS. Conceived,Michael Staged Halberstam and Choreographed by BOB FOSSE Musical Direction by Doug Peck role and working with an amazing cast and crew distracted by a day job for a while. It’s extremely MUSICAL DIRECTIONChoreographed BY DOUG PECK by, CHOREOGRAPHY Jessica Redish BY JESSICA REDISH that mostly consisted of people in the communi- freeing to focus in and be all about the play, the DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL HALBERSTAM Performed at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe ty was incredibly affirming for me. This affirma- process, the role. It’s a role that is very close to tion allowed me to reconnect to feelings I had my experience, which has made for a very simple NOW PLAYING! put off when I was a genderfucking teenager in characterization process, but can sometimes be favor of pursuing acting, which, as I understood a challenge. Having to face my own flaws and it at the time, was a profession that required recreate them every night is part of the job. WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG I 847-242-6000 one to be as normative as possible, like a blank WCT: Do you have any projects coming up? canvas. Jax Jackson: Yes—this summer in NYC I’ll be 2012/13 Season Sponsor Corporate Sponsor All I have ever known for sure since I was a in a musical, Lesbian Love Octagon, playing a very small child is that I wanted to be an ac- trans man who was a member of a rather inces- tor, and I was almost sure that coming out trans tuous lesbian community prior to transition, and would be the end of my career. But as feelings now struggles to find his identity within that of dysphoria that I had actively sought to shut world. down became harder to ignore, I finally had to WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 17 pelling camera presences, they don’t offer any real insight or opinions about Dahmer, as each details his or her involvement with him. Oscars: Surprises, KNIGHT I laud Thompson’s refusal to indulge in the Bond, music distasteful and gory approach one would expect The Oscars seemingly had something for AT from the material but neither does he offer a everyone this year. THE viewpoint or feature someone with any sort For those who are into the awards them- of psychological insight into Dahmer’s nature, selves, director Ben Affleck’s political MOVIES which—given the unprecedented nature of his thriller Argo lived up to its favorite sta- disturbed subject—eventually seems downright tus and won three honors, including best loony. Ultimately, one doesn’t expect or want picture, at the 85th Academy Awards. An- subtlety or restraint when dealing with the story other favorite was Daniel Day-Lewis, who of Jeffrey Dahmer. made history with his third best-actor statue, this time for Steven Spielberg’s By Film notes: Richard Lincoln. Among those he thanked was out Knight, Jr. —Out writer-director Dee Rees’s 2011 Pariah playwright Tony Kushner, who penned the is screening as the next installment in Sharon script. Zurek’s Dyke Delicious monthly series on Tues- Jennifer Lawrence made her first Oscar day, March 5, at Columbia College’s Hokin Hall, win a memorable one (for Silver Linings Stoker; The 623 S. Wabash St., at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Playbook) as she stumbled up the steps on March 9, at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark her way to accepting the award. “You guys St., at 8 p.m. As usual, the latter screening will Jeffrey Dahmer are just standing up because I fell and you be preceded by an hour of social interaction. The feel sorry for me,” she said. Also, Anne gorgeously shot Pariah (one of my top 10 films Files; notes Hathaway won Best Supporting Actress for of 2011) is the moving, coming-of-age, coming- Les Miserables while Christoph Waltz (in a Does anyone believe for a second that Nicole out story of a 17-year-old African-American mild surprise) took Best Supporting Actor Kidman could have given birth to Mia Wa- butch lesbian butting heads with her family (es- for Django Unchained, edging four others sikowska? No more than that Lana Turner would pecially her mother) as she is about to graduate who had already won Oscars, including spawn Sandra Dee, Joan Crawford would whelp from high school in Brooklyn. Robert DeNiro. Ann Blyth, Olympia Dukakis would give birth to —Cinema Q III, the annual Cultural Center Cher, or that Cher would go into labor and bring LGBT film series, is back for the third year be- Another upset occurred when Ang Lee forth both Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci. ginning Wed., March 6, and continuing on sub- won Best Director for Life of Pi. Steven These mother-daughter movie combos are no sequent Wednesday evenings through March 27. Spielberg had been favored for Lincoln. less believable than at least three-fourths of the The series, which is co-sponsored by The Chi- The night was also heavy in music, with plot contrivances in South Korean director Park cago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Dame Shirley Bassey, 76, singing the title Chan-wook’s English language debut, Stoker. Events, The Legacy Project, Queer Film Society song to the 1960s James Bond movie Gold- But the movie, based on an original script by Matthew Goode in Stoker. Photo by Macall and Reeling, takes place in the Claudia Cassidy finger. Adele (who won for Best Original Ted Foulke—the pen name of Wentworth Miller, Polay Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Song) also performed a Bond tune: the the hottie former star of TV’s Prison Break—like Washington St., at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. title song from last year’s Skyfall. all great melodramas, doesn’t waste a second on lie share a piano duet that gets increasingly This year’s line-up focuses on the lives of LGBT However, music fans had plenty of other nonsense like logic or reality when it comes to hot-to-trot. (By the way, has anyone ever ex- seniors with some selections celebrating their options, including Catherine Zeta-Jones re- casting or its highly theatrical approach. This is perienced a sensual piano duet in real life?) The pioneering efforts and others centered on the viving her Chicago performance of “All that Grand Guignol Writ Large—I mean Hush, Hush murderous plot twists—a little bit of Hitchcock unique challenges faced by the LGBT elderly. Jazz”; the cast of Les Miserables serenad- Sweet Charlotte/Whatever Happened to Baby here, a little bit of Almodovar there—then begin The mini-fest kicks off Wed., March 6, with the ing the crowd with a medley from the mov- Jane? large. The only missing element is the to increase as Chan-wook tightens the screws. 2011 rowdy road dramedy Cloudburst, which was ie; and past Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson balls-to-the-wall scenery-chewing in the acting Wasikowska and Goode are the center of the adapted by out writer-director Thom Fitzgerald showcasing her powerhouse voice in “And I department. And that’s a quibble with a dark picture (with Kidman taking what is essentially from his stage play, The film follows the exploits Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dream- little thriller as enthralling and tremendously a supporting part) and they’re a very creepy duo of the hilariously profane Stella (Olympia Duka- girls. Also, Barbra Streisand took to the Os- entertaining as this one is. That’s also not to (increasingly so as Miller’s script takes them in kis) and Dotty (Brenda Fricker), her sweet but cars stage for the first time in 36 years to imply that Stoker is camp a la The Wicker Man several unexpected directions). But Stoker is re- equally tough partner, as they head to Canada perform “The Way We Were” following the or Orphan; rather, it has moments that repeated ally Chan-wook’s movie (in much the same way to legally wed after being together for 31 years. “In Memoriam” tribute. viewings will quickly come to be seen through that A Single Man was Tom Ford’s). Every shot The unedited version will be shown. The screen- Surprise presenter First Lady Michelle that beloved lens—in the way that there are is perfectly composed; every breath, gulp and ing is co-sponsored by Center on Halsted. Obama appeared via satellite to award Best over-the- top moments in Carrie and The Exor- rustle of a skirt is emphasized (the movie’s a The series also includes To Die Like a Man Picture honors (courtesy of an introduc- cist or The Birds that can be taken this way. sound effects engineer’s dream); and every mu- (March 13), Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis @100 tion from Jack Nicholson)—possibly as a From the get-go, we are dropped firmly into sic cue is perfectly selected. You’re aware the and T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness: Queer Blues Divas response to former President Bill Clinton the hermetically sealed world of India Stoker entire time that you’re in a carefully captured of the 1920s (March 20) and a 15th-anniversary being part of this year’s Golden Globes. (Wasikowska). It’s immediately apparent that movie world. Yet with someone as talented as screening of Gods and Monsters (March 27). A The night’s host was Seth MacFarlane— Chan-wook in control, his talents overriding the this strange girl—with her jet black, straggly, post-screening discussion will accompany each who had been best known as the creator gaps in Miller’s script, Stoker ends up such styl- inky hair, wrinkled dress and out-of-date saddle movie. Windy City Times, Time Out Chicago and of TV’s Family Guy. He mixed comedy and ish entertainment that one willingly cedes con- shoes—is an odd duck. There are bits of Rima the ChicagoPride.com are media co-sponsors for Cin- music, with an opening montage that fea- trol and surrenders to the director’s florid vision. bird girl, Shirley Jackson’s wild, forest-foraging ema Q III. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/ tured everything from Channing Tatum and teenage heroine Mary Katherine Blackwood of en/depts/dca/supp_info/cinema_q.html Charlize Theron dancing together to Mac- The Jeffrey Dahmer Files, which played at a “We’ve Always Lived in the Castle” and a dash Check out my archived reviews at www. Farlane singing with the Gay Men’s Chorus batch of gay indie-film festivals last year, is now of Norman Bates thrown in for good measure in windycitymediagroup.com or www.knightat- of Los Angeles. available OnDemand and will soon be broadcast India. And, naturally, once we see the watchful, themovies.com. Readers can leave feedback —Andrew Davis antisocial, dowdy India interacting with glamor- on the cable channel of its distributor, IFC. at the latter website. ous mother Evelyn (Kidman), there’s more than Director Chris James Thompson eschews the a hint of Carrie White, too. biographical details of the infamous gay serial India’s sullen behavior is understandable at killer’s story and instead opts for a more sub- Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events - Chicago Cultural Center tle style. On-camera interviews with Dahmer’s The Legacy Project - Queer Film Society – Reeling present: Claudia Cassidy Theater | 78 E. Washington first. Her beloved father (Dermot Mulroney) has 3/26 Cloudburst died in a car accident and the family’s creaking, neighbor in the Milwaukee apartment building 3/13 To Die Like a Man old-money mansion is filled with post-funeral where the majority of the killings took place; 3/20 Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis @ 100 the police detective who took his confession; & T’Aint Nobody’s Bizness: guests, including Matthew Goode as the Uncle Queer Blues Divas of the 1920s Charlie that India never knew she had. India is and the medical examiner are interwoven with 3/27 Gods and Monsters suspicious of this Uncle Charle, an impossible scenes of actor Andrew Swant as Dahmer, who A film series celebrating LGBT movies This series contains mature subject matter. dreamboat with his confident smile who drives goes about picking up some of those he mur- Viewer discretion advised. a fancy Jaguar and has quickly dazzled her dered and purchasing the seemingly benign ob- Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m. drunken mother with his charm. She’s seen him jects—the blue barrel, a suitcase, etc.—he used Free Admission arguing with the old family retainer, who has to store the remains of his victims. inexplicably disappeared after the funeral, and The sparseness of Thompson’s approach ini- there are other things about him that don’t add tially adds to the creepiness and ghoulishness up, either. inherent in Dahmer’s infamous crimes but ulti- Yet Uncle Charlie tries hard to connect with mately frustrates, while the uninitiated might India. (He’s a link to Joseph Cotton’s character want to do some research first as background in Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt.) Slowly, he details on Dahmer’s life aren’t included. The re- Sponsored by: QUEER seems to be favoring her over Evelyn’s drunken enactments have a subtle power—suggesting FILM attempts at seduction. The competition between much about the banality of evil and the bleak SOCIETY mother and daughter subtly kicks into high gear solitude of Dahmer’s urban existence. However, WINDY CITY (a la Mildred Pierce) after India and Uncle Char- although the three interview subjects are com- TIMES 18 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES

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They have made a lot of money and they have The Apprentice is more popular than ever with also made a lot of money on the show itself for Imagining paradise its change of format a few seasons ago into a charity. So I wasn’t surprised to see him come celebrity version that boosted ratings. With the back at all, no. with Levi Kreis new all-star version debuting on NBC, past com- WCT: Do you feel like you had an advantage, petitors now return to make even more money Bret, after winning your original season? for their charities. BM: Here is the absolute truth. I actually What started as The Apprentice where regular felt like I had probably a major disadvantage. I people competed for a chance to work for Trump call it the Super Bowl Syndrome—when a team has now morphed into a random group of stars comes back that has won it everyone is gunning who have their careers revitalized while raising for them. money for a good cause on public television. I loved everyone who was on it and, listen, as The cast this season consists of Team: Plan B a lifelong diabetic; it’s a great opportunity for with Trace Adkins, Stephen Baldwin, Gary Busey, charity. I wanted to do it. But no doubt when Dee Snider, Marilu Henner, Penn Jilette and Lisa you’re coming back they’re going to firing for Rinna. Team: Power consists of Lil John, Bret you and you’ve just got to be strong and do the Michaels, Claudia Jordan, La Toya Jackson, Den- best you can. nis Rodman, Omarosa and Brande Roderick. WCT: Were you tougher on the contestants Windy City Times talked to the mogul Donald this time since they had been on the show Levi Kreis. Trump himself along with Jackson and Michaels before, Mr. Trump? PR photo before the big debut. DT: No; I think they became a lot smarter Windy City Times: Hello, everyone. Is this [and] they understand the system better. We the most dramatic season yet of Apprentice? have a couple that did very well that, frankly, I By Joe Franco LK: It’s almost exactly like Indiegogo. There Donald Trump: Well, I’ll speak first. I think it’s wasn’t expecting as much from and I think they are some differences but I’m not sure what they certainly one of the most dramatic seasons. We have learned the system a little bit. So it wasn’t Levi Kreis had started making and producing his are. This method of self-funding gave me a have brought back, including Bret and La Toya, that I was expecting more, I think they have own music since 2005. “I started the Broadway unique opportunity to go beyond what a signed some of the people that everybody really likes become much smarter. gigs mainly because I needed groceries and was artist might get to do. I had to think about con- because it’s an all-star season and amazing I actually think that it made for a very excit- tired of eating Ramen every night,” Kreis told necting the donors’ experiences to my own. I things happen. La Toya and Bret, go ahead. ing show. I think almost every one of them really Windy City Times. found myself getting to speak with my mentors La Toya Jackson: It’s very dramatic and very have learned so much. It’s really a strong show, However, by 2010, Kreis was not only no lon- who were there in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s and exciting. There is so much going on. You will see amazing show. ger eating Ramen but was also looking for a finding out what they were faced with—what a lot of confrontations. It’s going to be a blast, WCT: Will this be the final season of Celeb- place to put his 2010 Tony Award for Best Fea- they were fighting for. With many LGBT people you’ll love it. You will simply love it, everyone rity Apprentice? tured Actor in a musical for his portrayal of Jerry today, we have lost our roots and I got to not will. DT: It’s the number-one show on Sundays. lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet. Since then, only find them but also define them. Bret Michaels: I have found that as being We’ll see. You never know what’s going to hap- Kreis’ music could be heard on NBC, CBS, FX and WCT: Did you learn anything from your ex- there the first time it was something I really pen. Certainly it has been doing very well in the the CW. But this year, Kreis is releasing a new periences with your mentors? wanted to do. I had an absolutely great time ratings as you know and so I would anticipate compilation of music that was ranked by Bill- LK: The brilliance of hearing one another’s and coming back obviously it is extremely dra- that it would continue onward. board magazine in the top three of fan-funded stories is that we find, or at least I find, that matic and you’ll just have to watch because it We have had 15 copies of Celebrity Apprentice, music. my story and their story may unfold different- will keep you riveted. or The Apprentice, as I say. I guess there was Windy City Times: Hi Levi! Are you excited ly but they are still the same story. We are all WCT: What is Joan Rivers’ role on the show? another one last week, it was called The Job and about your new album? I believe it’s dropping connected by that same human condition—by She’s a judge now? that was just terminated I understand. But 15 June 20, no? those same narratives. DT: Yes, she will be a judge. Don and Ivanka copies and this is our 10th year, it’s our 13th Levi Kreis: I am very excited for the release of WCT: You’re sounding more metaphysical and Eric are judges. What we’ll do is put Piers on season. So it has been a great success and it “Imagine Paradise” and, yes, it’s set to release and spiritual in your philosophy toward mu- in a little bit and the conflict between Omarosa continues to do very well. on June 20. Some tracks will be made available sic. and Piers which is just a continuation of what WCT: I heard from my friends at World of earlier on iTunes, though. LK: I’ve been a metaphysical practitioner for happened previously on the show, the conflict Wonder that La Toya has a new WCT: Now, I had the chance to listen to a number of years now and I found that as my is as good, as smart, as tough, as mean as any- reality show. some of the tracks before speaking with you spirituality has grown I am able to more deeply thing that we’ve ever had on the show. LJ: Yes, it’s called Life With and I’d describe it as funk/disco/ gospel. Is look at the intention of language and find that But Piers is a judge with me and he sits by La Toya and it airs in April that an accurate description or would you add as an album passes through me, it also deepens. my side, replacing Ivanka a couple of times and on the Oprah Winfrey net- to that? I wouldn’t say I want to move into a “spiritual likewise with Joan. We have some amazing eve- work. LK: No, I think that’s a very accurate descrip- genre” but my music is becoming deeper. The nings. So, in other words, I have taken some DT: I’ll be watching. tion of my sound. People have always struggled trouble then that others have is “where to put of the past winners and made them judges to That’s good, La Toya, about where to place my music. Some people Levi.” I’m not a gay dance diva. I don’t sing replace my children for a couple of shows. good. have also called it “new disco” and thought the “let’s get soaking wet.” WCT: Were there other people you wanted LJ: It’s wonder- sounds were more reminiscent of the late ‘70s WCT: When does your first single drop here for the show? Lisa Lampanelli would have ful. You guys are and early ‘80s. I also like to consider some of the in the United States? been a great choice. going to love work to be like classic R&B. I borrowed from the LK: “So Much Better” will be available on DT: Well, Lisa would have been great and she it. sounds of the LGBT community—those sounds March 4. It’s already all over the UK right now. [wouldn’t have] because she just went, I mean, Celebrity that propelled our earliest movement for equal- The story behind that song is really based on she was very recent so we didn’t do that. But Apprentice ity. accepting that which one cannot change. It was Lisa was great; she did a fantastic job and— All-Stars WCT: What about the inspiration for the dedicated to one of my backers. This was not so what is even more important—was very nice to debuts tracks? Where did all of that come from? You much words to a fan but words between friends. me afterwards. Even during her comedy where Sunday, have some complex lyric combinations on WCT: So if I want to see you in action, when she destroys people, she has been very nice to March 3, your album. and where can I do that? You must have a tour me so that’s great. Lisa was just up so we got at 8 p.m. LK: Nearly the entire album is an amalgama- coming up. everybody we wanted. on CT on tion or an homage to my fans that funded this LK: I do! I actually open the tour right here in WCT: Were you surprised that Penn Jillette NBC. album with my own sound. Billboard ranked Chicago on March 2 at Davenport’s on North Mil- came back after not fitting in with Clay Aiken Imagine Paradise in the top three fan-funded al- waukee. I have a number of other shows booked last season? bums of the year. Each track is nearly a custom- but another big one is March 30, when I play DT: Well, he actually does very well; we’ve shot written theme song for one or more of the major my hometown of Knoxville, Tenn. This is my first much of it and he does very well. He did very Read donors who helped get my album off the ground time being in my hometown performing as my- well the first time. No I wasn’t surprised. It has the entire through the Kickstart Campaign. self. It scares me a bit to know that my family been extremely good for him and for his brand interview The lyrics as well as the themes are more in- will be seeing me as I am, with no pretense. I and for his show in Las Vegas and I wasn’t sur- online at timate. I got the opportunity to speak directly think it scares many people to just be them- prised. www.Windy- to my fans and from their stories of love, heart- selves, especially in front of their oldest friends It was very easy to get everybody to come CityMedia- break and struggle; I developed 12 tracks that and family. back. It’s actually very easy to cast the show Group.com. are absolutely a deliberate nod to the LGBT com- For more information on Levi Kreis, his new because everybody really wants to be on it. munity and those individuals’ stories. album and his upcoming tour, visit www.levi- Whether it’s Piers Morgan or Joan Rivers or WCT: I’m not familiar with the Kickstart kreis.com. Trace Adkins or so many others, so many have La Toya Jackson. Photo courtesy of NBC Campaign. Does it work like Indiegogo? 20 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES

http://www.elmhurst.edu/campusmap; acts address the possibilities for trans- Tickets: www.elmhurst.edu/tix formation, the beauty of resilience and Sweet Charity How many times can a girl survival, and illuminate glimmers of lib- make the same mistakes? Through March eration that exist in the world. 6:30pm- 31. 8pm, Writers’ Theatre, 376 Park 10pm, 630-379-2498, Rumble Arts Center, Ave., Glencoe, www.writerstheatre.org/ 3413 W. North Ave; see http://rumblearts. boxoffice/production?id=0088; Tickets: com http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/writers/ Chicago Takes Off: Neo Noir Chicago Takes eventcalendar?m=2&y=2013 Off: is a burlesque “style” show that fea- Brought to you by the combined efforts of tures professional dancers in energetic, Friday, March 1 choreographed performances engaging Equality Illinois First Friday Networking audiences in a celebration of life—all in WINDY CITY Social Join Equality Illinois PAC for the support of Test Positive Aware Network’s super-popular monthly First Friday Net- HIV/AIDS programs and services which TIMES working Social. A big crowd always comes benefit more than 25,000 individuals tersmovie.com out for First Friday, so please stop by for through our prevention, outreach, and ‘NEO’-THERMAL Wed., Feb. 27 the fun, cocktails, and prize drawings. For direct care services and programs. 7:30 Training on culturally competent care for The Gay Divorcee Follow one woman’s jour- a $10 donation to the Equality Illinois and 10:30 p.m., Park West Chicago, 322 W older LGBT adults The LGBT population is ney through her break up as she turns to PAC, you receive two drink tickets and a Armitage Ave., www.chicagotakesoff.org Saturday, March 2 at risk for increased health disparities and her musical divas and great gay break-up ticket for a door prize drawing. 6pm-9pm, 9 to 12 No Tap Bowling League LGBT suffers from poorer health outcomes rela- songs...for guidance and strength. Fea- Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St., http://eqil. Bowling on the first Saturday of the tive to non-LGBT people. No cost. Profes- turing songs by Melissa Etheridge, Janis TPAN’s burlesque org/events.html month from 9 to 12 pm. Bowling takes sional registered nurses will receive 6 CE Joplin, Pink, Adele, Cher. 8pm-9pm, 773- Wax Trax! Showcase Music and video from place at River-Rand Bowl (on River Road extravanganza contact hours . 9am-4pm, 773-572-5123, 278-1830, Davenport’s Piano Bar and Chicago’s legendary Wax Trax! record label just north of Rand Road). Leagues begin “Chicago Takes Off: Jesse Brown VAMC (Prescription Room), Cabaret, 1383 N Milwaukee Ave., www. with DJs Greg Haus and Jenamax. Fol- at 9pm and substitute bowlers are wel- Neo Noir” will be at 820 S. Damen Ave., www.howardbrown.org davenportspianobar.com lowed by Cosmix. 9pm, Berlin Nightclub, come and encouraged to come out to the CALOR confidential HIV and STI testing the Park West. 954 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, http://www. lanes. 9pm, River Rand Bowl, Des Plaines, Every Wednesday without charge, regard- Thursday, Feb. 28 berlinchicago.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/9-to- less of age, ability to pay or residency. Rich and Famous by John Guare When Bing 12-bowling/150981275086?fref=ts Photo by Kat Fitzgerald The process, from completing the consent Ringling’s show is a flop, producer backs Saturday, March 2 Same Sex, Different Gays: Musical Tales of paperwork to getting the results, takes out and girlfriend leaves, he embarks on 3pm, Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Relationships Written by a team of three 45 minutes. Counselors are available to phantasmagoric odyssey to the people and N Halsted St., http://kitkatchicago.com (LGBTQ) Weekly, peer-led support group gay men, one lesbian, and two straight review the results and provide referrals, places that shaped him. Directed by guest Caba- for members of the LGBTQ community folks, this satirical but honest look at ins, Beckie Menzie, Celebrate Me Home as necessary. 12pm-4pm, CALOR, 3220 W artist Nate Silver. 7pm-8:30pm, 773-340- ret singer/keyboardist/ songwriter, award with mood problems such as depression or outs, tops and bottoms of gay and les- Armitage Ave., www.calor.org 2543, The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee winning concert artist who has appeared bipolar disorder. Free. Community Room; bian relationships. 9:30pm-10:30pm, 773- From the Oscar Winning Films collection Ave., www.jackalopetheatre.org at America’s top venues including Jazz At 11am-12:30pm, 872-216-3272, Howard 961-8214, The pH Comedy Theater, 1515 From the Music Box Theatre 70mm Festival Froot Loops: A Benefit for Broadway Lincoln Center, Birdland, and Town Hall Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan W. Berwyn Ave., http://whatisph.com/ collection. Purchase advance tickets on- Youth Center An evening of comedy fea- in NYC, and Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre Rd., www.dbsa-glbt-chicago.com/ samesex.php line, $9.25 each or $70 for a festival pass. turing Ever Mainard and Sapna Kumar. and The Park West as well as concert halls Stephen Colbert to host “gglassquer- 1:30pm, Music Box Theatre, 3733 N South- In lieu of cover, please bring toiletries, across the country. Menzie’s Carnegie Hall ade” Lookingglass Theatre Company’s Sunday, March 3 port Ave., www.musicboxtheatre.com undergarments, bus cards, gift cards, or debut was in Michael Feinstein’s Now & “gglassquerade,” celebrating 25 Years of P!nk Brunch pre-show party One person Band of Sisters Moving, informative, in- other donations for the kids. Doors open Then series. $23; 2pm, 773-381-4551, ensemble collaboration, transformation will win tickets to P!nk Truth About Love. spiring, funny account of the spirit and at 7pm; show starts at 8:30. 7pm-11pm, Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., Chica- and invention. Host Stephen Colbert, Brunch cocktails and midday meal. Madam intellectualism of these courageous nuns, Parlour on Clark, 6341 N Clark St., www. go, Tickets: http://www.maynestage.com of Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report, X performing as the artist P!nk, music vid- at the core of social justice efforts in the parlouronclark.com will be presented with the Lookingglass eos and sing-alongs, and one lucky guest U.S. since the 1960s: civil rights, rights Iowa Jurist Marsha Ternus After more than Civic Engagement Award. 6pm, 773-477- will win two tickets to the concert. 11am- Turn to page 21 of women, LGBT rights, immigration re- 17 years on the high court, Ternus, who 9257ext.116, The Four Seasons, 120 E. form, homelessness, hunger, health care, lost her seat over a ruling on same-sex Delaware Pl., www.lookingglasstheatre.org environmental justice, etc. Doors open at marriage, will speak on The Politicization So Very Alive: Performing Feminist and Get 6pm; 6:30pm, Gottlieb Hall, Merit School of Justice. $10. 7pm, 630-617-3390, El- WindyCityMediaGroup.com Queer Utopias, Futures and Dreams Nine of Music, 38 S. Peoria St., www.bandofsis- mhurst College, Founders Lounge of the : Frick Center, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, radical Chicago-based performance-art online ChicagoPride.com

the

DRIVEdo you haveDRIVE it? DRIVE monthly auto sEctIon Auto show marks GM holds LGBT first for 2013 Auto Show briefing The public portion of the 2013 Chicago Auto On Feb. 17, General Motors (GM) hosted the Show ran Feb. 8-18. LGBT press at a Chicago Auto Show briefing. This was the first time since 1998 that the Joe LaMuraglia, GMC communications manager, show was open to the public on a Saturday. stressed two aspects of GM’s operation. Show organizers decided to shift the dates for He said that, first, it’s a gay-friendly company. 2013 to take advantage of the Presidents Day Both LaMuraglia and Kevin Kelly, PR represen- holiday. tative for the electric vehicle team also in at- The Chicago Auto Show’s black-tie benevolent tendance, are out on the job and comfortable event, First Look for Charity, took place Friday, with their work situation. Secondly, LaMuraglia Feb. 8, and raised $2.2 million. “It’s a move our extolled GM’s environmentally friendly, “green charities have asked for and it will, no doubt, cars”: the electric Chevy Volt and the Cadillac increase attendance at one of Chicago’s most ESL. popular charity events,” said 2013 Chicago Auto Marty Padgett of High Gear Media; Ben Tim- Show Co-Chairman Kurt Schiele in a statement. mons, associate web editor at Automobile Maga- For the eighth straight year, consumer voters zine; and Casey Williams of Gaywheels.com also proclaimed their favorites in five categories in spoke. All praised of the 2014 Corvette, which the Chicago Auto Show’s “Best of Show” ballot- they said delivers muscle-car power at a “rea- ing. sonable” $75,000 price. They also noted the In voting conducted over the 10-day public Cruze diesel, the Ford Atlas, and the Mercedes run of the nation’s biggest auto show, winners concept car are worthy of attention. Text by in the contest’s five categories were: Chuck Kramer —Best All-New Production Vehicle: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (36 percent of vote) —Best Concept Vehicle: Chevrolet “Turbo” Ca- maro (27 percent of vote) —Best Green Vehicle: Fisker Karma (24 percent of vote) —Best Exhibit: Jeep (27 percent of vote) —Vehicle I’d most like to have in my driveway: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 21

BILLY MASTERS present PPaallmm SSpprriinnggss Many people who work in the entertainment in- so—on two different actors. You may remember dustry are delusional—but not me. I have no Max and Charlie Carver as the twins on Desperate illusions about where I rank in this business we Housewives. Toward the end of the show’s run, call “show.” I’m somewhere in the lower middle, the boys were starting to mature quite nicely. which is lucky for you. If I were any higher, I’d Apparently, they’ve continued on this journey. Wed,, March 6th 8pm be too busy to write this column week after Their shirtless pic poises the twins to inherit the Cocktail Challenge Come watch your favorite Sidetrack & community bartenders shake it up week for almost two decades. mantle of the Brewer Twins, the Hall Twins and at the 4th Annual Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge. My place in the pecking order was clearly il- the Visconti Triplets. Of course, we’re more than Watch ‘em create Palm Springs inspired cocktails & meet some fabulous new people. lustrated this week. When Whoopi Goldberg or happy to double your pleasure and double your No cover plus there’s sure to be some swag! Billy Crystal are asked to host the Oscars, they fun on our website. call Bruce Vilanch to write some jokes. When my Usually when we have an item about Boy Come support your favorite bartenders as they compete against one another to stir up their best signature cocktails and win a good friend Gioia Bruno from Expose was asked George, it’s something that makes us cringe trip to sunny Palm Springs, CA. to host “‘80s Fest” at the Sunset Cove Amphithe- even whilst typing. But not this week. The for- atre in Boca Raton, Fla., she asked me for some mer fatty has revealed his new svelte self at the material. See? I’m exactly like Bruce Vilanch— Brit Awards in London. He credits losing one- just slightly younger, thinner ... and poorer. third of his girth to Freer Nutrition, portion con- For several years, I’ve considered Clive Davis trol, five-hour gaps between meals and “bursts to be a crazy old man. Successful, yes, but nutty of exercise all day.” But he hasn’t lost his sense as a fruitcake. How right I was. This week, he of humor. He tweeted, “I love that the size of my revealed that he is bisexual. He claims to have ass is trending worldwide!” opened himself up (in more ways than one) to a I’m now going to combine two topics that re- man after two failed marriages. Although he now ally have no business being together—gay porn admits to being in a relationship with a man and Andy Dick. Just when you think career op- for seven years, he doesn’t consider himself gay: tions are thin, Andy pops up on Two Broke Girls “Do I feel I could have been similarly attracted playing with puppets. Days later, I get a press to a woman? The answer is yes.” By the way, I release from the prolific Michael Lucas (sigh ... think I could do a great job hosting the Oscars. time was I’d always hear from him on my birth- But no one’s asked me! day). In his latest oeuvre, Lucas promises to de- What does Clive want to do next? “I always liver some lascivious laughs. Kings of New York wanted to produce a Broadway show, and I’ve finds some porn stars trying to become real stars never done it,” he said. “I’m hopeful we will pre- in NYC. Surely, the quickest way to achieve this goal is to enlist the aid of Andy Dick, Lady Bun- ny and Derek from The A-List: New York. Given the presence of bona fide skin stars like Adam //SiidettrackBar Killian, Landon Conrad and Mitchell Rock, I am sure that the sexual content does not suffer one 3349 N. Halsted iota. SidetrackChicago.com And this is an almost ideal perfect segue into our “Ask Billy” question. Kent in Indianapolis writes: “I ran across a video of Craig Chalmers (who appeared on a UK talent show) doing a porn film under the name of Ryan Ryder. Needless to tenders to stir up Palm Springs inspired cocktails as say, it has affected his legit career. But he’s VERY CALENDAR from page 20 part of the 4th Annual Palm Springs Summer Splash well-endowed. What do you know about him?” Cocktail Challenge. 8pm-10pm, 773-477-9189, Craig was one of my favorites on the show Any Making Out with Wes Perry and Friends Under- Sidetrack, 3349 N Halsted St., www.palmspring- Dream Will Do, where Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber ground comedy show with a queer twist. Improvi- scocktailchallenge.com sation, sketch, and standup comedy with storytell- attempted to find a lead for his West End revival ing, performance art and drag. Doors open at 7pm, Thursday, March 7 of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream- tickets $5 online or at the door. 8pm, The Hideout, Queer Contra Dance Chicago Contra dance is a form coat.” While Craig was quite dreamy (sporting 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., www.hideoutchicago.com/ of folk dance, similar to square dancing, but with almost a mannequin-like perfection), he was event/224965 lines of dancers rather than squares. In our gender- free version, instead of typical male-female gender also very entrenched in a cabaret style and came Monday, March 4 off robotic. But, I remember having a huge crush roles, dancers determine their own role as a leader i2i new API Coming Out Group! Open to lesbian, or follower. 6:30pm-9:30pm, www.lcfd.org, St. on him. Who would have thought that the size gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square, located at of my crush would equate the size of his ap- queer APIs. Adoptees, hapas and multiracial folks 2649 N. Francisco Ave, [email protected] pendage? But there he is—in some straight porn welcome too. First Monday of every month. Free. American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) gay making me jealous of a girl (something I’m sure Snacks. More info: [email protected]; 6pm- veterans Monthly meeting. 7pm, 773-472-6469, 7:30pm, Asian Human Services,7th flr conference Clive Davis would understand). Once word got Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted St., www.aver- room, 4753 N. Broadway chicago.org Billy gives us the skinny on Boy George out of his porn career, Craig’s legit gigs dried up. Papa, Can You Hear Me? (Songs of Fathers and Indigo Girls in Concert with The Shadowboxers Out (above). But he was philosophical about it, saying, “I’m Sons) Father. Signor. Pere. Michael Kingston has lesbian duo well-known and award wining since not ashamed of it. I’m being well paid and I’m played them (Pippin, The Light In The Piazza, and their 1989 first hit, “Closer to Fine.”; 8pm, North comfortable with doing it.” Not as comfortable La Cage Aux Folles to name a few…..). In his caba- Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie ret debut, “Papa” is joined by “sons” Patrick Tierney Blvd.Skokie, Tickets: www.northshorecenter.org pare and finalize everything this year to bring as you’ll be when you see every inch of Craig on (La Cage Aux Folles) and Pavi Proczko (The Light In My Fair Lady next year to Broadway with a stel- BillyMasters.com. The Piazza) as they explore the father/son/family Friday, March 8 lar cast. I don’t want to jinx myself, but we’re When the line between porn and reality stars relationship. $12./2 Drink Minimum. Reservations Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Ten perfor- in discussions with two magnificent performers is being blurred, it’s definitely time to end yet recommended. 8pm-9:15pm, 773-278-1830, Dav- mances through March 17. Robert Battle, Artistic and a wonderful director to do that.” Who are another column. Because these columns are enport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N Milwaukee Director, leads a 21-city tour, with both new and Ave, www.davenportspianobar.com the two performers? Anne Hathaway and Colin filed days before you read them, the Oscars traditional pieces. Tickets $32 – $92 available online, by phone or box office. 7:30pm-9pm, 312-341- Firth. Of course, Anne is committed to doing a haven’t even happened yet. But while William Tuesday, March 5 2357, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Broadway musical based on the life of Judy Gar- Shatner can go back to the past, I can see into Drag Race with Frida Lay Chicago’s only amateur 50 E Congress Pkwy., www.auditoriumtheatre.org; land—but we haven’t heard about that for four the future. I feel that some guy will be in a kilt. drag contest, hosted by Frida Lay! A hit at Roscoe’s Tickets: http://ticketmaster.com/auditorium years. I am sure Babs will show off her shoulders while since its premier in 2000. 9pm, Roscoe’s, 3356 N Halsted St, www.roscoes.com Many people will tell you that only good-look- singing “The Way We Were” for the “In Memo- Sunday, March 10 Chicago HER / HRC Va ~ Va ~ Vaudeville Titillat- ing people will make it in showbiz. This does not riam” segment. I’d bet that Dame Shirley Bassey Wed., March 6 ing comedy, burlesque beauties hosted by Gwen La explain the prolific careers of Gerard Depardieu will stop the show while in a gold gown sing- Women’s Empower Hour with Megan Walls Growth- Roka, hilarious Chicago comedian as seen on the or Andy Dick (who we will get to in a minute). ing “Goldfinger.” And I wouldn’t be surprised seeking women, question and answer discussion TBS Just for Laughs Festival. $15. 6:30pm, Mayne But it certainly does explain the casting on if someone didn’t trip on their gown. But I’m with Certified Leadership and Personal Develop- Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., Tickets: http://action. ment Coach and Owner of Conscious Connection, many other shows—particularly those target- sure all that and more will turn up on www.Bil- hrc.org/site/calendar?id=112021&view=detail to discuss the secret to navigating personal and Dustin Lance Black’s New Play, “8” One night-only ing the younger audience. Take MTV’s minor hit, lyMasters.com, the website with foresight! If professional transitions. 11:30am-1:30pm, 312- reading of a play chronicling the historic trial in Teen Wolf. Once Colton Haynes announced his you’d like some other predictions, write to me 640-2300, Metropolitan Capital, 9 E. Ontario St. the federal constitutional challenge to California’s departure (but not before BillyMasters.com pre- at [email protected] and I promise to get www.metcapbank.com Prop. 8, written by Dustin Lance Black. Featuring sented his attempt to make a porno), viewers back to you before Russell Crowe learns how to Palm Springs Summer Splash Cocktail Challenge Megan Cavanagh. “8” [email protected]; 7:30pm, Palm Springs, Calif., is seeking the best bartenders swore they’d stay away when the new season be- sing on key (I told you I was psychic). Until next Arts Center of Oak Park, The Ernest Hemingway Mu- at top clubs across North America, including Side- seum, 200 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, www.opalga. gan. Then came word that when the show comes time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s track in Chicago. Palm Springs is challenging bar- org back June 3, it will sport a familiar face and tor- bible. 22 Feb. 27, 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES Lesbian grandmother leads roller-derby team By Ross Forman that roller derby is a big family, and whatever city you visit, the roller derby team there be- Lori Danko was a skateboarder growing up, comes your family, too.” claims to secretly be an artist, and someday Danko moved from Grand Rapids, Mich., to wants to give stand-up comedy a shot. She is a Chicago in August 2011. She now lives in Wicker roller derby standout, the captain for the Double Park and is a nurse at Illinois Masonic Hospital. Crossers of Windy City Rollers fame under the “I love working [at Illinois Masonic]; they moniker Busty BraBender, plus, she’s the mother have embraced me and that I play roller derby of two daughters and grandmother of one. with open arms,” Danko said. “The diversity of “I feel young, healthy and strong, but have the staff [at Illinois Masonic] is valued and welcome accustomed to living with Icy Hot and ice coming, and you can truly see that when you packs as a daily norm,” Danko said, laughing. walk in the door.” After all, she’s 41 now and only started in Danko is in a relationship with Sindy Ning, roller derby three years ago. who she tagged as, “the most amazing and sup- “I had not been on roller skates for at least portive person on earth, and with a great sense 20 years when I decided I was going to try out,” of humor.” Danko added, “I am openly gay, but for the Windy City Rollers, she said. “I had a few don’t really love ‘terms’ placed on people. We are friends who were playing and they convinced me all human and, at the end of the day, that is how to try. There was a person who also said, ‘It is I treat everyone. If we could all open our hearts hard, and not for everyone; you could be a vol- and minds to the love all around us, this world unteer.’ I was furious [with the comment]; I was would be such an amazing place.” determined [to make it]. Danko, who graduated from the University of “Frankly, that woman was right in some ways. Detroit-Mercy, is the much-tattooed leader of Lori Danko during competition. Photo by Heyman Neisschott I have watched more women come and go, but I her derby team. Her skin art include a black cat have also watched women dig in and push them- and cheetah print on her left upper arm in honor selves harder than they ever knew they could. of her cat that died in a house fire in 2005. She runner discovered something about themselves, Rollers career jumping the apex during a game If you had told me [years ago that], when I also, on her left inner upper arm, has the quote something inside themselves.” last season and landing it, plus winning against turned 38, I would try-out for a sport where I ‘the rule I play by’ with the numbers 2.2.2 tat- Danko did, too. Hells Belles in the charity bout. got knocked down hundreds of times, [then just] tooed. “This is a rule for roller derby, meaning, “Playing for Windy City Rollers is tough,” she “I have played all positions [in derby], but get up and keep going, and love it, I would have ‘the team with the most points win.’” said. “Most people don’t know that we don’t get prefer to be a blocker. I love to hit hard, and laughed in your face. Now, 3 ½ years later, I am In high school, Danko played soccer, swam paid. Instead, we go out every month and pro- love when other skaters hit you and it doesn’t still playing with all my heart and soul. competitively and also ran cross country. mote our own events. Most of us have full-time move you at all,” she said. “I have been injured, succeeded, lost, cried, So why roller derby? jobs, and a large number of the skaters have So what’s with the derby name, Busty BraBen- laughed and, at the end of the day, I have “It’s a complicated answer,” she began. “I children. The training to play this competitively der? learned so much about myself. Roller derby discovered at [age] 38 that I was an athlete, also requires lots of training. Windy City Rollers “I had a hard time finding a name as [the presented an opportunity to play a competitive that I was capable of anything—like the run- offers opportunities to train seven days a week. first name], no one [understood] and another sport as an adult. It helped me learn how strong ner who starts jogging, then runs a 5K [race] My typical schedule is skate three or four days a [potential name] was already taken by another I am, and how much stronger I can be. I learned and ultimately becomes a marathon runner. That weeks, daily workouts [in a gym], and Crossfit. I skater,” she said. “A teammate made comments train like every other athlete, including [focus- [that] when I hit them in the chest, it bent their ADVERTISEMENT ing on a healthy] diet.” bra, or broke their bra, so BraBender was born.” Danko said the highlights of her Windy City When experience counts... In service to the community for over 30 years. For nearly 25 years, Vital Bridges has The Law Offices of Bowling for helped men, women, and children impacted by HIV and AIDS. Vital Bridges has three food Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss & Associates a cause pantries in the city of Chicago and one in Elk By Ross Forman Grove Village. They also have a home-deliv- A SHORT SALE CAN HELP SELL YOUR HOME ered grocery service, and continue the home The 16th annual Strike Out Hunger is sched- delivered meal service. Q. I have been trying to sell my house as I can’t afford the payments anymore. My realtor suggested that I do uled for Saturday, March 30, as more than a “short sale.” Will it benefit me? 150 will converge at River Rand Bowl in Des Sports shorts Plaines for the 9 To 12 Bowling League’s fund- A. A short sale is a sale of real estate where a lender takes less that the amount owed on their note/mortgage and in Bank of America Chicago Marathon of- exchange releases their lien on the property. Anyone can attempt a short sale. However, an attorney usually has better raiser for Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, ficials say online registration will remain results in dealing with lenders than a person acting for themselves. In completing a short sale, the seller of the real a program of Heartland Health Outreach. closed until at least Feb. 28, according to Chi- estate is able to convey the real estate without having the full amount necessary to payoff the liens on the property. Organizers are hoping to raise at least cagoBusiness.com. Officials are working with Step one is contacting the lender. Call the lender and request the department that handles short sales. Large $5,000 as the event pushes toward $100,000 Active.com to resolve the technical problems lenders can have many departments and require many phone calls to locate the proper person. Make sure you get raised over the years. that muddled the first few hours of sign-ups names and phone numbers for follow up and future reference. “It’s a fun, exciting event that I absolutely Feb. 19. The group will announce an “equi- Typically the lender knows the market conditions and fair market value of the real estate. You will have to love,” said Jack Marunde, president of the table plan” at 3 p.m. Central Time on Feb. 28 convey your problem, e.g. “It’s been it on the market for six months and this is the first and only firm offer.” The predominantly gay suburban bowling league. about how and when it will reopen registra- lender may ask you for comparables or a market analysis, which you can get from the real estate broker. He has bowled in the league for seven years Next the lender will want a copy of the contract to know the transaction and to be sure that it is legitimate. It tion. and participated in this annual fundraiser for Ronda Rousey won the first women’s bout is also possible that the lender will request a copy of the listing agreement so that they can be sure there is nothing the past four years. shady about the commission percentage and relationship with the broker. in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) his- “It’s a great time to hang out with friends The lawyer should prepare a draft closing statement for the lender. The lender will want know, to the closest tory Feb. 23, beating openly lesbian Liz Car- and help a worthwhile cause.” dollar, the amount of money they can expect from the closing. Too know this your lawyer will have to do a draft mouche on an armbar with 11 seconds left closing statement with every known amount (taxes, title fees, attorney fees, tax stamps, etc.) except the lender’s The event features three fun games of bowl- in the first round of their bantamweight title payoff figure. The payoff figure should be the NET amount left over. You will not get any of the proceeds. ing, food, music, and a raffle—and the bowl- fight at UFC 157, according to CBSSports. Most importantly request a Waiver of Deficiency: This is not an automatic. The lender may be happy to give ing alley usage fee is donated by River Rand com. Rousey (7-0) defended her belt with her you a short sale depending on the parameters of the market. However, don’t assume it’s also a waiver of possible Bowl. Plus, Wapaghetti’s, a local restaurant, signature move, forcing Carmouche to tap out deficiency on the loan. You should request it. The lender may require a financial statement to substantiate the donates pizza, and a local DJ donates his after bending back her arm. rationale for a waiver of the deficiency. time and equipment, Marunde said. Danica Patrick, who made history by be- If approved, the lender will prepare a letter for the title company listing its requirements from the closing. Also, a One of the raffle highlights is a three-night coming the first woman to win a Sprint Cup closing letter with a range of acceptable amounts for the lender is best, though not always something they will agree trip to Belize. pole and to lead a lap in the Daytona 500, to do. Still, “the highlight is the bowling,” said finished eighth in the race, USA Today report- Finally, make your contract contingent on lender approval. This protects you as seller from claims by the buyer. Marunde, 44, who lives in East Village and ed. “Only 13 people including me have led carries a bowling average of 131. Daytona and Indy. That’s a cool stat for me,” • Bankruptcy • Wills, Trusts & Probate “This is the primary charity that [the Patrick said. Jimmie Johnson won his second league] really cares about.” • Real Estate Closings • Civil Unions Daytona 500 as cars ran single-file the last Heartland Health Outreach is a subsidiary of two laps. 19 S. LaSalle, Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603 Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human 312-263-8800 [email protected] Rights, the leading anti-poverty organization We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. in the Midwest. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 27, 2013 23 ‘Normal Heart’ on Jay-Z, Timberlake at Singer Kristen Ford HBO in ‘14 Soldier Field July 22 in Chicago HBO announced that it will adapt the Tony- Musicians Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake will winning Larry Kramer play The Normal Heart, perform at Chicago’s Soldier Field Monday, July March 5, 11 according to Deadline.com. The movie will star 22, as part of their “Legends of the Summer” Singer Kristen Ford will perform at two venues in Chicago. Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo in the key roles, tour. Ford will be in Tuesday, March 5, at Uncommon along with out actor Matt Bomer (White Collar). The tour will begin July 17 in Toronto at the Ground, 3800 N. Clark St., at 8 p.m., and Mon- Glee creator Ryan Murphy will direct the film, Roger’s Centre and continue through Aug. 16 in day, March 11, at Red Line Tap, 7000 N. Glen- which will feature Roberts as Dr. Emma Brookner, Miami at Sun Life Stadium. Tickets for all dates wood Ave., at 8 p.m. the paraplegic physician who treats several of except New York go on sale to the public Thurs- Ford has been described as “a genre-hopping the earliest victims of the disease. Ruffalo por- day, Feb. 28, at LiveNation.com. singer-songwriter from Boston.” For more, see trays Ned Weeks; Bomer plays Felix Turner, a Fans can visit https://www.facebook.com/ www.KristenFordMusic.com. reporter who becomes Weeks’ lover. The Normal events/214486305358371 to RSVP for early ac- Heart will run in 2014. cess to presale tickets available Feb. 27.

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