gay ‘nurse jackie’ star stephen wallem PAGE 19 WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Oct. 8, 2014 vol 30, no. 2 TIMESwww.WindyCityMediaGroup.com LGBTQ-friendly senior housing now open

By Melissa Wasserman

Senior residents have moved into Center on Halsted and Heartland Precious Alliance’s new Town Hall Apartments at 3600 N. Halsted St. davis leaves Standing as the Chicago area’s first LGBTQ-friendly, affordable senior living option, the facility has 79 one-bedroom and studio center on apartments that are occupied by 83 residents 55 years and older, halsted who continue to settle in and make their new living units home. page 12 The doors opened for the move-in process late August with all the yearly leases signed by Sept. 12. “It is very diverse and it’s very much for the community that is in need of affordable housing,” said Modesto “Tico” Valle, Center on Halsted’s CEO. “It’s been very humbling to see seniors move in and to hear the news that they’ve been selected. As one senior put it, he felt like he won the lottery and he was in tears.” According to Kandyse McCoy Cunningham, director of property management for Heartland Housing, 440 people applied for the housing during the initial two-day pre-application session to qual- ify potential residents at Center on Halsted in May. Leases were to be offered and signed through the end of October, but due to the popularity of the project, the spaces filled up within a 15-day period, and sooner than expected. Turn to page 7 The entrance to Town Hall Apartments. Photo by Melissa Wasserman

KRISTIN BECK SPEAKS AT ‘DO ASK, DO TELL’ pagE 10 DUSTIN TIME ‘SECRET’-IVE Before coming to Chicago Oct. 15 to talk at Chicago House’s Speaker Series, Singer Mary Lambert was known for backing up Macklemore and Ryan Dustin Lance Black chatted with Windy City Times about marriage equality, Lewis on the LGBT anthem “Same Love”—but is now striking out on coming out—and London. Read the interview on page 20. PR photo her own with the CD Secrets. See page 22. Photo by Autumn de Wilde

page 22

OSCAR WILDE IN page 20 CHICAGO: part one pagE 6

This issue is pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES adw2014_wct_PRINT.pdf 1 9/22/14 9:28 PM WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Supreme Ct. rejects challenges 4 Dancin’ Feats 15 Oscar Wilde in Chicago—part one 6 Knight: Pride 18 LGBTA housing in Lake View 7 Dustin Lance Black interview 20 Guerrilla Queer Bar controversy 8 Music: Mary Lambert 22 “Do Ask, Do Tell” 10 Influential LGBT sports figures 24 Legacy Project’s upcoming event 11 Dish: Trencherman 26 Precious Davis moves on 12 Gay in the Life 13 Viewpoints: Rudolph; letters 14 OUTLINES Classifieds 26 Calendar 28 WSGA; Capture the Flag 30 C Celebrating Andersonville’s

Images on cover (left, from top): Publicity photo of Stephen Wallem; photo of Precious Davis M artistic community and courtesy of Davis; photo of Kristin Beck by Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer; photo of Oscar Y fabulous array of Wilde CM locally-owned businesses.

CAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN,5 THE VOICE OF CHI 014 ie’ BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 8, 2198 CK Oct. no. 2 ay ‘nurse ja vol 30, MY G Phen WINDY CITY star ste M Walle 19 page iaGroup.com TIMESwww.WindyCityMed lGBtQ-friendly senior housing now open 12th Annual artland SeRMan and He a WaS on Halsted t. CY By MeLiSS Center Halsted S le oved into 3600 N. ffordab m at ly, a dents have artments studio nior resi ll Ap first LGBTQ-friendom and Se new Town Ha area’s -bedro der, iance’s Chicago 9 one rs and ol All as the ility has 7 s 55 yea tanding , the fac dent ts home. S ption by 83 resi living uni ious r living o pied r new th all the DOWNLOAD THIS! PreC senio at are occu make thei ugust wi es ents th in and late A apartm settle process davis leav nue to -in that is conti r the move munity who d fo 12. he com Center on doors opene by Sept. or t alle, Center The gned ry much f “Tico” V n ted leases si it’s ve o s move i hals yearly se and d Modest senior very diver ing,” sai to see or put “It is umbling ne seni page 12 affordable hous ry h ted. As o need of t’s been ve n selec ” in CEO. “I in tears. and sted’s hat they’ve bee was property on Hal news t irector of hear the lottery and he am, d or the and to n the Cunningh applied f lt like he wo McCoy people o qual- it, he fe ndyse ng, 440 to Ka ousi cation session t were man According rtland H re-appli ses issa Wasser y p e to o by Mel ement for Hea itial two-da sted in May. Lea but du s. Phot manag g the in er on Hal ctober, tment durin t Cent nd of O a 15-day all apar housing sidents a h the e within n H al re throug d up ce to Tow fy potenti signed spaces fille entran i red and t, the The be offe rojec Go to to of the p www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com arity xpected. the popul r than e turn to page 7 Ryan and soone ’-ivere and iod, per up Macklemo acking iking out on or b is now str Wilde ”—but umn de seCert wasret known f Love by aut ‘ Lamb Same oto hem “ 22. Ph Singer Mary ant e page the LGBT ts. Se ies, on cre ARTS r ewis CMY ker Se L h the CD Se tiM’s Spea e y, own wit o House equalit her Chicag age k at about marri ct. 15 to tal Times R photo cago O dy City P dustino Chi on page 20. ith Win coming t ted w terview BeCK Before ack chat d the in Lance Bl on. Rea Kristin Dustin nd Lond s at ‘do out—a sPeaK coming tell’ asK, do 0 page 1 to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. Friday, October 10 2 page 2

0 page 2 Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! K 6:00 - 10:00 PM in Wilde osCar Go: Part ChiCa one page 6 DESIGN WEEKEND Saturday, October 11 online exclusives at Sunday, October 12 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com It’s a history to me As part of LGBT History Month, WCT is running pieces on people such as gay playwright Robert Patrick (middle, left). Photo of Harvey Fierstein, Robert Patrick and Doric Wilson courtesy of Jen Colletta

“ This week’s Bent HHHHH The Illinois Nights is about Safe Schools shows by Judas ONE CHAT’S INCREDIBLE Alliance officially Priest (above) and Legacy Project’s Victor Salvo was the welcomed OF ’ ” Steel Panther—as latest interview subject at Center on Anthony Papini well as the Great Halsted’s Fireside Chats. THE as executive Chicago Fire YEARS BEST director. Festival. Photo of Papini by Photo of Rob Halford by Angelique Smith SCOTCH TAKE Vern Hester “ ’ Former race-car driver Dario Franchitti family affair DON T TRY TO RESIST. turned curator for a scotch-tasting that WCT attended.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Find out the latest about Raven- Symone, Martha Stewart and Maroon 5.

Tianna (left) and Ella Thomas are part plus of a unique story about a foster success WILL MAKE YOU CHEER!” story that spans two generations of DAILY BREAKING NEWS lesbians. Photo by Carrie Maxwell

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WINDY CITY TIMES (CHICAGO, IL) WEDNESDAY 10/08 1/4 PAGE ( 4.725” ) X 6.625” FS ALL.PRD-R1.1008.WCTEmail #1 COLOR AD REVISE 4 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES preme Court will likely take a circuit decision go into effect soon in Kansas, North Carolina, from the Sixth or Fifth circuits if they conflict South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wyoming. If Supreme Court denies with the decisions rendered by the Fourth, Sev- all 11 are added, the tally will be 30 states plus enth, and Tenth Circuits. But he said he doesn’t D.C. with marriage equality. think the high court would consider an appeal “We obviously need to get to a national reso- marriage challenges from a future circuit, such as the Ninth, which lution, so the magic number is 50 states plus,” By lisa keen might agree with the previous circuits. said GLAD’s Bonauto, “not 30.” keen news service Davidson said there is a way that the six Openly gay U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D- states in the Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth cir- Wisc.) called the Supreme Court announcement In a surprise development, the U.S. Supreme cuits—who were not part of the Oct. 6 batch Monday a “huge victory.” Court announced Oct. 6 it would not accept of seven cases—could try to avoid or delay “Love is love, family is family, and discrimi- for review any of the seven appeals on same- allowing same-sex couples to marry in those nating against anyone’s love, against anyone’s sex marriage bans from five states. The action states. He said a state, such as South Carolina, family, is not only wrong, it’s unconstitution- means that the stays placed on lower court de- could try and appeal an existing case to the al,” said Baldwin, in a press release. This is a cisions in all five states—decisions that struck full circuit bench in hopes of getting a differ- huge step forward for our entire country being down bans on marriage for same-sex couples— ent decision than that issued by the circuit’s a place where every family’s love and commit- are immediately lifted, making way for lower three-judge panel. That seems like a long shot ment can be recognized and respected under courts to issue orders requiring the states to but one that may have political benefits for the law.” stop enforcing their bans and begin issuing governors or attorneys general in more conser- The Oct. 6 announcement came by way of a marriage licenses. vative states. routine, but highly anticipated “Orders List” The action also means that six other states Mary Bonauto, civil rights director for Gay on the first official day of the Supreme Court’s in the same federal circuits as the five states & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, said she 2014-15 session. As is typical, the document which had appeals before the high court will thinks the Supreme Court’s announcement to- does not include any explanation for the pe- have to abide by the federal appeals court rul- day sends “a powerful signal to the many other titions for appeal were not granted. In order ings in those circuits or take the unusual tact courts considering the issue that there is no to take a case, four justices must agree before of asking their circuits for full bench review reason to delay and perpetuate the harms to the high court grants a petition for appeal. of their cases. A three-judge panel in all three same-sex couples around the nation.” Bonauto The fact that the justices did not take any of circuits—the Fourth, Seventh and Tenth— won the landmark case in Massachusetts that the seven cases means that at least six of the led to the first state allowing same-sex couples nine justices refused to hear the appeals that struck down the bans on marriage for same-sex Mary Bonauto, civil rights director for Gay to marry in 2004; she also led the successful sought to determine whether the marriage bans couples. & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders. Photo by effort to overturn a key provision of the De- were constitutional. The fact that six justices That means that very soon, same-sex couples Chuck Colbert will likely be able to marry in 30 states plus fense of Marriage Act last year. refused the appeals in these seven cases bodes the District of Columbia, tipping the balance sued its “Orders List” indicating that the seven Prior to Monday’s announcement, marriage well for marriage equality should the court in favor of marriage equality, from the previous appeals—including three from Virginia—were equality was legal in 19 states plus D.C. Un- later decide to hear an appeal from marriage 19 states and D.C. being denied. der this latest action, marriage equality will equality supporters, should another circuit up- The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the Tenth “This is a tremendous moment in Virginia now be the law in Colorado, Indiana, Okla- hold the constitutionality of marriage bans. Circuit issued an order just minutes after the history,” said Herring. “We will continue to homa, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Assuming ©2014 Keen News Service. All rights re- Supreme Court’s announcement was made pub- fight discrimination wherever we find it, but no state attempts to get a different decision served. lic, lifting the stay in that state and alerting today, we celebrate a moment when we move from their circuit, marriage equality will likely clerks in Utah that they should immediately closer to fulfilling the promise of equality ig- abide by its ruling that the ban is unconstitu- nited centuries ago in Virginia, and so central [email protected]. Deadline for tional. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers to the American experience.” EEOC files first booth signup is Oct. 5. implied the Supreme Court announcement de- Shannon Minter—legal director for the Na- trans-related In advance of the job fair, both Chicago nying review of the cases was tantamount to tional Center for Lesbian Rights, which has House TransWorks and TransTech will be pro- a ruling. been involved in the Tenth Circuit case out of lawsuits viding job training and support. “We have consistently maintained that we Utah—said NCLR is “thrilled.” The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity will abide by the Supreme Court’s determina- “This is a huge step forward for Utah and the Commission (EEOC) filed its first two gender Chicago House Training tion on the constitutionality of marriage laws,” entire country,” said Minter. “We are hopeful identity-based discrimination lawsuits. Chicago House will offer a free LGBTQ Job- said Suthers in a press release. “By choos- that the other cases pending across the coun- The EEOC filed the complaints in federal readiness training. Topics discussed include ing not to take up the matter, the court has try will also vindicate the freedom to marry, so courts in Florida and Michigan against two self-awareness, self-esteem, communication, left the 10th Circuit ruling in place.” He said that all couples, no matter where they travel separate companies accused of discriminat- career planning, conflict resolution, anger Colorado clerks “must begin issuing marriage or live, will be treated as equal citizens and ing against transgender employees Amiee management, self-care, goal setting, inter- licenses to all same-sex couples” soon after the have the same basic security and protections Stephens of Michigan and Brandi Branson of view skills, resume, and cover letter writing. Tenth Circuit issued its order. for their families that other Americans enjoy.” Florida. The companies are Florida’s Lakeland Other topics will include coming out or tran- In Wisconsin, Republican Gov. Scott Walker The Supreme Court’s announcement does not Eye Clinic and Detroit-based R.G. & G.R. Har- sitioning and best practices. told reporters on his re-election campaign trail legally affect the remaining 20 states, but it ris Funeral Homes. Participants that take part in the job read- that the issue is “resolved” and there would could give courts in those other states and This is the first time the EEOC has used the iness workshop are assigned a Career Spe- be no further attempts to defend the state circuits some pause before upholding similar protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act cialist to help with setting career goals and ban; Dane County announced it would issue bans in those states and circuits. Some experts of 1964 to bring lawsuits challenging gender objectives. A Career Specialist is a career- licenses to same-sex couples immediately. say they expect the Supreme Court will almost identity-based bias. focused counselor, who provides one-on-one The Indiana attorney general posted a state- certainly take up an appeal should a federal ap- guidance both before and after a participant ment indicating the state would begin issuing peals court rule such bans to be constitutional. gets a job. licenses “soon.” Prominent constitutional law scholar Lau- LGBTQ youth job The job readiness workshop will take place The Fourth Circuit issued its order mandat- rence Tribe of Harvard University, who argued fair Oct. 22 on Oct. 9, 10, 13 and 14. ing that states stop enforcing the bans on Oct. against bans on sodomy in the 1986 Bowers In order to take part in the LGBTQ job 6. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, who v. Hardwick case, said “As soon as a solid split at Center readiness workshop, call Chicago House Em- has opposed that state’s ban, issued a press emerges, I fully expect the Court to grant [re- “Work! Chicago,” an LGBTQ youth job fair, ployment program at 773-248-5200, ext. release saying that same-sex couples could be- view],” said Tribe. “I’d watch the Sixth Circuit will take place Wed., Oct. 22, 12-4 p.m. at 109. gin obtaining marriage licenses as soon as that if I were you.” the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. order is issued. A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit heard All members of the community can attend, TransTech Training “Local clerks are receiving guidance and oral arguments August 6 in six marriage equal- with a special focus on LGBTQ youth and the TransTech Social Enterprises (TTSE), is a forms necessary to begin performing marriages ity lawsuits from four states: Kentucky, Michi- transgender community. non-profit organization that offers an ap- today,” said Herring’s office, “and the Attorney gan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The panel has yet This job fair is a followup event to the prenticeship and training academy that General’s Office is working with the Governor’s to issue its opinion, but questions from two Windy City Times LGBTQ Homeless Youth teaches job skills, as well as graphic de- Office and state agencies to implement any of the three judges during the argument gave Summit held in May. Many of the youth said sign and web coding. In the apprenticeship needed changes in light of this action.” repeated voice to various justifications for the they had difficulty in finding jobs that are program, similar to a beauty school model, “A new day has dawned, and the rights bans. open to the full expression of their selves. TransTech offers creative technology services guaranteed by our Constitution are shining Jon Davidson, national legal director for Especially vulnerable are transgender people including but not limited to, web develop- through,” said Herring in a press release Mon- Lambda Legal, which is involved in a number searching for work. ment and graphic design, that are worked day morning shortly after the Supreme Court is- of marriage equality cases, agrees that the Su- “We are really seeking the help of Chicago’s on by students and educators at affordable vibrant corporate and small business commu- prices for consumers. All of the profits go nity in stepping up to provide opportunities back into the program. for youth,” said Gretchen Blickensderfer, one TransTech is a social enterprise structure of the job fair’s coordinators. “The first step that is meant to maximize economic im- is for businesses and nonprofits to signup for provement and well-being within the LGBTQ This issue is pink in recognition of the job fair. We request that companies and community, rather than focusing on maxi- nonprofits come with opportunities at all mizing profits for external shareholders. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. levels for applicants, from entry-level work Those looking to engage with TransTech to mid-career jobs.” as an apprentice, supporter, or volunteer Booths are $75 for businesses and $50 for should email [email protected] or non-profits. For an application, email edi- call 773-372-3363. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 5

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13714_0568_ADVIL_10.25x13.5_4c_WCT_Oncology_Cancer.indd 1 10/1/14 5:00 PM 6 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT HISTORY MONTH amazed and grieved, that you should so misuse too absurd … Your city looks positively too gothic art, and that when you built a water dreary to me.’ tower you should try to make it as unlike a “’Have you seen much of Chicago since you Oscar Wilde in Chicago water tower as possible, to make it look like a have been here?’ medieval fortress.” “’Oh yes, quite as much as I care to see. I PART ONE And yet more applause on the subject of din- have driven through the parks, and viewed the ner plates: “In a certain American city … I principal objects of interest.’ By St. Sukie de la Croix haven’t the courage to tell you the name … a “’Of course, then, you have been to the beautiful young lady I saw painting away at a Stockyards and seen them kill pigs?’ Introduction: The original manuscript for romantic moonlit landscape on a large round “’No, indeed,’ said Mr. Wilde, with a horrified “Chicago Whispers: A History of LGBT Chi- dish and another young and fair one covering look, ‘such sights have no interest for me.’” cago Before Stonewall” included three chap- dinner plates with a wonderfully imaginative In high societal circles Wilde was embraced ters that never made it into the final book series of sunsets. Let young ladies paint sun- as a breath of fresh cultural air. On the after- because of cost concerns. This is one of sets if they like, and moonlight if they dare, noon before his first lecture he attended a them. but don’t let them do it on dinner plates. Let reception in his honor given by Mrs. Franklin “In every city they start schools of decora- them take canvas and paper for such work, not MacVeagh, the wife of the grocery magnate tive art after my visit, and set on foot public clay and china. Such heavenly scenes, let us and secretary of the treasury, at her residence museums, getting my advice about the choice not sup off them, neither send them down to at 1828 Michigan Ave. The following day he of objects and the nature of the building. And the kitchen to be scrubbed and washed by a was the guest at a small dinner party given the artists treat me like a young god.”—Oscar handmaid.” by Mrs. H. O. Stone, a member of a prominent Wilde in a letter to Mrs. George Lewis sent from However, not everyone was impressed; the Chicago family, at 2035 Prairie Ave. with a doz- Chicago. Chicago Times headlined their review: “The en guests, among them Mr. and Mrs. Marshall William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan’s light John the Baptist of the Beautiful Languishes Field. After the dinner Wilde was presented to operetta, “Patience,” opened in London at the to a Large Audience.” The article reports the 30 selected guests, and while surrounded by Opera Comique on April 23, 1881, then later event as a freak show: “The people paid to see a group of women, one asked Wilde what the moved to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s new theater at a celebrity as they would to see a two-headed conversation at dinner had been. “Oh,” replied the Savoy, the first in Britain to install elec- Australian ‘what-is-it?’ who could talk Greek the poet, “We talked about the beautiful, the tricity. The story is about a unit of dragoons and Choctaw at the same time.” good, and things we loved.” who return home to find their fiancées swoon- Oscar Wilde. Wilde’s sexual orientation was also called “If you talked about things you hated,” said ing over Reginald Bunthorne, an aesthetic poet into question: “The face is neither that of a one of the listeners, “It would have been in- who, in turn, has fallen in love with Patience, dolph and State streets to be greeted by a man nor a woman. The absence of a beard gives finitely more interesting.” Wilde was taken a milkmaid, the only woman in the village who sold out crowd. One reporter, swept up in the to it an added look of effeminacy. To merit the aback by this remark, possibly because it could doesn’t worship him. She prefers her childhood aesthetic mood, described the Irish poet as a appellation of ‘Miss’ Wilde, which has been have emanated from his own lips. friend, Archibald Grosvenor, a poet himself. “living watercolor in two prevailing lines, black applied to him by some of his defamers, the On both his Chicago visits, Wilde stayed at The characters of Bunthorne and Grosvenor and white, with the crowning cloud … to fol- lecturer should have a soprano voice; but Mr. the Grand Pacific hotel, whose clientele in- were composites of Oscar Wilde, the young low the figure … of sunset glow in the shape Wilde is not so endowed, and at the same time cluded mostly railroad kings and stock market Irish playwright and aesthete who was caus- of the much described old gold locks depend- his voice is not like that of others of his fel- aristocracy. The hotel, destroyed in the Great ing a stir among the literary circles of London; ing to the shoulders.” Wilde wore glazed shoes low men.” Fire of 1871 and rebuilt the following year, was although it wasn’t until 1895, the year of his with black silk bows, black silk hose, a black In a Chicago Daily Tribune interview, the re- heralded by Chicago’s gourmets for its wild- arrest, that his most famous play “The Impor- full dress suit and white vest. “Of jewels,” the porter asked: “Mr. Wilde, are you aware that game cuisine, a passion of the owner John B. tance of Being Earnest” was first staged at the paper continued, “besides those unctuous ones you wounded the pride of our best citizens by Drake: Quail, pheasant, venison, bear steak and St. James’ Theatre in London. of speech that fell from the sensuously full referring slightingly to our water-tower?’ antelope were among the specialties. “Patience” opened in New York in September lips, a diamond cluster glowed on the expanse “’I can’t help that,’ replied Wilde, ‘It’s really 1881 and to exploit its success, D’Oyly Carte of shirt front, and a double fob of the latest sent a cablegram to Wilde suggesting he visit order displayed stones of interblending hues, America for a lecture tour, an idea thought to contrasted aesthetically on the ebony back- have been suggested to him by actress Sarah ground … ” Bernhardt. Wilde accepted the invitation with The aesthete’s exquisite appearance and enthusiasm; it served the dual purpose of pub- wit captivated the audience as he began his licizing the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta and speech: “In every great nation there is a cer- would also afford him the opportunity to en- tain amount of artistic power produced every gage producers with “Vera: Or the Nihilists,” year. You may use it or you may squander it, his first play. At the time Wilde was virtually you may strew it on the sand of the desert or unknown in the U.S., and as he stepped off the build for yourselves beautiful cities with it … “ SS Arizona in New York he was met by an en- Wilde’s foppish, arrogant and snobbish man- thusiastic press eager to meet the inspiration ner brought jeers from hecklers in smaller for the poets in the hit show “Patience.” It was towns, but in Chicago the audience remained on this trip that Wilde is reputed to have told polite and cordial. In fact, he elicited laughter a customs official “I have nothing to declare and several rounds of applause, once on the but my genius.” subject of telephones: “It is no doubt a great Wilde delivered his first lecture, “The English advantage to be able to talk to a man at the Renaissance” at New York’s Clickering Hall on antipodes through a telephone but it depends Jan. 9, 1882, which was a sold-out success. entirely on what the two men have to say to Dr. Tonda Hughes (second from left) with her research team: Research specialist Robyn After New York he spoke in Philadelphia, Wash- one another. If one of them merely shrieks Nisi, Hughes, project director Kelly Martin, assistant sociology professor Bethany ington D.C., Baltimore, then nine other loca- along into the tube, and the other whispers Everett and College of Nursing assistant research professor Alana Steffen. Photo by tions before appearing for the first of two lec- folly into the wire I don’t think that any of us Tracy Baim tures at Central Music Hall in Chicago. are a bit the better for it.” On his tour, Wilde heard that newspapers Again, his comments on the design of Chi- across the country had already published parts cago’s water tower brought raucous laughter: of his lecture, so he hastily wrote another, “In Chicago I have seen very little that is more Hughes honored with UIC “The Decorative Arts,” for his first appearance beautiful than the machinery at your water in Chicago, and “The House Beautiful,” for his works here. The rhythmic rise and fall of those research award second a month later. Tickets to the event cost long rods of polished steel, the stately orbit Dr. Tonda L. Hughes received the inaugu- at women’s health. 50c, 75c, and $1, and he received $1,000 for of that circling and giant wheel, were simply ral Distinguished Research Award, one of the Hughes’ research dates back to the early each of his Chicago engagements. grand, but when I came out and saw your wa- most prestigious honors presented by the 1990s. She said the UIC award “legitimizes On the evening of February 13 Wilde walked ter tower, that castellated monstrosity, that University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Col- my work.” Plus, being the first honoree is onto the stage at Central Music Hall at Ran- perforated pepper-box stuck all over it, I felt lege of Nursing Sept. 26. not lost on Hughes “because we have a num- Hughes is a professor in the Department ber of really excellent, highly recognized of Health Systems Science (HSS). She is an national and international researchers in the international expert in the area of alcohol college.” use among lesbians. She is also the associ- Dean Terri E. Weaver of the UIC College of ate dean for global health at the UIC College Nursing, and Carol Estwing Ferrans, profes- of Nursing, and is co-director of BIRCWH: sor and associate dean for research at the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers University of Illinois at Chicago, introduced in Women’s Health. the inaugural Distinguished Research Award In accepting the award, Hughes gave a to Hughes. speech looking back on her road to becom- A full video of her speech is available with ing a nurse and researcher, and gave results the online version of this article. of some of her studies on sexual identity and See full feature on Hughes here: http:// substance abuse. She has helped add to the www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Hon- number of federally funded studies looking ors-roll-in-for-UIC-researcher-/48712.html. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 7 HOUSING from cover 8 when she got the phone call that she was approved. Calling it the best birthday pres- Trans* activist ent ever, this is the first time she will live in “It’s another proud day for our community McDonald Lake View. Previously she lived in what she on the corner of Halsted and Waveland and described as a “sleazy” single-room occupancy Addison,” said Valle. “The fact that affordable delivering lecture (SRO) in Uptown. At the University of Chicago (UChicago), housing in Lake View was a factor and the baby “I’m thrilled to be here,” Skye said. “I take LGBTQ Student Life’s 2014 OUTober keynote boomers are beginning to retire is another fac- public transportation and taking the red line speaker will be trans* activist CeCe McDonald, tor. There have been a lot of reports out there home to Uptown late at night was really tricky. who will address racism, transphobia and incar- on LGBT seniors and the fact that they’re being I’ve been coming to Lake View since ’08, com- ceration that transgender women of color face. discriminated against, there is an urgent need ing to the Center and going to Howard Brown, The keynote will take place at a free event for us. The volume of individuals that come but it’s another thing to live here, to start to at the University of Chicago Law School Audi- to Center on Halsted, whether they’re coming know the nuances and the little things you just torium, 1111 E. 60th St., at 6 p.m. on Wed., for therapy, or HIV testing, or connection, or don’t notice when you don’t live here because Oct. 15. community, housing is a basic need that is the you’re usually in a hurry to get home or get to McDonald was a political prisoner incarcer- common thread for everyone.” the Center or to get to that bar—your favor- ated for defending herself against a racist, The senior housing project has been part ite watering hole—or whatever it is. When you transphobic assault in July, 2010. Due to her of a vision for 10 years. Within the last five live here you notice things differently.” willingness to fight, supporters and activists years the project has come to fruition. It also Skye, a transwoman and self-described busy- in Minneapolis and across the United States repurposes the 23rd district Town Hall police body, said she is always “wigglin’ and gigglin’ built up a solidarity campaign to demand her station. down the street.” Her studio apartment is col- Town Hall Apartments resident Eva Skye. freedom, and were able to win her a reduced Pat Cummings lived in Lake View in her late orful and adorned with her own art. In her new Photo by Melissa Wasserman sentence. After serving a 17-month term, she 20s and early 30s. Having moved into her one- kitchen, she intends to return to being a veg- was released in January 2014. bedroom unit at Town Hall Apartments Aug. an. She also enjoys the facility’s fitness room. She is currently working on a forthcoming 30, she looks forward to living in the neighbor- “One of the things we learned from senior “I’m shocked by how nice they made it for documentary with actress Laverne Cox on her hood again. Her television is set up and ready centers around the country was that there was being on their budget,” Skye said. “They made case, Free CeCe. She was the grand marshal of for watching college football and her kitchen no gathering space,” said Valle about designing it really senior-friendly. I love the cabinets and Seattle Pride this year; received the Bayard is filled with the aroma of home cooking, but the facility. “A lot of other models around the the racks they put in the closet. I fell in love Rustin Civil Rights award; and has spoken on she still has a few boxes to move in and pho- country had to go back and redesign commu- with the closet when I walked in. I’m home. Democracy Now!, MSNBC and various other me- tographs to put on the walls. Expensive rents; nity space because there was nowhere for the Why say a thousand words when I can say ‘I’m dia outlets. not making enough money in the pet-care busi- residents to gather and to build community. home.’” Hosts for the program are the Office of LG- ness; and her participation in the SAGE Center So, that was one of the things we learned from Residents live on floors two through six and BTQ Student Life and the Institute of Politics; on Halsted, COH’s senior program, led her to doing our homework and were very intentional each floor has a laundry room. Natural light sponsors are the Office of Multicultural Student apply for the new housing. Cummings, who about the common space, so that it would be pours through all the building’s windows. The Affairs, the Spiritual Life Office, the Center for came out as a lesbian at a young age, found large enough for community meals and commu- studio apartments measure at 450 square feet, the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, and the living among the LGBT community appealing. nity meetings, living room and gathering space while the one-bedroom apartments are 600 Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality. “Some of the people that live here I’ve and not just residential. That was something square feet. COH’s senior programming will also known for a while—they’re part of the SAGE pretty big.” be moving into the building the first week of group,” said Cummings. “I would like to try to Center on Halsted and Heartland Housing will November. Residents and non-residents will be Street being named make a community here with us so that we all host the grand opening of Town Hall Apart- able to enjoy increased programming in a big- kind of take care of each other and just watch ments Oct. 10. Located at the apartment com- ger 5,500-square-foot space on the first floor. for Women & out—have a little community.” plex, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin at Commercial tenants will occupy the remainder Valle estimated at least 50 of the residents 10:30 a.m., while the reception and tours will Children First of the space on the first floor. The facility’s are active participants of the SAGE program. start at 11:30 a.m. A street on Chicago’s North Side will be second floor holds a common area kitchen, There are also LGBT individuals who have not “I think it’s very important, it’s very much dedicated to Women & Children First Bookstore dining room, fitness room, computer lab, case participated in SAGE and allies living in the needed and we hope that this is going to be a by the office of Ald. Harry Osterman. Women management offices and outdoor terrace over- building. model for other institutions to follow and we & Children First Way will be in honor of store looking Halsted Street. Christian Halvorsen, a new resident in a stu- hope that maybe this is our first one and more founders Linda Bubon and Ann Christophersen. There are no surprises when it comes to the dio apartment, was involved with SAGE prior to come,” said Valle. “It is a dream for many The dedication will begin near the store, at unit layout, as Valle said it came from the se- to moving in Sept. 6. Getting older, and living and we are building community and they don’t the northeast corner of Farragut and Clark, at niors’ own thoughts, visions and conversations. with a disability, he said living close to the live in isolation. They’re part of something 10 a.m. Oct. 11, during the Andersonville Arts In 2012, senior design workshops were held. senior activities was beneficial. very large that’s going to help them live very Weekend. It will be followed by a gathering at With tape on the floor representing the size “It helps to have a lot of people in the healthy lives and I think instead of planning the store to meet new owners Lynn Mooney and and space each unit had, senior participants same boat that you are, that hopefully have for the end, they’re planning for new begin- Sarah Hollenbeck. were engaged in ongoing conversations and the same idea of what they want in life,” said nings.” asked where they preferred the bedroom, kitch- Halvorsen, a gay man. For more information, visit: http://www.cen- en and living room. The input was recorded to Eva Skye was celebrating her birthday Aug. teronhalsted.org/senior.html. share with other institutions.

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LAVERNE COX JASON COLLINS DUSTIN LANCE BLACK EMMY NOMINATED ACTRESS OF FIRST OPENLY GAY NBA PLAYER OSCAR WINNING SCREENWRITER ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK OF MILK 8 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Guerrilla Queer Bar co-founders criticize new incarnation By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer keen interest to families. Gay bars have been replaced by straight bars, karaoke lounges and Sociologists and historians alike have noted high-end clothing outlets. According to their the increasing gentrification of what were once website, The Castro Village Wine Company pro- known as “gay ghettos” or “gayborhoods” and claims themselves to be the “last gay-owned it’s potentially damaging effect on LGBTQ iden- retail business from the ‘lavender wave’ of the tity, community and culture. 1970s that is still operating.” Beginning in 2000, Guerrilla Queer Bar (GQB) “For queer spaces to survive,” Doan and Hig- essentially lived up to the concept of guerrilla gins concluded in their study, “organized com- warfare as irregular groups of LGBTQ people munity action will be required.” Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at a Guerrilla Queer Bar event in San Francisco. Photo from fought against the conventional forces of gen- In 2000, San Francisco residents Brian Mc- Brian McConnell trification through benign hit-and-run inva- Connell, Dr. Don Romesburg, Selma Soul and sions of traditionally straight bars or the more a few other artistically inclined rabble rousers patron saint of drunken sex mistakes,” he said. do something similar that they were more than quirky venues and sights of San Francisco. took action but in a deliberately disorganized “We went through several Irish Pubs in Union welcome to.” It made an atypical name for itself as one of fashion when they co-founded GQB. “A lot of Square and then suddenly veered off to Chi- The founder of The Welcoming Committee San Francisco’s last frontiers of non-commer- community space was being commercialized,” natown and ended up at strip clubs in North Daniel Heller envisioned his own version of cialized LGBTQ revelry while the once-vibrant McConnell told Windy City Times. “Everybody Beach.” GQB shortly after he moved to Boston in 2007 and outrageous bars of the ’60s and ’70s disap- just felt like they were under siege.” The parade of 300 drunken people confused for much the same reason as Czysz and Feld- peared as the city’s queer neighborhoods were Romesburg got involved with GQB in 2000 San Francisco’s tourists. man. “I was single and everybody had all these gradually eliminated. when he was a reporter for The Advocate tasked But it wasn’t just straight bars that were sud- straight friends,” he told Windy City Times. On Oct. 3, an organization called The Wel- with an assignment to write about it. “Night- denly discovering what it was like to have char- “They would all go wherever they wanted and coming Committee (TWC) held the first of their life was flailing and it was very hard for people acter. Sometimes GQB would charter a small I would end up just trying to find someone to own brand of GQB events at the Lions Heard to open new venues because the rents were all fleet of “Green Tortoise” hippie buses whose join me at one of two [gay] bars in the city. Pub/The Apartment in Lincoln Park in Chicago. so high,” he remembered. “We were concerned lounge-around interiors may have been a little The model didn’t make sense to me, so a friend TWC claims that similar events will continue in with where queer life was heading in the city.” ramshackle but were perfect for a mobile party of mine and I started an event called Guer- Chicago on the first Friday of every month. And “We thought it would be really nice to have headed for the suburbs. McConnell said that rilla Queer Bar—which had existed before, you these events are part of a national push by a something for the queer community that wasn’t such occasions were the only time people were know it’s a cool concept that kind of pops up new group of party hosts. owned by anybody and operated wherever,” asked to chip in some money up front, in order all over the place.” However, the co-founders of Guerrilla Queer McConnell said. “So we made a point of finding to cover the cost of the rentals. Other than Much as Czysc and Feldman discovered, once Bar in San Francisco assert that the Boston- off-the-beaten-track places to take people.” that, everyone looked after themselves or each word got out the level of enthusiasm grew with based company has not only hijacked the idio- “When GQB emerged, it was this dynamic, other. McConnell and his co-founders never each event. “By the fifth event, we had 1,000 syncratic brand of GQB but has set out to de- inclusive and raucous approach that took the once had profit in mind. people showing up,” Heller said. “We really stroy its unique revolution against conformity best of San Francisco’s ‘crazy for street theatre’ “GQB suddenly opened up all these spaces in didn’t understand the energy that we were tap- by turning it into a mainstream opportunity for attitude and infused it with a queer sensibil- San Francisco to queer nightlife that ostensibly ping into.” profit. ity,” Romesburg added. “It was diverse racially; didn’t belong to us,” Romesburg said. However, with an MBA from the Harvard In an extensive 2011 study published in the there were gays, lesbians, trans* people, just Nevertheless, it was losing steam by 2005. Business School and a background in market Journal of Planning Education and Research, all sorts of folks.” However something that decried procedure research and strategy, Heller did understand authors Petra L. Doan and Harrison Higgins dis- Once Romesburg had submitted his report to could never formerly shut down and outings GQB’s potential. In 2012, he sat down with cussed “The Demise of Queer Space? Resurgent his editors, he too became an avid participant would still spontaneously occur here and there regular attendees to Boston’s event— tra- Gentrification and the Assimilation of LGBT in GQB. as the years went on. Regardless, it was never ditionally held on the first Friday of every Neighborhoods.” Using the LGBTQ communi- With no smartphones or tablets available and forgotten because of the rent-free place it month—in order to identify a list of places ty of Atlanta as the backdrop for the article, a comparatively small number of adults using earned in the hearts of San Francisco’s queer other than straight bars where they could make Doan and Higgins analyzed the consequences the Internet (mostly through dial-up modems community. the same impact. of gentrification and the impact on locations that transported them to chat rooms) hardly While the name of Guerrilla Queer Bar may “We launched The Welcoming Committee to of LGBTQ expression and organization. “One of anything was pre-planned as it is today via have been identified with the beautifully sub- help LGBTQ people experience the entire world, the fears of community activists about resur- announcements on social media or through versive, it was never legally trade-marked and not just gay bars,” Heller said. “The commu- gent, highly capitalized gentrification is that meeting-maker websites. so queer communities in other cities across the nity grew significantly when we got out of just the arrival of new residents and the dispersal An outing for GQB often began with the U.S. took up its mantel and began their own bars and started hosting takeovers of cultural of existing LGBT communities will profoundly spark of creative genius lit by a lot of alco- quests to go against the plain. Chicago’s ver- establishments, sports games and travel desti- change the character of the neighborhood,” hol. “A group of us would be drinking and then sion called itself Guerrilla Gay Bar and ran from nations; anywhere that our crowd found iconic, they wrote. somebody would have an idea and then other 2009 to 2011. they wanted to experience in a TWC way.” Among the queer spaces that have been people would start amplifying that idea and “Usually a group of people, kind of like us, The organization expanded to Philadelphia profoundly changed by the onslaught of gen- we’d end up with a sketch of what the evening would pick up and start doing it,” McConnell and Washington, D.C., in 2013. Along with the trification are arguably the most prolific and would look like,” McConnell recalled. “Generally said. “They’d get in touch with us and we’d recently launched Chicago version, TWC has celebrated in LGBTQ history. Beginning in the we’d just wing it. We’d never tell the locations give them tips on how to do things and how also opened in Atlanta. Some of the organiza- 1960s, San Francisco’s Polk Street and Castro we were thinking of that we were coming and, not to get thrown in jail. We even had a little tion’s prior volunteers became staff members neighborhoods became epicenters of LGBTQ ac- basically, we’d just show up.” field manual that we distributed with the un- in departments such as business development, tivity and activism. In the Castro, gay men be- Using a megaphone hooked up to an MP3 derstanding that what they were doing was ad- marketing and communications, new city ex- gan to buy up real-estate in what was once the player, they played the theme that symbolized hoc and non-commercial.” pansion and community management. working-class Eureka Valley for bargain prices, audacity “The Bridge Over the River Kwai” in Chicago’s Guerrilla Gay Bar was conceived by Coordination in Chicago varies depending on opening businesses and bars which were not order to announce their arrival. “It was pretty a pair of medical students Andy Czysz and Scott the venue type. “If it’s a night life take over, only distinctive in character but, through orga- chaotic,” McConnell said. “But we never had a Feldman. Czysz told Windy City Times that they you get an email the Monday before that says nizations such as The Tavern Guild, settings in hostile reaction. Basically anyone already there were living in Printers Row at the time and so ‘plan your pre-parties, we’re going on Friday which the genesis of community was founded. was confused as to why 200 people had just began his events because of the dearth of gay night to Lincoln Park and tomorrow we’ll an- According to many LGBTQ historians, those come pouring through the door. It was kind bars in his neighborhood. “Gay people tend to nounce the name of the venue’,” Heller said. communities began to evaporate under the of like ‘shock and awe’ for a few minutes, but go where there’s other gay people,” Czysz said. “There are a lot of volunteers on the ground in dot.com boom of the mid 1990s that propelled then the bartenders would figure out that they “So, we decided if a bunch of gay people could Chicago who will pick one just in time.” real estate and the cost of rent in those neigh- were going to make a lot of money. So, while go to a bar at the same time, it would be a In the case of something like a trip to a borhoods into an ascent that has never abated. they were pocketing several hundred dollars in gay bar.” baseball game, Heller said that the events are According to Randy Shilts book The Mayor of an hour, they became our friends even if the They researched GQB and its sister events much more organized. “We’ll get a block of Castro Street, when Harvey Milk and his partner owner or manager was having a fit.” across the country before launching in January seats together, because that’s how we can pro- Scott Smith opened Castro Camera in a Victo- After they felt they had been there for long 2009. “It just started out with just inviting our vide the sense of day-to-day experiential qual- rian storefront in 1973 “the pair took their last enough, GQB would remobilize for a raid on friends,” Czysz said, “But then, as things do ity. We can provide a comfortable environment $1,000, spent $500 buying up supplies and the sometimes two or three other unsuspecting online, a bunch of other people found out. The by just enough people showing up.” rest on a first payment on a five-year lease.” destinations in the course of an evening. first one had maybe 20 people. By the second Ironically, one of the other cities Heller Today, the average median sales price for real While he admitted that memories of the glory month we had 150 and it went on like that for launched his GQB in this year was San Fran- estate in the Castro Upper Market is a little days of GQB tend to be a bit hazy, Romesburg a couple of years.” cisco. short of $1,300,000. The neighborhood that did recall one night in March of 2000 during After Feldman left Chicago, Czysc found that McConnell said he was contacted by Heller in was once home to an iconic battle against which two gay lads visiting from Ireland asked organizing the events on his own was taking late August. “He said he had heard of Guerrilla homophobia through a defiant bacchanal of GQB to throw a party for them. “We created up a lot of time. “I felt [in 2011] that we’d had Queer Bar and was interested in learning about sexual expression is now a tourist attraction of this thing called ‘Saint Patricia’s Day’ for the a good run and that if other people wanted to its history, how we operated and what we were WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 9 currently up to,” McConnell said. “He was up of their indigence isn’t merely the possibility of beyond that.” In a follow up email to Windy City Times, front about the fact that they were going to Heller one day making enough money to turn “When somebody does something of such McConnell said that GQB’s co-founders teamed start doing The Welcoming Committee here. GQB into a stock option, but that they believe low integrity, there’s really no point in having up with a queer Burning Man art car, the Big We’re genuinely supportive of people organiz- TWC took the name, stripped it of its impulsive a discussion,” McConnell said. Ass Amazingly Awesome Homosexual Sheep ing these events, but he completely misled us essence in a desire to seamlessly curate every Instead, he and a few other GQB alumni have (BAAAHS) on Oct. 4 to organize a short-notice about the fact that he was going to copy the moment and venture capitalized it in a way begun again in San Francisco with an event party at the top of San Francisco’s Twin Peaks. name [GQB] that has existed here for 14 years that robs it of its nonconformist significance. called “Pop Up Gay Bar.” “Word got around,” he wrote. “We ended up and is considered a part of [this city’s] queer “They’ve turned it into this generic for-profit “It’s in a different form this time,” McConnell with hundreds of people, many of whom hiked history.” experience that they are calling ‘Guerrilla’and said. “We’ve been experimenting with different in. That party ran for a couple of hours before McConnell added that it is Heller’s attempt ‘Queer’and, while it might be fun, it’s neither ways to make it easier to create neighborhood the cops shut it down. The general consensus to turn GQB into a franchise that has repulsed guerrilla, in the strictest sense of the word, gay bars out of happy hours in their immediate is that it was one of the best nights here in a and incensed its original co-founders. They nor is it queer in the sense of anti-normative area. It’s a totally organic, community-driven very long time.” were first alerted to Heller’s use of the name and poking your finger at things,” Romesburg approach.” by TWC’s aggressive social media campaign. In said. “I think The Welcoming Committee is a a blog post McConnell wrote shortly afterward, perfectly legitimate business model for pre- he displayed a screen shot of the Facebook packaged gay nightlife experiences. It’s just a The two-week faith sojourn, “Pray, Lis- page Heller and his team have been using to shame that they felt like they had to appropri- NU school adds ten, Discern—Raising the Voices of LGBT promote GQB in San Francisco. It contains four ate this long tradition of disruptive and absurd sexual orientation Catholics,” is scheduled to coincide with the generic, archetypal images that include the San possibility that was Guerrilla Queer Bar.” Vatican’s Extraordinary Synod, a gathering of Francisco Giants and Alcatraz Island. “It’s an Through his own experiences, Czysc said question 150 Catholic Church leaders in Rome to con- amazing way to go out anywhere in the city,” he understands where Heller is coming from. Beginning this year, applicants to North- sider family issues and challenges facing the the page says. “We’ll announce the neighbor- “When we were doing Guerilla Gay Bar, we western University’s graduate school will be church. Events are being held in San Fran- hood on Monday, September 29 and the venue had to strike a balance between how much we asked about their sexual orientation, accord- cisco; Chicago; Springfield, Illinois; Philadel- on Thursday, October 2. Yep, we like surprises.” wanted it to be a spontaneous takeover versus ing to a Chicago Tribune item. phia; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Baltimore, Mary- McConnell and the rest of GQB’s co-founders how much we wanted to organize it,” he re- The aim of the question, the school stat- land. certainly didn’t. “We found out within about called. “When we were becoming popular, there ed, is to gain a better understanding of the The Chicago event is taking place Tuesday, five minutes of them pushing the button on was no way these bars could serve us all. It school’s community to better serve all in the Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at Holy Name Cathedral, Facebook that this was going on,” McConnell was too crowded and people were waiting 20 school. 735 N. State St. See http://www.hrc.org/re- said. “People were confused and emailing us minutes for a drink out of a plastic cup because Among other schools that ask this particu- sources/entry/synod. saying ‘is this your thing?’ But we want to they ran out of glasses. It came to the point lar question of students are the University of make it absolutely clear to the queer arts com- where we needed some level of planning oth- Iowa, the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- munity that we had nothing to do with this.” erwise it would be kind of a disaster. As far as nology and Illinois’ Elmhurst College. Marriage article in As an LGBTQ historian, Romesburg sees [TWC] taking over, it depends what the purpose state bar journal Heller’s expansion to San Francisco as ironic of the event is. I guess I see the advantages ‘Pray, Listen, Richard A. Wilson, a partner at Grund & in terms of the very gentrification that GQB of creating an experience you can only do with Leavitt in Chicago, is the author of “Same- was launched to combat in the first place. “As a larger organization dedicated to event plan- Discern’ Oct. 14 Sex Marriage Comes to Illinois: The Illinois someone who thinks about what it means to ning, which we certainly were not.” Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness produce these so-called ‘sharing economies’ Heller acknowledged that GQB is not some- at Holy Name Act,” an article that appears in the August that are more economy than sharing, I think thing that The Welcoming Committee created. The Human Rights Campaign is joining 2014 issue of the Illinois Bar Journal. what The Welcoming Committee is doing is “It’s more of a concept,” he said. “It’s one LGBT Catholics and their supporters in seven The author discusses the Illinois Religious absolutely typical of the moment we live in,” thing that we do and it’s an activity from our cities to pray the rosary and hold vigils as Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which Romesburg said. “It’s troubling because it pre- perspective. The truth is that we don’t disagree part of a national effort to send a message of took effect June 1, and its consequences for sumes that, in order to create queer possibili- with most of the stuff in [McConnell’s] articles. acceptance during a bishops’ meeting with Illinois law, particularly regarding marriage, ties for bacchanalia, somebody needs to make It’s not as radical as he wanted it to be and Pope Francis through Oct. 19, according to a civil unions and their counterparts. a buck off it.” I can’t disagree with his opinion. He hasn’t press release. For both he and McConnell, the main source reached out to me so I have really little to say

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The ‘Do Ask, Do Tell’ Despite surviving the carnage and moment- box checked triggers a range of gender-specif- by-moment peril on the battlefield, Beck ic tests and protocols and, until changes are looked back upon her transition as a tough made to policy, will complicate truly patient- journey between societal perceptions of ‘Conan’ centered care. symposium features and ‘Barbie’. “We’ve worked so hard to try and Bridget Altenburg, a founder of Knights Out separate ourselves in magazines, with make-up who worked for the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t and by the language and gestures we use,” she Tell,” spoke of how things have changed since Kristin Beck said. “We’re always trying to box each other the repeal of the anti-gay policy. up and isolate each other with labels. I just “DADT repeal and implementation went By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer want to be human and have people look at me smoothly. All of the things that some said [that way].” would happen—everyone’s going to resign and On Oct. 4, a long stretch of the South 5th Av- It was a sentiment she reiterated off-stage it’ll be anarchy—none of it happened,” she enue entrance to the Edward Hines Jr. Veter- to Windy City Times. “I’ve had no facial surgery said. “When I was on the hill lobbying congress ans Administration (VA) Hospital was lined on or anything like that,” she said. “It’s OK if you with [Servicemembers Legal Defense Network], both sides with Pride flags that welcomed LG- want to but if you don’t, you should be happy we told them that it hasn’t been and won’t be BTQ veterans, their families, allies and health with that. I don’t want to be that beautiful an issue. We said that we were gay, we were care providers to the 3rd Annual Operation Do model, I want to be the beautiful me. This is serving, had been serving, most of our solders Ask, Do Tell. The symposium, which focused plenty for me. We should all be beautiful in knew and didn’t care, and that there would be on health needs and resources, was organized our own ways. I don’t have to meet the expec- no issue. And that’s the way it went. And I by the hospital’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans- tations of a magazine cover. I don’t want to hope that all of us have had the experience gender & Allies Special Emphasis Programs in be Barbie. I think it’s unfair that we are being now of working along with LGB solders and partnership with the Jesse Brown Veterans forced to meet expectations that hardly any- veterans because now that we don’t have to be Affairs Medical Center, American Veterans for body can achieve.” in the closet, while you are providing health- Equal Rights (AVER) and the Federal Health Beck added that, even though she is tempted care at the VA, you’re getting to know your LGB Care Center. every day to just disappear quietly into soci- brothers and sisters. And there’s no difference. The relaxed atmosphere of the event was ety as a regular person working a regular job, There’s a common bond. Less than 1 percent filled with a sense of camaraderie and open she has a greater responsibility. “This is dif- of the U.S. population are willing to serve, so dialogue, and began as attendees who filled ficult but I’m doing it because we have to tell we need to have the very best servicemembers. the Hines VA auditorium building rose to honor the stories,” she said. “If my story has some These are people are standing up to serve and a color guard composed of AVER members Lee visibility and I can tell it and motivate some they deserve our respect. Reinhart, Jim Darby, Jean Albright and Bill other people into actually doing something, if “We are not there yet, there is a hodgepodge Daman who solemnly entered and posted the I can give hope to one kid that she’s not going of issues due to the quasi-repeal of DOMA. Kristin Beck. Photo by Gretchen Rachel to be stuck in life because she looks at me and A friend in NC can’t get married with all the United States, City of Chicago, P.O.W. and Pride Blickensderfer flags while LGBTQ veterans representing each says ‘Kristin Beck was a Navy SEAL and I can be rights and privileges that come with being a whatever I want to be’ then I’m going to keep married couple, but because I live in Illinois, branch of the military and courageous self- represented signing the Declaration of Inde- sacrifice in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, doing that. I don’t want this to be about me. I can. It all depends upon where the military pendence. When you join the military, you are I don’t want any pats on the back or any more sends her.” Iraq and Afghanistan saluted and placed their defending freedom no matter what color, no hands over their hearts for the national an- medals. I want everything I am doing to point Karandeep Sraon, assistant director of Hines matter what religion. Those flags out there re- back to the next generation of kids.” VA, gave the welcome. Dr. Jack Bulmash, Chief them. Some faces could not help but betray mind you of who you fought for; what freedom a tear. As a woman who spent her life winning wars of Staff of the Hines VA Hospital made a pre- means for all of us.” through the power of working with her team- sentation on the ever-improving philosophy “Each face tells a story and comes from many Beck admitted she loves asking and answer- different backgrounds with many different mates as an unbroken unit, Beck finds current and focus on patient-centered service. ing questions. “You have to ask yourself [every divisions, not only in the LGBTQ umbrella, but Closing remarks were given by Jim Darby, life experiences,” Hines VA Assistant Director day] ‘what can I do to make this country bet- Karandeep Sraon said in his welcome. “We do particularly within the transgender community outgoing president of the Chicago Chapter of ter?’ I have to be healthy, I have to be happy heartbreaking. “It’s terrible,” she said. “We can the American Veterans for Equal Rights who in- not discriminate based on those differences.” to make my family better, to make the com- However the United States military still does accomplish a lot if we come together and stop troduced incoming president Lee Reinhart. Re- munity better and, in the end, if we can all dividing. We divide each other as cross-dressers inhart was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t despite the 2011 repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell start doing that it will make the world a better and a VA directive, issued in the same year, and transsexuals and drag queens and people Tell,” but returned to active duty after the re- place.” keep adding so many other little divisions. A peal and has recently returned from service in providing respectful delivery of healthcare to She shared pictures of herself on the farm transgender and intersex veterans. According transgender woman of color is murdered every Afghanistan. where she grew up as one of five siblings in a week in the United States. We’re all targets. —Additional reporting to a May 2014 study by the Williams Institute loving family that barely got by and never took there are 149,800 current and former transgen- I want to help but, if people keep trying to by Jean Albright even the powdered milk they drank for granted. separate me and closing the door, how can I der service members who still remain excluded “I never talked about the stuff that was inside, from openly serving their country. do that?” I had to hide it,” she recalled. “When my dad To the audience, Beck referred to the flags One of those service members currently en- caught me wearing one of my sister’s outfits, I gaged in a tireless campaign to change that outside as “diversity flags.” CDC releases learned real quick that this was not something “That rainbow flag is not about all those la- policy is former United States Navy SEAL and I could show on the outside.” numbers about prolific civil-rights activist Kristin Beck. The bels we put on each other, it’s about diversity,” Despite having to hide who she was, Beck she said. “This journey and what I’m doing recipient of multiple decorations that include said that she is luckier than so many LGBTQ HIV care, the Bronze Star and Purple Heart as well as doesn’t mean anything if it’s just me. Being out young people and so spends a great deal of is not enough. It really takes a group effort. We treatment commendations for marksmanship, conduct, time talking to and holding fundraisers for achievement, exceptionally meritorious ser- have to be active [in] how we treat each other, A Centers for Disease Control and Pre- youth groups across the country. “A lot of these how we respect each other and how we love vention (CDC) report says that, among gay vice and valor in deployments spanning four kids growing up end up losing their family and wars, Beck has channeled two decades of hero- each other as Americans.” and bisexual men in the United States who their friends; they lose everything. When you’re After her transition, Beck received that level have been diagnosed with HIV, only half ism into a post-retirement mission for equality stuck on the street, you have nothing and you during which she has crisscrossed the country of support during an event with her former are receiving care and treatment for their have to survive,” she said. “The amount of SEAL teams. There, she was singled out one infection, according to a White House candidly sharing her story, inspiring through homelessness of LGBTQ youth is just not right example and putting an unassuming face to of the commanders of Seal Team Six. “He said, press release. and I’m going to try to help out these kids as ‘I’ve known Kris for 20 years—always been a Overall, among MSM (men who have sex the transgender experience both on and off the much as I can.” battlefield. good SEAL and that sister is still my brother.’” with men) diagnosed with HIV, three- In recalling her career as a senior chief of A panel on coming out to your healthcare quarters (77.5 percent) were linked to While others with her international notoriety Navy SEAL teams (including the famed SEAL and daunting schedule—including an upcom- professional included Cecillia Hardacker of the care within three months of diagnosis, but Team Six), Beck said that she accomplished Howard Brown Health Center. She spoke of the only half (50.9 percent) were retained in ing meeting with President Barack Obama— more through communication and a hand shake could have easily been forgiven for moving on need for providers to make patients feel safe care. In large part because many were not than with her M4 machine gun. “I saved more to come out. in care, fewer than half of MSM diagnosed after delivering the keynote speech at the sym- lives talking to somebody and seeing who they posium, Beck was determined to spend the en- “The VA has long been a patriarchal environ- with HIV (49.5 percent) were prescribed are and working out where we can find our sim- ment. For those who served under Don’t Ask, antiretroviral therapy and only 42 percent tire day there answering questions, posing for ilarities,” she said. “So I built a lot of bridges pictures and in solidarity with her fellow veter- Don’t Tell and the outright ban before that, it achieved viral suppression. out in the middle of nowhere just talking to takes courage to come out,” she said. Providers Revised in March 2012, U.S. clinical ans. “I’m here so when somebody says the word people.” ‘transgender’ it’s not just a word in a book; it’s need to be sensitive, learn how to ask open- guidelines now recommend that everyone The pictures she showed of that life carried ended questions while being ready to manage with HIV begin therapy upon diagnosis, people. I want people to understand who we the headline “The girl you gave dirty looks at is are and what this really means,” she said. the reactions from veteran patients who hold a regardless of their CD4 immune cell count the same person you thanked last week.” range of opinions and reactions to those ques- or viral load. Authors note that although Beck began her speech by noting that some “We all change over the years,” Beck said. visitors to the VA that day had complained tions, she added. the data presented in today’s analysis were “Transgender women get judged immediately Also on the panel were Veronica Hernandez, collected before that revision, they do un- about the rainbow colors flown on South 5th and a lot of those judgments really hurt. We’re Avenue saying that they, as veterans, only an Air Force veteran who uses VA medical ser- derscore critical gaps at every stage of all spiritual beings with a soul and a pivotal vices; Jason Troutman, Psy. D. with the Adler care for gay and bisexual men diagnosed served the red, white and blue of the stars spark inside. We can spend hundreds of thou- and stripes. “I served [that] flag also,” Beck School of Prpfessional Psychology, and Dr. with HIV—particularly when it comes to sands of dollars working on a body that turns Scott Pawlikowski, of Hines VA. keeping them engaged in medical care. said. “The thing is I was defending it for ev- into worm food and we spend almost nothing eryone not just that one little group that was Pawlikowski pointed out that the VA still has WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 11 ing to our world.” The seven new memorial markers will join The memorial for the United States’ first the 23 plaques already affixed to the rainbow Legacy Project to add woman in space, Dr. Sally Ride, has renowned pylons along North Halsted Street. Eighteen WGN-TV meteorologist Tom Skilling as its back- plaques were part of the original dedication in er. He told Windy City Times, “I wanted to cel- 2012 and five additional markers were added seven plaques to ebrate Dr. Ride, not only for being ‘America’s in 2013. With 30 bronze memorials in all, the First Woman in Space’, but for her unwavering Legacy Walk is home to the largest collection commitment to educating young people. The of bronze biographical markers in the world. Sally Ride Science Center and I share a passion- “We are thrilled to welcome all the partici- outdoor museum ate belief in the importance of science educa- pants to this year’s dedication of Chicago’s tion to America’s future. Her tenacity in life in- award-winning Legacy Walk outdoor LGBT mu- By Carrie Maxwell spired countless others to follow their dreams seum installation,” said Victor Salvo, executive and literally reach for the stars.” director of the Legacy Project Chicago. “The To commemorate LGBT History Month, Chi- This year’s dedications will also feature a first amazing people and events that are joining cago’s Legacy Project will dedicate seven new for the Legacy Walk—the inclusion of an his- this unique installation will resonate for years bronze plaques to the Legacy Walk on Oct. 11, toric milestone. The bronze marker commemo- to come with all who travel to North Halsted National Coming Out Day. The traveling cer- rating the Stonewall Riots has Paul Highfield, Street to see the largest collection of bronze emony, which will begin 3 p.m. at the corner Myron Mix, Elizabeth A. Liechty, Ronald Pus- biographical markers in the world.” of Buckingham Avenue and Halsted Street, will karits, Emma and Quinn Seslowsky, Bill Wade, The outdoor dedication event is free to the be conducted by youth participants from the Steven Woods, Jeffrey Litzsinger, Joseph (Joel) public. Following the ceremony; students, their Legacy Project Education Initiative. Allen, Paul Desousa, Patrick F. Torres and Chris parents and special guests will gather on the Unlike the 2012 and 2013 dedications, this Pritchard as sponsors. rooftop deck of the Center on Halsted for a year’s additions are being sponsored almost Highfield, the group’s spokesperson, told pizza party. On Oct. 18, a dedication celebra- entirely by private donors. Windy City Times, “I’m delighted to have spear- tion will take place at Sidetrack; WGN-TV’s Sean Poet Audre Lorde’s memorial is being spon- headed the sponsorship of this memorial com- Lewis will host. sored by the Friends and Family of Chicago ac- memorating the Stonewall Riots. Over time, so To purchase tickets, visit www.legacypro- tivist Vernita Gray. “Vernita was a mentor to much of our history is lost—the fight to get jectchicago.org/2014_Dedication_Tickets. many and hero to all,” said group spokesper- where we are today is not accurately remem- html. son Dalila Fridi. “When approached about the bered or fully understood. There are many won- See www.legacyprojectchicago.org for more dedication to Audre being planned in Vernita’s derful LGBT biographies on the Legacy Walk. I information. honor, I didn’t think twice. It was only befit- thought it was time that an historic milestone Note: Carrie Maxwell is also a volunteer with ting since Vernita was the first one to tell me be included—hopefully just the first of many the Legacy Project. about Audre. Vernita loved quoting Audre and to come.” she was so proud to share the writings of her favorite poet with many of us. I’m very proud Audre Lorde will be among the honorees. ican families; and by creating barriers to safe to honor Vernita in this way.” Photo courtesy of the Legacy Project Report details and affordable education for LGBT students Olympian Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias’s and the children of LGBT parents. memorial is being sponsored by Laura Ange- his heels at being remembered in this context.” poverty among The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) lucci and Jennifer Baker, Psalm One and Fluffy, The only corporate sponsor for 2014, Stoli and the Center for American Progress (CAP) Vic Richards, Chris Pritchard, Michael Shields Group USA, is sponsoring the memorial for LGBT individuals A landmark report paints a stark picture of co-authored the report, in partnership with and The Highfield Group. Spokesperson Paul Ugandan activist and martyr David Kato Kisule. the added financial burdens LGBT individuals Center for Community Change, Center for Highfield told Windy City Times, “So many of “David was a person of extraordinary courage face because of discriminatory laws at the Popular Democracy, National Association of my lesbian and straight female friends are in- who fought for the human rights of all people. national, state and local levels. Social Workers, and the National Education credible athletes. To honor them, I decided to We at Stoli Group USA are proud to honor his The report, “Paying an Unfair Price: The Association. It is available online at www. coordinate raising the funds for Babe’s plaque. legacy as we believe in equal rights for all peo- Financial Penalty for Being LGBT in Amer- lgbtmap.org/unfair-price. One of the greatest athletes that ever lived, ple and hope this tribute will continue to drive ica,” says these laws contribute to signifi- Babe was, and continues to be, an inspiration the change we all hope for in the world,” said cantly higher rates of poverty among LGBT to all.” John Esposito, president of Stoli Group USA. residents, and create unfair financial pen- CLASP fundraiser Gregory “Blue” Pittsley sponsored composer The memorial for Fr. Mychal Judge—known alties in the form of higher taxes, reduced Cole Porter’s memorial in memory of his father, to many as the “Saint of 9/11”—is being Oct. 11 wages and Social Security income, increased Robert Pittsley. “Sponsoring Cole’s plaque was sponsored by a consortium of LGBT Catholic In an effort to increase housing for LGBTI healthcare costs and more. an opportunity to publicly memorialize my gay groups, with Dignity/Chicago coordinating. persons fleeing persecution in their home- “Paying” documents how inequitable laws father’s unsuccessful struggle to find a creative In a statement the group’s spokesperson, Mar- lands, the Chicago LGBT Asylum Support harm the economic well-being of LGBT niche due to his sexual orientation and the tin Grochala, said, “Our affinity for Fr. Judge Program (CLASP) is holding a fundraiser on people in three key ways: by enabling legal limitations, both actual and perceived, he ex- comes in recognition of his ministry to Dig- National Coming Out Day, Saturday, Oct. 11, discrimination in jobs, housing, credit and perienced so many decades ago,” said Pittsley. nity/New York, to the poor, and people living 5-8 p.m. other areas; by failing to recognize LGBT “He found inner peace, but never overcame the with AIDS. We hope that Fr. Mychal’s life will For more information, email gizhilois@ families, both in general and across a range feeling that his considerable talents had never serve as an inspiration for future generations yahoo.com; donate at www.broadwaychurch- of programs and laws designed to help Amer- been properly expressed. 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By Ross Forman most challenges and violence,” Anthony Pap- Precious Davis is leaving her “labor of love and Facebook trying ini, the Alliance’s executive director, said. the place where I found myself” in favor of a The brunch gave the Ally of the Year Award full circle journey back to Columbia College. to fix policy to the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Col- Davis, 28, who lives in Lake View, announced lege of Education for its research on anti- By Matt Simonette in late September that she resigned her posi- LGBTQ language among youth and the in- tion at the Center on Halsted, where she has cidence of bias-based bullying in schools. Facebook officials announced Oct. 1 that worked for the past three years as the youth Katya Mazon, a recent graduate of Walter they’re working to fix the “real-name” policy outreach coordinator. She will become the as- Payton College Prep, received the Activist of that raised concerns among trans individu- sistant director of diversity recruitment initia- the Year Award for her efforts to organize als, drag queens and other members of the tives at Columbia—her alma mater. youth, strengthen gay-straight alliances, LGBT community. “I am excited to recruit LGBT youth and and advocate for polices supporting gender other diverse talent to join the Columbia Col- Facebook Chief Products Officer Chris Cox lege family,” she said. “Social justice, diversity apologized to LGBT community members the work, and human relations are natural talents policy adversely affected. and passions of mine, [and] I am elated to fa- “In the two weeks since the real-name cilitate conversations on what diversity looks policy issues surfaced, we’ve had the chance like in education in 2014. The scope of my view to hear from many of you in these communi- is broad being a bi-racial trans woman of color ties and understand the policy more clearly who has overcome obstacles and understands as you experience it,” Cox wrote. “We’ve also the multiple facets and intersectionality that come to understand how painful this has makes up the essence of diversity work.” been. We owe you a better service and a bet- Davis said working in higher education and ter experience using Facebook, and we’re go- academia is the next logical step her career. ing to fix the way this policy gets handled so Precious Davis. Photo courtesy of Davis “I have worked in the field of diversity work everyone affected here can go back to using Facebook as you were.” for the last 10 years,” she said. “This job is “Countless young people every week were Cox said that a Facebook user had report- the best summation of my professional skills relying on me to help them access hormones, ed several hundred accounts as being fakes, to date. I also feel my relative experience as shelter, a confidant, a hug, and even a smile— adding, “These reports were among the sev- a Columbia College graduate will shape my un- the little things we often take for granted. eral hundred thousand fake name reports derstanding greatly of Columbia’s unique popu- That’s what resonates most—my time and we process every single week, 99 percent lation’s needs and challenges.” moments with the youth. I have seen many of which are bad actors doing bad things: Davis said her short-term goal is to create of them grow up before my eyes. Many of the impersonation, bullying, trolling, domestic a culture of trained staff who understand the young people call me Mama Precious and that’s violence, scams, hate speech, and more—so unique needs of diverse populations. “In order a good feeling. Katya Mazon at the Alliance brunch. Photo we didn’t notice the pattern.” to do that, I must redefine the definition of “Earning the trust of young people is not by Jonathan Jones Owners of suspected fake accounts are diversity though training sessions, social jus- easy. They automatically are skeptical of adults asked to verify their identities by submit- tice exercises, and community surveying,” she because of the power dynamic that exists be- ting some form of identification, a practice said. “Then we can accurately accommodate tween youth and adults. Being able to bridge non-conforming students in Chicago Public Cox defended, saying it protected Facebook potential diverse students. In the long term, that gap and participate in a process that em- Schools. Mazon is the youngest recipient of from users hiding behind pseudonyms to ha- my goal is to create scholarship opportunities powers young people to be agents of change the award. rass and bully other users. But he promised for LGBT youth, specifically [for] transgender in their life while serving as a mentor and wit- “It’s amazing that these people who are so that flagged accounts would be managed in [and] young people with diverse experiences.” nessing someone’s life change positively is one amazing see something amazing in me. I feel “a less abrupt and more thoughtful” manner. Davis’ last day at the Center is Oct. 8, and of the best feelings you can ever feel.” very honored,” Mazon said. “Our policy has never been to require ev- she starts at Columbia on Oct. 14. So naturally, it’s those same young people Illinois state Sen. William Delgado was eryone on Facebook to use their legal name,” “My work [at the Center] pulled continuous- who Davis will miss most. In fact, she’s admit- the event’s keynote speaker, speaking of his Cox noted. “The spirit of our policy is that ly from my heart and soul with passion each tedly “dreading” saying goodbye. commitment to supporting safe schools as everyone on Facebook uses the authentic day to create programs, community outreach, “Their stories are powerful. Their hearts are well as his efforts to advance legislation that name they use in real life. For Sister Roma, and events that had a tangible effect on LGBT big,” she said. “A lot of the kids who frequent limits the number of school expulsions, par- that’s Sister Roma. For Lil Miss Hot Mess, youth because I believe in young people,” Da- the Center will travel an hour and a half to ticularly for minority students and students that’s Lil Miss Hot Mess. Part of what’s been vis said. “I believe in their ideas, their liveli- have a safe place they can be themselves. I will who identify as LGBTQ. He also spoke of the so difficult about this conversation is that hood, and their self-expression. My daily goal miss the youth staff at the Center who in my important role that LGBTQ youth have to we support both of these individuals, and so always was to inspire, empower and educate opinion are the salvation of the organization. play now and in the future. many others affected by this, completely and creatively in an unbiased manner. I believe I worked with some of the best in the “This movement will not be complete until utterly in how they use Facebook.” “When I started working at the Center, I social service field who believe that the ba- we elect many of the youth leaders here to- thought I would be the one teaching young sis and root of social services work is founded day. These youth continue to raise the bar in people skills and tools to navigate the world, upon principles of social justice. In my book, Alliance brunch me and give me another reason to struggle, but the young people whom I had the privilege there is no other way.” another reason to fight,” Delgado said. of getting to know the last three years have Davis said her stint at the Center was “mo- looks at progress, At the brunch, members of the Alliance’s taught me more about myself and have empow- mentous and bittersweet.” Youth Committee also spoke about the em- ered me to always be bold no matter what the “I feel like a caterpillar who has blossomed challenges for powerment they felt in working for change circumstances are.” into a beautiful butterfly and now must fly,” alongside similarly situated peers and allies. Davis started and launched the Mpowerment safe schools she said. “I transitioned into the woman I’ve by Jonathan Jones “Being a part of the Alliance made me so Intervention and coordinated the program for wanted to be my entire life and in that regard proud of who I am that the day I got in- the last three years. “Under my coordination, I have never been happier. Being a trailblazer The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (the Alli- volved I came out to my parents that night,” [more than] 300 African-American and Latino has its challenges on the dawn of trans vis- Zach Sowle, a high school junior from the gay and bisexual youth participated in one of ance) held its annual fundraiser, the Alliance ibility and resilience in the work place. While I Brunch, at the Chicago Cultural Center Oct. Chicagoland area, told Windy City Times. the safer sex workshops that I taught monthly, had some great moments in terms of creating [and also] participated in one of the large scale 6. successful programs and events, it is hard be- This is the sixth year the Alliance has held events that I planned.” ing the only trans woman of color working at ALMA event Oct. 9 Davis said she remains proud of her Center the event to honor organizations and indi- Association of Latino/as Motivating Action an organization where that has never been a viduals who have fought for safe and healthy tenure and the relationships built, especially precedent. I consistently was leading efforts to (ALMA) will present its “Hispanic Heritage with the younger generation. learning environments for LGBTQA youth Month and National Coming Out Celebration” create space to lead other trans initiatives, but throughout the state of Illinois. Hundreds of “I never threw the towel in,” Davis said. “I had to advocate for myself in a way that felt on Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-9 p.m., at Halsted’s am not a quitter when things get tough. Social supporters attended the event. Bar + Grill, 3441 N. Halsted St. defeating at times. “We’ve accomplished so much, but there is work is a hard job. You often see and hear the “The Center has some work to do in terms of The event will celebrate ALMA’s continuing worst things that can happen in the world. I a lot of work left to do. All youth, whether work on immigration, LGBTQ rights and de- transgender equality and creating a space that they go to a school with 50 people or 500 stuck it out because I believe that my role was propels transgender individuals on staff as well velopment of Latino LGBTQ youth leaders. vital and needed. I personally believe in em- people deserve an inclusive, affirming, and Tickets are $20 plus $1.49 handling (which as transgender patrons in the community. My caring learning environment. Trans youth, powering LGBT youth because I struggled as an recommendations include a fully funded posi- covers two complimentary drinks, food and adolescent not having individuals to identify LGBTQ youth of color, and LGBTQ youth with entertainment); see www.Eventbrite.com or tion specifically focused on transgender youth disabilities are often the kids now facing the with. programs and services as well as a fully com- Facebook. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 13 Carla Therese Bruni is the type of woman from time-to-time, Neighborhood Housing who wants to “make the rest of the world fall Services and the Bungalow Initiative. completely in love with, and become stewards Bruni’s work not only satisfies her need to in the of, vintage architecture, intangible histories rebuild, teach, learn and explore histories GAY and sustainable places.” She strives diligently through historic preservation; there’s a job towards that goal in everything she does. creation component as well. “If you demolish LIFE Bruni often takes the time to learn about the a building, you’re using one guy, the wrecking Carla Therese Bruni histories of our local area, gaining a greater ball guy,” Bruni said. “Whereas, if you’re understanding of the ways we live today. deconstructing a building, you employ about TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JANEAN L. WATKINS “I love history,” said Bruni, “understanding six to eight more people, and up to 12 people where I’m from. It’s a way of understanding the for historic preservation.” world.” Bruni is not the sort of lesbian who is all Age Bruni was born and raised in the Chicago’s work and no play. She lets her hair down on 37 northwest suburbs, the middle of three road trips to the Deep South, poetry writing, children. After moving to the city, she became listening to jazz and brass bands and through Neighborhood disheartened watching building after building sculpting. Her ideal outing would be learning Edgewater being torn down, materials destroyed. She to swing dance or weld. She could also make Hobbies decided that she wanted to do something herself comfortable in a writing on her blog, Theater, Origami, sculpture, dive about it. or kicking back to watch dramatic thrillers, bars, biking with friends Bruni learned more about how she could folkstreams.net or old Kung Fu movies. Favorite movies do something creative and constructive When she’s not helping with reconstruction To Kill A Mockingbird, Mommie surrounding the destruction of buildings in efforts in New Orleans or restoration projects in Dearest, Poltergeist, French and Chicago at the School of the Art Institute Idaho and Washington, Bruni’s writes about all Saunders, The Color Purple and Chicago (SAIC), where she received her masters things sustainable and restorative. Her musings the 1973 version of Jesus Christ, in historic preservation. Now, she uses those can be found on her blog at www.toolmade.org. Superstar skills to teach, restore and run a community repair clinic in the Edgewater neighborhood. “Through Community Glue Workshop, we run these clinics where people can fix stuff for free,” said Bruni. By ‘stuff’, Bruni means items ranging from lamps to toasters and clothing. “I work with craftsmen and groups who need a few tools to do some really cool stuff. You can start a deconstruction company with a few hundred dollars in tools,” she said. And, she helps to make that happen. Her deconstruction work also creates jobs, like where she works part time with Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse. The salvage warehouse is a place even artists go to repurpose materials for use. “Hands-on work is good for the soul,” said Bruni. Aside from her hands-on approach, she also teaches within organizations like SAIC

We raise our glasses to Marriage Equality at last!

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students, where he soon discovers that it’s African American, and two who are white. They TIMES dana not quite what he expected. Twelve-year-old have a multi-holiday celebration each Decem- VOL. 30, No. 2, Oct. 8, 2014 sixth-grader Sam loves soccer and his new cell ber to honor all of their cultural backgrounds, The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, rudolph phone, and finds to his surprise that he also but their big extravaganza is Halloween, be- founded May 1987. likes being in the school play. cause they wanted “something that belonged Some of the incidents in the book, Levy to everyone in the family.” Their annual neigh- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR said, are “ripped from the headlines,” of her borhood Halloween party is legend—although Tracy Baim own life. Like the Fletchers, she owns “a rather this year, things go a little awry. . . . ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky enormous cat,” who, like theirs, has fallen into The book also deals deftly with gender ex- MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Family with gay the tub. She is coy about which other outra- pectations—not with (as might be expected) a BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine geous events in the book reflect her own ex- plotline about one of the gay dads, but rather DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright dads shines in new perience, though, which seems a judicious call. one about soccer jock Sam deciding to be in ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette This is not a book “about” being in a gay- the school play. He then gets teased by some Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, middle-grade novel headed family. As real LGBTQ parents know, classmates for participating in such an “arty” Kirk Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, most of daily family life is the same regard- activity. Levy again empowers the child and al- Gretchen Blickensderfer Combine four boys of assorted ages, two dads, a lows Sam to discover his own path here. She PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff Maine coon cat and a dog named Sir Puggleton NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 has Papa observe that such teasing is “the sil- into a home and stir well. Sprinkle on a doting SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, David Byrne, Tony liest thing I ever heard,” but avoids a preachy Peregrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair aunt, a surly neighbor and assorted classmates. parental lecture. THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan Season with a collapsing backyard hockey rink, She was inspired to include that storyline, CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. an untimely power outage and a Thanksgiving BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair she said, because Sam, as the eldest brother, culinary disaster. Dana Alison Levy’s superb SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman reminded her of her own older sister. “Growing ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS new middle-grade novel, The Misadventures up I thought she was the coolest person in the Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence of the Family Fletcher (Delacorte Press), com- whole world,” she explained. “Sam had some Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan bines all these ingredients and more to create a Abarbanel of that coolness for me, but I wanted to chal- hysterically funny story that is simultaneously COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet lenge him and challenge his younger siblings. Harper, Meghan Streit, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie full of heart. I wanted him to have to move outside of the Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Levy, who lives with her husband and chil- world he was so successful at, and I wanted Sally Parsons, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick dren in Massachusetts, studied English litera- Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, his brothers—especially Jax, to have to think ture and marketing before turning to writing. Kate Sosin, Angelique Smith about what it means to be the cool kid.” SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, She said in an interview that she was inspired Readers can rejoice that the Fletchers’ ad- Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan to write “a kind of classic, slice-of-life family ventures will continue. Levy said a sequel, Mattes story like the ones I grew up with,” but that tentatively titled A Fletcher Family Summer, is CIRCULATION she wanted it “to reflect the diversity of our CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright scheduled for June 2016. “It carries on with world more accurately.” DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, less of family structure. Levy nevertheless more shenanigans, this time on Rock Island, LGBTQ-inclusive books for middle-grade Sue and Victor astutely includes one situation where many a made-up New England island. There they try WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead readers are harder to find than those for ei- LGBT-headed families find themselves singled and save an endangered lighthouse, and figure programmer: Martie Marro) ther younger children or young adults, but the out for scrutiny—the first Family Night at a out how to navigate changes both in them- Fletchers’ tale is a standout even in the larger new school. Levy explained, “They are lucky selves and in the island they love.” Copyright 2014 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media field of middle-grade novels generally. Levy enough to live in a pretty great community, My own (completely unsubstantiated) hope Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back noted, “I do write for young adults as well, but issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). and having lived there since they were born is that Disney, whose ABC Family subsidiary Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, this story always felt very much like a middle- they feel quite comfortable. But I also wanted brought us The Fosters (about two lesbian and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and grade book, where the challenges of navigating no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. to at least acknowledge that there are count- moms and their five teens) will make the the wider world were just starting to emerge All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy less tiny moments, sometimes ill-intended, of- Fletchers into a movie or series for pre-teen City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for the characters.” for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing ten not, that diverse families have to weather.” kids. The Fletchers have both the wackiness The book opens on the first day of school and and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, Even more astutely, she has the Fletcher boys and warmth that have characterized many of cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own takes us through a raucous year in the fam- and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City confidently and humorously explain their fam- the best on-screen families. They’d be a great ily’s life. Six-year-old Frog (not his real name), Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of ily to their friends—without needing an adult addition to the pantheon. In the meantime, we a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy is about to start kindergarten with his invis- City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the to help them out. can be grateful they’re in print. ible cheetah friend in tow. Ten-year-old fourth sexual orientation of such person or organization. While Levy adds to the family’s diversity by making Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make grader Jax soon has to contend with a school one of the white dads Jewish and the other of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Me- this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept project that involves him trying to interview responsibility for advertising claims. Episcopalian, with one adopted son who had dia Award-winning blog and resource direc- their crotchety neighbor. Eli is also in fourth (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 been born to Indian Hindu parents, one who is tory for LGBT parents. grade, but is off to a new school for gifted e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

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WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, LETTERS 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 U.S.A (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) Know the risk This year, at least 17 employees have been Church with the reality of the present Church. fired. In my opinion, this can be attributed to Remember: The Church is not a democracy—it Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. the fact that same-sex marriage is sweeping is more akin to a monarchy. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. The Rainbow Sash Movement (LGBT Catholics) OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE thinks it is important to remind LGBT Catholics the country, with the Supreme Court expecting www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com who work for Catholic institutions, or who are to rule on it in its next session. Those termina- Rainbow Sash Movement www.WindyCityQueercast.com members and/or active in local Catholic par- tion numbers will only rise further. ishes as choir directors, Eucharistic ministers, I caution you not to be deceived by parishes “Windy City Media Group generated lectors and ushers that if they get legally mar- who say they are welcoming because they are enormous interest among their readers ried or support gay rights, publicly they run the not the ones who ultimately will make the de- Send letters to in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index risk of either losing their employment and/or cisions, those decisions will be made and en- Survey. Out of approximately 100 the right to be active members of the parish, forced by the Chicago Archdiocese. print and online media partners who as was the case recently at Holy Family Church. There are many good people in Catholic par- Andrew@ participated in the survey, Windy Catholic lesbians who choose to have their ishes who support us, and truly want to wel- City was the best performing regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners own children through technologies of artificial come us into their faith community. But the re- WindyCity with a nationwide footprint were insemination risk the very real possibility of ality of the current situation within our Church able to generate a greater number of getting fired if knowledge of their status is is they don’t make the decisions on such mat- responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research leaked to the archdiocese’s chancery office. ters—the local Church authorities do. This was MediaGroup.com. Director, Community Marketing, Inc. I realize these are difficult things for prac- most recently highlighted in the dismissal of ticing LGBT Catholics to face, but if you don’t Colin Collette, a music minister for 17 years, Letters may be exercise some common sense you may become who was fired from a Chicago-area parish after a victim of such sacred violence. Clearly, we are posting on Facebook about his engagement to edited for entering a witch-hunt era within the Catholic longtime partner William Nifong. Collette met Church that, in my opinion, is on the level of with Cardinal Francis George in the hopes he the Inquisition. would be rehired, but the cardinal called his brevity or Already across the country, the numbers of employment at a Catholic institution “impos- church employees who are being fired for en- sible.” clarity. tering into same-sex marriage is increasing. Let us not confuse our concept of the idolized WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 15 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Liz Lauren

A WHOLE NEW ‘WORLD’ Windy City Times reviews the theatrical production The World of Extreme Happiness. See page 16. THEATER DISH MOVIES It’s a ‘Zoo’ out there. Egg-cellent Miner infraction. Page 16 Page 26 Page 18 Photo from At Home at the Zoo PR photo of dish at Trencherman Photo from Pride by Tom McGrath by Nicola Dove

DANCIN’ FEATS Heidi Latsky dancer reinvents himself—twice by Lauren Warnecke After two months of physical therapy, doc- tors were surprised at how well Simpson had Robert Simpson, 65, moved to New York City recovered, although Simpson thanks his dance in 1971 for two reasons: to dance and to come training for the remarkable improvements he out. Simpson grew up near Albany, New York, made. He began taking dance-therapy classes and started taking dance classes while in col- with former ballet dancer Cathy Appel; return- lege. Shortly after arriving in New York City, ing to a common vocabulary from before his Simpson found himself on scholarship with the strokes was a great source of healing as he esteemed choreographer Alwin Nickolais and reinvented himself as a mover. “I did physi- surrounded by like-minded artists in New York’s cal therapy,” said Simpson, “but the dancing gay community shortly after the birth of gay has always come through with helping me get pride following the Stonewall Riots. stronger, better. ... And this class with Cathy Robert Simpson. Photo by Darial Sneed His self-confidence grew more every day. “I … she was a wonderful person to be working knew I was gay all the time… and I knew that with. Dancing has been a major help during New York would be a place I could be myself,” both of my major physical catastrophes.” who created the flyer, recognizing her name sity and joy as when I could leap,” he said, and said Simpson in a phone interview with Windy In 2005, Simpson had to learn how to walk from media listings of upcoming dance perfor- Simpson has remained positive through it all. City Times. “About two years later, I told my again. Doctors felt, at first, as though his symp- mances in NYC. “I hadn’t performed in years, “I love to move,” he said. “Dancing helps. mother. We were sitting at her kitchen table. toms were residual from the earlier strokes, but but went to see her to ‘audition,’ which con- Rehearsing helps. The spine is tilting more to Her eyes watered. I told her I was the same eventually diagnosed him with Parkinson’s dis- sisted of me watching her direct a rehearsal,” the right, my left hip sways a little more when person now as I was before we sat down. She ease (PD). PD is an incurable movement dis- he said. When he stood to leave, she told him, I walk, my neck is in some crazy spasm half of waited until I left to go back to NYC to tell order that attacks the myelin sheath covering “Ok, I’ll contact you. I’m starting a new piece the time now. I see a Physical Therapist, a Chi- my father who, within the week, came to see nerves responsible for movement, and research in January.” Latsky later explained to Simpson ropractor, and a deep tissue Massage Therapist me. He gave me the, ‘it could be a phase’ line, has shown dance to be a positive intervention that she could see how he moved just by ob- to help. The Parkinson’s is at work. I’m at work but admitted that on his WWII repair ship he in slowing its progression. While in one of his serving him enter, sit down and stand up. “I’ve with Heidi and company … and having some considered doing ‘something’ with the desig- dance-therapy sessions, Appel passed Simpson been with the company since 2010 … and she fun too!” nated Queen. That was it. … I couldn’t really a flyer about a dance class for people with PD still has X-ray vision.” Heidi Latsky Dance performs through Nov. have asked for a more favorable reaction from at Mark Morris Dance Group’s studios in Brook- Latsky’s mission for her dance company is to 6-8 at the Dance Center of Columbia College them.” lyn. Called “Dance for PD,” similar programs in create provocative, highly technical and physi- Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. The week- In 2010, Simpson joined NYC-based Heidi adaptive dance for persons with Parkinson’s are cally adventurous dance, that just happens to long residency coincides with the American Latsky Dance, which will visit Chicago on tour offered in Chicago courtesy of the Rehabilita- incorporate people with disabilities. Simpson Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) and Na- in early November, but he’s a very different tion Institute of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet is accompanied by dancers of varying ages and tional Dance Education Organization (NDEO) dancer now than the young guy on scholarship and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. “I went and degrees of physicality, and said that Latsky joint annual conferences, through Nov. 5-9 at Nickolais. A series of strokes in 1998 halted loved it,” Simpson said. “I could ‘fly’ across the seeks to celebrate many different types of ex- at McCormick Place. Tickets are $30 avail- Simpson’s career, and the bleeding in his brain studio, [and] I still try to attend.” pression through movement. Latsky could see able by phone (312-369-8330) or online at caused a loss of function to the left side of A few years later, Simpson noticed another the young Nickolais dancer inside of Simpson, colum.edu/dancecenterpresents. The Dance his body. “I had to learn to walk again…I just flyer during his dance-therapy sessions—this despite his drastically reduced physical vocab- Center is an ADA-accessible venue. wanted to be able to get up and wash my face one seeking persons with a disability to be in a ulary. “I try to arrive at the same level of inten- at the sink,” he said. dance performance. He contacted Heidi Latsky, 16 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

THEATER REVIEW his escape from an unsettling discussion ini- tiated by his wife. They are too happy, Ann At Home at the Zoo complains, too content—the gentleness that Playwright: Edward Albee makes him a good husband and father lacks At: City Lit at Edgewater Presbyterian the passion and excitement she craves. La- Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. menting her inability to do more than “think Tickets: 773-293-3682; about thinking about” something daring, she www.citylit.org; $29 insists that they get in touch with the “ani- Runs through: Oct. 26 mal” inside them. Even after Peter confesses to once giving way to his primal instincts, to BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE the point of inflicting sexual abuse upon an undeserving victim, the mate he has vowed Edward Albee’s curmudgeonly decision to to cherish and protect continues to mock the affix an addendum, written in 2004, to his remorse from whence his restraint springs. career-making one-act play, written in 1959, When two males are facing off for domi- shouldn’t be surprising. Far from solving nance, we expect one of them to eventually mysteries probed for over five decades by turn on his attacker—but while a woman learned scholars and acting-class students demanding to be apache-danced tooth-and- alike, though, his revision only further mud- claw might have been acceptable in 2004, dies the expository waters. we in 2014 are as repulsed by the idea of In the earlier play, preppyish Peter is en- cave-man canoodling as is Peter, who choos- joying a sunny afternoon’s read on a park es to retreat to what he anticipates will be bench, when he is accosted by scruffy Jerry, civilized peace and quiet. who recounts a Dostoyevskian tale of spiri- Director Steve Scott avoids the potential tual awakening engendered by his attempt unease inherent in his text through Peter to poison his landlady’s dog. As Peter reels and Jerry’s contrasting facial hair, and by under the contradictions of this disclosure, prefacing the show with lectures on behav- Jerry proceeds to taunt him mercilessly be- ior among the lesser species. This leaves Ann The World of Extreme Happiness. Photo by Liz Lauren fore brandishing a street knife. Soon Peter with little to do except to dither with the finds himself transformed into an unwilling dogged persistence of spouses accustomed accomplice to the suicide foreshadowed in to their remarks going unheeded. Ted Hoerl, THEATER REVIEW severe consequences. the opening remarks. Mike Cherry and Elaine Carlson deliver uni- Appealing as Sunny is, the almost-comic What would cause a mild-mannered text- formly impeccable line readings for this City The World of book style of the work distances the audience book publisher to be drawn into a duel to the Lit production, but can’t render Albee’s per- from the characters, although providing some death against an aggressor obviously bent on verse footnote anything but a point of con- Extreme Happiness amusement value. Then, Cowhig tacks on an provoking a confrontation? Albee’s prequel Playwright: Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig tention to ponder for another half-century. utterly realistic closing scene in which (spoiler reveals that Peter’s pastoral surroundings are At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. alert) Sunny dies. It’s not the ending the audi- Tickets: 312-443-3800; ence expects and certainly not what the audi- www.GoodmanTheatre.org/Happiness; ence wants. A play which has been two-dimen- THEATER REVIEW $10-$40 sional suddenly becomes far too deeply human, Runs through: Oct. 12 leaving the audience in stupefied shock and The Night Alive stylistic disconnect. Many viewers may hate it Playwright: Conor McPherson BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL although it may be hard to forget, especially in At: Steppenwolf theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. light of current events. Tickets: 312-335-1650; [Editor’s note: A pivotal plot twist is revealed Beside Lim (in a welcome return to Chicago), www.steppenwolf.org; $20-$82 in this review.] the other five actors play several roles each. Runs through: Nov. 16 This new play may not be a good produc- They are lively and capable quick-change art- tion, but it certainly is pertinent. Hong Kong ists, but the play’s cartoon-like style and BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE may be bloody when you read this, as Beijing sketchy characterization make it difficult to suppresses massive demonstrations supporting tell if they are good actors. Conor McPherson may have forsaken alcohol free local elections. Chinese leaders no longer after his brush with the Grim Reaper, but his wear Mao jackets, but they still are ruthless. universe is still that of a pub-crawler down to Harsh punishment for dissent or disobedience his last euro, reliant on the grudging charity of historically is part of Chinese culture, and cru- CRITICS’ PICKS family and friends. In this myth-infused under- elty at the top is paid downward to the lowest world realm, demons wear steel-toed boots— levels. It makes for a society with little concern the better for kicking the weak and helpless— for individual dignity or even courtesy. West- Depraved New World, The Second City, while angels in blue jeans dispense grace in ern travelers in China frequently are repelled open run. With elements of long-form im- the form of back-alley cut-rate hand jobs for by the pushing, shoving, me-first attitude on prov, Second City’s 102nd mainstage revue shamefaced men too timid to expect anything the streets. Hold a door for someone and you’re features an extremely sharp cast (espe- more. (This is Ireland, after all.) regarded as stupid or crazy. cially John Hartman), some high-risk mu- At first sight, Aimee (whose name is French Chinese-American playwright Frances Ya-Chu sical improv, several gay-specific scenes for “Loved”) appears to be no more than a Cowhig seems clearly to understand China’s so- and advanced use of music and sound. JA teenage street waif rescued in the course of cial, cultural and political pyramids. Her play The Downpour, Route 66 Theatre at a beatdown from her rude-boy consort by an bravely dramatizes the ugliness of China’s in- Greenhouse Theater Center, through Oct. unlikely Samaritan on his way to the takeaway dustrial culture—including the exploitation of 19. Hereditary mental disorders can make shop. Tommy is hardly the stuff of knightly rural peasant labor—but it’s not an easy play for nice shivery thrillers or solemn medical heroes—a divorced father, he now lives with to like. Most of the characters are selfishly in- proceedurals, but Caitlin Parrish’s portrait his widowed uncle Maurice in the latter’s crum- different to other human beings and most of of family insanity is as refreshingly ratio- bling Edwardian mansion and works odd jobs the actions are brutal. The play is discomfort- nal as it is intimate. MSB with his slow-witted sidekick Doc. Little does ing to watch with a profoundly disturbing end- King Lear, Chicago Shakespeare The- he suspect that his intrusion into the affairs of ing. ater, through Nov. 9. Larry Yando—the this forlorn damsel in distress will disrupt the Cowhig’s literary style channels Bertolt veteran character actor who’s played both cosmic order in a manner eventually rewarding Brecht in a series of sketch-like scenes, each Scrooge AND Scar—delivers a full-bodied these three middle-aged lost boys in need of a teaching a little lesson, all acted in a patently performance as the deranged monarch Wendy. non-realistic fashion under director Eric Ting. whose greedy descendants are no more The transformation is not easy. Maurice still The Night Alive. Photo by Michael Brosilow The play begins in 1992 as a rural couple leaves compassionate than their irate sire. MSB mourns the loss of his wife three years earlier, a newborn child to die in a bucket of pig slops, On the Town, Marriott Theatre, Lin- his grief expressed in bouts of whiskey-soaked sian Transport slimeball, swap repartee with because it’s another girl. (Infanticide remains colnshire, through Oct. 12. This is your guilt and fury. Doc is a couch-surfing sadsack tag-team precision as codependent chums an appalling truth still too common in China last chance to see the classic 1944 Leon- given to musing on intergalactic boundaries. Tommy and Doc, while veteran heavy M. Em- and other under-developed, male-dominant ard Bernstein musical about three randy Tommy is probably the healthiest of the trio, met Walsh is a formidable stage presence as societies.) However, the girl survives and we American sailors finding love and adven- being crippled only by his own apathy, but the blustering Maurice. Helen Sadler hints at next see Sunny (Jennifer Lim) in 2012 as an ture during their first time in New York hardly a week will go by before each will dis- the strategic guidance lying beneath Aimee’s exploited toilet-cleaner in a Shenzhen fac- City. Otherwise, you’ll have to fly to New play courage and initiative in small acts of dar- passive veneer, as Dan Waller conveys menace tory. The play does not explain China’s truly York to see the current Broadway revival. ing which, in turn, will draw them forth from as a sadistic bully who ultimately gets what he apartheid-like labor and residency laws (which SCM spiritual inertia, even to making plans for a deserves. It makes no difference that we’ve met rob migrant workers of most rights), but Sun- hitherto-inconceivable future. these characters in other McPherson plays (no- ny—and, later, her brother—suffer under those —By Abarbanel, Barnidge Under Henry Wishcamper’s intuitive direc- tably, The Seafarer). Whether Dublin’s scruffy laws. When circumstances give Sunny an op- and Morgan tion, Francis Guinan, Steppenwolf’s go-to rep- fates move in mysterious ways or with Dick- portunity to make a political statement, she resentative of sensitive masculinity, and Tim ensian resolve, salvation is always welcome— naively seizes it without any cognizance of the Hopper, in an amazing departure from his Rus- whenever or however it arrives. WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 17 her boss (Kirby O’Connell), to problems with gotiate her way out of so many falsehoods and high-powered customers like the too-smooth perilous situations is an acting marvel. motivational speaker Charlie (James D. Farrug- As the two men that Crystal desperately Bethany. Photo by Claire Demos gio) and the wealthy Patricia (Mary Anne Bow- needs to get along with, D’Addario is especially man). unsettling as he spews out Gary’s wacky con- If I’m being cagey with some of the plot de- spiracy theories, while Farruggio gets plenty tails, that’s because what makes Bethany so of laughs (and contempt) as the super-slick compelling is how Marks creates a sense of Charlie. Let’s just say that the men don’t come mystery throughout the play, cannily revealing off too well in Bethany, especially when their nuggets of information to help piece together actions drive Crystal to take such extreme and the characters’ predicaments. Also, I don’t disturbing measures. want to spoil some of the surprise of Lyons’ The reteaming Marks and Lyons for Bethany superlative staging (let’s just say that set de- after last season’s acclaimed premiere of Mine signer Courtney O’Neill works wonders with the at The Gift Theatre is certainly a very welcome script’s changing locations for the tiny space). artistic reunion. Bethany is undoubtedly one of Also much of the tense joy comes from the the must-see thrillers of the season, and that’s strong and convincing performances that Lyons in large part thanks to Marks and Lyons’ great draws out for Bethany. In particular, watching work played with such intense intimacy in The Clemens as Crystal thinking on the spot to ne- Gift Theatre. SPOTLIGHT

THEATER REVIEW height of the home mortgage meltdown, which eventually explains why the smartly dressed Bethany Crystal (Hillary Clemens) is first seen breaking Call Chicago comedian Shawn Bowers a Playwright: Laura Marks into a foreclosed suburban home. But Crystal is creep (if you want) for what he calls the At: Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. startled to find out that she’s not alone in the art of “goldfishing,” which his adventures of Tickets: 773-283-7071 or house—a survivalist and likely military veteran pretending to be a woman on popular online www.thegifttheatre.org; $20-$30 suffering from post-traumatic stress named dating sites for his own amusement. Hear Runs through Nov. 23 Gary (Paul D’Addario) is already living in the all about Bowers’ duplicity in The Goldfish house. Project: Procreation, which is co-curated BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Crystal and Gary create an uneasy truce to by Sarah Gitenstein and produced by The share the house since they both need some- New Colony as part of its Free Fall Side Laura Marks’ 2013 off-Broadway drama Bethany place to live. But as Bethany progresses, Crys- Stage Lineup. The Goldfish Project: Pro- grips audiences from the start and won’t let tal’s desperation only grows when her deeply creation continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday and go. Now making its Chicago premiere at The personal reasons are revealed as to why she Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11, at the Dank Haus Gift Theatre in an edge-of-your-seat staging by needs to maintain the façade of home owner- German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Marti Lyons, Bethany craftily instills feelings of ship to impress an inspector played by Susaan Western Ave. Admission is free, but reser- hope and dread as you root for the play’s hero- Jamshidi. vations requested; visit www.thenewcolony. ine to beat the insurmountable odds stacked However, there are many roadblocks ahead org. Photo by Patriac Coakley against her. for Crystal, ranging from very bad news from Marks sets Bethany in early 2009 at the

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Joffrey Dancers: Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan gutierrez i photography by: cheryl Mann 50 east congress parkway, chicago 18 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Highlights include a rare theatrical screen- ing of the Boris Karloff programmer, 1939’s The Man They Could Not Hang; Oliver Reed in 1961’s The Curse of the Werewolf from Ham- KNIGHT mer Studios; Roddy McDowall and Christopher AT Atkins starring in 1990’s Shakma, a low-budget cult indie about a killer baboon (really) stalk- THE ing a group of college geeks; and Rae Dawn MOVIES Chong in the 1991 psycho alien gore fest The Borrowers (with director John McNaughton in attendance). Check the Music Box website for complete lineup and to purchase advance tickets. http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/fes- tivals/music-box-of-horrors-2014 By —On Monday, Oct. 13, the Music Box is also Richard the place where the Unabridged Bookstore is Knight Jr. presenting “An Evening with Alan Cumming.” The multitalented Cumming, a paragon of our community, will discuss his new memoir Not My Pride; Father’s Son with former Chicago magazine edi- tor Dick Babcock on the Music Box stage begin- ning at 7 p.m. A book-signing will follow the film notes conversation. http://www.musicboxtheatre. Pride. Photo by Nicola Dove Given the improbability of the true story that com/events/unabridged-bookstore-presents- is the basis for director Mathew Warchus’ Pride, an-evening-with-alan-cumming-2014-oct- housewife dying to break out of her tradition- Theatre’s (3717 N. Southport Ave.) annual 24- it makes perfect sense why everyone involved 13-mon-0700pm al role; a couple of bi-curious folks; and, of hour horror-movie marathon. It gets underway realized this would make a great movie. Now available: The Best of Knight at the course, a villain to whip up the homophobia Saturday, Oct. 11. (The starting time was still In England, in 1984 two disparate groups—a Movies: 2004-2014—a compilation book of (Lisa Palfrey as a miner’s widow, stepping into TBD at press time.). small faction of the gay community and a tiny more than 150 of my film reviews from a queer the Chris Penn role in To Wong Foo). As usual, the marathon will include every- segment of the enormous and mostly conserva- perspective for Windy City Times—is now avail- Scenes of Jonathan shaking a tail feather thing from silent classics to cult slasher faves. tive striking miner movement—found solidar- able. www.knightatthemovies.com on the dance floor of the union hall with He- ity under the oppressive thumb of Margaret fina and teaching the rhythmically challenged Thatcher’s draconian policies. Not only found young miners to dance so they can have a solidarity but embraced it with bear hug sized chance with the local beauty queen; Sian hav- CIFF’s LGBT support that ran both ways. ing her consciousness raised by her new gay Colin Warchus, a renowned theater director work- friends; and the ladies discovering a cache of highlights: Farrell in ing with a script by actor/playwright Stephen gay porn on a subsequent trip to London and Alexander: Beresford, takes the high road in detailing how having a blast in a leather bar are all par for The the cultural barriers between these two groups Week one the course. So, too, are the right-on-cue reve- By Richard Knight Jr. Director’s were dissolved. “Your gays have arrived,” a lations about several of the characters and the Cut. grandmotherly type chirps out when the Lon- heart-tugging climax of the film. That’s not to The 50th anniversary of the Chicago Interna- don-based queers—a ragtag bunch led by the say that just because all of this is so familiar tional Film Festival is being celebrated as the fearless young activist Mark Ashton (played it isn’t pleasing—it is. And maybe it’s more so fest kicks off tomorrow night, Thursday, Oct. by U.S. newcomer Ben Schnetzer, who sports because, unlike The Full Monty and Billy Elliot, 9, with the Chicago premiere of Miss Julie, a convincing cockney accent)—show up at the gay characters and themes aren’t shunted which stars Jessica Chastain and Colin Farrell the union hall in the wee Welsh village that to the side into subplot status; here, they’re and was directed by Liv Ullmann. (Ullmann is home to the striking miners to deliver the front and center. and Farrell will attend the gala red-carpet money they’ve collected on their behalf. It should also be pointed out, however, that event.) The first week of the fest (which After Billy Elliot, The Full Monty and a slew while this broad approach to the story that continues through Oct. 23) includes several of other dramedies of this ilk, we are in very combines characters and sands down the sharp entries in the festival’s LGBT-themed section familiar territory with a series of by-the-num- Sand Dollars—A lesbian escort who hooks edges might be more appealing to a wider au- (called “Out-Look”) and those, along with a bers scenes designed to melt your heart, tickle up with tourists in the Dominican Republic dience, it also (mostly) leaves subtlety and few selected screening events of particular your funny bone or put a lump in your throat and shares the proceeds with her boyfriend emotional complexity in its wake. I didn’t mind note—among many, are highlighted below. (all as cliched as those shopworn phrases). finds her life upended when she begins to the spun-sugar attitude the movie took—it felt Land of Storms—Same-sex desire con- This approach, which eschews complexity and fall for one of her wealthy clients (played by great to bask in the laughter, tears and anger trasts with homophobia on and off the soc- smooths out most of the rough edges, is one Geraldine Chaplin). Screens Oct. 12, Oct. 13 that the material elicits (and it’s no surprise cer field in this steamy drama from Hungary that mainstream audiences will no doubt em- and Oct. 16 to learn that the producers have announced and Germany. Screening Oct. 10, Oct. 12 and brace—just as they did with those other mov- The Way He Looks—From Brazil comes a forthcoming musical stage version). I took Oct. 14 ies and with The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen this critically acclaimed festival hit, a gay pride in Pride, but realized as I was doing A Star Is Born—It’s a 60th-anniversary of the Desert and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Ev- coming-of-age romance with a twist, as the so that it was through a pair of rose-colored matinee presentation of gay director George erything! Julie Newmar (which has particular young protagonist is also blind. Screening glasses that filtered out a lot of the not-so- Cukor’s sensational 1954 musical masterpiece thematic similarities to Pride). Oct. 11 and Oct. 13 nice stuff. with Judy Garland soaring to the heights of We can easily guess the outcome of this Something Must Break—After interced- Note: Once again, in giving Pride an “R” rat- movie stardom (in her Oscar-nominated per- full-on culture clash after being introduced to ing in a gay-bashing, hunky Andreas embarks ing, we have a ratings board that is completely formance) as husband James Mason (also the period via spot-on costuming, a bevy of on an affair with Sebastian, who is exploring out of step with the culture surrounding it. Af- Oscar-nominated) sinks further and further well-chosen ‘80s songs (Bronski Beat!) on the gender barriers via an alter ego he calls El- ter giving both Pride and the recent Love Is into alcoholism. Cukor expert John Russell soundtrack and a handful of vintage clips that lie. A romantic drama that blurs gender lines Strange that rating (not to mention dozens of Taylor will attend the Oct. 11 screening. sketch an overview of the strike. The characters ensues in this Swedish film. Screens Oct. 13 other LGBT-themed movies), tagging the MPAA The Circle—It’s a Swiss docudrama focus- are also immediately recognizable, each with and Oct. 14 as a bunch of homophobes certainly seems jus- ing on the enduring relationship between a an easily discerned problem to be addressed by Speed Walking—A 12-year-old Danish tified. This has to stop. Drop the board a line shy teacher and a flamboyant drag performer the fade out. From the gay contingent, follow- boy comes to terms with his gay sexuality in and demand changes, starting with full disclo- set against the backdrop of a private Zurich ing the sassy leader Mark (who secretly worries the mid-1970s along with Denmark’s newly sure about members of its ratings board: Con- club that catered to Our People beginning in about AIDS), we have Mike (Joseph Gilgun), liberalized pornography laws. A tender com- [email protected] the early 1940s. Screening Oct. 11 and Oct. his nerdy but cute second-in-command, the 12 ing of age story. Screening Oct. 13, Oct. 15 flamboyant Jonathan; the outlandish elder and Oct. 22 Film notes: Alexander: The Ultimate Edition—The statesman of the group (Dominic West in the An Evening with Kathleen Turner—Turn- —Bjork—singer-songwriter, avant-garde art- director’s cut of Oliver Stone’s 2004 epic role Terence Stamp fulfilled in Priscilla); the er—beloved by queer film enthusiasts for her ist, environmentalist, and longtime friend of saga of history’s greatest conqueror is a vast meek and closeted Joe, who hails from the sub- hilarious performance in John Waters’ Serial the gay community—has been touring world- improvement over his original truncated ver- urbs (George MacKay); the feisty lesbian Steph Mom as well as many of her standout film wide with her stage extravaganza Biophilia, sion. It also makes implicit what Stone’s (Faye Marsay); and Gethin (Andrew Scott), performances throughout the 1980s (Body based on her 2011 album of the same name. first cut didn’t—that the fetching Alex- Jonathan’s boyfriend who has bitter memories Head, Prizzi’s Honor, Romancing the Stone, The over-the-top concert—a visual spectacle ander (played by Colin Farrell) was gay. It of being forced to leave a similar Welsh village The Accidental Tourist, Peggy Sue Got Mar- that, as usual, finds Bjork breaking new musi- also doesn’t stint on the love affair between for being gay. ried, etc.)—is heading this year’s CIFF jury. cal and artistic ground—was filmed during its Alexander and the bewitching Persian boy The straights are represented by Paddy Con- On Tuesday, Oct. 14, she will sit down for an final performance by directors Peter Strickland or Alexander and his best friend, played by sodine as Dai, the gentle union rep who pleads in-depth look at her career. and Nick Fenton (who edited). The movie, ti- Oscar-winning Dallas Buyers Club actor Jared for tolerance from the get-go; Imelda Staunton Second-week highlights will be in the next tled Bjork: Biophilia Live has its Chicago pre- Leto. Angelina Jolie eats up the screen as his as Hefina, the outspoken head of the strike edition of WCT. Please note that the Thurs- miere beginning on Friday, Oct. 12 at the Gene snake-charming mother, as Val Kilmer plays committee who takes no prisoners in her ac- day, Oct. 16, screening of The Imitation Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.). http:// Alexander’s hateful father and Anthony Hop- ceptance of her new gay friends; Bill Nighy as Game is already sold out. Complete festival www.siskelfilmcenter.org/bjork kins totters about as the ancient narrator. Cliff, the bookish intellectual who has always schedule and advance tickets at http://www. —Music Box of Horrors 2014: Get out your Stone will attend the Oct. 12 screening that been a fish out of water in the small village; chicagofilmfestival.com/ pajamas because it’s time for the Music Box celebrates the 10th anniversary of the film. Jessica Gunning as Sian, a quietly determined WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 19 NUNN ON ONE WCT: How did you land the part on Nurse Jackie? SW: My sister was co-creator of the show. For years she had been trying to get me to move Gay actor from to L.A. and work with her on something. I was never keen on L.A. It just wasn’t my thing. Pur- suing TV and film wasn’t my focus at all. I’m a ‘Nurse Jackie’ shows musical theater guy so New York and Chicago felt like the right places for me. I was visiting her before the series started theater chops and I read the script she was working on. I asked her what she thought about me audition- by Jerry Nunn actor. I stayed in Chicago for 22 years. ing for a certain role. She set up the audition, WCT: Where did you go after that? and it was up to me after that. Chicago Cabaret Professionals (CCP) will cel- SW: I came to New York. I was ready for a WCT: So it was not given to you because of ebrate in a big way this October with an an- new adventure anyway and it just happened to your sister? niversary gala at Park West. coincide with getting Nurse Jackie. I moved to SW: It was quite the opposite. I had to work Performer Stephen Wallem will be the or- New York in 2008. a lot harder. She opened that first door and ganization’s national honoree. The Rockford, WCT: Did you study acting and then try wound up making it all the way down to the Illinois, native is known for playing the role theater roles, or the other way around? final read for this character but didn’t get it. of gay jack-of-all-trades Thor Lundgren on the SW: I have been doing musical theater my They liked me so much at the network that the Showtime feature Nurse Jackie. However, he entire life. I basically started when I was 8 creative team wrote the role of Thor for me. I also has extensive theater experience; he has years old. I did community theater in Rock- have been in every episode since the pilot. It won an After Dark Award for Man of La Man- ford. I went to a performing-arts school there. worked out really well since the role was tailor- cha and racked up 2,500 performances of the When I moved to Chicago there were endless made for me. Chicago hit Forever Plaid. Credits are massive opportunities. WCT: Did you twist Edie’s arm to do a caba- including Scrooge, Into the Woods and Shrek I did a little cabaret in Rockford but it wasn’t ret show with you? the Musical. He produced and performed his until I went to my first open mic with Beckie Stephen Wallem. SW: No, that was an incredible surprise. I had own cabaret production, Off the Wallem, and Menzie at Gentry. I think I was 19 years old. I done two cabarets in New York and we were into season three of Nurse Jackie. the cleverly titled The Other Steven and Edie, had seen her picture in the paper advertising fly Beckie Menzie in because there is nobody with Nurse Jackie co-star Edie Falco. this night and her face looked friendly to me. Edie, by the way, is the most supportive better. She has been my mentor since I was 19 friend and has come to every one of my shows Also being honored with CCP’s Gold Coast I knew nothing about her but quietly started as far as honing my cabaret skills. When she Award at the Park West gala is local Denise Mc- going to the open mics downtown. I finally got in New York since we started on the show. called me to tell me that I was getting this We were at a press event when out of the Gowan Tracy who hosts a Monday Night Live up the nerve to stand up and sing. I’ve been honor, it was a little tough not to burst into at restaurant Petterino’s each week with music doing it ever since! blue she turned to me and told me she was tears. She will be performing with me at the thinking about doing a cabaret show. She add- supervisor Beckie Menzie. WCT: So gay bars have made you what you night of the gala. The mighty Thor hammered out his history are today... ed, “Only if you will do it with me.” After I WCT: Have been to the Monday Night Live picked my jaw up off of the floor and looked at and captivating cabaret career on the phone SW: In more ways than one! [Laughs] show that she does with Denise McGowan before the benefit. WCT: My friend Denise is being honored my schedule, I course immediately said, “Yes!” Tracy at Petterino’s? We wound up developing this show together. Windy City Times: Hey, Stephen. How nice the same night so it’s a small world after all. SW: I [did] when I was still living in Chi- to see you were born and raised in Rockford, SW: It has really gone full circle when they For the record, she has a fantastic voice. She cago. They had just started it so I did go two had just not sung for years and not had an op- Illinois. announced I was getting this honor. I am still or three times. They are terrific. The days of Stephen Wallem: I was. I moved to Chicago blown away by it, knowing it got started with portunity to. Her goal was to do a cabaret show Gentry are gone but that is such a hot environ- purely for the joy of it. Press was not invited. It to go to college at Columbia. I was there for Beckie Menzie. We just had an event that I flew ment combining a restaurant with a nightclub two years, then I started getting work as an her in for. When I have a show in New York I feel at Petterino’s. Turn to page 28

“Performed with a rip-your-heart-out rawness…Explosive.” –SeeChicagoDance.com

Frank Chaves Artistic Director RIVER NORTH DANCE CHICAGO

ONE WEEKEND ONLY! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18

25TH ANNIVERSARY FALL ENGAGEMENT Friday, October 10 at 8pm Saturday, October 11 at 8pm

TICKETS: $35 - $70 TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 18 AT 10AM 312.334.7777 205 E. Randolph Drive RiverNorthChicago.com 800-745-3000 | TICKETMASTER.COM | LIVENATION.COM HarrisTheaterChicago.org THECHICAGOTHEATRE.COM 20 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES is that I’m more distracted in Los Angeles with It was scary coming out to him, but my life the sunny weather; you want to take a hike or improved a hundredfold within a month. Dustin Lance Black go to the beach. In London, I get an incredible WCT: Did you feel like a weight had been amount of writing done—there’s no tempta- lifted off your shoulders? tion outside. [Interviewer laughs.] DLB: No; I just think that you can’t under- talks marriage rights, WCT: As I’m sure you know, October is estimate the damage that closeting does to National Coming Out Month and Oct. 11 is your soul—the thousand a times a day you National Coming Out Day. Who was the first deny yourself and the love that’s in your heart. person you came out to? These are not things people should be shutting traveling and London DLB: The very first person was my best friend down: love and attraction. When you end all of Ryan. He was my closest friend in high school that [shutting down], you feel so much better. by ANDREW DAVIS and we moved to Los Angeles together to go Then there’s the very long road of the other to college. We both knew instinctively that the folks you have to come out to. For many peo- Dustin Lance Black is a charmer. other was gay, but it was just something we ple, it’s a neverending process; I decided to That much became apparent during a recent would never talk about. make my process easier by coming out in front phone conversation with the Oscar-winning He actually came out to me first, and it was of a billion people at the Oscars. [Both laugh.] screenwriter (for Milk, which starred Sean right before summer break between our sopho- Dustin Lance Black—along with trans ac- Penn). However, behind that easygoing facade more and junior years. I spent a lot of time tress Laverne Cox and out NBA player Jason is a fierce advocate for marriage rights—a fight about doing the same, and I had a girlfriend Collins—will be part of Chicago House’s that constantly takes him around the country. that summer. Upon my return to L.A., I knew it sixth-anniversary Speaker Series on Wed., (Also, that journey will bring the American was time. Part of it was all of these gay people Oct. 15, at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michi- Foundation for Equal Rights board member to coming over to our apartment at the start of gan Ave., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit http:// Chicago next week, as he’ll be part of the Chi- our junior year—and, frankly, they could tell. www.chicagohouse.org/. cago House Speaker Series.) Their gaydars were going off. [Both laugh.] I Read more about the event on page 21. Black talked with Windy City Times about his thought, “This is silly. Why would I continue professional life, why he’s more productive in to pretend?” London and his response to those LGBTs who feel too much energy is spent toward marriage equality. Windy City Times: What do you have going Benefit for Alexis ‘Laugh Out Loud’ on professionally? I know you’re in a Barney Martinez Oct. 13 at Frank documentary and another one called The Case Against 8 [about Prop 8]. movie Oct. 21 The Baton Dustin Lance Black: Oh, OK. I give my Chopin Theatre, in collaboration with Con- “Laugh Out Loud: A Queer Comedy Expe- texture TV, is presenting a fundraiser Tues- rience” will take place at The Baton Show sound bites to whoever thinks they’re useful. Dustin Lance Black. PR photo [Laughs] There’s also a miniseries that I’m writ- day, Oct. 21, 7-10 p.m. to assist transgender Lounge, 436 N. Clark St., on Monday, Oct. 13. activist Alexis Martinez and Inkspil Films Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts ing for ABC called When We Rise; that’s prob- Good for you. raise the budget needed to film her docu- at 7 p.m. ably the first thing we’ll shoot. It’s about the WCT: What is the usual focus of your talks? mentary, Alexis. The event will feature nationally known co- gay and lesbian movement from 1971 to about DLB: Most of the talks I give are about the Martinez and her activism work are the foci median Sampson McCormick as well as local last July. advantage of diversity. We’ve moved past the of this film. favorites Otis Mack and Mz. Ruff-n-Stuff. Then I’m directing a movie called The Statis- tolerance of diversity, the acceptance of di- Nic Kay (teacher and visual artist) and There is no cover. tical Probability of Love at First Sight, which versity. If you’re different from most people, co-hosted by Owen Daniel-McCarter (at- we’re hoping to shoot the first quarter of next it means you have a different perspective than torney and founder of the Transformative year. And right now I do the speaking tours; I most people—and unique perspectives are Justice Law Project in Chicago) are hosting MTV, Logo to air do fall and spring tours, and I stop in Illinois valuable in the workplace and in the commu- the event. The evening will consist of a re- quite a bit. nity. I challenge people (as I go on the road) ception, concept trailer screening, 10-min- Laverne Cox trans I’m combining corporate tours with a tour of to look at the ways in which they’re different, ute stage presentation and words from both the South with [the Human Rights Campaign] and to find the value in those differences. documentary Martinez and a representative from Project to talk about what changes are needed. Then, That speech is appropriate for an LGBT audi- MTV and Logo TV will simultaneously pre- Fierce Chicago. of course, there’s also the American Foundation ence, but it goes beyond that—to people who miere Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, on Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 at the for Equal Rights. We have a case in Virginia are treated differently because of their gender, Friday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. ET/PT. door. The event location is 1543 W. Division right now that’s in front of the Supreme Court, weight, religion or the size of their bank ac- With Emmy-nominated actress and trans- St. See www.AlexisDoc.splashthat.com. and it’s one of a handful that could bring mar- count. gender advocate Laverne Cox hosting, the riage equality to all 50 states. [Editor’s note: WCT: When I researched you, there was one-hour documentary will take viewers in- This conversation took place before Oct. 6, a lot of stuff regarding your personal life. GLAAD releases side the lives of seven transgender youth when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear What is it like having your private life out ranging from 12 to 24. any of the cases pending before them chal- there? annual television “For many of us, the ‘T’ in LGBT means more lenging state bans on marriage for same-sex DLB: I made a decision early on to share some than transgender—it also means truth,” said couples.] of the most personal things in my life out there reports Cox in a statement. “The cast members in WCT: There are some people in the LGBT with the world. That was in order to tell my GLAAD has released its two annual tele- this documentary are fearlessly living their community who feel that we’re devoting too story and, hopefully, dispel some of the myths vision reports: the 8th annual Network Re- truths and in sharing their stories will send much energy to marriage equality and not and stereotypes out there, and to encourage sponsibility Index (NRI) and the 19th annual the message to other trans youth that it’s enough to other areas. What do you say to others to do the same. Gay and lesbian people Where We Are on TV report. okay to be who you are.” those people? shouldn’t have to bare their personal lives to For the first time in its Network Respon- Immediately following the documentary’s DLB: One thing to consider is that we could the world but, like Harvey Milk said, “By com- sibility Index, which rates LGBT content on premiere, Cox will host the one-hour “Trans have a marriage-equality win in the Supreme ing out, we do change hearts and minds.” And networks during the 2013-2014 TV season Forum” with SuChin Pak live on Logo TV and Court under equal protection—and that could part of coming out is talking about who we that wrapped earlier this year, three differ- MTV.com. Cox and the subjects of the docu- have implications that go beyond marriage for love and how we love. ent networks earned “Excellent” grades in mentary will discuss transgender issues as gay and lesbian people nationwide. To some of I did that years ago, so I can’t exactly be the same year: ABC Family, HBO and MTV. well as answer questions from a live audience the people who aren’t interested in marriage— upset with the media for continuing to look at In its Where We Are on TV report—which and via social media. and that’s perfectly fine—take a look at the my personal life. It’s a choice I made because counts the number of LGBT characters in the reverberations of winning marriage equality on I think—in addition to the thousands of oth- 2014-2015 television season—GLAAD found LGBT book- the federal level. ers who have opened their lives—that’s why that 3.9 percent of primetime broadcast I also say look at the cultural reverbera- we have such an acceptance of LGBT people. scripted series regulars will be LGB charac- discussion group tions—the statewide recognition of gay and [Laughs] If people want to talk about who I’m ters, an increase from 3.3 percent last year. lesbian relationships. It starts conversations, dating and the cute, lovely things we do when To view the full reports, visit www.glaad. forms in Evanston it brings acknowledgement of relationships to we’re in love, then that’s fantastic. org/tvreport14. Former Evanston Arts Commissioner Greg the community. I want them to consider the WCT: Yes. I’ve noticed the photos you and Salustro leads a monthly discussion of books ripple effect of how marriage equality could af- Tom [Daley] have shared on Instagram and CIFF to introduce and plays by or about members of the GLBT fect issues such as housing and employment. Twitter. I do want to ask you, though: Do you community. The inaugural title is Oscar Wil- And for some, such as those in the Deep South, live in London? Roger Ebert Award de’s classic farce The Importance of Being LGBT people will be able to stay in the states Earnest. DLB: I spend a third of my time in Los Ange- The 50th Chicago International Film Fes- they love. The program is Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., in les, a third in London and a third on American tival is introducing the Roger Ebert Award. But there is more work to be done, and I’d the small reading room at the Main Library, Airlines. [Both laugh.] I’m on the road con- The award will be presented annually to appreciate you including this: People who 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston. stantly; I grew up an Army brat, and I never emerging filmmakers with a fresh and un- think we should do more than marriage equal- Copies are available at the Ra desk on the quite understood the meaning of “home.” compromising vision. ity should get to work. Do it. I agree [with second floor; to register or reserve a copy, Home is where my luggage is. The honor will be presented during the Fes- them]: If you think we should do more about WCT: What’s the main difference between call 847-448-8620 or register online. housing or protection for trans people, get to tival’s annual Awards Night on Friday, Oct. living in London and the United States? 17, at The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 work. DLB: The main difference is rain. [Laughs] It’s a civil-rights movement, and no one is E. Chestnut St. The festival runs Oct. 9-23. We get none in Los Angeles, unfortunately, and Visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com. in charge. You can create your own movement. you get a lot in England. The extension of that WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 21 Chicago House Speaker CULTURE CLUB Series to tackle THE MIDWEST PREMIERE OF “[Playwright Lucas] Hnath is quickly emerging as LGBTQ poverty ISAAC’S one of the brightest new voices of his generation.” By Gretchen Rachel Blickensderfer EYE – The New York Times In June 2013, the Williams Institute—a na- BY LUCAS HNATH tional think tank based at the University of DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law— MICHAEL HALBERSTAM released a groundbreaking study that examined poverty in the LGBT community, comparing their rates and patterns to those of hetero- sexual people nationwide. NOW PLAYING Performed at 664 Vernon Ave, Glencoe PICTURED: JÜRGEN HOOPER AND MARC GRAPEY. PHOTO BY SAVERIO TRUGLIA. The results were sobering and, according to Minutes from Chicago on the Edens or Metra the study, would “debunk the persistent ste- reotype of the affluent gay man or lesbian.” FOR TICKETS: WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG | 847-242-6000 Among its key findings, LGBT people were more vulnerable to poverty and more likely to be re- 2014/15 SEASON SPONSOR MAJOR CORPORATE SPONSOR CORPORATE SPONSOR BOOKSTORE SERIES SUPPORT ceiving cash assistance and food stamps. After surveying homeless agencies across the United States, the authors estimated that approxi- mately 40 percent of homeless or at-risk youth accessing their services were LGBT. “While we had no population based data with which to estimate poverty rates among transgender people, we noted surveys that showed very low incomes,” the study concluded. Two years earlier, The National Transgender Discrimination Survey report entitled “In- justice at Every Turn” determined that trans- gender people lived in “extreme poverty” and were “nearly four times more likely to have a household income of less than $10,000/ year compared to the general population.” For Chicago House Chief Executive Officer Rev. Stan J. Sloan, the statistics contained in Laverne Cox is slated to speak at the Speaker those reports are burned into his mind along Series. Photo by Jerry Nunn with how much attention they initially re- ceived and how, suddenly, people stopped talk- tie event in that speakers talk about the issues ing about it. “Nobody was jumping in. There that Chicago House clients face so people can was radio silence,” he recalled to Windy City actually learn about our mission,” Sloan said. Times. To that end and since its inception, the After Chicago House opened the TransLife speaker series has featured former President Center in 2013, the images and stories of its Bill Clinton as well as former Secretaries of clients alongside those of the many destitute, State Madeleine Albright and, in 2013, Hill- homeless and HIV ravaged LGB individuals and ary Rodham Clinton. “We were founded on the families the organization has supported since issues of HIV/AIDS, poverty and those issues 1985 set Sloan on a deeply personal and impas- affecting the LGBTQ community,” Sloan said. sioned mission to end the horrific devastation “We need our speakers to be well-versed in the Nan Giordano Artistic Director of poverty and economic disparity in Chicago’s intersection of all three.” “Nobody talks about the greater umbrella of LGBTQ community and nationwide. featuring a “The LGBT community has made more prog- poverty,” he added. “We just talk about pieces ress in less time than any civil rights movement of it; safe schools, homeless youth or elders WORLD PREMIERE in the history of the United States,” Sloan said. and the struggles of the transgender commu- ray “But we’ve done so at a price. We told Con- nity. Poverty hurts whether you’re white and LEEPER iconic choreographer from gress and the business community that we’re gay or black and trans*. On October 15, we TV/Film/Stage wealthy and that they need to pay attention to will start talking about it in ways that make us because we have power and influence. But us all want to start contributing and helping we started thinking that that’s who we are as people out. Our hope is that, through this dis- TICKETS START AT $15 a community when, in reality, if you’re LGBTQ, cussion, people start thinking about the fact OCTOBER 24 & 25 7:30PM you’re almost twice as likely to live in poverty. that we can be doing better in taking care of While, for the most part, white gay men con- one another.” Harris Theater for Music & Dance harristheaterchicago.org tinue to make great strides forward relative to A video to be shown at the event will feature 205 East Randolph Drive 312.334.7777 income levels, we’re not doing an adequate job two of the people whose lives Chicago House of bringing our brothers and sisters along with has helped to turn around. “It’s really difficult us.” for the trans* youth out here today,” The Trans The subject that Sloan believes “very few Life Center’s Danielle Love says in the piece. people ever talk about” will thus be the central “You’re forced to resort to doing things to sur- and critical topic at the Chicago House Sixth vive that nobody would ever imagine.” Annual Speaker Series to be held on October 15 “Being poor in America is painful,” Sloan in the Chicago Hilton’s Grand Ballroom. adds in the video. “Being poor and invisible Former LGBT liaison to the White House Gau- is even more painful. Our LGBTQ brothers and tam Raghavan will moderate a panel featuring sister living in poverty are both poor and in- Emmy-nominated transgender actor and activ- visible.” ist Laverne Cox; the Oscar-winning screenwriter With the tremendous leaps forward that have of Milk and activist Dustin Lance Black; and been made in the prevention and treatment of Jason Collins, the first openly gay player in the HIV/AIDs and with nationwide marriage equal- National Basketball Association. Together, they ity on the horizon, Sloan told Windy City Times will focus upon the roles of gender, race and that he believes the time has come to unify as the myriad of intervening factors that contrib- a community in order to engage and defeat the ute to LGBTQ poverty. poverty within it through an uncompromising, Sloan wants the event to serve as a launch- unrelenting, head-on attack. ing pad for a revolutionary campaign that Chi- “We are at a tipping point,” he said. “Either cago House is currently masterminding along- we stay together and we start looking out for side the country’s most prolific and innovative each other or we assimilate and vanish. The national advocacy organizations. time has come for LGBTQ solidarity in taking “The luncheon has taken the place of a black- care of those less fortunate in our community.” 22 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC Mary Lambert tells her ‘Secrets’ by Jerry Nunn me to do is unfathomable. It is what I always hoped and dreamed but never actually thought The bipolar lesbian who rocks mom jeans is at could happen since I was like 17. it again with a new album. Lyrics from the lat- WCT: It must have been wild when that hit est single “Secrets” tell all with a description song took off. What is one “Secret” about of the personal things that make her unique— Macklemore? including the characteristics mentioned in the ML: I think he always has a peanut butter- opening sentence. and-jelly sandwich! The massive hit “Same Love” took over the WCT: How was it performing that song with airwaves with her guest vocals on the Mackl- Madonna? emore & Ryan Lewis track that proclaims it’s ML: Madonna was incredible. She’s such an okay to be gay and not change. Our Seattle icon. To even work with her on the song was an sister then took her section and formed it into experience that I will never forget. She wiped a new song called “She Keeps Me Warm.” a tear off my face at one point. She was very During the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, sweet to me. “Same Love” was featured during a public cer- The gravity of the performance was what re- emony of 33 couples where Queen Latifah of- ally did it for me. I was definitely excited about ficiated and Madonna joined her in singing the it’s movement in my career and the implica- Mary Lambert. Photo by Autumn de Wilde chorus. tions of what this performance meant. Above Lambert’s debut album Heart on My Sleeve all, it rocked me to my core as a lesbian. If I copalian. I left the evangelical church; I feel don’t really cry when it happens; I kind of go debuts this month. We spoke to proud Mary could separate myself from my career and my ties to too many denominations. Even though I somewhere, and sometimes I sing. When they about new music and more in this interview ego and the production of it to see it for what consider myself a Christian, that journey is very are in your armpit, man, it’s not fun. by phone. it was, that’s when I broke down crying be- personal to me. My tattoo artist said he saw his work on my Windy City Times: Hi, Mary. cause it meant so much to me being in the gay WCT: You have a huge arm tattoo. Do you arm on television and it’s not done yet. There Mary Lambert: Hi, Jerry! community that this performance happened. want more? is still some work to be done, but I think I will WCT: I saw you play at [Northalsted] Mar- WCT: The new single is called “Secrets” ML: I was six hours [to get my] sleeve and be good for a couple of years! ket Days not too long ago. and I loved the remix by the Jump Smokers. I just wanted to wrap it up! It took about 32 Heart on My Sleeve comes out Tuesday, ML: You did? I loved that show. Did you approve this version? hours, and that is a lot of needle time. Some Oct. 14. Visit http://marylambertsings.com WCT: You basically played in a parking lot ML: Yes, I approve them all. I liked it. I love of the sessions were about eight hours long. I for more on this emerging artist. and somehow made it into an intimate con- all of the remixes that are out there. I think cert. they did a great job. ML: [Laughs] Good. I’m glad it translated. WCT: Is it a liberating song for you? AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the WCT: Are you heading out on tour again ML: Totally. I believe in living openly and HIV/AIDS community has made in ending soon? saying “fuck you” to guilt and shame. I think the epidemic. ML: Yeah, I am about to release the dates for those things are useless and they inhibit a lot Celebrity judges will crown the night’s best my Heart on My Sleeve Tour. I’m real excited. I of people from living fully. I know it did that creations. Attendees will also be treated to a think that there is a Chicago date. to me. I wanted to write an empowerment song light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle and WCT: There better be. because I felt that would make me really hap- punchboard with lavish prizes and music. ML: I can’t remember. I am terrible at this. py. It is about freeing yourself from stigmas. Funds raised through World of Chocolate The toughest place to play will be Utah—I’m I wanted to turn the lens on myself to invite support AFC’s policy, public education and kidding! others to do the same. community-care programs. WCT: You have such a talented family with WCT: You hit a lot of different topics. Tickets and packages are $125-$1,500; call Miranda Lambert and your gay brother Adam ML: Sometimes I feel I walk around and I am 312-334-0935 or visit http://www.aidschi- Lambert. a walking stigma. I could just hide in a hole cago.org/chocolate/. ML: I know—we are all related! [Laughs] somewhere and be miserable. I think I did. I WCT: Seriously though, what was it like went into a really dark place. I think because growing up in Seattle? of that extreme sorrow my capacity for joy is Bessie Smith rock/ Big Freedia in ML: I was born and raised about 20 minutes exponential. Going through that process of blues tribute album town Oct. 10 north of Seattle; then I incrementally moved healing and learning how to rid myself of guilt New Orleans “Queen of Bounce” Big Freedia closer to downtown, where I went to school at and shame, living unapologetically, learning available will perform at Concord Music Hall, 2047 N. Cornish College of the Arts. I just moved to the what self care is and what body positivity is Available everywhere as a digital down- Milwaukee Ave., on Friday, Oct. 10. East Coast, where I am at now. has been very important to me. load, The Empress of the Blues: A Tribute The New Orleans City Council declared Aug. Seattle is always a part of me and part of my WCT: Is “When You Sleep” the next single? To Bessie Smith takes on an indie rock and 21 “Big Freedia Day.” In addition, the Fuse artistic identity. ML: No; it was just a track for people that blues slant, featuring an all female-vocalist reality-television star’s show, Big Freedia: WCT: So you have a whole new life now. pre-ordered the album. I love that moment on line up. Queen of Bounce, has recently been renewed ML: Yeah, things have changed very rapidly. the album. It is such a deeply personal song. The album’s artists include Hailey Bonar, for a third season. I can’t imagine being that far from Seattle for WCT: What music are you listening to right Jenny Owen Youngs, Doria Roberts, Dawn Tickets are available in advance for $18. that long. I imagine I will be back soon. now? Lanes, Catherine Feeny and Daniel Dixon, WCT: You were raised by a lesbian mother. ML: I love listening to Spotify’s top new Whitney Monge, Simone White, Holly Go- Was your mom always very supportive of songs but, of course, the Sam Smith record. lightly, Tift Merrit, Barbara Kessler, Alessi’s Band Hunter you? Echosmith’s album I love. Always London Ark and Scott Verbeek, and Abigail Wash- ML: My mom and I are pretty much best Grammar—they are amazing! burn. Valentine in friends. It is funny when I came out—she said, WCT: I was wondering if you are into this Throughout the 1920s, blues icon Smith Chicago Oct. 15 “Mary, I think if you are going to experiment Meghan Trainor song “All About That Bass,” became hugely popular. However, she was Lesbian rock band Hunter Valentine will you should wait until college!” She was just with her body-empowerment lyrics. also controversial. Among other things, she be at Chicago’s Township, 2200 N. California really scared that I was going to get beat up ML: Totally. I am so happy for her success. frequented live sex shows and orgies, liter- Ave., on Wed., Oct. 15, as part of its 2014 or hate-crimed. I could understand her protec- With all of the stuff on the radio I love sifting ally beat a rival unconscious, seduced female Ladykillers Tour with Sick of Sarah. tion. She wasn’t too happy with the idea of me through and hearing intentional lyrics. I like backup dancers and had a drag-queen fol- Other cities on the tour include Miami, being gay but after a while she accepted it. I hearing a new sound and I think she has it. lowing. Philadelphia, Dallas and St. Louis. think she was just happy that I couldn’t get The song and video are so fun. She’s adorable For more information, visit www.rei- See www.huntervalentine.com. pregnant. so props to her. maginemusic.com/bessiesmith. WCT: Did you think you would then turn WCT: I heard you are a big HGTV watcher into a champion for gay rights? like me. I want to change my house after ML: I don’t know. I always wanted to be a watching it. ‘World of Chocolate’ leader and a healer. That has always been a ML: Oh my God, and I am obsessed with in- part of me. I guess I just have really strong fomercials! I would watch them until five a.m. Dec. 4 at opinions. I believe in equality for all people. and not be able to have this conversation with Union Station There are a lot of social justice issues I have in you. The 13th annual World of Chocolate will my head that I want to be a part of and impact WCT: I know you were into church growing take place Thursday, Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m., at change in the world. up. Do you go to a gay-supportive one now? Chicago Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd. I was an activist at a young age so I think ML: I am at a point now where my spirituality AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosts this that is what I always hoped for. This gift of my is a very personal journey. I am not affiliated one-of-a-kind gala to commemorate World Hunter Valentine. career and “Same Love,” what it has privileged with a church at the moment. My family is Epis- WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 23 BOOK REVIEW The author felt ill equipped to attend col- can learn from so as to embrace and love one lege, so he spent a gap year at home working another. The book also illuminates the realities My Thinning Years: at a bank, even trying a three-week Outward of male eating disorders, adding considerably Bound experience to bolster his confidence. to the literature on anorexia, still wrongly per- Starving the During this period, anorexia, bulimia, and ob- ceived as solely a female disease. Gay Within sessive running overwhelmed him as he tried Today, Croteau and his husband live in Ver- by Jon Derek Croteau to “starve the faggot inside.” Once away at col- mont. He counsels executives on empathic lege, the self-loathing and self-destructiveness leadership and inclusivity, blogs for the Huff- $14.95; Hazelden; 240 pages escalated: “binging, purging, starving, and pu- ington Post, and is a speaker with the National by JOHN KILLACKY nitive jogging” with constant use of laxatives Eating Disorders Association.

exacerbated his bulimic state. On Oct. 15, Jon Derek Croteau will be read- In my generation, gay boys and their daddies Sexual encounters were few and always com- ing from his memoir at the Norris Center at had complicated relationships. I know I did, plicated, the specter of his father loomed un- Northwestern University in Evanston and growing up in a working-class Irish Catholic der every bed. Graduating summa cum laude Oct. 16 at the Center on Halsted in Chicago. family in Chicago some 60 years ago. Middle from college in only three years, Croteau then Visit http://jonderekcroteau.com/. child of five and the oldest boy, I was not what attends graduate school at Northwestern to my dad imagined his first son to be. There study counseling psychology. This pleased, but weren’t any role models back then for parents did not appease, his father. As life progressed, ‘Out and Proud!’ or questioning children, no networks of sup- boyfriends were occasionally welcomed home, port. but visits always ended in paternal tirades and show Oct. 9, 11 at Even in high school, when I came out to an emotional devastation. older sibling, her response was, “What does Davenport’s In therapy and in his academic studies, Cro- that mean?” since popular culture demonized Melissa Young and Nick Sula will return to teau painstakingly begins to deal with his re- ‘homosexuals’ as evil, pathetic, and lonely Davenports, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., with pressed anger against his tyrannical father and outcasts. My teenage years were the worst, Young’s “Out and Proud: A Rainbow Celebra- to see his own lack of self-acceptance was the when burgeoning sexuality was at its most tion” Oct. 9 and 11 at 8 p.m. root of his eating disorder. Meeting his now conflicted and isolating. There was no one else Starting with Stonewall and Judy Garland, husband was also part of his healing journey. that shared my secret, at least that’s what I Young will follow the gay-rights timeline, “By letting in all of that love, I learned how thought, until college. matching icons (Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Bet- to truly love and accept myself,” the author There are many poignant parallels for me in te Midler) to significant moments in gay his- father; the slightest provocation would send writes. Jon Derek Croteau’s beautifully crafted memoir tory, ending at the marriage-equality fight of him to his room without dinner accompanied of surviving an abusive father and overcoming today. with welt marks from his parent’s belt. The Family reconciliations were attempted after his own anorexia and internalized homophobia. Admission is $15 and there’s a two-drink bedroom became Croteau’s sanctuary where his mother’s death, and then again after his The author dreamed of being in school musi- minimum. Visit www.davenportspianobar.com shelves, drawers, and closets were fastidiously father’s quadruple bypass surgery. All came to cals, instead his father made him play year- or call 773-278-1830. organized—no chaos here, as he sang along naught, as his father’s venomous condemna- round sports. Even after a plate in his hip was quietly to Whitney Houston. tion always erupted. In the end, though, the shattered playing football, his father forced In high school, still desperate for his fa- author finds his peace by severing ties, al- him into basketball and baseball, belittling ther’s approval, Croteau excelled by overcom- though absolving: “And even though you will Sinead O’Connor him in public and screaming at him in the car pensating: captain of the tennis team, editor never be a part of my life…I need you to know rides home about how embarrassing the boy’s at City Winery of the yearbook, president of student council that I forgive you. I have forgiven you.” ineptitude was. Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O’Connor will and honors student. He was everybody’s best Croteau’s courageous telling of his arduous Eager to please his dictatorial parent, the kick off her U.S. tour at City Winery Chicago, friend, but utterly alone as he suppressed his journey toward self-loving and acceptance is author persevered, breaking an eye socket and 1200 W. Randolph St., on Oct. 19, 20 and 22. sexuality. Girls sought boy advice from him, especially pertinent for so many gay men dis- shattering a wrist bone. His sympathetic but Tickets are $75-$115; visit www.CityWinery. and boys sought dating tips. Unrequited bro- enfranchised from their families of origin. A ineffectual mother tried and failed to inter- com. mance crushes were awkward and painful. resonate story indeed, that sons and fathers vene. At home, he avoided contact with his

Celebrate LGBT History Month at Bookends & Beginnings! in Evanston ! Thursday, Oct.! 16, 6-7:30 p.m. ! John D’Emilio! In a New Century:! Essays on Queer History, Politics, and Community! Life For LGBT people in the! U.S., the 21st century has brought dramatic changes. In this wide-ranging collection of essays, pioneering historian John D'Emilio reflects on these developments and offers provocative questions and analysis. What can we learn from a lifelong activist like Bayard Rustin, who questioned the wisdom of identity politics? Was Richard Nixon a "gay liberationist"? What's wrong with marriage? How !can knowing local stories help build stronger communities and enrich our activism? Mary Morten Miss Gay Black America: The Terri Livingston Story A young Black boy in the 1970s, Ronnie Reed stood out from the men on the South Side of Chicago and suffered prejudices and harassment until he was old enough to move away and pursue his interests in hairstyling and entertainment. Before long, he became drag performer Terri Livingston and began touring the country and the world with his act, winning the title of Miss Black America. Mary Morten, Reed’s sister, directs a new documentary which speaks to ideas of masculinity and femininity, the past and present of female impersonation in Chicago and around the country and its transformation since the 1980s. Morten, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, will !discuss her work on this film, expected out in 2015. Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen Vernita Gray: From Woodstock to the White House and co-authors of multiple Chicago LGBT history books Tracy Baim and Owen Keehnen have co-authored several books on LGBT Chicago history, including biographies of Vernita Gray (who lived part of her life in Evanston), Chuck Renslow and Jim Flint. Baim, who is publisher of Windy City Times newspaper, also edited Out & Proud in Chicago: An Overview of the City’s Gay Community, which also includes essays by Keehnen. They have also both written additional fiction and non-fiction titles. Baim and Keehnen will discuss the impact of Vernita Gray and other LGBT activists in the region.

! located down the alley at 1712 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois (224) 999-7722 http://www.facebook.com/bookendsbeginnings Plus a Special Presentation from ! Located in the heart The Legacy of downtown Evanston, Bookends Project! & Beginnings features A display of photos from the new, used, and first-of-its-kind LGBT history remaindered books, walk, on Halsted in Chicago. For Tickets, Hours and Information, Featuring people with literary events, gifts, Victor Salvo! Evanston & Chicago and local color.! Founder visit www.fearcitychicago.com connections.! 8240 N. Austin Ave., Morton Grove, IL 24 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBT athletes: Making an impact on and off the field By Ross Forman college player, came out after retiring from the sport. Davis, who played preseason games in Esera Tuaolo walked onto the fabled grass at the NFL and then in NFL Europe, is now the Wisconsin’s Lambeau Field Sept. 14 to sing the executive director of the You Can Play project, national anthem before the Green Bay Packers’ a social activism campaign dedicated to elimi- home opener against the New York Jets. He nating homophobia in sports, based around the wore a green Packers jersey with No. 98 on it slogan, “If you can play, you can play.” and admittedly was both excited and nervous. Justin Fashanu is another interesting story. In addition to his performance, the team’s pre- “Fashanu was a British footballer or soccer game ceremony included a video tribute to the player who came out in 1990. He continued to 200th anniversary of the writing of “The Star- play, in Britain, North America and New Zea- Spangled Banner” and there was a fly-over be- land for seven more years. It was over 20 years Billie Jean King and Jason Collins. Photo of Collins by Jean Albright fore the game and a standing-room-only crowd. before another professional soccer player who Tuaolo was doing something he had done be- was still playing came out. Fashanu should be Francisco 49ers. person to play for a women’s college basketball fore—in that same setting, wearing the same remembered as a pioneer who demonstrated The 1990s featured the coming-out of for- team, and Fallon Fox is an openly transgender uniform. Tuaolo, who played in the NFL from it was possible to come out in a professional mer NFL player Roy Simmons and former major mixed martial arts competitor. 1991-’99, spent two seasons with the Packers team sport and carry on playing. His unfortu- league baseball player Glenn Burke. In professional women’s sports, it has always in the early 1990s—and he sang the National nate suicide in 1998 had little or nothing to do Burke died of complications from AIDS two been slightly easier to be out, but still a long Anthem at Lambeau Oct. 17, 1991, as a rookie with his experiences as an openly gay soccer years after coming out, yet his legacy is seen road. Leigh-Ann Naidoo was out as a women’s before a game against the Chicago Bears. player,” said Jim Read, author of Justin Fasha- almost daily in the sports world and beyond— beach volleyball player for South Africa in the Tuaolo, who played at Oregon State Univer- nu the Biography.The You Can Play campaign he is credited with inventing the high-5. Burke 2004 Olympics, and Megan Rapinoe and Abby sity before being selected by Green Bay in the was launched on March 4, 2012, in honor of the also was honored at the 2014 Major League Wambach are now out soccer players. Speaking second-round of the 1991 NFL Draft, was deep death of Brendan Burke, a gay team manager Baseball All-Star Game. of soccer, Robbie Rogers became the first open- in the closet during the 1991 performance. for the Miami University (Ohio) hockey team Olympic diver Greg Louganis came out in ly gay active male soccer player in the U.S. Tuaolo is now a proud, openly gay man—and and the son of longtime NHL executive Brian 1994 and a year later, Ian Roberts, one of Aus- Jason Collins made history when he came out the Packers still wanted him back, to sing and Burke. tralia’s most popular rugby players, came out. on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and later to honor him and other former players during In 1996, elite-level figure skater Rudy Galindo when he was picked up by the Brooklyn Nets the team’s alumni weekend. It was his first trip The journey came out. basketball team, he became the first openly back to Lambeau Field since coming out pub- The mainstream sports world has a long his- In 1998, LPGA Hall of Famer Patty Sheehan gay male player in one of the four major men’s licly as gay in 1999. tory linked to the gay community, dating back came out as a lesbian. That same year, Billy sports. “It was very special, and walking into that decades. But mainstream sports also has, with- Bean also came out as gay. Bean played Major Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir finally stadium as an openly gay man was absolutely out question, been the tallest mountain for the League Baseball from 1987-1995, and earlier in confirmed what had long been speculated— amazing,” he said. “And to see and hear the LGBT community to scale. 2014 he was hired by MLB as its new “Ambas- that he is gay. support of [about] 80,000 fans was overwhelm- A year after Kopay came out, an English fig- sador for Inclusion.” Coming-outs over the past few years have ing and very emotional.” ure skater, John Curry, came out and became “As a community, we definitely have evolved, also included pro sports team presidents (Rick The moment also was very surreal for the for- the first openly gay athlete to win Olympic but there’s still a lot of work to be done. But Welts), prominent sports writers (Steve Buck- mer gridiron star, whose career also included gold. it’s still better than 15 or 20 years ago,” Tu- ley) and more. Lesbian businesswoman Laura time with five teams before he stepped off the Then, in 1977, Renée Richards won a lawsuit aolo said. “Every time a pro athlete comes out, Ricketts was already out when her family pur- field after the 1999 season with the Carolina against the U.S. Tennis Association because as well as college and high school athletes, it chased the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Panthers. she was barred as a transwoman from compet- definitely helps the cause.” In early 2014, Michael Sam came out. A for- “That probably was one of the best [rendi- ing as a woman in the 1976 U.S. Open. The coming-outs continued at a faster pace mer college football standout, he is hoping to tions of the] National Anthem I’ve ever done,” In 1981, Billie Jean King was outed by her in the 2000s, as well as the denials that some- become the first active, out NFL player. Sam said Tuaolo, who left the field to cheers and ex-lover, Marilyn Barnett. That same year, fel- one is gay. New York Mets catcher Mike Piazza, was drafted by the St. Louis Rams, ultimately countless high-fives from fans. low tennis sensation Martina Navratilova came for instance, held a press conference to an- released by the Rams and then signed to the “It was really nice for people to see me for out as a lesbian in an article in the New York nounce he is straight. Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. who I really am.” Daily News. In 2004, golf sensation Rosie Jones came Sam dreams of stepping onto an NFL field. Tuaolo, now 46 and living in Minnesota, has King and Navratilova are two of the greatest out, and the following year basketball star The entire gay community walks alongside him. seemingly come full circle. He’s no longer hid- tennis players of all time. Sheryl Swoopes did the same. (Years later, “When I see Michael Sam coming out, I ing his sexual orientation behind his pads, In 1982, the inaugural multi-sport Gay Games Swoopes revealed she was engaged to a man.) think it’s definitely a step forward for the LGBT weighed down by fear, nerves and perhaps was held in San Francisco. It was started by an In 2006, Gay Games VII was held in Chicago community in the sports realm,” Tuaolo said. guilt. His smile is now ever-present and sin- openly gay former U.S. Olympic decathlete, Dr. and the inaugural World OutGames was held “When did you think that an openly gay man cere. Tom Waddell. weeks later in Montreal—truly showcasing the would be drafted into the NFL, that’s progress. “We’re now definitely living in a different “In the gay community, people such as David size of the gay community and its passion for “It was amazing that Michael Sam came out, time, [largely] due to education that the LGBT Kopay, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and sports. but look, if he hadn’t come out [before being community has put out there,” he said. so many others … it is absolutely necessary for In 2007, John Amaechi became the first for- drafted, Sam] would have been a first- or sec- Tuaolo, who was born in Honolulu, is one of us to remember all of those people who were mer NBA player to come out. And when fellow ond-round [draft] pick, flat out. But, him com- the most prominent figures in the LGBT sports the trailblazers, those people who laid down former NBA player Tim Hardaway told a radio ing out and living his truth, [pushed him into] community. He’s an advocate, outspoken in their lives, their blood so the younger genera- station “I hate gay people,” it lead to swift the last round of the draft, which I thought support of all gay rights and one of the few tion can be who they are,” Tuaolo said. “David consequences, including firing by the basket- was ridiculous. That was a step backwards, es- gays who also can call themselves a profes- Kopay is my hero, my rock. If I didn’t read his ball team he was coaching. pecially for the in-the-closet college athlete sional athlete. book in 1996, I probably would be dead right In 2008, the gay world was awash in Mat- who wanted to come out. Now they likely are In football, for instance, that list starts with now—and I’m not joking about that. For him thew Mitcham mania as the Australian, who questioning whether or not they should come David Kopay, who in 1975 became one of the to have been brave in the 1970s and try to was the only openly gay man competing at the out because if that’s what happened to Michael first pro athletes to come out. He was an All- educate people, he really was the brave one, Beijing Summer Olympics, captured gold. Sam, that probably will happen to me, too. American running back at the University of amid death threats and so much more.” Then, in 2009, Sherri Murrell became the first “That said, we are moving forward in the Washington in 1961 who then was signed by Tuaolo met Kopay for the first time shortly out lesbian coach in NCAA Division I basket- right direction.” the San Francisco 49ers. He played professional after coming out. It was at Kopay’s Southern ball. So where will the LGBT community stand in football from 1964 to 1972. California home, “and I cried like a little baby “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come,” sports in, say, five years? His 1977 biography, The David Kopay Story, because the impact he had on my life was ab- for gays in the sports world, Tuaolo said. “Over It won’t be an issue at all, Tuaolo said. LGBTs was a bestseller—and a key factor in Tuaolo’s solutely amazing. I could never re-pay him for the last 10 years, we’ve definitely come forward will be playing in the major, male team sports, life, among others. what he did—for me and so many others. and the response from society as a whole is and coming-outs won’t be national news. “David Kopay didn’t realize that what he did “David Kopay deserves so much more respect that it is not an LGBT issue anymore; it is an “Back in the day, being gay in sports was a [by coming out] in the 1970s helped so many, and admiration [from the gay community] than equality issue.” shameful and a bad thing. But slowly it has [including] myself, Michael Sam and so, so what he now gets.” Since 2010, it truly has been a flood of LG- progressed so that being gay is not a bad many others. And I hope when I came out, it Kopay, who was born in Chicago, was a run- BTs-in-sports—and unprecedented support for thing, not a shameful thing,” Tuaolo said. too helped others,” Tuaolo said. ning back at the University of Washington LGBT rights by straight allies in sports, such For a list of more LGBT athletes, includ- Other high-level, now-out football players who then played in the NFL from 1964-’72. He as Ben Cohen and Hudson Taylor, who each ing those from other countries, see http:// include Kwame Harris, Conner Mertens, Michael rushed for 876 career yards and scored three launched organizations in 2011 for the cause. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LGBT_ Sam, Roy Simmons, Jerry Smith and Wade Da- career touchdowns. Kopay’s career included Kye Allums was the first openly transgender sportspeople. vis. All, except Mertens who is a current out stints with five teams, most notably the San WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 25 lence and former New Jersey attorney general; nated $30,000, in total, to our three beneficia- UIC policy expert named Tony Porter, co-founder of the violence preven- ries: The Night Ministry, TPAN and About Face tion organization A Call to Men; Jane Randel, Theatre. co-founder of the anti-violence campaign NO For a form, and to submit applications, to NFL’s violence panel MORE; and Rita Smith, former executive direc- contact [email protected] no later than tor of the National Coalition Against Domestic Monday, Oct. 17, 2014. Beth Richie, director of the Institute for Re- She is the author of the book Arrested Justice: Violence. A part of Chicago’s LGBT Pride Week activities search on Race and Public Policy at the Univer- Black Women, Violence and America’s Prison since 1982, PTR is an annual 10K run & 5K run/ sity of Illinois at Chicago, has been named a Nation, which chronicles the evolution of the walk focused on celebrating pride in a healthy senior adviser to the National Football League’s contemporary anti-violence movement during IOC adds way and raising funds to support the greater policy group addressing domestic violence and the time of mass incarceration in the U.S. She Chicago area LGBTQI&A community. In 2013 sexual assault. anti-bias clause has also published articles on Black feminism they had a record turnout of more than 1,600 Richie, who is openly gay, joins a previously Following the international outcry over Rus- and gender violence; race and criminal justice registrants. Overall, more than 2,200 people announced group tasked with developing the sia’s anti-gay legislation that overshadowed policy; and the social dynamics around issues participated in last year’s event by running, NFL’s educational and service programs, and to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, the of sexuality, prison abolition, and grassroots walking, volunteering and sponsoring. assist in revising the league’s personal conduct International Olympic Committee (IOC) an- organizations in African-American communi- The 10K and 5K races take place along Chi- policy. nounced in a letter to prospective host cities ties. cago’s lakefront. PTR is a Chicago Area Runners “The problem of violence, particularly against that it would be adding a new anti-discrimina- Her first book, Compelled to Crime: the Gen- Association and USA Track and Field certified women and children, can’t simply be addressed tion clause to its host city contract, according der Entrapment of Black Battered Women, is event. by public policies relying on incarceration. So to a press release from pro-LGBT group AllOut. taught in many college courses and often cited The 34th Annual PTR event will take place it’s important for organizational and grassroots Oslo, Beijing and Almaty, Kazakhstan, are the in media reports for its arguments concerning Saturday, June 27, 2015. efforts to take into account the need for educa- three candidate cities for the 2022 Games. race, gender and crime. There are new staggered start times in 2015: tion, resources, outreach and social change,” According to IOC Sports Director Christo- Her work has been supported by grants from 10K starts at 8:04 a.m., while the 5K starts at said Richie, who is professor of African-Ameri- pher Dubi, the new clause will include “the the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Ford 8:15 a.m. can studies; criminology, law, and justice; and prohibition of any form of discrimination, us- Foundation, the National Institute for Jus- For those unfamiliar with Proud to Run, visit gender and women’s studies at UIC. ing the wording of Fundamental Principle 6 of tice and the National Institute of Corrections. www.proudtorun.org. “This is a unique moment in our national the Olympic Charter.” AllOut stated that “this Among honors she has received are the Audre consciousness as we consider the impact of clause will ensure that future host cities must Lorde Legacy Award from the Union Institute, violence against women and the role of insti- abide by international human rights standards the Advocacy Award from the U.S. Department tutions in preventing and responding to it. I in order to host the games, including the pro- of Health and Human Services, and the Vision- look forward to working with the distinguished tection of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen- ary Award from the Violence Intervention Proj- panel and the NFL to address these issues and der citizens and athletes.” ect. In 2013 she was awarded an honorary de- deliver policies that will have a positive impact gree by the City University of New York (CUNY) on the individuals most affected, the league Law School. overall and social institutions more broadly as Proud to Run Richie is a board member of the Institute we strive to enhance public awareness of and on Domestic Violence in the African Commu- opens applications response to the problem of violence.” nity, the Center for Fathers’ Families and Public The league formed the expert panel after sev- for 2015 Policy, and A Call To Men, and she is a founding eral players were involved in domestic violence member of INCITE!: Women of Color Against or child-abuse incidents. beneficiaries ! Violence. Proud to Run (PTR) welcomes applications for Richie studies the ways that race or ethnic- Other members of the NFL’s domestic violence beneficiaries of the 2015 Proud to Run 5k and ity and social position affect women’s experi- ! expert panel include Lisa Friel, former head 10k run/walk. ence of violence and incarceration, focusing on ! of the sex crimes prosecution unit in the New Over its 33 years, PTR has donated more than the experiences of African-American battered York County District Attorney’s Office; Peter $350,000 to nonprofits around Chicago that Proud to Run 2014 participants. Photo by women and sexual-assault survivors. ! Harvey, board member for Futures Without Vio- serve the LGBTQ community. In 2014, it !do- Janean L. Watkins ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !Wednesday,! Oct. 22, 2014 ! ! Noon-4 p.m. ! !! Center! on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014! This free job fair is a followup event to the ! !! Wednesday,Noon-4 p.m.Windy City Oct. Times LGBTQ 22, Homeless 2014 Youth Summit held in May 2014. ! ! Noon-4 p.m. ! ! Center on Halsted, All3656 members N. Halsted, of the community Chicago can attend, with a special focus on Wednesday, Oct.! 22, 2014Center on Halsted,LGBTQ! 3656 youth. N. Halsted,Entry-level Chicago to advanced positions available.! Noon-4 p.m. This free job fair! is a followup event! to the ! Windy City Times LGBTQ HomelessThis free job Youth fair is Summita followupSnacks held event and in to beverages Maythe ! 2014. provided ! to attendees, ! Windy City Times LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit held in May 2014. ! Wednesday,Center on Halsted, 3656 Oct. N. Halsted, 22, Chicago 2014 ! plus! lots of fun give-away! prizes and gift cards.! Noon-4All members! p.m. ofAll the members community of the community can attend,Booths can just attend,with $75 for a with businesses,special a special focus $50 focus for onnon-profits on and schools.! This free job fair is a followup event to the !LGBTQ youth. Entry-level to advanced positions available.! CenterWindy City onTimes Halsted, LGBTQ Homeless 3656LGBTQ Youth N. SummitHalsted, youth. held! in Chicago MayEntry-level 2014. ! toFor advanced details on exhibiting,positions contact: available. [email protected]! ! ! ! ! Both Chicago House TransWorks and TransTech are providing advance trainings. ! All members of the community can attend, with a special focusSnacks on and beverages provided to attendees, ! ! Snacks and plusbeverages lots of fun provided give-away to prizes attendees,Chicago and gift House: ! cards. 773-248-5200! ext. 109! LGBTQ youth.This Entry-level free job fair tois aadvanced followup event positionsplus to the lots ! available. of fun give-away! prizesTransTech: !and gift [email protected] cards.! or at 773-372-3363! ! Windy City Times LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit held in BoothsMay 2014. just !$75 for businesses,! $50 for non-profits and schools.! ! Snacks and beverages provided! Booths to attendees, just For$75 !details for businesses, on exhibiting, $50 contact: for non-profits [email protected] and Sponsoredschools.! by: !! All members ofplus the lots community of fun give-away can prizes attend, and withgift cards. a special! focus on ! For! details on exhibiting,Both Chicago Housecontact: TransWorks [email protected] and TransTech are providing advance! trainings.! ! LGBTQBooths youth. just $75 Entry-level for businesses, to $50advanced for non-profits positions and schools. available.! Chicago! House: 773-248-5200 ext. 109! TransTech: [email protected]! or at 773-372-3363! ! ! For details on exhibiting, contact:Both [email protected] Chicago House TransWorks and! TransTech are providing advance trainings. ! ! Snacks and beverages provided to attendees,Chicago ! House: 773-248-5200! ext. 109! Both Chicago House TransWorks and TransTech! are providing advance trainings. ! plus lots of fun give-away prizes andTransTech: gift cards. [email protected]! Sponsored or at by: 773-372-3363 ! ! Chicago House: 773-248-5200! ext. 109! TransTech: [email protected]! or at 773-372-3363! ! ! Booths just $75 for businesses,! $50 for non-profits and schools.! ! ! For details on exhibiting, contact: [email protected]! by: ! ! Sponsored! by: ! Both Chicago House TransWorks and TransTech! are providing advance trainings. ! ! Chicago House: 773-248-5200 ext. 109! ! TransTech: [email protected] or at 773-372-3363! ! ! ! ! Sponsored by: ! ! ! ! 26 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN Egg McMuffin, for instance, pairs fluffy scram- creamy comfort I typically associate with bis- the bled eggs with a juicy slice of deliciously salty cuits and gravy. The breakfast potatoes are corned beef, topped with melted Gruyere. Meat another item that perhaps are not improved DISH lovers hit the jackpot here. All of the meats are with re-engineering. Trenchermen’s potatoes cured in house, and you can sample a bunch are long, thick spears. They’re not home fries, of them by ordering the bacon flight or pork but they’re not French fries, and while they’re flight. Few will be able to resist an order of the seasoned nicely, they don’t exactly hit the spot intriguing-sounding “bacon stuffed bacon.” as a breakfast potato would. It’s kind of like Before mine arrived, I was trying to imagine being served a small baked potato with your various scenarios in which bacon could be breakfast—it’s in the general vicinity, but it stuffed with bacon, and couldn’t really come misses the mark. up with much. The mystery was solved when Who has not found herself, perhaps a bit a sizzling plate of pork belly wrapped around bleary-eyed from Saturday night, agonizing Brunch at thick cuts of juicy ham was presented to me. over the perennial brunch dilemma: sweet or Trenchermen It’s tender and succulent, and an indulgent savory? Trenchermen solves that predicament change of pace from crispy strips of traditional once and for all. All of the entrées are savory, BY Meghan Streit bacon. but there’s a nice section of pastries and share- Buttermilk biscuits also undergo a meat-cen- able sweets. Problem solved—you get both If you’ve tired of the typical Sunday morning tric transformation. Instead of traditional sau- sweet and savory, and everybody leaves happy. pancakes-and-eggs drill, shake up your brunch sage gravy, Trencherman’s soft, fluffy biscuits My favorite of the pastries was the apricot routine with a trip to Trenchermen, where are swimming in a pool of spicy pepperoni gra- and burrata Danish. The mild and creamy bur- breakfast classics are cleverly upgraded and vy and topped with a fried egg. The pepperoni rata is a very welcome upgrade from the gelati- reinterpreted. gravy is interesting and tasty, undoubtedly a Trenchermen’s (far superior) version of the Image from Trencherman. clever change, but I found myself missing the Turn to page 28 CLASSIFIEDS ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT hour weekends. There is DAILY TAKE HOME PAY TOO!!! LEGAL SERVICES WEDDING SERVICES AVAILABLE All passenger fares that you collect you keep - you Rent an Administration Assistant! 20 years take the money home with you each night. We of- The Law Office of experience. Fluent in Microsoft Office, experienced fer medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401k plan, Alexander Weaver in everything from filing and answering phones to paid sick time, paid vacation time and provide YEAR Weddings and Ceremonies for Couples planning meetings, presentations, conventions, ‘ROUND WORK!! This job starts immediately. A class “C” 312-588-5005 Marguerite H. Griffin / Life Cycle CelebrantTM vendor markets, newsletters, e-blasts. Let me CDL with passenger endorsement is requried for this email: [email protected] Meaningful Moments / 773-919-1333 help you impress! Marc Peurye, 773-529-5950, job but we provide the training for you to obtain a CDL www.meaningfulmarguerite.com [email protected] (10/22/14-4) if you do not already have one. Must be 21+. Apply in A Full Service person at: MV Transportation, Inc. 6230 W. Gross Point Law Firm Road Niles, IL 60714 773-467-2455 Apply on-line at: ANTIQUES for the Community WINDOW TREATMENTS www.chicagobusdriverjobs.com We are easily acces- since 1988 WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE WINDOWS?: sible by the PACE 290 bus and the CTA 85A bus. We Call me! I take care of it all from design through ANTIQUE & want to put YOU to work!! Come in and apply today!! 410 S. Michigan Ave., installation, customizing to your needs. JOSEPH RICE MV Transportation, Inc. provides equal employment COLLECTIBLE MARKET Suite 628, Chicago Interiors, Inc. Full Decorating Services with a specialty and affirmative action opportunities to minorities, in window treatments for over 25 years. 773-271- Oct. 11 & 12 females, veterans, and disabled individuals, as well 2361. www.JosephRiceInteriors.com (12/10/14-13) Sat 10-4; Sun. 8-3/ $7 as other protected groups. (10/8/14-4) MASSAGE GAY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 35 YEARS - Early Buyers: 8am - 10am /$25 WINE STORE PT SALES Wine store opening in East FIRST-CLASS ASIAN MALE MASSEUR. London-trained certified Hunter Douglas© priority dealer, custom Lakeview is looking for an experienced PT (24-32 and qualified. Over 25 years of worldwide experience window treatments, free estimates and design Lake County Fairgrounds hours) Sales Associate. Requirements: Substantial (1060 E. Peterson Rd.) Grayslake and 100% attuned to your needs. Satisfaction assured. consultation - see our ad in “Connexions” - serving all wine knowledge (preferably including food and pair- Please call Dennis at 773-248-9407 (12/3/14-26) of Chicago and Suburbs - HOM, 847-541-4848, www. Plus! VINTAGE CLOTHING ings); 3 years in retail and/or food service industry; hombyrayandson.com, [email protected] & ACCESSORIES outstanding customer service skills; excellent verbal SPIRITUALITY (2/11/15-am) and written communication; enthusiasm for shar- ing your knowledge with customers; ability to work HAUNTED nights, weekends and holidays; understanding of so- HALLOWEEN cial media role in sales; ability to lift a case of wine. REAL ESTATE Flea Market We are an independently owned new business so you You Are Loved, must be flexible and willing to go the extra mile. We You Are Welcome, APARTMENTS FOR RENT - TWO Saturday, Oct 25th offer a competitive wage, employee discounts and a You Are Celebrated! BEDROOM 3pm-12am / $6 positive work environment. Please email your re- 2BED/1BATH MODERN W/VINTAGE CHARM 3606 N. COME IN COSTUME sume to [email protected]. No phone Pine Grove: $1750/Mth or $1700/2yr Unique top floor Live Music, Spooky Fun, calls please. EOE (10/15/14-2) unit in secure courtyard building. Large equal sized Hay Rides, Costume Contest Chicago Coalition of bedrooms, new kitchen w/stainless GE appliances, fin- Zombie Crawl HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Welcoming Churches ished concrete floors, walk-in closet, Laundry in build- MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK FABULOUS! Fix-up your home Dupage County Fairgrounds ing, Rooftop deck. Rent incl. heat, gas, and basic before the holiday season. Add crown molding, a fresh 60+ ministries celebrating cable. Email for pictures. Avail Immediately Larisa ZURKO • 715-526-9769 coat of paint, or a facelift for you bathroom. “A+” LGBTQ lives (312) 371-2848 [email protected] (10/8/14-2) www.zurkopromotions.com with BBB. Licensed-Bonded-Insured, One year War- www.chicagowelcomingchurches.org SONO EAST LUX LIVING 15th Floor Luxury Highrise; ranty. Free Estimates! Andy OnCall 773-244-9961. WEDDING SERVICES 2b/2b; Located in the heart of the hottest shopping. 847-328-3100 www.getandy.com (10/14/15-56) North & Clybourn Redline/8 Bus. Lake views and full CLEANING SERVICES GAY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 35 YEARS - The Oscar Swan skyline, floor to ceiling windows. 24 Hour doorman; CHESTNUT CLEANING SERVICES: We’re a house clean- carpet, tile, wood flooring, window treatments, gran- club sono--pool, hot tub, firepit, outdoor living space, ing service for homes, small businesses and small ite/stone countertops, complete remodeling services, Country Inn hardwood floors; granite; dogs welcome- pet park on buildings. We also have fabulous organizational skills custom backsplash and shower tile designs - free property; business center; fitness center; patio; in (a separate function at a separate cost that utilizes estimates and design consultation - see our ad in unit laundry. $3225. Call/text Lauren @ 773-391- your assistance) for what hasn’t been cleaned in many “Connexions” - serving all of Chicago and Suburbs - 2412 for pictures/showing. www.sonoeast.com months or years due to long-term illness, depression, HOM, 847-541-4848, www.hombyrayandson.com, (10/15/14-2) physical/mental challenges, for the elderly, if you [email protected] (2/11/15-am) have downsized and more. Depressed about going INTERIOR PAINTING AND DECORATING. Now that Fall COMMERCIAL SPACE AVAILABLE home to chaos? We can organize your chaos, straight- is here its time to clean up with some fresh colors. 2,000-3,000 SQ FT IN EDGEWATER ON BUSY BRYN en out your chaos, help you make sense of your chaos Give me a call and I’ll stop by for a free estimate. MAWR, walking distance to L, Outer Drive express and finally clean what is no longer chaos. Can we help 847-414-3422 (11/26/14-8) An 18th century estate, on 8 bus, beach, park. Ideal for retail/office. High visibil- you? Bonded and insured. Chestnut Cleaning Ser- acres available for weddings, ity, heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic in densely vice: 312-332-5575. www.ChestnutCleaning.com LEGAL SERVICES private parties, retreats, family populated neighborhood with community feel. Family (11/20/14-52) PATHWAYS IMMIGRATION LAW LLP. Amy Stern & Bren- reunions and overnight stays. owned building. (773) 443-4945 (10/8/14-4) da Treml, Attorneys & Co-founders. Amy and Brenda Cellebrate lliife’’s speciiall occasiions HELP WANTED are former officers for USCIS (formerly INS) with over at the Oscar Swan Country Inn ***DRIVERS WANTED ASAP***ON-THE-SPOT INTER- 20 years combined experience in immigration law. VIEWS*** MV Transportation, Inc. is hosting a JOB Their mission is to be the strongest advocates to gain 630.232.0173 FAIR and is conducting on the spot interviews for driv- the best possible results for your immigration case. www.oscarswan.com ers. If you like having the freedom behind the wheel They are also committed to relieving the stress sur- Geneva, IL and enjoy helping others this is the job for you!! We rounding the immigration process by communicat- want to hire 20 drivers this week - do not delay, we are ing openly, honestly, respectfully, and compassion- hiring motivated people immediately. Our bus drivers ately. www.pathwaysimmigrationlaw.com / info@ service the City of Chicago and surrounding communi- pathwaysimmigrationlaw.com / (312)-626-1880 ties. We pay $12.50/hour for weekdays and $13.00/ (11/26/14-13) WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 27

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10127502-1_10.25x13.5.indd 1 6/21/13 3:13 PM

JOB #: 10127502 10127502-1 • American Airlines Duped from 10117166-2 by: byn TITLE: LGBT – KITES PRINT PRODUCER: NORITA JONES Path: Production3:AmericanAirlines:Jobs:BillableJobs:1012000Jobs: PROJECT MANAGER: MADELINE MAHON Trim: 10.25"w x 13.5"h Bleed: None Live: 9.25"w x 12.25"h ACCOUNT MANAGER: PATRICIA VIRGILIO Page 1 of 1 Date: 6/21/13 Proof #1 ART DIRECTOR: Inks: 4/C Revised by: byn CPS CheckOut: ______SHIP: 6/21/13 PUBLICATION & INSERTION DATE: Agency Approvals: INITIALS DATE Supervisors: INITIALS DATE Windy City Idol, 6/21/13 Proofreader ______Project Mgr. ______Copywriter ______Acct. Sup. ______Art Director ______Prod. Mgr. ______Creative Director ______Client Approval: INITIALS DATE Account Exec. ______28 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

Manos Gallery 1515 W Foster Ave Chicago Through Nov. 25. 7:00pm Apollo The- http://www.LasManosGallery.com ater Studio 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago Big Freedia Booty Azz Shakin’ New Orleans http://www.pridefilmsandplays.com ‘Queen of Bounce’ Doors open 6:30pm. CALENDAR $18. All ages. 6:30pm Concord Music Monday, Oct. 13 Hall 2047 N. Milwaukee Chicago Tickets: Laugh Out Loud: a Queer Comedy Expe- http://www.clubtix.com/concordmusi- rience Commemorating National Coming Brought to you by the chall/big-freedia-at-concord-music-hall- Out Month with Sampson McCormick, Ruff combined efforts of tickets-317907?p=14512 N Stuff, and Otis Mack. 6:00pm Ba- The About Face Youth Theatre Black and ton Show Lounge 436 N Clark St Chicago Tan Supper Club Exclusive throwback to http://www.thebatonshowlounge.com Wed., Oct. 8 13017721355?ref=enivtefor001&invite the 1930s cultural phenomenon, the ‘Pan- Alan Cumming in Conversation Unabridged American Women Rebuilding France =NjY2MjI2Ny9hbmRyZXdAd2luZHljaXR5 sy Craze’ in the golden age of Chicago’s Bookstore hosts Alan Cumming in con- 1917-1924 Documents the work of bWVkaWFncm91cC5jb20vMA%3D%3D&u prohibition-era Bohemian society. Cock- versation with former Chicago Magazine hundreds of American women who left tm_source=eb tails, dining and performances including a editor-in-chief Dick Babcock at The Music comfortable lives in the US to volunteer Men’s Speed Dating Mingle with other men jazz set by vocalist Meghan Murphy. $250 CUMMING and Box Theatre. 7:00pm Music Box The- humanitarian service in France during and at a cash bar cocktail hour with light hors individual ticket. 7:00pm - 10:00pm atre 3733 N Southport Chicago Tickets: after the WWII. Through Saturday, Jan. 3, d’oeuvres before pairing off for salsa danc- Hotel InterContinental 505 N Michigan going http://bit.ly/1rAx3cl 2015 12:00pm Newberry Library 60 W ing. Experienced instructors will not only Ave Chicago 773-784-8565 http://www. Monday, Oct. 13 Walton St Chicago http://www.newberry. help break the ice, but instruct partici- aboutfacetheatre.org Tuesday, Oct. 14 org/09172014-american-women-rebuild- pants as well. $10 Pre-registration, $15 Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Asso- Actor Alan Cumming will be David Bowie Is The first retrospective of ing-france-1917-1924 at the door. Purchase tickets online now ciation October Potluck Dinner 7:00pm at the Music Box Theatre, the extraordinary career of David Bowie- before prices increase. 7:00pm Cen- DIVA: Third Anniversary Show Featuring - 10:00pm Contact an organizer for 3733 N. Southport Ave. one of the most pioneering and influential drag divas Sassy Trade, Terri Michaels, ter on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago location https://www.facebook.com/ performers of our time. More than 400 ob- Photo by Lloyd Bishop Marilyn Black, Lillyianna and Jazzelle Tickets: https://community.centeronhal- events/1547071952191307/ jects from the David Bowie Archive. $25. Boyette. Hosted by Angelique Munro, DJ sted.org/SpeedDating?srctid=1&erid=13 Bible Bingo & Late Nite Catechism Bible Through Jan. 4, 2015 12:00pm Museum Brian. No cover. 8:00pm - 11:00pm At- 17127&trid=ef9f74ad-bc00-49f3-ab22- Bingo is a comedy about the Catholic cul- of Contemporary Art (MCA) 220 East Chi- mosphere Bar 5355 N Clark St Chicago 2ed8ac715199 ture of fundraising and bingo, featuring cago Ave Chicago 312-397-4068 Tickets: http://www.atmospherebar.com World premiere of October Mourning, A the character, Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, http://www2.mcachicago.org/exhibition/ Chicago Movie Trivia for Chicago Intl Film Song for Matthew Shepard Written by a former nun who now heads a fictitious orders or other significant psychological david-bowie-is Festival Don’t you forget about all the Leslea Newman. Through Oct. 12. 7:30pm archdiocese fundraising department. conditions, as well as their friends, part- GLBT Book Discussion Greg Salustro , for- great films set in/shot in the Windy City. Theatre Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave, Chicago Now in its 21st year in Chicago. 8:00pm ners, and family members. Free. No RSVP mer Evanston Arts Commissioner, and A special night of trivia questions about 773-975-8150 http://www.theaterwit.org Royal George Theatre 1641 N Halsted needed. 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on chair of “Reeling 32” leads monthly dis- classic Chicago movies with KWizmaster Out and Proud: A Rainbow Celebration St Chicago 312-988-9000 http://www. Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago http:// cussion of books and plays by or about Kirk Williamson. Free passes and other starring Melissa Young Young, with latenitecatechism.info. Tickets: http:// www.dbsa-glbt-chicago.com/ members of the gay/lesbian/bi/transgen- prizes from Chicago International Film Nick Sula, follows the gay rights move- Or Chadash Shabbat Service with the Chi- Legacy Walk Dedication Phase !!!: Part 1 der community. The first is Oscar Wilde’s Festival, as well as a $25 bar tab grand ment through song and comedy on Na- cagoland synagogue serving LGBT Jews, 3-5pm. Dedication ceremony,3311 N. Hal- classic The Importance of Being Earnest. prize and a $10 bar tab second prize. tional Coming Out Day. $15, 2 drink mini- their families, friends and loved ones. sted, Chicago. Free admission. Followed Copies available at the Readers Advisory 8:30pm - 10:30pm R Public House, 1508 mum. Reservations recommended. Doors Membership is open to everyone. 8:00pm by 5-6:30p Dedication Celebration Pizza desk on the 2nd floor;. Register by phone W. Jarvis Ave. http://www.facebook.com/ 7:30pm. Reservations online. 8:00pm Congregation Or Chadash at Emanuel Con- Party to benefit the Legacy Project Edu- or online. Ages 16+ 7:00pm - 9:30pm qandatrivia Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret 1383 gregation 5959 N Sheridan Rd Chicago cation Initiative. [Also see related event Evanston Public Library 1703 Orrington Bear Chested Full Moon Party Hairy chest N Milwaukee Ave Chicago 773-278-1830 http://OrChadash.org Oct. 18.] 3:00pm - 6:00pm 3311 N. Ave Evanston, IL 60201 847-448-8620 contest with a $50 cash prizes. Grrr, woof, http://davenportspianobar.com/ Tickets: Halsted, Chicago http://www.legacypro- and so on. 10:00pm - 1:00am Touche http://reservations.davenportspianobar. Saturday, Oct.11 jectchicago.org/2014_Dedication_Tick- Wed., Oct. 15 6412 N Clark St Chicago http://www.tou- com/ Coming Out Day Celebrate coming out and ets.html Chicago Monthly Meeting PFLAG. All are chechicago.com raise awareness of LGBT community and welcome. Monthly on the third Wednesday. Friday, Oct. 10 Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program ( movement. 1:00am - 11:45pm Every- CLASP ) fundraiser A Taste of Africa will Call or e-mail pflagmetrochicagosouth- Robert Mapplethorpe: Photographs from Thursday, Oct. 9 where http://www.hrc.org/resources/en- feature menu items prepared by several of [email protected] or contact Keith ALMA presents Hispanic Heritage Month The Kinsey Institute Collection Photo try/the-history-of-coming-out the men currently seeking asylum, includ- McCoy at kmccoy@windycityblackpride. and National Coming Out Celebration critic Philip Gefter will deliver a lecture Street naming honors Women & Children ing Nigerian favorites. $50. Private home org or Peter Ji at [email protected]. Celebrate and support ALMA’s continu- on “Robert Mapplethorpe, Sam Wagstaff, First Books Ald. Harry Osterman will be in West Rogers Park, Chicago. 5:00pm - 11:00pm - 1:00pm Affinity Community ing work on immigration, LGBTQ rights and the Gay Sensibility.” Opening recep- unveiling a new city street name “Women 8:00pm Contact [email protected] Services 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave Garden and development of Latino LGBTQ youth tion will follow from 6 to 8 pm. Presented & Children First Way” in honor of W&CF for location http://www.broadwaychurch- Level Chicago 630-415-0622 http://pf- leaders. Two complimentary drinks, food jointly by the Grunwald Gallery and The founders, Linda Bubon and Ann Christo- chicago.com lagillinois.org and entertainment. 6:00pm - 9:00pm Kinsey Institute. Exhibit through Nov. 22. phersen. Meet-and-greet follows for the Jason Collins, Laverne Cox, Dustin Lance 5:00pm Indiana University’s Grunwald Halsted’s Bar and Grill 3441 N Hal- new owners in the bookstore with refresh- Sunday, Oct. 12 Black Chicago House speaker series 6th sted Chicago https://www.facebook. Gallery, Room 102, Henry Radford Hope ments. 10:00am NE corner of Farragut Pride Films and Plays: The Submission anniversary speaker series luncheon com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A% School of Fine Arts, Bloomington http:// and Clark St. http://www.womenandchil- About a family in the projects. Winner 11:30pm - 2:00pm Chicago Hilton and 2F%2Falmaheritagecelebration.event- indiana.edu drenfirst.com of the 2011 Laurent’s/Hatcher Award and Towers 720 S Michigan Ave Chicago 773- brite.com%2F%3Fref%3Desfb Tickets: Arts and Design Weekend Opening Recep- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the Outer Circle’s John Gassner Award for 248-5200 X 209 http://www.chicago- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alma- tion. Show featuring new works by: Tricia Chicago-area GLBT Chapter Specifically Best New Play in 2012. Sundays at 7pm house.org presents-hispanic-heritage-month-and- Rumbolz, Michael McGuire, Michelle Peter- founded to meet the needs of the Chica- and Mondays and Tuesdays at 7:30pm. national-coming-out-celebration-tickets- son-Albandoz. 6:00pm - 9:00pm Las go-area GLBT community with mood dis-

JACKIE from page 19 doubt I will ever do another show as long as I DISH from page 26 a slow and precise process that extracts the did that one. It will always have a special place flavors and aromas from the coffee bean. After in my heart plus at The Royal George is where the coffee of the month is chosen, the kitchen was not introducing the world to Edie singing. nous cheese many Danishes are stuffed with. I met my partner, Tony. He was coming into comes up with a special pastry to pair specifi- There was none of that. On my visit, the special pastry for the day was to replace me when I was leaving the show. cally with that coffee, just for the month—so, She just wanted to get back to the world of Mexican sopapillas, which were tasty, but a bit We spoke for 20 minutes then didn’t see each yeah, coffee is serious business at Trencher- singing. The fact I got to hold her hand and dense and hard, more like a cookie than a pas- other for another 12 years. We reconnected on men. lead her through developing this show will for- try. The best part was the jalapeno raspberry Facebook and have been together ever since. And to top it all off, Trenchermen’s Bucktown ever be one of the most rewarding professional jam that accompanied them. My table took to I don’t know if I would have met him if it dining room is a lovely space to enjoy a lei- and personal experiences of my life. dipping everything in the tangy, slightly spicy hadn’t been for Forever Plaid. surely morning meal (that rolls into afternoon WCT: Any plans to do a cabaret act again jam. WCT: You have been together how long? drinks, perhaps). Way back when, the North Av- with Edie? Almost as important as the food at brunch SW: Five and a half years now. enue building was home to the Luxor Russian SW: She’s very particular as to when she are the drinks—and Trenchermen does not WCT: What songs will you perform at this Baths. Original details like white tiles remain, will do it again. I know she will at some point disappoint. Boozehounds and teetotalers alike gala? and they are expertly mixed with rustic wood whether it is with me or somebody else. She’s will find something to whet their whistles. The SW: I have been looking at that. I hate to and handsome leather pieces. The vibe is kind a terrific singer so I hope she does a musical traditional mimosa is swapped for the grittier think I am old enough to do a career retrospec- of that of a turn-of-the-century saloon, except someday, too. beermosa, in which draft beer is made palat- tive but I have been doing cabaret since I was not a bit kitschy. There is indeed a sense of WCT: Do you have a favorite all-time musi- able for morning drinking with grapefruit and 19 so I have a lot of material to choose from. history on the space, and the overall aesthetic cal? honey. Or, try the wake & bake, a petit iced I would like to do at least one original song. SW: It would have to be between Sunday in coffee drink spike with coffee liqueur and Krin- is calm and confident—the perfect backdrop to My writing partner, Danny Musha, have written the Park with George and Sweeney Todd. I al- gle, a creamy liqueur with buttery and nutty let the food take center stage. a lot of songs together plus a musical we have ways look at which of the cast albums growing flavors. If you came to get your caffeine fix, Trenchermen is at 2039 W. North Ave.; call been working on. up that I have memorized and never get tired then you’re at the right place. Trenchermen 773-661-1540 or visit www.trenchermen. I have been talking to Beckie about it and of hearing. doesn’t just serve coffee, they’ve got a whole com. I will try to do my best of retrospective and WCT: You were in Forever Plaid—forever. coffee program, in which they team up each Do you need some more Sugar & Spice in pretend I am not retiring. This feels like this SW: I was for 12 years of my life with eight month with a different coffee roaster to select your life? Follow me on Twitter: @Suga- Lifetime Achievement Award but I am not go- different companies, including the national a bean to serve exclusively at brunch. The cof- rAndSpiceMS—for inside scoop and com- ing anywhere soon! tour. I just had my 20th anniversary of the first fee is brewed using the v60 pour-over method, mentary on Chicago’s dining scene. “The Song’s the Thing” benefit is on Sun- time I did it. I was in the closing cast at The day, Oct. 12, at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Royal George Theatre. I believe it was a six and Ave.; doors open at 5:45 p.m. Swing over to half run there. That was an incredible experi- chicagocabaret.org for ticket information or ence. call 800-514-ETIX. /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes1 You asked me what my favorite musical is Visit stephenwallem.com. and Forever Plaid is in a category of its own. I WINDY CITY TIMES Oct. 8, 2014 29

7pm VIIP Receptiion 8pm Generall Admiissiion BILLY MASTERS AAdvdavnacnec es aslael eN frOomW ! fryoomu ry obuar tbeanrdtern danerd &a tat “I have been given a lot of roles that are downtrodden, mammy-ish.”—Viola Davis ex- SidetrackChicago..com plains her zeal for landing the lead in How To Get Away With Murder, the best performing new one-hour drama of the season. Of course, would it kill anyone to give this woman a Kleenex? She’s made a career out of close-ups of her snot. to benefit No time for personal anecdotes this week. No bon mots from my glamorous life. No bitching about how I think T-Mobile committed fraud with false promises that left me stranded in Eastern Europe. Nope, we have to get right to Aretha Franklin on The Late Show with David Letterman. You’d think we’d be talking about how big ole Auntie Re winched herself into a strapless little prom dress. But, no. We’re gonna talk about Cissy Houston. In case you don’t know, Houston was (in her day) one of the most in-demand backup singers. She also worked closely with Franklin for decades. But presents this was not her night. Positioned over Aretha’s right hock, she was constantly on camera. We got to see her roll her eyes, grimace and sneer. What we didn’t see was much singing. That heavy lifting was left to the four other backup singers, who also Aretha Franklin might’ve said, “Houston, we Thanks to shimmied and did hand gestures that Cissy have a problem,” according to Billy. Photo our wonderful clearly wasn’t interested in. I couldn’t tell if by Jerry Nunn sponsors: she was pissed off, bored or if her dentures were slipping. But I know I’ve seen that scowl Keanu’s home? The crew called Keanu, he called before. And then it hit me. When Oprah asked 911 (which at this point is probably on speed HHoossttss:: DDeebbbbiiee FFooxx Cissy, “Would it have bothered you if your dial) and they ejected the intruder. && TTeeqquuiillaa MMoocckkiinnggbbiirrdd Directed by Jeff Lynch daughter, Whitney, was gay?” Without batting Speaking of nudity, Magic Mike XXL is in the Directed by Jeff Lynch an eye, Cissy said, “Absolutely!” When Aretha midst of filming. New people have joined the showed up on the Today show for an encore, cast, including Michael Strahan. (I do hope it’s Cissy was nowhere in sight. not a speaking role—that lisp annoys me.) We 33334499 N.. Haallsstteedd SiiddeettrraacckkChhiiccaaggoo..ccoom We hear that Melissa Rivers will be filing a got our hands on some pics from the set featur- VVaalleett Paarrkkiinngg Avvaaiillaabbllee.. lawsuit against the clinic where her mother, ing Joe Manganiello, Channing Tatum and Matt Joan Rivers, underwent cardiac arrest. Ac- Bomer—and, for some reason, everyone in the cording to insiders, the suit will also include photos seem obsessed with Matt’s abs, which the doctor who allegedly did an unauthorized have never looked better. You can check ‘em biopsy. That doctor, Gwen Korovin, is well-re- out at BillyMasters.com. spected and has quite a glittery clientele that This leads perfectly into our “Ask Billy” ques- includes people like Celine Dion, Lady Gaga and tion. Larry in a Boston suburb asks, “Who is Ariana Grande. It’s just so sad. Why? WHY! Why Ellen DeGeneres’ hot gardener, Nick? I hear he’s night couldn’t this have happened to one of them gonna be in ‘Magic Mike XL’. Tell me he’s gay, or and not Auntie Joan? On the other hand, I can that you have nude photos of him.” with assure you that Joan would not only be thrilled Nick the Gardener is actually Billy Reilich, an to leave this world in a controversial way, but assistant basketball coach for the Indiana Uni- she’d want Missy to take that clinic and doctor versity South Bend Titans. He’s also a member for all they’re worth. of the Cream Pies, a quartet that does funny My darling Sherri Shepherd is playing Madam music videos. At the beginning of the year, the in Cinderella on Broadway opposite KeKe Palm- group of four attractive guys made a video for er until Nov. 25. Busy as they are, they took the song “I Love You, Ellen,” which included some time off to check out a new musical about Billy/Nick clad only in a pair of Ellen undies WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE the sensational singer, Sylvester. Mighty Real: saying, “I’ll happily be your pool boy.” The A Fabulous Sylvester Musical is playing in NYC video caught Ellen’s attention and she featured WANDA SYKES at the Theatre at St. Clements. It’s being pro- it on her show five days after they posted it. duced by my pal, Sheryl Lee Ralph, in associa- Three days later, they were on the show, with SAT., OCTOBER 18 tion with her DIVA Foundation. In fact, we hear DeGeneres making the hunky 23-year-old doff that the guy who plays Sylvester will make an his top. The rest, as they say, is history. appearance at this year’s Divas Simply Singing. While everyone swears he’s straight, there’s One rarely speaks of Keanu Reeves any more, more to Billy than meets the eye. Someone PluS and that truly doesn’t bother me in the slight- sent me quite a few nude photos purportedly est. However, I was amused to hear that he of him—and we’re talking full frontal, full DINNER AND DRINKS recently had not one but two uninvited guests arousal, full backal, full everything. The pics FOR TWO AT in his fortress-type Hollywood Hills home. The first surfaced on some websites that have since SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 first happened Sept. 15. At 5 a.m., he awoke deleted them. I’m told that the proprietors of SWEETWATER to sounds coming from his library—and let’s those sites received very polite requests from (A $100 VAluE, stop and think when the last time we visited Billy himself—thus authenticating every inch NOT INCluDING TAX & TIP) somebody whose house had a library. Keanu of them. It’s entirely possible I’ll do the same if TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 18 AT 10AM THECHICAGOTHEATRE.COM went to the library, and found a woman in her I hear from him. After all, 23-year-olds have a 800-745-3000 | TICKETMASTER.COM | LIVENATION.COM mid-40s sitting in a chair reading a book— way of being SO convincing. In the meantime, which one would do in a library. When she saw you can enjoy them over at BillyMasters.com. Keanu, she said she was there to meet him. He When we’re showing you more than a gar- www.sweetwatertavernandgrille.com calmly called 911, and off she went (hopefully dener’s bush, it’s definitely time to end yet he at least gave her an autograph). How did another column. You can see everything I’ve TO WIN: this middle-aged woman get into the house? mentioned here and much, much more at www. Send an email with “WANDA” in the subject line to Reeves forgot to set the alarm. BillyMasters.com, the site always delivers you [email protected] Days later, a cleaning crew was at Keanu’s more than a bushel and a peck. If you’ve got a Winner will be chosen at random from home. Another woman just sauntered in, went question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters. all entries received by 10 a.m., Mon., Oct. 13. com and I promise to get back to you before we to the bathroom, took a shower and then One entry per person, please. jumped into the pool naked. Needless to say, find out what else Keanu’s house and the White the cleaners were suspicious—after all, when House have in common. So, until next time, re- was the last time a naked woman was seen at member, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. 30 Oct. 8, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES having fun at the same time.” “Our membership has changed through the WSGA thrives after WSGA membership is updated through a bi- years, and so have their interests and needs. monthly newsletter and weekly emails which For the future, we are looking to become more provide detailed information on events spon- than a social event-driven organization and fo- more than 40 years sored by the group and other events of interest cus on other life enrichment opportunities for to the LGBT community. our members.” “As an organization that has been in place For more information on WSGA, visit the or- in the gay community for over 40 years, we depend on the ideas and ganization’s website, WSGA.com. You can also the commitment of our members,” Rivera said. email WSGA at [email protected]. By Ross Forman

The West Suburban Gay Association (WSGA) has certainly passed the test of time. It was found- CMSA preps for inaugural ed in the 1970s as an outlet for the LGBT com- munity to socialize “at a time when gay rights Capture the Flag tournament and culture were not as developed as they are now,” said WSGA President Manny Rivera. By Ross Forman The CTF tournament will be co-ed, and The WSGA is now in its fourth decade with games typically last 25 to 30 minutes. about 200 active members, led by a volunteer The Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association Teams will be made randomly, just like in board of directors which members are encour- (CMSA) is holding its first-ever, one-day, CMSA Ultimate and soccer, Rojas said. aged to join. It is open to all 21 and older from three-hour Capture the Flag (CTF) Tourna- “This is one of the sports that CMSA offers the LGBT community. ment on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Cricket Hill where you don’t necessarily need to know “In the 1970s, there were several other ac- (Montrose Fields), starting at 11 a.m. everyone on your team, but throughout the tive gay social groups in the suburbs,” Rivera The event will feature four teams, each day you’ll get to talk to them a lot more be- said. “WSGA is one of the few remaining of comprised of 12 to 20 people. There is a cause you’ll have to think strategically and such groups and has a broad geographic mem- possibility that the event could be expanded build a team,” he said. bership base, reaching as far [north] as Gurnee, to eight teams of 15 participants, organizers CMSA flag football is not playing on that [south to] Tinley Park, [west to] DeKalb and said. Saturday and CMSA soccer doesn’t start until [east to] Crown Pointe, Indiana. We also have “When I first started CMSA Ultimate, a lot 3 p.m. members who reside in Chicago. of people came up to me and suggested that Rojas said interest level will determine “When the group started, its emphasis was to CMSA should have a capture the flag league,” if future CTF tournaments, or even a CMSA provide a safe environment for gay individuals said Felipe Rojas. “At the time, I didn’t re- league, is formed. to meet and make new friendships. This was ally know how the idea would work since I “Personally, I would like to make this accomplished through the offering of legend- hadn’t played the sport in a really long time. into a charity event in the future where the WSGA President Manny Rivera. Photo by Ross ary monthly ‘house parties’ in which up to 150 It seemed like a good idea, but I wasn’t sure proceeds are donated to an LGBTQ non-for- Forman members would congregate to have a great if people would be interested in playing CTF profit organization,” Rojas said. “This past time. Dinner Dance in the fall. for weeks on end. season, CMSA Ultimate had a very success- “As society became [more] open to the LGBT “As the LGBT community has moved from Chi- “By having this one-day tournament, ful food drive where we filled over 10 boxes community, the group changed to start includ- cago and other areas of the U.S. to the Chicago CMSA and the coordinators will be able to with nonperishable food items and donated ing a wider variety of events, such as outings suburbs for a wide variety of reasons, including see firsthand if there is enough interest to everything to Chicago House. Chicago House to the theater, festivals, restaurants, picnics, work opportunities and lifestyle changes, the pursue this idea in the future. This is also a was overwhelmed with our donation and museums and other special events, such as do- group has diversified its events to accommo- sport that everyone has played in the past we received a really touching letter that I mestic and international vacations.” date the varied interests of its membership, ca- and probably have great memories of run- posted on the CMSA Ultimate page and that WSGA continues its commitment to provide tering to singles and couples alike and a wide ning around and trying to capture the en- I framed and have in my study. Giving back a welcoming and safe environment for the range of age groups,” Rivera said. “The group emy’s flag. I am so happy that CMSA took the to the community is something that I would LGBT community—with a modern twist. WSGA has remained strong thanks to the commitment chance to allow me to organize this event.” really like to continue to do in the future.” events now take place throughout the Chicago- of its leadership and members who truly be- Rojas, 31, plays Ultimate, flag football, So what’s the best part of CTF? land area, not just the western suburbs. Mem- lieve that no one should be isolated. beach and indoor volleyball, softball and in- The strategy, Rojas said. “It’s not about bers meet several times per month in a variety “The best part of the WSGA is serving as a ve- door soccer under the CMSA banner. He is the who runs the fastest or who is the most ath- of venues. There are at least four events per hicle for individuals to make good and lasting commissioner of Ultimate and is the CMSA letic. If you don’t know how to strategically month “to satisfy the varied interest of our friendships. Many members come to an event Capture the Flag coordinator. place your players to get the best outcome, members,” Rivera said. not knowing anyone in the group and end up Rojas said planning the CTF tournament the game can go by fast. “ One of the most popular WSGA events is its forging fast friendships within the member- was a near-two month process. Capture The Flag participants will need long-running monthly meet-up at Phoenix Bar ship. Members tend to remain with the group “Capture the flag is a traditional outdoor running or soccer shoes (for the friction). and Nightclub (formerly Hunter’s Nightclub) in for years.” game composed of two teams,” Rojas said. Registrants will receive an email asking them Elk Grove Village. The event is on the second Rivera joined the WSGA in 2000 to make new “The object of the game is to capture your to wear a certain color shirt so that each Friday of the month and “provides an opportu- friends, he said. “I met most of my closest opponent’s flag. If caught in an opponent’s team will be able to differentiate each other. nity for anyone interested to learn more about friends through the group. Without an orga- territory, players are brought to jail and can The registration fee is $5 until Oct. 6, the group to do so,” Rivera said. “These mixers nization such as this I would have never expe- only be saved by a teammate who can free $10 starting on Oct. 7. Registration is have been essential [to] bringing new members rienced meeting such a varied group of people them. There are several different renditions open until Oct. 17 at the CMSA website into the group that will allow it to be a viable and having them in my life.” of the game. We will be playing several of (chicagomsa.org). Click on the “Events” organization for another 40 years.” “In the age of Social Media and the million these renditions, [such as] where teams will tab for Capture the Flag. Or, here is WSGA holds at least 50 events annually. Its gadgets we carry around, it’s nice to be able to have more than one flag to capture so that the direct website: http://chicagomsa. most popular events include a White Party in have face to face interaction with a friend,” Ri- the games last for a longer time, where all leagueapps.com/leagues/other/39927- January, a Flannel by the Fire mixer in Febru- vera added. “As current president of the WSGA, the teams will be playing against each other 2014-capture-the-flag. ary, a charter ‘party bus’ to the Chicago Pride my mission is to enable the group to continue at the same time, and where the field will Parade in June, a pool party in July, a Leather, to provide the type of events that allow in- be limited to save people from running too Levi & Lace Party in September and a Members dividuals to develop such relationships while much.”

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