THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 November 7, 2007 • vol 23 no 08

Reba McEntire

Doubles page 24 Your Pleasure Reeling ‘Em In

Starrbooty (starring RuPaul, top), Kevin’s Room: Together (with Byron Stewart, middle) and Gendercator (featuring Amanda Coppes and Emily Wood, bottom) are just three of the dozens of A ‘Boo’-tiful films that will be shown as part of the Reeling Night page 6 International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the second-oldest event of its kind in that country. Find out about line-ups, and read profiles, interviews and reviews on pages 13-15, 19-22. Harris, Mell to Run Richard Cordova Unopposed

Runs Over BY AMY WOOTEN Obstacles page 26 The deadline to file in order to run in the next primary election (Feb. 5, 2008) has passed, cre- ating both historical and celebratory news, as well as controversy, for the local LGBT commu- nity. pick it up As of Nov. 5, the deadline to file, Rep. Greg for our ‘Siempre’ Harris, D-Chicago, will run unopposed in the th take it home Democratic primary, while activist Deb Mell is anniversary 6 (plus 11 years as Nightlines!) set to become the first open lesbian to serve in # 9 1 7 , N O V E M B E R 7 , 2 0 0 7 and the Illinois General Assembly. No Republicans or Democrats have filed in either Harris’s 13th or Forever Mell’s 40th House district races, both on Chica- page 6 go’s Northwest Side, and the incumbent in Mell’s race (Richard Bradley) has decided to not seek re-election. Amigas Latinas held its annual gala—with the theme “Siempre Latina!” (“Always Latina!”)— Harris is excited to continue his work, he told Saturday at Garden Manor, 4722 W. Armitage. Photos by Emmanuel Garcia. See more images at Windy City Times. In addition to continuing to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. www.WindyCityQueercast.com Turn to page 4 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 2 November 7, 2007 November 7, 2007 3 CheckCheck outout your index your News Christians target LGBTs 4 Mell, Harris run unopposed 4 Yorkville YMCA controversy 5 Youth AIDS forum nears 5 new neighbor. Pics: Amigas, Halloween 6 aUN[XSbYaUN[XSbY World of Chocolate kick-off 6 Local news: PROMETA, lottery 7 Lesbian book club celebrates 7 National news 8 World roundup 9 Jody Huckaby, letters 10 Viewpoint: Lazin 11 Quotelines 11 Catherine Crouch (above) and her Gay Hawaii 12 movie, Gendercator, are the subjects of a Reeling-related feature. See page 20. photo by Amanda Betts for the film Stray Dogs ENTERTAINMENT Reeling roundup 13 Knight at the Movies 14 Interview with RuPaul 15 Theater 16 Offering a mouth-watering array of fully-prepared, all-natural Thanksgiving meals Director Alicia Salzer 19 and side dishes. Place your order at our Holiday Table by Sunday, November 18. Reeling feature: Gendercator 20 Reba McEntire interview 24 Starrlight: Mario Lopez 24 off Thanksgiving $ Holiday Dinner OUTLINES of $29 or more Real estate ads 22 5 Halsted & 3640 N. Halsted (773) 472-0400 www.wholefoods.com Waveland Classifieds 23 Expires 11/22/2007. Void if duplicated. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one Calendar, Q&B, local briefs 25 coupon per customer per visit. Valid at Whole Foods Market Northalsted only. PLU 32744 Free Parking! Sports 26 Richard Knight, Jr., reviews Lions for —Richard Cordova; Ross’ journey Lambs (featuring Tom Cruise, above). See page 14.

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the joy of six 1-866-881-7535 Six years later, come see what Night- spots is up to. photo by Kirk Williamson. 4 November 7, 2007 It references “all those statutes to the mother “means good-bye to textbooks that say you’re general reference to other laws where the pro- nondiscrimination statute,” Kessler said. “It either a boy or a girl, that marriage is only for a tections were detailed. cleans up areas such as charter schools, postsec- man and a woman, and that the natural family is “This bill takes existing law and puts it in ev- ondary education, the responsibilities of school a father, a mother, and their children,” CCF has ery part of the Education Code,” Kors said. “It governing boards and some statutes related to said. simply makes it really clear for administrators curriculum.” “[It] means radical curriculum changes that and puts the categories directly into the code But Sacramento-based Capitol Resource Fam- include transvestite speakers and transsexual rather than referring you [elsewhere]. Nothing ily Impact calls the new law “outrageous,” al- videos, classroom handouts on sex-change op- is being changed legally.” leging it will “result in reverse discrimination erations, and curriculum teaching children ho- Kors said anti-gay activists “are always look- against religious students and students with tra- mosexual ‘marriage’ is completely normal,” the ing for the issue they can use to rile up their ditional family values” and “force ... alternative group said. base and, with the same-sex marriage bill ve- lifestyles ... on California’s schoolchildren.” TVC has charged that the law “cleverly accom- toed, this is what they’re going after.” CRFI has about 130 days to gather 433,071 plishes two major goals of radical homosexual “They are absolutely making up things that valid voter signatures to put a referendum on activists: It gives pro-homosexual teachers free this law ... does not do,” he said. “We have had the ballot. reign [sic] to teach whatever they want about seven years to see what these protections did or The organization believes the law could be the alleged positive aspects of homosexuality— did not do. used to require “gender-neutral bathrooms and and it silences all opposition to it.” “The Legislature did not pass, and the Repub- locker rooms” and “opens the door for gay activ- In an interview, EQCA’s Kors said all the pro- lican governor did not sign, a bill that prohibits ists to challenge such institutions as a home- tections included in the new law actually took saying there are mothers and fathers,” Kors said. coming ‘king’ and ‘queen,’ or biology lessons effect in 2000, and the new law merely specifi- “And even if the right wing repeals this law, which refer to ‘male’ and ‘female.’” cally elaborates these protections in parts of the all these exact protections still exist, because EQCA calls CRFI’s claims “deceptive Education Code that, until now, only had made they’re in a law from 2000.” propaganda.” “It is ironic that an organization that alleges MELL from cover to promote ‘family values’ has chosen to fight a law that will protect all California youth based push his civil-union bill, he wants to work on Equality California Legislative Director Alice on religion, race, nationality and gender, not the problem of homeless youth, create more Kessler. Rex Wockner file photo. just sexual orientation,” said EQCA Executive protections for those in nursing homes, tackle Director Geoff Kors. transit and more. “In a desperate attempt to deny full equal- As far running unopposed, Harris takes that Christians Target ity to people—and in this case, youth—who as a good sign. “It makes me feel good people LGBT Student identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, in this district think I’m pushing their same right-wing extremists continue to wage a mis- agendas,” Harris said. guided attack on the Student Civil Rights Act. Deb Mell, a same-sex marriage activist from Protections They are using fear-based tactics and decep- by Rex Wockner a very political family (her father is political tive propaganda to repeal legislation that has powerhouse Alderman Dick Mell and her broth- already received the approval of the Legislature Anti-gay activists will attempt to use the Cali- er-in-law is Gov. Rod Blagojevich) is expected and Gov. Schwarzenegger.” fornia ballot-initiative process to undo a new to represent the 40th District and make history Other groups opposing the law include the Cal- law that synchronized the state Education Code by becoming the first out lesbian in the Illinois ifornia Family Council (CFC), the Campaign for with existing laws that prohibit discrimination General Assembly. Children and Families (CCF) and the Traditional against LGBT people. “We’re thrilled with Greg; we’re thrilled with Values Coalition (TVC). Signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Mell,” Equality Illinois’ Rick Garcia said. He Greg Harris at one of his recent CFC says the law “silence[s] students and Oct. 12, the Student Civil Rights Act mandates, told Windy City Times that he hopes next time fundraisers. Photo by Andrew Davis teachers from the free expression of beliefs and among other things, that “No teacher shall give around there will be even more openly gay and opinions that run contrary to total and complete instruction nor shall a school district sponsor lesbian people running for office. (48th Ward). “Ms. Steans and her husband, Leo acceptance of all forms of sexual behavior.” any activity that promotes a discriminatory bias Meanwhile, as the community celebrates the Smith, will have to convince voters that the CCF President Randy Thomasson said: “Arnold because of” sexual orientation. victories, some in the community have been hundreds of thousands of dollars they have Schwarzenegger has delivered young children The act amended several Education Code sec- criticizing the amount of warning state Sen. contributed toward politicians of both par- into the hands of those who will introduce them tions to ensure they conform with other laws, Carol Ronen, D-Chicago, provided when she ties (more than $150,000 to Gov. Blagojevich to alternative sexual lifestyles. This means chil- said Alice Kessler, legislative director of the announced via e-mail Oct. 22 that she would alone), is not more than just the appearance dren as young as five years old will be mentally statewide LGBT lobby group Equality California retire from her seat Jan. 7, 2008, after 15 years of the pay-to-play politics that is ruining this molested in school classrooms.” (EQCA). in the General Assembly. state and nation.” The law is “about sexual indoctrination” and Ronen has been a significant ally for the local Ben Joravsky wrote on the Reader blog, LGBT community, having sponsored the 2005 “Ronen’s move left local independents seeth- discrimination law banning sexual orientation ing,” adding that the 48th Ward has a long his- discrimination in housing, public accommoda- tory of hand-picking successors. He mentioned tions and jobs. that some “suspect that Ronen tipped off Ste- Democrats Heather Steans and Suzanne Elder ans, a large contributor to her campaign.” have filed to run for Ronen’s open seat in the Elder, an Edgewater school activist, filed on progressive 7th District. Despite the small win- Nov. 5. She is currently leading the effort to dow of time to collect the required 1,000 sig- advance The Care of Students with Diabetes Act natures, Steans, a Democratic fundraiser from in the General Assembly. She has worked with a prominent philanthropic family, was able to the Institute for Public Policy Research, and 1508 W. JARVIS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60626 file on Nov. 1. Ronen endorsed Steans, one of is focused on state health policies and public ROGERS PARK • JARVIS & N. GREENVIEW • RED LINE JARVIS EL STOP the largest Democratic contributors in her area. safety for children. She has lived in the district TEL 773 508 5565 Steans has contributed to both Ronen and for over 25 years. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., who also voiced Garcia called both Steans and Elder “strong SPECIALTY WINE & BEER LIST - FULL BAR - DRINK SPECIALS her support of the candidate. Her husband, Leo candidates,” saying Steans is “right on issues” WINE & BEER TASTINGS Smith, is also a large contributor. while Elder is a “great representative for the Steans worked in the financial department for community.” OUTDOOR SEATING - CARRY OUT a number of non-profits and government agen- “This is the world of politics,” he said regard- SUNDAY BRUNCH cies, and has been involved with the Donor’s ing varying opinions on Ronen’s notice. “Some- Forum, the Erikson Institute and more. Her times there is time; sometimes there isn’t. I’m HOURS TUES-SAT 5 PM-12 AM, SUN 11 AM-10 PM, CLOSED MONDAYS husband is involved in Birth to Five Illinois, confident they will continue [Ronen’s] lega- WEB www.gruppodiamici.com a political action committee that lobbied and cy.” supported Illinois state legislators on the im- According to Garcia, there were strong efforts Understanding insurance and financial portance of the first five years of life. to draft Harris for the seat, and he feels Harris NEIGHBORS services can be tough. That’s why I’m Steans father, Harrison Steans, as well as her made a “wise decision” to stay in the House. ASK QUESTIONS. here to answer your questions, from auto mother, are heavy contributors to the Repub- In other news, a gay Democratic candidate insurance to retirement savings plans. So lican Party, although both have recently given has filed to run for Cook County Board of Re- GOOD NEIGHBORS start by asking me about our great prices. to Sen. Barack Obama. view (Tax Appeals). Jay Paul Deratany is a PROVIDE ANSWERS. Nobody can match our combination Many have voiced their disappointment in human-rights advocate, and was named one of service and low rates. Ronen. “As far as the tactics of manipulating of Chicago’s “Superlawyers” in 2006 and 2007. 5JGC3GTUCF-Q[GT$IGPV access to the ballot, Senator Ronen’s actions Although only 4,000 signatures were required 4911 N. Lincoln Ave. are as unfair to Ms. Steans as to any other to enter the race, Deratany collected over Chicago, IL 60625 citizen of the 7th district,” Chris Lawrence 13,000. Bus 773-878-8883 Fax 773-878-8903 wrote on the Chicago Reader’s Clout City blog. Schakowsky, Cook County Commissioners For- LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, TM www.rheajoyer.com rest Claypool and Mike Quigley, and Cook Coun- STATE FARM IS THERE. Lawrence was bumped off the ballot when he tried to run against Alderman Mary Ann Smith ty Assessor Jim Houlihan all support Deratany. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company - Bloomington, IL; State Farm Florida Insurance Company - Winter Haven, FL; State Farm Lloyds - Dallas, TX. Consult your legal or tax advisor for specific advice. November 7, 2007 5 The local Heritage YMCA is another example. “We’re comfortable with keeping [the policy] Bobbitt said that if it is an issue, people have YMCA Policy It has had a gay-friendly policy in place for 10 this way” Bobbitt said. He is concerned that the ability to make a request to him. years. two roommates could take advantage of same- YMCA of the USA recognizes that the tide is Causes “We’ve had quite a change of guards” over the sex family discount rates, and thinks the current changing. In 2002, YMCA of the USA formed years, said Heritage YMCA Director of Marketing policy is more “financially sound.” SPEAK (Serving People with Equality, Accep- Yorkville and Communications DeeDee McDevitt. She said According to Bobbitt, there are gay staff tance and Kindness), a diversity group to ad- no specific event or outcry caused the change members at the Fox Valley Family YMCA, as well dress its employees’ LGBTQ-related issues. The to Pause “other than going back to our mission, making as deeply religious staff members who support group educates national and local staff about By AMY WOOTEN sure we embrace all folks. That’s our position as the current policy. Although his main concern LGBTQ issues. we move forward.” is finding out if taxpayers want their money There is also YMCA GLBT, an affinity group for How could two YMCA facilities not all that far According to McDevitt, same-sex couples spent on a new pool, he said, he welcomes the YMCA professionals and volunteers. Its mission from one another have differing policies when it aren’t the only ones who benefit from a YMCA discussion, even though he thinks the aldermen is to “change the current Y culture from ‘toler- comes to extending discount family membership being aware of the multiple definitions of “fam- were unaware of the policy until a local reporter ance’ to respect based on knowledge,” per its rates to same-sex families? ily.” pointed it out to them. Web site. The group organized in 2006. This question comes in the wake of recent “How about a grandfather and a son who lost “I think it’s good to bring this to people’s at- The two Yorkville aldermen who have said they news that suburban Yorkville’s city council is his wife?” she asked. “That’s a family to us. tention,” he said. “When it comes to same-sex definitely do not support building a YMCA that split regarding if taxpayer money should be There’s not one definition of the word ‘family.’” marriages, I’m all for it on a personal level, but I doesn’t offer discounts to same-sex families, spent constructing a YMCA pool. The conflict Heritage YMCA does not track how many work at the Y,” Bobbitt continued. “My job is to Wally Werderich and Joseph Plocher, did not re- exists because the community branch’s current same-sex families utilize the policy. First of all, enforce the policies that are in place.” spond to requests for comment before deadline. policy doesn’t extend discount family member- Heritage only asks for the name of the head of ship rates to same-sex families. The Fox Val- the household. Secondly, “[i]t doesn’t matter,” Krieger said. “If people know that, they are ley Times recently reported that at least four McDevitt said. Youth HIV/AIDS not going to get tested,” she continued. She Yorkville alderman have expressed reservations Heritage YMCA policy now extends fam- feels the policy needs to be changed in order with spending between $2 million and $6 mil- ily memberships to two adults who live in the Forum on Tap to make progress and tackle the alarming rates By AMY WOOTEN lion constructing a Yorkville YMCA pool while same house. The policy can save a lesbian or gay of infection among Illinois teens. the Fox Valley Family YMCA does not extend fam- couple $200 or more per year, compared to Fox Ormsby added that under the statute, all au- Those concerned about the rising rates of HIV/ ily memberships to lesbians and gays. Valley Family YMCA locations. thorized to know a child’s HIV-positive status AIDS infection among Illinois teens will soon Fox Valley Family YMCA currently has branches McDevitt said she isn’t concerned that people include the principal, school nurse and teacher, convene to confront the issue. in Plano and Sandwich. Meanwhile, Heritage might take advantage of such a policy. “We’re making it possible for word to spread, poten- On Nov. 9, a forum organized by The Chil- YMCA, which has locations in Aurora, Naperville here to serve them when they come in the door, tially causing harm to the student. dren’s Place Association will take place in order and Oswego, has a different, gay-friendly policy. and make them feel welcome and comfortable.” State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, to address the problem affecting Illinois ado- The Yorkville location wouldn’t be far from these Fox Valley Family YMCA, which would be in will participate in the forum because she was lescents. At the forum, teens from Broadway gay-friendly locations. charge of the Yorkville facility, does not extend “alarmed” when the notification statute was Youth Center will share their stories and local YMCA of the USA treats community branches family memberships to gay and lesbian fami- brought to her attention. She called it “cultur- experts will reveal new statistics and facts. as independently governed agencies that have lies. Fox Valley Family YMCA Executive Director ally insensitive.” Feigenholtz told Windy City Among those facts is that up to 50 percent final say in policy changes, said YMCA of the Andrew Bobbitt told Windy City Times that he Times that she is working with HIV/AIDS advo- of new infection rates in the state are among USA Media Relations Manager Leah Pouw. Each doesn’t recall receiving any formal requests to cates to repeal the statute. those ages 13-24. However, the high rates of YMCA creates its own policies regarding family change the policy, but encourages people to Tackling the statute is just one piece of the infection aren’t the only concern that will be membership discounts, she said, adding that speak up if they are concerned. Bobbitt said puzzle, however. Ormsby told Windy City Times discussed. Illinois continues to have a statute each independent YMCA might even have its that if it is an issue to community members, he that the continued lack of attention to teens on its books that few, in any, states have in own procedures when it comes to changing a asks that they share their thoughts in a letter to when it comes to HIV/AIDS needs to stop. place: The law requires school principals to be policy. Pouw was unsure how many YMCA af- him. “They are an overlooked group,” he said. notified if a student tests positive. filiates have extended their family membership Requests regarding policy changes would then There are many issues and obstacles that The association’s Cathy Krieger is upset by rates to same-sex families. There are currently to go the membership committee, which would teens face, Krieger said, such as youth con- new data that indicates a severe problem in 2,663 YMCAs in the United States. decide to take it to the board of directors. The cerned about their privacy while under their Illinois. “Why isn’t it 0 percent?” she asked. According to We Are Family Too, an organi- board’s job is to create and change the policy, parent’s insurance; teens who are without a Krieger added that new data gives her reason zation for same-sex family inclusion, a number and Bobbitt’s charged with enforcing it, he home and are not under state care; and more. to believe that rates of infection among adoles- of YMCAs extend their family rates to families said. “We need a comprehensive targeted approach cents are even higher than what state and city headed by lesbians and gays, including locations “We try to consider all the requests of mem- to that age group,” Feigenholtz said. “We need public health departments previously thought. in California, New York, Maryland, Georgia and bers at the time they are brought up,” Bobbitt an accelerated road map to get where we want The notification statute was passed in 1987, Indiana. There are YMCA facilities that also host said. to get with youth.” and modified in 1988, at what association events specifically for the LGBT community. On two occasions in the past five years, the The Children’s Place Association-sponsored spokesman David Ormsby calls “the height of A Fargo, N.D., YMCA changed its policy after membership committee and board of directors forum—which will take place Fri., Nov. 9 at the ignorance of HIV/AIDS.” It was a time a three-year discussion following a lesbian cou- looked into the family membership definition. the Chicago InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. when people were scared, and didn’t know the ple’s request. In a 2002 New Hampshire case, a However, Bobbitt said he is unsure of the reason Michigan, at 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.—will feature modes of transmission. local YMCA agreed to revisit its policy and ex- for the request to revisit the policy. “It could medical experts, academics, politicians and “In this day and age, a piece of legislation tend a family membership to a lesbian couple have been a boyfriend and a girlfriend … or a HIV/AIDS-infected youth. See www.chil- like this would not pass,” he added. and their family who were previously denied a divorced couple with children,” he said. “I don’t drens-place.org. Illinois’ notification policy creates a barrier, family rate. recall.”

remembering SCOTT McPHERSON october 13, 1959 - november 7, 1992

Scott with Laura Esterman (Bessie)

with partner Danny Sotomayor

You are missed. -your pal Lori 6 November 7, 2007

Taking Scare of the Situation Scary and intriguing sights were in abundance as the Triangle Neighbors Association, a branch of the Lake View Citizens’ Council, in conjunction with the Northalsted Area Merchants Association, presented the 11th Annual North Halsted Street Halloween Parade A Celebration of the Latina Nation (with the theme “Fire Breathin’”) on Oct. 31. Thousands showed up to view the festivities Amigas Latinas held its annual gala—complete with the theme “Siempre Latina!” (“Always as the event stepped off from Belmont and Halsted and wound up at Halsted and Ros- Latina!”)—Saturday at Garden Manor, 4722 W. Armitage. The event featured everything coe. Over $5,000 in costume contest cash and prizes, including airline tickets for two, from an open bar to award presentations to various forms of entertainment, including were presented to winners—and there was also post-parade entertainment. Photos by dancing. Photos by Emmanuel Garcia. See more images at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. Kat Fitzgerald. See more images at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and www.MysticImag- com. esPhotography.com.

Just ‘Dream’-y The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) held a kick-off party for its upcoming annual World of Chocolate-Sweet Dreams gala. The invite-only preview party was an opportunity for host committee members, awardees and vendors to meet. AFC Executive Director Mark Ishaug introduced this year’s seven awardees, who will each receive $5,000 micro-grants from the AFC. The micro-grants are given by the AFC to organizations that are located in Chicago but are doing international HIV/AIDS work. The Nov. 29 gala—which will take place at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan—will feature a celebrity-judged competition featuring a variety of chocolate creations by chocolatiers and restaurants. Photos and text by Emmanuel Garcia. November 7, 2007 7 change the program in a way that could limit its Meth Task availability to a single nine-month period. “The measure passed the General Assembly Force Member in June and received an amendatory veto from the governor in August,” the release continued. Criticizes (Both houses overrode the veto Oct. 11.) “His changes, if accepted by the General Assembly, Company’s would stipulate that no more than two charity scratch-off tickets could be offered for sale at Findings one time, and for no longer than nine months. By Andrew Davis ... Since Yarbrough’s ticket expires in 2012, the governor’s changes might have made the ticket A member of the Chicago Crystal Meth Task Force available only once before it expired.” (CCMTF) has criticized the results of an experi- When asked why the governor vetoed the ment involving a controversial drug treatment measure, Justin DeJong, the communications program. director of Blagojevich’s Office of Management Last week, Hythiam, Inc.,—the company be- and Budget, responded with a statement. The hind the PROMETA treatment program, which has statement said that “the Governor wholly sup- been used to combat meth, alcohol and cocaine ports the intent of the bill” but added that the dependence—released the results of a 30-day amendments “were technical in nature based on randomized study conducted by addiction expert how and when the Illinois Lottery administers Dr. Harold C. Urschel, III, on meth-dependent special lottery tickets. Offering a great number individuals. (The study utilized PROMETA and of lottery tickets for this and other important placebo treatments—44 individuals in each.) causes can cannibalize overall ticket sales and Urschel said in a press release that the study therefore impact the level of funding for each showed a “statistically significant reduction of cause. The Governor requested that the legisla- cravings over placebo in treatment-seeking, tion be changed so only a limited number of methamphetamine-dependent subjects.” special lottery tickets can be sold at any given However, CCMTF’s Jim Pickett said that the time, so each ticket can generate the optimum results warrant a closer look. “Most people in level of money.” this study, in fact, continued to use crystal Michael O’Connor, an advocate who fought for meth,” Pickett said. “Nine patients in the PRO- the passage of the bill, had his own response to META treatment were absolutely abstinent and the statement. “As far as I’m concerned, if the six in the placebo were abstinent so, if you do [optimum] amount of money for HIV revenue the math, ... 35 people used crystal during that had been given to the various service providers month [in the PROMETA arm of the treatment]. in the state of Illinois, we would not have had ... I think that’s very telling. There’s some mea- to resort to gambling,” he said. “I know that sure of craving reduction, but what does that some people have a problem with the moral as- really mean?” pect of gambling, but from what I’ve gathered, Pickett also cited a quote he attributed to re- it looks like this is an economic solution be- searcher Gantt Galloway: “Paying for PROMETA cause nobody wants to talk about raising taxes. treatments that may reduce cravings while not ... It’s clear that there’s been no other imple- reducing methamphetamine use is like paying mentation of revenue. ... [Neither] State Sen. Lesbian Book Group for an expensive weight-loss program that de- [Jacqueline] Collins nor State Rep. Yarbrough Marks Anniversary creases hunger while not decreasing weight.” were proponents of gambling, but they saw that By Ross Forman “You could argue that it’s about the precursors the issue was bigger than other aspects. That’s to methamphetamine use,” Pickett continued. leadership.” The Lesbian Book Discussion Group celebrated its 20th anniversary on Oct. 21 at Gerber/Hart “Even getting people to stop [using] the drug O’Connor—who emphasized that he was not Library, 1127 W. Granville, with cake, champagne and readings from numerous local authors, who doesn’t address why we use the drug.” attacking the governor, but was “tired of coming shared a passage from their favorite books. Pickett also said that the small number of sub- up short”—went on to say that “[the governor] The Lesbian Book Discussion Group first met Sept. 29, 1987, and is the longest-running pro- jects and what he said is Urschel’s connection cut $1.4 million for HIV/AIDS. How are you go- gram in the library’s history. to the company chip at the credence of the ex- ing to cut money when the numbers are higher? The event featured such local writers as Achy Obejas, Jorjet Harper, Jackie Taylor and Kathie periment. “I think it should be questioned when ... There is an old saying in politics: Good poli- Bergquist, among others. the lead investigator is a licensed provider of tics is by addition, not subtraction. What I’m Karen Sendziak, a recent inductee into the Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame and the presi- the PROMETA treatment in Dallas,” Pickett said, seeing is that people are having things sub- dent of the Gerber/Hart Library’s board of directors, spearheaded the program. Kirsten Leiby, adding that he is very intrigued to hear the re- tracted from them.” chairwoman of programming, and Cheryl Pattin, coordinator of the lesbian book discussion sults of a current 120-day PROMETA study with group, also participated. Photos by Ross Forman Dr. Walter Ling—who is not affiliated with PRO- META. Rutgers Administrator Lottery Bill Gets Local Award Overcomes By MAX SMITH Gov.’s Veto, The Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Litera- ture and Creative Writing at Chicago State Uni- Becomes Law versity held its 17th Annual Writers Conference By Andrew Davis Oct. 17-20. Highlighting the Oct. 19 conference was the Advocates of the state legislative measure 8th annual induction ceremony for the Interna- known as the Quality of Life bill will celebrate tional Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African the measure becoming law with a reception at Descent. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park, Among the six people inducted was Dr. Cheryl on Nov. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Clarke, director of the Office of Diverse Commu- The statute establishes the Quality of Life lot- nity Affairs and LGBT concerns at Rutgers Uni- tery game, which would provide state-wide fund- versity in New Brunswick, N.J. She is a mem- ing opportunities for community-based and lo- ber of the graduate faculty of the Department cal governmental organizations who serve those of Women and Gender Studies and has been a most at risk for contracting HIV and developing member of the campus community since 1969. AIDS. The game will be discontinued on Dec. 31, Clarke is the author of four books of poetry 2012. since 1983: Narratives: Poems In The Tradition However, the measure had to overcome a hur- Of Black Women, Living As A Lesbian, Humid dle in order to remain intact. According to a Pitch, and Experimental Love. In addition, her press release from State Rep. Karen Yarbrough, poetry and prose have appeared in numerous D--7th Dist.—who sponsored the bill—Gov. Rod seminal publications, including This Bridge Blagojevich attempted “to weaken the law with Called My Back: Writings By Radical Women Of an amendatory veto.” To clarify, the release Color. went on to state that “[t]he governor agreed Clarke was inducted into this Hall of Fame by that the Quality of Life lottery ticket should be Haki R. Madhubuti, founder and director emeri- offered to the people of Illinois, but he tried to tus of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center. 8 November 7, 2007 workplace reported negative career attitudes D-Calif., whose vote in committee allowed the and less job commitment to their fear of nega- nomination to get to the floor of the Senate. NATIONAL tive consequences if they came out. Southwick She even showed up at the Republican news A gay activist told Huffington Post he spotted conference that crowed about the confirma- Ann Coulter at a new gay-owned West Hol- Confirmed to ROUNDUP tion, where Trent Lott, R-Miss., lauded Fein- lywood restaurant with two male escorts. Rick BY AMY WOOTEN stein as a “hero.” Jacobs reported that Coulter “became embar- Appeals Court The Democrats were not able to maintain a rassed [and] turned away” when he confronted The father of a fallen Marine won nearly by Bob Roehr filibuster on the nomination, where 60 votes the woman known for her anti-gay bigotry. $11 million in damages when a Baltimore jury are required to end debate. They lost that by Three advertisers pulled their ads from a decided that the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist The U.S. Senate voted 59-38 to confirm Les- 62 to 35. The newspaper Roll Call said that Missouri newspaper after the publication Church, notorious for picketing soldiers’ funerals lie Southwick to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Majority Leader Harry Reid had agreed to al- printed a same-sex marriage notice, accord- with signs that read “God hates fags,” invad- the Fifth Circuit on Oct. 24. The Circuit serves low a vote in return for Republican support on ing to Editor & Publisher. The Daily Star-Journal ed the family’s privacy, reported the Baltimore Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Gay and civil budgetary issues. ran a photo and announcement of a commitment Sun. rights organizations had opposed the nominee Civil rights groups had led the opposition to ceremony. U.S. Rep. Richard Curtis, R-La., resigned as being insensitive to the rights of minori- Southwick. Wade Henderson, president of the MTV’s college network, mtvU, launched the from office after a gay sex scandal was re- ties. Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, called first season of “How Do I Say This?: I’m Gay,” vealed, reported The Advocate. Curtis admitted Among the cases cited by them was a deci- the vote “a slap in the face to African Ameri- a series that is shaped by contributions made at to police that he had sex with Cody Castagna, sion that Southwick joined on while serving cans and people of good will.” www.howdoisaythis.com. The LGBT community 26. Castagna allegedly tried to blackmail the on the Mississippi bench which removed an “This vote for Leslie Southwick is a vote is encouraged to make submissions. See www. politician. eight-year-old child from her biological moth- against the dignity and safety of our families, mtvU.com for more info. The Southern Voice reports that following er, in part because the mother was a lesbian. and an insult to the millions of dedicated GLBT A man identified as “Rob” claimed he had public criticism of Sen. Barack Obama’s ties to That opinion stated that homosexuality was a parents raising happy and healthy children sexual relations with Grammy-winning “ex- an anti-gay minister featured on his campaign “choice” and one possible consequence was across the country,” said Joe Solmonese, presi- gay” gospel singer Donnie McClurkin during tour, supporters of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clin- losing one’s child. dent of the Human Rights Campaign. It had the height of his vocal anti-gay period, accord- ton say they aren’t that concerned with her In another controversial case, the judge had actively opposed the nominee. ing to Truth Wins Out. McClurkin is to appear on ties to anti-gay ministers. Anti-gay ministers upheld the reinstatement of a white state em- Matt Foreman, executive director of the Na- Barack Obama’s campaign tour. Bishop Eddie Long and Rev. Harold Mayberry ployee fired for using a racial slur against a tional Gay and Lesbian Task Force, called it In an effort eradicate the hip hop style of have donated to the Clinton campaign. Black colleague. “unconscionable that a Democratic-controlled saggy pants, a city of Dallas campaign links A new study conducted by the Williams Insti- Southwick’s supporters denied that he is a Senate, by an overwhelming majority, would the look to being gay and living “on the down tute for Sexual Orientation and Public Policy at racist and said that opponents were nit-pick- confirm a judge with such a troubling civil low,” NPR reported. The song’s refrain is “Be a the UCLA School of Law shows a huge explosion ing at two cases among the hundreds of his rights record to a lifetime seat on the federal real man—pull your pants up.” in same-sex couples in the U.S., according to decisions. bench.” The San Francisco-based Episcopal Diocese a press release. The study examined U.S. Census The vote was largely along party lines, with The vote is another in a series of events that of California recently approved same-gender Bureau data, and found that same-sex couples all of the Republicans supporting Southwick. leaves many in the liberal base of the Demo- blessings, according to an Oasis California press have quadrupled since 1990. The largest increas- They were joined by nine, generally conserva- cratic Party wondering what they have to show release. Episcopal churches in the Bay Area can es are in the Midwest, Mountain and Southern tive, Democrats. for the Party taking control of Congress. now offer same-sex blessings on a trial basis. states. The notable exception was Dianne Feinstein, A city council race in Fort Worth, Texas, got The teenage daughter of a well-known Mas- ugly when a councilman said at a Republican sachusetts anti-gay activist came out of the Women’s Club meeting that citizens should church—said, “I don’t think the family sued closet in an interview with QueerToday.com. Phelps Ordered for the monetary part of it. They sued for the Claudia Contrada’s mother belongs to MassResis- vote for fellow party member and City Coun- respect,” according to Rocky Mountain News. tance. The group has been denouncing a high cil candidate Chris Turner because he is a to Pay $10.9M , as opposed to gay Dem- However, some people are concerned about school production of The Laramie Project—in straight Republican A Baltimore, Md., federal jury has ordered the ocratic candidate Joel Burns, Fort Worth Star- the ramifications of the jury’s award. Univer- which Contrada plays a lead role. Topeka, Kan.-based Westboro Baptist Church— Telegram reported. sity of Maryland law professor Mark Graber is After 10 years of legal battle, Lambda Legal which is headed by the anti-gay zealot the Rev. The New York Post reports that quoted in The Baltimore Sun as saying that the helped former Los Angeles Police Department a gay lawyer Fred Phelps—to pay $10.9 million to the fa- verdict could restrict free speech. “While the Sergeant Mitchell Grobeson reach a settlement. is accusing a Bronx Supreme Court Judge of ther of a Marine killed in Iraq after the church . Justice Richard Lee Price actions are reprehensible, the First Amendment Los Angeles City Council approved a settlement being homophobic protested the soldier’s funeral. allegedly demanded attorney Robert Feldman protects a lot that’s reprehensible,” Graber for the non-damages portion of LAPD’s first Albert Snyder sued the church after members stop “dancing” in his courtroom “in a flamboy- said. openly gay police officer’s lawsuit, which pro- of its congregation picketed the funeral of his ant nature.” The church has protested several funerals vides protections against job discrimination son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder. “Now I know The Family Equality Council released a book around the country, saying that the soldiers’ based on sexual orientation or HIV status. it’s going to be harder for them to do it to titled Heartsongs, ac- deaths are God’s punishment for the United A new study of over 500 gay, lesbian and bi- of LGBT family poems anyone else,” Snyder said. cording to a press release from the organization. States’ tolerance of gays. sexual employees across the nation reveals that The decision received support from many, in- The book, which includes over 50 poems, can be Phelps plans to appeal the decision. working “in the closet” has a negative impact cluding other parents whose children’s funerals downloaded for free at www.familyequality.org/ on both the employee and the employer, ac- were picketed by the church. Ron Borland— resources/poetry. cording to the Rockway Institute. People who the grandfather of Tyler MacKenzie, a 20-year- thought they were working in a non-supportive old whose military funeral was targeted by the

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[email protected] ÕȘiÃÃÊ www.womenandchildrenfirst.com 6th Anniversary Issue Ê*>˜˜ˆ˜} Parking Available Wheelchair Accessible on stands now November 7, 2007 9 hostile to gays and is much friendlier toward the But gay groups and the government said the Project GayRussia.Ru. European Union. law would not apply to temperate expression of “We are going to appeal the court decision Although gay activists, newspapers and former religious views. [and if] necessary, we are ready to take the cas- President Lech Walesa reportedly have spread “However, we refuse to accept any longer that es of those activists up to the European Court of unsubstantiated rumors that the unmarried there’s no connection between extreme rap lyr- Human Rights,” he said. Kaczynski is secretly gay, Kaczynski has called ics calling for gay people to be attacked or fun- gays “perverse,” and his twin brother, President damentalist claims that all gay people are pe- Two Australian Lech Kaczynski, has warned that if homosexual- dophiles, and the epidemic of anti-gay violence ity “were to be promoted on a grand scale, the disfiguring Britain’s streets,” said Ben Sum- women end human race would disappear.” merskill, chief executive of Stonewall, Britain’s up married Gay groups expect Civic Platform to be, at leading gay-lobby group. A married couple in Australia has become a minimum, less overt in thwarting social and po- married lesbian couple after the Administrative litical progress by the nation’s gay population. Saudi men sentenced Appeals Tribunal allowed a transgender woman “After two steps backwards, made thanks to to change the sex designation on her passport, the ruling party of Kaczynski twin brothers, the to 7,000 lashes SX magazine reported Oct. 4. time has come for a step forwards,” activists Two Saudi men convicted of sodomy have re- The couple, Fiona Power and Grace Abrams, Pawel Walczak and Michal Minalto said in a post- ceived the first set of 7,000 lashes in punish- had married in 2005 while Abrams was in the ing at the gay Web site homiki.pl. ment, the Okaz daily newspaper reported Oct. process of changing her gender. “We may be glad that two years of irresponsi- 4. When Abrams later applied for a new passport, ble government are over, two years of increasing The whipping took place in public in the she was turned down because her birth certifi- threats for and discrimination of lesbians and southwestern city of Al Bahah on Oct. 2, the cate says she is male, but the tribunal concluded gays. However, a lot of work is before us.” paper said. The men were not named. OutRage! activist Peter Tatchell. Photo by Rex After the beatings, they were returned to pris- “it is not so much the identity of the person as Wockner on to await further sets of whippings. The report she or he was in the past, but the identity of the Singapore MPs did not specify how many lashes are meted out person as at the time of the application, that is each time. of prime importance.” WORLD keep gay-sex ban The tribunal directed the Foreign Affairs Min- Singapore’s Parliament decriminalized oral and istry to issue the new passport, which carried anal sex for heterosexuals Oct. 23 but declined ROUNDUP Russian the side effect of government acknowledgment to also legalize gay sex. by Rex Wockner of the marriage of two women. Penal Code Section 377A punishes sex be- blood-donation Gays picket Saudi tween men—“gross indecency”—with two years activists fined in prison. The law is rarely, if ever, enforced. Six Moscow gay activists arrested outside the Norwegian bishops embassy in London Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong supported Ministry of Health and Social Development while OK gay pastors keeping the ban, saying Singaporean society is About 50 people picketed Saudi Arabia’s em- protesting Russia’s ban on gay blood donors The Bishops’ Conference of Norway’s dominant conservative and he didn’t want to encourage bassy in London Oct. 19 in protest against the were each fined $20 or $40 Sept. 26. Lutheran church voted 6-5 Oct. 2 to allow open- gays to start pushing for such things as access nation’s reported floggings and executions of Tverskoi District Court Judge Natalya Dyatlova ly gay pastors. to adoption and marriage. gay men. determined the demonstrators had violated Arti- The conference offers advice but does not set “We do not approve of them [gays] setting the On Oct. 2, two Saudi men convicted of sod- cle 20.2 of the Code on Administrative Offenses policy. tone of mainstream society,” Lee said. “They live omy in the city of Al Bahah received the first of by staging an unauthorized public event. The matter now advances to the Church of their lives, that’s their personal space. But the their 7,000 lashes in punishment, the Okaz daily Only protest organizer Alexey Davydov re- Norway’s General Synod, where a formal decision tone of the overall society, I think, it remains newspaper reported. The whippings took place ceived the higher fine. can be made. The body next meets Nov. 12-27. in public, the report said. conventional, it remains straight and we want it Russia banned gays from donating blood in to remain so. The London protest, staged just prior to a 2001. The general prosecutor’s office has since —Assistance: Bill Kelley state visit by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz “We were right to uphold the family unit when determined that the ban is illegal but the min- Al Saud, was organized by the National Union of Western countries went for experimental life- istry has failed to lift it, said Nikolai Alekseev of Students and the gay direct-action group Out- styles in the 1960s—the hippies, free love—but Rage! I’m glad we did that because today, if you look “As well as flogging and executing gay people, at Western Europe, marriage as an institution is the Saudi leaders are guilty of detention with- dead.” out trial, torture and the public beheading of women who have sex outside of marriage,” said Britain plans to ban OutRage! leader Peter Tatchell. “The country is a theocratic police state.” incitement of hatred Activist Brett Lock added, “Saudi leaders against gays should be shunned until they stop their ho- British Justice Secretary Jack Straw says the mophobic persecution and their many other hu- government plans to prohibit incitement of ha- man rights abuses.” tred against gay, lesbian and bisexual people. The activists delivered a protest letter to the The proposed law would ban words, writings, Saudi ambassador, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf video, audio and behavior purposefully aimed at bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. encouraging anti-gay hatred, under penalty of up to seven years in prison. Anti-gay Polish “It is a measure of how far we have come as a society in the past 10 years that we are now PM defeated appalled by hatred and invective directed at Anti-gay Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kac- people on the basis of their sexuality,” Straw zynski and his Europhobic, homophobic Law and said. “It is time for the law to recognize this.” Justice Party lost control of the government in Christian groups expressed alarm over the gov- the Oct. 21 general election. ernment’s plan, saying that opining that gay sex They were replaced by the center-right Civic is wrong should not be a crime. Platform party, which apparently is slightly less

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VOL. 23, No. 8 November 7, 2007 The combined forces of Windy City Times, ...VIEWPOINTS... founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. of gender affect people of all sexual orientations. and more than 90 counties and municipalities Symbolism or Legal experts have criticized the existing bill now protect transgender people from workplace PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR Substance in as having far too many flaws to provide adequate discrimination. Tracy Baim protections for individuals based on sexual ori- Together, these jurisdictions contain more than Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky ENDA Debate? entation, which often is closely linked to their 100 million people, about 37 percent of the U.S. MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis By Jody M. Huckaby actual or perceived gender expression. Gay, les- population. While more states and localities have Business manager Cynthia Holmes bian and bisexual people who are “straight-acting sexual orientation protections (representing just Director of New Media Jean Albright ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson When the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and appearing” might indeed face a safer future over 50% of the U.S. population), the gap is nar- account managerS: Amy Matheny, Suzanne (ENDA) received its first-ever vote in the House following the passage of this bill, but those who rowing rapidly. Kraus, Kirk Williamson, Jerry Nunn, Terry Wiegel, of Representatives and passed the Education and more outwardly transgress gender norms would re- Since 2003, every state and nearly ever munici- Thomas Koontz main vulnerable under the stripped-down ENDA. pality that has enacted sexual orientation protec- Promotions director Kathleen Ulm Labor Committee on Oct. 18, it should have been OFFICE Robb Olson a historic—and celebratory—moment for the les- Sadly, this has been lost in nearly all of the media tion has also covered gender identity. In large NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson bian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) com- coverage of this issue. measure, this progress has been the result of the SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Amy Wooten munity. Simply put, men who are perceived as effemi- growing unity, solidarity and cohesion of the LGBT National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 TheatER Editor Jonathan Abarbanel But there was a cloud hanging over the vote, nate and women who are seen as masculine are community. Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. with over 300 LGBT and allied groups in the Unit- often singled out for discrimination in the work- United ENDA’s primary goal is to keep our com- BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair ed ENDA Coalition advocating for the original form place, and federal case law is not settled as to munity and our allies united behind an inclusive SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, David whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ENDA until progressive forces have strengthened Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony Peregrin of the bill introduced earlier this year—one that ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS finally included a ban on discrimination based on provides sufficient protection for such individuals. their position in Congress and there has been a Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, gender identity. The House Democratic leader- Take the example of Christopher Vickers, a private change for the better in the White House. Our co- Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Romeo ship’s decision to strip those protections from the police officer at an Ohio hospital. He claimed that alition represents not only LGBT people, but their St. Vincente, Scott Morgan, Catey Sullivan, Eric Eatherly, J. S. Hall bill, leaving only sexual orientation covered, has he had been discriminated against and verbally parents, family members and straight allies who Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Mubarak turned what should have been a victory into an and physically harassed on a daily basis after he understand the importance of keeping the com- Dahir, Michelangelo Signorile, Susie Day, Jorjet unnecessarily divisive, disappointing setback for became friends with a gay man. munity united rather than pulling it apart. Wa- Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe Rice, Dan Much of the harassment focused on question- tering the bill down now and dividing the LGBT Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, the LGBT movement. Charlsie Dewey, Aqua Terra Travel, Michael Knipp Unfortunately, the mainstream media has char- ing Vickers’ masculinity and suggesting that his community for a victory that is more apparent PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Kat Fitzgerald, acterized this primarily intra-community conflict sexual practices were those traditionally associ- than real is a dangerous distraction and the wrong Steve Becker as the protestations of a “fringe minority of trans- ated with women. Just last year, a federal ap- precedent to set. ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart gender activists” or the “extreme left” of the LGBT pellate court threw out Vickers’ case because it If members of Congress need more education on CIRCULATION Circulation director Jean Albright population. Nothing could be further from the found that Title VII does not forbid this type of gender identity issues, let’s continue to increase truth. One look at the list of organizations and discrimination. Keeping gender identity protec- our work to do that now. Let’s make sure they know the constituencies we represent makes that crys- tions in ENDA would help correct such rulings and that surveys show that 60 percent of transgender tal clear. This is not a conflict between “pragmatic represent a major advance in the civil rights of respondents have either no source of income or incrementalists” and “all-or-nothing idealists.” all Americans—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender earn less than $10,000 a year, demonstrating the Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Carol, Crystal, Dan, This controversy goes to the very core of what and straight. desperate need for employment protections for Ed, Jack, John, Maria and Sue brings the LGBT community together, and it has While under most circumstances we would sup- transgender people. Let’s make sure they know forced a much-needed debate to the surface. It is port efforts to achieve a tactical victory in the how frequently lesbians, gay men and bisexuals WCMG Board of directors President: Tracy Baim time for some truth-telling and difficult conver- House this year, we feel that seriously weaken- are subjected to discrimination based not on their Vice President: Nan Schaffer sations about what it means to be a community ing the bill and dividing the LGBT community sexual orientation but also because of attitudes Secretary: Pete Thelen advocating for workplace protections. represent a price that is simply too high to pay about how “real” men and women are “supposed” At-large: Jonathan Abarbanel, Michael Bauer, Our coalition is urging Congress either to restore for a purely symbolic exercise. We believe that to look and act. Marv Pollack gender identity protections via an amendment of- maintaining an inclusive ENDA, with protections Let’s work together to pass the right bill, one fered by Congresswoman and out lesbian Tammy for the entire LGBT community intact, is both the that unites LGBT people, their families and straight Baldwin or, if that cannot be accomplished, to pragmatic and principled way to proceed. allies together, not an inadequate bill that fails drop the effort to pass LGBT anti-discrimination Advocates of the stripped down ENDA have said protect everyone equally. legislation this year. The reality is that this Presi- that insufficient education has been done con- Jody M. Huckaby is executive director of Par- Copyright 2007 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media dent will not even consider signing such a bill, cerning transgender Americans and broader issues ents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). whether it covers gender identity or only sexual of gender identity. However, they appear to have (PFLAG) National. PFLAG is one of nearly 350 Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, orientation. This gives us the opportunity in the overlooked the dramatic, recent gains made in organizations that are part of www.UnitedEN- and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. coming months to continue to educate our elect- adding gender identity protections to state and DA.org. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy ed officials—and the public—about how matters local law. Twelve states, the District of Columbia City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the LETTERS TO THE EDITOR sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make put down the poppers, meth, impact and whatever And how will this study counter the progress of this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept Survey says... responsibility for advertising claims. else is on that night stand (or under the couch)? same-sex marriages or same-sex adoptions? Will the study make the abuser feel the hurt of Some of you may remember the story in the pa- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 Now that a study has been completed and pub- e-mail: [email protected] lished regarding domestic violence within the his/her crime and the abused the courage to take pers last winter about a young woman, a lesbian, MSM community, I wonder to what extent this is a stand for him/herself? Or are we just thumbing sleeping on the streets in one of the coldest days www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com going to have an effect on ... well,anything. Not through someone’s thesis? of the year. Her girlfriend kicked her out of the radio: WindyCityQueercast.com to belittle the intentions of those who developed, In essence, we were told what we knew—only house (or so the story went) and she was not al- now from a statistical sans empirical yet percen- lowed a bed in a shelter-after it was know she was WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, executed and published the study (well, maybe a 5443 N. Broadway, #101, Chicago, IL 60640 little) but we already know abuse exists. We know tile paradigm quantified, albeit parsimoniously. a lesbian. Apparently, she did not know where to USA that our community is like every other communi- Of course, the report tells us how to remedy the turn to for help. Maybe we should have a survey, crisis. Right? Yah. When studies like this become study and a report (along with a press release) Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. ty-good people, bad people, mean people, dumb Nightspots Deadline every Wednesday. and smart people. We are many things to many touted as a learned component of behavioral sci- on why shelters do such things, what they should Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now people-including ourselves. We know we need to ence, then I wonder what the real ramifications of know about our community agencies or what we online only Deadline The 10th of month prior. take responsibility for our actions. We know we such a study will produce. Can the statement be don’t know about them or why the leaders in our made that the heterosexual counter-situation is community and agencies didn’t get in anyone’s OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE have to help the victim and the victimizer. We www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com know we have to stop BEING the victim and the any different? Do woman in those circumstances face and maybe just a little angry. SUBSCRIPTION RATES victimizer. The inference that abused MSM act immediately seek counseling, assistance and re- And all you would need for that study is one lief? Do men who suffer the abuse of their spouses person. out in ways that would lead them to unsafe sex- ___ $89 for 1 year Windy City Times only ual practices and substance abuse issues seems bang down the door of the nearest support group? ___ $55 for 1 year Nightspots only probable-but it also seems probably within the Yes. No. Maybe. For him, for her, for us, for them. Greg Lindeman ___ $109 for 1 year WCT & Nightspots ___ $5 for 1 copy of all products context of the “healthy” MSM situations. This co- The problem of abuse is universal. It is ugly to Chicago, IL straight people, and it is ugly to GLBT people. nundrum is nothing new. With seroconversion and SEND PAYMENT TO: WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, substance abuse issues on our “gaydar,” I should But did we need a study to tell us that we are NOTE: Letters may be edited for clarity, length or 5443 N. Broadway, Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60640 USA think our agencies have their hands full. (Once the same as other people? Do we need a statistic consistency. to prove it? The lead author of the study (Eric they cut their ties with the liquor companies, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com they’ll have even cleaner hands.) Houston) states this will help healthcare provid- www.WindyCityQueercast.com Will this study provide grants to fund programs? ers recognize abuse. I smell more federally funded Will this study make someone put a condom on, seminars with Ph.D.s in padded seats fighting off the effects of that post-lunch turkey sandwich. November 7, 2007 11

ty-two percent of hate crimes against the LGBT OPINION community fell within the most violent catego- Will President ries, more than any other delineated group. QUOTELINES Opponents claim that providing hate crimes BY REX WOCKNER protection based on sexual orientation is a Bush Veto Gay special right. This view appears homophobic. These organizations do not lobby for the elimi- Q Hate-Crimes dusty archives or those-were-the-days conver- nation of race, national origin, religion or other “If you want an argument for why the sations over a game of euchre at the 519 Com- group from hate crime protections. cause for gay visibility, dignity and equal- Protection? ity is necessary and indeed noble, just watch munity Centre on Church Street. More alarming BY MALCOLM LAZIN Opponents argue that hate crimes statutes that [NBC News] interview again. [Sen. Larry] is the fact that there’s a new generation of inhibit free speech. The act both provides sanc- Craig was seeking in that toilet stall a connec- gay men who know Barbra Streisand only from The Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Local tions for violent acts and protects the expression tion, a shard of intimacy, that the world would Meet the Fockers. Imagine that.” — Kamal Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as of religious belief and personal opinion. Hate not give him, or that he could not give him- Al-Solaylee writing in Toronto’s Globe and Mail an amendment to the National Defense Autho- crimes are more serious than a normal assault self. No one should have to live without that daily newspaper, Sept. 29. rization Act. In May 2007, the House by a vote because they target not just an individual, but intimacy and dignity—no one. Living a life of 237 to 180 approved the Matthew Shepard an entire group. This violence undermines indi- like that—a deeply lonely, Act. The Act includes violence based on sexual vidual liberty and social order as demonstrated compromised, painful in- orientation, gender identity and disability as a in the targeting of Jews during the Third Reich terior existence—is a very crime when perpetrated against a class of citi- and the recent ethnic cleansing in Bosnia, Iraq sophisticated form of hell. zens. Race, color, religion and national origin and Darfur. No human can keep it up are presently included in the federal hate crimes As President Bush determines whether for Before freakin’ forever. No human should statute. the fourth time in his presidency to exercise a have to keep it up forever. humans, there The Matthew Shepard Act reflects changing veto, he should weigh how this action empow- Wockner Rex by Photo He is a hypocrite; and he national attitudes and the bipartisan support ers those who would strike down innocent lives made his choices. I am not of sexual orientation in state hate crimes stat- like those of Matthew Shepard, Ryan Skipper and was sex. going to dispute that. His utes. Nonetheless, President Bush has expressed Sean Kennedy. voting record helped sus- —Gay author and columnist his likelihood to veto the Matthew Shepard Act. No one is safe until everyone is equally val- tain the misery for others Dan Savage (right) According to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., “The ued and safeguarded under the law. Democracy that he lived with himself. President is not going to agree to this social leg- values all citizens and insures their liberty and He is forever responsible islation on the defense authorization bill. The security. for that. But he is also a bill will get vetoed.” Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm victim. And to see such a According to recent Gallup and Pew polls, ap- Lazin is the recipient of the National Educa- victim’s pain exposed bru- proximately 68 percent of Americans favor in- tion Association’s 2005 Creative Leadership tally in a public restroom cluding sexual orientation in hate crimes protec- in Human Rights Award; the 2006 Distin- pains me. He needs help.” tions. This support includes majorities measured guished Alumnus Award from Lebanon Valley — Gay writer Andrew Sullivan on his blog, Oct. “Wow. What is my workout routine— by Republicans, conservatives, Protestants and College; and is a 2007 Prime Mover of the 17. I’ve never been asked that question! Um, I Catholics. The amendment is supported by 290 Hunt Alternatives Fund. don’t know, I’ve just been ... working with a organizations, including the National Sheriff’s “By the end of the ‘90s, the institu- trainer and uh, I don’t know, lifting a little Association, the International Association of tionalization of the gay movement was weight, and running a little. I don’t know. Uh, Chiefs of Police, the U.S. Conference of Mayors Local Events complete. HRC [Human Rights Campaign], the you know, I just turned 40, so yes, I’m trying and the National Council of Churches. wealthiest national gay organization with the to be a little bit healthier now and trying to There are 31 states that statutorily include Act Wicked: During the holiday season, largest staff, some 114 people now—to which eat a little bit more sensibly. And also, with sexual orientation with criminal sanctions in Wicked Chicago will be soliciting donations today’s corporate media invariably turn for the traveling so much, you know, it’s tough when hate crimes protections. These states include after their shows to help fight AIDS. Wicked ‘gay view’ on issues—adopted a top-down, you’re in Iraq to do anything, so I try to work Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Loui- is playing at the Ford Center for the Perform- corporate structure that demands little more out when I’m here. This is really. ... I sound siana, Nebraska, Nevada, Texas and Tennessee. ing Arts, and tickets can be ordered through of its members than writing a check or attend- ridiculous. I didn’t know that New York Maga- Collectively, these 31 states have about 71 per- Ticketmaster. ing a black-tie dinner, or occasionally writing zine would notice my biceps. My trainer will cent of the nation’s population and are repre- Coffee talk: Rainbow Café, held every third a letter, or more likely sending an e-mail, to be thrilled.” — CNN anchor Anderson Cooper to sented by 62 U.S. Senators and 310 of the 435 Saturday, is a new opportunity for LGBT’s 18 a public official.” — Journalist Doug Ireland New York Magazine at an Elton John AIDS Foun- members of the House of Representatives. and over to meet and mingle in the South writing in New York’s Gay City News, Oct. 18. dation benefit Sept. 25 in New York City. Of the 31 states, sexual orientation amend- suburbs. The event takes place 7-9 p.m. at ments were enacted in 25 states when there was Unitarian-Universalist Community Church, 70 “I’m addicted to success. I am definitely “Sex came first. Before marriage, either a Republican majority in at least one of Sycamore, Park Forest. Call 708-481-5339. a girl who gets what I want; not because I’m there was sex. Before religion, there was the two legislative bodies and/or there was a Park it: Teatro Vista and Victory Gardens a brat but because I just go for it. I’ll have sex. Before freakin’ humans, there was sex. All Republican governor. These state hate crimes presents award-willing playwright Nilo Cruz’s plenty of time when I’m older to wake up at human cultures, and all our fanciful religions, statutes represent neither judicial nor liberal A Park in Our House, about a family in Cas- noon, smoke pot and paint. When I look back were constructed around sex, built to regulate legislative activism. tro’s Cuba in the’70s. The performance runs I want to be able to say I’ve lived up to my and control sex, sanctify and elevate sex. But While Matthew Shepard is the best known gay through Dec. 9 at 2257 N. Lincoln. Call 773- own expectations, I’ve risen to the occasion so many people want to start with culture or hate crime victim, this year Ryan Skipper, 25, 871-3000 or see www.victorygardens.org for and I was the best I could be.”—The L Word religion before they approach sex, as if the for- of Winter Haven, Fla., and Sean Kennedy, 20, of tickets. star Leisha Hailey to the British national lesbian mer can teach us all we need to know about Greenville, S.C., were among those murdered be- Write on: The late Chicago columnist Jon- magazine Diva, October issue. the latter. Not true.” — Gay author and colum- cause of their sexual orientation. According to Henri Damski is currently being honored nist Dan Savage to Slate.com, Sept. 26. the 2007 Florida attorney general’s Hate Crimes at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, “The struggles, discrimination, fash- Report, crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexual through a small exhibition. Call 773-381- ion catastrophes and camp icons that have —Assistance: Bill Kelley and transgender (LGBT) people have increased in 8030 for information and library hours. defined the gay movement for nearly a century Florida in six of the past seven past years. Six- seem like ancient history now—the stuff of

SERVING THE NEEDS OF HIV+ INDIVIDUALS • LOWEST PRICES • FINANCIAL AMPHORA ASSISTANCE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE • COUNSELING JOSEPH RICE • CONFIDENTIALITY OPEN TIL 4AM INTERIORS, INC. FRIDAY & SATURDAY! THORNDALE PHARMACY 7547 N. Clark CHICAGO 1104 W THORNDALE, CHICAGO 773.262.5767 (773) 271-2361 (PH) 773-561-6660 Hours: www.josephriceinteriors.com (FX) 773-561-6685 Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Mon. - Thurs. 11:30am-1am FULL SERVICE Friday - 11:30am - 4am Saturday - 4pm - 4am Specializing In Drapery Treatments WE SHIP ANYWHERE Sunday - 4pm - 11pm DR. JAY L. HAMMERMAN, R.PH. www.amphorachicago.com 12 November 7, 2007 “We just try to promote a friendly, accept- ing environment—truly, an aloha spirit,” said GAY HAWAII Starzyk, 46, who is originally from Connecticut, also lived in San Francisco for 16 years and now lives in Kaneohe, where he works in the IT in- dustry for an architecture company. The Aloha Bears range from 25 to 70, with the majority in the 30-to-60 age range. There are doctors, lawyers and a true gamut of profession- als. “We have a few of every type of people [in the group],” Starzyk said proudly. The Aloha Bears promote a once-a-month catamaran trip ($20 for members, $25 for non- members), held on the second Sunday of every month. They meet at one of the local gay bars, In Between, then take limos to the ocean, where they sail from Waikiki for two hours. The trip regularly draws 40 up to the maximum of 45 pas- sengers, a jovial mix of bears, bear admirers and others from the local and tourist LGBT commu- nity. “Our catamaran is a huge draw,” Starzyk said. “It’s a great time and always a different mix of people, which makes it so enjoyable. Two of the couples Kalona Ortiz has married. Photos courtesy of Ortiz “For me, one of the best things about being in the Aloha Bears is meeting people from, liter- tralia and England, among others. percent of her weddings and commitment cer- ally, all over the world. Name the place, and I’ve BUSINESS Ortiz has performed only three commitment emonies are held on the beach. Some are held at probably met someone from there. Then, when I ceremonies for local couples over the past three- waterfalls and, surprisingly, some are even held go to other bear events or other cities that have plus years; however, during this interview, she inside hotel ballrooms. bear groups, I always know people. That’s always State of the received a call from a gay couple, seeking her “I never envisioned myself as a celebrant and nice.” services for a 2008 event. wedding planner,” Ortiz said, “but it’s been so The Aloha Bears’ main annual gig is LeiBear (Marital) “We do anything and everything to make the much more than I ever envisioned because of Day, a four-day event held over Labor Day week- celebration just as the couple envisions – from the feeling I get and the people who I’ve met. end. This year’s event drew more than 100 par- Union a certain location to a certain flower included,” It’s been absolutely overwhelming—how many ticipants, including some from California, Ari- By Ross Forman said Ortiz, 46. people I have touched and how many people zona, Florida, Ohio, Japan and Australia. Ortiz’s ceremonies are non-denominational. “I have touched me. LeiBear Day includes numerous food- and HONOLULU, Hawaii – She was in a career transi- embrace all cultures and beliefs,” she said, “and “It’s a passion I never felt before.” drink-filled events, such as a picnic on Secret tion in 2001, having just left the food service I tailor the event to the couple’s cultures, even For more information on A Rainbow in Island at the Kualoa Ranch. There also is a luau, industry aboard seagoing ships traveling to the if it’s a mixed relationship.” Paradise Weddings and Commitments, visit and live entertainment, plus fire- and hula-danc- Far East to be closer to her family and for a posi- Hence, Ortiz has mixed, oh, Jewish customs www.arainbowinparadise.com or www. ers at the ranch. tion here taking care of the elderly. And Kalona with Asian beliefs. hawaiigayunions.com, or e-mail Ortiz at The yearly event also features: Ortiz admits she “really enjoyed that” role as a “I really take the time to personalize the event [email protected]. • A three-hour boat cruise off Waikiki, which caretaker. to exactly what the couple wants,” Ortiz said. features a bar-b-que on board and snorkeling ex- Then she befriended a local lesbian couple who “I’m smaller than some [wedding planning] SOCIAL peditions. were wedding planners, and Ortiz also started companies and more intimate [with the couple], • A poker pub crawl to four local gay bars. working for them four or five days a week as so I can do that. And I plan to keep it that • A leather and levi party. their gardener. way.” Bears in • A Labor Day picnic at Queen’s Surf, the pre- Soon thereafter, Ortiz was asked to aid in the Ortiz is one of about 15 companies on Oahu dominantly-gay portion of Waikiki Beach. couple’s weddings, and she first started reading that perform commitment ceremonies, and there Paradise All Aloha Bears’ events include charity dona- poems at the joyous events. are at least 15 others on outlaying islands, such By Ross Forman tions to the Shriner’s Hospital, PFLAG or Gregory “It came natural for me, and quickly I realized as Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. House, which helps those afflicted with AIDS how much fun it was for me, not just for the “Being a lesbian, I really embrace the [com- HONOLULU, Hawaii—Paul Starzyk admits he was and HIV. couple,” said Ortiz, who was born in California mitment] ceremonies. It’s a personal thing, be- hesitant to join the Aloha Bears a few years ago. “We’re a pretty active, busy group, and we’re and yet lived here for the past 25 years with her ing family, and I think it shows,” said Ortiz, who Starzyk had never belonged to a club and didn’t proud to be able to help local charities,” said family who are from Kauai. came out at age 17. know much about the Bear community. Starzyk, who noted that the group has not In late 2003, Ortiz planned, coordinated and Ortiz is strict about who she hires for the com- Starzyk was, however, convinced to join the endured any anti-gay reaction during his four ministered her first ceremony. And so was born mitment ceremonies she organizes. “I make sure group of hirsute men (and their admirers) by years. Ortiz’s new—and current—gig. She is a cele- that whoever is at the event embraces the situ- Aloha Bears co-founders Richard Rivera and The Aloha Bears was founded in 1999 and its brant and wedding planner, one of only a couple ation,” she said. “I don’t want any [anti-gay] Steve Evans. Starzyk’s partner, Warren Rivera, first Board members were: “Poppa Tom” Grabows- lesbians locally who perform weddings and com- vibes at all … because I can immediately sense who is stocky and smooth-skinned—a stark con- ki (president), “Uncle Norm” Sullivan (vice presi- mitment ceremonies for the LGBT community. the bad vibes, and that makes me uncomfort- trast to the very hairy Starzyk—also joined. dent), Richard Rivera (treasurer/secretary), and Hawaii has not legalized same-sex marriages able. So I certainly don’t want the couple upset, Four years later, Starzyk is now the group’s directors Steve Evans and Ken Martinez. or civil unions; however, the Aloha State does too.” president, a post he took over in 2007, and Today, there are eight on the Aloha Bears’ provide for reciprocal beneficiary relationships. Over the past three years, Ortiz has only had also has previously been the vice-president (for board of directors. Any two people who are not married to each one musician who she has refused to use for two years) and treasurer. The Aloha Bears boast “It’s kind of odd how life goes at times. You other, including same-sex couples, can register commitment ceremonies. “I just didn’t like the about 75 members, including about 20 percent never really know what’s going to happen. A few for it. way he talked, some of his remarks,” she said. who are visitors that join while here vacationing years ago, I had never even heard of the Aloha In 1998, Hawaiians amended their state con- Ortiz doesn’t waiver on her policy that all at- and participating in some of the Aloha Bears’ Bears or the Bear community,” Starzyk said. stitution to prevent the judicial introduction of tendees, even hula dancers, must be gay-friend- regular activities. “Now I’m thrilled that I joined.” same-sex marriage, yet the constitution is silent ly. “That’s extremely important to me because I See www.alohabears.org. on civil unions and does not prevent the legisla- want the people who I’m doing the event for to ture from introducing either same-sex marriage be totally comfortable and free to be who they or civil unions. are, and not feel any bad vibes on their special Last February, the Hawaii state legislature day,” she said. Nor has she encountered prob- debated legislation to legalize civil unions but, lems from people on the beaches, she said. after the hearing in Hawaii House Judiciary Ortiz has a limited advertising budget. She Committee, the Hawaii state representatives de- mostly relies on word-of-mouth and a strong clined to vote on the subject, killing the bill. Internet presence, which has led to more gay Still, this is one of the most picturesque loca- ceremonies over the past year or so. tions for commitment ceremonies, with its white Ortiz said her commitment ceremonies range sand beaches and magical waterfalls. Ortiz runs from $500-2,500 for the service (including leis, A Rainbow In Paradise, which averages about photos, etc.). She coordinates all held on Oahu, 10 weddings per month, including three or four and works with a gay business associate on Maui commitment ceremonies. Most are lesbian cou- and multiple associates on Kauai. ples, she said. Ortiz said the top beach locations on Oahu They come here in love from across America are Sunset Beach (North Shore), Lanikai Beach, and such countries as Canada, Singapore, Aus- Magic Island and Waimanalo Bay. And about 95 Members of the Aloha Bears. Photos courtesy of the organization November 7, 2007 13 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

‘STARR’ POWER

RuPaul (right), here with Starrbooty director Mike Ruiz, lets her hair down. Photo by Ruiz. Read page 15. MUSIC FILM THEATER Leave it to Reba. ‘Lambs’ to slaughter. ‘Gift’-giving. Page 24. Page 14. Page 14.

—Nov. 10: Secret Society of Girls (12 p.m., on Halsted); Lost in Love (6:30 p.m., Film Row Reeling Is Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); Dangerous Cinema); Spider Lillies (7 p.m., Landmark’s Cen- Hearts (12 p.m., Film Row Cinema); Nordic Boys tury Centre Cinema); Starrbooty (8 p.m., Lake- in Love (1:45 p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre shore Theater); Gender Redesigner (8:30 p.m., Here! Cinema); Finn’s Girl (2 p.m., Film Row Cinema); Center on Halsted); International Male Shorts Reeling 2007, Chicago’s International Gay and Funnyboner (3:30 p.m., Landmark’s Century (9 p.m., Film Row Cinema); No Regret (9 p.m., Lesbian Film Festival, is back for its 26th year. Centre Cinema); The Two Cubas and Voodoo Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema) On Nov. 8-18, the event will present nearly 70 Woman (4 p.m., Film Row Cinema); Back Soon —Nov. 15: Outing Riley (6:30 p.m., Film Row programs. (5:30 p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); Cinema); Bears (6:30 p.m., The Leather Archives From award-winning international feature Lez Be Friends (6:30 p.m., Film Row Cinema); A & Museum); The Picture of Dorian Gray (7 p.m., films to social documentaries to experimental Four Letter Word (7:30 p.m., Landmark’s Century Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); The Erotic shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of Centre Cinema); The Two Sides of the Bed (8:30 Films of Peter De Rome (8:30 p.m., The Leather genres (from comedies to documentaries) that Shelter. p.m., Film Row Cinema); and The Houseboy Archives & Museum); Don’t Go (8:30 p.m., Film demonstrate the diversity of work being pro- (9:45 p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema) Row Cinema) duced. Not only has Reeling become one of the gender-bending tale that uses Rip Van Winkle as —Nov. 11: My Super 8 Season (12 p.m., —Nov. 16: Itty Bitty Titty Committee (7 p.m., most important cultural events for Chicagoans, its inspiration. A panel discussion follows this Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); Vivere (1:30 Film Row Cinema); Quearborn & Perversion (8 but it also attracts LGBT people from around the and its companion short, One in 2000. p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); Les- p.m., Chicago History Museum); The DL Chron- world who consider the festival to be the high- —Outing Riley (screens Nov. 15 at Film Row bian Documentary Shorts (3 p.m., Chicago Film- icles (9 p.m., Film Row Cinema); Global Male light of their cinematic year. Cinema; see review on page 14) is the Chicago- makers), The Man of My Life (3:30 p.m., Land- Shorts (10 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers) Among the event highlights: made sophomore effort from Project Greenlight’s mark’s Century Centre Cinema); No Homos in —Nov. 17: Queer Streets (1 p.m., Chicago — Actor Brad Rowe (star of Billy’s Hollywood first winner, writer-director Pete Jones. He also Iran? (5:15 p.m, Chicago Filmmakers); Girls of Filmmakers); God Only Knows: Same Sex Mar- Screen Kiss) will attend the Nov. 8 Opening stars in this comedy about an architect from a the Midnight Sun (6 p.m., Landmark’s Century riage (3 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers); Trained in Night Gala at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 typical Irish Catholic family who finally gets up Centre Cinema); V.O. (7 p.m., The Leather Ar- the Ways of Men (5 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers); N. Clark, for the Midwest premiere of Shelter. the courage to come out to his family. chives & Museum); Holding Trevor (7:30 p.m., Red Without Blue (7 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers); The gala event begins at 6 p.m., with the screen- One movie with local ties that will be shown is Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); Young, Gay, Nina’s Heavenly Delights (7 p.m., Film Row Cine- ing at 8 p.m. and a Q&A with Rowe following; the HIV/AIDS-themed Kevin’s Room: Together, Trippin’ (9 p.m., The Leather Archives & Mu- ma); 2 Minutes Later (9 p.m., Film Row Cinema); — Bruce Vilanch will be in town for Naked which will have its world premiere Nov. 12 at seum); Socket (9:45 p.m., Landmark’s Century Asian Persuasion (9 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers) Boys Singing at Landmark’s Century Centre Cin- 8:30 p.m. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Centre Cinema) —Nov. 18: L’Amour Francois (1:30 p.m., Film ema, 2828 N. Clark, at 9 p.m. on Nov. 13; (The movie will also make its broadcast premiere —Nov. 12: The Way We Write (6:30 p.m., Film Row Cinema); Between the Lines (1:30 p.m., —RuPaul with Starrbooty, screening at The Dec. 2 on WCIU in recognition of World AIDS Row Cinema); Jerusalem Is Proud to Present Chicago Filmmakers); Straight But Seductive Lake Shore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway, at 8 p.m. Day.) Kevin’s Room: Together—which focuses on (6:30 p.m., Center on Halsted); Funny Lingus (3:30 p.m., Film Row Cinema); Girls Down Under on Nov. 14; a weekend group retreat and is presented in a (7 p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); (3:30 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers), The Curiosity —Guinevere Turner will attend screenings of reality-drama format—completes the acclaimed Kevin’s Room: Together (8:30 p.m., Center on of Chance (7:30 p.m., Chicago History Museum) her two programs, Don’t Go (8:30 p.m. on Nov. three-film series that has established lines of Halsted); The Godfather of Disco (8:30 p.m.; Screenings for the festival will be held at 15 at Columbia College’s Film Row Cinema) and communication between healthcare providers, Film Row Cinema); One to Another (9 p.m., the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark; Itty Bitty Titty Committee (7 p.m. on Nov. 16 social service groups and the communities they Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema) Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. at Film Row Cinema); and serve. —Nov. 13: International Lesbian Shorts (6:30 Clark; Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash, —The festival’s gala closing night will again The schedule is as follows: p.m., Film Row Cinema); On the Down Low (6:30 Third Floor; Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- begin with a 6 p.m. reception at the Chicago —Nov. 8: Shelter (8 p.m., Chicago History p.m., Center on Halsted); Scared and Scarred (7 sted; Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway; History Museum followed by the 7:30 p.m. Museum) p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema); OUT- Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Green- screening of The Curiosity of Chance. —Nov. 9: Blueprint (7 p.m., Film Row Cin- standing Lesbian and Gay Shorts (8 p.m., Cen- view; and at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Other highlights: ema); Butch Jamie (7 p.m., Landmark’s Century ter on Halsted); While You Are Here (8:30 p.m., Clark. For complete festival information, —The Gendercator (screens Nov. 14 at Center Centre Cinema); Underneath (9 p.m., Film Row Film Row Cinema); Naked Boys Singing! (9 p.m., tickets and times, call 773-293-1447 or see on Halsted; see feature on page 20) is a short Cinema); The Shadows (9:30 p.m., Landmark’s Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema) www.reelingfilmfestival.org. Century Centre Cinema) —Nov. 14: The Gendercator (6 p.m., Center -from a press release 14 November 7, 2007 KNIGHT AT THE MOVIES

lions ... lambs

Meryl Streep ety.) At best, this is material that might work on the stage—where the heightened, phony dialogue might sound natural—but I doubt it. Is that because I am actively resistant to any movie that is determined to force a lesson down Lions for Lambs my throat? By Richard Knight, Jr. Lions for Lambs, for all its flaws, however, is still an effort worth applauding on some level— Lions for Lambs is the latest movie to examine if only because Redford has used his clout to conflict in the Mideast. Directed by Robert Red- make a movie that tries to address the apathy ford, the movie tells three separate stories that so prevalent in a time of war. He did what he eventually converge. Redford has big marquee urges Todd to do—something—and he offers names (himself, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep) his movie as a war protest. It’s a call to arms starring in his movie but—though the film es- for pacifists and aging hippies, but in an age of pouses a liberal point of view that I heartily cynicism and vapidity who will hear and who will agree with and makes a lot of salient points that listen with the outrage and attention required audiences certainly need to hear—the picture’s to make a difference? so heavy-handed and so weighted down with Check out my archived reviews at www. its good intentions it practically cancels itself windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- out. The arguments put forth would make for an ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the interesting discussion—at a social gathering, latter Web site, where there is also ordering say, or as part of a lecture series. But instead of information on my new book of collected film entertaining, illuminating or firing up the audi- reviews, Knight at the Movies 2004-2006. ence, these arguments translate as a heavy dose of movie cough syrup. Cruise plays a smug, conservative senator who REELING FILM REVIEW tells top journalist Streep during a closed-door Red Without meeting that as the two are sitting there talking a surefire, a can’t-miss mini-invasion of Afghan- Blue istan is occurring. This, Cruise assures Streep, Review by Steve Warren is the new strategy that’s going to win the war on terrorism and restore peace to the Mideast. While it may not prove anything, Red with- Meanwhile, Redford, an idealistic college Eng- out Blue is an interesting study of one set of lish professor who has urged his students to “Do twins. Mark and Alexander Farley were born Something, Dammit!” is lecturing Todd, a valued two minutes apart in Missoula, Mont., on student who has let girls and partying get in March 7, 1983. the way of a good grade, that he expects more When the documentary begins spending from him. Though he generalizes, the professor three years with them, Mark is living in San makes some valid points about today’s youth Francisco and going to art school. If that (and much of the rest of America, actually) when doesn’t tell you he’s gay, he will. Alex, living he says to Todd, “They bank on your apathy and as Clair, is studying sociology and psychology your willful ignorance.” in New York. Redford, who we see was a one-time war pro- Over the next three years they’ll regain their testor, exhorts Todd, who he recognizes leader- early closeness, which had been interrupted, ship gifts in, to get involved in the anti-war as the bonds of twinship are strengthened. movement (if he can find it). The third story fo- Meanwhile we learn about their first 20 years cuses on two young soldiers who have, through through a mosaic of family photos and home a series of accidents, been stranded in the movies and the testimony of their parents, mountains of Afghanistan. Eventually we learn Jenny and Scott, who divorced when the boys that they were the professor’s students, who were 11. were so inspired by his teachings that they have The sequence of events over the three years joined the armed forces, apparently—following of “present-day” footage isn’t always clear. the old hippie maxim—“to change the system Mark’s appearance keeps changing, with dif- from within.” ferent hair colors and styles and going back Cruise’s senator is the politician and archi- and forth from a full beard to clean-shaven. tect of the army’s daring attempt to infiltrate Clair remains undecided about having final Afghanistan-held territory, and the character gender reassignment surgery as her family has the insufferable assurance of several key po- becomes increasingly accepting of her deci- litical figures who have been darkening our ho- sion. rizon these past seven years. It’s a perfect role Produced and directed by Brooke Sebold, for Cruise and the chance to speechify at length Benita Sills and Todd Sills (cinematography with such intensity must have proven irresist- by Brooke and Todd, editing by Brooke and ible. After all, Cruise loves nothing more than Benita), Red without Blue has a Real World the chance to Act! With! Exclamation! Points! feel in a lot of the on-camera confessionals, But to say that he does a nice job isn’t much of but that’s offset by a lot of arty playing with a compliment—it’s just that it’s a role sculpted images, especially from the past. to his puny, questionable talents. It’s unusually ambitious for such a basically Streep, as the cowed reporter who pretty much intimate documentary; and it tells an essen- has to sit there and listen to Cruise intoning, tially positive story of a brother and sister has the thankless role and is wasted (and she’s who survived a lot of negative experiences to given a headscratcher of a wrap-up at the pic- get where they are. ture’s fade). But then, none of the characters— Read the full review of Red Without nor the audience—gets off easily in this long- Blue, showing Nov. 17 at Reeling, at www. winded movie. (The trailer promised an action WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Also, see www. flick—oh boy, was that screening audience fidg- ReelingFilmFestival.org. November 7, 2007 15 WCQ: Do you find yourself changing as a re- WCQ: What do you think of other people R: Starrbooty is a character I created 20 sult of that? stepping onto this platform of drag? Is the years ago in Atlanta, Ga. Based on John Wa- R: It’s always been difficult ... for a man to use envelope being pushed? ters and Russ Meyer films … that palate, that femininity as a palate ...but it is extra-difficult R: I think that Dirty Sanchez, the band, is template and my own version of it. I took my today, and I’ve seen the winds of change turn really exciting. They’re pushing the envelope, brother-in-law’s camera and we shot this really really ugly in recent years. The things that I get but we’re kind of from the same era. I don’t see guerilla movie, and I edited it with two VCRs offered on television are ... bite the head off of enough of it from the younger people, and it and played it in clubs in Atlanta. Well, it made a live chicken or mud-wrestle Maureen McCor- saddens me. I live in New York, and I was look- its way across the United States and became mick from The Brady Bunch, or things where the ing at some kids and thinking, I wish they were a cult classic. Twenty years later, I decided it gay character or the femme character is the evil screwing with it a little bit more, just push- was time to bring this character back because character. ing it. I feel so disappointed with the younger no one else is doing it. The closest is like Bo- WCQ: How did you break through that mold, generation, especially the younger gay kids. I rat or Jackass where it’s completely irreverent, then? hate to say that, but I wish that they could see making fun of everything. Nothing is spared in R: It’s something in my nature, growing up beyond what’s being presented to them. I’m this movie. In fact, Starrbooty the character is with my mom who question[ed] authority, al- amazed that people are still obsessed with ce- this self-righteous do-gooder who’s righting the most to a fault. She encouraged me to do what lebrities. It’s so a sign of a culture’s inability wrongs of society. Basically, we’re making fun of I needed to do, regardless of what other people to recognize your spiritual base. If you are fo- that mentality, especially in this politically cor- RuPaul. Photo by Mike Ruiz thought of it ... to say just screw it, you know? cusing on some teeny-bop girly girl who doesn’t rect climate we’ve been in for the last 15 or 20 That’s gotten me into trouble. I remember when wear panties, you are looking for opportunities years. REELING FILM FEST I was growing up in San Diego, I would go to to not focus on your own personal power. And WCQ: Were blaxploitation films and Pam the beach on the bus, because we didn’t live who knows what part the government plays in Grier a strong influence for the film? near the beach, and when I would come back to that, because they love it when we’re distracted R: Absolutely. The one and only fan letter I’ve RuPaul: my neighborhood all the kids would stand with by some bleach[ed-]blonde bimbo or someone ever written was to Warner Bros. Pictures in their arms crossed, and say, “Oh. So you must who’s going to rehab or whatever. But I’m sur- 1973 after I saw Cleopatra Jones. I was in love. think you’re white or something” or “You think prised that young people buy into that stuff, And I grew up in a house with all women, so I ‘Starrbooty’ you’re better than us?” It was that scenario that and won’t go, “That’s crap, we’re not gonna lis- longed for movies with bitches kickin’ ass. I love followed me all of my life, because I’ve always ten to this stuff,” you know? that, love it. So when I saw Cleopatra Jones, Call gone to the places that I felt I needed to go, WCQ: Starrbooty is a remake. Tell us about Turn to page 19 BY AMY MATHENY, WINDY CITY QUEERCAST and it threatened the people who I left behind. the original Starrbooty film.

After strutting down catwalks and with that fa- mous phrase, “You Better Work” in the Super- model video, RuPaul became a mainstream suc- cess. RuPaul then joined Elton John on a duet and assisted Mac cosmetics in a breakthrough fundraising campaign for HIV/AIDS. The evolu- tion of RuPaul continued as artist, actor, ac- tivist, singer, talk show host, and much more. Starrbooty is Ru’s newest movie venture, and it’s coming to Reeling 2007 Chicago’s gay and les- bian film festival next week.

Windy City Queercast: What performers were your earliest inspirations? RuPaul: Thanks to the Mike Douglas show, I was privy to many performers on television. Ev- erything I’ve ever learned has been on televi- sion. The ones that really resonated were Diana Ross, Cher and David Bowie, of course. They are such standouts in their fields, not only because they were so talented but because they pushed the envelope, and I so related to people who could push the envelope. WCQ: David Bowie really brings into focus the yin yang, male/female, the androgyny, if you will, of you. Even Oprah’s got everybody talking about gender. What is different today than when you gave birth to this persona of RuPaul? R: It’s an interesting question, because I was born in 1960. I experienced the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the gay movement, the sexual revolution—all of those things where our culture was pushing the en- velope and really trying new things. In fact, people were encouraged to try new things. That seemed to all come to a crashing halt during the Reagan era except for a small window of op- portunity when Clinton got into office, which is when I broke through into mainstream. That window closed very quickly. We live in a patriarchal culture, and in fact do- ing drag, or even women toying with feminine energy, is akin to an act of treason in a patriar- chal society. So where we are today is the scari- est place I’ve ever seen it, where young gay kids are obsessed with anything “straight-acting.” Even the gay elite, the media, are obsessed with everything that’s straight acting. [Gay] maga- zines [have] straight people on the cover. You [would] never see Essence magazine, which is focused toward a Black female demographic, put Britney Spears on the cover. But gay magazines justify it because they feel like, well, I don’t know how they justify it, because it’s sales and they want to make money. I don’t know. But it’s a scary place. It’s a worrisome place for gender in America today. 16 November 7, 2007 Fights AIDS and Chicago’s own Season of Con- Stage Door cern. Indeed, many Chicago theater companies will be asking audiences for donations for Sea- son of Concern (SOC) from now through The Jonny Holidays. SOC is the local theater industry effort By Jonathan Abarbanel to assist those living with HIV/AIDS. The funds SOC raises support several charitable groups as A vivid mural painted by Dom Orejudos (1933- well as SOC’s own Biscotto-Miller Fund. If you 1991), better known as iconic leather artist attend a show and are asked to make a dona- Etienne, is on display at the Chicago History tion, Jonny asks you to dig as deep as you can Museum as part of the exhibit Big Picture: A New and drop a dollar or two, or a fin, or a sawbuck View of Painting in Chicago (through next Aug. in the basket. 3). The 7’ x 4’ mural depicts leather-clad bikers The theater season has had a strong start with gathered around a motorcycle, with Buckingham several shows extending their runs, among them Fountain in the background. Created in 1973, Theatre Wit’s Men of Steel (now through Nov. 17), Bailiwick’s Zanna, Don’t! and Happy End- the mural hung in the Gold Coast Leather Bar, Mural by Etienne. owned by Orejudos’ lover, Chuck Renslow. In- ings are Extra (both through Nov. 25) and Black deed, sharp-eyed viewers will recognize Renslow Ensemble’s Sounds So Good Makes You Wanna seum of Mexican Art, Newberry Library, Spertus love, loss, sexism, gender identity, racism and himself as one of the figures in the mural. Under Holler (through Dec. 30). Museum and the Swedish American Museum (the hegemony as seen from women’s perspectives. his nom de peinture, Orejudos later created more last just blocks from The Eagle). For comprehen- Between each piece, audience members are sexually explicit murals for the Gold Coast (now sive information, see www.AmericanArtAmeri- invited to sample gallery installation stations, The Eagle) at both its Dearborn Street and North CRITICS’ PICKS canCity.org. A good brochure also is available. such as the Listening Station or the Body Suite Clark Street locations. This is the last week for free admission to the Station, where one can try on more than what Emma, Trap Door Theatre, through Dec. 1. The Chicago History Museum exhibit is the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), which you were born with. Baked goods also will be Beata Pilch embodies radical intelligence as opening gambit of a $3 million initiative by the has celebrated its 40th anniversary with 40 free served. SLIT will be presented Nov. 16 and 18 Emma Goldman in a fire-breathing tale of Terra Foundation for American Art. The initia- days. Each day through Nov. 14, the MCA offers only at 7:30 p.m.; www.synapsearts.com; $10. the iconoclastic champion of workers and tive, American Art American City, is designed free guided tours of its galleries, plus demon- George Takei, the Star Trek (Mr. Sulu) actor women’s rights in the days of robber barons to showcase domestic art in museums, galleries strations by current exhibited artists and even who joined the list of gay role models when he before “feminism” even was a word. CS and public buildings throughout Chicago. From an event combining bingo, art and the tango. came out several years back, was in town recent- Merchant On Venice, Silk Road Theatre now through December 2008, some 28 partici- Details are at www.mcachicago.org, where ly for a one-night-only reading of a new play at Project, through Nov. 18. This Shakespeare pating institutions are offering special exhibi- there’s also info about the Nov. 15-17 MCA per- Northlight Theatre in Skokie. Takei was joined by update, reflecting ethnic tensions in South- tions, tours of rarely-seen collections, lectures formances of the move-bending, groove-bending the still-beautiful France Nuyen (whose long ca- ern California, sounds like sketch comedy and special events that will focus upon the Lucky Plush Productions dance troupe. Alas, it’s reer stretches from South Pacific to The Joy Luck gone wild, but rendered with care and intel- sculpture, paintings, photography, murals and not free, but not too pricey. Seating just 300, Club) as part of the Northlight Interplay series. ligence it’s both admirable and entertain- mixed-media work that can be found here. Dom the MCA theater is a great, intimate space in The series continues Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m., with ing. MSB Orejudos will share the stage with artists such as which to catch a concert or dance performance. veteran Chicago favorites John Mahoney and A Park in Our House, Victory Gardens Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder Your old friend Jonny isn’t sure about the title, Mike Nussbaum in a reading of a new romantic Biograph, through Dec. 9. A tale of 1970’s and Ivan Albright plus Chicago School artists “SLIT: an evening of performance + poetry,” comedy Better Late, by Larry Gelbart (co-creator Cuban family life by out Cuban-born Pulitzer such as Roger Brown, Christina Ramberg, Tom but it sounds, um, interesting. It’s an evening of M*A*S*H) and Craig Wright. Northlight is at Prize playwright Nilo Cruz. It overlaps The Palazzalo and Ed Paschke. of dances, writings, and experimental audience the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Cook (reviewed this issue) by Cuban-born Among the organizations participating in the participation opportunities at the Around the in Skokie; 847-673-6300; $15. Eduardo Machado. See both and compare. American Art American City initiative are the Art Coyote Gallery, 1935 1/2 W. North, during which All this month the cast of Wicked will be col- JA Institute of Chicago, DuSable Museum of African choreographers Rachel Damon and Sarah Haas lecting money at every Wednesday matinee and —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Sullivan American History, Loyola University Museum of will premiere conceptual pieces dealing with Saturday night show for Broadway Cares/Equity Art, Museum of Contemporary Art, National Mu- The Smash Hit Musical Returns! NOW EXTENDED THRU JAN 6! ET BALL

“SUPER SONIC STELLAR!” SATURDAY, —WindyCityMedia.com “ ” “HIGHLY NOVEMBER 17 HHHH RECOMMENDED” —Time Out Chicago —Chicago Reader 8:00 pm “THE BEST PRODUCTION OF ALTAR BOYZ EVER” Ballets by Twyla Tharp, —Broadwayworld.com Moses Pendleton, & Jorma Elo

SANTA FE SANTA “PRAISEWORTHY!” “MARY MAGDALICIOUS” “A breath of fresh air!” —Daily Herald —Chicago Free Press – Anna Kisselgo , The New York Times ”KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK!” —Chicago Tribune

NOW PLAYING AT DRURY LANE WATER TOWER PLACE To purchase tickets, call 312-334-7777 or visit www.harristheaterchicago.org CALL TODAY! 312-642-2000

SPEN SPEN TICKETS ALSO AVAILABLE AT 312-902-1500, Chicago debut generously sponsored by: ALL TICKETMASTER OUTLETS AND ONLINE AT TICKETMASTER.COM Patricia & Richard Kent OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS! CALL GROUP THEATER TIX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-809-3075 • DISCOUNTED PARKING AVAILABLE FROM AS LITTLE $8.50 PHOTO: ROSALIE O’CONNOR A November 7, 2007 17 ONLINE THIS WEEK... THEATER REVIEWs OF: SPOTLIGHT -translations Frankenstein Ballet -chalk (below) Halloween may be past, but Alma Dance Com- pany, a fledgling ballet ensemble, keeps the spirit of Halloween alive with the Chicago premiere of Frankenstein Ballet. This production features original choreography by international ballet vet- The Rocky Horror Show. erans Suzanne Lek and Guillermo Leyva; an origi- nal score by Cuban composer Hector Silveira; and THEATER REVIEW a core of 14 dancers augmented by international guest soloists and principals, as well as dramatic The Rocky Horror makeup, costuming and special effects. Franken- Show stein Ballet is a new interpretation by Lek and Playwright: book, music & lyrics by Richard Leyva of the classic gothic tale by Mary Shelley O’Brien about love, loss, comedy and tragedy, as a mad At: CreatiVision Entertainment at the Mercury scientist assembles body parts of various crimi- Theatre, 3745 N. Southport nals to create the perfect monster. The show runs Phone: 773-325-1700; $30-$42.50 for three performances only, Nov. 9-10, North Runs through: Dec. 2 Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 9501 Skokie. Call 847-673-6300 or visit www. BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE northshorecenter.org. Photo by AUDIA

Storybook biomusicals—as opposed to simple revues—set within the scope of their audi- ence’s memories must not only replicate the excitement of their subject’s original appear- ances, but they must also generate the impact that we recollect, looking back through the dis- tortions of age and experience. In the case of The Rocky Horror Show, that impact cannot be underestimated—from the mid-1970s to nearly the millennium, pilgrims gathered weekly for late-night film showings of the gospel accord- ing to author/composer/lyricist Richard O’Brien, its exhortation to “Don’t dream it—BE it!” later cited by many of these to have influenced their destinies. Contributing to its followers’ steadfast devo- tion was a phenomenon hitherto-unseen in live theater. The communion between actor and au- dience necessary for performance to occur is a relic of theater’s roots in religious ceremony, but though the actors of the film The Rocky Horror Picture Show mimicked the stage play’s presen- tational aspects, the fact remained that they were images preserved on celluloid. Undaunted, spectators proceeded to manufacture an artifi- cial exchange of energy, crafting for themselves a liturgy encompassing call-and-response ver- bal interaction with the onscreen dialogue and elaborate kinetic affirmations. So a production of The Rocky Horror Show in 2007, to be successful, must evoke a dionysic transcendence sufficiently intense to unite its congregants in theoleptic ecstasy. Fortunately, the Mercury Theatre is tailor-made for this brand of fourth-wall breakdown. Not only does the ex- posed brick interior suggest the ambience of a hidden grotto, but the close quarters facilitate soloists ambushing us from the balconies, danc- ers promenading up the aisles and nearly naked characters climbing over our laps. Additional sensory stimulation is provided by a water-vapor dispenser surrounding us with, literally, a mys- tic atmosphere, and by a state-of-the-art sound system that punches out every note with chest- thumping definition. (If the notion of tactile music scares you, sit in the rear sections.) But this CreatiVision Entertainment production isn’t just—well, smoke and mirrors. The cast as- sembled by director Steve Hiltebrand is far more vocally adept than its material demands—in particular, Robert Felbinger’s charismatic Riff- Raff and Dina DiConstanzo’s Janet. Scott Alan Jones exhibits unflagging charm and Transylva- nian physical stamina as the “sweet transves- tite” Dr. Frank-N-Furter, while cabaret diva Amy Armstrong further bends gender in the roles of the chair-bound Dr. Scott and biker-boy Eddie. The show is scheduled to run until December, a perfect antidote to wholesome family Thanks- giving preparations.

18 November 7, 2007 and funny ensemble switching roles as towns- husband, Edward Torres is completely captivat- people, soldiers or birds always get across what’s ing, roaring through the emotional spectrum going on. from youthful lothario to ruthlessly macho do- With her curly white wig and no-nonsense de- mestic tyrant to a crotchety elder. Equally strong meanor, Henkin makes a fine quiltmaker, though is Phillip James Brannon, heartbreaking and she could show a touch more emotion during the charismatic as Gladys’ doomed gay nephew. As flashbacks. Directors and book adapters Patrizia for Aldridge, she’s an understated powerhouse, Lombardi Acerra and Dawn Arnold may err on the fierce foundation of a tale that’s both tragic the overly artsy side when the ensemble forms and triumphant. locales like caves and mountains, but they show a creativity that engages and invites different THEATER REVIEW ways of seeing. The production is handsomely framed by over- The Magician Playwright: Laurence Bryan, after Bergman size quilt panels of set designer David Den- At: National Pastime Theater, man and skillfully scored with sound effects by 4139 N. Broadway sound designer Stave Ptacek and classical and Phone: 773-327-7077; $25 The Quiltmaker’s Gift. Photo by James Douglas film-score-sounding music and composer Ryan Runs through: Dec. 15 Cashman. The costumes by Carol Blanchard THEATER REVIEW The plot is simple—so simple that you wonder (frequently extracted out of a toy box) play- why it took three theater companies (Premiere fully evoke the whimsy needed for a moralistic BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL The Quiltmaker’s Theatre & Performance, Moving Dock Theatre Co. fairytale. and Clock Productions) to collaborate together. The Quiltmaker’s Gift is the perfect antidote to It’s common to turn a movie into a play, and Gift The Quiltmaker’s Gift tells the tale of a greedy young relatives with a “gimmie, gimmie, gimme” vice versa. In 1947 the great Swedish theater Playwright: Patrizia Acerra and Dawn Arnold King (David D. Pittman) who demands presents mentality. The show is also free of Christmas ico- and cinema imagist Ingmar Bergman created after Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken’s from his subjects twice a year, hoping that that nography, so its non-denominational message The Magician as a live theater production, and books one special gift will make him happy. When the about the importance of giving is accessible to then turned it into a film some years later. Now At: Premiere Theatre & Performance, Moving King hears of the fabulous quilts made by a re- everyone. National Pastime and Clock Productions have re- Dock Theatre Co. and Clock Productions at clusive mystical Quiltmaker (Cindy Henkin) atop adapted Bergman’s film for the stage in an ambi- Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport a mountain, he won’t stop until he gets one. tious homage to a master recognized for his in- Phone: 773-902-1500; $5-$15 But the Quiltmaker doesn’t cooperate. She only THEATER REVIEW tellectual and spiritual complexity. Transcribing Runs through: Dec. 16 makes quilts for the homeless and destitute. She his work cannot be easy, yet the company pulls agrees to make a quilt for the king, but only if The Cook off The Magician with style and atmosphere. Playwright: Eduardo Machado BY SCOTT C. MORGAN he gives away all his worldly possessions. Still, something is missing—and I know what At: Goodman Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn It’s not hard to guess how everything turns it is. Phone: 312-443-3800; $10-$38 Like it or not, the holiday season is already upon out, but that journey is plenty of fun and has a A successful Broadway and Hollywood author Runs through: Nov. 18 us. The Rockettes of the Radio City Christmas refreshing simplicity. One notable feature is the I know—you’d recognize his work at once— Spectacular are invading Rosemont this month, inclusion of American sign-language interpreter often told budding writers that a playwright’s while the old standbys like A Christmas Carol and Shannon Moutinho in the talented ensemble, BY CATEY SULLIVAN first tool is the spoken word, but in film the The Nutcracker are being aimed into position. who simultaneously translates and takes part in spoken word is a writer’s last tool. In the film Not into all that forced holiday cheer? Perhaps the action. Time stops in the first scene of the Goodman version of The Magician, the camera work, the you should take young family members to The I hope word gets out to the hearing-impaired Theatre’s warmly compelling production of Edu- moody lighting and the shadows took the place Quiltmaker’s Gift. This world premiere, based community because this shadow interpreter is a ardo Machado’s The Cook. It’s almost midnight of much that otherwise would need to have been upon children’s books by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail lot more involved that the translators who typi- on New Year’s Eve in 1958, Havana. Before 1959 spoken out loud and explained. Movement and de Marcken, has a great holiday-timed message cally get lumped to the side. Even if Moutinho debuts, Che Guevera and Fidel Castro will march framing became characters themselves, perhaps told in an inclusive way. doesn’t always translate everything, the playful down from the mountains and establish a com- suggesting more than they actually stated but munist rule that will last for the next 40 years nonetheless enriching both emotion and action. and beyond. But before their world turns in- Much of that—too much of that—is missing in Dwight Rhoden & Desmond Richardson, side out, in the lavishly appointed kitchen of a this stage adaptation despite suitable costum- wealthy Cuban family, servants scramble to turn ing, simple but effective scenic designs and Artistic Directors back the clocks. The master of the house is run- excellent physical work. Adapter and director ning late, so on orders from his beautiful, be- Laurence Bryan, respectful of his great source, jeweled wife Adria, midnight will have to wait. has not attempted to fill out empty spaces with November 10 at 7:30pm The symbolism is heavy-handed but it works. more dialog or action. Indeed, his license to For Adria’s cook, Gladys, the next 40 years are adapt the work might have forbidden him to add

B a l e t November 11 at 2:00pm spent in a self-imposed suspension that begins or change anything. just before midnight. It’s then that, fearing for Set in 1846 Sweden, the story focuses on trav- her life under a Castro-led regime, Adria flees, eling players who combine a magic lantern show dashing out to meet her husband and escape to and the sale of potions with magic tricks and the United States. But before she goes, Adria ex- mesmerism (hypnosis) thereby suggesting they tracts a promise from Gladys: The cook will keep can effect medical cures. They are invited to ap- the house ready for the family’s return. And so pear before a wealthy aristocrat and his wife, Gladys transforms herself into an eternal lady- whose child recently has died. On arrival, they in-waiting, slavishly protecting and preserving, are demeaned and threatened as frauds by the living for the moment Adria will come home. local medical and police authorities. However, C o n t e m p r a y Directed by Henry Godinez, The Cook is a rich Bergman being Bergman, there is pointed social slice of history boiled down to an intensely per- commentary plus twists, both sexual and super- sonal level. The complex, global impact of Cas- natural, and even a political deus ex machina. tro’s regime, the toxic politics of skin color and What’s missing is character exposition, espe- economic gradations, and the infinitely intricate cially with regard to the aristocrat and his wife. reverberations of a history rooted in slavery play They and their dead child very much are central, out as a series of intimate interactions around a yet we learn virtually nothing about their moti- kitchen table. The core political conflict shows vations even as they behave in downright creepy up in Todd Rosenthal’s marvelously detailed ways. The bravado of film sweeps much before it, copper-and-adobe-toned set: On one end of the with editing rhythms and the occasional close- kitchen is a portrait of Che; on the other, a por- up focus the stage simply cannot provide. What trait of Adria’s beautiful, bourgeoisie mother. the stage needs is more of the first tool of the To be sure, some elements of the plot provoke playwright: words. Save $5 with promotional code WINDY a bit of eye-rolling. Among them: Gladys’ ab- This is not to demean the effort made here, ject willingness to become the victim of a past or its achievement in creating a moody and that belongs to someone else. We just don’t get mysterious work leavened with comedy. It is FOUR EASY WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS enough of the relationship between Gladys and to say, however, that this Magician is not as PHONE: 312.902.1500 ONLINE: ticketmaster.com Adria to buy into the belief that the cook would complete an experience—perhaps cannot be as rather let a close blood relative die than allow complete—as its cinema parent. GROUP (10+): 312.431.2357 her long-gone employer’s home fall into disar- IN PERSON: Auditorium Theatre box office, ray. As Gladys, Karen Aldridge exudes grace, no- 50 E. Congress Parkway bility and wit; she’s just not the sort of woman who would spend 40 years serving somebody who wasn’t there.

C O M P L E X I N S Even so, The Cook is a recipe that works thanks www.auditoriumtheatre.org in large part to its top-notch cast. As Gladys’ November 7, 2007 19 This is expensive.” So, we felt that people were being misled into the idea that this was a treat- ment that was safe, reliable and effective, and CULTURE CLUB we felt that we had to share what our views are on the topic as well, so people had that to Classic Comedy with a Contemporary Twist! inform their decisions about whether they want to undergo this type of therapy. WCT: When this type of therapy has failed, are their certain dangers that have been par- ticularly documented, or certain issues peo- ple tend to face afterwards? AS: I mean as far as documented evidence, that’s where you can get into trouble, because it’s very hard to study people who have or by Jean Baptiste Moliére haven’t changed. ... As far as meeting with peo- ple, talking with people, and reviewing what, translation and adaptation by for example, [psychotherapists Ariel] Shidlo and [Michael] Schroeder found when they spoke to James Magruder Dr. Alicia Salzer. their subjects, they characterized several differ- ent types of danger. … As a client of reparative OCT 3 - NOV 11 therapy, you’re told if you fail it’s because you’re REELING FILM FEST not trying hard enough. So when they do fail, 847/673-6300 they’re set up for a kind of self-loathing. ... Part www.northlight.org Alicia Salzer: The of many reparative therapies is that your family Chicago Critics Rave: is coached to not love you unconditionally. Woman Behind The thing that struck me most about the peo- “The funniest, fastest ple that I met through the film is that they had ‘Abomination’ spent decades of their lives not having relation- 90 minutes in Chicago, By Charlsie Dewey ” ships and engaged in this passionate, agonizing bar none! — Chicago Tribune struggle to be straight to such an extent that The Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists they didn’t have any time or energy to focus on are taking on the claims of the Christian right their careers, friendships, relationships, hobbies, with Abomination: Homosexuality and the Ex- nothing. ... I think that falls into the realm of Gay Movement, which will be shown at the Reel- harm, too. ing International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. WCT: With all the evidence pointing to the The documentary explores the lack of scientific failure of conversion therapy and the fact evidence around conversion therapy, asks where that most members of the psychiatric pro- the ex-gay leaders of yesterday are and points ����— Daily Herald fession don’t believe this type of therapy is out the dangers of these supposed treatments. “You will laugh your head off. Photos: Michael Brosilow scientifically backed, why do you think that NOW Dr. Alicia Salzer, M.D., director and producer of A VERY DEFINITE MUST-SEE!”— WGN TV & Radio organizations like Exodus flourish? the film, spoke with Windy City Times about the THROUGH AS: You kind of asked two questions. One is ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE 1641 N Halsted documentary, a film that she hopes will have why do they continue to flourish, and the rea- JAN 13 BO: 312.988.9000 • Ticketmaster.com: 312.902.1500 universal appeal to anyone who has ever felt son they continue to flourish is because they Groups of 10 or more: GroupTix 877.447.7849 like they had to pass or change to be a part of continue to create a market for themselves by their community. misinforming people that what it means to be Windy City Times: What led you to pursue gay is that you’ll be disenfranchised, you’ll live this issue and take on this project? a life of sneaky, unsafe sex and drugs and never Alicia Salzer: I am a member of a professional have a relationship, kids, or a family, and that organization of psychiatrists called Association you’ll ultimately die of AIDS. … Add to that the of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists. They’re the threat of losing your family, your church, your ones that funded the film and they were really community, and everything you believe in. So, the force behind it. They have an increasing con- I think they perpetuate the demand for the ser- CDL cern about the fact that conservative Christians vice. were making more of a media presence with bill- Abomination: Homosexuality and the Ex- EA6N>C< boards, TV commercials and ads that were basi- Gay Movement will play during the Reeling cally saying “Look, we’ve changed and you can 2007 Film Festival in Chicago on Nov. 17 at 3 too,” and we felt that it was misrepresenting 9dc»i#Add`#7VX`# p.m. at Center on Halsted along with God Only 6Wdji;VXZI]ZVigZEgZhZcihVLdgaYEgZb^ZgZ what they had to offer because there was really Knows: Same Sex Marriage. Lg^iiZcVcY9^gZXiZYWn:G>8GDH:C no waiver that said, “Results not typical. This Read the entire interview at www. may be harmful. This hasn’t really been proven WindyCityMediaGroup.com. DXi')"9ZX'!'%%, to be successful except in anecdotal situations. HiZeeZclda[BZgaZGZh`^cLady Bunny and famed photographer Mike I can’t tell you how excited I was. So it did Ruiz, the director. What amazing people in have a huge impact on me. Even today I’ll go this film and what energy! 72)4%23  4(%!42% see many movies with bitches kickin’ ass. Most R: All of the people you mentioned have that ).',%.#/% of them aren’t very good. Like that thing with same, outside-of-the-box mentality. Candis / Ê7", Ê*,  , Ê"Ê Uma Thurman called My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Cayne couldn’t be more of a kind person. She Horrible. Aeon Flux … Domino ... but I go ev- is so wonderful. Ari was over at my house last ery single time. night. I was uploading his iPod. …All of the / Ê-
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Code, they touch on goddess energy and the ent, they just completely jumped at it. You conspiracy against it, and how it’s missing know they make movies for the demographic h34%2,).'0%2&/2-!.#%3&5,,/& from our culture. There’s such a deficit of that that spends the money, [which is] 14-year-old energy … our culture’s inability to accept god- white boys. I don’t want to see [that]. I want $%,)#)/53 dess energy, and to accept love between two more and I want more people who are making men, and anything to do with real femininity. fun, poking fun at the establishment. 35202)3%3v I’m not talking about Hello Kitty and every- #()#!'/35. 4)-%3 thing pink and fuzzy. I’m talking about femi- Reeling 2007: Chicago’s Lesbian and Gay nine energy at its core, the thing that we all International Film Festival is Nov. 8-18.    72)4%234(%!42%/2' 02/$5#4)/.30/.3/2 have. We deny it so much that it’s made an Starrbooty plays Wed., Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. at impact on art across the board. So many stories the Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway. have not been told [and] so many songs have For more visit Starrbooty.com. To hear to the not been sung because of our country’s fear of entire interview with RuPaul check out show For more shows and listings, check out goddess feminine energy. #153 on www.windycityqueercast.com. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com WCQ: Talk about working with Candis Also see www.reelingfilmfestival.org. 20 November 7, 2007 about the changing dynamics of the LGBT JAM: The press material describing the film community. provides more context and detail than the Controversial Gendercator Jacob Anderson-Minshall: You’ve written film itself. Did you end up making cuts in and directed some critically acclaimed films the film or changing the dialogue? like the remarkable Stranger Inside (co- CC: In narrative film, you tell a story through Film Screens in Chicago written with Cheryl Dunye). Why did you a character’s point of view. You make your decide to address this subject in a 15-minute points by creating an environment in which Former Chicagoan Catherine Crouch’s about intersex people. short? Is that enough time to explore a the audience experiences the world through the controversial short film The Gendercator, censored For details see www.reelingfilmfestival.org or complex issue? characters. To have a character recite: “In the by some film festivals, makes its Chicago debut call (773) 293-1447. Catherine Crouch: I think 15 minutes is early 2000s the evangelical Christians took over Wed., Nov. 14 at Reeling 26, the Chicago Lesbian Windy City Times this week has features about enough time to explore this complex issue and the government and legislated their strict family and Gay International Film Festival. The Gendercator, including two interviews with to touch on certain aspects. To comprehensively values…” wouldn’t work for a hippie woman from Reeling screens the film at 6 p.m. at Center on the filmmaker and a review of the film by trans resolve or complete my thoughts about it the 1970s who’s been forced by a fundamentalist Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, followed by a panel writer Jacob Anderson-Minshall. would certainly produce multiple features. But government to undergo a massively invasive discussion featuring a wide variety of speakers. to say that I can’t complete my thoughts in a surgery. The final version of the film was very The event is free. 15-minute film doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t close to the shooting script. That scene [was] The Gendercator has sparked debate across the Tackling Gender explore [them]. I’ve been making films about essentially the same in the script as in the film. country for its take on gender identity, including In this Q&A trans writer Jacob Anderson- gender for 10 years now and I’m sure that I’ll JAM: Did you worry about the implications the premise that some butch lesbians might be Minshall and lesbian filmmaker Catherine make more. The subject matter for many of my of using a contentious term like “trannies,” pressured to become transmen in a right-wing Crouch discuss Crouch’s controversial film The films has to do with a core, unresolved issue for that is still used by non-trans people in a future with room for only two genders. Gendercator examining cinematic elements, the me—Am I a boy or a girl? What kind of woman derogatory manner? Also screening is One in 2000, a documentary filmmaker’s political sentiments and her concern am I? How do I fit into the world? CC: As an out lesbian, I certainly am aware

to when compared with the director’s stated still “trippin’” and doesn’t recognize that by themselves, instead of working to change the Much Ado About intentions. “presenting as male” in a world prohibiting world.” Inferring that trans men are nothing The Gendercator opens with grainy 8 mm cross-dressing, she’s inadvertently sparked an but altered lesbians, Crouch reiterates the very The Gendercator footage of women dancing and smoking pot evaluation by the dreaded Gendercator, who will conflagration of gender and sexual orientation BY JACOB ANDERSON-MINSHALL in a rural setting. The colorful clothing and determine once and for all if she is a man or a that her film tries to expose. music (Rare Earth’s “I just want to Celebrate”) woman. With award-winning films like Stranger Inside It’s never a good sign when a film can’t speak provide a 1970s time stamp, and if you catch Despite locating the opening scenes in the to her credit, Crouch may indeed be a skilled for itself. the brief image of tennis star Billie Jean King feminist era, Sally’s use of hallucinogens and a screenwriter. But in this situation she seems to In the case of the short, The Gendercator, in the background, you might get the reference, softball obsession seem to have crowded out her be suffering an extreme case of Mel Gibson-like most of those who successfully protested the situating this moment as a post 1973 “Battle feminist leanings. Marking the film’s protagonist foot-in-mouth syndrome. Although Crouch later film’s showing at this summer’s San Francisco of the Sexes” celebration of King’s triumph over so removed from 1970’s political lesbians, Crouch attempts to clarify her position, she only makes Frameline Film Festival responded not to the male tennis player Bobby Riggs. seems to position Sally as a “naturally born” things worse by claiming that when a person’s film itself, but to lesbian filmmaker Catherine The film’s stoner protagonist (Sally) wanders lesbian, whose sexual orientation is innate. exterior body does not match their interior Crouch’s director’s statements. That protest into the woods with a romantic partner and Whatever the reasoning for this, it serves to sense of self, that person “is a transsexual, not unleashed a schism between two factions of the falls into a post-coital sleep so deep that she preclude the protagonist from political analysis a woman or a man.” LGBT community, most of whom have never seen doesn’t wake until the year 2048. We next see or criticism of the binary-gendered, entirely In the final moments of the film, Sally is the 15-minute film. Sally confined in a sterile medical environment Caucasian-populated future. Worse, during the “genderfied” and scheduled for surgery. Then But the truth is, it’s almost impossible to where she has, somehow, located and donned course of the film Sally’s insipid character gains things get complicated. There are three endings evaluate and discuss The Gendercator without flannel and blue jeans; much to the confusion of neither a political consciousness nor personal to the film. Depending on your preference, Sally addressing the director’s statements—to the observational staff dressed in matching his depth. is either rescued by a group of lesbian womanists Frameline, on her Web site and in promotional and hers cotton twosies that seem to be the de Because the genre removes storylines from the who ferret her off to a commune-style softball- material. In isolation, the work fails to rigueur future fashion. ordinary, everyday world and sets them on far playing paradise, she wakes up post surgery adequately speak for itself—or at least it seems All giggles and goofy grins, Sally thinks she’s away planets or distant futures, sci-fi audiences horrified to discover she’s a hairy man, or she are some of the most willing to suspend disbelief ends up back in the good ol’ pre- trans rights about fantastical elements. Subverting that good 1973, shaking off a drug-induced hallucination. will, Crouch seems intent on drawing attention Back with her friends, in her own time, Sally to the film’s preposterous elements, particularly picks up another joint, seems to consider putting that someone could sleep for 75 years and wake it down and then lights up. Credits roll. under a thin layer of leaves looking not a day From this final scene we have to assume that older and no worse for wear—and her friends the experience must not have been so bad after wouldn’t even have come looking for her. all. Otherwise Sally would have given up drugs Crouch uses Sally’s now 100-year-old friends for good! to reveal how and why the world has changed. All joking aside, there’s clearly a real concern in They explain, “It all began with the evangelicals, the lesbian community about the perceived loss you know, one man, one woman, and all that. of butches, and apparently increasing number And then the next thing you know, the trannies of outwardly female-appearing individuals went along with it. … Before long, butches and transitioning to men. Unlike those conservatives fairies were forced to make the change. You have who feared a raise in the number of lesbians was to be a man or a woman, no more in-between.” proof of recruitment drives, this time we’re all Here’s where that supporting material comes in part of the same community and we desperately handy. After all, there’s no mention of “trannies” need to confront these trepidations. (an exceedingly hot button word for someone in The Gendercator simply is not the film to the LGB community to use so casually), and in do so. Worse, the film’s fallout has created an two short sentences Crouch’s online description environment less, not more, conducive to frank provides more historical context than the film’s discussions between lesbians and transgender dialogue or footage: “in the early 2000s the men. evangelical Christians took over the government Fortunately for audiences, another film actually and legislated their strict family values, legally does what Crouch claims to do: examine the sanctioning only ‘one man, one woman’ couples. impact of transitioning FTMs on the lesbian Advances in sex reassignment surgery have made community. The documentary Boy I Am presents it possible to honor an individual’s choice of complex FTM subjects while also providing a gender and government policy.” forum for a number of oppositional viewpoints. There is one element the embattled film gets Lucky for Crouch, the controversy surrounding just right: illustrating that gender identity is The Gendercator has created more attention and often confused with sexual orientation. For interest than the film rightfully deserves. example, when the Gendercator asks Sally, “You Full disclosure: As an avid supporter of free like girls sexually, right?” it’s clear that an speech, during the Frameline controversy, I affirmative answer would confirm a male gender wrote a letter to the organization supporting identity. the showing of The Gendercator. Sadly, even this redemptive element is marred Trans author Jacob Anderson-Minshall by Crouch’s off screen rhetoric, in which she writes the weekly, syndicated column seems to miss those same distinctions. In TransNation. His essay, “The Enemy Within: Crouch’s director statement—which started On Becoming a Straight White Guy,” appears the controversy in the first place—she writes, in the forthcoming anthology Men Speak Out: “Things are getting very strange for women these Views on Gender, Sex, and Power. days. More and more often we see … lesbian For more from the filmmaker, see www. women altering themselves into transmen. Our catherinecrouch.com. distorted cultural norms are making women feel compelled to use medical advances to change November 7, 2007 21 that this term is offensive, but as a storyteller, I a safe existence. It’s just exhausting to imagine did not worry for an instant. There’s an important … continually confront heteronormativity in all distinction between a writer and a character, its insidiousness. and too often this gets lost. The use of the term JAM: You say that women starting by a character in the film doesn’t represent my testosterone treatment “most often” give experience or my personal opinion, and it’s not their reasons as “to avoid harassment, rape meant to. It represents the character’s point of and ridicule as a gender variant.” Trans view. In the context of the film, the use of the demographics, especially in respect to FTMs, term serves multiple purposes: to underline one have been consistently understudied and many character’s perspective and another’s ignorance of the studies that do exist are fatally flawed. of the social changes that have taken place. Where did you get your information? JAM: Many detractors of the film hadn’t CC: My information comes directly from seen it but were offended by your director’s conversations with people I know. I’m so statement in which you seem to equate FTM glad you asked this because one thing I am transition with “distorted cultural norms passionate about and hope my film inspires is [making] women feel compelled to use more study of what’s going on in the lesbian medical advances to change themselves, community. It appears to me that the number instead of working to change the world.” of lesbian women who transition into males is CC: I am careful with words like “all” or escalating rapidly. “none”. Do I see “all” transmen as having “no” As a tomboy, butch lesbian, masculine woman, interest in changing the world? No, I do not. gender variant, I wonder what this means for me Do I believe “all” transmen are conforming? No, and my community. As an artist, I express my I do not. I respectfully turn this question back wonder in metaphor and story. I’ve been told that to you, Jake. You are in the FTM community this is not allowed, that this is hateful, that my and have witnessed its growth. Do you believe Sally: (Emily Wood) prepares to take her trip to the future with the help of her best friend Linda very choice of genre is inappropriate. I’ve been “all” FTMs were genuinely in need of medical (Amanda Coppes) in The Gendercator. Photo by Joslyn Virgin. Right: Catherine Crouch. Photo by told that because I do not identify as trans I am intervention? In my opinion, transsexual Amanda Betts for the film Stray Dogs. not permitted to comment. But I dispute this activists reacted to my director’s statement restriction ... I do understand something about because they felt like their authenticity was JAM: How is concern about the growing Young Sally is a perfect fit to her time and place. the reasons one might choose to pass for male. being attacked. I don’t dispute the validity of trans population different from earlier She’s been indoctrinated by the ’70s clichés of I know the daily degradation of harassment, transsexuals and how medical advances have concerns about an increase in the number of her peers [but] she hasn’t really thought about ridicule and sexual assault. I have an instinctive been used to help people with this medical lesbian-identified women—or the fear that them. She’s motivated by having fun and isn’t fear of men on the street. I understand wanting condition. My statement reflects my concern for lesbians were recruiting? really all that bright. She’s bought into the this fear to go away. I understand wanting to fit women: why, in the last decade, are we seeing CC: To me, the difference is obvious: these prevailing political slogans of her time without into the norm. But I don’t fit into the norm. I’m more and more young women opting to enhance are women who do not wish to be perceived, critical thought. She isn’t a heroic lesbian. She’s a lesbian woman. either their femininity or their masculinity identified or treated as women. These are women an “every” lesbian dropped into an unusual It’s this culturally sanctioned misogynism, through elective medical procedures? I find the who … undergo elective medical procedures situation. This is certainly intentional. How this hatred and violence that we must address. rapid escalation of elective medical procedures to surgically and or pharmaceutically change many of us today stand back and question the I remember the horror of that moment when I to solve non-medical conditions disquieting. their bodies to … be perceived as male. These prevailing politics of our time? moved from an active, free girlhood to suddenly Specifically, the non-medical condition suffered changes are permanent [and] require a lifelong Sally’s interest in partying reflects one of having to act like a lady and thinking: wait a by most women: social anxiety and feelings of commitment to the medical establishment. Why my own deep concerns about our alphabet minute! I don’t want to be female if it limits inadequacy magnified by pervasive misogyny. would anyone believe the medical establishment community. We place a great emphasis on me! But when I was 13, I heard the message JAM: In retrospect is there any part of has your best interest in mind or cares about having fun and we sometimes don’t pay enough of the second-wave feminists and social change the film, dialogue, director statement or women’s bodies? attention to what’s going on right in front of us. seemed possible. What seems possible for 13- comments about the film that you regret? JAM: You’ve said, “feminists in the 1970s We’d rather go to a party than deal with serious or Turn to page 22 CC: I have no regrets at all. I wanted people in believed that you could be anything you upsetting trends that threaten our very right to the alphabet community to talk about the issue wanted, in whatever body you were born and we are. I felt like whatever conversations with,” yet there’ve been many critics of were happening prior to the The Gendercator were the early feminist movement, particularly completely segregated—lesbians were talking by those who felt they were excluded for Rolling out the Pink Carpet november 8 -18 to other lesbians about the increasing number their bodies; be they feminist men, women of young butch lesbians transitioning, and of color, the differently abled, or butch- transpeople were talking to other transpeople. I femme lesbians—who were derided as aping didn’t see a lot of communication between these heterosexual norms. Why did you pick that communities happening. These are difficult era to contrast with The Gendercator’s 2048? conversations, but they are important. What I CC: I picked that era because that’s the era didn’t really realize was how much people want when I spent my formative sexual and political to talk. awakening and I remember it with a romantic JAM: Some scientists have suggested that fondness. I vividly remember the tennis match increases in gender-identity issues have roots between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. I was in the impact of environmental pollutants on 13 years old in 1973 and it was a profoundly fetal development. influential moment in the development of my CC: I’ve never heard of this, but it raises some strong self esteem and grounded feminism. intriguing issues. I suppose this could be an I wasn’t sure when things started changing so explanation of the rapid increase in the number of rapidly or what exactly is going on today—in young women who are now choosing to identify our lesbian community, with the religious call me on the free as male, my original concern and impetus for fundamentalists taking political power in 24 hour hotline ... making The Gendercator. However, it doesn’t countries all over the world, and with the explain the examples of women who are known increasing medicalization of our society. So I 312-458-9059 to have passed for men throughout recorded decided to skip over the now and tried to imagine movies history. Their motivations have been interpreted someone floating in a 1970s feminist bubble in various ways: they were transsexuals before waking up to a world in which these three social 175 films from 28 countries! medical solutions; or lesbians who wanted a love factors had colluded in order to eliminate both celebrities life with a woman; or women who wanted to homosexuality and gender variants. be educated; or women who wanted to inherit JAM: You talk about your female characters RuPaul . . . property; or women who wanted to serve in a being complex, but Sally seems almost one- Guinevere Turner . . . war; or women who wanted to pursue a career dimensionally interested in partying and forbidden to females. If all human beings were softball. I was surprised that you encapsulated Bruce Vilanch . . . and more! valued equally regardless of the body they were the 1970s era into one pot-puffing, acid- parties born into or their form of gender expression, dropping party. Were you trying to establish if all human beings were truly free to pursue Sally as a sort of “natural” lesbian who’s seven special events . . . their goals, to love whom they want, to reach inherently lesbian rather than a political almost every night! their highest potential, what would the world lesbian motivated by an anti-patriarchy look like? Would we be seeing young people political agenda? TH E C H I C A G O L E S B I A N & G AY I NTE R N ATI O N A L F I L M F E STI VA L putting silicone in their chests? Would we be CC: As you noted, The Gendercator is a very seeing young people taking large amounts of short film. This means you use visual short cuts major sponsors www.reelingfilmfestival.org testosterone? I think that we should be working via symbols to establish character, setting, to create that world, not modifying ourselves theme. The party at the beginning gives the according to the standards of a terribly unequal audience the genre, time, place, and Sally in one society whose values are detrimental to the minute. I encapsulated one party from the era, wellbeing of most of its inhabitants—but not the 1970s era. especially women. I was trying to establish Sally as a character. 22 November 7, 2007

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'-,+>[db[o"=b[dl_[m medical solutions to their gender presentation, hippie feminist sporty stoner, and the world of JC: Where do you find support, strength, their sexual insecurities, their weight issues, 2048 makes no sense to her. and the motivation to keep going even in the 9edjWYj@Wc[iWj their depression issues, their stress and on JC: What would you tell those in the lesbian face of attempts to ban and censor your film .*-#-/&#.*+( and on. Where will this dependence on medical community who have witnessed what is and perspective? FhkZ[dj_WbFh[\[hh[ZFhef[hj_[i solutions lead us? Who benefits from this sociologically referred to as ‘butch flight’? CC: The positive reactions from those who mmm$m_dZoY_joZh[Wc^ec[i$Yec medicalization of our society? This is what The CC: I believe that women have been have seen the film have ranged from people Gendercator is all about. socialized in a way that makes us reluctant to thanking me for making the film and raising © 2007 Jacob Anderson-Minshall be direct because of fears about being hurtful; these issues, to comments about the film’s in this case, we are avoiding some very difficult humor and style, the quality of the acting, 5246 N. GLENWOOD PENTHOUSE: Spacious 2br/1bath conversations that we desperately need right the great music. So people have responded + office, kitchen open to formal dining room, w/d in- Gender, Censorship, now. To comment on the obvious--that the positively not only to the content of the film unit, garage included, large living room, http://tours2. number of young lesbians changing their but also to its form. Also, I have received vht.com/BWI/T1119797 /nobranding, steve.hobbs@ and the Power of Film bodies is escalating rapidly-- is to be dismissed many letters, e-mails, and calls from people in bairdwarner, (773)895-2271. Open House Sunday as a transphobe, as my case proves. Even if this support of my film and against the cancellation 1-3. (11/07/07-2) By Jennifer Curtis discussion causes us to feel uncomfortable, we of the film in San Francisco and Milwaukee Most 4415 N. BEACON PENTHOUSE OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-3: Spacious 2bed/2bath top floor vintage condo, ca- must talk about the rift and the reasons for the are along the lines of, “Hey, we wanted to see Milwaukee writer Jennifer Curtis interviewed thedral ceilings, gas fireplace, sunroom, large in-unit rift in our community. I believe that we in the a film about this subject matter and we didn’t Catherine Crouch about The Gendercator. The laundry/storage room. Kitchen has maple cabinets, alphabet community are all a part of the same even get the chance to talk about these issues interview took place after Curtis joined with granite counters, breakfast bar. Separate dining room family, and we must find a way for constructive that are so important to our community.” other women in trying to bring the film to with adjacent den that opens to large deck. Private 1 dialogue. I think that we can find a way to I have also received supportive responses Milwaukee; so far their attempts have been car garage. $384,500. Megan Collins, Baird & War- respect our differences and understand our from transmen who have seen the film, which unsuccessful. ner, (773)770-7015. http://tours2.vht.com/BWI/ commonalities. I think is very important to mention. Even if Jennifer Curtis: What motivated you to T1121767 /nobranding (11/07/07-2) JC: So, by now we all know about some they did find some scenes objectionable, they make The Gendercator? HISTORIC PARK CASTLES CONDO: Two-bedroom dream in of the strong and negative reactions to this feel as though including another point of view Catherine Crouch: While we once believed the vintage Park Castles on Indian Boundary Park in Chi- film. What do you make of all this? on gender and transitioning is not the same cago’s West Rogers Park. Sunny, large, hardwood floors, that transsexuality was a relatively rare CC: This reminds us what a powerful medium thing as discriminating against or oppressing newer appointments, much original. Must see. Near res- medical condition of gender dysphoria that is film is, how it moves us to an excitable space transpeople. We have seen many films about unbearable for a person, in the last six years whether the thrill of discovery or the creepy transpeople in our LGBT film festivals in the I have seen a sudden increase in the number crawly of revulsion. Storytelling and character last few years. Now we have a film with an of young women who opt to take testosterone can bring an experience that is more memorable entirely different starting point and it has or undergo voluntary mastectomies. Why is this and has more forceful impact than essays or provoked many intense reactions. This is what happening now? What has changed? cyber rambling. The Gendercator seems to a filmmaker dreams of, that her characters and If we situate this in terms of the larger have affected people beyond the reasonable scenarios inspire people to think and talk about culture’s misogyny, it seems to be a rejection expectations of a silly 15 minute “what if” ideas from a different point of view. of the female part of the masculine female. fantasy. For this I am proud. I wanted to talk JC: Do you think there’s room in this Why does a woman do this? Most often, the about female body modification and religious “LGBT” community for a more radical, reasons given are: to avoid harassment, rape fundamentalism and identity politics and I put lesbian feminist perspective? and ridicule as a gender variant (i.e: butch or it all into a Rip van Winkle social satire and CC: At 47, I have seen many cultural changes androgynous). It seems to me that what is also now people certainly are talking about it. in my lifetime. … Feminists in the 1970s going on, but has not been explicitly addressed, What I hear a lot is, that people are saying believed that you could be anything you is the desire to avoid being perceived by the Have your to their friends, “Did you hear about that wanted, in whatever body you were born with world at large as female, and/or to avoid the film?” and then they will start to talk about and it was an exciting time of experimentation label of lesbian. We should also acknowledge the issue. The film becomes a gateway to the and expression. While there has been a premiums that it has become a trend among some young conversations. significant backlash against feminism, many people who formerly identified, or would be JC: What would you tell those who are important changes have had lasting benefits increased considered by the lesbian community, as butch supporting the banning and censorship of for all people, even for the young people today lesbians. Why can’t we talk about this? your film? who reject identifying with the “F word.” For me it is important to work against the recently? CC: Every person responds to art subjectively, Jennifer Curtis writes for the Milwaukee LGBT rigid gender binaries of the larger culture that from the sum of their own life experiences. publication, Queer Life and has been an activist enable violence and harassment of the masculine See me: Of course I think every person should follow in the Milwaukee Lesbian and Gay communities female or effeminate male. It is harmful their heart when deciding how to respond to since moving there in 2002. She is currently Charles T. Rhodes, to everyone that an individual’s safety and The Gendercator. I do not accept the verdict pursuing her PhD in Urban Studies and enjoys identity is defined by conformity to normative Agent of the film and idea and Catherine Crouch as reading sociological theory, feng shui, herbal standards; this is what The Gendercator is all 2472 N. Clark being hateful or hurtful. These charges are not healing, and spending time with her partner, about. true and will not stick as time passes by and and their cat and dog. 773.281.0890 JC: Share with us one of the messages you State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company history judges my body of work as a storyteller. See www.catherinecrouch.com. (not in NJ) want people to take from The Gendercator? I am a proud and forever member of the State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois November 7, 2007 23 CLASSIFIEDS ADULT PRODUCTS Park, professionally trained and english speaking crew, tion, and therapy for injuries and chronic conditions. table. Late hours ok. Convenient location. Relo- OVER 25,000 ADULT PRODUCTS: Sold at wholesale all supplies and equipment provided, 48hr satisfaction Great for new practitioners and those looking to boost cated practice from NYC. Treat yourself. www.Pow- prices. Visit us at: www.sexyplaythingsonline.com guaranteed. 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24 November 7, 2007 Clarkson, no less! on the road with me. Reba McEntire: RM: When we were doing this show [for the LF: You’ve addressed some serious issues in CMT] together, Crossroads, I did four of her your music—specifically, AIDS on the 1994 songs with her singing with me and she did four song She Thinks His Name Was John. Do you Take Two of my songs with me singing with her and when still perform that in concert? By Lawrence Ferber we did ‘Because of You,’… well, it really touched RM: No, I haven’t done that in a while. There me the first time I sang it and that’s why we are two songs you don’t do when you’re playing Four years since her last studio album, Reba went back into the studio to rerecord it. festivals and fairs. One is John and the other is McEntire has returned to the CD aisles (and on- LF: What’s the saddest song on the album? Moving Oleta. Wow, you talk about taking the line shops) with a little help from her friends. RM: The song that really is a tear-jerker is breath out of the room; all the air is gone. The Duets (MCA Nashville), released last month, fea- Sleeping with the Telephone, [with Faith Hill] way I found John is I was over at Bluewater tures impressive, and in some cases crossover, because it’s about two women—they’re neigh- Music in Nashville listening to songs for the al- superstar pairings: Justin Timberlake on the bors—and one woman has a husband who’s bum. And they said, “We’re a little bit nervous lush strings-laden The Only Promise That Re- fighting over in Iraq and the other’s husband is but want to ask if you want to listen to one mains; Don Henley on the thoroughly country a policeman and out on the workforce every day, song that’s way left-field, but you’re the only ballad Break Each Other’s Hearts Again; Kelly and they sleep with the telephone just knowing one that we know that would have the nerve to Clarkson on the grand, sweeping Because of You; that call is going to come in. even record it.” I said, “OK, now you’ve got a and LeAnn Rimes on the super-catchy When You LF: Drag queens love you—do a Google for challenge up there for me. Let me hear it!” And Love Someone Like That. Others sharing McEn- Reba McEntire “Reba” and “drag” and there is no shortage it was John and I said, “Oh my gosh, yes, let me tire’s microphone include Trisha Yearwood, Car- of results. And I understand a male fan came have that!” I recorded it and did it on stage and ole King, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts and Faith to a lot of your shows dressed as you, and you it was moving! Hill. RM: When I asked him to do the project he even had one appear onstage. LF: Are you into pop culture? Do you go on- The Oklahoma-born McEntire has over thirty said, ‘Okay, great, I’ll write something. Is that RM: We had guys come into the show dressed line and read the gossip blogs? years of charting/award-winning singles and al- okay?’ And I was like [skeptical], yeahhhhh. I as me as [my character of] Fancy [from the vid- RM: No. My hobbies are more into photography bums behind her, as well as turns on the Broad- had no idea what he was going to bring back to eo] and would come to the meet and greet and and I love to mess with the pictures I take on way stage (including the 1999 revival of Annie me—was it going to be SexyBack Two? I didn’t my tour manager would say, “We have a Fancy vacations. I do go on YouTube every once in a Get Your Gun), film (notably 1990’s cult monster know what it was and he and Matt Morris wrote impersonator tonight and when you walk in while but that’s about it. flick, Tremors) and six seasons of her eponymous this beautiful Celtic love song. I was so relieved. the room he’s to the right so don’t be shocked LF: What’s the most insane thing you’re Emmy-nominated TV sitcom, Reba (2001-07). I was expecting something that was waaay out when you see him.” I thought, “Even though I seen on YouTube so far? But she still considers music her first love, so of my ballpark. But it worked out really great. don’t wear that much make-up; he looks better RM: These two guys had a horse that they put to discuss Duets and her favorite YouTube clip, I He’s a sweetheart, a very good old country than I do!” I didn’t know if he was gay or just in a car. They took the top of their car off to spoke with McEntire by phone. boy from Memphis, Tenn., and he’s a huge fan a cross-dresser or a female impersonator. But I make it like a convertible and put the horse in Lawrence Ferber: What is your favorite duet of country music so it worked out wonderfully also hired a guy that I saw at those [imperson- the front and would go to a drive-thru and or- of all time? One that perhaps inspired your well.” ator] shows—lots were dressed up like Liza and der their white horse hamburgers and the horse own duets? LF: Was there anyone you wanted to duet me and Dolly. One guy did me, and he did Garth would eat it. That’s pretty bizarre. Reba McEntire: The ones that Dolly Parton and with who was so outside of the country genre Brooks! Now that’s a talented person. Anyway, I Lawrence Ferber’s writing has appeared in Porter Wagoner did together I’m a huge fan of. that it would have been too crazy? Like Flavor hired him to come on the road with me and he The Advocate, Entertainment Weekly and The When I was growing up I was part of The Sing- Flav or the French dudes from AIR? was part of the gag on “Fancy”; he walked on Village Voice. His blog is ewelthorpe.blog- ing McEntires with my older brother Pake and my RM: Annie Lennox. I don’t know if it’s crazy stage dressed in the black coat and the pillbox spot.com. little sister Susie. We had a little band there in but I’m just a huge fan of her singing and style. hat and I’m under the stage way down on the To read the full Reba McEntire interview, Kiowa, Okla. So I loved to sing with other people She wrote me the sweetest e-mail back and said arena. So, yeah, I’ve had female impersonators visit www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com and sing harmony. That’s really the reason why I she was just swamped right now and couldn’t do wanted to do this album. it and working on a project of her own. I really hosted Miss Teen USA (1993), where he met LF: One of Duets’ most surprising contri- wanted to sing with Annie Lennox. beauty queen and co-host Ali Landry, whom he butions, and impressive genre crossovers, is LF: What’s the story behind your covering married. However, the union was annulled after from Justin Timberlake. Kelly Clarkson’s hit Because of You—with a few weeks, reportedly due in part to indiscre- tions at his bachelor party the day before the wedding. In 2006, Lopez’s dancing with the striking GAY PHONE SEX Karina Smirnoff on Dancing With The Stars was beyond spectacular; the pair lost in the final round, although a romance between them You want it. We’ve got it. continued. Also, his steamy, naked shower scene on the TV show Nip/Tuck has been seen Live, One-On-One • Bulletin Board by thousands of people. In 2007, Lopez was named #1 Best Beach Body by OK magazine. On Oct. 12, Lopez arrived to celebrate his birthday at Chicago’s Crobar, walking onto the red carpet in a white shirt and blue jeans. Lo- pez posed for my camera, and he seemed genu- inely warm, completely natural and very happy STARRLIGHT with his life. by Steve Starr Photo of Mario Lopez taken Oct. 12 by Steve Starr

Mario Lopez at Crobar Steve Starr is the author of Picture Perfect-Art Deco Photo Frames 1926-1946, published by The charismatic Mario Lopez was born Oct. 10, Rizzoli International Publications. A photogra- 1973, in San Diego, Calif. Attending Chula Vis- pher, writer, designer and artist, he is the owner ta High School, he loved athletics, especially of Steve Starr Studios. wrestling, although his true passion was danc- Steve Starr’s column, STARRLIGHT, appears ing. regularly in various publications including IM- In the early 1980s, Lopez was a dancer and AGE Chicago Magazine, Entertainment Magazine drummer on the popular television show Kids Online-EMOL.org/reporters/Starr, the Windy City Incorporated, a program that also featured Times, Extra! and the Chicago Art Deco Society future stars Stacy Ferguson (now known as Magazine, and has been printed in Skyline, the Fergie) and Jennifer Love Hewitt. In 1989, Modern, and Vibralatino. Visit www.SteveS- Lopez began his popular role as A.C. Slater tarrStudios.com where you can enter The Star- in the television comedy series Saved By The Call now. Guys are waiting… rlight Room and view a portion of his frame Bell, making men and women set their alarms collection, read Starrlight stories, and enjoy to wake up on Saturday mornings to swoon photos, letters, and autographs that he has re- over the handsome, ripped and dimpled young 1-800-PROMALE ceived from his favorite luminaries. man. 1-800-776-6253 STARRGAZERS-Radiant Photography by Steve Lopez has appeared on several television pro- $1.99/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your Visa/MC Starr is available for portraits and events. grams and has hosted various shows, includ- Phone 773-252-5171. You can email Steve Starr ing Name Your Adventure (1993), The Other at [email protected] Half (2001), Pet Star (2002) and Miss America 1-900-825-4500 $1.49/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your phone. $2 connect fee. (2007). He is currently a host on the daily

© 2007 npp productions, reno, nv customer service (888) 283-3331 entertainment news show Extra. Lopez once November 7, 2007 25 WHAT TO DO? Thursday, Nov. 8

Wednesday, Nov. 7 dratechicago.com Bonaventure House Jubilate featuring Wednesday, Nov. 14 Equality Illinois Fall/Holiday Wine Tast- Man’s Country Geno, Alexander, Jimmy art and performance by Ballet Chicago, Crew Catch season 4 of Project Runway. ing, 6-9 p.m., $20 door donation, D. and Kevin. 5017 N. Clark St. The Seldoms and more. 5 p.m. recep- 9 p.m., VJ Bobby Marley follows the Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., www. MoJoe’s Hot House Gay activist and tion, 7 p.m. performance, $150 VIP, drama, 4804 N. Broadway, www.worlds- eqil.org singer Becky Chace. 2849 W. Belmont $75 general, Harris Theater, 205 E. greatestbar.com Women & Children First Bookstore Beth Ave., 773-596-5637, www.beckychace. Randolph, 312-334-7777 or www.har- Equality Illinois 2008 Justice for All Kohl: Embryo Culture: Making Babies in com ristheaterchicago.org for tickets Gala Table Captain event, fundraiser. the Twenty-First Century. 7:30 p.m., Qrew Chicago Men of DC Strokes Calen- Center on Halsted Gay Veterans, Vet- 6-9 p.m., Mini Bar, 3341 N. Halsted 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, www. dar Release Party & Fundraiser. Meet erans Day Dinner. Speakers: former St., RSVP at [email protected] or call 773- womenandchildrenfirst.com members of the DC Strokes Rowing Marine SSGT Eric Alva and Ms. Rocelle 477-7173, www.eqil.org Club. 9-11 p.m., Hydrate, 3458 N. Hal- Crump. 5:30-9 p.m., 3656 N. Halsted. Howard Brown Legal presentations for sted St., $20 wristband (includes beer, St., call Jim Darby for tickets at 773- LGBT community: Adoption and Cus- Thursday, Nov. 8 win, well drinks, juice/soda), www. 752-0058 Better Existence with HIV Opening re- tody. 6:30 p.m., 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., BINGO STAR qrewchicago.org Gallery Cabaret Gay activist and singer ception and fundraiser for an exhibition RSVP at [email protected] or call Comedian Jessica Halem (above) will host Women & Children First Bookstore Becky Chace. 2020 N. Oakley Ave., 773- featuring work created by Art Therapy Hope at 773-388-8906, www.howard- Jonathan Messinger: Hiding Out. 7:30 489-5471, www.beckychace.com BeyondMedia’s Black Tie Bingo Benefit at program clients. Runs through Dec. 12. brown.org p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, Invisible to Invincible From Scribbles Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph. Dittmar Gallery, Northwestern Univer- Reeling 2007 26th Chicago Lesbian & www.womenandchildrenfirst.com to Stage LGBTQ API Open Mic Night, sity, Evanston, call 847-475-2115 for Gay International Film Festival The a chance for the Asian Pacific Islander more info, see www.behiv.org Gendercator Controversy: Screening community to voice its experience Beyondmedia Black Tie Bingo benefit Saturday, Nov. 10 and Panel Discussion. 6 p.m., free, through words. 5-7 p.m., Pressure Cafe Sunday, Nov. 11 hosted by Jessica Halem. 6-10 p.m., Chicago Eagle Buzz Kutt free haircuts by Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., & Billiards, 6318 N. Clark, all ages tickets $50-$100, Blackbird Restau- Alen. 5015 N. Clark St. www.reelingfestival.org event, info at www.chicagoi2i.home- rant, 619 W. Randolph St., 773-973- Hydrate Ralphi Rosario. 3458 N. Halsted Reeling 2007 26th Chicago Lesbian & stead.com 2280 for more info St., www.hydratechicago.com Gay International Film Festival Starr- Windy City Gay Naturists Anniversary Reeling 2007 26th Chicago Lesbian & Man’s Country Peter, Kurtis, Stefan and booty + Karaoke After-Party. 8 p.m., Party (members only). 5 p.m., call 312- Gay International Film Festival open- Manuel. 5017 N. Clark St. screening at Lakeshore Theater, 3175 494-2654 for more info ing night gala. Runs through Nov. 18 at Reeling 2007 26th Chicago Lesbian & N. Broadway St., after-party at Goose Women & Children First Bookstore Julie various theaters throughout the city. 6 Gay International Film Festival Spot- Island Wrigleyville, 3535 N. Clark St., Sevig: Peanut Butter and Jelly Prayers. p.m. reception, 8 p.m. screening (Shel- light Presentation: A Four Letter Word. www.reelingfestival.org for info, tick- 4:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769- ter), Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. 7:30 p.m., Landmark’s Century Centre ets 9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Clark St., www.reelingfestival.org for Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., after-party Women & Children First Bookstore info, tickets at Rubin’s Chicago Room Gallery, 2218 Alaya Dawn Johnson: Racing the Dark. Women & Children First Bookstore N. Halsted St., www.reelingfestival.org Tuesday, Nov. 13 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769- Paula Kamen: Finding Iris Chang: for info, tickets Gerber/Hart Library Lesbian Book 9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Friendship, Ambition, and the Loss of Sankofa Way Black Sexuality in the 21st Group: The Night Watch by Sarah Wa- an Extraordinary Mind. 7:30 p.m., 5233 Centry. Explore how racism, misogyny, ters. 7:30 p.m., 1127 W. Granville Ave., Thursday, Nov. 15 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, www.wom- violence, HIV and homophobia impact www.gerberhart.org Gerber/Hart Library Opening of exhibi- enandchildrenfirst.com the way we love ourselves and each Hideaway Bring Out Your Animal Instinct tion honoring long-time librarian Jo- other. 12:30 p.m., Center on Halsted, benefit for the Chicago Greater Food seph P. Gregg on the 20th anniversary Hoover-Leppen Theatre, 3656 N. Hal- Drive. 7301 W. Roosevelt Rd., Forest of his death. 1127 W. Granville Ave., ALVA, ACHIEVER Friday, Nov. 9 sted St. Park Berlin Wax Trax! Records showcase 9 call 773-381-8030, www.gerberhart. Test Positive Aware Network 2007 Wom- Howard Brown Health Center Join Chi- p.m.-1:30 a.m. with DJs Greg Haus and org Former Marine Staff Sgt. Eric Alva (above) en Living, a day dedicated to women cago NOW, Howard Brown, Equality JenaMax, followed by Cosmix til 4 a.m. Martyrs Sarah Bettens (alt rock star; will be one of the speakers at the American healing, thriving and celebrating life Illinois and Lambda Legal for a panel 954 W. Belmont, www.BerlinChicago. formerly of K’s Choice). Opening band: with HIV. Speaker: River Huston. Also discussion on Illinois’ civil union bill. Veterans for Equal Rights Veterans Day Din- com Dylan Rice Band. 9 p.m., $12 cover, features workshops. Hilton Chicago, 7-9 p.m., 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., www. ner at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Chicago 3160 The Tajma Hall Show with 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., www.martyrslive. 720 S. Michigan Ave., call 773-989- howardbrown.org special guest Nysha Lopez. 10:30 p.m. com 9400 to register Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association and midnight, 3160 N. Clark St., www. Reeling 2007 26th Chicago Lesbian & Uncommon Ground Gay activist and Amigos Latinos Apoyendo Siempre for chicago3160.com Gay International Film Festival Bears + singer Becky Chace. 3800 N. Clark St., Latino MSM 18 and over. Meets second The Children’s Place Association Forum Furry After-Party. 6:30 p.m. screening 773-929-3680, www.beckychace.com and fourth Tuesdays. 7:30-9:30 p.m., features medical experts, academics, of Bears at Leather Archives & Museum, 947 Garfield, Oak Park, 708-386-3463 politicians and HIV/AIDS-infected 6418 N. Greenview Ave., after-party at or www.opalga.org youth to talk about HIV among Illinois Sunday, Nov. 11 house 5836, 5836 N. Glenwood, www. Local News Women & Children First Bookstore Mi- teens. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Chicago In- Berlin Anniversary Party featuring Berlin reelingfestival.org for info, tickets chele Zackheim: Broken Colors. 7:30 terContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan classics and current hits with DJ Ches- Temptations Karaoke with J-Boy. Con- p.m., 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, Ave. ter. Doors ope to public at midnight. test starts Nov. 15. 10235 W. Grand Sankofa to hold Black www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Hydrate TPAN party (8-11 p.m.) and Greg No cover, 954 W. Belmont, www.Ber- Ave., Franklin Park sexuality forum Drescher. 3458 N. Halsted St., www.hy- linChicago.com A community gathering exploring issues of racism, homophobia, misogyny and HIV in the Black community will take place at the Center on Halsted. Black Sexuality in the 21st Century will be presented by Sankofa Way Spiritual Services and A Church for Me. According to a Sankofa Way press release, the Nov. 10 event will feature a panel that includes Rev. Deborah Lake (Sankofa Way), Rick Garcia (Equality Illinois), Rev. Row- land Jide McCauly (House of Rainbow MCC), Dr. Terri Pease (counselor, author) and Laura Wash- ington (DePaul University, journalist). The event will take place at 3656 N. Halsted St. from 12:30-3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for those who pre-register, $15 at the door for adults and students and $13 for seniors over 65. See Change.sankofaway.org for more information. BEHIV to continue educating youth The Illinois Department of Health provided a $70,000 grant to Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) for the agency’s education outreach program. BEHIV conducts HIV prevention pre- sentations in local schools. During fiscal year 2007, they were able to reach 12,000 students in Chicago and beyond, according to a BEHIV press release. Executive director Eric Nelson said the program continues to grow each year. 26 November 7, 2007 six months away and now I know I’ll see 30, 40, Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d 50 and probably 60, too,” said Cordova, who is run 24 miles. But, through the NAMTP’s train- gay. ing regimen, which is based on a run-walk “The marathon is my way of showing that, hey, theory, I know I’m ready for the extra 2.2 miles my life is not over because I’m HIV-positive; you that I’ll have to run in Italy. No problem with can do whatever you want to do. There’s nothing that, and no worries. stopping you.” After the training run, we relaxed, stretched, Cordova wanted to join the track team in high ate bananas, bagels, peanut butter, Rice school, “but I couldn’t because we lived too far Krispie treats and, well, just about anything away and I had to go home to walk the dogs and everything around—including some Oreo after school.” And he wanted to train for—and Ross Forman. Photo by Andrew Davis cookies, my favorites. run—a marathon in 2006, but he never started And that was just for an appetizer. I went training. with fellow runners Richard and Brad, and vol- He saw the NAMTP ads again this past spring unteer Andrea, to Moody’s, where we all de- and went to an informational meeting near his A Writer’s voured cheeseburgers and fries, and a pitcher home. He signed up for the Florence race that of beer. Boy did that burger taste good, and I day, and was only afraid of raising the required Journey never thought once about the countless calo- $3,900, not the actually 26.2-mile run. ries and enormous amounts of grease and fat I Cordova quit using all drugs days later, stop- to Florence By Ross Forman was putting into my body. ping cold turkey. He hasn’t returned to that The last major training run also was a downer scene, and hasn’t had the urge to, either. The Richard Cordova. Photo by Ross Forman It’s the home stretch for the 2007 Florence of sorts. Fellow runner Rob, who is one of the only thing he’s now addicted to is coffee. Marathon, set for Nov. 25 in Italy … and I feel top runners in the NAMTP, had to stop after 21 “I never questioned whether [the training] ready. of his 26 miles due to a knee injury. Hopefully was going to be hard or easy. I just looked at it The last major training run as part of the he’ll on the path in Florence. SPORTS that it was a training program. And, obviously, National AIDS Marathon Training Program I’m always asked how I feel after the long they wouldn’t be around if [the training] didn’t (NAMTP) was Nov. 3 along the lakefront in runs and, well, I feel fine. Credit the training work,” said Cordova, who has raised more than Chicago. Some ran 26 miles, while I ran my method, or whatever, but I truly felt fine. Af- Overcoming $4,000 for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and scheduled 24 miles. ter lunch, I drove home and just continued my has set a personal goal of $5,000. Actually, we all ran the extra .2 mile as well, day as normal with no lingering after-affects of “Of course, it means a lot to me that this is Obstacles naturally. four-plus hours of running. the AIDS Marathon Training Program, because I After finishing the 24 miles, I looked a little All of the running and training is done to certainly identify personally with the cause. Deals with everything farther north and spotted a balloon arch and raise funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. “Where I see myself [in the future] is some- heard the NAMTP coaches, organizers, volun- I’d be grateful if you’d consider sponsoring me from HIV to drug addiction how sharing my story, in some way, shape or teers and other runners cheering for me, by and, in the process, helping AIDS Foundation on road to marathon form with anyone who will listen and learn from name, no less. What a cool feeling, so I ran the of Chicago. So, please go to my Web site (www. By Ross Forman it. I’m positive; that’s not going to change and, last .2 mile, with cheers and, ultimately, hugs firstgiving.com/rossruns) and help the AIDS yeah, it sucks, but it is what it is. So, if I can all around. Coach Katie hung the NAMTP medal Foundation of Chicago while I run to Florence. Richard Cordova is happy, energetic and charis- take my personal experiences and help others, around my neck; that was a special moment I’ll Thanks, Ross. matic. He’s determined, dedicated and about to that’s my ultimate goal.” never forget. run his first 26.2-mile marathon. Cordova added: “I’m so much happier now. I’ve Cordova, 29, is part of the National AIDS Mar- been clean for five months, and it’s been easy. Gaywheels.com, hit the road to raise money and athon Training Program (NAMTP) and is ready I wouldn’t change my life but—hopefully—by Gay Rally Team awareness for missing children. The car served to run Nov. 25 through the streets of Florence, telling my story, it will get others to at least Finishes Second as a mobile milk carton for Jonah Ferrell, the Italy. think about their lives, if not change things. seven-year-old boy from West Virginia who has But things haven’t always been so upbeat for “I’m now back to my old self, before I started in Class been missing since May. the Chicago native, who now lives in Raven- doing crystal.” Team G.L.A.M. (Gay and Lesbian Automotive “From the start, this was a pretty unusual swood and works in Lakeview. Cordova is learning to teach spinning and he Maniacs) took second in the luxury-class divi- race,” said Darling in a statement. “In addition Just consider Cordova’s past: wants to return to school to study psychology. sion of the cross-country road race the Fireball to the lack of sleep, and having to face negative —He dropped out of Libertyville High School And, after running two marathons, he wants to Run Rally, which took place Sept. 27-Oct. 7. Led stereotypes while fighting for a great cause, we and moved out of his parent’s home at 16, be a running coach for the NAMTP. by openly gay, 14-year racing veteran Evan Dar- were up against some very competitive drivers though he did obtain his GED. “When you’re high on crystal, your judgment is ling and Gaywheels.com CEO/Founder Joe LaMu- and cars. We picked up our Saab 9-3 straight —His biological father died about five years so clouded,” said Cordova, who—a couple years raglia, the pair drove their 2007 Saab 9-3 Aero from the showroom floor and it handled better ago; Cordova had never met or even seen a pic- ago while high on drugs—ordered $400 worth convertible across the country, securing one of than most the cars specifically designed for this ture of him. Like Cordova, his stepdad works in of AIDS bracelets to hang on his Christmas tree. the best times in the 46-car road race. type of racing. Both the car and the team really Lakeview, yet the two have not spoken in about “Others thought that was very strange,” he now The first-ever out gay rally team, sponsored by hit the mark on performance.” 13 years. laughs. GLEE.com (Gay. Lesbian. & Everyone Else. social- For full details of the trip, visit www.gay- —Cordova contracted HIV about seven years Cordova has been training for the past five networking site), Saab Automobiles USA, and wheels.com/teamglam.htm. ago through unprotected sex. He now takes months or so with an 11-minute-per-mile pace one pill a day as treatment and is “completely group. He doesn’t have a time goal for the mara- healthy.” thon; he just wants to finish. —He has experimented with illegal drugs, in- And fittingly, Cordova leaves for Italy on cluding marijuana, cocaine and, most recently, Thanksgiving—because he now knows he has crystal meth. In May, Cordova stopped using all lots to be thankful for. drugs completely and also has stopped keeping “I want to be able to sprint the last little bit track of his clean streak—because he doesn’t [of the marathon], the last quarter-mile or so, have the urge to return to that lifestyle. so I can feel like a winner,” he said, smiling. “There was a time when I didn’t think I would live to see 30 [years old], and yet 30 is less than

Images from the DC Strokes Calendar. Gay D.C. Rowers at Hydrate

Qrew Chicago—he only LGBTQ rowing squad in ington, D.C.—will also be present. BYOB The cover is $20, which will cover beer, wine, BUILD YO UR OWN BO D Y the Midwest—will host the Men of DC Strokes Calendar Release Party and Fundraiser at Hy- juice/soda and well drinks. All proceeds will Certified and Insured Personal drate, 3458 N. Halsted, on Fri., Nov. 9, 9-11 benefit Qrew Chicago. Fitness Trainer and Senior Specialist p.m. See www.qrewchicago.com. SPECIALIZING IN Members of the DC Strokes—based in Wash- • HIV Fitness • Senior Fitness FLAG FOOTBALL - CMSA Men’s Standings • Strength Training • Cardiovascular Workout Programs Competitive Division W L Tank Tops 4 2 Spotzilla 3 6 Spin Flames 6 1 Urban Eye Care 4 4 Drake Demons 1 7 Jackhammer Bears 4 3 LBC 2 4 Training at Gym or Home SoFo Sidesteppers 3 4 Sir Spa 0 6 Lower Recreational Discount Packages Available The Spot Spartans 1 6 Bloody Mary’s 7 1 Upper Recreational Cesar’s 4 3 312.907.1720 or 312.909.0733 Intermediate Division Miller Crew 5 2 Hydrate Hussies 4 4 Jeffrey Gross The G-Spot 6 1 Mary’s Attic Attack 7 1 Big Chicks Chicklets 0 7 Halsted Bar and Grillers 5 2 SoFo Steelers 4 4 November 7, 2007 27

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Aaron Lewis / Baird & Warner Cupid’s Treasures/Leather Sport Reeling: Chicago GLBT Film Festival About Face Theatre Deaf Communication by Innovation Related Midwest Alexander Weaver & Associates Deborah A. Murphy, CPA Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Altar Boyz Doherty Enterprises Rhea Joyer, State Farm Insurance Amphora Restaurants Grainger Advertising, Inc. RJ Reynolds Antiques and Lace Inn, B&B Gruppo Di Amici Sidetrack Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt Hide-A-Way Signs Now Chicago University Howard Brown Health Center Sofa Chicago Baton Show Lounge Hunters Dance Club St. Nicholas w/ the Holy Innocence Berlin Hydrate Episcopal Church Betancourt Realty Network Iloilo Custom Framing, Inc. Starla Sholl, LCSW Betty Bauer-Crescenzi, Lake View Realty In Good Company Susan O’Dell, PhD Broadway In Chicago James Weinberg, Prudential Preferred Temptations Bud Light Properties The Gutrich Group BYOB Build Your Own Body Jewish Family & Community Service The Marketing Group Candace Broecker, Red Arrow Realty Karma Salon & Gallery The Men’s Room Carol Fox & Associates Lombardo Organization The Rimba Store The Law Offices of Charles Rhodes, State Farm Insurance Lori Cannon Thorndale Pharmacy Chicago Dept of Public Health/LGBT Low Cost Prescriptions TodoGay.com Alexander Weaver Health Lyster and Associates Whole Foods Market Chicago Eagle Macy’s Women and Children First Bookstore 312-578-0222 Chuck Heaver, Rubloff Man’s Country Chicago Writers Theatre Circuit Mulryan & York, Attorneys At Law Yelena Kovelman, Colette Hair Salon & email: [email protected] Court Theatre Northlight Theatre Day Spa Creaoke Oak Park Area Convention & Vistors A Full Service Law Firm Crew Bureau for the Community since 1988 Download each issue of Windy City Times and Nightspots at 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 628, Chicago www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 28 November 7, 2007

Final 2 11/02

RUNS: Wed, November 7 JOB #: 072_00412 SIZE: THE CENTENNIAL 10.25" x 13.5" COLOR: 4 color GREAT TREE MARKET: Designed by Martha Stewart Windy City Times RELEASES: MACY’S ON STATE STREET Thurs, October 11 Displayed in the Walnut Room, 7th fl oor, November 10, 2007, through January 6, 2008

TREE LIGHTING FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST MARTHA STEWART Saturday, November 10, 7th fl oor, noon Join us as Martha Stewart lights this historic tree. This year’s tree is adorned with a dazzling display of 15,000 lights, plus thousands of kugel ornaments and a spectacular tree topper all from the Martha Stewart Collection.

MARTHA STEWART ORNAMENT SIGNING Saturday, November 10, State Street, 1st Floor Arcade, 12:30pm Meet Martha as she signs her exclusive Centennial Great Tree snowfl ake ornaments. Visit Macy’s beginning at 10am in the 1st Floor Arcade to purchase your ornament and receive a wristband for this signing. Wristbands will be given only with the fi rst 300 ornaments purchased. Limit three ornaments per person. Due to time constraints, no memorabilia or photographs will be signed.

LEARN TO ENTERTAIN AND DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE MARTHA STEWART COLLECTION Saturday, November 10, State Street, 9th Floor Events Center, 10:30–11:30am Join us as experts from Martha Stewart show how to decorate and entertain for the holidays using the new Martha Stewart Collection, available only at Macy’s. Space is limited. RSVP to 1-800-329-8667 by November 8. For more information on special events, visit macys.com/events.

© Macy’s North 2007

1107_00412_GreatTreeHolTradROP.i1 1 11/2/07 3:01:01 PM