vol 30, no. 44 July 29, 2015 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com SPEAKING OUT OUTspoken! marks one year of LGBTQ storytelling

OUTspoken! curator David Fink (left) with event co-hosts Art Johnston and Kim Hunt at Sidetrack. Photo by Ken Martin

By Carrie Maxwell OUTspoken! is held the first Tuesday of every month at Side- track, 3349 N. Halsted St., and is free of charge. The next OUTspoken!, Chicago’s monthly LGBTQ storytelling event at event—featuring stories from Tracy Baim, Bea Cordelia, LeVan Sidetrack, is the brainchild of David Fink (co-founder, producer D. Hawkins, Archy Jamjun, Alexis Martinez and Jeffrey Tomlin- and board member at the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, Michi- son—will take place Aug. 4 at 7-9 p m. (Attendees must be at gan) and Art Johnston (co-owner of Sidetrack)—and is mark- least 21.) ing its first anniversary. Fink curates the event while Sidetrack General Manager Brad Fink, who lives part-time in both Chicago and Michigan, has Balof is the stage manager during the event. Johnston and held storytelling events at his theater on and off for about 12 Kim Hunt (outgoing executive director of Affinity Community years and wanted to do something similar in Chicago. Services) serve as co-hosts each month. “I’m good friends with Art, and I knew he had a great story “Art was very willing and anxious to do it and then we to tell,” said Fink. “I asked him if he would be willing to tell wanted a woman of color because the more white males you it at a storytelling show. He wasn’t sure what that meant so I have, the more it’s going to feel like Boystown,” said Fink. took him to one and he loved it and told his story. He asked “We wanted to make the event inclusive and diverse and since if there were any LGBTQ specific storytelling shows in Chicago Kim loves storytelling, is an activist and [is] well-known in the and I said I didn’t think there were any so he asked me if I community, she was the perfect choice to co-host alongside wanted to do one with him and I said ‘yes.’ Art.” “A group of us went through a number of different ideas Hunt explained that she got involved when Johnston called STRUCTURED for the name and the one we chose just sounded clever and her one day out of the blue last June. She was out of the office catchy. There are many, many events with the name OUT some- at the time so a staff person took the message. Hunt noted Architect Zurich Esposito lives out his childhood where in it and since all of our storytellers are out LGBTQ that it was odd because there’s never been a reason for John- dream. 9 individuals OUTspoken! seemed evocative, catchy and perfect ston to call her for anything in the past. Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux for us.” Turn to page 15

NOW A WEEKLY SECTION FORMER CENTER ON HALSTED IN WINDY CITY TIMES! Lea DeLaria STAFF CRITICIZE LEADERSHIP Orange Is the New Black star covers See story and letter inside. Bowie on new CD. Photo of Modesto ‘Tico” Valle by Tracy Baim 8 18-20 Photo by Sophy Holland 14 2 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES

匀栀椀爀琀氀攀猀猀 匀甀洀洀攀爀㼀

䈀 䔀 䘀 伀 刀 䔀 䄀 䘀 吀 䔀 刀

䜀漀 愀栀攀愀搀⸀⸀⸀⸀琀愀欀攀 礀漀甀爀 猀栀椀爀琀 漀û 琀栀椀猀 猀甀洀洀攀爀⸀ 䔀渀樀漀礀 ␀㔀 伀䘀䘀 䈀漀搀礀 刀攀猀栀愀瀀椀渀最 琀栀爀漀甀最栀 匀攀瀀琀攀洀戀攀爀 ㄀猀琀⸀

䴀䐀 倀 䰀 䄀 匀 吀 䤀 䌀 匀 唀 刀 䜀 䔀 刀夀 嘀椀猀椀琀 眀眀眀⸀搀愀瘀椀搀猀栀椀昀爀椀渀洀搀⸀挀漀洀 䌀愀氀氀 ㄀⸀㌀㄀㈀⸀㔀 ㈀⸀㘀㈀ WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 3 WINDY CITY TIMES INDEX Saturday, August 15, 2015

NEWS Equality Act, Kenya; column 4 download New AFC initative 5this issue Intersection forum; Bowman dies 6 and browse the archives at Protesters decry Rauner budget 7 Center on Halsted under fire 8 www.WindyCitytimes.com Profile: Zurich Esposito 9 Mombian; letter re Gay Games 10 ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Scottish Play Scott 11 Theater reviews 12 OUTspoken marks one year 14 vol 30, no. 44 July 29, 2015 Lea DeLaria interview 15 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com SPEAKING OUT Sports Hall of Fame 17 OUTspoken! marks one year of LGBTQ storytelling NIGHTSPOTS 18

OUTspoken! curator David Fink (left) with event co-hosts Art Johnston and Kim Hunt at Sidetrack. Photo by Ken Martin

By CArrIE MAxwEll OUTspoken! is held the first Tuesday of every month at Side- OUTLINES track, 3349 N. Halsted St., and is free of charge. The next OUTspoken!, Chicago’s monthly LGBTQ storytelling event at event—featuring stories from Tracy Baim, Bea Cordelia, LeVan Sidetrack, is the brainchild of David Fink (co-founder, producer D. Hawkins, Archy Jamjun, Alexis Martinez and Jeffrey Tomlin- and board member at the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, Michi- son—will take place Aug. 4 at 7-9 p m. (Attendees must be at Calendar Q 21 gan) and Art Johnston (co-owner of Sidetrack)—and is mark- least 21.) ing its first anniversary. Fink curates the event while Sidetrack General Manager Brad Fink, who lives part-time in both Chicago and Michigan, has Balof is the stage manager during the event. Johnston and held storytelling events at his theater on and off for about 12 Kim Hunt (outgoing executive director of Affinity Community years and wanted to do something similar in Chicago. Services) serve as co-hosts each month. Classifieds 22 “I’m good friends with Art, and I knew he had a great story “Art was very willing and anxious to do it and then we to tell,” said Fink. “I asked him if he would be willing to tell wanted a woman of color because the more white males you it at a storytelling show. He wasn’t sure what that meant so I have, the more it’s going to feel like Boystown,” said Fink. took him to one and he loved it and told his story. He asked “We wanted to make the event inclusive and diverse and since if there were any LGBTQ specific storytelling shows in Chicago Kim loves storytelling, is an activist and [is] well-known in the and I said I didn’t think there were any so he asked me if I community, she was the perfect choice to co-host alongside wanted to do one with him and I said ‘yes.’ Art.” “A group of us went through a number of different ideas Hunt explained that she got involved when Johnston called STRUCTURED for the name and the one we chose just sounded clever and her one day out of the blue last June. She was out of the office catchy. There are many, many events with the name OUT some- at the time so a staff person took the message. Hunt noted Architect Zurich Esposito lives out his childhood where in it and since all of our storytellers are out LGBTQ that it was odd because there’s never been a reason for John- dream. 9 individuals OUTspoken! seemed evocative, catchy and perfect ston to call her for anything in the past. Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave-Lux for us.” Turn to page 15

NOW A WEEKLY SECTION FORMER CENTER ON HALSTED IN WINDY CITY TIMES! LEA DELARIA STAFF CRITICIZE LEADERSHIP Orange Is the New Black star covers See story and letter inside. Bowie on new CD. Photo of Modesto ‘Tico” Valle by Tracy Baim 8 18-20 Photo by Sophy Holland 14 online exclusives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

ALPHABET SOUP The Black Alphabet Film Festival (left) celebrates LGBTQ stories. Photo by Skylar Baker-Jordan

in tune

5pm Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom 7:30pm Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University PERFORMANCES BY Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, River North Dance Chicago, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Same Planet Different World, C5 presenting a world premiere, and choreographer Randy Duncan’s highly acclaimed work STAND BY ME There are roundups of the Indigo Girls with special music arrangement by Ira Antelis show as well as Fed Up Fest. Photo of Indigo Girls’ Amy Ray by Vern Hester EMCEES Joey Bland and Tim Mason of The Second City BENEFICIARIES AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Dancers’ Fund NET GAIN GALA LEVEL TICKETS $250-$600 | PERFORMANCE LEVEL TICKETS $15-$75 The Plus One Web series focuses on GLAAD TO BE HERE lesbian relationships. www.DanceforLifeChicago.org | 312-922-5812

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MITCH PERFECT Mitch Grassi of the group Pentatonix talks about touring with Kelly Clarkson and being openly gay.

THAT’S SHOW BIZ Find out the latest about Chaz Bono, Sharon Stone and Greg Louganis. MEDIA PARTNERS a&u Magazine | 4Dancers.org | Best Gay Chicago | ChicagoPride.com GLAAD Chicago marked the Leadership GC Magazine | GRAB Magazine | Positively Aware Magazine plus Council’s fifth anniversary at SeeChicagoDance.com | Windy City Media Group

MillerCoors. Dance Chicago Visceral Watson, Karl DANCER | Sandro PHOTOGRAPHY DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo by Melissa Wasserman 4 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES Lawmakers introduce SPECIAL GUEST COLUMN Equality Act By Matt Simonette Good Cop? Bad Cop? No Cop! U.S. lawmakers, on the week of July 20, in- troduced sweeping legislation that would give federal protections to LGBT Americans in a Queer Resistance to Policing number of categories. by Therese Quinn and Erica R. Meiners The legislation, known as the Equality Act, essentially extends to the LGBT community the In September 1969 a gay man, David Stienecker, same rights afforded to other groups under the wrote a column in the Mattachine Midwest (MM) Civil Rights Act and other laws, and broadly newsletter about a Chicago police officer named covers areas such as public accommodations, John Manley. According to Stienecker, Manley re- public education, federal funding, employ- cently arrested “well over a dozen” men in a rest- ment, housing and credit. It was introduced in room near the Lincoln Park Conservatory. the House by U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.), Manley’s description: “cute, blond, and blue- and in the Senate by Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, who introduced eyed, about 5’7” and “[he] evidently has a ‘gay’ Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Cory Booker (D- the Equality Act in the House of way about him that is irresistible—or at least one N.J.). would think so, since everyone knows that Chi- Representatives. Erica R. Meiners (left) and Therese Quinn Political observers do not expect the Equality cago’s finest don’t entrap.” The article details the Act to pass this session, but advocates hope the American Civil Liberties Union, added, on tactics used by Manley to entrap men (“a young that the legislation will begin to gain traction July 23, “Today is a historic day that has been man goes into a restroom to relieve himself— And what happens to Manley, a police officer and lay the groundwork for an expansion of decades in the making. The Equality Act would you know, urinate … Officer Manley lurks behind with a history of physical and verbal abuse, of ha- federal LGBT rights. transform the lives of countless women and a door; zap, young man is arrested”) and post- rassing David Stienecker and killing Jerome John- “Discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual LGBT people. Our country’s most basic promise arrest abuse (“No chance for making call—‘use a son and fattening Bobby Joe Maxwell’s criminal orientation and gender identity is common- of equal treatment under the law will never be quarter, fag.’”). record? In 1984 he is promoted to the rank of place in America,” said GLSEN Executive Direc- real if you fear losing your job, being kicked In the late 1960s the Chicago Police Depart- Captain. tor Eliza Byard, on July 23, in a statement. out of your home, denied access to healthcare ment had a policy that was initially called Stop- David Stienecker. Jerome Johnson. Bobby Joe “It occurs every day in our schools, in the or turned away from a business because of who and-Quiz, and in 1967 was renamed Stop-And- Maxwell. Remember their names. workplace, when people apply for housing, you are. Both the lack of clear and explicit fed- Frisk. If suspected of being a homosexual the Despite the safe harbor of recognition, Manley’s attitude and behavior doesn’t change. In 1995 when seeking medical treatment and in simple eral protections for LGBT people and the lack of police policy was to “stop” and “quiz” or “frisk” Chicago’s Police Board finds the Captain guilty of day-to-day activities that many of us take for protections for women in core areas of Ameri- sexual harassment. He referred to women under granted. Our most recent National School Cli- can life are unacceptable. We urge Congress to his command as “bimbos, bitches and whores” mate Survey revealed that 56 percent of les- take up this landmark bill and make our coun- and repeatedly pressured subordinate female of- bian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) try a more just nation for all.” ficers for sexual favors. Vickie Huber-Zoch came youth experienced discriminatory school poli- A study released by the Los Angeles-based forward and complained after “Manley shoved a cies and practices. While schools must improve Williams Institute on July 23 suggested that their policies, a comprehensive solution based clipboard into her stomach after she rebuffed his the Equality Act would extend protections for request for sex.” Evita Cabrerra-Carroll stated that in civil rights protections is needed.” 9.5 million Americans. James Esseks, director of the LGBT Project of this behavior had gone unchecked for years be- cause the women under his command feared repri- lows Scouting’s members and parents to select sals; the “code of ‘the blue shirt’ ... says you won’t local units, chartered to organizations with beef.” Boy Scouts lift similar beliefs, that best meet the needs of Manley’s defense? His attorney stated, “If Man- ley used rough language on female officers, he did their families. This change also respects the Mattachine Midwest Newsletter, October so out of frustration with their job performance.” gay leader ban right of religious chartered organizations to 1965, Vol. No. 4, p. 3. Vickie Huber-Zoch. Evita Cabrerra-Carroll. Say choose adult volunteer leaders whose beliefs By Matt Simonette their names. are consistent with their own.” and to create a “contact card” containing a host Manley finally lost the job he’d held for decades. The shift also applies to BSA staff and of- In a widely expected vote, the leadership of of personal information, to be held at the police But he wasn’t the only problem cop. ficials, according to the New York Times. the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted, on July station. In fact, nearly every MM newsletter from the Members of Scouts for Equality, a national 27, to lift its ban against gay scout leaders. Stienecker continued to write articles about 1960s and ’70s focused on police violence. Edi- organization leading the campaign to end dis- The vote came from the organization’s execu- Manley’s Stop-and-Quiz of gay men in park rest- torials critiquing policing tactics and associated crimination in the BSA praised the vote. tive board. rooms. He included a photograph of Manley with laws, names and descriptions of officers suspected “This vote marks the beginning of a new In a statement, the organization said, “To- the caption, “Innocent Looking?” in the October of raids and violence, announcements of hotlines chapter for the Boy Scouts of America,” said day, the Boy Scouts of America National Execu- issue, and in the next reported: “Received too and resources for legal aid, and even “Letters to Eric Hetland, co-leader of Chicago Scouts for tive Board ratified a resolution that removes late for specifics … two cases where Officer John the Editor” recounting stories of “Entrapment, Equality and an Eagle Scout, in a statement. the national restriction on openly gay adult Manley bloodied the heads of two straight guys Harassment, Enticement” all encouraged readers “While we still have some reservations about leaders and employees. The resolution is effec- he arrested … and (allegedly) Maced them while to know “Your Legal Rights” and “Your Rights if individual units discriminating against gay tive immediately. Of those present and voting, handcuffed.” Arrested” and taught how to avoid or negotiate adults, we couldn’t be more proud of the Boy 79 percent voted in favor of the resolution. This attention from the small gay newsletter, police violence and its aftermaths. Scouts for today’s decision. We’re excited about “Chartered organizations will continue to se- and potentially the implications, set Manley off. Despite this foundational critique of policing, the future of Scouting.” lect their adult leaders, and religious chartered On the morning of Feb. 7, 1970 he entered David facets of Chicago’s emergent white gay commu- Some LGBT rights advocates objected that organizations may continue to use religious Stienecker’s apartment, roused the writer from nity still believed the police could be reformed. A troops under the auspices of religious institu- beliefs as criteria for selecting adult leaders, bed, and arrested him for “criminal defamation.” June 1970 article by historian and activist, Marie tions may still reject openly gay leaders should Kuda, and one of the few women who contributed including matters of sexuality. This change al- This abuse of power wasn’t Manley’s first. they wish, however. On Aug. 22, 1968, Manley stopped two young to the newsletter, titled, “Morality Laws Encour- people—Jerome Johnson, a 15-year-old Native age Bad Cops,” describes the police as “a fairly American boy from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and recent innovation in society” adding that the Bobby Joe Maxwell, an 18-year-old Black man “first police force wasn’t started until 1829 (Sir from Columbia, Tennessee—for possible curfew Robert Peel hired some guys to help control the violations in Old Town, then Chicago’s counter- London mob.”) She closed this article with a re- cultural center and gay neighborhood. In some quest: “Let’s help the police to become good guys reports Johnson and Maxwell were runaways. Per- again.” haps they left their small towns for adventure, or But Kuda overlooked some important points: perhaps they came to Chicago to be gay. In any First, policing in the United States has had dif- case, Manley claimed that after he “stopped and ferent origins and targets: Before formal struc- quizzed” or “stopped and frisked” them, Johnson tures of policing were constituted, colonists in pulled a gun from a flight bag, fired one shot, and the 1600s shared “night watch” duties focused ran. Manley fired after him and a bullet entered on warning against danger during that period of Johnson’s heart. Manley then arrested Maxwell invasion. Then, the South established “slave pa- on a weapons charge—traveling with a hunting trols” in the early 1700s; these, the earliest for- knife. mal version of policing, were used to terrorize and Ten years later Maxwell was stopped again by contain Black people. And finally, police depart- police, this time in California, and despite his ments were organized in major cities, including claims of innocence, his arrest record paired with Chicago, in the mid-1800s, to control the largely the testimony of a “habitual liar” led to his im- immigrant masses filling urban centers and fuel- prisonment for two murders. The convictions were ing profit for industrialists. During each phase of overturned twice, but as we write Maxwell has early policing a powerful minority formed systems served more than 30 years. Turn to page 6 Beverly Ross. Photo by Lawrence Turner

WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 5 is currently working with a developer to build job readiness. … We feed them. We give them Beverly Ross. the mobile application. The board has also sug- bus cards to get to where they need to go. And Photo by Lawrence Turner gested using billboards to reach trans women we talk to them, we let their voices be heard. of color, while Ross herself has taken to social “A lot of girls do a lot of sex work because media to spread the message. they don’t know the way,” she says. “I was al- “The girls are awesome,” Ross said. “They most one of those girls that went down that rock. It’s their group; it’s their project. They’re path of sex work because I didn’t have the so authentic, and so legit, coming up with dif- mechanisms to survive. And so we’re trying to ferent ways to prevent HIV in our community. make it less stressful for them to get jobs in And they have a voice.” They come from dif- the community.” ferent walks of life, Ross said. “Some have de- While Ross aims to make the lives of young grees, some don’t.” women of color easier, she turns squarely on New AFC No matter their background, though, encour- Governor Bruce Rauner, whom she feels is aging them to use that voice is important to eliminating services vital to the community. Ross, who feels a kinship with the girls and “We’re dealing with a governor that wants to initative women with whom she works. “I talk to girls cut HIV Prevention,” Ross says, echoing a blog because I grew up in the community not know- written by the AFC in April which was critical ing and having the resources I have today as of the governor’s cuts to Pre-exposure Prophy- focuses on far as hormone therapy, HIV prevention, hous- laxis (PrEP) access and other HIV prevention ing, you know, things to get you where you programs. women of color need to be,” she said. “To know that I am here Project Elevate, however, remains dedicated to help young trans women of color is the best to raising awareness. “Right now it’s [about] thing. Not only do I facilitate, but I’m help- directing [women] to the correct resources and ing.” getting them help,” Ross said. By Skylar Baker-Jordan grant from the Centers for Disease Control and That help goes beyond simply providing re- “I want to keep Project Elevate for not Prevention, it is a partnership between AFC, sources on HIV and STIs. They’re “coming up only three years, but I want to keep growing. According to a 2013 City of Chicago study, HIV- Planned Parenthood, Chicago Public Schools with mechanisms to keep discrimination down, There’s going to be more girls that need help. infection rates among the city’s Black commu- and several other organizations. and [help the girls] get good jobs and housing. Who need us,” she said. nity are triple that of the white population. At the center of this is Beverly Ross, a young We’re teaching girls how to build resumes and “It’s about saving lives.” That rate is even starker considering, as the Black trans woman serving as the facilitator for website ThinkProgress reported in March, Black the advisory board. A native of Englewood who Rights (AVER). It is intended to redress the women are 19 times more likely to contract HIV once attended Harper High School, Ross knows Event for veterans’ history of disregard and disrespect for LGBT than their white counterparts. the community to which she speaks. Though veterans with a lasting federal symbol of rec- Project Elevate, an initiative of the AIDS she moved to Indianapolis after her freshman monument on Aug. 9 ognition. The process, from design through The public is invited to celebrate and thank Foundation of Chicago (AFC), is dedicated to year, she came back to Chicago. federal approval, took four years and was all those who made possible the first feder- addressing this disparity. “Growing up trans in this city, and [being] spearheaded by Stanley J. Jenczyk, a junior ally approved monument honoring the ser- Project Elevate aims to “[take] its lead from homeless, it was a struggle,” she said. “I didn’t board member of AVER’s Chicago chapter. It vice of LGBT veterans which now stands in its target audience” and “prevent and reduce know where to get tested. I was told there was was dedicated in a formal ceremony on Me- the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in the spread of STIs through a youth-led, city- no money, I had to pay.” morial Day. Elwood, Illinois. An appreciation reception, wide social marketing campaign,” accord- This lack of information is something Project The event will offer food, wine and beer beer bust and BBQ will be held on the roof- ing to AFC’s website. That audience includes Elevate hopes to address. “We came up with an and a cash bar for cocktails. The suggested top deck of the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. young Black cis and trans women between the app … so people can know where to get tested donation is $10. Halsted St., on Aug. 9, 4-8 p.m. ages of 13 and 24, a demographic that forms and know what an STI is, and different STIs and For information, contact James Darby of The stately granite and bronze monument its Youth Expert Advisory Board, which AFC things like that,” Ross said, adding that this AVER at [email protected] or 773-752- to LGBT veterans was made possible by the hopes will focus its outreach to and impact on was a decision of the girls and women on the 0058. young women of color. Funded by a three-year Youth Expert Advisory Board. She said that AFC Chicago Chapter American Veterans for Equal

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but because he was so bright and interesting Former lawmaker and innovative. He was truly an exemplary public servant—the kind we need so much dies in accident more of, but the sort of modest person who By Matt Simonette never gets a statue or plaque erected on his

behalf.” Former state representative and Cook Coun- In a July 13 statement, Cook County Presi- ty CFO Henry Woods “Woody” Bowman was dent Toni Preckwinkle reflected on Bowman’s killed in an auto accident July 10 in South- accomplishments. west Michigan. “I was saddened to hear of the death of Bowman’s wife, Michele Thompson, sus- Woods Bowman in a tragic auto accident last tained injuries in the accident. weekend,” Preckwinkle said. “‘Woody’ was a Bowman served in the state House, repre- fixture in Illinois politics and government senting Evanston, during 1977-1990 and was for decades. He served with integrity in the a member of the House Appropriations Com- state House of Representatives and later, mittee for seven years. He was chief financial as the county’s chief financial officer under officer for Cook County during 1991-1994. Board President Richard Phelan. Even after Bowman gave up his House seat to run for he left that position, he remained committed state comptroller, but that post ultimately to Cook County, serving most recently as a went to his opponent, Dawn Clark Netsch. member of my Task Force on unincorporated Bowman also taught for many years at De- areas. I offer my deep regrets at Woody’s Panelists (from left) Gene Davis, Joy Messinger, Rahnee Patrick and I Li Hsiao, along with Paul University. passing and extend my wishes for a speedy moderator Liz Thomson. On Capitol Fax, Rich Miller wrote that Bow- recovery for his wife Michele.” Photo by Ben Sanders man “spoke in terms that ordinary people Capitol Fax’s article is at http://capitolfax. could understand. You listened to him not com/2015/07/14/woods-bowman/. because he commanded it or because he Forum covers race, bragged about his education and experience, show their support for people with disabilities. “Maybe people who identify as LGBT or Q POLICING from page 4 disability, sexuality might feel shameful about the fact that they are disabled, because for some it [being LG- to benefit themselves against less powerful “oth- BTQ] means that you’re not desirable—that ers.” you have a disability,” he said. “You know what In other words, policing’s past doesn’t offer a and the body positive model for the present. Officers like Man- I say to that? I say, ‘Fuck that.’ If you can’t be comfortable who you are, and you want ley are not just bad cops who can become good By BEN SANDERS Parade, the Dyke March, the Disability Pride Pa- other people to give you the OK to be who you guys, because policing has never had a neutral or rade, etc.?; and (3) What advice would you give are, then like, hello! Why do you need other benign function. Queer baiting, racial targeting, At the John Merlo Library, 644 W. Belmont folks about how to be better allies? Afterward, people’s consensus to be OK about your self- sexual harassment and physical abuse are not un- Ave., there was a panel discussion July 20 on a Q&A session took place that allowed every- acceptance?” usual and rogue actions, they are common expres- the intersection of race/ethnicity, disability, one in the room to participate and share their Moreover, when it was her turn to speak, sions of the violence originally and deeply rooted sexuality and the body. thoughts on the panel. Patrick entered the topic of privilege, and how in the structures of policing. While there might be The program was part of Chicago’s year-long For the first question, the general consen- it’s still a problem within LGBTQ and disability good people trying to work as police, our current ADA25 Legacy Project, which celebrates the sus was that “Pride” is all about being proud organizations. system of policing does not allow for good guys. 25th anniversary of the Americans with Dis- of who you are, and how dealing with being a “People who are in power, even in the op- Yet, over the decades, proposals to reform the abilities Act. Invisible to Invincible (i2i) host- sexual minority, a racial minority, and mentally pressed community, have to give up power,” police have recirculated: Recruit more ____ to ed the event. or physically disabled is something that can be she said, “and I think that it pisses them off be police officers. Increase civilian oversight of The moderator was i2i member Liz Thomson, difficult to come to terms with. [to do so].” police. Get rid of the few bad ones and put new and the four panelists were Gene Davis, Rahnee When it was his turn to speak, Davis—a gay, The third question was tackled head-on, limits on the rest. A wry snippet in a late ’60s Patrick, Joy Messinger and I Li Hsiao from i2i. Black man who has both a hearing and speech though, and Messinger summed it up best MM newsletter reported an experimental attempt All four fell within the LGBTQ spectrum, were impediment—grabbed the room’s attention about what it means to be a good ally with this to monitor police harassment and brutality: some Chicago police would carry tape recorders. “So, if non-white, and had a mental or physical dis- when he switched topics and said that he quote: “Nothing about us without us.” you’re lucky enough to be stopped while on tape, ability of some kind. wished the LGBTQ community would show more “The basic premise of that is that any work remember to speak clearly.” This year the Ameri- The panel operated as follows: Thomson in- support when it comes to issues of disability. that’s being done around any form of oppres- can Civil Liberties Union of California developed troduced a question; the four panelists tack- He was upset that there weren’t more people sion should be led by the people experienc- an app to instantly upload videos of possible po- led it until they were done speaking, and then like him at the July 18 Disability Pride Parade ing it,” she said. “So within disability justice, lice abuses to the organization’s server, prevent- Thomson moved on to the next one. In total, that took place in the Loop. people who are living with disabilities should ing them from being deleted. 1967 Stop-and-Frisk three questions were discussed: (1) What does While the second question wasn’t directly be the leaders in that work. ... For me that’s the term “Pride” mean to you, and can the answered, the replies still made for an interest- is 2015 Stop-and-Frisk, and police violence is still the most important way to practice any form of omnipresent. word be associated with pain?; (2) What do ing discussion. For example, Hsiao used this ‘allyship’ is to know when to step back.” And, while queers were often targets, main- you make of all the different Pride events that opportunity to address Davis’ point about why stream gay organizations have been slow to speak go on during the summer, including the Pride it might be difficult for LGBTQ individuals to out against police brutality; for example, the New York Times reported that “Some…gay rights lead- ers specifically cited support from the N.A.A.C.P. for same-sex marriage as a reason they decided to oppose the stop-and-frisk policy.” But for Pride 2015 LGBTQ activists ruptured the make-nice sta- tus quo at the parades in Boston and Chicago. Boston Pride Parade Resistance (#WickedPissed) called for “the City … [to] commit itself to end- ing the assault/harassment of LGBTQ people of color by the Boston Police Department” and held a sit-in. In Chicago, members of #BlackOutPride staged a die-in, halting the parade briefly to draw attention to the state violence surrounding Black lives. These moments are part of a rich history of creative LGBTQ resistance to abuses by the police. As suggested by Marie Kuda, recognizing polic- ing as a “recent innovation” is an asset. If we created the system, we can also dismantle it. And today there should be no doubt that the end of policing is what is needed, not more of the same: ONE-WOMAN FINANCIAL ADVICE POWERHOUSE reform. For help imagining and building a world without police we turn to abolitionist groups like Suze Orman Critical Resistance (criticalresistance.org) and KEYNOTE SPEAKER Pink & Black (pinkandblack.org). And to remem- ber why this work is important? David Stienecker, Jerome Johnson, and Bobby Discover more at nglcc.org/nglcc15 Joe Maxwell. Vickie Huber-Zoch, Evita Cabrerra- Carroll, and Sandra Bland. #SayHerName. Remem- ber their names and those of so many others, and end policing now. WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 7 Protesters decry HIV/AIDS cuts BY MATT SIMONETTE in the near future.” That sentiment was echoed by activist Arick About 100 community members and health Buckles, who said he’s frightened about what activists gathered in front of the James R. lies in store in the weeks ahead. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago July 22 “As a person living with AIDS, I’m afraid, to demand that the state pass a budget that that, come Aug. 1, I won’t be able to afford a adequately funds services for those Illinoisans prescription refill,” he explained. “I’m frustrat- who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. ed with Illinois lawmakers because they can’t HIV/AIDS funds have been tied up as Gov. agree on a state budget. … Aug. 1 scares the Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly hell out of me.” have attempted, so far to relatively little avail, Rev. Charles Straight, of Faith United Meth- to negotiate a final budget deal—a situation odist Church in Dolton, said that the cuts fall that’s led to a shutdown of state government. “along a vile and evil place” and would only Rauner’s initial 2016 fiscal-year budget, pro- heighten the gulf between rich and poor and posed in February, cut funding for HIV/AIDS make racial inequality worse. “It’s uncaring, From left: Rev. Charles Straight, Rev. Doris Green and Ramon Gardenhire at the rally. services significantly, and supportive legisla- cruel, immoral and racist,” he added. Photo by Matt Simonette tors have had little success in getting the ser- “When I heard that ADAP was a ‘non-essen- vices reinstated. The Rauner budget contained tial’ program, it shook me,” added Rev. Doris tended the rally. Earlier this year, he was the fund can be spent. a $6 million cut—about 25 percent—to HIV Green, director of correctional health and com- House co-sponsor of a bill that reauthorized “We can’t just blame the governor nor can funding and slashed the funding to the African munity relations for AIDS Foundation of Chi- the HIV/AIDS African American Relief Fund. we just blame Republicans,” Ford said. “Even- American HIV/AIDS Response Act by 66 per- cago (AFC). Rauner signed the measure July 16 but, given tually, everyone needs to sit down and work on cent, to $500,000. Activist Michael O’Connor said a different the state shutdown, none of the money in the this budget.” Despite a few light-hearted slogans—the tactic besides protests might ultimately be protestors riffed off a hit Rihanna song as the needed: “Rallies are not the only answer. ACT crowd chanted, “Bruce better have my mon- UP might be the answer. We’ve got to take this Under ADA 25 Chicago, these local organi- ey”—the speakers and crowd were very serious down to Springfield, to the governor’s office. Chicago groups zations are part of a Partners Network work- about the implications of the budget impasse We’ve got to not be afraid of getting arrested.” ing together to fulfill the promise of the lasting much longer. AFC President John Peller said that his orga- chip in as ADA ADA. One of ADA 25 Chicago’s legacy proj- Activist Will Wilson said that the AIDS Drugs nization has had to reach into its own coffers marks 25 years ects that is officially launching is The Lead- Assistance Program (ADAP), one of the pro- to help smaller agencies avoid layoffs, and that In Chicago, a network of more than 160 ership Institute for People with Disabilities. grams on the line, “gives me access to the there’s widespread anxiety among service pro- civic organizations, government agencies Other legacy initiatives include the newly re- medications that keep me alive today.” viders and their clients who don’t know how and businesses have come together to com- established Chicagoland Business Leadership Wilson bemoaned that service providers ap- long the situation will take to be resolved. memorate the American With Disabilities Network and The 25 for 25 Cultural Access peared to be thrust into the middle of funding “You’ve got to put Humpty Dumpty back to- Act’s 25th anniversary by committing to new Project (which aims to make cultural experi- battles, and accused Rauner of “separating us gether again,” said Peller. “Those talented peo- programs and initiatives within their organi- ences more inclusive and accessible for all and causing us to fight amongst ourselves. … ple who work for those organizations aren’t go- zations. guests). It’s called ‘divide and conquer.’” He added, “We ing to wait around for funding to be reinstated. July 26 marked the 25th anniversary of the Visit ADA25Chicago.org. are not a bottom line. I am not a bottom line. They’re going to go out and get other jobs.” ADA being signed into law. I don’t want to go to my own funeral one day State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, at- $500 OFF LEARN TO PLAY ALL CLEAR BRACES Chicago Six Month Braces is an effective, safe TENNIS IN and affordable way to get straight teeth in an NO TIME® average of 6 months. FREE EVALUATION! in the parks 6 LESSONS $55 STARTS AUGUST 1 In partnership with the Chicago Park District, BEFORE AFTER Midtown Athletic Club’s Tennis in No Time® will turn you into a player in just 3 weeks. CONVENIENT PARK LOCATIONS OZ PARK HAROLD WASHINGTON TENNIS COURTS MEMORIAL PARK TENNIS COURTS 2021 N. Burling St. 5200 S. 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2020 W. Fullerton Ave Chicago 5503 N. Clark Street, Chicago www.chicago6monthbraces.com 8 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES 150 people at it. This other organization put a lot of effort into cultivating the audience for Ex-Center On Halsted staffers this event.” The other organization, according to Karlic, repeatedly asked about Valle’s participation, and he told her that he would not attend. allege ‘toxic’ work environment Following the event, Valle said that the other organization was “unhappy with the results.” By Matt Simonette and backgrounds at the Center. They left their But when Davis was working there, she be- “My staff person called the collaborator at positions for a variety of reasons, and not all gan her gender transition. “That’s when I first the agency, and [Valle’s remark] was a lie,” Thirty-one former employees of the Center on personally experienced unpleasant dealings started to see a side of the Center that I didn’t Karlic said. “The executive director called Tico Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., have submitted with Valle. Nearly all, however, alleged that like. When I transitioned, I asked to change my and said, ‘I never said this. The next time you a letter to the Center’s board, asking it to as- many employees felt at times bullied and mi- name in the email system, as well as my busi- want to talk about a program, attend.’” sess the management style of its CEO, Modesto cromanaged. They further suggest that that ness cards. I kept being told ‘no,’ that I legally Karlic also had difficulty accessing resources “Tico” Valle. In the letter, those employees al- treatment has led to a high employee-turnover would have to change my name and gender be- or support. “Emails would be ignored. A lot of lege that Center administration’s treatment of rate that diminishes both the Center’s insti- fore they would change in the email system. It times, I was constantly asked questions that staff has led to low morale and a high turnover. tutional memory as well as its impact on the took months for that to happen. I had already were not relevant to the issue that I was bring- “Quite simply, for all of his talents, Modesto community. changed my dress, and everything that identi- ing up. I would run a program for speed dat- Tico Valle may not be best suited in his current “It was challenging to get something done,” fied me as female, and when somebody wanted ing, and get a random email: ‘Who approved role,” states the letter. “During his tenure, he said one anonymous former employee. “The to get in touch with me by email, they had to eggnog?’” has sown a culture of distrust and suspicion staff often can’t return phone calls without use that other name, that I didn’t even go by She added, “People will often talk about ‘Ti- among the staff, often employing threats and Tico’s okay. He often makes the wrong deci- anymore.” co’s bad mood.’ It’s pervasive. People engage intimidation. He has a pattern of recruiting sion, or no decision, and it adversely affects Davis said that she had to explain to a Center with body gestures and yelling. … It’s totally highly qualified staff and then undermining the Center in the community. The employees senior management official the difference be- fine to yell at someone, and then when conflict their performance and initiative until they feel are afraid to jump.” tween a drag queen and a transgender person. comes [to them] they don’t deal with conflict.” demoralized and undervalued. Additionally, he The high turnover weighs heavily on employ- At another point, after beginning her transi- “When Tico gets mad, he just stops talking to exhibits a pattern of overt hostility with tar- ees. One employee said that staffers kept a tion, she was introduced to an official from the them and hopes they’ll quit,” Kaufman said. geted staff members for reasons that seem un- group photo of Center staff on hand, and would Centers for Disease Control and Prevention us- For Karlic and others, the turnover was not even to the level of hostility.” The letter goes on to state that, “As a re- sult of these actions and others, the Center has seen an attrition rate that at times exceeds a Center on Halsted CEO Modesto “Tico” Valle. costly 30% annually, even though the industry Photo by Kate Sosin standard in the current economy is closer to half that.” The letter was delivered to board members and Center officials the week of July 13. Windy City Times spoke with nine former em- ployees of the Center, three of whom spoke on the record, including Kyle Kaufman, the Cen- ter’s culinary arts manager from 2011 to 2014, who spearheaded the letter project; the oth- ers spoke on condition of anonymity. Center Board President Duane DesParte agreed to be interviewed about the letter, as did Douglas McMorrow, who was briefly the training man- ager for youth services and volunteers there, and was one of Kaufman’s supervisors and men- tors. McMorrow refused to sign, and disagreed with its allegations. Valle did not agree to be interviewed. Kaufman said he was motivated to go forward with the letter because the Center to him felt “like a system of abuse, and it’s a culture that promotes people acting like bullies. You work somewhere trying to teach people to stand up to bullies, and you work in an environment where you can’t talk to anyone about the way that you work. That’s the way I spent my life for four years.” DesParte told Windy City Times that the Cen- ter’s board would take the letter under advise- ment, but he said they remain confident in just disheartening but disruptive to staff, Valle’s stewardship. regularly mark off employees who would be let ing her original name. who’d have increased responsibilities with lit- “We always welcome and value any input go or quit. “It was really frustrating,” she added. “I tle increased compensation. Davis said that she from our stakeholders in the community,” “While I was there, I saw a good handful didn’t feel supported and validated.” had to absorb the various responsibilities of six DesParte explained. “So we appreciated that of people escorted out of the building,” said Lynnea Karlic, who was youth vocational man- people who left the Center over the course of group sharing with us their concerns. We im- Kaufman, who added that he was one of those ager, then director of community and cultural her time there, and that she only received one mediately convened the Executive Committee employees. He was escorted out of the build- programs, from 2011 to 2015, also noted an pay increase. to review the letter and we then instructed the ing a few days after turning in his notice of arbitrary approach to many management deci- DesParte was not sure of the Center’s turnover Center’s director of H.R., as well as the leader- resignation, he said. sions and alleged that Valle’s approach seeped rate and could not comment on the letter-writ- ship team to review the concerns and identify “Morale is always low,” explained Kaufman. down to other members of senior management. ers’ suggestion that it was about 30-percent. next steps.” “Tico doesn’t allow for any creativity or ideas. “People take on the same leadership mental- “We’ve had a solid corps of long-term em- He added, “I’ve been involved with the Center His way was, ‘my way or the highway.’” ity,” said Karlic, who noted that bullying be- ployees,” DesParte explained. “They leave for many years, and I’ve been on the board for A central contention among the employees is came pervasive amongst many staff members. the organization; what happens is we receive the past six years. I interact with Tico regular- a heavy-handed management style based not “People who don’t know how to lead are taught grants for new programs and fellowships. That ly—many on our board interact with Tico regu- on established codes of conduct or the Center’s [to perpetuate] a kind of micromanagement, a allows us to bring in new hires and other quali- larly, through various committee [projects], mission, but Valle’s whims instead. Nearly all non-affirming environment. It’s very toxic. I fied leaders. All of those folks know that when various events—and we interact with the staff the employees reported great excitement go- knew so many people who had their premier funding runs out, we will likely not be able to regularly. That’s certainly not our experience. ing to work for the Center, only to have that time at the Center, and [senior management] keep them on as our employees. … We have We certainly respect the input, but it’s contrary excitement diminish after having a run-in with were oppressive, critiquing all the time. Con- not seen what we would consider to be a con- to what we’ve experienced.” management, or witnessing another employee’s stantly.” cerning level of attrition.” “I was very disappointed in the response,” run-in. Karlic left of her own volition, frustrated by But Karlic said, “It’s their way of actually not Kaufman said. “I was hoping that the board “I was really eager to work at the Center after low pay and lack of opportunity for growth. [officially] firing people. I’ve seen roles cease would be able to talk when you have 31 for- the ‘Take Back Boystown’ onslaught stormed She said her “turning point” came when Valle to exist without an explanation. One day, peo- mer staff members saying, ‘Hey, there are some Boystown, and I really felt that I could be a said that one of the Center’s partners—“a ma- ple disappear and we’re informed it’s a funding major issues that we want to talk to you about positive force for LGBTQ youth,” said Precious jor civic organization,” she said—was unhappy issue, and then these roles often come back in and help you with these issues.’ Instead, it was, Davis, who was youth outreach coordinator at with an event they’d co-sponsored. But she a year or two, with a new person applying for ‘Thanks for the input—we’ll be in touch if we the Center from 2011 to 2014. “In the begin- said the organization was unhappy with Valle’s them, and we have to re-create all the work.” need anything.’ It’s not productive.” ning, it was exciting. I was really eager. … But disengagement, not the event itself. “I think people were exhausted,” added The former employees whom Windy City Times then I really started seeing systematic things “It was a huge event, and the other organiza- interviewed hailed from a number of positions that were problematic.” tion shared funders and donors. This event had Turn to page 16 WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 9 Esposito also serves as publication director welcome in Chicago’s architecture community. Zurich Esposito. for Chicago Architect magazine. And in the time I’ve been employed by AIA, Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux “Chicago is the epicenter of architecture, [so] I’ve watched the comfort level of gays and les- my job is always changing and always fresh,” bians in the field increase. The profession has he said. “Before graduate school, I worked in a historically been regarded as one run by ‘old more conservative business and financial envi- white guys.’ One could easily add ‘straight’ to ronment. After learning a lot and saving some that characterization. money, I traded it all in for something I liked “But, like others, our profession is changing better. and becoming more representative of general “I’m fortunate to work at the center of the population. Graduating architecture students country’s leading architecture and design making up the profession today are, as a group, community, and AIA Chicago serves the archi- much more diverse than in the past. I’m a tecture community in several ways. We offer member of the national AIA Diversity Council, continuing education programs to architec- a group of AIA members from around the coun- AIA exec Zurich Esposito ture pros to help satisfy their requirement to try focused achieving and recognizing diversity be continuously educated throughout their of all kinds in the architecture profession so careers; we publish a magazine, ‘Chicago Ar- everyone entering the profession feels welcome living out childhood dream chitect,’ that helps to promote their work and and will want to stay in the profession.” share best practices; and the AIA lobbies on behalf of design professionals at all levels of government.” Esposito’s work involves collaborating with a European court professional staff, as well as with legions of ar- makes pro-gay chitects who serve as volunteer leaders of the By Ross Forman lona chairs. I was seduced,” Esposito said. “My organization. “Right now, for example, we’re ruling In a decision being hailed as landmark, first real job as a high school student was de- developing a design competition for afford- the European Court of Human Rights— For Zurich Esposito, the road to executive vice livery boy for a prominent interior design group able housing alternatives for 18- to 25-year- which hears human-rights cases of its 47 president of the Chicago chapter of the Ameri- run by the late Ellen Marks in Hinsdale, where olds,” he said. “This project enables me to work member countries—ruled that the Europe- can Institute of Architects (AIA), started in I was exposed to more design. I’m still friends with individuals working at organizations and an Convention on Human Rights provides a the 1970s in west suburban Hinsdale. with Ellen’s husband, Robert, who presided agencies I’d rarely have the opportunity to right to the legal recognition of same-sex Esposito was born in Mexico, yet grew up in over Harrington Institute for many years. I’m work with otherwise. Fostering the success of relationships. and around Chicago, so he admittedly was very lucky that these individuals generously shared emerging architecture pros is also a priority at The three-member court unanimously aware of architecture. And as a child, he be- their knowledge and time with me at a young AIA. Before you can call yourself an architect, ruled in favor of of three same-sex couples friended an eclectic Hinsdale business owner age. you have to pass a multi-part licensing exam. (in the case of Oliari and Others v. Italy), who specialized in African art, which was “su- “Later in life, I studied architectural history We developed an effective and successful on- saying that failing to have “a specific legal per-exotic” at the time, he said. and earned a graduate degree in historic pres- line test preparation course that has just been framework providing for the recognition Lavinia Tackberry hired Esposito to look after ervation from the School of the Art Institute of made the national standard and adopted into and protection of same-sex unions” vio- and wash her dogs—a pair of giant, misbehav- Chicago.” national distribution.” lated Article 8 of the convention. ing standard poodles—so Esposito spent con- Now 50, the openly gay Esposito—whose Esposito acknowledged that diversity in his “This ruling makes clear that same-sex siderable amounts of time in her home, which partner is Brian McCormick, an eighth-grade industry, like in almost all others, is a hot top- partnerships deserve to be recognized, was the former home and studio of noted archi- teacher for Chicago Public Schools—has been ic. “While there are a lot of gay and lesbian protected, and celebrated, and we urge all tect Harold Zook. with AIA Chicago for more than eight years. architecture pros in Chicago, alternative sexual signatories to do so,” said Jean Freedberg, “It was a rambling storybook cottage with a The Chicago chapter has more than 3,500 identity has not been a particularly noticeable deputy director of HRC (Human Rights thatch-style shingled roof, but she filled the members, and is a leading professional asso- aspect [of] the industry culture,” he said. “As Campaign) Global, in a statement. place with modern art, zebra skins, and Barce- ciation for design professionals. a gay person, I’ve always felt comfortable and 10 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES viewpoints for 20 years, explained in an e-mail interview people” while “20 percent of the text explains that his motivation for making the books so in- that there are also gay, lesbian, and bisexual WINDY clusive starts close to home. “My commitment people.” He also wanted the book to reflect to diversity doesn’t come only from a political “what families and adult relationships actu- ideal. My community includes an incredibly rich ally look like,” which includes families with CITY Dana and diverse group of people, not only in terms same-sex parents as well as “blended families, RUDOLPH of gender and sexual identity, but also in terms single-parent families, and intergenerational of race, ethnicity, family background, and to families.” TIMES MOMBIAN some extent class. I want to write books that The book stands out for more than just its fit for my family and my friends, which means LGBTQ inclusion, however. Silverberg said he VOL. 30, No. 44, July 29, 2015 The combined forces of Windy City Times, LGBTQ-inclusive books that fit for a very wide range of people and Smyth made an effort “to undo the sex- founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, and experiences.” ist science that underpins most mainstream founded May 1987. sex-ed book for kids He and Smyth have succeeded. In bold, col- sex-education material.” He explained that the orful, comic-book style, they reassure readers book offers “information about our bodies in affirms, empowers PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR that learning about sex can be “fun and strange a way that works for very young kids but that Tracy Baim Sex Is a Funny Word: A Book about Bodies, and sometimes a little scary,” and invite them is also informed by a certain kind of feminist Feelings, and YOU (Seven Stories Press) con- to “go exploring.” Accompanying them on the critique of the science of sexuality.” ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis tinues a groundbreaking, LGBTQ-inclusive se- journey are four young characters of different Regardless of body parts or identity, the attitudes, gender identities, races and physical book reminds readers that they are in control ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette ries for young people on human sexuality—and BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine should have many cheering at its thoughtful, abilities, who offer various responses to sce- of their own bodies. This is most obvious in DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright empowering, and accurate approach. The book narios young readers may have encountered. the section on touch, which encourages read- ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson SENIOR REPORTER Gretchen Rachel Hammond does not merely include all LGBTQ identities, They begin with the many meanings of and ers to think about when they do and don’t like ways of talking about “sex,” although the only to be touched and when others do and don’t. Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk but celebrates them as equal parts of the hu- Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen man spectrum. sexual behavior discussed is masturbation. More somberly, it talks about unwanted “se- Rachel Hammond, Rafael Alanis The book is the second of a planned trilogy They emphasize that the concepts of respect, cret touching,” or sexual abuse—an important NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa by sexuality educator Cory Silverberg and il- trust, joy, and justice are useful to keep in message carefully conveyed. mind while learning about the topic. More than just a book to be read, Sex Is a Keen, Yasmin Nair lustrator Fiona Smyth. Aimed at 8-to-10-year- THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan olds, it follows their 2013 book for the very Notably, the book talks about bodies and Funny Word should be a conversation starter. CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. youngest children, What Makes a Baby, which their parts in a way inclusive of intersex and The authors suggest parents read it before giv- SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS tackles its topic in a way that works for all transgender people, saying, for example, that ing it to or reading it with children, in order “having a penis isn’t what makes you a boy.” to be prepared to discuss it and answer ques- Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, family structures, types of family creation, and Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel parents’ gender identities. The planned third It handles gender similarly, noting that while tions. For parents and other adults who want a COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Harper, volume will be aimed at children starting to words like “boy” and “girl” fit most people, little more help on how to do so, there is a free Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, hit puberty. “For some of us, they don’t.” The authors urge reader’s guide available at corysilverberg.com. readers to “Trust yourself to know what words This is sex education as it should be—affirm- Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Sex Is a Funny Word picks up where its prede- Kuda, Angelique Smith, Meghan Streit cessor left off, covering bodies, gender, touch, feel right and fit for you.” While the main text ing and inclusive, engaging and interactive. All SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Tim and types of relationships, as well as an overall avoids identity labels, a glossary at the end children—not only those with LGBTQ parents Carroll, Ed Negron exploration of the many meanings of the word may help readers understand various terms or who are LGBTQ themselves—will benefit “sex.” Throughout, it encourages children to be they may have heard elsewhere. from having such a volume on the topic. CIRCULATION confident of their own bodies and feelings, and A section on “Crushes, Love, and Relation- Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and to respect those of others. ships” is also broadly inclusive. At no point of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Me- does it position different-sex relationships as dia Award-winning blog and resource direc- Victor Silverberg, who self-identifies as queer and WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead has worked as a certified sexuality educator the default. Silverberg said that he did not tory for LGBTQ parents. programmer: Martie Marro) want the book to be “80 percent about straight Copyright 2015 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy letters 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, of our FAQs. While a merger is an option, it is continues its best work in many ways, and this cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Let the Games begin and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City NOT supported by either organization’s board includes working to be the vehicle of change Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of of directors nor the working group assembled to be inclusive of the world’s sport and cul- a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy Dear Mr. Davis: City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the by both organizations during this process. tural communities into one quadrennial event sexual orientation of such person or organization. While On behalf of the Federation of Gay Games The MoU further states that a Transition Com- and having more participation than ever. Gay we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make mission will be created to engage in a global Games 9, held in August 2014, was arguably this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept (FGG) board of directors, we would like to of- responsibility for advertising claims. consultation and engagement process that will the most successful event to date, based on fer additional information and perspectives on (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 the July 9, 2015 Windy City Times article by further outline and recommend how to produce the financial legacy left in Northeast Ohio and e-mail: [email protected] or Ross Forman entitled, “Daughter of Gay Games the one unified event; both organizations are the overwhelmingly positive results from a [email protected] founder opposes merge with World Outgames.” continuing operations and planned events as massive participant survey. stated above. It is during the “Transition Com- We invite and encourage all audiences to con- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com We at the FGG continue the important work of podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com engaging the world in our mission of “promot- mission” phase that issues of concern by many tinue sharing constructive support and staying ing equality through the organization of the will continue being addressed. In the mean informed with accurate information. Both or- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, premiere international LGBT and gay-friendly time, GLISA will continue in its role overseeing ganizations are diligently working towards the 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) sports and cultural event known as the Gay World OutGames IV in Miami 2017; similarly, a single clearly communicated goal: the world the FGG will continue in its role overseeing Gay of LGBT athletes want a unified quadrennial Games.” We are excited about the 2018 Gay Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Games 10 in Paris and invite the world to at- Games 10 in Paris in 2018. event. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. tend! Both organizations are committed to trans- —FAQ link: https://docs.google.com/ OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE parency of information, openness of commu- document/d/1ILf7zdwgoOBvydkSYA04uk3D2gQ www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com The recently issued Memo of Understanding www.WindyCityQueercast.com (MoU) between the FGG and the Gay and Les- nication, and inclusivity of member organi- S20PLVl64rSlQOBs/edit zations. Multiple information sharing events —Conference call transcripts, recordings and bian International Sport Association (GLISA) “Windy City Media Group generated enormous addresses a collaboration for one quadrennial have taken place, and the FGG has worked to notes: https://drive.google.com/a/gaygames. interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT LGBT sport event for 2022. Each organization include voting members and partners of the net/folderview?id=0ByE3pcdroYLxbllVX0Zoa2N Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 print and online media partners who participated will continue regular operations, mission-based organization, “Honorary Life Members,” past NODg&usp=sharing board members and numerous other passionate —Original MoU: https://www.facebook.com/ in the survey, Windy City was the best performing work and production of planned programming. regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners Both organizations responded to a global sur- supporters of the Gay Games. Included in these notes/gay-games/one-world-event-memoran- with a nationwide footprint were able to generate vey of more than 2,000 constituents, and the communication sharing events were two con- dum-of-understanding/1031286973566883 a greater number of responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. primary result is resoundingly clear: The world ference calls held in June but, unfortunately, of LGBT artists and athletes want one unified sources for this Windy city article were not Cheers, event. present on the conference calls. R. Tony Smith The FGG created an “FAQ” document to ad- The Gay Games was conceived in San Fran- Officer of Communications, FOUNDING MEMBER dress the many questions raised regarding this cisco in 1980 by Dr. Tom Waddell as a vehicle Federation of Gay Games MoU; this document is available below, as well of change and is built upon the principles of Based in Denver, Colorado as transcripts from meetings and the original Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best™. MoU. The primary issue raised by the Ross For- Since 1982, the Gay Games have empowered man article mentions a MERGER, which is one thousands of LGBT athletes and artists through sport, culture and fellowship. The Federation

FOUNDING MEMBER

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FOUNDING MEMBER WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 11 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

12 20 18 It bears ‘Repeating’ ‘Loving Repeating’ looks at the life of Gertrude Stein. Peppers at Izakaya Mita. Fight Club at Mary’s Attic. Photo by Michael Brosilow

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT “But honestly it’s all presented in a way that is “My work with Handbag has certainly pre- very innocent and almost cartoon-like.” pared me for this show. It does start in a world In addition to the ensemble helping to de- that is heightened from our own. The charac- vise the show and its tone, the score for Stan- ters are a little bit over the top,” Love said. ley in the Name of Love is also a grab-bag “But it’s much darker than campy. And it takes Pop porn of authorship. Songwriters Nickolas Blazina, us to a place that everyone can relate to which Henry Riggs, Alex Kilner and Sean Kelly are all is trying to find something from nothing, try- lumped together under the billing of “The Deli- ing to find meaning in an otherwise uncertain By SCOTT C. MORGAN “trailer park fairy” named Stanley who decides cious Moons.” world—which is what all of the characters in to become a porn star at the urging of his best “The score is a mixtape,” Kelly said. “We were Stanley are doing.” Out actor Steve Love wasn’t originally sup- friend named Harriet (Christina Boucher) and able to pool all of these cool talents together And when asked if he was the show’s princi- posed to star in the world premiere musical three gay angels (Luke Michael Grimes, Jeff and scratch out these peppy little demos and pal author rather than the officially billed “Mr. comedy Stanley in the Name of Love for The Meyer and Christopher Tuttle) in order to fall then hand them all over to Nickolas Blazina, a Margaret Svetlove” in all the promotional ma- New Colony. Love previously choreographed in love. Nashville-based songwriter and producer who terials for Stanley in the Name of Love, Kelly The New Colony’s revised Tupperware musical “We’re sort of in a world that is not post- took them all and turned them all into these said “over the past two years a lot of people Plastic Revolution, so he was initially con- apocalyptic, but almost there. It’s not dissimi- incredible radio pop songs.” have come in and out in the creating of the tacted to help add some choreography for this lar to the world we live in now, but it is closer Love is definitely a fan of the engineered and story, and so it doesn’t feel right to put my ensemble-devised show. to the end when things are not going well,” layered pre-recorded pop score, saying that the name on it alone. It feels more like a collage But director Sean Kelly instead asked Love Love said. “It’s also a world where love has songs “sound anywhere like Britney Spears to rather than a play to me.” to audition for the title role of Stanley in the been disproven by scientists.” Mika. It’s an electronic pop sound and I really The New Colony’s world premiere of Stanley Name of Love when another originally cast ac- But despite those odds, Stanley soon sets his feel like all of the songs could be on the radio. in the Name of Love plays from Thursday, July tor had to pull out due to a scheduling conflict. sights on falling in love with the porn star Rod They’re so good.” 30, through Saturday, Aug. 29, in the Upstairs So now Love is starring in the show, while Kelly Fullalove (Michael Peters), who only believes When he was interviewed two weeks ago, Mainstage of The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwau- and his assistants are tackling the choreogra- in sex. The show also features Hell in a Hand- Love said Kelly and the ensemble were still kee Ave. Preview tickets are $15, while regular- phy, among other duties. bag artistic director David Cerda, who plays a working out the right tone for the show. Es- run tickets are $20-$25. Visit thenewcolony.org “Steve is my favorite kind of actor,” Kelly porn producer named Burt. pecially considering all the flights of fancy for more information. said. “He is able to push at the boundaries of “It’s very absurdist. It’s a crazy show and the involved and the potentially sordid subject what you’re willing to believe in and onstage subject matter sounds really risqué,” Love said. matter. he makes such strange choices that can seem larger than life.” Indeed, Love has made a mark in Chicago’s camp theater scene starring in prominent roles (frequently in drag) for Hell in a Handbag Pro- ductions. Love recently played Helen Stellar in Dan Savage’s spoof of The Miracle Worker called MIRACLE! and Suzie Turner (Lana Turn- er’s daughter) in L’imitation of Life in 2013. But now Love is dropping the drag for costumes that will likely expose a lot of male skin. Stanley in the Name of Love, described by Kelly as an “absurdist gay porn dance pop musical,” is ostensibly about an 18-year-old Shakespeare in the Parks thru Aug. 16 Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and Boeing partner to present the annual citywide summer tradition, Chicago Shake- speare in the Parks. This summer, 24 performances of Shake- Steve Love in The New Colony’s In the Name of Love. speare’s Greatest Hits travel to 17 neigh- borhood parks across Chicago, free for all, Photo by Patriac Coakley July 19–Aug. 16. In its fourth year, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks inaugurates cultural program- ming in a newly created Chicago Park Dis- trict park: Steelworkers Park, a former in- dustrial site now reclaimed as public green space in the Calumet region. Visit www.chicagoshakes.com/parks. 12 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW is the far more uptight and judgmental one. As it blends from scene to scene, A Perfect A Perfect Ganesh Ganesh comes across as a fever dream as past Playwright: Terrence McNally and current traumas all come to haunt Kitty At: Eclipse Theatre Company at and Margaret as they’re transfixed or appalled Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. by their Indian surroundings. Early on we find Tickets: 773-935-6875 or out that Kitty was estranged from her grown www.eclipsetheatre.com; $20-$30 son who was killed in a gay-bashing attack, Runs through: Aug. 23 while Margaret admits to a stranger that she has found a lump in her breast. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Alternately annoying and affecting, Carlson and Affelder strongly latch onto their respec- Can audiences empathize with characters who tive roles of Margaret and Kitty. These are two frequently epitomize the stereotype of the fine parts for actresses of a certain age, and “Ugly American” abroad? Or a bigger chal- they allow the performers to delve dramatically lenge is whether audiences of today can give into so much characterful terrain. Harris and a second chance to a distraught character who Higgins also give strong performances as they shockingly uses racist and homophobic slurs transform chameleon-like into characters from when you least expect it. many different classes and nationalities. These are just some of the difficulties posed Fedoruk and his trusty design team also make by gay playwright Terrence McNally in his ac- all of the play’s demands artfully plausible, claimed 1993 drama A Perfect Ganesh, current- with particularly fine work by sound designer ly being revived by Eclipse Theatre Company Cooper Forsman helping to create an Indian in an engrossing production directed by Ste- soundscape amid the visual exotica set design ven Fedoruk. But McNally’s drama is very much A Perfect Ganesh. by Mike Winkelman. about exploring the gray areas of his conflicted Photo by Scott Dray So even if A Perfect Ganesh nearly clocks in characters as they reveal their many fears and at three hours, Eclipse Theatre Company makes failings, so it’s best not to rely on snap judg- he seems to be everywhere. It’s also a clever (Elaine Carlson) and Katherine “Kitty” Brynne it all a journey that you’re certainly glad to be ments about who is good or bad. premise that allows Harris and the play’s other (Jeannie Affelder), two wealthy U.S. women along with for the ride. And that even includes A Perfect Ganesh begins with an introduction male actor, Phil Higgins, to assume multiple friends who take a comprehensive package va- the incidences of shock and annoyance that ac- by the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesh (Mi- roles throughout the play. cation to India. Kitty is the more freewheeling companies any kind of vacation abroad. Either chael Harris) explaining his joyful role and how But the main focus is on Margaret Civil and initially likable of the two, while Margaret way, it’s all very memorable and entrancing.

THEATER REVIEW writer Barry Manilow and an endless supply of Bette! ribald patter delivered with indulgent quasi- Bette! Live at the Live at the maternal affection, a diva was born, rising like Continental Botticelli’s Venus from the hot tubs of the ur- Continental Baths Baths. ban underground. Playwright: Various composers Photo by The revue assembled by Hell In A Handbag At: Hell in a Handbag Productions Rick productions proposes to replicate a night with at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Aguilar her Divineness in 1971. Flanked on keyboards Tickets: www.handbagproductions.org; Studios by a bewigged Jeremy Ramey playing the $20-$35 golden-locked Manilow of the period, a pair Runs through: Aug. 21 of back-up warblers portrayed by TJ Crawford and Will Wilhelm (wearing towels anchored at BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE the pelvic bone by some mysterious epidermal- adhesive), and a few strolling incognitos in No sooner had Juvenal coined his famous 100 beach robes lending a perfunctory lavatorial A.D. catch phrase, “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” atmosphere to the Mary’s Attic loft, Caitlin (“a healthy mind in a healthy body”) than his Jackson commands the spotlight for an eclec- fellow Greeks began to use it as an excuse tic selection from Midler’s early repertoire, in- for turning “health” clubs into emporiums cluding a bouncy “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” an for refreshment of organs at both ends of the operatic “Superstar,” a low-down-dirty “Empty spine—a tradition that continues to this day, Bed Blues”(“my springs are getting rusty”) and when men seeking privacy for trysts with other her signature anthem, “Friends.” men can frolic at luxurious facilities offering ment. Given the predominantly male market for integrated by our modern culture to allow The press performance seemed a trifle un- multi-sensory recreation ranging from steam such services, it is ironic that, of all the talents women appearing as their own lusty selves. der-rehearsed—or maybe the audience under- baths to make-out rooms to cabaret entertain- honing their craft in New York City’s foremost Miss M’s vocal stylings are also informed by the served. (Don’t the lines, “Going to the chapel same-sex erotopia, the greatest success should vaudeville legacies of Jewish torch singers and and we’re gonna get married” deserve a cheer?)

c fall to a female artist. African-American blues shouters, as well as six The infectious glee essential to the Midler aes- Bette Midler’s stage persona (dubbed “The decades of girl-group harmonies exalting the thetic was clearly in evidence under Christo- CRITICS’ Divine Miss M”) likewise traces her origins to hormonal exuberance of young love. With the pher Pazdernik’s direction, nevertheless, and antiquity—specifically, to the cross-dressing addition of an accompanist destined for fame will likely be in full bloom by the time you read PICKS bawds of classical Roman comedy, gender- in his own right as the award-winning song- this. Brilliant Adventures, Steep Theatre, through Aug. 15. Time travel isn’t always the stuff of This romance is at the center of Frank Galati herty revel in the gleefully sensual babble of steampunk fantasy. Sometimes you’ll find it THEATER REVIEW and Stephen Flaherty’s homage to the 20th first-blush love, whether beckoning “Come sit in the depths of economic devastation, mean century’s most famous sapphics, the major by me” with shy innocence, delving the oral streets and domestic squalor, where escape is Loving Repeating Playwright: Music by Stephen Flaherty, part of their chamber opera devoted to the tactility of the word “caramel” in a blues pro- most needed. MSB lyrics and text adapted by Frank Galati introspective young student whose sexual gression or describing a trio of cafe boys in an The Diary of Anne Frank, Writers Theatre, from the writings of Gertrude Stein awakening blossomed following her intro- chorus riddled with “gay”—perhaps the first Glencoe, through Aug. 16. The revised script At: Kokandy Productions at duction to the woman with whom she would time in literary history the adjective appears of this familiar drama incorporates long-ex- Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. fall giddily, proudly and thoroughly in love. in reference to homoerotic proclivities. punged diary passages that make Anne more Tickets: 773-975-8150; Blessed with enough money to seek more “Loving is repeating is living” declares human and less saintly. This production also www.kokandyproductions.com; $38 tolerant environs than those in the United Stein, but nothing spoken can be repeated looks afresh at the characters—Anne’s parents, Runs through: Aug. 30 States, they soon found comfortable quarters exactly, only reaffirmed, and so 70 minutes of Mr. Dussel, etc.—to make them less archetypal amid the Paris salons where the world’s cre- sweet nothings could grow tiresome without and more nuanced. JA BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE ative minds congregated during that golden the framing device of the older Stein recall- Men of Soul, Black Ensemble Theater, age between the wars. Their guest lists read ing her adventures with characteristic can- through Aug. 31. However you define “soul,” it With the benefit of hindsight enjoyed by en- like today’s museum catalogues, being replete dor. These are illustrated by an ensemble of takes a brave artist to cover stylists like Prince lightened citizens in 2015, we can look upon with then-unknown artists happy to sell their fresh-faced youths garbed in quaint Edward- or Joe Cocker, but the musical artists in this the lifetime partnership of Gertrude Stein and early wares to the rich American lady who ian fashions and crystalline singing voices, revue are fearless in their homage to the icons Alice Toklas as a warning to couples who ne- wrote poetry in form aesthetically revolution- dancing daintily on a stage crowded with art associated with that elusive quality. MSB glect appropriate legal protections for surviv- ary like their own. of the period—even the floor is decorated Take Me Back, The Poor Theatre at Collabo- ing spouses, or we can mock their domestic Stein’s approach to wordsmithery—based in in Impressionist motif—accompanied by a raction, through Aug. 8. Susan Monts-Bologna paradigm—one affecting a “husbandly” ap- rejuvenation of verbal imagery through un- live four-person orchestra drawing forth from gives an outstandingly naturalistic perfor- pearance while the other performed “wifely” conventional syntax (rhythmic phrasing, faux- their nine instruments melodies as startling mance of an Oklahoma mother who insists that duties—as stereotypical caricature. What is naif rhymes, reflexive refrains, etc.)—renders in their provocative beauty as Stein could her ex-con son is good in Emily Schwend’s undeniably evident in the lives of these two her verse perfectly suited for adaptation into have wished. small-town drama. SCM women, however, is romance as steadfast and song. With linear coherence proclaimed irrel- —By Abarbanel, Barnidge passionate as any exalted in earthly lore. evant by the author herself, Galati and Fla- and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 13 SPOTLIGHT e The Chicago Human Rhythm Project celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special “Jubalee” gala performance of Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales starring 10-time Tony recipient Tommy Tune (Grand Hotel, Nine, My One and Only) The com- pany then puts a focus on up-and-coming in- ternational masters of tap and Chicago masters of the dance form in two follow-up JUBA! Mas- ters of Tap and Percussive Dance performances. Tommy Tune’s Taps, Tunes and Tall Tales is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30. Tickets are $500. For more information, call 312-542-2477, ext. 211 or visit www.chicagotap.org. JUBA! Mas- 15 Breaths. ters of Tap and Percussive Dance performances Photo by Emily Schwartz are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1. Tickets are $25 to $35. All perfor- THEATER REVIEW tion to the arguments posed in this disturb- mances at the Museum of Contemporary Arts, ingly candid portrait of a behavior universally 220 E. Chicago Ave.; call 312-397-4010 or visit Grand Concourse observed, but rarely acknowledged. www.mcachicago.org. Playwright: Heidi Schreck The language of every culture recognizes the Photo by Preston Chaplin At: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. existence of certain unfortunate individuals Tickets: 312-335-1650; who somehow contrive to turn every achieve- www.steppenwolf.org; $20-$89 ment to their own disadvantage. Sometimes Runs through: Aug. 30 they are intimidated by the psychological re- of innocence, even after repeated evidence of cial-services facility (not unlike that replicated orientation that accompanies changes of for- underlying motives encouraging suspicion. Sis- onstage down to the last detail by Joey Wade) BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE tune. Others may feel undeserving of success ter Shelly is no rosy-eyed idealist, having long informs his direction of Schreck’s incisive sym- and fear inevitable discovery of their fraudu- ago shed the superficial trappings of her vows posium on moral crises arising from the con- This play features a pretty teenage girl af- lent claims thereto. Still others delight in the and in danger of abandoning its fundamental flict between good intentions and faulty ex- flicted with cancer working in a church-affil- forgiveness extended them following appropri- tenets as well, but the weariness that comes of ecution. Mariann Mayberry, rapidly becoming iated charity facility—but don’t haul out your ate displays of remorse. Usually, their only in- daily confronting human failure causes her to Steppenwolf’s foremost character actress, an- hankies yet. There’s also a paranoid ex-hippie jury is to themselves, but they can inflict con- waver in her resolve. Ironically, the very traits chors an ensemble embracing the ambiguity of prone to go off his medication, but you can siderable damage upon unwary companions. mandated by her calling are what render her their painfully flawed personae with compas- keep your tasers holstered, too. Staff employ- How long it takes you to spot the chronic and her likewise kind-hearted assistant vulner- sion as unflinching and unsentimentalized as ees include a Dominican immigrant and a nun, self-saboteur in Heidi Schreck’s play depends able to guilt-induced stratagems perpetrated the industrial kitchen fixtures—including fully but don’t come anticipating discussions of on the extent of your own encounters with such without malice, but no less destructive for be- functional stove, sink, fridge, microwave, chop- green cards or saying of rosaries (though an personalities, but what is quickly apparent is ing so. ping knives, paper-towel dispenser—found in oven timer sometimes signals a call to prayer). the difficulty of exercising caution in a commu- Yasen Peyankov’s earlier experiences with a mean-street outposts providing sustenance to Neither will you be rewarded with a tidy resolu- nity whose very mission is based in assumption theater company performing adjacent to a so- starving souls, however you define that word. JUBA+ JULY 26 - AUG 1

Four Nights to Celebrate TAP with World- Renowned Dancers! Presented in association with Photo by Andreas Gemperle Andreas Photo by

Information and tickets: ChicagoTap.org or call 312-542-2477 14 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES LD: This is what I can tell you. I’m in it and it dealing with things. Although I have to say she Lea DeLaria. comes out sometime next year. I can’t tell you started out with that fabulous joke about the Photo by Sophy Holland anything! What the fuck! Jesus! nerve-wracking experience of trying to pick out WCT: I understand when you first audi- a gown. Brilliant.” tioned it was for another character and they WCT: Now let’s focus on the album. Was it never called you back for it. difficult to whittle down the song selections LD: I auditioned for Anita, the role Lin Tucci for House of David? got. The casting director goes, “Oh my god—we LD: Oh, so fucking hard! There are so many love you Lea. You’re exactly what we’re looking Bowie songs that are awesome. The guy’s oeu- for.” Then when I got to my manager’s office, vre spans over four decades. We thought we he was on the phone with the casting director had it all figured out and the producer came and they said basically none of the parts were at me with a couple more! Jesus. That was the right for me but they would find something. hardest part. Only doing 12 songs. I might I’ve been told that so many fucking times in have to do Changes Two! my career! I’m still waiting for that part they WCT: So where does one go after Bowie? A were going to create for me on Law & Order, Madonna covers album? and it’s been off the air since 2009! So I went LD: No. I’ve already done pop covers. My sec- ballistic and had a hissy fit. They’re making a ond album, Double Standards, was alternative show that takes place in a woman’s prison, and and college rock tunes that I swung. My ver- there isn’t a part for me. Fuck show business, sions of Blondie’s “Call Me” and Neil Young’s fuck Broadway, fuck all of it. I flew over to “Philadelphia” were really huge hits on jazz ra- London where I have a standup and singing dio and still are played all the time. Now maybe career and got off the plane and there were a I would do Mingus or Monk. Something really thousand calls from my manager, like this time wholly and totally jazz. it came through and they did create a part for WCT: You’re getting married. Let’s imagine you and now you have to come back. [Creator] you could have anyone you want attend your Jenji Kohan took a part that was really tiny for wedding—not just people you have a direct a couple of episodes and expanded it and gave connection with. Who would you like there? it to me. This was that magical showbiz thing LD: If you’re saying in fantasyland who would that only happens now and then. I like to have come to my wedding? Meryl WCT: You had your first sex scene in sea- Streep. Eleanor Roosevelt. I want Ella Fitzger- Lea DeLaria: son three. Is Orange The Warmest Color, as it ald to sing. Anita Bryant so I can pelt her to were? death with oranges. LD: Instead of Blue? Blue isn’t the warmest WCT: You’ve been reluctant to talk about On acting in ‘Orange,’ color. You don’t even want me to go off on that the specifics of the real-life wedding so far, movie. What a piece of shit. When are we gon- and won’t divulge the date. na stop letting men have anything to do with LD: The reality is I have a lot of friends—a covering Bowie on CD lesbian movies, with all due respect? There are good amount who are in the industry and well plenty of lesbian writers, actors, directors out known, so that’s why I am being terrible about there. So is Orange the warmest color? Fuck, the wedding and how we approach it. And let yeah—because Orange has actual lesbians in- me say this: It’s also really difficult for me to volved in their lesbian stories. talk about because I’ve been such a bachelor WCT: What is the most interesting thing for so long I’m used to getting that pussy you’ve learned about life in prison for wom- wherever I go! You know, I love Dan Savage, en while making the show? the man’s a genius, and he says he has been LD: I’ve learned that it’s really bad for trans- invited to many poly weddings but never a gender women in prison. I guess I always as- three-year poly wedding anniversary. [Laughs] sumed that, but now I know it for a fact. I have We are queer people and do have a differ- also learned that butches are treated especially ent way of running our lives, so I don’t think badly in American prisons. There is literally a there’s anything wrong with an open marriage prison where they separate the butch dykes or what happens with two individuals and how By Lawrence Ferber July’s House of David (Ghostlight Records), her from the rest of the population. I intend to do they view their marriage. So don’t be surprised fifth jazz vocal album, spans a dozen David something about that. Once I get the facts and if I have an open marriage, I guess, is what I’m Lea DeLaria has certainly sung for her supper— Bowie covers, including “Space Oddity,” “Star- specifics, I’m going to start talking more heav- saying! literally. man,” “Fame” and “Modern Love.” (The cover ily about this prison. WCT: The other day when preparing for Since the ‘90s, the self-identified Illinois- photo is a re-creation of Bowie’s Changes One.) WCT: Laverne Cox is one of the show’s this interview, I re-watched a clip of you born butch has established herself as a standup In January, DeLaria and the entire Orange cast breakout stars. Any memorable experiences performing standup at the 1993 March on comedienne, actress and jazz singer. June 2015 went home with Screen Actors Guild awards for working with her? Washington, which is on YouTube. Now, here saw her reprise fan favorite character Big Boo Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a LD: Especially when they take us on press you are the star of an internationally known, on the third season of Netflix’s hit dramedy se- Comedy, while her acting credits also include junkets, Laverne and I adore each other. We award-winning series. Do you have any mo- ries Orange Is the New Black (OITNB), while feature films, animated series (The Oblongs), will end up at the bar together and we tend ments where you say, “Look at where I am and Broadway (On The Town). Yet one of De- to have better stamina than the rest. We will now?” Laria’s biggest upcoming projects of a sort will sit around and talk. On our first red carpet I LD: I’m having it right now! I’m looking at a be her wedding to fiancee Chelsea Fairless, a kind of photo bombed her when she was be- fucking SAG award! It’s sitting on my mantle fashion editor. Sandra Bernhard will officiate ing interviewed and you can see the clip on next to my TV! It’s a SAG award! Are you kid- the New York-set wedding, although DeLaria is YouTube. She says something rude to me and ding?? That’s what the last two years have keeping mum about the specific date, for now. I say, “Don’t make me tell the subway story,” been to me. I went to some NYC deli recently While taking a break from shooting OITNB and she breaks out laughing. Laverne’s a doll, I and these tourists walk over, they’re from Co- season four, DeLaria talked by phone about her love her—what else can I say? lombia, and it’s a father and two teen daugh- album, new transgender icons Laverne Cox and WCT: Did you watch Caitlyn Jenner’s speech ters. They want a picture taken with me! Here’s Caitlyn Jenner, and losing her bachelor status. when she won the Arthur Ashe Courage this man pushing his two teenage daughters Windy City Times: First things first: You Award at the ESPYs? next to me to get a picture! At that moment received some press recently for being di- LD: If you look at my latest Instagram post, I asked myself, “Is this actually fucking hap- agnosed as a Type 2 diabetic and losing 50 it’s a picture of the whole thing and me going pening?” The next thing, a grandmother with pounds. How’s that going? and then this happened at a major sporting granddaughters, pushing them next to me to Lea DeLaria: Great. I’m a gold-star pupil. My event. I absolutely cried. I burst into tears. get a picture taken. A1Cs were done last week and I have a 5.8. How emotionally draining it must have been Five years ago, if I went anywhere near those The medication I’m taking is working incred- to be the picture of masculinity in America, girls, grandma would have slapped me! “Get ibly well. But nobody told me I needed to lose when in actuality it all felt false to you. In the away from my granddaughters, you big butch weight. It just happened because I don’t eat 17 years I forced out who I was as a lesbian; it dyke.” Because I’m going to recruit or take ad- starch and sugar, and, combined with medica- sucked my soul. So imagine what Caitlyn had to vantage of them. Did I think any of this would tion, it did that. Weight isn’t the issue with go through for all these years. happen in my lifetime? Fuck, no! I thought diabetes, like some think it is. It has more to WCT: I think Jenner should take advantage the next generation would get to see what do with heredity than anything else. of her newfound pedestal to remind people we worked so hard for, like the SCOTUS deci- I feel very strongly I need to talk about that she was in Can’t Stop the Music and get a sion, yet here it is now. In my lifetime. And because, unfortunately, we live in a society new audience for that film. She’s squander- take away all the queer stuff, and make me a that thinks women have to be a certain size. ing the opportunity! 57-year-old woman and this isn’t supposed to I want you to know I fucked just as many fat LD: [Laughs] Yeah. I think because she hasn’t happen to you, either! To suddenly become a chicks as I have skinny ones, and I got just as been a member of our community, actively in- TV star at 57! A monster butch dyke! So all I do much pussy when I was 50 pounds heavier as I volved like Laverne has been her entire career is go, “What the fuck!” get right now! and life, it’s gonna take time for her to get to WCT: You’re shooting season four of OITNB. that sarcastic funny queer community way of Can you share a tease of what to expect? WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 15

Left: OUTspoken! curator and co-founder David Fink (left) watches the show. This photo: Fink and co-founder Art Johnston of Sidetrack. Photos by Ken Martin

OUTSPOKEN! from cover Johnston’s story about getting the LGBT non- others in our very diverse community,” said doing this in their city to contact me for as- discrimination bill passed in the Illinois Gener- Balof. “While Sidetrack has been a gathering sistance.” “When I returned his call, he started telling al Assembly; Taylor’s (the director of education place for over 30 years, there wasn’t a formally Fink’s dream has become a reality in me about a storytelling event he’d attended and community engagement at the Goodman organized way in which people shared their South Bend, Indiana. Joel Barrett, one of and he asked me if I’d ever heard of The Moth,” Theater) story about shopping for clothes the stories in this space before this series. There’s OUTspoken!’s storytellers, has copied the for- said Hunt. “I told him that it’s only one of my day segregation ended; and Ewert’s story about always been a sense of community at Side- mat while also giving them credit for the idea. favorite podcasts and that I’d been wanting to the day she married the late Vernita Gray were track, but this series makes that feeling more He calls his series OUTwords: LGBT Storytelling. do something like The Moth in the LGBTQ com- the other standouts, according to Fink. palpable and literally puts that sense of com- They’ve had one event and plan on doing more. munity for years. That’s when he told me about “I love having older LGBTQ people tell stories munity into words.” Since its inception, OUTspoken! has been in- what he and David had in mind and asked if I about what it was like in the past for them “There’s great power and value in stories so cluded as a featured spot in Lifeline Theater’s wanted to be a part of it. Before he could really and the community,” said Fink. “People don’t no matter what your age, gender, race, eth- Fillet of Solo, was named one of Daily Xtra get the words out, I said yes. I thought I was really interact with people of other generations nicity, sexual orientation or gender identity Travel’s “Top Gay Events in Chicago” and has saying yes to telling a story. He emailed me and when the older generation dies oftentimes come to OUTspoken!, listen to the stories and had numerous mentions on WBEZ as an event shortly after we hung up to ask if I’d co-host their stories are lost. Particularly older lesbi- consider sharing yours,” said Fink. “One of my not to be missed. the show, too. I thought I was saying ‘yes’ to ans who weren’t out to their families and lived dreams is to have this exist in all cities with See OutSpokenChicago.com for more infor- co-hosting the first show. But I’ve co-hosted separate lives from them.” big LGBTQ populations/history and to record mation. every show since, and I love it.” In terms of future speakers, Fink is hoping them. I encourage anyone who is interested in Fink explained that the ultimate goal of the that Johnny Hickman (a straight ally and gui- series is to record the stories and do a podcast tarist from the band Cracker) comes and tells for those who are unable to attend the live his story. events. “He has an intersex sibling and the story he “This way people from all over the world tells is moving, interesting and people should can find the people who’ve performed that hear it,” said Fink.” I also want Marge Summit they connect and relate to even though they to tell everyone what it was like when the po- aren’t in the same geographic area,” said Fink. lice used to raid lesbian bars.” “I think the LGBTQ community is a disparate As for the future of the series, Fink said the group of people with sometimes little in com- model they have is working pretty well. He mon, particularly when trans people are includ- noted that he’d like to see more LGBTQ women ed in the mix. In the end, we’re all human be- and people of color booked as far in advance as ings with human experiences and when you’re he has LGBTQ white men booked. in the room with somebody talking to them or “Eventually I would like to open this up to hearing them speak you’re able to connect and family and friends of LGBTQ people but I don’t relate to them.” know when we’ll do that because our whole Over the past year OUTspoken! has featured identity is out LGBTQ storytellers and I think stories from more than 70 speakers, including it’s working really well,” said Fink. “The stories Johnston, Hunt, Fink, Baim, Balof, Patrick Gill, aren’t always necessarily LGBTQ stories; they’re Jim Bennett, Laura Stempel, Mary Morten, C.C. just coming from the perspective of an LGBTQ Carter, Pastor Jamie Frazier, Tamale Sepp, Willa person. My favorite stories are historically im- Taylor, Tyler Green, Pat Ewert, Pat McCombs, portant. “ Scott Duff, Anna DeShawn, Angelica Ross, Ja- “OUTspoken! has brought me so much en- mie Black and Gary Barlow. joyment. The event generates a great deal of “I program for diversity and the audience pleasure for our audiences, the storytellers seems to match the diversity of the people on and those of us on the production team,” said stage,” said Fink. “I don’t know of any other Johnston. “We’re full of joy and a little pride place in Boystown that has this mix of age, at sharing in the special warmth generated by gender, race and ethnicity all in one place en- these short journeys into LGBTQ lives. For an joying each other’s company and shared expe- example of how important storytelling can be, rience. take a look at our marriage-equality Supreme “We try to make each month’s event feel like Court ruling for stories of real children of gay an amazing cocktail party with really interest- families which helped change hearts and minds ing guests. Kim, Art and I are all hosts and of individuals much more than any academic that doesn’t mean just doing introductions. research could provide.” That means greeting people when they arrive, “I look forward to OUTspoken! every month,” making them feel comfortable and welcome said Hunt. “There’s nothing like it in our com- particularly for those who don’t spend much, munity and I don’t just mean the storytelling. if any time, in Boystown to let them know that It’s the most diverse, supportive community they belong here.” building event that I’m aware of, especially in Fink noted that they’ve had a number of in- a bar in Lakeview. It’s amazing to me that we’re teresting/surprising stories over the past year. still conducting this experiment one year later. Green, who works at WBEZ, told a story about Even on the coldest days of winter, Sidetrack how his boyfriend/now-fiancee Joe’s mom, who was packed for OUTspoken!.” lives in China, finally accepted their relation- “The OUTspoken! storytelling series here at ship. Their story was also featured on The Risk! Sidetrack has provided a monthly gathering of podcast. people who enjoy learning about the lives of 16 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES CENTER from page 8 position. things done, and he was just as committed as holders expect and deserve.” “As a workplace, I can say it was a very pro- everybody else to getting the job done.” Karlic explained she was motivated to speak Davis. “They were resilient, and brilliant and fessional environment,” he said. “I was so DesParte added, “I should say that I, as well about the Center not out of malice towards Val- talented. [But] I think people felt abused, un- proud to be a part of the Center. There was the board, have full confidence in and fully le or anyone there—“I don’t want to see any- heard. It was hard walking in that building, so much talent there. The people who worked support Tico and the leadership of the Center. one fired,” she said—but a desire to see it live knowing that your work is not recognized. … there were very smart and dedicated people. That was reaffirmed after we reviewed the con- up to its potential, and, she said, to give voice It’s a community center, so it needs to operate I think everybody wanted to do the best that cerns. We continue to believe in Tico, and that to both current and former employees who are with that sense of community. I don’t think they possibly could. The management was usu- under his leadership these past several years afraid to speak out. She hopes the Center will people who work at the Center feel that sense ally right on; from my personal experience, since the Center opened, we have achieved put into place a clear grievance system for its of community.” they gave me the vision of how they wanted to tremendous things. … I hope that this does staff as well as clear criteria for the hiring and “I’ve never heard of someone leaving the build the Silver Fork Culinary Program and they not become a distraction from the good work retention of employees. Furthermore, she’d like Center and saying, ‘That’s a great organization.’ let me go at it.” that the Center does. This is something that we to see a compensation structure commensurate There’s always a war story,” said Karlic. McMorrow said that he disagreed with the no- need to review, and we are reviewing it, and with employees’ job descriptions, experience But not for McMorrow, who worked at the tion of Valle as a micromanager. “I never saw we’ll take as appropriate action where needed, and work loads. Center as a vocational program manager from it. I never experienced it. I didn’t directly re- if needed. The main focus needs to be advanc- “You have a bunch of people who want to October, 2010, to January, 2011. He said he port to him. I never had a conflict with Tico. I ing our community and working everyday for give,” she added. “It’s pretty sad. They are al- was asked to sign on to the letter and refused, never observed any conflict. I never overheard the health and well-being of the LGBTQ com- truistic. They walk in there. They have hopes thinking the effort misguided and unnecessary. any conflict. ...I saw him there at seven in the munity of Chicago. That’s what we’ve done well and dreams. More than any other organization He worked at the Center for only a few months, morning and I saw him there at midnight. We under Tico’s leadership, and we just need to I have ever worked for, they are used for that. but said that he only left when family circum- were all there doing what we could do to get keep focused on that—that is what our stake- They get spun.” stances required that he find a higher-paying

Below is a copy of the letter submitted to the board of directors of Center On Halsted, signed by 31 former employees of the center.

Dear Center on Halsted Board of Directors, the board was stunted. We are willing to Claudia Mosier,Psy.D. Precious Davis express more of our concerns, as well as Director of Youth Programs/Director of Youth Outreach Coordinator As active and proud members of the LG- more details of our individual experiences, Mental Health/ Consulting Psychologist Aug 2011-Oct 2014 BTQ community, we have a vested inter- in a personal meeting with the board if the 2012-2014 est in the success and growth of Center board has an interest in listening to the Richard Cordova on Halsted. Our goal is to have a vibrant, opinions of its former employees. Danny Kopelson Health Educator Director of Communications and Public October 2008-October 2010 dynamic and effective community center We are writing this letter to inform the Affairs that serves as a Chicago landmark, service Board of the ongoing challenges with Cen- 2008-2010 Robert Mitchell organization and a motivator for greater ter management. We hope the Board can Ovah Program Outreach Coordinator activism and affinity within our commu- be better informed and moved to action. Frank McAlpin February 2012-June 2014 nity. As such, we call on the board to conduct Youth Program Coordinator These are among the reasons we joined a full and robust management evaluation, July 2011-December 2011 Ron Wittman the staff of Center on Halsted. Unfortu- including staff surveys and feedback. We Director of Corporate Partnerships nately, many of us were disappointed that also suggest to the board that human re- Jacob Kosior September 2011–June 2012 the Center did not often live up to these sources functions, too often controlled by Director of Special Events & Volunteers goals. It is this reason we are writing you. the CEO, be left to a qualified HR profes- August 2010-May 2012 Russell Love We do not believe the Center is realizing sional. Understanding that a significant Youth Leadership Development Specialist its full potential. Specifically, we are con- portion of staff have been at the Center Jesi Miller (Public Ally) Youth vocational program manager January-October 2011 cerned by the day-to-day management un- for less than a year, we call on the board September 2008-October 2010 der CEO Modesto Tico Valle and his ability to reach out to past staff members as part Ryan Viloria to effectively lead the organization. of this process, including the undersigned. Joe Brown Receptionist Quite simply, for all of his talents it is For all of these reasons we believe that Youth Case Manager/ Anti Violence Crisis May 2007-Feb 2011 our opinion that Modesto Tico Valle may the board should also ask for yearly statis- Line Volunteer 2006-2009 not be best suited in his current role. Dur- tics on staff turnover and a general report, July 2008-December 2008 Sandra Mukasa ing his tenure, many of us felt that he has by an independent source, on the climate Anti Violence Crisis Line Volunteer 2006- Health Educator sown a culture of distrust and suspicion and culture of the organization. Once the 2009 April 2013-July 2014 among the staff. Some of his actions have management evaluation process has been been perceived by us as threats and in- completed, we call on the board to take Jordan Ewbank Sarah Sumadi timidation. Although the CEO has a pat- actions they deem appropriate to address Operations Staff Director of Volunteers, 2009-2010 tern of recruiting highly qualified staff it is Center morale and attrition. We ask the January-August 2013 Director of Communications and our opinion that he often undermines their board to recognize the very serious and Volunteers, 2010-2011 June LaTrobe performance and initiative until they feel ongoing challenges at the Center in effec- Volunteer Director of Transgender Programs Tom Elliott demoralized and undervalued. Addition- tively managing and leading the organiza- 2007-2012 Director of Public Relations ally, some of us have felt that the CEO ex- tion so that these issues can be resolved January 2013–January 2014 hibits a pattern of overt hostility with tar- and the Center can fully realize its mis- Kevin Strowder geted staff members for reasons that seem sion. Youth Program Public Ally 2011-2012 Veronica Lozano uneven to the level of hostility. Finally, it As members of the board, you are en- Youth Prevention Project Coordinator Health Educator is also our opinion that as a result of these trusted with this most valuable of commu- 2012-3013 June 2011-August 2014 actions and others, the Center has seen an nity assets. We all believe strongly in the attrition rate that at times exceeds a cost- mission and value of the Center, which is Kyle Kaufman Victoria Stein ly 30% annually, even though the industry why we first joined the staff. We hope that Culinary Arts Program Manager Director of Grants Administration standard in the current economy is closer you will take this letter seriously and look September 2010-July 2014 December 2011-June 2014 to half that. (http://blog.execsearches. into this issue for the sake of the LGBTQ Lex Lawson William Campbell, com/2010/05/05/paying-attention-to- community. We would like the opportunity Youth Advocacy Manager Project Manager turnover-in-the-nonprofit-sector/ ). to meet with the board to further discuss September 2011-January 2013 2011-2012 We feel this pattern is troubling. In fact, this letter and address any questions the the challenges we faced (examples of board might have about our individual and Lynnea Karlic William Farrand LCPC which are mentioned above) are among the overall experiences working at COH. Please Community and Cultural Director of Director of Community Behavioral Health reasons many of us left the Center. What let us know within the next few weeks of Programs Services is also of concern is the seeming lack of some dates and times that would work for 2011-2015 November 2013-April 2015 oversight by the board. None of us can re- the board. call an evaluation process or staff survey, Thank you, Maura Ross Zach Zimmerman either formal or informal, on the part of Sincerely, Community & Cultural Program Manager Public Programs the Board inquiring about staff culture or July 2011-March 2013 November 2010-February 2012 the ability of management. Similarly, none Brian Minka of us were contacted by members of the Community Technology Center Director Michael Chikko Receptionist Board after we left the Center inquiring March 2007-October 2012 October 2010-May 2015 about our time at the Center or our reasons Christina Waller for leaving. We don’t know whether this Career Training Specialist, Youth Program Patrick Gerlick shows a lack of concern from the board or Staff Member and Volunteer Coordinator Bilingual Health Educator Clinician if this is because the information flow to January-October 2010 October 2011-December 2013 WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 17 Brigham happens to have a great sense of hu- and clubs are working to come together, when mor. At the beginning of his acceptance speech they’re finding the time in their schedules to he tore open his button-up shirt to reveal a train, when they’re finding the ways to raise San Francisco Giants T-shirt, mocking the Cubs money with limited resource to be able to fans in the crowd who haven’t witnessed their get there. It’s when they’re forming a bond. team win a championship, while his Giants It’s when they’re building a family that may have won three World Series over the last five be more supportive than the biological family years. It was the only time an audible “Boo” they were born to.” was heard throughout the evening. Other inductees included Chris Morgan, a For most of his speech, he talked about how world champion powerlifter; Dale Scott, the important the city of Chicago has been for the first out Major League Baseball umpire; Helen Gay Games. Hull Jacobs, who was a world number-one “Chicago has a legacy that no other city is tennis player during the 1930s; Kye Allums, ever going to have, and it’s because of tim- the first openly transgender NCAA Division I ing and it’s because of volunteerism,” Brigham athlete; Robbie Rogers, an openly gay soccer said. “Chicago stepped up when the Gay Games champion with the LA Galaxy; Roy “Sugar Bear” was in its darkest hour, when there was the Simmons, the second NFL player to come out possibility that the Gay Games were going to as gay, who died last year from AIDS; and Me- fundamentally change, because the group in gan Rapinoe, an Olympic and World Cup Soccer Montreal that had been awarded the contract Champion who helped lead the United States decided that volunteerism sucks. They decided to victory in the 2015 Women’s World Cup. Bill Gubrud (Hall of Fame executive director and board chair), Michael Pacas (Mr. Leather64TEN that the Gay Games model sucks…they didn’t 2015), Gary Chichester (director), Nick Mauro (director of finance), Israel Wright (director) really care about the sports, they wanted to and Billy Lullo (director). make money.” Auction house to Photo by Paul Hirsch He continued to stress how important it is that volunteerism remains the model for the offer Jenner torch games. The 1984 Summer Olympics torch that “The point is, if the Federation [of Gay Caitlyn Jenner carried through Lake Tahoe, Gay and Lesbian Games] did not have an alternative, if they had Nevada (when she was known as Bruce not decided to go ahead without Montreal, the Jenner), is being auctioned off, Page Six Gay Games model would have fundamentally has noted. Sports Hall of Fame changed,” he said. “The spirit of Tom Waddell The 24-inch torch, which has a brass (the former Olympian who helped found the finish and leather handle, is being of- games) of ‘Do it for the sake of volunteerism. fered by Heritage Auctions at its Platinum Do it for the service of other people! Do it to Night Sports Auction in Chicago on July honorees inducted 30. Insiders say it could fetch as much as provide sports experience for those who might By Ben Sanders was just scared that I was going to hurt some- not otherwise get the benefit of it.’ That would $20,000. body. He put me into wrestling, and the world have been dead.” It’s the first major piece of Jenner memo- More than 50 people gathered inside the Irving just changed for me. I realized that I fit in with Lastly, he addressed what he said was the rabilia to go to auction since the winner Harris Foundation reception hall in the Center somebody.” most important aspect of the Gay Games—one of the 1976 Olympic decathlon gold medal on Halsted for the Third Annual National Gay Dermody went on to college and eventually that’s shielded from the public eye. became Caitlyn Jenner. and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame induction cer- become a longtime teacher and wrestling coach “People need to understand this: The magic The original article is at http://pagesix. emony on July 24. in New Jersey. While he was teaching he had to of the Gay Games does not happen in the week com/2015/07/07/jenners-1984-olympic- “How many people here play sports?” found- keep his sexuality to himself, but at those first of the Gay Games,” he said. “It happens in the torch-could-fetch-20k-at-auction/. er, executive director and board chair of the Gay Games in 1982, he found a place where he three to four years leading up, when teams Sports Hall of Fame Bill Gubrud asked those in could embrace the two biggest aspects of his attendance. Over half of the hands shot up in life: wrestling and his homosexuality. the air in response. “You see those hands? Now “When I came to the Gay Games, I was just so when Roger [Brigham] and Gene [Dermody] shocked at what I saw, that there were people come up here and talk, know that the reason like me who were gay and who liked sports. why we can do this is because Roger and Gene I told the school that I wasn’t coming back. provided the access.” That was 1982 in September; the school had to 䜀伀匀倀䔀䰀 一䤀䜀䠀吀 Brigham and Dermody were two of the nine scramble but I had to stay. I got a job in IT and inductees in this year’s class, but they were the worked for the same company for 30-something 䨀唀䰀夀 ㌀㄀匀吀 㜀㨀㌀ 倀䴀 only ones who were able to make an appear- years and just retired. I’m successful today, and ance. I owe it all to wrestling. ... Don’t let people 䄀氀氀猀琀愀琀攀 䄀爀攀渀愀 Dermody, a wrestler, coach and lifelong men- tell you that sports is nothing. It’s the key. 㘀㤀㈀ 䴀愀渀渀栀攀椀洀 刀搀Ⰰ 刀漀猀攀洀漀渀琀 䤀䰀 tor, is an 18-time participant in the Gay Games, It’s the key to raising your kids. It’s the key to and participated in the very first one held in changing everybody. It’s the way to build your 1982. Today he’s better known as the founder logical family.” of Wrestlers WithOut Borders (WWB), which, After his closing remarks, he handed the mi- according to its website, is “a non-profit orga- crophone back to Gubrud, who introduced the nization dedicated to the promotion and devel- next inductee: Roger Brigham. opment of the noble Olympic wrestling sports Brigham, a sports writer, wrestler and coach, of Freestyle Wrestling, Greco-Roman Wrestling, wrestled at Ohio Wesleyan University, where he Beach Wrestling, and Non-Gi Grappling, as de- was a two-year varsity letterman. Afterward, fined by WWB & FILA.” When he took the po- he coached at seven different high schools in dium to except his award, he was met with a Alaska as a volunteer over a nine-year period. huge reception. Now, Brigham is a sports columnist in the Bay “I guess I’m the the only inductee who was Area, a wrestling coach at Mission High School kind of forced into this. It wasn’t my choice. in San Francisco and a Chair of WWB. In ad- It just happened by accident,” Dermody said. dition, he’s the founder of both the Golden “I grew up in a family that is extremely ath- Gate Wrestling Club, which, according to its letic. My brother was a first-string forward for website, is “a community-based wrestling and Dick Vitale in basketball, and I threw like a grappling club for all,” and the Equality Coach- girl. Imagine what it was like? I was autistic, I ing Alliance, which aims to bring together LGBT was dyslexic, I was violent, I was angry, and I coaches. Like Dermody, Brigham has some his- didn’t know who to strike out at. And the gay tory with the Gay Games: He was on the com- part was the biggest thing; just the fact that I mittee that helped reach an agreement with felt like I was on another planet. Chicago to become the host of the 2006 Gay “My father, who was a Navy boxer, was smart Games, after Montreal lost the right to, and enough to say, ‘I’ve got to do something with even won a gold medal at those same games… this kid,’ because Ritalin hadn’t been invented on artificial hips. yet! He didn’t know what to do with me! He In addition to all of his accomplishments, 吀椀挀欀攀琀猀 猀琀愀爀琀 愀猀 氀漀眀 愀猀 ␀㄀㘀 /windycitymediagroup 䌀䄀䰀䰀 㠀㘀㘀⸀匀䬀夀⸀圀一䈀䄀 伀刀 嘀䤀匀䤀吀 䌀䠀䤀䌀䄀䜀伀匀䬀夀⸀一䔀吀 18 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES /nightspots @nightspotschicago nightspots weekly nightlife section in

MARY’S ATTIC Fight Club: Kyle vs. The Kweens, Fri., July 24. Feel free to talk about this one. Photos by Kyle Henderson

THE SOFO TAP

Grrr! It’s Friday, July 24. Photos by Kyle Henderson WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 19 Aside from daily duties hosting MSNBC Live with will understand: “I have no words to express how Thomas Roberts, he was asked to anchor NBC’s much I love you @allysonchinalia !!! I also love Nightly News last Saturday night. This earned doughnuts, but you are sweeter...” Nothing says him the distinction of being the first openly gay I love you more than complimenting some guy’s Billy person to anchor the evening news on network cruller! We’ll post the video and some hot shots television. And, it should be added, he looked of the sexy couple on BillyMasters.com. Masters quite dashing doing it. Since we’re talking hot foreign guys, let’s In a scene clearly staged for the reality show turn our attention to Luke Casey, an Australian cameras, Caitlyn Jenner had what is being footballer and model. For reasons completely called a “religious naming ceremony” at her unknown to me, Australians appear to enjoy be- “I thought I held my own.”—Buzz Aldrin talks Malibu home. Paparazzi pics from the pious ing photographed au naturale—and who am I to about dancing with John Travolta at a benefit event (officiated by some sort of cleric) show complain? The sexy 20-year-old stripped down for Buzz Aldrin’s ShareSpace Foundation at the about 15 attendees of questionable gender all in for a photographer, and apparently shaved down Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I’m glad to hear white watching this outdoor ceremony. Cameras as well, since he appears to have all the pubic Buzz held his own. I hope Travolta stuck to hold- and elaborate lighting captured every bit of the hair of a newborn. Of course, this only accentu- ing his own, too! You can check out the video of pomp and circumstance—the circumstances of ates every nook and cranny of his fantastic phy- them tripping the light fantastic on BillyMasters. which are dubious. Entertainment was provided sique. Let me add that what he may be lacking com. by Boy George, who I suspect wore something in the flaccid penile department, he certainly There are pros and cons to being in the pub- more slimming than white! makes up for in foreskin—if that’s your thing. lic eye. Rugby player Ben Cohen has used his Before there was Caitlyn Jenner or Laverne You can decide for yourself when you see him on popularity to speak out against bullying and Cox, there was Holly Woodlawn, the legendary BillyMasters.com. started The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation. But transgender actress who was immortalized in Lou Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Karl in last week, he found himself the target of some Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” and a muse for Chicago: “I just saw photos of Nick Jonas look- nastiness. As a professional athlete, Cohen has Andy Warhol. Alas, the superstar of the under- ing hotter than f*ck performing at some gay club always maintained a good, if not slightly burly, ground cinema movement is not doing so well. all chained up. What’s that all about?” physique. Woodlawn was recently diagnosed with cancer Little Nick Jonas is continuing in his quest for Rugby player Ben Cohen is a lot of man! On July 22, he posted some less-than-flat- and is currently in the hospital receiving treat- world domination—or at least the part of the tering shots of himself frolicking on the beach ment. Given her bleak prognosis, people have world belonging to Justin Timberlake—by con- with the caption, “Eaten way [too] many burg- rallied to raise money for her continued care— est, the gay madam of the porn industry. Appar- quering it one gay bar at a time. This was his ers. Need to get back into shape!! Or maybe it including the ability to live out her final days ently, Forest broke his leg while standing in the second performance at the legendary G-A-Y party was just the camera angle. LOL.” Two days later, at home. In the past three weeks, friends and kitchen somehow due to “sleep apnea.” (Look: at Heaven in London. And what made it memo- the same photos turned up in the UK Telegraph admirers have helped raised over $60K on Go- I just report this stuff.) As if that wasn’t bad rable was that he sang his single “Chains” whilst accompanying an article called “How to avoid a FundMe.com/BringHollyHome. One of those sup- enough, the next day he had a massive heart at- actually chained up by drag queens! “You know, Middle Age Man Spread” with the subheading, porters is Bette Midler, who donated $5K. And tack! After five days in ICU, he had an angiogram we’ve gotta do something special for the G-A-Y “As former rugby player, Ben Cohen is photo- who wouldn’t want to be part of any group that and three stents. He’s back home and getting audience, right?” Right! He looked hotter than graphed looking portlier than usual; experts re- includes the Divine Miss M? around slowly, with the aid of a walker. Is that ever (oooh, those arms)—as you’ll see when you veal how men can avoid piling on those extra Last winter, I went to NYC to see the sublime what they’re calling them now? watch the video on BillyMasters.com. kilos.” Ouch! But Ben owned it, retweeting the Lypsinka, aka John Epperson, in her classic Gay porn star Harry Louis got engaged on live When a Jonas can be restrained by drag piece with the following caption: “Thanks for the Lypsinka! The Boxed Set. The show was a huge television to Allyson Chinalia, often referred to queens, it’s definitely time to end yet another advice @Telegraph How to avoid a Middle Age success and was slated for a limited run this as his “look-alike boyfriend.” They were on a TV column. Nick’s not the only one giving you Spread & not end up like Ben Cohen.” Within summer. Alas, that is not to be. John fell on a show in Spain when Harry popped the question. something special. You can always get a rise hours, Cohen was flooded with support. He re- sidewalk and severely injured his hands—and It may be in Spanish, but I’ve been watching from www.BillyMasters.com, the site that likes sponded by saying, “Thank you all for your lovely those hands are so vital to a Lypsinka perfor- Caso Cerrado on Telemundo for two years, so I’m it rough. If you’ve got a question for me, send it comments and support. Very unexpected and I mance. Since he will need to begin a course of virtually bilingual. For those of you who lack a along to [email protected] and I promise [am] really overwhelmed by it all. Ben.” physical therapy, the shows have been cancelled. foreign tongue, Harry sweetly tweeted the an- to get back to you before someone takes care of Thomas Roberts just made a bit of history. Get well soon, Lypie. nouncement in two languages. And he shared a my cruller! Until next time, remember, one man’s Someone else who is suffering is David For- sentiment I’m sure anyone who has been in love filth is another man’s bible.

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Get up to 10 days unlimited access. Join now for FREE. Accessible: 20 July 29, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES are the shishito peppers. Co-owner Helen Mita warned us that one in 10 is really hot, and you can’t tell which one it is: sort of a gustatory Rus- sian roulette. Well, my friend found it—and Mita the DISH quickly soothed her palate with a tiny bowl of Weekly Dining Guide in whipped cream. nightspots WINDY CITY TIMES Then, we tried items from the bincho-tan grill (which utilizes charcoal made from oak). The ke- babs were pork belly, chicken skin and dark-meat the big SAVOR chicken—with each tasting better than the previ- ous. Izakaya Mita A sakana (rice slider with fried fish and wafu tartar sauce) provided some tang, and the saba BY ANDREW DAVIS TO-DO (a “hearty bite” that’s a broiled mackerel filet) smelled fishy, but was absolutely delicious. OUR WEEKLY PICKS TO PLAN Welcome to the Japanese gastropub scene. Another highlight was the noodle dish hiyashi YOUR NIGHTLIFE CALENDAR And what a welcome it is! Izakaya Mita (1960 chuka, an intoxicating offering consisting of chilled N. Damen Ave.; IzakayaMita.com) impressively ramen with tamago, wakame, cucumber, negi and combines a cordial atmosphere with authentic and sliced chashu pork in a soy dashi vinaigrette. And tasty items. (Note: According to the restaurant’s the meal didn’t flag with the banana tempura with menu, izakaya are “cozy Japanese public houses” pineapple sauce, which was sufficiently light and where people gather to eat, drink and socialize.) From top: Hiyashi chuka, ahi tuna, and spinach tasty. Lastly, co-owner Brian Mita (son of Helen) The restaurant offers everything from shared goma ae at Izakaya Mita. “gifted” us with an umeboshi (pickled plum); it’s plates to full-blown entrees. Our dinner started Photos by Andrew Davis an acquired taste and you definitely don’t want to with a wonderful dish, spinach goma ae (spinach in take a large bite out of it—but I grew to like it. sweet black sesame), and continued with marinat- As for the “pub” aspect of the gastropub, we ed burdock root. After trying those chilled dishes, tried a flight of wonderful sakes (Konteki “Tears we dove into what was probably one of my favorite of the Dawn” Junmai Daiginjo, Narutotai “Drunken items of the evening: okonomiyaki with butabara Snapper” Ginjo Nama Genshu and Karen “Coy” Jun- (pancakes with pork belly). I’m particularly fond of mai) that ranged in taste from bright to earthy. pork belly, but this was expertly done; moreover, Would I recommend Izakaya Maya? The answer is ‘Sync It lip-sync-off the bonito flakes on top were reacting to the heat, a hearty “yes.” From the sake and amazing dishes giving the impression that the dish was somehow to the wonderful service (Thank you, Chottip!), alive. It’s an experience I won’t soon forget. this is a place to visit (and revisit). Wed., July 29 Something my dining partner won’t soon forget Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. Lip-syncing is all the rage! Show your stuff at this first installment of Side- track’s new monthly contest, hosted by the inimitable Dixie Lynn Cartwright. No drag required to perform. Enter to win great prizes.

6th annual Lollapalooza sideshow

Thursday, July 30, 10 pm Berlin, 932 W. Belmont Ave. Step right up for this annual sideshow- themed party, an official opening party of Lollapalooza. Sideshow performanc- es curated by Gutter Glam Entertain- ment, featuring Taylor Spring, Viva La Muerte (pictured) and more. Black Pearl Photography

SIDETRACK ‘Sync-ing it to Bey, Wed., July 22. Get ready for Sidetrack’s new monthly lip-sync contest, ‘Sync It, this Wed., July 29. Photos by Kirk Williamson

SEVEN Nightclub grand opening

Friday, July 31, 10 pm SEVEN, 3206 N. Halsted St. Boystown’s newest nightlife concept hits the streets with sexy dancers, drink specials and host, porn superstar and Andrew Christian model Topher @MOSPHERE DiMaggio (pictured). In their Sunday best at the Windy City Empire’s Redneck Tie Affair benefit show, Sunday, July 26. Photos courtesy of the Windy City Empire WINDY CITY TIMES July 29, 2015 21

um through the spring of 2016. 12:00am Saturday, Aug. 1 Tuesday, Aug. 4 COMMUNITY Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance GED Registration The Fall session runs from Ave. | Elmhurst http://www.elmhurstart- (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about ill- Aug 24, 2015 - Dec 12, 2015 with classes museum.org nesses, symptoms, treatment, doctors, and held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 CALENDAR personal issues such as dating, relation- pm - 4 pm at the Center on Halsted. Fall Friday, July 31 ships and work. Center on Halsted 3656 N registration will run from July 16, 2015 - Lollapalooza Music Festival 12:00pm Halsted 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on Aug 22, 2015 on Tuesdays and Thursdays Wed., July 29 Hutchinson Field, Grant Park, Chicago. Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago http:// from 12 pm - 4 pm. Plan on staying up Game Night at Gerber/Hart Library All are Through Aug. 2. Tickets: http://www. dbsa-glbt-chicago.com to 3 hours for assessment testing. Free. welcome. 6:00pm - 9:00pm Gerber/Hart tix4cause.com/ticketnetwork/tickets/ Memorial for William B. Kelley Kelley, 12:00pm - 4:00pm Center on Halsted Library, 6500 N. Clark St., Chicago 773- purchase/37365/?back=/ 72, who in 2015 was marking 50 years 3656 N Halsted St. 381-8030 https://www.facebook.com/ Man Cave A peer-led group for individuals as a gay activist, passed away peacefully Vives Q: First Tuesdays Vives Q is an in- events/1596896777260045/ that were assigned female at birth (AFAB) in his sleep the morning of May 17, ac- dependent cultural arts project committed L Lounge A safe place where Lesbians can AND ALSO who identify as either: FtM cording to Chen K. Ooi, his partner since to creating an LGBTQ movement building connect to each other as a community (female-to-male), trans*masculine, gen- 1979. 10:00am Center on Halsted 3656 experience through art, music, spoken in a friendly, helpful environment. Free. derqueer/non-conforming and masculine, N Halsted Chicago http://www.centeron- word, dance, and oral history that enables 6:30pm - 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 or who are questioning their gender. Free. halsted.org intergenerational dialogue across multiple N Halsted Chicago 6:30pm - 8:30pm Center on Halsted 3656 Trans* 101 Casual potluck, discussion or identities and communities. 6:00pm - From Bloomers to Lycra: Three Short N Halsted St. outing for Trans* (transgender, gender- 9:00pm National Museum of Mexican Art Films Celebrating Women and Cycling Sara Paretsky, author: Brush Back V.I. queer, intersex, etc.). Free. 4:30pm - 1852 W. 19th St. Chicago http://vivesq. Co-sponsored by Women Bike Chicago Warshawski takes on an investigation in 6:30pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- org Tickets: http://vivesq.eventbrite.com Viewing and discussion of three short films spite of a long-standing feud between sted Chicago Intersex Group Casual conversation for those directed by women about women who have ‘idol’ worship hers and the subject’s family. Paretsky is Loving Repeating Musical tribute to the life who identify as Intersex or are interested found self-empowerment and happiness on Saturday, Aug. 1 author of twenty books, including the V. and loves of celebrated American author in learning more about Intersex issues. their bicycles: The Wind in Our Hair; The I. Warshawski novels. 7:30pm Women & Gertrude Stein. Using Stein’s own works Group is open to allies, friends, family, and New Woman: Annie ‘Londonderry’ Kopcho- Superstar and American Children First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St., as lyrics. Through Aug. 30, 2015 7:30pm significant others. Free. 6:30pm - 9:00pm vsky; and Georgena Terry. 7:00pm Women Idol champ Kelly Clarkson http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Theater Wit 1229 W Belmont Ave. Chicago Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago & Children First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Bette, Live At The Continental Baths Hell in Tickets: http://www.kokandyproductions. OUTspoken! LGBTQ Storytelling Celebrating Chicago http://www.womenandchildren- will perform at the Allstate a Handbag Productions presents this musi- com the one-year anniversary of monthly LGBTQ first.com Arena. cal tribute to Bette Midler starring Caitlin Kelly Clarkson Piece By Piece tour with spe- story-telling. Storytellers scheduled to ap- Genderqueer Chicago A grassroots group Photo from RCA Records Jackson, directed and choreographed by cial guests Pentatonix and Eric Hutchin- pear: Tracy Baim, LeVan D. Hawkins, Archy that works to create safe spaces for every- Christopher Pazdernik with musical direc- son 8:00pm Allstate Arena 6920 N Jamjun, Alexis Martinez, Jeffery Tomlin- one to talk about, think about, explore and tion by Jeremy Ramey as Barry Manilow. Mannheim Rd Rosemont, IL 60018 Tick- son, and Bea Cordelia. Doors open at 6pm. express gender. 7:00pm - 8:15pm Center Tickets $20 advance, $22 at the door. VIP ets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/ 7:00pm Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St Chi- on Halsted 3656 N Halsted St. reserved seating with drink $35. 8:00pm event/04004E5B18B6704A cago http://outspokenchicago.com/ the world. Through Aug. 16. 7:00pm - Mary’s Attic 5400 N Clark Chicago Tick- Thursday, July 30 9:30pm Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. ets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ Washington St. Chicago http://www. Monday, Aug. 3 Wed., Aug. 5 The Chicago Human Rhythm Project‘s 25th event/1391656 cityofchicago.org Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival Thou- 2015 Lavender Law LGBT Bar Annual Con- Anniversary Jubalee gala benefit with Stonewall Kickball Summer Fashion Show Women’s Speed Dating Classic, round-robin sands of women from across the globe ference and Career Fair. Opening reception Tommy Tune Choreographer and director Featuring kickball players modeling under- speed dating will be hosted by JDA (Just on 650 acres of woods, ferns and rolling Navy Pier Rooftop Terrace. 6:00pm Chi- Tune wiil perform and be presented with wear and swimwear donated by Andrew Dickin’ Around Comedy). $10 pre-registra- fields. Through August 9, 2015 10:00am cago Marriott, Magnificent Mile http://lg- the 25th Anniversary JUBA! Award for Ex- Christian and presentations of a donation tion. $15 at the door. 7:30pm - 9:30pm Hart, Michigan Tickets: http://michfest. btbar.org/annual/ Tickets: http://lgbtbar. traordinary Lifetime Achievement. 5:30pm check of $15,000 to local charity Fred Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago com org/annual/register/ Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) 220 Says. Questions to CHICAGO@STONEWALL- Tickets: https://community.centeronhal- Transworks Peer leaders run a job program Bisexual-Queer Alliance The goal of Bi- E. Chicago Ave. Tickets: http://www.chica- KICKBALL.ORG 8:30pm - 10:30pm Prog- sted.org/WomenSpeedDating for gender non-conforming community sexual Queer Alliance Chicago is to erase gotap.org/Performance-Education-Detail- ress Bar 3359 N Halsted Chicago http:// SkyCube World premiere of Chicago artist members in the John Baran Cyber Center. the invisibility of bisexual people within Festival/Jubalee-Gala-2015.aspx STONEWALLKICKBALL.ORG David Wallace Haskins’ Skycube, a three- Walk-ins welcome. Free. 12:00pm - 2:00pm the LGBTQ community. This group is open Move Your Body: The Evolution of House ton construction of steel, glass and far Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted St. to bisexual people and their allies. Free. Music Exhibition in the Chicago Rooms infrared light film depicting moving sky. 7:00pm - 9:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 celebrating more than 30 years of a home- Open to the public 24/7 outside the Muse- N Halsted grown art form that is now heard around

Memorial for William B. Kelley

Saturday, Aug. 1 10 a.m. reception, 11 a.m. program Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.

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What happens when faith & forgiveness reach the boiling point?

BY HEIDI SCHRECK DIRECTED BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER YASEN PEYANKOV

Featuring ensemble members Mariann Mayberry, Tim Hopper (7/2 – 8/9) and Francis Guinan (8/11 – 8/30) with Brittany Uomoleale and Victor Almanzar

“Everything is on fire for Mayberry… a great “A play full of both and ” humor heart Steppenwolf performance” – CS – Chicago Tribune

“One of those Steppenwolf Theatre productions that reminds you of why you go to the theater in the first place” – Chicago Sun-Times

“Fleet, sharp and honest” “One of the summer’s must-see performances” – Chicago Sun-Times – Gaper’s Block

Tickets start at $20 | steppenwolf. org | 312-335-1650

2014/15 Grand Benefactors 2014/15 Benefactors