The Cult of Whiteness On #OscarsSoWhite, Donald Trump, and the End of America By Max S. Gordon

In this week’s Windy City Times, we are publishing the first of a four-part in-depth essay by Max. S. Gordon.

“You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.” — Nina Simone “I, too, sing America.” — Langston Hughes

PART ONE i It is befitting that a conversation about racism and the vol 31, no. 21 Feb. 17, 2016 Oscars occurred so close to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com as it is impossible to talk about Hollywood or America with- out deconstructing whiteness. If you haven’t noticed, white- ness is currently under attack, is deeply threatened, and may be, when all is said and done, eradicated completely. (When whiteness crumbles, patriarchal dominance will be right be- hind it.) When I speak of whiteness, I am not talking nec- Max S. Gordon. essarily about individual white people, but the construct of whiteness, the cult of whiteness, while particularly onerous to people of color everywhere, on some level oppresses us all. streets sick, desperately in need, and it is estimated that For many of us, a discussion about the Oscars may seem close to sixteen million children live below the poverty level. petty and insignificant given what is currently going on in The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the this country. America, at this moment, is a country in flames. world, as the prison industry continues to turn a profit. For We have a city tricked by an indifferent governor and his ad- many of us, feeling safe and protected is part of a nostalgic ministration into drinking poisoned water, which, regardless past. We dread the terrorist who may be lurking on the sub- of his original intentions, may have had homicidal results; way car or train, or who may blow us sky-high while we’re teachers in the same state walking out of their classrooms standing by the coffee-machine at work. We scan the faces as because the ceiling was literally falling down on them; and a we board the plane, wondering if the person sitting across the mayor in another Midwestern city allegedly covering up police aisle is the enemy and this flight will be our last. Or perhaps brutality and civilian murders in order to protect his career. it will be the high school student during second period who And yet, as I write this, these men are still in office, still takes us out, and if not him, then the maniac with the assault governing. rifle who finishes us off in a movie theater while we watch We trip through life, unable to digest the grief and rage Star Wars with our kids. And now, after Charleston, there’s over one violent incident before having to face another. Tamir blood on the collection plate too, as even the church pew is Rice, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Mar- marked as a potential crime scene. tin. Americans all, deserving of our protection and justice, In light of this gruesome reality, who the hell cares about but disregarded once out of the headlines or courtroom— a bullshit self-indulgent contest that is always an hour too like so much garbage. Black bodies swinging in the Southern long, hosted by someone who too often disappoints the view- breeze, strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees. The gross ing audience and critics, then followed by media coverage of ‘CLOUT’ STANDING negligence and injustice of it all could send you half out your the millions of dollars in loaned diamonds and a debate over mind, but even insanity is a luxury now, as we still have to which color gown dominated the red carpet. Given what we Queer Clout author Timothy Stewart-Winter is feed our kids, we have to go work. Everything is backwards— face as a nation at the moment, a dinner-table conversation returning to Chicago. instead of sleeping through our bad dreams, we awake each that shifts from social welfare and justice to whether Leon- Detail from book cover 24 morning to fresh nightmares. ardo DiCaprio will finally win a best actor Oscar this year may Homeless men and women and the mentally ill roam the Turn to page 10

JACOB MEISTER #PREP4LOVE STEPHEN CONE Seeks to topple Dorothy Brown in next HIV campaign launched at event. Actor/director talks about new film, month’s elections. Photo by Matt Simonette Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party. Photo from campaign team 12 9 Photo by Photo by Janna Giacoppo 23

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com

“A THOROUGHLY FASCINATING, INTELLECTUALLY AND MUSICALLY RICH NEW MUSICAL.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

A New Musical from the Pulitzer Prize BEGINS TUESDAY! FEB. 23 – MAR. 6 and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, and the producer of Wicked. | 800-775-2000 | Groups 10+: 312-977-1710 1.577 pt

2 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES

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NEWS Trans health; column 4download Scalia’s death sets up epic battle 6 this issue Circuit owner apologizes 7 and browse the archives at CCHR announces changes 8 “Cult of whiteness”—part one of four 10 www.WindyCitytimes.com ELECTIONS 2016: Jacob Meister interview 12 Profile: Phil Burgess 14 In the Life 15 The Cult of Whiteness Views: Hunt, McNaught 16 On #OscarsSoWhite, Donald Trump, and the End of America By MAx S. GorDon

In this week’s Windy City Times, we are publishing the first of a four-part in-depth essay by Max. S. Gordon.

“You’ve got to learn to leave the table when love’s no longer being served.” — Nina Simone ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS “I, too, sing America.” — Langston Hughes PArT onE Scottish Play Scott i 17 It is befitting that a conversation about racism and the vol 31, no. 21 Feb. 17, 2016 Oscars occurred so close to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com as it is impossible to talk about Hollywood or America with- out deconstructing whiteness. If you haven’t noticed, white- ness is currently under attack, is deeply threatened, and may Theater legend Anthony Rapp 20 be, when all is said and done, eradicated completely. (When whiteness crumbles, patriarchal dominance will be right be- Max S. Gordon. hind it.) When I speak of whiteness, I am not talking nec- essarily about individual white people, but the construct of whiteness, the cult of whiteness, while particularly onerous Knight: Henry Gamble’s..., 4th Man Out 22 to people of color everywhere, on some level oppresses us all. streets sick, desperately in need, and it is estimated that For many of us, a discussion about the Oscars may seem close to sixteen million children live below the poverty level. petty and insignificant given what is currently going on in The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the this country. America, at this moment, is a country in flames. world, as the prison industry continues to turn a profit. For We have a city tricked by an indifferent governor and his ad- many of us, feeling safe and protected is part of a nostalgic ministration into drinking poisoned water, which, regardless past. We dread the terrorist who may be lurking on the sub- Interview with director Stephen Cone 23 way car or train, or who may blow us sky-high while we’re of his original intentions, may have had homicidal results; teachers in the same state walking out of their classrooms standing by the coffee-machine at work. We scan the faces as because the ceiling was literally falling down on them; and a we board the plane, wondering if the person sitting across the mayor in another Midwestern city allegedly covering up police aisle is the enemy and this flight will be our last. Or perhaps brutality and civilian murders in order to protect his career. it will be the high school student during second period who Timothy Stewart-Winter’s ‘Queer Clout’ 24 And yet, as I write this, these men are still in office, still takes us out, and if not him, then the maniac with the assault governing. rifle who finishes us off in a movie theater while we watch We trip through life, unable to digest the grief and rage Star Wars with our kids. And now, after Charleston, there’s over one violent incident before having to face another. Tamir blood on the collection plate too, as even the church pew is Rice, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Mar- marked as a potential crime scene. NIGHTSPOTS 27 tin. Americans all, deserving of our protection and justice, In light of this gruesome reality, who the hell cares about but disregarded once out of the headlines or courtroom— a bullshit self-indulgent contest that is always an hour too like so much garbage. Black bodies swinging in the Southern long, hosted by someone who too often disappoints the view- breeze, strange fruit hanging from the poplar trees. The gross ing audience and critics, then followed by media coverage of ‘CLOUT’ STANDING negligence and injustice of it all could send you half out your the millions of dollars in loaned diamonds and a debate over mind, but even insanity is a luxury now, as we still have to which color gown dominated the red carpet. Given what we Queer Clout author Timothy Stewart-Winter is feed our kids, we have to go work. Everything is backwards— face as a nation at the moment, a dinner-table conversation returning to Chicago. instead of sleeping through our bad dreams, we awake each that shifts from social welfare and justice to whether Leon- Detail from book cover 24 morning to fresh nightmares. ardo DiCaprio will finally win a best actor Oscar this year may OUTLINES Homeless men and women and the mentally ill roam the Turn to page 12 Calendar Q 29 Classifieds 30 JACOB MEISTER #PREP4LOVE STEPHEN CONE Seeks to topple Dorothy Brown in next HIV campaign launched at event. Actor/director talks about new month’s elections. Photo by Matt Simonette film, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party. Photo from campaign team 12 9 Photo by Photo by Janna Giacoppo 23

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com

“A THOROUGHLY FASCINATING, INTELLECTUALLY AND MUSICALLY RICH NEW MUSICAL.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

A New Musical from the Pulitzer Prize BEGINS TUESDAY! FEB. 23 – MAR. 6 and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, and the producer of Wicked. | 800-775-2000 | Groups 10+: 312-977-1710 online exclusives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

‘HEART’ OF THE MATTER Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus held “From the Heart,” a social gathering and award ceremony. Photo of performer (left) by Vern Hester

OKIE-dokie

Oklahoma City—yes, Oklahoma City—is staking its claim as a tourist destination. ‘GROUND’ WORK Photo by Jerry Nunn A sneak peek of the new TV series Underground was held at the DuSable Museum. KIM REMINDER ban on the run Ask Lambda Legal deals with the issue of bosses banning trans employees from restrooms.

THAT’S SHOW BIZ Find out the latest about St. Vincent, Chaz Bono and Sam Smith.

WCT chats with Naysha Lopez and Kim plus Chi, the two Chicago entrants in the DAILY BREAKING NEWS upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Photo of Chi from Logo 4 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Trans article connects psychology, hormone therapy GUEST COLUMN A Transgender Health article shows that of transgender health forward,” said Editor-in- transgender individuals may experience signifi- Chief Robert Garofalo MD, MPH (Professor of by Ramon Gardenhire cant improvement in psychological functioning Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine, Northwest- after as little as three to six months of hor- ern University Feinberg School of Medicine, mone therapy, with improved quality of life re- and Director, Center for Gender, Sexuality and ported within 12 months of initiating therapy HIV Prevention, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Chil- Budgets Matter by both female-to-male and male-to-female dren’s Hospital of Chicago) in a statement. Do #BlackLivesMatter? It’s hard to tell rampant in other communities, would transgender individuals. “This work highlights a healthcare disparity if they matter to those who control the our public health infrastructure and Jaclyn White Hughto and Sari Reisner of Fen- affecting transgender people—depression and systems that prevent Black people across elected officials not declare a state of way Health, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard anxiety—and offers a potential therapeutic the country from accessing health care, emergency? Medical School; and Harvard T.H. Chan School option to help eliminate or reduce it: access sustainable employment, education, And let me be abundantly clear: In- of Public Health (Boston), and Yale School of to hormone therapy,” Garofalo added. “It sets housing—even Oscar nominations. fection rates in the Black community Public Health (New Haven, Connecticut), re- the bar for future research to be conducted in Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, marked Na- are not associated with risky behavior. viewed the evidence from published studies this area, which is sorely needed and may help tional Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Nearly every study demonstrates how of transgender adults treated with hormone some clinicians caring for transgender people.” We have lustrous examples of progress Blacks utilize condoms at the same, if therapy for gender identity disorder. The research article is at http://online.liebert- toward ending new HIV infections in all not higher, rates than their white coun- “Reviews of the existing literature of this pub.com/doi/full/10.1089/trgh.2015.0008. communities, including Black communi- terparts. These numbers (and lives) are nature are hugely helpful in moving the field ties, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis rooted in racism. (or PrEP), a once-a-day HIV prevention Say the word “racism” and people pill that is nearly 100 percent effective imagine someone in a white hood, ter- when taken consistently at preventing rorizing Black folks. However, in reality, position, Gay Star News reported. He was sworn HIV infection. And for the first time in ordinary people, systems and institu- in during a Feb. 12 ceremony in Winnipeg. decades, Chicago reported fewer than tions perpetuate racism daily—often Hon. Gord Mackintosh, the minister for jus- 1,000 new HIV cases last year. However, unaware and benign to the toxic effects I caution us: We shine brightest when of systemic racial bias. tice and attorney general, said, ‘It’s historic. we are most vulnerable. There are seeds Are we doing enough to prioritize … Any time the court can be more diverse, I of failure in this data, in that it doesn’t Black lives? We are the face of this epi- think it strengthens the court, it makes it more lay bare the disproportional impact HIV demic because of the systems that keep legitimate, it gives it greater authority.” is having on the Black community—and us out of reach of access to healthcare In part, McKenzie thanked his family for their in particular, Black young gay and bi- (especially in Illinois, where Gov. Bruce support, saying, “I have two great sons. This sexual men. Rauner has dismantled so many support day would not be complete without them.” systems that thou- The article is at http://www.gaystarnews. sands of people— com/article/canada-appoints-first-trans- Black, brown, and judge/#gs.GECsU4g. “Say the word “racism” and people otherwise—relied imagine someone in a white hood, on to stay housed, fed and healthy). Digital transgender terrorizing Black folks. However, in The good news archive launched reality, ordinary people, systems and is that, for many A digital transgender archive—with the web- institutions perpetuate racism daily— of us—includ- site DigitalTransgenderArchive.net—has been ing you—if you’re launched at the College of the Holy Cross, The often unware and benign to the toxic reading this article, Boston Globe reported. effects of systemic racial bias. ” Black lives do mat- The archive is a compendium of historic doc- ter. uments, oral-history transcripts, photographs On Feb. 17, 2016, and newsletters from years past. Organizers Gov. Rauner will un- Dr. Ibrahim Abdurrahmani Farajaje. believe it is the first time such a collection of veil his FY17 state But there are still approximately 1,800 budget. If past behavior is an indication Photo courtesy of BiNetUSA transgender-related digital material has been available. new HIV infections in our state each of future behavior, he will propose dev- The archive materials have been gathered year. astating cuts to the very programs and Bisexual activist from 13 institutions, with eight more slated Fifty percent of those infections are in services Black communities need to turn to donate in the coming months. Among the the Black community, and HIV rates are the tide in HIV infections. Farajaje dies educational universities that are involved are highest among young gay and bisexual I believe that the Illinois state bud- Black bisexual activist Dr. Ibrahim Abdurrah- Black men. get is a profoundly moral document. If mani Farajaje—the provost and professor of Harvard, Cornell, the University of Victoria and the University of Michigan. If the HIV rate doesn’t change, 1 in 16 you find these cuts just as horrific as cultural studies at the Starr King School for the of my Black brothers and 1 in 32 of my I do, I ask you to lend your voice to College of the Holy Cross is in Worcester, Mas- Ministry in Berkeley, California—died Feb. 9 at Black sisters will be diagnosed with HIV the choirs of those rallying against in- sachusetts. age 63. in their lifetimes. A recent report high- justice and call upon the governor and The article is at http://www.bostonglobe. BiNet USA co-founder Lani Ka’ahumanu said lights that a young Black gay man be- elected officials to repudiate these cuts com/metro/2016/02/12/digital-transgender- in a statement, “One of our dearest most bril- coming sexually active today at the age and Pass a Positive Budget. It can’t be archive-launches-holy-cross/EbH3YSX1TkxVeR- liant, fierce, outspoken, loving, gentle, and of 18 has about a 60 percent chance of only those affected by these cuts call- wQXD7p6I/story.html. fun/ny queer bisexual beings—The Reverend being HIV-positive by the age of 40. In ing for change. Because change happens Dr. Ibrahim Farajaje—has passed. addition, a recent study suggests that when those not impacted make them- “A towering talent, an intellectual genius HRC praises move 66.7 percent of Blacks between the ages selves uncomfortable, so others can be and a kind hearted teacher beloved by many, of 18 and 65 years old have never been comfortable. Dr. Farajaje’s writing on the decolonization of by Dept. of Education tested for HIV. See http://www.aidschicago.org/ queer theory ‘took off where Audre Lorde left The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in a What does all this tell us? Do Black page/our-work/advocacy/pass-a-posi- off.’ Like Lorde and her dear friend the Black statement, praised the U.S. Department of lives matter? If these numbers were tive-budget . bisexual poet June Jordan, Dr. Farajaje transi- Education for deciding to publish a searchable tioned too soon from this life to the next.” database—in the coming months—of educa- Ramon Gardenhire currently serves as the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy In 1995, Farajaje and his family were fea- tional institutions who have sought and/or re- of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). In this position, he is responsible tured in a groundbreaking cover story on bi- ceived an exemption from federal civil-rights for setting strategic direction for AFC,’s policy and advocacy development and sexuality for Newsweek. Last year, he helped law in order to discriminate against LGBT stu- implementation and engagement at the city, state, and national levels. In ad- facilitate a conference that had LGBTQ clergy dents. dition, he oversees engagement of community partners as related to policy. His from across the nation gathering in Portland, In December, the organization called on the areas of focus have included the implementation of the Affordable Care Act Oregon, to collectively create of a plan to en- department to make such a move. and ensuring that new federal and state healthcare systems meet the health- gage hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ people “We have been alarmed by the growing trend care needs of people with HIV, Medicaid policy, federal and state budget and from diverse spiritual traditions in the “Black of schools quietly seeking the right to discrimi- appropriations, and the Illinois AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). At the Lives Matter” movement. nate against LGBT students, and not disclosing state level, one of his proudest accomplishments is leading a coalition that that information publicly,” said HRC President successfully expanded Medicaid coverage for low-income adults without chil- Chad Griffin. dren under the Affordable Care Act. The expansion makes approximately half a Canada appoints In the report “Hidden Discrimination: Title IX million Illinoisans newly eligible for healthcare coverage. He was also a leader Religious Exemptions Putting LGBT Students at in a coalition that helped enact comprehensive sexual health education for Il- first trans judge Risk,” HRC highlighted 56 colleges and univer- Kael McKenzie, a judge for the Canadian linois students. sities in 26 states that have requested religious province of Manitoba, has made history as the exemptions under Title IX since 2013. country’s first transgender person to hold that WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 5

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CCT6850-1 LGBT Print 10x13.5_WindyCityTimes.indd 1 2/11/16 1:54 PM 6 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES treme comparisons because they were “effec- he was still seen by LGBT legal activists as tive.” an unapologetic rabble-rouser for lower court Justice Scalia dies— “I don’t apologize for the things I raised. I’m judges and right-wing political figures who not comparing homosexuality to murder. I’m shared his disdain for LGBT people. comparing the principle that a society may not “His opinions about LGBT people were par- adopt moral sanctions, moral views, against ticularly harsh, and he wrote about them in and the fallout begins certain conduct — I’m comparing that with openly disparaging terms that perpetuated the respect to murder and that with respect to ho- most damaging and vicious stereotypes,” said By Lisa Keen mosexuality.” Shannon Minter, legal director for the Nation- Keen News Service And Scalia led the dissent in other major al Center for Lesbian Rights. LGBT-related cases before the Supreme Court: “One that particularly stands out is his dis- Antonin Scalia, the U.S. Supreme Court justice U.S. v. Windsor, which, in 2013, struck down sent in Lawrence, when he wrote that ‘Many most hostile to equal rights for LGBT people, the federal Defense of Marriage Act (“[E]ven Americans do not want persons who openly has died, and a threat by Republicans in Con- setting aside traditional moral disapproval of engage in homosexual conduct as partners in gress to block President Obama from naming same-sex marriage (or indeed same-sex sex), their business, as scoutmasters for their chil- his replacement promises to escalate the na- there are many perfectly valid—indeed, down- dren, as teachers in their children’s schools, or tion’s already bitter political civil war. right boring—justifying rationales for this leg- as boarders in their home. They view this as “Justice Scalia was a gleeful and influential islation.”) protecting themselves and their families from political culture-warrior as well as … a tow- In the most recent LGBT case, 2015’s Oberge- a lifestyle that they believe to be immoral and ering figure who cast a dark shadow on the fell v. Hodges, Scalia led the dissent once destructive’.” law and on the lives of many Americans,” said again, saying he thought the national public “[B]y voicing such extreme views,” said Evan Wolfson, who headed the national group debate over marriage for same-sex couples was Minter, Scalia “gave a stamp of legitimacy to Freedom to Marry. “More than just a depend- “American democracy at its best.” anti-LGBT bias and other deeply reactionary able ‘No’ vote on the constitutional and civil Because Scalia dissented landmark LGBT de- positions and, in that way, pulled the Court’s rights of gay people and others, he reveled in cisions in recent years, his hostility to LGBT jurisprudence to the right.” disparagement and incendiary attacks that in- people was held in check to some extent. But ©2016 by Keen News Service fluenced many judges, politicians, and lawyers, and epitomized the prejudices and exclusion we were working, fortunately with some suc- cess, to overcome.” ABA passes key Such was the spirit of reaction by most LGBT resolutions legal activists to the news Feb. 13 that Justice The American Bar Association (ABA) re- Antonin Scalia was found dead earlier that day cently passed two significant resolutions, ac- in his hotel suite at a private resort in west cording to a press release from The LGBT Bar. Texas. The news sent shockwaves through the The first urges all state, local, territorial legal community and the current field of presi- and tribal legislatures to examine any and all dential candidates. statutes that criminalize “consensual, non- Within hours of news of Scalia’s death, U.S. commercial sexual conduct, in private and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is- between persons who have the legal capacity sued a statement saying the Senate should to consent.” The resolution follows decades not consider a nominee “until we have a new U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. of legal battles regarding sodomy laws, cul- president,” and during the Feb. 12 GOP debate, minating in the 2003 Supreme Court decision most of the remaining six candidates agreed. in Lawrence v. Texas and the recent decision But Obama made clear that he intends to ful- rulings on LGBT-related cases. Appointed to to amend the Uniform Code of Military Jus- fill his duty to name a replacement, and LGBT the court by President Reagan in 1986, Sca- tice to remove consensual oral and anal sex New LAGBAC President Cecilia Horan. legal activists have good reason to feel con- lia always voted against the interests of gay from its list of offenses. fident that the chief executive will nominate people in cases before the court—beginning With the second resolution, the American someone who will recognize the right of LGBT with the 1987 five-to-four decision allowing Bar adopted the ABA Model Act Governing citizens to enjoy the protections of the U.S. the U.S. Olympic Committee to ban Gay Games Horan is LAGBAC’s Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) constitution. from calling itself the Gay Olympics. He also new president Agencies and urges its adoption by all “ap- Many political observers believe it is unlikely joined the unanimous decision in 1995 to al- The Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of propriate governmental agencies and legisla- that Congress will allow the seat to remain low St. Patrick’s Day parade organizers in Bos- Chicago (LAGBAC) has named Cecilia Horan tures.” open for the 12 months or more it would take ton to exclude a gay contingent, and was with as its new president—becoming the first for a new president to assume office. And it’s a the majority five-to-four decision in 2000 to woman leader of the organizatiom. big gamble for Republicans to presume that the allow the Boy Scouts of America to revoke the Horan is a partner at Hinshaw & Culbert- Wolfson to address GOP’s eventual presidential nominee will win in membership of an Eagle Scout because he was son, LLP, where she concentrates her prac- November. gay. NEIU grads May 9 tice in tort litigation and insurance coverage LGBT-rights leader Evan Wolfson will speak If Congress does stall the nomination pro- What really marked Scalia as anti-gay were disputes. She previously served as LAGBAC’s at Northeastern Illinois University’s com- cess, the Supreme Court will operate with eight his dissents to pro-LGBT decisions. They began vice-president and chaired the Special Events mencement ceremony on Monday, May 9. justices. That scenario could potentially im- in 1996 with his vigorous complaint in dissent Committee, which has maintained a presence Commencement will take place at UIC Pavil- prove chances of positive outcomes on LGBT- to a six-to-three majority opinion in Romer v. at Chicago Market Days and organized an an- ion, 525 S. Racine Ave. related cases, given that Justice Anthony Ken- Evans—a majority opinion that struck down nual Pride reception for Cook County judges. Considered by many to be the leader of the nedy often votes with the court’s more liberal a Colorado law that had barred any political The outgoing President, John Litchfield of marriage equality movement, Wolfson is the wing on LGBT cases. subdivision in the state from prohibiting dis- Foley & Lardner LLP, led LAGBAC since 2010. founder and president of Freedom to Marry, “It is already apparent that one result of Jus- crimination based on sexual orientation. Scalia Founded in 1987, LAGBAC is a not-for-profit the successful campaign driving the strat- tice Scalia’s passing will be to focus public at- derided the majority for saying the state law organization that promotes the professional egy to win marriage for same-sex couples tention on how important the Supreme Court is was driven by “animus.” development and advancement of LGBT legal throughout the United States. to the lives of all Americans, which I think is a “Of course it is our moral heritage that one professionals. See LAGBAC.org. good thing,” said Jon Davidson, national legal should not hate any human being or class of director for Lambda Legal. human beings,” wrote Scalia. But, he said, “one Davidson said he expects history will judge could consider certain conduct reprehensible— gone on to great success in their careers and Scalia “quite harshly” when it comes to the murder, for example, or polygamy, or cruelty to Nominations sought educations, including working for the Obama rights of LGBT people, women, and people of animals—and could exhibit even ‘animus’ to- presidential campaign and administration, plus color. ward such conduct. Surely that is the only sort for 30 Under 30 individual successes in music, legal, profes- Davidson’s colleague, Lambda Legal senior of ‘animus’ at issue here: moral disapproval of sional and academic careers and much more. counsel Jenny Pizer, said Scalia’s “contempt for homosexual conduct….” Awards Individuals, organizations, co-workers, etc. gay people will look increasingly anachronis- In 2003, Scalia led the dissent against a six- Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 can nominate a person by emailing Andrew@ tic—and disturbed—over time.” to-three majority in Lawrence v. Texas, which more outstanding LGBT individuals (and allies) WindyCityMediaGroup.com or faxed to Andrew “I believe his strongest influence has been had struck down state laws banning consensual for its annual 30 Under 30 Awards. Davis’ attention to 773-871-7609. Self-nomi- as a trumpeter, calling to rally the religious intimate relations between adult persons of the Nominees should be 30 years or under as of nations are welcome. right,” said Pizer. “His intemperate tone has same gender. Scalia said the Texas law, which June 30, 2016, and should have made some The nomination should be 100 words or few- seemed intended to inspire anger and alarm made it a felony for two adults of the same sex substantial contributions to the Chicagoland er, and should state what achievements or con- among those working for reactionary causes ... to engage in sexual relations in the privacy of LGBT community, whether in the fields of en- tributions the nominee has made. Nominators [G]iven how frequently his dissents have been their bedroom, simply sought “to further the tertainment, politics, health, activism, aca- should include their own names and contact cited as authority by the lower courts, he cer- belief of its citizens that certain forms of sex- demics, sports or other areas. information as well as the contact information tainly has had influence in slowing LGBT legal ual behavior are ‘immoral and unacceptable’.” The deadline to nominate individuals is Fri- and the age of the nominee. progress that way, as well as by motivating po- Other such behaviors, he said, included “forni- day, April 15. Note: Following the policy instituted in 2005, litical outrage against, and defiance against, cation, bigamy, adultery, adult incest, bestial- Windy City Times Managing Editor Andrew Da- individuals can only win once. Those have won liberal court decisions.” ity, and obscenity.” vis coordinates the awards program for the pa- the award since that year are ineligible for this Scalia was the current Supreme Court’s most Almost 10 years later, in response to a ques- per. Hundreds of people have been honored by year’s awards. staunch conservative, and one who often wrote tion at an appearance before an audience at the paper in the more than 10 years since the Honorees will be notified in May and recog- dissenting opinions to the court’s most historic Princeton, Scalia suggested he made such ex- awards were established. Most honorees have nized at a free ceremony in June. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 7 Circuit owner retracts Workshop for trans At ISU: Speakers, students’ support wall highlight allegations against landlord Feb. 19 LGBT contributions The event “Supporting Our Transgender The Legacy Wall, a Chicago-based traveling By Matt Simonette problems between Macharello and co-owner Students” will take place Friday, Feb. 19, at interactive LGBT history exhibit, will be on Patrick Harms was the real issue. Crystal Lake’s McHenry County College, 8900 display on the main floor of Illinois State The co-owner of Circuit Night Club is apologiz- “The closing has to do with the two owners,” U.S. Highway 14, in The Scot Room (B178). University’s (ISU’s) Milner Library through ing for public remarks made about his landlord, Friedman said. The workshop will be given twice, at Feb. 27 in Normal, Illinois. The free exhibit days after the Halsted Street establishment Harms carried the lease with Friedman, while 8–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–4 p.m., to allow as was created by the Legacy Project, a Chica- closed. Macharello owned the nightclub’s liquor li- many school personnel as possible to attend. go-based non-profit dedicated to recogniz- Mike Macharello previously posted a notice censes; Macharello now wants the lease to be The 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. time slot will fea- ing the contributions LGBT individuals have to Circuit’s website that the building’s owner, in his name and said that he has been unable ture a panel of parents who have transgender made to world history and culture. Frank Friedman of Sterling Properties, would to communicate with Harms in recent weeks. children. Workshop participants who want At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25, Barb Dal- not sign a new lease agreement, causing the Windy City Times attempted to reach Harms for to stay late/come early should bring a bag linger will interview Windy City Times pub- club to close. But, on Feb. 12, Macharello is- comment Feb. 12, but a message at his number lunch. lisher and executive editor Tracy Baim about sued a new statement that said Friedman was said his voice mailbox was full. Presenters will include Jennifer Leininger her new book, Barbara Gittings: Gay Pioneer. not to blame. Macharello told ChicagoPride.com Feb. 9 that of the Lurie Children’s Hospital Gender De- Baim will also speak about founding the al- the closure does not affect the future of Boi velopment Program; Carolyn Wahlskog of ternative paper, Windy City Times, and how Magazine, which he publishes. 360 Youth Services of Naperville; and Owen- she became interested in LGBT historical fig- “Everything is great on this side,” explained Daniel McCarter of the Illinois Safer Schools ures, including several who are included on Macharello. “Our first issue of the year is about Alliance. the Legacy Wall. That event will be held on to hit the streets. It’s a great issue—one of the RSVP to Laura Crain at [email protected]. the main floor of Milner Library. biggest yet.” il.us by Feb. 15. The display of the Legacy Wall at Illinois ChicagoPride’s article is at http://chi- State University is co-sponsored by the Prai- cago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/arti- rie Pride Coalition and Milner Library. cleid/73380721.

Now under construction — Delivering in 90 days!

Tina Torch performs at Circuit, 2009. Photo By Anthony Meade

“I would like to retract a statement I made that the landlord Frank Friedman of Sterling Properties ‘will not sign a lease with former Design matters. tenant Mike Macharello, President/CEO Circuit Corp,’” said Macharello. “It was erroneous on Visit our off-site model my part to either state or infer that Frank So does value. Friedman and Sterling properties would not located in Logan Square rent to me. at 2655 North Hamlin “It was further erroneous of me to either 4 bed/3 bath single family state or infer that Frank Friedman or Sterling Properties was the cause of the closing of Cir- homes from $499,900 SatURDAY & SunDAY cuit Night Club. “Throughout my 18-year relationship with 10am –4pm Circuit Nightclub, Frank Friedman of Sterling COME HOME TO NEW IRVING PARK Properties has always done his utmost to work with Circuit Night Club. I would like to take DELIVERY SPRING 2016 this opportunity to apologize if I have said or inferred anything which was looked on as detrimental to Frank Friedman and/or Sterling Properties.” Macharello told Windy City Times he hopes the apology will show “there’s nothing person- 312.925.6299 al in the way” of a new rent negotiation. Monique But when asked if the statement was accept- Pieron [email protected] able, Friedman said, “I think the retraction speaks for itself. If you go by the building to- day, the signs there say, ‘For Rent.’” BASECAMPSFH.COM According to Friedman, the current situation is a “virtual repeat” of a similar stalemate that closed Circuit back in 2012. In that instance, Macharello also stepped back from public com- ments about Friedman, acknowledging that 8 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES EI PAC issues endorsements The Equality Illinois Political Action Com- mittee issued its first round of endorse- ments for the 2016 primary elections. The PAC is supporting Susana Mendoza for the Democratic nomination for Illinois state comptroller and the re-election of 24 incumbent state legislators who have sup- ported measures advancing LGBT equality in Illinois. Endorsements are based on a candidate’s record in office and responses submitted on the Equality Illinois PAC’s 2016 candi- date questionnaire. Read more about the Equality Illinois PAC at eqilpac.org. The endorsements are as follows: Illinois State Comptroller—Democratic Primary Susana Mendoza

Illinois Senate (District number) Heather Steans (7) Laura Murphy (28) Scott Bennett (52)

Illinois House of Representatives (Dis- trict number) Cynthia Soto (4) CCHR Board of Commissioner members (including new member Julio Rodriguez, right), outgoing staff attorney Abel Leon (speaking) and Sonya Harper (6) others. Emanuel “Chris” Welch (7) Photo courtesy of Mona Noriega Ann Williams (11) Sara Feigenholtz (12) in the Latino and in the LGBTQ communities Greg Harris (13) and as expert in employment issues, Julio’s Kelly Cassidy (14) intersectional perspective on the issues that CCHR announces John D’Amico (15) come before the board will help ensure that Lou Lang (16) the CCHR delivers on our mission of advancing Laura Fine (17) civil rights for the people who live and visit the Robyn Gabel (18) expanded coverage, City of Chicago.” Michael J. Madigan (22) “As the newest member of the board of the Christian Mitchell (26) Chicago Commission on Human Relations, I’m Thaddeus Jones (29) staff changes honored to be a part of this very critical body,” Al Riley (38) said Rodriguez. “Given the recent events in our Will Guzzardi (39) By Carrie Maxwell with the Federal government’s Americans with city, it’s even more important for community Jaime Andrade (40) Disabilities Act (ADA). CCHR is working with leaders to work closely with both our elected Litesa Wallace (67) The Chicago Commission on Human Relations the Mayor’s Office of People with Disabilities officials and key staff in the administration to Mike Smiddy (71) (CCHR), the city’s civil rights agency charged (MOPD) to amend these ordinances and regula- ensure that the rights of all Chicago residents Stephanie Kifowit (84) with enforcing ordinances and investigating tions. are protected. It’s also imperative that we cre- Jay Hoffman (113) complaints, has announced two changes to the “In addition, we have really stepped up edu- ate more transparency and opportunities for Chicago Human Rights and Fair Housing Ordi- cation, whether it be easy to read fact sheets, everyone’s voices to be heard. As a gay Puerto nances. or reaching out directly to small businesses Rican man, who was born and raised in Chi- Trans-related birth Military status has been added as a protected and small landlords so they understand what cago, I’ve seen the best and the worst of this class under the Human Rights Ordinance and their rights and obligations are in regards to city. I hope in my role on the Board, I can bring certificate bill filed the Fair Housing Ordinance. The CCHR has also providing access,” said Noriega. “The issue of a different and unique perspective on how dis- made it illegal for landlords, realtors or other hate crimes continues to be a priority for the crimination impacts different communities and in Illinois House By Matt Simonette parties to retaliate against those who file a CCHR and we use all opportunities to discuss offer new solutions to address them.” housing discrimination complaint against them what constitutes a hate crime, how to report In addition to Rogriguez’s appointment and State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), on Feb. under the Fair Housing Ordinance. a hate crime and to go into schools to deliver the changes to the Chicago Human Rights and 11, introduced a new bill that would make According to CCHR’s press release announcing anti-bullying workshops and peace circles as Fair Housing Ordinances, the CCHR has an- it easier for transgender Illinois residents these changes, “This amendment would make it one of the ways to reach children and prevent nounced that gay staff attorney Abel Leon will to amend their birth certificates. illegal to discriminate against veterans, active hate crimes.” be leaving the commission staff. The bill, HB 6073, amends the state’s duty military personnel, reservists and mem- CCHR has named Kelly Suzanne Saulsberry its Previously, Leon worked as an EEOC investi- vital records act so that a declaration by bers of the National Guard. Currently, the only new policy and outreach director. In her post, gator for the City of Chicago’s human resources a physician that the individual is undergo- protection under the ordinances for veterans Saulsberry has been working on a variety of department. Noriega noted that this work lend- ing medically appropriate treatment would is the prohibition of discrimination based on initiatives and programming including in part- ed itself to his work at the CCHR. be the main requirement to change the military discharge status.” nership with the MOPD to convene a discussion Noriega explained that Abel was instrumen- gender-marker on a birth certificate. Pre- This change covers both employment and with disability activists on issues faced in the tal in the expansion of anti-discrimination pro- viously, an affidavit from a doctor saying housing protections. disability community. tections to include military status as well as that the individual had undergone gender- CCHR Commissioner Mona Noriega explained “Kelly has also taken the lead in a year-long the addition of retaliation protections in hous- reassignment surgery was needed to imple- that this change was made due to what the delivery of trainings across the city in partner- ing. In his time at the CCHR, Noriega noted ment a gender-marker change. The new rule commission heard from members about dis- ship with CHA on housing discrimination, and that Leon expanded outreach to the Latino would also apply to intersex individuals. criminatory treatment they experienced in along with CCHR staff, Kelly participated in a community via Spanish speaking presentations Activists have long advocated for such the areas of housing, employment and credit press conference hosted by the Southwest Side on a variety of subjects, prepared and delivered changes to birth certificate rules, since during the monthly Veterans Advisory Council International Human Relations Council, a di- various trainings as a part of CCHR’s partner- many transgender individuals may not be meetings. verse coalition of community-based organiza- ship with Chicago Community Trust’s ADA 25 able, or may not wish, to undergo gender- “The City of Chicago has prioritized serving tions and residents that promotes peace and and conducted outreach to local bar associa- reassignment surgery. veterans, and advancing military status as understanding between Chicago’s Muslim com- tions among other endeavors. “Surgery is something that is not avail- a protected category was one way our office munities and other racial, ethnic and religious “I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity able, necessary, or even medically advisable could deliver on these priorities,” said Noriega. communities in Chicago,” said Noriega. to work with such great advocates of social jus- for every person that is transitioning,” said In the area of retaliation in housing, the CCHR has also added Julio Rodriguez to its tice issues,” said Noriega. “While we’re sorry John Knight, LGBT and HIV Project director CCHR is expanding what they’ve already done board of commissioners. that Abel will no longer work for the City of for ACLU Illinois, in a statement. “Our State in terms of employment discrimination to the “The Board of Commissioners are the last step Chicago, the recent appointment of Julio to should recognize this reality. This proposal Fair Housing Ordinance. in the adjudication of complaints of discrimi- the CCHR Board, the addition of Kelly to the brings Illinois’ vital records law into line “Our hope is that this added protection will nation that are filed at the CCHR,” said Norie- staff, plus the dedication of long-time staff, with the standards used by the federal gov- help victims of housing discrimination feel ga. “Each of the board members are experts in helps keep the momentum going to advance ernment and a growing list of states.” safer about filing complaints,” said Noriega. how discrimination affects the protected class- civil rights for the people who live and visit the Harris’ bill now goes to the House Rules In addition to these changes, the commission es in the areas the CCHR has jurisdiction— City of Chicago.” Committee. has been working to align the City of Chicago’s housing, employment, public accommodations, See www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/ Human Rights and Fair Housing ordinances credit and bonding. As a longtime organizer cchr.html for more information. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 9

Event celebrates Gender JUST members and attendees of the event. #PrEP4Love launch Photo by Matt By Matt Simonette Simonette

About 75 community members gathered Feb. 8 as the Chicago PrEP Working Group celebrated the launch of its #PrEP4Love campaign with a reception at West Point Missionary Baptist Church, 3566 S. Cottage Grove Ave. der JUST Executive Director Yasmin Nair. “The The campaign aims to raise awareness of Gender JUST question Gender JUST is more interested in is PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, among the more radical one—why do we still need a young gay Black men, as well as cisgender and members discuss movement? We feel that the idea of a move- transgender Black women, among others, and ment is embedded in the NPO structure.” [Nair features models from those demographics. The global activism is an occasional contributor to Windy City initial ads were rolled out in various Chicago By Matt Simonette Times.] locations Feb. 1. Nair and fellow Gender JUST member Julian A panel discussion—with Oakland, Califor- Members of Gender JUST (Justice United for Hendrix discussed pinkwashing marketing nia-based activist Rob Newells moderating— Societal Transformation), on Feb. 14, gathered strategies many activists say Israel employs focused on three of the models photographed for its third annual Valentine’s Day meeting, in order to detract from its treatment of Pal- in the campaign: Elijah McKinnon, Shaquan Romancing the International: Or, Gay Rights estinians living in Israel, Gaza and the West Gray and Chad Chaney. After Creating Change. Bank. They also contrasted Boycott, Divest and McKinnon was one of the people who worked The talk centered on queer activism in an Sanctions (BDS) actions around Israel with the on developing the campaign. “In the begin- age when large-scale non-profit organizations anti-apartheid movement that captured public ning, I had no interest in being in the cam- (NPOs)—the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) attention about South Africa in the mid-’80s. paign because I was so heavily invested in and the National LGBTQ Task Force among Nair urged that activists’ considerations now producing it,” said McKinnon, adding that col- them—have begun to address LGBT rights in had to be “cognitive and informed ...The ques- leagues persuaded him to change his mind. other countries. It is an issue activists found tion becomes, what’s at stake and for whom?” Gray, who is a minister, said, “So often we especially pertinent after the 2016 Creating The Feb. 14 meeting was the first public Gen- think churches don’t talk about sex, but I Change conference in Chicago, where contro- der JUST meeting in about a year, and the first thought we had to talk about being sex-pos- versy arose when A Wider Bridge, dedicated to of several bimonthly meetings, Nair said. itive ...I wanted to see if I could help bring fostering relations between Israel and the LGBT “Our contribution has to be a larger cognitive to light that God loves us no matter what, no community, scheduled a reception that sparked tool in the queer community,” she added. “We matter what we do.” protests. The Task Force, which organizes Cre- provide an analytical space to think about the Chances Dances, Youth Empowerment Per- ating Change, also engaged (and subsequently actions that the community engages in. Spaces formance Project and Darling Shear provided disinvited) officials from U.S. Immigration and and events like this can provide more contem- entertainment for the evening. Mister Wallace Customs Enforcement. plative frameworks.” was emcee. “The big questions raised around Creating The next meeting, to be held in April, will address issues pertaining to transgender youth For more information, visit PrEP4love.com or Elijah McKinnon. Change were, is the movement over and, if so, call 872-215-1905. and NPOs. Photo by Matt Simonette how do we recover the movement?” said Gen-

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*RULES: March Madness drawing is only for new buyers who go under contract773-477-6808 after February 14. This promotion This publication is not intended to solicit the listing of properties currently under cannot be used in conjunction with any other future promotion. Ticket must be presented at the time of contract. contract with other real estate professionals. ©2016 Dream Town Realty Inc. www.cadevelopment.com 10 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES ing to this day. (The real horror is the thought saying, when criticized for her role in the film press, claims, “(#OscarsSoWhite) is racist to WHITENESS from cover of children being exposed to the show.) AHS Gone With the Wind: “Hell, I can make a lot whites. One can never really know, but perhaps seem almost blasphemous. has a certain creative extravagance and one more money playing a maid than being one!” the black actors did not deserve to make the But because our need for escape has never is titillated by the knowledge that because final list.” Piers Morgan tweets soon after in been greater, we may crave movies more than it has no boundaries, anything can, and will, iii response: “MISSING: a set of marbles. If found, ever. The Oscars matter because in American go down. Some people call this “brave”. (You “The new racism: Racism without ‘racists.’ To- please return to Charlotte Rampling.” George culture and all over the world, movies matter. watch parts through your fingers, like young day, racial segregation and division often result Clooney acknowledges that we are “moving in And in a country where an actor can leave Hol- children watching scary movies, not sure if you from habits, policies, and institutions that are the wrong direction”, Danny Devito admits that lywood, become governor of a state, and then can handle what comes next. And often you not explicitly designed to discriminate. Contrary “the entire country is a racist country”, and become president of the United States, movies can’t.) The premise of AHS is full of potential to popular belief, discrimination or segregation Whoopi Goldberg reasons on The View: “Oscar matter because stars matter. We are a society too often is unrealized, particularly when it do not require animus. They thrive even in the can’t be that racist, I won one!” decidedly built on a system that refused to applies to examinations of racial terror: weav- absence of prejudice or ill will. It’s common to Will Smith informs us that in his experience have a king and queen, yet superstars are the ing together history and fiction while reveal- have racism without racists.” — Eduardo Bo- “prejudice is everywhere, but racism in America closest thing we have to royalty. And if anyone ing what lurks in our subconscious, the history nilla-Silva is rare.” I am irritated at Smith, because what doubts a star’s power, consider how stars have we refuse to integrate. James Baldwin wrote If you’ve followed the #OscarSoWhite contro- he ends up describing in his critique are racial been used in modern history, to sell cloth- about The Exorcist in his book on Hollywood, versy, then you know that for a second year in preferences, with the usual, “we’re all preju- ing, to sell cosmetics, to sell religions, to sell The Devil Finds Work (1976): a row an exclusive roster of white actors, di- diced” line that too often lets real racism off politics, to sell wars. Rock stars, sports stars, For, I have seen the devil, by day and by rectors and writers were nominated, with what the hook. Smith has no analysis of institutional political stars, TV stars. The right star might night, and have seen him in you and in me: seems with one exception like the deliberate racism, which is required in this particular con- influence you to go to AA for recovery, to leave in the eyes of the cop and the sheriff and exclusion of any artists of color. Lawyer April versation, as Oscar and Hollywood are Ameri- a bad marriage, to try a new diet or health the deputy, the landlord, the housewife, the Reign created OscarsSoWhite as a hashtag in can institutions. And an analysis of institu- regimen, to even join a cult. And, one may ar- football player: in the eyes of some governors, response to the Oscar race of 2015. Reign told tional racism may help us understand how we gue, nothing fascinates us more or wields more presidents, wardens, in the eyes of some or- Forbes magazine last year, “There were many can have generation after generation of new power in the American consciousness than the phans, and in the eyes of my father, and in my performances both in front of and behind the people in new positions, how everyone can be movie star. mirror. … The devil has no need of any dog- camera by people from marginalized commu- well-intentioned and talk enthusiastically of ma—though he can use them all—nor does he nities that I believe should have been recog- making progress, and yet year after year the ii need any historical justification, history being nized.” only black faces we see on the executive floors “Winning!” — Charlie Sheen so largely his invention. He does not levitate Jada Pinkett Smith, after the 2016 nomi- of Hollywood studios are operating the eleva- “Can I speak to you before you go to Holly- beds, or fool around with little girls: we do. nations were announced and history seemed tor or pushing a food cart. wood?” — Labelle The mindless and hysterical banality of evil to have repeated itself, recorded a video on Whoopi is another performer who uses her In 2004, I ended a piece entitled “Bring- presented in The Exorcist is the most terrify- Martin Luther King day about the Oscar race. platform to talk about individually prejudiced ing Down the Hope: Condoleezza Rice, Black ing thing about the film. … Americans should She instructed black Americans: “Begging for people, whom she colloquially refers to as Capitalism, and War” with the line, “In the end, certainly know more about evil than that; if acknowledgement or even asking, diminishes “boneheads”. She refuses, however, to discuss despite her many achievements, I can’t claim they pretend otherwise, they are lying, and any dignity and diminishes power. And we are a the power of institutional racism and sexism, Dr. Rice. If she is the realization of Dr. King’s black man, and not only blacks—many, many dignified people and we are powerful, and let’s how insidious it is, and how it is perpetuated dream, he should have been more specific.” others, including white children—can call not forget it.” throughout our society in our universities, cor- Deliver us from the writer who quotes him them on this lie, he who has been treated as Whether she was motivated by an activist’s porations and law-enforcement. Whoopi has re- or herself, but I include it here because what the devil recognizes the devil when they meet. fervor or sour grapes because her husband, Will placed Truman Capote as this generation’s talk- motivated that piece more than a decade ago With the exception of one rare, beautiful Smith, wasn’t nominated for his performance show bullfrog. Truman, whose work I adore, did is the same question that inspired this one: for episode of AHS that featured an extraordinary this year in the film Concussion, Jada looked his star turns on The Tonight Show with slithery people of African descent, a people who are performance by actress Naomi Grossman, cru- beautiful, noble even, and her words resonated insinuations and gossip, while Whoopi nastily themselves the descendants of slaves, what is elty is woven into the show’s fabric and its lack with those who preach self-determination. shouts down anyone who attempts to disagree our relationship to American capitalism and pa- of empathy for its victims. Perhaps the show’s While she never mentions the word boycott, with her politics on The View. She openly tells triarchy and should it be any different because sociopathic tone is its biggest indictment of she made it clear that not only will she not be the audience, Don’t bother writing me because of our horrific past? What does it mean for us American life. I finally gave up last year af- attending the Oscars, she won’t even be watch- I don’t give a care if you disagree. Her opinions as black Americans in this society to “win”? ter the extended, brutal rape of a gay man in ing. Spike Lee came forward in his inimitable on race lack depth, and I believe she’s danger- Is it “winning”, for example, when a black the season’s opening while another character way, joined her, and asked, “How is it possible ous. We’re invited to think that because she star makes millions for his or her latest cloth- looked on; mesmerized, amused. Whatever for the second consecutive year that all the dresses in schleppy clothes and occasionally ing line or sneaker, and endorses a company one thinks of the show, however, I’ve taken nominees under the actor category are white?” faux-farts on the air, that she’s “everywoman”, which uses the equivalent of slave or child la- time to examine it here because it’s money- The arguments and rebuttals follow on so- “just like us”, and not a millionaire Hollywood bor in a developing nation? Shouldn’t we, who making Hollywood at its best, it has millions cial media, including a mesmerizing response insider. know what it means to be on the wrong side of of viewers, and it definitely hires black actors. (or meltdown, depending on whom you ask) Certain black actors love to keep discussions capitalism, know better? For the shining black of race on the level of personal experience, capitalist in 2016, out to pillage and get rich knowing that it won’t implicate or insult the or die tryin’, is there any less blood on the white members of the audience who may watch money because it goes into in a black hand their movies and pay their salary. They are al- instead of a white one? What is the black ful- lowed to remain the favored black performer, fillment of the American dream? the audience leaves their racism unexplored, And what does black success really look like and everyone stays happy and pats them- in Hollywood? Hollywood—which so often has selves on the back for having had an honest an aggressive disregard for the black actor and conversation about race—racism in America is has been more devoted to its stereotypes and treated as just another “hot topic.” Conversa- romance about black life than to the truth. tions about institutional racism, sexism and When Hollywood is negligent, what is the black homophobia are always more threatening than actor’s responsibility to honor “the blues song” mere talk of “prejudice”, because they extend and the black American experience? Should us past the whims of personal bias and force us we praise the black actor any time he appears, to examine what is endemic in the belief sys- even if the vehicle encourages the kind of con- tems of our culture; what keeps injustice alive, tempt that affirms, most decidedly, that black regardless of who the individual players are. lives don’t matter? In the end, I am more annoyed at myself for Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith (left) had something to say about the lack of diversity in this We may root for Kerry Washington, exhila- expecting anything different from Smith. He is year’s Oscar nominations, while Janet Hubert (right) had something to say about Pinkett- rated that a black woman is the lead on one of the black Tom Cruise (or maybe the only Tom Smith. the most popular shows on television, and that Cruise, as Cruise isn’t quite Cruise anymore), YouTube screenshots Shonda Rhimes, a black woman, writer and pro- and for Will to talk about racism, and the frus- ducer, has been credited with single-handedly trations of black life, goes against his brand saving a major network. And yet, as I’ve also as an actor. He’s our golden boy, winning, and written before, there are aspects of their show I’ve watched American Horror Story with am- by Janet Hubert (“Aunt Viv”), Will Smith’s ex- always full of sunshine. (He’ll win his Oscar Scandal, including its depiction of torture, bivalence, often glad a black person has a job, colleague from his The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air playing Obama one day.) that I find deeply problematic. But, business then remembering that the person who flips television days. Hubert’s critique, perhaps mo- is business. the switch on the electric chair has a job. tivated in part by a career débâcle involving iv Angela Bassett is gifted performer and I’m al- We need to be able to say no, an example Smith, is the YouTube equivalent of the poison “I love being famous. It’s almost like being ways glad to see Gabourey Sidibe in anything. led by black actors, particularly black female pen. However savage her approach, her points white.” — Chris Rock My goodwill towards them and my curiosity actors like Esther Rolle, Cicely Tyson, Beah can’t be dismissed: she calls the Smiths out on For the mere mortals of social media, Jada’s about the casting of Patti Labelle (underused Richards, and Alfre Woodard. Robert Townsend their entitlement and timing, suggesting they video inspires discussion and debate. Some as a non-singing black maid!) kept me watch- reminded us in 1987’s “Hollywood Shuffle” that may be motivated more by self-interest than claim we need our own movies, our own awards ing American Horror Story (AHS). What I didn’t black actors don’t have to debase themselves black pride. shows, and, most importantly, we need to stop anticipate was its truly perverse depiction of in Hollywood to “win”; there is always work at Others weigh in: Charlotte Rampling channels looking to Hollywood and white people for help slaves being tortured, which I still regret see- the post office. But then this: Hattie McDan- unfiltered white indignation and, in a moment or validation. This argument asks: How many iel, Oscar’s first black winner is often quoted as of rare honesty for an actor speaking to the times do we as black Americans need to be

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 11 abused and rejected by Hollywood before we “black cause”, and why some have suggested get it? Certain white people and institutions that white actors should be the ones to boy- simply refuse to acknowledge us, and always cott the Oscars, not blacks. We may not need will. It’s time we empowered ourselves. white validation, but in the battle against rac- Others contend that as black Americans we ism, we can use all the help we can get. It should be able to participate within the sys- mattered, for example, when Walter Yetnikoff, tem anywhere and in any way that we choose. President of CBS records, threatened to pull And that no matter how much one may appre- his other artists, including Bruce Springsteen, ciate the BET (Black Entertainment Television) from MTV in the Eighties when they refused to or NAACP awards, they will never wield the play Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”. Or when same economic power or command the same David Bowie confronted MTV’s Mark Goodman media attention as the Oscars in Hollywood. on the channel’s system of musical apartheid We have a right to demand equality within or- and why black musicians weren’t being played. ganizations, aware that completely divesting The truly secure white artist doesn’t want an from and abandoning America’s institutions is #OscarsSoWhite or anything else “so white”. He a romantic fantasy. (Along with the suspicion or she wants to compete with and learn from that the true white segregationist may be so black artists, knowing that the victory of win- delighted to see us leave he’ll not only buy our ning any award is sweeter when the playing plane ticket but help us pack.) field is equitable. She understands that she The truth, as always, lies somewhere in be- needs both Mozart and Sly Stone, Bessie Smith tween. As black Americans, it has been report- and Joni Mitchell. And she will acknowledge ed that we are responsible for approximately “ ... Jackie Robinson and Aretha Franklin her appreciation and creative debt to the black 46% of movie ticket sales. Which means if we American artist, as the Beatles and the Rolling stop going to movies, we could shut the indus- are just as American as Stones both shared and acknowledged a love try down overnight. Jada is right; we have to for black American blues. know our power. And we need our own proj- John D. Rockefeller and Betsy Ross.” Max S. Gordon is a writer and activist. ects, we need our own film companies, and we He has been published in the anthologies need our people to support them. We need to Inside Separate Worlds: Life Stories of know that our projects are worthy and invest in Left: Jackie Robinson. Right: Aretha Franklin, photo by James J. Kriegsmann Young Blacks, Jews and Latinos (Univer- them, whether they are recognized by “main- sity of Michigan Press, 1991), Go the Way stream” institutions or not. orchestrated by bored Africans. We built this the Sun: “we have decided to move into our Your Blood Beats: An Anthology of African- But the Civil Rights Movement wasn’t a mass country with our bare hands, from Florida to house because my father … earned it for us American Lesbian and Gay Fiction (Henry exodus from the South in which activists said, New York to California—sometimes paid for our brick by brick.” Holt, 1996). His work has also appeared on “If you’re not going to serve us, fine. We’ll get work, but too often kidnapped and exploited, We know the experiences of black perform- openDemocracy, Democratic Underground our own lunch counters, department stores, or incarcerated and exploited for it. Black men ers in the United States from Vegas to Missis- and Truthout, in Z Magazine, Gay Times, Sa- hotels, and restaurants.” In other words, de- and women, including my own grandfather, sippi, who were told to stay in trailers behind pience, and other progressive on-line and manding equality in America and insisting on have fought in our wars. One thing you’ll never the hotels where they were headlining, asked print magazines in the U.S. and interna- full participation isn’t the same as asking for see in this country is #IraqWarSoWhite. never to use the pool, and to come and go tionally. His published essays include, “Bill white validation and approval. We are entitled to enjoy every last square through the kitchen. Ella Fitzgerald, like many Cosby, Himself: Fame, Narcissism and Sexual We desegregated buses, schools, hotels and inch of this land, and Jackie Robinson and jazz greats, had to have a white person buy Violence” and “Maybe Yesterday, But Not To- major league sports because we are Americans, Aretha Franklin are just as American as John D. her food in towns where it was potentially life- night: A Black Homosexual Speaks to Gover- and this is our country too. And not because Rockefeller and Betsy Ross. Walter Lee Younger threatening for a black person even to enter a nor Mike Pence.” This column originally ran we landed here by accident on a cruise ship, tells the character Linder who wants to pay to white restaurant. These stories are part of our on February 7, 2016, at http://www.thenew- or as my high school teacher seemed to sug- keep his black family out of a white neighbor- collective history. civilrightsmovement.com/ . gest, because slavery was a shrewd career move hood in Lorraine Hansberry’s play A Raisin in Which is why #OscarsSoWhite isn’t just a

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Six Stunning Wedding Gardens 608.752.3885 – rotarybotanicalgardens.org 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, WI 53545 12 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES ELECTIONS 2016 in general doesn’t do enough to support gay WCT: Will you continue on with the Civil candidates. I think it’s one of our big failings Rights Agenda? Where does that organiza- in an environment where we’re post-marriage tion go in the landscape you are speaking and we’ve achieved quite a bit in terms of se- of here? Meister aims to curing rights. JM: We’ve returned to our core mission, which We, as a community, haven’t worked to move is to protect the rights that we’ve gained—it ourselves forward in terms of elective office. goes back to the Human Rights Act. We’ve got a unseat Brown as We’re missing a very big opportunity. There are long list of legal cases that we’re still fighting. other people who’ve run who’ve had a similar We’re still fighting against Chick-fil-A. We’re experience, and they won’t run again, because still fighting against taxicab companies who they’re not supported by their own community. kick people out for kissing in the back seat. Circuit Court clerk That needs to change. The Hobby Lobby case—we won, but I expect WCT: Do you think that’s a weariness about Hobby Lobby is going to appeal, and appeal, By Matt Simonette politics in general, on everyone’s part? What and appeal that decision. do you attribute it to? But I anticipate that we’re going to continue Attorney Jacob Meister, a longtime participant JM: I somewhat attribute it to a compla- to fight it and score a huge victory in the court in LGBT activism and politics, is running to un- cency that I see—we’ve “won” marriage and system. We’ve been doing LGBT non-discrimi- seat incumbent Dorothy Brown as clerk of the some people look at that and think our work is nation training. We continue to do our work, Circuit Court of Cook County. Meister—the only over. They don’t look at that and say, “We have but it’s just the next generation of work. If openly gay candidate in the county primary more work to do.” We’ve got these bundles of elected, I certainly can continue to work with races—contends that Brown has let the office rights, now we’ve got to make sure we achieve a not-for-profit. My role will certainly change; flounder under her watch, and that he has bet- those rights. We have those rights in the Hu- I won’t be practicing law but we’ve got a core ter ideas to better automate and connect it for man Rights Act, but just having those laws on group of people who are still very active. It the 21st century. the books doesn’t achieve equality. It’s only will continue. Despite Brown’s massive legal problems, the legal recognition of the right to equality. See JacobMeister.com. Meister still faces significant challenges. Brown still enjoys significant name recognition and another contender, Ald. Michelle Harris (8th Ward), was a latecomer to the race and quickly Kim Foxx LGBT received the backing of the Cook County Demo- cratic Party. event on Feb. 20 But Meister has been able to score some sig- LGBT Leaders for Kim Foxx is bringing to- nificant endorsements, among them the Chi- gether like-minded new leaders, young pro- cago chapter of the National Organization for fessionals and Cook County progressives to Women PAC, Judge Abner Mikva and a large co- rally behind Cook County state’s attorney alition of Latino politicians that included U.S. candidate Kim Foxx at her campaign head- Rep. Luis Gutierrez, state Reps. Iris Martinez quarters, 3619 S. State St., on Saturday, Feb. and Luis Arroyo as well as Alds. Raymond Lopez 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. The organization meets every Tuesday at Meister is also the founder of the LGBT-rights 6:30 p.m. at the headquarters. For more organization The Civil Rights Agenda, which he about the Feb. 20 event, see “LGBT Leaders launched in 2010. This is not his first run for for Foxx Day of Action” on Facebook. political office; in 2009, he tried to become the Jacob Meister. first openly LGBT member of the U.S. Senate, Photo from campaign Affinity hosting but dropped out of the primary race. That seat eventually went to U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk. voter registration Windy City Times: Why did you set your have, only in the City of Chicago, in wasted po- Affinity Community Services will be part- sights on the Circuit Court clerk’s post? lice officer time is probably about $20 million nering with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee Jacob Meister: I’ve been practicing in the a year, which is huge—that’s a couple hundred to hold a voter registration talk balk Satur- Cook County courts for 25 years, and in courts police officers that could be out on the streets. day, Feb. 20. around the country and around the state. I’ve The clerk is the chief operating officer and Attendees will have an opportunity to en- seen how desperately broken the court clerk’s chief record-keeper of the entire court system Ald. Will Burns. gage in a discussion with the Chicago Law- office is, both operationally and ethically. countywide, and what the clerk does or doesn’t Twitter photo yers’ Committee about the history of voting Dorothy Brown came to office on a promise of do impacts the ability of the court system to rights, and the importance of voting. In ad- bringing the computer systems and the elec- achieve justice. dition, attendees will learn best practices on tronics systems up to date. That was 15 years WCT: What kind of financial commitment Alderman retiring how to work with organizations and commu- ago and I was a supporter of hers. would be required to implement changes nities to increase the number of registered The office has continued to get further and you want to see? to join Airbnb voters. further behind. It has a devastating impact on JM: It would require about a $25-30 mil- Chicago Ald. Will Burns (4th Ward) will The event will take place Saturday, Feb. the administration of justice in this county. lion capital investment in infrastructure. That leave his post on City Council to join the 20, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W. There’s near-universal recognition among law- would be rolled out over a two-year, two-and- private sector and work for rental service Midway Park, 1-3 p.m. For more information, yers and judges that the office is nearly broken. a-half-year period. The cost savings would be Airbnb. visit www.affinity95.org. It’s still a paper-based system, which, in 2016, recognized almost immediately, within a year. Founded in San Francisco in 2008, the ser- is unacceptable. Files regularly get lost or there There’s direct cost savings in the clerk’s office, vice has listings in almost 200 countries. are huge amounts of missing papers from files. but then you also achieve cost savings within Burns previously represented the 26th Dis- Clinton rally in Things get misfiled. We actually know why that the sheriff’s office, the state’s attorney, the trict in the Illinois House of Representatives is—inconsistencies, broken systems, a lack of public defender’s office—at the county lev- (2008-11). Chicago Feb. 17 Hillary Clinton will travel to Illinois on operational integrity and ethical integrity. el—and there are municipal savings. It’s hard Interestingly, two aldermen (Brendan Reilly Wed., Feb. 17, and will hold a Get Out the This is an office that not only impacts my to quantify it exactly. We can cut down $20 and Michele Smith) recently demanded that Vote event in the Bronzeville area of Chicago profession—the ability of judges to do their million to the city of Chicago in police offi- Mayor Rahm Emanuel ditch his plan to regu- to encourage supporters to vote in the March jobs—it also impacts the most economically cer time. The systems will easily pay for them- late and tax the home-sharing industry in 15 primary and to take advantage of early challenged in our community and it also dis- selves very quickly. Venturing a guess, I think favor of enforcing the stricter vacation rental voting. proportionately impacts persons of color. At we could be saving $50-70 million across all ordinance they spent two years negotiating, The Get Out the Vote event—to take place any given time we can have 100 people sitting levels of government. The Chicago Sun-Times noted. at the Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S. Martin Lu- in Cook County Jail whose cases have been dis- WCT: Do you think it would be difficult to Six years after the ordinance took effect, ther ing Dr., at 11 a.m.—will mark Clinton’s missed—but they’re still sitting in jail because get the county to make that initial invest- City Hall has licensed 200 vacation rental second visit to Bronzeville since announcing their paperwork has errors in it, or their pa- ment? units; however, Airbnb, VRBO and other com- her candidacy for president. perwork is lost, misplaced or misdirected. That JM:I don’t think so. I think there is a desire panies that facilitate home rentals are cur- Interested persons should visit happens every single day, without fail. There’s to get it done. I’ve had a lot of conversations rently marketing more than 4,000 units. https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/ one case we’re aware of where a young kid did with County Board commissioners, members of Emanuel said he will use an open and trans- view/1729950/. his time and stayed in the prison system six the General Assembly, a lot of members of the parent process to select a replacement for months after his term was up. He was still in judiciary. There is an absolute desire to get it Burns, according to ABC7Chicago.com. The prison because the clerk of the Circuit Court done and a fundamental lack of confidence in mayor’s office said any resident of the ward got the paperwork wrong. That’s a horrible in- the current court clerk’s ability to get it done. may apply and a commission of local leaders Hillary justice and it’s very expensive to the taxpayers. WCT: You are the only gay candidate in will select the finalists. Once Burns leaves his Clinton. Municipalities are wasting a tremendous the county race. What are your thoughts on post, Emanuel will have 60 days to appoint a WCT amount of money because they don’t have ac- that? replacement. archives cess to computer link-ups. They don’t have ac- JM: The field of gay candidates running for The Sun-Times article is at http://chicago. cess to court files and schedules. So police offi- office is very slim, and I’m proud to say that suntimes.com/news/7/71/1268312/alder- cers regularly show up to court only to find out if I win this office, it would be the highest men-want-emanuel-scrap-airbnb-ordinance- that the case was dismissed weeks earlier and office ever held in the state’s history by an start-enforcing-tougher-vacation-rental-reg- that they weren’t needed. The best estimate we openly LGBT candidate. I think our community ulations. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 13 Tiny Home Summit BYP policy program Illinois poverty includes LGBTQs report released Black Youth Project (BYP) 100, an activist In the latest of its annual reports on pov- to address youth member-based organization of Black 18-to- erty, “Racism’s Toll,” Heartland Alliance’s 35-year-olds, released the “Agenda to Build Social IMPACT Research Center reveals the homelessness in Chicago Black Futures,” which includes the LGBTQ moral, human and economic cost of what a community, according to a Chicago Reader press release calls “inequities in the state CHICAGO—Pride Action Tank and Polk Bros. along with lead sponsor Polk Bros. Foundation, article. and calls out public policies that have and Foundation will host a Tiny Home Summit April joined by UIC’s Gender and Sexuality Center Among other things, the agenda calls for are actively creating these racial inequities.” 18-19 to bring together experts from across the and Alphawood Foundation, are summit hosts. the adoption of a workers’ bill of rights, Among the report’s findings are: country to address the issue of youth home- Topics will include financing, housing as HIV divesting from for-profit prisons and repa- —Black children in Illinois are nearly four lessness and new solutions to house this vul- prevention and public policy issues. rations to address the impact of slavery on times more likely to live below the poverty nerable population in Chicago. Experts from around the country—including Black lives. line than white children; The Chicago Tiny Home Summit will be at from Seattle, Dallas, Austin and Memphis—will On its website, the organization says, “We —Poor Black (16 percent) and Latino (22 University of Illinois at Chicago Monday, April share their experiences creating tiny home envision a more economically just society percent) Illinoisans are more likely to live 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday, April 19, 9 communities. During the summit, a model of that values the lives and well-being of all within a mile of a hazardous chemical facil- a.m.-noon. the winning design of the Tiny Homes Com- black people, including women, queer, and ity than poor whites (13 percent); and The tiny home movement has already been petition—hosted by the American Institute of transgender folks, the incarcerated and for- —Nationally, the median net worth for a part of housing solutions in a dozen U.S. cit- Architects–Chicago, Pride Action Tank, Alpha- merly incarcerated, as well as those who white household is $110,500 versus $6,314 ies. The two-day summit will bring together wood Foundation, Landon Bone Baker Archi- languish in the bottom 1% of the economic for a Black one. experts to discuss utilizing lower-cost, quicker tects, and Windy City Times—will be on dis- hierarchy.” “The consistency and persistence of these solutions to meet the demand for homes for the play. Windy City Times recently interviewed severe disparities by race in Illinois under- unstably housed in Chicago, especially focused “I am extremely excited to bring together a BYP100 leader Charlene Carruthers. In part, score how much more work we have to do,” on the youth homeless population, estimated wide range of people to explore the tiny home she said, “We do our work through a Black, said Amy Terpstra, director of the Social IM- to be more than 20,000 in the city of Chicago. movement in Chicago,” said Summit Chair Tracy queer feminist lens, which means that we PACT Research Center and a co-author of the The tiny homes movement can also offer Baim, publisher of Windy City Times and found- work very hard to center the most marginal- report. “These inequities are the product of creative solutions for dignified housing that er of Pride Action Tank. “This is not a one-size- ized of the marginalized in the Black com- the public policies, market forces, and in- comes with services and resources for those fits-all solution to homelessness, but it can munity. We carry out our mission through stitutional practices of both yesterday and seeking a path to independent living. work for certain populations, and also open transformative leadership development, pub- today, which systematically place barriers in “There are many types of solutions needed to up myriad opportunities to bring tiny homes lic policy advocacy, direct action organizing the path of Illinoisans of color.” address the complex issue of homelessness in to many segments of the Chicago population, and civic engagement.” “Racism’s Toll: Report on Illinois Poverty” Chicago,” said Debbie Reznick, senior program including those who want to downsize and live The Reader article is at http://www.chicag- is available for download at www.ilpovertyre- officer with Polk Bros. Foundation. “We can more cheaply.” oreader.com/Bleader/archives/2016/02/02/ port.org. learn from the experiences of experts in other Early bird registration is $45. After March 15, black-youth-project-100-releases-the-agen- cities, and then create innovative solutions registration is $65. Breakfast and lunch will da-to-build-black-futures. that make sense here.” be provided on March 18, and breakfast only The Pride Action Tank, a project of the AIDS on March 19. Register here: http://chicagoti- Foundation of Chicago, and Windy City Times, nyhomes.com/.

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com

Dr. Menachim (Marc) Singer passed from this world on November 18th, 2015, while visiting family in Israel.

Marc was born on July 29th, 1950 in Romania, the son of Ilana and Max Singer. He is survived by his life partner, Michael Hora, his mother Ilana, children Ronit and Solomon, his brother Dov and wife Ola, three nieces and a largegathering of friends throughout the world.

On February 21st, 2016, there will be a Celebration of Life Service, remembering and honoring Marc at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre located at The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago At 11:00a.m. There will be a brunch reception following in The Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall. With world-class indoor tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness equipment Donations may be made in Marc’s memory to: and a philosophy that nurtures a feeling of community, isn’t it time you The Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights upgrade from gym to club? Join Midtown in February and we’ll waive 208 S. LaSalle Street Suite 1300 your initiation fee. Learn more at midtown.com Chicago, IL 60604 14 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES what else he wanted to do with his life. He paign (HRC). Phil Burgess. received his pharmacy degree from the Univer- “My husband, Jim Nutter, and I have provid- Photo courtesy sity of Tennessee and got his MBA from the ed financial support to multiple LGBT organiza- of Walgreens’ University of Chicago. tions over the years including HRC, the Center communications department “That’s how I became a pharmacist,” said on Halsted, Howard Brown, Equality Illinois, Burgess. “My father was a very religious man AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Lambda Le- and instilled in me a strong sense of eth- gal,” said Burgess. ics for which I am thankful. His work in the Burgess has also received the NACDS Harold drugstores was always secondary to his com- Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award and the Op- mitment to God and the church. An interesting eration PUSH Unity Partner Award. fact is that Elvis Presley attended our church, As for his advice to young professionals, Bur- First Assembly of God in Memphis, before and gess said that the one thing he learned from after he became famous. My father was his Sun- “working in a corporate environment was that day School teacher.” nothing is more valued by an organization than Getting hired at Walgreens right out of col- integrity. I’m thankful to my father for instill- lege is what brought Burgess to Chicago and ing that importance in me. he’s been here ever since. “Walgreens is a very conservative organiza- “I came out and never looked back,” said tion. Being open about my sexuality, however, Burgess. “Coming from a strict Pentecostal never impacted my ability to be successful and background, there certainly were some internal to continue to rise in the company. Because I conflicts, but I never regretted my decisions was honest and straight-forward about who I early in life.” was, I think it actually was a plus to my career Currently, Burgess serves as president of the advancement, not a handicap. I urge young Community Pharmacy Foundation, is on the Ex- people who are struggling with being open ecutive Committee of the National Association both at work and to their families, that they of Boards of Pharmacy and is in his 14th year can reflect on my success and this honor that as a member of the Illinois State Board of Phar- I have received and realize that they too can macy—including five terms as chairman. achieve without hiding who they are.” Previously, he served as APhA’s representa- When not working and participating in phil- tive on the HIT Advisory Board, was a member anthropic endeavors, Burgess and his husband of the Pharmacy e-Health Information Technol- spend time with friends and enjoy entertaining Burgess named ogy Collaborative and served on the Presiden- at their house. They are also active travelers. tial Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS during the “I have a small row of flower boxes off of Clinton and Bush Administrations. my balcony that I thoroughly enjoy changing honorary president of Along with his various philanthropic work on and decorating for the different seasons,” said behalf of pharmacists, Burgess has also been Burgess. an LGBT activist for a number of years includ- See www.philburgessconsulting.com and pharmacists’ association ing many years as a member of the National www.pharmacist.com for more information. Board of Directors for the Human Rights Cam- By Carrie Maxwell Staff Pharmacist. Burgess left Walgreens in 2009 to start his Lifelong pharmacist Phillip Burgess (RPh, DPh, own company—Philip Burgess Consulting, LLC. NU study: Some MBA) and longtime LGBT activist has been His company provides support and representa- named honorary president of the American tion to healthcare related businesses/organi- LGBT youth still Pharmacist Association (APhA). zations, entrepreneurs, trade associations and face bullying Burgess will be inducted as honorary presi- governmental agencies. A new Northwestern University study has dent at the March 2017 APhA Annual Meeting “My work at Walgreens allowed me to develop found that most adolescents would agree and Exposition in San Francisco. a wide range of associates active in the gov- that the situation involving LGBT youth and “The term runs for one year and is a lifetime ernmental and regulatory area,” said Burgess. bullying does, in fact, get better—but that achievement award position acknowledging “Also, as a member of the Illinois State Board it’s still a major hurdle for some. the contribution an individual has made to the of Pharmacy, I realized the importance of help- The study—which involved 248 youths— whole pharmacy profession,” said Burgess. ing companies to affect legislative and regula- found that harassment, discrimination and He will also be addressing the entire conven- tory changes that would allow their products to even physical/sexual assault affect about tion at the 2017 annual meeting and will at- be maximized to improve patient care.” one-third of the adolescents. It also revealed tend the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition The primary focus of Philip Burgess Consult- that said bullying can lead to long-term in Baltimore in March to thank the APhA lead- ing, LLC. is, according to its website, “to assist problems such as major depression and post- ership for selecting him for this post. clients in expanding patient access to quality traumatic stress disorder. “As honorary president , I will be included in and cost-effective health care. Specifically, we More than 84 percent of the respondents APhA board meetings and provide input to the assist our clients to understand and comply experienced decreasing levels of victimiza- various initiatives of the organization,” said with current pharmacy regulations in all 50 tion over the four years. However, 10.3 per- UN “Free & Equal” stamp. Burgess. states. We also help our clients analyze and cent experienced significant increases in bul- Image courtesy of Sergio Baradat This post caps off a lifetime of advocacy on propose changes to pharmacy regulations that lying, and 5.1 percent maintained high levels behalf of pharmacists and a 40-year career expand the use of new technology and delivery of victimization over the four years. working for Walgreens in a variety of capaci- systems.” “We tend to think that society is evolving York Gay Men’s Chorus. It has marked the first ties, including National Director of Pharmacy Burgess was born and raised in Memphis, but we can’t just accept this narrative that time the global body’s post office has issued Affairs, National Director of Pharmacy Op- Tennessee, and even before he applied to col- ‘it gets better’ and think it gets better for stamps with an LGBT theme. erations, Director—Intercom Pharmacy Opera- lege his father—who was also a pharmacist everyone,” said Brian Mustanski, an associ- The stamps support the UN human rights tions, Corporate Manager of Personnel Recruit- and owned several drugstores—told him he ate professor in medical social sciences at office’s Free & Equal campaign, which aims ment, Store Manager, Pharmacy Manager and would get a pharmacy degree before deciding Northwestern University Feinberg School of to promote fair treatment of the LGBT com- Medicine and director of the new Northwest- munity. ern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority The article is at http://www.theguardian. HeRe TO gIVe YOU Health and Wellbeing. com/world/2016/feb/05/new-un-stamps- fInanCIaL PeaCe Of MInD! Mustanski is the lead author of the study, promote-lgbt-rights. More information about published Jan. 21 in The American Journal the stamps is at https://unstamps.org/shop/ free-and-equal/. CaLL fOR YOUR fRee COnSULTaTIOn TODaY! of Public Health. The study was considered unique because it looked at not only the number of victimizations but also the sever- Jeff Lange, J.D., CPa ity of the incidents. 48th Ward [email protected] meeting Feb. 20 312-953-1099 The 48th Ward Democratic Party will hold UN group issues a meeting where it will endorse candidates LGBT stamps on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. at 5539 N. The United Nations Postal Administration Broadway. (UNPA) has released six new postage stamps Also, election assignments will be distrib- that aim to promote equality for LGBT peo- uted. People who are members of the ward ple, according to The Guardian. and wish to help out in the election can SERVING THE LGBT COMMUNITY WITH INTEGRITY The stamps—by artist and UNPA art direc- email [email protected]. tor Sergio Baradat—were unveiled in a cer- To become a judge, visit http://www.chica- accounting and Tax Services emony at the UN general assembly building goelections.com/en/serving-as-a-judge-of- full-Service, Year-Round that included a performance from the New election.html. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 15

Her life changed dramatically last May 2, as which hasn’t been hard, she said, “because it’s performing them for school events, etc.” that’s the day Lala Thomas’ grandmother, Myra a life-learning lesson. Thomas will graduate this year. Stevenson, passed away. “I came into this school year with a focused “I am on track to meet some of the goals in the LIFE Stevenson raised Thomas. mindset. I have good grades; my college access and milestones that I have set for myself,” she Lala Thomas “My mom was in the picture, but she was level [has] changed; I get a lot of recognition said. “In June, I will complete my requirements going through some things at the time,” because I became a better student. I won the to receive my high school diploma [and] am TEXT BY ROSS FORMAN PHOTOS courtesy of THOMAS

• Age am close with all of 19 my siblings; they accept me for who • Orientation I am. They do not Trans female play about me.” • Relationship status • Favorite movie Single The Other Woman • Hobbies • Favorite TV show Volleyball, track, Scream Queens acting and dancing (2015) • Idol • Little-known fact Nicki Minaj “I’m a dancer, • Family actress and model.” Has five siblings: “I Thomas said. “My grandmother’s death was so Most Improved Student of the Month [award].” currently in the process of deciding which offer hard for me to the point I had no feelings left. Thomas said her long-term goals are to finish for college admission I will accept.” When my grandmother died, a part of me died school and become a professional dancer, Thomas is cast in a play at the American with her. She was the person I never thought actress, and model. “I hope to achieve these Theater Company. would die, [and now I] have to figure out what goals by getting good grades, going to casting “I am coming up with [a] three-person dance to do.” calls for modeling and auditioning for plays, group, which I’m still casting people,” she said Thomas is in her fifth year of high school, [and] also by keep making up dances and with pride.

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The study reports that despite of community organizations and institutions significant dips over the past several decades, focused on communities hardest hit by the epi- CITY the number of Illinoisans living in poverty to- demic — Black bisexual and gay men, trans- Kim L. day, 14.4 percent, is almost the same as it was gender women of color, and Black heterosexual HUNT in the late 1960s (14.7 percent). While under women living in communities with high HIV 10 percent of whites in Illinois are living in rates. Blacks make up only 15 percent of the TIMES poverty and Hispanic and Asian populations state’s population but account for 50 percent VOL. 31, No. 21, Feb. 17, 2016 Race matters in each have poverty rates of close to 20 percent, of new HIV cases. Yet, the governor’s proposed The combined forces of Windy City Times, a whopping 30.6 percent of Black people are budget includes a devastating 66 percent cut to founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. budget impasse living in poverty statewide, while making up the African-American HIV/AIDS Response Act, less than 15 percent of Illinois’ population. a dedicated line of HIV funding that supports February is Black History Month—and Illinois’ And what is even more disheartening is that the Black community, the community hardest- PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR eighth month without a state budget. As we 43.2 percent of Black children under the age hit by HIV. This at a time when an estimated Tracy Baim highlight Black people’s contributions to the of 17 are poor. In fact, poverty among Black 6,525 Illinoisans do not know their HIV status American narrative, the message sent by Illi- ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky people outpaces that of whites, Latinos and and nearly 50 percent of people living with HIV nois’ budget impasse is hardly celebratory. MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Asians in all age categories. in this state are not receiving any medical care All Illinoisans are suffering as the fragile web ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matt Simonette The report lays out a number of health and or HIV medications. BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine of supportive services slowly unravels. Commu- economic disparities by race. But what is at One thing is abundantly clear this Black His- DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright nities across the state are feeling the ripple ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson least as important as the data is the case the tory Month in “the land of Lincoln”: Elections effects of layoffs, reduced services, slow state SENIOR REPORTER Gretchen Rachel Hammond authors lay out for the “legacy of inequality” have consequences. We must continue to put payments and the tension that comes with sus- Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk that colors public policy in America. The re- pressure on the governor and our state legis- Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen tained uncertainty. port offers a historical soundbite of the legal- lature to approve a humane budget with a rev- Rachel Hammond, Scott Duff, Freddie Bain In the midst of our shared suffering, we must NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 ized racist policies of the past that benefitted enue increase even as we prepare ourselves for acknowledge this sad truth. People of color, es- SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa whites and created barriers for people of color, the next budget battle. As the late poet Maya pecially Black people, are enduring the deepest Keen, Yasmin Nair policies and practices that ignore the genera- Angelou often said, “When you know better, THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan battle scars from this budget stalemate. And if tional impact of those benefits and barriers, you do better.” We can do a lot better, Illinois. CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. history is our teacher, these will become the SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman and the practice of mid-20th-century redlining See http://socialimpactresearchcenter.is- scars of future generations. America’s tortured ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS that seems to have intertwined race, ZIP code suelab.org/resource/racisms_toll_report_on_ racial history is imbedded in the laws and poli- Mary Shen Barnidge, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, and opportunity into perpetuity. illinois_poverty_1_1 . Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel cies that govern all of us, resulting in widening This budget impasse threatens any progress Kim L. Hunt is executive director of the COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet Harper, social, health and economic gaps that operat- Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah made towards reducing inequalities in Illinois. Pride Action Tank and advocacy advisor to ing without a state budget only exacerbates. Toce, Dana Rudolph, Melissa Wasserman, Joe Franco, For example, last year, for the first time in de- AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Earlier this month, Heartland Alliance’s So- Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, Angelique Smith, Meghan Streit SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron that masturbation kills potential babies, con- Paul Shanley’s former boss, Cardinal Bernard WEBSITE LISTINGS VOLUNTEER Gene Naden doms and birth control pills interfere with Law, instead of being in prison for shuffling God’s plan, and that genital sex with another abusive priests from parish to parish, fled to CIRCULATION is only permitted with a person of the other Rome where he has a cushy job in the Vatican CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright sex to whom you are married. Even then, cer- at a prestigious parish. The current head of DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Sue and Victor Brian tain sexual acts, such as anal sex, are forbid- the flock in Boston has refused for 10 years to WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead MCNAUGHT den. Those messages create sexually deformed meet with Paul in prison. Nor has any other di- programmer: Martie Marro) people who are prone to do damage to them- ocesan priest, all former friends and classmates Copyright 2016 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media selves and to others. Until the Catholic Church, of Paul, visited him. Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back Who’s to blame and other religious groups, change their sexual According to Paul, the district attorney, Mar- issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). message, we will continue to have sex-related tha Coakley, offered him a plea deal just prior Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, for sexually and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and abuse of children and adults, sex-related alco- to the trial. If he would plead guilty to a lesser no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. holism, drug abuse, and suicide, and sex-relat- charge than raping a 6-year-old every Sunday All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy deformed people? City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned ed emotional breakdowns. for several years, he wouldn’t spend any time for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing Paul Shanley was one of those sexually in jail. He said, “no,” because he was innocent and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, Whether or not my good friend, Paul Shanley, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own dies in prison, the global sex scandal in the damaged people, but he fought hard against and didn’t want to be listed as a child molester. and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City the messages and training he received. He There was no evidence he committed the crime, Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of Catholic Church, and in other denominations, a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy will never be over until the Church changes its preached tolerance and acceptance of those only the “recovered memory” of a very dis- City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the condemned by the Church. He started a min- turbed man, who after reading the Spotlight’s sexual orientation of such person or organization. While sexual ethics and publicly apologizes for im- we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make properly molding the minds and hearts of its istry to street kids, runaways, hustlers, drug stories on big money paid to victims by the this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept sexually abusive and abused priests, nuns, re- addicts, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and trans- Church, claimed that he just remembered that responsibility for advertising claims. ligious brothers, and lay people. That means gender children. He successfully lobbied to get 40 years ago he was molested by Fr. Shanley. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 himself appointed as the first official minister But the jury wanted to find the priest, whom e-mail: [email protected] or everyone raised Catholic. [email protected] Indoctrinated since birth with the message of the Church to LGBT people. His message was the Spotlight team repeatedly focused on prior that having sexual thoughts and feelings, and that gay is good, bi is good, and straight is to the trial, guilty of something. So, the man www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com expressing yourself sexually with yourself or good. He was frequently featured in the Bos- featured in People magazine as the hippie podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com with another (before heterosexual marriage), ton Globe, and on radio and television. He was street priest, was sent to prison, and everyone are gravely sinful, and grounds for spending handsome, masculine, very intelligent, and de- hoped that was the end of the story, and the WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, bad press. 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A eternity in hell, Roman Catholics are trans- fiant of authority, be it Church or State. He (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) formed into molesters, deviants, and repressed, dared to go where no other priest was will- Why aren’t Catholics taught that all feel- immature, ignorant, and sexually non-function- ing to step, including a meeting of men who ings are natural? Why wasn’t I told that be- Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. ing individuals. The most damaged were people claimed to be lovers of boys. Having worked ing gay wasn’t something to be ashamed of, Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE like me, who grew up in a sexually-repressed, extensively with gay hustlers, Paul felt he had or secretive about? Why weren’t priests, nuns, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Irish Catholic family, and who went to Catholic a relevant perspective to offer. and brothers taught to be healthy role models www.WindyCityQueercast.com schools for sixteen years. Priests, such as Paul Paul is 85, and may never leave prison de- of sexual maturity? Why isn’t masturbation, Shanley’s classmates, entered the seminary and spite more than a decade of incarceration for a or self-pleasuring, described as normal and a “Windy City Media Group generated enormous a life of celibacy after eighth grade, at age 14. crime he couldn’t have committed. He was no healthy way to relax and relieve sexual ten- interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT saint, but he’s not a pedophile. Yet, with his sions? Why are condoms and birth control pills Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 Most nuns and brothers entered the religious print and online media partners who participated life of chastity after high school, at age 18. poor health, and trembling hands, he is the not seen as effective ways to prevent the birth in the survey, Windy City was the best performing Was it nobody’s fault that we became among Sacrificial Lamb of both the Catholic Church in of an unwanted child, and a way to allow sex- regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners the most sex-negative and sexually obsessed Boston, which will oppose his release until his ual pleasure to be experienced without fear of with a nationwide footprint were able to generate death, and the Commonwealth of Massachu- consequences? Why are condoms different from a greater number of responses.” ­­—David Marshall, people in the world? It was as if the Church Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. took a litter of puppies and trained them to setts, which wants to look tough on the crimes pot holders? Is it God’s will that we be burned? be afraid and aggressive. The adult dog bites of the Catholic Church. He is in protective cus- The Catholic Church owes some apologies: to a child and is put down. But no one looks tody because of the witch hunt created by the me for what it did to me, to the people who FOUNDING MEMBER at the trainer. The Catholic Church has been, Boston Globe’s Spotlight team, canonized in abused me, and to the people I impacted nega- and remains, the trainer of sexually damaged the film Spotlight. The hysteria created by the tively. The Church needs to take responsibility people. This atrocity will continue until the constant drum beat of the media resulted in for how it trained us, and for the results of its Church stops teaching its children that sexual the beating death of an old, feeble priest in thoughts are impure and need to be repressed, prison, prior to Paul’s incarceration. Turn to page 29

FOUNDING MEMBER

FOUNDING MEMBER

FOUNDING MEMBER WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 17 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

Head and ‘Shoulder’ 18 28 27 Windy City Times reviews Looking Over the President’s Shoulder. Photo by Dean La Prairie Charlatan. Manhole closes.

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT esting and unexpected things with my words.” of War Paint before he realized that he wasn’t Korie also liked having a collaborator to work allowed to talk to the media about it just yet. with because “it’s also a hell of a lot of work to So instead he did touch upon the luxury of tai- try and get your show produced, and it really loring musical theater roles to specific stars, helps to have a partner and share the burden.” like writing for Tony Award-winner Kelli O’Hara Lyrics by Korie Korie initially rose to fame as an opera li- who was part of Far from Heaven from its be- brettist, notably in collaboration with com- ginnings, and for Patti LuPone who appeared in poser Stuart Wallace for the biographical opera past Korie/Frankel workshops of musicals that BY SCOTT C. MORGAN man Theatre starring two-time Tony Award- Harvey Milk, which debuted at Houston Grand didn’t come to fruition. winners Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole. Opera in 1995. Recounting the life and 1978 “We did love to work directly for [Patti Lu- It’s shaping up to be quite the Chicago sea- During a recent telephone interview with assassination of the United States’ first openly Pone]. She’s such a wonderful actress so it’s a son for gay lyricist and opera librettist Michael the Windy City Times, Korie touched on many gay politician, Korie also feels Harvey Milk was privilege to hear what she has to say,” Korie Korie. aspects of his long writing career. He started an important work that also marked the first said. “I feel the exact same way about Christine Porchlight Music Theatre is currently present- out as a journalist covering gay and lesbian time romantic duets for openly gay characters [Ebersose]. We basically wrote Grey Gardens for ing the Windy City premiere of Korie’s 2013 off- issues for the Village Voice in New York before were depicted on the operatic stage. Christine and she was there before the piece Broadway musical Far from Heaven (co-written he started composing his own songs. That more opera companies haven’t staged was finished at the very first workshop and with composer Scott Frankel and playwright “I was writing music and going into clubs and Harvey Milk in light of the Academy Award- subsequent ones. And she’s such an amazing Richard Greenberg). Korie is also part of the singing and playing it, but there was no one winning 2008 movie Milk shows how conserva- performer that we kept saying let’s put a song original writing team of the 2006 musical Grey to write the words so I became a lyricist and I tive American opera companies still are with for Christine here and then you end up with a Gardens who will reunite for the upcoming found I liked that better,” Korie said. “I found their programming. Yet Korie was pleased that score that more difficult than Gypsy.” world premiere musical War Paint at the Good- that certain composers did so much more inter- Harvey Milk received its Australian premiere Korie said some writers are finicky about tak- last year. ing suggestions from actors in the creation of Michael Korie. Korie is also known for adapting John Stein- new works, but he and Frankel are not at all Photo by Matthew Murphy beck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath into a 2007 that way. opera with gay composer Ricky Ian Gordon. The “It’s such a collaborative form with people opera originally started as a three-act piece, doing book and lyrics, that I think the actors though Korie said he and Gordon have revised are just as integral to that collaboration,” Ko- it down to a two-act after more than 10 years rie said. “They’re the ones who have to do it later—very much lamenting the complicated every night and sometimes they have a much production schedule of staging new operas. better barometer of truth.” “Nobody has noticed the gay content in [The Porchlight Music Theatre’s regional pre- Grapes of Wrath],” Korie said. “And I’ve always miere of Far from Heaven continues through not been a ‘rah-rah’ role model” with gay char- Sunday, March 13, at Stage 773, 1225 W. acters.” Belmont Ave. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. This is certainly the case with Far from Thursdays (1:30 p.m. only on March 3), 8 Heaven, which is based upon Todd Haynes’ ac- p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays with 2 claimed 2002 film of the same name, about a p.m. matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $32- 1950s housewife named Cathy Whitaker who $48. Call 773-327-5252 or visit www.porch- kindles a romance with an African-American lightmusictheatre.org. man after discovering that her husband, Frank, The world premiere of War Paint starring is gay. Korie was very proud about the com- Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole begins plexity of Frank and about writing him a selfish Tuesday, June 28, at the Goodman Theatre, self-realization song in the show. 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets are currently “At first I thought it was an odd choice, be- available for subscribers. For more informa- cause I thought it would be operatic,” said Ko- tion, call 312-443-3800 or visit www.good- rie about playwright Richard Greenberg’s desire mantheatre.org. to musicalize Far from Heaven. “Also, I ques- tioned how you could do what that film did, which is to tell a story that was moving but also had an ironic distance at the same time.” ‘Raggedy And’ to Korie said he and his collaborators could have made Far from Heaven into a campy and jokey feature trans show like so many new musicals nowadays that actress mock the form and the wholesome image of Pride Films and Plays will present the mid-century America. world premiere of David Valdes Greenwood’s “There’s been all kinds of musicals of the past comedy Raggedy And, opening March 12 at 20 years where there are numerous Tupperware Rivendell Theater, 5779 N. Ridge Ave. jokes and where they write Lesley Gore kind of In it, Delia Kropp will be the first trans- songs and poke fun at the 1950s and exagger- gender actress to portray a trans character ate everything,” Korie said. “But that would for a major Chicago stage production. not have served the kind of interesting way Tickets are $15 (previews)-$27; call 800- that this story treads the line” in what he said 737-0984 or visit www.pridefilmsandplays. was Greenberg’s idea to write the show as “un- com. ironic camp.” Korie also started to delve into the creation 18 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES

THEATER REVIEW Manny Buckley in Looking Over Looking Over the the President’s Shoulder. President’s Photo by Johnny Knight Shoulder Playwright: James Still At: American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: 773-404-7336; www.americanbluestheater.com; $29-$39 Runs through: March 6

BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE

They used to be called “domestic servants” (or perhaps, “hired help”), but are nowadays most often appear on personnel rosters as “support staff.” Before you dismiss those who make their living through the exercise of housekeep- ing skills, however, consider what your place of business would look like if the janitors quit for even one week. When President Franklin Roo- sevelt exhorted the stewards of the 107-room quaintances included President Herbert Hoover. The aesthetic of a solo show lies in its first- mention of slights inflicted upon African-Amer- residence in our nation’s capital to remember In 1933, spurred by the onset of widespread person narrative, whether arising from the sto- ican citizens (Marian Anderson’s concert en- that they shared in making history, his were economic devastation, Fields accepted employ- ry or from the person telling it. Manny Buck- tourage not being offered the customary post- wise words. ment in the Hoovers’ dining room, little sus- ley’s portrayal of Fields for this American Blues show refreshment, for example) is balanced by Alonzo Fields never intended to spend more pecting that it would afford him a backstage Theater production takes full advantage of a corresponding report of small advancements, than two decades in the butler’s pantry of view of four administrations, three wars and the intimacy engendered by the Greenhouse’s from Eleanor Roosevelt inviting a heavily laden the White House, surrounded by wall-to-wall countless meals prepared for a dazzling array upstairs studio. Under Timothy Douglas’ direc- busser aboard her private elevator to Harry Tru- dishracks and floor-to-ceiling linen closets. of distinguished guests. (The highlight of the tion, our insider witness emerges an individual man integrating the armed forces, the former Born in 1900, in an Ohio town founded by evening is his tale of being one of six hand- of warmth, dignity and modesty commanding acknowledged with wry humor and the latter former slaves, he sought a career as an op- picked—and, coincidentally, racially-diverse— our immediate respect. with the hopeful appreciation that comes of era singer, enrolling at Boston’s New England men dispatched to a “top-secret” safe house, Fields’ summary of his life and times, while recognizing the—yes, historical—importance Conservatory of Music and supplementing his their mission, to care for British Prime Minister not without regrets—his were not the only of humble deeds in shaping the future of great meager income as a butler in the home of re- Winston Churchill, then laboring on the famous plans thwarted by the Great Depression—is countries. tired NBS director Samuel Stratton, whose ac- “iron curtain” speech. noteworthy for its absence of rancor. Every

THEATER REVIEW ity. The screenplay by Todd Haynes providing another man. During their struggle to keep up assembled a wardrobe out of Mademoiselle source material for this song-cycle musical is appearances, Cathy increasingly confides in and McCalls magazines for moms who disdain Far from Heaven not an authentic product of that repressive single-father Raymond—even to accompany- house-dresses. Music director Chuck Larkin (no Playwright: Music by Scott Frankel, era, however, but a conscious replica thereof, ing him on his horticultural errands—to the stranger to the syrup-and-soap school of pop lyrics by Michael Korie, steeped in hindsight. disapproval, titillation and ultimately condem- warbles) guides this Porchlight Musical Theatre book by Richard Greenberg Richard Greenberg’s book delivers a concise nation of their neighbors. ensemble, led by the exquisite Summer Naomi At: Porchlight Music Theatre depiction of a time when recovery from the up- What remains unclear in 2016 is the purpose Smart, through their recitative-based vocaliza- at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. heaval of recent decades mandated a level of behind a narrative too idealized for any histori- tions. Tickets: 773-327-5252; conformity unimaginable today (for example, cal value in terms of civil rights or gay libera- For some playgoers, a three-hankie cry is www.porchlightmusictheatre.org; $35-$48 unmarried men and childless women were re- tion—Cathy may suffer from excessive naivety, enough to justify a nostalgic two hours-plus Runs through: March 13 garded with suspicion as “social deviants.”) but surely Raymond knows that crossing the fantasy of affluent bigotry, but a timeline in After the local newspaper designates Mrs. color line will not end well, and Frank opts the playbill reminding us, say, that Hartford ex- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Cathleen Whitaker the “model housewife”—de- to undergo draconian “conversion therapy” to perienced its own civil rights protest marches spite her being seen speaking one on one with cure his homosexuality against the advice of in 1965, or that a gay bar operating in West- For theatergoers of certain age, merely hearing her Negro gardener—kaffeeklatsch chat hints his doctor. Granted, Scott Frankel and Michael port since 1937 continued to do so until 2010, that their play’s setting is a middle-class Con- at a troubled marriage. Like many husbands, Korie have crafted a score of sung dialogue re- would offer context to better allow us to reflect necticut suburb in 1957 is enough to trigger Frank Whitaker often works late at his Manhat- plete with extended tremolissimo final notes, on how far we have come since those bad old expectations of secrets, shame and illicit sex tan office, but one night his spouse pays him alleviated by a few bona fide melodies in quasi- days. lurking beneath a veneer of privileged tranquil- a surprise visit, only to discover him kissing jazz and Latin-American mode. Bill Morey has c THEATER REVIEW written sound-alike songs that do a fine job, especially “Heaven’s a Bar in Chicago,” which CRITICS’ Pop Waits should stay in the show even if real Waits Playwrights: Molly Brennan, Malic White Pop Waits’ songs become available. A three-person band PICKS At: Neo-Futurists, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. Molly (directed by Meeks) provides solid backup. American Buffalo, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Tickets: 773-878-4557; Brennan I’ve seen White and Brennan perform many Company at Angel Island, through March 6. www.neofuturists.org; $20 and Malic times (especially Brennan) and I admire the With the wrecking ball only months away, this Runs through: March 12 White. diversity of their skills, and I honor their 30-year-old Chicago theater company returns Photo by courage to confront personal demons in such to its roots for one last all-star stand. MSB BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL Joe a public way. Nonetheless, Pop Waits is not Hairspray, Paramount Theatre, Aurora, Mazza/ my type of show. I must admit it: I’m simply through Feb. 21. The hit 2002 Tony Award- During a period of severe depression in my Brave Lux too old for it. It’s filled with contemporary winning Broadway musical adaptation of John mid-20s, I used baroque music (Bach, Corelli, musical and cultural references I either do Waters’ quirky 1988 film receives a dazzling Handel, Telemann, etc.) to help hold myself not understand at all or which I consider to production out in Aurora. Amid all the laughs together. Its rhythmic regularity and spiritual be markers of the decline of civilization. are serious reminders of segregation in the purity comforted me and restored order to Frankly, I don’t understand the emotional early 1960s. SCM my life. Distinguished performers Molly Bren- allure of Pop and Waits for White and Bren- Le Switch, About Face at Theater Wit, nan and Malic White, billing themselves as grabs and holds one’s attention and interest. nan, who say they were adolescents when through Feb. 21. Frequent big laughs in al- “p(ART)ners,” also live with depression and The performers have charisma and the show they discovered Iggy and Tom, both of whom ways-sharp Philip Dawkins’ new comedy about seek relief through music, which is the entire (directed by Neo-Futurist veteran Halena already were well-passed the pop idol stage a love-challenged gay man, afraid of losing point and purpose of their new show. White’s Kays) uses numerous meta-theatrical devices, of their careers (Waits and Pop are my age). homo identity to hetero-normativity now that music of choice is that of Iggy Pop while from audience participation (a lucky few even I’d have thought that teens would seek icons gay marriage is legal. JA Brennan prefers Tom Waits (hence, the show’s have a beer onstage) to slapstick to revela- of their own generation. Waits at least speaks The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, title)—neither one a composer/performer tory monologues to sing-along to clowning to my intelligence, but I never had enough Mercury Theater, through March 20. The game’s likely to calm you down or restore order. Hey, to semi-nudity. The spine of the show, how- aggression to answer Iggy’s call. Still, the afoot in this delightful new musical starring Malic and Molly: Maybe it’s your music that’s ever, are songs the two perform, with White mostly young audience embraced the show Nick Sandys as the supersleuth and Michael making you crazy. channeling the shock rocker and Brennan the and the music enthusiastically, and I will not Aaron Lindner as the author who—well, you Their 90-minute show is very entertaining, folk-ish Waits. They perform nine Iggy Pop say nay. At least I embrace the p(ART)ners know—by the creative team that brought us and I don’t mean merely amusing (the com- tunes and four Waits-style songs. They still enthusiastically. mon misuse of “entertaining”), although it are waiting on Waits for performance rights, the long-running Christmas Schooner. MSB has many amusing moments. I mean that it so Brennan and composer Spenser Meeks have —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 19

Will Allan (left) and Alex Weisman in Other Letters. Photo by Carin Silkaitis

THEATER REVIEW love story or a gay male one. The night I caught Other Letters, it was a par- Other Letters tial reunion for TimeLine Theatre’s Jeff Award- Playwrights: Bryan Renaud winning production of The History Boys since and Carin Silkaitis it featured two of its stars: Alex Weisman and At: The Other Theatre Company Will Allan. The duo won’t be performing Other at Side Project, 1439 W. Jarvis Ave. Letters again, so my advice for future actors Tickets: TheOtherTheatreCompany.com; $25 taking on the roles is to not have their eyes Runs through Feb. 29 glued exclusively to the text (like Allan) and to look up as often as possible to share the BY SCOTT C. MORGAN character’s inner turmoil with audiences (like Weisman). The Other Theatre Company could have trotted As for the gay male script of Other Letters, out Love Letters like so many other organiza- playwrights Bryan Renaud and Carin Silkatis do tions that have produced A.R. Gurney’s 1989 a wonderful modern-day riff on Gurney’s origi- drama for fundraising purposes. But instead, nal text and concept, starting up the action a Other Theatre Company has only taken their in- few decades later, in the 1980s. I didn’t catch spiration from Love Letters and is now offering the lesbian version, but I did overhear Silkatis up Other Letters as an original fundraiser for mentioning how the two scripts share the same future productions. structure and only have slight variations to suit Like Love Letters, the premise and production the different genders. costs for Other Letters look relatively simple. Other Letters starts poignantly as two kids It’s just two seated actors reading from scripts write three reasons why they like each other. detailing the long course of two lovers’ lives From this third-grade assignment, a life-long through a series of alternating letters starting relationship blossoms. in childhood. But it’s not all rosy, since one of the char- And like Love Letters’ original off-Broadway acters deals with bullying in school, religious production and its Broadway transfers in 1989 reparative therapy and an alcohol problem that and 2014, Other Letters features alternating develops in college. The other, more confident casts. New York had many celebrity pairings, character enters into a heterosexual marriage but Other Letters stars luminaries of Chicago’s and struggles with depression after moving to theater scene. New York. Bold But where Love Letters focused on a hetero- That the timings rarely work out for the two sexual pairing, Other Letters features two al- is a given (it’s a drama after all), but Other ternating scripts focusing on a lesbian or gay Letters also serves as a great reminder to the duo. Be sure to visit The Other Theatre Com- shifts in perception over the past three de- pany’s website to see which actors are rotation cades to gay and lesbian lives as seen through and whether or not you’ll be getting a lesbian two people’s lovelorn eyes. Moves FEBRUARY 10–21 SPOTLIGHT e POWERHOUSE CELEBRATING The year-long Shakespeare 400 COMPOSERS 60 Chicago celebration continues at YEARS Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 GROUNDBREAKING E. Grand Ave. which has imported the Oxford Playhouse production of CHOREOGRAPHERS Sancho: An Act of Remembrance. Royal Shakespeare Company actor Paterson Joseph portrays Charles Ignatius Sancho, an 18th-century composer, social satirist and friend TICKETS START AT $32 PERFORMS AT: of the great Shakespearean actor/ manager David Garrick. Sancho JOFFREY.ORG/BOLDMOVES also has the distinction of being 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago the first British-African to vote in 800.982.2787 1774. Tickets are $38 to $48; call 312-595-5600 or visit www.chica-

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Joffrey dancers: Victoria Jaiani and Fabrice Calmels I Photo by: Cheryl Mann 20 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Anthony Rapp is a theater legend in many WCT: Talk about the performer that will Anthony Rapp. circles, having brought the Broadway hit Rent play Elizabeth in Chicago. to life in the ‘90s. He later reprised the role AR: Her name is Jackie Burns, who was Idi- of Mark Cohen on tour and in the film version. na’s standby in New York. She has a lot of ex- He revived Charlie Brown in You’re a Good perience with the show over the years we have Man, Charlie Brown with Kristin Chenoweth on been doing it. She’s fantastic. She’s just not a Broadway. household name the way Idina is. In addition, Rapp has a long resume in mov- WCT: Describe your character and the show ies as well with hits like A Beautiful Mind and If/Then. Twister among them. AR: It is about a woman named Elizabeth, The Illinois native now plays the part of Lu- who is played by Jackie now—created by Idina cas in the show If/Then. The story follows a Menzel—who has gone through an unhappy woman named Elizabeth Vaughan in New York marriage. She comes back to New York to start City who takes two different choices in life and her life over. On the first day she comes back, where those paths lead her. The show brings she either goes with her new friend Kate or Rapp back to his roots in Chicago for a short with her old friend, my character, who’s name run. Windy City Times called him to talk about is Lucas, in very small decisions to spend time his life in theater over the years. with one or the other. Her whole life hinges on Windy City Times: Hi, Anthony. Nice to see that one day and one decision. It follows both you are returning to Illinois. This is your tracks of her life and jumps back and forth. My birthplace? character is greatly affected by the changes in Anthony Rapp: I was born in Chicago and her life, so it is also about the ripple effects we grew up in Joliet. have on one another. WCT: Did you always love theater? WCT: It sounds like the Gwyneth Paltrow AR: Yes, I started when I was little kid. My movie Sliding Doors, where her life splits in mother was a nurse and I started off doing a two. show at summer camp where she worked. I was AR: I never saw that movie, but apparently six years old the first summer that we went that is an apt comparison in terms of that there. I just auditioned for the show and I structure. loved it. WCT: Since the character Lucas was written When I came back to Joliet, I started doing for you, is he similar to you? NUNN ON ONE: THEATER more community theater. There was a director AR: What is similar is that we are both pretty who encouraged my mom to take me to Chi- similarly minded and passionate about what we cago to get professional work. We just went believe in. I think Lucas is a little more neu- from there. rotic than I tend to be and a little less happy. Anthony Rapp: I grew up in showbiz but I didn’t have a I certainly have moments where I can be un- stage mother. We were all very naïve about ev- happy about things, but he is a little more pes- erything. We put one foot in front of the other simistic in his personal life than I am. What Theater legend on and did our best to work. links us [are] intelligence and passion for the WCT: Did you work at a lot of theaters in causes that we believe in. Chicago? When you have a part written for you, it AR: I didn’t work at a lot of theaters in Chi- doesn’t necessarily mean that it is like you. It ‘Rent,’ ‘If/Then’ cago. My first professional job was as an under- just means that you have quality in your per- by Jerry nunn study in A Christmas Carol. My first equity job forming that resonate well with what the writ- was right after that. It was the first national ers have in mind. tour of Evita and it was happening in Chicago. WCT: Do you like the traveling with a tour- This was a sit down production. In the original ing show? production there were four kids and I audi- AR: Yes, it is fun. I have done it before. I tioned to replace one of the kids. I did that for like it every few years. There are some people CULTURECULTURE CLUBCLUB about six months. who are nonstop on the road. I wouldn’t want WCT: Was A Christmas Carol at the Good- to do that. man Theatre? I travel a lot for other projects, so I am used “MOVING. AN IMPORTANT PLAY” AR: Yes. I didn’t work at the Goodman again to being on the road and not being home. I like —Chicago Tribune until 1988 when I was in high school, where I to have a balance where I can spend chunks of “ did a John Guare play called Landscape of the time at home and chunks traveling. HHHH “Beautifully Body that Robert Falls directed. WCT: You must have a ton of theater fans. Sensitive, Heartfelt” Crafted” WCT: How did Rent happen? —TimeOut Chicago —New City AR: The first thing I did was in the fall of 1994. When I first auditioned, all I knew about Turn to page 29 it was that it was a workshop and a 10-perfor- mance production. It was just like any other audition. I was working at Starbucks at the Hvorostovsky time. Even though I had been working since I was a kid, I was in a bit of a slow period. recital Feb. 26 We did the 10 performance workshops; then Siberian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky it turned into something really great after that, will sing in recital at Lyric Opera of Chica- obviously. go, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., with Estonian From l-r, Benjamin Sprunger, Jeff Parker, Cindy Gold. A year later, we did the off-Broadway produc- pianist Ivari Ilja on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 tion, then the Broadway production. p.m. WCT: After performing the role so [often], The works of composers such as Glinka, was it weird to see the part played by other Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Richard actors? Strauss will be performed. AR: It was a little weird at first, but it has Tickets are $49-$199; visit lyricopera. been 20 years, so I have seen a lot of people org/dmitri or call 312-827-5600. play the role now. It is not so weird anymore. There are times when I am really happy with what they are doing and there are times that I want to punch them! WCT: There is a big anniversary coming up. AR: This is the 20th anniversary of the open- ing night on Broadway. WCT: Did Idina Menzel lead you over to If/ The Then? NEW MUSICAL AR: It was the writers of If/Then that also from the Creators wrote Next to Normal in the New York Musical of Grey Gardens Theatre Festival, so we became friends and I was a part of all that. They wrote this part for me. Idina was certainly part of what attracted MUST CLOSE MARCH 13! me to it, but she wasn’t the only thing. WCT: Are you only touring selected cities? at 1225 W. Belmont Ave AR: No, Idina did only the first 14 weeks but PorchlightMusicTheatre.org I am doing the whole thing. Dmitri Hvorostovsky. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 21

Sharon Karp. Lesbian filmmaker Photo by Matt Simonette recalls parents’ flight from Nazis By Matt Simonette a Jew in the professional classes—knew he would be among the first targets of the Third Filmmaker Sharon Karp describes her upbring- Reich. The couple left Austria with their daugh- ing in suburban Evanston as being “more for- ter, eventually making their way across the Pyr- mal” than that of her friends. enees with the aid of the French resistance. Her parents, both of them immigrants, were They later settled in the Chicago area, where strict, and did not let her spend the night at George ran a West Rogers Park medical practice. friends’ houses, for example. It was almost al- Silvia Malagrino, a filmmaking partner, in- ways impossible for strangers to win her fam- sisted that Karp begin filming Gisela’s reminis- father did not know what to make of it when “A Song for You” will next be shown Thurs- ily’s trust. But Karp’s parents, George and Gise- cences in the mid-2000s. he compiled his memoirs, she said. day, March 3, at North Suburban Synagogue la, never hid the reason why. They, along with “You can see it in the film, the tension in “He didn’t mention my birth, even though he Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, Karp’s oldest sister, had to spend five years [Gisela’s] body, as she’s taken back there” tell- delivered me—I’m born early in the parking lot at 12:30 p.m. For more information, see crossing from Austria to the western coast of ing the stories, Karp said. “She still relives the of Frank Cuneo Hospital, and he doesn’t men- asongforyoumovie.com. Europe in order to escape Nazi persecution. horror of what happened to her. ... Their story tion it,” she said. “He didn’t know where to go The stories of that escape formed the basis became our family’s story at the beginning, be- with me [in the book], or to explain the fact of Karp’s film “A Song for You,” which the film- cause they did have such a dramatic story. Our that I wore Army jackets and combat boots, maker, who is a lesbian, compiled from inter- friends at school had families who didn’t have and was a hippie, and rebel, and all the things ‘The Danish Girl’ views with Gisela as well as a published manu- stories like that. I realized from the beginning he’d call me. I was a dyke, commie, leftie—not script by George, home movies and artifacts her that it captured people’s thoughts and atten- on Blu-Ray March 1 any of the things a successful, middle-class parents kept from their journey. She and her tion, and would inspire debates, dialogues and The Danish Girl—which stars Academy doctor in Evanston [aspires for in a daughter].” sisters also made trips, which Karp filmed, to all sorts of emotion, because of how obscene Award winner Eddie Redmayne and Acade- Nevertheless, George was mostly amused some of the same locations George and Gisela and horrific that experience was.” my Award nominee Alicia Vikander—is out when she actually came out. “He laughed and passed through. Karp first showed the film at the Gene Siskel on Digital HD, and will be on Blu-ray, DVD said, ‘Sharon, what will you get into next?’” “It was pretty awful growing up with those Film Center in January, 2014. She’s been trying and On Demand on March 1. Gisela, Karp thought, was kind of relieved. stories,” Karp recalled. Her parents would pro- to get it seen in as many festivals and other The plot is as follows: In the 1920s, a “She liked that a lot better. She was so afraid fess not to wish to speak about those times, venues as she can since. Gisela passed away strong and loving marriage evolves as Ger- for us. My sisters and I were watched like she said, but could rarely stop once their mem- in 2008, but Karp said having “Mama there on da Wegener (Vikander) supports Lili Elbe hawks. Boys could do anything and we would ories were sparked. But once Karp grew older, my computer” as she assembled the film helped (Redmayne) during the latter’s journey as be unable to stop them. Any possible thing she admitted, “I couldn’t not tell those stories ease her grief. a transgender woman. that could happen, my parents feared would either.” She did not mention her lesbianism in “A A bonus feature is “The Making of The happen to us. So when she found out I was George, who was Hungarian, studied medicine Song for You” because she did not want viewers Danish Girl,” as Redmayne, Vikander, di- a lesbian, it was, ‘Oh, that’s nice.’ She always in Vienna and counted Sigmund Freud among to infer that she saw any connection between rector Tom Hooper and others on the film- liked my girlfriends. She always accepted my his instructors. It was there that he met and her sexual orientation and the family’s trau- making team discuss some of the creative partner Nicole, and treated her like a daugh- married Gisela, who worked in a shop. But once matic memories. George and Gisela were largely processes used for the film. ter.” they Nazis came to power in Austria, George— supportive of her coming out, though Karp’s

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By Richard Knight, Jr.

Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party; 4th Man Out

Everybody in the pool At the beginning of writer-director Stephen Cone’s latest feature, Henry Gamble’s Birth- day Party, it’s the night before the adorable, blonde Henry (winningly portrayed by adorable, blonde, out actor Cole Doman) turns 17 and late at night in his bedroom, he and his best friend Gabe (Joe Keery) are having a sleepover. Lying next to each other in bed, the conversa- tion turns to sex and, very quickly, Henry and Gabe are masturbating under the covers. It’s Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party. immediately apparent that Henry has a thing for the oblivious Gabe (who has turned himself on talking about his desires for a girl). up at a Grindr-type hook up site and even ac- ing from studio press materials): mortal named Bek (Brenton Thwaites) forms an This scenario will be familiar to scores of company him to a gay bar. In typical straight- —Eddie the Eagle (Feb. 26)—With help unlikely alliance with the powerful god Horus gay men and women (and, no doubt, their guy fashion, they also worry about becoming from a rebellious and charismatic coach (Hugh (Game of Thrones’ Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). straight and straightish counterparts as well) the object of Adam’s affection. The awkward- Jackman), British ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” —RECOMMENDED: Henry Gamble’s Birthday and the mixture of intimacy, youthful bravado ness prevails until they are shamed into real- Edwards (Taron Egerton) trains for the 1988 Party (Feb. 26)—See details above. http:// and closeted emotional and sexual yearning izing how stereotypical their behavior has been Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta in this in- www.siskelfilmcenter.org/henrygamble set the stage for the events to come. Like one by a pretty young lass that Chris is hot for. All spirational sports drama. —The Witch (Feb. 26)—A 17th-century Pu- of the leading characters in Cone’s critically seems good until one night mixed signals be- —Gods of Egypt (Feb. 26)—The survival of ritan family in New England becomes convinced acclaimed 2011 feature The Wise Kids, young tween Adam and one of his buddies threatens mankind hangs in the balance when Set (Gerard that their teenage daughter is in the service of Henry is also faced with coming to terms with to change things up for good. Butler), the merciless god of darkness, usurps Satan when their young son disappears. A raft being gay and a religious conservative. This is broad, familiar territory and some of Egypt’s throne and plunges the prosperous em- of British character actors with familiar faces Henry is not the only one trying to navigate the supporting characters (like a super-reli- pire into chaos and conflict. Hoping to save the tricky line between secular pleasures and gious neighbor who’s always stopping by with the world and rescue his true love, a defiant Turn to page 29 religious conservatism. As his birthday party muffins) stretch the credibility to the breaking commences the day after the sleepover with point. Yet, the camaraderie between the pals Gabe, pretty much everyone in attendance is and the enthusiasm of the bright, energetic struggling with this uneasy intersection, espe- cast and lickety-split pacing certainly help— cially his parents, an Evangelical pastor and his as does a genuine tenderness—unheard of in wife, whose marital discord we sense is reach- previous dude comedies. This movie was the ing the breaking point. opening-night selection for Reeling, Chicago’s Henry’s birthday is being celebrated with a LGBTQ film festival (for which I acted as co- seemingly innocent pool party to which both programmer) and is now available digitally. friends and parents have been invited. All af- Former Chicagoan Kate Flannery (The Office) ternoon and evening long as the bathing suit- co-stars as Adam’s overbearing but well-inten- clad teens and young adults frolic in the pool, tioned mother. http://www.4thmanout.com/ we act as voyeurs along with their parents who sit on the sidelines, sizing them up—and each The gay man’s national holiday other. There are a lot of other troubled folks on Will Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett take hand and as the party progresses (and a bottle home a gold statuette for Carol? Will Eddie of illicit wine gets drunk), secrets are revealed Redmayne grab his second Best Actor Award and lives are irrevocably changed. playing transgender in The Danish Girl or Al- Although a tad melodramatic with one sub- ice Vikander her first for Supporting Actress plot too many thrown into the mix, Cone’s nu- as a supportive wife? Will Sam Smith get the anced script and his sure touch with his actors Best Song Oscar for “Writing’s on the Wall,” his Web series looks at (SAIC Fashion Design Department, Mas- (who include a bunch from the Chicago theatri- theme song for Spectre, the latest James Bond terChef) and Kate Pankone (Project Runway) cal community) is always a pleasure to bask in, action blockbuster? will welcome guests to the red carpet, ask- British trans artists ing them predictions for the evening and, of as are many of the naturalistic performances. It Who will wear the best gown and the tacki- Joi Productions and Plot Lost Pictures is course, who they are wearing. plays exclusively at the Gene Siskel Film Center, est; make the stupidest remarks at the podium presenting BOXX, a fictional Web drama series The 88th Academy Awards HD Telecast 164 N. State St. http://www.siskelfilmcenter. and the funniest? Will the In Memoriam salute following two Black diasporan London based begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($100 general org/henrygamble be truly moving or grossly gratuitous? What trans artists as they create a documentary admission or $200 VIP lounge) can be pur- celebrity will have the worst facelift? Whose about their lives. chased online at SiskelFilmCenter.org/holly- 4th Man Out speech will inspire, delight or fall flat on its Episode one is slated to be released March woodonstate2016 or 312-846-2072. Nice, sweet Adam Hutcherson (out actor Botox? How long will this longest of awards 8. Evan Todd) is a garage mechanic who spends show go? How will Chris Rock handle the con- The series stars Yrsa Daley-Ward, Khaleb most of his down time hanging out with his troversy over the lack of non-white nominees Brooks, Zhi Holloway and Olu Adaeze, and ‘A Night with Oscar’ hunky longtime best friend Chris (Parker this year? features Stephanie Yamson and Denver Isaac. Young, of Subpurgatory) and their other two All this and more will be answered when the BOXX is on YouTube at https://www.you- Feb. 28 at Center pals Ortu (Jon Gabrus, of MTV’s Guy Code) and 88th Academy Awards are presented Sunday, tube.com/channel/UCJofqAGhGrGTUm0Eu- The Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., Nick (Chord Overstreet of Glee). Together, this Feb. 28, on ABC. If you’re not hosting your own dIgjqg. will host the Academy Award-related event inseparable foursome engage in typical straight viewing party (my husband and I will be doing “A Night with Oscar” on Sunday, Feb. 28. male bonding: watching sports on TV, drinking the honors for at least the 10th time), there Doors will open for red-carpet arrivals at 6 beer, playing poker, chasing chicks and mak- are dozens of screening parties around town Oscars viewing party p.m., and there will be bar service and a buf- ing the random gay jokes—that is, until Adam to choose from (with the Center on Halsted’s fet. The Oscars telecast starts at 7:30 p.m. announces on his 24th birthday that he’s gay. and the Gene Siskel Film Center’s as two of my at Siskel Feb. 28 There will be the Green Room, described as The Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the And that’s where director Andrew Nackman’s faves). Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s still noth- “a sparkling party for radiant red-carpet rev- School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), wry little film, aptly titled4th Man Out, offers ing quite like the Oscars. http://oscar.go.com/ elers.” The ceremony will stream live on the 164 N. State St., will host “Hollywood on a canny twist on the typical “dude comedy.” big screen in the Screening Room. State: Where You’re the Star” on Sunday, Feb. Instead of the expected derision, Adam’s bros, Upcoming movie calendar Tickets and more information are at Cen- 28. though baffled by their friends announcement, Highlights from films opening in Chicago, terOnHalsted.org/ANWO. Among other things, hosts Tommy Walton do their best to be supportive—they sign him Feb. 26-March 4 (with some descriptions com- WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 23

Stephen Cone. Photo by Janna Giacoppo

From left: Baraka de Soleil, Leteefah Holder, LaRoyce Hawkins, Danielle Pinnock and Kenrick Joey McFarlane. Photo by Tracy Baim MOVIES Talkback takes place Talking with ‘Party’ after ‘Body/Courage’ Rivendell Theatre hosted a fantastic talk-back tonight after the performance of Body/Cour- age—written by and starring Danielle Pinnock and directed by Megan Carney—which runs animal Stephen Cone through Feb. 27. The discussion, “MEDIA AS A MESSAGE: Race & Body Image,” was about how pop culture frames, conditions, creates and reinforces self-perception. On stage were (from left): per- formance artist Baraka de Soleil, Los Angeles-based actress Leteefah Holder, actor LaRoyce Hawkins (from TV’s Chicago P.D.), Pinnock and visual artist Kenrick Joey McFarlane. See http ://rivendelltheatre.org/.

By Richard Knight, Jr. duction) which didn’t have any overt, obvi- ous niche. A movie dealing with largely LGBT Chicagoan Stephen Cone is off to a grand start themes is that it is its own genre. I would say in 2016. my LGBT leaning movies have been less dif- The multi-hypenhate (writer-director-actor- ficult than others to get financed. teacher) has just finished wowing critics and WCT: Okay, that’s heartening to hear. What audiences in the leading role in Le Switch, the made you want to go back to these themes latest gaythemed play from Philip Dawkins. that you explored so beautifully in The Wise Cone is also, no doubt, basking in the praise for Kids? What else did you want to say? his latest film, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party. SC: It was just deciding what to make next The movie won an award at last fall’s Chicago and I’d written this other screenplay that International Film Festival from the Out-Look wasn’t very good (laughs) about two ministers jury (of which this writer was a member) and who share the gospel with the adult-enter- went on to prestigious film festival screenings tainment industry. I thought it would be this across the country, including a memorable eve- entertaining romp of a thing and it ended up ning at BAM Cinema Fest (a personal triumph not being very interesting but it culminated for Cone). Now Henry Gamble (which made my back home in suburbia with a pool party and top 10 list for 2015) is getting a theatrical run when I was thinking about what to make next in Chicago (at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.) beginning Friday, Feb. 26. Cone’s film, like his 2011 hit The Wise Kids, Turn to page 29 focuses on the uneasy intersection of hu- man desire and religious conservatism. Henry (played by out actor Cole Doman) is celebrating Wedding expo at his 17th birthday with a pool party to which both teens and adults have been invited. As Hard Rock the party goes on, a lot of secrets are brought March 20 to light. Henry’s is that he’s gay and has a The eighth annual Chicago “Same Love, silent crush on his straight best friend while Same Rights” LGBT wedding expo will take another of the male attendees has a crush on place at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, 230 him. That’s for starters. Between performances, N. Michigan Ave., 1-4 p.m. SATURDAY Cone chatted about the film with Windy City More than 35 select LGBT-friendly ven- Times. dors will be present. The grand-prize give- Windy City Times: How hard is it to get the APRIL 9 away will be a wedding for the winner and money to do a movie with religious themes up to 30 guests, courtesy of Rev. Pamela ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT NOON and queer themes? Those are two of the Magnuson at Pine Manor and www.GayWed- hardest things to get financed so that im- dingChicagoSite.com. THECHICAGOTHEATRE.COM mediately comes to mind. See http://www.samelovesamerights. Stephen Cone: Not as hard as a movie like com/index.php?option=com_content&view The Chicago Theatre provides disabled accommodations and sells tickets to disabled individuals through our Disabled Services Black Box (Cone’s previous film, which focused department, which may be reached at 888-609-7599 any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ticketmaster orders are subject =article&id=186&Itemid=313. to service charges. on a group of actors putting on a college pro- 24 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES Policing was one of the questions to which BOOKS Stewart-Winter was drawn. It formed the gen- esis of Queer Clout. “I think it’s where queer people encounter ‘Queer Clout’ State power in its most intimate and violent forms,” he said. “There’s a degree in which fear of the police and law enforcement shaped LGBT author examines mobilization from the ‘50s and ‘60s and well into the ‘70s and ‘80s. In part, that is the story that I wanted to tell.” LGBTQ activism, As the book begins by charting gay and lesbian life in 1950s Chicago, Stewart-Winter writes that “friends and lovers faced the risk of Chicago politics becoming enmeshed in the dangerous clutches of policeman, with money and influence offer- ing the only means of escape.” “There is the emergence of progressive and Left Liberal coalitions in Chicago politics and the ways that they challenged and questioned the machine, “ Stewart-Winter acknowledged. “I always knew that I wanted to look at both movement organizations and electoral politics at City Hall in the same study. They kept pull- ing me towards the make-up of Queer Clout. Unpacking policing and how and why the po- lice stopped raiding gay bars as a form of social control has to do with gay activism but there are some aspects of the story that are random and unexpected.” Whereas aggressive policing became a cata- lyst for coalition building that occurred in a relatively short span of time, following suc- cesses like marriage equality and an increase of anti-discrimination laws, the movement seems to be fracturing. “The coalitions that were possible became Timothy Stewart-Winter. more difficult later especially with the turn to Photo courtesy of Stewart-Winter marriage, which has been very much perceived as a white, middle-class preoccupation,” Stew- art-Winter said. “It is an issue that people who By Gretchen Rachel Hammond Stewart-Winter cautiously acknowledges that are more focused on survival are less likely to such boundaries are changing and so there is be engaged with. We can tell a story that is When Rutgers University Assistant Professor of an increase in social services. While all of this rosy—about everyone getting along—or we History Timothy Stewart-Winter—also the au- is happening in concert with an exponentially can tell a story that is nothing but conflict and thor of the new book Queer Clout: Chicago and growing visibility in the media and politics, white, gay racism but what I tried to do is tell the Rise of Gay Politics—returns to Chicago there is a downside. a story that looks at how things really played for appearances at the University of Chicago’s “At a time when fewer people were out and out on the ground and shows that there were Scherer Center for the Study of American Cul- visible, those who were tended to be brave and always both tensions and alliances.” ture on Feb. 22 and Andersonville’s Women and gutsy folks,” he said. “That is still true. Peo- “Things don’t always get better,” he added. Children First on Feb. 23, the city will be as ple have always found different ways of being “Linear progressive narratives are something I familiar to him as it is brand-new. trans, gender nonconforming, lesbian gay or bi. try to resist. Nothing ever plays out exactly For the recipient of accolades such as the I do worry that with the increased visibility the way the movement plans but, at the same Jacob J. Javits, ACLS/Mellon, James C. Hormel of the left, there is also an installation of a time, the movement creates the conditions Fellowships and early enthusiastic reviews of particular model as the only path. Those that that enable change to happen.” Queer Clout, life is one of ceaseless discovery have been mainstreamed try to speak for the Queer Clout is as replete with lessons that whether academic or personal. community as a whole. But there are multiple, can be drawn from history as it is with the Either way, he embraces it and it is this en- overlapping communities that are diverse and questions it inspires—ones that Stewart-Win- thusiasm which pervades Queer Clout—a book made up of people who don’t necessarily iden- ter will continue to ask even as he moves on that intertwines a study of the city’s LGBTQ tify with the subculture.” to his next project, which delves into Sex and community and Chicago political history and Yet there are many experiences that unite the Drugs in the AIDS Crisis. examine the synergy between them as it traces community generationally—high among them For more information about Queer Clout, “the gay movement’s trajectory since the 1950s are the attitudes of law enforcement towards visit http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/ from the closet to the corridors of power” and it and abusive treatment that was as rife in book/15524.html. “challenges the traditional division between the earliest days of the movement as it is now the homophile and gay liberation movements, towards particularly trans people of color. and stresses gay people’s and African Ameri- project but at first he vacillated as to where cans’ shared focus on police harassment.” to focus it upon. That changed as he came to “Compared to the better known stories of San know the city. Gallery hosting Joffrey presenting Francisco and New York, the story of gay em- Emblematic for a man preparing for a life powerment in Chicago was in many ways repre- dedicated to academia, with observation came sexual-assault ‘Bold Moves’ sentative of the dozens of other regional mag- questions. For its annual winter engagement, The Jof- nets for gay migration,” Stewart-Winter writes. “Early in my time in Chicago, I was in a long exhibit frey Ballet presents “Bold Moves,” a program The Awakenings Foundation—the home of “This book introduces the reader to women and distance relationship with someone in the of three contemporary ballets that runs at the only known collection of rape-survivor men who created a social movement far from San Francisco Bay area,” he explained. “For a the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt Univer- artwork—has announced its first curated social meccas.” while I planned to write the dissertation on sity, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., through Feb. 21. exhibit, “Graphic Relief,” which will feature Born in Boston in 1979 and raised in Michi- neighborhoods in San Francisco but, as I got The program includes a world premiere by to know Chicago and got more involved in Chi- international comic book, graphic novel and British choreographer Ashley Page, along gan from the age of 8, Stewart-Winter’s own zine media artists who deal with the topic of introduction to the LGBTQ community occurred cago’s sources, I really believed that looking at with the return of two popular works from a city that isn’t famous all over world for being street harassment. the Joffrey repertoire: Yuri Possokhov’s RAkU during his first semester as an undergraduate Artists are welcome to submit, regardless at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. queer but draws queer migrants from all over and Jirí Kylian’s Forgotten Land plus live or- the middle of the country lets us ask questions of survivor identity, as long as works speak chestral accompaniment from the Chicago “I’m someone who went from being not out to the topic. to anyone, including myself, to being out to that are harder to ask about coastal cities.” Philharmonic, led by Joffrey Music Director Some of those questions surrounded the way The Awakenings Foundation exists to help Scott Speck. pretty much everyone in my life in a very short survivors of sexual assault heal through the the Chicago community was structured. Single tickets, priced $32-$155, are avail- period of time,” he told Windy City Times. “I creative arts. This exhibit will open up our “I perceived Chicago’s queer life as very seg- able for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet’s identified as both gay and queer and being mission to a wider community of artists and regated racially because it is bifurcated in na- official box office at Joffrey Tower, 10 E. around LGBTQ people who were my age shaped patrons by tackling the epidemic of street ture and has such a sharp boundary between Randolph St.; the Auditorium Theatre of Roo- my self-understanding. It was the pretty visible harassment and catcalling, which has been the South and North sides,” Stewart-Winter sevelt University Box Office; all Ticketmaster contingent of queer activist students and out thrust into a spotlight in recent digital and said. “I always wondered why all visible gay in- Ticket Centers; at 800-982-2787; or at Tick- faculty that made the difference for me.” social media. stitutions were concentrated on the North Side etmaster.com. During post-graduate work at the University Email Laura Kinter at laura@awakenings- and that became a question I wanted to learn of Chicago, Stewart-Winter was inspired to cre- foundation.net. ate his dissertation around an urban history more about.” WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 25 the Getty Research Institute, the authors were Author Jarrett Neal given the unique opportunity to explore new Book on gay men, resources and present fresh perspectives. in Chicago Feb. 27 Robert Mapplethorpe: The Photographs pres- Jarrett Neal, author of What Color Is Your ents some of Mapplethorpe’s most familiar Hoodie: Essays in Black Gay Identity, will dis- meth seeks to provide portraits, including intimate self-portraits and cuss and sign his book Saturday, Feb. 27, 2 those of his long-time benefactor and lover p.m., at Revolution Books, 1103 N. Ashland Samuel J. Wagstaff Jr., poet-musician Patti Ave. recovery solutions Smith and other members of New York’s cultur- In 13 essays, Neal reports on the status of A new book—Lust, Men and Meth: A Gay al elite, including artists David Hockney, Andy Black gay men in the new millennium, examin- Man’s Guide to Sex and Recovery (Healing Warhol, and Louise Bourgeois, actress Isabella ing issues such as classism, racism within the Path Press)—seeks to provide a road map for Rossellini and singer-songwriter Deborah Har- gay community, representations of Black male healthcare professionals treating gay men for ry. body within gay pornography ,and patriarchal methamphetamine addiction and sexual com- A companion publication, entitled Robert threats to the survival of both Black men and pulsion. Mapplethorpe: The Archive, by Frances Terpak gay men. Lust, Men and Meth is written by David M. and Michelle Brunnick, will also be published What Color is Your Hoodie? employs the au- Fawcett, a Florida-based psychotherapist, ad- in March, coinciding with the exhibition, Rob- thor’s own quest for visibility—through body- diction specialist and sex therapist who spe- ert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium. building, creative writing, and teaching among cializes in mental health and substance-abuse other pursuits—as the genesis for a dialogue issues. The book is the product of 13 years of that aims to symbolize the entire Black gay research by Fawcett. community’s struggle for recognition and sur- Illuminated by dozens of case studies, Lust, vival. Men, and Meth presents a guide to recovery Neal’s fiction, poetry and essays have ap- from meth use/addiction. The book helps pro- peared in Chelsea Station, The Gay and Les- fessionals address issues of self-esteem and bian Review, Requited Journal, The Good Men sexual intimacy that fuel addictive behavior Project and other publications, including the among gay men, as well as HIV transmission Lambda Literary Award-nominated anthologies dangers increased by meth use. For Colored Boys Who Considered Suicide When Lust, Men, and Meth is divided into three the Rainbow Is Still Not Enough and Black Gay parts: “The Perfect Storm,” which assesses the Genius: Answering Joseph Beam’s Call. components of individual personality traits and gay cultural norms that invite the opportunity for meth addiction; “Exploring the Sexual Uni- Mapplethorpe verse,” which explores how meth can rewire a gay man’s approach to sexuality, resulting in a board member of the Broward County Com- book out in March risky behavior and seroconversion; and “Re- mission on Substance Abuse, Fawcett helped Robert Mapplethorpe: The Photographs (J. storing Your Life,” providing seven tools for form the South Florida Methamphetamine Task Paul Getty Museum, March 2016) offers an ex- recovery from meth and restoring drug-free in- Force, which he also chaired. He received the amination of the artist’s oeuvre and influence. timacy. 2015 Koch Award for Professional of the Year Drawing from the extraordinary collection Fawcett is gay and HIV-positive. He has co- for Broward National Alcohol and Drug Addic- jointly acquired in 2011 by the J. Paul Getty founded or served on numerous groups ad- tion Recovery Month, and was twice named Museum and the Los Angeles County Museum of dressing meth use and HIV in the gay com- NASW Social Worker of the Year. Art from The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, munities of Florida and across the country. As See http://david-fawcett.com. as well as the Mapplethorpe Archive housed at CFW holding Internat’l LGBTQ bowlers Women’s Day prepare for Dance March 12 Second City tourney The LBTQ Giving Council of Chicago Foun- Registration is now open for the 2016 Sec- dation for Women (CFW) is hosting the 2nd ond City Open Tournament Chicago (SCOTCH), The Clarence Darrow Annual International Women’s Day Dance on which welcomes LGBTQ bowlers to Chicago to Saturday, March 12, 7 p.m.-12 a.m. at the compete for fun and prizes. Commemorative Committee National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and The third annual event is March 5-6 at the invites you to participate in its annual wreath- Culture. 40-lane Waveland Bowl, 3700 N. Western tossing and symposium !commemorating Darrow! Reviving this Chicago tradition last year, Ave. the LBTQ Giving Council successfully brought Last year’s tournament drew 140 bowlers Sunday, March 13, 2016 together folks from across the city to cel- (including 19 women) from Illinois and 10 10 a.m.-noon ebrate queer and trans* women, and raise other states. This year, organizers hope to in- A tribute on the anniversary of Darrow’s death! dollars for the LBTQ communities. crease participation to the maximum capac- ! The LBTQ Giving Council was the first affin- ity of 144 bowlers. Both veteran bowlers and ity group in Chicago formed to provide grants newcomers are invited to participate. Whole Cook County Jail: Then and Now to organizations and programs that serve teams are welcome as well as partial teams The Impact of Poverty and Racism LBTQ communities. Since 2008, the Giving and individuals, which can be matched up Council has awarded more than $95,000 in with others. Speaker: Hanke Gratteau grants to 12 organizations and programs Participants and raffle entrants could win !In 1902, Darrow wrote: [People] are in jail simply because they cannot avoid including Youth Empowerment Performance a variety of prizes, including cash awards, a it on account of circumstances which are entirely beyond their control … .” Project (YEPP), a safe space for queer youth new STORM bowling ball or a STORM bowling Today, many of the inmates of Cook County Jail are locked up because experiencing homelessness to explore their they cannot afford $5000 bail, because they committed crimes of survival, bag. because they are mentally ill. history and address their struggles; and Af- The SCOTCH earlybird registration fee is Join us as Hanke Gratteau, director of the Cook County Sheriff’s Justice finity Community Services, a social justice $109. Feb. 20 is the final day to register. Institute, describes today’’s jail population and efforts underway to shift the paradigm. Under Gratteau’s leadership, the Institute mines data to organization working on behalf of black LG- The complete SCOTCH 2016 rules and de- expose the consequences of criminalizing homelessness, mental illness, drug BTQ communities. The LBTQ Giving Council tails can be found at http://www.scotch- dependency and the devastating effects of generational poverty. The goal: provides grants through its Lavender Fund. to enlighten policies and practices regarding incarceration and evictions. bowling.com. Or Like and follow the latest Gratteau is a former award-winning journalist, including the 2002 “We are thrilled to renew the tradition of SCOTCH news on Facebook at https://www. Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism. She also served as Executive the International Women’s Day Dance! The facebook.com/SCOTCHtourney. Director of the John Howard Association, a corrections watchdog group, and Vice-President for Public Affairs at Ounce of Prevention. Dance has become the Giving Council’s big- ! gest fundraiser,” said Kim Hunt, Giving Coun- ! cil member. “Come party with us and sup- Paula Poundstone in ! This year’s event includes Clarence Darrow’s own words from his 1902 port groups that are doing great work with address to prisoners in Cook County Jail, as read by Fawzia Mirza. and on behalf of queer and trans women!” Skokie March 19 Fawzia Mirza is an actress and producer, for stage, TV and film. "I love to use The North Shore Center for the Performing To purchase tickets or become a sponsor see performance, personal storytelling and comedy to break down stereotypes across Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, will welcome a multiplicity of identities: race, religion, sexual orientation and gender and defy the www.cfw.org/events/ . The event is at 3015 comedian Paula Poundstone on Saturday, concept of the 'model minority' often portrayed in the mainstream,” she said. W Division St., with a free parking lot. March 19, at 8 p.m. CFW is a grantmaking organization dedi- Please join us at 10 a.m. just EAST of the Clarence Darrow Bridge in Jackson Park (the bridge is under construction) Her most recent comedy CD, I HEART JOKES: cated to increasing resources and oppor- for the traditional tossing of flowers and brief speeches to commemorate Darrow; the Symposium begins at 10:45 Paula Tells Them in Boston was recorded dur- a.m. in the Museum of Science and Industry: The Rosenwald Room (formerly the New Columbian Room). tunities for women and girls in the greater ing a performance at the Wilbur Theatre in Beverages and rolls will be served. (The Darrow Bridge is behind the Museum of Science and Industry: Driving south Chicago area. To support our philanthropy, on Lake Shore Drive, pass the light at 57th Drive and turn right at the next light [Science Drive]. You will come almost the heart of the city and was released on immediately to Columbia Drive. If you turn left and follow Columbia Drive there is parking near the bridge. You may the Foundation promotes increased invest- April Fool’s Day 2013. park near the OmniMax Theater and walk south to the bridge. Parking is by the bridge.)! ment in women and girls, raises awareness Tickets are $45-$52; visit http://www. See www.darrowbridge.org or call 773-387-2394 about their issues and potential, and devel- northshorecenter.org/. ops them as leaders and philanthropists. 26 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES BOOK REVIEW heart, but by age 13, he could no longer ignore that he was gay. School, by then, had joined music as a Soul Serenade thing of refuge; Ollison excelled at his les- by Rashod Ollison sons, achieved good grades, made friends, $25.95; Beacon Press; 230 pages and expanded his playlist. As he grew, he also by TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER wondered about his father sometimes but was largely indifferent, even as the man lay dying. Vinyl is making a comeback. And then an aunt told Ollison something Those are five words that put a smile on a that made him change his tune. music aficionado’s face. A CD isn’t the same, Soul Serenade starts where many good mem- they say. An MP3 is nowhere near as good. You oirs do: with a faded picture of a time that don’t get the right sound unless you’re spin- barely seems possible. From there, we’re sur- ning a record, so vinyl is coming back—but, for prised by a death that promises to taint much people like Rashod Ollison in Soul Serenade, it of what’s to come, all wrapped in family lore. never really left. But don’t get complacent. Author Ollison There was once a time when “Dusty” Ollison’s doesn’t allow any lingering. Soon enough, his parents were happy. story becomes angry yelling, a smack upside He knows it’s true; he has evidence of it, the head, profanity, TV-as-babysitter, fists and in the form of a picture taken at the begin- sore feet. We’re taken from neighborhood to ning of their marriage, which lasted thirteen neighborhood as the lights are shut off, the years. When they split, he was old enough to rent isn’t paid, and he’s taunted with words witness but too young to understand, having that his sister has to explain. It’s chaos—but become inured to the fights, the cheating, and it’s also a darn good tale that it doesn’t dis- the drinking at his home near Hot Springs, Ar- spinning on the turntable. Michael Jackson solve into whining or poor-me-ing, a testament kansas. gave him comfort, Aretha was a mood barom- to Ollison’s storytelling skills. After Ollison’s father fled his family—leaving eter, they all taught him about grown-up love Soul Serenade is one of those books that Ollison’s mother with a ‘tween and two small through lyrics. With his mother working two sticks in your brain—not only for the suggest- children—he rarely returned. But he left a gift full-time jobs to keep food on the table, Ol- ed music, but because the memoir itself leaves behind: stacks of vinyl. lison counted on music to anchor him. It was its mark. And if that sounds like solid gold to Ollison says he remembers poking around his means of escape as his oldest sister took you, then give this book a spin. music stores with his father, ogling covers, her rage out on him, as his family moved re- Want more? Then look for After the Dance: eager for approval of his taste in performers. peatedly, as he was bullied in school for “actin’ My Life with Marvin Gaye, by Jan Gaye and Da- Chaka Khan, Bobby Womack, Stevie Wonder, Ol- like a woman.” Rashod Ollison. vid Ritz; or Chaka! Through the Fire, by Chaka lison recalls fascination with their record labels He denied feminine gestures and a tender Photo by Hyunsoo Leo Kim Khan and Tonya Bolden.

Chicago Auto Show runs through Feb. 21 This year marks the 108th edition of the Chi- cago Auto Show (#CAS16), which runs through Feb. 21 at McCormick Place. First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest Chicago Auto Show 2016. auto show in North America and has been held Photos by Andrew Davis and Tracy Baim more times than any other auto exposition on the continent. In all, nearly 1,000 different vehicles (cover- ing more than 1 million square feet) will be on display during this year’s nine-day show. The Chicago Auto Show features hundreds of inter- active booths, accessories and auto-related ex- hibits, competition vehicles, and antique and collector cars. One big difference with this year’s show is that booths are in different places than in previous years—which may disorient regular visitors. However, the diversity of vehicles on display is still staggering. The annual First Look for Charity took place Feb. 12. It was expected to raise more than $2.5 million annually to benefit 18 local chari- ties. Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for seniors age 62 and older as well as children ages 7-12, and free for children age up to 6. As for special days at show, Family Day took place Feb. 15 and Women’s Day on Feb. 16, with Hispanic Day on Friday, Feb. 19. There’s also a food drive during which attendees can exchange three cans of food for a coupon good for a half-price discount off full-price admis- sion. For more information about the Chicago Auto Show, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com. Photos and text by Andrew Davis

@windycitytimes1 /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 27 Billy Masters

“It’s funny. I play a gay character on a TV show. Whether it’s me or the character, at the end of the day it’s still my body, it’s still telling the story. It’s the character and his journey, but it’s my body, my lips, my hands.”—Nick Jonas When I came out in the late ‘80s, there were about eight seven-nights-a-week gay dance clubs in Boston. By 2000, there weren’t any. Once Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, the gay scene changed drastically. In 1992, Boston’s WFNX began broadcasting a weekly gay radio pro- gram. If the subject matter of “One in Ten” was groundbreaking, so was its home—the area’s most popular alternative rock radio sta- tion. Throughout the show’s history, I often appeared as a guest and, occasionally, as a host. One night in 2005, I asked our engineer where young gay people went at night. He Sirius XM has said “Bye, Bye, Bye” to Lance kinda snottily said, “Oh, we don’t need to go Bass, Billy says. out to gay clubs like your generation did—we Photo by Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images just go anywhere.” I suddenly felt very old... and very smart. Equality comes with a price. something Crocker clearly isn’t discouraging. If you want the rights to be able to do what However, we’re told that Aaron’s people made everyone else does where everyone else does it Chris delete an Instagram video that showed and be considered the same as everyone else, the guys on the brink of a kiss. But nothing you don’t need your own things—like clubs or is ever really deleted, as you will see on Bil- radio stations. lyMasters.com. Last week, SiriusXM shut down its ground- If I’ve never said anything (and Lord knows breaking queer station, OutQ. It wasn’t com- I’ve said it all), I’ve said that if there were a pletely unexpected—this past summer, Sirius reality star I’d want to watch getting fucked, it abruptly cancelled the wildly popular program would be Will Wikle. Not being a Big Brother by Derek & Romaine. Rumors were circulating devotee, I was late to the Wikle party. But I that other changes were in store. With almost jumped on board (as it were) in 2011 when no warning, the plug was pulled on OutQ. But he whipped himself into shape and re-emerged the cuts didn’t stop there. At the same time, as a top (top?) NYC go-go boy (boy?) while Lance Bass was canned, even though he’s on still working as an ER nurse—which probably Andy Cohen ... rather, Andy’s Sirius station came in handy while clubgoers watched his (Radio Andy). Can’t Bass get a break? First heart-stopping gyrations. When asked about Meredith Vieira and now this? this career trajectory, he said, “To my Southern Barry Manilow had to interrupt his One Last Baptist family back home, I tell them that God Time—One Last Tour due to “oral surgery.” OK, blessed me with a bountiful butt, and shaking I don’t mean it like Kathy Griffin would—he it is my ministry.” Well, isn’t that special. really did have oral surgery. Barry was rushed Those of you not in the Tri-state area will into emergency surgery to deal with compli- get to see Will’s ass (and the rest of him) in cations from an earlier procedure. Apparently, his upcoming porn debut. Yes, he’s doing porn. he had a benign tumor in his mouth removed This somewhat surprised me—not because he in 1986 and, since then, he’s needed regular isn’t hot enough, but because he’d always re- treatments. While the doctors expect he can re- fused it as an option. He said, “Never. I like to sume his schedule soon, his publicist says that be in control”—a statement all good bottoms Manilow has been ordered not to “talk, sing or say at one time or another. But Wikle got to rap.” Rap? Did I miss something? Is he known be in control for this project to be released as a rapper? Is it Tupac, Jay Z and Manilow? by CockyBoys. Will is co-producing The Still- Maybe we should start calling him Mani-O. est Hour, which also features Colby Keller and Another singer is making tongues wag over Levi Karter. We’re told the film cost roughly some racy photos. Aaron Carter was recently five times the amount of a usual porn. In ad- featured in a series of photos with Chris dition to the hardcore content, this flick also Crocker. You remember Chris—his 15 minutes includes quite a bit of plot and dialogue. Judg- of fame sprang from a viral video imploring ing solely from the trailer, the acting skills are people to “Leave Britney alone.” It’s that his- questionable—to say the least. But the heat tory which led to canoodling with Carter. generated by them certainly sizzles. You can It all started when a scurrilous website check out Wikle from a variety of angles at Bil- claimed that if you ask Aaron Carter to sing his lyMasters.com. biggest hit “I Want Candy,” he will whine like When we’re watching Wikle’s willie, it’s defi- a baby. Lots of people argued back and forth, nitely time to end yet another column. Before and then Crocker entered the fray. He made a ending, I want to thank you for the birthday video saying, “Leave Aaron Carter alone right wishes. Sincerely, I appreciate it and never now! For real, though. I mean, you people are take it for granted—except, perhaps, when mad because he doesn’t want to sing, ‘I Want I’m having sex with reality stars ... I do draw Candy’ from when he was a kid? That’s like peo- the line at Internet sensations. And speaking ple asking me to do ‘Leave Britney alone’. Now, of the Internet, check out www.BillyMasters. I would do Aaron.” As I always say, you’ve got com, the site that never goes down (unlike to put it out into the universe. Aaron tweeted, its proprietor). If you have a question for me, “@ChrisCrocker is my man crush.” The two- send it along to [email protected], and I some seemed to be flirting online and before promise to get back to you before Chris Crocker you know it, they were face to face, posing for makes a “Leave Billy alone” video. Until next a number of suggestive shots. How suggestive? time, remember: One man’s filth is another man’s bible. People are now claiming the two are lovers— MANHOLE One last Tea in B-town before the hole closes ... forever. Sun., February 14. Photos by Vince Rango 28 Feb. 17, 2016 WINDY CITY TIMES the DISH Weekly Dining Guide in nightspots WINDY CITY TIMES SAVOR the big Charlatan BY ANDREW DAVIS TO-DO OUR WEEKLY PICKS TO PLAN “Che cazzo fai?” YOUR NIGHTLIFE CALENDAR I bring up this vulgar Italian phrase (which roughly translates as “What the f--k are you do- Aker described the cuisine as “Italian country- Images from Charlatan. ing?) because it’s on prominent display in the back house meets Midwest farmhouse.” The menu has Photos by Andrew Davis and Gretchen Rachel of the restaurant Charlatan (1329 W. Chicago Ave.; headings such as “Salt + Time,” “Rolled + Extrud- Hammond CharlatanChicago.com). ed” and “Large + Limited”—which one could argue Maybe the phrase is there to convey some sort give the place a pretension it doesn’t need. of laid-back, rock ‘n roll attitude. However, the fare But the food itself is done quite well. Aker noted served betrays that to an extent, as it’s pretty ele- that The Chicago Sun-Times food critic called the gant—proving that chef Matt Troost knows exactly daily focaccia one of the 10 best things he had what he’s doing. last year. I wouldn’t rate it quite that high, but it The decor at Charlatan is interesting (that catch- was pretty good. However, the creamy chicken Bo- all word), to say the least. Wood is prominent, but lognese (Charlatan has a daily Bolognese) might there are also animal heads on the wall along with make my list for the top 10 things I’ve had this skeletons on the wallpaper. In addition, there’s a year—although 2016 still has a way to go. I’d re- nifty red booth in the back (that definitely stands turn for that dish alone. Boylesque w/Ben D. Mann: out from the rest of the seating); the restaurant’s My dining companion adored the grilled oc- most part, from the one listed online) is enticing, The Tainted Love Show Jackie Aker said that it might be converted into a topus, which is served with beef-braised baby even if it’s pretty short. The budino (served with chef’s table, but the staff isn’t sure. carrots, pan gratato, parsley and romesco. The an almond mini-financier) is tasty, sweet and al- Thu., Feb. 18, 10:30 pm There aren’t many cocktails on the menu—but, black-pepper rigatoni (served with wild-boar ragu, most shockingly lemony. Mary’s Attic, boy, did I enjoy the one I had. It was called a Civil parmesan and fried Brussels sprouts) was also By the way, Charlatan is one of the few places Obedience (you have to love the names of some quite pleasing. Lastly, we tried the goat cheese- I’ve visited that offers an actual pig head as a 5400 N. Clark St. restaurants’ drinks), and it was a tasty concoction Chicago’s own unique all-male review stuffed chicken breast—and, for me, it almost dish. Coming from the South, it’s not that odd a preforming their favorite twisted love of Tito’s vodka, Meletti Amaro, pineapple, allspice ranked up there with the chicken Bolognese. sight for me, though; however, it might almost songs. Starring Clyf Hangar, Otter and lime. There’s also a solid selection of beer (in- The dessert listing (which has changed, for the lead someone else to ask, “Che cazzo fai?” Chaos (pictured), Isaac Zire, The Bend- cluding the popular Lagunitas Brewing) and wines. ettes, and host Ben D. Mann. A differ- ent special guest performer each week.

it’s crazy, say it’s a sin, I just need someone to rest my balls on their chin” from the ode to straight- DANCING on-Gay love, “Which One O’ You Queers Gonna Suck My Dick?”, he’s sending a big middle finger to the ABOUT established “Bro Country.” But Redneck Shit isn’t just funny, it’s a true country jam made with assis- ARCHITECTURE tance from the Nashville establishment to hearken back to the days of the outlaw country of Waylon, By marc ‘moose’ moder Willie and Merle. Speaking of the Nashville establishment, Wyn- onna Judd, who’s one of the genre’s best vocal- ists, has been coasting for decades now. After two Big Freedia LIVE strong solo albums in the ‘90s, two mediocre ones Giving country to follow, a reunion with her nutty mama and some covers albums, the red-headed diva is back with Fri., Feb. 19, 10 pm another (10th) what could be the best album of her career, Wyn- Seven Nightclub, onna and the Big Noise, which is also the moniker 3206 N. Halsted St. chance under which it’s recorded. With heavyweights like The Queen of Bounce hits Boystown! Jason Isbell and Susan Tedechi and songs written $28 advance general admission As the genre of country music hits rough patches, or co-written by Chris Stapleton, Julie Miller, tickets, limited number of Ultimate VIP Experience tickets available for and then bounces back time after time, the fans Raphael Saddiq, Kevin Welch and even Eagles feel the loves and losses, like the highs and lows $35, available at www.whatisseven. bassist/singer Timothy B. Schmit, Big Noise is com. of a break-up and make-up. Now I’m not speaking not just a return to form, but a rare evolution in of the regular country fan who thinks Florida Geor- middle age which will remind music fans of Bonnie gia Line is as high-quality as George Jones. I’m Raitt’s ‘90s comeback in tone and maturity. talking real country fans who know that the times Good country is out there, and it doesn’t come when pop passes for the genre (early ‘80s, late with autotune, electronic drums or from a reality ‘90s, now) are low points to true fans. Our long, show. It comes from the heart, and we still heart dark time (when Garth Brooks first retired until the country. present) might be almost over though. Recently, Check out these artists and more as Moose after the good lord Timberlake introduced us to spins Lumbersexual: Otter Country on February the guiding light of Chris Stapleton, I had to look 20, 9 pm, at The SoFo Tap. into other powerhouses coming down the country road. Need a baby step into the shallow waters be- tween your love for Lana-Del-Ray-pop and the genre? Check out dreamy albums by Amy Blaschke Brian’s Spekeasy (Opaline) and Rachel Brooke (The World’s Greatest Grand Opening Party Anchor). If you’re already down with Jenny Lewis, Rumer or Neko Case, you’re there. If you don’t Thu., Feb. 25, 6-9 pm know the past three, get to work. Brian’s Speakeasy, Comedian Ben Hoffman unleashed is alter ego, 440 N. State St. Wheeler Walker Jr., onto us last week with an Come check out the new space amazingly great comedy music album of the high- downtown (formerly Downtown). DJ est rate of offensiveness called Redneck Shit. The Freddie Bain spins the tunes. Enjoy Howard Stern of country, you have to go into the Jack Daniel’s and Tito’s specials with the crowd. album with an open mind that Hoffman will offend everyone in good time. With lyrics like, “They say WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 17, 2016 29

Chicago Theatre Week With 100 theatre Blood, Marriage, Wine & Glitter by S. Bear entertainment, $50 at door. Cash bar. COMMUNITY productions, a celebration of Chicago’s Bergman. Free event. 7:00pm - 9:00pm Cocktails 6:30 pm. 7:00pm Phoenix Res- world-class theatre scene presented by the Gerber Hart Library and Archives 6500 N taurant 2131 S. Archer Chicago Tickets: League of Chicago Theatres in partnership Clark St Chicago http://www.gerberhart. http://afchicago.org/blog/2016/01/02/ CALENDAR with Choose Chicago. $15 or $30. 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King Dr. LGBTQ group​ creating communities of LG- Manufacturing, 401 N Morgan St. Tick- 7366 N Clark St, Chicago http://Www. Tickets: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/ BTQs to go en masse to not specifically ets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ achurch4me.org events/view/1729950/ gay nightlife, sports, culture, travel des- tickled-pink-for-bright-pink-2016-tickets- The Boys in Briefs PFP’s new singing Free HIV/AIDS testing at Affinity Com- tinations for one-time experiences. Ticket 19364407464?aff=es2 quartet: At the Beach 7:00pm Uptown munity Services Affinity is a social jus- includes silver level seats, exclusive back- Underground, 4707 N. Broadway St., tice organization that focuses on health stage after-party 9 pm with cast, drinks, Saturday, Feb. 20 Chicago https://www.facebook.com/ and wellness, leadership development, and appetizers. 7:30pm - 9:00pm Victory Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance events/1678970355713530/ community building for Black lesbian, bi- Gardens Theater 2433 N Lincoln Ave Chi- (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about sexual, and transgender women and LGBTQ cago Tickets: https://www.eventbrite. illnesses, symptoms, treatment, doc- Monday, Feb. 22 youth of African descent in the Chicago com/e/cocked-at-victory-gardens-theater- tors, and personal issues such as dating, Movie Musical Mondays: Cabaret Monday metropolitan area. 1:00pm - 3:00pm Af- something ‘mu’ tickets-20110611380 relationships and work. Every Saturday. nights through February, screening past finity Community Services 1424 E. 53rd St. Saturday, Feb. 20 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on Halsted movie musical Oscar winners. Bring your Suite 306 Chicago 773-324-0377 http:// Friday, Feb. 19 3656 N Halsted Chicago http://dbsa-glbt- own snacks and warm up your voice - it www.affinity95.org Lesbian musical duo Supporting Our Transgender Students Jen- chicago.com just may turn into a sing-along! $5 sug- Chicago in Focus. State of Chicago’s Whatismu will perform in nifer Leininger, Lurie Children’s Hospital Affinity Community Services Voter Reg- gested donation. 6:30pm - 9:00pm Cen- Neighborhoods How will the budget affect Gender Development Program, “Beyond istration Talk Talk with Chicago Lawyers’ ter on Halsted 3656 N Halsted St. http:// neighborhood life? Panel: Alderman Tom Palatine. the Gender Binary: Supporting Trans and Committee about history of voting rights, www.centeronhalsted.org/newevents-de- Tunney, 44th Ward Chicago; Kevin Jackson, Photo by Ed Peterson Gender Nonconforming Students”; Carolyn importance of voting and learn best prac- tails.cfm?ID=11251 Chicago Rehab Network; Karen Kolb Flude, Photography Wahlskog 360 Youth Services of Naperville, tices on working with organizations and Forward Chicago; Giselle Mercier, ElevArte “Current Trends in Supporting LGFBTQ+ communities to increase the number of Tuesday, Feb. 23 Chicago; Lauren Nolan, Voorhees Center for Youth; Owen Daniel-McCarter, Illinois registered voters. 1:00pm - 3:00pm St. Financial Education Fair Basic banking and Neighborhood and Community Improve- Safer Schools Alliance, “Legal Protec- Martin’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W. Midway how to save money at 7:00-7:45. Student ment, UIC. Free, cash bar. RSVP League@ tions for Trans Youth: State of the Law.” Park, Chicago http://www.affinity95.org loans and debt management at 8:00-8:45 LWVChicago.org 5:00pm - 7:00pm Urban Thursday, Feb. 18 Workshop to be given twice on Feb. 19, Lesbian couple Whatismu Performance duo pm. Mortgages, building credit, what to League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago Black, Queer and Invisible? Center on the first 8-11:30 am. Second time slot will with a music hybrid of Indian percussion, save, and tips on minimizing fees. http:// 312-939-5949 http://lwvchicago.org/ Halsted chats with Kim Hunt (Executive feature a panel of parents who have trans- rock guitars and EBM synthesizers that www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/77-proud- Taste of Judaism class Classes on the mod- Director of the Pride Action Tank) and gender children. All high school personnel expresses emotions without words, the calendar-of-events/. Tickets: http://ti- ern Jewish take on spirituality, values, and Zach Stafford (Contributing writer for The in McHenry County, mental health provid- vision of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist nyurl.com/77Proud-EqualityIllinois community. Rabbi Cindy Enger of Or Cha- Guardian). Monthly series interviews local ers, PFLAG/PTI members invited. Register Lorrie Kountz collaborating with guitarist dash teaches Wednesdays Feb. 10, 17, and LGBTQ and ally leaders on their lives and with [email protected] by Feb. Laura Jansons, Kountz’s wife. $20 online. Wed., Feb. 24 24. Free. Register online 7:00pm - 9:00pm today’s most pressing topics, followed by 15. 12:30pm - 4:00pm McHenry County $25 at door 7:00pm Great Plains Zen Cen- Book Reading and Signing: Queer Clout by Temple Sholom of Chicago 3480 N. Lake networking with some of Chicagoland’s College, The Scot Room – B178, 8900 U.S. ter Benefit, Countryside Church, 1025 N. Timothy Stewart-Winter 7:30pm Women Shore Dr. Chicago http://www.reformjuda- organizations advancing Black and LGBTQ Highway 14, Crystal Lake http://www.pf- Smith St., Palatine Tickets: http://www. & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N Clark ism.org/learning/judaism-classes/taste- equality. $5 suggested donation. 6:30pm - lagillinois.org greatplainszen.org/benefit_concert. St., http://www.womenandchildrenfirst. judaism-chicago 8:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Halst- Bisexual Trans Queer Book Discussion Dis- Asians & Friends Chicago’s Chinese New com/event/author-reading-queer-clout- ed Chicago http://www.centeronhalsted. cussion of Lambda Literary Award finalist Year’s Dinner $40 for multi-course meal, tmothy-stewart-winter org/newevents-details.cfm?ID=11299

springs into action to save captive U.S. Presi- KNIGHT from page 22 dent Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) from the ON STANDS (but not names) co-star in this horror thriller. terrorists who attacked London. It’s a sequel to WED., FEB. 24 —Desierto (March 4)—When their truck Olympus Has Fallen. suddenly breaks down, a migrant named Moi- —Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (March 4)—While ses (Gael Garcia Bernal) leads 13 others on a working as a war correspondent in Afghanistan trek through the harsh terrain along the U.S.- and Pakistan during Operation Enduring Free- Mexico border and find themselves in a fight for dom, Kim Barker (Tina Fey) develops a crazy their lives against a psychotic sniper (Jeffrey relationship with a fellow journalist from Scot- LGBT Dean Morgan) and his vicious hunting dog. land (The Hobbit’s Martin Freeman). Based on —London Has Fallen (March 4)—Secret Barker’s bestselling memoir. Margot Robbie, Wedding Guide Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) Billy Bob Thornton and Alfred Molina co-star. FIFTH EDITION DOWNLOAD NOW AT: Winter/Spring 2016 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com terested in personal work and I’m interested CONE from page 23 in mining the emotional experiences that I I thought, “Oh, this is interesting. What if the encountered whether directly or indirectly in a semi-autobiographical way. I would be do- entire movie was this?” That’s where it came are the working title names, though. I haven’t back practically. ing that probably whatever atmosphere I was RAPP from page 20 raised in. If my dad was a Jewish firefighter, I heard anything differently yet, if the titles will Also, Wise Kids didn’t confront sexuality and be changed. would probably be making very different films Do they ever chase you down the street? desire very directly so I think the real answer WCT: Are there queer themes in If/Then? but they would probably be personal. I’m just AR: They don’t usually chase me down the to your questions is: yes, I wanted to go back AR: Yes. My character is bisexual and Kate is making movies about what I know. The sort of street but when I do get recognized, people and do something that confronted evangelical a lesbian. She is involved with a woman. So I complicated, naughty, nuanced environment I are generally very respectful. I am proud of the desire and evangelical hypocrisy a little more would say those are two pretty queer things! grew up in. work I have done, so I don’t mind being recog- directly. Check out If/Then before it splits out of WCT: Many of the adults in the film are nized. There are times when I am in mid-bite WCT: I love that the movie is centered on town at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Ran- emotionally closeted, while most of the at a restaurant and they ask to take a picture, this quintessential American ritual: the pool dolph St., Feb. 23-March 6 with tickets at teens are completely open with no gender where I say, “Please let me finish eating!” party where you have all these half-naked www.BroadwayInChicago.com. people running around and all this unspoken biases. That was really refreshing to see on Other than that, I have been very fortunate desire. Here, of course, with all these nubile the screen. to be appreciated for the work I have done. teens on display, the voyeurism is akin to … SC: Thank you! WCT: You have some movies coming out Hitchcock! [Laughs] WCT: What’s up next, Stephen? this year? SC: That’s the irony of these Christian pool SC: I don’t want to say too much but I’m AR: I did a couple of low-budget films this BLAME from page 16 parties. You have these deeply devout, faithful going to try and make a feature this summer past summer. With independent films, it takes people who are probably members of the ab- down in South Carolina so it will be a similar a while to see light of day sometimes. I think training. Defrocking or excommunicating us stinence club (laughs) and yet, there are these situation to The Wise Kids where it’s still par- both are still being edited and scored. I am doesn’t end the problem. We’re not the prob- occasional moments where everyone gathers tially Chicago in that we use Chicago actors hopeful that they will get to see the light of lem. The priests in prison are not the problem. and removes the majority of their clothing. I and some crew but we’ll probably join forces day eventually. I still haven’t seen them my- The Church’s nonsensical sexual theology, and find that an absolutely fascinating thing and with some southern talent. This is about an self. I have seen stills, but not the finished its highly-destructive mind- and heart-molding it’s a reminder that even Christians live in bod- older, southern photographer; an older female product. They were really good experiences to methods, are the problem. ies and that single phrase could sum up the lead role. My top five ideas right now are all work on and really good roles. Fired for being gay in 1974 by a Catho- last 10 years of my work. about women. So look for portraits of women You never know how a film is going to turn lic newspaper, Brian McNaught has spent WCT: I don’t know a lot about your back- from me for the next little while. out but I am proud of them. They are both the past 42 years educating the public on ground, Stephen. Are you delving into your http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/henryg- queer-themed and have interesting stories to LGBT issues, and was named by the New York past, I’m guessing? amble tell about the LGBT experience. 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