Photo by Tim Peacock

VOL 35, NO. 21 JULY 8, 2020 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com E. PATRICK JOHNSON A profile of the newest NU dean. Photo from Johnson's website, run with permission

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DAVID ZAK Leaves Pride Films and Plays amid controversy. Photo by Bob Eddy MARCH

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POLITICAL PARTY FORWARD Durbin, Baldwin meet with Grassroots event focuses supporters. Official photo of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Black, Brown trans lives

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@windycitytimes /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES

PAGE 6 Chicago Pride Parade 2019. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (www.MysticImagesPhotography.com)

"Kickoff," The Chicago Gay Pride Parade 1976. Diane Alexander White Photography TWO SIDES OF PAGE 20 YESTERDAY APRIL 29, 2020 VOL 35, NO. 20 Looking back at Pride memories of the past (above) WINDYJUNE 24, 2020 and this month’s Drag March for Change (below) PRIDEChicagoBuffalo Pridedrives Grove postponed; on Pride VOL 35, NO. 16 CITY www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com AND TODAY EDDIE TIMES HUNSPERGER PAGE 17 Activist and partner of Rick Garcia dies. Photo of Hunsperger (right) and Garcia courtesy of Garcia 4 Buffalo Grove Pride 2019. SEEING Tim Carroll Photography THE LIGHT Lighthouse Foundation prepares programming. Photo of Rev. Jamie Frazier by Marcel Brunious 8 PAGE 4 www.windycitymediagroup.com

From the Drag March for Change. Photo by Vernon Hester

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FUN AND GUNN Tim Gunn on his new show, /windycitymediagroup 'Making the Cut'. Photo by Scott McDermott 13 @windycitytimes SUPPORT

Photo by Tim Peacock

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VOL 35, NO. 21 JULY 8, 2020 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com E. PATRICK JOHNSON A profile of the newest NU dean. Photo from Johnson's website, run with permission

10 LOCAL DAVID ZAK Leaves Pride Films and Plays amid controversy. Photo by Bob Eddy MARCH

13

POLITICAL PARTY FORWARD Durbin, Baldwin meet with Grassroots event focuses supporters. Official photo of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Black, Brown trans lives

5 PAGE 4 LGBTQ @windycitytimes /windycitymediagroup @windycitytimes www.windycitymediagroup.com JOURNALISM WINDY CITY TIMES windycitymediagroup.com/donate.php WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 3

NEWS Pride march about Black, Brown trans lives 4 Non-bias guidelines affirmed despite rollback 5 Featured Properties Gay COVID-19 survivor can't donate 8 PASSAGES: Brent Conn 8 839 W. Hutchinson St. LGBTQ leaders meet with CPD superintendent 9 Buena Park E. Patrick Johnson: A man of firsts 10 Letters 12 $2,890,000 Meticulously maintained historic estate with ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS lush grounds and 4-car attached garage. THEATER: David Zak controversy 13 Theater review: 'Golden Girls' 14 INDEX Unity Church being demolished 14 MUSIC: Rufus Wainwright on new album, Pride 16 MOVIES: 'Mucho Mucho Amor' filmmaker 17 YOUTUBE: Di Pace deals with 'Minutiae' 18 1240 N. Lake Shore Dr. #32A DOWNLOAD NIGHTSPOTS 19 Gold Coast Classifieds 21 THIS ISSUE COMING SOON Chicago Sky hosts panel 21 AND BROWSE THE ARCHIVES AT Calendar 22 Modern 2200 sf transformation with amazing www.WindyCityTimes.com views.

Photo by Tim Peacock

UPCOMING 2020 VOL 35, NO. 21 JULY 8, 2020 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 2727 N. Seminary Ave. E. PATRICK JOHNSON WINDY CITY TIMES PRINT DATES: A profile of the newest NU dean. Lincoln Park Photo from Johnson's website, run with permission 10 July 22, 2020 Sept. 16, 2020 Nov. 11, 2020 COMING SOON DAVID ZAK Leaves Pride Films and Plays amid controversy. Aug. 5, 2020 Sept. 30, 2020 Nov. 25, 2020 Photo by Bob Eddy MARCH Aug. 19, 2020 Oct. 14, 2020 Dec. 9, 2020 Indoor/outdoor architectural masterpiece. 13

POLITICAL PARTY FORWARD Sept. 2, 2020 Oct. 28, 2020 Dec. 23, 2020 Durbin, Baldwin meet with Grassroots event focuses supporters. Official photo of U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on Black, Brown trans lives

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3920 N. Lake Shore Dr. #14N online exclusives at East Lakeview www.WindyCityTimes.com $1,000,000 Stunning designer co-op with garage parking. JOINT FUSION Among the local restaurants reopening in this new world is French-Mexican spot Tzuco (left). Photo of Tzuco's cochinita pobil courtesy of Tzuco 421 W. Melrose St. #21AD East Lakeview $799,000 FOCUS GROUP Sprawling 3600 sf 4-bed condo in classic Pre-War full-service mid-rise.

EVENT HORIZON Find out about events that have been Brad Lippitz Group cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. 773.404.1144 [email protected] bradlippitz.com THAT’S SHOW BIZ 3323 N. Broadway Find out the latest about singer Brad Lippitz has supported and contributed more to LGBTQ Brian Falduto, Jennifer Holliday and causes and candidates over the years than any other real estate Mahershala Ali. broker in the City of Chicago. And Brad’s team happens to be in the top 10 in all Chicago with $80 million sold in 2019. If you Photographer Peter Bussian talks need to choose a real estate broker, why wouldn’t you choose a community leader who consistently gives back year after year? plus about his new book, Trans New Compass Real Estate is a licensed real estate broker with a principal office York,in New NY and abidesbut by isall subject applicable to errors, Equal omissions, Housing Opportunity changes in price, laws. condition, All material sale, orpresented withdrawal hereinherein without shallis intended notice. be construed for No statementinformational as legal, is made accounting aspurposes to the accuracy oronly. other ofInformation any description. professional is compiled advice All measurements outsidefrom sources the realm anddeemed square of real reliable estate footages brokerage. are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing York. Brad and his teamlook forward to working with you! DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo by Bussian 4 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES Grassroots march All photos by Tim Peacock focuses on Black, Brown trans lives BY TIM PEACOCK Trans Visibility March; and Anto- nio Gutierrez, a co-founder and the Organized by a host of grassroots strategic coordinator for Organized organizations focused on assisting Communities Against Deportations marginalized communities around (OCAD). the city, the Pride Without Prejudice/ "Pride was a riot—it was not a Reclaim Pride march kicked off at the party," Owagboriaye said. "We are Belmont Red Line station at noon on not only here to fight for Black lives, June 28. The march focused on Black but to fight for Black trans lives. The and Brown lives—and transgender Black Lives movement needs to be lives, in particular. inclusive of all of our lives. Black Although originally sponsored by a lives matter, Black women matter, handful of grassroots organizations, Black queers matter, Black trans lives the march received additional en- matter." dorsements and co-hosts following The march moved up Belmont the cancellation of the "Black Lives and north through Boystown as the Matter: A BLM Pride Protest," as crowd chanted and grew. ACTIVATE-CHI organizers faced accu- At several points along the route, sations they were not placing Black, the march paused to highlight Black Brown and trans voices front and and trans speakers. In particular, the center as well as claims they did not march stopped in front of the 19th have an official endorsement from District police station at 850 W. Ad- Black Lives Matter-Chicago (despite dison St. to discuss police violence advertising such). against Black and trans people. Orga- In the cancellation announcement, nizers highlighted Strawberry Hamp- ACTIVATE-CHI said, in part, "We will ton, an incarcerated trans woman be directing all of our resources from who was transferred to a women's fa- this march to Pride Without Preju- cility in December 2018 after a year- dice, and make a sizable donation to long struggle that included sexual Brave Space Alliance." and physical violence. Organizations sponsoring and/or Other speakers included Jae Rice endorsing the Pride Without Preju- and Zahara Bassett, from Brave Space dice/Reclaim Pride march included Alliance; Jayda Van, from the Chicago Affinity Community Services, Chicago Alliance Against Racialism and Politi- Alliance Against Racist and Political cal Repression; trans youth activist Repression, Organized Communities Carter Cavazos; drag performer Maori Against Deportations, Brave Space Beverly Hillz (Missy Banks); Envision Alliance, Gay Liberation Network and Consulting CEO Tatyana Moaton; and National Trans March. transgender individual Russia Brown. Ashabi Owagboriaye and Alexis For more information on the march, Abarca kicked the event off by in- including links to organizations ac- troducing speakers such as Samer cepting donations, see "Pride With- Owaida, from Palestine Youth Move- out Prejudice/Reclaim Pride March" ment; Wemi Esho, from National on Facebook. WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 5 Nondiscrimination guidelines affirmed after Trump rollback “I have two BY MATT SIMONETTE panding HIV preventative care and treatment, funding gender-affirming surgeries, fostering af- Illinois state officials issued guidance June 26 firming and inclusive classrooms in which LGBTQ+ tiny little secrets.” affirming the state’s existing nondiscrimination students are able to thrive, and ensuring LGBTQ+ protections on the basis of sexual orientation and students see themselves reflected in the curricu- gender identity. lum,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “That work becomes The guidance came two weeks after U.S. De- even more urgent when the federal government “They’re my partment of Health and Human Services (HHS) hands down policy decisions that undermine announced that it would remove protections for people’s basic humanity. As we live through ex- totally invisible transgender individuals and other marginalized ceedingly difficult times, we must unite against Lyric hearing aids. populations that had been inscribed in the Af- all forms of hate and show empathy and compas- fordable Care Act. sion for one another—especially as we fight for Nobody knows “Not only does this removal completely under- full equality and justice for all of our country’s mine a major pillar of the historic ACA legisla- residents.” I wear them and I tion, it creates confusion about the right of ev- “No one should be discriminated against be- eryone in the LGBTQ+ community, and specifically cause of who they are or who they love,” added never take them out— transgender individuals, to receive healthcare Illinois Department of Human Rights Director Jim for sleeping, swimming, free from discrimination,” said state officials in Bennett. “Illinois is a state where everyone’s a press release, who further noted, however, that identities are affirmed. Our healthcare systems showering— the state already had myriad protections on the must be safe places for the LGBTQ+ community to books to protect those individuals in situations seek care and the Illinois Department of Human for anything.” in which they now might be more vulnerable. Rights’ team of investigators and lawyers will be “From day one, my administration has sought there to enforce the protections our laws afford.” to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, including by ex-

$1 million or less. Money comes from filing fees Nonprofits can apply nonprofits pay when incorporating in Illinois, not personal or property tax dollars. for grants for For this grant cycle, $375,000 is available food, housing to be split between 30 non-profits, and the A grant program to help small nonprofit orga- maximum award amount is $12,500 for each These invisible Lyric hearing aids nizations provide food and housing assistance organization. will begin taking applications July 1-Sept. 30, Previous grant recipients are eligible to apply will change your life. Illinois state Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in if the term of their grant has been complete for a statement. at least one calendar year. They’re so comfortable, you’ll never think about your hearing...you’ll feel normal. The Charitable Trust Stabilization Fund as- Visit ILCharitableTrust.com to complete an sists small non-profits with annual budgets of application online, or contact the treasurer’s Understand conversations with exceptional clarity in quiet or noisy environments. office at 217-836-4590. Wear them day and night, 24/7 for up to months at a time, you don’t have to clean them, maintain them or even change batteries.* cused much energy in the Badger State since los- Durbin, Baldwin ing it in the 2016 presidential contest. You’ll be fitted by the best audiology doctors. “The road to the White House goes through Wis- virtually meet with consin,” Baldwin said, adding that that she was Where you get your hearing aids determines how well they’ll work for you. local supporters “utterly shocked” when Trump won the state. She Hearing Health Center is the most professional, highest quality practice you’ll find. BY MATT SIMONETTE attributed that victory to emboldened Republican energy in Wisconsin thanks to the stewardship of * U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) joined then-Governor Scott Walker; voter interference; Call or reserve online for free hearing check & 30-day risk free trial U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) for an online and a lack of connection with candidate Hillary conference call with Chicago-area supporters Clinton, who did not ever campaign there. June 30. Human Rights Campaign President Al- But Baldwin maintained that Wisconsin vot- 312.265.2767 | WindyHearing.com phonso David also joined the call. ers have different issues on their mind this time In the opening moments of the discussion, around, among them healthcare, economic ineq- David outlined in stark terms what the conse- uities and Trump’s 2017 tax cut, which Baldwin quences were for the next presidential election. said they noticed no benefit trickled down to “We are fighting for the soul of our country. We them. are fighting for our democracy.” Durbin sang the praises of 2020 Democratic “We have no alternative but to win,” Durbin candidate Joe Biden, calling him the “most car- ing and compassionate person I’ve ever met in later added. He said during the talk that he was 142. E. Ontario St., | Suite 1100 | Chicago, 60611 optimistic that Democrats could win the majority public life.” in the U.S. Senate, since several Republican sena- Durbin later added, “When Joe Biden does take the oath of office we will still be feeling the im- Also conveniently located in: tors’ fortunes were irreversibly tethered to those Naperville, Oak Brook, Park Ridge and Highland Park. of President Donald Trump. pact of the three crises [coronavirus, economic Much of the discussion focused on Baldwin’s strife and racial inequities] that we’re going *Individual patient needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions. through right now. … We just have to think of Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof and should not be completely submerged underwater. Special offer expires 8/30/20. home state of Wisconsin, a key battleground in Valid credit card must be presented and copy held on file during trial period. Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. See a the 2020 national election. Democrats have fo- some pretty bold action.” Lyric Provider to determine if Lyric is right for you. Lyric, Distributed by Phonak, LLC ©2017. All rights reserved. MS053699 6 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have  Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. provider determines they meet certain requirements. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach that causes AIDS. pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. DIMITRI  dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these  rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018  any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY  The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side e†ects of BIKTARVY.  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.  Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side e†ects of  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch KEEP BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ASPIRING. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may a†ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0218 04/20 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_10X10_WindyCityTimes_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 4/7/20 11:04 AM WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 7

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace (bik-TAR-vee) talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have  Those in the “Most Important Information About both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if BIKTARVY” section. you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your will need to check your health regularly for several months. healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. ABOUT BIKTARVY  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription provider should do blood and urine tests to check your medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. provider determines they meet certain requirements. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach that causes AIDS. pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. DIMITRI  dofetilide Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these  rifampin symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018  any other medicines to treat HIV-1 dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY  The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you: These are not all the possible side e†ects of BIKTARVY.  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any hepatitis infection. new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.  Have any other health problems. You are encouraged to report negative side e†ects of  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch KEEP BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare or call 1-800-FDA-1088. provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ASPIRING. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY you take: Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter GET MORE INFORMATION medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used and pharmacist. BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may a†ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. for program information. See Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com. Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important MyDailyCharge.com © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0218 04/20 warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_10X10_WindyCityTimes_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 4/7/20 11:04 AM 8 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES COVID-19 The guidelines started as a lifetime ban that re- laxed in 2015, to a 12-month ban, then in spring 2020, changed to a three-month ban. This, of Survivor doctor denied course, was referring to the window of time that a man last had sex with another man. “I think understanding someone’s individual as a blood donor because risk goes beyond just if they are a man who has sex with men.” said Hazra. “What other countries have moved onto is individualized risk assess- of his sexual orientation ment. Finding these answers to create an individ- ualized risk assessment to say ‘this person would BY MELISSA WASSERMAN be considered higher risk for HIV and therefore they would not be a potential blood donor,’ that’s Dr. Dillon Barron, MD, is in the business of saving Dr. Dillon a much more educated and insightful stance than lives. At Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, he as Barron and just barring a whole group of people based on an emergency medicine doctor and most recently partner Eric their sexual orientation, or the fact that they just he and his partner, Eric Seelbach, tried to donate Seelbach. have sex with even a single partner.” blood, but were denied because they are gay. Photo Individual assessments, Hazra said, are really A few months ago, when COVID-19 hit hard, courtesy of the most evidence based approach in screening Barron said he and the doctors at the hospital the couple blood donors. were intubating lots of patients. Exposed to the Dr. Dillon Barron. Working directly with the Food and Drug Ad- virus, it was a matter of weeks before Barron Photo courtesy of Barron ministration (FDA), members of Congress and started to get a runny nose, aches and chills, but these organizations are in favor of repealing this other communities became involved. U.S. Rep. Barron said he knew about the blood ban, but no cough or shortness of breath. It did not seem because they know the science and because they Mike Quigley (D-Illinois), for example, helped assumed that it would be lifted during a pan- like corona at first. know this law is not based on science, that it’s introduce a resolution in 2009 calling for non- demic. He was shocked to be turned away. Then Seelbach started feeling sick, losing his just based in homophobia. discriminatory blood do- nation guidelines that Hazra said it is not a unique situation. He senses of taste and smell a few days later. “No person in their right mind, no sane person, were grounded in science and individual risk fac- knows other gay and bisexual physicians and The couple, who have been together for five would say ‘no’ to something if the consequence tors. healthcare workers who contracted and recovered years and reside in Lake View, tested positive for is death versus living; no one would decline my “I think what’s driving things now, more than from COVID and then tried to pursue plasma do- corona, but saw the positive in having antibod- blood.” anything, is necessity,” said Quigley. Something nation. Each were denied because of restrictions. ies and were excited at the prospect of donating Dr. Anu Hazra—assistant professor of medicine bad happens—Ald. [Tom] Tunney said this to “Even during non-COVID times, there are blood blood, soon learning this was not a possibility in the section of infectious diseases and global me—and they step up like good humans and shortages super regularly; I can vouch for this as because of their sexual orientation. health at University of Chicago and staff physi- citizens, they offer to donate blood, they’re told an ER doctor,” Barron explained. “To me, I see “To me, this felt like institutionalized subtle cian at Howard Brown Health—explained the that they can’t and they’re angered confused sur- gay men, as philanthropists for the most part, ways of how homophobia is still ingrained in current blood bans on gay and bisexual men are prised. They go through all those stages. Here we wanting to help and I know gay men who’d do- our culture,” said Barron. “The Red Cross and all based on policies dating back to the early ‘80s, when blood was not screened regularly. have COVID-19. We’re experiencing extraordinary nate blood if they were allowed. There was a blood shortages and that’s going to continue for study that said if gay men were allowed to donate some time. So now we have the opportunity to blood it would result in several hundred thousand never waste a crisis.” extra units of blood being donated per year.” THE ILLINOIS STATE TREASURER’S I-CASH PROGRAM WANTS TO RETURN OVER Although impossible to imagine, Quigley went “I will remain committed to the fight to lift the on say there can be a silver lining in this pan- waiting period entirely to make the blood donor demic: ending a discriminatory practice and then system equal,” said Quigley. “I feel good that $3.5 Billion saving even more lives. we’ll get there.” TO OWNERS PASSAGES Brent L. Conn Brent L. Conn—a caterer and business own- er—passed away peacefully July 4 at home in Evanston. He was 67. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Brent earned his degree in hotel and restaurant management ADULTS DISCOVER PROPERTY TO CLAIM WHEN THEY SEARCH from Michigan State University and founded ILLINOISTREASURER.GOV/ICASH Conn’s Catering in Chicago’s Edgewater neigh- borhood. He planned thousands of weddings and other events over 28 years. He was the beloved husband of Michael Lo- To find out if you have cash or property, visit cardio Limon, best friend/business partner of www.Illinoistreasurer.Gov/icash. Sheila Mulcahy, and son of the late Leroy Pow- If you do not have access to the internet to search for unclaimed property, ell Conn and Frances Lewis Conn. He was also a computer may be available at your local public library. the brother of Courtney “Court” (Karen) Conn; uncle of Adam, Casey, and Amanda Conn; and great-uncle of seven. I-CASH BY THE NUMBERS Brent was the faithful companion of Aliyah Reported to Treasurer’s Office 9/1/19 – 2/29/20 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT Brent Conn.

Reports 4,921 [email protected] the German Shepherd and Zac the golden Lab. Photo courtesy of Cremation Society of Properties 704,534 or 877-581-3689 Cash $150,713,509 More than anything, Brent valued good friend- Illinois, Inc. Shares 28,151,299 ships.

Returned to Owners 9/1/19 – 2/29/20 These properties have been placed in the custody of the State Treasurer, to whom all further claims must be directed. Infomation regarding the amount or description of the property and the name and address of the holder may be obtained by Friends and family will celebrate Brent’s life the American Cancer Society, Cancer.org. any persons possessing an interest in the property at www.IllinoisTreasurer.gov, 877-581-3689, or by addressing an inquiry to Number of paid claims 87,701 the State Treasurer: Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, Unclaimed Property Division, PO Box 19495, Springfield, IL 62794-9495. when it is safe to gather in larger groups. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illi- Cash and share value returned $106,004,555.86 Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to nois, 773-281-5058, Cemation-Society.com. WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 9 lence in Chicago. Additionally, they said Brown in front of us to go beyond the Consent Decree needs to look at the detailed information activ- and effect change where it is needed most.” LGBTQ activists, leaders ists have published regarding what they want to “At a time where there’s a national conversa- happen with the CPD and put them into action. tion about defunding the police, I was heartened A number of invited leaders emailed statements to see that Superintendent Brown was willing to respond to virtual to Windy City Times reacting to what transpired talk with and listen to LGBTQ community lead- during the call. ers,” said AIDS Foundation Chicago President and “Anytime the superintendent of the Chicago CEO John Peller. “LGBTQ people, and especially meeting with CPD Police Department reaches out to community for trans women of color and people living with HIV, BY CARRIE MAXWELL spoke about “increasing violence against our po- feedback, it is a positive step,” said Center on can experience life-long consequences from in- lice officers” with 16 officers being shot at as Halsted CEO Modesto “Tico” Valle. “Sometimes teractions with the police. Chicago, the state and A Chicago Police Department off-the-record Zoom well as the challenges he has faced since taking the feedback is going to be difficult to hear and federal government must invest in services and meeting with hand-picked leaders from LGBTQ or- this job. He added that he was in favor of having will test their leadership. Walking into a high- supports like job training, better neighborhood ganizations and new CPD Superintendent David more social services in the city; however he does profile position as the head of a highly scruti- schools, increased access to culturally competent Brown resulted in a public response calling for not want to reduce the $1.76 billion CPD bud- nized police department in one of the most seg- substance use and mental health treatment to major changes in CPD—including “substantial get and re-direct those funds to Chicago Public regated cities in the country, cannot have been keep LGBTQ people out of harm’s way.” defunding” of police. Schools and other entities. easy. When Windy City Times reached out to Milstein Windy City Times was only made aware of the Many of the participants said they advocated “What the groups on the call were demanding to ask him about the meeting, what the catalyst meeting when activists posted the information for defunding and de-militarizing the police and at the very least is that Superintendent Brown was for setting up the call, why it was not made on social media. A number of these uninvited ac- investing in LGBTQ and Black and Brown commu- needs to understand that this is not business as public, how the CPD came up with the invite list tivists were also on the call. nity’s futures. They said that their stakeholders usual. We must have systemic change. We must and why activists were not invited on the call he According to the email that was posted on so- are telling them the same thing and added that listen to and act upon the needs of LGBTQ Black sent this response via email to the paper: cial media, the goal of the call was to introduce many times the police do not make these commu- communities, particularly Black trans communi- Brown, who has been on the job for eight weeks, nities safe and, at times, contribute to more vio- ties, here in Chicago. There is a real opportunity Turn to page 11 to local LGBTQ leaders and find out how CPD can support LGBTQ community needs in Chicago. The Zoom link was only made available to the invited REAL ESTATE AUCTIONS guests so this reporter was only able to call in via cell phone and was unable to introduce herself. The 45-minute call came two days after the AUGUST 11, 2020 AUGUST ••,   Pride Without Prejudice/Reclaim Pride march that took place on Chicago’s North Side amidst the worldwide #BlackLivesMatter protests against UNIQUE SINGLE FAMILY HOME A FULL FLOOR PENTHOUSE police brutality. The march focused on Black IN LINCOLN PARK and Brown trans people and was held on what VERY TOP OF THE BUILDING would have been the date of Chicago’s Pride Pa- 2104 N. Cleveland Ave. Chicago, IL 60614 rade—the parade had been canceled due to the  W. Grand, Chicago, IL (at the corner of Lincoln, Cleveland & Dickens just a few blocks COVID-19 pandemic. (Northwest corner of Grand & Wells) CPD Assistant Director of Policy and Strategic from the Lincoln Park Zoo) Initiatives Mike Milstein facilitated the discus- Unit  features 6 balconies sion. A modernist gem, on a ESTA facing North, South, East, and During Brown’s opening statement, he called TE corner lot in the heart of SALE West. Floor to ceiling the #BlackLivesMatter protests “civil unrest.” He Lincoln Park o ers over said he was looking forward to working with the windows and ceiling heights activists and mentioned the CPD officer who used 4,500 s.f. of dramatic from  to  ft. Terrazzo, a homophobic slur that was captured on video. interior living space with marble and hardwood floors, Brown added that he took immediate action and city views, 4 bedrooms and luxury fittings.  bedrooms & relieved that officer of his police powers and 4 baths, decks and landscaped  ‚/2 baths plus a home o†ce launched an investigation that is still pending. terraces, a 2 car garage, and Brown said he knows there are issues between with over ˆ, sq. ft. living a studio rental apartment on the CPD and the LGBTQ community and added space, award-winning design- that when it is safe to do so he will be having a 3,401 s.f. parcel. Zoning is er, up to 4 premium parking a meeting with trans activists to hear their con- RM-5 residential multi-unit spaces available. cerns. Brown also said he wants to appoint five development. CPD LGBTQ liaisons. Previously Valued up to , , While answering callers’ questions, Brown Previously Valued well over $2,750,000 To be sold subject to a minimum bid Suggested Opening Bid $1,250,000 of , † , (Plus a % buyer’s premium) Open house 6 to 8 pm, July 22 and 30, Open house 6 to 8 pm July ’ & †, Noon to 2:30 to 4:30 pm August 1 and 9,  pm August • & †, and by appointment and by appointment IN CONJUNCTION WITH RE/MAX PREMIER

@windycitytimes FOR INFORMATION CONTACT Rick Levin & Associates, Inc. | since  | .. | www.ricklevin.com BROKER PARTICIPATION INVITED 10 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES

E. Patrick Johnson. E. Patrick Johnson: Photo run from Johnson's website, with permission A man of firsts BY JOSHUA IRVINE queer studies and writing one of its foundational texts, an essay which dubbed the burgeoning E. Patrick Johnson is a man often associated with field “quare studies” after how Johnson’s grand- the word “first.” mother pronounced “queer.” He was the first in his family to go to college, He has gone on to become a successful scholar and the first Black native of Hickory, North Caro- and performer, writing several oral histories of lina, to receive a Ph.D., for which the town pro- Black queer folk in the South and adapting one claimed a day in his honor (although he said he of them, Sweet Tea, into a staged reading, a play has his doubts about whether he actually was the and recently a documentary. He’s also chaired first to obtain a doctorate). He was the first Black both the performance studies and African Ameri- man hired and tenured in Northwestern Univer- can studies departments, while also contributing sity’s performance studies department, and then to what is now the gender and sexuality studies the first given a named professorship. program. And soon, he will be the first Black dean of the “Patrick has always had a progressive, active, university’s School of Communication, where he challenging vision of academia and the world has worked for 20 years. at large,” Richards said, adding that Johnson’s Johnson experienced early success at North- personality and intellect helped encourage col- western, beginning with his work in Black queer laboration both inside and out of performance studies, an interdisciplinary field that essentially studies. part because the university doesn’t do its due didn’t exist in 2000, when Johnson joined what Johnson, in turn, credited Richards and a white diligence in seeking out professors of color. Ad- was then known as the School of Speech. performance studies professor, Dwight Conquer- ditionally, Johnson said, the university—particu- Center on Halsted Black queer studies was unprecedented in many good, as key mentors who supported him at the larly its African American Studies department— ways: Gender studies was less than 20 years old outset of his Northwestern career and part of a has seen many talented professors “poached” by selling BLM boards and had just been renamed from women’s studies “rich and broad” community that kept him at the other universities. Recently, Center on Halsted reopened— in the 2000-01 school year. university. (Conquergood died in 2004.) In his new role as dean, Johnson said he plans taking down the wooden panels that sur- Additionally, according to Sandra Richards— Certainly, a lot is asked of Johnson. Students to seek out more faculty who are persons of color rounded the building. The boards were a former professor of African American Stud- seem to flock to Johnson to ask him to be their and work with admissions to cultivate a similarly erected as a precaution from the recent civil ies and the first Black woman to gain tenure at adviser or mentor. He’s asked to be part of every diverse student body. unrest that took place throughout Chicago. Northwestern’s College of Arts and Sciences, in committee on diversity as well as the diversity Those are not disparate goals: Johnson said However, a team called Chicago Cleanup 1990—academia was only beginning to accept member on every search committee for new facul- diversity has to be present at every level to cre- Crew turned the boards into works of art that Black faculty. ty. If there’s an event about diversity on campus, ate an inclusive environment that accommodates honor the Black Lives Matter (BLM) move- “When we first came into white spaces, we were he’s requested to speak. nonwhite students. ment. barely tolerated,” Richards said. “For a lot of us, “You get asked to do all this labor around di- “Students of color are not going to be attracted Anyone interested in purchasing a board we were coming into hostile ground.” versity that should be the work of the institu- to a university where they don’t have any men- (which start at $100 each) should contact And, Richards said, scholarship around Black- tion,” Johnson said. tor who share their background,” Johnson said. the Center or the Crew (the latter through ness largely excluded queer narratives. And there’s still a lot to be done: Even in “People want to make sure they have mentors Facebook). Proceeds will go to the Center Johnson would be a major force in changing 2020, Johnson noted, there are still departments who share their experience.” and Brave Space Alliance, a Black-led, trans- that, co-compiling the first anthology on Black at Northwestern without Black faculty, in large Johnson added he also hopes to raise funds led LGBTQ center on the South Side of Chi- to offer socioeconomically disadvantaged stu- cago. dents the sort of opportunities enjoyed by their Hours:Hours: wealthier peers and improve interdepartmental M-T 11-7M-T 11-7 collaboration. W-F W-F11-9 11-9 “We have to create an environment at North- Sat 10-7Sat 10-7 western that is inclusive, and doesn’t just pay lip service,” he said. Sun 11-6Sun 11-6 But Johnson said the university has improved, BooksBooks & & particularly in gender and sexuality studies, where race is now a core part of the program’s MagazinesMagazines curriculum and trans and non-binary issues are CardsCards & Gifts & Gifts the new frontier—a change he credits to a new generation of scholars. WeeklyWeekly Johnson sees a change in himself as well, StorytimeStorytime particularly with regard to those scholars. Now 53, Johnson said his new role is one of seed- FrequentFrequent ing ground for—and ceding ground to— a new AuthorAuthor Events Events generation. “I often say that the moment I stop learn- BookBook Clubs Clubs ing from my students is the day I should stop teaching,” Johnson said. “I never feel like I’m OrderOrder Any Any the smartest person in the room. I’ve maybe read BookBook Online Online more or studied for, but I’m not the smartest. And that’s a good thing.” Editor’s note: Joshua Irvine is currently a stu- Panel at Center on Halsted. Shop anytime at womenandchildrenfirst.com dent at Northwestern University. Photo by Andrew Davis WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 11

CPD from page 10 gaining wider attention in the weeks following “Superintendent Brown hosted a call with LG- Morrison, the killing of George Floyd. BTQ+ organization founders and leaders with the Preckwinkle She said that healthcare inequity is “not a purpose of introducing himself to them, meet- new situation for Black and Latinx communi- ing them and learning about their organizations. host online LGBTQ ties,” and that, while society might say that This is the first of many conversations we hope solutions are unobtainable, the problems arise to have with members of the LGBTQ+ community health forum thanks to systemic disinvestment in communi- as we work to strengthen our relationships with BY MATT SIMONETTE ties of color. the community and find ways to collaborate more “We have to acknowledge that, for a long on how to better support the community. Being Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison and time, Black folks, Latinx folks and indigenous new to Chicago, this was the Superintendent’s Board President Toni Preckwinkle were joined by folks were not thought of as human,” Davis add- first opportunity to connect with many of these advocates from three local organizations for a ed … [That] hasn’t come out of medical profes- organizations and learn about the work they are conversation about LGBTQ health inequities on sion completely.” doing. There will be many more meetings with June 25. Brave Space Alliance Executive Director La- members of the community. LGBTQ Americans have long faced numerous Saia Wade noted that, beyond the complica- “This was an introduction meeting to learn challenges in dealing with healthcare profes- tions the other panelists had already discussed, about different organizations in the LGBTQ+ com- sionals, many of whom are not adept at under- “Trans people face a different type of narrative munity and was the first of many conversations standing and addressing the nuances needed and pushback” in healthcare settings Wade’s with members of the community. We worked with in their treatment. Indeed, Morrison opened organization primarily uplifts Black and Brown a few of the LGBTQ+ organizations we have ex- the session by discussing his own difficulties Cook County Board President Toni trans Chicagoans and connects them with re- isting relationships with to create the list and in finding culturally competent healthcare as a Preckwinkle. sources. ensure we were reaching all communities. This gay man. Photo courtesy of Preckwinkle's office Wade’s partner, who is also transgender, is meeting was meant as an introduction meeting so But all panelists noted that those complica- expecting a child, and she detailed difficulties the Superintendent could learn about the differ- tions are exacerbated even further if a patient cies that are decades longer than residents of they had in accessing competent care. “People ent organizations in the LGBTQ+ community. The is transgender and/or belongs to one or more poorer ones. are not wanting to touch him.” Superintendent plans to meet with more members additional marginalized communities. Further- “We’re seeing this play out in a dramatic way Davis said that it was important for advocates of the community, including activists.” more, the coronavirus has made already-existing in the pandemic,” Munar added. and public officials to let community members Following the meeting, more than 110 LGBTQ problems even more difficult to tackle. The pandemic “has stripped bare the inequi- have a say in how community resources are al- community members and organization leaders, “The pandemic is following the disparities ties we see across the county,” noted Preck- located. including more than a dozen who were present that we see for every other condition,” said Da- winkle. When proposing healthcare and community on the call, released a statement that they shared vid Munar, CEO and president of Howard Brown Aisha Davis, director of policy for AIDS Foun- resource interventions, she added, “Don’t just with this publication. Health. He noted that, in Chicago, people in dation of Chicago, placed the health-inequities bring a finished product to the table—have an (The statement can be read at WindyCityMedia- wealthier Chicago zip codes have life-expectan- crisis within the context of racial inequities idea of what their needs are.” Group.com.) 12 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES letters

Demanding justice An axiom of the LGBTQ+ community is “Silence = discrimination and oppression again Black people, Death.” The LGBTQ+ community continues to fight words are not enough. Dear familia: for justice and equal rights. We would not have The Kennedy Forum Illinois has and always will gained civil-rights advances without the voices of stand for equality—not just for those with mental In June, another transgender woman of color was our allies joining ours. health and addiction challenges, but for all who are murdered—this time, in our own home, in the Last year, at our annual meeting, the Alliance of discriminated against. This includes ending the rac- Southwest Side of Chicago. Today, we honor Selena Illinois Judges (AIJ) asked allies to be a voice for ist systems that perpetuate psychological violence. Reyes-Hernandez. equality and to educate themselves on issues facing We want to contribute to the important conversation VOL. 35, No. 21, July 8, 2020 Selena was murdered because of transphobia. This the LGBTQ+ community; but more must be done to taking place in our nation by promoting resources The combined forces of Windy City Times, stand with people of color. and actions we can all take to heal and address the founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, is yet another victim of the epidemic of violence founded May 1987. toward trans* woman. The National Coalition of Equal protection and equal access will not be reali- trauma caused by racism: ties without confronting systemic barriers to both. —Listen. It is a simple, but powerful (and often Anti-Violence Projects has reported that half of all PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky the hate crimes against LGBTQ people have been di- Discussing these barriers, educating ourselves, and difficult) thing for people to do. Many of us can’t rected at trasnsgender folks* , 40% towards trans* working towards a better justice system are integral begin to understand the challenges the Black com- EXECUTIVE EDITOR Andrew Davis women of color. Yet, those numbers could be higher, parts of allyship. Judges and lawyers take an oath munity faces on a daily basis. Oppression, violence, since trans* folks hardly report to the authorities to uphold the Constitution. As Judges, we have the threats, and micro-aggressions can have a lasting MANAGING EDITOR Matt Simonette due to fear and further stigma. responsibility to ensure equal protection and equal impact. To respect the experiences of others, we DIGITAL DIRECTOR Jean Albright ART DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE EDITOR We demand for full justice for Selena. access to justice. have to be able to discuss them and listen with open Kirk Williamson We also demand that schools and community orga- The additional struggles and barriers LGBTQ+ peo- hearts and minds. SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Scott Duff nizations do better. Do better to educate about the ple of color face are sharply in focus this year during —Become an anti-racist. The Smithsonian Insti- BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine Pride month. We cannot be silent. tute’s National Museum of African American His- SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terri Klinsky, trans* community, do better to eliminate stigma, Kirk Williamson do better at eradicating violence. There is abso- What can be done? We can be better allies by tory and Culture created a website called “How to NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, lutely no reason why the young man who murdered pledging to come out, speak up and join in. be Antiracist” that explores what all individuals, 212-242-6863 Selena should have had easy access to a gun, and —Come out: Explicitly denounce racism to family regardless of race, can do through self-awareness, THEATER AND DANCE EDITOR Catey Sullivan SENIOR WRITERS Jonathan Abarbanel, Mary even more importantly, he should have never even and friends and stand for justice and equality. self-reflection and action. It is no longer enough to Shen Barnidge, Charlsie Dewey, Ross Forman, thought about murdering someone. We call on our —Speak up: Speak up against racist language and be “non-racist. ” Carrie Maxwell, Rev. Irene Monroe, Jerry Nunn, allies, especially our straight and cisgender allies in microaggressions. Call out injustices. Lift up the —Learn how racism undermines mental well-being Tony Peregrin, Angelique Smith, Sari Staver, Sarah Toce, Melissa Wasserman the Latinx community, to speak out. We are asking voices of our black and brown colleagues. and contributes to mental health disorders, includ- WRITERS Sarah Katherine Bowden, Ada Cheng, for investments and funding for organizations led by —Join in: Become involved and educated on the ing those caused by trauma. Become educated about Sheri Flanders, Joe Franco, Veronica Harrison, trans* women of color. history, legal issues, and current struggles facing how we can help those affected to heal. Kelsey Hoff, Aaron Hunt, Eric Karas, Brian Kirst, Black and brown communities. —Access and share Psych Hub’s “Race, Racism, Paige Listerud, Billy Masters, Scott C. Morgan, We demand full justice for Selena. We will not rest Amelia Orozco, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Kerry until trans* women can live their authentic selves We must work collectively for justice daily not just and Mental Health Resources” (available under “Al- Reid, Dana Rudolph, Ana Serna, Karen Topham, without any fear. in our courtrooms, but every day in our communi- ternatives to Calling the Police During Mental Health Regina Victor, Sean Margaret Wagner, Lauren Rest in power, Selena. ties. Crises” on Facebook). Warnecke, Steve Warren, Lauren Emily Whalen SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Hal The world needs us to do better and to be better. —Practice and promote self-care by attending Baim, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Vernon Hester Sincerely, We are one nation and one people: e pluribus unum. free trainings, such as our recent webinar “During CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright ALMA: The Association of the Pandemic: Strategies to Help Manage Stress, DISTRIBUTION Allan, Dan, John, Sue and Victor Together, Improve Self-Care, and Reduce Isolation” (available WEB HOSTING LoveYourWebsite.com (lead Latinos/as Motivating programmer: Martie Marro) Action Alliance of Illinois Judges on YouTube). Emotionally healthy people are more PRESIDENT Tracy Baim compassionate toward others. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 Editorial: [email protected] John F. Kennedy, whose ideals and values shaped Sales: [email protected] Standing against racism Solidarity The Kennedy Forum Illinois’ mission, fought for ra- Calendar: [email protected] cial equality throughout his presidency. President Circulation: [email protected] Art/ad copy: [email protected] Kennedy’s words ring true today when he stated that Dear community: Dear community: Theater: [email protected] our nation “…was founded on the principle that all men are created equal, and that the rights of ev- Copyright 2020 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media June is Pride Month. Over 50 years ago, on June 28, The Kennedy Forum Illinois unequivocally stands Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back ery man are diminished when the rights of one man issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in with our community against racism and oppression. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, are threatened.” The Kennedy Forum Illinois proudly and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and Greenwich Village. It was one of a long history of The senseless murder of George Floyd, and the no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. honors his legacy each and every day. We will con- raids that the queer community had been regularly many who preceded him, emphasizes the injustice All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy tinue to fight to end structural racism in our country. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned subjected to. But that time was different. Members and inequity that have perpetuated both physical for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing Please join us and help to be the change. and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, across the LGBTQ+ community demanded to be treat- and psychological violence against the Black com- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own ed humanely and fought for their rights. munity for far too long. Racial inequity, developed and do not necessarily reflect the position of Windy City Cheryl Potts Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of During Pride, the LGBTQ+ community commemo- over centuries, results in disparities across so many a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy Executive Director City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the rates the Stonewall riots and celebrates the civil domains, including health, wealth and safety. If sexual orientation of such person or organization. While The Kennedy Forum Illinois we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make rights achievements of the community. we wish to see lasting change that will eliminate this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept responsibility for advertising claims.

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Windy City Times Biweekly; Deadline every Wednesday prior to street date Send columns or letters to [email protected]. OUT! Chicago’s LGBTQ Visitor’s Guide Online annual Windy City Times Wedding and Events Guide Annual Letters may be edited for brevity or clarity. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 13

New Pride Films & Plays Artistic Director Donterrio Johnson. THEATER Photo courtesy of John Olson Pride Films & Plays’ Zak steps down after community outcry BY MATT SIMONETTE

Pride Films & Plays (PFP) Executive Director David Zak stepped down from his longtime post July 3 after numerous members of Chicago’s theater community voiced complaints about his working style in late June and began a petition urging his firing. Participants in various social media threads alleged numerous incidents of mistreatment and negligence by Zak, who prior to his PFP position, was artistic director for the Bailiwick Repertory Company from 1982-2009. Zak was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame (now the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame) in 2013. “It pains me that my actions and words have hurt many others in our Chi- cago theater community and for that I apologize greatly,” said Zak in a June 3 statement. “I would not intentionally offend, hurt, or exclude anyone in our arts community, which plays such an important role to build understanding and bridges in our community. But it has happened, and I am sorry. “I know the importance of creating a safe work environment in theater and film for all people who are so often marginalized. And while I am immensely proud of the creative projects done by our many teams, there is much more work that could and should have been done for us to be truly inclusive and sensitive. As the leader of this team, I let too many people down and cannot find words to express how sorry I am.” PFP’s board also announced Artistic Associate Donterrio Johnson will be the organization’s new artistic director, with artistic associates JD Caudill and Rob- ert Ollis continuing in their current roles. In a press release, Johnson said, “I am delighted to step into the role of Artistic Director of Pride Films and Plays. Of course I wish it were under better circumstances, but my team and I are ready to turn things around immediately. I believe in the endless future of PFP and I am excited to lead the charge, but we must rebrand, restructure and reignite the creative spark of this company.” Windy City Times asked PFP and Zak to comment on the online allegations specifically, but they had not responded as of this article’s publication. Online discussion about Zak and his organization began after director Jon Martinez on June 26 alleged numerous unsafe working conditions for his cast, among them having to navigate around sharp wooden edges; not adequately responding to a robbery that took place in the theater; not providing a clean rehearsal space, which Martinez said had rat feces and was infested with roach- es; and not responding to a staffer who allegedly verbally assaulted an actor. Martinez said that he later received no feedback when he raised his concerns with PFP officials after the show’s run. “You could say that I was an angry director/choreographer who felt their show was ignored on account of the reviews being middling,” he wrote on Facebook. “[The production] felt like it wasn’t actually produced, just executed. In the end, I guess as long as they were able to say it was directed/choreographed by a POC, they got what they wanted.” After news of Zak’s departure broke, Martinez told Windy City Times, “I’m very proud of the people who spoke out. That took enormous bravery, not only just telling it to another person but doing it online, which added fuel to the

Turn to page 15 14 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES STREAMING messages). THEATER REVIEW Other visitors include Rose’s shy suitor Miles, as well as two girlfriends: smug Misty and over- The Golden Girls: achieving Esther (who gleefully taunts online audiences with a shout-out to the “secondary The Lost Episodes, characters that nobody who hasn’t seen a Chi- cago show even know about!”). Oh, and let’s not Vol. 4 – Lockdown! forget seen-it-all Nancy’s call-in reports of an Playwright: David Cerda orgiastic rave party erupting at the Shady Pines At: Hell in a Handbag elder-care facility. The gags also encompass com- Productions, streaming online mercials extolling such copyright-dodging prod- Tickets: HandbagProductions.org/Stage773. ucts as “Colonial Pencil” Life Insurance, along com with an abundance of fourth-wall winks—not the Runs through: Aug. 15 least of which is the explanation of how everyone comes to be communicating by videoconferenc- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE ing technology when it’s 1992. Even more impressive than the verbal slapstick As the long intermission drags on into its fifth (ordered to stay in her room, Sophie protests, month, home movies and backstage chat are no “Who am I? Anne Frank?”) is the noteworthy longer enough for theatergoers craving brand- progress made since the advent of “pandemic” new written-from-scratch plays to remind them David Cerda and Grant Drager with (bottom, l to r) Ed Jones and Ryan Oates, in The Golden theater—not only by performers suddenly re- of better days when we really were all in this duced to “headshot” acting techniques, but Girls:The Lost Episodes, Vol. 4 – Lockdown! together—a theme epitomized in The Golden film editors faced with creating the illusion of Photo by Joe Mazza/Brave Lux Girls, the long-running television comedy from ensemble dynamics from a welter of stitched- the 1980s celebrating AARP-eligible women liv- together solo speeches. The cinematography of Rose—sporting a chicken-beak mask—finds com- ing independently and speaking their minds with fourth of the allegedly “lost episodes,” Blanche Peter Neville/Image Control Unit ascertains that fort in her homemade hand puppets and fond rec- uncensored candor. returns from the 1992 SantaCon festival after the adroit Handbag cast members never waver in ollections of her bucolic upbringing in northern Given that material, it wasn’t long before the having been (perhaps) exposed to Legionnaires’ their focus, however, but reacts to events and Minnesota, Blanche denies responsibility for the Hell in a Handbag company launched its own disease, plunging the household into quarantine. utterances as if clustered in a single space, while epidemic as she inventories her extensive sup- string of live-action camp-drag parodies spoofing Soon news arrives that the entire city is now at the divas being viewed in close-up are careful to ply of sex toys, and Dorothy resists the lecherous the popular Hollywood series. risk—just how many people DID Blanche infect gaze past the camera lens—except for the the- advances of her clingy former husband (who has Newcomers to the narrative need only know on her weekend spree? atrical production’s Rose, whose slightly crossed invented a prophylactic face-covering that re- that flirty Blanche, dotty Rose, acerbic Sophia Reactions to the crisis revolve around top- eyes are part of her charm. and gruff Dorothy share a house in Miami. In this ics familiar to loyal fans of the source material: sponds to exhaled breath by spelling out naughty Chicago church that Unity Church hosted historic same-sex Chicago Town and Tennis Club. Photo by Serhii event demolished Chrucky BY TIM PEACOCK couples married June 1, 2014, after Illinois rec- ognized same-sex couples' right to marry. Unity Following an extended effort to save the build- Church led the services where those couples ex- ing, Misericordia Homes recently demolished changed (and, in some cases renewed) vows. the former Chicago Town and Tennis Club/Unity When not marrying couples in a historic mass Church building at 1925 W. Thome Ave., in the ceremony, Unity Church formerly held services could be some wonderful buildings that could CHRS categorizes approximately 9,600 struc- West Ridge area of the city. Originally designed at the building with a congregation totaling ap- house some fabulous community services that tures in the city as "orange," based on “some ar- by notable architect George Maher and son Philip proximately 1,500 members. could serve so many people.” chitectural feature or historical association that in 1924, the structure boasted “high gables, a That changed when Misericordia purchased the He added, “And then of course there's the green made them potentially significant in the context slate roof and grand ballrooms,” according to site—3.1 acres in total—in 2018. As a part of side and the environmental side of this whole of the surrounding community.” Preservation Chicago. the purchase, it announced plans to construct 16 argument. The greenest building is the one we While it initially considered the idea, ultimately The building functioned as a tennis club for new group housing buildings that would provide have standing. Why should we fill our landfills Misericordia rejected the proposal to renovate or much of its early history. During the 1980s, it both shelter and programming. That construction with these marvelous works of art when we can repurpose the structure. briefly housed an Elks Club and, thereafter, sat would necessitate the demolition of the Chicago repurpose them?” Misericordia gave Unity Church substantial time empty until Unity Church purchased the space. Town & Tennis Club and its surrounding gardens. Miller noted that Preservation Chicago high- to move, during which preservationists continued Describing the structure and its destruction, Members of the West Ridge community as well lighted the buildings "orange-rated" historical their attempts to save the structure. Preservation Chicago Executive Director Ward as preservationists (like Preservation Chicago) status as one of the stronger arguments his orga- One of those proposals involved purchasing Miller said, “These buildings by these really semi- worked ardently to save the structure from demo- nization used in an attempt to convince Miseri- the building and moving it 250 feet to a nearby nal architects that are so well known and so pub- lition, initially proposing repurposing the build- cordia to preserve the building. park that was originally a part of the Chicago lished—to lose one of those is the equivalent of ing. According to Miller, being "'orange-rated" Town and Tennis Club grounds before the land destroying a great master work of art.” He added, “Some of the great buildings that would be means the building was “determined to be sig- was subdivided. The new proposal would have re- “I think we should be thinking of these buildings among Chicago's most notable structures have nificant by not only [Preservation Chicago], but purposed the building to be a park field house. as works of art.” been destroyed, and with each of these you're by the city of Chicago in a survey called the Chi- At a meeting Ald. Andre Vasquez hosted June Although it's a historically notable building whittling away not only that architectural legacy, cago Historic Resources Survey (CHRS). It was 17, Preservation Chicago proposed moving the based on architecture alone, the building has the but you're whittling away community,” Miller ex- published in 1996 as part of a decade long plus distinction of being the site where 40 same-sex plained. “And you're also whittling away at what survey and canvas of the city.” Turn to page 15 WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 15 CHURCH from page 14 PFP from page 13 building to Emerson Park. The meeting marked courage that everyone displayed. At times like the end of the final 90-day review window (a these, it’s important for everyone to know that landmark status review required before demoli- our community is still there, even if we’re not tion of any orange-rated building). This review doing anything onstage.” window was the last of several following exten- Participants in Martinez’s Facebook thread sions due to the holidays and the COVID-19 pan- made numerous additional allegations about David Zak. demic. their times working at PFP, among them unsafe Photo by Bob Eddy The Chicago Park District showed some interest working conditions; actors pressured to perform in the proposal but did not have the money to in various states of undress; trans individuals be- move or staff the building. Although Preservation ing mocked or misgendered; actors being publicly Chicago offered to raise funds and provide the body-shamed; and an overall lack of coordination money required for both, ultimately Misericordia between collaborators on PFP projects. rejected the final preservation proposal. Performer Honey West was among those who Commenting on the decision to move forward wrote online about her time working with Zak. with the demolition Kevin Connelly, assistant ex- She said that demand was long overdue and felt ecutive director of Misericordia, said, “We bought that she had no choice but to come forward. [the building grounds] with one purpose in mind, “I started to see friends and colleagues of mine and that was to serve as many adults and children express the hurt and the pain,” West said. “In the with developmental disabilities as possible.” He past, over many years, things have come up and added, “We have waited two-and-a-half years. We then got brushed under. There was an uproar—for feel we have been as neighborly as possible.” a minute. But [this time] I thought, ‘You know The following morning Misericordia began de- what? I was there. I experienced these things. I molishing the building. need to support my friends.’” Offering final comments on landmarks around She added that she came forward out of a sup- Chicago, Miller said, “A landmark building is not port for the idyll PFP represented: “This place just ... a museum piece—it's a living landmark.” that was supposed to be a Mecca, a place for us particularly a person of color as an artistic di- the organization. “I think the problems might He added, “We all share these treasures—these as artists to grow, expand, and tell our truths, is rector of a theater, it’s exciting,” he added. “I go a little deeper than being solved by new per- amazing treasures. And I think if we start looking not doing that. It’s doing harm.” think that this is something that is profound and sonnel. Whatever the internal works are, I just at landmarks from that perspective and less from Martinez said that he looks forward to seeing amazing, and I’m glad it’s moving forward. As a await the active change and [PFP] addressing the the museum idea, but as living landmarks—works how PFP would evolve with its new artistic direc- person of color myself, it’s so important to see things that actually happened to the people on of art—buildings that can be adaptively reused, tor and how it goes about making the changes it those people in positions of power.” this thread.” creatively reused time and time again. That's promises. But Martinez also hopes to see structural For the complete article on the PFP situa- what it's really about at the end of the day.” “Whenever we have a new person in charge, change and conscientious accountability from tion, see https://bit.ly/2C4hpnY.

EVERY DAY A UNIQUE THEME HIGHLIGHTING OUR VARIOUS COMMUNITIES! AUGUST 10 - 16, 2020 FAMILY CONSTELLATIONS - WOMXN BEAR / LEATHER / FETISH - QTBIPOC - DRAG COMMUNITIES FIERTEMTL.COM SPOTLIGHT ON DIFFERENT REALITIES - PRIDE FESTIVITIES 16 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES WCT: Is there a place you would like to travel was one of 17 children. They were salt of the NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC to, but haven’t yet? earth people. RW: I’ve never been to Africa. I have been to WCT: How did you commemorate Pride this Morocco, which is technically part of the conti- year? nent, so maybe East Africa. RW: I performed for Toronto Pride online. I have Rufus Wainwright: WCT: Playing off another track on Unfol- to say, I liked it when they changed the parade low the Rules, is your husband a “Romanti- into a march for Black Lives Matter in LA. I wasn’t cal Man?” What’s the last romantic thing he’s able to attend, but I have been going out to the On new album, Pride done for you? demonstrations when I can around here. New York RW: Our plans to go to Europe were dashed with has returned Pride to its roots, which has been what is going on. We thankfully have an Air- needed for a long time. and future plans stream trailer, so we went up the coast recently. WCT: I have been to your concerts in Chicago Even just playing with the dog and walking to see ever since you opened for Tori Amos. You usu- the sunset together, after a lovely meal we have ally have a very straight crowd attending. Did made for our daughter, is very romantic. you ever think about how being an out musi- WCT: What’s your dog’s name? cian has affected your career? RW: Puccini, and he’s a miniature Australian RW: I definitely think about how if I had jig- shepherd. gered my persona slightly and been more mysteri- WCT: Your voice soars on “Hatred.” Can you ous about my sexuality to my audience, I would talk about that song? have been more successful. Most of my concert RW: Yes. All these songs were written over many crowd is straight. years. About 10 years ago, I decided to embark On the other hand, the fact that I have been holistically on my classical career. I did some pro- brutally honest about my sexuality from the on- ductions of my first opera and produced my sec- set has really started to pay off. People I work ond opera Hadrian, so I was focused on another with appreciate the honesty. They like the fact area of expertise. I wound up missing songwrit- that I’ve not tried to hoodwink them in any way. ing and the pop world. I really appreciated the I went for the long game! audience that I had left behind. I wrote a lot of WCT: Well, it meant a lot to me when you material and was very inspired. spoke openly about your life at your live Later, I became inspired in a bad way. I went shows. through a difficult time and was filled with ha- RW: Well, that’s good to hear. I think with the tred. Me, being a positive person, wanted to small percentage of gay fans that I have, it meant transform that energy to something that was the world to them. It really did. useful for me. That song is about me becoming WCT: Some people may not know how hilari- a warrior when faced with adversity. I wanted to ous you are until they see your concerts with Rufus Wainwright. use any emotion, good or bad, as a tool. all the funny banter. Photo by Tony Hauser With the election this year, I think we are em- RW: [Laughs] I am more playful than my albums barking on an incredible battle. We need all the might present. tools in the box to get through this, sadly, hatred WCT: Are you planning a tour next year? BY JERRY NUNN in my late forties. Let me enjoy 46 while it’s still is one of them. RW: Oh, yeah. We just moved everything a year here. WCT: Thanks to this pandemic I’ve had plenty down, so I am sure we will be talking again, Out and proud performer Rufus Wainwright has WCT: I just turned 50 this year. Do you have of “Alone Time” as you sing about. What’s one sooner than later about the tour. We wanted to always been and continues to be the thinking plans for that big year? bad habit you have picked up during the lock- get the music out there, no matter what, on July man’s musician. His songs run deep with some- RW: Well, hopefully by then we will be in a safe down? 10. times heavy lyrics covering topics such as family and constructive society with more options. I RW: We have a candy kids area in the corner WCT: Has there been one moment that has relationships, politics and religion. celebrated my 40th in Spain at the opera house of the kitchen. It’s like the Bermuda Triangle of meant the most to you in your career? For those not familiar with Wainwright, he was Teatro Real, in Madrid, so I am thinking another sweets. I try to steer away from it, but I fail daily. RW: I go back to putting together these really born in New York, the son of two folk singers, opera house, maybe in Italy. If we do need to Candy is not my friend! fabulous shows of my mother’s material. I was Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III. He social distance, we can always do it in gondolas! WCT: You drew the art on Unfollow the Rules given the opportunity to really lose myself in her came out of the closet as a teenager and per- WCT: You have a track on the new album record booklet. Did you grow up drawing? repertoire. I grieved her in a unique way by sing- formed in the film Tommy Tricker and the Stamp called “Unfollow the Rules,” but why did that RW: I went to art school in college briefly. If ing her music. Bringing that music to an audience Traveller at age 14. become the overall title for the project? you really examine my story, there are examples and having them join me in that process was re- His self-titled first studio album debuted in RW: It happened very organically. One day, our where my art peaked out of the corner and re- ally amazing! 1998. The work brought him a GLAAD Media daughter Viva exclaimed that she wanted to un- vealed itself. With this album, it has taken a Award for Outstanding Music Album and Juno follow the rules and I immediately jotted it down more permanent position. When the pandemic Award (a Canadian honor) for Best Alternative as a great idea for a lyric. That lyric became a hit, it was a chance to really exercise that mus- Album. His follow-up record, Poses, earned him song and the song the title of the album. cle. It has turned into an arena that I want to the same trophies in 2001; in 2009, Rufus Does It has been an interesting journey the past few continue to pursue. Judy at Carnegie Hall was nominated for a Gram- months. Initially the album was coming out in WCT: “Matinee Idol” was a song you wrote my Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. April and we had to push it to July 10 because of about River Phoenix. Was your family a hippy In 2012, his Mark Ronson-produced record Out the pandemic. The idea of unfollowing the rules family like the Phoenix’s? of the Game came out; that same year, Wainwright is not exactly kosher back then and I was appre- RW: There was a hippy element, especially on married German art administrator Jorn Weisbrodt. hensive on how that would translate. Now that my mother’s side, but actually my dad did dabble His first child, Viva Katherine Wainwright Cohen, the Black Lives Matter protests have happened in hippiedom at one point. He did become more was born in 2011, conceived with his childhood and we are in an election year, there is a sense of conservative. I don’t mean like a republican, but friend Lorca Cohen, daughter of Leonard Cohen. real evaluation and recalibration. It’s a revolution a WASP-y American man, who returned to his With his latest work, Unfollow the Rules, he in a lot of ways. Once again the title is appropri- roots of Bedford, New York. continues on a path down a different road that ate and timely. My mother was more of a Canadian creature, leads him across the country on the new single WCT: Have you been to all the places you who loved living in Montreal. She loved to be “You Ain’t Big.” sing about in the song “You Ain’t Big?” close to the earth and her family was working Windy City Times: Happy early birthday! RW: You are the first person to ask me that class. They were all very musical. My grandmother Rufus Wainwright: Wait a few weeks since I am question. I don’t think I’ve been to Wichita. WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 17 the experience he had. Lin is a huge superstar and a fan. He was like a little kid when he met Walter. Alex Fumero had reached out to Lin while he was doing Hamilton in Puerto Rico, so they arranged for them to meet before a show. We were quite lucky to capture that in the film. WCT: I worked as a rep in a store in Chicago Walter Mercado. where Walter Mercado did an in-store signing Photo courtesy of Netflix of his astrological CD. His fans were very de- voted. Did he ever come out publicly? KT: No. He never came out and didn’t like la- bels identifying him one way or another. We talk about that quite explicitly in the film. Walter was beyond coming out. Every day he came on television, he showed us who he was in NUNN ON ONE: MOVIES a way that was groundbreaking, pioneering and authentic. He inspired millions of queer people that saw him. From the first time he came on as an astrologer, he was challenging what masculin- Queer filmmaker has ity and femininity meant in how he looked and dressed. He talked freely about how the future would not be masculine or feminine, how gen- 'Mucho Mucho Amor' der would not be a thing in the future. We came across this in the archives over 30 years ago. He was radically ahead of his time. He did that in a for famed astrologer way that was subversive. He could have possibly not had a career at the time if he came out, but he presented himself very authentically. He be- came an avenue for acceptability for many people came in and shared his daily horoscope. It was a contact the family and get to Walter somehow. BY JERRY NUNN in this way. sacred five minutes where we were forced to be We planned a follow-up call and I met Cristina For me as a queer kid growing up, seeing Walter quiet and pay attention or face the risk of being Costantini on the phone. We decided to co-direct For generations, Puerto Rican astrologer Walter on TV was the first time I had seen any queer hit upside the head by grandma! the movie together, with Fumero serving as pro- Mercado has brought hope and the future for person. It was shocking. I recognized his sense of As a filmmaker, I wondered what happened to ducer. many families. otherness. It was similar to the difference I had Walter Mercado. He was so ubiquitous in our cul- WCT: How long did the filming take? He grew up a dancer, an actor in theater and inside of me, even though I couldn’t pinpoint it. ture, then the next day he basically disappeared. KT: We had been working on the project for two starred in many telenovelas before his unique He was beloved, famous and successful. My family One of my friends, who produced the movie and a half years. We didn’t know that would be character debuted as a regular astrology segment adored him. If my family loved Walter Mercado as Moonlight, Andrew Hevia, told me I had to meet the last years of his life. We were shooting with for El Show de las 12. This eventually grew into different as he was, then maybe they could love Alex Fumero, who is the vice president of pro- him six weeks before he died. We submitted our a Univision network spot shown throughout the me. It was hugely important for me. gramming at HBO. When we had lunch, the first cut on Nov. 1 to a film festival and he died on Americas. Mercado’s legacy grew to international WCT: I’ve interviewed Eugenio Derbez be- thing we talked about was Walter Mercado and Nov. 2. proportions before his death on Nov. 2, 2019, fore and he seemed very nice. Did he feel bad how we would both like to make a documentary WCT: Your story about watching Walter on from kidney failure at age 87. about making fun of Walter in a skit? about him. I told him I was going to an estate TV with your grandmother is very common, in- Bringing his story back to life, queer filmmaker KT: I don’t think he thought of it as making fun sale in Miami for Walter Mercado. I admitted I cluding with Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda. Kareem Tabsch, along with Cristina Costantini, of Walter. He really adored Walter. Context is the was not only going to buy a cape, but to try to KT: Exactly. Lin is an avatar for all of us with directed a new documentary called Mucho Mucho key and you have to think about the time period Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado that was that Eugenio was doing these impersonations filmed right before Mercado passed away. and where we were as a society. He would never Tabsch is the co-founder and co-director of Mi- do that now. Eugenio was inspired by Walter be- ami’s largest art-house cinema and has served as Kareem Tabsch. cause he dared to be different. He said that, but program director of the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Photo by Matt Sayles it didn’t wind up in the documentary. Festival. Other docs he has created include Cherry WCT: What are some other parts that didn’t Pop: The Story of the World’s Fanciest Cat, Dol- make the cut for Mucho? phin Lover and The Last Resort. KT: There’s so much. We had hundreds of hours Tabsch was named 20 under 40 by the Miami of footage after two years. There are many funny Herald’s Business Monday in 2014 and received moments that we hope will come out as bonus the Knight Arts Champion Award from the Knight materials. Foundation. One time we went to San Juan and stopped in Windy City Times: Tell our readers a little to a store that Walter had been going to for 45 about yourself. years. The owner and him were catching up. Wal- Kareem Tabsch: I was born and raised in Mi- ter asked him if he had any cannabis. He didn’t, ami, where I still live. I am a Cuban/Lebanese- but had CBD. Walter said that doesn’t work for American queer guy. My day job is working for O him. He told us, “I don’t smoke marijuana, but I Cinema, which is a really popular local art-house love LSD. I did it a long time ago as an experi- cinema. I have been a programmer and curator ment. I had a beautiful trip!” for many years. There were so many moments like that, which WCT: How did tackling a subject like Walter would drop out of his mouth and were hilarious Mercado begin? to think of. He was the cutest thing ever and so KT: He’s such a complex figure, so it was a little smart! difficult. As a Latino growing up in South Florida, WCT: I watched some of your other documen- Walter was a daily presence on family television. taries, such as The Last Resort and Dolphin Every afternoon, my grandmother would bring everyone around the TV and shush us as Walter Turn to page 19 18 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES INTERNET Juan Pablo Di Pace: Life's all about the small things in 'Minutiae' BY ANDREW DAVIS job. Now what I do think has been a very shitty double standard is when a gay actor doesn’t get The coronavirus pandemic has put many things the same chance a straight actor would get for on hold—but has also led to creative output from a straight role. That horrifies me, and should be individuals who may not otherwise have had time stopped right this second. to produce such projects. WCT: Let’s move on to Minutiae. How did you Such is the case with Juan Pablo Di Pace, an come up with the title? out actor/singer/dancer who is originally from JPDP: [Laughs] When I imagined this, I wanted Argentina but who took over U.S. screens on such a title that was confusing and not easy to under- Photo courtesy of Labrea.Media shows as Fuller House and Dancing with the Stars stand. When I first heard the word “minutiae,” I (which had arguably one of its most controversial laughed out loud. The title and subject matter are seasons ever when Di Pace, who many thought all about the things that happen in this optimis- would win, ended up in fifth place). tic guy’s head. It’s actually about the things we Now, Di Pace is the creator, star and director make huge in our minds, but are actually small. of Minutiae—a YouTube series in which he plays WCT: And you have some interesting co-stars, Tomas, a neurotic but optimistic Hollywood ac- including a couple from Fuller House. tor who deals with the little things in his life. JPDP: That’s been awesome, especially because Among others who have appeared on the series I wanted to play with the abilities of my cast- are Ariana Savalas (the daughter of Telly and who mates. Most people know them as Kimmy Gibbler co-stars in the the LGBTQ-themed episode “Prom- [Barber] or Uncle Jesse [Stamos], but they’re also ise”) as well as Fuller House co-stars John Stamos my friends and it was great to have them play and Andrea Barber. completely different characters—including John Windy City Times: You were congratulated for cursing like a truck driver. coming out last year. It made a big splash with WCT: And the LGBTQ episode “Promise” was some people. What has the feedback been like very moving. What made you go that particu- from your family and the public? lar angle [about two queer old Hollywood stars Juan Pablo Di Pace: Well, the press loves to tell from the 1930s] with co-star Ariana Savalas? when people come out of the closet. It wasn’t so JPDP: The episodes come from whatever’s in my much coming out of the closet; it was saying the mind at the time, and Minutiae gives me a place words in a public arena. I’ve never really been in to create different worlds, like a dream or a hor- the closet since I was 19. ror film. I just wanted to make things personal; I wanted I’ve been a huge fan of Ariana and we’re re- to talk about my journey to help those who have ally good friends. In 2017, we took these pic- to deal with acceptance and even bullying. But tures with this amazing photographer named Jay my family has known for 20 years, as well as my P. Morgan. He asked me what kind of pictures I friends and everyone who’s important in my life. wanted, and I said, “I always wanted to be [the It was more of a situation in which I didn’t feel late actor Rudolph] Valentino.” So the pictures it was necessary for my career, because I’m a pri- you see in “Promise” are from 2017. vate person—but then I was, like, “Why not?” Then, I thought I really wanted to do an LGBT WCT: If you could work with any two or three You could say it was a professional first, on my episode because it was June, it was Pride Month. actors, who would they be? side, but there was no shame or angst anymore. It was really important to me, and I wanted to JPDP: Well, Marilyn [Monroe] would be fun. Magic Parlour at So I thank everyone for the congratulations, make my [contribution] to this and do something [Laughs] Also, I would love to have worked with but it wasn’t this situation where I was [sings else besides, “Yay—let’s celebrate.” That type of Gene Kelly; he’s my idol. I have a big background Home’ during July Magician Dennis Watkins is taking his “Ahhh”] saved. relationship—with gay and lesbian Hollywood in dance, and he’s always influenced me. You experience The Magic Parlour online for a WCT: And what do you think of the school of stars married off to other people—was big back could see the joy in his face. And [working with] completely new virtual offering dubbed “The thought that only LGBTQ actor should portray then. They were under contracts that basically Cate Blanchett is a goal of mine; I think she’s one Magic Parlour at Home.” LGBTQ roles? owned their lives. One, it’s fascinating and, two, of the finest actresses of our generation. The new virtual magic show, designed for JPDP: Oh, it’s preposterous—it’s rubbish. I’m it’s real. WCT: You’ve mentioned dance a few times. group and family viewings, will offer multiple against any kind of stereotyping. When you’re It’s definitely a more somber Pride this year, There are people, including myself, who criti- performances every Friday and Saturday eve- an actor, you’re supposed to work the muscles and it’s a more reflective time. I wanted to tread cized Dancing with the Stars because of where ning in July at 7:30 p.m. (The exception is of getting into someone else’s shoes. That’s the a fine line of comedy and going somewhere else. you finished. Friday, July 10, during which there will be whole point of being an actor; you can embody I’m a fan of shows like Extras, with Ricky Gervais; JPDP: Well, I look at it this way: I made it to shows at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) someone else besides yourself, and that includes Curb Your Enthusiasm; and The Comeback, with the finals. I was eliminated a day before the fi- Tickets are now on sale for $75. A maximum nationalities, sexualities, cultures and even gen- Lisa Kudrow. Those shows can make you laugh— nals, but we [Di Pace and pro partner Cheryl of 30 tickets will be sold for each performance der. Cate Blanchett once played Bob Dylan [in the but then, suddenly, you can find yourself crying. Burke] were asked to come back for the finals and and each ticket will admit one “household” film I’m Not There]. WCT: You’re the director of this series. Are do our tango. At first I said, “No!,” like a petulant or up to 10 guests on one screen. I understand it, especially with trans actors be- you hoping to direct larger projects? child. Then I agreed to do it—but only if I could See TheMagicParlourChicago.com. cause they have really been pushed and pulled. JPDP: Yeah! That’s already in the works. There sing, so they let me do that. But with gay actors, I feel that if you’re good are two movies I’ve talking about directing. I It’s a game, not a talent show. There were many enough for the job, then you should get the think this pandemic made me realize that I’m factors we were not in control of. ready to be a creative person behind the camera. Minutiae/The Series is on YouTube. WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 19 MUCHO from page 17 She helped discover Betty Page and was admired later in life. Lover. What did you bring from those into WCT: What would you like LGBT audiences to Mucho Mucho Amor? take from Mucho Mucho Amor? Last call for Little Jim’s KT: Thank you for watching them. I am fasci- KT: As a queer Latino myself, we don’t see Longtime Lake View tavern Little Jim’s shut its ‘bears.’” nated by people who live on the fringe of soci- enough of our stories told. Walter Mercado, as doors July 2. The parcel on which Little Jim’s stands was ety. I like people who are brazen and not worried a figure, is a celebration of an icon for a whole Billing itself as “the original hookup bar,” Jim put on the market in 2019. The Howard Brown about how they will be judged. community. Walter was so ahead of his time. No Gates opened Little Jim’s in 1975, and it was one Health system has been in negotiations to buy In Dolphin Lover, Malcom Brenner is a zoophile one looked like Walter Mercado on television. of the first gay bars in the Boystown area. Gates the parcel to expand its Lake View operations. and a small part of the population. He wanted to He launched his astrological personality in 1969 sold the business and moved to Florida in 2014. According to a statement that Howard Brown is- talk about his experience and his truth. I don’t with capes, makeup and jewelry. “Don’t blink or you’ll miss it—it’s a tiny late- sued in early 2020, the acquisition would double agree with him, but admire the braveness of how So much of the Latino representation in me- night hook-up joint disguised as a neighborhood the capacity of its Halsted clinic “for primary care he lived his life. dia is about immigration issues or drug cartels. bar,” the Chicago bar Project said of the tavern. appointments, provide additional space for walk- In The Last Resort, many were holocaust survi- We don’t see enough positive stories. As queer “Little Jim’s is meant for getting together with in sexual and reproductive healthcare, and house vors and immigrated from Eastern Europe. They Latinos, we have our heroes and they have in- friends, having a few drinks, chatting and, to be wrap-around and behavioral health services.” made a paradise in Miami despite being ridiculed. fluenced our culture. I think Walter has inspired blunt, an easy place to meet easy older guys and South Beach was all old people then, which is many generations to live a life more openly and hard to believe if you have been there now. They embrace themselves. I hope that audiences that dared to create their own space. don’t know him, will have a joyful discovery in Little Jim's They both influenced Mucho Mucho Amor, so a moment when we need joy. There is so much bartenders in hopefully there’s a thread you can see throughout divisiveness in our culture and world right now. 2005. the docs, even though they are vastly different. Our leaders are preaching hate and here is some- Photo by Kirk WCT: Your next project is even more differ- body who had over fifty years of coming into our Williamson ent… homes where he preached love and acceptance, KT: Yes, I am working on a documentary on a regardless if you believe in astrology or religion. photographer named Bunny Yeager. She is also I can’t think of a better way to live a life! from Miami and a pinup model turned photogra- Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter pher. She was an early contributor to Playboy and Mercado gives love to everyone at Netflix.com helped popularize the bikini in American culture. on Wed., July 8.

sees both white and Black!’” people of color can play those roles, how is it that Speaking of Hairspray, the star of the film ver- Hamilton can have every color of the rainbow play- sion just came out officially! No, not John Travol- ing mostly Caucasian historical characters? I loved BILLY ta. And, no, not Queen Latifah. The Tracy—Nikki it and believe that’s what colorblind casting is all Blonsky. While this was not news to those of about, but it seems like we’re heading backward. MastersMasters us who know and love her, it was a bold public Where does that leave Hamilton?” proclamation from a bold kinda gal. She made the If you’ve got a question you want me to tack- “I might as well ask you what your paychecks announcement as only she could. She posted a le, dash it off to [email protected], and I are. Paul, what’s your penis size?”—Chris Evans video of herself dancing in the yard along to the promise to get back to you before anyone else interviews Paul Rudd and asks the two most sen- music of Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.” The cap- from the “Hairspray” film cast comes out! Until sitive questions you could ask an actor. Paul an- tion was simple. “Hi, it’s Nikki Blonsky from the next time, remember, one man’s filth is another swered, “It’s even bigger than my paycheck.” movie I’m Gay!” man’s bible. After months of being incredibly careful and Back in May, Nikki and I excitedly talked about staying away from virtually all humanity, I’ve her being on “Billy Masters LIVE!” Unfortunately, thrown the whole wind into the caution and I planned to only feature out LGBT guests during ventured back into the real world. Well, Prov- June. So I made a note to circle back to Nikki at incetown. While this isn’t the Ptown of yore (or the end of June. And then, poof, she came out! mine), it’s still lovely to get away. But is it even We’ll have her on soon. Provincetown? Certainly not a typical July 4. But This past week, “Billy Masters LIVE” started off the businesses are making the best of things. on a sexy note. Tuesday’s show featured Tom Jud- Bars that were unable to open because they don’t son (aka Gus Mattox), Florian Klein (aka Hans serve food suddenly added sandwiches to their Berlin) and David Pevsner discussing working in menu. Regardless, all eateries must close by 11 gay erotica and in the legitimate theatre. A very p.m., at which point the streets basically roll up. fun episode with lots of dish. And then on Thurs- So, while it’s still lovely, don’t judge Ptown by day, we featured singers Sam Harris and Billy Chris Evans (above) and Paul Rudd had quite this summer. Gilman. It was my first time: a) having a guest the exchange, Billy says. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Fire Island is named Billy and 2) “meeting” Gilman. And the as busy as ever. One particular person joined in Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Studios whole show was a complete delight. Not only did the Fourth of July celebrations while knowing he they have so much in common in terms of career had COVID-19. I won’t name him or vilify him be- Lives Matter movement. His musical version of trajectory and attitudes about singing, they’re cause, surely he wasn’t the only positive person Hairspray tackled racial tensions in Baltimore, also big fans of each other. Check us out on Tues- there. Many of these vacationers probably have circa 1962. During the climactic “You Can’t Stop days and Thursdays at 3 p.m. ET on Billy Masters the coronavirus—they just haven’t been tested. the Beat,” Motormouth Mabel sings, “And to- TV on YouTube, or on the TV tab at BillyMasters. But that doesn’t make them any less contagious. morrow is a brand new day, and it don’t know com. I simply say what I said during the AIDS crisis— white from Black.” Shaiman made the following Our provocative “Ask Billy” question comes assume everyone is positive and act accordingly. declaration: “But PLEASE note, in all future pro- from Dennis in Baltimore: “I just watched ‘Ham- You can still enjoy your life and be somewhat ductions, the colorblindness that was a goal for ilton’ and LOVED IT! But it got me thinking: With social while also being safe. many years will be improved, and the lyric will people wanting only gay people to play gay roles, Marc Shaiman is a big supporter of the Black now be ‘And tomorrow is a brand new day, and it and trans people to play trans roles, and only 20 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES good. artisanal.” It’s about using an overused term— WCT: The book has something for everyone, it’s like “synergy,” in the workplace. from vegans to full-blown carnivores to low- WCT: Like the word “organic”… and high-carb items. How did you decide what JS: Yes. There are federal guidelines, but it the DISH recipes went into the cookbook? stops at a certain point. I don’t need organic Dining Guide in JS: Again, I wanted to cater to every single Cheerios, you know? [The term] is definitely a type of eater. And because being basic is so marketing tool. WINDY CITY TIMES universal, I wanted to make sure the food was WCT: What was the toughest part of putting as well. But if you think about a typical “basic this book together? BOOKS bitch,” that person is usually health-conscious JS: Oh, my gosh. I never second-guessed but they’re also willing to go out and drink a lot anything I put into the book, but because I’m at brunch, so I have drink recipes. And they also so insanely type A, everything has to have a flow Joey Skladany have a sweet tooth that needs to be satisfied. and a place—and I think that inhibited me in a I think the thing with being basic is that lot of ways regarding the creative process. Also, entertains, there’s inclusivity—especially with me, as a the regimented schedule I use in my everyday gay man—and I would never want to put out life didn’t always work in my favor when it came a cookbook that ostracized a group of people to the book, although it helped with deadlines instructs in because of a dietary restriction. I wanted this and [the organization of] my thoughts. Then, I book to speak to everyone. started a routine in which—every morning, for ‘Basic Bitchen’ WCT: And part of the fun, for me, involves the first half-hour—I would bring my laptop into the names of some of these recipes. What, for bed with me and just write, with a fresh mind; I BY ANDREW DAVIS example, is the story behind “I’ve Got My Shit just let it all flow and go back to see if anything would be detrimental to my career and life; it With Basic Bitchen, Joey Skladany has probably Together” Strawberry Macarons? made sense. wasn’t until my mid-20s when I was able to flip put together one of the most entertaining JS: [Laughs] Yeah—that. Well, I’ve very type A But when I’m in a zone and doing something that script. cookbooks one might come across. and OCD. I’d like to think my shit together but, creative like this… I was just craving Being gay is a part of me and something I can With recipes for items such as Antidepressant in actuality, we all don’t. Macarons is probably an opportunity like this. It just use to my advantage—like surrounding myself Red Velvet Cake Pops and entertaining stories, the longest and most detailed recipe in the felt so right. with this amazing community of inspiring people. Skladany aims to connect readers and cooks with book, but here the measurements have to WCT: With June being RuPaul said it best: “If you don’t love yourself, the basic pleasures of life. Skladany talked about be precise. So if they come out right, Pride Month, what does how in the hell are you going to love somebody his book, Pride—and lightning. the first thing I think is, “I’ve got my “pride” mean to you? else?” It’s important to achieve self-love and Windy City Times: Let’s talk about your shit together.” [Both laugh.] JS: It means complete self-acceptance, and not giving a rat’s ass what book. First of all, how did you come up with WCT: Also, what about the “I’m So and utter confidence in anybody else thinks because their opinions don’t the title and, for our readers, what’s a “basic Artisanal!” Cobb Mason Jar Salad your own skin. As LGBTQ matter. bitch?" with Homemade Ranch Dressing? people, we grew up WCT: By the way, is it true you were once Joey Skladany: [Laughs] Well, it’s been in the JS: Being a New Yorker, there being so ostracized for struck by lightning? vernacular for a while. Well, “basic” initially are stereotypes about the artsy our differences. Pride is JS: Yes—well, indirectly. The summer before my has a negative connotation—like if someone’s hipsters—and they pride in what about celebrating these freshman year in college, I was going out to get devoid of culture and is into doing only what’s they do, whether it's home-brewed amazing things that make us the mail and my dog was on a leash. Lightning comfortable. But I flipped the script a little on beer or homemade kombucha. The term different, and using them for struck the tree right next to me and the current that, and “basic” is now a term of endearment. “artisanal,” from a media perspective, our advantage—not traveled, and I felt the full zap in my feet. I am a very complex individual, but I like to has been synonymous with “Brooklyn- rejecting them. I was so disoriented, and I had sores on challenge myself by traveling and doing different derived.” It’s, like, some people I always thought my feet as well as lacerations. Also, I things, so being basic is kind of a respite for me. say, “I’m making my being labelled had no saliva in my mouth, and my hair It embodies what is comfortable to me, to the own ranch as gay was on edge. I did go to the hospital. point where I don’t have to worry about anything. dressing. WCT: And what about the dog? So these are go-to dishes that are simple and I’m so JS: My poor little Yorkie was actually that really hit the spot. So “basic” is almost very fine because he was on a patch of contradictory to who I am as a person. grass. But I jumped so high and quickly As for the name, I have a background in that his collar came up over his head, and entertainment and TV; I started as a publicist. he bolted, too—no pun intended. [Laughs] But Then I worked for Food & Wine, and then it was so weird: There were no clouds and no Chowhound. I look at cookbooks almost every thunder before it happened. single day, as people want me to look at theirs. Basic Bitchen will be available Tuesday, Aug. And I would look at some and say, “Hmmm … 4. Pre-order the book at bit.ly/BasicBitchen. this isn’t really grabbing my attention.” So many were aspirational instead of inspirational. And in my mind, I thought, “I just need to get back to basics.” And I came up with “Basic Bitchen,” but I thought it had to be trademarked; I looked it up, and it wasn’t. Then, I logged onto GoDaddy Left: Joey Skladany. and said, “Done!” [Laughs] I felt there was a void in the cookbook world. Photo by Guillermo Riveros I wanted to put out something that was told through a lens of humor and self-deprecation; I really my writing reflects who I am as a person. People don’t want to be preached to; they have so little time, and they want the items to taste

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people there. He added that the work culture did not DeShawn asked about this year’s Pride Month in lend itself to connectivity between people, which is light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the #Black- Chicago Sky hosts why he did not come out to everyone there. Holston LivesMatter protests, adding that it has been hard 'Unapologetically You' added that the disconnected work environment that for her to feel celebratory. impeded his ability to show up fully and express Holston said that other than some of the market- Pride virtual panel himself directly impacted his chances at a promo- ing he has seen, it does not feel like Pride Month tion despite the fact that he had raised a lot of because of the lack of in-person events and the loss BY CARRIE MAXWELL money. of jobs and, especially, loved ones due to the coro- DeShawn asked Baim about being out since the navirus. In honor of Pride month, the Chicago Sky held a beginning of her career in the mid-1980s and if that Baim added that this is a reckoning for every- virtual panel “Being Unapologetically You” June 23 has impacted her in a negative way. Baim said yes, one, including the LGBTQ community, of the racism focused on success stories from three local LGBTQ but not in terms of finding a job right out of college. she said pervades every corner of U.S. society. She leaders. “I prevented it on the front end,” said Baim. pointed to the recent Spyner’s Pub protest—spurred E3 Radio Founder and CEO Anna DeShawn mod- Baim said her mother, who was a journalist at because of the lesbian owner’s racist Facebook erated the eent. Panelists included Chicago Reader the Chicago Defender, told her about the publica- posts—as an example of the racism within Chicago’s Publisher and Windy City Times co-founder Tracy tion Gay Life when she returned to Chicago after LGBTQ community. Baim said she is grateful for the Baim, Chicago Sky center Stefanie Dolson and LGBT graduating from Drake University, and she started activists out on the street and that Pride has taken Chamber of Commerce (LGBTCC) Director Jerome’ working there almost immediately. She added that a backseat because “we need a new normal.” Holston. her stepfather, who worked at the Chicago Tribune, Dolson echoed what Holston and Baim said regard- When DeShawn asked why everyone said yes to this told her at the time she could not be an out lesbian ing her feelings about Pride Month. panel the consensus was that it was a no-brainer to and work for that paper. As for what gives them hope right now, Dolson talk about being their authentic selves within the This reality was the catalyst for Baim to create her said it is the little wins, including the young girls LGBTQ community, especially during Pride month. own career as an independent journalist and busi- who reach out to her on social media to say she Baim added that anytime she can help elevate ness owner for the past 36 years. She credited her has inspired them. She added that her whole family, sports as a catalyst for positive change she will par- parents for being so supportive at a time when most including herself, recovering from COVID-19 has also ticipate. She said because of Title IX becoming law LGBTQ people were being ostracized from their fami- bolstered her spirits. she was able to play various sports since she was a lies. Baim said that despite the fact that The Reader child, adding that was transformative for her. Dolson spoke about how easy it was for her to and this publication lost 90 percent of its adver- DeShawn asked Dolson if things have changed for come out to her family and friends. She said her tising due to the COVID-19 shutdowns, no one was the better regarding out LGBTQ players in the WNBA. mother was supportive right away and her father laid off or furloughed and every employee got June- Dolson responded that, for her, the league and play- gave her a high-five and immediately wanted to see teenth off as a paid holiday. ers have always been accepting in the seven years a picture of her girlfriend. Dolson said that the fans Bringing more good news, Holston said that none she has been playing professional basketball. have also embraced her and the other out LGBTQ of the LGBTCC member businesses have had to shut In terms of the cost of living authentically as a players across the WNBA because of the inclusive down permanently despite the current challenges, Black gay man, Holston said that prior to working environment the league has created. She added that adding that this development bodes well for the fu- at the LGBTCC, he did fundraising work on behalf of other sports leagues can learn from what the WNBA ture. Chicago Sky player Stefanie Dolson. churches—a time when he was only out to a few has done for its out LGBTQ players. A Q&A session followed. Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser 22 July 8, 2020 WINDY CITY TIMES new-plays/ with our community in this time of so- Saturday, July 18 cial distancing. 12:00pm Facebook Live Men Having Babies Midwest Conference COMMUNITY Friday, July 10 Tickets: http://Facebook.com/CBGMC (virtual) 5th annual MHB Midwest re- American Writers Museum reopens With turns with surrogacy parenting options a mission to inspire the young writers of Tuesday, July 14 and the debut of the Complementary CALENDAR tomorrow. Portions of ticket sales during LGBT Chamber of Commerce Virtual Mix Services Expo. For gay men who want July support two groups: Young, Black & & Mingle DIY wine glass paint activity to become parents through surrogacy, Lit and Bernie's Book Bank. See virtual and building new relationships. Julie a wealth of information, advice, wide [NOTE: Events may not occur because of program schedule at the link. 10:00am Langrehr with the City of Chicago De- range of relevant service providers. compliance with guidelines connected - 5:00pm American Writers Museum, 180 partment of Procurement Services will 3:00pm. Continues July 19. DoubleTree with the COVID-19 outbreak. Please N Michigan Avenue, #505 http://ameri- update on the city's survey to study its Chicago Magnificent Mile, 300 E. Ohio contact the venue if interested in a canwritersmuseum.org/calendar/ spending with LGBTQ+ owned businesses. St., Tickets: http://www.menhavingba- particular event to see if said event is RSVP at link. 5:30pm - 6:30pm Online bies.org/surrogacy-seminars/chicago/ still scheduled.] Saturday, July 11 http://business.lgbtcc.com/events/de- Wed., July 8 Illuminati 2020, Citadel Theatre Sum- tails/mix-mingle-happy-hour-4245 Friday, July 31 mer Gala Supporting Citadel Theatre Being Earnest online Based on Oscar Women and Children Books reopening Company and excellene in performing Thursday, July 16 Wilde's satirical comedy of manners, Limited number of patrons and limited arts in Lake County. Menu by Froggy's Welcome to Chechnya: Beyond the Film The Importance of Being Earnest. Sky- duration of visits. Fridays from 11 a.m. French Cafe 4:00pm David Adler Estate, panel Discussing Welcome to Chechnya, light Music Theatre's online/virtual, to 1:30 p.m. will be designated time for 830 Green Bay Rd., Lake Forest Tickets: David France's documentary on rescu- full-length musical has the score that's our most at-risk community members. http://www.citadeltheatre.org/gala/ ing Chechen survivors of the LGBTQ a tribute to 1960s rock groups like Her- 11:00am - 6:00pm Women & Children The Magic Parlour at Home Magician Den- purge there. Amnesty International and man's Hermits, The Dave Clark Five, The First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Chicago nis Watkins virtual magic show, designed GLAAD, featuring David France, Rainbow Rolling Stones, The Seekers, The Hollies, http://womenandchildrenfirst.com for group and family viewings, will of- Railroad Executive Director Kimahli Pow- The Lovin' Spoonful Time: TBA. Call 414- IGNITION POINT fer multiple performances every Friday ell, and Maxim Lapunov, a survivor of Thursday, July 9 291-7800 Tickets: http://www.skylight- July 9 and 16 and Saturday evening in July. $75 per the purge whose compelling story is sig- musictheatre.org IGNITION Festival of New Plays Thurs- household. First show 7:30 p.m. 9:30pm nificantly featured in the film. 7:00pm day evening readings of four new plays The IGNITION Festival of New Online Tickets: http://TheMagicParlour- - 8:00pm Online Tickets: http://www. from Chicago playwrights. Each reading Chicago.com Plays will continue with Exal eventbrite.ca/e/welcome-to-chechnya- will be followed by a "Coffee with the beyond-the-film-tickets-111695387912 Creators" chat during lunch hour the Fri- Iraheta (July 9) and Alex Monday, July 13 day after. Free. Through Jul 17. Create Lubischer (above, July 16). Chicago Gay Men's Caucus Chat and an account to RSVP 7:00pm - 8:30pm PR photo Chew Every Monday, the Caucus staff and Online Tickets: http://victorygardens. some special guests will be streaming org/event/2020-ignition-festival-of- LIVE from our Facebook page to check in WINDY CITY TIMES July 8, 2020 23

plete First Season is priced to own at $39.99 SRP for the DVD and The season was scheduled to open this September with Mat $44.98 SRP for the Blu-ray, which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. Smart’s Naperville, and include Stephen Karam’s The Humans and First season of only). Batwoman: The Complete First Season is also available to Richard Bean’s One Man Two Guvnors, an English adaptation of The 'Batwoman' on own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers. Servant of Two Masters (Italian: Il servitore di due padroni). In its first season, Batwoman starred Rose (Orange Is the New Artistic Director Connie Canaday Howard said in a statement, DVD, Blu-ray Aug. 18 Black; John Wick: Chapter 2), Rachel Skarsten (Birds of Prey; “The Restore Illinois plan was issued just as we were announcing The television series Batwoman: The Complete First Season— Reign) and Dougray Scott (Departure; Snatch), among other ac- our 2020-2021 season. A close examination of the plan made it featuring lesbian actress Ruby Rose portraying the out lesbian tors. Rose recently left the cast. evident there would be significant impact on the way we audition, superheroine—will be out on Blu-ray and DVD on Aug. 18, from design, rehearse, perform and stage as well as serious financial Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. implications. There will be all 20 episodes from the first season, plus The Best Buffalo Theatre pauses “BTE’s dedicated board of trustees met to review and discuss all of DC TV’s Comic-Con panels San Diego 2019, deleted scenes and a of this and, with heavy hearts, decided that BTE will go on a tem- gag reel. 2020-21 season porary hiatus for this coming season, so we can return strongly in Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (BTE), the professional Equity com- Also, a limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover fall 2021.” Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclu- pany in residence at the McAninch Arts Center, has decided to take sively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray. Batwoman: The Com- a pause on its 2020-21 three-play season.

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