PAGE 16 Talking with the cast of ‘august: osage county’ WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, , BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Jan. 1, 2014 vol 29, no.14 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES

WCT Talks WiTh aCTor jared leTo of ‘dallas buyers Club’ WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 PAGE 29 Oct. 23, 2013 vol 29, no. 4 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES CapiTol Gains Thousands estimated at march sTeven sanChez Makes hisTory ’ as Trans hoMeCoMinG special coverage queen PAGE 8 of The March on page 15-22 springfield for Marriage equality Photo by Tim Carroll Photography

Gay judiCial CandidaTe jaMes CraWley Talks With this ring... fairness, CappleMan PAGE 12

Gay hisTory MonTh profile: WalTer naeGle PAGE 4 WCT’s The year in local news marriage By Matt Simonette covers from 2013: a Windy City Times predicted last year that marriage would be the big story for our community in 2013, but collector’s we certainly did not foresee the twists and turns that item the story would take. pageS 6-7 SB10, the legislation that brought marriage equality to , passed the state Senate on Valentine’s Day, then the House Executive Committee 12 days later. Ac- tivists and other supporters spent much of the spring wondering when a vote would finally happen. As the legislative session neared its end in May, many advo- cates for the legislation said that the votes were finally in place for a floor vote. But then it didn’t happen. On May 31, the bill’s chief sponsor, state Rep. Greg Harris, addressed the floor and said that his colleagues had asked for more time to sell the idea to their constituents back home. The summer was marked by controversy over Harris’ decision, but eventually a campaign staff was put into place to co- alesce the various parts of the Illinois Unites to Marry coalition. the ‘electric’ Rumors continued to fly, though, with many princi- debbie gibson Turn to page 8 Illinois Gov. (center) signs the marriage equality bill. Photo by Hal Baim pagE 19 MCC’s Rachelle Brown works on LGBT religious issues By Ross Forman

In high school, Rachelle Brown was, admittedly, “a bit of a religious fanatic.” But when she came out as a lesbian, she went away from religion and faith. In fact, her “relationship with religion went farther than south,” she said, laughing. It took her about 12 years to find her way back to religion, and that she did. She is now the provisional pastor of achurch4me, ordained with Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). wade davis is Brown, a Chicago resident, previously was the interim pastor at MCC Illiana in Northwest Indiana during 2008-2011. She has master’s degrees in both divinity and communications and is now working part of WCT’s toward a Ph.D. in theology, ethics and human sciences at Chicago Theological Seminary. look back at “I enjoy preaching and enjoy being with people, but I really feel led to teach,” she said. “I particularly local LGBT want to give hope to young people who are trying to live a life of faith.” sports in 2013 Brown is a member of American Academy of Religion and a board member for Other Sheep, an organi- pagE 21 zation reaching out to sexual minorities throughout the world. Rachelle Brown speaks at the Oct. 22 March on Springfield for Marriage Equality. Photo taken from the video of the event. Turn to page 10

THE OSCAR®-WINNING FILM jANuARy 7–19 NOW ON STAGE 800-775-2000 •

TickeTs available aT all begins box offices and TickeTmasTer reTail locaTions groups 10+ 312-977-1710 tuesday! OSCAR® is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Photo by Joan Marcus. 2 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES That’s So GAY! Featuring more than 2,400 questions about LGBtq history from across the centuries and around the world. (But don’t worry, there are plenty of current celebrity, sports, TV, film, music and theater questions, too!)

You win bingo chips for each correct answer, and the winner is the first to build a rainbow flag.

Great for parties and events.

A new game by tracy Baim Available exclusively in Chicago at: Women & Children First Books 5233 n. Clark st., 773-769-9299 Gaymart 3457 n. Halsted st., 773-929-4272 Just $24.99 For details, email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/thatssoGayGame http://thatssogaygame.com WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Marriage advances; column 4 Scottish Play Scott 13 The year in world LGBT news 5 Year-end theater wrap-up 15 WCT marriage covers 6-7 ‘August’ cast talks with WCT 16 The year in local LGBT news 8 KATM: August, Wolf, Beauty 17 The year in local LGBT obits 9 Dish: Dinkel’s 18 Davida Wiliams; MCC’s Brown 10 Debbie Gibson; ‘Nikki & Nora’ 19 Obits: Holowicki, Gray; deliveries 11 Book review: My Brother, My Sister 20 VIEWS: Strub; letter 12 Top local LGBT sports moment 21 Gay comedian Sampson McCormick 22 Photos on cover (left, from top): Photo of OUTLINES August: Osage County cast by Jerry Nunn; Classifieds 18 photo of Debbie Gibson by Troy Smith; photo Calendar Q 20 of Wade Davis by Ross Forman

’S GAY, LESBIAN, F CHICAGO 985 iTh The E VOICE O SINCE 1 G W T: TH Talkin auGus 4 T of ‘ y’ BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY 201 Cas ounT Jan. 1, 4 6 Ge C l 29, no.1 PAGE 1 osa WINDY CITYvo

roup.com TIMESindyCityMediaG www.W

SBIAN, ITYO’S GAY, LE CHICAG 1985 C VOICE OF TY SINCE THE NI ANS COMMU BI AND TR 2013 ct. 23, h O , no. 4 s WiT INDY vol 29 T Talk d WC r jare W CTo a allas of ‘d ’ leTo s Club buyer oup.com ediaGr dyCityM E 29 Win PAG TIMESw. ww ins l Ga march To ated at Capids estim usan es’ ho City Tim T Windy ge vera 22 l co age 15- specia on p March of The Chez ld for en san fie sTev ory pring s hisT s lity Make equa rans ge y as T G rria tograph oMin Ma rroll Pho MeC y Tim Ca ho Photo b queen PAGE 8 With this ring...

diCial Gay ju idaTe Cand ley CraW jaMes Talks ss, fairne eMan Cappl 2 PAGE 1

ry hisTo Gay file: h pro MonT le r naeG WalTe PAGE 4 The year in local news nette riage DOWNLOAD THIS! o mar att SiM By M ast year that 13, but WCT’s icted l y in 20 Ge pred nit that arria y Times commu d turns M M ndy C it ory for our n Wi big st the twists a d be the oresee Covers fro woul not f equality tainly did riage we cer take. ht mar ’s Day, 2013: a ry would that broug lentine CTor’s the sto lation te on Va . Ac- olle the legis ate Sena later C SB10, he st ring , passed t mmittee 12 daysthe sp TeM llinois utive Co he i to I e Exec pent much of n. As t GES 6-7 rters s happe PA then the Hous r suppo finally vo- he ould y, many ad tivists and ot a vote w d in Ma ly g when its en s were final onderin neared vote w session at the islative leg islation said th ill’s chief es for the leg 1, the b nd cat a floor vote. n May 3 oor a ce for ppen. O sed the fl in pla idn’t ha addres to sell Go to it d rris, www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com then eg Ha r more time er But asked fo umm or, state Rep. Gres had . The s spons olleagu back home on, but c ituents ’ decisi Baim said that his const r Harris co- by Hal to their rsy o ve lace to Photo the idea controve put into p arry lity bill. ed by as es to M equa s mark staff w Unit marriage wa campaign he Illinois ns the ally a rts of t er) sig eventu nci- n (cent he various pa h many pri t Quin alesce t gh, wit Gov. Pa thou illinois oalition. ed to fly, c continu o page 8 Rumors Turn t CTriC’ achelle brownsues works The ‘ele e Gibson MCC’s r debbi hip 19 T religious is ic.” elations PAGE Gb ous fanat act, her “r religi th. In f on lMan y, “a bit of a ion and fai FoR ittedl om relig By RoSS adm away fr es e Brown was, went g. did. to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. Rachell sbian, she aughin hat she ommunity Church school, as a le d, l tan C In high ame out etropoli she c ed with M t Indiana when arther than south,” she sai ordain hwes But f to find her way backh4me, to religion, and t n Nort ing eligion went years s now work with r bout 12 r of achurc t MCC Illiana i s and i ook her a sional pasto stor a ication It t he provi e interim pa mmun nary. ly now t was th y and co emi particular She is ously divinit said. “I nt, previ es in both hicago Theological ”S she o reside s degre es at C to teach, (MCC). Chicag aster’ ienc feel led organi- an sc eally eep, an Brown, a 2011. She has m cs and hum le, but I r of faith.” ther Sh 2008- logy, ethi h peop a life r for O during eo ing wit g to live d membe a Ph.D. in th njoy be tryin boar toward g and e who are and a people of Religion rld. “I enjoy preachin to young cademy the wo rn to page 10 e hope erican A oughout Tu to giv r of Am thr want a membe minorities Brown is t to sexual hing ou vis is on reac ade da zati W ’s r T of WCT ngfield fo par T h on Spri Ck a Marc ent. ARy 7–19 look ba oct. 22 Nu • GbT t the video of the ev jA al l 000 o loC wn speaks a om the hica g 13 Br o o taken fr y in c s in 20 chelle ot 800-775-2 wa aTions T Ra ality. Ph broad ail loc spor equ T all er re T rriage TmasT E 21 Ma eTs available aTick e 77-1710 PAG Tick s and 312-9 ffice ps 10+ the box o grou ark of nd service m mark a oan Marcus. stered trade to by J Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! ® regi ces. Pho R is the and Scien OSCA cture Arts Motion Pi LM Academy of NG FI ® -WINNI SCAR THE O NOW ON STAGE b e g i n s t u e s d ay !

online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com SAM I AM Sam Heller marks a quarter-century in the world of art. Painting courtesy of Heller

Gay blind writer Bent Nights GREEN STREETS Robert Kingett concludes its look Chalet Nursery debuts its column on continues his at the year in plants and taking care of them. column series on music. dating. Photo of Chaka Khan by Photo from Kingett Vern Hester

DIGGING THE DIRT Billy Masters has his weekly lowdown on SWISS UNDERSTANDING what’s going on with celebrities.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Find out the latest about Jane Lynch, Hugh Jackman and Snooki.

plus WCT reports on travels in Switzerland. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo by Jerry Nunn

nightspots LGBT fertility #1109 • Dec. 25, 2013 with nightspots Dr. Susan Davies

THE 2013 the best photos of RETROSPECTIVE 2013 ISSUE! (well, the ones we could print, anyway) Show #552 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES Marriage advances in three states Open To Thinking by Nick Patricca By Lisa Keen identified as such on the death certificates of Keen News Service their spouses. Citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in strik- Mandela to Francis: Federal judges in three states advanced marriage ing down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in equality lawsuits Dec. 23. U.S. v. Windsor, Black said, “It is beyond debate One of two lawsuits challenging Virginia’s that it is constitutionally prohibited to single Passing on the Torch ban on recognizing the marriages of same-sex out and disadvantage an unpopular group.” When I came to Chicago in summer of and 3) when to change your mind, even couples advanced Monday after a federal judge Black issued a permanent injunction against 1966 to enter a PhD program at the Uni- on strongly held, essential policy mat- denied the state’s motion to dismiss the case. the state from refusing to identify a deceased versity of Chicago in the Divinity School, ters, as Mandela did after he was elected Judge Michael Urbanski of the U.S. District Court person’s same-sex spouse on his death certifi- Chicago embraced me as a long lost son president on the issue of nationalizing for the Western District of Virginia (Harrison- cate. come home at last. the mining industries. burg) issued a 17-page memorandum, saying, “Dying with an incorrect death certificate that One of my first mentors in this hearty Perhaps the most important leader- “It is abundantly clear that plaintiffs’ alleged prohibits the deceased Plaintiffs from being bur- embrace was Eric Kast (died Nov. 24, ship quality Mandela learned from his harm is actual, concrete, and particularized.” ied with dignity,” wrote Black, “constitutes ir- 1988), medical physician and psychia- uncle the Thembu king was respect: to Harris v. McDonnell is a challenge organized by reparable harm.” Ohio Attorney General Michael trist, who enlisted me in his work pro- respect his own dignity and the dignity Lambda Legal and the ACLU for two lesbian cou- DeWine said the state will appeal the decision to viding quality, totally free medical care of each person he dealt with. Everyone ples. One couple would like to marry in Virginia; the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. to the poor on Chicago’s South and West who met Mandela spoke of this bedrock the other has married in the District of Columbia And in Utah, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Sides. As Eric drove me and my friend and self-respect that rooted him in all cir- and would like their marriage recognized in Vir- Shelby denied Utah’s request to delay the effect med-student David Moore (who became cumstances, conditions and situations, ginia. of his Dec. 20 order that the state stop enforc- one of the first medical practitioners to no matter how different or difficult. Citing sovereign immunity, the judge did dis- ing its ban on same-sex couples marrying. serve people with HIV/AIDS) to the Spur- The leader has only one goal: the miss the suit as it was applied to Gov. Robert The Salt Lake City Tribune reported that, short- geon “Jake” Winters Free Peoples Clinic welfare of his people. Mandela led his McDonnell. But the lawsuit will proceed with ly after Shelby denied the stay, “hundreds” of at 16th and Springfield, he would always people from bondage to liberty, from lib- chief defendant Thomas Roberts, the clerk of same-sex couples began applying for marriage engage us in philosophical discourse. erty to nationhood, from nationhood to the Staunton Circuit Court and Janet Rainey, the licenses around the state. Leadership was one of Eric’s favorite statecraft. state registrar. The administration of Republican Gov. Gary topics of investigation. He strongly be- In Ohio, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Herbert then asked the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court lieved that we humans need leaders: we Why Francis? Black issued a 50-page decision Dec. 23, say- of Appeals to issue a stay of Shelby’s order, need someone who embodies our hopes; On March 13, 2013, Jorge Mario Ber- ing the state constitution’s ban on recognizing pending the state’s appeal of Shelby’s decision we need someone we can trust; we need goglio was elected pope of the Catholic same-sex married couples violates the U.S. Con- that the ban on same-sex marriages is unconsti- someone who can show us what actions Church and bishop of Rome. He took the stitution’s guarantees of due process and equal tutional. are necessary to make things better in name Francis, after Francis of Assisi, the protection. ©2013 Keen News Service. All rights re- the communities in which we live and first pope to do so. Francis is the first The lawsuit was Obergefell v. Wymyslo, in which served. work. Jesuit to be elected pope and the first two surviving spouses sought the right to be On Dec, 5 2013 when Nelson Rolihlahla pope from the Americas, the New World. Mandela died, the enormous, spontane- A lot of firsts: To signal New Beginnings. ous outpouring of love and respect for The Catholic Church had tied itself into decency” with another man. At age 41, Turing Madiba (his tribal name) from all parts of a massive, yet intricate, Gordian Knot of died of cyanide poisoning on June 7, 1954, in the world, from all types of peoples and doctrinaire opinions, legalistic rigidities, what was ruled a suicide. governments, from all divisions of society monarchial protocols, bureaucratic in- Victor Salvo—executive director of The Leg- sanities, and moral mo- acy Project, the world’s only outdoor museum rasses. The morale of the walk and youth education dedicated to com- people and of the clergy bating anti-gay bullying by celebrating LGBT “Francis is the first Jesuit to be had reached a nadir. contributions to history—emailed Windy City As Alexander the Times that “The story of the outrageous in- elected pope and the first pope Great had done by cut- justice done to Alan Turing —one of the most ting the Gordian Knot important figures of the 20th century—was from the Americas, the New asunder with his sword, the lightning bolt that turned the decades- World. A lot of firsts: To signal as Francis of Assisi had old Legacy Walk from a pipe dream into an done by stripping off all obsession. New Beginnings.” his clothes and standing “In fact, our plaque on Halsted [Street in naked before his father Chicago’s Boystown] is the only plaque in to show his commit- the world that actually says the man was ment to his ‘fair bride gay and what happened to him because of it lady poverty,’ in one (http://legacyprojectchicago.org/Alan_Tur- and nations, gave me pause to consider deft move after another pope Francis ing_Plaque_Image.html). That he has finally that Mandela was just the kind of leader cut through all the red tape and legal- been ‘pardoned’ by Queen Elizabeth is cer- Eric Kast had in mind. isms and rationalizations of centuries tainly long overdue. by announcing in word and demonstrat- ing in deed the primacy of the Gospel “Pardoned or not, the conviction and chem- Mandela: Lessons in Leadership When Mandela was still a young boy of Jesus the Christ as the guide for all ical castration that drove Turing to suicide is (around the age of 10), his father died. Catholic thinking and action. Francis the a scandal which Great Britain and the roy- His mother moved Mandela into the First chose the Gospels over ‘laws,’ per- als will never erase with the mere stroke of household of their relative Chief Jongin- sons over institutions, the future over a pen; severing financial ties to Uganda and taba Dalindyebo the reigning king of the the past. And, the peoples of the world, a British boycott of Socchi in Turing’s honor Thembu peoples. The chief and his wife whether Catholic or religious or not, took would be a good place to start. Uganda’s Alan Turing. were Christians who believed strongly notice: they embraced Francis and found bullshit law and Russia’s anti-LGBT tyranny in education. They sent Mandela to in him hope for their own futures. are just two examples of what we have yet to the Methodist mission school where he I have been asked: Why did you choose confront in this world. learned to read and write, and acquired an old white man to inherit the torch of Queen pardons “A gesture that comes 60 years too late is a life-long passion for historical studies, liberty and hope from Mandela? My an- meaningless when such horrors are allowed especially of Africa. swer is simple: I did not choose Francis. Alan Turing to go unchallenged by those who have real As a ‘royal’ in the Thembu court, Man- The peoples of the world have chosen Under the little-known Royal Prerogative power to change.” dela observed the dynamics of tribal poli- him. It is true that Francis is untested. It of Mercy, Queen Elizabeth II has formally —Andrew Davis tics. He learned from his ‘uncle’ the king is also true that there are no other candi- pardoned famed British mathematician and how to be a leader. He learned: 1) how dates in the running. For better or worse, computer scientist Alan Turing nearly six de- ‘to lead from behind,’ a form of Thembu Francis the First embodies our hopes. May cades after his death, according to LGBTQ Na- consensus building; 2) when to act in- he prove worthy of our trust. tion. Correction A story in last week’s Windy City Times dependently even against the consensus; Turing—whom many considered to be the (“Black LGBT activists discuss steps after father of computer science and artificial in- marriage”) should have stated that 256 com- telligence, and who was most famous for his plaints were filed with the Chicago Depart- work on breaking the German Enigma codes Nick Patricca is professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, president of ment of Human Relations in 2013. during World War II—was chemically castrat- Chicago Network and playwright emeritus at . Windy City Times regrets the error. ed after being convicted in 1952 of “gross in- WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 5 over by the Rev. Elias Tseng—the first openly gay Christian pastor in Taiwan. The Taiwan GDi Looking back: Association, the Taiwan LGBT Pride and various student groups organized the event. —Bill will: Ugandan lawmakers passed an World news anti-gay bill that calls for life imprisonment for “aggravated homosexuality,” according to LGBTQ COMPILED BY ANDREW DAVIS ment has refused to allow Mariela Castro, an Nation. (“Aggravated homosexuality” is defined LGBT activist and daughter of Cuba’s president as a same-sex act where one of the partners is —Ooo-la-la: France’s first baby of 2013 was Raul Castro, to enter the United States to par- infected with HIV, is a minor or disabled, as well born to a lesbian couple. The baby boy, named ticipate in its annual event. Eventually, she was as repeated sexual offenses among consenting Sacha, was born on the morning of New Year’s allowed to attend. adults.) When the bill was first introduced in Day between midnight and a minute past mid- —Anti-gay: Nigeria passed the “Jail All the 2009, it was widely criticized for including the night at the Moulins Hospital Centre. Under Gays” law, punishing not only gay sex but gay death penalty, but that was removed from the current laws the couple was not allowed to get people as well. It bans same-sex marriage, out- revised version that parliament passed. artificial insemination in their own country, so laws anyone from forming organizations sup- —Down under: The Australian Capital Terri- they had to travel to Belgium. porting gay rights, and sets up prison terms of tory parliament passed a marriage-equality law, —Charges dropped: In Uganda, the courts up to 14 years. The U.S. and the U.K. govern- becoming the first area on the continent to do dropped all charges against David Cecil, the ments had threatened to cut aid to the African so. However, a court later negated the measure. 34-year-old theater producer who had faced country if it passed the bill. Barilla was at the center of controversy. Photo —Doubting Thomas: Openly gay MSNBC an- prison time for staging the gay play The River —Games on: Paris, the capital and most by Matt Simonette chor Thomas Roberts co-hosted the Miss Uni- and the Mountain, according to an Advocate. populous city of France, was awarded the rights verse pageant in Moscow after Bravo exec Andy com item. Little evidence was produced against to host Gay Games X in 2018. The announce- owners of Barilla Pasta, after Chairman Guido Cohen stepped down—and made his thoughts the defendant, but more than 2,500 people, in- ment was made live by Cleveland Mayor Frank Barilla caused outrage in Italy by saying he known on Russia’s anti-gay law. On the show’s cluding celebrities, signed a petition to drop the G. Jackson during ceremonies held Oct. 7 at the would not consider using a gay family to ad- red carpet, Roberts said, “I know the law is charges. Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, host city of Gay vertise his products. However, Guido later met very vague and still hard to interpret for many —Wedding day: Israel celebrated its first Games 9 next August. with Italian LGBT associations, apologizing and people, but it is discrimination and that’s de- public transgender wedding. Celebrities and the —Ban overboard: Canada lifted its strict life- proposing pro-gay policies. finitive.” couple’s friends and family cheered as Chen Ari- time ban on gay men giving blood, although re- —Reinstated: India’s supreme court upheld a —A legend dies: Former South African Presi- zona married her husband, whose identity was strictions will still be in place. While there is no law that criminalizes gay sex in a ruling gay- dent Nelson Mandela died Dec. 5 at the age of not revealed. longer be a lifetime ban, men who have not had rights activists criticized. The decision—in 95. He spent 27 years in prison after the white —Drama in Russia: Russia passed an anti- sex with other men in the last five years will be which the court said it’s up to parliament to leg- minority government convicted him of treason, gay propaganda law, prompting massive protests allowed to donate blood. islate on the issue—reverses a landmark 2009 only to forge a peaceful end to white rule by around the world. (The law imposes fines or jail —A prince of a guy: England’s Prince Harry Delhi High Court order that had decriminalized negotiating with his captors after his release in time to citizens who disseminate information defended one of his soldiers from an anti-gay same-sex acts. According to Section 377, a 1990. Mandela, who campaigned for equal rights that may cause a “distorted understanding” that attack in 2008. Lance Corporal James Wharton 153-year-old colonial law, a same-sex relation- for all, was laid to rest Dec. 15. LGBT and heterosexual relationships are “social- reveals in his 2013 memoir, Out in the Army, ship is an “unnatural offense” that is punish- —Daley double: Nineteen-year-old British ly equivalent.”) The controversy has made its that the young prince was quick to deal with able by a 10-year jail term. Activists around the diver Tom Daley, who competed in the 2012 way to the 2014 Winter Olympics that will take bullies after they reportedly threatened Whar- world responded with a “Global Day of Rage” Olympics in London, came out in his own You- place in February in Sochi, Russia. ton’s life. Wharton—who served under Harry Dec. 15. Tube video as being in a relationship with a —Of note: Handwritten letters between the during a four-month training period in Canada— —Taiwan on: Three couples married in a man. In the video he says, in part, “Right now, late Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi and close describes how he bragged about how he had Christian chapel on the grounds of Tunghai I’m dating a gay, and I couldn’t be happier. ... It friend Hermann Kallenbach, a South African “scored the night before” with another officer to University in what are believed to be the first just really does feel right.” It was later revealed bodybuilder, went on display in India’s National several other members of the infantry, leading Christian same-sex weddings in Taiwan, Gay Star that the other man was 39-year-old Oscar-win- Archives. Some people have speculated about six soldiers to approach him angrily. After talk- News reported. The ceremonies were presided ning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk). the closeness of the twosome, stirring a huge ing with Harry, the prince confronted the group. controversy in India, where many people deny —Flag day: In what is believed to be a first in the possibility Gandhi could have been gay. Canada, a rainbow pride flag was raised at an Al- —Pope and glory: After Pope Benedict XVI berta military base during a ceremony attended unexpectedly resigned, Pope Francis—the for- by senior officers and civilian members of the mer cardinal archbishop of Buenos Aires, Ar- LGBT community. Master Warrant Officer John gentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio—led the world’s McDougall made the request for the flag-raising Catholics. The new pontiff won some fans in the a few weeks ago through the military chain of LGBT community, particularly in July, when he command at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton. told journalists that gay people should not be —Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that marginalized or judged. Both Time magazine and the government cannot force private health or- the LGBT publication The Advocate named him ganizations to denounce prostitution as a condi- as their person of the year. tion to get taxpayer money to fight AIDS around —Wed-letter day: Uruguay’s Senate passed the world. Four organizations working in Africa, marriage-equality legislation, making the coun- Asia and South America challenged the provision try become the 15th nation in the world—and in the law, arguing their work has nothing to do the fourth in Latin America—where same-sex with prostitution. couples can marry. The law took effect in Au- —App time: An all-gay team of develop- gust. ers launched China’s first gay-targeted “social means —Iron age: Margaret Thatcher, the first wom- networking” app. The app, Zank, is the second an to become British prime minister, died at the project on creator Lin Jueding’s plate; Jueding ® age of 87. Thatcher served from 1979 to 1990 previously launched China’s first gay social net- as leader of the Conservative Party, CNN.com re- working site, Feizan.com. business ported. She was called the “Iron Lady” for her —Cancer battle: In Ireland, openly gay one- personal and political toughness. Regarding gay time presidential hopeful David Norris revealed rights, Thatcher regressed in the eyes of some. that he’s dealing with cancer. He said the can- —French kiss: French President Francois Hol- cer is related to viral hepatitis he contracted in every lande made marriage equality an issue on his from tainted drinking water in Eastern Europe platform in 2012, and he followed through in in 1994. 2013. The French Parliament approved same-sex —Oops: Costa Rica accidentally approved marriage this year by a vote of 321-225 despite community. same-sex unions. Legislators okayed a measure public protests, some of them massive. that changed article 22 of the so-called “Law of —New law: New Zealand also approved mar- Young People.” Conservative lawmakers are up- riage equality, passing the Marriage (Definition set over the mistake in the bill, which President of Marriage) Amendment Bill. The final reading Laura Chinchilla signed. took place April 17, passing 77-44; marriage —Sobering study: A study shows that an as- Bernard Bartilad took effect in August. tounding 10 percent of in South Africa SVP, Commercial Division Manager 312.633.0211 —Hard Knox: In her autobiography, Amanda are HIV-positive and the likely cause for the Knox says she endured relentless sexual harass- rising number of infections is rape,. The study, ment at the hands of senior prison guard Raf- “Forced Sexual Experiences as Risk Factor for faele Argiro and fellow female inmates while in MB Financial Bank Self-Reported HIV Infection among Southern . prison in Italy. Knox also says that one female African Lesbian and Bisexual Women,” was con- 1.888.i bank mb mbfinancial.com Member FDIC inmate repeatedly offered to start a lesbian af- ducted in collaboration with community-based Commercial Banking l Business Banking l Personal Banking l Wealth Management fair with the young American, and that officials organizations in Botswana, Namibia, South Af- wrongly told Knox that she was HIV-positive. rica and Zimbabwe. —Castro banned: Philadelphia LGBT group —Pasta time away: LGBT-rights groups Equality Forum claimed that the U.S. govern- around the world slammed the Barilla Group, 6 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES In 2013, the state of Illinois embarked on an amazing and, at times, nail-biting journey to the historic vote for marriage equality. Once signed into law, Illinois became the 16th state with marriage equality. Windy City Times exhaustively covered this journey, highlighting the highs and lows of the struggle for the eventual marriage History: Covered win. The following 2013 covers present a timeline from hope and uncertainty to Illinois’ first legally married same-sex couple. Look for details soon about a Windy City Times book project about the march to marriage equality in the Land of Lincoln.

January 2, 2013 January 9, 2013 February 6, 2013 From the story: “[Rick] From the story: “Law- From the story: “An- Garcia warned against makers will be back in thony Martinez, execu- premature celebration, session come February, tive director of The Civil and said LGBTs should and LGBT groups report Rights Agenda, said the not assume that the that conversations with bill could be heard in heavy lifting is done. incoming lawmakers both houses by month’s “‘There is a good have been ongoing end. He said that sup- chance that the bill since before elections. porters were confident will be called, but don’t Further, activists say of the bill’s fate in com- freak out if it isn’t,’ that many who voted mittee.” Garcia said.” against civil unions in “‘We’d like to get it “Still, momentum 2010, including Repub- done as soon as pos- suggests that legislators licans, are showing a sible,’ Martinez said.” believe the bill could change of heart.” pass as soon as this week.”

February 20, 2013 March 20, 2013 May 1, 2013 From the story: “Gov. From the story: “A From the story: “I feel Pat Quinn praised the ‘United for Marriage’ there’s a very strong Senate’s passage of the coalition of national majority of people bill and called on the and local LGBT groups in Illinois in favor of House to do the same.” have planned a number marriage equality, more “‘Couples across of events and rallies than ever. We’ve got to Illinois have even for the steps of the convert that majority of more reason today to Supreme Court building the public into majority celebrate their love for ... . The rallies are likely in the House of Repre- each other, thanks to to enjoy a great deal sentatives representing the hard work of com- of visibility on national the public.” - Gov. Pat mitted advocates and television screens that Quinn lawmakers,’ Quinn said Tuesday and Wednesday, in a statement.” as the high court does not provide for any live camera or web broad- cast of the arguments themselves.”

May 22, 2013 June 5, 2013 June 12, 2013 From the story: “If the From the story: “Hours From the story: “I bill does not pass by leading up to the vote think I knew that it was month’s end, sponsors had been ripe with un- an incredibly tough de- will need to wait until certainty as the spring cision to have to make. at least until fall to legislative session drew The way the legislative push the legislation. towards a close May 31. system is set up, if you That option, however, is With the clock ticking choose to be a sponsor not seen favorably. Rep- on the bill, LGBT orga- of a bill, you are the resentatives hold office nizations and families one who is responsible for just two years, and gathered outside of for making those deci- campaigns are expected Madigan’s office May 30, sions in the best way to heat up as the year in a hastily organized you know how.” - State goes on, making contro- press conference to urge Rep. Greg Harris versial legislation like a vote on the bill.” equal marriage harder to pass with time.”

June 19, 2013 September 11, 2013 October 9, 2013 From the story: “Spon- From the story: “Zero. From the story: “‘I sors of the bill have That is the number of believe the votes are called for unity in the on-record ‘yes’ votes for there,’ Yingling said. wake of the non- marriage equality added ‘There will always be vote. Cassidy, Steans, since May 31.” excuses as to why the Yingling, Feigenholtz “But LGBT leaders say vote should be delayed, and Williams all stated that support for the but the overwhelming on-record that they felt Religious Freedom and majority of people in Harris made the best Marriage Fairness Act, Illinois support marriage call.” SB10, is growing and equality, and we need “Still, sources suggest they intend to see a to vote on it and get it that Harris kept both vote on the bill during done.’” his colleagues and this fall’s veto session.” the coalition at arm’s length.” WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 7 October 16, 2013 October 23, 2013 October 30, 2013 From the story: “While From the story: “An From the story: “‘There LGBT groups have afternoon-long rally is no plan B. We’re expressed optimism featured several politi- entirely focused on the in recent weeks, that cians and community veto session,” Kohlhepp enthusiasm has been leaders, each voicing said. “We built this met with some skepti- their support for SB10, campaign so Greg Harris cism by community the Religious Freedom can keep his promise.’” members. Forecasts for and Marriage Fairness “‘Illinois families a win in the spring Act, which would bring cannot wait anymore. proved premature, and same-sex marriage The Supreme Court made LGBT groups have been equality to the state.” very clear that it has to working to rebuild “Among those making be marriage,’ Kohlhepp momentum and trust an appearance were stressed.” within the community Gov. Pat Quinn and Sen. ever since.” Richard Durbin, as well as Secretary of State , who was unannounced.”

November 6, 2013 November 13, 2013 December 4, 2013 From the story: “Loud From the story: “At From the story: “By cheers erupted through the end of the day, we court order, longtime the state capitol won. There was such a Chicago lesbian activist Tuesday as the Illinois tremendous outpouring. married Pat House voted 61-54 to The March on Springfield Ewert, her partner of enact the Religious made a huge difference five years, Nov. 27 on Freedom and Marriage to my colleagues—wet, the city’s North Side, Equality Act, which cold people coming making them the first could make Illinois the down to express their same-sex couple to be 15th state to get same- love and their faith and legally married within sex marriage equality.” their commitment and Illinois in the state’s “Marriages can begin their dedication to this history.” June 1, 2014.” issue.” - State Rep. Greg “Judge Patricia Logue, Harris former head of Lambda Legal Midwest and a longtime lesbian activist herself, performed the ceremony in front of several dozen family and friends.” 8 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES cused on equal marriage in Illinois, as the Il- linois House had failed to vote the issue in May. RING from cover The year in local news —There will be blood: The first-ever nation- wide gay blood drive demonstration took place pal players fearing that a vote, promised July 12 at more than 50 locations across the by Harris for the fall veto session, might Compiled by Matt Simonette streets, and includes the historic 23rd District country, including the Lincoln Park Lifesource be put off until after filing deadlines for Town Hall police station. branch in Chicago. Ryan James Yezak organized the 2014 elections had passed. The March Although marriage equality was surely the hot- —More bar changes: T’s Restaurant and bar, the demonstration to raise awareness about the on Springfield for Marriage Equality rally test topic for many in Chicago’s LGBT commu- 5025 N. Clark St., longtime a popular LGBT ban and increase pressure on the Food and Drug on Oct. 22 brought momentum however, nity in 2013, a number of other achievements, hangout in Uptown, was shuttered by the Cook Administration to lift the ban. when thousands of supporters showed up tragedies and changes took place this year. Here County Sheriff’s Office in March. Days later, —Moving downtown: an- to Springfield, lending their support even are some of the top headlines over the past 12 owner Colm Treacy and Renee Labrana, his co- nounced it was moving its headquarters to the in the rain and cold weather. months. owner of the Glenwood, 6962 N. Glenwood Ave., Stevens Building at 17 N. State St., Chicago. Finally, on Nov. 5, the vote came. After —Passing the torch: Former state Rep. Deb parted ways, leaving Treacy the sole owner of —Zimmerman reaction: More than 300 peo- about two-and-a-half hours of debate, a Mell, who is a lesbian, was named by a five- that popular Rogers Park gay bar. ple turned out for a noon rally at Daley Plaza vote did come and SB10 passed 61-54. person committee to be the replacement for her —From Bucks to Replay: Bucks Saloon, 3439 July 14, the morning after a jury reached a not Among those voting yes were state Rep. father, Ald. Richard Mell. Though Mell did not N. Halsted St., a Boystown institution, closed guilty verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman Naomi Jakobsson, who came from the bed- get a chance to vote on SB10, she was pres- its doors and was taken over by Replay, a retro in the shooting death of African American youth side of her ill son to cast her vote; her son Trayvon Martin. died before she could return home. On Nov. —TransLife opens: After months of anticipa- 20, in front of hundreds of the bills’ sup- tion and fundraising, LGBT leaders, elected of- porters, Gov. Pat Quinn signed SB10 into ficials and advocates celebrated the opening of law using one of Abraham Lincoln’s desks. Chicago House’s TransLife Center (TLC) July 15. The veto-session vote, however, was Stormie Williams, the first resident of the house, problematic in one respect. Thanks to cut the ribbon the newly renovated house during some tenets of the Illinois Constitution, the morning reception. legislation signed during a veto session —Crime in Lakeview: A string of weekend cannot take effect until the following June iPhone robberies in Lakeview in July had 44th 1—meaning Illinoisans could not actu- Ward Ald. cautioning area residents. ally get married for several months. For Lakeview residents later took police officials to many couples—particularly ones in whom task for what residents say is an ongoing crime a partner had a life-threatening illness— problem in the neighborhood, reporting a seem- that was too long to wait. A judge ordered ing increase in graffiti and robberies, among that one such couple, activist Vernita Gray other concerns. and Pat Ewert, could marry early, and they —BYC move: Broadway Youth Center largely became the first partners of the same-sex completed the transition from its old location to legally marry in the state Nov. 27. A few at Broadway and Belmont to its new location at weeks later, a federal judge allowed two Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, 615 more couples to marry under similar cir- W. Wellington Ave. The facility’s future at that cumstances, and introduced a streamlined location was soon in question, however, when process for any couple dealing with time- the City said their location was not zoned for the sensitive illnesses. medical services it provides. BYC’s director, Lara Brooks, also left in 2013. —No to Stoli: Many Chicago gay bars—among town, but right now, it’s a second city in human them Sidetrack, Elixir Lounge, Halsted’s Bar and rights,” Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak said. Ex- Grill, Hydrate Nightclub and Replay—said they actly two months later, however, marriage equal- were banning Stolichnaya Vodka and other prod- ity legislation passed the Illinois House. The Oct. 22 March on Springfield. Photo by Matt Mills ucts of Russian origin following the passage of —Hunters closing: Hunters Chicago, a gay oppressive anti-gay laws in Russia. bar in northwest suburban Elk Grove Village, an- nounced its closing in September. Robert Brum- ent on the House floor during debate before its arcade bar operated by Mark Liberson, owner of —Reopening: Members of the Gerber/Hart Li- baugh, who also owns Progress Bar on Halsted passage; she was joined there by House Speaker Hydrate Nightclub, Halsted’s and Elixir. brary and Archives board of directors met with Street in Lakeview, purchased Hunters and re- Michael Madigan. —Youth care: The Same-Gender Loving Clinic the public Dec. 5 to discuss new directions it in- opened it the following month as The Phoenix- —What’s that in your wallet?: Cook County at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County tends to take as the library recovers from nearly Bar. Clerk issued wallet-sized certificates began providing weekly care for uninsured and two years of turmoil. The library opened to the —March on Springfield: Several thousand for same-sex couples with a civil union; mar- underinsured LGBT youth. They could drop in for public for the first time at its new location, 6500 gathered under rainy skies at the State Capitol ried couples with two different last names; or general health services or meet with a physician N. Clark St., in December. Carrie Barnett will be in Springfield Oct. 22 to demand the Illinois any couple who wants to carry proof of their or psychiatrist to receive counseling on sexual- the organization’s new Board President. House vote on gay marriage in the fall veto ses- union. The set of two wallet-sized marriage or ity, gender identity, hormone therapy or safer —So long, farewell: About 25 activists, sion, which kicked off the same day. An after- civil-union certificates included names, license sex. mostly members of the Gay Liberation Network noon-long rally featured several politicians and number, the clerk’s signature and an embossed —Not much buy-in for Out Hotel: Out Chica- (GLN) and Rainbow Sash Movement, protested a community leaders, each voicing their support Cook County seal. go, a hotel slated to sit at Halsted and Bucking- celebration honoring the retirement of Cardinal for SB10. —Cocktail closing: Boystown bar Cocktail ham, was greeted with neighborhood concerns Francis George held at the Drake Hotel, 140 E. —Cab lawsuit: Lambda Legal filed suit was shuttered over alleged rent debts in Janu- about noise and the hotel’s design. The hotel Walton Pl., on Dec. 18. against a Chicago-based cab company after one ary. Building owner Robert Brumbaugh con- was modeled after the Out Resort in New York —Successor: Jaime Andrade, a longtime aide of its drivers allegedly ejected a gay couple for firmed that he had posted the notice and said City. to Ald. Richard Mell, succeeded his daughter— kissing in May. Steven White and Matt McCrea that he has seized all property inside the bar —Excitement in the air: An exuberant crowd out lesbian Deb Mell—as 40th District state rep. made headlines in June when they alleged that except for the liquor. Brumbaugh and Cocktail, marched through Chicago’s Wrigleyville and Andrade was appointed by vote Aug. 12 and will driver Jama Anshur ejected them from his cab owned by John “Geno” Zaharakis and Dustin Boystown neighborhoods June 26 after favor- be up for re-election in 2014. Mel Ferrand, an late at night on a trip back from O’Hare Airport. Hoffman, were long ensnarled in a court battle. able decisions on equal marriage came down openly lesbian union activist and Latina, is pur- —Velvet Rope arrest: Frank Elliot, 26, was —Salvation Army in Uptown: Openly gay from the U.S. Supreme Court. Nearly 500 at- suing the position in the election as well. arrested by Oak Park police Nov. 1 in connec- 46th Ward Ald. James Cappleman came under tended the rally and march, which started and —Sex ed: Comprehensive sex education be- tion with a fire that destroyed his gay bar Vel- fire following a Chicago Sun-Times report that ended at Roscoe and Halsted. came the law of the land in Illinois when Gov. vet Rope Ultra Lounge, 728 Lake St., on June stated that Cappleman ordered a Salvation Army —Uptown spirit: More than 1,000 people Pat Quinn signed into law a bill requiring that 2, 2012. The fire was suspicious from the start, truck, which typically distributes free meals and filled the streets of Uptown June 29 for the schools offer comprehensive sex education in with Elliott alleging he was targeted in a hate other social services, to leave the neighborhood. city’s annual March parade and rally. At- grades six through 12. HB 2675 requires that crime, but others concerned it may have been Both sides have since agreed to keep the truck tendance and spirits were high despite overcast schools teach about contraception and prevent- motivated by an insurance claim. in the neighborhood and work together. skies and chilly weather early in the march. ing sexually transmitted infections, in addition —Excellent day for an exorcism: Bishop —New resources: Lurie Children’s Hospital’s —Runner record: The 32nd annual Proud to to teaching about abstinence. Thomas Paprocki announced Nov. 14 that he Gender, Sexuality and HIV Prevention Center Run race, which includes both 5K and 10K races, —Pritzker announcement: Col. J.N. Pritz- would offer “prayers of supplication and exor- moved to Uptown at 4711 N. Broadway, bring- took place June 29 at Montrose Avenue near ker publically indicated that she identifies as cism” in Springfield at approximately the same ing with it testing services, transgender support Lake Shore Drive. About 1,600 participants— a woman. Pritzker, the founder of the Pritzker time Gov. Pat Quinn will sign marriage equality and cutting edge LGBT medical research. an event record—gathered in foggy, windy and Military Library in Chicago and a member of one into law Nov. 20. —The axe falls: For the third year in a row, chilly weather to participate in the run/walk to of the nation’s most wealthy families, legally —Cappleman weds: Ald. James Cappleman HIV/AIDS groups were staring down budget cuts benefit the Links Pride Youth Program, The Night changed her name to Jennifer Natalya Pritzker, wed longtime partner Richard Thale in Washing- to funding in Illinois. Gov. Pat Quinn released Ministries and TPAN. and her foundation has supported major trans- ton state. Cappleman announced that the mar- his proposed budget in March, slashing HIV/ —Huge Pride turnout: More than 1 million gender causes in recent years. Equality Illinois riage had taken place on his Facebook page Nov. AIDS funding by 16 percent. people attended this year’s Pride parade. Mayor later named Pritzker as Chair of their February 17. “Can’t wait to celebrate the day that’s com- —Affordable housing for seniors: The Mid- Rahm Emanuel led, with Gov. Pat Quinn follow- gala. ing soon when other same- sex couples can get west’s first LGBT-friendly, affordable senior ing later. Spirits were high just days after the —Mary Richards, maid of honor: Minneapo- married in Illinois,” Cappleman said. housing broke ground this year. The 79-unit, U.S. Supreme Court effectively struck down the lis, Minn., officials visited Chicago to encourage See the entire list of events online at www. affordable housing senior building is being de- Defense of Marriage Act and California’s ban on local residents to consider their city when they WindyCityMediaGroup.com. veloped on the corner of Halsted and Addison same-sex marriage. But many contingents fo- wanted to get married. “Chicago is my kind of WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 9 ing by Knight in Oak Brook. —Bruce Howard Catt, 48, passed away Oct. 9. Looking back: Besides a long career as a client representative for Owens and Minor Medical Supply, he was a dedicated NOH8 campaign activist and longtime member of Lincoln Park Lagooners. Catt was the Local passages beloved husband of 23 years to John Alexander Pucker; loving father of Rick Laughery; and hon- Compiled by Matt Simonette the American Hospital Association. Olsen was orary father figure of many. the beloved partner of 57 years of Donald E. —Paul Joseph Wickliff died Oct. 23 at the —Prince Edwards, a popular young gay danc- Seibert. age of 51. Wickliff was a CPA who owned Wickliff er who was active in National Youth Pride Ser- —Harley McMillen, 70, former executive di- & Associates in Chicago, and was involved in the vices (NYPS), died Jan. 16 after an illness. He rector of Chicago’s Center, Chicago Pit Bull Rescue Organization. was 25. The Chicago native was well known for died March 23 in Viroqua, Wis. McMillen was an —Cathie Ellen Kopecky—a prominent figure his dance talents, performing at more than 100 important pioneer in the early gay men’s health in the 1980s LGBT scene in Chicago—died Oct. events throughout the city. movement, on issues of sexual health, hepati- 12. She was 56. —Bobby Glaze passed away suddenly on Jan. tis and AIDS. He was also very involved in the She was a founding board member of Horizons, 8. He was 58. He was a bartender in Atlanta and leather community, and bartended for gay bars. which later became the Center on Halsted. Ko- for many years at Chicago’s Baton Lounge, fol- He was also part of the Pride Chicago Motor- pecky also frequently taught business classes at lowed by a hospitality career with a major cater- cycle Club, and bartended at clubs owned by Jim the Women’s Business Development Center. ing company. More recently, Glaze gave back to Flint and . McMillen also worked —Brenda Ellen Marie Williams, one of the the community through volunteering with vari- for Renslow at Gay-Life newspaper in the early founding members of Artemis Singers and early ous organizations, including SAGE at the Center 1980s. supporter of Mountain Moving Coffeehouse, died on Halsted and his church, aChurch4Me MCC. —Rodney Russell Prunckle died March 14 at at home Oct. 11. She was 72. —Frederick MacDonald died peacefully in the age of 65. A graduate of DePaul University, —William Gary, known to friends and patrons Northwestern Hospital on Jan. 4, after a brief Prunckle taught music before working at Mar- Charles “Chuck” Lee Windemuth. Photo by Todd Davidson as “Feathers,” passed away at age 74. Gary tend- illness. He was 86. MacDonald was retired from shall Field’s in sales, management and human re- ed bar for many years, notably at Bulldog Road, Illinois Masonic Hospital where he had worked sources from 1975 until his retirement in 2003. The Granville Anvil, and Buddies Restaurant and in the development office as well as medical re- He studied flute with Don Peck (who was first- pal Church in Lakeview, where he served altar for many years. Bar, which was inducted into the Chicago Gay cords. He had worked at Theater in the Round chair flautist for the Chicago Symphony) and and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2003. in Washington, D.C, and lived in Texas before played with the Civic Orchestra, the Lake Shore —James “Jim” Bussen, 63, died July 6 in Glen Carbon, Ill., after a long battle with cancer. —Terry L. Baker—a resident of Ft. Lauder- coming to Chicago. Orchestra and many smaller ensembles. dale, Fla., who once lived in Chicago—passed —Charles “Chuck” Lee Windemuth, a fixture —Brian Coats, of Chicago, died March 19 at Bussen was engaged in gay and religious activ- ism starting in 1973. Bussen was inducted into away Nov. 11. He was 69. in Chicago’s leather community since the late his home. Coats was in hotel management with —Wally Dwyer passed away Nov. 19 at the 1980s, died Feb. 7 at the home of his parents in Starwood Hotels at Westin in Lombard. He also Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1994, in part for his longtime leadership of Dignity age of 49. He worked with many theaters over Cumberland, Md., after a battle with liver can- had been an emcee at Maneuvers Club in Joliet, the years, most notably The Ivanhoe, Bailiwick cer, with his family by his side. He was 54 and where was knows as “good times” emcee. He was Chicago, and for his work as president of Digni- tyUSA from 1985–1989. and Lionheart theater companies. Wally also lived in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. also known as the mouth of the Maneuvers float, worked for several businesses in the community. —Makayla/Michael Gwinn—a young trans- which he rode in the Chicago Gay Pride Parade —Michael “Mikey” Morehead, who had a passion for musical theater and worked as a VJ —Nathan Alexander Thaddeus Loveless— gender person whose life work was in mentoring for more than a decade. He brought excitement the son of local LGBT-rights activist Marc Love- fellow LGBTQ youth, among other things—died and fun to every event. at Sidetrack for about six years, died the night of July 23 at a hospice care facility in Glenview. less—died at age 23. Feb. 16 at age 23. An active performer, makeup —Timothy Callaway passed away March 31 —Ann Muller—a resident of Chagrin Falls, artist and LGBTQ youth advocate, Gwinn loved from complications of pneumonia. He was 47. As He was 43. —Michael William Lancaster, a Rogers Park Ohio, who once lived in Chicago—died Dec. 4. life and worked to give back to Chicago’s LGBT Blondina Del Rey, Timothy amazed audiences at She was 78. Her book, Parents Matter, Parents’ community. Gwinn, who identified as transgen- 3160 with his searing rendition of “Why’d Ya Do resident, passed away peacefully after a long ill- ness. He was 48. He was the beloved partner of Relationships with Lesbian Daughters and Gay der, used the names Michael, Mikayla and Jaiden. It” and was a member of the club’s dart league Sons, was published in 1987, and she wrote —Jackie Lane Smitherman passed away in for a number of years. 17 years to Charles Raymond Hemphill. —Josephine D’Angelo—one of the 60 origi- a syndicated column about her family for gay February at age 40 due to liver and kidney fail- —Brant Gniewek, who this year was sched- newspapers from 1986 to 1989. In 1981 she was ure. Many knew lane at Ragin’ Raejean’s video uled to run 52 races of varying distances, in- nal players in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League—died Aug. 18 at Resurrection one of the first three parents ever to march in store, which he managed for several years. He cluding marathons, to help others in the fight Chicago’s gay pride parade. also worked at He Who Eats Mud and Windy City against cancer, died unexpectedly May 28. Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Park Ridge, according to the Park Ridge Sun-Times. She was —Robert A. Vade Bon Coeur passed away Sweets. Gniewek was 30. Dec. 6, at his residence in Crete, Ill. He was 77. ——a former Illinois —Vinnie Arroyo, a longtime, multisport par- 88. —Robert L. Cecil, Jr., 52, of Chicago, passed A Catholic priest who was ordained in 1963, he comptroller and state senator, the first woman ticipant and former board member of the pre- was survived by his partner, Roy Olson. to win the Democratic nomination for governor dominantly Metropolitan Sports As- away July 25. His committed service to the LG- BTQ community in Chicago with such organiza- —Hal Brun, 66, was the lifetime partner for and a longtime LGBT ally—died March 5 at 86, sociation died after a lengthy illness. He was 41. 30 years of Jeff Ginsberg. He was the director the Chicago Tribune reported. Netsch had dis- —Donna Pomerance, 73, passed away at her tions as The Newtown Alano Club and The Rec (recovery) Room, helped a great many affected of special education at New Trier High School; closed in January that she had been diagnosed home in Lakeside, Mich., June 16. She was a co- director of special services Evanston/Skokie Dis- with Lou Gehrig’s disease. owner of Augies bar, and a strong supporter and by HIV and addiction find recovery. —Jeff Netz, of Naperville, passed away Sept. trict; and executive director of the East DuPage —Rudy de la Mor, a cabaret entertainer who contributor of the LGBT community. Special Education District in Villa Park. performed in Chicago for decades before working —Maria Jacinto, well known in the Chicago 25. He was an assistant manager/chef at Cater- on boat cruises and in venues in California, died community, died at age 54. She in March in Irvine, Calif., of complications from started bar-backing at Augie & C.K.’s, then went surgery. He was 73. on to Paris after Augie’s, then Star Gaze after —Rex N. Olsen passed away March 5 at St. Paris. Joseph Hospital. After earning degrees in jour- —Erland M. Parnell, 73, passed away June nalism and history from the University of Mis- 15. Besides a fruitful career training and manag- souri, Olsen went on to enjoy a long career as ing at various Baker’s Square restaurants, Parnell managing editor of Hospitals, the magazine of was very social and active at St. Peter’s Episco- Leo Bachrach & Son • fine jewelry •

55 E. Washington • Suite 801 • 312-263-3111 • www.leobachrachjewelers.com • 10 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES BROWN from cover “That still fuels me today.” Award-winning social Brown’s achurch4me is located in Rogers Park, its home since 2012, after a previous “Like many who are LGBTQ and just walk away location in Boystown. from the church, that’s what I did in my late About 95 percent of its 50 members are LG- 20s,” she said. worker retiring BTQ, Brown said. But in August 2001, she walked into an MCC “When I talk to open and affirming churches, church in St. Louis, attending admittedly, “as they say that they welcome gay people. I say a scoffer.” after 35 years that’s fabulous—and we’re gay and we wel- She was immediately hooked. “When I come straight people. That’s the big differ- walked in, I thought, this is amazing,” she By Ross Forman ence,” she said, laughing. said. About 75 percent of its members are male, Two years later, she was in seminary, doing It’s a bittersweet time for social worker Davida with a mix of white (about 60 percent), Afri- volunteer ministry. Williams, who is ending her 30-plus year career can-American and Hispanic. The female mem- In 2003, Brown started doing chaplaincy at Hephzibah Home in Oak Park. bers are are predominantly African-American work with perpetrators of domestic violence. She’s retiring as the facility’s foster care and and Latina. Members come from Hyde Park She served in a United Church of Christ adoption specialist, ending a near-35-year ca- on the South Side to the northern suburb of (UCC) church for a year, and then switched to reer in the industry, then moving to Fennville/ Skokie. MCC. Saugatuck/Douglas, Mich., to start a new chap- “It’s a real interesting mix of people who “I kept thinking, ‘This is crazy, being an out ter: writing a book about her experiences— are involved [with the church, driven by] lesbian, trying to navigate the world of reli- “about our brilliant children and how they are their passion for this real openness and this gion and faith.’ That was because, I felt, in our future leaders,” she said. real spiritual path mission,” she said. “What so many places that I turned, especially in Williams certainly will have the photos for a we’re asking people to believe is faith and chaplaincy, it was like I had to keep coming future publication, as her office showcases—in spirituality. They’re doing it and we’re doing out of the closet over and over again. pictures—her long run, her loving friends, her things in a radical way.” “But with MCC, it has allowed me to just be “wild ride,” she said. Her photos tell the time Her church supports World AIDS Day and myself, not have to name which team I am on and tales of the countless children and youth Transgender Day of Remembrance, among at any given time. I could just live a life of she has impacted. other LGBT-driven events. “There is the queer spirituality, a life of faith, and not feel like I Williams, 58, a single lesbian who has always holy day calendar,” she said. “It’s just who we had to apologize to one group or the other in lived and worked in Oak Park, has touched the are, what we’re about.” order to be a person of faith and also be an lives of literally hundreds, if not thousands, of Brown spoke at the March on Springfield for open lesbian. children over the decades. She’s watched and Marriage Equality in October. “That has fueled me in so many ways.” helped many of those youngsters grow up and “That was such an incredible moment,” she Truly, Brown has walked an interesting past start their own families. Some have even re- said, “and marriage equality is huge. decade—and she agrees. turned to Hephzibah to work as staff members “What marriage equality does is, it begins “It has been a non-traditional path,” she and/or social workers. to level the field socially.” said. Their successes is “what I take away; it’s a Brown said that she will take a portion of Brown was working at a marketing agency gift,” Williams said. the fees for weddings at her church, start- years ago and then one day told her boss that Williams is among 10 Hephzibah employees ing in June, and put it into marriage equality she was going into the seminary, into minis- who are proud members of the 25-year club, support for other states—“because we fought try—and gave her resignation. which honors their tenure at Hephzibah. During long and hard, and know what it’s like, and His reply, with a smile: “Is it so bad that her run, Williams has worked to create ground- Davida Williams. Photo from Williams want to help the next state,” she said. you have to go work for God?” breaking training, targeting LGBT parents as fos- Michael McBride, who has participated in Brown laughed, too, and told him, “I’m go- ter parents and created a model to be inclusive Windy City Gay Idol, is the church’s music Christmas Day is one of the most memorable ing to take my chances. It’s not for the pay- of LGBT parents for foster care and adoption. minister. days of the year at Hephzibah—and the day Wil- check, but [rather], for the peace of mind at “It’s been such a positive, collaborative ef- liams personally chose to end her run. the end of the day. fort with our Hephzibah executive director, Mary “It’s a wonderland here on Christmas,” she Anne Brown, as we worked together to create said. our community-based foster care program in When Williams started at Hephzibah in 1979, cycle of abuse and neglect, that’s what means while serving on the OPALGA board of directors, 1982,” Williams said. “Mary Anne and I think there were 25 employees. It now has a staff of so much to me,” Williams said. she organized and hosted events where gay a lot alike and always reach for the stars. Our about 160. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psy- and lesbian parents could meet the necessary Hephzibah children have been our mission and Hephzibah is the home for 26 youngsters chology from Benedictine University in Lisle, professional agency representatives and share an enormous part of our lives.” ranging in age from 3 to 12. Williams was back at home in Oak Park when her their experiences with other prospective parents Williams was board member of the Oak Park “Working at Hephzibah has been a gift, of giv- mom (Rose) suggested she go seek employment and established gay & lesbian families. Many of Area Lesbian and Gay Association for six years. ing and receiving, because what goes around opportunities at Hephzibah. Two days after she those families are current members of OPALGA In early November, Williams was honored with comes around,” Williams said. “Picking one mo- first walked into the facility, Williams was hired. who have realized their dreams of parenting. the OPAL—Oak Park Area Leadership Award, at ment from 30-plus years that stands out the “If I had gotten a law degree, which I had “Davida has seen many changes in the fos- the annual Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay As- most … wow, that’s tough. I just look at the thought about, or a Master’s in business from ter care system over the years and is respon- sociation’s gala. faces of the children we’ve helped, who we’ve the University of Chicago, I would be rolling in sible for many of the positive changes enjoyed Hephzibah is Oak Park’s oldest charity—found- impacted, and to see their happiness, their con- [money]. I’m not, but I’m doing OK [financially]. by gay and lesbian families,” said David Neu- ed in 1897, when Mary Wessels (whose mother’s tentment, their safety, their love … that’s what But the real gift to me is, these children,” Wil- becker, a foster adoptive parent who is openly name is Hephzibah), opened her home to chil- makes it for me.” liams said. “There is such pride, such emotion gay. “Largely through Davida’s efforts and over dren from a nearby orphanage that had been Tears of joy have been plentiful over the years, thinking and talking about these children. My, decades of time, dozens of Hephzibah’s families destroyed by fire. Hephzibah became known to especially in recent weeks as the number of days it’s so, so emotional for me—in a positive way. have been headed by gay and lesbian couples. care for society’s most vulnerable children, ac- Williams remains at Hephzibah equals the num- “Instead of this ongoing generational pat- For many of them, it was Davida’s efforts that cording to its website. ber of years she’s been there. tern of abuse and neglect that I’ve been help- demystified the process and assured them that Hephzibah now works to help children thrive, “Watching these children become happy, ing to deal with for 34 ½ years, there has now they had every right to pursue their dreams of and families flourish, through innovative, com- healthy, competent adults, and breaking that become this whole new culture of generational forming forever families for these amazing chil- munity-based programs. patterns of healthy families, fostering to adopt. dren.” It’s the reverse [of what it once was]. Don’t Chicago’s Dedicated and think of these kids and be sad, depressed or overwhelmed. Now that they’re here at Hephzi- Comprehensive LGBT Program bah, we are going to help them become amazing Gay Christian ALEO adults.” confab Jan. 9-12 VAT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL For the last 27 years, she also has provided The Gay Christian Network will host a foster parent training for all child welfare agen- conference Jan. 9-12 in Chicago. > Addictions Treatment cies at Hephzibah, for the Illinois Department According to a media release, “This year’s of Children and Family Services (DCFS). During theme, Live It Out, is inspired by the Bible’s A Safe, Affirming, her career: > Detox reminder that living out our faith means Therapeutic Environment —One couple told her that they moved to Il- living out God’s love in all that we do—lov- linois from Wisconsin because they had heard of ing our neighbors, praying for our enemies, > Behavioral Health her work and knew they could form a family with Free Assessments and following the example of Christ.” her support. The conference will take place at the Wes- 24 Hours per Day/365 Days per Year —An Oak Park lesbian couple that wanted to > Dual Diagnosis tin Chicago River North, 320 N. Dearborn adopt their son through Hephzibah came to Wil- St. There will be breakout and general ses- liams for help in “challenging the state system,” sions; a first timers’ meeting; the wecon- > Intensive Outpatient Program 4840 N. MARINE DRIVE she said. They initiated the legal aid of the ACLU nect women’s retreat; a group sharing time; CHICAGO, IL 60640 and were able to become openly licensed as and other events. DCFS foster/adoptive parents for their new son. For more information, visit https:// 1-800-888-0560 —As part of a two-day workshop called Con- gcnconf.com. www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com templating Parenthood that Williams developed WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 11 PASSAGES PASSAGES Chester Holowicki Jim J. Gray Vital Bridges deliver Chester Holowicki, a beloved part of Chicago’s LGBT nightlife Jim J. Gray—born in Fairbanks but raised in Wasilla, Alaska— community, DJ, and artist, passed away on Dec. 11 following a passed away suddenly at his home in Chicago’s Andersonville prolonged battle with ocular melanoma. He was 39. neighborhood Dec. 15, 2013. He was 43. Christmas Day meals Known to many as “DJ Chester,” Holowicki was a resident DJ at Gray leaves behind his beloved partner of 16 years, William Lib- On the 25th anniversary of HIV/AIDS agency Vital Bridges Berlin Nightclub since 2000, and was a popular fixture at many erty; his mother, Cleo Gray; sisters De Cyril, Carolyn Carlson and (formerly Open Hand Chicago), Lori Cannon and her volun- other venues, including Spin Nightclub and Cocktail, during his Lenny Gray; brothers Joe (Shari), Don (Teresa) and Steven Gray; teers delivered Christmas Day meals from the Ann Sather res- 13-year DJ career. many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and -nephews, taurant on West Belmont Avenue to their homebound clients Born June 24, 1974, in Dearborn, Mich., Chester studied acting most living in Alaska; and aunt Lorraine and uncle Jim and their living with AIDS. at Wayne State University in Detroit before moving to Chicago in family of Rohnert Park, Calif. In an email, Cannon and the Vital Bridges family stated, the late 1990s. His artistic endeavors included pop-art inspired il- Gray was the faithful companion of Bella the Chihuahua; and “[Ann Sather owner] Tom Tunney and his wonderful staff lustrations, including a provocative drawing series he called “Spa- Shiloh and Clifford, the beagles. have been preparing delicious meals since 1988. ghetti Man.” He was preceded in death by his father, David Gray; brother Rich- “Thank you, Tom, for your generosity and kindness.” Holowicki’s humor, creativity and musical selections brought joy ard; nephews Justin Sieler and Ethan Bowman, all of Alaska; and to many. After losing an eye to cancer in February 2011, his brav- both sets of grandparents. ery and strength during his very public struggle proved inspira- He will be remembered for his uncanny humor and for his smile, tional. He continued to work, entertaining friends and fans until which easily melted the hearts of many. was no longer physically able. Services are private. He is survived by his parents Lisa and Chet Holowicki, his brother Donations may be made in his name to National Alliance on Drew Holowcki, and partner Joey Hinger. Mental Illness www.nami.org. Friends and family hosted a special memorial gathering at Berlin Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois (773-281-5058; Dec. 18. Another memorial will be held in the Detroit area on www.cremation-society.com) Saturday, Jan. 11. Details will be posted at http://www.berlinchi- cago.com/chester.

Jim J. Gray.

Photo of Philip A. Englert (left), Cannon (second from Chester Holowicki. right) and Ann Sather staffers courtesy of Cannon Photo by Greg Haus

CIVIL UNIONS & WEDDINGS AT THE KEITH HOUSE A NEW LECTURE SERIES WINDY CITY TIMES PRESENTED BY & CENTER ON HALSTED

Lavender University is a 9-month lecture series featuring top academic and activist LGBTQs working on a wide NeXt lecture range of research and interests. It is sponsored by Windy City Times and Sat., Jan. 4, 2014, 11am-1pm Center on Halsted. HYACINTH PIEL Ethical Problems in Gender Identity Construction Hyacinth Piel is a graduate student in philosophy at UIC. Ze lives in Edgewater with hir corgi, Poggibonsi. This lecture begins with the idea that as people who seek to lead good and authentic lives, we are repeatedly confronted with profound and difficult questions about how best to develop, identify, and express our genders. Although our genders are uniquely our own existential projects, they are never only that: the way we live our genders is bound to affect others too, Historic Event Space and since our existing gender templates are deeply influenced by the oppressive gender The Keith House is among Chicago’s oldest grand hierarchy from which they are drawn, it looks like the building blocks we must use to houses, in the heart of the renowned Prairie Avenue develop genders in which we can be free may also tend to threaten the freedom and well- Historic District, 10 minutes from downtown Chicago. being of those around us. It resides next to the beautiful Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, which is perfect for pictures. Sat., 2/1/14 Sat., 4/5/14 We can accommodate up to 90 people for cocktail style Beth Richie Anne Balay reception and 60 for a sit-down in a single room. Also available Arrested Justice: Black Women, Violence Steel Closets: Gay, Lesbian, and for corporate events, retreats and meetings. and America’s Prison Nation Transgender Steelworkers Sat., 5/3/14 Sat., 3/1/14 Timothy Stewart-Winter Lourdes Torres From Civil Rights to Gay Rights in Making Familia from Scratch: Chicago www.keithhousechicago.com Towards a History of Latina Lesbian Organizing in Chicago 1900 S. Prairie Avenue Phone: 312.907.7909 upc OMING lectureS $25 per lecture Chicago IL 60616-1321 [email protected] https://community.centeronhalsted.org/lavenderuniversity 12 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINT WINDY CITY TIMES His response is doublespeak—a deflection ning, but it isn’t true. VOL. 29, No. 14, Jan. 1, 2014 sean that adds no clarity and offers no apology. While Twenty-five years ago, in 1988, it was almost The combined forces of Windy City Times, solely members of the LGBT community who founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, his film references gay community activism, founded May 1987. strub that isn’t what he said on national television. were speaking up about AIDS. The year before, Nor has he addressed the mistruth in the film’s the executive directors of almost all the national PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR promotional material that reads: “In the darkest lesbian and gay organizations protested govern- Tracy Baim days of the epidemic, two very different wom- ment inaction in an act of civil disobedience and en—Hollywood superstar Elizabeth Taylor and got arrested in front of the White House. At this ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis research scientist Mathilde Krim—joined forces time, the LGBT community had launched hun- BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine Kenneth Cole to create amfAR (the American Foundation for dreds of organizations, was lobbying Congress, DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright AIDS Research), America’s first AIDS research legislature and city councils, organizing demon- ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson organization.” strations and protests and, quite frankly, could SALES Terri Klinsky, Amy Matheny, Kirk Williamson, needs a Chris Cheuvront The “first AIDS research organization” was hardly have spoken up any louder. The problem PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Scott Duff actually the AIDS Medical Foundation (AMF), was that too few others were listening—not NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 history lesson which preceded amfAR by two-and-a-half years that we weren’t speaking up. SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie and was founded by people with AIDS, including Ken Cole needs to understand epidemic history J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, As the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic are Yasmin Nair, Erica Demarest, Matt Simonette, Kate Michael Callen, Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, a pio- better before cavalierly making such statements finally being documented in various films, books Sosin neering researcher and community physician and on national television or promoting mistruths THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan and exhibits, we must be vigilant to the con- Dr. Krim. Sonnabend knew Krim from interferon about the origin of the organization he heads. CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. sequences of historical revisionism. Recently, research and had asked for her help in raising The truth is an interesting and important history BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair longtime amfAR board chair Kenneth Cole was SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman money to study his sick patients. The partner unto itself, but Cole seems to either not know on Chelsea Handler’s TV talk show Chelsea Lately ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS of one of Sonnabend’s patients—an African- it, not care about it, or is willfully manipulating Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence Fer- and rewrote history by erasing the role of the American, I might add, whose role has also been history for some other agenda. ber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel LGBT community in the early days of the epi- largely lost to history—suggested formation of It is also worth noting that under Cole’s watch COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet demic—and insulting us to boot: Harper, Meghan Streit, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie a foundation to pursue research drawing on Son- as amfAR’s Board Chair, the visibility of peo- Handler: “How did you get involved with AIDS Maxwell, Billy Masters, Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, nabend’s pool of patients. ple openly living with HIV on their board has Sally Parsons, Melissa Wasserman, Jamie Anne research?” Krim was AMF’s first board chair and quickly dropped to an all-time low. There may be others Royce, Matthew C. Clark, Joe Franco Cole: “This is was, like, 25 years ago and became its most generous donor. Two-and-a- I don’t know about, but of the 26 philanthro- SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, people weren’t talking about AIDS then because Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan half years later, in September of 1985, two com- pists, corporate executives, socialites and oth- stigma was so devastating (and arguably stigma Mattes munity clinicians based in Los Angeles, doctors ers listed today as members of amfAR’s board of has killed more people than the virus itself has), CIRCULATION Michael Gottlieb and Arnold Klein, formed the trustees, I recognize only one, former POZ editor CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright and the gay community wasn’t speaking up, they National AIDS Research Foundation with Eliza- Regan Hofmann, as openly HIV-positive. Fewer DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, were afraid to.” beth Taylor as a high-profile co-founder. than a third of the trustees are women. Only Sue and Victor I could not let this comment go unaddressed, WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead pro- When Krim heard of Taylor’s involvement, she one, Harry Belafonte, is African-American. particularly since a similar mistruth has been grammer: Martie Marro) smartly used her Hollywood connections (her For him to suggest that either the gay com- perpetrated in the promotion of a new film, the husband was head of a movie studio) to contact munity “wasn’t speaking up” or to imply that Battle of Amfar, that Cole produced. I wrote a Copyright 2014 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Taylor and propose the organizations join forc- there wasn’t adequate attention to the disease blog post and a tweet this past weekend about Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back es, creating amfAR. Hollywood producer Howard until he got involved is wrong on so many lev- issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Cole’s comment and how he is promoting his Rosenman tells me it was David Geffen who got els. Kenneth Cole owes the gay community—and Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, film: and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and the key parties in the same room and midwifed all those who were “speaking up” during those no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. Sean’s tweet: the merger. early years—an apology. He also might reflect All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy @BodyCountsBook: Historical revisionism City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned The important efforts of prominent people like on what amfAR’s board composition says about for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing about #HIV / #AIDS must stop! @SeanStrub’s Elizabeth Taylor and Mathilde Krim in combating the organization. and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, reaction to @KennethCole on @chelseahandler cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own the epidemic are only diminished by lies that This essay originally appeared on the Huff- and do not necessarily reflect the position of http://t.co/ew2Z6CEiLF #HIV Windy City render the LGBT community and people with ington Post Gay Voices blog: http://www. Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of In response, Kenneth Cole tweeted: a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy AIDS invisible in those early efforts. It might be huffingtonpost.com/sean-strub/kenneth- @KennethCole: @BodyCountsBook we agree, City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the effective marketing to write the LGBT commu- cole-needs-a-hist_b_4454558.html . sexual orientation of such person or organization. While our film confirms your point. I was saying that we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make nity out of this history, or to ignore how people Visit www.SeanStrub.com and join Sean because of stigma, many others were reluctant this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept with AIDS were fighting back from the begin- Strub on Facebook.com/BodyCounts. responsibility for advertising claims. to speak out (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com LETTERS podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com

WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, The ‘Duck’ stops here my trust in God. Not in you, Mr. Robertson. In Lord for His blessings at every meal, and you 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, Illinois 60640 GOD. preached the Word of God. U.S.A (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) An open letter to Phil Mr. Robertson, you are as entitled to your Yes, Mr. Robertson, I enjoyed your program, Robertson of ‘Duck Dynasty’: personal opinion and your personal statement for precisely those reasons. Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. of faith as any other American; it is our right, And now, this. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE Dear Mr. Robertson: as written in our Constitution. Nor are you dis- Thank you, Mr. Robertson, for reminding me qualified from practicing your faith as you see that it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com www.WindyCityQueercast.com fit; your religious freedoms are guaranteed by confidence in man (The Book of Psalms, 118:8; Thank you for your remarks as printed in Gentle- man’s Quarterly magazine presenting your views that same document. KJV; Cambridge Edition). “Windy City Media Group generated of homosexuality, bestiality, race and religion. I Mr. Robertson, you may be interested to know Thank you, Mr. Robertson, for reminding me to enormous interest among their readers am grateful to learn that you are not, as I had that I enjoyed your program, very much, to the trust not in a friend, nor to put my confidence in in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index once hoped and trusted, above the fray. continued astonishment and derision of my a guide, and to keep the doors of my mouth from Survey. Out of approximately 100 Thank you for demonstrating, beyond any friends, colleagues and family. her who lieth in my bosom (The Book of Micah, print and online media partners who reasonable doubt, that bigotry and prejudice, “How can you watch that show; it’s about a 7:5; KJV; Cambridge Edition). participated in the survey, Windy wrapped in a flaky, Christian crust, can dispel bunch of rednecks...!” Mr. Robertson, thank you for presenting your City was the best performing regional any misunderstandings or misconceptions about “I can’t believe you watch something that Christian bigotry, your Christian prejudice, your media in the U.S. Only survey partners the values you and your family so carefully dis- trashy.” Christian homophobia and your Christian racism. with a nationwide footprint were play to the world every Wednesday on A&E. And so on, and so forth. Thank you for presenting yourself as you truly able to generate a greater number of Thank you for descending, so vividly and so Yes, I once watched your program. And, I once are. A hypocrite. A bigot. A homophobe, and a responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research completely, into that maelstrom of celebrity enjoyed it, immensely. racist. Director, Community Marketing, Inc. that seeks only to offend and to distress, but Do you know why, Mr. Robertson? Mr. Robertson, do not label yourself a Chris- not to edify or to uplift. It was not because of the hunting, or the duck tian; you are not in least bit like Christ. Not one Thank you for destroying the camouflaged calls, or anything else, although I remain enam- camouflaged, red-neck, white-trash bit. pedestal upon which I placed you, for it was oured of the outdoors, and spending as much Would Jesus do what you have done, or say done by my own folly; my eyes have now been time in the woods as I possibly can. what you have said? opened, and now, I see the Light. I enjoyed your program because you and your I don’t think so. And because of this, I now thank you for cor- family presented good, solid Christian values, Good day to you, sir. recting, and clarifying, my beliefs, my faith and and practised them; you focused on your family, and you supported each other. You thanked the Sanjay R Singhal, RA WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 13 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Claire Folger

WE ARE FAMILY An all-star cast, including Meryl Streep (not pictured here), headlines the movie August: Osage County. Read pages 16-17. THEATER DISH INTERNET ‘Ship’ check. Cake expectations. ‘Nikki’ situation. Page 14 Page 18 Page 19 Photo from Shipwrecked! Photo of Dinkel’s logo Photo from Nikki & Nora by Jan Ellen Graves by Andrew Davis from tello filsm and MyHardt Productions

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT Lesbian opera singer Patricia Racette returns BY SCOTT C. MORGAN Clayton was cast as her friend, Flora. Though the couple had already had a 2008 commitment cer- You can typically count on an opera singer emony and reception with friends and family in like out soprano Patricia Racette for providing New Mexico, they plan on getting a state mar- heightened drama onstage. riage license soon just to make it legally bind- Racette is due to star in a revival of Madama ing. It will add to their New York marriage li- Butterfly at the this cense they recently obtained following Racette’s month, and she’s had plenty of experience on appearance in the Metropolitan Opera revival of how to wring out as much emotion and drama Puccini’s Tosca that was simulcast around the from Puccini’s classic tragedy of a Japanese gei- world to movie theaters as part of the Live in HD Patricia Racette in Madama Butterfly. Photo by Dan Rest sha who is abandoned by her American naval series this past November. husband. Racette has performed this signature “It’s going to be an interesting tax year as role more than 100 times, including a run in the well. Because of DOMA, we’ll be filing as a mar- tember when she was asked, on short notice, to tan Opera, Racette said it happened between in- Lyric’s final staging of its 1980s Harold Prince ried couple for the first time,” said Racette step into the title role of Tobias Picker’s world- termissions when she was hosting the worldwide production in 2008 before they replaced it with about the U.S. Supreme Court striking down key premiere opera adaptation of the Stephen King Live in HD simulcast of Boris Godunov. one by British director Michael Grandage last parts of the Defense of Marriage Act last year. novel Dolores Claiborne at San Francisco Opera. “It was really their idea,” Racette said of the year. “But as opera singers, because we work in many Originally cast opera star Dolora Zajick pulled Metropolitan Opera, noting that it made sense But how does Racette react offstage when different states, I have to file as a single person out of the production late in the game, giving to film the video at that time since she and Clay- something major happens that affects her own where it’s not recognized in those states and as Racette less than three weeks to learn and mem- ton were already “tszujed up” for her interna- life? Racette and her fellow opera singer wife, a married person where it is. Talk about a recipe orize the role and the staging. tional live hosting duties. mezzo-soprano Beth Clayton, have made a home for confusion.” Racette did this on top of simultaneously re- Racette and Clayton were pleased with the together in Santa Fe, so they were bound to Last year was also something of a career high hearsing and starring as Margherita in a reper- overwhelmingly positive response they received have a joyous response when the New Mexico for Racette, too. tory staging of Bioto’s opera Mephistopheles after their video was posted to YouTube. For Supreme Court ruled in favor of legalized gay She showed off her vocal versatility early on with the same company. many months afterwards, Racette and Clayton marriage on Dec. 19, 2013. with the January 2013 release of her CD “Diva “It was a harrowing experience, and I’m not would receive physical thank you notes in the “My wife and I were running errands and I was on Detour,” which featured her singing jazz and sure I would do that to myself again,” said Ra- many opera houses they performed at. in the car as she was out picking something up, Broadway showtune standards. Racette also got cette about her experience starring in her third “We were honored to have been given the op- and I got a news bulletin on my phone that said to perform a series of intimate shows tied to the world premiere Picker opera following Emmeline portunity to be activists for a cause,” Racette ‘Gay marriage approved in New Mexico,” Racette album at 54 Below, the basement cabaret space in 1996 and An American Tragedy in 2005. “I said. “We are out, we are proud and we do take said during a recent telephone interview. “I just at Studio 54 in New York. mean I love a challenge like that, but I was lit- the many opportunities to assert that.” immediately ran out of the car, left the keys in “It really is one of the best performing ex- erally working from the moment my eyes opened Patricia Racette stars in the remaining six there, and shouted to her, ‘We got it! It’s ap- periences I’ve had,” Racette said. “I’m not a to when I had to close them—so about 13 hours performances of Madama Butterfly in January proved!’” boastful person, but I say with full confidence a day.” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Racette and Clayton have been together as a that I don’t sound like an opera singer when But Racette said she has always been great Dr. Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. couple for more than 16 years, first meeting in a I’m singing [showtunes]. I sing like a cabaret at multitasking. When asked about the “It Gets 11, 14, 17 and 20 with 2 p.m. matinees Jan. Santa Fe Opera production of Verdi’s La Traviata singer. And the reason is because that’s where I Better” anti-suicide video for LGBTQ youth that 23 and 26. Tickets are $64-$299; call 312- in 1997 when Racette starred as Violetta and started.” she and Clayton filmed in 2010 at the Metropoli- 332-2244 or visit www.lyricopera.org. Racette also made plenty of headlines in Sep- 14 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES SPOTLIGHT

Lifeline Theatre continues with a tradition originally cooked up by Live Bait Theater: The 17th Annual Fillet of Solo Fes- tival. The event is spread out over three weeks, and features 10 solo performers and 13 storytelling collectives performing 50-minute pieces in repertory. The featured artists include out writer Liz Baudler (performing Virgo: The Screenplay), Nick Ward (performing The Backyard), Jamie Black (perform- ing It’s My Penis and I’ll Cry If I Want To) and many more. The 17th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival takes place at two Rogers Park venues along the Glenwood Avenue Arts District Jan. 3-19: , 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., and at the Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave. Most performances run approximately 50 minutes. Tickets are $10 for each performance with festival passes available for $30; call 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com for tick- ets and a full performance schedule. Photo courtesy of Liz Baudler

The Shadow over Innsmouth. Photo by Kyle Hamman

THEATER REVIEW mention that our narrator breathes with the aid of an inhaler? The Shadow Containing this much metaphor within the ab- breviated performance time of modern dramatic over Innsmouth presentation is a difficult task. Manual scene- Playwright: adapted by Scott T. Barsotti shifts, however skillfully executed, when cou- from the story by H.P. Lovecraft pled with the dialogue necessary to re-establish At: WildClaw Theatre at the locale, consume precious minutes, rendering the Athenaeum, 2936 N. Southport Ave. narrative set-up more coherent at initial view- Tickets: 773-935-6860; ings than its swift and abstract resolution. You www.athenaeumtheatre.org; $25 won’t find a more closely integrated ensemble Runs through: Jan. 26 currently appearing on a Chicago stage than the acting and technical team assembled for this BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE ambitious undertaking, however, their sheer conviction redeeming the ambiguities inherent As a literary genre, the horror story is funda- in projects of this kind. mentally incompatible with the theater experi- ence: If we accept the premise that what we Shipwrecked! Photo by Jan Ellen Graves imagine is invariably scarier than anything we can actually see or hear, the written word has CRITICS’ PICKS the advantage of being consumed in solitude, THEATER REVIEW Playgoers may detect in our hero’s progress its fancies restricted solely by our own unreli- a certain similarity to, say, Robinson Crusoe able perceptions. Shipwrecked! (or Pirates of the Caribbean, for that matter), The elaborate spectacles associated with 19th- Playwright: Donald Margulies but the actual tale that he relates is merely An Inspector Calls, Remy Bumppo The- century melodrama and 20th-century cinema At: Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. a pretext to Margulies’ real purpose, which is atre Company, through Jan. 12. A wealthy could overwhelm audiences on sheer sensory Bryn Mawr Ave. to showcase the creativity of the four actors family gets a lesson in communal respon- overload, but always risked being diminished by Tickets: 773-728-7529; whose task is to depict, with the assistance sibility from a mysterious visitor—played the communal nature of their presentation. All www.redtwist.org; $20 of commonplace objects, their narrative’s diz- with unflinching candor by Nick Sandys— it takes is one vocal skeptic to reduce a fortune Runs through: Jan. 13 zying array of personalities and locales. The in J.B. Priestley’s social-protest play from in special-effect wizardry to backyard make-be- production currently playing at Redtwist The- 1945. MSB lieve. BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE atre, in repertory with Elemeno Pea (whose The Merry Wives of Windsor, Chicago WildClaw Theatre’s mission of recreating such suburban living room is divested of its por- Shakespeare Theatre, through Jan. 19. adventures on restrictive budgets in small rooms The full title of Donald Margulies’ play is table components at the start of our show), Smart women, clueless men, 1940s fash- requires them to address that challenge with ev- “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment The Amazing features Matt Browning, Michael C. Country- ions, swing dancing, Looney-Tunes foreign ery production. This time, the creepy crawlies Adventures of Louis de Rougement (as told by man, Daniela Colucci and director Ian Frank, accents, full-stage laundry-fights, chases are supplied by that master of shivery science himself).” This Victorian-sounding broadside who also provides incidental music and twice down the aisles, an adorable boy singing fiction, H.P. Lovecraft, recounting the tale of a leads us to expect a picaresque yarn in imi- has his piano bench stolen out from under to his adorable dog—and it’s Shakespeare! traveler who discovers evolution reversing itself tation of Candide or Tom Jones, and on the him to be pressed into service as a giant MSB upon the bleak Massachusetts coast, where the surface, that’s precisely what we get. equestrian sea-turtle. Port Authority, , through natives of a remote settlement have not only Our raconteur is the aforementioned Louis, A canine companion equipped with a pair Feb. 16. Exquisite acting, and common- reverted to pagan worship of pastoral gods, but a sickly boy whose childhood is steeped in of tube-sock floppy ears, a menacing octopus place speech elevated to poetry, infuse this adopted the practice of theogenesis, resulting in fanciful stories—the Arabian Nights, etc.— fashioned from an armload of pool-noodles tender and introspective piece about three a population combining characteristics of both spurring him to stray from his London home and a nautical atmosphere suggested by Irishmen of different generations who bare sea and land creatures—and we’re not just talk- in 1860 to seek his fortune. He hires aboard chanteys gleaned from traditional and mod- their rueful souls about the women who got ing mermaids. a ship bound for the pearl-fisheries off the ern sources are not without a certain school- away. JA So how do you suggest human beings gradu- coast of Australia, little realizing that the room charm, particularly since the precocity We Three Lizas, About Face Theatre at ally changing into frogs and fish? If you’re Scott next 30 years will immerse him in thrilling usually afflicting this genre is largely absent Stage 773, through Jan. 5. Though the set- T. Barsotti, you find the social message in your events like the typhoon that maroons him— (playgoers looking for broad-guffaw spoof- ting isn’t as nearly as cozy (or audible) as source material—Lovecraft’s seat of eroding along with the captain’s dog—on a desert ery will not find it here). The intimacy of last year, this queer revisionist take on A civilization is an economically-depressed fishing island, face-to-face encounters with exotic Redtwist’s tiny storefront space—audience Christmas Carol with various guises of Liza village in 1931—and allow director Shade Mur- flora and fauna, assimilation into Aboriginal members seated in one corner of the room Minnelli serving as a supernatural inspira- ray to forge his central visual metaphor there- tribes and many more curious experiences be- may find themselves armed with foam-rubber tion is even better in its new, thoroughly from. The citizens of Innsmouth thus appear fore he returns to England, where the popular spears for one scene—likewise prevents the revamped version. SCM afflicted by a degenerative respiratory illness— press first lauds, then questions, his account. 90-intermissionless-minute running time coughing and vomiting, their eyes fixed in an Luckily, the skills acquired in his exile enable pushing the cutesiness factor to extremes. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge unblinking stare and throats displaying skin le- him to end his memoirs in triumph. and Morgan sions resembling prototypal gills. Oh, and did I WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 15 Rising and The Jungle Book.) strength to strength with its program of devel- also took on Chicago Sun- oping new works through playwriting contests Time theater critic Hedy Weiss in another blog and then subsequently producing many of the post. Weiss’ review of Silk Road Rising’s produc- winners. The original musical Under a Rainbow tion of Invasion! could have been interpreted as Flag proved to be a big winner at the non-Equity an endorsement of racial profiling in the fight Jeff Awards, while Pride Films and Plays con- against global terrorism. tinued to show its dedication to new works by producing the world premiere of Martin Casella’s Addressing Chicago violence Directions for Restoring the Apparently Dead. Steppenwolf Theatre and Collaboraction both Pride Films and Plays is also producing sig- produced works as a way to address and com- nificant revivals, like Jonathan Harvey’s Beau- ment on a growing tide of violence in Chicago tiful Thing in 2013 and its upcoming produc- neighborhoods. Collaboraction produced a very tion of Lillian Hellman’s The Children’s Hour. interactive production of Crime Scene: A Chicago But also very encouraging was the fact that Anthology conceived by Anthony Moseley that Batavia-based Albright Theatre in Kane County seems to beg for expansion, while one wishes also staged Beautiful Thing in 2013, while Glen that Steppenwolf Theatre’s production of Miles Ellyn-based Village Theatre Guild in DuPage Harvey’s How Long Will I Cry? Voices of Youth County produced Geoffrey Naufft’s Next Fall (fol- Violence will have a future life in high schools lowing AstonRep’s Chicago premiere) this past beyond its original production and subsequent year as well. Seeing LGBT is tour of Chicago Public Library branches. old hat, but in the conservative suburbs it can still generate a certain amount of controversy On the LGBT theater front and hopefully change a few minds. Bonnie Metzgar said goodbye as About Face Another major item of LGBT theater news in Theatre’s artistic director with a marvelous Chi- 2013 was out playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney cago premiere production of Alexi Kaye Camp- being awarded a MacArthur Fellowship “Genius Silk Road Rising (which ran Paulus, above, this year) generated controversy in 2013. Photo from bell’s The Pride, which showed how far gay men Grant.” The jet-setting McCraney is a member of Silk Road Rising have come in British society in just 50 years the Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble, which pre- time. The esteemed Chicago company dedicated sented the world premiere of his play Head of to LGBT theater also welcomed Andrew Volkoff Passes in 2013. But I hope that two other works to lead About Face Theatre as its new artistic by McCraney will also have Chicago premieres director. One of Volkoff’s first decisions was to soon. The Windy City still has yet to see his drag Notable theater bring back We Three Lizas in a heavily revamped drama Wig Out!, while his 2013 work Choir Boy version for 2013 (it continues through Jan. 5). deserves to be seen in Chicago following its ac- news for 2013 Pride Films and Plays is also going from claimed runs in New York and Atlanta. the Royal George Theatre starting Jan. 10. BY SCOTT C. MORGAN HatesHashtags. So what if the show wasn’t up PFP to present It will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. to GayCo’s past glories, it was certainly a fine Late Nite Catechism stays on the schedule, at The New Year is here for the Chicago theater occasion to show off the space which is largely ‘The Children’s Hour’ Pride Films and Plays (PFP) continues its 5 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. scene and there are lots of things to look for- used by students in ’s classes 2013-14 season with Lillian Hellman’s The Bible Bingo is a comedy about the Catholic ward to in 2014, ranging from the pre-Broadway and training programs. Now that Donny’s Skybox Children’s Hour, which will run Jan. 9-Feb. 9, culture of fundraising and bingo that features world-premiere musical The Last Ship by British has been reconfigured and elongated to resem- 2014, at Collaboraction’s Pentagon Theater, the character Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, a rock star Sting to the world premiere play The ble The Second City’s classic Mainstage, perhaps 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. former nun who now heads a fictitious arch- Qualms at Steppenwolf Theatre by Pulitzer Prize- it will help The Second City’s students work their Written in 1934, The Children’s Hour is diocese fundraising department. winning playwright Bruce Norris. way up the company ladder. based on a true story, and was originally Tickets are $30, and group discounts are But now is also a good time to reflect on the Another major change was the Annoyance banned in Chicago and not seen here until available. For ticket info, call the box office past year. Since there were a lot of productions Theatre exiting from Uptown with plans on re- the 1950s. at 312-988-9000. I couldn’t catch before they closed, I’m offering opening sometime this year in Boystown at 851 Tickets are $15-$30; call 800-838-3006 or up a 2013 theater news highlights column rather W. Belmont Ave. The move will allow the An- visit www.brownpapertickets.com. than a “Best-of” list—it’s only fair. Several news noyance to house its classes and theater in the For more about PFP, visit www.pridefilm- Marketing event items are already firmly in the rear-view mirror, same building for the first time. The Annoyance sandplays.com. while others are still developing as you read will also help make Boystown a true center for Jan. 13 at Lifeline this. Chicago comedy since it will be just down the TheatrePros.com is holding a marketing street from ComedySportz and a couple of blocks ‘Bible Bingo’ back event for theater professionals Monday, Jan. Changes in comedy away from the Playground Theater. 13, at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood The Second City gave a major show of confi- in Royal George Ave., 7-11 p.m. dence in GayCo by offering up Chicago’s oldest Worrying trends Among those slated to appear are Simplify LGBT sketch comedy troupe the chance to of- Our country may officially be out of the reces- Jan. 10 Your Marketing owner Amanda Young and Chi- ficially open its newly renovated Donny’s Skybox sion, but that doesn’t mean that arts organiza- Vicki Quade and Nuns4Fun Entertainment cago Style SEO founder Rod Holmes. Theater with a brand-new revue called #God- tions are free of struggles. For instance, Chicago have announced the return of the comedy Tickets are $10-$15; see www.brownpaper- Dramatists this season isn’t producing its own Bible Bingo: An Act of Charity in Two Acts to tickets.com/event/530226. shows, rather just using its venue near the in- tersection of Chicago and Milwaukee avenues as a rental house. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble in Glen Ellyn has also cancelled the rest of its season. Apparently, the Equity theater ensemble will need to renegotiate CULTURE CLUB its connection and mission with the College of DuPage and its McAninch Arts Center (which has been closed this year for major renovations).

Rising controversy Silk Road Rising, a company dedicated to pro- ducing works focusing on Asian and Middle East- ern culture, generated a lot of controversy in 2013 as its artistic founders called out a couple of influential Chicago theatrical heavyweights. Silk Road Rising artistic director Jamil Khoury posted a blistering blog post about Tony Award- winning director Mary Zimmerman due to some dismissive comments she made regarding Rud- yard Kipling’s colonial views in a Chicago Maga- zine article (which appeared as an advance piece to her highly anticipated stage adaptation of Disney’s The Jungle Book). Khoury accused Zimmerman of building her career on cultural appropriation and “Orientalism,” which in turn prompted Zimmerman to have a face-to- face meeting to iron out their differing opinions of her work. (Either way, the dustup seemed to Tarell Alvin McCraney. Photo by Deana Lawson generate lots of extra interest for both Silk Road 16 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES STEPPENWOLF LUNCHEON ‘Osage County’ cast on the movie, fish and Meryl Streep by Jerry Nunn JN: It was beautiful. MM: I loved it. Family drama hits new heights with August: WCT: Where is everyone from? Osage County, and it’s already predicted for big MM: I am from East Texas. awards this season. JL: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but a Playwright Tracy Letts won the Pulitzer Prize couple of different parts of LA. I feel defensive for Drama, along with a Tony Award and Drama already because it is not just the TV and Hol- Desk Award, for penning this piece. After it pre- lywood world. I lived on a ranch as opposed to miered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago in lower income apartment living. 2007 then hit Broadway at the Imperial Theater JN: I’m from Massachusetts. for two years. The story didn’t end there with a WCT: All over the place. Tracy, did you think UK debut in London and a U.S. national tour. about putting more humor in the beginning Letts then wrote the screenplay for the big- because the drama is very intense? screen version starring such heavy-hitters TL: The truth is the play begins with a 15-min- as Meryl Streep and Julia Robberts. The story ute scene with characters that are not the cen- centers around a three-story home outside tral characters. The scene in the movie is three of Pawhuska, Okla. Violet Weston, played by minutes so maybe we get to the funnier stuff Streep, deals with mouth cancer, a husband who sooner. From left: Julianne Nicholson, Tracy Letts, Margo Martindale and Juliette Lewis. Photo by Jerry committed suicide and the family arriving to JN: I think you shave off 12 minutes from Nunn help out. the play version and Beverly not being funny. The family consists of Roberts as Violet’s When the people start arriving, then the humor but she is still trying to keep it together. whether is Jamaican soul music or Beastie Boys. daughter Barbara; Ewan McGregor as her hus- is there. There is a dignity there even though it’s hor- TL: Where did you go? Cain’s Ballroom over band Bill; and Abigail Breslin as her daughter TL: I think that happened with the play too rifying. She is trying to maintain her dignity but there? Jean. Julianne Nicholson and Juliette Lewis play that you would listen and lean in to hear what is going with a predator to Belize! Clearly, this is JL: Yeah. I saw Smashing Pumpkins; only Billy Violet’s other daughters, with Margo Martindale is going on with that scene. There is a real dark- insane but she is going to do it in a very digni- Corgan, though—not the original band. as Violet’s sister, Mattie Fae, who is married to ness to that scene. fied way. That juxtaposition contradicts because TL: He lives here in Chicago. Chris Cooper’s Charlie Aiken. MM: I loved the play and listening to all of I feel I am as strong as I am vulnerable and JL: I also saw Jack White’s band. I know from Lewis was nominated for an Oscar in Cape Fear those literary references and poetry. I liked the weak, so that drives me a bit crazy. touring in a small town that it is harder to get and has continued in the biz with unforgettable history of Oklahoma at the time and the Native WCT: How was working with Meryl, Margo? VIP tickets in LA because of the celebrities but roles like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Natu- Americans. I loved that but you couldn’t do that MM: I knew her before this film, and she was in Oklahoma you get the royal treatment. “You ral Born Killers. Martindale can currently be seen in a movie. thrilled to see me. We had done other movies want ten people on the guest list? Sure you got on CBS with The Millers, and created the role of WCT: Were there any divas on the set with like The Hours together—one I played best it!” Truvy in Steel Magnolias. Nicholson currently is this extraordinary cast? friends with her and the other as her therapist. I WCT: Margo, you did theater in Kentucky? in production of The Red Road for the Sundance JL: No; that was the remarkable thing—the had a history with her but being with her again MM: Yes, the Actors Theater of Louisville when Channel along with reprising her part on Board- actors were not like that in this piece. We shared it was as if we had been around each other for in its heyday from 1979 through 1984. I met walk Empire. stuff about our families and things in rehearsal the last 10 years. We spent an enormous amount Chris Cooper from Osage there 33 years ago. Letts, Lewis, Nicholson and Martindale all that surprised me. I thought, “Oh, wow. Julia of time together. JL: I bet he was cute back then, too! arrived in Chicago for an appearance at Step- Roberts was so open and so was Meryl about JN: You both snort when you laugh! MM: He’s cute now... penwolf’s Women in the Arts annual luncheon. marriages, children and siblings”—stuff that MM: We do and have a lot of little tricks that JL: I mean now, that is what I am saying... Windy City Times spoke with them afterwards. colors your relationships in the movie. make us similar to playing sisters. [everyone laughs] some people are cuter as they Windy City Times: How was the Steppen- Everyone was there to do the best they could JN: Did the actors walk on set in character? get older. wolf’s luncheon? and it required being pretty open and down for TL: People don’t come on set in character but MM: He was definitely cute back then. Tracy Letts: It was great. the cause. I think it was the casting too. I don’t if there is a prevailing mood then yes. JN: I wonder if he likes being called “cute.” WCT: In Osage County there’s an intense think they cast anyone who suffered from what MM: Yes, if the mood is there right but none of JL: He’s handsome then. scene with the family about eating fish. Did I call “Hollywooditis.” us were people that can’t break character. WCT: What is everyone doing for awards they serve fish at lunch? WCT: You worked with director John Wells JL: None of us were called only by our charac- season? Juliette Lewis: They did have fish! before, Julianne? ter names. People could call me by my real name JL: This is it, doing interviews. Margo Martindale: “Eat the fish, bitch!” JN: I worked for him on a show called Presi- or character name, either/or. MM: We will see where we get to go. We hope JL: Cold salmon. Is that the thing? dio Med years ago. It was a lady doctor show. WCT: Did the cast have fun? to go everywhere but we will see. Julianne Nicholson: I don’t normally think of It starred Blythe Danner, Anna Deavere Smith, JN: We enjoyed each other’s company so WCT: Let’s go around the room on future salmon as fish, but it was protein. Dana Delany and Sasha Alexander in all 13 epi- much! That is what made the job so much fun projects. MM: Let me just say I didn’t touch it. I ate the sodes. John was my boss. was actually being together. I care about these MM: I am on TV with The Americans and The lettuce. TL: It’s a terrible title. people every time I am with them. The first time Millers on CBS. JN: I ate the whole thing. JN: It is. I agree. I watched the movie I felt like I was in their JN: I am on Masters of Sex right now and just JL: I ate half of it. JL: I can’t understand it when she says it. company again. They felt like my family and I did a show on the Sundance Channel called The TL: As soon as I saw the cranberry I thought, JN: Presidio Med. I actually met John once or really fell in love with them. Red Road. It comes out in February. “Salmon, really?” twice when we were doing it so it was a pleasure MM: I felt that way too. It felt like family. JL: I was just at Sundance with Aaron Paul of WCT: Tracy, can you talk about making the getting to work with him on this. I adore him. Looking at pictures of the set and cars I kept Breaking Bad in a film called Hellion. I just did play into a movie? WCT: Juliette, like your character in this thinking that this was part of my Texas family. an indie called Kelly and Cal and a TV show I did TL: It was real hard. It took a long time and film you have a knack for tapping into the in- The landscape was similar. We sort of lived and with Matt Dillon called Wayward Pines coming was a process in patience. We tried to find a way nocence in these various women in parts you breathed as characters. We were all together all out in March that M. Night Shyamalan created. to tell our story with pictures instead of with have played. Is it a part of you? of the time. We didn’t have anybody else. WCT: Are you still singing, Juliette? words. We didn’t want to change things that we JL: It is. [Laughs] JL: There was no Four Seasons Hotel. We JL: Oh, yeah. I am making a record with the knew already worked about the piece. It was a WCT: You have done it in a few films, going stayed in a complex of townhouses with a band Cage the Elephant. They are like my rock ‘n’ balancing act. back to Kalifornia. horseshoe driveway. They wanted us all to live roll brothers. We are recording in Nashville and Ultimately, we wound up losing stuff that I JL: In Kalifornia she truly has the mentality of in a house together but they couldn’t find one I basically hijacked their band with Brad, their didn’t want to lose. I will admit that but you are a 9-year-old. I guess a lot of my characters have so they found these odd townhouses behind a guitarist, doing my EP. I miss being on the road making something different. When you are the suffered trauma. In my heart of hearts I fancy Toyota dealership. We would go to Meryl’s to like crazy! person that wrote the play you have to let go myself as a healer so I try to give a voice to have a pot luck and rehearse. Meryl would yell WCT: And your plans, Tracy? of the stuff that preserves it as a play. You are people’s pain I guess. I don’t know why that is. at the TV... TL: I am doing a play on Broadway as an ac- making something entirely different. With Karen, I can’t take too much credit be- MM: She would cook and we would eat. You tor called The Realistic Joneses by Will Eno with That is what we did. We made a movie. It cause of the way she was written. She really see that really helps the movie. We didn’t even Marisa Tomei and Toni Collette. looks, walks, and talks like a movie not like a cares about appearances and that was differ- know that at the time. JL: What a great cast—wowsers! play. ent for me. I don’t usually play females that are JL: I would run away to Tulsa to see rock WCT: Speaking of a great cast, August has a WCT: You are originally from Tulsa, Okla., looks based. It is really important to her that shows because that was what Karen probably did stellar one and I wish you all the best success Tracy, and insisted on filming in Oklahoma. her hair is done and to show her mom and sisters when she was 18. That is also what I do. with the film. How was it? what has become of her, that are her troubles WCT: I noticed you tweet a lot about music. Take an unforgettable trip to Oklahoma by MM: Fabulous! are behind her. I loved her, that opening and en- JL: It fuels my day. If I don’t listen to mu- way of cinema as August: Osage County opens JL: A revelation. trance to her. Her guts and insides get divulged sic then something is off. It could be anything in Chicago Jan. 3. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 17 comments enroute to the gathering (stating the theme of the picture as well). Boy, is she on the money about what’s in store for this train wreck of a family. Letts (who adapted his play for the KNIGHT screen) stuffs this tale—a Soap Opera Grand AT Guignol—with enough deep seated enmity to fuel a dozen Real Housewives reunion shows. THE And portraying this Addams Family are some ma- MOVIES jor acting heavyweights: Ewan McGregor, Bene- dict Cumberpatch, Chris Cooper, Juliette Lewis, the amazing Margo Martindale, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney, and Julianne Nicholson. Everyone gets behind Streep, of course, who takes no prisoners as she handily takes apart all By the other characters and relishes doing so. The Richard other characters, one by one, fall by the wayside Knight Jr. as the mother-daughter boxing match between Violet and Barbara winds up for its final round. Roberts does her best with the role, frowning August: Osage and grimacing (her high-wattage smile nowhere in sight) and giving herself to the complicated role as much as she can. But, ultimately, she County; Wolf of lacks the finesse to bring out the shading to make you really care if Barbara breaks free of Wall Street; The Violet the witch. And, really, who would expect otherwise? What actor in Hollywood would ex- Great Beauty pect to leave much of an impression when paired From left: Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor and Meryl Streep in August: Osage County. Photo by with Streep, done up in a teased brunette wig, Claire Folger As longtime readers of this column know, there swilling booze and pills, and chain-smoking in are few movie genres that I revel in more than between all those acid-soaked soliloquies? “the woman’s picture” (or “chick flick” in mod- New Hollywood motto: Never act with kids, The jaw-dropping indifference to anything Briefly noted: Fellini lives! At least, that’s what ern-day terminology). Even better is that be- dogs or Streep—when she’s in Mommie Dearest outside of the narcissistic pursuits of DiCaprio you’ll think after seeing The Great Beauty (La loved subset of this genre: the mother-daughter mode, that is. and company as the noose tightens is illustrated Grande Belleza), director Paolo Sorrentino’s movie. Before we get to August: Osage Coun- by Scorsese in his usual flashy, theatrical style fantastic visual feast that truly is a modern-day ty—John Wells’ all-star screen adaptation of At one point amidst the insane excesses dis- (working for the zillionth time with his brilliant La Dolce Vita. the Tracy Letts Steppenwolf-Broadway sensa- played in The Wolf of Wall Street, Martin Scors- editor Thelma Schoonmaker) but the picture, Set in Rome, the movie focuses on Jep Gam- tion that is essentially another addition to the ese’s darkly comedic tale of ‘90s Wall Street high which is mostly entertaining, never quite reso- bardella (played by Toni Servillo, familiar to au- M-D canon (and a great one)—a quick question: flyer Jordan Belfort, Rob Reiner (as Belfort’s nates like, say, Good Fellas. Some of that has to diences from Gomorrah and Il Divo), a long time How many mother-daughter pictures has Meryl father, Max) surveys the financially perverse go- do with the subject matter which has been cov- chronicler of Rome’s party scene and member of Streep, who stars, appeared in before taking on ings on and exclaims, “This is obscene!” This ered so extensively in documentaries in the last same who is thrown a lavish party for his 65th this latest Grand Dame? perfectly sums up both the subject of the movie few years. But I think the larger problem here birthday. Jep, who wrote a critically acclaimed The answer doesn’t really matter because when and it’s bloated, three-hour running time. is DiCaprio whose performance, odd as this may novel in his 20s, reflects on his life and loves Streep starts chewing the scenery, the dining Based on a true story tale of a white collar seem given the overindulgences displayed on in the ensuing days as he visits many of Rome’s room table, chairs, the place mats, the service criminal, this isn’t the cautionary tale that Oli- screen, seems rather remote. There’s not much familiar highlights. for 10, the place cards, and everything else in ver Stone’s 1987 Wall Street with its ironic slo- zest in his portrayal and though the character Sorrentino’s camera loves Servillo’s enigmatic the room as she does here portraying Violet gan, “Greed is good” was. No, this is yet another repeatedly gets up to address his troops—be- but expressive face and the accompanying visu- Weston, the drug addled Gorgon at the center Scorsese gangster picture in which the irony of fore, during and after his downfall—none of it als are something to luxuriate in. This is the of August: Osage County fans of this singular ac- those words are handily stomped on. In this sor- ever connects with the audience. best Italian film I’ve seen since 2009’s I Am tresses’ ability to command the screen are in for did tale of a poor Brooklyn kid who makes a kill- It’s just one of the many incongruities in this Love and needs to be experienced on the big another galvanizing, memorable performance. ing as a penny stockbroker before moving on to ultimately hollow exercise in movie excess. screen. The film opens Friday, Jan. 3, at the Mu- What Streep does with Letts’ monologues for greater “glory” as a megaswindler, greed really sic Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. www. this monstrous, complicated woman is akin to IS good and any poor sucker who hasn’t figured musicboxtheatre.com the arias that Callas must have thrilled audi- that out is a shmuck who plays by the rules. “I ences with at the height of her career. It’s the want you to deal with your problems by getting primary reason to see this dysfunctional family rich” DiCaprio is exhorted at one point and he a GQ interview in which he also said African- drama, a modern-day Long Day’s Journey Into takes that advice to heart. ‘RuPaul’s Drag Americans were perfectly happy before civil Night (with plenty of Terms of Endearment, This latter-day Gatsby—with a taste for co- rights. Home for the Holidays and Used People thrown caine, hookers and all manner of material Race’ season six The pro-LGBT group Truth Wins Out (TWO) in for good measure). goods—becomes more confident the higher he condemned A&E’s turnaround. In a state- After the suicide of Violet’s husband (a typi- climbs (natch) and ignores the warnings of his cast named Fourteen contestants have been announced ment, TWO Executive Director Wayne Besen cally stoic Sam Shepard), the gathering of the lawyers that the feds aren’t sniffing around be- for the upcoming sixth season of the Logo TV said, “This is a disgraceful decision that gives clan for the funeral is, naturally enough, the cause they envy him or his sleazy associates. show RuPaul’s Drag Race, which will start in a pass to prejudice and puts money before perfect time for deep seated wounds to resurface And those associates are just as arrogant and February. morality. ... A&E took the low road, and its and be picked over. “Thank God we can’t tell the are portrayed as buffoons. (Jonah Hill, whose Gia Gunn is the only contestant from Chica- failed attempts to justify its inexcusable ac- future, we’d never get out of bed,” Julia Robert character is strongly hinted at to be closeted, is go. Some of the other entrants include April tions have reflected poorly on the cable net- as Streep’s most messed up daughter Barbara not surprisingly, the most buffoonish.) Carrion (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico), Vivacious work and deeply tarnished its brand.” (New York City), Laganja Estranja (Los Ange- les), Milk (New York City) and Adore Delano (Azusa, Calif.). Chicago Sketch The prizes will be $100,000 and the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Comedy Festival announces line-up The 13th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy A&E reverses Festival—the nation’s largest event of its stance about kind—has announced its official line-up for 2014. ‘Duck Dynasty’ Festival organizers chose 150 troupes The network A&E has reversed its suspen- that involve 1,000 artists performing over sion of show star Phil Robertson for making 170 shows in eight days (the two weekends anti-gay comments, and he will not miss a around Jan. 9-19, 2014). single episode of the upcoming season, ac- Highlights include Johnny Knoxville (of cording to a Chicago Tribune item. Jackass and Bad Grandpa); Siblings of Doc- Shooting will resume in the spring, and will tors (Los Angeles), featuring Danny Pudi from be accompanied by a series of public service the TV show Community; Same Sex Different announcements “promoting unity, tolerance Gays (Chicago); Kerpatty (Chicago); and Vir- and acceptance among all people, a message gin Daquiri (Chicago), as well as two local that supports our core values as a company, groups who have been a part of the festival and the values found in Duck Dynasty,” the for all 13 years: The Cupid Players (Chicago) network said. and Stir Friday Night (Chicago). The network suspended Robertson after he Visit www.chicagosketchfest.com. compared gays to “drunks” and “terrorists” in Toni Servillo in The Great Beauty (La Grande Belleza). 18 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES theDISH WEEKLY DINING GUIDE IN Dinkel’s: Nine decades and counting for sweet institution BY ANDREW DAVIS ident; and —The Chicago Cubs had only gone 14 years Dinkel’s Bakery & Cafe (3329 N. Lincoln Ave.; without winning a World Series. (Now, it’s 105— www.dinkels.com) opened in 1922 (at 3327 N. and counting.) Lincoln Ave.). Walking into Dinkel’s recently, it was appar- To put that in perspective, at that point: ent that not much has changed; indeed, it felt —Only one world war had taken place; like I had gone back in time. Dessert flavors, for —Prohibition was ongoing; example, are old-school, to say the least—and —Warren G. Harding was president of the that’s a good thing. United States and Calvin Coolidge was vice pres- Luke Karl, the bakery’s general manager and the husband of third-generation owner Sandy Dinkel, told Windy City Times that, indeed, few things have changed. “Every once in a while Dinkel’s GM Luke Karl. Photo by Andrew Davis we’ll do something like a pina colada cupcake and we have our maple bacon donut, which [is only available] on Saturdays,” he said. “But we mayo)—and that one was divine. Others include Coffee, and The Doughnut Vault were also on the usually don’t try to get too exotic. This isn’t re- the Dinkel’s BLT (which the sandwich chef in- list.) ally the place for that.” sisted is one of the best in the city), Ziggy’s Another popular item is the stollen, which I However, there have been a few alterations. Ham Sandwich, Kotz’s Caprese and many more thought would be the dreaded fruitcake, consid- Starting August 2012, Dinkel’s reincorporated a selections. ering it contains roasted cashews and almonds sandwich section. “My father-in-law, Mr. Dinkel, Dinkel’s also conducts tours. “We get a lot of along with golden raisins and diced pineapple. actually did the sandwich thing in the ‘90s and groups that come through, such as elderly re- However, this item—traditional to the south- early 2000s,” Karl said. “We were doing a ton of tirees, and I’ll chat with them and give them ern Bavrarian region, Karl said—isn’t nearly as movies in Chicago at that point, so he catered free samples” Karl said. “But I always do four dense, and is quite flavorful. movie sets. But then that dried up and moved or five kids’ tours a year. We have St. Andrew’s As for the Dinkel’s experience, Karl said he on, and he had some staff changes so he closed right here, and the YMCA had a kids’ class here. wants the place to “be part of people’s lives. I that down. Kids love seeing people make roses and but- want people to have smiles on their faces when “My wife and I are in the business now, and we tercream.” I suspect many adults feel the same they walk in here. I don’t want us to be dated, were looking for ways to make ourselves more way. but I want us to be part of families’ histories.” relevant. So we thought about bringing in the As for those famed desserts, is there one that’s Basically, with Dinkel’s you can’t go wrong. lunch crowd. We’re still focusing on the bakery, the most popular? Karl said that it changes Come for the cupcakes, and stay for the donuts, but this is, like, a sideline.” but right now it’s the “vanilla cake donut with stollen, cakes, tarts, sandwiches—you get the By the way, regarding the sandwiches, they’re chocolate icing, which is sometimes called the picture. named after neighborhood fixtures, such as chocolate cake donut.” In fact, The Daily Meal I’m counting on all of this goodness to be the The Woolworth (turkey breast, bacon, red on- ranked Dinkel’s donuts among the top 25 in the same when Dinkel’s reaches 100. Maybe the Cubs ions, Granny Smith apples, cheddar and tomato country. (Chicago’s Dat Donut, Do-Rite Donuts & will have won it all again by then. CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISE HERE CLEANING SERVICES HOME IMPROVEMENT ADVERTISE HERE: Want to advertise your product, CHESTNUT CLEANING SERVICES: We’re a house cleaning MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK FABULOUS! Winter is a great nightspots #1109 • Dec. 25, 2013 service, etc. to thousands of readers? Place an ad in the service for homes, small businesses and small buildings. time to fix up your home. Add crown molding, a fresh Windy City Times! We offer affordable rates, convenient We also have fabulous organizational skills (a separate coat of paint, or a facelift for you bathroom. “A+” with service, and as a bonus, your ad runs in our online section function at a separate cost that utilizes your assis- BBB. Licensed-Bonded-Insured, One year Warranty. Free for free. To place an ad, contact Terri at 773-871- tance) for what hasn’t been cleaned in many months Estimates! Andy OnCall 773-244-9961. 847-328- 7610 ex 101, [email protected], or or years due to long-term illness, depression, physical/ 3100 www.getandy.com (9/10/14-26) go to our website http://www.windycitymediagroup. mental challenges, for the elderly, if you have down- FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED. Painting, carpentry, com/placeaclassified.php. sized and more. Depressed about going home to chaos? wallpaper, dry wall repair/installation, handyman, re- We can organize your chaos, straighten out your chaos, modeling, tiles, flooring, doors, electric and plumbing. ADULT MALE SERVICES help you make sense of your chaos and finally clean Licensed, bonded and insured. J. Doro Painting & Con- EXECUTIVE RELAXATION THERAPY in a private what is no longer chaos. Can we help you? Bonded and struction, 773-507-6664, [email protected] (1/22/14) the best photos of environment. Relax mind and release stress from work insured. Chestnut Cleaning Service: 312-332-5575. NEW ATTITUDE PAINTING: Need to repaint and clean andworking out. Call Ray 773-550-0283 (12/25/13-2) www.ChestnutCleaning.com (11/20/14-52) behind all that furniture? I’m the man you need. Get me over for a free estimate. 847-444-1482. (2/26/14-13) 2013 ANTIQUES COUNSELING (well, the ones we could print, anyway) PRE-NUPTIAL COUNSELING FOR LGBT COUPLES. To cel- WEDDINGS ZURKO ANTIQUE EVENTS ebrate the Marriage Equality Act, Dr Kiya is offering spe- GAY MINISTER FOR GAY WEDDING Are you planning **2014 NEW YEAR** cial rates for any LGBT couple who would like prenuptial a wedding after June 1,2014? I am a gay minister counseling. Call for a FREE phone consultation: 773- available to perform your wedding ceremony. Email at: ANTIQUE MARKET & SALE 880-5492. www.drkiya.com (6/4/14-26) [email protected] (12/25/13-4) Jan 4th & 5th - $6 Sat. 10am - 4pm; Sun. 9am - 3pm LEGAL SERVICES WINDOW TREATMENTS the best LGBT nightlife DuPage Expo Center WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE WINDOWS?: (45 mins W. of Chicago on Rte. 64-North Ave.) The Law Office of Call me! I take care of it all from design through photos of 2013 in one ST. CHARLES, IL Alexander Weaver installation, customizing to your needs. JOSEPH RICE Interiors, Inc. Full Decorating Services with a specialty sexy issue. ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLE 312-588-5005 in window treatments for over 25 years. 773-271- MARKET email: [email protected] 2361. www.JosephRiceInteriors.com (2/26/14-13) pick it up, take it home. Jan 11th & 12th Sat. 10 - 4; Sun. 8 - 3 / $7 A Full Service Early buyers Sat. 8-10am / $25 Law Firm for the Community REAL ESTATE Lake County Fairgrounds since 1988 1060 E. Peterson Rd. LEGAL SERVICES / GRAYSLAKE, IL 410 S. Michigan Ave., REAL ESTATE ISSUES? Buying – Selling – Leasing – Land- lord/Tenant – Building/Remodeling. Contact The Law Suite 628, Chicago ZURKO • 715-526-9769 Office of David G. Frueh, 3843 North Broadway Street. nightspots (312) 492-4261. [email protected]. www. www.zurkopromotions.com FruehLaw.com (4/16/14-52) WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 19 NUNN ON ONE: MUSIC Debbie Gibson talks gay fans, ‘Electric Youth’ WCT: Your phone is fixed? DG: It is all fixed and was just a SIM-card is- sue. WCT: Talk a bit about Celebrity Apprentice. I am talking with Lisa Lampanelli next week. DG: Tell her hello! She and I got along so well. I think people on the show expected me to be more precious but on the show they edited me without showing all my manual labor so they could later [say I was] “not a team player.” I was running down the street with bags and picture frames, but that was not shown. Ninety percent of it was what you see is what you get. We were stressed a lot of the time. I won $50,000 for Children International. They by Jerry Nunn transferred a family that I sponsor that was liv- ing in the Philippines from living in a cemetery In 1988, Debbie Gibson became the youngest to living in an apartment with a storefront. They artist to produce, write and perform a number- even taught the woman to sell her own grocer- one single on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Fool- ies. They are now a self sustaining family. ish Beat”—and holds that crown to this day. After being a people pleaser my whole life I Songs like “Only in My Dreams” and “Shake Your learned to carry through a vision you are not Love” kept her in the spotlight and became sta- going to be liked. I had to drop the desire to be ples in her live shows. liked when I did that show. That saved me a lot Her Broadway debut in Les Miserables led to of money in therapy! more musicals such as Grease, Gypsy, Cabaret Debbie Gibson. Photo by Troy Smith WCT: There is all this talk about your past and Company. She made a cameo in the musi- dancer recently. with a singular food and protein. cently? cal film Rock of Ages and will reprise her role DG: There was just an article about Buddy Ca- It is a myth to eat five times a day, and I think DG: The last thing I saw—you are going to in 2014 for Syfy’s Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark. simano in Newsday that I provided some quotes people overeat. You need to digest and get a laugh—was Newsies because my nephew was in Gibson competed on the fifth season of The for. He teaches, choreographs and trains people. little hungry again. That is what the program it. He finished his run so I think it was in the Celebrity Apprentice for her charity Children In- WCT: What are you planning for the 25th is all about. People need to realize they are not spring. I thought it was great and heartfelt, not ternational. anniversary of Electric Youth? going to die if they get a little hungry. I am not just because I am a proud aunt! Windy City Times caught up to her after she DG: I will be celebrating and embracing my saying to starve to lose weight, but just not to My nephew is like a film actor so he is so still performed at the Festival of Lights on Michigan past while giving a new perspective to my past [overdo it] with food. I have become a scientist and boys are doing backflips all around him. He Avenue. from where I stand now. This will be in a record- with my body and the food. was just reacting and you couldn’t take your eyes Windy City Times: Last time we talked face ing sense and possibly a TV special. I will always When you eat a pizza and wake up feeling bad, off of him. I think that is fascinating because I to face was during Pridefest in your trailer. own it and not think of it as an image that was you don’t know if it’s the olives, pepperoni or was an overacting kid. I joke that in these Syfy Debbie Gibson: Yes. Oh, my gosh! put on me. That was me then and this is me now. the carbs! Before how I felt [involved] emotion- movies I am projecting to the hundredth row! WCT: Someone was just mentioning to me I am working on a book. It will not be a tell al ties to the eating and now I have a clarity. For more on Gibson, visit debbiegibsonof- what a great job you did there performing. all but instead about lessons I have learned to WCT: Have you seen any good musicals re- ficial.com. DG: You know, I thought about that the other navigate life. I live in the real world. I will relate day, wishing I had said more to that audience. It back to anecdotes that I think people will be was a long street and packed. The audience was, interested in. Sometimes when you are on top pardon the pun, electric! of the world you may not have the best perspec- Lesbian series ‘Nikki & Nora’ WCT: You have always been great with your tive. gay fans. WCT: What advice do you give young artists DG: Thank you. Well, they have always been just starting out? makes Internet debut great to me. I probably have said this to you DG: One thing to remember is not to become before but so many people may not realize that a slave to the record company’s itinerary. Some by Charlsie Dewey I started in gay clubs. “Only In My Dreams” was things might look [good] on paper but it might a gay club hit. Little did I know when I wrote not be something you can actually handle. There Actresses Liz Vassey and Christina Cox are Nikki & that song at 13, I wasn’t targeting anyone in should not be a need to be super boy or super stepping back into their roles as lesbian pri- Nora. particular but now I have a kinship with the gay girl. vate investigators Nikki Beaumont and Nora Image by audience and I love it! I went through a period of anxiety attacks and Delaney with a seven-episode web series that tello films One of the last events I did in Chicago was at a year of fatigue. It was just moving too fast. I recently premiered at www.OneMoreLesbian. and MyHardt Pride and I was in the tiniest miniskirt and top. think kids now can move a little slower because com/tello/. Productions WCT: And some feathers... everything is Internet and gets projected. For The pair first took on the characters of Nikki DG: Right. It was completely sweltering and it me, I had to play clubs four nights a week to get and Nora in 2004 with a pilot that made the is cold now. I only come here when it’s extreme momentum for the song to jump on the charts. network television rounds, but was ultimately weather! I was here recently for the Hollywood Pressures are higher now though with awards passed over. Then, in 2008, the pilot episode Show, which is an autograph show. I was just shows every two weeks. When I started there re-emerged on YouTube thanks to a leak, and thinking about all the times I have been here. I were three award shows in a whole year. it quickly gained a fan base that begged for sang the anthem, I did Cubby Bear, I performed I think kids should stay true to themselves. It more. in Cinderella, Joseph and Grease. This is prob- is not a race. If you miss one opportunity the Fans were so eager to see more of Nikki & ably one of my most frequented cities and I am world doesn’t end. If you have the goods that Nora that they shelled out $65,000 on Indi- names of the leads,” Mell said. “We had to glad about it. window will be there again. egogo for the web series, making it the larg- reimagining everything else.” WCT: You looked cold out there opening the WCT: You are very active on social media, est funded campaign with lesbian lead char- In season one, titled “Music, Mayhem and holiday shopping season on Michigan Avenue. I noticed. acters and surpassing the original funding Mothers,” Nikki and Nora enter into the un- DG: When I watched it back I could hardly DG: I love interacting. I find that I have gen- goal by 30 percent. derbelly of the New Orleans music scene when move my mouth! I had done that half-hour show erally very respectful fans. I think back to when “I think it’s a good example of how media they’re hired to work on a case that puts them during the day and by nighttime it was so taxing I was on a tour bus and there was no texting. All can be crowd sourced for niche markets,” said in the spotlight and the headlights: the pos- on my voice to sing in that cold, but it was fun. I had was me, my sister, some backup dancers Christin Mell, whose Chicago-based produc- sible murder of an up-and-coming musician. WCT: How has your trip to Chicago been? and Scattergories! That was my social life there. tion company tello Films joined with MyHardt Meanwhile at home, Nikki and Nora tackle the DG: Well, I broke my phone and went to the There was no outward reach and I was living in Productions to release the series. “You saw rising tide of core family issues while their Mac store so I was kind of a local. I went to the a bubble. It is amazing that the whole world is the fans rally around “Veronica Mars” and new home is in the throes of renovation. movies. the bubble now. Zach Braff and this is sort of our version of In addition to Vassey and Cox, Jim Beaver, WCT: What did you see? WCT: How do you maintain looking great? fans letting us know this is what we want to Tess Harper, Janina Gravankar, Armin Shi- DG: About Time. I would have made it a little DG: There are like two to three years of try- see and we will put money behind it.” merman, Kitty Swink, Aasha Davis and Larry more dramatic but they wanted it to be nice. ing to figure out on how to lose weight. My For anyone who has seen the pilot episode, Poindexter also appear in the series. Rachel McAdams is amazing and the lead guy boyfriend, who goes by Dr. Rutledge, is an anti- not to worry, season one of the Web series is Nikki & Nora is currently available at www. is adorable. aging doctor who has a program called Better a complete reimagining of the original pilot OneMoreLesbian.com/tello/ via a subscrip- This trip has been very relaxing. We went to Than Lipo. We actually had one of my fans do it episode. tion that costs $3.99 and gives viewers ac- Lawry’s and sat in the bar. Chicago, to me, is recently. I cleaned up my diet. When I am on a “We kept it in New Orleans and kept the cess to all of the website’s content. about food and walking around. performance day, I know I will be going all day Turn to page 26

20 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES

Monday, Jan. 6 gillinois.org 7:00pm Center on Halsted HamBINGO Join Mary’s for “HamBINGO 3656 N Halsted http://community.pflag. Mary’s” every Monday night at 8pm org/transgender downstairs in the dining room, with your Pride Films and Plays presents The Chil- CALENDAR host, Velicity Metropolis calling the balls. dren’s Hour A revival Of Lillian Hellman’s You know this ain’t your church bingo! classic play of loves and lies. 8:00pm Brought to you by the 8:00pm Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N Clark Collaboraction’s Pentagon Theater, 1579 combined efforts of http://www.hamburgermaryschicago.com N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 800-838- State Rep. Feigenholtz to Host Roundtable 3006 http://www.pridefilmsandplays.com for Condominium Owners Sima Kirsch, a Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets. Wed., Jan. 1 Theatre 1439 W Jarvis Ave http://www. condo expert who draws on years of le- com Red Cup Party Every Wednesday. Featuring thesideproject.net Tickets: http://www. gal experience to guide owners looking DJ Cooper Thomas and tasty drink spe- thesideproject.net for advice on settling conflicts with their Friday, Jan. 10 Bible Bingo Vicki Quade and Nuns4Fun cials. 9:00pm Scarlet Bar 3320 N Hal- Christmas Dearest: A Joan Crawford Christ- associations. RSVP to sara@staterepsara. Entertainment present a comedy about sted http://www.scarletbarchicago.com mas Carol. Hell in a Handbag is proud to com or by phone. 6:00pm - 8:00pm Cen- HOUSE CALL the Catholic culture of fundraising and You’re The Star Karaoke with Honey West introduce Chicago to a new holiday show ter on Halsted 3656 N Halsted 773-296- bingo, featuring the character, Mrs. Mary Join hostess with the mostess, Honey that is sure to be a camp holiday, classic 4141 http://www.staterepsara.com Monday, Jan. 6 Margaret O’Brien, a former nun who now West for You’re The Star Karaoke, 10pm in tells the tale of Hollywood superstar, Joan heads a fictitious archdiocese fundrais- Roscoe’s front bar. Take your place in the Crawford and the important lessons she Tuesday, Jan. 7 State Rep. Sara ing department. 8:00pm Royal George spotlight! There’s not a bad seat in the learns one Christmas Eve. 7:30pm Mary’s Bi discussion group Every other Tuesday we Feigenholtz (above) Theatre 1641 N Halsted St http://www. house. 10:00pm Roscoe’s Tavern 3356 N Attic 5400 N Clark http://www.brownpa- get together to chat about upcoming bi- biblebingo.info will host a forum for Halsted St http://www.roscoes.com pertickets.com/event/455598 sexual events, concerns, and answer each Home Again - The Songs of Carole King other’s questions about the community. Life is a Cabaret - The Songs of Kander condo owners at Center and Ebb Scott Gryder performs the songs Thursday, Jan. 2 Chris Logan performs the Carole King Soft drinks & water are provided by the on Halsted, 3656 N. of John Kander and Fred Ebb, songwrit- White Party Minibar’s weekly exclusive un- songbook. 8:00pm - 9:30pm No Exit Cafe Center, but feel free to bring anything else Halsted St. ers of such popular musicals as Cabaret, derground. Reserve your table with a staff 6970 N Glenwood Ave http://www.theo- you’d like to share, whether it’s snacks or Photo by Michael Brosilow Chicago and Kiss of the Spider Woman. member for VIP service and priority seat- u.org Tickets: http://www.theo-u.org a good book! 7:00pm Center on Halsted 8:00pm - 9:30pm No Exit Cafe 6970 N ing while the DJ provides the hottest mu- 3656 N Halsted http://www.centeronhal- Glenwood Ave., http://www.theo-u.org sic on Halsted all night. 9:00pm Minibar Saturday, Jan. 4 sted.org Tickets: http://www.theo-u.org 3341 N Halsted http://www.minibarchi- Ethical Problems in Gender Identity Con- Intersex Chicago Intersex people physi- lights from GayCo’s #GodHatesHashtags, struction Hyacinth Piel. Part of Lavender cally differ from the “standard” male and cago.com/#!white-party/c1zff Monday, Jan. 13 find out what will happen to the gay com- Frat Night Thursday at Scarlet Scarlet’s University LGBTQ programs, a nine-month female. Intersex Chicago is a safe, confi- munity after #GayMarriage and #Equality On Grace & Politics: Conversation with popular night of frat guys and their fans, series of LGBTQ educational programs dential meetup for all intersex people and are no longer trending topics. Tickets on- Anna Deavere Smith, Toni Preckwinkle with a night of 40-dawg specials, HOT featuring prominent scholars known na- their allies in the Chicago area. Meet other line or by phone. 8:00pm Stage 773 Part of Anna Deavere Smith and cellist bartenders, cranked-up music and hottie tionally for their innovative research and intersex people. Make new friends. Find 1225 W Belmont 773-327-5252 Tickets: Joshua Roman’s work-in-progress play high jinks! 10:00pm Scarlet Bar, 3320 work. Reservations online or tickets at out more about intersex. Explore and cel- http://www.chicagosketchfest.com On Grace. Smith is known for her one- N Halsted St. door. Questions to publisher@windycity- ebrate your difference. intersexchicago@ A one-hour solo cabaret woman performances that meld theater, Finding Beauty We Three Lizas Fresh from a concert at mediagroup.com or lkarlic@centeronhal- gmail.com 6:30pm Center on Halsted show by Amanda Batcher, who says “this journalism and social commentary. Toni Joe’s Pub in New York City with a re- sted.org 11:00am - 1:00pm Center on 3656 N Halsted http://www.centeronhal- show explores the path through that dark- Preckwinkle is Cook County Board Presi- vamped book and expanded score, last Halsted 3656 N Halsted Tickets: https:// sted.org ness. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll hear dent. Free and open to the public. Walk- year’s sparkly, queer holiday hit is back… community.centeronhalsted.org/lavende- songs that are old favorites and songs ups welcome; reservations recommended. and better than ever! Box maker Conrad runiversity Wed., Jan. 8 that may become new loves. It expresses 7:00pm Reva and David Logan Center for Ticklebottom’s life has hit a block. Once, Welcoming the New Year with SoulCol- Red Cup Party Every Wednesday. Featuring my journey of seeing and feeling beauty the Arts 915 E. 60th St Tickets: http:// Conrad and his purple box ignited an en- lage� The beginning of a new year brings DJ Cooper Thomas and tasty drink spe- in myself, other people and the world.” www.eventbrite.com/e/on-grace-poli- tire movement in art and design, but now hope for a fresh start and the energy for cials. 9:00pm Scarlet Bar 3320 N Hal- 8:00pm No Exit Cafe 6970 N Glenwood tics-a-conversation-with-anna-deavere- he finds himself alone, forgotten and tee- manifesting goals and intentions. This sted http://www.scarletbarchicago.com Ave http://www.theo-u.org Tickets: smith-and-toni-preckwinkle-registration- tering on ruin. The holidays bring three workshop will provide you with an op- Pumped Each Wednesday Minibar lets you http://www.theo-u.org 9621521229?utm_campaign=Anna+Deave magical figures to his door - a trio of Liza portunity to take a look at what’s stirring spoil your self with hot entertainment and re+Smith+PR1&utm_medium=email&utm_ Minnellis to escort him on a fabulous jour- within and a chance to give voice to those surprises around every corner. 9:00pm source=newsletter&utm_content=RSVP Thursday, Jan. 23 ney through what-was, what-could-be and desires. Take a few hours of dedicated Minibar 3341 N Halsted St., http://www. PPIA Roe v. Wade Anniversary Celebra- Theatres: Market like a Pro Two speakers what-the-f*?!, redeeming his lost promise time to activate your inner guidance and minibarchicago.com/#!events/c9qb Planned Parenthood will be honor- will address both theatres and theatre pro- tion and re-inventing a brand-new Conrad Tick- let your creative juices flow. Contact Shari ing Sen. Dick Durbin with the Dr. Marvin fessionals about marketing and website lebottom. A quirky holiday musical tale of to reserve your spot today! 12:00pm - Thursday, Jan. 9 Rosner Lifetime Achievement Award and techniques for success in the theatre field. hope, transformation… and the power 4:00pm 4400 W. Lawrence Ave., www. Frank Lloyd Wright Trust 2014 lectures State Representative Camille Lilly with $10. 7:00pm - 11:00pm Lifeline Theatre, of Liza! Through Jan. 5. 7:30pm Stage soulcollage.com/finder/wc/Chicago Focus on Walter Burley Griffin, an archi- the Richard J. Phelan Profile in Courage 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago http://www. 773 1225 W Belmont (773) 327-5252; CAKE Chicago - Queer Arts Showcase tect and landscape designer who worked Award. Special guests include SNL alum TheatrePros.com Tickets: http://www. http://www.aboutfacetheatre.com Voted:Best Queer Variety Show - Chicago in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Oak Park studio Jane Curtin and radio personality Loni brownpapertickets.com/event/530226 Weekend Pre-Party Join Spin every Thurs- Reader 9:00pm - 12:00am The Red Line from 1901 to 1906. Christopher Vernon Swain. VIP reception will be held from Tap 7006 N Glenwood Ave., http://www. will present an illustrated lecture, Wal- day for $1 cocktails, wine, and beer. Fea- Friday, Jan. 17 5:30PM - 6:30PM with the main event turing DJ Chester spinning the hottest facebook.com/cakechicago ter Burley Griffin, the Oak Park Studio’s beginning at 6:30PM. Tickets can be pur- DJ Rocky Horror Picture Show Film with music videos and dance hits! 9:00pm Landscape Architect. $10. Register on- chased at www.ppiaction.org. 5:30pm - Live Cast WOWMS presents THE ROCKY Spin Nightclub 800 W Belmont Ave Sunday, Jan. 5 line. 6:30pm Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity 9:00pm The Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. HORROR PICTURE SHOW at 27 Live in Chi- Beers, Boys and Beats Who Needs A’s When Temple 875 Lake St Oak Park, IL 60301 Lake St., www.plannedparenthoodactio- cagoland - Movie with Live Cast! 8:00pm Friday, Jan. 3 You Can Get B’s! Beers, Boys and Beats Tickets: http://flwright.org/programs/ nillinois.org/action/attendevent_action. - 11:45pm 27 Live 1012 Church St Evan- Through the Leaves Through the Leaves, at Roscoe’s. Beers! $1 Miller Lite Drafts. vernonlecture php; Tickets: www.ppaction.org/site/ ston, IL 60201 (855) 927-5483 http:// written by German playwright Franz Xaver Boys! Male Call at 5pm. Beats! Via VJ Bob- Parents of Transgender People For decades, Calendar?id=108545&view=Detail www.27live.com (F.X.) Kroetz, tells of the relationship by Marley 2:00pm Roscoe’s Tavern 3356 PFLAG has been proud to be a resource for GayCo at Chicago Sketchfest 2014! GayCo between a rough, emotionally abusive N Halsted St http://www.roscoes.com transgender and gender non-conforming performs for its 12th time in the nations laborer and a lonely middle-aged wom- people, their families, and friends. For largest sketch festival. Featuring high- an. 7:30pm - 8:30pm The Side Project More Info: parentsoftransgender@pfla-

BOOK REVIEW York and told her that he’d decided to act on brother was.” something that had vexed him for decades. Ner- There’s an awful lot of “poor me”-ing in the My Brother vously, he explained that he had gender dyspho- beginning of My Brother My Sister; a lot of ria. He’d been on hormones for months. Years hand-wringing from author Molly Haskell; and My Sister ago, he’d thought of himself as “Ellen,” the too much fretting about how her brother’s trans- by Molly Haskell woman he knew he was inside. formation would affect her. While some readers $26.95; Viking; 213 pages It was something that Haskell never saw com- might imagine how they’d feel in the same situ- by TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER ing. ation, it’s pretty tedious reading here. And ang- Chevey had been married twice. His first wife sty, almost. Mom always said you were two of a kind. knew of his feelings, as did his second wife, but Thankfully, the book gets better. You and your favorite sibling: yin and yang, the latter was struggling with acceptance. So, in Once Haskell’s story gets around to accep- two halves of a whole. A lot of film was spent fact, was Haskell, though she was also curious to tance, readers are treated to a more relaxing documenting your lives. A lot of memories are know the particulars. read, one of discovery (both on Haskell’s part, shared when you get together. When did Chevey know? (At age seven). How and that of her sister), devotion, and of delight. Once upon a time, you knew exactly what your did he decide to do this? (The urge was so strong That’s the raison d’etre of this book. What you’ll sib was thinking—or did you? Read the new that he could do nothing else). Why did he wait find from there to the end is why you’d want to book My Brother My Sister, by Molly Haskell, and 50-some years to transition? (Many reasons, read this book in the first place. you might wonder. including family). He likened his gender to a Aside from a bumpy beginning and some Growing up in Richmond, Va., in the post- “birth defect.” It was time to make things right. surgery descriptions that are TMI overload, I WWII years, Molly Haskell, her brother Chevey, As Chevey became Ellen, Haskell mourned the thought this was a good enough book. If you, and their friends enjoyed the same clubs, loss of her brother. When Ellen informed the rest too, are curious, or if your family is dealing with schools, cotillions and churches. She remembers of the family of her news, Haskell kept “waiting these same issues, My Brother My Sister may be a childhood of “privilege” and happiness. for the sky to fall” but nothing happened. Yes, one of a kind. Her brother remembers sneaking up to there were slips, gaffes, hurts, and a few surpris- Do you want more? Look for Just Add Hor- Haskell’s closet to try on her clothes. ing revelations, but the world didn’t end. mones, by Matt Kailey; or She’s Not the Man I Of course, that was unknown to Haskell until “Lucky for me,” says Haskell,” my newly mint- Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband, by years later, when Chevey came to her in New ed sister is still the magnificent human being my Helen Boyd. WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 21 Chicago Force has top local LGBT sports moment By Ross Forman tion. His involvement has been critical to our success.” The Chicago Force won its first-ever national When asked what she and the team is plan- championship in 2013 and truly established it- ning for an encore in 2014, Bache didn’t hesi- self as the most dominant women’s tackle foot- tate: Repeat, sweet repeat, she said. ball team. “We have most of our roster returning, includ- “It’s one thing to know that you are the best ing all of our All-Americans. It took a long time team in the country; it’s another to see it all the to get to the mountaintop. ... We’re going to way through,” said Linda Bache, team owner. try to stay here for a while,” Bache said. “It “We systematically defeated every team in our felt amazing to be presented with the champi- path, usually by an enormous margin. We earned onship trophy and then hoist it over my head this [championship]. while seeing the joy on the faces of our play- “I’m incredibly proud of our organization and ers and coaches. The players were given the what we’ve accomplished.” trophy for some celebratory photos and then Bache is one of many LGBT associated with the it was put into the hands of head coach John Force—from players to front-office officials. Konecki. We’re fortunate to have John; he’s the In fact, the 2013 Force Team MVP was Sami best coach in the league. As much or more than Grisafe and the Defensive MVP was linebacker the players, he earned that trophy.”

—Most Improved Offense: Mary Choules, run- teams from across North America. ning back 11. The Chicago Replay and Chicago/San Diego —Most Improved Defense: Martha Dantuma, Seals (comprised of half Chicago players) won defensive back their respective divisions at Pride Bowl VI. Tyler The Chicago Force celebrates another win. Photo courtesy of the Force Foerster of Chicago, playing for the Seals, was Top 13 Chicago LGBT sports moments from named A-Division Defensive MVP. Darcy Leslie—both out lesbians. And when the 2013: 12. The CMSA Hall of Fame inducted four new- team’s post-season awards were announced in The Force capped the championship run with 1. Chicago Force won the national champion- comers: Gary Vien, Rob Burton, Maureen Sulli- the fall, the lesbian community was well rep- an on-field honor from the Chicago Cubs and co- ship. van/Spyners, and John Lyrla. resented. (See below for all of the Force post- owner , an out lesbian. Bache said 2. Ride For AIDS Chicago surpassed $769,000 13. CMSA launched two new sports: Ultimate, season awards.) the honor from the Cubs was the “icing on our funds raised, setting event record. Goal for 2014 led by Felipe Rojas; and golf, led by Mark Saka- The Force’s national championship also carried championship cake and an experience that we’ll Ride is set at $1 million. lares and Steven Solari. “The new sports were the team to the number-one spot on the list of never forget.” 3. Former professional football player Wade overwhelming hits, more than doubling partici- top 13 Chicago LGBT sports moments. Bache said the 2014 season features the Davis hosted the inaugural LGBT Youth Sports pant projections,” said CMSA President Brian Ku- “This championship is for all the women who team’s “most competitive regular-season sched- Camp at the Center on Halsted in late July. The persmit. have ever worn a Force jersey, for all the coach- ule ever,” including road games against the pe- event featured appearances by out athletes Ja- es who have moved this program forward, and rennial powers Boston Militia and D.C. Divas. son Collins, Fallon Fox, Kye Allums and others. for every fan and sponsor that has supported “In my opinion, those are the second and 4. Chicago Gay Hockey Association video to us over the past 12 years. They all contributed third best teams in women’s football, so we will the popular song “All I Want For Christmas Is to this,” Bache said in December. “The moment have a very challenging road back to the cham- You” went viral, drawing more than 143,000 that stands out most to me [from the 2013 pionship,” she said. views on YouTube in a matter of weeks after its season] is the actual post-game celebration in The Force is holding its 2013 championship Thanksgiving launch. San Diego [after winning the national champi- ring party Jan. 5, 2014, at Leona’s Restaurant, 5. The predominantly gay Chicago Metropoli- onship]. It was a long time coming and it felt 1936 W. Augusta Blvd., 1-4 p.m. The public is tan Sports Association (CMSA) celebrated its cathartic and surreal. I kept thinking, ‘So this is invited ($20 for adults, $10 for children), and 35th anniversary. what it feels like.’ There was a lot of screaming the event will feature pizza, salad, cupcakes, 6. Chicago native Chris Mosier, a trans triath- and jumping. And champagne.” drinks and more. lete, was named the 2013 Athlete of the Year The Force destroyed the Dallas Diamonds 81- for Compete Magazine, it was announced in mid- 34 on Aug. 3 to win the title. Honoring the Force: November. “The 2013 season ranks as the high point of Here’s a look at the 2013 Chicago Force team 7. , a trans sportswriter, cov- my football career,” said Bache, a former Force awards, presented at the team banquet in Octo- ered her first World Series. defensive star, now retired. “It is the culmina- ber: 8. The Chicago Sky made the WNBA playoffs tion of 12 years of complete and total dedica- —Team MVP: Sami Grisafe, quarterback for the first time in team history; the Sky roster tion to winning a championship. I’ve been so —Offensive MVP: Jeanette Gray, wide receiver featured out player Sharnee Zoll-Norman, who focused on achieving this goal that it never —Defensive MVP: Darcy Leslie, linebacker attended the Chicago Pride Parade. occurred to me what it might feel like to actu- —Offensive Linemen of the Year: Jamie Men- 9. The Chicago Express captures fifth place ally attain it.” zyk and Dawn Pederson at the annual Gay Softball World Series (C Divi- Bache said the Force has had “tremendous sup- —Defensive Linemen of the Year: Kim Marks sion), held in Washington D.C. port” from the LGBT community since the team and Angel Smith 10. The first-ever all-women’s team compet- was founded in 2002. “We are so fortunate and —Special Teams Players of the Year: Taylor ed in a flag football tournament against men. grateful for that support,” she said. “Without it, Malloy and Candace Griffin The Chicago Diesel Daisies competed in Pride the Force would not still be in existence. Dave —Offensive Rookie of the Year: Karlee Quar- Bowl VI and were the only all-women team in Gassman, the owner of SPIN Nightclub, has been itsch, wide receiver this or any national gay flag football tourna- a champion for the LGBT community for many —Defensive Rookie of the Year: Melissa Nel- ment. The 2013 Pride Bowl, held in Chicago in years and a sponsor of the Force since its incep- son, linebacker June, was the largest Pride Bowl ever with 28 Wade Davis. Photo by Ross Forman 22 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES tians—and there are people who tweet me crazy things. Gay comedian Sampson WCT: You are also an activist crusading against homophobia, poverty and youth homelessness. McCormick talks SM: Humor has been such a heeling thing for me and a lot people always say that laughter is the best medicine for a lot of things. I really believe that it is and I also believe that because new DVD and family of the things that I’ve experienced—that being BY TERRI-LYNNE WALDRON WCT: What was it like playing at the Howard in places where you can use humor to disarm Theater? people—it opens up the ability to reason about Openly gay comic Sampson McCormick will SM: It was amazing! We just about sold out things without acting crazy. tickle funny bones on his upcoming DVD That the place, and the Howard Theater is a concert That Bitch Better Be Funny will be released Bitch Better Be Funny. This year will mark his venue. on DVD on Jan. 29. To find out more about 10th anniversary doing stand-up across the WCT: Tell me about your stand-up show. Sampson, visit www.sampsoncomedy.com. country, as well as working as a writer and SM: My comedy is very reflective and I do poke activist. The award-winning comic opened up fun at the different ironies in life and that type about working at Starbucks, making history and of thing. But it definitely deals with the light- Bull riders stop in being a funny bitch. er side of life that we deal with every day as Windy City Times: What types of jobs did people. Comedy has always been like a spiritual Chicago Jan. 11- you have before doing stand-up? journey for me and it’s definitely helped me to 12 Sampson Mccormick: The last job that I had grow up in a lot of ways. For the second year in a row, the Pro- was working at Starbucks and that was the abso- WCT: Where did the title That Bitch Better fessional Bull Riders tour will stop in the lute worst! [Laughs] It was almost like being in Be Funny come from? Windy City, with its elite Built Ford Tough boot-camp because I had to get up really early SM: We put a lot of thought into the name and Series slated for Jan. 11-12 at the Allstate in the morning to be there for 4 a.m. As soon we wanted it to be something kind of edgy. This Arena. as you get to work there is a line at the door show was at the Howard Theater and it required The event will take place Saturday, Jan. waiting for you and you have to run in and start a different marketing strategy and energy. Mon- 11, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 12, at 2 making coffee. ey is a little tighter for people these days and p.m. WCT: You have a stand-up DVD entitled That the value of money is what kind of drove us to Sampson McCormick. Photo from McCormick’s Tickets are $20-$125; they’re on sale at Bitch Better Be Funny coming out in January? name this show and also the quality of work website. the Allstate Arena box office, www.Ticket- SM: The DVD will be out Jan. 29 and the show that I present to the public. People work 40, 50 master.com and 800-745-3000. For more happened at the historic Howard Theater in and 60 hours a week and they really value their you doing stand-up? information, visit www.pbr.com. Washington, DC. That theater has a very signifi- time and their money. People were at the box of- SM: She found out that I was going to perform cant history in the Black community. There’s the fice saying, “And the tickets cost how much? Ok, at a nightclub and she didn’t want me going out Apollo, there’s the Howard and there’s the Regal this bitch better be funny.” because I was 16 or 17 at that time. This was Emanuel asks for and those were the three legendary theaters in WCT: Did you know as a young boy that you back in DC when there was a lot of crime so of the Black community. I became the first Black, were funny? course she was worried as a mother. She would more Divvy sites gay, male stand-up comedian to ever play a live SM: Not really. When I first started I was about tell me that I couldn’t go and I would have to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Divvy, Chi- show there. 16 and I was a senior in high school and I had be in the house by a certain time and I would cago’s bike-share system, launched a new We plan on getting That Bitch Better Be Fun- always been a smart aleck and I never got in sneak out of the house. So she started putting website to solicit suggestions and feed- ny in some film festivals—gay film festivals and trouble in school for fighting, but I got in trou- the chain lock on the door. back from Chicagoans on the locations for regular film festivals. It’s going to be on a few ble for making the class laugh. My 12th grade WCT: What about negative reaction from the 175 new Divvy stations scheduled to Internet networks—we’re working to get it on English teacher told me that if I didn’t get on- people? be added to the system in 2014. Netflix—and of course people will be able to stage that he would fail me. SM: As I am an openly gay stand-up comic I On the website suggest.divvybikes.com, buy it. WCT: What was your mother’s reaction to get hate mail from people—like crazy Chris- Chicagoans can make suggestions.

Claudia and Angelica Trailblazers in the ght for Marriage Equality Bernadette Dignity/Chicago members Carter Broker Associate Cell: 708-912-2769 berni.carter@ cbexchange.com

At Dignity/Chicago, we a rm same-sex unions as loving, life-giving, and life-a rming. Proud to be an inclusive Catholic Church for 40 years. Serving Chicago and Suburbs Join us for Mass on “Let my 25 years of experience Sundays at 5pm Broadway United Methodist Church work for you” 3338 N. Broadway www.dignity-chicago.org PROUD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY

Discounts as big as a house. Or condo. Or apartment.

Linda Kuczka, Agent See just how big your savings could be. 954 W Webster Your savings could add up to hundreds Chicago, IL 60614 of dollars when you put all your policies JOSEPH RICE Bus: 773-975-9111 together under our State Farm® roof. www.lindakuczka.com GET TO A BETTER STATE.™ INTERIORS, INC. CALL AN AGENT OR VISIT US ONLINE TODAY. CHICAGO (773) 271-2361 www.josephriceinteriors.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Specializing in Drapery Treatments 1103155 11/11 State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL WINDY CITY TIMES Jan. 1, 2014 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS Serving the LGBT community with a FreSh reaL eSTaTe PerSPecTive Ray J. Koenig III and Clark Hill PLC A+ RATED Ray is a legal authority on all of his practice areas, which include probate, We’ve Got You Covered Since 1967 “There are many things that trusts, guardianship, estate planning, distinguish me from other and elder law, including the litigation brokers—most importantly my of those areas. He is a longtime ROOFING energy, my responsiveness advocate for and member of the • Flat & Shingle Roofs • Tear-Offs and my knowledge.” LGBT community, and is involved in several charitable groups, community GUTTERS, SOFFIT & FACIA associations, and professional Member of Illinois and National organizations. Ray is a member of Clark Hill PLC, a full-service MASONRY Association of Realtors & Illinois LGBT Tuckpointing • Chimneys • Lintel Repairs • Cement Work • Sidewalks etc. law firm consisting of a diverse team of attorneys and Network with expert knowledge of professionals committed to our clients and our communities. Chicago and the Chicagoland area Free Estimates 773-384-6300 Tel: 312.985.5938 | Fax: 312.985.5985 [email protected] | clarkhill.com www.SecondCityConstruction.com Olin Eargle, ABR, SFR Realtor® / Broker Associate Remember: “The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains, @properties Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten.” c: 312-771-1328 We Are Quality Crazy! [email protected] ARIZONA ILLINOIS MICHIGAN WASHINGTON DC www.olinsellschicago.com

Alan Sanchez, CPA, P.C. Accounting Services Tax Consultation/Preparation

3418 North Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL 60657-8589

Telephone 773-871-1256 www.alansanchezcpa.com

The Law Offices of Deborah A. Roger V. McCaffrey-Boss Family Law Murphy & Associates Accounting When experience counts... CPA In service to the community Donald B. Boyd, Jr. Tax Services for over 35 years. • Civil Unions • LGBT Issues • Bankruptcy • Divorce/Wills/Trusts • Real Estate Closings • Custody Violation • Child Support Financial • Wills, Trusts & Probate Consulting 773-404-8401 • Real Estate Closings Free Initial Consultation • Civil Unions 708-848-1005 Business 232 S. Lathrop Ave. • Forest Park, IL 60130 33 N. Dearborn St., Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60602 Planning 2155 W. Roscoe Evening & Weekend 1 South 312-263-8800 [email protected] Appointments Available We are a debt relief agency. Major Credit Cards Accepted www.debmurphy.com We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. www.BoydDivorce.com

i Transgender Lawyer FOR SAVINGS ON AIRPORT TRANSPORT, l Joanie Rae Wimmer o Vintage HHaappppyy EmploymEnt law • Chicago CONTACT US. i polic25%E misconductPrints :• l OFF divorcE • ACE LIMOUSINE HHoolliiddaayyss $109

o We provide transportation to and from namE changFrameE d •! Midway and O’Hare 24/7 Thank you for your support! • Vans, SUVs, Limos • We never close “Joanie obtained the first award in favor of a transgender • One-hour advance notice from home or office person under the Illinois Human Rights Act.” CUSTOM FRAMING —The award in favor of cab driver Venessa Fitzsimmons totaled $104,711.00—Fitzsimmons v. Universal Taxi Framing Chicago’s art since 1991. Dispatch, Inc., ALS No. 09-0661 25% off Custom Framing! Call us at 773-549-5550 or (630) 810-0005 or (630) 880-5005 visit www.acelimousine.com 1478 W. Berwyn - 773.784.3962 www.joanieraewimmer.com Mention ad for savings 24 Jan. 1, 2014 WINDY CITY TIMES PROUD TO COVER THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

WCT Talks WiTh aCTor jared leTo of ‘dallas buyers Club’ WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 PAGE 29 Oct. 23, 2013 vol 29, no. 4 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.comTIMES CapiTol Gains Thousands estimated at march

sTeven sanChez Makes hisTory Windy City Times’ as Trans hoMeCoMinG special coverage queen PAGE 8 of The March on page 15-22 springfield for Marriage equality Photo by Tim Carroll Photography

Gay judiCial CandidaTe jaMes CraWley Talks fairness, CappleMan PAGE 12

Gay hisTory MonTh profile: WalTer naeGle PAGE 4

www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com