THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S , , BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 October 3, 2007 • vol 23 no 04 ENDA Explodes By Lisa Keen The statement was unusually cryptic, saying only being able to add protections.” that the decision was based on their discussions A major controversy has erupted within the LGBT with “with congressional leaders and organiza- ‘Riddled with loopholes’ community over a decision by U.S. Rep. Barney tions supporting passage of ENDA.” But opposition within the LGBT community to Frank, D-Mass., to seek passage of a new ver- But the clamor behind the scenes was anything Frank’s proposal had been mounting dramatical- sion of the Employment Non- Act but cryptic. LGBT organizations from around the ly even before he issued his statement. And on (ENDA) that both excludes and, country had waged an unprecedented effort to Monday, Lambda Legal Defense and Education in the view of a major gay legal organization, stop the new version of the bill from proceeding. Fund issued an analysis of the new bill, saying it is so “riddled” with “loopholes” as to seriously Nearly 100 signed onto an Oct. 1 letter to Miller, was “riddled with loopholes” that would dimin- diminish its ability to protect and les- saying they were opposed to the “strategy and ish protections based on . CHASING bians from workplace discrimination. process” behind the new version. “The recent version is not simply the old ver- Opposition to the new bill was so strong and Frank had, on Friday, issued a five-page expla- sion with the transgender protections stripped KEVIN grew so quickly during the past week that House nation of the strategy, saying that supporters out,” said Kevin Cathcart, executive direc- page 22 Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced Mon- of the legislation “have the votes” they need tor of the group, “but rather has modified the day that a committee vote on the measure that to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act old version in several additional and troubling had been slated for Tuesday would not be held “as it has historically existed, banning discrimi- ways.” Cathcart said there was a “huge loophole until “later this month, followed by a vote in the nation on sexual orientation”—that is, without through which employers …can claim that their full House.” gender identity. conduct was actually based on gender expres- Pelosi’s announcement came in a joint state- “After we are successful in winning that vote,” sion, a type of discrimination that the new bill ment Monday evening with Frank, Rep. Tammy said Frank, “I will urge the Committee on Educa- does not prohibit.” Baldwin, D-Wis., and Rep. George Miller, D-Ca- tion and Labor to proceed with out next step, “You can’t be fired for being a lesbian or a gay lif., who chairs the House Committee on Educa- which will be to continue the educational pro- Turn to page 4 tion and Labor which is handling the legislation. cess that I believe will ultimately lead to our

MARTHA, FALL MARTHA,

MARTHA page 6

pages 14, 19-21 MUSIC

GALA HAS ITALIAN FLAIR page 6

pick it up PREVIEW take it home THE #912, OCTOBER 3, 2007 REAL BEALS www.WindyCityQueercast.com page 23 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 2 October 3, 2007

October 3, 2007 3

F ROM DIVA TO MEDUSA TO BARE… TO HER NEXT STUNNING MASTERPIECE index

News ENDA fallout 4 Sidebar: Groups support trans 4 Chicago police sued 5 Galas: CNOW, Chicago House 6 Martha Stewart luncheon 6 Trans town-hall forum 7 Budget-cut meeting 7 National news 8 Hillary stumbles 8 World roundup 9 ENDA editorial, Monroe 10 Runway ALMA nears 11 Tammy Baldwin piece 12 Lesbian U.S. Congressman Tammy Quotelines 13 Baldwin, D-Wis., has written a piece in honor of Gay History Month. See page ENTERTAINMENT 12. Pop Making Sense 14 Theater 16 Kristine W interview 19 Pansy Division’s Jon Ginoli 20 Brand-new Melissa interview 21 Kevin Smith’s ‘small’ talk 22 Jennifer Beals talks 23 Knight at the Movies 24 Book review: Dateland 25

OUTLINES Classifieds 25 Real estate ads 26 Film fest, Hollywood 28 Oh, what a feeling! Jennifer Beals talks Calendar, Dykes 29 with Windy City Media Group’s Amy Sports: Marathon man 30 Matheny about The L Word, Flash- dance—and cooking. See page 23.

This week’s online-only www. features include: Windy —Media Watch —An interview with City ALMA Board President Media Julio Rodriguez about the Runway ALMA. Group —A talk with the CDC’s FEATURES .com Gregorio Millett (right), who will be at an Oct. 10 AND forum in Chicago SING DARK ROAD —A brand-new interview photo courtesy of Millett

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girlfriend, please Amy Wooten talks with Trish Bendix and Jamie Murnane, formerly of CHILL Magazine about their new www.annielennox.com www.songsofmassdestruction.com www.arista.com blog Girlfriend Is A Homo. © 2007 Arista Records, a unit of SONY BMG Music Entertainment photo by Kirk Williamson. #912, OCTOBER 3, 2007 4 October 3, 2007 ENDA from cover the new version of the bill would be canceled. male teachers wearing dresses to school, he said an essay on their website, claiming that ENDA David Smith, a longtime congressional insider has no evidence that such negative lobbying has could lead to situations in which parents would man, but you can be fired if your boss thinks you and vice president of programs for HRC, said his led to the current decision by the bill’s leader- be “forced to explain to Junior why Ms. Johnson fit their stereotype of one,” said Cathcart. organization was “baffled” by the sudden deci- ship to drop gender identity. at parochial school has a five o’clock shadow, The new version also states that it does not sion by Frank and “House leadership” to get be- Right-wing groups are doing their share to ral- calves like Schwarzenegger, an Adam’s apple the prohibit an employer from excluding domestic hind a version of ENDA that omits gender iden- ly support against ENDA, regardless of whether size of a golf ball and is stuffed into a miniskirt partners from health insurance benefits while tity. it includes gender identity. But such groups tend like a ten pound turkey in a five pound bag.” providing them to the spouses of heterosexual “Anybody who was afraid of the issue would to focus on gender identity when making their And a website called “Americans for Truth about employees. have been afraid of it on the hate crimes bill,” case. Concerned Women for America published Turn to page 31 “The old version,” said Cathcart, “at least pro- said Smith. vided that states and local governments could The House approved a hate crimes bill in May we desperately need their support, apparently require that employees be provided domestic which includes crimes motivated by sexual ori- Groups Back we don’t have it,” she said. partner health insurance when such benefits are entation and gender identity. But even as it Trans-Inclusion Below is a just a partial list of the organiza- provided to spouses.” passed, the White House issued a statement tions that signed the letter: Two dozen national groups—led by the Na- saying that “senior advisors” to the president BY AMY WOOTEN tional Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Na- would recommend he veto it. (There was no indi- More than 90 national and state organizations National Organizations tional Center for Transgender Equality—signed cation whether those advisors might have been National Black Justice Coalition that signed a letter delivered to Congress Oct. onto a letter Fri., Sept. 28, asking House Speak- or included Attorney General Alberto Gonzales or National Center for Lesbian Rights 1, urging to keep the Employment Non-Dis- er Pelosi to “oppose any substitute legislation Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove, both of whom National Center for Transgender Equality crimination Act (ENDA) trans-inclusive, includ- that leaves some of us behind.” By Mon., Oct. 1, have since left their positions.) National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs ing organizations with local ties. that list had grown to 93—42 national groups Speaker Pelosi initially backed Frank’s two-bill National Coalition for LGBT Health Equality Illinois (EQIL) was one of the first and 51 state and local groups, including Equality approach, saying it “has the best prospects for National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc. California, the Empire State Pride Agenda, Equal- success on the House floor.” state organizations to respond with an im- National Stonewall Democrats ity Texas, Equal Rights Washington, Equality Il- “For my 20 years in Congress, ending discrimi- mediate “all-or-nothing” attitude. After all, National Transgender Advocacy Coalition linois, and the Triangle Foundation of Michigan. nation against gays and has been a top the State of Illinois, Cook County, the City of National Youth Advocacy Coalition Only one group based in Frank’s home state priority of mine,” said Pelosi, in a brief state- Chicago and organizations in areas such as Mo- American Institute of of Massachusetts—Gay & Lesbian Advocates & ment released to the press on Sept. 28. “While line got anti-discrimination laws on the books Bisexual Resource Center Defenders—signed onto the letter. While the I personally favor legislation that would include without leaving the trans community behind. DignityUSA signed onto the letter gender identity, the new ENDA legislation pro- EQIL’s Rick Garcia described the news of the Equality Federation to Miller asking that the vote be postponed, it posed by Congressman Frank has the best pros- introduction of new legislation that would ex- Equality Project Investor Advocates was noticeably absent from the letter to Pelosi pects for success on the House floor. I will con- clude protections for trans individuals as “very Faith In America stating opposition to the bill. tinue to push for legislation, including language disturbing” and “sad.” GenderPAC In a teleconference phone call Monday, NGLTF on gender identity, to expand and make our laws “If protecting transgender people can play Freedom to Marry Executive Director Matt Foreman called the ef- more reflective of the diverse society in which in Peoria and Moline, it can and should play Immigration Equality fort to oppose exclusion of gender identity in we live.” in D.C.,” Garcia said. “Congressman [Barney] International Federation of Black Prides the bill as “a watershed moment” in the LGBT Smith said HRC’s board voted in 2005 to sup- Frank bailed on transgender Americans,” Gar- Lambda Legal civil rights movement. He said the lobbying ef- port ENDA only if it includes gender identity. cia continued, describing Frank as “hardly a Matthew Shepard Foundation forts to stop that over the last few days was That, he said, left HRC in the awkward position leader” in the LGBT community. Metropolitan Community Churches “one of the most grueling and difficult” political of being “neutral” on Frank’s new version of the Garcia added that when it came to the pas- New Ways Ministry Out & Equal Workplace Advocates experiences he’s ever experienced. legislation. sage of a statewide non-discrimination bill in PFLAG Mara Keisling, executive director of the Na- Illinois, there was a suggestion that protec- Transgender American Veterans Association tional Center for Transgender Equality, told re- Penises in the women’s room? tions for trans people be taken out. “They said Transgender Law and Policy Institute porters during the conference call early Monday While Smith acknowledged that right-wing it would make it ‘easier’ to pass it,” he said. Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund afternoon that the “situation is in flux” and that groups have certainly been “going at it” in “We dug our heels in and said that is not a she was optimistic Tuesday’s scheduled vote on warning of ENDA leading to various scenarios of topic for discussion.” Mary Morten, an Illinois board member of the State Organizations National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Equality worked on the Illinois and Chicago human rights Equality California ordinances. She expressed disappointment and Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center surprise. “I think sometimes we forget that we Transgender Law Center (California) all are oppressed, and have to move forward Equal Rights Colorado Love Makes A Family (Connecticut) together as a community,” she said. “To forget Equality Florida those of us who are marginalized and under- Equality Illinois We can help you represented in our own ranks is a huge, huge Indiana Equality shortcoming, and will only continue this state One Iowa prepare for tomorrow of injustice.” Kentucky Fairness Alliance Many have also expressed dismay that the today. Equality Maine largest LGBT-rights organization in the country, Equality Maryland Human Rights Campaign (HRC), hadn’t made a Triangle Foundation (Michigan) statement or joined the over 90 other organi- OutFront Minnesota zations as of early Oct. 1. Later that day, HRC Equality did join the chorus against the compromise. Montana Human Rights Network Without any urging from staff, the NGLTF New Jersey Lesbian & Gay Coalition board reaffirmed its commitment to the trans New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition community by only wanting to work towards PFLAG-New Hampshire an inclusive ENDA, according to Morten. “I’m Equality New Mexico very proud we have taken this stand as one of Empire State Pride Agenda (New York) the three largest LGBT organizations,” she said. Equality North Carolina “They are standing strong, that either all of us Basic Rights Oregon move ahead, or none of us do. I think that is Equality Advocates Pennsylvania the right thing to do.” Equality South Dakota Morten described it as “confusing” that a Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition national organization, especially one that has Equality Virginia previously stated support for the trans commu- Center Advocates (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) nity, would not join the forces. “At a time when -List compiled by the NGLTF

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CNOW Shows Some Love Luncheon Is a Good Thing Chicago NOW held its Tenth Annual Women Who Dared cocktail reception and silent auction Martha Stewart, executive producer and host of The Martha Stewart Show and founder of on Thurs., Sept. 27, at The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton. The women honored this year were Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, delivered the keynote address at the 21st Annual Entre- Marcena W. Love and T. Khyentse James (lower picture, left to right). Love is the founder of preneurial Woman’s Conference on Wed., Sept. 26, at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. It was the first Personal PAC, an organization dedicated to electing pro-choice candidates to state and local day of the two-day event presented by the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). office in Illinois. James is the founder of the Estrojam Music and Cultural Festival. Among This year’s event offered women business owners the opportunity to network with corporate the attendees were writer Sara Paretsky and attorney Fay Clayton (upper picture, middle and and government buyers, business experts and other women business owners. Many luminaries right). Photos by Kat Fitzgerald; more at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com attended the conference, including Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (in bottom photo), as well as former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun (above right photo). Images by Kat Fitzgerald; more at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

A Touch of Italy The annual World Tour to benefit Chicago House & Social Service Agency had an Italian flair when the organization presented Bella Notte di Mille Stelle (Beautiful Night of a Thousand Stars) at the Renaissance Hotel, 1 W. Wacker, on Sept. 29. The creative black-tie event featured an awards ceremony and a VIP reception, among other things. Photos by Emmanual Garcia; more photos online at www.windycitymediagroup.com. October 3, 2007 7 being outspoken, moved the auditorium to ex- The governor’s office denies this accusation. citement and applause when she said, “Without “The governor’s vetoes represent less than 1 per- the trans community, where the hell would we cent of the cut,” Blagojevich spokesman Justin be? Our community is led by the trans communi- DeJong told Windy City Times the following day. ty. When we stepped out in Stonewall, we came “The gross exaggeration of those vetoes made behind those queens in high heels. ... We will last night only serves to distract the public from never separate ourselves from the letters LGBT. the fact that Speaker [Rep. Mike] Madigan, in the ... Without the ‘T’, where would our [gay pride] House, didn’t include enough revenues to meet parade be?” the state’s health care and education needs and to pay for hundreds of member initiatives that they inserted into the budget at the last minute without and public discourse or hearings.” Citizens DeJong also said that the House failed to Sound Off address the state’s health care crisis, and the Logan Grimes, Laura Grimes and Nick Winter (from left) were among the panelists at the trans- governor “prioritized” heath care needs and now gender town-hall forum. Photo by Andrew Davis on Budget “more than 500,000 people will have access to needs to be more representation for the ‘T’— BY AMY WOOTEN health care,” under the governor’s plan. Trans Forum receptionists, nurses, board members, therapists The presentation also included information on [and others].” She added that agencies and pro- State representatives of Chicago’s North Side how the vetoes—over $200 million in projects Covers Many fessionals need to understand the health-care and the northern suburbs gathered to hear of local significance—have specifically impacted needs of the trans community: “A huge part of the testimonies of those impacted by Gov. Rod the North Side in the areas of education, health my [mental health] practice involves helping Blagojevich’s $470 million budget cut. care and social services (including $700,000 cut Issues On Thurs., Sept. 27, Loyola’s Mundelein Center from HIV/AIDS education, medicine and preven- By Andrew Davis trans individuals deal with the crappy services they get at other places. I wish I could bring Auditorium in Rogers Park was packed with heads tion), public health and safety and others. of local organizations, community members Feigenholtz said that, out of the 13 years she Discrimination, identity and accessibility were those people into therapy and keep the trans and others impacted by the governor’s vetoes has spend listening to the residents she serves, among the many topics covered during an infor- people out of therapy.” of what Blagojevich has called “pork” projects. she doesn’t expect the governor to understand mative and rousing trans town-hall meeting that Nick Winter—a heterosexual transman affili- Reps. Rich Bradley, John D’Amico, Lou Lang, Joe what is needed within her community. She took place Sept. 27 at the Center on Halsted, ated with GenderWork (www.genderworkchicago. Lyons, Sara Feigenholtz, John Fritchey, Greg pointed out all the people in the room who work 3656 N. Halsted. org), a support group for FTM (-to-male) Harris and Harry Osterman listened to their com- on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS, the Courtney Reid, the Center’s senior director of individuals—said that the Center currently munities for hours in order to gather testimony disabled, those struggling with substance abuse programs who was one of the town hall’s orga- doesn’t offer a lot for the trans demographic. in hopes of convincing the Senate to override and more. “We all need to get this money back nizers and the host of the forum, said that the “When I walk into the Center, I wonder if I feel the governor’s vetoes. for these services,” she said. purpose was of the meeting was “to gather ideas included. I ask if there are resources, and—as Prior to the testimonies, many representa- When the event was opened up to the com- from the trans community” because the facility far as I can tell—there isn’t a whole lot,” he tives mentioned that they feel Blagojevich’s munity, topics raised included everything from is in the midst of “strategic planning.” said. “There are resources [for youth], but what vetoes have a political agenda behind them. In Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward) describing how The forum involved a diverse panel of nine if you’re over 24? And what if a trans person a presentation given by a House staff member, the loss of Cease Fire, a violence prevention trans individuals talking about various trans- walks into a [support meeting], what if there it was noted that nearly all House Democratic project, has deeply impacted his ward to Beau related issues; there was also a session during isn’t another trans person there that day? Gen- projects were eliminated, as well as nearly all Gratzer of Howard Brown noting that without which the audience asked questions of said pan- der identity doesn’t necessarily have anything to Senate Republican projects. Meanwhile, no Sen- the money cut by the governor, the organization elists. do with sexual orientation; how does the Center ate Democratic and House Republican projects won’t be able to provide 400-500 HIV tests. Logan Grimes, a consultant and former board reach out to those who have gender identity is- were cut. Those saved from cuts, according to Others spoke about cuts made to libraries, the member of The National Center for Transgender sues?” the representatives, are all projects of the panel State’s Attorney’s office, counseling centers, or- Equality, said that education needs to occur Broadway Youth Center’s (BYC’s) Casey that will approve or reject the Governor’s health ganizations that work on behalf of the disabled “within the LGBT community, within mainstream Schwartz talked about the services offered by Kevis Rivendell Ads 0907 R 9/6/07 10:54 AM Page 1 care plan, Illinois Covered. and mentally ill and much more. society and within the transgender community. Howard Brown Health Center and BYC, includ- There’s a lot of things that LGBT centers want to ing support organizations—such as Trans Youth know about , but they don’t have Resource and Advocacy (TYRA); Transgender the capacity to do that. ... How are you going Women Informing Sisters on Topics of AIDS to provide services to a community if it’s not (TWISTA); and T Time, headed by Lois Bates— NEW SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH represented in the organization which you work and developments such as a Spanish-speaking for?” trans group at BYC and gender-free restrooms at PROMOTES HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH Pamela Jameson of the Chicago Department of Howard Brown. Thinning hair makes you look older. 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That was always a nightmare because of if their transitions are not complete; therefore, seen a lot of things and done a lot of things”— the amount of hair that would come out (handfuls). she said, education regarding employment is ex- said, “We shouldn’t sit back and be quiet. Educa- But this time I had no loss. What a difference. 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many parents were discouraged by the lack of sex couples get the same benefits as hetero- NATIONAL Church support. Hillary Stumbles sexual married couples and that the military A charity fund to benefit a Bay Area LGBT end the “don’t’ ask/don’t tell policy.” counseling center has been set up following During Debate “I will be a president,” said Edwards, “that By Lisa Keen ROUNDUP the Sept. 13 death of porn star Danny Rod- leads a serious effort to deal with the discrimi- BY ANDREW DAVIS AND AMY WOOTEN dick, according to Gaywired.com. COLT Studio nation that exists today. Gay supporters of Democratic presidential Group announced that proceeds from the DVDs King tossed the question next to Barack During a recent appearance at Columbia Uni- hopeful Hillary Clinton were quick to the mat he is featured in will benefit the service organi- Obama, noting that he, too, has two young versity, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadine- after the senator used the word “choice” in ref- zation New Leaf. Roddick joined COLT in 2005, children at home. jab claimed his country is gay-free, reported erence to sexual orientation during a Sept. 26 and was featured in five of its films. Although Obama said, “I feel very similar to Reuters. Not only did he state that gays and les- debate in Hanover, N.H. The Washington Blade reports that House John,” his demeanor was decidedly more com- bians do not exist in Iran, but likened them to “She did not mean sexual orientation is a Democrats are considering dropping the in- fortable than that of Edwards and his answer criminals. He is qouted as saying, “ In Iran, we choice,” said Jin Chon, a spokesperson for the clusion of trans people from the Employment more enlightened and to the point. don’t have homosexuals like in your country. ... Clinton campaign on gay-related issues. She Non-Discrimination Act. The current wording “The fact is,” said Obama, “my nine-year-old I don’t know who has told you we have it [the doesn’t think sexual orientation is a choice.” of the bill would ban employment discrimination and six-year-old, I think, are already aware “phenomenon” of .]” The question—posed during the Democratic of LGBT people, but inside sources say dropping there are same sex couples. And my wife and I Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General presidential debate at Dartmouth College in Ha- trans protections might make it easier to get the have talked about it,” although he later clari- Peter Pace attempted to clarify anti-gay com- nover, New Hampshire, Wednesday night—was support needed fo ENDA to pass. fied that only his wife has talked to the girls ments he made earlier this year, when he referred not about the origins of sexual orientation. It The GaYbor District Coalition has been cre- about the subject. to homosexuality as “immoral,” Associated Press was whether the candidates would be “comfort- ated in Tampa’s Ybor City National Landmark While Edwards wanted to make sure his chil- reported. At a Senate Appropriations Commit- able” having a story about same-sex marriage Historic District. The district has become a pop- dren understand the difficulties and discrimina- tee, Pace indicated that he might be willing between two princes “read to your children as ular gay destination, and community businesses tion gay couples face, Obama said, “one of the to change the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that part of their school curriculum?” The issue is and residents recently banded together to create things I want to communicate to my children bans openly gay and lesbian servicemembers the focus of a federal lawsuit in Massachusetts, a coalition to promote economic growth. is not to be afraid of people who are different. from serving in the military. However, he also where parents of a second grader in Lexington A Colorado lesbian couple seeking a mar- Because there have been times in our history reiterated his belief that his upbringing taught have challenged their school’s inclusion of the riage license were arrested during a sit-in, where I was considered different, or Bill Rich- him to not condone behavior that is “counter to book among those to be read out loud to chil- according to the organization Soulforce. On ardson was considered different.” God’s law.” dren. Sept. 24, police arrested Kate Burns and Sheila “And one of the things the next president has The House of Bishops of the Episcopal The question was tossed first to John Ed- Schroeder from a Denver municipal building af- to do,” said Obama, “is to stop fanning peo- Church USA chose to suspend the ordination wards and Barack Obama, both of whom have ter they were denied a marriage application and ple’s fears. If we spend all our time feeding the of gay bishops, according to HRC. The voted to young children. refused to leave. American people fear and conflict and divisive- put a moratorium on confirming gay and lesbian Edwards said he would “absolutely” be com- ness, they become fearful and conflicted and bishops, and to ban the blessing of same-sex fortable with it, and added that he wants his divided. And if we feed them hope and we feed unions. The Anglican Church had placed a dead- children to understand “everything about the them reason and tolerance, then they’ll become line for the U.S. Episcopal Church. difficulty that gay and lesbian couples are tolerant and reasonable and hopeful. And that Christian organization Catholic League an- faced with every day.” is one of the most important things that the nounced a national boycott of Miller beer for It’s not clear why Edwards assumed the book next president can do is to try and bring us sponsoring the San Francisco Folsom Street would talk about the difficulties gay couples together and to stop trying to fan the flames of Fair. According to blog Joe.My.God, Miller has face. The person who posed the question, New division that have become so standard in our asked Folsom Street Fair organizers to remove England Cable News reporter Allison, did not politics in Washington.” its logo from one of its posters, citing “offen- mention its content—only that parents of a Then came Clinton’s turn. She said she re- sive” imagery. second grader filed a lawsuit seeking to have it spected what Edwards and Obama said and A New York student was sent home for taken out of the classroom. reiterated Obama’s point that differences have wearing a T-shirt that said, “Gay? Fine by Edwards continued with a long rambling dis- been exploited for political purposes. Me.” She was told to either get rid of the shirt course in which he said he “suspects” his two “I think everyone of us on this stage are re- or go home, reported Edgeboston.com. The high younger children “will reach the same conclu- ally personally opposed to that and will do ev- school sophomore, Heathyre Farnham, chose to sion” as his eldest daughter Cate who “doesn’t erything we can to prevent it,” said Clinton. leave school. understand why her dad is not in favor of same- “With respect to your individual children,” A Texas teacher resigned after an anony- Dozens of LGBT students from the country’s sex marriage.” she said, “that is such a matter of parental mous source tipped off the high school that historically Black colleges and universities “I don’t want to make that decision on be- discretion. I think that, obviously, it is better the teacher allegedly appears in over 50 gay (HBCUs) attended the Human Right Cam- half of my children,” said Edwards, not clari- to try to work with children, to help your chil- wrestling flicks, according to Queerty.com. The paign’s fifth “Claim Your Truth” Summit, held fying what “that decision” was. “I want my dren to understand there are many differences teacher denies the claims. Sept. 12-15 in Washington, D.C. The confer- children to be able to make that decision on that are in the world and to really respect other A recent survey of Catholic parents of gay kids ence was designed to give students the op- behalf of themselves. And I want them to be people and the choices that other people make has found that over time, parents can become portunity to meet, mingle and learn from exposed to all the information even in—did and that goes far beyond sexual orientation.” more comfortable with their children’s sexu- their peers while developing lobbying skills. you say second grade? Second grade might be The answer appeared to walk a very delicate ality, according to a press release by Fortunate Among the presenters were former NBA play- a little tough—but even in second grade, to line between what gays would want to hear Families, a nationwide ministry. The study, er John Amaechi and Noah’s Arc actor Doug be exposed to all those possibilities. Because I and what parents who might be among the called the Parents Voice Project, also found that Spearman (above). Photo by Patsy Lynch don’t get to impose my view. Nobody made me “fearful” would want to hear. She didn’t say god. I don’t get to decide on behalf of my fam- whether she’d be comfortable with such a book ily and my children—as my wife Elizabeth has being read to a child and appeared to side with spoken her own mind on this issue—I don’t get Wednesday, Oct. 3 those who would prefer, at the very least, to to impose on them what it is that I believe is iLœÀ> Ê°Ê be able to opt out their child from exposure 7:30 p.m. right.” to any positive discussion of gay people in the Missy Lavender “But what I would do as president of the Un- ÕÀ« ÞÊ * schools. tied States,” said Edwards, winding up, “is I You Go Girl: But Only Very few gay activists contacted to react to would lead an effort to make sure” that same- Turn to page 27 When You Want To ÇÇ·{ä{‡n{ä£ Sunday, Oct. 7 5:00 p.m. Sisters in Crime Twenti- Ó£xxÊ7°Ê,œÃVœi Find the perfect apartment in Oak Park eth £Ê-œÕÌ Free referral service makes it easy Anniversary Celebration Featuring Sara Paretsky, Wide choice of rental VVœÕ˜Ìˆ˜} Barbara D’Amato and housing from vintage apartments on tree-lined 5233 N. Clark />ÝÊ-iÀۈVià (773) 769-9299 streets to luxury ˆ˜>˜Vˆ>Ê townhouses and two-flats. Ê œ˜ÃՏ̈˜} Call us for a free brochure. (708) 848-7150 [email protected] ÕȘiÃÃÊ 1041 South Blvd. Oak Park, IL 60302 www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Hours: M-F 9-4:30 Sat. 10-4 Parking Available Ê*>˜˜ˆ˜} Wheelchair Accessible www.liveinoakpark.org October 3, 2007 9 The province previously had registered only 2005 parade had violated the European Conven- Next year’s EuroPride festivities will be in biological parents, but determined that the tion on Human Rights. Stockholm and the 2009 events will take place WORLD policy violated the federal Charter of Rights and “Other cities, such as Moscow and Riga, have in Zurich. Freedoms. to learn that it is unacceptable in Europe to pro- This year’s parade and related events in Madrid Lesbian mom Jamie O’Neill had filed a com- hibit gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders were the largest ever, attracting some 2.3 mil- ROUNDUP plaint with the provincial Human Rights Com- from appearing in public,” said EPOA President lion people over a 10-day period. by Rex Wockner mission after being told the only way she could Robert Kastl. —Assistance: Bill Kelley be named as the parent of her partner’s newborn Gay Iraqis win daughter was by adopting the infant. UK asylum Two gay men targeted by anti-gay death EuroPride heads squads in Iraq were granted asylum in the Unit- to Warsaw ed Kingdom in late September. Members of the European Pride Organisers As- Ibaa, 30, had worked as a cultural-programs sociation, meeting in Stockholm Sept. 20-23, officer for the British Council in Baghdad. Haid- selected Warsaw as the site for the 2010 Euro- er, 29, was a doctor at Baghdad’s Al-Nu’man Pride parade -- the first time the event will be General Hospital. staged in Eastern Europe. Both had received death threats from anti-gay The association said the move “sends a strong militias, and a grenade had been thrown through signal to a part of the continent where equal a window at Ibaa’s home. Ibaa’s partner, Ali, was rights and acceptance of gays, lesbians, bisexu- kidnapped, tortured and murdered in April 2004 als and transgenders are still minimal.” by men suspected of belonging to the Badr mili- Polish President Lech Kaczynski, when he was tia, according to the London-based organization mayor of Warsaw, tried to ban the city’s gay Iraqi LGBT. pride march and ordered police to halt it, saying “No words can express how relieved and grate- he opposed “propagating gay orientation.” ful I feel,” Ibaa said after the asylum ruling. “All Just prior to this year’s parade, which drew the years of fear are over.” 20,000AFC TwinadWCT.qxd:AFCTwinflyer.qxd marchers, the European Court of Human 9/28/07 12:47 PM Page 1 Said Haider: “When I heard that I had won my Rights ruled that Kaczynski’s attempt to ban the appeal, I cried. ... The terrible past was over. This is an opportunity to start my life all over again.” Since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, “militant death squads” have executed “hundreds” of people The AIDS Foundation of Chicago solely for being gay, according to Iraqi LGBT. Presents: UK government tackles homophobic bullying in schools Gay, Sexy, and Healthy: The United Kingdom’s Department for Children, Schools and Families has published a guidebook on “Preventing and Responding to Homophobic Strengthening Prevention for Men Like Us Bullying in Schools.” The 140-page book, issued Sept. 21, provides principals, teachers and staff with practical in- W E D N E S D AY, O C T O B E R 1 0 , 2 0 0 7 , 6 : 0 0 P. M . – 8 : 0 0 P. M . formation and lesson plans to help them deal with and eliminate anti-gay abuse. U N I V E R S I T Y C E N T E R • L A K E R O O M According to research by Stonewall, the UK’s 5 2 5 S O U T H S T A T E S T R E E T leading gay-lobby group, almost two-thirds of young gay people have experienced anti-gay bullying and 97 percent of gay pupils report Co-sponsors: regularly hearing homophobic insults at school, oin us for a lively discussion on the social a third of the time from adults. and cultural factors that influence gay Moldovan PM Jmen of all colors and affect rates of HIV supports transmission. Special guests Gregorio Millett and Dr. Ron Stall will present and a Q&A will follow. anti-discrimination Gregorio Millett, MPH moves Centers for Disease Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev has Control & Prevention thrown his support behind a project to craft RSVP anti-discrimination legislation. Government ministries will work with the non- Space is limited for this free event. To register governmental Antidiscrimination Coalition to call Hannah Merchant at (312) 334-0908 or go write and pass legislation, raise awareness, train public officials and collaborate with the media. online to aidschicago.org/events/conferences.php The gay group Information Centre Gender- Doc-M is a member of the coalition, along with groups representing youth, Roma (Gypsies) and To find related information on the issues discussed at other minorities. this event, visit: Dr. Ron Stall University of Pittsburgh Nova Scotia birth irmwg.org certificate rules for gay parents lifelube.org The Canadian province of Nova Scotia changed its regulations regarding birth certificates Sept. 20 so that a gay couple can be recorded as a newborn’s parents. Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Health

ALSO PLAN TO ATTEND THE POWER OF PREVENTION, A FREE CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 11. VISIT AIDSCHICAGO.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago � 411 S. Wells, Suite 300 | Chicago, IL 60607 � (312) 922-2322 � www.aidschicago.org 10 October 3, 2007

VOL. 23, No. 4, October 3, 2007 The combined forces of Windy City Times, ...VIEWPOINTS... founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, and then the transgendered? action until the issued is further de- nal leaders are rushing to strip pro- founded May 1987. Not Without No, we will not be divided. bated. The rush to compromise was tections for transgender people from PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR The misguided attempt by U.S. Rep. a serious threat to our movement. ENDA—just as the Senate votes over- Tracy Baim Our “T” Barney Frank and U.S. Rep. Nancy There should be far more consulta- whelmingly to pass transgender-inclu- Pelosi to compromise on our rights tion among leadership—there is no sive hate crimes legislation.” — Matt Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky by TRACY BAIM MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis should be stopped. Most national one GLBT leader (despite Frank’s long Foreman, National Gay and Lesbian Business manager Cynthia Holmes GLBT organizations are opposed to the years of service) or one GLBT organi- Task Force executive director. Director of New Media Jean Albright The GLBT com- moves last week to create a separate zation that speaks for our community. “African-Americans did not say, ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson munity is not and unequal path for the Employment Rather, there are dozens of key na- Hey, let’s put forth a bill to protect account managerS: Amy Matheny, Suzanne just a series of Kraus, Kirk Williamson, Jerry Nunn, Terry Wiegel, Non-Discrimination Act. Frank justi- tional and state groups, and hundreds all the light-skinned blacks—those Thomas Koontz, letters thrown fies creating a separate gender iden- of important voices to hear to build who can pass and are less threaten- Matthew Robitaille together out of tity and expression bill because, by a reasonable consensus for our com- ing to whites—and we’ll come back Promotions director Kathleen Ulm convenience. OFFICE Robb Olson including it in the main bill, we risk munity. to the blackest of the black later. And NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson Rather, our losing. We are glad that Rep. Tammy Bald- make no mistake: the trannies are SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Amy Wooten movement in- The bottom line is that ENDA has win decided not to compromise, at the queerest of the ; they are National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 cludes those very little chance of becoming law least at this stage. We are glad groups the ones who need protections more TheatER Editor Jonathan Abarbanel four key letters because each are in- Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. because George W. Bush has said he such as the National Gay and Lesbian than anyone else. … Regarding all BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair ter-connected in their histories, and would not sign it. To throw people off Task Force are standing firm against the high-minded pledges from vari- SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, David their experiences. a sinking boat now is not only incon- this change. We are also happy the ous people who say we will come back Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony Peregrin It has taken a long time for our com- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS sequential to immediate success, it Human Rights Campaign joined the for the transgendered and make sure Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, munity to more fully embrace the dif- is wrong. New York state learned the tide against the compromise, even if we add them later: We have seen an Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Romeo ferences within, even though “trans- hard way, excluding trans coverage in a little later than most. unfortunate history of leaving people St. Vincente, Scott Morgan, Catey Sullivan, Eric gender” individuals have always been their state law as a compromise, and We do not want our rights at the ex- behind within this movement, I’m Eatherly, J. S. Hall intimately linked with our movement Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Mubarak five years later the trans community pense of anyone else. That is too high sorry to remind you. Soon after the Dahir, Michelangelo Signorile, Susie Day, Jorjet (from cross-dressing Hollywood stars still waits for their rights. a cost to pay. onset of the HIV drug cocktail, for ex- Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe Rice, Dan to drag queens at Stonewall). The activists should look to Illinois ample, many middle class gay white Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, But society does not so easily sepa- Charlsie Dewey, Aqua Terra Travel, Michael Knipp for an example of a “no compromise” QUOTES ON ENDA men went back to their lives … while PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Kat Fitzgerald, rate us. When an employer fires a plan that succeeded. Our state bill in- “As members of the labor movement, HIV ravages other communities in this Steve Becker butch lesbian because of what she cluded sexual orientation and gender we see every day the effects of divide country and much of the rest of the ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart wears, he or she does not do this identity, and it is now the law of the and conquer strategies at the bar- planet. The political will within the CIRCULATION because they understand the differ- Land of Lincoln. gaining table. We won’t sell out our gay community in America to help ences between sexual orientation and Rep. Frank’s rationale for these ma- transgender brothers and sisters for those other communities has all but gender identity. An effeminate gay or neuvers sounds good on paper, but the sake of crass political expediency. died.” — Columnist and radio host Mi- straight man may be fired because of does not represent the reality for our Transgender people face the highest chelangelo Signorile. Circulation director Jean Albright how he talks, “like a girl.” rates of unemployment in our commu- Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Carol, Crystal, Dan, community. We cannot ever justify ex- “Without gender identity and expres- Ed, Jack, John, Maria and Sue And even if our enemies had a so- clusion as a course of action. To sever nity and it would be unconscionable sion language, gay and lesbian people phisticated understanding between a significant part of our community for us to sit idly by and see them will continue to face legal discrimina- WCMG Board of directors and , should would be wrong. If it takes losing “T” stripped from this important piece of tion in the workplace because of their President: Tracy Baim it matter why they fire a G, L, B or T? to get our rights, none of us should federal legislation.” — Nancy Wohl- lack of congruence with societal norms Vice President: Nan Schaffer Because lesbians are more acceptable Secretary: Pete Thelen want those rights. forth, Co-President of Pride At Work. of gender presentation and behavior.” At-large: Jonathan Abarbanel, Michael Bauer, to general society (or at least ignored), It is good that on Monday, Pelosi “It is politically inexplicable and — The National Transgender Advocacy Marv Pollack should we first get coverage for them, and Frank said they would delay any unconscionable that some congressio- Coalition. and then the bisexuals, then gay men, Copyright 2007 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media

Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). take a stand?” Cornel West, an African-American scholar and Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, When your identity, like mine, is the intersection professor at Princeton University, wrote in “Black and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. Jena 6’s Black of these two marginalized groups, the question is Leadership and the Pitfalls of Racial Reasoning” All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy moot. Crain’s question is similar to the mindset of that present-day black leadership fails American City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned Leadership for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King, who Americans because it’s exclusive of women and and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, said gays never had to sit in the back of the bus. needs a gender analysis. “What most disturbed me cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own Splits and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Alexander Robinson of the National Black Justice [is] the low level of political discussion in black Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of by Rev. Irene Monroe Coalition (NBJC), the only national African-Amer- America—[its] crude discourse about race and a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the ican LGBTQ organization in the country, showed gender that bespeaks a failure of nerve of black sexual orientation of such person or organization. While The Jena 6 case—in which his solidarity in a statement: “Earlier this sum- leadership.” we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make Southern white law en- mer, NBJC joined the NAACP in its effort to right But the “failure of nerve of black leadership” is in this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept forcement in Jena, La., responsibility for advertising claims. the wrongs against the Jena 6. We cannot allow its very own civil rights model, a paradigm histori- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 unabashedly doled out the injustice in Jena, La., or anywhere else in the cally unabashed about its exclusion of its women www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com biased treatment against country to go unnoticed or unchallenged and we and LGBTQ people. And this model of leadership e-mail: [email protected] six African-American high need your support to do it!!” refuses to change from our revered Martin Luther school students—harkens World Wide Web: Crain’s question, however, cannot be summarily King to our noted opportunist Al Sharpton. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com backs to this country’s era dismissed, because it is an important one. But his Bayard Rustin, the gay man who was chief orga- radio: WindyCityQueercast.com of Jim Crow. And it is a no- question should be hurled at the Goliaths leading nizer and strategist for the 1963 March on Wash- brainer as to why there was a mass protest. WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, the Jena 6 protest and not at the Davids who fol- ington that further catapulted Martin Luther King 5443 N. Broadway, #101, Chicago, IL 60640 What boggles my mind, however, is the protest lowed African-American leadership. onto the world stage, was not the beneficiary of USA from many in our queer community toward the LG- For a different reason than Crain’s, I too, ask a King’s dream. And in a spring 1987 interview with Deadline every Wednesday. BTQ individuals and organizations that showed up question: “Why a rally in support of these six black Rustin in “Open Hands,” a resource for ministries Windy City Times in solidarity. Nightspots Deadline every Wednesday. boys but not the seven black lesbians who de- affirming the diversity of human sexuality, Rustin Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now For example, Chris Crain, the former editor of the fended themselves against an anti-gay attack and stated that he pushed King to speak up on his online only Washington Blade and the man behind the popular were charged with beating and stabbing a white behalf, but King refused. Deadline The 10th of month prior. blog and syndicated column “Citizen Crain,” balked OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE filmmaker? The filmmaker instigated the violence In John D’Emilo’s book “Lost Prophet: The Life www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com at HRC’s president, Joe Solmonese, for appearing by threatening them and actually trying to choke and Times of Bayard Rustin,” D’Emilo wrote: “Rus- at the rally. one of them in the Greenwich Village in August tin offered to resign in the hope that he would SUBSCRIPTION RATES “Why pick this case? It doesn’t involve discrimi- 2006?” force the issue. Much to his chagrin, King did not nation of the type suffered historically by gay ___ $89 for 1 year Windy City Times only Because of poor legal representation, three of reject the offer. At the time, King was also involved ___ $55 for 1 year Nightspots only Americans. I would agree completely that there is the women pleaded guilty to attempted assault, in a major challenge to the conservative leadership ___ $109 for 1 year WCT & Nightspots racial discrimination in this country, and that the and were sentenced to six months in jail and five of the National Baptist Convention, and one of his ___ $5 for 1 copy of all products criminal justice system suffers from prosecutorial years probation. Again, Jim Crow, noted for its ministerial lieutenants in the fight was also gay. SEND PAYMENT TO: WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, abuse, biased jury verdicts and lopsided sentences residency “down South,” also shows its face here Basically, King said, ‘I can’t take on two queers at 5443 N. Broadway, Suite 101, based on race,” Crain wrote. “But ... why pick the “up North.” one time.’” Chicago, IL 60640 USA Jena 6, … a case of six bullies who beat, kicked So why not a similar outrage coming from the And while Jesse Jackson adamantly feels that and stomped a defenseless teen unconscious in a www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com African-American leadership? But is this also a no- Turn to page 25 www.WindyCityQueercast.com schoolyard, as the one for the GLBT movement to brainer? October 3, 2007 11 decision again in Moscow City Court and then national. Really, for me, it’s unbelievable to see Nikolai after that, we’re going to send it once again to this because I’ve seen all this way from the very the European Court of Human Rights. So we ab- beginning when there was nothing, and then to Alexeyev: solutely expected the decision, and we didn’t, in now, where we are of huge interest of the media. any single case, win regarding the expression of To me, it’s unbelievable to see all this. Leading the homosexual people. Even, for example, with the WCT: What have you learned that all gay and blood donation pickets on Sept. 14, it’s exactly lesbians need to know when trying to create Fight the same story. The event is banned with exactly change, no matter what country they are try- the same reasoning the events we banned on ing to create change in? in Russia May 27. NA: I think what is very important is to cre- BY AMY WOOTEN WCT: With all of these problems, is there ate an idea around which people can gather and anything good that has come out of this? organize. As soon as they understand that we Russian’s foremost gay leader of the LGBT move- NA: Yes, I always say that the main idea is have common goals in what we are doing, the ment will be making his first-ever appearance that some people think that we’ve organized progress will come in any case and we will reach to the U.S. for the Oct. 6 9th Annual Matthew Pride just for the sake of organizing the event a lot. That’s why what you had in America, the Shepard March, 8 p.m. at Halsted and Roscoe. on the street and just to [obtain] the right to Stonewall Rebellion, and what are seeing in Rus- Network has organized the Nikolai Alexeyev. Photo by Jonas Hansson publicly express what we want to say. This is not sia more than 40 years later—this is just the platform for Nikolai Alexeyev to speak about true. This is just part of the problem. The prob- same thing. It’s always very difficult to start it, solidarity at the event. The busy gay activist has program, he pissed me off so much [laughs], I lem with Moscow Pride has allowed us to have but it gets so it’s not possible to stop it any organized the Russian LGBT community against said if he was gay himself, why are you a hypo- enormous access to the media. Using this access more. People have to be united in what they are Moscow’s call to ban Moscow Pride two years crite, and why are you saying these things? to the media, we had the opportunity to raise a doing, which is very difficult to do. in a row, leading to bloody attacks and endless …They are going to say that I’m guilty, and number of issues, which are very important for People see in America that it’s different from court battles. Alexeyev has even had to fight that I committed a crime. I think everything in the LGBT people of Russia. what we are doing here. I am sort of disappoint- conservatives within his own community. court will be against me, because there is abso- …This, I would say, is the most important ed when I read about what happened in New Alexeyev has been through much in a short lutely no—I don’t believe in Russian justice. It achievement of the Moscow Pride. At the same York during the Stonewall Rebellion, when I see period of time. In August, he was charged with is going to be like that. …I don’t believe that it time, there is another thing. …In 2002, we were what happened in San Francisco when Harvey slander for outing an anti-gay Parliament mem- will be in my favor. discussing criminalization of homosexual acts. Milk was killed. When I see this and when I see ber, Alexander Chuev, in what was quite possibly WCT: Let’s talk about earlier in Septem- Today, we’re talking about the right to get in the the growth of the LGBT community now in Rus- the first outing of a Russian politician. And, on ber, when Moscow upheld the ban of Moscow streets and march in the streets. This is a differ- sia, I get disappointed because I think that peo- Sept. 14, the activist led a protest outside the Pride. Did you expect that to happen? ent story. ple were much more united in what they were Russian Health Ministry against a law that bands NA: Oh yeah, absolutely. If you take the ex- …We organized the first press conference in doing in America during these years than what gay men from donating blood, which led to ar- ample of last year’s pride, in 2006, we went May 2005. I can tell you that this press con- we see now in Russia. There is a lot of apathy for rests. Yet, he remains hopeful. through all the possible courts in Russia, trying ference was not attended by a single journal- Russian politics right now, because people think Alexeyev talked to Windy City Times about to challenge the ban. We started from the local ist. The level of interest in the gay topic was they can’t change anything. Not only gays, but looking on the bright side and unity. courts one day before pride day. zero. Apart from news about artists, singers and in general. …In Russia, there is only one group Windy City Times: How is the slander case …After that we appealed to multiple city things like that; it had never been discussed [a of people, who are always taking the power and going? Has it been a nightmare? courts concerning the decision. Then we ap- political discussion of gay rights]. After that, not allowing any other operation come to power. Nikolai Alexeyev: It started in June this year… pealed many times more until we were up to we had another one in July on the issue of the They control the television, the financial things when we met on one of the central TV channels the Russian Supreme Court, and the Russian Su- young guys being hung in Iran. … This was a and so forth. The Russia situation is very specific in Russia. He was positioning himself as a con- preme Court…also said it was fine and it was sort of a turning point of the growing interest in a way. It’s like a dictatorship. There is huge servative and religious person and things like banned legally. This case was sent in January of of the political LGBT issues in Russia. Then, we progress form the Soviet times, but in a way, it’s that. He’s always fighting for the electorate and this year to the European Court, …but it takes announced the first Moscow Pride and the media like a czar—the father of a nation who is always we know that he’s gay himself. There has never several years to consider a case there. started to become more and more interested, deciding everything for you, and you don’t have been any outing in Russian politics. This was We absolutely expected it, in light of last year’s and now we have…about a 100 journalists and to decide anything. probably the first one, ever. At the end of the decision. Next week we are going to appeal the about 20 TV cameras, both Russian and inter-

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 12 October 3, 2007 queer” was a curse. It was during that same year, my junior year in HISTORY No role model ever told me about the Daugh- college, that I began my own process of coming ters of Bilitis, the Mattachine Society, or Stone- out…first to myself, then, gradually and cau- wall; Elaine Noble, Frank Kameny, or any of the tiously, to others. But as I approached the end MONTH courageous leaders who shaped our movement of my undergraduate career and looked to my fu- or contributed their art, their science, their ture, I believed that in order to live my life and Leaning sweat, and their intellect to this world. my dreams, I’d have to make a choice between Well into the 20th century, our nation’s and pursuing a career in public service, perhaps run- Toward the world’s history was never whole and truthful ning for office...and living my life in an open because the role of LGBT people in shaping that and honest way. I did not believe that I could Justice history was, quite simply, “the greatest story have both. To mark October as Gay and Lesbian History never told.” Now, to some of you, the idea of a society so Month, several individuals have written pieces After graduating from high school, I went to limited for LGBT people is as foreign as a world detailing events, and their feelings about these Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. without cell phones, iPods, or computers. But happenings. The effort is coordinated by Phila- It was during my sophomore year at Smith, for those of you who remember the darkness and delphia Gay News and syndicated to dozens of 1982, that the first Gay Games were held in San loneliness of life in the closet, those memories gay publications. Windy City Times will run these Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. Francisco. Reuters News Service reported: are still fresh and raw. articles throughout the month of October. “Homosexual athletes and their fans from In November 1985, a little over a year after first openly gay non-incumbent, to Congress. I eight countries and across the I had graduated from college, a small group of By Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin was only 36 years old and had entered college are streaming into San Francisco for the open- elected officials met in West Hollywood, CA. in 1980, a mere seven years after the American ing today of what has become known as the Gay The group, predominantly from the coasts and In the 1960s, while confronting segregation, Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality Games. Some 1,365 men and women, including upper Mid-West, included a few city council discrimination, obstruction of voting rights from its official list of mental disorders. 62 Canadians, will compete for nine days in 17 members and county board supervisors, a state and physical violence, Dr. Martin Luther King, Today, you can go into almost any book store events designed to show the world that homo- assemblywoman, and a state senator from Min- Jr., often borrowed the words of another pastor, and find aisles of gay and lesbian literature. sexuals make as good competitors as anybody nesota, Allan Spear. That a dozen or so elected an abolitionist from Boston, named Theodore But one of my friends (now in his mid-sixties) else.” officials would enjoy meeting with each other Parker, to inspire and give strength to those in reminded me that when he was in college and Last year, the seventh Gay Games were held to discuss their work is not unusual. That they the civil rights movement. In the fight for full beginning to question his own sexual orienta- in Chicago, attracting nearly twelve thousand were all openly-gay is extraordinary! And the joy equality, both Dr. King and Rev. Parker reminded tion, the only mention of homosexuality came in sport and cultural participants from around the of meeting each other and finding support from their flock what I believe is equally true and rel- textbooks next to adjectives such as “deviant,” world. Corporate sponsors included Nike, Wal- one another was another milestone for them and evant today as we discuss the gay rights move- “aberrant,” and “criminal.” greens, The New York Times, Gatorade, and Ernst for gay liberation (as our movement was then ment in America: “The arc of the moral universe Right after I graduated from high school, in & Young, among others. called). is long…but it bends toward justice.” the summer of 1980, the Democratic Party at its On Dec. 28 last year, the Chicago Tribune (not Keep in mind that, at that time, gay people You may wonder how I can say that in 2007, national convention, included this one phrase the most liberal newspaper in the country) ran were still stereotyped as drag queens, preda- when LGBT Americans are still the victims of vio- deep in its thirty-eight thousand word platform: an article entitled “2006 Was the Year of the tors, or sissies. As perceived by society, gay lent hate crimes and discrimination, still unable “All groups must be protected from discrimina- Queer,” which read, in part: people were pretty much all men, you know. to serve openly in the armed forces, still unable, tion based on race, color, religion, national ori- “From the annual gay pride celebrations to Gay or straight, it was still very much “a man’s in many states, to adopt children, still unable gin, language, age, sex or sexual orientation.” hosting the Gay Games, Chicago opened its arms world!” Back in the 80s, AIDS, the “gay plague,” in 49 states to marry, still denied the full and Two hundred four years after our Declaration of to the community. In July, thousands of gay, was decimating our community and bolstering equal rights that citizenship grants and morality Independence professed that all men are created lesbian, bisexual and transgendered athletes a public image of gay men as promiscuous sex demands. equal, the first gay rights plank appeared in a from all over the world descended on Chicago fiends. Gay History Month is an appropriate time to major political party platform. to participate in the Gay Games. Also, The Cen- These elected officials who met in West Hol- step back from our daily struggles and frus- “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it ter on Halsted, the new LGBT community center lywood, were progressive, and multi-dimensional trations to assess how much progress we have bends toward justice.” in Boystown, broke ground and looks to be on politically. Individually and collectively, they made in recent years. Despite political setbacks I grew up in the progressive city of Madison, schedule to open by mid-2007.” wanted to give a voice to our community and and sadly, still, hate crimes against the LGBT in the birthplace of “progressivism,” Wisconsin, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it encourage others to come out of the closet and community, young Americans are growing up in and I had gone to one of the best public school bends toward justice.” participate in public discourse and the political ever-more tolerant times. Ten years ago, Ellen systems in the country, yet no one had ever ut- During my junior year at Smith, in 1983, Con- process. DeGeneres announced she was gay on national tered the words gay or lesbian in a class. Never gressman Gerry Studds announced that he was It was Allan Spear, who said, “Unless you learn television and cynics predicted it would end her mind that there was no gay/straight student al- gay; after being censured by the House for hav- and respect the process, you are not going to career. Earlier this year, Ellen hosted the Acad- liance or anything remotely like it. There were ing an affair with a 17-year-old page. accomplish what you want to do. You have to emy Awards where a billion viewers around the no openly gay characters on TV. No same-sex In a speech to his colleagues Studds said: “It use it for your own goals.” world were not only entertained by this openly- partners in advertising. No same sex marriage or is not a simple task for any of us to meet ad- As elected officials, they presented a very dif- gay and hugely popular comedian, but then they announcements in the society pages equately the obligations of either public or pri- ferent public face of gay men and women. heard Oscar-winner Melissa Etheridge publicly of the New York Times or any other newspaper. vate life, let alone both, but these challenges They were patriots who believed in our democ- thank her own “wife” and their four children. No protections against discrimination for LGBT are made substantially more complex when one racy and knew how to use the political process In 1998, the people of Wisconsin’s Second Dis- people in housing or at work. At the time, not so is, as I am, both an elected public official and for the common good. To me and all those who trict elected me, the first out lesbian and the long ago, “Queer” was a curse word and “being gay.” followed them into office, they were courageous

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I had the honor of attending the second such But he came up to me, right in my face, and QUOTELINES conference of openly gay and lesbian elected of- said, “Gosh, Lady, you sure got guts. If you can BY REX WOCKNER ficials in the autumn of 1986, just months after be honest about that, you’ll probably be honest my election to the Dane County (Wis.) Board of about everything.” I got his vote, along with Supervisors. I was 24 years old. There were a the votes of many others who probably don’t Q total of 14 elected officials in attendance, and agree with me on every issue and aren’t even “In Iran, we don’t have homosexuals for anonymous sexual encounters. ... Most ob- combined with those openly gay and lesbian comfortable with the idea of homosexuality… like in your country. We don’t have that servers will find it inexplicable that a traveler elected officials who were unable to attend, we but honesty and integrity carry a lot of weight in our country. In Iran, we do not have this with access to free food and a comfortable figure that we numbered less than two dozen in an election…and in life. phenomenon; I don’t know who’s told you that and clean bathroom in an essentially private world-wide. As a young person seeking a life in we have it.” — Iranian President Mahmoud Ah- lounge would go out of his way to seek out a public service and wanting to be honest about All of us who are openly gay (not just elected madinejad speaking at Columbia University in public bathroom. It’s virtually impossible for who I was, the people I met at those early con- officials or movie stars, but all of us) are liv- New York, Sept. 24. an objective observer not to conclude that the ferences were a godsend. In time, I’ve been for- ing and writing the history of our movement. senator was in that bathroom cruising for gay tunate to take some of what they gave me and We are no more…and no less…heroic than the “The American Civil Liberties Union sex.” — Bryan Fischer writing at SunValleyon- pass it on. suffragists and abolitionists of the 19th cen- today submitted a friend-of-the-court brief line.com, Sept. 5. Let me tell you just one story. During my first tury; and the labor organizers, Freedom Riders, to a Minnesota District Court urging it to al- term in Congress, I received a letter one day Stonewall demonstrators, and environmentalists low Senator Larry Craig to from an 18 year-old from a small town in south- of the 20th century. We are ordinary people, liv- withdraw his guilty plea ern Illinois—population forty-four hundred. This ing our lives, and trying as civil rights activist because the secret sting young man had a passion for politics. Dorothy Cotton said, to “fix what ain’t right” in operation used to arrest him was likely unconsti- He wrote, “I was president of my graduating our society. When celebrity GLAAD photo class, treasurer of the student council, and a se- Dorothy Cotton was a key organizer in the civil tutional. ... [T]he govern- nior board member on a local community service rights movement in Alabama in the 1960s. She ment can arrest people for addiction starts, youth group . . . “I was following my dreams,” had, and she inspired others to have, faith that, soliciting public sex only if he told me, “until I realized that I am gay. At if they used the tools of our democracy, they it can show beyond doubt you become ... that point I gave up.” could effect change; even when it was their gov- that the sex was to occur Surfing the Internet one day, this young man ernment that was denying them their rights. in public. Solicitation for angry at read an article about my election to Congress. Using the tools of our democracy the Free- private sex, regardless if it He realized that one could be openly gay and dom Fighters pushed forward the monumental occurs in a bar or a rest- necessary live a life in politics. But, he went on to explain, Civil Rights Act of 1964. And using the tools room, is protected speech that wasn’t the real reason he was writing me. of our democracy today, I am proud and grati- under the First Amend- obstacles. In his letter to me, he wrote, “You not only fied to have helped pass this year in the House, ment. When free speech saved my hopes and dreams, you saved my life. a hate crimes bill that protects gays, lesbians, rights come into play, po- —Rosie O’Donnell I have never told anyone this…I was going to bisexuals and transgendered persons from hate- lice enforcement actions give up, not only on my hopes and dreams, but based violence. And, by the time you read this, must be ‘carefully crafted’ on my life altogether.” I expect the House of Representatives will have so that they don’t unnecessarily ensnare people “I wanted to let you know that I will This young man, whom I’ve since met, is now passed, for the first time in history, the Employ- who are engaging in constitutionally protected no longer be on The View tomorrow as graduated from college, and involved in politics ment Non-Discrimination Act that says you can’t speech. The secret sting operation used by the scheduled. I had made a request that I be in- as an openly gay man. fire someone because of non-work related fac- police to arrest Senator Craig was not ‘carefully terviewed by Joy, Barbara or Whoopi, but not From that first group of pioneers back in the tors like sexual orientation and gender identity. crafted’ to avoid ensnaring innocent speech.” Elisabeth Hasselback. Unfortunately, the show 80s has sprung the Gay & Lesbian Leadership “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it — From a Sept. 17 ACLU press release. was not willing to accommodate this simple Institute that each year now assists hundreds of bends toward justice.” request so I bowed out. It’s really too bad be- individuals enter careers in politics, government, We, in the gay rights movement, can learn “As I slipped back into celebrity land cause I’ve always been a big supporter of the business and advocacy. The Leadership Institute from Dorothy Cotton and her comrades in the [by being on TV’s The View] the tasks show, but I cannot compromise my beliefs. The reports well more than 600 openly gay elected days of the segregated South; and we can learn multiplied a thousandfold, and the letters ad- good news is that I will be on a whole slew and appointed officials on five continents at the from another role model of mine, former Wiscon- dressed to me but having nothing to do with of other shows promoting the new album so local, state, and federal levels. sin Governor and Senator, Gaylord Nelson. the real me—the mother me, the married me, I hope you can catch me on those.” — Singer Being “out” in our chosen fields, we not only He was a man who sat in arguably the most the friend me—the letters addressed to the Barry Manilow writing on his Web site, Sept. offer hope to other members of the gay com- powerful legislative body on earth, the U.S. Sen- celebrity me began to pour in again. ... I had 17. munity. We offer a new perspective to members ate. He had the foresight to want to protect the gone four years living alone and now my mail- of the straight community, many of whom harbor environment, but he couldn’t get his Senate col- box was overflowing and people were telling “I know this sounds trite, but over- those stereotypes I talked about earlier. Another leagues to take his environmental legislation se- me I was fantastic, the funniest, the happiest, all it’s fairly amazing to see the major benefit of is that those of us who are riously. Nelson recognized that in order to enact the brightest. [Then there] is a shift that hap- Democratic presidential candidates rallying “out” are perceived as being honest ...of having environmental protections, he needed to engage pens in the head and that very few celebrities around the idea of equal rights for same-sex integrity. the people first. will ever really speak about. ... One begins to couples, united in their opposition to Don’t When I began my political career, no pollster Representing Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressio- believe in the specialness, and a dangerous Ask Don’t Tell, and advocating the repeal of in her right mind would have advised a Con- nal District since 1999, Tammy Baldwin is the sense of entitlement takes over. ... When ce- the key section of the Defense of Marriage Act. gressional candidate to come out of the closet. first out lesbian and the first openly gay non- lebrity addiction starts, you become impatient It would be even more amazing if we could get It simply was not viewed as being in our best incumbent ever elected to Congress. Baldwin with, and even angry at necessary obstacles. a majority in Congress to pass the teeny tiniest political interest to share that kind of informa- is committed to achieving health care for all. You think you could run a red light or two. And piece of gay rights legislation.” — Syndicated tion. Her constituents know her as a dynamic advo- then you do.” — Rosie O’Donnell in her new gay press columnist Ann Rostow, Aug. 16. But we’ve come to learn that, by being “out,” cate, not just of health care, a woman’s right book, “Celebrity Detox.” we clearly demonstrate our integrity. We prove to reproductive freedom, and equal rights, that we’re making decisions based on what is but for fairness, honesty, accountability, and “It beggars belief that, in an airport —Assistance: Bill Kelley right and honest. We shatter the cynicism that equal access for all in government and soci- with dozens of public facilities, [Sen. people hold about politicians and people in gov- ety. Read the full piece online at www.Windy- Larry Craig] just happened to find 1/15himself in Page – 3.125” x 2.75 ernment. CityMediaGroup.com. the one restroom in the entire airport noted

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BEALS IS COOKING; FALL MUSIC

Jennifer Beals (left) interview page 23. At right, Kristine W, page 19 THEATER KNIGHT AT THE MOVIES INTERVIEW ‘Steel’ away. ‘Lust’ in the dust. Talking ‘small.’ Page 18. Page 24. Page 22.

Ones collection, this newly body else’s tunes, then ‘I feel for you.’ On The updated double-disc compi- Waiting To Exhale soundtrack the icon raises lation focuses on the trio’s the bar with her take of My Funny Valentine and heyday in the late ‘70s. Also completely transforms Never Miss The Water with added are four new remixes Me’Shell NedgeOcello from Khan’s hits collection. of their Studio 54-era mega- Produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Funk hits plus the previously un- This is out now and features duets with Mary J. available Warm Ride. During Blige on Disrespectful and Michael McDonald on Barry Gibb’s appearance on Carly Simon’s You Belong To Me. American Idol last season, The Classic Disco installment of UME Number POP he made it apparent that Ones series can make the disco ball turn on its MAKING The Bee Gees’s influence on own. Containing mainstream and forgotten clas- the music world is impos- sics, this set serves as a well-intended time cap- SENSE sible to capture on a mere sule. Sure, the crossover hits like Flashdance… two-disc set. Sure, To Love What A Feeling, Y.M.C.A. and Funkytown draw the Somebody and How Can You listener in, but it is hearing disco treasures such Mend A Broken Heart are as Meco’s Star Wars Theme and Stephanie Mills’ clearly missing, but Great- Medicine Song that keeps the party going. est has all of the symptoms One of my favorite records from the ‘70s is of a ‘Saturday Night Fever.’ Heart’s Dreamboat Annie. Ann Wilson’s delivery by David Byrne and Tony Peregrin It was no surprise on Crazy On You acts as an endearing battle cry. Thelma Houston won first place on the TV show The Wilson sisters recently recorded the whole The Bee Gees helped define the disco era with Hit Me Baby, One More Time with her flawless Evelyn “Champagne” King. Dreamboat Annie album live and added covers by gems like Stayin’ Alive, You Should Be Dancing take on Alicia Keys’ Fallin’. Houston returns with bands like The Who (Love Reign O’er Me), Led and Tragedy. The legacy of the Brothers Gibb lives her first album of new material in over 17 years a voice mature beyond its years. It may seem Zeppelin (Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop) and on with the newly revamped retrospective, sim- with A Woman’s Touch, a collection of covers like King has been out of the limelight, but she Pink Floyd (Goodbye Blue Sky), saluting those ply titled Greatest. Unlike the Bee Gees’s Number made famous by men. (Remember, her disco clas- has constantly been performing and collaborat- who made the sisters want to become rockstars. sic Don’t Leave Me This Way was originally done ing with other artists. Hearing her now show off This live DVD and CD serve as the first chapter of by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes.) Houston her vocal muscle on her latest reveals no signs the Classic Albums Live series and both are due takes a breather from the dance floor with a soul- of slacking. Highlighted by the downtempo title out Oct. 23 via Shout Factory. Heart’s frontwoman ful version of Marvin Gaye’s Distant Lover, but track as well as Skillz, Creeps and The Dance, just released the solo outing Hope & Glory. Not she picks up the pace with a medley of Sylvester’s King’s return is certainly worth the wait. Open to worry, her sister Nancy appears on three of the Dance (Disco Heat) and You Make Me Feel Mighty Book is scheduled to hit shelves this January via numbers. Real. Her reworking of Sting’s Brand New Day RNB Entertainment Group. She may have been the butt of sophomoric ends up more like her ‘brand new version,’ whole- When it comes to soul divas who can turn up humor on South Park, but Stevie Nicks is get- heartedly claiming it as her own. Two of Hous- the funk, ‘ain’t nobody’ can compare to Chaka ting the last laugh. Her standard, Stand Back, ton’s other best moments here are the blues-hued Khan. Her musical legacy spans four decades and has been remixed by Tracy Young, Ralphi Rosario Ain’t That Peculiar and the closing track Please her catalog has been tapped by many, includ- and Morgan Page, and it turned out to be a mas- Send Me Someone To Love. ing Bette Midler, Whitney Houston, Richard X, sive dance anthem for her this summer. Follow- Also returning with an overdue new album is Stardust, Diana King, Jaki Graham and Faithless. ing suit, remixes to Edge of Seventeen have been Evelyn “Champagne” King. Accompanied by her Now the Chicago-raised Khan is covering others’ commissioned by Young and Peter Rauhofer. This husband/guitarist Freddie Fox, King’s Open Book works, but she is adding her signature piercing year, the Fleetwood Mac singer also issued an- marries her history with dance music and R&B. wail on Funk This. Jimi Hendrix, Prince and Joni other hits package, Crystal Visions: the Very Best When she reigned with her staples Shame, Love Mitchell are not safe from the wrath of Khan. If Turn to page 21 Come Down and I’m In Love, King already had you don’t think Khan can handle tackling some- October 3, 2007 15

16 October 3, 2007 THEATER REVIEW At the core of The Crucible is James Vincent Meredith as John Proctor, a man of unmistak- The Crucible able nobility and profoundly human frailties. Playwright: Arthur Miller Proctor’s flaws make him eminently empathet- At: Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted ic. Called on to recite the 10 Commandments, Phone: 312-335-1650; $20-$68 Procter remembers them all except “adultery,” a Runs through: Nov. 11 lapse that achingly highlights the source of his troubles. BY CATEY SULLIVAN That source is Abigail Williams (Kelly O’Sullivan, a perfect mix of innocence and viciousness). Twenty years ago, Gary Sinise dismissed The First wooed and then spurned by Proctor, Abigail Crucible as outside Steppenwolf’s rough and raw discovers power and exacts vengeance in wailing aesthetic. “I can’t see us doing a play where fits and wild-eyed accusations. If Shapiro makes people are called ‘Goodie’ and wear buckles on a misstep in her direction, it’s in not highlight- their shoes,” he’s quoted in Richard Christians- ing the fact that Abigail’s devastating lies are en’s A Theatre of Our Own. Tim Hopper and Ora Jones in The Crucible. Photo by Michael Brosilow the desperate recourse of the abused and the What a difference a few decades make. The powerless. Women in 17th-century Salem had buckles and quaintly monikered characters are teous deduce devil worship; in reading, they see trumpets, and it’s clear we’re in the land of both fewer rights than cattle; in feigning demonic out in abundance in the Steppenwolf’s forceful, the hand of demons; in stillbirths, the curse of a 17th-century Salem and 21st-century Guantana- possession, Abigail balanced the scales of pow- unnervingly timely revival of Arthur Miller’s clas- witch. mo. er. sic. Directed by Anna D. Shapiro, the piece roils Today, the Rev. Parris (Ian Barford, wonderfully Shapiro does a mighty job ensuring that the “I’ll cling to no faith when faith brings blood,” with relevancy. The rough magic that defines smarmy and self-pitying) would insist weapons politics of The Crucible don’t come at the cost of utters one of the accused. It’s a statement that Steppenwolf flows through Arthur Miller’s scath- of mass destruction lurk under every stone in the story—Miller’s agit-prop agenda is dramatic cuts through the centuries in its immediacy. ing, metaphorical expose of mediocre minds Iraq, while Danforth (Francis Guinan, perfectly rather than didactic here, and that’s a major ac- made dangerous by unchecked power. The Cru- pompous and oozing self-righteousness) would complishment. There’s no denying Miler’s bril- cible illuminates a time of habeas corpus-free ar- ensure that the accused fester forever in some liance, but there’s also no denying that, in lesser CRITICS’ PICKS rests and indefinite imprisonment, of Orwellian officially non-existent prison. hands, The Crucible could—ironically enough— trials and language twisted into a mockery of “No uncorrupted man may fear this court… come across as a piece of powerful sermonizing , The Hypocrites, its meaning. From dolls, the self-appointed righ- the pure of heart need no lawyers,” Danforth first and storytelling second. Desire Under the Elms through Nov. 11. Eugene O’Neill’s operatic tale of sinister maternity echoes classic Greek tragedy as it tells a story of lust and greed within an all-American family for whom real estate takes on murderous im- port. CS The Hound of the Baskervilles, City Lit Theatre, through Oct. 14. Don Bender and Will Schutz return under the expert direc- tion of Kevin Theis to portray Holmes and Watson in Arthur Conan Doyle’s popular Vic- “MONUMENTAL”“MONUMENTAL” torian thriller at its chilliest best. MSB Love is Dead: A NecRomantic Musi- “HIGHLY“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”RECOMMENDED” cal Comedy, Annoyance Theatre, through Oct. 26. If you like ABC’s Pushing Daisies, -Chicago-Chicago Sun-TimesSun-Times why not take in James Asmus’ loads-of-fun late-nite-style musical comedy involving a necrophiliac mortician? Folks are dying to see it. SCM The Sparrow, The House at Apollo Theater, through Dec. 31. Commercial backers of this remount have high hopes for The House’s joyously theatrical tale of a teen with super powers. Think Carrie with a compassionate heart, a redemptive finish and good music. JA —By Abarbanel, Barnidge, Morgan and Sullivan

“SARAH RUHL IS AMONG THE MOST ACCLAIMED AND ACCOMPLISHED YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTSPLAYWRIGHTS ON THE CONTEMPORARY SCENE.”SCENE.” —The New York Times

A humorous yet unsettling trilogy about three small towns in three politically charged epochs who stage the historic Passion play. Experience award-winning playwright Sarah Ruhl’s epic that exposes the thorny relationship between politics and religion, lust and dogma—and perception and reality.

PERFORMANCES THROUGH OCTOBER 21

AMERICAN AIRLINES, Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre. KRAFT Special group savings for 10 or more! FOODS, Principal Sponsor of the free Student Subscription Series. PETTERINO’S, Promotional Partner for Passion Play: a cycle in three Call Kim Furganson at 312.443.3820. parts. Photo of Kristen Bush by Brian Warling. Design and direction GoodmanTheatre.org | 312.443.3800 Exclusive Corporate Sponsor by Kelly Rickert.

October 3, 2007 17 THEATER REVIEW Passion Play: a cycle in three “Arresting, impassioned, full-throttle!” parts – Chicago Tribune Playwright: Sarah Ruhl Kristen Bush in At: Goodman Theatre “ ����� Utterly engrossing! Passion Play. Phone: 312-443-3800; $20-$70 Photo by Brian Runs through: Oct. 21 Warling Riveting!” – Time Out Chicago

BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL Passion Play is ambitious and complex, and di- rector Mark Wing-Davey has used Ruhl’s long- “Emotionally charged... Strikingly Intense!” Religion and politics have been one and the but-barebones text to create a modern theat- same until relatively recently. Governments sup- rical pageant, layered with visual effects and – Variety ported a state-sanctioned faith or were out-and- technical devices—some as old as passion plays out theocracies. Today’s global resurgence of themselves—and a cast of 16. It’s dazzling and theocratic politics is the greatest extant threat impressive, but it doesn’t all work because the “Highly Recommended! to democratic pluralism and individual liberty. three-and-half hour show (two intermissions) Radiates an intensely modern energy!” – Chicago Sun Times Shining young playwright Sarah Ruhl, a Mac- doesn’t have a gut-wrenching emotional climax. Arthur “Genius Grant” recipient, tackles religion It appears Ruhl has taken on more than she and politics head-on in her sprawling Passion can effectively sustain. The third part especial- Play, but she personalizes her tale, so it’s about ly, set in South Dakota during/after Vietnam, is a n individual faith more than formal religion. She too long and the least effective. The God-like O ’ S u l i v eschews obvious preaching or debate, yet there’s spokesman, Ronald Reagan, is too much pres- e l y a party line espoused in each of the play’s three ent and too clownish vs. the earlier appearances K parts, respectively set in 1575 England, 1934 of Hitler and Elizabeth I. Ruhl’s time-leaping, a n d

Germany and 1969 South Dakota. In each, a history-inspired work compares well to some e d i t h historic political leader appears, God-like, to lay Tom Stoppard plays, but Ruhl doesn’t yet have M e r down political articles of faith. Stoppard’s intellectual and theatrical mastery. i n c e t In late medieval Europe, the life of Jesus— Wing-Davey compensates by making each suc- V cessive part more elaborate than the one before,

Annunciation to Ascension—was dramatized in J a m e s so-called passion plays that became massive adding quasi-magical flourishes—model ships, pageants involving most of a town’s citizenry giant fish, striking projections—not required m e b r and craft guilds under Catholic Church direction. by the script. Eventually the size of his produc- Later, these epic shows became secularized, and tion consumes the play, which isn’t of sufficient continue today (even in the United States) of- dramatic weight to hold it all up. Wing-Davey e n s m b l ten as summertime, outdoor spectaculars. Ruhl is brilliant at bringing out unexpected comedy, uses productions of the passion play to comment especially in Part One and in Ruhl’s affectionate on the intersection of faith, politics and sexual- jests at theater itself, but he sacrifices character ity in three different eras. What if Pontius Pilate depth in the process. marries the Virgin Mary (that is, the actors play- The large canvas Ruhl attempts to paint may ing them)? What if Jesus has a Nazi boyfriend? be too vast for complete success, but her effort What if Mary Magdalene really is a prostitute? is worthy, intriguing, entertaining and admirable Arthur Miller’s classic tale of truth on trial nonetheless. Artists always should think Big.

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C O M P L E X I N S www.auditoriumtheatre.org 18 October 3, 2007 THEATER REVIEW a great comical meeting with ghetto wannabe truly malicious. But all of them are desperate, fraction. And somewhere across the room, an old superheroes Damon (Bryson Engelen) and Lucas and the desperate are often far more ruthless crook and his son reunite following the latter’s Men of Steel (Edgar Miguel Sanchez) who may have super- than the outright villainous, despair being a release from prison for theft, their conversation Playwright: Qui Nguyen powers, after all. There’s also an odd detour to condition blinding those afflicted to alternative centering on the whereabouts of the boy’s girl At: Theater Wit at Theatre Building Chicago, a trailer park to meet Roby again as the gender- solutions providing hope—and, thus, imbuing friend and the loot, both mysteriously missing. 1225 W. Belmont confused Bryant, who has powers like Bruce Wil- them with the conviction that they have noth- Eventually, we come to discover that these Phone: 773-327-5252; $25 lis’ character in Unbreakable. ing to lose by risking everything, regardless of scenes occur in different time frames, and that Runs through: Oct. 28 All these characters meet up in a final climac- the consequences and injury to others. some characters are the later incarnations of tic prison sequence that can be a head-scratcher The action opens at a roadhouse juke-joint those we’ve met earlier. But this isn’t a Sam BY SCOTT C. MORGAN if you don’t go with the flow. in the sun-baked outpost of Coronado, one of Shepard ramble-through-the-surreal-badlands, Under Jeremy Wechsler’s direction, Theater Wit many almost-microscopic dots on the map of the however similar its sordid environment. So Just when you thought the live theater was free goes all out on Men of Steel with great produc- sprawling U.S. Southwest. In the corner booth, tightly-constructed is Lehane’s intricate narra- of blockbuster cinema superheroes… tion values and lively performances from the a pair of lust-besotted lovers plot to murder the tive and so riveting his preternaturally-eloquent Wham! Pow! Ker-splat! entire cast. Jeremy Getz’s saturated color in lady’s husband—a romantic scheme proving un- personnel that we never lose our way—or if we Theater Wit brings Qui Nguyen’s Men of Steel his lighting design is an ever-shifting and at- necessary, but ventured nevertheless. At a table, think we may have, we are happy to wait until to kick-punch its blend of superhero seriousness mospheric wonder. Laura Brookshire Kollar’s col- a strung-out courtesan attempts to seduce her we find it again. and spoof to the live stage in its Chicago pre- orful costumes are super, while scenic designer therapist a second time—if not by feminine None of this would matter if this Steep Theatre miere. And, wow, what a fabulous jumble Men of Sam Poretta’s work with video designer Jessica wiles, then by threats to expose his previous in- Company production did not realize the author’s Steel turns out to be. Ross creates an action-packed world appropriate Men of Steel clearly spoofs the conventions of for any superhero. superheroes in comic books and movies, from The fight scenes choreographed by Kevin Mur- the weakling-turned-superhero origin story to phy and Tony Sancho (with spoofs of slow mo- the eventual public turning against the all- tion tumbling) are also clamorous fun. SPOTLIGHT powerful superhero. Nguyen also throws in some Men of Steel revels in its derivative pop-culture not-very-polished allegorical allusions to the references, so don’t go if you prefer superheroes The Siddhartha Project United States as a superpower and its misbegot- to be confined to the silver screen. Nguyen may ten blundering, plus a load of class-conscious have trouble tying all his plot strands and issues outrage and gender-identity confusion. together coherently, but he does have a knack That’s a lot to cram into one play. So while you with great comic dialogue and spoofing tried They don’t call themselves Collaboraction for noth- admire Nguyen for the multiple ideas that burst and true clichés. Most of all, Men of Steel is ing: the collaborative company has asked five Chica- forth on stage, it doesn’t hide the cardboard pure fantasy fun, plain and simple. go playwrights each to contribute one section of The characterizations and preachy and tangential Siddhartha Project: A down home, apocalyptic, nature of the show. THEATER REVIEW avalanche of beauty, inspired by Nobel Prize win- Men of Steel opens with Kelly Ristow, as Lady ner Herman Hesse’s mystical novel of Hindu enlight- Liberty (think Wonder Woman), kicking the butt Coronado Playwright: Dennis Lehane enment. The Siddhartha Project is being staged at of Robert McLean, as Captain Justice (think Cap- At: Steep Theatre, 3902 N. Sheridan the new technologically-enhanced Lumen, a modern tain America), who has blood on his hands for Phone: 312-458-0722; $18 design lounge featuring a fully programmable LED a vengeful murder. We then flash back to see Runs through: Nov. 3 light ceiling; custom-built modular furniture; and what set the downfall of this U.S. icon in motion environmental video and lighting designs to immerse when Erin Myers, as investigative reporter Helen patrons in a flowing, luminescent interior landscape. BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE (think Lois Lane), hounds E.B. Smith, as the gay Sounds like living inside a lava lamp. Groovy, man. vigilante Maelstrom (think Batman), to find out Psychedelic. Siddhartha run through Oct. 14 at Lu- Only one, or maybe two, of the desert despera- who is betraying the identities of superheroes. men, 839 W. Fulton Market; 312.226.9633 or www. does in novelist/screenwriter Dennis Lehane’s Along the way, there’s a comical 1960s Batman collaboraction.org; $25. Photo by Saverio Truglia TV-style battle with The Mole (David Roby) and first conceived-for-the-stage play can be called THE SMASH HIT MUSICAL RETURNS! A hilarious tale of true love, between a man... THE BOYZ ARE BACK IN TOWN! and his money! “A playfully holy storm of escapist entertainment…part Jesus Christ Superstar, part Footloose, part Avenue Q and part Forever Plaid… /-Ê"/Ê-" / Ê",Ê 6 ,9" t»Ê —Chicago Sun Times

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 / Ê  /ÊUÊ ,1,9Ê Ê7/ ,Ê/"7 ,Ê* Ê/" 9tÊ312-642-2000 847/673-6300 /  /-Ê-"Ê6  Ê/ÊΣӇ™äӇ£xää]Ê www.northlight.org Ê/  / -/ ,Ê"1/ /-Ê Ê "  Ê/Ê/  / -/ ,° " THE MISER OCTOBER 3 - SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS! CALL GROUP THEATER TIX TOLL-FREE AT 1-866-809-3075 by Jean Baptiste Moliére DISCOUNTED PARKING AVAILABLE FROM AS LITTLE $8.50 translation and adaptation by James Magruder NOVEMBER 11 October 3, 2007 19 deal with the deep side of life. was so much fun. It was neat to be a part of it WCT: Tell me about [the newest dance al- after hearing about it all these years. It’s funny, Kristine W: bum] The Power of Music. too—a straight mother of two getting to come KW: Now, here we go again. I’ve been through to all of these cool events. I just feel like part of Fighting— a really interesting time; I’ve had my five-year the family. anniversary from leukemia. The last three years WCT: When did you first become aware of and that I’ve been working on this album—and all your gay following? of my albums take three years [laughs]—have KW: When I was on stage in New York in ‘96 at been an organic process. I want my songs to be The Sound Factory. I was working on my album Winning real; one song, Into You, I’ve been working on in Europe, and didn’t know much about the club By Andrew Davis since my Land of the Living days. [The fans are] scene in the States. Then, I was in Vegas and going to know if I believe what I’m singing, and was told that I had to go to this club in New On Sun., Oct. 7, dance-music diva Kristine W will the songs are your [legacy]. York because my song was [popular] there—and perform at The 720 Club, 720 N. Wells, at a show WCT: I have to tell you: I remember you per- it was a mob scene. called “Dance for Leukemia Support” (sponsored forming at what I believe was [the Boystown I think some people thought that I sounded by the Leukemia Society of Chicago). The event from fighting and surviving this disease? club] Vortex about 10 years ago, and you were like a Black girl, so they didn’t expect a white has a special meaning for the chart-topping KW: I learned that I’m definitely stronger than wearing a bubble-wrap dress. girl coming out. The audience was cocking their singer, as she was diagnosed with the disease I thought I was. I’ve sung songs like Land of KW: Oh, yeah! [Laughs] That kind of stuff I heads, like a dog does, because they weren’t several years ago. (Her fight has been success- the Living and written songs like Stronger, but love to do—stuff that makes people say, “No, sure I was singing live. Then, I sang a capella— ful, as the disease is in remission.) I never really had to live it; it’s really different she just did not do that.” and they went crazy. Then on the next song, Clu- A day after talking with grade-school kids when you have to live it. In hindsight, my music We went to the Billboard Music Awards a cou- bland, I started crawling down the runway; they about leukemia, Kristine W talked with Windy really helped me because I’d listen to the songs ple of years ago. A friend had given me her old loved that. City Times about the disease—as well as lighter and would say, “OK...you’ve talked the talk, now Louis Vuitton bag; I had this cut WCT: How many Kristine W drag queens topics such as dance music and drag queens. you have to walk the walk.” it up and make a bustier out of it—and it was have you met? WCT: Speaking of Land of the Living, how the talk of the town. I got in People magazine KW: Oh, thousands. My favorite is Laritza Du- Windy City Times: Yesterday, you gave a do you feel that your music has changed since wearing it. I have it in my closet; I’ll bust it out mont; she’s a Latina drag queen and she per- speech to some fifth-graders. Tell me about that album was released [in 1996]? again one of these times. forms at The Monster in New York—although that. KW: [The music] takes on the vibe of what I’m WCT: And you certainly stood out at the Gay she’s recently moved to Miami, so she’ll [prob- Kristine W: For the next couple of weeks, the doing at that particular time. The songs are defi- Games Closing Ceremony last year. It was one ably] be at Parliament House and The Coliseum. Light the Night leukemia walk is taking place nitely a musical journal; they take me back in of the highlights. She does me very well. around the country, and a lot of different schools time and I relive those emotions again. [The al- KW: That big blue Marc Bower cape—he gave Doors open at 9 p.m. for the Oct. 7 show. are reading about leukemia and talking about it. bum] Stronger came about when my grandmoth- that to me. See www.kristinew.com for more info about Some friends of mine, a principal and a teacher, er was ailing and when I had my first baby... [Performing in Wrigley Field] was amazing. It the show and her music. asked me to talk to a class about [the disease]. watching life come into the world and watching It got pretty heavy; they talked about family life go out was traumatic at the time; I had to members who had been affected. It opened the be strong for my baby and for my grandmother. floodgates. WCT: It sounds like you put a lot of yourself ONLINE THIS WEEK... WCT: And you’re quite the fighter. into these songs. THEATER REVIEWS OF KW: Yes. Leukemia is an aggressive disease, KW: It’s hard and it takes a long time to put and it takes you out pretty quickly. Fortunately, albums together. Sharing is what it’s all about, SPARE CHANGE I had health insurance so I could fight the good and the thing about dance music is that it can fight, but a lot of people don’t have that option. breach some pretty serious topics with a happy The odds are grim but there is hope, because I’m dance beat—it doesn’t get too heavy that way, THE SAVANNAH DISPUTATION here. and that’s what I love about dance music. I’m www.windycitymediagroup.com WCT: What did you learn about yourself a pretty lightweight person; I use my music to

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The best-selling author of Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice and Me Talk A tour-de-force exploration of the public school system Pretty One Day will read selections from his pointed commentary on the human condition “MARVELOUS” that are sure to leave -The New York Times the audience laughing out loud.

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- Exclusive Show Sponsor - Tickets: 708-235-2222 www.centertickets.net The Center is located minutes off I-57 at the Sauk Trail exit. Free Parking Available. 20 October 3, 2007 should like, what a woman should like if you’re Pansy gay. I felt like being gay had unlimited possibili- ties, and I wanted to explore. WCT: Gay people can rock out, too. Division JG: It seems obvious now, but it wasn’t hap- pening back then. The other thing worth men- Rocks On tioning is right when we started, the year before BY AMY WOOTEN we had our first record come out, … was the Riot Grrl year. That was real exciting for me. I remem- Veteran queer punk rocker Jon Ginoli, founder of ber when Bikini Kill came out, and I had been Pansy Division, just had a traumatic morning, yet waiting to hear a female band like this for years, still finds a way to connect the bizarre event to the same way I had been waiting to hear a gay gay politics. This is to be expected from a mem- band for so many years, and realizing I was going ber of the longtime, in-your-face, gay rock band. to be the one to have to do it. I couldn’t form the His boyfriend was injured (he’s okay!) that women’s band—that just wasn’t going to work. morning, but Ginoli still found relevance in the [Laughs] It just seemed like we came up when scary situation. “I have healthcare through the the possibilities seemed wide open. store [a record store he works at], and he’s on my It’s kind of hard to decide what things are now- healthcare,” he said. “… It’s all because gains adays. One of the things [we] asks ourselves is, that have been made in the last 30 years. … “Is there still a point for the band? Is our band It’s good to think about these things, and how still relevant?” We came out of the moment. I actions have had an effect for the better on gay think what we found is yeah, there is more ac- people’s lives.” ceptance for certain things than there was 15 Ginoli, an Illinois native, had the dream to cre- years ago. Even though there are more gay musi- ate the first all-gay rock band while in college. cians now, not all of them are singing specifics He never thought it could truly happen, but in like we do. If you listen to our music over the 1991, history was made. Now the band is back in Pansy Division. years, there is a continuum of topics we’ve ad- the studio after five years and kicking off a tour dressed in songs, and an evolution. We started with the newly reformed version of the influen- a quality level here that we’re satisfied with, so … At that time, I was the only gay member of off really brash, got more thoughtful, and now we tial, but short-lived, punk band The Avengers. A we’ll continue. … We’ll be playing some of the that band. My band members were fine with that, have both strands of that woven in. we’re kind of Pansy Division documentary is nearly completed, new songs on the tour. but I didn’t feel I could be real specific about romantic, too. I think our band is dirty and sweet and Ginoli just finished a book on his experience. I’m very interested in the political climate. … certain things without it sort of taking the focus at the same time. Ginoli talked to Windy City Times about being at See, we do songs that are topical, and then we do off the band and putting it on me. That was re- WCT: A lot of your songs are about sex. Have the right place at the right time, the relevance of songs that are outrageous. The new outrageous ally quite where I thought having an opening gay you ever gotten comments from people that his band today and more. song is called 20 Years of Cock. I thought, you band would be helpful, but it seemed like a really you’re perpetuating a stereotype? know, that’s something to celebrate. That you’ve unlikely scenario. I left Illinois in ’88 and came JG: Sometimes I’ve heard that. The argument Windy City Times: When the idea was first been out long enough (it’s been more than 20 to L.A., and then went to San Francisco in ’89. It usually is that we should be more mindful of ste- conceived to have an all-gay band, did you years for me) to be able to say, “You can live took me about a year and a half here before I saw reotypes of gay men, and not sing about sex so even dream it would last this long, or that you this way. You can have a life this way.” It’s not a that there was some possible audience for this much. … I think a part of what got us started would come this far? big political statement, but it’s still a statement idea that I had, and I thought the time might was the idea that we were outspoken people, and Jon Ginoli: I think if I had to predict between about freedom, and freedom is really under at- actually be ripe for it. we were going to write songs that reflect us and either one of those happening, I would have tack these days from the right wing. Part of what 1990 was the year of the queer. That was when not come up with material that downplays our picked “lasted longer” than “gotten bigger.” The got our band started was we get this idea being the word ‘queer’ suddenly started being used by personalities. … Some people are going to feel fact that we had this big surge in the mid-‘90s brought up in America that America is the land of gay people as a weapon. We’re not going to take that way but sex is part of life and I just feel made it so there were people that had heard of freedom and we’re free to do whatever we want. this as an insult any more; we’re going to wear it that’s the advantage of being gay. Gay people us then that are still interested in seeing us now. So, I feel like doing the out gay band is a real as a badge of honor. That was the moment that seem to be able to be more open about sex and There’s still a new group of people who are find- expression of the potential of what individuals I first thought that maybe I could really do this. that kind of approach to sexuality that makes a ing out about us. can achieve by doing something in public that is What I’m thinking is right along with what seems band like us interesting. … MySpace is amazing for being able to find very personal to them. And other people respond to be happening. We were liked from the begin- WCT: What do you think of today’s queer mu- out that that’s what the teens are doing and to it because of these personal experiences. ning—a very unlikely scenario. sic scene? there’s a whole bunch of teens discovering us. I’m Besides that, we’re actually on tour this year Pansy Division was the band without commer- JG: … I’m encouraged that there seem to be a just happy that we’re still around so that there’s opening for another band. … The fact that I now cial possibility that ended up lasting much longer lot of gay people doing hip-hop these days. I’m all these people who have found us recently who share two band members from them is just amaz- and being much more successful than the band not a real big hip-hop fan, in general, but I think didn’t get to see us in the hey-day who will hope- ing! What’s awesome about The Avengers, other that I started that I hoped would achieve some it’s great that people are taking on that form. fully come see us on this tour now. than I really like their music, is songs from 30 sort of success. It’s like —it’s inevitable. There isn’t WCT: In April you went back to the studio years ago are topical now. They were really writ- WCT: Did you kind of wonder what was go- any reason why gay people shouldn’t be doing for the first time in five years. What brought ing things that were about the problems of then ing to happen with this because most of the anything that they like to do musically. you guys back in there? Was it the political that relate to the problems of today. It’s come music for gay audiences at the time was club climate or just because? full circle. music? Check out Pansy Division and The Avengers JG: … The new recording came about because WCT: At what point did you first come up JG: You had this clubby music for gay men and Oct. 20 at Reggie’s Live, 2109 S. State. Doors I said, “Look, I got two songs I really want to do. with the idea or dream of creating a gay rock folk music for lesbians. I remember going to a open at 7 p.m. for the all-ages show, and tick- These are songs that if we were doing another band? meeting at the University of Illinois for their gay ets can be found at www.ticketweb.com. album, they’d be right on it. … If you guys are JG: I grew up in Peoria, and I ended up going student group and people sat around strumming too busy to do it, I’ll find other people to do it to the University of Illinois. I came out when I Holly Near songs, and I thought, “I like her poli- with. They are really important songs for me.” We was in college. I had a band that had made a tics, but I really don’t care for her music.” … I’m decided to record those, and we ended up record- few records, and that band broke up in ’87, and I not going to like something just because it’s gay! ing two more. We liked them so much, and they thought that was pretty much what I was going It needs to be good. I admire Holly Near, but I turned out so well, we realized we’ve still got to do with music. Had a few fans. Didn’t get big. wanted to break the stereotypes of what a man

a new sketch iHole comedy Fri & Sat 8PM thru 10/20 Tickets $15 1-800-838-3006 or gayco.com Center on Halsted Hoover-Leppen Theatre 3656 N. Halsted gayco at Center on Halsted gayco.com October 3, 2007 21

Brian Kent—Stepping out with his debut, Melissa POP from page 14 Breathe Life, Kent seamlessly makes the transi- of Stevie Nicks. After a successful summer tour tion from figure skating to music making. Etheridge: with Chris Isaak, Nicks is scheduled to perform Joshua Klipp—Full of energy and life, this at The Rosemont Theatre on Fri., Oct. 19. multi-talented artist from San Francisco is well Awakened onto ’s game and then some. The Rainbow Connection Ivri Lider—Having already become a sensa- Melissa Etheridge isn’t wearing much. Just Looking to add all of the colors of the rainbow tion overseas, this Israeli singer-songwriter is ragged boxer shorts. A worn T-shirt. And some to your play list? Here are 10 LGBT artists you making waves stateside with his electronic ode biodegradable slippers. Tammy Lynn Michaels should know: to a boy titled Jesse. gazes from the bed, pretending to blog about —This Canadian rock band makes no Naommon (below)—Combining the best something other than the front-row show she’s apologies and deservingly got the party started of the Euro sound and New York underground, getting as Etheridge soulfully rehearses Gladys as the opening act to this summer’s True Colors Naommon is making an impression with his de- Knight’s “Neither One of Us” to honor the legend Tour. but, Allnighter. at a Sept. 10 ceremony. She’s swooning over her Dirty Sanchez, featuring Jackie Beat—This Kirsten Price—The soulful Price made a wife like Etheridge’s biggest fan—“This is free, trio from Los Angeles adds humor to its body steamy video for Magic Tree featuring clips from with a no-drink minimum,” Tammy writes. “Love, of work, which includes covers of Prince’s U Got the L Word. Now, she can be heard covering Sir love, love it.” The Look and Soft Cell’s Sex Dwarf. Duke on Lee Jeans commercials. “As far as I knew, she was just blogging. But Girl In A Coma—Signed to Joan Jett’s record Dylan Rice—Ever wonder what the Smiths I didn’t know she was blogging about me sing- label, this trio is breaking out with its cut Road would have sounded like if they had an out front ing—” Etheridge pauses, breaking into a throaty To Home. man? This Chicagoan is the answer. laugh, “in my pajamas!” Swati—Soft yet harsh, Swati’s debut outing, Once the couple, who live in Los Angeles, fi- Small Gods, descended to rave reviews this nally drift into dreamland, they’ll awake early. spring. Sometime around 5:30 a.m. Not by an ear-pierc- ing alarm clock, but from the crying of twin ba- The Hits Keep Comin’ bies down the hall: Miller Steven and Johnnie While Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Britney Rose. Spears will have unavoidable media onslaughts “When we got this house, we thought we’d to promote their forthcoming new albums in the have one more child,” Etheridge laughs. “And we next few months, Pop Making Sense wanted to have two more children, and they’re a boy and a alert you of 10 worthwhile titles that are due girl—so we can’t ask them to share a room.” out shortly or that have already been released. Read more of Chris Azzopardi’s interview As always, details are subject to change. with Melissa Etheridge, including her fight Gabrielle—Always (Oct. 1) against cancer and the naked man who is con- Reba McIntyre—Duets (Sept. 18) stantly in her bedroom in this brand-new in- Joni Mitchell—Shine (Sept. 25) terview online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. Alyson Moyet—The Turn (Oct. 22) com. Olivia Newton-John—Christmas Wish (Nov. 1) Pet Shop Boys—Disco 4 (Oct. 15) MUSIC LISTINGS ONLINE: Don’t LeAnn Rimes—Family (Oct. 9) Jill Scott—The Real Thing (Sept. 25) forget to check out our Windy Seal—System (Oct. 30) City Times music listings online Angie Stone (above)—The Art of Love & War www.windycitymediagroup.com. (Oct. 16)

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Old Town Axe Windy City 07 1 10/1/07, 12:30 PM 22 October 3, 2007 Kevin Smith: CULTURE CLUB Setting the ‘bar’ NILAJA SUN By Andrew Davis

Famed director/producer Kevin Smith certainly has a history with the LGBT community—wheth- er it involves the controversy with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) regarding one of his movies or his status as an icon of the bear community. Smith’s relation- For tickets call ship with this demographic continues with his executive-producer role in small town , a 312.337.0665 documentary (now out on DVD) that centers on lookingglasstheatre.org past and present gay bars in rural Mississippi. his message and he’s charismatic enough where Smith recently talked with Windy City Times you go, “The dude doesn’t sound retarded [and] Lookingglass Theatre Company he’s well spoken”—but what he’s saying is so about the movie, the Rev. Fred Phelps and going in the Water Tower Water Works to gay bars. fucking backwards, dark and evil. This guy is be- Michigan Avenue at Pearson Windy City Times: Since the movie is called yond the pale. Watching him, your skin fucking small town gay bar, I have to ask: Had you crawls. been in a gay bar before you heard of this WCT: I think the people who murdered [gay film? teen] Scotty Joe Weaver [profiled in a seg- Classic Comedy with a Contemporary Twist! Kevin Smith: Yeah. The first one I had been ment in small town gay bar] would’ve been to was called Feathers; it’s in northern New Jer- congregants in Phelps’ church. sey. My brother took me there around ‘92 or ‘93. KS: If Phelps was interested in having anyone Plus, I live in a pretty gay world, so I’ve been to in his church besides fucking family, anyway. plenty since then. That’s a close-knit group, man. There are like 70 The other day, I went to my first bear bar. Un- members who are all related; it’s kinda nuts. fortunately, I wasn’t the focus of attachment I [The segment on] the folks who murdered was assured I would be if it was open. I would’ve Scotty Joe Weaver, like Phelps’, was something had my pick of the litter; I would’ve been Mari- that doesn’t have much to do with the bars, but by Jean Baptiste Moliére lyn Monroe. it was something Malcolm found a way to layer WCT: How long had you known [director] into the doc so that it makes sense in the con- translation and adaptation by Malcolm [Ingram] before he approached you text. It strengthens the point of the bar owners with his idea for small town gay bar? about why these bars are so important. James Magruder KS: I’d known him in ‘94; I met him when I WCT: Your history with GLAAD has been... was at the Toronto Film Festival with Clerks. And interesting. Did the organization say any- I’d given him a bunch of money to make his first thing about small town gay bar? OCT 3 - NOV 11 movie, Drawing Flies. Then, I was an executive KS: I think they gave it a good review, if I re- WC TimesListing-9-20 9/13/07 12:40 PM 847/673-6300Page 1 consultant or one of those bullshit credits on member correctly. But it wasn’t so much GLAAD www.northlight.org the second feature, Tail Lights Fade. that put me on the shit list as much as it was We were in post-production with Jersey Girl their media director at the time, Scott Seomin; Chicago premiere! when Malcolm came by the production office. We he took issue with [the movie] Jay and Silent hadn’t seen him in a couple of months, and he Bob Strike Back. There was a scene in that movie brought 10 minutes of the prototype for small in which one of the titular characters said that FICTION town gay bar that was shot in a gay bar in Tra- he would suck the other guy’s dick; it doesn’t by Steven Dietz verse City, Mich.—and it was riveting. It was get more gay-friendly than that in a mainstream like your 86-year-old grandfather suddenly hand- movie, unless you’re Brokeback [Mountain]. So I Directed by Nick Sandys ing you a movie he made with a Super-8 cam- was like, “What? This is the hill you want to die era and it was Jaws; you’re just like, “Where did on?” That same summer, Rush Hour 2 came out, “The only thing harder than dying that come from? You’re an idiot—how did you and that was completely homophobic. with your secrets is living with them.” make something this good?” It was a quantum The bittersweet p.s. to the whole affair is that –Steven Dietz leap forward for him. Suddenly, he wasn’t trying The Advocate put us on its top 10 movies of the to create something he thought other people year, and so did John Waters. I sent Scott an would like; he was speaking from his own expe- e-mail pointing that out. Sept. 27–Nov. 4 rience. (By this point, he was out.) I said, “This WCT: What does your brother think of small at Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater is genius. You have to do a whole feature. Here’s town gay bar? 773 871 3000 or www.remybumppo.org some cash; go out and make it.” [The movie] is KS: He totally dug it; he appreciated it. a snapshot of a world most people don’t really Malcolm said that, while he was going to 2 for 1 preview tix Sept. 27–29 get a good look into. [film] fests, there was this catty in the use code 2PREVIEW WCT: You’ve said that small town gay bar is more urban areas. Traditionally, based on media about family. Talk about that a little bit. stereotypes, people within the gay community KS: That was something I learned from my don’t like to think of gay people looking like brother; I’m fairly close with him and the rest they do in [the movie]: not photogenic, not of my family. I love my brother, Don, but we’re beefy or muscular—they look like average peo- not of his world. He has his gay extended fam- ple. I never asked my brother, “Look—getting ily, and that was something I picked up from past the fact that you wouldn’t fuck any of these him. The family of the 21st century isn’t nec- people with a stolen dick—did the movie con- essarily a nuclear one—it’s the one you create nect with you?” He seemed to take it for what it around yourself. small town gay bar depicts a was. bunch of individuals who aren’t living their lives I’m always fascinated by the idea of prejudice in nuclear families; they create them from these within a community that’s the victim of preju- watering holes. I kinda dug that. dice—or that there are levels of cattiness within WCT: What was the most surprising thing a subgroup or minority. you saw in the film? WCT: Switching gears, I saw a blurb in Out KS: Hands down, the most surprising thing was magazine in which you said your favorite that someone like Malcolm came up with some- make-out song is Freak Me [an R&B ballad by thing this good. [Interviewer laughs.] Second the group Silk]. to that would be [anti-gay Rev. Fred] Phelps. KS: [Laughs] Unfortunately, my wife doesn’t That, to me, is spellbinding. You watch Phelps agree with me. My wife likes this trance CD that speak and you realize why Adolf Hitler was able we picked up at The Standard Hotel in Los Ange- to gather an army around him and convince peo- les a few years back. That has become our go-to For more shows and listings, check out ple to liquidate six million Jews, among others. soundtrack. [Phelps] is charismatic, and you get why people www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com like that connect [with others]; he so believes October 3, 2007 23 guarantee it right now. AM: Do you have a favorite food? Jennifer JB: No, I don’t really have a favorite. I mean, I like cereal. I’ve been in love with cereal for most Beals: of my life. Gender PAC’s 3rd annual Celebrity Cook-Off To ‘L’ is Sat., Oct. 6, at the Chopping Block at Mer- chandise Mart. For tickets and information, visit www.GPAC.org/l-word. To listen to this and Back entire interview, go to www.windycityqueer- BY AMY MATHENY cast.com.

Flashdance made Jennifer Beals the icon of the ‘80s. She taught us to cut up our sweatshirts, take off our bras with flair and dance until we Entertainment sweat. She continued her career with diverse roles in films such as Devil in a Blue Dress, Mrs. Briefs Parker and the Vicious Circle, The Anniversary TMZ.com reports that it obtained docu- Party, Twilight of the Golds and Roger Dodger. ments filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court that state former Lost star Michelle Then came her role as Bette Porter in the lesbian Rodriguez has failed to complete the terms Showtime series The L Word. of her probation multiple times for various Beals is coming to Chicago for a Oct. 6 benefit crimes include a DUI. The entertainment site for GenderPAC, and Windy City Queercast’s Amy reported Rodriguez could serve up to 537 days Matheny chatted briefly with her about Chicago, Jennifer Beals. Photo courtesy of GLAAD in the slammer. her film career and, of course, The L Word. Adam Sandler said he would love to be a future gay rights activist while promoting I Amy Matheny: You were born and raised certainly bring you back down to earth. But I interest on The L Word. Did you suggest that Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry in Mexico in Chicago. What are some of your favorite don’t feel like I wasn’t on the earth in Holly- she come on the show? City, the Associated Press reported. “If I can things about the city? wood; it just felt very bizarre, like it was just JB: I didn’t. I was told that she was going to very surreal. have a meeting, and I was really excited about help anybody in any way, I certainly would,” Jennifer Beals: Well, the lakefront; my sweet- Sandler is quoted as saying at a news confer- AM: I could talk forever about the films that it. It’s just been wonderful. She’s so funny. The est memories are at the lakefront, whether it ence. I [mentioned above], because those are films only down side is that she makes me laugh. was running or going biking with my family. And According to Towlerroad.com, Harry Potter that I really like a lot. She’s the only person that’s ever made me break the architecture is so spectacular. star Daniel Radcliffe said at a press junket JB: Roger Dodger…when you mentioned that in a scene, made me die laughing. … You know, AM: Do you get back often? that he would be willing to take on a role one, that made me really happy. I had such a she doesn’t have to sign anything or, you know, JB: No, I don’t. So I’m really, really excited to of a character who is exploring his sexual- good time on that film. Working with my friends she’ll just look at me and it just kills me. come home. ity. He also added, in response to a reporter’s and being in New York and telling that story was AM: What is in store for Bette this season? AM: After superstardom in Flashdance, you question, that he would “not play a gay char- just so much fun. JB: God. Lord, have mercy. It’s going to be chose to go to Yale. What was it like for you acter just for the sake of playing a gay char- AM: It’s interesting to look at your film drama constantly, super drama. Bette and Jody to immerse yourself in school after Hollywood acter.” history, how you’ve had this…core group of have all kinds of things they’re going through. and the L.A. life? Running with Scissors’ Joseph Fiennes will people, from Alan Cumming to Tony Goldwin JB: Well, I had never had the L.A. life. I was AM: The L Word has definitely expanded undergo some nipping and tucking of his in school when I found out that I got the part. to Marlee Matlin [that you have worked with your activism. Obviously, before The L Word own as the star of a trans TV show. Nip/Tuck So I went and took a term off to go do the film, and known for a while]. But let’s talk about you were not being asked to be the grand creator Ryan Murphy’s untitled FX drama pilot and then I came back to school. I had already The L Word. How was the series pitched to you marshal of the Pride Parade in San Francisco. (formerly titled 4 oz.) is about a husband and been acclimated and I already had friends there, and the character of Bette Porter? JB: That was an amazing experience! It was father who opts for a sex change, according to so it wasn’t that difficult. It really was a relief, JB: Well, I read the pilot, and they told me to really so much fun. I just wanted them to turn The Hollywood Reporter. because I knew how to go to school, and Hol- keep in mind who I would rather play, whether that car around and do it all over again. People Bravo’s Project Runway returns for a lywood was so unfamiliar to me. it was Bette or Tina. I felt like I didn’t under- were so supportive and sweet, and it was just fourth season on Nov. 14, and features su- AM: So they already knew you as Jennifer. stand Tina as much as I understood Bette. I re- such a rush. It was such an incredible rush. permodel host Heidi Klum and a panel made Even though you’d done the big film, they ally liked all of the complexity that was written AM: Well, I’m sure they would have turned up of designers Tim Gunn, Michael Kors and brought you back down to earth. in already from the pilot with that, and it’s lucky it around and done it all over again for you. Nina Garcia, according to Bravo. See www. JB: With that kind of course load, that will that I chose that because Lauren Holloman is They were probably still partying. … They bravotv.com to meet the cast. so fantastic as Tina. I never could have done would have wondered if they were having déjà Former Men’s Fitness editor Neal Boulton as good of a job with it as she has with that vu. You’re in town with your co-stars from The recently came out of the closet after becom- character. It was proposed to me that it was this L Word, Marlee Matlin and Danielle Sea, for ing editor of gay publicaton Genre, according group of friends and…we’re going to deal with the Gender PAC third annual celebrity cook- to the New York Post. The married Boulton their lives and see where it takes us. off. Tell us a little bit about what you’re going had previously been spotted smooching Roll- AM: What was the most intriguing thing to be doing at the event. Are you really going ing Stone editor Jann Wenner. about the show? It was obviously ground- to be cooking? Gay characters on network television breaking at the time. JB: I’m going to be humiliating myself. shows are declining, while increasing on JB: I never thought about it as being ground- AM: No! cable, according to a study recently released breaking, I just thought, “Wow, this is a fantas- JB: I’m going to be humiliating myself, be- by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defa- tic character to play,” and she’s complicated and cause I don’t cook. Like, I’m not just exaggerat- mation (GLAAD). Seven regular gay characters interesting and it was just a wonderful gift more ing for the sake of storytelling. I really don’t will appear on network television shows dur- than anything else. cook. Under duress I can cook Thanksgiving ing the 2007-2008 season, compared to nine AM: And I imagine it’s also such a unique dinner, you know, with a lot of thought. But… last season. Six of the seven shows featuring experience to work with a mostly female cast eating a gourmet meal is not at the top of my regular gay characters are on ABC. On the flip and so many women in production. list. To me, food is energy and I just move on side, cable shows for the upcoming season JB: [Laughing] We all tend to cycle at the and get through the day. Now I’m being asked will feature 40 LGBT characters on 21 shows. same time. to do something beyond opening a can of tuna. Comedian Kathy Griffin offended a Ten- AM: It’s got to be a very unique, being So this will be really fascinating. nessee Christian theater group during her around that many women all the time. AM: Do you know what you’re going to Emmy acceptance speech so much that they JB: It’s a fantastic cast, it is. Everybody is make? placed a $90,000 ad in USA Today con- incredibly supportive of one another. The other JB: Hell, no! Am I supposed to? You’re scaring demning her, according to the Associated night we had an eight-page scene around a fire, me. Press. The Miracle Theatre Group was offended with 11 characters, and we thought, “How are AM: I don’t know. I just assumed that if that Griffin said, “I want you to know that no we going to get through this?” So I just [had] it’s going to be a cook-off, we’re going to be one had less to do with this award than Jesus. everybody come into my trailer the day before watching you make chili and Marlee make… So, all I can say is, ‘suck it, Jesus.’ This award we had to do the scene, and we all ran through JB: All I ask is to be the sous chef. That’s all. is my god now.” [it] until we all knew it…just so that there were AM: Well, make sure you get to be Art MTV is airing a bisexual dating show, ac- no wrinkles when we finally went to camera, and Smith’s sous chef. He’s the personal chef to cording to a BlackPressMagazine.com press it was great, and everybody was really helpful to Oprah, [and he] also will be there. I’m sure release. “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,” is one another, and respectful of one another. he’ll give you some tips. a show that will feature 16 men and 16 wom- en who will compete for Tequila’s affections. AM: You’ve been friends with Marlee Matlin JB: Well, I’m hoping to learn something. That’s The show is set to debut Oct. 9. for years. my goal. AND to not have Marlee make fun of JB: I have. me too much. I can guarantee you that Marlee AM: And she has recently been your love Matlin is going to be incredibly entertaining. I 24 October 3, 2007 ally, Wong and Mr. Yee become involved in an LUST, CAUTION extremely heated affair (garnering the picture an NC-17 rating) that brings with it a surprising KNIGHT test of loyalty for both. Lee’s movie—claustrophobic, lush (aided by AT the sumptuous production design and Alexandre THE DesPlat’s ravishing musical score), and a touch florid—feels as old-fashioned as the classic MOVIES movies it builds on. (There are hints of Casa- blanca and other wartime pictures as well.) But two sequences—the sudden, unexpected murder of the traitor (thrilling and violent with hints of Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain) and the first full-on sexual encounter between Wong and Mr. Yee— firmly update the classic references for modern audiences. “If you pay attention, nothing is trivial” Mr. Yee comments at one point, stating the essence of Lee’s character-driven and very Before I Forget; entertaining movies, this one included. dialogue. It sounds like a drag, doesn’t it? simple acts like Pierre reading a book, taking Check out my archived reviews at www. Lust, Caution But Nolot’s film is anything but a drag (and his medication or opening a(nother) package of By Richard Knight, Jr. windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- it’s beautifully photographed to boot). Pierre’s cigarettes are interspersed with a matter-of-fact ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the comme si/comme sa attitude and circumstances visit from a young hustler that features graphic It’s been a spotty year for queer cinema, at latter Web site where there is also ordering are leavened by a droll sense of humor. Pierre and sex or a quickie blowjob Pierre gives a delivery best—until now. Before I Forget—a French film information on my new book of collected film his aging friends also fascinate because they’re boy. written, directed by and starring Jacques Nolot reviews, Knight at the Movies 2004-2006. characters we don’t see represented in the mov- The conversations between Pierre and his cro- that is screening as part of the Chicago Interna- Read about the Chicago International Film ies, gay or straight. Gay hustlers are supposed nies—as to be expected—focus on money. Fear tional Film Festival—is, hands down, the queer Festival on page 28. to be young and hunky and handsome, outfitted of losing everything and being tossed back to movie of the year. Nolot’s film is an unsentimen- with witty repartee and impeccable style. We see those Mean Streets is foremost in the minds of tal portrait of Pierre, a 58-year-old former hus- Pierre was that way late in the film, when he these aging gigolos. When Pierre’s lover of many tler trying to hang on in a world that is swiftly glances at a picture of himself, young and gor- years dies, having promised him the bulk of passing him by. Battling the long-term effects of geous, in a photo album left behind by his dead his fortune, the family (unsurprisingly) quickly HIV and the inevitable encroachment of old age, DVD REVIEW sugar daddy. But he is completely unsentimental steps in to sweep aside any claims Pierre might not to mention the disappearance of his liveli- about that past and it’s what ultimately arms make on the estate. In one of the film’s most Creatures hood and supportive social network of johns and him to deal with an unforgiving future. unflinchingly honest scenes, Pierre and another fellow gigolos, Pierre shrugs his shoulders, lights As noted, much of the film is spent observing gigolo visit the lover’s estate auction and he from the yet another cigarette and gets on with life. Much the reduced circumstances of Pierre’s world, but points out pieces of jewelry, artwork and other of the film is made up of observational scenes Pink Lagoon in Nolot’s hands the everyday tasks aren’t bor- items he was promised without a hint of nostal- REVIEW BY STEVE WARREN so long they seem to be happening in real time, ing. Perhaps that is because Nolot doesn’t distin- gia for anything other than the loss of income and there is no music score and a minimum of guish between the mundane and the audacious; the objects could have brought him. In a few If Creatures from the Pink Lagoon gives you broad strokes, we see how quickly the bourgeois any wood it will be Ed Wood. The spirit of the world that supported Pierre for years moves on legendary “world’s worst filmmaker” hovers to the next beautiful boy toy and how Pierre the over this uninspired sci-fi horror spoof like a THE SENSUAL NEW ESPIONAGE THRILLER realist expects nothing less. Nolot emphasizes rain cloud over a picnic. ® this when Pierre takes up a young friend’s of- It’s hard to make a good intentionally bad FROM THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING fer to go to a nightclub in drag. Pierre’s “what movie, because when the result is bad a viewer “ DIRECTOR OF “BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN” the hell” response to his circumstances ends the can’t tell whether you did it that way on pur- movie with what may be one of the most emo- pose or not. tionally powerful scenes since the two former The premise is to remake The Boys in the child-abuse victims bonded at the conclusion of Band as a horror movie from the ‘50s or ‘60s. Gregg Araki’s Mysterious Skin. In addition to adopting the basic situation of “Nothing’s more boring than an old queen Mart Crowley’s play—a birthday party for a with a head cold,” Robert Preston quipped in gay man attended by some of his closest and Victor/Victoria back in the early ‘80s, getting bitchiest friends—the movie riffs on the play’s knowing laughs from both straight and queer dialogue and uses the last names of original audiences. We’ve been conditioned to disparage, cast members for the characters’ last names. pity or entirely ignore older gay men within the It seems mosquitoes are soaking up toxic chemicals from a nearby chemical plant and community from the moment we became a com- infecting the men who cruise the Exit 5 Rest munity, and have usually depicted ourselves this Stop (no senators among them) with the “West way in our own movies. Before I Forget—tough, End Virus,” turning them into Romero-esque flinty and refreshing in its emotional honesty— zombies. One of those infected is Bobby (Bill is a great film with a tremendous performance Morrison), a “rest stop betty” who’s been dat- from Nolot that refuses to go that route. C’est ing idealistic, romantic Phillip (Nick Garrison), magnifique! In French with subtitles. whose birthday we’re celebrating. Screens Sat., Oct. 6, at 5:15 p.m. and Sun., Our host (and token Black) is Stan (Lowell Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. at AMC River East, 322 E. Illi- WINNER Deo), whose unfaithful partner, Billy (Vincent BEST PICTURE nois, and Wed., Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. at Landmark’s GOLDEN LION Kovar, not quite carrying off the “hunk” look Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark; www.chi- he’s supposed to have), is in attendance. Ran- 2007 VENICE cagofilmfestival.com INTERNATIONAL dall (Philip D. Clarke) is responsible for most FILM FESTIVAL of the bitchy banter, spoken as if channeling “ANG LEE’S POTENTLY EROTIC AND SUSPENSEFUL Ang Lee, Academy Award-winning director of Paul Lynde, while his date for the day, Gary Brokeback Mountain and the earlier queer- ‘LUST,CAUTION’ CASTS A SPELL YOU WON’T WANT TO BREAK! (John Kaufmann) is off fooling around with Tony Leung goes places he’s never been before as an actor. Newcomer Tang Wei gives themed The Wedding Banquet, is back with Billy. The only official single is shy Joseph a performance that will be talked about for years. Ang Lee is a true master.” Lust, Caution. An epic tale of espionage set in (Evan Mosher), and no one seems to know or —PETER TRAVERS Shanghai against the panorama of World War II, care whether he’s gay. the movie focuses on a band of college theatre The “flesh-eating creatures of the night” “ majors who transform their flair for the dramatic AN ELEGANT, EROTIC MOVIE – MIXES DARING AND come out in the daytime to interrupt the party. to the political in an attempt to bring down a DELICACY WITH A MASTER’S TOUCH. I mean, really come out, dancing in a chorus The perfect blending of director Ang Lee’s two most popular films.” traitor in service to the mysterious Mr. Yee (Tony line. —RICHARD CORLISS Leung Chiu Wai). The lengths to which this The effects are nothing special, cheap band (which includes Wang Leehom’s ambitious enough to make Ed Wood look like a spend- character, Kuang Yu Min) will go—especially thrift. It’s all in black and white except for

SOME EXPLICIT SEXUALITY the lovely Wong Chia Chi (Wei Tang)—is auda- some pink tinting to indicate a zombie’s POV. cious. In a variation on Hitchcock’s Notorious, It’s kind of like Psycho Beach Party with- Wong impersonates the wealthy wife of an ex- out—come to think of it, Psycho Beach Party IN SELECT THEATRES FRIDAY, porter who catches the eye of Mr. Yee (whose was without everything, too. TH own wife is played by the ever-gorgeous Joan OCTOBER 5 Chen). Complications arise at first but, eventu-

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(11/07/07-6) (P6/05/08-52) BOOK REVIEW ex-lovers, to borrow the title of Amy Hoffman’s MONROE from page 10 recent memoir, turns into a cadre of friends. This is an energetic, lively and hilarious book LGBTQ people deserve equal protection under Dateland that doesn’t try to be anything other than unpre- the law and that the Constitution should not by Jennifer Parello tentious lesbian lit. Ultimately, Dateland also re- be amended to ban same-sex marriage, he McKenna Publishing Group, 198 pages, $19 minds me of all the reasons I don’t date. Despite does, however, think the comparison between REVIEW BY YASMIN NAIR their collective show of careless detachment from gay rights and the black civil rights struggle conventional romance, every lesbian in this book is “a stretch,” as he mentioned at a talk in Jennifer Parello’s debut novel, Dateland, is a is eager to succumb to the plague of domesticity March 1998 at Harvard Law School. “Gays fun romp through a world populated entirely by that overwhelms our community. were never called three-fifths human in the lesbians who talk non-stop in the kind of patter Parello’s characters, like so many of us, take Constitution,” Jackson told his audience. made famous—if not entirely likeable—by the special joy in living entangled lives. But they all And Sharpton knows both personally and television show Gilmore Girls. They spend most of eventually settle into comfortable attachments to politically how the civil rights model excludes their time plotting ways to seduce each other or those who bring the least pain and complication. a member of his own family—his sister. In the setting up dates for their unsuspecting friends. Claire, for instance, presented as the ideal, is so October 2005 issue of The Advocate, Sharpton Julia, the narrator, is a partner in a Chicago law adorable, so winsome, so utterly well-adjusted stated, “I understood the pain of having to firm with her friend Tricia, who lives with Anne in and charming that you’d like to wring her slender lead a double life in the system [since] we an open relationship—understood as such mostly neck. Life settles easily for us into a pattern of grew up in the church.” And at the National by Tricia. Jean and Julia move in together but Sunday brunches and predictable routines, even Black Justice Coalition’s Black Church Sum- Jean absconds with Michelle just as she’s sup- if they are routines peppered with lesbian drama. mit on Gay Rights in January 2006, Sharpton posed to close on a condo with Julia. Julia meets We have convinced ourselves that being happy made reference to his sister: “Black, gay, and Claire, who has never been with a woman and and being interesting are two incommensurable female. Imagine the social schizophrenia.” who is still close friends with her ex-husband and states of being. Sharpton had promised to take his message his current wife. So far, so lesbian. of queer justice on the road. But instead, as This central cast of characters is surrounded E-mail Yasmin Nair at welshzen@yahoo. one of NBJC’s and HRC’s paid speakers at the by every conceivable kind of dyke, from the up- plans: “I nodded my head to demonstrate my mu- event, Sharpton abandoned the message but com. Nair blogs at www.bilerico.com. per middle-class power couple who decide to tual liberal outrage. But as I strolled back home took the money. give birth to their second child after adopting and gazed at the muscular skyline of brick and Those LGBTQ individuals and organizations the first from China because artificial insemina- stone, I mentally calculated what it would cost at the Jena 6 protest were joining a broad tion is now the more fashionable option, to the to buy one of the buildings and convert it into collation of national and local civil rights or- vegans who create an uproar when Tricia walks condos.” ganizations. While many in our queer com- into a bridge session wearing leather shoes. Julia Parello, a columnist for our Nightlines and a munity may think these individuals and orga- is a wryly self-conscious narrator who’s aware of Chicago resident, writes lovingly of the North nizations engaged in the wrong act for LGBTQ all her contradictions. When she discovers that Side lesbian community and its hangouts. But justice and for the wrong reason, they are a group of squatters on welfare is about to be Dateland reaffirms a central fact of lesbian the ones who are wrong. These individuals evicted from a dilapidated 1920s building on the life everywhere: We are incapable of ever truly and organizations were doing the right thing lakefront, she’s quick to outwardly empathize separating from our lovers, even after the most but working within a flawed model of African- with their plight but can’t resist making her own disastrous and dramatic break-ups. 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Includes heat and laundry. $1200/mo. 773-218- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company 4125. (10/24/07-4) (not in NJ) State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois October 3, 2007 27 KEEN from page 8 the debate watched it and even fewer returned this reporter’s calls for comment. Mark Leno, the openly gay state assemblyman representing San Francisco, didn’t see the de- bate, but after hearing Clinton’s response played back to him, he said, “There were some shades of ambiguity to it.” “It brings me back to the issue of marriage A taste of the World In your own Neighborhood equality and why the issue and why the words are so important,” said Leno. “Because once we get over that hurdle, these questions won’t even be asked anymore. And once it is recognized le- gally that there is no difference in way people love, this debate goes away. But until we get there,” he said, “there will be questions such as this and candidates will be parsing answers to questions and we’ll be parsing the words to their answers.” One of the more touchy parsings for the Clin- ton campaign might have been her use of the word “choice.” New Mexico Governor Bill Rich- ardson was strongly criticized from various parts of the gay community when, at the Human Rights Campaign-LOGO gay presidential forum in August, he said he thought sexual orientation was a choice. (He subsequently said he does not think so.) Real neighborhood living in the heart of Authentic Chicago. That’s Hilary Rosen, a longtime gay Democratic ac- Roosevelt Square. Here you’re steps from every convenience and tivist and friend and supporter of Clinton, said Exciting New unique entertainment. Enjoy our tree-lined streets, sprawling parks and the senator was not talking about sexual orien- FLOORPLANS & host of family-owned businesses. 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28 October 3, 2007 Rounding out director Jacques Nolot’s trilogy on Chicago gay life, Before I Forget is a frank portrait of an ordinary man coping with his mortality. See Deep International my separate comprehensive review in this week’s Knight at the Movies column. Film Festival: 2. Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Inside Songs—The Untold Story (doc) (UK/Austria): A LGBT Viewing special presentation of the documentary recog- Hollywood By Richard Knight, Jr. nized by Roger Ebert in his 2007 Overlooked Film Festival, Freddie is the most intimate and reveal- By Romeo San Vicente Roger Ebert, the 900-pound gorilla of film criti- ing portrait of the real man behind the larger- Superman Comes Down to Earth for Bret cism and a source of continued inspiration to than-life character. The director includes inter- Easton Ellis film writers (this film movie critic included), is views with insiders in Freddie’s closely guarded No one does urban malaise and amorality being honored this year by the 43rd Chicago In- life—including his mother, sister, schoolmates, better than Less Than Zero and American Psy- ternational Film Festival (CIFF), which runs Oct. and former lovers. cho author Bret Easton Ellis. And film adap- 4-17. For his tireless efforts on behalf of the fes- 3. La Lèon (Argentina/France): In the remote Before I Forget. Argentine wetlands, a rift is growing between tations of his work have always been, if not tival for decades, the opening-night gala at the completely successful, at least interestingly Chicago Theatre is being dedicated to Ebert. The two members of a river village whose economy fleck, Malcolm McDowell, Anthony Hopkins (who is being threatened by illegal loggers from Para- of their moment. So it will come as no sur- festivities will also feature the world-premiere will be here to promote Slipstream, which he prise that one of his lesser-known novels, The screening of director Marc Forster’s The Kite Run- guay. Otheguy’s debut feature is a meditative directed), and directors Ivan István Szabó (Sun- and determined narrative, meticulously pre- Informers, is currently in production starring ner. Forster (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland), shine, Being Julia) and Alison Eastwood (Clint’s the latest Superman, Brandon Routh. A Los who adapted the best-seller for the screen, will sented in high-definition black and white, full daughter, who helmed Rails & Ties) are among of secrets and suggestions that all lead toward Angeles fable of creepiness inhabited by a be in attendance. host of goodness-deficient people—film ex- the noted film celebrities expected to be in at- an inevitable and unforgettable confrontation. Festival Founder and Artistic Director Michael ecs, rock stars, a vampire, and others—the tendance throughout the festival. Actor Jeffrey 4. Love Songs/Les Chansons D’Amour Kutza and his staff have again put together a film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Wright (Angels in America, Syriana, Casino Roy- (France): A musical transcending societal norms slate of hotly anticipated films and undiscov- Winona Ryder, Billy Bob Thornton, Kim ale) will receive a career achievement award as for relationships, love and sexuality, Love Songs ered treasures. Star-driven movies like Michael Basinger, Mickey Rourke (reuniting the 9 ½ part of the festival’s Black Perspectives program. chronicles the lives of Ismael and Julie, two Clayton (George Clooney-Tilda Swinton), Things Weeks fun couple), and Ashley Olsen. Shoot- The program will also screen director John Say- young lovers looking to spice things up. They We Lost In the Fire (Halle Berry-Benicio Del ing for a planned 2008 release, the finished les’ latest film, Honeydripper, which stars Danny invite Ismael’s co-worker, Alice, to join their life Toro-David Duchovny), The Savages (Laura Lin- product should be nothing less than fascinat- Glover; Sayles will attend the screening. and their bed, but before long, Julie dies from ney-Philip Seymour Hoffman), Gone Baby Gone ing viewing. Films will screen at the Landmark Century Cen- an embolism, leaving Ismael shocked and torn. (Casey Affleck, in a movie directed by brother tre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark; AMC River East 21, 5. (Hungary): Ben) and Rails & Tiles (Kevin Bacon-Marcia Gay Men in the Nude/Férfiakt Rodriguez vs. Sigourney in 3D 322 E. Illinois; and the Music Box Theatre, 3733 Middle-aged Tibor, unhappy in his marriage and Harden) will have their first Chicago screenings N. Southport. The opening-night gala takes In the future, on the planet of Pandora, a at the festival. career, never considered bisexuality, but a ma- place populated by humanoids, Earth-dwellers place at the historic Chicago Theatre, 175 N. nipulative 19-year-old male prostitute pursues The number of films showcased at this year’s State, and the closing night at the Harris The- will be deposited and left to fend for them- fest has increased to over 100, but only eight him and ignites a sexual passion and artistic in- selves. This will prove problematic for them, ater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. spiration that Tibor feared he’d lost forever. of those movies have specific GLBT-themed GLBT titles include: and some seriously computer-generated bat- content. Though there’s nothing quite as gay- 6. Surveillance (UK): Adam, a handsome, tles will most likely go down. That’s the rough 1. Before I Forget (Avant Que J’Oublie) rosy-cheeked young teacher, gets into trouble friendly as last year’s career overview evening (France): At 58, former gigolo Pierre has lived plot of Avatar, the latest supersized film from with Liza Minnelli, the fest offers plenty to look after a one-night stand with the heir to a me- Titanic director James Cameron, which will with HIV for almost half his life. Behind his dia empire. When the heir turns up dead, Adam forward to for both the casual and dedicated cin- laissez-faire attitude and dark, wry humor hides star lesbian fave Michelle Rodriguez, Sigour- becomes embroiled in a cover-up that stretches ney Weaver, Zoe Saldana and Giovanni Ri- eastes. And there will be plenty of star wattage a man struggling to come to grips with his past all the way to the royal family. Shot from the bisi. And because technology is more fun to on hand: actors Laura Linney, Casey and Ben Af- and move forward into a more satisfying future. point of view of London’s myriad closed-circuit talk about than who plays human and who’s cameras (the movie’s most inventive idea), Sur- merely humanoid, the film is being shot in veillance is a high-tech thriller with, unfortu- a new digital 3D process that will make this nately, a low-tech budget. Simon Callow relishes grand-scale adventure pop off the screen like his part as a mysterious aide to the royal family no movie before. Look for the action to leap GAY PHONE SEX who’s fed up after years of covering up a ton of into your lap sometime in 2009. royal dirt. Gossipy but somewhat involving. 7. A Walk Into the Sea (doc) (USA): Danny Kevin Smith Makes a Porno You want it. We’ve got it. Williams, a promising filmmaker and lover of It’s not a Kevin Smith movie without some Live, One-On-One • Bulletin Board Andy Warhol, mysteriously disappeared in 1966. gay content. (See page 22 for a Kevin Smith Attempting to learn more about her lost uncle, interview.) Granted, it’s almost always of the the director of the film, Esther Robinson, un- crudest sort, the kind that even gay audiences earths many of Williams’ films, which include sometimes misinterpret, but Smith (director the earliest footage of The Velvet Underground, of Clerks, Clerks 2, and Chasing Amy) is very glimpses of superstar Edie Sedgwick and inter- decidedly of the gay-friendly, gay-inclusive views with numerous members of Warhol’s Fac- persuasion. Which is why it’s a no-brainer tory. We don’t find out much about Williams from that his latest sexually outrageous comedy, surviving Warhol cronies or much about Williams Zack and Miri Make a Porno, will mock human himself, but the found footage is spectacular sexuality from both sides of the fence. The and adds a patina of genuine sadness to this feature, still in the pre-production casting unusual documentary. stage, involves two 20-something friends who 8. The Witnesses/Les Témoins (France): Set decide to create their own amateur porn com- in the late 1980s, amid the onset of AIDS and pany. Originally, Smith’s Clerks 2 star Rosario the end of the sexual revolution, this haunting Dawson was attached, but then she dropped drama focuses on the contrasts between sex and out. Now names like Zach Braff and Seth Ro- love; health and sickness; and friendship and gen are circulating through the rumor mill. romance. Newly arrived in Paris, a handsome The only given? Jason Mewes (the Jay half of young man begins a friendship with a couple Jay and Silent Bob) is attached, so at least adjusting to life as new parents, and soon an Smith’s heterosexual life partner is along for unexpected love affair upsets the tranquility of the ride. their lives. French with English subtitles. 112 min. Romeo San Vicente thinks Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is the best gay movie of Aside from the GLBT offerings (only three of the new millennium. He can be reached which were available for screening before dead- Call now. Guys are waiting… care of this publication or at DeepInside- line), I suggest a trio of films: The Walker, a [email protected]. murder-mystery set among the highest corridors 1-800-PROMALE of power in Washington, D.C.; The Savages, 1-800-776-6253 which stars Laura Linney and Philip Seymour $1.99/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your Visa/MC Hoffman; and Michael Clayton, which stars George Clooney. 1-900-825-4500 Call 312-332-FILM (3456) or visit www. $1.49/min. 18+ Discreetly billed to your phone. $2 connect fee. chicagofilmfestival.com.

© 2007 npp productions, reno, nv customer service (888) 283-3331 October 3, 2007 29 WHAT TO DO? Saturday, Oct. 6

Wednesday, Oct. 3 Friday, Oct. 5 Olivia Funny Women, starring Vickie Ave., www.gerberhart.org Association of Latino Men for Action Buddy Guy’s Legends Lucy Lawless in Shaw, Karen Williams, Roxanna Ward. Gay Wednesday Nights at Bocadillos. Concert. And Oct. 6. 754 S. Wabash 7 p.m., $25, Rockford Theater at The Wednesday, Oct. 10 Proceeds benefit ALMA. 8 p.m.- 1 Ave., www.lucyconcert.com Rockford Women’s Club, 317 Park Ave., @tmosphere Show with MidTangent a.m., $5 suggested donation, 6739 Chicago 3160 Dan Stetzel. 9:30 p.m., www.rockfordtheater.com, 800-595- Productions, @tmosphere 54. 5355 N. Ogden Ave., www.almachicago.org 3160 N. Clark St., www.chicago3160. 4849, www.tix.com Clark St., www.atmospherebar.com Dyke Mic 2.0 All-ages open mic for com Scot’s Octoberfest party. Complimentary AIDS Foundation of Chicago Lecture, queer women of all gender persua- Flesh Hungry Dog Show Monthly queer brats 2-7 p.m. 1829 W. Montrose, part of AFC Speaker Series and Preven- sions; co-hosted by JT Newman and alternative, rock ‘n’ roll cabaret featur- 773-528-3253 tion Conference. Gay, Sexy, Healthy: Nikki Patin. Extended through end ing Actor Slash Model and Congress of St. Hilary Church Memorial for one-year Strengthening Prevention for Men Like of December; every Wednesday. 8-10 Starlings. 9 p.m., Jackhammer, 6406 anniversary of death of Rudy Johnson. Us. 6-8 p.m., University Center, Lake p.m., $10, $8 with student ID, Center N. Clark St., www.fleshhungrydog.com 8:30 a.m., at California and Bryn Room, 525 S. State St., RSVP at www. on Halsted Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Hydrate Lube wrestling (11 p.m.) and Mawr, [email protected] for aidschicago.org/events/conference. MARCH IN OCTOBER 3656 N. Halsted St., www.center- DJ Jeannette. 3458 N. Halsted St., more info php onhalsted.org, www.myspace.com/ www.hydratechicago.com Lynn Sage Research Foundation Ben- Russian gay activist Nikolai Alexeyev dykemic2, [email protected] Man’s Country Nude strippers Valentine, Sunday, Oct. 7 efit luncheon featuring guest speaker (above) will speak at the 9th Annual Mat- Gay Liberation Network Solidarity Geno and guests. 5017 N. Clark St. Berlin Madonna-Rama. No cover, 954 W. Fran Drescher: Light the Way to Find thew Shepard March, which will take place reception featuring Russian gay leader Mary’s Attic Book event honoring OUT Belmont, www.berlinchicago.com a Cure. 11:30 a.m., $250 or $150 for at Halsted and Roscoe. Nikolai Alexeyev. 7-9 p.m., $25 sug- Magazine columnist and novelist Jesse Better Existence with HIV Multiple those under 35, Four Seasons Hotel gested donation (all proceeds go to Archer, who will read from memoir, events to benefit BEHIV’s Massage Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Pl., 312- the Organizational Committee of Mos- You Can Run: Gay, Glam and Gritty Therapy program. A tag day at bars in 926-7133 for tickets, www.lynnsage. Wednesday, Oct. 10 cow Pride), Gerber Hart Library, 1127 Travels in South America. 8 p.m., Andersonville and Edgewater includes org W. Granville Ave., www.gayliberation. 5400 N. Clark St. activities such as guest bartending, Women and Children First Susan net, [email protected] Sidetrack 312 Urban Wheat Ale Event raffle drawings and drink specials. See Faludi: The Terror Dream. 7:30 p.m., Test Positive Aware Network Commit- on roof deack. Give-aways from 8 www.behiv.org. 5233 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299, ted to Living educational forum: What p.m., 3349 N. Halsted St., www. Dignity/Chicago Mass. 5 p.m., Broad- www.womenandchildrenfirst.com do all These Numbers Mean? Under- sidetrackchicago.com way United Methodist Church, 3344 N. standing your Blood Work. 7-9 p.m., Broadway, www.dignitychicago.org Thursday, Oct. 11 5537 N. Broadway, www.tpan.com Saturday, Oct. 6 Hydrate DJ Jeannette. 3458 N. Halsted Bailiwick Repertory Theater Hal- University of Illinois at Chicago The Chicago 3160 Gio. 9:30 p.m., 3160 N. St., www.hydratechicago.com loween costume and rummage sale. Office of GLBT Concerns’ series that Clark St., www.chicago3160.com Illinois Religious Coalition for the Great costumes and vintage clothes. explores spirituality and sexuality. Chicago Eagle UnderWEAR party. 5015 Freedom to Marry Brothers/Sister Runs through Oct. 13. 12-8 p.m., $3 Keynote speaker and author Christian N. Clark St. Congregations: Partnering Communi- donation, bring own shopping bags, de la Huerta. 4-5:30 p.m., Behavioral Gay Liberation Network 9th Annual ties to Support Marriage Equality. 1229 W. Belmont, 773-883-1090 for Sciences Building, Room 145, 1007 W. Matthew Shepard March featuring key- Features Rep. Greg Harris, Rabbi Peter more info Harrison St., www.glbc.uic.edu note speaker Nikolai Alexeyev, Russia’s Knobel and others to help congrega- Center on Halsted First Latino/a Women and Children First Missy foremost gay leader. Begins 8 p.m., tions reach out to support Illinois’ LGBTQQA conference. Includes Lavender: You Go Girl: But Only When parking lot on the corner of Halsted civil union bill. 6 p.m., free, Unitarian workshops, presentation and more. 9 You Want To. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, and Roscoe, www.gayliberation.net, Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave., a.m.-7 p.m., $25 per person, $10 for www.womenandchildrenfirst.com [email protected] register at http://brothersistercongre- students, call Karen at 773-472-6469 LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX Gender PAC 3rd Annual Chicago Celebri- gations.eventbrite.com or 773-549- ext. 261 or krothstein@centeronhal- Thursday, Oct. 4 ty Cook Out. Featuring Jennifer Beals, 0260 ext. 33 sted.org for info. Gregorio Millett of the CDC (above) will American Veterans for Equal Rights Marlee Matlin, Daniela Sea, celebrity WACT Monthly brunch. Call 773-562- Chicago 3160 John Jones. 9:30 p.m., talk at the “Gay, Sexy, Healthy” forum at Chicago Monthly meeting. 7 p.m., chefs. 6-8 p.m., The Chopping Block, 7465 for more info. 3160 N. Clark St., www.chicago3160. University Center, 525 S. State. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted 222 Merchandise Mart, #107, www. Windy City Gay Naturists Potluck & com St., 773-472-6469 or 773-752-0058 gpac.org/l-word for more info movie night. 5 p.m., RSVP 312-494- Chicago NOW Celebrate National Com- photo courtesy of Millett for more info, www.aver.us Hydrate Alyson Calagna. 3458 N. Hal- 2654 ing Out Day with the Lesbian Rights Broadway Youth Center Queer It Up! sted St., www.hydratechicago.com Women and Children First Sisters in Team. 8 p.m., T’s, 5025 N. Clark St., an LGBTQ community youth project. Lake Forest College Intercultural Crime 20th Anniversary Celebration. 5 all welcome, cnowlesbianrightsteam@ 6-7:30 p.m., 3179 N. Broadway, for Reunion Brunch for LGBT alumni/ae. p.m., 5233 N. Clark, www.womenand- gmail.com for more info more info contact Lara at 773-935- 9:30-11:30 a.m., Pierson Rooms, 555 childrenfirst.com Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health 3151 ext. 225 or larab@howardbrown. N. Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest, free with Tuesday, Oct. 9 Annual meeting: The Power of Youth. org Homecoming/Reunion Weekend Pass Center on Halsted Gifts of Grief discus- 4 p.m., Jane Addams Hull-House Center on Halsted An evening of or $6.50 at door, 847-735-6022 or sion with film screening for LGBT Museum, 800 S. Halsted St., rsvp@ cocktails with Project Runway 2’s Nick [email protected] people struggling with loss and grief. icah.org Verreos. 7-10 p.m., 3656 N. Halsted Live Oak Chicago Free Saturday series 7 p.m., Hoover Leppen Theater, 3656 Illinois Science Council Discussion: Is St., www.centeronhalsted.org for gay men. This week: Sex, Dating, N. Halsted St., $5 donation, www. It the Genes or Just the Jeans?—The Chicago International Film Festival and Relationships, How We Connect centeronhalsted.org Biology of Gender. 6 p.m., free, Chi- Hundreds of feature films, documenta- With Other Gay Men. 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Funky Buddha Lounge Outdanced with cago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washing- ries and shorts. Through Oct. 17. Films 1300 W. Belmont Ave., Suite 402, Rotten Milk and Hunter. 10 p.m.-2 ton, www.illinoisscience.org screened in two locations: AMC River RSVP required, call 773-880-1310 ext. a.m., RSVP at [email protected], PFLAG/Woodstock/McHenry Monthly East 21, 322 E. Illinois St.; Landmark’s 86 or email mhodar@liveoakchicago. 728 W. Grand Ave., www.funkybud- meeting; meets second Thursday Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark com dha.com of each month. 7 p.m., Congrega- St., www.chicagofilmfestival.com, Man’s Country Nude strippers Jovanni, Gerber/Hart Library Lesbian Book tional Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., 312-332-FILM Kurtis, Angel and Cezar. 5017 N. Clark Group: Self-Made Man by Norah Woodstock, 815-385-9068, Pflagwood- St. Vincent. 7:30 p.m., 1127 W. Granville [email protected] 30 October 3, 2007 in 6:45. He was on the Honolulu course for more Darryn than seven hours, enduring Hawaii’s heat, hu- A Writer’s midity and hills. Dunbar: “As I kept reaching milestones with my weight Journey to loss, I just kept thinking that there was nothing Marathon Man else I couldn’t do, so why not try a marathon,” Florence By Ross Forman he said. “For me, the marathon is not about [a BY ROSS FORMAN finishing] time; the time is only a number. The It wasn’t too long ago that Darryn Dunbar was a fact that you start, you do it and you finish is I gotta admit, I was a little nervous heading lot closer to his deathbed than finishing a 26.2- what it’s all about. We all get the same medal into my 16-mile training run on Sept. 8. mile marathon. and [finishing] T-shirt. That’s been my mantra.” First, it was my longest run ever, and second, In early 2003, Dunbar weighed 474 pounds. Dunbar’s determination has landed him on a I was running with the San Francisco team He was diabetic; had high cholesterol and high segment that will air during the Chicago Mara- from the National AIDS Marathon Training blood pressure; and suffered from sleep apnea. thon broadcast, courtesy of Energizer’s Keep Go- Program (NAMTP), as opposed to the regular His doctor said that he might not live to 40. ing campaign. Chicago crew I run with. I feared the incred- “I spent many years not admitting/denying “I’m not at home on the couch watching peo- ible hills of San Francisco streets and, dare I who I really was, and that was one of the rea- ple do it; I’d rather be out there doing it my- mention, Crooked Street. Plus, after running, sons why I got morbidly obese,” said Dunbar, self,” he said. “It’s definitely been an interesting I was gonna see all my friends from Tristar now 39. “I was internally very miserable, and journey.” Productions at their SF Collectors Show—and that was my life management strategy —I’d they all knew I was running in the morning keep myself so busy that I didn’t have time to To find out more about the history regarding and would be asking how it went. exercise and just ate a bunch of junk.” the Oct. 7 marathon, read The Chicago Mara- We started at Golden Gate Park, and since In late 2003, Dunbar revealed he was gay to thon (University of Illinois Press, $19.95), I’m not too familiar with many San Fran land- Darryn Dunbar and his children at last year’s marks, I don’t know the exact route, though his wife, Denise. Luckily for him, she was, and Chicago Marathon. Photo courtesy of Dunbar written by openly gay Andrew Suozzo. Also continues to be, “incredibly supportive,” he see www.chicagomarathon.com. we certainly ran to San Francisco State Uni- said. “We’ve never had a lot of drama around The 5’9” Dunbar now weighs about 270 versity and around Lake Merced. [my coming out].” pounds. In San Francisco, there were countless turns The two separated this summer, but still co- “I had a trainer who was into short-distance and streetlights; to say I was lost about 10 parent their children: Molly, 9, and Lilly, 4. running and he got me doing 5K [races] in 2004; minutes in would be an under-statement. “We’re the best of friends,” Dunbar said of my first was that September and I have since Heck, I really don’t know how they remem- Denise. “I’ve had a fortunate coming-out pro- done 30,” said Dunbar, who also has run 8K, 10K ber exactly where they’re going. And the SF cess.” and half-marathons. “In 2005, I watched [my route, unlike the Chicago path, doesn’t fea- During the summer of 2003, Dunbar had gas- trainer] run in the Chicago Marathon and just ture countless perfectly-sculpted bodies run- tric-bypass surgery, helping him lose 155 pounds. decided that I was going to do that someday.” ning in the opposite direction, which always And through proper training and healthy eating, In February, 2006, he attended an informa- is easy on the eyes. he has lost another 45 pounds. tional meeting for the National AIDS Marathon I’m heading into the homestretch for the Already, Dunbar has completed two mara- Training Program (NAMTP), “and just thought 2007 Florence Marathon on Nov. 25—and I thons: the Chicago Marathon last October and there was no reason I couldn’t do it.” couldn’t be more excited! the Honolulu Marathon last December. He’ll be In fact, he was “more intimidated” about rais- Would you please consider sponsoring your back on the 26.2-mile course Oct. 7 in the Chi- ing $1,400 for the NAMTP than running 26.2 favorite writing runner and help the AIDS cago Marathon. miles. Foundation of Chicago in the process? Please “Running has become part of my fitness plan,” But the fund-raising also wasn’t a problem for go to my Web site (www.firstgiving.com/ross- said Dunbar, who lives in Uptown, teaches at Dunbar. He collected about $9,000 and was the Darryn Dunbar. Photo courtesy of Dunbar runs) while I run to Florence, Italy. Thanks, Loyola University and also works as a nurse mid- second-highest fund-raiser for the NAMTP. Ross. wife. Dunbar finished last year’s Chicago Marathon

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GET YOURS TODAY! Training at Gym or Home http://www.lulu.com/content/1179609 Discount Packages Available or go to www.lulu.com and search for “Gay Games” under books. 312.907.1720 or 312.909.0733 Jeffrey Gross October 3, 2007 31 ENDA from page 4 were signed onto Frank’s new bill (HR 3685) that a woman acts in a way that’s non-traditional for strategically.” includes only sexual orientation; they are Demo- a woman, but if a woman changes her gender “[I]nsistence on achieving everything at Homosexuality” dubbed ENDA as the “Transgen- cratic Reps. George Miller (Calif.), Robert An- and becomes a man, that is different and is not once,” said Frank, “would be a prescription for der Bathrooms for Business” bill with a photo- drews (N.J.), Deborah Pryce (Ohio), and Chris- covered.” achieving nothing ever.” graph of Frank with a quote attributed to him topher Shays (Conn.). Only Miller, Andrews and In his five-page explanation for submitting But Equality Maine begged to differ. saying, “I’ve talked with transgender activists Shays are signed onto HR 3686 which includes separate bills, Frank said, “we do not have suf- “Maine was in a similar situation in the spring and what they want—and what we will be forced only gender identity. ficient support in the House” to include gender of 2005 when legislative leaders wanted to strip to defend—is for people with penises who iden- Baldwin’s press secretary, Jerilyn Goodman, identity in the primary ENDA bill. gender identity and expression from the non- tify as women to be able to shower with other said Baldwin’s absence from the two new bills “The question facing [the LGBT community and discrimination bill,” said executive director Bet- women.” which Frank has put forward is “an expression its supporters] is whether we should pass up the sy Smith in a statement issued Monday. “While Last month, in a subcommittee hearing on the of her disappointment with a two bill strategy” chance to adopt a very good bill because it has we understood that some legislators had jitters bill, Baldwin discussed what she characterized but she “remains committed to getting ENDA to one major gap,” said Frank, in the statement. about the new language, it was simply not ac- as “confusion” around the inclusion of “gender the floor in as strong a form as is politically Frank said that public education and lobbying ceptable to abandon part of the community. We identity” in the bill. feasible.” on gender identity was “much less far along” took the time to educate and succeeded in keep- “ENDA contains language that makes it clear than that on sexual orientation discrimination. ing it in.” that an employer may establish and enforce rea- Prescription for nothing? Frank criticized what he said was “an unwill- In an effort to stop the path taken regarding sonable and otherwise lawful dress and groom- The U.S. Supreme Court, in 1989, ruled in ingness on the part of many, including leaders ENDA, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), along ing standards for employees,” said Baldwin. Price-Waterhouse v. Hopkins that “requiring in the transgender community” to acknowledge with organizations such as the ACLU, the National “But it also provides assurances that aspects of individuals to conform to gender stereotypes, that “there is more resistance to protection for Center for Transgender Equality and the Service- a person’s gender identity and even when those stereotypes do not implicate people who are transgender than for people who members Legal Defense Network, signed an Oct. 1 cannot be the basis for workplace discrimina- immutable characteristics or infringe on funda- are gay, lesbian and bisexual.” letter addressed to Miller, chairman of the House tion. ENDA ensures that an employer cannot fire mental rights, falls within the prohibitions in Frank said a head count of support for the Committee on Education and Labor. The intent of an employee solely because she is a woman with Title VII and the Equal Protection Clause on sex inclusive bill made it “very clear” that enough the letter was to show the organizations’ “opposi- a ‘masculine’ walk or a man with an ‘effeminate’ discrimination.” Democrats would throw their support behind a tion to the strategy and process by which [ENDA] voice.” Chai Feldblum, a longtime gay legal activist, Republican-led effort to delete gender identity is to be considered in the House of Representa- Baldwin declined, through a spokesperson, a said that ruling could provide some protection from the measure or simply vote against the tives.” request for an interview and did not respond to against gender identity discrimination in the bill. In addition, an earlier letter was sent to HRC e-mail inquiries concerning specific aspects of workplace, but “it’s not been anything you can While LGBT leaders told Frank they would pre- from trans-rights leaders, asking for the organiza- the legislation. Baldwin was listed as one of 171 depend on.” fer to not go forward with ENDA at all, rather tion’s support of a trans-inclusive ENDA. Read the co-sponsors of the bill as introduced this year “Many courts,” said Feldblum, “are saying than delete gender identity, Frank said that full texts of both letters at www.WindyCityMedia- (HR 2015). As of Tuesday, only four co-sponsors that [the Price-Waterhouse decision applies] if would be “a disaster—politically, morally, and Group.com. CONNEXIONS MAKEWINDYCITYPDF0- IT YOUR BUSINESS iloilo custom framing NEW OFFICE, Same “Good Neighbor” agent.

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