THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Jan. 14, 2009 • vol 24 no 16 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Making History Obama’s Marriage Views Changed Robinson at Obama Exclusive: WCT Examines His Step Back Event page 4

Loop

Protests page 5

pages 6-7

This week’s Windy City Times features an exclusive look back at Barack Obama’s views on same-sex marriage as they have evolved since his Illinois State Senate campaign in 1996. He has gone from a strong statement in favor of gay marriage in that race to what he viewed as a more practical support of civil unions when he ran for U.S. Senate and then president. See inside for for WCT’s exclusive review of Obama’s marriage views, pages 6-7. This photo is from the “Yes We Can: John Gress on the Campaign Trail with Barack Obama“ exhibit opening Friday, Jan. 16, at the third-floor Gays Got gallery of the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted. Gress’s work involves commercial and photojournalism/documentary photography, and the show will run through Sunday, March 1. Talent page 20 One state rep’s take on Blagojevich

January 14, 2009 #978 BY ANDREW DAVIS that he was not surprised by the impeachment— Impeachment is akin to an indictment in this not because of the allegations, but because of case, so it now goes to the Senate, and then History was made Jan. 9 as embattled Gov. Rod ongoing friction between him and the House.) there will be a full trial. nightspots Blagojevich became the first person in his post Windy City Times: I just want to make sure I WCT: Were you surprised the vote wasn’t n to be impeached (formally charged with mis- understand this from a technical perspective: unanimous? conduct) by the State House. The vote, which So now it’s all in the Senate’s hands, correct? GH: [Pauses.] I don’t know if anyone knew Think Kink pick it up Amy digs into her work at the new dom night at Scarlet. page 8 was in favor of the governor’s impeachment by a Greg Harris: Right, but there are a number what to expect; it’s the first time this has hap- inSIDE As it turns out, Gays DO Getting Personal with Got Talent. Pubert. page 18-19 page 28 take it home vote of 114-1, directs the Illinois Senate to put of steps. We voted to create an investigative pened in the history of the state. Everyone voted Blagojevich on trial—with the goal of removing committee to look into the circumstances sur- their conscience. him from office. rounding the accusations toward the governor. WCT: How difficult was it for you to vote to Later that day, Windy City Times spoke with They can determine if, in their mind, there was impeach the governor? What was that whole State Rep. Greg Harris, one of the politicians evidence there for impeachment, to gather that process like for you? who voted for Blagojevich’s impeachment. Har- evidence and then make a recommendation to GH: There were certainly any number of alle- ris talked about various aspects of the vote and the full House, which they did [Jan. 8]. Today, gations—dozens of pages in the investigative what he thought of the governor’s press con- the House impeached the governor by a vote of www.WindyCityQueercast.com ference that took place earlier that afternoon. 114-1. Turn to page 9 (During the press conference, Blagojevich said Å<95J9BCBK<99@GÆ Ä H\YBYkMcf_H]aYg 69;=BG>5BI5FM%* ˜ '%&-$&!%($$ 8fifm@UbYH\YUhfYKUhYfHckYfD`UWY ;fcidg&$ WU``'%&-++!%+%$˜ "Wca˜ 2 Jan. 14, 2009 Jan. 14, 2009 3 Don’t miss the show everyone is talking about! Extended through February 22 index “Excellent in every possible way!” —Wall Street Journal NEWS Obama’s win & the gay vote 4 “A must see! Get your tickets quickly Prop 8 fallout 4 The local gay vote 5 as this is sure to sell out!” —Gay Chicago Mell running for Congress? 5 Dobson protest 5 Chicago gay ordinance talk 6 “Powerful! Not to be missed!” SLDN talk/concert 6 —Chicago Tribune Obama victory pics 7 Local news items 7 “Reminds you what sensational acting J.C. Carter interview 8 National roundup 8 Ally Sheedy (right) talks about her many is all about.” – Chicago Sun Times World news; Quotelines 9 movies, including her latest, Steam. Read page 18. Baim; letters 10 “Powerhouse cast - a sort of Steppenwolf ENTERTAINMENT royal flush.” —Daily Herald Harvey Milk’s friend in film 11 Dancin’ Feats 14 Theater reviews 15 Knight at the Movies 18 Reeling opening 18 Pop Making Sense 20 Sharon Gless at the Center 21 SOFA expo pics 21 Lady Gaga interview 22 Review of Lily Tomlin’s show 21

OUTLINES Windy City Times talks with the Illinois Real estate; classifieds 19 Department of Human Right’s Rocco Claps Pets 20 about sexual-orientation and gender- Calendar 21 identity discrimination. See page 8. Sports briefs 21 Photo courtesy of Anjali Julka

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January 14, 2009 THINK KINK #978 Amy digs into her work at the new dom www.WindyCity night at Scarlet. Queercast.com Photo by Kirk Williamson steppenwolf Think Kink Amy digs into her work at the new dom night at Scarlet. inSIDE page 8 As it turns out, Gays DO Getting Personal with Got Talent. Pubert. page 18-19 page 28 buy online at www.steppenwolf.org or call 312-335-1650.

Production sponsors for The Seafarer: 4 Jan. 14, 2009 LGBT-rights groups praised Robinson’s selec- It also called into question an election day Looking at broader trends over time Sherrill tion. Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of the exit poll which said that about 70 percent of said, “Support for marriage equality has in- Family Equality Council, said, “In a period when African Americans had voted in favor of the ban. creased by about 1 percent a year since 2000, others have used faith to justify bigotry and The report found that Black support for the mea- and virtually every demographic trend is on our discrimination, Bishop Robinson has stood for sure was 57 to 59 percent. side. This is very good news. The second is that peace and for the rights of all religious persons The report was based upon a new survey of we face hard core, generally implacable opposi- to express and act upon their faith. ... I look for- 1,066 California voters soon after the November tion among Republicans and conservatives.” ward to hearing such a courageous voice at the election, precinct vote totals, and demographic “Mitigating that is the fact that California is first inaugural event, and to religious discourse data on those precincts. becoming less Republican and less conservative. during the Obama Administration that honors “The main story is that California voters have In fact, hard core opposition to such things as and respects all of God’s children.” shifted dramatically toward support for same sex marriage equality may be costing Republicans Robinson had actually endorsed Obama dur- marriage,” said Egan, a professor at New York the support of younger voters.” ing his run for the presidency—but called the University. Compared with the Knight Initiative Bishop V. Gene Robinson. Photo by Tracy president-elect’s selection of Warren a “slap in in 2000, “the movement toward marriage equali- Changing minds Baim the face,” according to the Washington Post. ty was across just about all demographic groups, “We need to redouble our work with people However, having Robinson tapped to partici- with the only holdouts being Republicans, con- of faith to overcome the notion that civil mar- pate in Sunday’s concert—which will feature servatives, and those born before World War II. riage of same sex couples somehow threatens Beyonce and U2, among others—has stirred This shift is the most important story coming their religious liberties,” said Rev. Mark Wilson, Robinson controversy as well. According to USA Today, out of Proposition 8.” coordinator with the African American Minster Catholic League President Bill Donohue com- Women outnumbered men among voters (54 Outreach. “We have to convince them that pro- part of mented that Obama selected a “polarizing per- percent to 46 percent) and opposed the amend- tecting all families equally is just, moral, and son” who “offends Catholics as much as he does ment by a slim margin (51 percent to 49 per- within their own religious realities the moral Protestants. If that’s his idea of inclusion, he cent) but support was stronger among men (54 thing to do.” inauguration can keep it.” percent), who provided the margin of victory. He spoke the power of personal stories, of em- Openly gay Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson As for Robinson—who participated in a civil- A strong majority of those 65 and older (67 powering “gays and lesbians within the churches of New Hampshire has been selected to deliver union ceremony with partner Mark Andrew last percent) voter for Prop 8, while it lost among to hold their churches accountable.” How can the invocation Sunday, Jan. 18, at a concert June—he said, “I am totally excited and a little other age groups (45 percent to 48 percent) they preach love and goodness while practicing that will kick off the inaugural celebrations. overwhelmed. It ranks up there with some of the with the differences between the groups within injustice and inequality at the same time, he In addition, the Rev. Sharon E. Watkins will most important moments of my life. We have put the margin of error of the survey. asked rhetorically. deliver the sermon in the National Prayer Service an enormous burden on this man and I want to Fewer than half of Asians (48 percent) and Egan said there has been movement towards (which ends the ceremonies) at Washington Na- remind the country that we have a part to play whites (49 percent) voted for the measure, while marriage equality among religious groups since tional Cathedral. She will be the first woman to in this too,” according to The Guardian. Blacks (57 percent) and Latinos (59 percent) 2000. “There has been a 9 point movement lead that service. supported it. among Protestants, a 4-point movement among The choices of Robinson and Watkins make for Voters who identified as conservative (82 per- Catholics, and a 7-point movement among Jews. a diverse group of religious officials who will Who voted for cent) and Republican (81 percent) were most It suggests that not all people of faith are not be involved in religious activities. Obama had likely to have voted for Prop 8, compared with necessarily out of contention.” already chosen the Rev. Rick Warren, an evan- Democrats (30 percent) and liberals (22 per- Sherrill said, “What we find is that knowing gelical minister, to deliver the invocation during Prop 8 cent). Independents (53 percent) and moderates gay people doesn’t make much of a difference the inauguration ceremony—a choice that an- BY BOB ROEHR (51 percent) also were more likely to support ... It’s another thing to sit down and talk with gered many gay-rights activists, as Warren had it. them about everyday life and what marriage gone on the record saying that he was against Party identification, ideology, religiosity and age Those who attended religious services weekly equality really means.” He said that rich and same-sex marriage (even comparing the concept were the factors most likely to determine how (70 percent) supported the measure, while those layered understanding of gay people can come to incest and pedophilia). Also, the Rev. Joseph a person voted on Proposition 8, California’s who “hardly ever” attended services did not (30 through direct contact and through the media. Lowery, a Black civil-rights advocate, will deliver initiative that banned gay marriage. The report percent). Intermittent attendees (46 percent) Scott Davenport, managing director of Free- the benediction. by political scientists Patrick Egan and Kenneth were less likely to support it. dom to Marry, said, “It is the sustained, ongoing Sherrill was released Jan. 6. Egan concluded, “Holding all variables con- set of conversations that happen one-on-one, stant, age, religiosity, party identification, and among the culture, and in the media over a long political ideology have strong, significant, and period of time that has created the shift that independent effects on how Californians voted we see. It is not the flashpoint in the heat of on Proposition 8.” a campaign that moves people along. That sus- tained work will help us set up a win the next The Black vote time out.” Hunter College professor Ken Sherrill said the The activities were funded by a grant from the exit poll conducted by NEP indicating that 70 Evelyn & Walter Hass, Jr. Fund, through the Na- percent of African Americans voted for Prop 8 tional Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Former Task “was an outlier unsupported by any other poll, Force executive director Matt Foreman is now a and more importantly, not supported by the ac- grants officer for the Fund with responsibility for tual election returns.” Four other polls around its LGBT activities. election day found estimates of black support A PDF version of the 16-page report is avail- that ranged from 41 percent to 58 percent. able at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/is- He looked at precinct returns from counties sues/egan_sherrill_prop8_1_6_09.pdf. representing two-thirds of California’s black vot- ers and merged that with census data. “We came to the conclusion that between 57 and 59 per- cent of African-American voters supported Prop- NATIONAL osition 8 … a far cry from the NEP estimate.” Higher rates of participation in religious ac- ROUNDUP tivities appears to explain the higher rates of BY ANDREW DAVIS support for Prop 8 among African Americans and Latinos. “Once we held the effect of attending Former Sen. Larry Craig is dropping further religious services constant, the effect of race attempts to appeal his conviction connected and ethnicity were reduced to statistical insig- to a sex sting in a Minneapolis airport bath- nificance,” said Sherrill. room, the Associated Press reported. Craig was arrested in 2007 by an undercover police officer, Knowing someone gay and pled guilty to disorderly conduct; however, One surprise is that knowing someone who is he changed his mind after finding out that ar- gay did not appear to have a significant effect rest was publicized. on how the person voted. “This factor appears to In Seattle, Wash., almost a dozen gay bars have been trumped by voter’s party identifica- have received anonymous typewritten letters tion and ideology,” said Egan. that are threatening to poison customers with Sherrill added, “About two-thirds of California the toxin called ricin, according to the Seattle conservatives said they knew or were related to Times. However, the bar owners have refused to someone who is LGBT. About four out of five close their businesses, and the FBI and the city’s of them voted for the referendum,” the same police department are involved in an investiga- proportion of those who said they didn’t know tion. Ricin, a chemical found in castor beans, someone LGBT. can be fatal ingested or inhaled in its purified “This leads us to the conclusion that, at least form. in terms of marriage equality, opposition to our Read more national news and the world rights isn’t personal, it’s ideological and parti- roundup at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. san.” Jan. 14, 2009 5 Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Il- Among other things, the survey showed that County Board. According to Garcia, “He was also linois, echoed Johnston and added that Hyatt over 90 percent of the seminaries surveyed helpful in Springfield. I often counted on him to was already seeing economic costs. Garcia said do not require full-semester, sexuality-based get Democratic support in the Senate.” that Hyatt officials acknowledged they had lost courses for graduation; and that seminaries of- about $2.5 million due to the boycott. Garcia fer three times as many courses in women’s and also said that non-LGBT groups were paying at- feminist studies as they do in LGBT studies or Emanuel vacancy tention: “Some associations, such as the Ameri- other sexuality-related issues. has March primary can Psychological Association, [are] considering To read the survey, see www.religiousinstitute. The race to fill Rahm Emanuel’s U.S. House boycotting Hyatt.” org/SeminaryReport.htm. seat became real as Gov. Rod Blagojevich has set The Hyatt protesters joined the anti-DOMA the dates for the primary and general elections. rally, which drew about 60 people, making for The primary will be held Tuesday, March 3; the approximately 100 people overall. Sherry Wolf of Ted Lechowicz dies BY YASMIN NAIR general election will take place Tuesday, April Join the Impact, the group that organized the 7. DOMA protest, welcomed everyone and stressed Former Cook County Commissioner Thaddeus Emanuel’s 5th Congressional set was officially the importance of overturning DOMA by putting vacated Jan. 2 when he formally resigned in or- pressure on both Republicans and Democrats to S. “Ted” Lechowicz died Jan. 5 at the age of Protesters gather at the Thompson Building. der to be President-elect Barack Obama’s chief overturn the legislation. 70. Lechowicz was from a family of Polish im- Photo by Yasmin Nair of staff. Speakers included Andy Thayer of Gay Libera- migrants and was the model of a traditional Chicago Democrat, representing a large Polish- Over a dozen people have expressed interest tion Network (which co-sponsored the event); in the position, including Cook County Commis- Henry Tamarin, President of the Local 1 chapter American voting bloc on the city’s Northwest Groups protest Side, where he spent his entire life. sioner Mike Quigley and Illinois State Rep. Sara of Unite Here; and Tania Unzueta of the March 10 Feigenholtz. Movement, an immigrant-rights group. Tamarin Despite what many might consider the relative- in Loop asserted that his union, which works on behalf ly conservative bent of his Catholic community, BY YASMIN NAIR of restaurant and hotel workers, was in solidar- Lechowicz was instrumental in getting the Cook Positively Aware ity with the same-sex-marriage movement: “We County Human Rights Ordinance passed in 1993. marks 20 years Chicago gay groups participated in two protests voted to support the Illinois civil-partnership Rick Garcia, one of the gay activists who worked this past week, both propelled by the Novem- on the legislation, told Windy City Times that Positively Aware magazine has marked the bill. We have supported the gay marriage bill in 20th anniversary of publishing with a special ber passage of Proposition 8 in California and California, and pledge we’ll do that in Illinois “We would not have had the ordinance without subsequent protests against them nationwide. him. I met with him [on the recommendation anniversary edition in the January/February when the time comes.” Unzueta spoke about 2009 issue, released last week. The first was a feeder march outside the Hyatt the intersection between queer rights and im- of Maria Pappas], and he agreed to cosponsor Global Headquarters building at 71 S. Wacker. a comprehensive human rights ordinance with The issue looks back at the history of Positive- migrant rights, as in the case of “undocumented ly Aware magazine, which first began publish- This was part of an action that began in Califor- gay workers who are fired because of no-match Pappas. This was a huge step because it gave nia in the spring of 2008, when gays discovered the other white ethnic commissioners the per- ing as TPA News, the agency newsletter of Test letters and undocumented queer students who Positive Aware Network. To order copies of the that Doug Manchester, owner of the Manchester may not be able to access the same scholarships mission and the nod to support it.” Hyatt in San Diego, had donated $125,000 to This would seem to be an unusual move on the magazine, call 773-989-9400 or e-mail distribu- as citizens.” She also spoke of the needs of peo- [email protected]. the efforts behind Proposition 8. Since then, ple like Victoria Arellano, an undocumented im- part of what Garcia called a “regular Democrat,” protesters have asked the Hyatt Corporation to migrant transgender woman “who died shackled but, according to him, Lechowicz supported the sever ties from Manchester. (Hyatt manages the to her bed after being detained by immigration bill for two reasons. One, he “understood the ‘YPC Idol’ Tuesdays hotel for him.) The second protest was a rally and denied access to her HIV medications.” She issue and had enough power that it wouldn’t Youth Pride Center (YPC) is holding its second at the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Ran- concluded by saying that “any law that restricts hurt.” In addition, it provided him an opportu- season of “YPC Idol” Tuesdays at Pie Hole Pizza, dolph, where people gathered to rally against the rights of people to be happy should be abol- nity to “stick it to the [supposedly] progressive 737 W. Roscoe, 7-8 p.m. the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) signed into ished.” Following the rally, people marched past Democrats” who, according to Garcia, “told us It’s open to the public. E-mail youthpridecen- law by then-President Bill Clinton in 1996. Both Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State, to protest they’d support gay rights and told their subur- [email protected] for more info. rallies occurred Jan. 10. the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops giving ban [constitutents] it would never happen.” The Hyatt action was called by Equality Illi- $200,000 toward Prop 8. Lechowicz was also unique in that he once nois, and approximately 30 people braved the had seats in both the Illinois Senate and on the extreme cold and thick snowfall to participate. Board president Art Johnston and emcee Allison Study: Clergy ACADEMIC PROGRAM Leber rallied protestors. People were encouraged Start here. • Associate of Arts to sign a petition that asked Hyatt to take ac- badly trained on tion against Manchester and support “marriage • Associate of Applied Science equality.” Johnston talked to Windy City Times LGBT matters • Associate of Science about the impetus behind the protest, saying A study was released Jan. 8 at the Hyatt Re- • Associate of Arts in Teaching that, “We’re here today to bring the message gency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker, that revealed a • Associate of Fine Arts home to Hyatt that they cannot ignore the ac- serious lack of training among U.S. clergy re- • Advanced Certificates tions of Doug Manchester, whose early dona- garding LGBT issues. • Basic Certificates tion to Proposition 8 certainly helped it pass, According to the study, Sex and the Seminary: leaving us with the consequences.” Some have Preparing Ministers for Sexual Health and Jus- ADULT EDUCATION questioned whether Manchester should be pun- tice, seminaries are failing to prepare clergy to ished for money he gave as a private citizen; address issues around sexuality in their congre- • English as a Second Language Johnston’s response was that “There’s no ques- gations and communities; including dealing with • ABE/GED tion that he has a right to spend his money the instances of abuse, sexual orientation, conflicts • Spanish GED way he pleases. And we also, as citizens, have over same-sex marriage, gaps in sex-education, • Literacy the right to bring it to people’s attention and debates over reproductive rights and teen preg- • Citizenship suggest that they might not want to stay at nancy. Most denominations currently do not the Hyatt. As long as the sign outside the Man- require ministerial candidates to be competent • Workforce Preparation chester hotel says “Hyatt,” Hyatt has to repudi- in sexual health and education beyond sexual- ate his actions.” harassment prevention, according to the study. CONTINUING EDUCATION

PASSAGES • Paralegal • Pharmacy Technician Samuel Page • Certified Nursing Assistant Samuel Robert Page—an Edgewater resident • Web Design who formerly resided in Columbus, Ohio— Samuel • Real Estate passed away after a brief illness Dec. 28, 2008. Page. Go anywhere. • Food Service Sanitation He was 67. • Dental Assisting Page was the adored and adoring father Truman College delivers high-quality, innovative, • Graphic Design of Andrea (Peter) Sullivan of Rye, N.Y., and affordable, and accessible educational opportuni- • TOEFL Preparation grandfather of Nicholas, Luke and Quinn Sul- ties and services that prepare students for a rapidly • Personal Finance and more ... livan, who were the joy of his life. changing and diverse global economy. Page was the beloved brother of Joan Page of For more information, visit our website at www.trumancollege.edu or call (773) 907-4000. Columbus; Marlene Calabro of Rochester, N.Y.; and the late LaRue Meehan of Omaha, Neb. He Page’s mother, Margaret Anthony, and fa- was also the eccentric uncle of Michael, Mark, ther, Samuel Isaac, preceded him in death. Kristen, Michael, John, Brenda, Tom, Danny, Page never met a stranger, though he always Chris, Deanna, Dave, Dennis, Lisa, Cindy and relied on their kindness. He will be desperately others. missed and joyfully celebrated. Truman College He was the former spouse and friend of Lynn In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation One of the City Colleges of Chicago Page of Columbus, and the cherished friend of to Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheri- many across the country. dan, Chicago, IL 60613, Attn: Bryant Dunbar. 1145 West Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640 6 Jan. 14, 2009

Windy City times exclusive Obama answers 1996 gay media Shown here is a copy of Barack Obama’s typed responses to the Outlines newspaper 1996 primary election questionnaire. Obama signed and dated the form Feb. 15, 1996, sending it to Outlines political reporter Trudy Ring. In 2000, Outlines news- paper purchased and merged with Windy City Times.

From a photo from Windy City Times archives, 2004 Obama changed views on gay marriage

dential Inaugural issue of Windy City Times are riage Resolution being considered at the time, Obama: What I’m saying is that strategically, 1996 statement: copies of the answers to the IMPACT and Outlines which read in part “Because marriage is a basic I think we can get civil unions passed. I think ‘I favor legalizing questions. For IMPACT, the Obama campaign human right and an individual personal choice, we can get SB 101 passed. I think that to the simply responded on the form. For Outlines, the RESOLVED, the state should not interfere with extent that we can get the rights, I’m less con- same-sex marriages’ candidate typed in his answers and signed his same-gender couples who [choose] to marry and cerned about the name. And I think that is my News analysis by Tracy Baim letter. share fully and equally in the rights, responsibil- No. 1 priority, is an environment in which the More recently, as Obama has run for higher of- ities and commitment of civil marriage.” Obama Republicans are going to use a particular lan- During the final weeks of the presidential cam- fice, from senator to president, he has further responded: “I would support such a resolution.” guage that has all sorts of connotations in the paign last fall, several media outlets contacted shaped his views on marriage, and now he does What follows are Obama’s responses in our broader culture as a wedge issue, to prevent us Windy City Times because of an old Internet not back same-sex marriage. In a January 2004 Windy City Times 2004 interview, six years after moving forward, in securing those rights, then I story from the 1996 Illinois State Senate race. interview I conducted with Obama at the Windy his successful 1996 state Senate run, when he don’t want to play their game. In that campaign, Outlines newspaper, which City Times’ office, Obama clearly stated that lack was now running for U.S. Senate: TB: If Massachusetts gets marriage and this merged with Windy City Times in 2000, reported of support for full marriage equality was a mat- Tracy Baim: Do you have a position on mar- gives momentum to the proposed federal Consti- that 13th District candidate Barack Obama sup- ter of strategy rather than principle, but in even riage vs. civil unions? tutional amendment against gay marriage? ported gay marriage. Reporters wanted to know more recent comments, it appears he is backing Barack Obama: I am a fierce supporter of do- Obama: I would oppose that. what exactly Obama had said. off even further, saying it is more of a religious mestic-partnership and civil-union laws. I am After Obama’s WCT interview, he called to Outlines newspaper, as with the new Windy issue, and also a “state” issue, so he favors civil not a supporter of gay marriage as it has been clarify that he opposed the proposed U.S. Con- City Times, surveyed candidates for all levels of unions. Both are compromises most gays do thrown about, primarily just as a strategic is- stitutional amendment banning gay marriage. elected office, and also reported on the results not support. First, the U.S. has a separation of sue. I think that marriage, in the minds of a lot He said he also opposed the two proposed state from pro-gay and progressive groups. We sum- church and state, and laws are in place locally of voters, has a religious connotation. I know bills banning same-sex marriage. marized the results in that 1996 article by Trudy and nationally that give benefits based on the that’s true in the African-American community, During his presidential campaign, he has re- Ring, but did not list exact answers to questions. very word, “marriage.” Therefore, marriage as it for example. And if you asked people, ‘should mained consistent with his 2004 position, but In that article Outlines did note that Obama was is now defined is a government (both state and gay and lesbian people have the same rights clearly he has moved away from the 1996 state- a supporter of same-sex marriage; that article federal) institution that comes with specific fi- to transfer property, and visit hospitals, and et ment of “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages.” was never challenged or corrected by Obama. nancial and social benefits (taxes, benefits, in- cetera,’ they would say, ‘absolutely.’ And then if A rose is a rose is a rose, but civil unions are not Now, in the process of sorting through my 25 heritance, immigration, custody, etc.). So, until you talk about, ‘should they get married?’, then “marriage” unless 100 percent of the benefits years of archives of Chicago gay reporting to government eliminates the word “marriage” from suddenly ... are the same across all states and the federal eventually post materials on www.ChicagoGay- state and federal laws, it is a government issue, TB: There are more than 1,000 federal ben- government. History.org, I have found the original surveys on and that includes the federal government. efits that come with marriage. Looking back in The full 2004 interview can be found at: which Ring’s reporting was based. Sometimes, it Obama’s answer to the 1996 Outlines question the 1960s and inter-racial marriage, the polls http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/les- pays to keep those boxes. was very clear: “I favor legalizing same-sex mar- showed people against that as well. bian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=3931 IMPACT, which was Chicago’s main GLBT politi- riages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such Obama: Since I’m a product of an interracial cal action committee for several years, surveyed marriages.” There was no use of “civil unions,” marriage, I’m very keenly aware of ... Tracy Baim is publisher and executive editor of Obama and other candidates, as did Outlines. no compromise whatsoever. TB: But you think, strategically, gay marriage Windy City Times. She was the co-founder and What we are including with this special Presi- The IMPACT marriage question was a bit less isn’t going to happen so you won’t support it at publisher of Outlines newspaper. direct. It asked if Obama would support a Mar- this time? Jan. 14, 2009 7 Putting Obama’s Obama makes an IMPACT questionnaire Shown here are copies of the 1996 primary election question- in context naire issued by IMPACT, which By Timothy Stewart-Winter was Illinois’ Gay and Lesbian Political Action Organization. In this issue of the Windy City Times, the world The form had been due Jan. 12, learns for the first time that almost thirteen 1996, and was signed by Barack years ago, during his first campaign for office, Obama on Jan. 7, 1996. In this Barack Obama answered a questionnaire with the election, he was running for the phrase, “I favor legalizing same-sex marriages.” Democratic nomination for 13th The response appeared in a questionnaire that District State Senator. He won his campaign faxed to the office of Outlines—a the primary and eventually the local LGBT newspaper that purchased and merged election that fall. with Windy City Times in 2000—on Feb. 15, 1996. Later that year, in its voter guide for the general election, Outlines summarized Obama’s positions: “Supports gay rights, same-sex mar- riage; increased AIDS funding, abortion rights, affirmative action.” Publisher and Executive Editor Tracy Baim re- trieved the form from her archives while working on the Chicago Gay History Project. Her release of the document occurs at a unique time. On Jan. 20, for only the third time since the Stone- wall riots, a new Democratic president will be sworn in. Some LGBT activists, infuriated by the president-elect’s decision to invite evangelical pastor Rick Warren to pray at his inauguration, argue that Obama must do better than the last two Democratic presidencies, which they believe have resulted in pro-gay judicial appointments but too little else. Jimmy Carter was the first to invite gay activists to a White House meeting (which he did not attend); Bill Clinton was the first to pursue gay voters during his presiden- tial campaign. Yet Carter said little to nothing in the course of Anita Bryant’s national anti-gay crusade, and Clinton’s left us with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” To put Obama’s stunning statement in context, it helps to know how things were going for him in mid-February 1996: he was in the middle of a messy standoff with the 13th District’s incum- bent state Senator, Alice Palmer. After promising not to run for reelection and publicly endorsing Obama, a civil rights lawyer who had never held office, Palmer changed her mind in December 1995 and tried to get back into the race. For several weeks, neither candidate backed down, while local political leaders sought a resolution. The conflict would end in a matter of days, when Obama supporters successfully challenged the validity of signatures collected by Palmer’s cam- paign. But on the day the fax went to Outlines, Obama was an unlikely candidate, up against a progressive incumbent in a very progressive dis- trict, who needed all the help he could get. Earlier, in January, Obama had filled out his first known questionnaire on LGBT issues, which his campaign faxed to IMPACT Illinois, which was then the state’s LGBT political action committee. Instead of asking about marriage directly, IM- PACT asked candidates if they would support a resolution stating that “marriage is a basic hu- man right and an individual personal choice” and that the state “should not interfere” with same- sex couples’ right to marry. Obama’s response, which appears to bear similarities to his hand- writing on other documents from the period that have been released, was “I would support such a resolution.” Other answers, expressing unfamil- iarity with HIV laws and with two openly gay candidates for office, reflect Obama’s inexperi- ence. The two questionnaires are an artifact, of course, of a very different moment in Obama’s history, but also in the history of the same-sex marriage debate. Beginning in 1995, after the highest court in Obama’s native Hawaii began seeking to force that state to grant marriage li- censes to same-sex couples, legislators in state- houses nationwide stampeded to ban the prac- tice preemptively. On Feb. 13, 1996, just two Turn to page 8 8 Jan. 14, 2009 WCT: Well, I want to go back to something you RC: You should know that the bill that the gov- said: You talked about a correlation between ernor signed in 2005 does say “perceived sexual Andersonville filing and economic hardships. So, when peo- orientation,” so that would be valid in Illinois eatery reopens ple have jobs, do they tend to not file and as well. So it can be someone who isn’t gay but Andies, 5253 N. Clark, passed re-inspection possibly [put up with] possible harassment? who is treated like they’re gay. Jan. 9 and was given its business license back RC: Well, it’s very individualized, but we know WCT: When you and I talked in ‘07, some- a day after being being shut down the previous that people are getting laid off more often now. thing you said regarding outreach was that day by Chicago Department of Public Health in- People have less options; in other words, they you felt that you all could do more downstate. spectors. can’t find jobs [as easily]. That may prompt peo- How has that progressed? The inspectors visited Andies in response to a ple to file, so that they can possibly get back RC: Well, we need to do better at it. We’ve report that a customer became sick after eating pay or their jobs back. But we find that individu- done a number of informational workshops a meal. Inspectors discovered a faulty walk-in als in the workplace who are more vulnerable to around the state, and sexual orientation is al- cooler that was about five degrees warmer than discrimination tend to be the first ones to be ways part of those [events] because it’s part of the maximum of 40 degrees required by law. fired first. the law. We’ve partnered with Equality Illinois WCT: OK. I’m no sociologist, but what does in a number of things here in Chicago and a few ‘Cabaret’ Jan. 16 Rocco Claps. that say about employees and employers? places downstate, but we need to do a better job RC: Frankly, I’m much more prompted to feel of that. It’s always a challenge when you have at Center discrimination if I don’t have options; unfortu- budget restrictions and you’re teaching people Center on Halsted Youth Program’s “Diva” Righting wrongs: nately, people tend to fire those who are differ- about what’s available to them. workshops will culminate in “Gender Queer ent from [themselves] or who they don’t like— I do think that it’s getting through, which Cabaret, Showtime at the Apollo,” an evening Talking with and if I’m one who is fired or laid off, and I don’t is why we have an increase in charges. We’ve of gender-bending queer musical performances have an immediate ability to find another job, had an increase every year since the bill became based upon shows at the historic landmark Apol- lo Theater in Harlem. “Cabaret” will take place I think that my life is more affected by it so I law. Rocco Claps Friday, Jan. 16, at the Center’s Hoover/Leppen might try to get some sort of remedy for it. WCT: To our knowledge, have you received a BY ANDREW DAVIS Theatre, 3656 N. Halsted, 7-9 p.m. WCT: The other bases of discrimination substantial number of gender identity-relat- Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the [besides employment] include real-estate ed complaints? Three years after the Illinois Human Rights Act door; they’re $3 for students and seniors with transactions; public accommodations; sexual RC: As a snapshot of fiscal year ‘09 (from July amendment that bans sexual-orientation and valid IDs. See www.centeronhalsted.org. gender-identity discrimination went into effect, harassment in higher education; and financial ‘08 to today), we’ve had 89 sexual-orientation the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) credit. Could you explain that last one? charges and, of those, 11 are related to gender has seen its fair share of complaints being filed. RC: Basically, it’s issuance of a loan, but keep identity. But we’ve also had 2 bisexual, 67 ho- Brotherhood meeting Windy City Times talked with IDHR Director in mind that real-estate transactions covers mosexual, 2 heterosexual and 3 perceived orien- on Jan. 17 tation. Rocco Claps about the complaints as well as business transactions as well. Brotherhood of the Phoenix, a Chicago neo- domestic-partner benefits. WCT: How long does it take to process a Visit www.state.il.us/dhr or call 312-814- pagan order for LGT men, will hold a celebra- Windy City Times: How are things going complaint? 6200. tion Saturday, Jan. 17, 5:30-10 p.m, at Lifeforce with the amendment and filing? RC: We’re in pretty good shape right now. Our Arts, 3148 N. Lincoln. Rocco Claps: What I find really interesting— average number is about 320 days right now; LGBT couple The suggested donation is $10. See www. and you should know that when I talk about we’re required by law to process a claim in 365 brotherhoodofthephoenix.org. numbers, I have three different stacks in front of days, and that’s from walking in the door to a murdered me and we keep numbers by fiscal year—is that resolution. And about 33 percent of our charges no matter if you look at fiscal year or calendar are settled within the agency; we offer media- in Indianapolis OBAMA from page 7 by ANDREW DAVIS year, we see a distinct increase. So far, within tion throughout so the parties often come to days before Obama submitted the question- 2009, 5 percent of all the charges coming in terms within the process of investigation. naire, Republican Peter Fitzgerald of Palatine A man arrested Dec. 31 for two murders in India- [involve] sexual orientation and gender identity, WCT: How much evidence does a person had unveiled a “defense of marriage” bill in napolis has admitted to committing the crimes, which is a big increase for us; originally, it was need? Obviously, the more evidence you have, the Illinois State Senate. The bill was signed according to WTHR.com. about 1 percent in ‘06. the better off you are. into law in May by Gov. Jim Edgar; soon, Bill Christopher Conwell, 20, confessed to India- WCT: And what do you attribute that in- RC: It varies by what they’re charging. But Clinton would sign the federal DOMA, which napolis Metro Police Detectives that he killed crease to? in our typical charge—employment—we tell remains on the books. Obama clearly stated Avery Elzy, 34 (who police said lived an “alter- RC: We have an increase in charges coming people to bring in comparables. If a gay man his opposition to such laws. native” lifestyle, according to the Web site), and in, which I [attribute to] the economy. Typi- is alleging harassment, you should be able to Today, the president-elect says he does not Michael Hunt, 22, on Dec. 26 at the couple’s cally, the most vulnerable employees in a work- [show] that he is being treated differently than support “legalizing same-sex marriages.” As house at 5853 Rosslyn. One of the couple’s three place setting are the ones who are victimized a straight man who does the same job he does. late as his early 2004 interview with Baim dogs was also killed. first, fired first or treated differently when the In employment cases, showing comparables of- in this publication, he added a qualification, When asked what was meant by “alternative,” economy gets bad. We’ve seen that in repeated ten means getting records from the employer. saying, “I am not a supporter of gay mar- Sgt. Paul Thompson of the Indianapolis Police patterns over the years, so that’s not so surpris- WCT: I don’t know if you heard about this riage as it has been thrown about, primar- Department told Windy City Times Jan. 8 that ing to me. What is surprising is that we’re at 5.3 case in England, but a straight man was al- ily just as a strategic issue.” Since the 2004 the couple was “in the LGBT spectrum.” Thomp- percent—and I do believe that’s because people lowed to file a homophobia-based charge election, same-sex marriage has become far son added that, so far, the double murder does know that we exist. against his former company because his co- more widely discussed, and more politically not look like a hate crime; however, authorities workers attacked him with gay slurs... explosive, than in 1996. Meanwhile, with his are still investigating the motive. every word under scrutiny, Obama phrases his policy positions meticulously. To his credit, Obama, whose parents’ interracial marriage iLœÀ> Ê
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in every campaign. What remains to be seen, Charles T. Rhodes, ˆ˜>˜Vˆ>Ê though, is whether it is a change we can be- Agent Ê œ˜ÃՏ̈˜} lieve in. 2472 N. Clark Timothy Stewart-Winter is a doctoral [email protected] 773.281.0890 candidate in history at the University of www.womenandchildrenfirst.com ÕȘiÃÃÊ State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Chicago, writing his dissertation on les- Parking Available (not in NJ) Ê*>˜˜ˆ˜} Wheelchair Accessible State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) bian and gay politics in Chicago. Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois Jan. 14, 2009 9 own bed and your own home and your own doc- tor than you have some idea of what it’s like to have HIVAIDS and be on the street,” explained Sloan. The building offers a list of amenities that QUOTELINES includes a computer lab, children’s library and BY REX WOCKNER rec room. The ceremony was attended by mem- bers of the press, Chicago House staff and board members. Daley said, “All of us here this morn- Q ing have one important thing in common. We “As we saw during primary season, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., Dec. 18 after Barack are committed to help all Chicagoans without a our president-elect is not free of his own Obama announced that prominent evangelical home, find a home and the same opportunity as brand of hubris and arrogance, and sometimes preacher Rick Warren will deliver the invocation any other resident to benefit from [the] many it comes before a fall: ‘You’re likable enough, at the presidential inauguration. From left: The Rev. Stan Sloan, Mayor Richard opportunities Chicago offers.” After reading his Hillary’ was the prelude to his defeat in New Daley and 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller. statement, the mayor cut a ribbon alongside Hampshire. He has hit this same note again by “I have decided to decline the invita- Photo by Emmanuel Garcia 46th Ward Alderman Helen Shiller. assigning the invocation at his inauguration to tion to attend the inauguration as I cannot the Rev. Rick Warren, the Orange County, Calif., be part of a celebration that highlights and megachurch preacher who has likened commit- gives voice to someone who advocated repeal- Mayor attends MLK, Jr., open mic ted gay relationships to incest, polygamy and ing rights from me and millions of other Cali- Chicago on Jan. 19 ‘an older guy marrying a child.’ Bestowing this fornians. (Rick Warren) actively works to divide On Jan. 19, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- honor on Warren was a conscious—and glib— Americans based on who we are and has been House ceremony sted, will welcome Pow-wow Chicago for an open decision by Obama to spend political capital. an ardent supporter of efforts to ostracize LGBT BY EMMANUEL GARCIA mic event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., It was made with the certitude that a leader Americans.” — Equality California Executive Di- Day and in acknowledgement of the upcoming with a mandate can do no wrong.” — New York rector Geoff Kors Dec. 18 after Barack Obama Chicago House and Social Service Agency invited inauguration of the first African-American Presi- Times columnist Frank Rich, Dec. 28. announced that prominent evangelical preacher Mayor Richard Daley to the Uptown neighbor- dent, Barack Obama. Rick Warren will deliver the invocation at the hood for a ribbon-cutting to unveil the new The event—which will feature female poets, “I resigned from the planning com- presidential inauguration. Families Building on the North Side. The Rev. writers and performers—will take place 7-9 p.m. mittee of the Equality Stan Sloan, the organization’s CEO, said the Admission is $5; for more info, e-mail creid@ Summit because I felt that apartment-style residential building cost over centeronhalsted.org or visit www.powwowchi- the press should be al- $2 million. Although a large portion of the funds cago.org. lowed into the entire con- came through the U.S. Department of Housing ference. ... It felt like the There are and Urban Development, half of the cost was same old ‘secretive’ pro- still some paid for by private donations. CJR’s South Side cess that had happened The apartment units are for families whose march Jan. 19 during the No on 8 cam- really, really lives have become complicated or affected by The Coalition of Justice and Respect (CJR) will paign.” — Veteran lesbian ignorant the HIV/AIDS virus. The site is part of a city- hold a march Monday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. that activist Robin Tyler on Dec. people wide effort to combat the homelessness that will begin at 63 E. 79th. 30 protesting a decision out there. many people with HIV/AIDS are facing. “If any Among other things, CJR will march “for re- to limit media access dur- —Lance Bass of you have been on vacation and have gotten spect of African-American gays and lesbians and ing portions of a big Jan. like the flu or some really strong illness and against racism in the LGBT community.” 24 summit in Los Angeles you’ve been trapped there away from you home For more information, call 773-559-1751. where more than 250 gay and away from your bed and all you want is your activists will organize and strategize on how to win back same-sex marriage in California. Sum- “I think the more visible we are, the mit organizers have said they are worried that more difficult it is for people to be prejudiced, HARRIS from cover media coverage could divulge strategies to gays’ and it just spreads; it’s going to spread like committee’s report. What really stood out opponents, though Tyler’s public resignation— a good virus around the world. Unfortunately to me were the [alleged] attempts to extort and her turning over of internal documents to there are still countries in this world where ho- money from Children’s Memorial Hospital; [or] reporters—apparently has the organizers re- mosexuality is punishable by death and there’s attempts to extort the Chicago Tribune, [of- thinking their decision. dozens of them that can put you in jail and fering] financial assistance if they would fire will put you in jail. So we’ve got a long way to different editors he didn’t like or agree with. “It is always hard to be in a tiny mi- go. Here we are complaining that you can’t get And then there was the whole thing with the nority whose rights and dignity are removed married, and if you’re in Nigeria they’ll hack intercepted wiretaps where he tried to sell Ba- by a majority. It’s a brutal rebuke to the state you to death. So there’s still a long ways to rack Obama’s Senate seat. supreme court, and enshrinement in Califor- go. The easiest way to support it is to be out Those three things seem to be criminal activ- nia’s constitution that gay couples are now and be active here.” — Openly lesbian tennis ities, but there were other things that, while second-class citizens and second-class hu- great Martina Navratilova to the Vancouver gay they weren’t criminal, certainly threaten the man beings. Massively funded by the Mormon newspaper Xtra! West, Oct. 23. financial welfare of the state—[such as] these State Rep. Greg Harris. church, a religious majority finally managed programs and expenditures of state money to put gay people in the back of the bus in “Both poles of the gay rights move- the biggest state of the union. The refusal of ment, from grassroots activists to pol- without approval, where the legislature has time the governor’s on trial, he will still re- voted to restrict the ability of the government Schwarzenegger to really oppose the measure ished politicos, complain that they were shut tain his power, correct? and Obama’s luke-warm opposition didn’t help. out of No on 8’s decision-making process from to spend money in these ways, and the gov- GH: Yes, he is still the governor until the ernor went ahead and spent taxpayer money, And cruelly, a very hefty black turnout, as the start.” — The Advocate, Dec. 16. Senate votes to convict him on impeachment feared, was one of the factors that defeated anyway. That ran into millions and millions of charges. dollars, which—given our financial situation— us.” — Gay writer Andrew Sullivan on his blog, “We spent a lot of time together and WCT: And the new session of the House if you feel that all of our in- we can certainly use. Nov. 5. I’m curious won’t take part in the proceedings? timate cuddling and spooning all night long WCT: What were your impressions of GH: Well, they’re sworn in [Jan. 14]. But the “In an HBO documentary set to air might have been a liiittle more enjoyable than Blagojevich’s press conference? lawyers are advising that when this General Jan. 29, disgraced evangelical leader Ted you would like to admit.” — Openly gay “Sur- GH: I would say that he has a vastly differ- Assembly ends—the 95th General Assembly— Haggard says he never claimed to be hetero- vivor: Gabon” player Charlie Herschel to winner ent perception of what is going on around him [Jan. 13] and the 96th is sworn in, one of the sexual, as was once reported, and he continues Bob Crowley during the final episode, Dec. 14. than I think the rest of the people in Illinois very first acts we’ll do is to re-vote the im- to struggle with same-sex attraction. (Haggard do. Whether you agree with the impeachment peachment of the governor so that is legally says,) ‘The reason I kept my personal struggle “You’re a wonderful person. I like you or you don’t, I would say that—given what’s live in the General Assembly. Everyone who is a secret is because I feared that my friends a lot. And you’re nice and warm at night. I happened in the last month, culminating with newly elected will have to make the same deci- would reject me, abandon me and kick me out, didn’t give a hoot.” — ”Survivor: Gabon” win- today—things put the governor in a very bad sion that we already have. and the church would exile and excommuni- ner Bob Crowley, in response to Herschel. situation. And for him to get up and say that WCT: Is there anything you wanted to cate me.’” — From a news article in Colorado “it’s business as usual” makes you wonder if add? Springs’ The Gazette, Dec. 17. “Every other day, I get called a ‘fag,’ he’s paying attention or if he’s listening to the GH: There are so many other pressing prob- and get threatened to be beat up. There are same stuff we are. lems that we could and probably should be ad- “Religious leaders obviously have still some really, really ignorant people out And the people of Illinois are put in a bad dressing now, that a lot of us are just heartsick every right to speak out in opposition to there.” — Out singer Lance Bass to the Las Ve- position. We cannot pay our bills, it’s costing that this is what we are forced to do—because anti-discrimination measures, even in the de- gas Review-Journal, Dec. 26. us another $20 million to borrow money to pay of the actions of this one man. And he does grading terms that Rev. Warren has used with healthcare costs because of his legal situation; not even get the fact that he has any part in regard to same-sex marriage. But that does not —Assistance: Bill Kelley the state’s bond rating has been downgrad- this. He’s never said, “OK. I understand how confer upon them the right to a place of honor ed—and we’ll suffer for years because of the you might’ve felt about some of the actions in the inauguration ceremony of a president situation. He doesn’t seem to grasp that he has I’ve taken.” He [seems] to [think] that it’s just whose stated commitment to LGBT rights won a part in this. Happy Days Are Here Again for him. him the strong support of the great majority WCT: Also, just to clarify: Even during the of those who support that cause.” — Gay U.S. 10 Jan. 14, 2009

VOL. 24, No. 16, Jan. 14, 2009 VIEWPOINT The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, it’s just ignorance. Some people fear and oppose words have power and we have to be careful how founded May 1987. RON that which they don’t understand or care to un- we use them. Please understand that I am in no PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR derstand. Others just rely on the stereotypical way saying that we should not respond to those Tracy Baim ROBERT images often portrayed by the media, or they who oppose us. Without those who have bravely object to changing the definition of marriage. stood up to injustice and demanded equality, we Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky Whatever their reasons, just because someone would not be where we are today. But when we MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis Business manager Cynthia Holmes doesn’t agree with us, it doesn’t necessarily publicly respond, we can still do so in a way Director of New Media Jean Albright mean that they hate us. that effectively gets our point across while still ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson I have some very good straight Christian friends respecting those who oppose us. account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk that simply don’t agree with me on certain top- Those who truly hate LGBT people will prob- Williamson, Terry Wiegel Will 2008 be Promotions director Cynthia Holmes ics—gay issues being some of them. While this ably never change their views, so it’s not even NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson frustrates me, I don’t question for a minute that productive to engage in a dialogue with them. National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 the end of hate? they love me. Republicans and Democrats; Chris- But for the vast majority of others, I doubt that TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan tians and Jews; and gays and straights can all we’re going to change their minds by calling Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. There is a great deal of frustration and anger BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair love each other and still disagree. If love is the them haters when they don’t genuinely hate us, these days directed at those who oppose gay SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie unconditional acceptance of someone regardless or by calling them judgmental, intolerant bigots marriage. When discussing these topics, I often J. Kuda, David Byrne, Cathy Seabaugh, Tony of the parts of them that we may find unfavor- when they simply disagree with us. Perhaps tak- Peregrin hear words like “hate,” “bigot,” “judgmental” able, then hate is the unconditional rejection of ing these sorts of inflammatory words out of our ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS and “intolerant.” While it’s completely under- Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, a person in spite of any good qualities that they conversations (even in cases where the words standable to react this way, it’s not always a fair Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Tim Nasson, Catey may have. So, even if someone does not accept are justified) will invite a sense of respect to- characterization of the people who oppose us. Sullivan, Zachary Whittenburg, J. S. Hall one part of who we are (as much as that feels ward us that will lead to an openness to further Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie Day, And even if it is fair, it’s not the most respectful like a complete rejection of our personhood), it discussion and understanding. I think this is a Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe Rice, response. I’d like to propose an alternative— Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, doesn’t mean that they reject every part of us. far more productive approach. please hear me out. Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Karen Dixon, Mark So maybe they don’t hate us; they’re just It’s certainly understandable for us to respond The word “hate” is defined as “detesting, hav- Corece, Sabine Neidhardt judgmental, intolerant bigots. Well, to judge is to rejection with anger and hatred, but I don’t PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, ing intense dislike, extreme hostility, or animos- simply to have an opinion or estimation after think that’s our best and most effective option. Steve Becker, Steve Starr ity toward someone or something.” By this defi- ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart careful consideration. Bigotry is intolerance of As Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see nition, there are unquestionably those who hate CIRCULATION any differing viewpoint from one’s own. And in the world.” So in 2009, let’s be the change LGBT people. Those who physically or verbally Circulation director Jean Albright intolerance is not respecting or recognizing by not judging those who we feel are being harm others due to their sexual orientation or Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Crystal, Dan, John, someone else’s beliefs or opinions. We all have judgmental. Let’s be the change by tolerating Sue and Victor who eternally condemn us by stating that “God opinions and make judgments, but where the those who we don’t feel are being tolerant of us. hates fags” are clearly hateful. But fortunately, line is crossed is if someone is either not willing Let’s be the change by respecting the opinions these people are a small, though still occasion- to listen to another’s perspective or they form of those who disagree with us. And maybe if we ally visible, minority. In any case, we have the a judgment based only on their sexual orienta- do that, 2008 will be the end of hate ... at least choice to not respond to their hatred by hating tion (or appearance, age, etc.). But it’s entirely from our side. Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media them in return. possible for someone to hear and acknowledge Ron Robert is a freelance writer and is a co- Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Putting them aside, there are far more people Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). someone else’s viewpoint—genuinely respect founder and board member of Reconciling who simply disagree with us when it comes to Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, his or her opinion—but respectfully disagree. In Journey Ministries, an affirming fellowship and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and gay marriage. While their denial of us having the no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. that case, it’s not judgmental, bigoted or intol- for LGBT Christians and their allies; contact same rights as they have is clearly an injustice, All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy erant. It’s simply honest disagreement. him at [email protected]. City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned I don’t see that as hatred. Hate is a strong word, for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing I realize that some of this is semantic, but and disagreement is not hatred. In many cases and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the LETTERS sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept A letter to Obama —Use the network and resources of the U.S. economic system is our best hope to safeguard responsibility for advertising claims. Agency for International Development (USAID) jobs, homes, savings, public services, welfare (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 Dear President Barack Obama, to train LGBTI human-rights defenders and sup- provision, the environment and to bridge the e-mail: [email protected] port LGBTI organisations, especially in poorer chasm of inequality between the global north developing countries. and south. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Congratulations on the occasion of your inau- radio: WindyCityQueercast.com guration. —Press for the worldwide decriminalization of —Take action to save the lives of the 1.5 bil- On this special day, the hopes of billions of same-sex acts. lion people on our planet who are malnourished WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, people across our precious planet are vested in —Seek the universal abolition of capital pun- and without safe, clean drinking water (of which 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA your presidency. They look to you to show prac- ishment, including the execution of LGBTI peo- about 150 million are LGBTI). What is the point (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) ple. Give a lead by ending the death penalty in of securing LGBTI equality if LGBTI people are tical and moral leadership in resolving the great Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. challenges that face humanity. the U.S. left to die of starvation and disease? Nightspots Deadline every Wednesday. You have a historic opportunity to give new —Withdraw diplomatic, economic and mili- —Lobby for a U.N. Convention Against War Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now expression to the United State’s founding ideals tary support from tyrannical regimes like Saudi and Poverty, whereby the nations of the world, online only Arabia that persistently deny freedom to their including the U.S., agree to cut their annual Deadline The 10th of month prior. of liberty, justice and equality, by defending hu- OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE man rights—including the human rights of LG- own people and oppress their own citizens, military expenditure by 10 percent and to divert www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com BTI people, in the United States and worldwide. on grounds such as gender, sexual orientation, the $100,000 million saved into a “Marshall Plan There are many new policies you can initiate, transgender identity, race, nationality, religion 2” for the total eradication of hunger, malnutri- or belief, language and so on. tion, dirty drinking water, poor sanitation and www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com at relatively little cost, which will greatly extend www.WindyCityQueercast.com the realm of justice and freedom and rebuild the —Recognize and support the International preventable illnesses by the year 2025. moral stature of the U.S. across the globe: Criminal Court, to bring to justice the perpetra- —Act now to halt the single greatest threat to —Propose a new U.N. International Human tors of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the future of humanity: climate chaos. It is more Rights Convention, enforceable worldwide and including homophobic tyrants. of a danger than terrorism and war, and threat- including protection against discrimination —End the U.S. use of detention without trial, ens the survival of all species and all races, na- based on sexual orientation, transgender iden- torture and extraordinary rendition, and close tionalities, faiths and sexualities. LGBTI freedom tity and HIV status. down Guantanamo Bay. means nothing if we don’t have a planet where —Instruct the State Department to compile a —Withdraw from Iraq and renounce the U.S. we can enjoy it. Preserving our fragile biosphere global index of LGBTI rights and raise abuses policy of selective and unilateral military inter- is the precondition for life, liberty and the pur- of these rights in the U.N. and with offending vention to overthrow foreign dictatorships, like suit of happiness—for every human being, re- Windy City Times states, such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Uganda, the Saddam Hussein regime, in favor of a policy gardless of sexual orientation. is Chicago’s only Iran, Nigeria, Yemen, Jamaica, Cameroon, Lithu- supporting democratic and humanitarian civil Destiny awaits you, Mr President. The hopes gay publication with ania, Afghanistan, Belarus and Iraq. society organizations within those countries, in of humanity are in your hands. May you rise to —Make U.S. aid to homophobic countries con- order to empower the victims of oppression to greatness as a progressive and unifying leader independent, outside ditional on serious progress towards their repeal liberate themselves. who shapes a freer and fairer future—not just audit verification of of anti-gay and anti-transgender laws. —Cease propping up corrupt, pro-western, and for the American people but for the people of circulation by the —Show the way by eliminating such discrimi- often homophobic, human-rights abusers, such the whole world. natory laws in the US, including repealing the as the Ugandan and Nigerian regimes. nationally recognized ban on same-sex marriage and “don’t ask, don’t —Devise a new, more just international eco- Peter Tatchell firm, Verified Audit tell,” and enacting laws to protect LGBTI people nomic framework, where the common good, en- London, UK Circulation. against discrimination in employment, hous- vironmental protection and global equity take ing, education, advertising and the provision of priority over private privilege, corporate greed goods and services. and national self-interest. A fairer, sustain- able, regulated and accountable international Jan. 14, 2009 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Johnny ‘MISS’ UNDERSTANDING Knight Miss Saigon is running at Oakbrook Terrace’s Drury Lane through March 8. Read WCT’s review on page 12. THEATER MOVIES MUSIC

‘Pool’ party. This is Pitt. Science project. page 12 page 15 page 17

Photo courtesy of Bernadette Johnston-Peck

Japan Dance Now at the Dance Center. Bold pop Dance Chicago to join in for Modern Myths. The current milestone and, in a look back, an age Dancin’ Feats repackagers of the generally arch-serious dance company will premiere founder Melissa Thodos’ of awkwardness and transition. Cole will appear by Zachary Whittenburg form butoh, Sennichimae are bringing selections new Aries, with Fulcrum Point handling the in a solo made for her by friend and colleague from 2006’s The End of Water. Complementing Stockhausen. It’s at the Harris Theater for Music Liz Burritt, an ode to the superhero within that Although Hubbard Street Dance Chicago has the evening are BABY-Q with the aggressive and Dance, 205 E. Randolph, Jan. 20 at 7:30 emerged through Cole’s surgery and recovery. been amassing works by Israeli dancemaker-cum- solo-and-video piece E/G-Ego Geometria and p.m. The admission ($15-30) includes a com- Also on the program is Wise Women Don’t Love, movement revolutionary Ohad Naharin since the Nibroll, whose Coffee (2002) promises a trip plimentary post-performance wine-and-plates a recent work by Colleen Halloran. Halloran’s waning days of the Conte administration, the into volatility. What happens in Japan’s modern reception. Details are at fulcrumpoint.org, tho- dances are rich with the confidence of an expe- occasion to see dancers chosen, trained and di- dance scene is unlike anything on Earth: Be sure dosdancechicago.org and harristheaterchicago. rienced hand, their emotional and intellectual rected by Naharin himself could well be the most to venture out for a look at what the other hemi- org ideas communicated with calm precision. important event of an already landmark season. sphere is up to. —Bona fide Argentinian tango is unforgiving The Dance COLEctive presents 13 at the Ruth In marked contrast to the precious significance Japan Dance Now at the Dance Center at Co- to all but its most expert practitioners. Fortu- Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Jan. assigned to individual pieces of choreography, lumbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., Feb. 5-7 nately, that’s exactly who will be onstage for 29-31, at 8 p.m.; $16-20. Visit www.dancecolec- Naharin treats even his most celebrated works at 8 p.m., $24-28. Visit www.colum.edu/dance- Tango Fire, an internationally touring showcase tive.com or call 773-604-8452. as modular parts of larger collection, organizing center. with enviable production values and a lot of leg. —One of my other favorite scores is Prokofiev’s and rearranging them at will into grand mon- —Suburban balletomanes get the goods brought At the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Jan. Cinderella, which will accompany three perfor- tages. One of the more traveled of these, Deca to them when Sergei Radchenko’s Russian Na- 24 at 3 and 8 p.m., $45-85 mances of the three-act ballet by the State Bal- Dance, will alone represent the Batsheva Dance tional Ballet Theatre brings its by-the-book —Camille Saint-Saëns’ The Carnival of the let of Russia at the Harris, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. and Company upon its first visit to Chicago since the Swan Lake to the McAninch Arts Center at the Animals is one of my favorite ballet scores— Jan. 31 at 2 and 8 p.m. See above for venue mid-’70s. College of DuPage, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn, Jan. if you want to introduce your kids to the good details. Composed of excerpts from eight pieces dat- 11, at 2 and 7 p.m. $36-46. stuff, New York Theatre Ballet is performing it, —Peripheral to the Japan Dance Now festival ing from between 1992 and 2008, Deca Dance —Local treasure and recent Lucky Plush addi- along with an abbreviated Sleeping Beauty, at is a special single, free performance of Blue Sky is sewn together by a total reinvention of dance tion Asimina Chremos keeps things interesting Governors State University in University Park, Black Monk, a collaboration between Sennichi- vocabulary—an approach called “gaga”—that this month with two happenings: Jan. 14 finds Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. $23-48. mae Blue Sky Dance Club and Chicago’s Black Naharin has refined for over a decade. Drawing her and Fred Lonberg-Holm in the beer cooler —Tireless Chicago choreographer Margi Cole hit Monks of Mississippi. One can only wonder at from currents in movement therapy and somatic at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, for the lat- a snag last year, kept off the stage by a serious what will happen when Sennichimae’s pop- studies, gaga has become a tool Naharin uses to est installment of the Immediate Sound Series, injury. She’s back and in full swing, though, and meets-butoh approach meets the Black Monks’ “find” movement within the body, as opposed which this month features their “microgig” along celebrating her company’s 13th anniversary with Southern Baptist-meets-Buddhist stylings. Find to imposing forms upon it—it’s what gives all with a quartet of musicians and a DJ set by art a weekend of concerts at the Ruth Page Center out Feb. 3 at Experimental Station, 6100 S. of his dances such thrilling unpredicability and dealers Corbett vs. Dempsey. On Jan. 17 Chremos for the Arts. The evening consists of Cole’s 13, Blackstone, at 6 p.m. ease. Combined with an uncommonly delicate will perform with and host Baltimore composer which looks prismatically at the number as both touch with body language and a tendency to- Jon Berndt at Silverspace, 1474 N. Milwaukee, ward explosive, seemingly dangerous abandon, at 8 p.m. Find more information about her many his innumerable strengths as a choreographer projects at asiminachremos.com. make him one of dance’s most groundbreaking —CDI/Concert Dance, Inc. Director Venetia E/G-Ego Geometria artists. Stifler isn’t about to get caught up in iPhone by BABY-Q. Batsheva Dance Company at the Auditorium mania: Her newest work, Digital Fidgeting, Photo courtesy Theatre, 50 E. Congress, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and shines the hard light of reason on compulsive of the Dance Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets and more information behavior in an always-on world, as part of com- Center at are at http://auditoriumtheatre.org. munication-themed mixed bill Talk to Me. It’s Columbia College —Four years ago I attended a touring festival at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. of Japanese contemporary dance in Montréal and Dearborn, Jan. 16-18 and 23-25, at 8 p.m., with it remains one of the most enjoyable, unsettling Sunday performances at 3 p.m. $20. See www. and bizarre performances I’ve ever seen. One ruthpage.org. troupe on that program, Sennichimae Blue Sky —Populist new-music group Fulcrum Point Dance Club, appears here as part of the triple bill taps the local dance scene by inviting Thodos 12 Jan. 14, 2009 CRITICS’ PICS The Maids, Writers Theatre in Glencoe, through April 5. You can almost smell the overpowering perfume of roses and estrogen in this intimate auditorium barely larger than the boudoir where Jean Genet’s explo- ration of female power games unfolds. MSB The Seafarer, Steppenwolf Theatre, through Feb. 8. Acting doesn’t get much better than in Conor McPherson’s combina- tion of Beckett and Faust. John Mahoney’s blowhard blind man has flash, but look at the quiet, intense, detailed work by Francis Guinan and Tom Irwin. JA Stop/Kiss, Gift Theatre, Jan. 15 through March 15. Two women fall in love and face the aftermath of a hate crime in Diana Son’s critically acclaimed drama. Expect the Gift to deliver an intense and intimate staging. Miss Saigon. Photo by Johnny Knight SCM The Sum of Us, 1027 Productions at Ev- As Kim’s conflicted Marine, Chris, the strapping chael, blamed the Germans and took over the anston Arts Depot, Jan. 16 through Feb. 7. This new theater company presents one of THEATER REVIEW Kevin Vortmann sings wonderfully and gets his government). Some story details are unclear— character’s anguish across (although he isn’t as for example, I don’t know how gulag prisoner Australia’s most famous gay plays, which convincing in his introspective Why God, Why Gencho Shonev relates to Nikolchev—but the memorably featured Russell Crowe playing Miss Saigon gay in the 1994 film version. SCM Authors: Claude-Michel Schönberg, falling-in-love song). intensity of the experience never fails. As for —By Abarbanel, Barnidge Alain Boublil and Richard Matlby, Jr. Also providing strong support is John Sanders the power of his performance, Nikolchev is posi- and Morgan At: Drury Lane Oakbrook, as the Marine John; Melissa Dye as Chris’ Ameri- tively ferocious in the best sense. He’s physi- 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. can wife, Ellen; and Evan D’Angeles as the vil- cally agile with explosive emotional and vocal Phone: 630-530-8300; $29-$35 lainous Thuy. The rest of the ensemble throws resources. He even hints once or twice at comic Runs through: March 8 themselves into the roles and Stacey Flaster’s abilities although there’s little to laugh about. gyrating choreography. He doesn’t even give the piece a happy ending, University, of which Nikolchev is a 2008 gradu- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN The spectacle in this Miss Saigon might not really, leaving his progenitors in a refugee camp ate. How and why he/they arrived in Chicago is be as grand as its original production. Yet Drury grasping the tantalizing promise of America. The unknown, but they appear to have the talent Theme-park spectacle was characteristic of big Lane comes through where it counts emotion- implied happy ending, I suppose, is Nikolchev to achieve things if they stay. Yasen Peyankov, imported British pop operas in the late 20th ally, and that’s more important. himself performing this work. watch out: There’s another hot Bulgarian actor century. The Phantom of the Opera had the fall- Nikolchev labored on Look, What I Don’t Un- in town now. ing chandelier, Cats had the levitating junkyard THEATER REVIEW derstand with five directors (although it plays tire and Miss Saigon was famous as “the helicop- seamlessly), most of whom have ties to Wesleyan ter musical.” Look, What I That’s an oversimplification of Miss Saigon, Don’t Understand though its realistic helicopter was one of its Playwright: Anthony Nikolchev big selling points at its London debut 20 years At: XIII Pocket at the ago. But as Drury Lane Oakbrook’s superlatively Athenaeum, 2936 N. Southport polished production of Miss Saigon shows, you Phone: 312-902-1500; $15 need only suggest a helicopter to get the same Runs through: Feb. 1 dramatic wallop. Fans of melodramatic sung-through pop operas BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL will find a lot to love in Drury Lane’s Miss Saigon. The performances are genuine and the whole All my grandparents did it. They sailed into the show is uncomfortably timely. Unfortunately, unknown (literally sailed, before air travel), Drury Lane’s outstanding production can’t con- seeking freedom and a better life in a fabled, ceal Miss Saigon’s writing-related shortcomings. far-off land. From America’s Pilgrim forebears, French authors Claude-Michel Schönberg and through waves of 19th-century European immi- Alain Boublil wrote Miss Saigon in the declama- gration, to late 20th-century Asian and Balkan tory style of their Les Miserables, tinged with arrivals, the tale of flight, escape and hope is stereotypical Asian flourishes (Richard Matlby, familiar. Sometimes I’ve been moved to tears Look, What I Don’t Understand. Photo by Danica Pantic Jr., collaborated on Miss Saigon’s English lyr- sensing the courage and desperation that made ics). Characters over-amplify their emotions via my grandparents—and millions of others—take bombastic power ballads and duets. (The style such a leap of faith. Likewise, a gulag in any feels dated, especially with Spamalot spoofing it language is brutal and too familiar, whether gu- perfectly in the number The Song That Goes Like lags of the Czars and Soviets, the Nazi “labor This.) camps,” the Cambodian killing fields or the not- And as a revisionist Vietnam War-era take on so-friendly confines of Cuba, courtesy of Castro Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, Miss Saigon and/or Guantanamo. SPOTLIGHT still perpetuates the outdated Western stereo- The Quest for Freedom, then, is a general story type of a submissive Asian woman who is will- which frequently features an Escape from Per- ing to die for the love of an unworthy Cauca- secution subplot. But the general story can be sian (even though he isn’t such a cad in this filled in with personal and particular details: the updating). As David Henry Hwang points out in conversation overheard, the bottle of cognac as Fairy tales and nursery rhymes have his play M. Butterfly, it wouldn’t be nearly as a bribe, the hair-breadth escape, the unexpected always been used to teach kids about “romantic” in the reverse situation of a blond gun, the gift of a radio, etc. It was my grandpar- morals. But can these tales also provide homecoming queen committing suicide after ents or your cousins or even you who took the insights to these times of economic tur- abandonment by a Japanese businessman. journey. In the case of newly minted actor and moil and social malaise? Playwright Dan- Yet, Miss Saigon can be theatrically satisfying writer Anthony Nikolchev, it was his grandpar- iel Jackson and Blackbird Theatre Com- and even moving at times if you see past its ents and adolescent father who escaped in 1969 pany seem to think so. See how these well-intentioned problems. Drury Lane’s produc- from Soviet-era Bulgaria to the United States via fantastical characters cope with real tion, under Rachel Rockwell’s astute direction, The Congo and Italy. life in the world premiere of Into the certainly makes a strong and enjoyable case for Look, What I Don’t Understand can’t claim to Pool, or the Cheshire Cat Mourns the Miss Saigon. be original, so its magic is in the power and Death of the American Dream. Into the Front and center are Joseph Anthony Foronda passion of the performance, in which Nikolchev Pool... plays through Feb. 1 at The Side as the hustling “Engineer” pimp and Melinda easily morphs into/out of close to 20 characters. Project, 1439 W. Jarvis. Tickets are $20; Chua Smith as the innocent and determined title The passion is apparent as Nikolchev connects $15 for students and seniors. Visit www. character, Kim. (Katie Boren plays Kim at mati- the dots of his own past, beginning with his BlackbirdTheatreCompany.com for more nees.) Both Foronda and Smith are Miss Saigon grandfather’s nationalistic military service in information. Photo courtesy of Berna- veterans, so they know the characters inside and World War II (during which the Soviets assas- dette Johnston-Peck out—and how to command the stage and work sinated Bulgaria’s anti-Nazi monarch, King Mi- the audience. Jan. 14, 2009 13 THEATER REVIEW chat or, conversely, into grim agitprop polem- ics. And since we’re talking South Asian chicks, Touch nothing could be simpler than to feed colonial- Playwright: Toni Press-Coffman ist appetites hungry for atrocity-related tales of At: New Leaf Theatre at Lincoln Park oppressive sexism. (“How brave these actresses Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West must be!” marveled one opening-night playgo- Phone: 773-516-3546; $12-$18 er, as if the artists had only yesterday stepped Runs through Feb. 14 with dainty sandled feet on the shores of Ellis Island). The Rasaka ensemble is to be commend- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN ed, however, for selecting material that speaks with uneffacing candor (laced with plenty of wry Touch could be any run-of-the-mill tale of love humor) rather than pandering to popular stereo- won and tragically lost if it weren’t for an un- types. Also admirable is director Lavina Jadh- expected series of storytelling choices made by wani and her four performers’ rejection of gra- playwright Toni Press-Coffman. New Leaf Theatre tuitous emotionality—no spare hankies will be rises to Press-Coffman’s challenge by doing its needed tonight—to instead allow their authors’ own smart subversions in its richly emotional insightful words to convey the truth of a world and moving staging. virtually unknown to even the most enlightened Press-Coffman’s 1999 drama unfolds largely as U.S. audiences. a series of solo reminiscences by Kyle, an astron- omer relating his courtship and blissful marriage to a free-spirited woman named Zoë. 1027 premiering Despite being seemingly mismatched (Kyle is a taciturn loner who finds solace in science; Zoë ‘Sum of Us’ wears garish clothing and gregariously collects 1027 Productions is starting life as a com- friends), they complete each other in the per- pany with the gay comedy The Sum of Us, by fect sense. Yong Ki Baat. Photo courtesy of Lavina Jadhwani David Stevens. Actor Dan Granata inhabits Kyle so honestly A major hit of the 1990 off-Broadway sea- and commandingly that you feel every rush of Touch contrived, you can’t deny that it works at characteristic of her ethnic region will affect son and a successful motion picture with Rus- joy and warmth as he reveals how Zoë opens him tugging the heartstrings in the play’s questions her body odor, or another comes to terms with sell Crowe, in one of his first starring roles, up to be a more expressive and emotional man. of science versus the spirit and the miraculous her hirsute complexion. Other episodes explore The Sum of Us is about a widowed father, Yet you’re also worried because Kyle’s past-tense flashes of love that can happen when you least the results of cultural pressures on individual Harry Mitchell, and his 24-year-old gay son, storytelling foreshadows that the happiness will expect it. fulfillment—a writer of erotic fiction struggles Jeff, and their search for love in working class end. So keep your tissues at hand if you want to be to speak sensuous words aloud to her lover, and Melbourne, Australia. So when Zoë disappears while doing a mun- touched by Touch. New Leaf Theatre and Press- a boyfriend in dire need of an anatomy lesson is The Sum of Us will be presented at the Pic- dane errand one Thanksgiving, you share Kyle’s Coffman know just the right buttons to push. soundly put in his place by his outspoken con- colo Theatre in the Evanston Arts Depo, 600 utter despair, anger and shock. That’s when Kyle sort. Still other testimonials discuss the larger Main, Evanston, in the Main Street Metra sta- starts to close up and other characters barge in THEATER REVIEW ramifications of the denial promoted by repres- tion. Performances will be Fridays-Sundays to relate what happens, sharing their side of the sive customs: why, for example, it may be easier, from Jan. 16 through Feb. 7. Tickets are story and recreating events past as in real time. Yoni Ki Baat in some societies, for an unmarried young wom- $20 for adults and $15 for seniors, students As Kyle’s childhood science buddy friend, Ben- Playwrights: Anita Chandwaney, Mary Anne an to play the “angry lesbian”—even while pre- and industry; call 773-334-2765 or e-mail nie, Matthew Gottlieb is great at showing his Mohanraj, Angeli Primlani, Rajani Adhikary, ferring to sleep with men—rather than face the [email protected]. concern and jealously of Kyle’s happiness. Barely Devi Bhaduri, Shruti S. Tewari, Ky Dickens, risks associated with adult heterosexual roles. seen in the first act, Kristina Johnson comes Sheba Karim, Nisha Gurbuxani et al. Chicks talking about their innards could into her own in the second act as Serena, Zoë’s At: Rasaka Theatre Company in quickly degenerate into giggly slumber-party older sister who becomes increasingly agitated conjunction with Premiere Theatre & as Kyle turns away from his loved ones. Performance, Strawdog Theatre, Press-Coffman throws a disturbing twist to 3829 N. Broadway :?@:8>FËJ=8MFI@K<E

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Madame Curie, just previous to her discovery in 1898 of the hitherto unknown element that would be called radium, said that she “hoped it would be a pretty color.” When it proved to be a delicate blue substance that glowed softly in These Shining Lives. Photo by Anthony Robert the dark like an angel’s halo, it quickly became LaPenna the prime ingredient in the coating on indus- trial machine and clock-face dials. But it was co-workers embrace their newfound status as also highly radioactive. And while a single wrist- independent wage-earners (and later, martyrs) watch might not present a danger to its wearer, with proto-feminist enthusiasm—faltering at the women employed at the downstate Illinois times, but always rallying to their purpose. Her factory who painted the numbers onto hundreds war-veteran husband has his moments of am- of timepieces every day—working bare-handed bivalence, but remains devoted to his wife. The in small rooms, moistening their tiny brushes villains emerge as less than monsters, however. with their own saliva—soon began to complain (Recall that in the early part of the 20th cen- of mysterious illnesses. tury, “radiation” was not the immediately sinis- Melanie Marnich’s docudrama recounts the ter threat it became after the advent of nuclear story of Catherine Wolf Donohue, who took legal weapons.) action against the businesses permitting these Rachel Walshe’s direction for this Rivendell hazardous conditions. (After several appeals, Theatre Ensemble production likewise shuns she finally won her case, only days before her cheap-weep melodrama. Instead, Rebecca Spen- death—the publicity meanwhile spurring manu- ce (nestled cozily in Jessica Kuehnau’s scenic- facturers to implement safety measures in their collage) conveys with intelligent compassion operations.) And though it’s easy to imagine Catherine’s spiritual growth from humble protec- this chronicle as a 1930s-style populist propa- tor of her own loved ones to crusader on behalf Good ‘Dirty’ fun ganda film, sneering corporate bosses exploiting of a “family” encompassing a nation of workers The cast of the pre-Broadway production of Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage co- poor and helpless females, playwright Marnich like herself. In this, she is ably supported by hosted a party with The Joffrey Ballet at the Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph, on Jan. 5 to is not so much interested in assigning blame or Justine C. Turner, Jessie Fisher and Ashley Neal’s celebrate the opening of Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet. drawing speculative parallels to our own time loyal comrades, along with Sean Cooper and Ron The evening featured two live music and dance sets by members of the Dirty Dancing cast, than she is in the victim who refused die qui- Wells as various men, supportive and otherwise. plus a silent auction and deluxe cocktail reception. etly. Indeed, our heroine herself warns us in the History lessons should all be this engaging. Proceeds from the party benefited the scholarship fund at Academy of Dance. Photos by beginning, “This is not a tragedy, though it ends Steve Starr; www.SteveStarrStudios.com. like one.” To be sure, Catherine and her eclectic band of

the allegation in her book about Smith called Entertainment Blond Ambition. KING RICHARD THE FIRST! Comedienne Kathy Griffin faced a lot of

news criticism from CNN after co-hosting that sta- Openly gay British talk-show host Graham tion’s New Year’s Eve telecast with Anderson RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN Norton is planning to give the annual Eu- Cooper, according to TheImproper.com. When rovision Song Contest—which will take place Griffin mentioned that she might host a re- joins the cast of SPAMALOT! in May in Moscow, Russia—a more risque feel union of Bad Girls Club, Cooper and somebody than his predecessor, Sir Terry Wogan, did, ac- off-camera started kidding her about it. “Screw cording to PinkNews.co.uk. Norton, whose TV you. Why don’t you get a job, buddy?” she shows involve nudity and blue humor, said that screamed to the off-camera guy. “You know “the show goes on quite late so I plan to do what? I don’t go to your job and knock the some jokes.” According to Wikipedia, the most JANUARY 20 dicks out of your mouth.” notable winning Eurovision artist was ABBA, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles and TO who won the contest for Sweden in 1974 with Alicia Keys have received NAACP Image the song Waterloo. FEBRUARY 1 Award nods for their singing and acting, Deborra-Lee Furness—the wife of hunky People.com reported. Hudson—still grieving ONLY! leading man Hugh Jackman—is growing tired the losses of her mother, brother and nephew of the gay rumors surrounding her husband, after they were killed last year—led all nomi- according to People.com. Jackman told the nees with seven nominations. The awards cer- magazine that “she said the most infuriating emony will air Feb. 12 on FOX. times would be in the bathroom because all Nicole Kidman felt that her latest movie, she’d hear is: ‘Is he or isn’t he gay?’ ‘I don’t Australia, would be savaged by critics be- know, he’s married’. ‘Oh, who cares? I’m sure cause she was not proud of her own work in he’s gay’.” the film, according to IMDB.com. Appearing The movie Mamma Mia! has broken a re- opposite Hugh Jackman as British aristocrat cord in the United Kingdom, according to Lady Sarah Ashley in the movie, Kidman said IMDB.com. Twenty-five percent of all British that she “couldn’t connect emotionally” to her households own a copy of the DVD, making it character. the biggest-selling film there, ever, beating out The Curse of the Black Pearl. Howard K. Stern, the former attorney of the late Anna Nicole Smith, has apparently filed a $60-million lawsuit against news personal- ity Rita Cosby, alleging defamation because she said that Stern and Smith’s lover, Larry Birkhead, had a same-sex affair. However, ac- cording to IMDB.com, Cosby claimed that the

SPAM is a registered trademark of Hormel Foods, LLC, used with permission here. Photo by Greg Gorman SPAM allegation is definitely not defamatory. “Engaging in a homosexual tryst, even if vid- (312) 902–1400 š š eotaped, does not reflect poorly on someone and in the 21st century it most certainly is not Jennifer Hudson. Tickets also available at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and all a ‘criminal lewd act,’” said Cosby, who made Broadway In Chicago box offi ces and Ticketmaster retail locations. Groups (20+): 312-977-1710 Jan. 14, 2009 15 handful of quirky characters turns the city into one of the film’s strongest characters. (It’s like a faded valentine rediscovered in an old trunk.) KNIGHT The jazz is matched by another pretty, shimmer- The Curious ing score by Alexandre Desplat. AT Case of Overall, the film seems more like a beautiful THE Benjamin curio than anything else, a sort of artsy-fartsy Button. Forrest Gump with the love affair played out MOVIES against the great events of the 20th century (not unexpected, as both scripts were penned by Eric Roth, with this one co-written by Robin Swicord). The relationship between Benjamin and Daisy has many of the stop/start aspects of Pip and Estella from Dickens Great Expecta- tions that Roth also used in Gump, but there’s not nearly as much of Pip’s romantic yearning that practically leaps off Dickens’ pages. Pitt, as Benjamin, says a lot more in voiceover than he mance blooms in the middle, when their ages since his appearance in Thelma & Louise. The film ever seems to impart to Daisy (and the less said The Curious Case and superb physical specimens finally match up. finally comes to life when we see Pitt astride his about Pitt’s affair during the strange Russian But the romance is doomed because as Daisy Harley, a golden-haired, latter-day Brando—as episode with Tilda Swinton, playing yet another of Benjamin Button ages Benjamin continues getting younger— the women and gay men in the audience swoon By Richard Knight, Jr. iceberg, the better). Also, like Gump, many of until he is glimpsed as a young boy beset with and everyone looks on in envy at his physical the voiceovers begin to sound like parody a sec- Alzheimer’s and old-age maladies, and finally, as beauty and the confidence it projects. The late film critic Pauline Kael might have been ond time around. But there is something undeni- a baby, lying in Blanchett’s withered arms. It’s The story is told in flashback by the dying Dai- right to rigidly refuse to see a movie more than ably cool and weird and oddly compelling here— not quite explained how Benjamin physically sy to her daughter (Julia Ormond) as Hurricane once. What at first seems a breath of fresh air it’s a movie that goths will surely adore—and shrinks, however. Katrina is about to strike New Orleans. This hoary on second glance seems a tad stale, and what whatever it is swept me away the first time I saw Also not explained is why—beyond the early old framing device offers Blanchett the chance is overlooked in the rush to take in the film- the film. physical fascination—the other characters are to practice her old-lady emoting, and the special maker’s overwhelming vision becomes apparent After that first screening, I thought something so drawn to the emotionally withdrawn Benja- effects and make-up departments go wild at the after a second go round. This has been my ex- the piano teacher tells Pitt was the message of min, who, until his affair with Daisy takes hold, opportunity but these scenes really add nothing perience with The Curious Case of Benjamin the movie. Commenting about his tentative play- seems only to exist by drawing on the life forces to the overlong, episodic story. Nor does Pitt as Button, the sumptuous romantic epic that marks ing she says with reassurance, “It doesn’t mat- of the other characters. The lively swirl of hu- the elusive Benjamin, though for the first hour the third collaboration between director David ter how well you play. It matters how much you manity surrounding Benjamin—his black step- of the picture he also gets to play old and nar- Fincher and Brad Pitt. feel,” but on reflection I think what Fincher the mother, an artistic piano teacher, a “character” rates the picture in his southern accent. (His Who would’ve thought Fincher, with his overt- fatalist is really trying to impart is another of who takes him to a sporting house for his first bland monotone voice works, however, because ly sour resume, would make what on first look his grim messages—albeit one disguised with- physical encounter, a rough hewn sea captain, the character’s such a cipher.) Blanchett, playing seems such a strangely sweet movie as this? in the center of his golden romance. So movie an icy diplomat’s wife, his guilt-ridden father, the emotional southern belle—a dancer whose Based on a sliver-thin but tantalizing conceit romantics are warned to see the film once and etc.—all seem to leave more than they take career is cut short—is just the opposite and her by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the story follows the never again because Fincher’s saying what he’s from Benjamin the Black Hole, who never reacts porcelain, delicate beauty and line shadings are title character, who is born old at the end of pretty much said in all his dour pictures, and much to anything beyond a cautious smile. Pitt’s entrancing. the World War I and then grows younger as the it’s the antithesis of what any hopeless romantic character is a vacuum at the center of the film, The movie is gorgeously filmed, with much of years advance, and his on-and-off romance with fool likes to take home from a movie: Life sucks, sucking in all the others and not really giving it given a golden glow. It’s mostly set in New red-haired Daisy, a free-spirited dancer. Pitt and then you die—and sometimes you leave behind anything back—until he finally looks like Brad Orleans and the combination of the sultry cin- Cate Blanchett play the two lovebirds whose ro- a teeny, tiny corpse. the Movie Star, who audiences have enshrined ematography, the vintage Dixieland jazz and a

J>?IM?DJ;H"HE8;HJ<7BBI:?H;9JI 7 =BE87B ;NFBEH7J?ED0 J>;J>;7JH?97B;L;DJE<J>;O;7H$ _dj^[(' ij Y[djkho STARTS JANUARY 17 Don’t miss this Global Exploration, where TICKETS ON SALE NOW! some of the world’s leading theater companies present their contemporary interpretations of O’Neill’s most daring, innovative dramas.

HOMENS AO MAR (SEA PLAYS) Companhia Triptal, Brazil DIRECTED BY ANDRÉ GAROLLI JANUARY 14-31

THE HAIRY APE Produced in association with The Hypocrites, Chicago DIRECTED BY SEAN GRANEY FEBRUARY 7-21

ROUW SIERT ELECTRA BRIAN DENNEHY CARLA GUGINO PABLO SCHREIBER (MOURNING BECOMES ELECTRA) Toneelgroep, Amsterdam DIRECTED BY IVO VAN HOVE FEBRUARY 25-28

STRANGE INTERLUDE Produced in association with The Neo-Futurists, Chicago KD:;HJ>;;BCI DIRECTED BY GREG ALLEN MARCH 6-8

Special group savings for 10 or more! For a complete description of shows WITH BORIS MCGIVER AND DANIEL STEWART SHERMAN Call Kim Furganson at 312.443.3820. and events, visit GoodmanTheatre.org

GoodmanTheatre.org THE ELIZABETH F. KRAFT FOODS, Principal Sponsor of CHENEY FOUNDATION the free Student Subscription Series. PETTERINO’S, Promotional Sponsor for Lead Corporate Sponsor for Sponsor Partner for Sponsor Partner for Corporate Sponsor Partner for Corporate Sponsor Partner for Sponsor Partner for Exclusive Airline of Desire Under the Elms. Image design 312.443.3800 Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Desire Under the Elms Desire Under the Elms Goodman Theatre and direction by Kelly Rickert. 16 Jan. 14, 2009 a seven-day guest pass to Bally’s Total Fitness. With an international street date of March 23, the Pet Shop Boys will fol- low up 2006’s Fundamental Cazwell. with another album with a one-word title: Yes. The electronic pioneers are POP working with British pro- ducers Xenomania, who MAKING have lent their skills to many (including Cher for SENSE her monstrous hit, Believe). BY DAVID BYRNE Yes is expected to be more box. ability Awards in Dusseldorf in December. WITH TONY PEREGRIN upbeat and electronic than Bananarama has done multiple of remakes like Openly gay rapper Cazwell is planning to drop its predecessor. The new Venus, Long Train Running and Waterloo. Per the his full-length Watch My Mouth come March. The number All over the World group’s Web site, the duo is currently working on New York based MC’s latest, I Seen Beyoncé at actually has incorporations a covers project with acclaimed dance-pop pro- Burger King, is a hilarious farce. On this rapper’s from Tchaikovsky. No word ducer Ian Masterson. This slightly recalls Sheena delight, Cazwell runs into a broke Beyoncé dop- Need an extra push to go with New Year’s reso- yet as to when the 11-track Yes will be out do- Easton’s overlooked 2000 disco homage Fabu- pelganger at Burger King, JCPenney and the li- lutions? Uphonic Records offers the ultimate mestically. Next month, the Pet Shop Boys will lous. One request: Please do not tackle the over- quor store. Cazwell adds tongue-twisting rhymes gym buddy with the compilation Workout. This receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music done Don’t Leave Me This Way or I Will Survive. to Colton Ford’s That’s Me and Peppermint’s 16-track mix keeps listeners at the target heart Award at the BRIT Awards. The gals are remaining mum about the release Servin’ It Up! On top of being a part of last rate, courtesy of a combination of diva vocals, Australian pop princess Kylie Minogue is issu- date and track listing, save their version of De- year’s True Colors Tour, Cazwell appears in the disco delicacies and electro thumpers. Workout ing another remix package with Boombox. This sireless cult classic Voyage Voyage. Bananarama videos for Sir Paul’s Do U and The Ones’ When We even features a double dose of RuPaul: Opening collection has mixes of staples from her recent recently joined Reverend Run from RUN-DMC in Get Together. the set, the drag icon is joined by Chris Willis to energetic effort X, as well as mixes going as far the recording studio. He wanted to sample their Here are some other releases to look forward redo Frankie Knuckles’ Workout, while RuPaul’s back as 2000’s Light Years. Boombox is high- ‘80s take on Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye), to in 2009: Morrissey’s Years of Refusal, rising other song is Feeling Good, Looking Gorgeous, lighted by the mash-up Can’t Get Blue Monday but invited the ladies to redo the vocals. star Anjulie’s self-titled debut, Jill Sobule’s self- which may be best recognized as the theme out of My Head and the Scissor Sisters collabora- The release of The Annie Lennox Collection released California Years, Amanda Lepore’s Brand to NBC’s The Biggest Loser. Jocelyn Brown and tion I Believe in You. Already featuring forward- has been postponed until Feb. 10. Following an New Woman, Placebo’s sixth outing, Antony and Oliver Cheatham team on the uplifting piano- thinking songs, Minogue’s catalogue receives injury received while attending the Internation- the Johnsons’s The Crying Light, Colton Ford’s based house number Mindbuster and Chicago’s the remix treatment from an eclectic lot, such al AIDS Conference in Mexico, the Why singer Under the Covers, Telling on Trixie’s Ugly, Broke Georgie Porgie mixes Michal Nicholas’s take on as Chemical Brothers, Mylo and Fischerspooner. underwent spinal surgery to ease an impinged & Sober, funky-dance outfit LMFAO’s debut Party Send Me an Angel. The intoxicating That Sound Just remember: This pint-sized star sampled nerve. Containing 14 tracks, this is the first Rock, India.Arie’s Testimony: Vol. 2 Love & Poli- by Brinsley Evans featuring Sy Smith deftly uses I Feel Love on Light Years and did the urban- retrospective to span Lennox’s impressive solo tics and out singer-songwriter Levi Kreis’ latest, the Basement Jaxx’s ‘90s jam Fly Life as its back- cowgirl shtick for Cowboy Style before Madonna career. The core here consists of staples from as well as sophomore outings from Lily Allen, drop. For further incentive, Workout comes with mainstreamed these trends. Need more Kylie? 1992’s Diva. The requisite two new cuts are a dance artist Brian Kent and Chicago’s Dylan a 72-minute mega mix and the physical CD has paulaabdul.com features a snippet of the Ameri- remake of Ash’s Shining Light and Pattern of Rice. can Idol host covering Minogue’s song Boom- My Life, which is a composition by Keane’s Tom Prince plans to trump all by having three Chaplin. On top of winning three Grammys for albums out this year without the support of a her solo works, Lennox’s Cold and Little Bird are major record label, according to the Los Angeles CULTURE CLUB among her five songs heard in the Demi Moore Times. MPLSOUND will offer more of an electro vehicle Striptease. In November the socially vo- sound and a cameo from Q-Tip. Lotus Flower will cal Lennox received the AMA Special Merit Award focus more on guitars. Lastly, the 50-year-old at the American Music Awards and the Special purple one is working with a new protégé, Bria Achievement Award at the 2008 German Sustain- Valente, on the album Elixir. Upcoming concerts Listed below are upcoming local concerts that, for various reasons, may be of special in- terest to the LGBT community. Venues are in Chicago unless otherwise indicated: —Jan. 17: Taylor Hicks, Martyr’s, 3855 N. Lincoln, 10 p.m. —Jan. 17: Jeannie Tanner, Katerina’s, 1920 W. Irving Park, 9 p.m. —Jan. 19: Adele, Park West, 322 W. Armit- age, 7:30 p.m. —Jan. 19: Amy Armstrong, Freddy Allen, Mekole Wells and more, Davenport’s Piano Bar, 1383 N. Milwaukee, 8 p.m. —Jan. 19: Mavis Staples, Northwestern Lindsey Czechowicz. Photo by Kat Fitzger- University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts ald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Circle, Evanston, 12 p.m. —Jan. 20: Inauguration gala/Martin Luther —Feb. 20: Thievery Corporation, Riviera The- King, Jr., birthday extravaganza with Dee Al- atre, 4750 N. Broadway, 9 p.m. exander, Morse Theatre, 1328 W. Morse, 7:30 —Feb. 21: Jim Brickman, Genesee Theatre, p.m. THE MAIDS 203 N. Genesee, Waukegan, 8 p.m. BY JEAN GENET TRANSLATED BY MARTIN CRIMP DIRECTED BY JIMMY MCDERMOTT —Jan. 20: The Killers, UIC Pavilion, 1150 W. —Feb. 21: Lindsey Czechowicz, Uncommon PERFORMED AT 664 VERNON AVENUE Harrison, 7 p.m. Ground, 1401 W. Devon, 10 p.m. —Jan. 21: 4 Women Only with Kat Fitzgerald, “THE ACTRESSES ARE —Feb. 28: Chuck Wicks, Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon, 9 p.m. Weed, 9 p.m. —Jan. 25: Blessid Union of Souls, Schubas, MAGNIFICENT.” —March 8: BETTY, Old School Town of Folk – CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 1346 W. Belmont, 8 p.m. Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, 7 p.m. —Feb. 5: Blood, Subterranean, 2011 W. —March 13: Shemekia Copeland, Old School $40 TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE. North, 7 p.m. Town of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, 8 p.m. —Feb. 6: “A Tribute to Frank Zappa” by the —March 13: Missy Higgins, Vic Theatre, ORDER TODAY! Paul Green School of Rock Music, Kinetic Play- 3145 N. Sheffield, TBD ground, 1113 W. Lawrence, 5:30 p.m. —March 14: Patty Loveless, Old School Town —Feb. 7: Lykke Li, Metro, 3730 N. Clark, 7 WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, 7 and 10 p.m. p.m. —March 17-22: Riverdance, Rosemont The- 8 47 - 242 - 6000 WRITERS’ —Feb. 15: The Pretenders, Riviera Theatre, 2008/09 Season Sponsor: Mary Winton Green Media Sponsor: THEATRE atre, 5400 N. River, Rosemont, various times 4750 N. Broadway, 7:30 p.m. —April 28-29: Britney Spears, Allstate Are- —Feb. 18: Lyle Lovett/John Hiatt, Rialto For more shows and listings, check out na, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont, 8 p.m. Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago, Joliet, 7:30 —Andrew Davis www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com p.m. Jan. 14, 2009 17 Their show is the only one on StrikeTV to be MUSIC Playwright Susan set and shot in New York City and address the Miller brings drama stories of both teens and their parents. “I’m so You just have to proud of Anyone But Me. It’s about something. to the Net It’s about difference. It’s about relationships… hear it: Talking By Joan Lipkin it’s about us,” Miller said. While the show includes several gay storylines with Chris Pureka Enterprising artists like writer Susan Miller and such as one involving Vivian and Aster, two by Sarah Terez Rosenblum director Tina Cesa Ward see the potential of the 16-year-olds involved in a romantic relationship, Internet because of its speed, audience poten- and Breck, a gay male teenager, Miller said she Lonesome-voiced New England singer/song- tial, freedom of expression and relative low cost. has had really positive responses from straight writer Chris Pureka has been compared to every- And they’re not alone. Their new show, Anyone women and men, gay men and straight teenag- one from Bob Dylan to Stevie Nicks to Amy Ray. But Me—created specifically for the Internet— ers: “We have a multiethnic cast. And we depict With the Jan. 20 release of her fourth album, is being featured on the innovative new Web- both gay and straight relationships. We explore Chimera—an eclectic mix of live songs, covers based network StrikeTV (www.strike.tv), which the city and the suburbs. So, I think we have and previously unreleased studio tracks—Pureka was started during the writer’s strike to produce broad appeal. “ once again reminds us that folk music is alive and promote original programming for the Web. And with each episode being eight minutes and relevant, especially in this time of hope and Executive producer and writer Miller is an Obie long and available online 24/7, the show should change. Before hitting Chicago’s Beat Kitchen, award-winning playwright (My Left Breast) and fit into anyone’s schedule. “Theatre is something 2100 W. Belmont, on Jan. 28 as part of her was a consulting producer/writer on Showtime’s you should be able to make happen anywhere,” Northeast/Midwest tour, Pureka phoned to dis- groundbreaking series The L Word and ABC’s Miller said. “But, there are more and more obsta- cuss the inspiration behind her album’s title, her landmark series thirtysomething, among other cles. This seemed to have no bounds, you know? thoughts on Prop 8 and everything in between. Chris Pureka. TV hits. Director/writer Tina Cesa Ward screened It’s a new form—[it’s] wide-open territory.” Windy City Times: How did you come up her short film, In Their Absence, at more than a To read more about the show, see www.any- with your album’s title? dozen film festivals around the globe and was onebutmeseries.com. To read a full-length in- tions have to translate into something, because Chris Pureka: I learned about the concept awarded best short film four times. terview with Susan Miller, in which she also its energy, it can’t just dissipate. when I was a biologist and someone in the mi- “I’ve written and produced television series, discusses her experiences working on The L WCT: Reviewers tend to bring up your back- crobiology lab was working on a project splicing like The L Word and thirtysomething, so it didn’t Word, see www.windycitymediagroup.com. ground in science. Why do you think people genes from one species into another species, seem out of my realm at all to help create a Web Joan Lipkin is the artistic director of That are so interested in that? typically called a “chimera project.” This record series which takes the best of television as its Uppity Theatre Company and a judge for the CP: It’s surprising to people, that you can has unrelated stuff from all over the place that model,” Miller said. Kevin Kline Awards. She may be reached at have an analytical mind as well as a poetic one, I’ve been collecting, so Chimera seemed like a Anyone But Me premiered on Strike TV in De- [email protected]. cool metaphor for what I was doing. [It’s] also a but part of biology is observation, which is also cember and, having been selected as an Editor’s throwback to my old friends. a big part of songwriting. Pick Video on AfterEllen.com, is officially hot. WCT: What moved you to make Chimera? WCT: In what ways has making a living as a The people behind AfterEllen.com—the Web CP: As a musician you record live shows, you touring artist been more difficult in our cur- site for news, reviews and commentary on les- record things with friends [and] you have songs rent economic climate? bian and bisexual women in entertainment and you feel are worthy of the public hearing, but CP: The economy is affecting different sec- the media—are so psyched about the new series they haven’t found a natural home. This record tors in different ways, but ultimately it impacts that they have begun streaming episodes. combines all that. how many people are able to afford art. My main Produced by Miller and Ward, the show is about WCT: What was it like to sift through re- worry is, I’m making a new studio record, which New York teens coming of age in a post-9/11 cordings to find your favorite live tracks? is always really expensive. If people aren’t able world. The series introduces a new generation— to buy the final product that’s gonna be hard for CP: Awful! [Laughs] Often the best tracks were ethnically diverse, gay and straight—searching Susan Miller. Photo by Marite Jones horribly flawed in some way, performances were me. On the plus side, gas prices are dirt cheap. for love and acceptance as they confront their ruined by recording problems or static or some- Hopefully, they’ll stay that way till the end of my own diverse identities and sexual awakening. one talking in the audience. Even the songs I tour! put on the record are flawed, which is difficult WCT: A lot of queer people describe hav- for me because I like everything to be perfect. I ing a circumscribed period of pure joy when tried to choose songs that weren’t just live ver- Obama was elected, followed by deep disap- sions of the same musical arrangements on my pointment, almost an estrangement, after records, which was a challenge, because when I Prop 8 passed. What was your experience? perform live, I’m pretty true to the record. CP: Obama’s election was a big step for mi- CELEBRATES THE INAUGURATION OF WCT: Some performers—Bob Dylan comes norities in general, but I feel like (the queer to mind—like to mix things up when they community was) left out. That’s especially dis- play live, but it sounds like that’s not your appointing because many queer people were thing. instrumental in the Obama campaign. But prop CHICAGO’S OWN CP: One of my favorite parts of being a musi- eight isn’t as important as the Obama election; cian is being in the studio, and when I arrange if McCain was president it would be like, who cares if gay people can get married because BARACK OBAMA songs I take it pretty seriously. Touring, I want WITH A SPECIAL ONE DAY OFFER: [the songs] to sound as they do on the album much worse things are going to be happening. because that’s the way I think they sound best, Pick your battles. Given the choice I’m pleased $ with the outcome. 44 TICKETS FOR OUR 44TH PRESIDENT but obviously, a live show is gonna be different, PURCHASE ON INAUGURATION DAY, TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 ONLY WCT: What do you think about evangelical * * which is also fun. ONE DAY ONLY • ALL TICKETS • SELECT PERFORMANCES WCT: Do you ever tire of certain songs? pastor Rick Warren delivering the invocation CP: There are some that I don’t feel like play- at Obama’s inauguration? ing anymore, but I’ll play them every once in a CP: I know Obama is reaching out to the right, while because I know people want to hear them. he wants to smooth everything over. That’s great in a lot of ways, but I feel like he needs to throw JERSEY BOYS CHICAGO If people come to hear a certain song you can’t THE STORY OF FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS THE MUSICAL never play it … unless you’re Bob Dylan. Right the left wing a bone. For the last eight years we haven’t had a voice; we haven’t had anyone now I’m writing a ton of new stuff, and I’m gon- DISNEY AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH na play a lot of it on the tour because I’m super representing us. He hasn’t nominated anyone PRESENT excited about it. That’s the way it should be, I radical to his cabinet, and then to also be cater- RAIN think. ing to this random Christian right thing is really MARY POPPINS A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES WCT: The New York Times said of your song- unfortunate. So, some of Obama’s choices have been disappointing, but I don’t want to pass writing, “There’s no comfort, for her, in the CHAZZ PALMINTERI IN clarity of her observations.” Is that an accu- judgment until I can see what he does when he truly has authority. XANADU rate description of you in your day to day life BROADWAY’S SURPRISE HIT MUSICAL as well? WCT: Back to music, what can your fans ex- A BRONX TALE CP: I don’t walk around the world depressed; I pect from the album following Chimera? reserve that part of me for my songwriting. It’s CP: That was actually a nice segue way. The MONTY PYTHON’S obviously something in my core, but I’m not a next record feels darker, more political, still very RENT creepy hermit who just thinks about poetry all emotional, whereas [Dryland] was really inter- SPAMALOT THE BROADWAY TOUR the time. nal. Production-wise, it’s gonna sound a little WCT: Your songs are strikingly emotional, more “indie,” for lack of a better word. The last * not just lyrically, but melodically. Why is record was kind of an “Americana” record. I’m For more information and that? not sure I’m describing it well. It’s really hard to a list of valid performances: CP: Most of my writing is pretty visceral, I’m talk about music. I mean, you can talk about it writing from an emotional place, and those emo- all you want but really, you just hafta hear it. www.BroadwayInChicago.com/President See www.chrispureka.com. 18 Jan. 14, 2009

DVD REVIEW admits to “having thoughts” about Mark. The most sympathetic character is Les- Save Me ter (Robert Baker), Mark’s roommate, whose by Steve Warren plumpness gives him low self-esteem (or did the egg come before the chicken?). He’s “nev- Save Me was filmed on location in the middle er acted on my sexual brokenness,” but knows of a metaphorical minefield and escaped un- what he’s attracted to. He provides comic re- scathed. You’ve never seen a better balancing lief, like a sad clown, but is also the closest act at the circus. thing to a romantic in the story. With emotions running so hot on both sides The weeks and months go by, with indi- there may not be a market for a fair and bal- vidual and group therapy, church on Sunday, anced (not in the Fox News sense) drama, even constructive activities like making birdhouses a good one like Save Me, about a Christian cen- to sell for charity, and unspoken lust building ter that attempts to “cure” homosexuals. up in Mark and Scott. Ted encourages their Since out and proud actors Chad Allen and “healthy, nonsexual friendship” while Gayle Robert Gant play two of the lead roles you worries about it. needn’t fear that Save Me will take a homopho- Genesis House is on thin ice financially and bic stance, but the surprise is that the Chris- Gayle frequently has to put economic neces- tians aren’t thrown to the lions. Instead of sity ahead of her sincere beliefs and emotional one-dimensional villains, Gayle (Judith Light) problems. Light stays in a low-key mode be- and Ted (Stephen Lang) are portrayed as de- cause the script, written by her husband, ac- cent, well-meaning (if fallible) human beings. Ally Sheedy (right) with Chelsea Handler in Steam. tor Robert Desiderio, from a story by Craig They run Genesis House, a good name for a Chester and Alan Hines, doesn’t encourage place that offers men a new beginning. The heavy histrionics; or if it did, director Robert residential facility is described as “a Christian Cary, whose previous films, Anything but Love NUNN ON ONE Is that why you were in Puerto Rico and I recovery program specializing in sexual bro- and Ira and Abby, were lighter in tone (and couldn’t find you? kenness.” Gayle’s 17-year-old gay son OD’d deserved a wider audience), chose to take a Ally Sheedy: AS: Yes. eight years ago and she chose to blame his higher road. WCT: Have there been any roles that you orientation rather than his addictions. Ted be- Save Me could have been a crowd-pleaser have turned down that turned out to be huge gan as her employee and became her second if there had been a screaming climactic con- ‘Steam’ player hits? by Jerry Nunn husband. frontation followed by Gayle getting hit with a AS: To tell you the truth, I don’t know that Mark (Allen) is dumped in Genesis House by drop of water and melting, but then it wouldn’t I have ever turned down a role. I have been in Eighties icon Ally Sheedy has built a career on his family, who can’t deal with him anymore. have been respectful of all its characters, as talks with people over the years but it never quirky roles in The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s His combination of problems reminds Gayle well as a film you can show to conservative came down to someone giving a direct defining Fire and Short Circuit. She took a moment from of her son, so she takes a special interest in Christians and possibly have them learn from it offer. So it’s not usually that black and white. her busy schedule to drop the towel and talk him. instead of being offended. On the other hand, WCT: Tell me about High Art. about her new movie, Steam, and her career with So, for other reasons, does longer-term resi- open-minded gays can watch it and not throw AS: It was wonderful. It was a once-in-a- Windy City Times. dent Scott (Gant), whose issues revolve around the baby Jesus out with the bilgewater. lifetime character. When I read it, it completely Windy City Times: So how did you start act- trying to please his dying father. Mark settles If you want the other kind of movie, see Ja- resonated with me. Everything about that movie ing in the first place? in and the program actually does him good in mie Babbit’s But I’m a Cheerleader. Had they worked perfectly. Lisa Cholodenko the director Ally Sheedy: It was something that I always terms of recovery from his addictions. As far as been made in reverse order it would have been was just brilliant. The cast was really fun. I liked wanted to do. I did a class on the weekends in becoming dehomosexualized, most of the guys seen as a satire of Save Me. the way it was shot, everything about it. high school, all the usual plays, etc. Then when seem to be going through the motions on that It’s ironic that the screenplay mentions the WCT: Your new movie, Steam, is about three I turned 18, I went out to L.A., got an agent and one. 12 Steps but not the Serenity Prayer, which generations of women who get to know each just started pounding the pavement. An exception is Bill Prior (William Dennis is really what it’s about. While most of her other in a sauna. What interested you in this WCT: Your first big break was War Games, Hurley), a “fifth-phaser,” defined as “those charges at Genesis House learn to accept the project? correct? who’ve accomplished what they set out to do.” things they cannot change and gain the cour- AS: Well, number one, that Ruby Dee was do- AS: No, it was called Bad Boys. Then it started He’s engaged to a woman he’s been dating for age to change the things they can, it’s Gayle ing it. I liked the character and the storyline. I to pick up speed. a year. Who knows? Maybe it will work, but he who lacks the wisdom to know the difference. like doing independents. You never know … but WCT: Do you get sick of the whole “Brat this one had a good feeling about it. I liked the Pack” thing? way it turned out. AS: No, not really. It was something that just WCT: That’s a steamy poster for the movie happened. You know, with actors it just became with the three women on it. What was it like a kind of shorthand slang about different groups, working with Ruby Dee? the same thing even with a group of writers. AS: I didn’t have a lot of scenes with her— Remember Bright Lights Big City Jay Mcinerney just the three scenes where the women wind up and Bret Easton Ellis? They were defined as a together. But I am in awe of her. I was over- certain group, Generation X, Y, whatever it is. whelmed. She’s an amazing artist, legend, icon, So, for me, it was the same thing, a kind of easy- everything. She has been involved in politics and going slang. a brilliant stage actress. I felt I was so lucky to WCT: Do you still keep in touch with anyone sit next to the camera and watch her up close. from that group? WCT: You have done so much in your career AS: Yeah. Actually I do, so it’s nice. already, but what’s next for you? WCT: Did fans ever confuse you with past AS: I like doing different projects. I like char- characters that you played? acters that are offbeat, and funny and dark AS: Maybe with some of the high schoolers sometimes and complicated, all depends on the now. When I walk around the streets in New script. I have done a few episodes of TV, which York, everyone has seen a different movie so I is kind of new territory for me. don’t seem to get pigeonholed into everything. I like the last two films I did. One of them I will hear from one person in the drugstore that is called Welcome to the Rileys, which is with they liked this one and someone else at Star- Chad Allen in Save Me. James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo. I don’t know bucks liked that one. when that’s coming out. They just finished WCT: For people who have not kept up with shooting it. your career, you have [made] over 60 televi- And the Todd one was, like, going to moon, it sion and movie appearances. What were some was so great. of your best experiences? WCT: Do you have a Web site? AS: Actually there have been a few of them AS: Nope. I heard that there are a couple of but they have been offbeat. Obviously, I loved people that have set something up on Face- doing Breakfast Club. I loved doing High Art. book—that it’s supposed to be me but it isn’t. There was a movie that loved doing even though WCT: That sounds like War Games! When are it was a tough subject matter. It was called The you coming to visit your fans in Chicago? Interrogation of Michael Crowe, which was up AS: Oh, I always end up going down to Chica- in Canada. It was a television movie and I was go. It’s one of my favorite cities. I have worked really happy on that one. there a whole bunch. I have always had a great I just worked with Todd Solondz. Do you know experience there. It’s one of those places where who he is? He did Welcome to the Dollhouse. you get a good feeling when you think about WCT: Oh, yeah; he’s really controversial. it. Jan. 14, 2009 19 REAL ESTATE FOR SALE HOUSES 100% REHAB, 1,750 SF, $375,000, 4415 BEACON: ONE BEDROOM EVANSTON NEW CONSTRUCTION: Two New Construction Fab xtra lg 2BR 2BA w sun rm, den, sep LR/DR/open SOUTH LOOP HIGH RISE ACROSS FROM SOLDIER FIELD: OUT OF TOWN Homes. High-end Finishes, Gourmet Kitchen, kit Cosco laundry/storage rm, pkg incl. Koenig&Strey 1 bdrm.+ den, 1 1/2 bath inc. parking. 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(1/15/09-5) care. $439,000 Call Genie for listing info, pics, map. or view at: www.chicagoironmanproperties.com incl. $659,000. Koenig & Strey,GMAC 312-502-3520 HomeFinders Realty 269-637-3775 homefinderssh@ (10/08/08-4) [email protected]. (10/29/08-1) TWO BEDROOM comcast.net (09/03/08-4) 34TH-FLOOR EDGEWATER STUDIO: Spectacular west 1,100 SQ FT, PET FRIENDLY, LOGAN SQUARE: 6 Rooms, FABULOUS HARBOR COUNTRY COTTAGE: Near Down- CONDO view, floor-to-ceiling windows. Hardwood floors. 1 bathroom, clean, newly painted, hardwood floors, town New Buffalo. Hand crafted Arts and Crafts cottage. VINTAGE CONDO FOR SALE: Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath Front door access to Loop express bus. Short walk to large closets, storage, laundry in basement. Easy access 2 Bdrm w/ Studio. Private retreat. Please contact for (plus den) condo for sale by owner. Near Sheridan/ L. Back door access to park, beaches. $128,900. Call to public transportation, express ways and parking. details and photos. 602-295-8331 traveleer@mac. Foster this rehabed home offers hardwood floors, 312-206-9709 (09/17/08-4) $975/mo + utilities. Available now or Feb 1st. Linda com for photos (9/03/08-8) marble fireplace, new kitchen with granite countertops, 773-588-9383. (1/21/09-2) GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! LAKE GENEVA WIS- upgraded bathrooms, marble shower, den with built- FOR RENT ANDERSONVILLE 3-FLAT: Large, sunny 3rd floor CONSIN: Approximately 1 acre property. Vintage brick ins, spacious master suite, in-unit laundry, private apartment steps from Clark street. 2 bedrooms, Victorian. Approximately 2,700 Sq. ft with luxury guest deck, secured parking. $395,000. Call 312-480-9723. STUDIO hardwood floors, large rooms, separate dining room, house. 2.5 new garage, 1 vintage garage. Totally updat- (1/21/09-2) 1332 W. HOOD AVE. - EDGEWATER STUDIO: Sunny sunporch, free laundry in basement. 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Meet this special (PP2/19/09PP) guy at The Anti-Cruelty Society and ask for tab band #679255.For more information about animals available PHOTOGRAPHY for adoption, please call 312-644-8338 after 11:30 a.m. PORTRAITS MAKE GREAT GIFTS: Portraits. Nudes. See www.anticruelty.org. Figurative. Headshots. Personal. Color. B&W. 25 years experience. “I’ll work with you to get the shots that are just right.” Info: 312-260-7935. Website: www. morrowphoto.com. (2/11/09-28) 20 Jan. 14, 2009 Word up: Performer wins ‘Talent’ Photos by Kat Fitzgerald/www.MysticImagesPhotography.com; see more photos at www.windycitymediagroup.com or in this week’s Nightspots.

Lucy (top, left), a spoken-word performer from POW-WOW at Jeffery Entertainment included drag-king troupe Windy City Blenders, Hot Pub, took top prize at the “Gays Got Talent” final that happened Jan. Toddy (male burlesque) and Angelique Munro. Sofia Saffire, Mitchell 10 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. Fain and Kirk Williamson served as judges. Sami (top, second from left), a singer/songwriter who advanced to The contest was sponsored by Bud Light, Tourism Toronto, Broadway the final because of her performance at Star Gaze, was first runner-up. In Chicago, American Airlines, gayinsurance.com and Windy City Media Kerri (top, second from right), who also advanced from Star Gaze, was Group. second runner-up.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OF OUR GAYS GOT TALENT SPONSORS!

Crew Bar + Grill --- Mary’s Attic --- Star Gaze --- POW-WOW at Jeffery Pub --- @mosphere --- Hydrate --- Sidetrack Jan. 14, 2009 21 WHAT TO DO? Sunday, Jan. 18 Wednesday, Jan. 14 Saturday, Jan. 17 N. Clark St., 773-769-9299 able through Inspiration Corporation a Groups for HIV+ individuals sges 18-35 4 All Womyn presents “Pizza and a Writing, Performance, & Video Festival: local non-profit for homeless and low- looking to connect with others living Movie Night. New organization open When Does it or You Begin? (Memory as income. Enjoy food and drink specials with HIV/AIDS and to share stories to women of all ages, sexual orienta- Innovation), 8 p.m. Links Hall, 3435 and help prepare bagged lunches for and experiences in a safe and friendly tion and ethnicity. Suggested donation N. Sheffield, http://www.linkshall. Inspiration clients 7 p.m. The Holiday environment. Free. 6 - 7 p.m., Center $5. Pizza and pop provided. Bring org/09-pp-jan.shtml Club, 4000 North Sheridan Rd, RSVP to: on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted, Informa- snacks to share, if you wish. 7:30 p.m. [email protected] tion or register, call Aldo Hernandez, Zacharias Center, 4275 Old Grand Ave., Sunday, Jan. 18 LCSW, Health Educator/Social Worker Gurnee. Human Rights Campaign and Showtime Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 773-472-6469 X 450 or email Aldo 9 to 12 Bowling League, GLBT bowl- celebrate Season 6 premiere of The L Chicago Inaugural Ball, Supporters of at [email protected]. ing league meets once a month. $10, Word! Season 6 Series Finale Premiere President Barack Obama will celebrate Registration ends on Jan. 29, 2009. 9 p.m. River Rand Bowl, 191 S River & After Party. Space limited. Suggested Inauguration of the 44th President. www.centeronhalsted.org. Rd, Des Plaines, retroactive1@com- donation: $10. Doors 6 p.m., show 7 $175 includes: valet, 2 glasses of cast.net p.m. Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halst- champagne, dance floor, hors d’oeuvres, ‘L’ YES! Chicago Filmmakers presents Sen. Thursday, Jan. 15 ed. RSVP,http://www.hrcactioncenter. large video screen, 7 p.m., Skyline Ball- Catch the premiere of the last season of The Obama goes to Africa, the Man Who org/actioncenter/events/chi_lword09/ room, McCormick Place, West Building, L Word at Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted. Groups for HIV+ individuals age 35+ Would be Predient returns to His Af- details.tcl 332 E 22nd St (aka Cermak Rd) ,www. looking to connect with others living rican Roots. Director Bob Hercules, Di- Screening, Waiting to Inhale by the with HIV/AIDS and to share stories chicagoinauguralball.com/ Photo from 2008 premiere by Kat Fitzgerald rector of Photography Keith Walker, and Marijuana Policy Project, Winner of Coalition for Justice and Respect, A (MysticImagesPhotography.com) and experiences in a safe and friendly Editor Melissa Sterne in person!,$8/$7 several award/ Free, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., environment. Free. See Wednesday, celebration of the inauguration of Ba- student , 8 p.m. Chicago Filmmakers, Peter Jones Gallery, 1806 W. Cuyler, rack Obama as President. Bus leaves Jan. 14. 5243 N. Clark St. in Andersonville,773- 2nd Floor, Chicago, 60613, Dan Linn, Pulse, a safe place for HIV Positive Chicago for Washington D.C. on Jan. 293-1447, www.chicagofilmmakers. event organizer 847-341-0591,www. 19 at 4 p.m., $350.00/person, RSVP People, TPAN Fundraiser every Thurs- org/navkino.htm MarijuanaPolicy.org. day 6- 10 p.m. The North End, 3733 N. to [email protected] or call Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 19-20 Comedy Night @ the Second City, Chi- Sunday Mass by the Archdiocesan Gay 773-559-1751 Halsted St. www.tpan.com cago Lesbian Brunch Group. Second and Lesbian Outreach Chicago, 7 p.m. Homolatte: Queer Words and Music City 96th revue “America: All Bet- Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, W. Hosted by Scott Free , Free,7:30pm,@ Friday, Jan. 16 ter!” $25 plus a $7.50 fee, 7:15 p.m., Belmont between Halsted & Broadway, Big Chicks/Tweet 5024 N Sheridan Chi- Center on Halsted presents Gender Mainstage Theatre, TheSecond City, # 106, 773-525-3872 www. aglochi- cago 773-728-5511 Queer Cabaret, Showtime at the 1616 N. Wells Street. www.secondcity. cago.org/ com/?id=theatres/chicago/mainstage Apollo, $10/$3 students, 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21 Hoover/Leppen Theatre, Center on GayCo Productions and the Chicago Monday, Jan. 19 4 Women Only Hosted by Kat Fitzgerald Halsted 3656 N. Halsted, www.center- Sketch Comedy Festival Present PFLAG Palatine, 7 p.m. Countryside Uni- STOP THOSE HOMOS! A Rally Against (folk/rock) the only show in Chicago onhalsted.org tarian Church, 1025 N. Smith, Pala- dedicated to new women artists. 9pm, Leather Archives & Museum opens Gay Marriage, Presented by GayCo Pro- tine ductions as part of Sketchfest 2009. Uncommon Ground Devon 1401 W. De- G.A.Gallery Show “Beauties Service”a Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities $12.50. 7 p.m. Theatre Building Chi- von Ave. 773-465-9801 , www.uncom- themed retrospective of watercolor include dramatic readings and musi- monground.com figures, by Chicago Fetish Artist Kate cago, 1225 Belmont, 773-327-5252, or cal performances that reflect Dr. King’s ticketmaster.com www.gayco.com; Roe v. The Real World event. Our Tastrophe, illustrating women who messages of peace and justice. Chicago Voices, Our Choices reproductive jus- have taken complete and utter con- chicagosketchfest.com History Museum, free, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Quiteus, a Celebration of the Stillness tice coalition and Chicago Foundation trol over their own external sexuality. 1601 N. Clark St. www.chicagohis- for Women special event marking the Leather Archives and Museum, 6418 Within, Brotherhood of the Phoenix, tory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/ neo-pagan order for gay, bi-sexual and 36th Anniversary of the landmark Roe N. Greenview Ave.773-761-9200, www. special-events#mlkNorthwestern Uni- v Wade decision. $5 donation, 6:30 – nastyrubber.com transgendered men who love men 18 versity’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebra- and over. $10 (no-one turned away 8:30 p.m. Center on Halsted, Hoover- Yes We Can: John Gress On The Cam- tion: Mavis Staples, Legendary soul and Leppen Theater 3656 N. Halsted St. paign Trail With Barack Obama, ex- for lack of funds). Workshop: 5:30 gospel singer, keynote performer, noon, p.m. - 7 p.m. Ritual: 7:30 p.m.- 10 www.cfw.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page. hibit opening reception, $5 donation, Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle aspx?pid=843&srcid=183 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Center on Halsted’s p.m. Lifeforce Arts 3148 N. Lincoln CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES Dr., Evanston campus. Author Tim Women and Children First Books. Sid- 2nd Floor Living Room Space 3656 N. Ave. 773-572-6600, Chicago-Scribe@ Wise, prominent anti-racism writer and brotherhoodofthephoenix.org, P.O. Box darth Kara author of Sex Trafficking: There is a slew of pre-inaugural and inaugural Halsted 773-472-6469, www.center- activist, will be keynote speaker at Inside the Business of Modern Slavery onhalsted.org. RSVP to Ben Gannon 13352; Chicago, IL. 60613-0352 noon, Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chi- photos centered around this country’s newest Sappho’s Salon at Women & Children Every year millions of women are sold at [email protected] or call cago. All free and open to public. www. into sexual slavery with billions of dol- president, Barack Obama. 773-472-6469 X 177 First, a provocative night of lesbian northwestern.edu/mlk/index.html diversions featuring Aquamoon, Kathie lars changing hands. 7:30 p.m. Women Obama Pre-Inaugural Celebration and Bergquist, and DJ SpinNikki, 7:30 p.m., and Children First Books, 5233 N. Clark Photo by Bob Olayas Community Service Event: learn St, 773-769-9299 Women and Children First Books, 5233 about volunteer opportunities avail- See our online calendar: www.windycitymediagroup.com/calendar

Nude awakening “Many-One,” local artist Jeff Stevenson’s new show at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- sted, opened Jan. 9 with a reception in the facility’s second-floor gallery. Composed primarily of a series of paintings of male nudes, Stevenson (above) said that the show intends to evoke the human thought process; by “taking subject matter, taking it apart and putting it back together,” he suggests ways in which “social ideas are learned.” Each piece stretches across multiple canvases, which are rearranged in such a way as to lend Stevenson’s work a fractious and challenging feel. Stevenson said that in highlighting male nudes, he cites the archetypal nude, Michaelangelo’s David, and asks the viewer questions Get out the coat about the “absence of the male nude” in contemporary society: Why, for instance, is the nude Town Hall Police District Commander Kathleen Boehmer (above) and Officer Jose Rios, that district’s LGBT liaison, were at Vital Bridges’ Northside Grocery Center, 5533 N. Broadway, on assumed to be “automatically homoerotic?” “Many-One,” which also features a collection of Dec. 30 to hand out coats to the facility’s clients. Photos courtesy of Lori Cannon Stevenson’s “meditative” daily painting exercises, runs at the Center on Halsted through Feb. 15. Photo and text by Sam Worley 22 Jan. 14, 2009 BUSINESS Amazing Edibles offers simple meals such as Continental Breakfasts and boxed lunches to The incredible elaborate $250/person seated dinners. The company does a lot of parties/events for ‘Edible’ enterprise not-for-profits, and is very prominent in the LGBT By ROSS FORMAN community, even though Herrera is straight. Amazing Edibles has done the catering for the Her first restaurant job was at D.B. Kaplan’s, a movie Hannah Free, which is co-produced by sandwich shop inside Watertown Place, where Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim. Amazing she earned $5/day plus tips as a runner in 1975. Edibles also worked with the 2006 Gay Games in Andrea Herrera would make about $50 by the Chicago, and has done business with Equality end of her shift, and was thrilled. Illinois. Plus, Herrera has had a long-term rela- Amazingly, all these years later, Herrera is still tionship with The Children’s Place Association, active in the food industry. Quite active, come which is a safe haven for children and families to think of it. whose lives have been devastated by disease For the past 15 years, she has been the owner and poverty. Since 1991, the agency has reached of Amazing Edibles, a full-service catering com- out to HIV/AIDS-affected children and families. pany located just west of UIC in Chicago. Amazing Edibles also has made donations to Be- “I like the kind of people who gravitate to yondmedia Education, an outreach program for the restaurant industry and food jobs. Plus, I teenage women. like taking care of people, giving them pleasure “Among our staff, I have a number of gays through feeding them,” she said. “Throughout and lesbians. Same with our clientele and my high school and college, I often ended up being personal friends,” Herrera said. “I feel I am part the manager of projects or the resident advisor of the community and I think it’s important of my dorm, so being the manager and being in to reach out to everybody. I don’t see why we charge, coupled with my interest in and experi- wouldn’t support this community strongly.” ence with food, kind of married into me having my own company.” About 70 percent of her business is with edu- cational institutions and not-for-profit organiza- tions. The remaining is corporate, social parties or events in people’s homes. Amazing Edibles offers breakfast, lunch and dinners for groups ranging from 20 to 5,000. “I have a great team of people working with me, which I think sets us apart from other ca- tering companies. Plus, we have great food that is reasonably-priced, and we have excellent ser- vice. “I kind of found a niche in the professional development market, which primarily deals with

Well ‘Red’ schools and universities, and community orga- Self-described “Queen of All Media” and Internet gossip guru Perez Hilton was at Borders, nizations where they’re doing ongoing training, 1600 15th, Oak Brook, on Jan. 11 to promote his book, Red Carpet Suicide: A Survival Guide seminars and/or meetings, and just need great on Keeping Up With the Hiltons. Hundreds of people showed up for the event. Photos by Kat food at a reasonable price.” Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Half of her clients have been with here for more than 10 years. “The company is small enough that we can give people one-on-one attention, but large 2009 INDOOR SOCCER SEASON enough that we can take care of their needs,” Andrea Herrera. Herrera said. !!!REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!!! SPORTS Bike to Work Smucker’s Stars Day Jan. 20 THE LEAGUE on Ice at Allstate Tuesday, Jan. 20, will mark the Winter Bike to Work Day. Hundreds of bicycle commuters The next CMSA co-ed indoor soccer league Feb. 21 will convene at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, begins in January and runs through March The Smucker’s Stars on Ice tour will stop in 6:30-9 a.m. for Winter Bike to Work Day. Cy- the Chicagoland area Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, clists will be treated to coffee, hot cocoa and LEVEL OF COMPETITION of 2009. Games will be played on Satur- days between 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Open when famed figure skaters perform at Allstate Eli’s cheesecake. gym/practice will be held January 10th and Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, at 3 p.m. The day marks the coldest day in Chicago We are hoping to register enough the season will start January 17th. The all-new production, “On the Edge,” will history: Jan. 20, 1985, when the official tem- individuals to host both a competitive feature stars such as Sasha Cohen, Todd El- perature at O’Hare International Airport was and recreational league. Partici- dredge, Michael Weiss, Ilia Kulik and special -27 degrees with 36 mph wind gusts, producing pants will be able to self-select into guest skater Evan Lysacek. wind chills as low as 93 degrees below zero. In- REGISTRATION one or the other upon registration. Tickets start at $25. See www.starsonice.com. auguration Day highlights the patriotic nature The Competitive League is for play- of bicycling. ers who have several years of soccer Player fees are $81 and must be paid prior Lesbian group experience. Although still a friendly to the season starting. All players must be Badminton league meant for recreation, it will current CMSA members as well. Registra- organizing Wis. hike be faster, more controlled, and more tion is available online at www.chicagomsa. The Chicago Lesbian Brunch Group is organiz- sign-ups in Jan. competitive than its recreational com - please check our soccer page for ing a hike through South Kettle Moraine State Second City Badminton is currently holding its counterpart. The Recreational Soc- additional information. Forest. It will take place Saturday, Feb. 14, at winter doubles league sign-ups. cer league is for players who want a 11 a.m. Online registration is taking place through Fri- friendly, fun league where they can The address is S91 W39091 Highway 59, Eagle, day, Jan. 16; see www.chicagomsa.com. play and develop skills even if they Wis. Individuals looking for a team are encouraged are relatively new (or just returning) In case of snow, this will be a snowshoe ex- to e-mail [email protected] and in- to the sport. Our ability to maintain pedition instead of a hike. Participants can rent dicate their experience level. two divisions will be dependent upon snowshoes from a local REI store for $15/day. The cost is $165/team. Each team must carry the number of participants for each. Visit www.meetup.com/queergirls or e-mail a minimum of three players on the roster, al- [email protected]. though four are strongly recommended. LOCATION: Play begins Monday, Jan. 26, and run for 13 weeks, including playoffs. The schedule will be Center on Halsted posted the week of Jan. 19-24. 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago E-mail [email protected] or sec- [email protected].

CONTACT: For more information on the league, please email Jason and Nick at [email protected] Jan. 14, 2009 23

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