THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 May 13, 2009 • vol 24 no 33 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Obama budget short on AIDS funding NEWS analysis by BOB ROEHR Design President Barack Obama has proposed a trickle for a Cure page 9 of new money for HIV in his fiscal year 2010 budget released May 7. That is far short of keep- ing pace with the growing demand for already inadequate services. AIDS advocates praised some changes in poli- cy from the Bush administration but are increas- ingly frustrated and vocal in expressing the need to change additional policies and substantially increase funding for both domestic and interna- tional programs. “AIDS advocates can’t keep giving Obama a pass on his lack of movement in fighting the AIDS epidemic,” said Charles King, president of ‘Garden of Housing Works, a major service provider in New Eve’ Set York City. page 7 The brightest spot in the president’s budget was an end to the $99 million abstinence-only program and the creation of a new $110 million Having program to prevent teen pregnancy. But there was no inclusion of HIV prevention in the new program. Joseph DiNorcia, Jr., president of the Sexual- ity Information and Education Council of the a Ball United States, a leading sex-ed group, praised page 17 the decision to drop funding for abstinence-only programs but questioned the focus of the new Stylish attendees made their way to Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard, May 7 as About Face ‘Every program. Theatre held its annual Wonka Ball. Among the highlights were dancers, great food—and Windy Turn to page 4 City Media Group receiving an award. See more on page 17 and www.WindyCityMediaGroup. Little com. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Step’ page 16 Murder in Villa Park: Obama writes to lesbian in military Thank you for being a friend. Love and lies by Tracy Baim NEWS ANALYSIS By LORI WEINER President Barack Obama sent a handwritten Lovers begin as strangers, and as time note in response to a Chicago-area lesbian’s erodes the edifice of unfamiliarity, the plea for him to change the military’s ban on nightspots partners are often confronted by sur- openly gay and lesbian servicemembers. She n prises. If the new information affirms sent her letter to Obama just six days after pick it up our faith in her suitability for us, the his inauguration, and it was published in the take it home relationship continues and endures. If, Feb. 11 Windy City Times as a cover story. May 6, 2009 #987 however, it reveals duplicity, treachery Tsao said she is “very hopeful” after receiv- and betrayal, typically the relationship ing the note May 5. “I believe he is a man of ends. Usually this process follows a pre- his word. … My heart is bounding with joy.” dictable template: accusations, followed The timing is bittersweet: Tsao’s last day in by tears, protestations, and denials. But the service will be May 19, 2009. in the dissolution of the partnership of Obama’s note reads: “Thanks for your won- Nicole Abusharif and Rebecca Klein, little derful and thoughtful letter. It is because of was typical. Becky Klein. 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao. Photo by www.WindyCityQueercast.com Turn to page 8 Turn to page 6 Donna

CHICAGO’S BIGGEST GLBT CONTEST! Produced by Windy City Media Group Next round: PRESENT SOFO THURSDAY, MAY 14 See page 24 for more details 2 May 13, 2009 Marking Tracy Baim’s 25th anniversary in Chicago LGBT media

“I wanted to mark this 25th anniversary by showing my appreciation for the wide range of non-profits serving our community, many of them for decades. Right now, our community non-profits and businesses are hurting. for It’s time for us to create an economic stimulus package for charity our own community.” -- Tracy Baim, publisher and co-founder of drive Windy City Times, started in LGBT media in 1984 with GayLife newspaper

An Economic Stimulus We’re asking for you to donate some multiplier of 25 ($2.50, $25, $250 ...) to People for the Chicago can write your favorite charity or charities for our their check LGBT Community community. A few charities are suggested, to any registered but feel free to add another qualified non- non-profit serving the profit in the Chicago area. Chicago-area LGBT or $ HIV/AIDS communities. We could have done a pie toss, The suggested charity list is: a roast, or any number of About Face Theatre $ humiliating public displays of Affinity Community Services attention. AIDS Foundation of Chicago But instead, we wanted to create Amigas Latinas an opportunity to support our Asians and Friends/Chicago $ community’s LGBT and HIV groups Association of Latin Men in Action in their time of need. BEHIV: Better Existence with HIV Center on Halsted What to do: Write out a check to your Chicago House favorite charity’s name (Example: AIDS Equality Illinois Foundation of Chicago), and send that Howard Brown Health Center check to: Lambda Legal Defense $ Lesbian Community Care Project Tracy Baim Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association 1900 S. Prairie Avenue PFLAG: Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Chicago, IL 60616 Test Positive Aware Network We will bundle the checks into “buckets” of bucks and Vital Bridges present the charities their funds during Pride Month.

Simply fill out this form and send along with your check. $ DEADLINE: June 5, 2009 for charity NAME: drive ADDRESS: The charity with the most CITY: STATE: ZIP: donations will receive a EMAIL: PHONE: I am enclosing checks to the following charities in the following amounts: BONUS $ $250

Please mail checks to: Tracy Baim, 1900 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616. Only checks accepted. Please ensure that check is DONATION made out to the charity of your choice. from an anonymous donor PTR13035 WCT AD V1

May 13, 2009 3

28th annual June 27, 2009 proud index torun 2 mile walk 5k 10 k June 27, 2009 at Montrose Harbor NEWS New marriage developments 4 Obama’s AIDS budget 4 Same-sex marriage polls 5 COME OUT. Activist found not guilty 5 Former alderman dies 5 Obama & lesbian’s letter 6 ‘Reagan’ panel at CHM 7 Hedda Gabler is one of the theatrical SIGN UP. ‘Garden’ organizers talk 7 productions being reviewed this week. Tuesday, May 19 from 7-10pm at Villa Park suspect convicted 8 See more on page 12. Frank Robinson appearance 9 Photo by Dean La Prairie Free pizza $5 pizza

‘Design’ at River East 9 if you register if you Quotelines 9 at Sidetrack! don’t! Wayne Besen; letters 10

ENTERTAINMENT also sign up now at registerPTR.com Dancin’ Feats 11 Theater reviews 12 And visit us at proudtorun.org and on Facebook! Knight at the Movies 16 Wonka Ball 17 Thanks to our sponsors! Billy Masters 20 Boricua Pride 21 Local items; dance CD 21

OUTLINES Calendar; Pets 18 p Real estate; classifieds 19 Sports: Outgames 22 Sports: Chicago Machine 22 Kevin Leveille (above) is one of the standouts on the semipro lacrosse team the Chicago Machine. Get an introduction to the team on page 22. Photo by Andrew Davis

Midtown’s patented Tennis inRound: No Time 2 ® is designed Designer: JP Features include: to turn beginners into tennisVersion: players 01 in just three www. —National and Job number: PTR13035 Round: weeks. You’ll enjoy six lessons with our certified world news Date: 05/05/09 Windy Job description: WCT Ad —Theater reviews professionals, plus free use of the club throughout Designer: LS Size: 5” x 6.625” City —Sheryl Lee Ralph your session. A variety of 325convenient North LaSalle Suite lesson 775 Chicago, times IL 60610 p: 312.595.0281 f: 312.595.0640 (right) and a nat’l are available, and if you don’t have a racquet Media HIV photo contest we’ll lend you one of ours. Best of all, the entire Group —Jack Mackenroth .com talks HIV package is only $115. Photo courtesy of David Chadwick Become a player – learn Tennis in No Time! Midtown membership not required. Director of To reserve your spot, call today. The Walls Space is limited. megan Thank you for being a friend. n in g h t s p o t s carney SHOW #WCQ301 THANK YOU BEING A FRIEND 6 sessions $115 Starts June 6

May 6, 2009 www.WindyCityQueercast.com #987

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President Barack Obama has proposed a trickle of new money for HIV in his fiscal year 2010 ;\j`^e gX^\0 budget released May 7. That is far short of keep- ing pace with the growing demand for already ]fiX:li\ inadequate services. increas- AIDS advocates praised some changes in poli- cy from the Bush administration butsubstantially are ingly frustrated and vocal in expressing the need to change additional policies and increase funding for both domestic and interna- >fkfnnn%N`e[p:`kpD\[`X>iflg%Zfdkf tional programs. “AIDS advocates can’t keep giving Obama a 773.235.2300 pass on his lack of movement in provider fighting in the New AIDS epidemic,” said Charles King, president of Housing Works, a major service dent’s budget York City. ?Xm`e^ The brightest spot in the presi gX^\(. was an end to the $99 million abstinence-only Ê>Xi[\ef] gX^\. !BOUT&ACE program and the creation of a new $110 million

"ECKY+LEIN CHICAGO’S BIGGEST GLBT CONTEST! nnn%N`e[p:`kpHl\\iZXjk%Zfd Next round: more details k_\X[m\ik`j\iËjN\Yj`k\ SOFO See page 24 for THURSDAY, MAY 14

PRESENT 4 May 13, 2009 Baldacci said he did not come to the decision Once he left office, President Clinton ac- “lightly or in haste” and noted that, while he BUDGET from cover knowledged that evidence and said his refusal had opposed same-sex marriage in the past, “I Maine Rep. “Unfortunately, the exact language of the pres- to lift that ban on needle exchange was one of have come to believe that this is a question of Mark Eves ident’s budget for this new initiative remains his major regrets. fairness and of equal protection under the law.” narrowly focused on the silo of preventing teen Candidate Obama said he would lift that ban. He also acknowledged the likelihood opponents pregnancy and fails to embrace programs that The White House Web site once noted that will call for a referendum. also help you people avoid acquiring a sexually campaign pledge but a recent “update” to the In the Maine House of Representatives, transmitted disease, including HIV. … We need Web site removed it. the discussion May 5 over the bill to legalize a broader approach to help adolescents make White House spokesman Ben LaBolt told the same-sex marriage was by far one of the most good, healthy and responsible decisions,” he HuffingtonPost.com, “We have not removed the emotional debates among all that have taken N.H., Maine, said. ban in our budget proposal because we want to place in state legislatures considering same-sex work with Congress and the American public D.C. advance on marriage bills—but not because the House was Ryan White to build support for this change…We are com- deeply divided. The $2.2 billion Ryan White Care Act will in- mitted to doing this as part of a national HIV/ gay-marriage front Many representatives described personal crease by $54 million, or 2.2 percent, over the AIDS strategy.” by Lisa Keen transformations on the issue, explaining how current year. That is substantially less than the Earlier in the month White House AIDS direc- Keen News Service they had come to see equal marriage rights as $72 million (3.3 percent) increase last year. tor Jeff Crowley said it will take time to de- “the right thing to do.” The greatest portion of the new money, $20 velop that strategy; to hire staff, and dialog The momentum for allowing gay couples to ob- Rep. Wendy Pieh, D-Bremen, who was one of million, will go to the AIDS Drug Assistance with other parts of the administration to get tain marriage licenses surged dramatically again only 39 representatives to oppose a state De- Program (ADAP). their buy in to the plan. He offered no timeline this week with two more state legislatures pass- fense of Marriage Act in 1997, noted that “ [a] “The president is not proposing the neces- for those activities. ing bills to provide for such equality, one of lot has happened in 12 years.” sary resources,” said Carl Schmid with The Thus, federal support for needle exchange those governors immediately signing the bill, “It’s a different day today,” said Pieh. “We’ve AIDS Institute. “At a time when state and lo- programs likely is months, if not years, away. and the District of Columbia clearing its Mar- moved forward. Our culture has changed. And cal budgets are being cut due to the economic Who knows how many additional people will riage Recognition bill. I’m very proud to be supporting this majority downturn, coupled with increased caseloads needlessly become infected with HIV during But the gains are almost certainly leading to a report” for the same-sex marriage bill. and health costs, significant added resources that period. referendum in at least one of those two states— Rep. Mark Eves, D-North Berwick, called mar- are essential.” in Maine—and a showdown in Congress this riage equality the “civil rights issue of our Authorization for Ryan White is set to expire Analysis year. time.” at the end of September and the president’s The anger toward the Obama administration On May 6, the legislatures in Maine and New “We look over our shoulders now and wonder budget would extend that. Revision of the expressed by many AIDS advocates, both do- Hampshire finished their voting on same-sex how we ever discriminated against women or be- safety-net program is up in the air as Congress mestically and internationally, has been grow- marriage bills and sent them to their respective cause of race or religion,” said Eves. “Someday grapples with health reform legislation. Most ing ever since it took office. They muted criti- Democratic governors. And, in Washington, D.C., soon, we will look again over our shoulders and experts believe it makes sense to hold of on cism of earlier disappointments because they the City Council May 5 took its final vote to ap- wonder how we could have remained silent for changes to Ryan White until after the broader knew that what really counts is money. And prove the legal recognition in D.C. of marriage so long” on marriage equality. licenses that same-sex couples have obtained legislation is enacted. now that hope has been dashed. Prevention got a $53 million boost to $745 Earlier disappoints included elimination of legally elsewhere. Opponents in Maine have N.H. and D.C. on the brink million. Most of the “new” money will go to new funding for HIV prevention and services vowed a referendum and in D.C. have vowed a Gay-rights supporters in New Hampshire are increased testing to identify more of the es- from the economic stimulus package, and roll fight in Congress. optimistic their Democratic governor, John timated quarter-million Americans who do not out of a prevention campaign targeting African Now, in Congress and New Hampshire, some Lynch, will “do the right thing,” too. know they are carrying the virus. Outreach to Americans that included no new money. waiting begins. The House voted 178-167 May 6 to concur communities of color also will increase. The appointment of Jeff Crowley to coordi- New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has opposed with a Senate version of its same-sex marriage Rebecca Haag, executive director of AIDS nate AIDS activities within the administration same-sex marriages but no position, yet, on a bill. One representative then asked for reconsid- Action, called the increase “gratifying.” But won broad praise within the community. But bill to establish equal rights to marriage for gay eration of that vote, but on a 161-185 roll call, it does not begin to approach the $1.3 bil- his explanation at an AIDSWatch forum as to couples. And a spokesperson said Wednesday that request failed. lion a year in prevention spending that Johns why it is going to take time for the administra- afternoon that the governor has still given no Several members then sought to file “petitions Hopkins University HIV prevention researcher tion to create a national AIDS strategy drew indication of what he plans to do when the bill of protest” with the Speaker, who accepted them David Holtgrave believes is necessary “to make some mutters of discontent. reaches his desk. and said only that they would be “noted in the a big difference in the epidemic in the US.” Now that the administration is using the lack But Rep. Jim Splaine, a key proponent of the journal.” There was no increase for housing programs— of such a plan, and no timetable for its deliv- bill, does not expect a veto and thinks the gov- After several procedural activities, the bill will Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS ery, as an excuse not to take action on things ernor could let the measure into law without his now go to Gov. John Lynch. The governor’s press (HOPWA). With more people learning they are such as federal support for needle exchange signature. secretary, Colin Manning, said May 6 the gover- infected with HIV, and a recession where more programs, the level of discontent has intensi- Congress is both volatile and unpredictable. nor has given no indication of his intentions. people are losing their job and often with it fied. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is- Perhaps the roughest waters stirring this week their health insurance and housing, that puts Disappointment on AIDS issues is interwoven sued a statement May 5 saying Congress “should were in Washington, D.C.—the federal district enormous additional pressure on the program. with and reinforced by the Obama administra- not interfere” with the D.C. Council’s gover- whose self-governing measures are all subject to “We are looking at this as a decrease in fund- tion’s failure to address issues of concern to nance. But because D.C. is a federal district— approval by the U.S. Congress. The D.C. Council ing,” said Nancy Bernstine, executive director the gay community, such as marriage, the mili- not a state—Congress has authority to review voted 12-1 May 5 for its second and final vote on of the National Housing Coalition. tary, and senior level appointments. any of its legislation. And it has frequently used a bill that will give legal recognition to marriage The budget may have been the straw that that authority to overturn pro-gay measures, in- licenses obtained legally by same-sex couples in Needle exchange broke the camel’s back of the AIDS commu- cluding when Congress has been dominated by other states and jurisdictions. Democratic Mayor The Obama budget maintains the prohibition nity’s optimism about the new administration. Democrats, as it is now. Adrian Fenty has made he clear he will sign the on federal funding of syringe exchange pro- Read the entire article online at www. legislation; then, the measure goes through a grams. Those programs have proven to be suc- WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Tears and laughter 30-day review period by Congress. cessful at reducing the spread of HIV and other But in Maine, Gov. John Baldacci surprised © 2009 Keen News Service infectious diseases by reducing needle sharing, many by stepping out on the afternoon of May read the entire article online at www. while at the same time not increasing injection 6 and holding a press conference to sign the WindyCityMediaGroup.com. same-sex marriage bill. drug use.

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GREENVIEW - RED LINE JARVIS EL STOP May 13, 2009 5 Speaking to the larger context of his trial, Poll on: Surveys LOCAL NEWS Thayer stressed “anti-war protestors in particu- Leon show various views Activist found not lar are subject to police harassment.” Asked if Despres he thought that an Obama administration might (sitting) on gay marriage guilty of felonies signal significant changes in this regard, Thayer with Tracy by Lisa Keen By YASMIN NAIR was skeptical: “People who should know better Baim. Keen News Service are reluctant to protest the new President even Photo by Andy Thayer is best known for his work as a mar- though he’s not going to prosecute torturers be- Thom Clark For the first time, two national polls show more riage activist in Gay Liberation Network (GLN). cause they ‘were following orders.’ Where’s the support than opposition to gay marriage. Some However, he has also been a longtime anti-war difference? We’re going to have to push for a very different agenda if we want a humane situ- state polls are showing similar results. But a activist as well as a critic of police brutality in Industry, at the Clarence Darrow Bridge. Despres ation internationally.” third national poll suggests the balance in public Chicago. was a longstanding member of the committee. Thayer is planning to go to Moscow Pride the opinion has not tipped profoundly enough that On Jan. 7, during a visit by President George Depres was a reformer in the time of the weekend of May 17. anyone can yet declare victory in the battle. W. Bush to Chicago, Thayer was among those first Mayor Daley, fighting a huge uphill battle WCT contacted the Chicago Police Department First, a CBS News-New York Times poll, re- who tried to stretch an anti-war banner across against corruption as a representative of the for a response to the decision, but received leased April 27, showed 42 percent surveyed the path of the presidential motorcade. He was South Side’s 5th Ward. He was an alderman dur- none. believe gay couples should be allowed to legally charged with two felony counts of aggravated ing the years 1955-1975, and since that time marry, 25 percent supported civil unions, and battery on a police officer. Thayer’s case went to he and his wife, who preceded him in death, only 28 percent said there should be no recogni- trial May 5, and a decision the same day found Chicago legend continued to champion reform and civic causes. tion at all. CBS-Times had been polling on that him not guilty. Among his many battles, Depres fought issue since March 2004, including in March of Thayer, speaking to Windy City Times, said Despres dies strongly against racism in the city. this year, but only in April of this year did sup- that while he felt a “tremendous amount of re- BY TRACY BAIM Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg noted that port for gay marriage top the opposition to any lief,” he also felt angry about what he saw as Despres also attacked a vote by the City Council recognition. “the enormous amount of [public] resources it The city of Chicago has lost another legend: for- condemning Wright Junior College for putting Then, an ABC News-Washington Post poll, re- took to get this acquitted.” Like many in the an- mer Alderman Leon Despres died the morning of gay author James Baldwin’s Another Country on leased April 30, showed 49 percent surveyed be- ti-war movement, Thayer feels that ex-President May 6 in his Hyde Park home, at age 101. its required reading list; Steinberg notes that lieve gay marriages should be legal, and only 46 Bush should be tried as a war criminal because Among his last appearances was speaking at Despres called that “the most degrading kind of percent said “illegal.” ABC-Post had been polling he is “a man who has orchestrated torture and the Clarence Darrow wreath tossing, held March censorship.” on the issue since September 2003 and, again, illegally invaded a sovereign nation.” 13 every year behind the Museum of Science and this was the first time support outweighed op- position. Finally, a poll conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, also released April 30, found that 33 percent of its respondents supported legal marriage for gay couples, 26 percent supported only civil unions and 34 per- cent said gay couples “should not be allowed to obtain legal recognition of their relation- ship.” Quinnipiac had asked the question only once before—in July 2008—and its comparison seemed to suggest some people who supported civil unions might now be moving toward op- position to any recognition. Polls in various states have generally mirrored the national results. A Quinnipiac poll in New Jersey last month found 49 percent would sup- port a law to allow same-sex couples to marry, 43 opposed, 8 percent didn’t answer. A Field Poll in California in March found 48 percent would support repealing Proposition 8, which amended the constitution to ban gay marriage, while 47 percent would keep it. A Pan Atlantic poll in Maine last month showed 39 supported marriage equality, 35 percent supported only civil unions, and 23 opposed any recognition. Compared to a similar poll in March 2004, support for gay mar- riage had increased nine points, while opposi- tion to any recognition dropped nine points.

Trending toward support SOMETHING TO The latest national polls come on the heels of recent victories in Iowa and Vermont, and they SMILE ABOUT come as the nation nears the five-year anniver- sary of the first licensing of gay marriage in the United States. It is a mark that began on May 17, 2004, in Massachusetts but really picked up momentum last May when the California Supreme Court made it possible—at least for five months—for A NATURAL AND HOMEOPATHIC gay couples to obtain marriage licenses there, too. Then followed Connecticut late last year, APPROACH TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY. and Iowa just last month. And it was last month that the Vermont legislature approved a bill that BY DR. PETER HARNOIS. will enable gay couples to begin obtaining mar- riage licenses there in September. Most of the polling in earnest on gay marriage CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. began in 2003. CBS-Times took its first pulse 312.944.5200 OR 888.944.3334 on the issue in March, followed by ABC-Post in September. Those polls were taken before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued its landmark decision—in November 2003—saying the state constitution requires gay couples be CHICAGO able to obtain marriage licenses the same as straight couples. ONE MAGNIFICENT MILE Read much more about this issue online at 980 N. MICHIGAN AVE., STE. 1520 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. CHICAGO, IL 60611 WWW.YOURLIFESMILES.COM 6 May 13, 2009 LETTER from cover Tsao’s original letter to President Obama As a Christian, this also means living an hon- Young Magnet High School and received her reads: est life. I cannot live up to this value unless bachelor’s in communication from the University outstanding Americans like you that I commit- “I am a Second Lieutenant currently serving in my workplace ‘provides an environment free of of Illinois at Chicago in 2007. ted to changing our current policy. Although it the United States Army. In addition to being an unlawful discrimination and offensive behavior’. Tsao’s parents are both Chinese. Her mother will take some time to complete (partly because officer, I am a Christian, a woman and a Chinese- [Excerpt from the U.S. Army’s Equal Opportunity is from Hong Kong and her father is from Burma it needs Congressional action) I intend to fulfill American. I am proud of all these identities. Branch (EO) Mission Statement.] (Myanmar). Tsao is a first-generation American. my commitment!” It is signed Barack Obama. Lastly, I am also a homosexual. On December “We have the best military in the world and Her father’s younger brother served in the Army Windy City Times has contacted the White House 21, 2007, I was appointed as an army officer. I would like to continue to be part of it. My as an enlisted solder. If the ban were to be lift- but has not had word back confirming the let- In the oath of office I swore that I will support mother can tell you it is my dream to serve our ed, Tsao told WCT in February that she would like ter’s veracity. and defend the Constitution of the United States country. I have fought and overcome many bar- to have a career in the military. The Rachel Maddow Show picked up the story against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Un- riers to arrive at the point I am at today. This “The President has given us hope for change,” May 7, as did other media and blogs the next fortunately, I will not be able to fulfill this oath is the only battle I fear I may lose. Even if it is she said May 6. “Now it is up to us, our loved day. Tsao, however, told WCT she does not want because the current policy regarding sexual ori- too late for me, I do hope, Mr. President, that ones, families and friends to have faith in his to do additional media because she wants to fo- entation contradicts my values as a moral hu- you will help us to win the war against prejudice word and the love of humanity as we hold hands cus on studying for her engineering degree. She man being. so that future generations will continue to work and pray together for a new world.” did also share the letter with GLAAD, the Gay “Today is Chinese New Year day. I hope it will together and fight for our freedoms regardless of and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. bring good fortune to you and your newly elected race, color, gender, religion, national origin or In her Jan. 26 letter to President Barack office. Today is also the day I inform my chain of sexual orientation. Two Miss Obama, 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao, 24, came out as a command of who I am. One of the 7 army values “Respectfully, Sandy Tsao, 2LT, MP.” lesbian in the U.S. Army. The former resident of is integrity. It means choosing to do the right Tsao grew up on Chicago’s Southwest Side, Californias? In a unique development, Miss California Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood wrote a fel- thing no matter what the consequences may be. in Bridgeport. She graduated from Whitney M. runner-up Tami Farrell has been named the low former South Sider in his new White House new “Beauty of California ambassador” by home to tell him she could no longer serve her Miss California USA pageant officials, accord- country because she is a lesbian. ing to the Los Angeles Times. Sunday, Feb. 8, marked the one-year anniver- Shanna Moakler, co-executive director of sary of Tsao’s active duty, full-time service to the Miss California USA pageant, stated that her country. On May 19, Tsao expects to receive current Miss California Carrie Prejean “entered an Article 15 honorable discharge because of the contest under false pretense. Accepting homosexual conduct. the title comes with the responsibility to rep- Tsao was told by her chain of command that resent everyone in her state, not just those her letter was received by Obama’s White House. who share her opinion.” It was her own choice to come out. In early Feb- Prejean sparked controversy after stating ruary, she wrote to Windy City Times that she her anti-same-sex-marriage position during had “finished my full medical examination and the Miss USA pageant. She finished second. have finished my last session with my counselor. Since then, Prejean has stayed in the news My counselor has signed an evaluation form that for everything from her breast implants to confirms that I am in a healthy mental state.” semi-nude photos, according to the New York “Originally I planned to leave quietly and Daily News. Donald Trump, head of the Miss reenlist in the Marines if the policy changed, USA pageant, announced May 12 that Pre- but I was getting so lonely and tired of people jean would retain her crown, the Los Angeles cracking gay jokes and not being able to talk to Times reported. my friend because of the policy,” Tsao wrote. “I Read more national and world news (such was getting so fed up that I finally decided to as the Gay Grifter case) at www.WindyCity- tell the truth.” Tsao plans to return to finish an President Obama’s note to 2nd Lt. Sandy Tsao. MediaGroup.com. engineering degree. May 13, 2009 7 Brier began with a brief introduction to the ing to a hospital. “Women who don’t have insur- ‘80s Hades: Reagan years and pointed out that, in the tell- LCCP to offer ance can come here and this is something that Panelists talk of ing of the history of the decade as a triumphant ‘Garden’ of delights the community outside of the LGBT community march of conservatism, there tends to be “a needs to know, that we are not marginalizing,” By EMMANUEL GARCIA ‘Surviving Reagan’ deep sense of loss and disempowerment” among explained, Fridi who is a Silver Sponsor for this By YASMIN NAIR queer activists. In an effort to complicate how The Lesbian Community Care Project (formerly year’s event and a longtime supporter. that came about, she asked the panel members the Lesbian Community Cancer Project) is mov- Each-co-chair shared her excitement about The Reagan years defined a new era in LGBTQ to address their triumphs as well as their failures ing its annual fundraising event—billed for the prospect of in the Garden of Eve as a genesis organizing. The community struggled against in the context of their groups. Brier also asked many years as the Coming Out Against Cancer for future events for women in Chicago. Many governmental apathy towards AIDS while forg- about the impact of race and racism within Ball—from the South Shore Cultural Center to women now travel from different areas of the ing activist communities that demanded re- queer activist groups like ACT UP, emphasizing the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Midwest to attend this type of event, said HB sources and health care for those affected by that “knowing racial difference [is very different Park. The new location inspired this year’s theme development director, Jenny Mack. the disease. from] acknowledging racism.” and name: “The Garden of Eve.” The annual event Kat Fitzgerald, a Windy City Times photogra- For the most part, historians have paid atten- Gomez described himself as a “scared kid” in has solidified itself as one of the top fundraising pher who is also the founder of Labrys Chicago, tion to LGBTQ activism in this decade by focus- 1980, when he went to the University of Chi- efforts for LBT women in Chicago. The change in is providing musicians and entertainment. ing on the two coasts. However, Chicago wit- cago as an undergraduate. While his family was venue allowed organizers to rethink the timing She will have double duty that night as co- nessed its own efflorescence of intense activism thrilled to see him enter the bastion of higher of the event from winter to spring. The green chair and photographer. “I have to do some- in this decade, and a May 7 Out at CHM (Chicago learning, Gomez soon came face to face with house will guarantee that mid-Summer heat thing, I can’t sit still. It’s capturing the emo- History Museum, 1601 N. Clark) panel entitled racism when he was told that “my roommate that can only be guaranteed in a temperature tion of everybody else having fun and I have “Surviving Reagan” provided a glimpse at the was excited to show his friends the Mexican.” set room. Since early 2008 LCCP partnered with fun doing that.” Fitzgerald said she uses Howard work of some of the city’s queer activists. The Soon after, Gomez left for Berlin, where even Howard Brown Health Services on Sheridan Rd.to Brown services and knows she is an example of event was moderated by Jennifer Brier, assistant coffeehouses distributed government-supported restructure the organization into a health pro- how more people with money can support LCCP. professor of history and gender studies at the fliers on how to survive the AIDS crisis. He cred- gram partner tenant for LBT women. “I was looking for a new general practitioner and University of Illinois at Chicago, and the author ited that kind of sexual and political culture, so The mission of LCCP to bring health care ser- I thought well wait, I’m lucky enough that I do of a forthcoming book on the politics of AIDS different from the stigmatization in the United vices to a diversity of women of different back- have great [health] insurance, why not bring it from 1980 to 2000. States, with saving his life. ground is highlighted in the four women chosen here and help support Howard Brown in another The three panelists were Jackie Anderson, Speaking about contemporary organizing, to co-chair this year’s event. Kat Fitzgerald, way by having my insurance here.” Debbie Gould and Gabriel Gomez. Anderson is Anderson said, “The model of bridging the gap Dalia Fridi, Melissa Mansfields and Tamara Allen Co-chair Tamara Allen, who promotes and pro- a longtime activist who came of political age is over in the country and the community. The have billed themselves “the fab four.” duces other all women’s events, shared her ex- in the 1960s and has worked to bridge the gap community doesn’t give a shit.” She added that Location is everything to LCCP organizers, but citement. Aware of the climate inside this years between the Black and white lesbian commu- “white gay people get universalized as the gay the importance of this once a year event de- venue she expressed no worries, “As far as the nities on the South and North sides. She was identity but that has nothing to do with Latino scribed by Fridi as, “One of the, if not the only humidity I don’t think there’s anything I can do part of the Lesbian Community Care Project and or African-American communities.” Gomez ad- event women have to come together.” is about about it”, said, Allen and added, “Don’t think among those responsible for its annual Ball mov- dressed the preponderance of marriage organiz- bringing diversity. “We have lesbians from the you’re going to go home early, because we have ing to the South Side. (This year, the “Garden ing in today’s movement and said that marriage north side, south side, west side, everywhere an event there and an after party.” of Eve” gala, as it is now called, will take place did matter to him, in terms of the benefits it that you will never see anywhere else, and that’s Aside from raising money Fitzgerald is most at the Garfield Park Conservatory.) Gould, soon offered but not “in the lockstep way determined what Chicago is missing, [more] events for wom- excited about the venue and timing, “Where else to join the University of Santa Cruz as a faculty by some D.C group.” Gould said that she felt en.” can you go walk through a jungle, or a desert, or member, was a member of Chicago’s ACT UP and “disconnected from … the gay movement in its The merger of Taste of Every Palate and the a waterfall; have music in the background sip- Queer to the Left (both defunct), and is cur- mainstream manifestations” but stressed the Coming Out Against Cancer Ball doesn’t substi- ping martinis or water you want to sip?” rently a member of Feel Tank Chicago. Gomez is importance of “activism as world-making.” tute Howard Brown’s annual fundraising Gala at “The Garden of Eve” gala will take place currently an associate professor of library sci- Read the entire account of the forum at the Palmer House in October but is seen as way Saturday, May 16, at the Garfield Park Con- ence/communications media program at Chicago www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. to bring in more dollars for services all women servatory, 300 N. Central Park, 6-10 p.m. For State University. He was a member of ACT UP can use at Howard Brown who cannot afford go- more information visit www.howardbrown. and then Queer Nation (also now defunct). org. N:HNDJ <>7BE7DIM?J>)$+:EMD

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;=6adVchjW_ZXiidÒcVaVeegdkVa#BjhifjVa^[n[dgadVc#HZZhVaZhV\Zci[dgYZiV^ah# >cXZci^kZD[[Zg^hdcanVkV^aVWaZidfjVa^ÒZYEjgX]VhZghl]dÒcVcXZi]ZejgX]VhZd[ i]Z^gH^akZgIdlZg8dcYdb^c^jbJc^ii]gdj\]HidcZ\ViZ9ZkZadebZciÉhEgZ[ZggZYAZcYZg#D[[ZghjW_ZXiidX]Vc\Zl^i]djicdi^XZ#HZZhVaZhV\Zci[dgYZiV^ah# 8 May 13, 2009 MURDER from cover Abusharif’s defense attorneys, Bob Parchem restrain, murder and hide her 160-pound partner and Dennis Sopata, had little chance of an ac- by herself. Nicole Abusharif was convicted of the first- quittal given the tsunami of evidence against In November 2008, Robert Edwards, who degree murder of Becky Klein on May 5, 2009. their client. So they resorted to innuendo and worked with Abusharif at the security company It was not an easy decision for the jury. They accusation to deflect attention from Abusharif’s in Des Plaines, was convicted of obstruction deliberated for 11 hours over two days before actions. And shamefully, one of their tactics of justice in the murder investigation of Becky agreeing with the prosecution that Abusharif, was to discredit the very nature of lesbian re- Klein. Edwards—who did not testify at Abush- now 28, was responsible for killing her partner lationships. Parchem claimed in his opening ar- arif’s trial—lied to police about his whereabouts of eight years. Her alleged motives were as an- guments that gay relationships are “different” the night of the murder—he was videotaped by cient as the human race: greed and lust. Abush- from straight ones, that infidelity is generally Villa Park police admitting to being present at arif held a combined $400,000 in insurance poli- accepted as normal, that Abusharif’s desperate the Harvard address on March 15—and about cies on Klein, and during the year immediately wooing of a third party was a typical component the nature of his relationship to Abusharif. Af- preceding the murder, had fallen deeply in love of a lesbian union. With his folksy manner and ter initially claiming he only knew her casually with a 19-year-old bisexual woman, Rose So- quizzical tone, Parchem seemed to be saying, from work, Edwards later admitted that he and daro, whom she’d met on MySpace. “Those wacky gay girls. Who can figure ‘em out? Abusharif used drugs together and discussed Sodaro was the prosecution’s star witness. This is just what they do.” (To their credit, the having a three-way sexual encounter, presum- Now 22 years old, with a brown pageboy haircut prosecution quickly rebutted this contention, ably with the bisexual Rose Sodaro and not and pert, turned-up nose, Sodaro described, in Nicole Abusharif mug shot. Image courtesy of reminding the jurors that Becky Klein believed Becky Klein—though the intended third party a marked Chicago accent, her relationship with the Dupage Sheriff’s Department her relationship to be monogamous, that Becky was never named. the defendant. It began with e-mails, then pro- Klein wasn’t engaging in similar behavior, that Edwards has not been charged in connec- gressed to telephone conversations and finally, missing persons investigation by Villa Park po- lice, a violent crimes task force discovered Becky Becky Klein considered herself to be married to tion with Klein’s murder. He was sentenced on to meeting each other. A sexual relationship en- the defendant in the same way Klein’s sister was December 30, 2008 to 75 days at the DuPage sued, with Abusharif inventing numerous false Klein’s corpse in the trunk of Abusharif’s “baby,” her 1966 Mustang, a car which Nicole named married to her husband). County work camp on the obstruction charge. identities for herself to nourish Sodaro’s inter- The defense also offered an alternate explana- However, Edwards’ legal problems continue—he est. She claimed to be both a Villa Park and New “______” and whose appellation she used as her MySpace password. The car was parked in the tion, albeit a flimsy one, for what really hap- is also facing charges in Cook County for child York firefighter, told her younger lover that she pened to Becky Klein. They claimed that Klein pornography, discovered on his computer during was decorated for her service at Ground Zero detached garage of the Villa Park house. Klein’s hands and feet were bound with duct tape, and Abusharif argued about Sodaro, that when the Klein murder investigation. after the 9/11 tragedy, and toward the end of Abusharif decided to meet Sodaro in Tinley Park With the guilty verdict, Nicole Abusharif and the relationship, bragged about being accepted her mouth was gagged, her eyes covered with a blindfold, and around her head was a plas- against her partner’s wishes, Klein angrily de- Becky Klein will slowly fade from the headlines. into an elite corps of Villa Park firefighters— clared her intention to go to her sister Mela- But behind the lurid details of a partner’s be- the rescue squad. None of Abusharif’s claims was tic garbage bag secured, once again, with duct tape. nie’s house. With that, both women left Harvard trayal and a beloved daughter’s horrifying mur- true. She worked at a security company in Des Avenue, and according to the defense, Abush- der lies a reverberating sense of loss. A young Plaines and had a substantial nest egg, pros- It was a horrific crime, and Abusharif quickly became the prime suspect. Although she had no arif never saw Klein again. An unknown assail- woman who devoted herself to helping others is ecutors claimed, composed of monies received ant, the defense posited, murdered Becky after erased from life as if she never existed. A family from eight successful automobile and workman’s documented history of violence, although the Klein-Abusharif union was regarded by friends Abusharif left the house. struggles to accept that they will never again comp insurance claims. The most plausible of the defense’s arguments see their beloved daughter, sister, friend. A fa- Abusharif wasn’t above trolling for sympathy to and family alike as an ideal one, the revela- tions of Abusharif’s titillating secret life cast concerned Abusharif’s physical limitations. With ther paces the halls of a courthouse, trying to maintain her girlfriend’s attention. She claimed a bad back and weighing 40 pounds less than her cope with the enormity of the charges facing his to have been successfully treated, via trans- a long shadow of suspicion. Her actions during the search for Klein did little to dispel that im- partner, they argued there was no way Abusharif little girl, telling an observer that the deceased plant, for liver cancer. She told Sodaro that she could have subdued and bound Klein, let alone was like “another daughter” to him. A mother was a heavy drinker, that her inability to control pression: she displayed no obvious distress or concern for Becky’s welfare, instead focusing on stowed her in the trunk of the Mustang, all while asks an observer if the lawyers they’ve hired are her alcoholism would inevitably cause her body leaving no marks on the body or bearing any defending her daughter fairly, expresses sor- to reject the new liver. She even dragged Sodaro Sodaro. Abusharif told the teenager to lie to the police if they contacted her, to claim they didn’t signs of a struggle herself. But sitting in the row that she is not allowed to reach out to the to a funeral home, where Abusharif dramatically courtroom and walking to and from the proceed- Kleins in their grief, and searches for hope. selected the casket she wanted to be buried in. know each other. Abusharif tried desperately to keep Sodaro out of the whole mess, lying to the ings, Abusharif, who has gained weight since Certainly, the word “tragedy” describes exactly At the memory of Abusharif instructing her to the murder, looked neither infirm nor waifish. this situation. ensure that a firefighting logo was inscribed on police that she didn’t know the girl’s surname, cell phone number, or e-mail address. The defense did manage to score one victory. the coffin, Sodaro broke down in tears on the The jury declined to add to its guilty verdict a witness stand. Her lies were suspicious enough, but the physical evidence against Abusharif was over- key aggravating factor—that the murder was Church to install On the night Klein disappeared, Sodaro and cold, calculated and premeditated, as the pros- Abusharif had a date. They went bowling in Tin- whelming. The Mustang had two trunk keys, and gay minister May 17 both were found in her possession. Twenty-five ecution requested. Had they done this, Abush- ley Park with Sodaro’s friends, and at 3 a.m on arif would have been eligible for a sentence of Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, 656 W. March 16, they returned together to the Harvard finger and palm prints belonging to Abusharif Barry, will install the Rev. Rudra Vilius Dundz- were found on the garbage bag used to suffo- life in prison without the possibility of parole. Avenue home in Villa Park shared by Abusharif As it stands, she will serve a minimum of twenty ila, Ph.D., D.Min., as its community minister and Klein. Sodaro testified that she was aware of cate Klein. Abusharif’s DNA was found on the Sunday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. bandanas used to gag Klein’s mouth and blind years and could serve as many as sixty. She will Becky Klein. She knew her as her lover’s room- be at least 48 years old before she has her first Dundzila, 46, is professor of humanities mate and had no idea the two were actually life her eyes. And more DNA belonging to Abusharif and comparative religion at Harry S Truman was found on the duct tape used to bind Klein’s opportunity for parole. partners, complete with matching commitment After she is sentenced by Judge John Kinsella College (City Colleges of Chicago). He is the rings. feet and hands, and to securely fasten the gar- fourth gay or lesbian minister—and the first bage bag over her head. in early June, her most likely destination will be Two days later, after an admittedly bungled Dwight Correctional Facility in Dwight, Ill., the openly HIV-positive one—affiliated with the state’s only maximum security prison for adult congregation. See www.uuma.org for info. Wednesday, May 20 female offenders. Among the women Abusharif 7:30 p.m. will meet there is Marilyn Lemak, a Naperville Asians and Friends Mei-Ling Hopgood homemaker and former surgical nurse convicted to hold memorial Lucky Girl in 2002 of slaying her three children. Ironically, Lemak, 44 years old at the time of her sentenc- Asians and Friends Chicago will hold a me- ing, was also a DuPage county resident who suf- morial gathering for Wayne Hedrick, 63, a Wednesday, May 27 focated her victims. longtime board member and active partici- 7:00 p.m. Though the jury found Abusharif to be re- pant in the organization’s social events until Women, Words and sponsible for the murder of her partner, unan- his passing last month. Wit Double Header: swered questions remain. The most pressing is The gathering will be held Saturday, May 16, at the Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Gran- Jane Hamilton— whether or not Abusharif acted alone. According to published reports, even at the time of her ville, at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call Laura Rider’s Masterpiece Have your 312-409-1573. 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FINE Former Chief of Prosecutions for the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation www.womenandchildrenfirst.com State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company Parking Available (not in NJ) FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION  312-236-2433 Wheelchair Accessible State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois [email protected]  105 W. Madison, Suite 1101, Chicago, IL 60602 May 13, 2009 9 Perfectly Frank QUOTELINES Q BY REX WOCKNER “Now that she (Carrie Prejean) is of- change—because any one of you could have ficially becoming a crusader for tradi- gay children or gay relatives or gay friends ... tional marriage, I think it’s time for her to put we have a responsibility to make this accept- down her Miss California (USA) crown, give up able, to get all this bullshit so that some gay that title, and give up her position as Miss kid going to high school isn’t getting the shit USA first runner-up. It’s time for her to put on beaten out of him just because he’s gay. Lis- the sash of traditional marriage and really just ten, I’m as hetero as they come. I don’t even work on that, if that’s where her passion is.” understand gay. I don’t understand how you — Perez Hilton on his blog, April 30. look at another guy and want to fuck him in the ass (but) what is this hang-up with the gay “If (U.S. Rep. Aaron) Schock (R-Ill.) marriage? Who cares? Get on with your life!” isn’t gay, he needs to learn a few things — Howard Stern on his radio show, April 29. about how not to be gay. 1. Don’t obsess about your Frank Robinson, a friend and speechwriter of the late gay politician/activist Harvey Milk, body and your abs (you made an appearance at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, May 1 for a question-and- do). It’s kinda gay. 2. Don’t answer event. Robinson, a member of Chicago Gay Liberation in the early 1970s, shaped the do interviews with Details rhetoric that Milk used to inspire the LGBT community across the country in the late 1970s. magazine (you did). We I think it’s time Robinson also had a cameo role in the film Milk, and was one of the movie’s consultants. On for [Carrie

love them, but then again, Young Austin by Photo this rare return visit to his hometown, Robinson discussed his experiences in the gay-pride we’re kind of gay. 3. Don’t movement in Chicago and San Francisco in the decade after Stonewall. Photo of Robinson Prejean] to put go to dinner at gay din- (right) and Gary Chichester by William Kelley down her ers where you’re the only ‘straight’ guy in the place. Miss California You did, and people no- crown. ticed. 4. Don’t make ex- —Perez Hilton Miles of styles cuses for why you’re 27, gorgeous, smart, success- ful, powerful, and just can’t seem to find the right girl (you did, you are, and you can’t). “Just one month ago, there were only We’ve heard them all before, they’re cliché as two states where same-sex couples could hell, and they just convince people even more marry. Now, with this vote in (both houses of that something isn’t quite right. ... If anyone the) New Hampshire (Legislature), we are on thinks this post is mean, you should read what the verge of having five states that recognize I’m not writing about. It’s a small town, Aaron. marriage equality for same-sex couples. It’s People talk.” — Blogger John Aravosis (AMERI- been quite a month.” — Human Rights Cam- CAblog.com), April 24. paign President Joe Solmonese, in an April 29 statement. “I couldn’t talk about anything in Russia. I was growing up in a very strict re- “(T)his is nothing against gay people. gime. But I rebelled. I wouldn’t wear a tie, and I have a lot of friends that are gay. This is not I didn’t want to salute the flag. At that time a verbal attack on gay people. It’s just a mat- in Russia, sexual education did not exist, and ter of opinion, and the way that I was raised, there were no discussions of it. I had no idea the way that I was brought up, that was not how to masturbate. There was no sharing of an option. I knew I was going to marry a man information—I was isolated. ... I accidentally growing up. And so, for me, it’s a biblical thing, got off on the flow of bathwater on my dick. it’s something that I was raised believing, um, I came and then freaked out because I didn’t that a marriage, you know, is between a man know what had happened or what the cum and a woman. Barack Obama even supports was. Then, obviously, I loved the feeling, so I that. The majority of the people in our nation tried it again. It took me a while to figure out support that. The secretary of state supports The AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Junior Board produced a runway fashion show, “Design I could do it without water and instead use my that. So, I don’t see anything wrong with it.” for the Cure” at the River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois, May 7 that was hosted by Heidi hand. I felt guilty every time—people don’t — Carrie Prejean, Miss California USA, to this Hess and introduced by Project Runway alumnus Jack Mackenroth, with designs by Lara Miller understand how damaging the Communist re- column April 26 after she failed to win the Miss and Universal Gear among others. Mackenroth addressed attendees about Living Positive By gime is.” — Gay porn star and mogul Michael USA pageant because (as she sees it) she told Design, a campaign supported by Merck & Co., Inc., that seeks to help combat the stigma Lucas to the Village Voice’s Michael Musto, April the judges, when asked, that “marriage should associated with HIV. Proceeds from the event benefited more than 100 localA IDS service or- 21. be between a man and a woman.” ganizations. (Also, read an interview with Mackenroth online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. com.) Photos and text by Jerry Nunn “My feeling about gay people is that “Love is love! People should be able we have a responsibility not only to make to do whatever makes them happy. I have gay marriage acceptable and to make gays feel lots of gay and lesbian friends and I want to accepted as much as heterosexuals (but) that see them get married. ... I’ll do whatever it we have to hold gay people above all others. takes to make their dreams come true. Discrim- HARAM IRAN ... Gay people are downtrodden. They are beat- ination has no place in America.” — Singer Written by Jay Paul Deratany Directed by David Zak HaRAm en. They are abused for their sexuality, and it Britney Spears tweeting April 23. goes across race. In the white community and A Theatrical production by Permoveo Productions the black community, gay people are the bas- —Assistance: Bill Kelley exposing the travesty of the Iranian legal system. iraN tards of the world. And in order for things to Based upon the true story of Ayaz and Mahmoud two Arabic boys accused of "homosexual" sins— the tragedy of their story is played out in this heart wrenching story of their public ridicule and prosecution. WHERE: The Center on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted | Chicago, IL 60613 SHOWTIMES: COST: $20 | available at haramiran.com | also available by calling 1-800-838-3006 Friday, May 22nd at 7:30pm Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30pm* *All of the profits will be donated to The Center on Halsted and the Anti-Violence Project. Sunday, May 24th at 2:00pm For more information visit:haramiran.com *A special reception will precede this show and start at 6:30pm. These premium tickets will cost $40. WARNING: There is nudity, violence and strong political content. 10 May 13, 2009

VIEWPOINTS VOL. 24, No. 33, May 13, 2009 The combined forces of Windy City Times, the Stonewall rebellion. movement had been more centralized, marriage founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. Never-ending battles have also been fought would have seemed too radical and never seen WAYNE over the role of sexual liberation. Some activists the light of day. However, marriage activists and PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR have claimed that our movement is about sexual impatient same-sex couples pushed the enve- Tracy Baim BESEN freedom, while others have preached assimila- lope. This has given us game changing victories tion and found the overt displays of sexuality in four states—and counting. The latest polls Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis at Gay Pride parades offensive. Additionally, our show that almost half of Americans now support Business manager Cynthia Holmes movement has fought the battle of the sexes the freedom to marry. Director of New Media Jean Albright to the point of exhaustion. Let’s not even get We also have to remember that not long ago, ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson started on the nasty dust-ups over transgender the major GLBT organizations ran from religion. account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk A fractious Williamson, Cynthia Holmes issues. It was gay religious activists that thought fight- Promotions director Cynthia Holmes movement Such disorganization is even more conspicu- ing for acceptance within denominations was NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson ous when contrasted with the conformity of our a worthy battle. While not achieving the same National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 In an online discussion forum, a respected ac- opponents. When growing up, these (mostly) success as marriage equality, there have been SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie tivist recently lamented the decentralization of J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, churchgoers were rewarded for obedience, while successes—most notably the Episcopal Church Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia gay community advocacy. He made a powerful our very existence was considered disobedient. confirming Eugene Robinson as Bishop of New TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan case that we would be better off if our efforts To survive as an LGBT youth, one had to learn to Hampshire. We have also seen the rise of groups, Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. were more regimented and unified. question authority and be a freethinker. These which challenge faith-based bigotry, like Faith BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair “Our communal problem is that the LGBT com- ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS traits make for incredibly interesting dinner in America and SoulForce. Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, munity is so fragmented that we are constantly guests, but create havoc for political organiz- The controversial campaign by activist Mike Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, a cacophony of voices rather than a choir,” the ers. Rogers to “out” closeted politicians who favored Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel advocate wrote. He went onto make the point There is no doubt that the diversity of organi- amending the U.S. Constitution to ban gay Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie that division can lead to defeat in the political Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe zations and mushrooming of messages has hurt people from marrying would also never have oc- Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris arena. “We celebrate diversity of opinion within our movement on many levels. It has been nearly curred in a centralized movement. Some might Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, our community but that does not work in poli- impossible for any leader to gain traction—and argue that his exposing of Republican hypocrisy Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy Masters, John tics.” thus legitimacy. The closest we have come to a helped undermine the GOP’s legitimacy as the Fenoglio The community leader raised another point PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, larger than life leader is San Francisco Supervi- party representing “family values.” Steve Becker, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia worth contemplating as legislation that affects sor Harvey Milk. However, he achieved far more Moreover, conformity also makes it difficult to ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart the gay community winds its way though Con- prominence after he was assassinated (and later turn around a sinking ship. The nation is headed CIRCULATION gress and will likely end up on Obama’s desk: canonized by Hollywood) than he ever did while on a new path, but hierarchical and rigid GOP Circulation director Jean Albright “So, who will the President listen to? Is it the alive. leaders are still obsessed with tax cuts, abor- Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Sue and Victor Human Rights Campaign...or a host of bloggers? The discordant voices and actions have un- tion, Ronald Reagan and opposing gay couples Sometimes, I wish we could go back to a time fortunately provided fodder for our adversaries. marrying. when we had less ability to communicate. Then, They have endless tapes of nudity and nutti- The gay movement is untamed and freewheel- there were fewer voices to be heard and less ness—that have made it easier to portray LGBT ing, like New York City, while the Religious Right confusion about who was representing the com- people as the miscreants they claim we are. is tightly controlled, like Singapore. Each model munity.” That said, there is a strong case to make in has its advantages, but also its shortcomings. The problem with this analysis is that a golden favor of the diffuse nature of the movement. It In a diffuse media age that resembles the Wild age of GLBT unity never existed. The early 1950s can lead to innovation and questioning of exist- West, the more agile and fractious movement Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media activists clashed with gay individuals who pre- ing paradigms. For example, we can’t forget that may finally have the upper hand. Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. ferred quiet, “private lives.” Activists who wore the push for marriage equality was considered Copyright 2009 WayneBesen.com; see www. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, suits and ties to protests rejected the new radi- wildly “off message” only a decade ago. If our WayneBesen.com. and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and calism of the 1960s and 1970s, exemplified by no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own LETTERS and do not necessarily reflect the position of Windy City Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy When Yasmin Nair, the author of the article City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the It’s academic Beck and call sexual orientation of such person or organization. While and longtime queer Chicago activist, called we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept Dear Editor: me to comment on the story about straight An open letter to talk-radio host women having bachelorette parties at gay responsibility for advertising claims. Glenn Beck from Faith In America (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 bars, I believe she did so because she wanted Institutionalized heterosexuality expresses itself e-mail: [email protected] in many ways. One is the default assumption to hear from someone who is both a feminist Dear Glenn: that someone is straight unless we’re explicitly and a lesbian. The response I gave Nair—which www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com told they’re not. This seems to be the default emphasized that no one, gay men included, On a recent segment on marriage equality in radio: WindyCityQueercast.com video: QueerTVNetwork.com assumption for the unnamed writer of the May 6 should be touched or ogled without his or her which you appeared with commentator Meghan consent—was informed by my experiences as letter about Yasmin Nair’s piece on bachelorette Kelly, you stated you believe marriage equality WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, parties: a woman and a lesbian as well as my longtime is about going into schools and churches with a 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA “Nair’s choice of quoting University of Illinois academic interests in feminist and queer studies message that “gay marriage” is OK. (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) at Chicago Assistant Professor [Jennifer] Brier and history. What I hoped to do with my com- If you believe there is something which makes ments was to move beyond what has become a Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. for the article is also interesting. She uses a a gay American undeserving or unworthy of en- Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. feminist source to talk about the gay bar life- common refrain among many LGBT folks—that joying a lifelong relationship with someone they Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now style what no gay academics available during being denied the right to marry, in the most tra- choose to spend their life with, we would expect online only Deadline The 10th of month prior. her “research” for the article? Straight, feminists ditional and potentially conservative, sense, is that you would want to instill such prejudice in the major violation of queer people’s civil rights OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE issues should not be put at the doorstep of the places of education and places of worship. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com gay community.” currently being practiced. Providing a lesbian The question here, Glenn, is what response Or maybe he/she can’t imagine that someone and feminist interpretation of the events as Nair do you expect from your child when a same-sex www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com queer would also be a feminist. In fact, Jennie is described them, led me to question a wide range couple joins their child for lunch at your child’s of actions, from the straight women partiers’ ju- www.WindyCityQueercast.com openly lesbian, an outspoken feminist and a his- school? What is the response you want you child www.QueerTVNetwork.com torian with a soon-to-be-published book on the venile behavior, to the historic exclusions that to have when a same-sex couple joins their par- history of the AIDS crisis. Maybe that doesn’t fit gay bars have practiced in the name of creating ents for a service at your church? the writer’s definition of a “gay academic,” but a safe (read: white, gay) space, as well as em- It can no longer be acceptable to discuss the phasizing how little access heterosexual women it certainly fits mine. rejection, condemnation and discrimination as have to spaces where they can be safely sexual the problem. It is imperative that the new con- in public. “Windy City Media Group generated Laura Stempel, Ph.D. versations must focus on the underlying motiva- enormous interest among their readers That the letter writer felt the best way to at- Chicago tors of the oppression. It is equally imperative in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index tack my arguments was to accuse me of being that religious belief be identified as a prime mo- Survey. Out of approximately 100 straight not only speaks more to his politics tivator behind the prejudicial and discriminatory print and online media partners who Setting the bar than to mine, but also suggests that gay men attitudes found within all facets of American so- participated in the survey, Windy like him might do well to remember Dear WCT: ciety. City was the best performing regional that feminism, particularly as practiced by les- So yes, Glenn, these conversations must take media in the U.S. Only survey partners bians, has long had a tremendous impact on I write to respond to several of the statements place in our schools and our churches. with a nationwide footprint were gay men’s ability to demand and obtain spaces The lives of precious young children depend able to generate a greater number of made in “Bar and away” (5/6/09), the anony- where they can practice sexual freedom. mous letter written in response to “Bar none: upon it. responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. Gay clubs reject bachelorette parties” (WCT, Brent Childers Sincerely, Executive Director, Faith In America 4/29/09). Jennifer Brier May 13, 2009 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Paul Kolnik LINE DANCING The movie Every Little Step (above) documents the audition process of the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line. Read the review on page 16. THEATER EVENTS SPORTS Hedda steam. Ball out. Lacrosse check. Page 12. Page 17. Page 22. Photo by Dean La Prairie Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) Photo of Machine coach John Combs by Andrew Davis

ing increasingly dissociated from their bodies, his interpretation of the quintessential Rus- Dancin’ Feats viewing them more often as “states from which sian novel in verse, Eugene Onegin, chosen as BY Zachary Whittenburg to escape, humiliating betrayals of our ideals, a frame through which the immensely complex and uncooperative entities that require manage- question of the state of the Russian soul may be While the concert-dance industry continues to ment.” Five dancers step in to assist her in us- answered. The production will take place at the be populated by a preponderance of women in ing movement, logically enough, as a medium Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, May 14-15 all areas, a tradition as curious as it is unfortu- through which she can further explore this point at 7:30 p.m.; May 16 at 8 p.m.; and May 17 at nate nevertheless soldiers on: The highest ranks of view. 2 p.m. $32-77. Visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org of artistic and executive directorship continue Last (alphabetically) but not least, Zephyr for more information. to be held predominantly by men. An inspiring Dance represents the upperclass women of this —Ayako Kato’s Epiphany Dance Experiment, bit of contrary evidence, however, is increasingly month’s unofficial festival of female choreogra- mentioned above, continues with Simply Show- more visible here in Chicago. The rapid growth phers. A decade on the scene, Artistic Director ing, featuring choreography by Janet Schmid, of our dance community is due in large part to Michelle Kranicke and her associate, Emily Stein, Melissa Simo and J’Sun Howard as well as groups women founding new companies and expand- will each show a piece for their annual spring Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting and Green Cross ing existing organizations. Should trends con- concert; while I haven’t seen Stein’s suite of four at the Epiphany Episcopal Church, Sunday, May tinue—and I hope they do—we could shortly Searching for Supergirl. solos, The Forest, Kranicke’s Erased Dance—also 17, at 6 p.m. There is a $12 suggested donation. find ourselves in a completely new paradigm of a quartet—was on last month’s Epiphany Dance Visit epiphanydance.blogspot.com. gender equality in dance leadership. with composer Joseph St. Charles. As comfort- Experiment program and clearly demonstrates —Quicksilver Occasion Pieces names the eve- Anyone who’s ever doubted the staying power able with unpredictability as Norton is medita- she’s no novice. Moving as a single entity, the ning of May 29 at Wicker Park rehearsal and of a new year’s resolution should know the story tively deliberate, her creation unfolds alongside dancers reminded me of the rhythmic purities performance studio Silverspace. Houston bassist of The Moving Architects. A Pennsylvania na- a stated aim to unfold from within a deep com- and faded lines of Agnes Martin’s large canvases; Thomas Helton will accompany dancer Asimina tive here since 2003, Erin Carlisle Norton de- mitment to discovery through investigation. the dance rewards a balanced combination of Chremos and vocalist Carol Genetti for an in- cided four years later on Jan. 1 she would start Antonick is wildly generative: Even her shortest wandering thought and patient focus. formal performance with refreshments. It will her own dance company; later this month the creative processes yield a wealth of material. Three of these performances are being held be at 1474 N. Milwaukee at 8 p.m. Donations company will premiere her newest work, Stops She’s a young prospector who’s found herself at my new favorite venue, Epiphany Episcopal accepted; visit www.asiminachremos.com and on the Line, as part of a multitude of cultural in a perpetual gold rush, and it will be worth Church, 201 S. Ashland. Stops on the Line, May web.mac.com/thomashelton. events spurred by the 100th anniversary of vi- watching how all that movement is sorted and 15-16 at 8 p.m., is $15 in advance at www.the- —Title of the year goes to Chicago Tap The- sionary urbanist Daniel Burnham’s plan for the applied for PEND and her project for the Dance- movingarchitects.org; Rehearsals for Becoming atre’s “fairy tale tap dance opera” with a touch city of Chicago. True to their name, the Archi- makers Forum, Duologue. Gods, May 30-31 at 3 p.m., is free; and Zephyr of the meta, Little Dead Riding Hood. Find out tects pay homage to the planner by way of what Appropriately enough, Cindy Brandle’s latest Dance’s Spring Concert, June 4-6 at 8 p.m., is what happens when pigeonholed characters say is perhaps the single most significant building work directly addresses the state of contempo- $20 at www.zephyrdance.com. “enough!” and take matters into their own ... to the plan and this city’s history, Burnham’s rary women. Searching for SuperGirl looks at this Cindy Brandle Dance Company presents Search- shoes. It will run at the Athenaeum Theatre, own Union Station. An evening-length work in not just through the lens of dance, however: It’s ing for SuperGirl at the Ruth Page Center for the 2936 N. Southport, May 29-June 14. Tickets are one act, Stops on the Line evokes a specificity a multimedia evening that includes an exhibit Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, May 15-16 at 8 p.m. $18-30; see www.chicagotaptheatre.com. of time and place, and blends abstract composi- of images by photographer Kat Fitzgerald (who Tickets are $20; call 773-509-1709 or visit www. —Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s final tion and character-driven dance-theater scenes contributes to Windy City Times, among other brownpapertickets.com. program under the leadership of Jim Vincent with a sure hand. Original music performed by publications), original music by pillar of the PEND, by Julia Rae Antonick, is at Overdier includes his latest (but perhaps not last) cre- composer Ian Hatcher makes a solid pair of rails, community Barry Bennett, short films by Carl Hall at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 ation for the company, Slipstream, to Benjamin driving staccato rhythms chugging along in ef- Wiedemann and Breakbone Dance Co.’s Atalee W. Morse, May 29-30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Frank Bridge. fective contrast to the delicate instrumentation Judy, as well as pre-show music by Brandle her- each; see www.seechicagodance.com. Joining it are audience faves Extremely Close by of acoustic guitar and glockenspiel. self. Alejandro Cerrudo and Nacho Duato’s Gnawa. At A recent recipient of the Chicago Dancemakers Bravely opening her process to the public, Also in the mix: the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Forum Lab Artist Grant, Julia Rae Antonick is Ginger Krebs has taken on the body itself for —Boris Eifman has had a good deal of ink Randolph, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.; June 6 at 8 p.m.; off and running into her big year with PEND, a the premiere dance Rehearsals for Becoming spilled over him recently. Touted by many as and June 7 at 3 p.m. More information is avail- premiere collaboration with dancers Katie McCa- Gods. In a succinct summary of the work, Krebs a “savior” to the grand, multi-act story ballet, able at www.hubbardstreetdance.com. ughan and The Humans’ Precious Jennings along states the observance that humans are becom- his St. Petersburg-based company will interpret 12 May 13, 2009 THEATER REVIEW tions of sophomoric hindsight. No distracting “why doesn’t she just...?” queries interrupt our Hedda Gabler savoring the irony of mousy Thea’s humble self- Playwright: adapted by Jon Robin Baitz esteem empowering her to an independence from the play by Henrik Ibsen that the spoiled and beautiful Hedda dares not At: Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark pursue. Nor must we justify our enjoyment of Phone: 773-338-2177; $25 witnessing a pistol-packing femme fatale being Runs through: June 27 her own bad self. Menendian has assembled a cast ready to im- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE merse themselves in their archetypes: Mackenzie Kyle tempers Hedda’s sullenly hostile egotism Wives fleeing loveless marriages. Brides suffer- with a sympathetic vulnerability, especially ing post-honeymoon regrets. Brilliant careers in her scenes with Jon Steinhagen, who adds destroyed by alcohol and vice. High-ranking another weaselish villain to his resumé, play- public servants using their power to seduce ing the lecherous Judge Brack. Ian Novak and young matrons rendered tractable by neglectful Symphony Sanders make the most of their one- husbands. Envious society belles orchestrating dimensional roles as the boyish George Tesman the ruin of their luckier peers. Henrik Ibsen’s and the nurturing Thea Elvsted, but Ian Paul play, premiering in 1890, was so staggeringly Custer still needs to reconcile the contradictions modern that over a century later, audiences still motivating the macho-posturing, but secretly shrink from its enlightened insights, preferring guilt-ridden, Eilert Lovborg. And look for Andrei to coo over the Victorian decor or discourse on Onegin’s ingenious steamer-trunk scenic design The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Photo courtesy of Northlight Theatre the countless smugly insular scholarly analyses to attract attention at awards time. inflicted upon this classroom classic—anything to avoid confronting the story for the shocker THEATER REVIEW practice marksmanship by shooting the eyeballs entirely without heart. He loves his cat, Wee that the author intended it to be. out of cows; and of members of splinter groups Thomas, with the slobbering, sentimental devo- Adapter Jon Robin Baitz evades much of the The Lieutenant of the IRA (Irish Republican Army) splinter tion of the world’s most earnest Hallmark card. academic impedimentia by first taking Anne- groups who—in the name of a free Ireland— Midway through a workaday morning slicing body Charlotte Hanes Harvey’s literal translation from of Inishmore cut the nipples off petty marijuana dealers. In parts from a strapping young lad screaming for Playwright: Martin McDonagh the Norwegian, then streamlining the language short, McDonagh makes Quentin Tarantino look mercy, Padraic abruptly cuts his (newly toenail- At: Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie, Skokie into modern English vernacular. But the final like Walt Disney. free) victim loose after said victim provides him step toward liberation of Ibsen’s text is Raven Phone: 847-673-6300, $25-$55 Does the playwright go soaring hundreds of with some timely advice about treating feline Theatre director Michael Menendian’s transpos- Runs through: June 7 miles over the top as he covers the stage with ringworm. ing of its period to circa 1935—a milieu at ankle-deep carnage and hacksaw-wielding pro- It’s the cat, brains bashed in—or rather, once familiar from countless movies, while still BY CATEY SULLIVAN tagonists? Yes. Does he occasionally rely more out—that ignites an avalanche of violence that distant enough to isolate the characters within on violence than on substance? Yes. Does he eventually boasts a body count to rival the final their own universe. For those who like their humor drenched in bodily manipulate the audience through sheer, jaw- scenes of the Oresteia cycle. This chronological shift not only frees the ac- fluids and so pitch-black that you can’t see the dropping shocks? Yes. Did we enjoy every last Chamberlain—who has been turning in solid tors from the necessity of exaggerating their hand in front of your face, nirvana awaits in the blood-soaked second of this rollicking splatter- supporting work for years —gets a breakout role subtext in order to convey social status or con- sticky severed limbs and oozing cats of North- fest? Oh, yes. Directed by BJ Jones, every ounce as Padraic. Whether cradling a headless cat or ventions immediately clear to Ibsen’s audiences, light Theatre’s marvelous production of Martin of so-twisted-it’s-mutilated humor and seeping taking a straight-razor to somebody’s nipples, but facilitates our suspension of disbelief with McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore. viscera shines through. The result is a gruesome he’s pitch-perfect. Also utterly wonderful is an ease permitting the dramatic tone to move Forget leprechauns and rolling emerald hills. delight. Jamie Abelson as Davey, a shoe polish-huffing gradually from domestic comedy to noiresque This corner of Ireland is a place of cat killers Much of the guilty pleasure here comes from young man who has more hair than brains. thriller with a fluidity that forestalls disrup- who leave felines leaking brains all over the the killer cast Jones has assembled. John Judd And a huge tip of the hat goes to prop designer kitchen table; of winsome young lasses who and Matt DeCaro are the elder statesmen of the Daniel Katz for creating the unfortunate animal ensemble, actors at the top of their craft whose who becomes one with the asphalt as well the presence in any given cast tends to automatical- corpses that eventually cover the stage. When ly elevate it toward the realms of the superior. Davey energetically takes a bolt cutter to these Going toe to toe with them is Cliff Chamber- works of art, the moment is stomach churning in GIVE MOM A MILLION DOLLAR TREAT! lain as Padraic, the magnificently deranged title its realism. “ …CAPTURES THE THRILLS character—a man so madly sadistic and short- As McDonagh puts it in one of oh-so-many A HIT! tempered (never a good combination, that) that gems that pock the dialogue: “It’s incidents like OF ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY CASH, even IRA splinter groups won’t have him. this what put the tourists off Ireland.” To which JERRY LEEEE LEWIS & CARLCAR PERKINS.“ DeCaro is Donny, Padraic’s sad-eyed, less than we’ll add that it’s plays like this that make BJ CHRIS JONES, CHICAGO TRIBUNE whip-smart father—not that family ties would Jones and Northlight Theatre absolutely indis- stop father from executing son or vice versa pensable. should the situation call for it (and, of course, the situation eventually does call for just that.) Judd is a hulking, one-eyed menace and on a Correction self-appointed mission to kill Padraic, a mission The photo that ran with the review of Old that eventually proves both literally and figura- Times in last week’s Windy City Times was from tively short-sighted. a different production. Windy City Times regrets Chamberlain’s Padraic, it must be noted, isn’t the error. “THIS QUARTET CAN ROCK! ...ALTOGETHER SPOTLIGHT ROLLICKING 90-MINUTE ” FANTASIA. Once again, Chicago Opera Theater shows how artis- HEDY WEISS, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES tically vital it is by staging a lesser-known work like gay composer Benjamin Britten’s penultimate opera, Owen Wingrave. Originally written for television, this APOLLO provocative piece about pacifism makes it U.S. debut THEATER with a new orchestration that was much acclaimed 2540 N LINCOLN AVE when it debuted at London’s Royal Opera House in 2007. Owen Wingrave plays at Millennium Park’s Har- (773)935-6100 ris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph. Per- TICKETMASTER.COM formances are at 7:30 p.m. May 16, 20, 22, 26 and at GROUPS (312)977-1710 2 p.m. May 24. Tickets are $30-$120; call 312-334- 7777 or visit www.chicagooperatheater.org. Photo of MILLIONDOLLARQUARTETLIVE.COM Matt Boehler (left, as Spencer Coyle) and Matt Worth (as Owen Wingrave) in Chicago Opera Theater’s Owen ★ ★ TICKETS AS LOW AS $25 ★ ★ Wingrave. Photo courtesy of Chicago Opera Theater May 13, 2009 13

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* Windy City Media Group includes Windy City Times, Nightspots and WindyCityQueercast.com 14 May 13, 2009 a bomb radical, thereby breaking the Absurdist conventions. More importantly, Alex’s decisions CULTURE CLUB now become influenced by unclean politics rath- er than by pure moral values. But Zero is not at all about politics. It’s about morality and truth, “A play of depth as well as dazzle, and so it needs to remain. The prisoner must not intensely moving as well as become a real person. thought-provoking and funny.” Under Ben Fuchsen’s direction, Carl Wisniewski — Daily Telegraph and David Boren are first-rate as Alex and Tom. Their focused and energetic performances domi- WINNER OF 6 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST PLAY! nate and drive the performance, as they should. Boren alone speaks with an accent (why?) sport- ing an on-target British working-class dialect. Zero. Photo by Angela Glyda Supporting work isn’t up to their level, with Bob Chaudry experiencing particular opening night THEATER REVIEW jitters as the commanding officer. As usual, Ora- Zero cle expands its tiny stage with video technology CHICAGO PREMIERE | BY ALAN BENNETT (Eric Van Tassell) enhancing the work’s psycho- Playwright: Chris O’Connell logical horrors and feeling of constriction. At: Oracle Theatre, 3809 N. Broadway 773.281.8463 Phone: 773-224-2980; timelinetheatre.com www.oracletheatre.org; $20 Runs through: June 21

BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL

This year-old play by British author Chris O’Connell seems as timely as the headlines: extraordinary rendition, hard questioning, tor- ture and internments beyond public scrutiny or the law, all in the name of counter-terrorism. In O’Connell’s play set in the near future, a private-enterprise police state called the Global Lane, Neuwirth in Economic Alliance operates scores of facilities around the world where nameless thousands are ‘Addams Family’ held—some guilty but most not. Into this par- Broadway in Chicago, with the creators ticular Camp Zero (as they are called) enter Alex, from the show, announced May 11 at the a translator, and Tom, a grunt guard. Striking up Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario, that a friendship, they are horrified by what they see, the stars of the upcoming musical The Add- by the typical bland face of torture and by the ams Family will be played by two-time Tony moral bankruptcy behind the policy. But how do Award winners Nathan Lane (above, who they blow the whistle? will portray Gomez) and Bebe Neuwirth (as O’Connell’s play pays homage—knowingly or Morticia). The legendary cartoonist Charles not—to several sources. An early scene with Addams’ drawings will come to life for a pre- Alex and Tom echoes Harold Pinter’s hired as- Broadway engagement at the Ford Center for sassins Gus and Ben in The Dumb Waiter. Still the Performing Arts, 24 W. Randolph. The later, Zero offers a Sarah Kane slant with its in- new musical will play for a limited engage- ment in Chicago Nov. 13 to Jan. 10, 2010 Use A CHICAGO PREMIERE your-face nihilistic violence; an homage to the prior to opening on Broadway. For more promo extremely gifted and deeply disturbed British code FRESH information, visit www.broadwayinchicago. for $5 off! author who completed five brutally poetic plays * before killing herself in 1999. Hey, if you’re go- com. Text by Jerry Nunn ing to borrow influences, these are good ones (although Kane’s meteoric influence has waned LOVE in Europe even as America still is discovering her). CRITICS’ PICS But along the way, Zero loses itself. The story all but disappears and the play becomes entirely Curtains, Drury Lane Oakbrook, through PERSON character-driven as Alex confronts his superiors May 17. The end is nigh for the Chicago- and secretly decides to write a spill-the-beans area premiere of this joke-filled and loving BY ADITI BRENNAN KAPIL MAY JUN book. By midpoint there’s no more character to tribute to classic American musical comedy. DIRECTED BY SANDY SHINNER 15 THRU 14, 2009 be revealed and the play becomes repetitive. Die-hard Kander and Ebb fans shouldn’t miss With its closed physical universe (of chain link this, nor should lovers of murder mysteries. A modern romance about two TTY 773.871.0682 fence and concrete walls in James Ogden’s de- SCM 773.871.3000 couples - gay and straight - three sign), neutral amorality and spiritual despair, The Revenants, WildClaw Theatre at An- cultures and four relationships, victorygardens.org Zero essentially is a work of Absurdism. Despite gel Island, through May 24. Those George 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue | Chicago told in English, Sanskrit, ASL and projected email. his obvious writing skills, O’Connell makes a Romero monsters were once our husbands, * See our website for details. mistake by introducing a dose of psychological wives and neighbors—or so says Scott Bar- realism that shatters the play’s theatrical style sotti in a romantic play smarter than its Z- and intellectual basis. Alex has a dialog with a word premise leads us to expect. MSB prisoner who tells a perfectly believable tale— The Tempest, Steppenwolf, through May VSReWUO\RbVSO\U`gW\QV grounded in the real world—of why he became 31. This technocrat’s Tempest isn’t the fun- BV`]cUV;Og! niest or most moving version you’ll ever see, ONLINE but the tale of enchantments and redemp- tion has absolute clarity and intellectual THIS WEEK... balance, and the post-industrial staging is impressive. JA Unveiled, 16th Street Theatre, through May 30. Rohina’s one-woman series of THEATER REVIEWs monologues illuminate the personalities of five very different women, their sole com- OF: monality being that each chooses to wear the veil or Hijab of the Muslim faith. With —Between Rock... distilled strength and understated power, —Enemy of Rohina delivers a piece that’s compelling, vital and urgently important even in our so- the People called post-racial society. CS bWQYSba(%%!"'" #]`ObQeSP]`U www.windycitymediagroup. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge, com Morgan and Sullivan May 13, 2009 15

ONLY SUBSCRIBERS GET THE BEST SEATS! CALL NOW TO ORDER 312.977.1717 OR ORDER ONLINE AT BROADWAYINCHICAGO.COM GROUPS OF 20 OR MORE: 312.977.1710 16 May 13, 2009 show-stopping finale, “One.” It’s a singular sen- or a smidgen of familiarity or even liking for sation all right, and it’s the movie that A Chorus musicals? Well, you poor things, I pity you and Line fans will quickly tell you has been too long promise to lend you my Sondheim cast albums in getting here. but fear not: Even without a musical theatre KNIGHT For those who have watched Bob Fosse’s All pedigree you’ll find Every Little Step a fascinat- AT That Jazz for 30 years, wishing that the dance ing, gripping roller-coaster. That’s because the THE auditions he captured so thrillingly in the film’s movie, in following dancers hoping to get cast opening minutes would go on for a full mov- in the revival, serves as a sort of big-screen ver- MOVIES ie; for all those who have tried repeatedly to sion of a reality-TV show that any fan of Project watch the wretched 1985 film version of A Cho- Runway, Dancing with the Stars and many other rus Line—hoping against hope that maybe this series could hope for. time, somehow magically, it wouldn’t stink; for Though there are no amateurs here and the those who have waited patiently to see a movie “challenges” are professional ones, with the cre- that would explain from start to finish what all ative team behind the revival putting the hope- Every Little Step. the fuss over A Chorus Line has been about for fuls through a battery of them—including dance the uninitiated, this is the movie for … us. routines, singing and performing monologues— hardened professionals to tears and getting My excitement over co-directors Adam Del the result is roughly the same as RuPaul’s Drag hired on the spot) and some they didn’t (the Deo and James D. Stern’s terrifically entertain- Race. For hundreds of hopefuls, there are only final actress/dancer/singer chosen for the role Every Little Step; ing documentary, I admit, stems in part from my 19 roles in the show. Again and again, the per- of Sheila, for one). somewhat hysterical appreciation of the show formers are winnowed down (without the aid of The historical overview of the show that frames itself. I’m an affirmed showtune junkie and a audience call-in votes to “save them until next the reality contest of the movie is just as com- film notes performer myself and, really, has any musical week”) and the grueling process takes eight By Richard Knight, Jr. pelling. In addition to offering a long-overdue ever articulated so perfectly and precisely the months. Eventually, as the filmmakers capture tribute to the driving creative force behind the pluses and minuses of any career in the arts and this lengthy period, of course, we come to know Every Little Step, the riveting documentary show, the late Michael Bennett (who succumbed kicked major entertainment butt while doing it? several of the front-runners and form our own that tracks the audition process for the 2006 to AIDS in 1987), Del Deo and Stern include That’s exactly the happy/sad, exuberant mes- casting choices. Some of mine the members of revival of A Chorus Line—the landmark 1975 rare audio snippets of the original reel-to-reel sage of Del Deo and Stern’s movie. And for those the creative team agreed with (like Jason Tam, Broadway musical centered on, yes, auditioning tapes recorded by Bennett when he first gath- who have little or no theatrical bent, not a drop who captures all the heartbreak of the gay char- for a Broadway musical—lives up to the famous ered together the group of dancers to share their of showtune blood coursing through their veins acter’s monologue at his audition, bringing the lyric phrase “singular sensation” taken from its stories. Interviews with surviving members of the creative team—including composer Marvin Hamlisch, Donna McKechnie and other original cast members—balance the story. And best for A Chorus Line junkies like myself is the inclusion of never-before-seen video clips (outside of a visit to the archives at Lincoln Center) of the- ater footage of the original production. Read- ing all the hurrahs for the Tony Award-winning performance of McKechnie as leading dancer Cassie and hearing her on the recording is noth- ing compared to seeing moments of her thrilling solo number, “Music and the Mirror.” (It’s akin to what one felt finally seeing the excised, long- thought-lost Judy Garland numbers in A Star Is Born.) The historical overview, archival footage and snippets of the audio tapes are worth the price of admission alone for dedicated A Chorus Line fans, while the drama inherent in the reality- show approach of the filmmakers makes Every Little Step audience-friendly. It might even help a few more closeted showtune queens out there (you know who you are) step out and publicly acknowledge their love of musicals. We are le- gion!

Film notes: —Hell in a Handbag Productions, the theater company noted for its hilarious film-parody shows, presents the second of their staged read- ing series Dueling Divas! (Joan Crawford vs. Gloria Swanson) on Friday, May 15, at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, at 8 p.m. “Saturday Night Live” alumna Nora Dunn was supposed to play the title role of silent-movie queen (and camp goddess) Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard, but she had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. However, Scott Bradley of Scooty and Jojo (Car- penter’s Halloween and Diva Brunch) will be ap- pearing as Swanson’s Norma Desmond. Tickets are $25 each; call 800-838-3006, or visit www. brownpapertickets.com/event/60117. —Ask Not, a forthcoming episode of the PBS series “Independent Lens” that explores the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, will be screened Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, in the Claudia Cassidy Theatre, located on the second floor. The screening will be followed by a group panel discussion that will include Windy City Times’ director of new media Jean Alright, a former military member who will appear on be- half of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Net- work, an organization working to repeal DADT. Admission is free and open to the public. See www.myspace.com/communitycinemachicago. Check out my archived reviews at www. windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the latter Web site. May 13, 2009 17

Wonka wonka

From left: Karen Dixon, Nan Front (from left): WCMG staff Schaffer, Eric Jorgenson and members Cynthia Holmes and Tracy David Schaefer. Baim. Back (from left): Jean Albright, Kirk Williamson, Terri Klinsky, Amy Matheny and co-owner Nan Schaffer.

Honoree From left: Kirk Williamson, Scott Jaburek Tracy Baim and About Face (middle) and Theatre Artistic Director Ted Grady. his parents. Bonnie Metzgar.

About Face Theatre’s annual Wonka Ball, held May 7, could be summarized by the evening’s final performance withA bout Face Youth Theatre actors dancing to their own mob-dance version of the YouTube video of the Sound of Music at the Liverpool St. Station in London. Two actors sashayed with every twist and turn as they grew in numbers, until over 30 synchronized dancers collectively wowed the crowd. The event held at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard, started with a VIP reception. Windy City Media Group publisher Tracy Baim accepted the Leppen Leadership Award alongside Nightspots editor Kirk Williamson on behalf of Windy City Media Group. Baim, who started in 1984 at Gay Life newspaper, was honored for her 25 years in LGBT media. “I really appreciate About Face for honoring both Windy City Media Group and myself,” said Baim. (In addition, Scott Jaburek received the 2009 About Face Youth Theatre MVP Award.) The main event featured an extensive silent auction, food by different local caterers, and cocktails. This year’s fundraising event was especially vital for a theatre company experiencing the the affects of an economic downturn. In early March AFT began a $300,000 capital campaign to ensure future employee salaries and programming. The AFT Web site posts that the company has raised over $175,000 to date. To learn more about the capital campaign and the current season, visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com. See many more photos at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Text by Emmanuel Garcia; photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com) and Jerry Nunn; and Windy City Media Group’s video on on QueerTVNetwork.com 18 May 13, 2009 WHAT TO DO? Thursday, May 21 Wednesday, May 13 ditional gown on the spiral staircase. open to everyone who would like to Halsted’s OutFront & Center Music Se- “4 Women Only” dedicated to new wom- Twenty minute performance 2 p.m. 618 discuss the mobilization, at Radio ries will host an evening of cabaret en musical artists. Uncommon Ground S. Michigan. Part of TicToc Performance Arte,1401 W. 18th St. dykemarchchi- with Rebecca Caine $15/20 Hoover- 1401 Devon Ave. 773-465-9801 Series [email protected] Leppen Theatre Center on Halsted 3656 Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Cham- Sunset Boulevard benefit reading Hell Gilda’s Club Gala Fundraising Benefit, N. Halsted Lesbian Community Care ber of Commerce, Annual Meeting Mix in a Handbag Productions, 8 p.m. $25, 75 artists. Hors d’ oeuvres and open Project’s annual benefit dance. www. Mingle 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10 for non- Hydrate 3458 N Halsted St 800-838- bar (21 plus event) 5p.m., $10. Flat lccp.org members. Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted 3006 Tix www.brownpapertickets.com/ Iron Arts Building 1579 N. Milwaukee Leather Sale, Howard Brown Health www.glchamber.org event/60117 Ave. Center’s Brown Elephant Resale Shop, Jerry Pritikin’s Streets of San Francisco The T in LGBT: A Personal Odyssey From lccp.org new women’s event: Garden of apparel, accessories, porn. through in the 1970s opening for exhibit of Female to Male. Presenters: Dragon- Eve, formerly known as A Taste for Ev- Sunday, May 31st. Brown Elephant Re- iconic photos of San Francisco during sani Renteria and Jennifer Mantle. 6 ery Palate and the Coming Out Against sale Shop, 3651 N. Halsted St. www. the ‘70s,from Harvey Milk’s legacy to to 9 p.m., DePaul University, Lincoln Cancer Ball. 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. $100 gen- howardbrown.org the first gay sports leagues. 6-9 p.m. Park Campus, Richardson Library, Ro- eral admission. Co-hosts Tamara Allen, VIBE African American LGBT youth/ Show through June. Scot’s Bar 1829 W sati Room LPC 300. Free. Workshop Kat Fitzgerald, Dalila Fridi and Melissa young adult gospel choir 6:30 p.m. LEATHER OR NOT Montrose, 773-528-3253 conducted in American Sign Language. Mansfield. Performing: Jeannie Tanner $5. Lakeview Lutheran Church, 835 W Voice interpretation provided. www. Trio. Benefits Howard Brown Health Addison. International Mr. Leather will start at the Thursday, May 14 drago.deafqueer.org/ Center. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan. Jeannie Tanner Trio, 7-9p.m. through Threat Level, bimonthly evening of N. Central Park Ave. Tix at www.How- Tuesday, May 19 May 15. Marie’s Pizzeria & Liquors, Queer Shorts. Sneak preview Riot Acts: ardBrown.org Homolatte with Byron Flitsch, Keith Photo from 2008 IML by Jerry Nunn 4129 W. Lawrence Albany Park Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Hampton hosted by Scott Free. Free. 773-725-1812 Performance, transfabulous rockumen- Sunday, May 17 7:30 p.m.. Big Chicks/Tweet 5024 N Lambda Literary Award Reading tary by actor slash model due out Au- International Day Against Homopho- Sheridan www.homolatte.com celebrates the upcoming Lambda gust 2009. Doors 7:30 p.m. Elegant Mr. bia, Gay Liberation Network protest SHURE sponsored Open Mic, hosted by Literary Awards; 7 p.m. Gerber/Hart Gallery 1355 N. Milwaukee 3rd Fl. www. against the administration’s silence on Kat Fitzgerald, dozens of musicians Friday, May 15 Library, 1127 W. Granville Ave, www. actorslashmodel.com anti-gay violence in U.S.-occupied Iraq. compete Uncommon Ground Devon gerberhart.org Spider Saloff co-creator of internation- 2 p.m. outside of the Obamas’ Chicago 1401 W. Devon Ave 773-465-9801 NewTown Writers Fortnightly Writing ally syndicated Public Radio Words and residence, corner of Hyde Park Blvd. www.uncommonground.com Workshop 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ger- Music, Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. (5100 S.) and Greenwood (1100 E.). ber-Hart Library 1127 W. Granville Ave. Devon Ave 773-465-9801 www.uncom- Info Roger Fraser, GLN 847-94-8035, Wednesday, May 20 http://www.newtownwriters.org/ monground.co [email protected] or Bob Schwartz, Windy City Gay Idol 8 p.m. sign up, 9 Ride For AIDS Chicago 2009 Fundrais- GLN, 773-878-3697, [email protected] p.m. start @mosphere 5355 N. Clark er, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. T’s Bar & Grill, Saturday, May 16 Second Unitarian Church of Chicago, a www.windycitymediagroup.com/ 5025 N Clark. 773-784-6000 Artists for the Arts silent auction par- Welcoming Congregation, will install Idol2009.html Windy City Gay Idol 7 p.m. sign-in/8 ty for River North Chicago Dance Co, the Reverend Rudra Vilius Dundzila, p.m. start Sofo 4923 N. Clark cyn- 6 p.m.-9p.m. $50. Home Art for the Ph.D., D.Min. as its Community Min- Thursday, May 21 [email protected] or Home & Garden 3656 N Lincoln Ave. ister 10:30 a.m. He is the 4th gay or International Mr. Leather Competition. www.windycitymediagroup.com/ RSVP 312-944-2888 lesbian minister affiliated with the Doors 4 p.m. The Chicago Hilton, Inter- Idol2009.html Asians and Friends memorial for board congregation, and its first openly HIV+ national Ballroom, 720 South Michigan member Wayne Hedrick 4:30 p.m.. to minister. 656 W. Barry Ave. www.sec- Ave. www.imrl.com or 773-907-9700 Friday, May 15 5:30 p.m. Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. ondunitarian.org Chicago Task Force on LGBT Aging peer- Granville 312-409-1573 Team “We Can Ride” fund-raising party Saturday, June 6 to-peer conversation on the needs of Ask Not documentary film explores the for the Ride for AIDS. 2009, a benefit Amigas Latinas Gala, Siempre Latina “An LGBT older adults in Chicago. 9-10:30 effects of the U.S. military’s “don’t ask, bicycle ride that helps people living Evening of Elegance” benefits. Amigas a.m. Howard Brown Health Services, don’t tell” policy on gay and lesbian with HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area. Latinas 7:30 p.m. to midnight. Center 4025 N. Sheridan. RSVP tworman@ soldiers 2 p.m. Free. Panel discussion. 3-7 p.m. Little Jim’s, 3501 N Halsted on Halsted. Info on tix and rsvp: info@ ALONG CAME A SPIDER aarp.org or 312-458-3610 Chicago Cultural Center Cassidy Theater St. www tinyurl.com/wecanrideteam amigaslatinas.org Love Person theater preview. Modern ro- 78 E. Washington St Spider Saloff (above) will make an appearance (“Best Gay Variety Show/ mance told in English, Sanskrit, Ameri- Cake Chicago Monday, May 18 Friday, June 12 at Uncommon Ground, 1401 W. Devon. can Sign Language about a middle-aged Readers Choice, Chicago Reader) pres- A Family of Our Own film fundraiser 7 Milwaukee Pride Fest through Sunday lesbian couple $20/$48Victory Gardens ents Neck’d May: Wear something p.m. Free. A percentage of drink sales June 14. Headliners include Cyndi Photo courtesy of Carol Fox & Associates Biograph. 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773- around your neck. 9 p.m. New Loca- will benefit the movie and 812 North Lauper and Brandy; www.pridefest.com 871-3000 victorygardens.org tion for one night only. Heartland Cafe and other LGBT-friendly businesses will Mything the One. James Kinser cel- 7000 N. Glenwood, www.heartlandcafe. auction prizes to raise funds for the ebrates the wonder and magic of being com continued efforts of marriage equality a beautiful bride as a gay man in a tra- Dyke March forum in Pilsen 1 p.m., awareness. T’s, 5025 N. Clark St

for the day. Bart, Roz, and Steve even brought Even the pledge teams were excited: Hot Dogs their dogs. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., also Chicago Style (The Chicago Dachshund Lovers stopped by to support the cause. group) did a great job and rose over $12,500 in On stage, dogs and their owners took part in pledges to help The Anti-Cruelty Society. This the Doggie Fashion Show, Cute Pet Tricks and makes the third year in a row that this group has WE Pet-Owner Lookalike contests. Others went to won. the activity tent to play games, and get doggie Bark in the Park 15 was a huge success. All tattoos and stamp paw prints. Most dogs even proceeds from Bark in the Park will help The tried the dog-agility course, sponsored by Hawk Anti-Cruelty Society continue it’s mission to City K9. keep providing services and support for ani- After the walk, Integrative Pet Care gave mas- mals in need. For information about next year’s sages to the dogs, while Juvenesse Spa gave Bark in the Park, on May 1, 2010 please call massages to the owners. Also, animal intuitive 312-644-8338, ext. 319. Denise Zak helped people find out what their —From a press release dogs are really thinking. Kevin Landis drew char- ity pet portraits for event participants. PETS Pet for ADOPTION Chata is an amazing-looking 10-year-old kitty! She has beautiful long fur that is fluffy and full— On Saturday, May 2, approximately 3,000 dogs and her eyes are absolutely gorgeous. gathered with their owners at Montrose Harbor Chata is a very affectionate girl who loves peo- for The Anti-Cruelty Society’s 15th Annual Bark ple and adores attention. She is sweet, gentle and in the Park. The 5K walk—with or without a calm, and came to the shelter when someone in dog—was a day of fun and excitement for all. her family became allergic to her. Chata would Chester, a cocker spaniel adopted from The make a fantastic addition to any family, including Anti-Cruelty Society, started the race with his one with children. Being such a furry girl, Chata owner, board member Jerry Hagerty. The day al- will need regular brushing to keep her looking lotted for perfect weather as walkers enjoyed beautiful, but we are sure she will love every min- the 3.2-mile course along the lake. ute of the attention. Won’t you come and meet At the stage, ABC 7’s Hosea Sanders and Roz Chata? She’s waiting for you at The Anti-Cruelty Varon, as well as Bart Shore from WBBM, and Society; just ask for Tab Band #682573. 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WEDDING/ COMMITMENT CEREMONY OFFICIANT: Minis- and couples make more satisfying choices, overcome COMPANION/AIDE: Physically challenged young adult ter or officiant services available for weddings or com- obstacles, battle feelings of inadequacy and indecision. female. Energetic college student preferred. Lakeview, mitment ceremonies. Willing to travel to Iowa. Contact Specialties in coming out, coming out of marriage, Chicago 773-972-9340 (5/20/09-2) 815-338-6352 or [email protected] (7/01/09-12) 20 May 13, 2009 BILLY MASTERS

“Probably the sexiest woman I know is my Kris and Allison ran into Bregman in the hallway mother. Nobody looks like that woman. If I could and couldn’t wait to take pics with the soapy meet my mother and marry her, I would. I would gal. Of course, the pics fell into our hands and be with my mother now, if she weren’t my mother, give us a rare glimpse of one of them not wear- as sick as that sounds.”—Shia LaBeouf explains ing any make-up. Yes, I mean Adam! his perfect woman. It didn’t sound quite as sick Incidentally, Simon Cowell recently spoke to until I saw a picture of them! TV Guide about the American public’s seeming Last week, a routine trip from Fort Lauderdale indifference regarding Adam’s sexuality: “I think to Los Angeles took over 15 hours and included people only get bothered really when they know 7 17 paramedics, tornado-strength winds and cities somebody’s hiding something.” Yes, Hernandez, 9 not even on my itinerary. I know I’m going to he’s talking about you. 2 get no sympathy from any of you, but I must This week, we add two more famous names to give props to my puppy Li Li who stayed in her the list of people who have come out. First is

15 travel bag and didn’t make a peep the entire “M*A*S*H” star David Ogden Stiers. “I am gay. 10 8 1 flight. She was certainly better behaved than Very proud to be so.” Why is he coming out now? moi. “I could claim noble reasons as coming out in 16 11 3 “Victoria Principal Pulls Gun On Maid.” That’s order to move gay rights forward, but I must ad- 5 18 54 13 4 my kinda headline! The “Dallas” star was irate mit it is for far more selfish reasons.” He’s look- 12 14 after Maribel Banegas took too long walking ing for a mate!

6 Vicki’s dog—a little Shih Tzu named “Mei Ling” (yeah, someone’s not a racist pig). According to court papers, the maid asked Vicki for her pay 45 47 46 after being sacked. Principal went upstairs, and 58 43 44 returned brandishing a gun! She pointed it at

53 the maid in question, threatened to kill her and, 57 at the same time, told another housekeeper to 49 get out of the way so she wouldn’t get hurt. That 51 24 48 Vicki, she’s a people person! In her defense, 36 21 50 Principal has filed her own lawsuit, in which she 23 25 31 admits that she was indeed packing heat after said maid threatened her and injured the dog.

32 By the way, one reporter covering this story 30 29 55 22 writes that Principal is “currently putting acting 52 38 27 37 aside to train as a civilian astronaut on Rich- 40 56 35 ard Branson’s commercial space flight venture, 39 28 26 20 42 Virgin Galactic.” Which begs the question—can 41 you put aside non-existent work? 19 33 Vicki might not be working, but I sure am. For what feels like the hundredth year in a row (in

34 a good way), I will be hosting LA Pride—along with Ben Patrick Johnson, Marcellas Reynolds and the incomparable Momma. This year’s fes- tivities (June 13-14) will include performances ANDERSONVILLE 17 Touché 32 Little Jim’s THE SOUTHSIDE by Sabrina Johnston, Debby Holiday, Deborah 1 @mosphere 6412 N. Clark St. 3501 N. Halsted St. 48 Club Escape Cox, Fantasia Barrino, Syesha Mercado, Exposé, 5355 N. Clark St. ToucheChicago.com LittleJimsChicago.com 1530 E. 75th St. Blake Lewis and Berlin. Quite a starry line-up, atmospherebar.com 18 Wild Pug 33 Lucky Horseshoe ClubEscapeChicago.com 2 The Anvil 4810 N. Broadway Ave. 3169 N. Halsted St. 49 Escapades indeed. You can get more information at www. 1137 W. Granville Ave. WorldsGreatestBar.com 34 Manhandler 6301 S. Harlem Ave. LAPride.org. 3 Big Chicks 1948 N. Halsted St. 50 InnExile Come to think of it, we’d have no show without 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. BOYSTOWN 35 minibar/winebar 5758 W. 65th St. Looking at this shot of Pablo Schreiber, don’t BigChicks.com 19 3160 3341 N. Halsted St. InnExileChicago.com American Idol. Eh, that’s nothing special—they tell me you don’t desire him under the elms... 4 Crew 3160 N. Clark St. minibarchicago.com 51 Jeffrey Pub could say the same thing over at Celebrity Re- 4804 N. Broadway Ave. Chicago3160.com 36 North End 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. or any other trees you may have handy. WorldsGreatestBar.com 20 Berlin 3733 N. Halsted St. hab! But one of the people you won’t see there 5 Eagle 954 W. Belmont Ave. NorthEndChicago.com THE BURBS is Exposé star Gioia Bruno. The singer was asked 5001 N. Clark St. BerlinChicago.com 37 Pie Hole 52 Club Krave to join the VH1 show next season, but passed. Joining him is a member of the Osmond family: ChicagoEagle.com 21 Bobby Love’s 737 W. Roscoe St. 13126 S. Western Ave. 6 El Gato Negro 3729 N. Halsted St. PieHolePizzaJoint.com Blue Island, IL It wasn’t that she wasn’t willing to get sober. Marie’s adopted daughter, Jessica. Countering 1461 Irving Park Rd. BobbyLoves.com 38 Roscoe’s ClubKrave.com She felt $60K wasn’t enough money! “I deserve claims that sex has caused a rift between mother ElGatoNegroBar.com 22 Bucks Saloon 3356 N. Halsted St. 53 Hideaway 7 The Glenwood 3439 N. Halsted St. Roscoes.com 7301 W. Roosevelt Rd. better than that,” she allegedly told a friend. and daughter, Mama Marie gave an interview in 6962 N. Glenwood St. BucksSaloonChicago.com 39 Scarlet Forest Park, IL Speaking of American Idol, some of the con- which she makes it clear that she supports her TheGlenwoodbar.com 23 Cell Block 3320 N. Halsted St. 54 Hunters testants got to meet one of their idols—The daughter without conditions. She admits to hav- 8 Hamburger 3702 N. Halsted St. ScarletBarChicago.com 1932 E. Higgins Rd. Mary’s/Mary’s www.CellBlock-Chicago.com 40 Sidetrack Elk Grove Village, IL Young and the Restless star Tracey Bregman. ing some conflicts regarding the religious aspect Attic 24 Charlie’s 3349 N. Halsted St. HuntersNightclubs.com Despite both shows filming at CBS’ Television of same-sex marriage: “When it comes to mar- 5400 N. Clark St. 3726 N. Broadway Ave. SidetrackChicago.com 55 John L’s Place HamburgerMarysChicago.com CharliesChicago.com 41 Spin 335 154th Pl. City, AI keeps their talent on a short leash to riage, I think that civil rights need to be for all. 9 Jackhammer 25 Circuit 800 W. Belmont Ave. Calumet City, IL dissuade the riffraff. However, last week, Adam, One of the things that we need to be careful is 6406 N. Clark St. 3641 N. Halsted St. Spin-Nightclub.com 56 Maneuvers that we don’t create hate, because people be- Jackhammer-Chicago.com CircuitClub.com 42 Steamworks 118 E. Jefferson St. 10 Joie De Vine 26 The Closet 3246 N. Halsted St. (bath) Joliet, IL lieve certain things. And we can’t make everyone 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. 3325 N Broadway Ave. SteamworksOnline.com JolietManeuvers.com become homogenized. Everybody has a right to 11 Man’s Country 27 Cocktail 57 Rumors believe what they believe. I do think everybody 5017 N. Clark St. (bath) 3359 N. Halsted St. DOWNTOWN 2433 Desplaines Ave. MansCountryChicago.com CocktailBarChicago.com 43 The Baton North Riverside, IL has a right to have civil rights. That’s how I 12 Scot’s 28 FireFly 436 N. Clark St. RumorsPubOnline.com feel.” We’ll post the full interview on BillyMas- 1829 W. Montrose Ave. 3335 N. Halsted St. TheBatonShowLounge.com 58 Velvet Rope ChicagoScotsBar.com FireflyOnHalsted.com 44 Second Story Bar 728 W. Lake St. ters.com. 13 SoFo 29 Halsted’s Bar & 157 E. Ohio St. Oak Park, IL I was thinking of that statistic—one in 10 4923 N. Clark St. Grill VelvetRopeOakPark.com people is gay. Given all those Osmonds, Jessica SofoBar.com 3441 N. Halsted St. NEAR NORTH 14 Spyners HalstedsChicago.com 45 Club 2506 INDIANA probably has some company. 4623 N. Western Ave. 30 Hydrate 2506 N. Clybourn Ave. 59 Dick’s R U Crazee? We have a few photos to share with you this Spyners.com 3458 N. Halsted St. 46 Crobar 1221 E.150th St. 15 Star Gaze HydrateChicago.com 1543 N. Kingsbury St. Hammond, IN week on BillyMasters.com. First up is Chris Pine, 5419 N. Clark St. 31 Kit Kat 47 The Prop House DicksRUCrazee.com who stars as the younger “Captain Kirk” in the StarGazeChicago.com 3700 N. Halsted St. 1675 N. Elston Ave. 60 Encompass Star Trek flick. Chrissy was on his way back to 16 T’s KitKatChicago.com 2415 Rush St. 5025 N. Clark St. Lake Station, IN his LA abode when he decided he was a little TsBarChicago.com EncompassNightclub.com hot from his five-mile hike. What to do, what to do? Doff his top—a la that famous Jared Leto pic. Not as impressive a physique, but certainly Turn to page 21 May 13, 2009 21

Pride on chicago gay men’s chorus presents Your $25 donation includes the live auction event, drink tickets, tasty treats, & chances to win fabulous door prizes.

Join us in MainBar & CherryBar For more Saturday, May 16 • 5-8pm information or to purchase advance sale Fun-filled live auction of prize tickets, please visit packages of travel, cooking, fitness, cgmc.org/package fashion packages presented by some of CGMC’s cutest guys Boricua PRIDE hosted an event at Tumboa, 3213 W. Armitage, May 7, complete with live music, spoken word and a Puerto Rican buffet. The new organization is dedicated to promot- ing and bringing awareness of Puerto Rican LGBTQ contributions to the community. Photo by no cover registration party for Jerry Nunn Join us 28th annual Tuesday, May 19 CGMC’s ‘Big Package’ prizes to raise funds for the continued efforts of proud marriage equality awareness. for a special at Sidetrack May 16 E-mail [email protected] for more to Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will hold its upcom- info. u•video tuesday run ing fundraiser, “The Big Package Auction,” Sat- 2009 urday, May 16, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, Ellen part of request night... 5-8 p.m. This event will be highlighted with a live auc- local comedy fest Ellen DeGeneres will be part of the “Very Funny tion of a wide array of exciting, fun-filled prize Festival: Just For Laughs” when she presents the packages presented by some of CGMC’s and Boys- third edition of her annual variety show Wed., town’s cutest, most eligible guys, according to a June 17, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. press release. DeGeneres’ show will feature live music, danc- Tickets are $25 pre-event and $30 at the door. ers and unique specialty acts. Visit www.cgmc.org or phone 773-296-0541. ® Just for Laughs Chicago will hit Chicago June 17-21. The festival will include more than 70 shows throughout various venues across the Cabaret at 33334499 NNoorrtthh HHaallsstteedd Chicago area and will feature performances VVaalleett PPaarrkkiinngg AAvvaaiillaabbllee Center May 16 from DeGeneres, George Lopez, Bill Engvall, SSiiggnn uupp ffoorr oouurr eemmaaiill lliisstt aatt SSiiddeettrraacckkCChhiiccaaggoo..ccoomm Center on Halsted’s OutFront & Center Mu- Lisa Lampanelli, Jimmy Fallon, David Alan Grier sic Series will host an evening of cabaret with and Andy Dick, among many others. See www. Rebecca Caine, Monday, May 18, at 7 p.m. The justforlaughschicago.com. performance will be held in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the center, 3656 N. Halsted. MUSIC Musical theatre and opera star Caine is appear- ing in the United States for the first time since ‘Just Dance’ remix 2002. Caine is most famous for originating the role of Cosette in Les Misérables. collection out May 26 Tickets are $20 for V.I.P. seating (includes Island Def Jam Music Group, in collaboration preferred seating and one drink ticket), $15 for with Ultra Records, will premiere the first vol- general admission and $10 for seniors/students ume of Just Dance May 26. This new compilation (with valid photo I.D.). Purchase tickets online series presents the biggest dance mixes, remixes at www.centeronhalsted.org. and edits that have proven themselves on the charts and on dance floors, at clubs and radio across North America. Production company Among the songs featured are hits by Island holding event at T’s Def Jam megastars Mariah Carey (the Seamus Local production company 812 North—which Haji & Paul Emanuel remix of “Touch My Body”); is documenting LGBT couples in a film, A Fam- Rihanna (Jody den Broeder’s edit of “Distur- ily of Our Own—is holding a fundraiser Monday, bia”); Ne-Yo (the Ultimix of “Mad”); the Killers May 18, at T’s, 5025 N. Clark, at 7 p.m. (Armin van Buuren’s remix of “Human”); Duffy The event is free and open to the public. A (Hot 22’s “Mercy” mix); Utada (the Tony Moran percentage of drink sales for the evening will & Warren Rigg mix of “Come Back To Me”); and be donated to the cause. In addition, 812 North Lionel Richie (the Mike Rizzo Funk Generation and other LGBT-friendly businesses will auction mix of “Just Go”).

BILLY from page 20 is given shirtless, and a portion is even pant- less. While we don’t have that footage (yet), nothing to sneeze at (unless you have the his bangin’ bod can be seen on BillyMasters. swine flu). com. A notable playwright sent me a pic purported When I don’t have time for a question or a to be a nude of an actor in the “Wolverine” blind item, it’s definitely time to end yet an- flick (not Hugh or Ryan—sorry). While I can’t other column. You know what’s funny? I always disclose who the scribe is (due to a confiden- thought Pablo Schreiber looked like such a tiality agreement), I can tell you that Liev dork—until he took his shirt off. Maybe he’s Schrieber appears to be floating on an inflat- changed? Or maybe I’m just a shallow whore. able raft, with his penis flopped to the right. For those of you who fall into either category, It’s a hot pic, but I couldn’t help wondering if check out can decide if you check out www. lube comes with SPF? Head to BillyMasters.com BillyMasters.com. Even though I didn’t have to find out how much lotion he’d need. room for a question, I always respond to my e- What the hell—I’ll throw in a hot pic of mails. Feel free to write to Billy@BillyMasters. Liev’s half-brother, sexy Pablo Schreiber, who com and I promise to get back to you before LA is sizzling on stage in the Broadway revival of Pride books Dr. Drew! Until next time, remem- Desire Under The Elms. Most of his performance ber, one man’s filth is another man’s bible. 22 May 13, 2009 SPORTS/RECREATION and registrants range from 18 to 70-plus in and we have worked toward our goal of ensuring age. that participants from places such as Africa, Asia “The plan the next three months is to recruit and the Middle East have the opportunity, thanks Almost 5,000 more participants—special focus areas will be to our special financial Outreach Program, which our local market: Scandinavia and Northern is targeted at [the financially needy.] set to compete Europe,” Udsholt said. “We also will be doing The Opening and Closing ceremonies will be special promotion in Southern Europe; they are held at City Hall Square. in Outgames always late in making decisions, and the number By Ross Forman [of registrants] particularly from Spain and Italy AIDS Walk/Run has really gone up lately. Registration for the 2009 World Outgames “Overseas markets like North America and Aus- registration starts tralia … Our [plan] here will be to work with closed May 3, with about 4,850 sporting par- Online registration for AIDS Run & Walk Chica- the teams who have signed up already, making ticipants set to invade Copenhagen, Denmark, go 2009 is now open at www.aidsrunwalk.org. sure that they bring a full team. We will also for the second-ever nine-day event, kicking off To participate alongside thousands of support- be working closely together with IGLA [Interna- Saturday, July 25. ers Saturday, Oct. 3, in Grant Park, visit www. tional Gay and Lesbian Aquatics] and GLRF [Gay However, organizers expect the number of aidsrunwalk.org and click “Register Now.” E-mail + Lesbian Rowing Federation], since they have a competitors to soar well beyond 5,000 through [email protected] if there are any ques- Martina Navratilova. strong membership base, especially in the U.S. the late-registration period, which runs through tions. We will host the IGLA Championship and we June 15. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2008 raised more life, including her family, politics, tennis career will do what we can to ensure they get a great A little more than 10 percent of all registrants than $500,000. To further support these local and coming out. championship, both in terms of numbers but of are from the United States. Organizers said organizations, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago The show will run throughout June, with a course also in the way the tournament goes.” Washington, New York and California have the (AFC) will give 100 percent of all money raised complete broadcast schedule available at www. Udsholt added: “Having [basically] reached our most U.S. registrants. by CommunityDirect teams back to the partici- tennischannel.com/schedule. The network’s Web goal of getting 5,000 participants by the end of Denmark has the most participants, followed pating HIV/AIDS service organizations. site will unveil exclusive additional interview by Germany and the U.S. April has given us all here in Copenhagen and footage online with the show’s premiere. “We are proud of having participants from 84 our partners a real boost. We are very confident different countries—it is a truly global event,” of that with this sign of support from the LGBT Ride for AIDS said Ole Udsholt, the campaigns project manag- community. All over the world it is a very fragile Proud to Run er for the Outgames. “We are especially proud of situation in terms of the financial crises. None- registration open theless, we have outstanding support and we’re Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) has an- training is on having participants from several of the countries Individuals can now train to complete the confident that the Outgames will be as fantastic nounced open registration for its sixth annual in the Middle East, [which are] not the easiest Proud To Run 5K run or 2-mile walk, which will as we have imagined right from the start.” Ride for AIDS Chicago (RFAC), slated for Satur- [places] on Earth to be gay.” take place at Montrose Harbor Saturday, June Uffe Elbaek, the CEO of the 2009 World Out- day-Sunday, June 6-7. Swimming, running and volleyball have the 27, at 8 a.m. (There is also a 10K run.) This games, was all smiles with the registration to- The two-day, 190-mile biking fundraiser will most registrants. Kayaking, diving and wrestling year’s 28th annual event, again benefiting Ger- tals. lead riders on a round-trip journey from Evan- have the lowest numbers registered. ber/Hart Library and Pride Youth, will cap at “I am extremely happy that, in these turbu- ston’s Northwestern University to south-central “The sports with the most and the least [reg- 1,300 participants. lent economic times, we have managed to get Wisconsin. Riders must raise at least $1,000 istrants] are just as we expected, so no big sur- The training program, hosted by Frontrunners/ so many people from all corners of the world to each to support HIV/AIDS prevention and care prises,” Udsholt said. “We are, at the moment, Frontwalkers Chicago, will be taught by Jessica come to Copenhagen this summer,” Elbaek said. services in the Chicago area. Registration for going through [most] sports—some will be can- Harlow from Universal Sole starting Tuesday, “There are participants from some of the coun- RFAC is $85, which includes gear transport, celled, but it will only be a few. Until we have April 21, and will meet weekly on Tuesday nights tries where loving someone of the same -sex can route support, meals and overnight accommo- made the final decision and informed the par- at 6:30 p.m at the Totem Pole opposite Addison mean imprisonment or even the death penalty, dations. Windy City Media Group is among the ticipants concerned, I am not able to be [more] and Lake Shore Drive. such as Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and event’s sponsors. specific.” Sign up for the 2009 Proud To Run at www. India. Visit www.rideforaids.org. About two-thirds of the registrants are male, registerPTR.com. “The whole world is coming to Copenhagen, Navratilova special FORWARD WSGA’s bike ride ELLA MASAR to air June 8 The Tennis Channel will give viewers an inside in Willow Springs The West Suburban Gay Association will have look at the life and career of tennis’ all-time a bike ride along the Illinois/Michigan Canal in singles titlist, lesbian icon Martina Navratilova, Willow Springs Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. The with Signature Series: Martina Navratilova. The excursion will start at the forest preserve park- show—the latest edition in the network’s origi- ing lot located off Archer, below Willow Springs nal line of documentary films—debuts Monday, follow Road, and may include a stop at a roadside June 8, at 6 p.m. CT. café. Navratilova will discuss various aspects of her the For more info, see www.wsga.com. stars Lacrosse to bear

Members of the semipro lacrosse team the Chicago Machine participated in a meet-and- greet with the media May 8 at the ESPN Zone, 43 E. Ohio. Players such as Brendan Cannon and CHICAGO’S WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL Kevin Leveille liked the Machine’s chances in the six-team league (which includes teams from SOCCER TEAM KICKS OFF Denver; Boston; Toronto; Washington, D.C.; and Long Island, N.Y.). It should be noted that APRIL 19TH AT TOYOTA PARK. players in the Major Lacrosse League are intensely dedicated, with some living and working in other states—even during the season. SEASON TICKETS AS LOW AS $10 PER GAME! The Machine’s season starts Saturday, May 16, at the Denver Outlaws. The first home game is Saturday, May 30, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview against the Boston Cannons. See www.Chi- cagoMachine.com for more information. Text and photo by Andrew Davis CHICAGOREDSTARS.COM 866-WPS-2009 May 13, 2009 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS i l o 25% OFF i Custom Framing l o

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Download each issue of Windy City Times and Nightspots at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 24 May 13, 2009

“HEART-STOPPING! A LARGE TRIUMPH! HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN SINCE A MOVIE LEFT YOU LITERALLY SPEECHLESS?” -Joe Morgenstern, WALL STREET JOURNAL “GRADE A! “ELECTRIFYING! “A THRILLING HIGHEST RATING! IT HITS YOU IN THE GUT.” ENTHRALLING!” -David Ansen, DAZZLER! - Owen Gleiberman, NEWSWEEK DON’T EVEN THINK OF MISSING IT!” ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY - Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE EVERY LITTLE STEP THE JOURNEY OF ‘A CHORUS LINE’ FROM THE VERY BEGINNING

A SONY PICTURES CLASSICS RELEASE ENDGAME ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY PRESENTS A VIENNA WAITS PRODUCTION AN ENDGAME ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION “EVERY LITTLE STEP” CO-PRODUCER ELEANOR NETT ORIGINAL MUSIC BY JANE ANTONIA CORNISH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DOUGLAS E. HANSEN CHRISTOPHER C. CHEN EDITED BY FERNANDO VILLENA BRAD FULLER EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JOHN BREGLIO PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY JAMES D. STERN & ADAM DEL DEO WWW.SONYCLASSICS.COM FOR GROUP SALES, CONTACT: [email protected] AMC CINEMARK LANDMARK’S EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENTS RIVER EAST 21 EVANSTON 12 / CINÉ ARTS 6 RENAISSANCE PLACE MUSIC BOX START FRIDAY, MAY 15 Chicago 1-888-AMC-4FUN Evanston 800-FANDANGO #942 Highland Park 847-258-7282 Chicago 773-871-6604 VIEW THE TRAILER AT WWW.EVERYLITTLESTEPFILM.COM

Windy City Times FULL PAGE 4 COLOR 10.25 X 13.5