DAVID KATO’S MURDER WINDY CITY THE VOICE OF ’S GAY, , BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Feb. 2, 2011 page 6 TIMES vol 26, no. 18 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com UNION LAW SIGNED

LGBT group supports rahm page 7

Illinois Gov. is surrounded by legislators and activists after he signs the state’s civil-unions measure, making it law. Civil unions will become legal on June 1. Read our coverage, starting on page 8. Photo by Hal Baim; hundreds more are at http://www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ELECTION GAYS JENNIFER BEALS page 19

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1 As part of our coverage of the 2011 election, interviewed the three openly gay candidates running for alderman in the 46th Ward.

Happy The richness Valentines, of Amanda They are (from left, and in alphabetical order) , Don Nowotny and Emily Stewart. See the interviews starting on page 10. (Out Nightspots-style. Lepore. page 13 page 11 alderman and gay candidate Jose Arteaga will be profiled next week.) Left photo courtesy of Cappleman; middle and right photos by Andrew Davis

VALENTINE’S WEEKEND ENGAGEMENT RIVER NORTH FEBRUARY 11 & 12, 8PM DANCE FEBRURARY 13, 3 PM CHICAGO TICKETS START AT $30 HARRISTHEATERCHICAGO.ORG 312.334.7777 205 E. RANDOLPH, CHICAGO 2 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES

CHICAGO NEEDS A BIG MAYOR TO TAKE ON THIS BIG JOB. CHICAGO NEEDS RAHM EMANUEL.

Chicago thrives on its diversity. Rahm Emanuel has been a supporter of equality for the LGBT community throughout his life. He has fought for legal protection, funding and opportunity across the diverse spectrum of our community.

WE are proud to be part of the LGBT and Allied Committee in support of Rahm Emanuel for Mayor. We urge you to vote for Rahm February 22.

The Honorable The Honorable The Honorable Mike Quigley The Honorable The Honorable The Honorable Greg Harris The Honorable The Honorable The Honorable Dan Hynes Tom Tunney The Honorable The Honorable Deb Mell Debra Shore

Rob Acton Alan Almasy Scott Ammarell Victor Armendariz Christin Baker John Barry Bernard Bartilad Paula Basta Brian Bates Michael Bauer Kelly Beeman Reed Benedict Jim Bennett David Berkey Larry Bossom David Boul Kevin Boyer Marcus Brady Lora Branch Mark Braun James (Wally) Brewster Edwards Buice Jerry Burgdoerfer Phil Burgess Frank L. Buttitta Evette Cardona Jacqueline Carroll C.C. Carter- Fortenberry Armand Cerbone Tom Chaderjian Gary Chichester Tom Chiola Randall Chism Christopher Clark Bob Cichocki Sam Coady Bob Cohn Mark Cozzi Raymond Crossman John Dally Jeff Daniel Jan Dee Mike Demetria Mark Denny Tarrina Dikes Christopher B. Dillehay Laurie Dittman Willard Dumas Jamal Edwards Pat Ewert Paul Fairchild Bill Farrand D. Matthew Feldhaus Mike Ferro Jon Foley Ronnie Fortenberry Rick Franz Dalila Fridi Darr Gapshis Nina Gapshis David Gitomer Grant Gochnauer Steve Gonczy Tommy Grace Ted Grady Bill Greaves Keith Green Jeff Grinspoon Janet Gutrich Todd Hamilton Ryan Hannon Allyn Hanson Candice V. Hart Jason Held Yossi C. Held Barbara Heller Michael Herman Augustus V.M. Higginson Grant Hiroshima Robert Hoeppner Ronna Hoffberg Craig Hudson Craig Hyland David Irvin Mark Ishaug Donna Johnson Michael Kauffman Stuart Keeshin William B. Kelley Dennis G. Kelly Catherine Ketter Christian Ketter Peter Kingma Tom Klein Nick Kluding Ray Koenig Robert Kohl Michael Koran Larry Kuhn Steve LaHaie Robert Lawrence III Bruce J. Lederman Jeff Lewis Rhett Lindsay Brad Lippitz Dan Logan Jim Ludwig Phil Lumpkin James Lynch Amy Maggio Carlos Martinez Patricia McCombs Kevin McGirr Condon McGlothlen John McGowan Jill Metz Gary Metzner Julian Mickelson Liz Millan Paul Mikos Marc Moder Alberto Morales Marilyn Morales Gail Morse Craig Nadborne Steve Nakisher Brandon Neese Bruce C. Nelson Annette Nieves Michael Noonan Mona Noriega Jim Nutter Tom O’Briant David Ormsby Jerry Pagorek Phil Palmer Arthur Paris Harrison Parker Larry Passo John Peller Clark Pellett Lawrence E. Perea Oleg Petrov Jonathan Pizer Beth Plotner David Prindable Jorge Quintero Joshua Rafsky Julia Rahn Vicki Raymont Brian Redar John Regalado Lee Reinhart David Reithoffer Michael J. Richman Melba Rodriguez Carlos Rodriguez Zaida Roman Ryan Ruskin Nirmalpal Sachdev Jane M. Saks Matthew Saleski Jesus Salgueiro Dave Samber John Sanders Norman L. Sandfield Bob Satawake Nancy Schmidt Robert A. Schuckman Michael Schultz Quenten Schumacher John Schussler Alexander Sewell Mike Simmons Roger Simon Tom Sinkovic Stan Sloan Ross Slotten Stewart C. Smith Johnny Song Thomas Stringer Howard Suskin Shane Talbott Bill Tedford Greg Thompson Dane Tidwell Michael Tolentino Tim Toth Curtis Tuckey Modesto Tico Valle Terry L. Vanden Hoek Hansel John Velasco Ron Veltman Lauren Verdich Brian Walker Scott Waller Bill Weeks George Weeks David Wells Dale West Chad Wilson Darrell Windle Michael Wollpert Israel Wright Todd Young Angel Ysaguirre Kevin Zalizniak Matthew Zaradich Michael Zartman

For more information visit chicagoforrahm.com/issues/lgbt-equality To get involved contact [email protected]

Paid for by Chicago for Rahm Emanuel CTO-2011-WindyCityTimes_V_5x13-5.pdf 1 1/5/2011 4:19:24 PM WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 3 this week in WINDY CITY TIMES NEWS ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS LGBT reply to DADT training mixed 4 Dancin’ Feats 15 Obama’s appointments 4 Theater reviews 16 State of the Union address 5 ‘Skins’ actress talks with WCT 18 Uganda activist slain 6 Jennifer Beals on ‘Code’ 19 show Emanuel support 7 Real estate: Fondow, surplus 20 Quinn signs civil-unions bill 8 Books: Wade Rouse interview 21 Transgenders; town hall; cartoon 9 Book review: Queer (In)justice 22 Gay candidates for 46th Ward 10 Champagne Wrapture pics 23 CHM program, exhibit 12 Billy Masters 25 Gay in the Life: Tu Bloom 13 Views by Donovan, Monroe 14 OUTLINES Photos on cover (left, from top): Image of Real estate; classifieds 23 David Kato; photo of Rahm Emanuel by Tracy Calendar Q 24 Baim; picture of ’s Sports: Michael Grimes on fitness 26 announcement of Out in Chicago exhibit by Tracy Baim

DAVID WINDY CITY KATO’S MURDER ediaGroup.com TIMESindyCityM www.W UNION LAW SIGNEDDOWNLOAD THIS! Go to www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com ELECTION GAYS to download complete issues of Windy City Times and Nightspots. Then click on any ad and be taken directly to the advertiser’s Web site! online exclusives at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com

the stature of ‘david’ Disc and That has a rundown of some recently released and upcoming DVDs, including David’s Birthday (left).

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Jay Gleason weighs in on the WCT talks with disney at davenport’s new civil-unions Deborah Gibson, WCT took in AIDS Legal Council of law and estate who recently Chicago’s Disney Songbook event that plans. starred in Mega- featured Justin Hayford. Pic from Gleason Python vs. Gatoroid. PR photo WARD OF THE DANCE Read about the recent 46th Ward SHOE ME THE WAY aldermanic forum, with 11 candidates.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT This week’s entertainment round-up includes bits on Tom Ford, Fran Drescher and Boy George.

WCT Black history profile series starts off with a look at entertainer Kevin plus Aviance (above). DAILY BREAKING NEWS PR photo

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Happy The richness Valentines, of Amanda Nightspots-style. Lepore. page 13 page 11 Find Nightspots on www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES ONLINE AT Equal Opportunity at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under LGBT response to DADT WINDYCITYMEDIAGROUP.COM Clinton. The Senate approved her appointment NATIONAL NEWS over Helms’ objections. She later worked with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and the training is mixed San Francisco Center for Economic Development. By Lisa Keen in the right direction,” said Solmonese, in a Keen News Service statement released Friday, “it is critical that the Department address benefits issues and The Pentagon, on Jan. 28, said training to pre- non-discrimination protections so that all ser- pare for implementation of the repeal of “Don’t vice members are treated equally.” —Hawaii Gov. Neil Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) could begin as soon as The Pentagon, said the HRC statement, “does Abercrombie (left) next month. not go far enough in calling for parity in ben- appoints lesbian But reaction from LGBT groups was mixed, efits that could be accomplished through re- supreme ct justice and a 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel vised regulations that add same-sex commit- has rejected a motion from the U. S. Depart- ted partners to the definitions of ‘dependent,’ —Don Imus calls ment of Justice (DoJ) to halt proceedings on ’family member,’ or other similar terms. Such a Rachel Maddow a legal challenge to the ban pending in that step would be consistent with Obama’s June ‘gutless coward’ court. 2009 memorandum that all federal agencies It has been just over a month since President take steps to extend benefits equally to lesbian —Paintball attacks Obama signed the bill to repeal of the mili- and gay employees, where permitted by law.” a hate crime tary’s ban on openly gay servicemembers. Meanwhile, the ACLU said it is “disappoint- And Pentagon officials thought they may be ed” with a Department of Defense memo that ready to begin implementation of the new law stipulates the department will not provide any within the year. compensation for servicemembers discharged But General James Cartwright, vice chairman under DADT. The organization noted that, Obama makes of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said there is no servicemembers discharged under DADT have hard and fast date by which the Pentagon be- been “entitled to half of the sum paid to other three big lieves it will be able to implement repeal. honorably discharged service members to ease The law Obama signed in December requires their transition into civilian life.” appointments that the president, the defense secretary, and “The least that the government can do is by Lisa Keen the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff “cer- make the victims of this discriminatory policy Keen News Service tify in writing” that implementation of repeal whole,” said Joshua Block, a staff attorney with can begin without compromising military read- the ACLU Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgen- President Obama, on Jan. 26, appointed two iness. der Project. The ACLU filed suit in a federal prominent gays to important positions in his Cartwright said that the individual service court in New Mexico last November seeking full administration and nominated an openly gay chiefs would be able to put a “pause” on the compensation for those discharged under the attorney to a judgeship for the United States Roberta Achtenberg. Photo from Cal State process if they run up against any unforeseen policy over the past six years. District Court for the Southern District of New University website obstacles but that certification could happen “Service members who have been unconsti- York. before all troops receive direct training. tutionally discharged because of ‘Don’t Ask, Roberta Achtenberg, a longtime lesbian civ- Aubrey Sarvis, head of Servicemembers Legal Don’t Tell,’” said Block, “should receive the il-rights activist in San Francisco and the first She is currently a member of the California State Defense Network, said he thinks the Pentagon separation pay to which they are entitled.” openly gay presidential appointee (under Presi- University Board of Trustees and vice chair of is taking “thoughtful steps to move toward The lawsuit pending in the 9th Circuit, filed dent Clinton), has been named as a commission- the Board of the Bank of San Francisco. certification and implementation of open ser- and won by Log Cabin Republicans at the U.S. er on the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. She will Jeff Levi was the first lobbyist ever hired by vice.” district court level, will proceed. The DoJ is be one of eight members of the commission— the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and lat- Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Joe due to file its brief on the appeal Feb. 25. four of whom are appointed by the president er served as its executive director. Levi served Solmonese was guarded. Copyright ©2011 Keen News Service. All and four appointed by Congress. as deputy director of the White House Office of “While this implementation plan is a step rights reserved Jeffrey Levi, who once headed the National National AIDS Policy under Clinton and worked, Gay and Lesbian Task Force, received an ap- for a time, as an associate editor of the Ameri- pointment as a member of the newly created can Journal of Public Health. Levi has worked Advisory Group on Prevention, Health Promo- on HIV policy issues since the beginning of tion, and Integrative and Public Health at the the epidemic and currently works as Executive Department of Health and Human Services. Director of Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), And Obama nominated openly gay attorney J. a non-profit organization dedicated to making Paul Oetken to become one of 44 judges serving disease prevention a national priority. He is also the federal district court that encompasses Man- professor of health policy at George Washington hattan. The U.S. Senate must approve Oetken’s University’s School of Public Health and Health nomination. If approved, Oetken would become Services. the second openly gay judge in that federal dis- ©2011 by Keen News Service. All rights re- trict, along with Deborah Batts. He would be served. the third openly gay federal judge in the coun- try, along with Emily Hewitt of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Clinton appointed both Batts and Hewitt. SF teens interview Oetken is not Obama’s first openly gay nomi- gay elders nee to the federal bench. In April of last year, he nominated Edward DuMont to a position on the for video project U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District. A new 14-minute video has just been made If approved, DuMont would be the first openly available for gay teens to learn about the his- gay appointee to a federal appeals court. But tory of the gay community. The newly formed DuMont’s nomination—along with that of many Pye/Harris Project produced “Coming Out in others—has been tied up by Republican opposi- the 1950s: Stories of Our Lives.” tion in the U.S. Senate. In the video, three teen journalists inter- Oetkin served as associate counsel to the view gay elders about their experiences in president in the Clinton White House and served coming out during the McCarthy era, when as an attorney-advisor with the Clinton Justice there was no visible gay community. Stories Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. He cur- include Hadley Hall, an ROTC member who was rently works as senior vice president and asso- outed and summarily discharged; Ron Reb- ciate general council for Cablevisions Systems holz, an academic who gave up a promising Corporation. Oetkin served as a clerk for former relationship to pursue an education because Justice Harry Blackmun, one of the U.S. Supreme of the fear he experienced if the relationship Court’s more liberal justices. continued; and Phyllis Lyon, on her experi- Achtenberg, who co-founded the National ences founding of the first lesbian organiza- Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and is a for- tion in America, the Daughters of Bilitis. mer member of the of San Francisco Board of Those interested in having a copy to share Supervisors, is best known as “that damn les- with a youth organization or gay-straight al- bian.” That’s the designation flung her way by liance should e-mail pyeharrisproject@aol. Gen. James Cartwright. notoriously anti-gay U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R- com. N.C. Helms opposed Achtenberg’s appointment as Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 5 lery Tuesday night. publicans on one side and Democrats on the The man was Daniel Hernandez, Jr., who was other, and sat together. singled out by many news accounts as one of the Three of the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices heroes to take action during the Jan. 8 shooting chose not to take seats at all and did not at- of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Ariz. Her- tend the State of the Union address. They were nandez, who was serving as an intern in Giffords’ the three most conservative—Justices Antonin Tucson office, rushed to her side and provided Scalia, Sam Alito and Clarence Thomas. first aid that many have said saved the congress- ©2011 by Keen News Service. All rights re- woman’s life. served. A number of Twitter messages from various people noted that Tuesday was also Hernandez’s 21st birthday. One Twitter message was from the account of Rep. Giffords, saying: “From the en- tire Giffords team: Happy 21st Birthday Daniel Hernandez! Sounds like you have fun plans to- night :)” CNN indicated it was the first Twitter message from Giffords’ account since she was critically President Obama during his State of the Union speech. Photo by Patsy Lynch injured in the shooting. Giffords is still recover- ing from her wounds and is at a rehabilitation promise and our obligation to continue the work hospital in Texas. of holding both the President and Congress ac- Cameras scanning the gallery showed Hernan- Gays weigh in countable for the inalienable human rights, dig- dez early during the broadcast of the State of nities, and freedoms we all deserve.” the Union. But Hernandez appeared to be stand- on Obama He did not, as some LGBT activists had urged, ing near the back of the gallery, not seated near set a new goal for Congress—repeal of the De- First Lady Michelle Obama, as expected. speech fense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In response to concerns about the hostile po- litical environment, many members of Congress By Lisa Keen Obama did include an openly gay man as one eschewed the usual seating arrangement of Re- Keen News Service of his special guests in the House visitors’ gal- U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

President Obama once again brought up the is- sue of gays in the military during his annual State of the Union address. Last year, he called for repeal of the federal law barring openly gay people from serving. This year, just a month af- ter having signed a bill to repeal that law, the president urged universities which have barred military recruiters over the gay ban now allow recruiters back on campus. “Our troops come from every corner of this country—they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love.” That drew applause. “And with that change,” continued Obama, “I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one na- tion.” That drew a brief standing ovation. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmo- nese welcomed President Obama’s words con- cerning the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but added that “there remain a number of pressing issues for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- gender community when it comes to economic security.” “The President and Congress can do much more to ensure the economic empowerment of LGBT people including ending the unfair taxation of partner health benefits, prohibiting workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orienta- tion and gender identity, and ensuring that all married couples have access to the same federal benefits and protections for their families,” said Solmonese, in a statement released before the president delivered his address to Congress. “We look forward to working with this President and allies in Congress on the challenges ahead.” But Robin McGehee, director of the activist group GetEQUAL, expressed disappointment. “Tonight, President Obama missed an oppor- tunity to lay out an agenda and strategy that continues progress made toward LGBT equali- ty—removing the burden of being second-class citizens and acknowledging our families,” said McGehee, in a statement. “Sadly, while national hero Daniel Hernandez sat with the First Lady to witness this historic speech, he did not have the luxury of sitting there as an equal—for that, our elected officials should be ashamed. It is time for the President to put the power of the White House behind the passage of legislation that would give the right of full federal equality to LGBT Americans. As a community, it is our 6 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES States. A March 2009 conference in Kampala ... death underscores how critical it is that both featured notorious American anti-gay campaign- the government and the people of Uganda, Prominent Ugandan ers, who promoted the idea of a sinister global along with the international community, speak homosexual conspiracy to corrupt Uganda. Con- out against the discrimination, harassment and ference speakers advocated parliamentary action intimidation of Uganda’s LGBT community, and activist killed; to thwart this ‘international gay agenda’ (and) work together to ensure that all individuals are met with Ugandan lawmakers and government accorded the same rights and dignity to which officials, some of whom drafted Parliament’s in- each and every person is entitled.” newspaper, U.S. famous Anti-Homosexuality Bill.” President said: “I am deeply In a statement, SMUG Executive Director Frank saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. Mugisha vowed to carry on Kato’s activism. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage evangelicals blamed “No form of intimidation will stop our cause,” in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful he said. “The death of David will only be hon- advocate for fairness and freedom. The United by Rex Wockner ored when the struggle for justice and equality States mourns his murder, and we recommit our- is won. David is gone and many of us will follow, selves to David’s work. At home and around the Prominent Ugandan gay activist David Kato was but the struggle will be won. David wanted to world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected killed in his home Jan. 26, just 23 days after see a Uganda where all people will be treated to unconscionable bullying, discrimination and winning a lawsuit against a tabloid newspaper equally despite their sexual orientation.” hate. In the weeks preceding David Kato’s murder that published his picture and pictures of other U.S. Secretary of State issued in Uganda, five members of the LGBT community gays along with the headline “Hang Them.” a statement that said, in part: “David Kato tire- in Honduras were also murdered. It is essential Police said a robber entered Kato’s home near lessly devoted himself to improving the lives of that the governments of Uganda and Honduras Kampala early in the afternoon, struck him in others. As an advocate for the group Sexual Mi- investigate these killings and hold the perpe- the head with a hammer, and left in a vehicle. norities Uganda, he worked to defend the rights trators accountable. LGBT rights are not special They later arrested Kato’s driver and are looking of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender indi- rights; they are human rights. My administration for his handyman, who they said is an ex-con. viduals. His efforts resulted in groundbreaking will continue to strongly support human rights Kato died en route to a hospital, according to recognition for Uganda’s LGBT community, in- and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons Human Rights Watch. cluding the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s abroad. We do this because we recognize the “David Kato’s death is a tragic loss to the hu- October 2010 statement on the unconstitution- threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we man rights community,” said HRW’s senior Af- ality of Uganda’s draft ‘anti-homosexuality bill’ share their commitment to advancing freedom, rica researcher, Maria Burnett. “David had faced and the Ugandan High Court’s January 3 ruling fairness and equality for all.” the increased threats to Ugandan LGBT people safeguarding all Ugandans’ right to privacy and —Assistance: Bill Kelley bravely and will be sorely missed.” the preservation of human dignity. His tragic Kato was the advocacy officer for the organi- ful. This decision is the first to recognize that zation Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). He had Russia appeals the Russian law on freedom of assembly con- been a leading voice in the fight against the David Kato. Euro Court’s Pride tradicts with the European Convention. It is a Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which has been before gift to all democrats and human rights activists Uganda’s parliament since October 2009. ban ruling purposes of fighting gayism and the activities in Russia.” The legislation would imprison for life anyone On the last possible day, the Russian govern- of gays, as can easily be seen from the general Small groups of LGBT activists defied Luzhk- convicted of “the offense of homosexuality,” ment on Jan. 22 appealed a European Court outlook of the impugned publication, threaten ov’s bans each of the past five years, provoking punish “aggravated homosexuality” (repeat of- of Human Rights ruling from last October that the rights of the applicants to privacy of the him to send riot police to arrest and sometimes fenses, or having gay sex while being HIV-posi- struck down Moscow’s yearly bans of public gay person and their homes.” beat them. The gatherings also were routinely tive) with the death penalty, forbid “promotion pride events. The newspaper article said, in part: “The attacked by anti-gay hooligans. of homosexuality” and incarcerate gay-rights The government asked the court’s Grand mighty Rolling Stone is glad to reveal some of defenders, and jail individuals in positions of Chamber to reconsider the ruling that had been the most horrible secrets in gay community, authority for up to three years if they fail to made by a smaller group of the court’s judges. Philippines which is bent on recruiting at least one million report within 24 hours the existence of all LGBT Plaintiff Nikolai Alekseev, founder of Moscow members by 2012. Dishearteningly, gays are activists request people or sympathizers known to them. Pride, predicted the Grand Chamber would deny after young kids, who are easily brainwashed Kato was one of three plaintiffs in the re- the request for a rehearing within two to three international hearing towards bisexual orientation. ... The leaked pic- cent successful lawsuit against Uganda’s Roll- months, “which means the verdict will come Activists in the Philippines are seeking in- tures of Uganda’s top homosexuals and ing Stone newspaper, which published photos, into force before the sixth Moscow Pride on ternational pressure to encourage a committee have renewed calls for the strengthening of the names and addresses of numerous gay people, May 28,” he said. vote in the House of Representatives on a bill war against the rampage that threatens the fu- including Kato, along with a headline that said, In its decision, the court said that former to ban discrimination based on sexual orienta- ture of our generation by hanging gays. ‘Unless “Hang Them.” Kato’s photo was on the cover. Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov’s routine bans of tion and gender identity. government takes a bold step by hanging dozens The Kampala High Court ruled that the plain- gay pride violated guarantees of the European House Bill 1483, “An Act Defining Discrimi- of homosexuals, the vice will continue eating up tiffs suffered violations of their constitutional Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental nation on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and the moral fibre and culture of our great nation,’ rights to life and to privacy of the person and Freedoms in the areas of freedom of assembly Gender Identity and Providing Penalties There- ... said a radical church leader who preferred the home, and ordered the newspaper, which and association, right to an effective remedy for,” would protect gay and trans people in anonymity.” has no relation to the U.S. Rolling Stone, to pay and prohibition of discrimination. employment, housing, public accommodations, In a statement, SMUG said that Kato “has each plaintiff $643 plus court costs. The court ordered payment to Alekseev of education, health care, transportation, social been receiving death threats since his face was “(P)ublishing the identities of the applicants 12,000 euros ($16,313) in damages and 17,510 services, civil service, the military and other put on the front page of Rolling Stone magazine, and exposing their homes coupled with the ex- euros in costs and expenses. areas. which called for his death and the death of all plicit call to hang them because ‘they are after The judges rejected Moscow’s excuses for the “Discriminationary acts against LGBT citizens homosexuals.” our kids,’ the respondents extracted the appli- bans, which included the alleged need to pro- in the Philippines are rampant yet are largely Val Kalenda, board chair of Freedom and Roam cants from the other members of the community tect public order, health, morals and the rights unreported and not provided corrective mea- Uganda, blamed Kato’s killing on “the hatred who are regarded as worthy, in equal measure, of and freedoms of others—as well as the desire sures,” said the activist group ProGay Philip- planted in Uganda by (visiting) U.S. evangeli- human dignity and who ought to be treated as to prevent riots. pines. “ are constantly harassed by cals in 2009.” worthy of dignity and respect,” the court said. In reality, Luzhkov had vowed to never allow police officers, transgendered women are not “The Ugandan government and the so-called “Clearly the call to hang gays in dozens tends a gay in Moscow no matter what. allowed to use their preferred gender on iden- U.S. evangelicals must take responsibility for to tremendously threaten their right to human He called gay parades “satanic” and “weapons tity papers, and lesbians are paid lower wages. David’s blood!” she said. dignity. ... (T)he exposure, of the identities of of mass destruction,” and called gay people These are the result of the lack of protective Some U.S. news reports and gay activists have the persons and homes of the applicants for the “faggots” (“gomiki”). laws that can punish discrimination and allow blamed the U.S. visitors for inspiring “(T)he main reason for the bans on the gay the courts and government agencies to receive the Anti-Homosexuality Bill during marches had been the authorities’ disapproval complaints. ... We need your help in getting their visits to the country. of demonstrations which, they considered, our honorable representatives in the House of “David was a true hero, a promoted homosexuality,” the court’s registrar Representatives to pass this bill through the man who gave his energy and finally said in a summary of the ruling. “In particular, Committee on Justice quickly so that the en- his life for others’ freedoms,” said the court could not disregard the strong per- tire House can vote this bill and send it to the Scott Long, who headed HRW’s LGBT sonal opinions publicly expressed by the Mos- president for signing.” Rights Division for several years. cow mayor and the undeniable link between To e-mail the Justice Committee, visit ti- “The foreign Christian leaders who those statements and the bans. Consequently, nyurl.com/philcoj. Address comments to the have supported the spread of mur- the court found that, as the government had committee chair, the Hon. Niel Tupas Jr., and derous homophobia in Uganda ... not justified their bans in a way compatible the committee secretary, Narcisa Guevarra. For should search their consciences to- with the convention requirements, Mr. Alek- a sample letter, see tinyurl.com/progayfil. For day and beg forgiveness.” seyev had suffered discrimination because of more information on the bill, see tinyurl.com/ According to Political Re- his sexual orientation.” filbill. search Associates: “The targeting At the time, Alekseev said: “This decision is of Kato and other LGBT Ugandans a major victory for us because no judge, no —Rex Wockner follows an intense demonization lawyer and no politician will any longer be able Assistance: Bill Kelley campaign fostered by right-wing to tell us that the bans of our events were law- Christian activists from the United WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 7 Barry, Dave Reithoffer, Michael Bauer, Roger Si- a $30 minimum donation, and RSVP is required mon, Dave Samber, Vicki Raymont, Kevin Boyer, at http://www.chicagoforrahm.com/LGBT. Kohl LGBT group forms to back Norman Sandfield, Bill Kelley, Dalila Fridi, Gary and Pellett are event co-chairs, along with Mark Chichester, Tom Chaderjian, Brandon Neese, Stan Cozzi, Fred Eychaner, Todd Hamilton, Ray Koenig Emanuel in mayoral race Sloan, Laura Ricketts, Beth Plotner, Rhett Lind- III, Phil Lumpkin, Gail Morse and Lauren Ver- say, Jerry Pagorek and Darr Gapshis. An official dich, Tom O’Briant and David Boul, and Laura list of all Emanuel LGBT and allied supporters is Ricketts. on the Emanuel campaign website. A mayoral forum sponsored by more than 32 Kohl announced there would be an LGBT fund- LGBT groups is also being planned, Wed., Feb. 9, raiser for Emanuel Feb. 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The and Emanuel is expected to attend. Ivy Room at Tree Studios, 12 E. . There is Choi refuses to repay Army The U.S. Army has ordered out gay activist Lt. Dan Choi to pay $2,500—what it calls the “unearned portion of your enlistment or reen- listment bonus. However, Choi said he will not pay because he was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” In an open letter to President Obama, Choi wrote, “I received a $2,500 bill from your Defense Department Finance and Debt Ser- vices. Specifically, you claim payment for ‘the unearned portion’ of my Army contract. Six months after my discharge under the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy I have tried to move forward with my life, and I was inspired by your clarion calls for our progress as one nation towards a Rahm Emanuel at the Jan. 28 press conference launching the LGBT and Allied Committee for more just society. I have served my country Rahm Emanuel. Photo by Tracy Baim in combat and I have tried to live my life by the values I learned at West Point in continued Lt. Dan Choi. Photo by John Fenoglio service to our nation. ... Today I also witness by Tracy Baim hospitals that receive federal funds from dis- the disgrace of a country that perpetually dis- criminating against LGBT families—something covers methods to punish its own citizens for understand you also wrestle with issues of our More than 200 people have signed up for the Emanuel said he pushed Obama to do after hear- taking a moral stand. equality. But I choose to cease wrestling, to new LGBT Committee for Rahm in Rahm Eman- ing about the Janice Langbehn-Lisa Pond case “...It would be easy to pay the $2500 bill cease the excuses, to cease the philosophical uel’s race for Chicago mayor, and about 50 of in Florida. and be swiftly done with this diseased chap- grandstanding and ethical gymnastics of po- them showed up for a press conference at the Emanuel said he will keep on course with May- ter of my life, where I sinfully deceived and litical expediency in the face of moral duty. My Center on Halsted Jan. 28. The committee also or Richard Daley’s progress on LGBT issues, and tolerated self-hatred under Don’t Ask Don’t obligations to take a stand, knowing all the includes straight allies. said he would take it further, possibly including Tell. Many thousands have wrestled with their continued consequences of my violations, are The location was symbolic, since as a U.S. city pension benefits for gay partners. He also responsibilities and expedient solutions when clear. representative, Emanuel helped secure a $1.25 promised to continue working to make the po- confronted with issues of this magnitude. I “I refuse to pay your claim.” million federal earmark to help build the LGBT lice department more accountable on transgen- community center. der issues. Former Center on Halsted Board Chair Robert All four of Chicago’s openly gay elected of- Kohl, co-chair of Emanuel’s campaign, intro- ficials are backing Emanuel: Ald. Tom Tunney, duced the committee to the press, which was state Rep. Greg Harris, state Rep. Deborah Mell out in force the day after Emanuel learned from and Metropolitan Water Reclamation District the state Supreme Court that he will remain on Commissioner Debra Shore. Only Harris missed the mayoral ballot. Community activist Mona the event, due to a scheduling conflict. Other Noriega introduced Emanuel, saying she liked politicians attending include state Rep. Sara his sometimes controversial style. Feigenholtz, Ald. Mary Ann Smith, state Sen. Emanuel pointed to his accomplishments, Heather Steans and former state Sen. Carol including the center’s funding and working to Ronen. Mayor Daley’s liaison to the LGBT com- Lessons begin February 1 eliminate bullying in schools. He mentioned the munity Bill Greaves, and Kelly Cassidy and Ver- state’s civil-unions bill but said he looked for- nita Gray of the state’s attorney’s office were all $ ward to lobbying in Springfield for full marriage at the endorsement event as well, but as indi- Starting at 105, you get four lessons rights. He mentioned the accomplishments of viduals. over four weeks taught by top pros. the Obama White House on LGBT issues, while Community activists at the event included: You’ll also enjoy two parties, our Emanuel was chief of staff, including repealing Pat Ewert, Modesto “Tico” Valle, Clark Pellett, practice lanes and fitness center. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” passing the hate-crimes Jim Bennett, Israel Wright, Jr., Dane Tidwell, law and issuing an executive order banning Paul Fairchild, Jill Metz, Ronna Hoffberg, John Don’t have a racquet? We’ll lend you one. Busy schedule? We’ve got tons of times to choose from.

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2020 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 Mona Noriega (above) introduces Rahm Emanuel. Photo by Tracy Baim midtown.com 8 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES civil-unions bill becomes law

BY KATE SOSIN

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn faced a standing ovation so loud he was forced to shush a packed room at the Chicago Cultural Center as he stepped onto the stage to sign the state’s civil-unions into law Jan. 31. “This is the moment that will be remembered,” said Gov. Quinn before he sat down to sign. “On this Jan. 31, in the year of 2011 when we came together here in Illinois, in the Land of Lincoln and made this happen.” More than 1,000 people packed the downtown building for the event. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (SB 1716) grants same-sex couples all of the same state rights as married Illinois couples. “I think the greatest thing about Illinois is that we’re a welcoming, hospitable, accepting place,” said Quinn. He called Illinois “something special. Because we believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions.” Present were LGBTQ activists, parents, couples, reporters, politicians and veterans from across the state. The GAR Rotunda, on the fourth floor of the Cultural Center, was so crowded that audi- ence members pressed into the back of the room Left: Laura Ricketts and Fred Eychaner attend the signing. Right: Pepe Pena, Art Johnston and are all smiles. Photos by Hal and lined the side aisles. Baim. Hundreds of more photos by Kat Fitzgerad and Hal Baim at www.windycitymediagroup.com Most of the attention was on State Rep. Greg Harris, who sponsored the bill in the Il- linois House of Representatives. Harris appeared were engaged in October, but never imagined ment to fighting for same-sex marriage without Throughout the ceremony, the audience mem- exuberant. “I couldn’t be happier,” Harris told their ceremony would be legally recognized. . bers screamed, laughed, jumped up and down, Windy City Times. “I am very, very proud. If you Still, an overwhelming sentiment among at- “I am overwhelmed,” Garcia said before the sang, cried and even shouted praises at Har- look at the crowd, you can see how significant tendees was that civil unions were not the end signing. “This is the culmination of so many ris. Reporters and photographers climbed onto this is. There are people from all over the state point, but a stepping stone for many who want people’s hard work and so many things. So we’re chairs to see the governor introduce Lt. Gover- who have come here because this is changing same-sex marriage legalized. “There is still work one step closer to full equality in the great state nor Sheila Simon, Illinois Attorney General Lisa their lives.” to be done,” Harris told the audience. “Things of Illinois. We still have a way to go. I’m not Madigan, state Comptroller , State Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, was also can get better.” going anywhere.” state Treasurer Dan Rutherford and others. But recognized for his sponsorship of the bill in the Illinois civil unions will entitle same-sex (and Garcia was not included in the program, but when Quinn returned to the microphone and an- senate. Koehler said he was “honored” to have heterosexual) couples most of the benefits of a mention of his name by openly lesbian state nounced he was ready to sign the civil-union bill been a part of the legislation and dedicated to marriage. However, Illinois civil unions might Rep. Deborah Mell caused a thunderous round of into law, the rowdy room quieted. the bill to his own daughter, who is gay. “It’s not be recognized in states that do not offer applause and a partial standing ovation, during through her eyes that I see this,” Koehler said. similar protections for same-sex couples. Same- which Garcia tearfully blew a kiss to the audi- Turn to page 18 “Justice looks a bit better [today].” sex couples with Illinois civil unions may still ence. Several LGBTQ groups participated in the pro- need to file power of attorneys, single-parent gram leading up to the signing. Jim Darby and adoptions, and other measures to ensure they org/NextMayor.html. other members of American Veterans for Equal are protected if they leave the state. LGBT coalition to This is the first time that such a broad coali- Rights led the room in the pledge of allegiance. Quinn did not comment on whether or not he tion of LGBT organizations has come together The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus preceded the would support same-sex marriage legislation, host mayoral forum to participate in the electoral process. event with a song called “Brand New Day,” and but several speakers encouraged the crowd to CHICAGO—A broad coalition of Chicago-area attendees clapped and sang along, took pictures push for “full equality,” suggesting that while LGBTQ organizations are hosting a Chicago The coalition includes: together, and congratulated one another. historic, SB 1716, was not enough. Mayoral Candidates Forum on LGBT issues. Affinity Community Services “I knew that it would happen,” said Stacy Fox, Rick Garcia, the now-former Equality Illinois The forum will be held Wed., Feb. 9, at Adler Amigas Latinas 29, who attended the signing with her partner. public policy director, shared similar sentiments School of Professional Psychology, 17 N. Dear- Association of Latino Men for Action (ALMA) “But I’m actually surprised it happened so soon. with Windy City Times. Garcia, who was seen by born. The coalition is offering the candidates AIDS Foundation of Chicago I thought it would be five or 10 years down the many as instrumental in the passage of SB 1716, the opportunity to speak directly to the LGBTQ Bisexual Queer Alliance road.” Fox will unionize with her partner, Rebec- was controversially ousted from Equality Illinois community and to educate voters as to their Boricua Pride ca Siegel in July. She hopes her family will see in December. He expressed his excitement over vision of the office of the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus her relationship as legitimate a result. The two the signing and fiercely reaffirmed his commit- with a focus on issues directly impacting LG- Chicago Transgender Coalition BTQ people. Moderating the event will be Tracy Center on Halsted Baim, publisher and executive editor at Windy Equality Illinois City Media Group. I2I: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago All the major candidates—Gery Chico, Rahm Illinois Safe Schools Alliance Emanuel, Carol Moseley-Braun, Miguel del Illinois Gender Advocates Valle, William Walls and Patricia Van Pelt-Wat- Join the Impact Chicago kins—have accepted the coalition’s invitation Center to participate in the Forum. Human Rights Campaign Chicago The coalition is coordinated by leaders from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Affinity Com- LGBT Change munity Services, Amigas Latinas, the Associa- LGBT Immigration Project tion for Latino Men for Action, Equality Illinois of Heartland Alliance and LGBT Change. The organizers’ goal for this Lesbian & Gay Bar Association of Chicago forum is to educate the community on the can- Orgullo En Accion didates’ positions and commitments to LGBT POW POW Inc. inclusion in city policy. This forum is the cul- Public Pride Alliance mination of a three-month long process which The Civil Rights Agenda included community forums held across the The Literary Exchange city of Chicago that aimed to inform and edu- TransActions cate the community and candidates on LGBTQ Video Action League concerns via issue questionnaires. Completed Windy City Black LGBT Pride questionnaires, as well as additional informa- Call the sponsoring groups for RSVP info, Former Equality Illinois Public Policy Director Rick Garcia and state Rep. Photo by Hal Baim tion on the process, are available at www.eqil. which is expected to be released by one week prior to the forum. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 9 Transgenders involved in name-change project Sotomayor’s commentary by Kate Sosin a process to change our names is really com- plicated,” said Daniel-McCarter. Daniel-McCarter On Jan. 28, a group of transgender people did said that a host of barriers at the Daley Center something that many of them had done already— from the possibility of encountering transphobic they filed name changes. This time, however, the judges, to a building full of police, lawyers and paperwork was not for them, but for eight other judges, can discourage transgender people from gender-variant people new to the process. changing their names, especially transgender The day marked the launch of The Name people who have been incarcerated before. Fur- Change Mobilization, a project of the Transfor- ther, Illinois name changes cost more than 500 mative Justice Law Project of Illinois (TJLP), an dollars, money that many gender-variant people organization that provides transgender people don’t have. with free criminal defense and other legal ser- “A lot of trans folks are low-income or no-in- vices. Every last Friday of the month in 2011, come because of systemic discrimination,” Dan- TJLP attorneys, interns and volunteers plan to iel-McCarter said. Along with helping file name assist gender-variant people in legally changing changes, TJLP interns showed applicants how to their names. Jan. 28 marked the first of those file fee waivers. The organization also paid for days, and TJLP advocates at the Richard J. Daley necessary copies and notarizations. Center appeared excited. Most who applied for name changes with TJLP “We’re trying to help folks feel fabulous and assistance were paired with volunteer advo- This cartoon from the archives of Lori Cannon, by the late cartoonist and AIDS activist amazing and not restricted,” said Owen Daniel- cates, but McCarter and TJLP attorney Avi Rud- Danny Sotomayor, perfectly reflects the ongoing struggle the LGBT community has with McCarter, a TJLP attorney who developed the nick remained on hand to help with more dif- infighting and cannibalizing its own. Lori submitted the cartoon and notes the 19th an- idea for the project in conversations with young ficult cases. niversary of Danny’s death from AIDS is Feb. 5. people at Broadway Youth Center (BYC). But more important than logistics, said Bay- At a small table on the 12th floor, TLJP interns lie Roth, a TJLP intern, is the backing of other and volunteers sat waiting for new applicants. transgender people through the process. “It’s from gay marriage to civil unions, poll numbers Two volunteers translated paperwork, written scary here,” said Roth, pointing up and down Town hall looks at increased in their favor. in English, into Spanish. At the counter behind the tall hallway on the 12th floor, the constant Attorney Ray Koenig clarified certain specifics, civil-union measure saying that a civil union would provide gay cou- them, a TJLP advocate stood waiting with an clicking of high heels and leather shoes behind BY EMMANUEL GARCIA applicant. Daniel-McCarter described the scene him. “It’s just nice to have folks support you, to ples the same state rights as those with a mar- riage license. Gay couples with marriage licenses as “joyous.” know that there are just people who understand The Center on Halsted held a town hall billed as from any of the six other states and districts “So many of the folks who are helping do name here for you.” the “State of the (Civil) Union Address” Jan. 27. (, , Massachusetts, Connecticut, changes have gone through the name changes McCarter expects that TJLP will help 100-150 More than 40 individuals attended. New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.) where gay themselves,” he said. Daniel-McCarter said TJLP people change their names in 2011.Those in- The panelists were Equality Illinois CEO Ber- marriage is legal would now be recognized as a wants transgender to be able to support each terested in volunteering for the mobilization or nard Cherkasov, DePaul University professor civil union in Illinois and vice versa. However, an other through the process, rather than relying changing their names can e-mail namechange@ Elizabeth Kelly, state Rep. Greg Harris and attor- Illinois civil union is not recognized outside of on attorneys, judges and clerks. tjlp.org or visit http://www.tjlp.org. ney Ray Koenig. In December the any of those states. “The fact that you even have to go through approved a bill that makes civil unions legal for Both Harris and Koenig cautioned that it would same-sex couples throughout the state. take a while before agencies, such as hospitals, The event was organized to answer questions became more informed about the law, and that from members of the community about what the those who seek to marry should get a power of law does and does not do. Once Gov. Pat Quinn attorney. Rights related to health are one of the signs the bill the law goes into effect June 1. 648 state rights, benefits and protections that State Rep. Greg Harris, who authored and was a will go into effect, but there are still more than sponsor of the bill, talked about the history of a thousand federal marriage rights that will not. getting political support for the legislation. He The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is one of explained that when they changed the language the big legal obstacles for gay couples today.

From left: Bernard Cherkasov, Beth Kelly, Greg Harris and Ray Koenig III. Photo by Emmanuel Garcia

Owen Daniel-McCarter (center, back row), along with Transformative Justice Law Project of Il- linois. Photo by Kate Sosin

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Cappleman ELECTIONS ‘11: One of the things I notice when I walk By Joseph Erbentraut 46TH WARD through Uptown is that I know who the drug dealers are, and so do the residents; they can By practically all measures, 2010 was a pretty point them out to you on the street. So the good year for James Cappleman. In addition to Emily Stewart issue is literally that open. It’s not that the By ANDREW DAVIS emerging as one of the leading candidates to police don’t know; I really believe it’s a lack succeed as the 46th Ward’s new Emily Stewart may be one of the younger can- of resources, and that’s something I want to alderman—a feat he almost accomplished when focus on. he first ran against the incumbent in 2007—the didates, but she will be the first to tell you that youth does not equal naivete. Stewart, WCT: Your detractors are going to say 58-year-old social worker also is newly engaged you’re young [30] and inexperienced. What to his longtime partner, Richard Thale. Thale an out lesbian and corporate finance attorney James Cappleman. Photo from Cappleman (and one of 11 candidates in the race for 46th would you say to those critics? proposed the night of Nov. 30, when the Illinois ES: Well, I would say that my professional House approved a civil-unions bill. Ward alderman), has a business and commu- nity background that she feels will serve her background and my education are very impor- But the bulk of the wedding planning will have in other gangs and that’s what really needs to well should she become alderman. tant; the quality of [those things] is not some- to wait until after Feb. 22 for Cappleman, who is be focused on. We can use more police to ad- Windy City Times talked with Stewart (who thing everyone brings to the table. In addi- contending with 10 other challengers—including dress that. I believe that will and has helped was recently endorsed by the Chicago Sun- tion, some of the most powerful and effective two other openly gay or lesbian candidates—in tremendously, but we need to look at what led Times) in her Lake View office about several aldermen started when they were very young: what is arguably the city’s most watched alder- some of these people to join gangs. Using evi- issues, including her background, a school for Ed Burke, Gene Schulter. I don’t think [age] manic race. Windy City Times recently spoke dence-based best practices, we know those who LGBTQ students and Rahm Emanuel. has anything to do with it; a lot of people be- with Cappleman about his campaign. are more likely to join gangs have intense anger Windy City Times: Your background is Windy City Times: What motivated you to management issues and we know teachers can pretty interesting. Could you tell our read- give this race a second try? identify their students with those issues early ers about it. James Cappleman: For the same reason why I on. What helps kids, especially older kids, deal Emily Stewart: Sure. I was born and raised ran the first time. I’ve been a community activist with their anger is the use of peer relationships. in Uptown on Argyle Street and it was a pretty for over a decade and I’ve worked on numerous ... I would like to see them working with some rough neighborhood back then. I played soccer projects related to public safety and encourag- of the neighborhood businesses and service pro- on the lakefront. In addition, I went to Japa- ing more economic development in the ward. It’s viders, not only helping them out but giving nese school at the Buddhist Temple. been through my work with the community— them an opportunity to have an adult mentor WCT: What was that like? with Heather Steans, Greg Harris and the police who’s going to give them some hope they can ES: Well, my mom had gone to the same commanders in the 20th and 23rd districts—that get job training and better their lives as well. school so I had a reputation to live up to, be- I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work WCT: There are many social service programs cause everyone loved her. But I think I missed in helping move this ward forward. I’m running based in the ward, including HIV/AIDS agen- the mark a little bit. [Laughs] But it was great; again to be an advocate for the community, but cies, who are being particularly threatened I learned about Japanese culture and the lan- I want to do it on a full-time basis now. by the current economic conditions. How will guage. WCT: How does this campaign compare to you work to protect them? So my grandmother was a Jodo Shinshu 2007, when you challenged Helen Shiller? JC: I work for ACCESS Community Health Net- Buddhist, and I actually have a very religious JC: It’s much harder now because I know what work, which offers clinics in low-income areas, family back in Japan; I was just back there I need to do to win. I ran a really good cam- and we are hurting because the state is so far recently. So it was great growing up. Unfortu- paign last time and was outspent by hundreds of being in reimbursement, too. It’s becoming a Emily Stewart. Photo by Andrew Davis nately, I wasn’t able to do a lot of activities thousands of dollars, but running a good cam- crisis and the sad point of the matter is that if with neighborhood kids because my parents paign means you have to focus on using your we don’t address these peoples’ needs with HIV, tried to shield me from everything that was time well, getting those volunteers and getting we’ll pay in the long run. I’m a huge advocate going on. Then I went on to St. Ignatius, NYU lieve that I bring a mastery of a lot of the is- money. More people living in the ward have con- for healthcare, which is why I’ve been involved and School of Law. sues to the tables—and a lot of the candidates tributed money to my campaign in 2010 than all in the non-profit sector for the past 21 years. don’t bring that. WCT: What compelled you to enter in this the other candidates combined. People in the WCT: Currently Chicago’s only other openly race? WCT: Could you talk about the extent of community know me a lot better now and they’re gay alderman is Tom Tunney. Has he offered ES: The board has been divided for so long, your involvement with the LGBT commu- throwing their support behind me. We’re feeling you any advice? and politics have gotten so ugly. I’m sure nity, including organizations you’ve been really good about how this is going, but I’m not JC: He has offered me advice, including advice you’ve seen the footage of Helen [Shiller] run- involved with? taking anything for granted. I’m working like I’m I took back in 2007. The advice given to me was ning from the entrance of to ES: My main involvement with the LGBT com- way behind, but I know that is not the case. that the 46th Ward is an exceptionally diverse her car. So, I really think that there needs to munity has been professional in the sense that WCT: What are some of the biggest concerns ward, including some groups who are in conflict be someone who can unite all the residents I’ve worked with my old law firm to actively you’ve heard from LGBT people living in the with each other ... For example, some people of the ward—and I didn’t see someone who hire qualified LGBTQ members and mentoring ward and how will you address them? are saying we need more affordable housing and represented all the interests in the ward. them. JC: The biggest concern I’ve heard over and others are saying “absolutely no” to more af- The second reason I ran is because I’m very But the LGBTQ community has given so much over again is focused on public safety. We’ve had fordable housing in the 46th Ward ... My stance concerned about our budget, and none of the to me. I grew up going over to Cafe Pride, on a lot of violence in the ward this past year—the is that we can have affordable housing, but we candidates talked about that before I got into Addison and Halsted, every Friday for years. I last couple of years—and I think there’s a real- need to make sure we do it right, locating it the race. That’s been my major focus since day don’t think I could ever repay the community ity there and then there’s a perception. I think in a neighborhood with low poverty and making one. for what it’s done for me. [The cafe] was such both have to be addressed because we act on sure it’s designed well. My job is to work with a wonderful place to be. WCT: Tell me about your political experi- what we believe and people are going to avoid all of these different groups and bring them all ence. WCT: What do you think about the fact shopping in the area because they have the per- together. I’ve had the experience of doing that. ES: I actually think my corporate-finance that there are there are so many out can- ception that there’s a lot of crime. WCT: What sets you apart from the other background—sitting with business people to didates in this race? Do you think it might We’re finding that there’s a lot of people in candidates in this race and why are you the come to a solution about their problems—is provide some sort of edge? Do you think it gangs that are using retaliation against people best choice? more relevant than my past experience work- won’t matter? ing on campaigns. I did work on one, down in ES: As a gay person, when I was growing up Galesburg, Ill., and I worked on a U.S. Senate I was always looking for role models so I do campaign in Chicago. think it’s important for gay youth to have these role models, and I think [44th Ward Alderman] STAND UP FOR LOVE WCT: You mentioned the budget earlier. Tom Tunney is one of them; he definitely broke Do you feel that is the most critical issue VOLUNTEER FOR AN HIV VACCINE STUDY barriers. Do I think it’d be great to have more for the 46th Ward? [out candidates]? Absolutely. I think it’d be We’re looking for HIV-negative men, ES: I think it’s one of the most critical is- sues. The thing is that budget affects so many great to have a lesbian on city council. 18-50 years old. You cannot get HIV I don’t think it’s going to give people any from the vaccine. You will be paid other things. If you don’t have a truly bal- Scan it with anced budget—Mayor Daley is often quoted particular edge, because there are so many of for your time. your phone as saying, “We have a balanced budget,” but us. But it’s a testimony to the diversity of this that’s because he’s dipped into reserves to pay ward and this community. www.standup4love.org off the deficit. I think [budget] affects job cre- Turn to page 27 312 413-5897 ation, business development, crime.

chicago_windyCityTimes_5x2_silhouette.indd 1 1/26/2011 9:55:52 AM WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 11 ELECTIONS ‘11: problems come from low-income areas. There fare. But we might have to go outside and get 46TH WARD are buildings that are well-run, like 920 Lake- some professionals for the economic develop- side; it’s a 200-unit Section 8 building. So my ment committee; we’d need urban planners and thought and the commander’s thought is to start marketing people to create a master plan of the Don working with property managers to make sure business streets of the ward. that who is living [in a building] is supposed to My undergraduate degree is in landscape ar- Nowotny be living there. chitecture from Iowa State, and I understand By ANDREW DAVIS If the manager/owner wants to work with us, the value of master plans to bring in desirable that’s great. If they don’t, an alderman can put retail and successful businesses to the ward. Openly gay candidate Don Nowotny has been su- pressure on the building—calling in other de- Along with safety, the more retail we get, the perintendent for the 46th Ward for almost two partments for inspections, calling in the fire de- more people we get on the street and the more decades—and during that time, he feels that partment for inspections. That would force them that pushes gangs out. he has fostered relationship and seen how this into working with us. So getting the residents involved [is impor- district can achieve progress. (He went on leave WCT: What about the LGBT residents of this tant]. last Sept. 30 to campaign full-time.) He is run- ward? I didn’t see a page devoted to LGBT WCT: Let me ask you this: Do you believe ning to be Alderman Helen Shiller’s successor on issues on your page—was that a conscious that if an alderman is being investigated for a platform of public safety, low-income housing choice? illegal activity, he or she should step down and economic development. DN: I’m an open gay man. There’s so much while being investigated? Nowotny—who said that he is sometimes more to me than being a gay candidates. All of DN: That’s a very good question. If the pro- called “the ponytailed man” because people may the residents are important to me, and I will cess could be expedited, then “yes.” But if it’s not remember his name—met with Windy City fight for all of their rights. I believe that I will a long, drawn-out process, I think that asking Times recently at his office. During the discus- fight as hard for gay rights in the ward as I will someone to step down when they’re not really sion, he talked about his background, the plat- for Hispanics or Asians or Buddhists or Native proven guilty is unfair. But if someone is ac- form and hypothetical criminal investigations. Americans. We have such a diverse ward that I cused from day one and it could go to trial or Windy City Times: Just so that people know, want to represent them all. committee within 30 days, then I would say that what does a ward superintendent do? WCT: That was a nice aldermanic answer. person should step down—without pay. Don Nowotny: Each ward has a superintendent [Nowotny laughs.] You mentioned that you WCT: Are you behind any one mayoral candi- who is directly responsible for street cleaning; were a Howard Brown board member. Obvious- date? garbage and sanitation issues; and snow remov- ly, the spotlight has been on Howard Brown DN: Not right now. I can work with any of the al—and, then, works with other departments to recently. Did you take any lessons away from candidates, and I’m excited about having a new bring city services to the ward. what’s happened there? mayor and an independent city council. WCT: So how long have you lived in this DN: [Beats desk repeatedly, smiling] Open WCT: Is there anything you wanted to add? ward? transparency, open transparency, open trans- DN: I think the diversity of the ward is one DN: I lived at 4300 N. Marine, which is a vin- Don Nowotny. Photo by Andrew Davis parency. And that’s a good lesson for us in the of our strengths. We have Black, white, Latino, tage condominium, for about the last 10 years. 46th Ward, and in Chicago. There’s been a lot Asian, gay, straight people of every economic Before then, I lived farther north in Uptown on of discussion about TIFs [tax-increment financ- background and religion. Although that can be seniors on fixed incomes, we have unemployed Argyle and Marine for about five years. ing] recently and there are people who don’t un- a challenge, I think it’s our strength, and most people, we have foreclosures—people in high- WCT: So you’ve seen a lot of changes in this derstand where the money is coming from and of the ward residents like that. So it will be the rises sometimes are not the wealthy [ones] peo- ward. You announced your intention to enter where the money is going. Decisions are made challenge of the next alderman to unite people ple think they are. So it’s been good training for this race long before Helen Shiller said she about zoning that the community is not part of, to live in harmony. me because you’re dealing with assessments and would step down. What compelled you to en- and I would be an alderman that would take a The way we do that is that, when there are quality-of-life issues. ter? lot of input. issues, we get people to sit down, like a round- WCT: So you see the condo and the associa- DN: Well, I think it was time for me to move In the first 30 days, I would establish five table. We, as a group, can come up with a com- tion as a microcosm of the ward? on from Streets & Sanitation, and I enjoy work- standing committees: safety, economic devel- promise solution; we’re all part of the process. DN: Yes, a little bit. But we have other issues, ing with all the residents of the ward, bringing opment, zoning, education and health & wel- See http://www.DonNowotny.com. city services and dealing with quality-of-life is- such as housing. sues. As ward superintendent, I’ve had a great WCT: Now, of course—to extend the meta- opportunity to work with all people from across phor a bit—you’re possibly going to be inter- the ward, from condo owners to [those] in high acting with 49 other condo presidents. Are RENT THE rises and even the homeless people. And I think you prepared to deal with all of the machina- what we all need to do is work together to move tions that could happen in city council? HISTORIC the ward forward. DN: [Laughs] That’s a very good question. I’m The ward has been divided quite a bit in the really excited about next May; we’re going to KEITH last number of years. Having the opportunity to have a new mayor for the first time in about 22 work with everybody, I think we can work to- years, and we could have 15-20 new alderman— gether to make this a better ward. and I will be very independent-minded. I will HOUSE WCT: Divided, how? look to build coalitions, but I’m not just going for your DN: Usually by economic level. to roll over and support something the mayor or WCT: How much political experience do you other aldermen want if I don’t believe in it. -CIVIL UNION have? WCT: Even if that could come back to bite DN: [Laughs] Well, I was high school president. you? When I came out as a gay man in the late ‘80s, DN: Absolutely. As alderman, you have to -WEDDING For rates and availability contact: I got involved in the community; before then, I think about what’s best for the residents of the -OR OTHER EVENTS was involved in professional organizations and 46th Ward. Marcy Baim environmental groups. After coming out, I was WCT: I remember you launching your cam- 312-907-7909 Capacity: on the board of Howard Brown [Health Center] paign at the European and U.S. Auto Service [email protected] 25-150 people for a while; then, I helped start the Illinois Gay last May, and you talked about the issues in www.prairieavenuegallery.com Rodeo Association and then I got involved in your platform. Which do you feel is the most the Illinois Federation of Human Rights, which important? is the forerunner of Equality Illinois. Through DN: I think, right now, it’s safety. We’ve been that organization, I started getting involved in dealing with gang shootings; just a couple politics and, although I’ve never run for any po- weeks ago we had a killing about two blocks litical office, I’ve been involved. from here over drug territory. People need to The other thing is, in the condo building we feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods— live in, I’ve been on that board for nine years and this goes across all economic lines. We need and the board president for two and a half years. to get a handle on the drugs and guns, and get I believe that is great training for alderman. them out of the ward. Two and a half years I was vice president. the WCT: And how do you do that? president resigned, the treasurer resigned, the DN: Right now, we’re very lucky because property manager quit and the head janitor left; Kathleen Boehmer, the commander of the 23rd people were yelling at each other, and our build- [Precinct], is very hands-on. She’s talked about ing was on deferred maintenance for 20 years. putting in more police cameras as well as tying Two and a half years later, we had our annual the business cameras at Truman [College] to the meeting in September; we did a $1.5 million as- 9-1-1 center. sessment, which nobody liked. But if you lay out But the one thing that I’ve talked to her all the facts and make [the residents] part of about that she’s already started to do is iden- the process, people understand why things have tify problem areas in the ward, and then look at to be done. Now, people are talking with each the buildings around those areas to determine if other, and are cordial again. there are people living in those buildings who High-rises are like a neighborhood. We have shouldn’t be—and I’m not saying that all the 12 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES ed a form of passing, “to fit into an environment tional shifts and the development and, some- that is not your own or a class not necessarily times, the breakdown of community among LG- CHM talks sex, yours.” He said that the word has since been BTQ people. co-opted and stolen by the world of hip-hop as Renslow’s presence at the event prompted language and identity “keeping it real.” Realness, he emphasized, is a protest by members of Unite HERE, a union “the refusal of the mundane in your life.” Hear- that has been calling for a boycott of the Hyatt kening back to the theme of sexual fluidity and Regency Chicago, saying, for instance, that the by Yasmin Nair culled from the Wikipedia entry on the subject, of the panel, he said, “All these words … butch, hotel “has done massive layoffs.” Outside, they Free elicited laughter from the audience as he dyke etc. one time or another, I’m going to be distributed flyers praising Renslow “for the ad- The Chicago History Museum (CHM) inaugurated concluded that “when bears have their own porn all of those things.” vancement and cohesion of the leather and the the eighth year of its Out at CHM series with category, you know they’ve arrived.” The concluding discussion and audience re- greater LGBT communities,” but urged him to a “Sexicon: Language & Identity” program Jan. , activist and founder of the In- sponses touched upon how these words shifted move IML from the Hyatt. 27. ternational Mr. Leather (IML) contest, explained in meaning in relation to historical and genera- “Sexicon” featured a 10-member panel, each the term “leather daddy,” a dominant man who person talking briefly about the relevance of a establishes often long-standing relationships particular word/term in their lives and identity with one or more submissive men in exchange formation. Erica Meiners, associate professor at for sexual and/or cultural mentorship. While Northeastern Illinois University and the mod- studiously reading through what seemed like a erator, introduced the evening’s theme with a complicated set of rules and established con- play on the term “Formerly Known As,” which is ventions of hierarchy and dominance that dic- also the name of a popular dance party on the tate the relationship, Renslow wryly noted, off- first Thursday of every month at : “All the-cuff, “I mean, it’s not the Boy Scouts, even queers are formerly known as … language has if it seems like it sometimes,” and the audience been a marker and a tool for sovereignty and burst into laughter. self-determination … as simple as our ability to , executive editor of Baseball recover and also demarcate our tactics to pro- Prospectus, a baseball think tank, spoke about duce pleasure, community and recognition.” the word “transsexual,” noting that, unlike with Pointing to the ability of words to represent “gay” or “lesbian,” being in or out was not an power, she noted examples such as that of femi- option. Kahrl, who is MTF, said that she often At the announcement of the CHM’s historic LGBT exhibit Out in Chicago, opening May 21, nists pushing for “Ms.,” Latinos using Chicana/ found herself explaining the word and her iden- were, from left: Melissa Hayes, James Alexander, Jennifer Brier, Jill Austin, John McGowan Chicano to signify a particular political identity, tity to friends, trying to tell them, “This does and Sharon Gist Gilliam. Photo by Tracy Baim immigrant rights advocates using “undocument- not mean that you are just ‘super-gay.’” She said ed” rather than “illegal,” and anti-prison orga- that she was constantly deflecting stereotypes, the first indications that CHM was not “timidly nizations advocating for “formerly incarcerated” beginning with her mother who declared, on CHM announces courting the LGBT community but made it clear over “ex-cons.” hearing the news of her transition, “Well, you that the museum wanted to be part of of the For some on the panel, their words meant have to give up sports,” or the colleague who ‘Out in Chicago’ LGBT community.” He also said that their fam- reinventing and appropriating terms that have exclaimed, “But you drink Guinness!” She con- ily memberships were the first time he and his historically been used to demonize LGBTQ com- cluded by saying, “I do not just wear the word exhibit to partner had been acknowledged as a family. munities. Emilia Chico, an organizer with the transsexual; I own it.” Jill Austin, museum curator, and Jennifer Chicago Dyke March Collective, said “dyke” was A similar tone of ownership was struck by Mi- open May 21 Brier, professor of history and gender and “a word that helped me transform language into chael Rivera, a design professional who spoke By Yasmin Nair women’s studies at the University of Illinois action.” She recalled that her mother reminded about “gay,” and his coming out and moving at Chicago, are co-curators of the upcoming her of a time when the word “ruined lives,” but from and then to Puerto Rico before The Chicago History Museum (CHM) announced exhibit, which will cover 150 years of Chicago that she, Chico, went on anyway and felt em- finally coming to Chicago, and of how his vari- that its “Out in Chicago” exhibit will open May history. Austin spoke of how “LGBT communi- powered as she walked the streets of Chicago ous communities in the different places became 21. The announcement was made at a cocktail ties have continued to have an influence on during the march “and the crowd goes fucking more gay and less straight. He concluded with reception before the first program of its long- this city [and] its politics” and that Out in Chi- wild.” words that prompted much applause: “My word standing series, entering its eighth year, Out cago would detail that influence and history in Kim Hunt, executive director of Affinity, simi- is ‘gay.’ I am gay.” at CHM, “Sexicon: Language & Identity,” Jan. four major aspects: individuals as urban dwell- larly took “queer,” and admitted that while she The writer and spoken-word artist Michelle Re- 27. ers, relationships and couples, social networks now embraced it, her initial encounter with the nae took up another term denoting sexual iden- The exhibit is believed to be the first major and communities, and how LGBT communities word made her cringe: “I could not figure out tity, “bisexual.” Addressing a common stigma LGBT history project undertaken by a main- “have expanded into the public sphere, attain- why anyone could want to call themselves queer that bisexuality is a temporary category where stream urban history museum in U.S. history. ing a body politic and a critical mass.” when ‘queer’ had negative meanings.” Hunt “people pause on their journey to Gay Town or Melissa Hayes, vice president of external af- Austin said the exhibition will be constructed noted that the use of “queer” shifted between Straightville,” Renae said she saw it as indica- fairs at the museum, introduced the brief re- around themes including the stories of individ- generations, and that she honored the experi- tive of sexual fluidity, and that she was happy marks by board members and members of the ual Chicagoans, past and present; the building ence of elders for whom the word still had nega- “to play hopscotch on the Kinsey scale.” planning committee. The first to speak was of families and homes; exploring the evolution tive connotations but also supported women in Claudia Perry, an insurance agent, took up the board chair Sharon Gist Gilliam, who spoke of of communities and city neighborhoods; and their 50s and younger who appropriated it as a word “ally,” saying to the audience, “How much the function of the museum in the context of the communities’ expansion into the political word that made them feel “open, undefined, and lube you use is entirely up to you, and I will the city’s history and that of the LGBT commu- sphere. free.” defend your right to do it.” nity in particular saying, “We tell the stories of Discoveries show that LGBT Chicagoans were The singer and musician Scott Free took on Fashion designer Tommy Walton was resplen- Chicago one at a time. We make complex stories active as early as the 1850s, shortly after the “bear,” as in, a gay man whose body type (larger dent in a pair of high-heeled and open-toed laced more accessible [and] we base our exhibitions city’s founding, CHM said in a press release. and often more hirsute than is considered the stilettos that literally lit up as he walked onto on research and scholarship. Out in Chicago The curators’ research uncovered an ordinance norm) is both a proclamation of freedom from the stage in an all-black suit and black gloves, will demonstrate diversity as a key strength from 1851 that prohibited openly dressing in a muscular gay aesthetic and a fetish object in from which hung silver-colored chains. Walton’s in Chicago’s success. It provides opportunities opposite gender clothing. “This exhibition is its own right. Reading through what he said was word was “realness” which, he explained, denot- for civic engagement and discussion and most a unique and timely opportunity to interpret importantly ensures the preservation of a sig- our knowledge based on our historical exper- nificant part of this city’s history.” tise, and making what we know as scholars and James Alexander, also a member of the board researchers available to the public,” stated of CHM and co-trustee of The Elizabeth Morse Brier. Charitable Trust (a major supporter of the Out The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust is at CHM project), recalled the first meeting on a sponsor of the entire Out at CHM project. Nov. 8, 2001 when a small group of commu- Northern Trust is the lead corporate sponsor nity members, including Evette Cardona and for the Out in Chicago exhibition. The Chicago George Chauncey, got together to make long- Community Trust, Pauls Foundation, Polk Bros. term plans to reflect the museum’s commit- Foundation, Sara Lee Foundation, UBS, and The ment to LGBT history. At the time, according Goodworks Fund are providing additional sup- to Alexander, the decision was made to ensure port. CHM thanks the following for their sup- “an extended series of programs, substantive port of the exhibition: Robert Kohl and Clark and thoughtful, dealing with LGBT history that Pellett, Art Johnston and Jose Peña, Charles R. would culminate in a major LGBT exhibition.” Middleton and John R. Geary, Shawn Donnel- John McGowan, of the investment firm ley, Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson, Patrick Northern Trust Corporation (the exhibit’s ma- M. Sheahan, and Esther Saks. The official hotel jor corporate partner), also spoke of the first partner for the exhibition is Fairmont Chicago, time he received an invitation from CHM for Millennium Park. the Out series, noting that it came not in an More details will be forthcoming on the mu- opaque brown envelope but as a brightly col- seum’s website, http://wwwby.chicagohs.org. ored, oversize postcard “with words like ‘trans- Back row, from left: Tommy Walton, Michael Rivera, Chuck Renslow, Scott Free, Erica Meiners Windy City Times will be providing more cover- gender’ and ‘homosexual’ written all over it: it and Christina Kahrl. Front: Michelle Renae, Claudia Perry, Emilia Chico and Kim Hunt. Photos by age in the months leading up to the opening. just screamed gay.” He said this was one of Tracy Baim The exhibit will be open through March 2012. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 13

Wed., Feb.9 7:00 p.m. a Julia Borcherts Gina Frangello GAYin the Christine Sneed LIFE Tu Bloom Fiction Reading Text and PHOTOS by Ross Forman Florist Sunday, Feb. 13 4:30 p.m. As the old saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make … Lois Roelofs bamboo plants. Caring Lessons: A Nursing Well, that’s the version Tu Bloom has lived, loved, perfected Professor’s Journey and prospered with. of Faith and Self Bloom came to Chicago from his native Viet Nam when he was 6. He graduated from Taft High School in 1997, Loyola Univer- 5233 N. Clark sity in 2001, and then started working in Corporate America. He ultimately became a director, managing about 50 people and (773) 769-9299 earning a six-figure salary. Then, in early 2006, his world came crashing down. In March of that year, his dad died about three weeks after being diagnosed with stage-four cancer. Two months later, his Vietnamese grandmother died. “I was thrown a curveball. It was a very difficult time. My life [email protected] just fell apart,” Bloom said. “I was devastated.” www.womenandchildrenfirst.com Bloom quit his lucrative job to care for his mom and younger Parking Available sister. Wheelchair Accessible Fate, though, led to a fortune—or good fortune. Bloom started selling home-made, hand-designed lucky bam- boo plants on eBay—and he quickly made more than $1,500 in DOWNLOAD THE a month, with only about 15 hours of work per week. “People just really liked my cute designs,” Bloom said. So, as the weather started getting cooler in 2006, Bloom wanted to build a greenhouse to further his floral fantasies. And through free ads on Craigslist, he acquired everything needed to build a greenhouse, in- cluding the glass, windows, doors and more. Bloom’s personal North Side greenhouse iPhone app is now the size of a standard, one-car ga- rage. It measures 14-feet long by 12.5-feet wide by 11.5-feet tall. It’s now filled with miniature grapefruit plants, bamboo plants, various tropical houseplants and much, much more—even a 500-gallon koi pond, filled with 28 fishes. Bloom has grown and flourished in the floral and landscape garden design community. “I get to improve people’s lives, personally and professionally, through my love for living de- signs,” said Bloom, who works with cut floral and live rooted plants. “A lot of people are confused [about] what I do. They think [the plants are just] cut floral, but it’s actually rooted, live plants in a container that are sustainable for a prolonged period of time.” Bloom has clients across America, not just locally. His designs can be small and simple, or glitzy and glamorous. the stats You can also view each issue And some are extremely high-profile, too. as a PDF on your iPad through Name Take, for instance, the 53rd annual Grammy Awards show on Sunday night, Feb 13. Bloom www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Tu Bloom will be there, working his magic as Tu Bloom Designs will be showcased as his company was selected to design all of the floral and luxury container gardens for the entire red carpet arrivals Age area—and last year was the first time such attention to detail was given to the prestigious red 31 carpet. “I’m still in shock mode,” about getting this job offer, Bloom said. “It’s such a great honor and Title I’m still in awe that so many people are starting to get captivated by my designs.” President/CEO Last year’s Grammy work led Bloom to get a call from Katherine Jackson, Michael’s mother, who wanted Bloom to redevelop the entire landscape and garden area for the fabled former Jackson (Tu Bloom Designs®) home in Gary, Ind., to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the superstar singer’s death. Bloom also has designed the interior floral arrangements for the private dressing quarters of Relationship status: Lady Gaga, Elton John, Mary J. Blige and Beyonce. Dating Thomas Basile, 31, Bloom’s blooming brilliance also has been chosen for another high-profile client, though he project manager (Tu Bloom can’t name names. “I work with some of the most popular people in the world … and I water their plants,” he Have your Designs®) said, laughing. Nickname The young entrepreneur said his biggest challenge is business organization, figuring out how to successfully grow and maintain that personalized care and interaction for all his clients. premiums “Plant Doc” And Bloom does get dirty himself, digging in the dirt. increased Neighborhood “Oh my God, I have the greatest job in the world,” Bloom said. “[Building] that greenhouse [in 2006] saved my life.” Andersonville It seems to have certainly changed it, too. recently? Pets See me: Three dogs (Lexi, Lani, Roxy) Charles T. Rhodes, and two canaries Agent Fun fact 2472 N. Clark 773.281.0890 Close to finishing his graduate State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (not in NJ) degree at DePaul University State Farm Indemnity Company (NJ) Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois Bloom with project manager Thomas Basile (left), whom he is dating. 14 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES VIEWPOINTs WINDY CITY I’m proud that the Department of Housing and as they were apparently told, the neighboring TIMES Urban Development (HUD) is part of that com- housing authority “accepts everyone—even VOL. 26 No. 18, Feb. 2, 2011 SHAUN mitment, as we work to make inclusivity and di- Martians.” The combined forces of Windy City Times, versity cornerstones of America’s housing policy. That’s not right. No one should be subject to founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, DONOVAN Indeed, from conducting the first-ever national that kind of treatment or denied access to fed- founded May 1987. study of LGBT housing discrimination to in- eral housing assistance because of their sexual PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR structing our staff to be vigilant about whether orientation or gender identity. Tracy Baim any LGBT-based housing discrimination com- And so, through this proposed rule, the Obama plaints can be pursued through the Fair Housing administration is ensuring that when it comes to ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Act, we’ve worked to ensure our core housing housing assistance funded with taxpayer dollars, MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Access to BUSINESS MANAGER Meghan Streit programs are open to all. they won’t be. DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright That’s why we recently announced a new rule Specifically, it adds “sexual orientation” and ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson housing for ensuring LGBT individuals and couples can ben- “gender identity” to the list of definitions ap- SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS: Terri Klinsky, Amy efit from HUD programs. plicable to HUD programs. Matheny, Kirk Williamson, Dave Ouano PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT Cynthia Holmes every family Our proposed regulations will make clear that It clarifies HUD regulations to ensure that all NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING EDITOR Kirk Williamson the term “family” includes LGBT individuals and eligible families have the opportunity to par- NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said that “the couples as eligible beneficiaries of our public ticipate in HUD programs regardless of marital SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. status, sexual orientation or gender identity. J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia towards justice.” Last month, we were reminded Unfortunately, while HUD programs are de- And it prohibits inquiries regarding sexual ori- THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan of Dr. King’s insight once again, as President signed and administered to provide a decent entation or gender identity and makes clear that CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. Obama signed legislation repealing “Don’t Ask home for every American, we’ve seen evidence gender identity and sexual orientation should BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair Don’t Tell” into law. It was a moment, the Presi- that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender in- not and cannot be part of any lending decision ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence dent noted, “more than two centuries in the dividuals and families are being arbitrarily ex- when it comes to getting an FHA-insured mort- Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, making.” cluded from some housing opportunities. gage. Alicia Wilson, Jonathan Abarbanel The historic repeal of DADT is only one part For instance, two years ago Michelle DeShane, Every American family should have the op- COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Susie Day, of the Obama Administration’s larger fight on a lesbian, wanted to add her partner Mitch, a portunity to make a home for themselves free Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Lisa Keen, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, Joe behalf of the LGBT community. Whether it is giv- transgender male, to her housing voucher. The from discrimination. That is why this rule is so Erbentraut, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, Kate ing same-sex couples hospital visitation rights local housing authority denied her request be- important—and it’s why all of us at HUD are so Sosin, Chuck Colbert, Micki Leventhal, Sarah Toce, or ensuring federal workers can afford long-term cause the couple did not meet its definition of proud to announce it. Mason Harrison, Dana Rudolph care for their partners, this Administration is “family.” Shaun Donovan is the U.S. Secretary of SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia, committed to fighting discrimination against The housing authority then referred the couple Housing and Urban Development. Dave Ouano gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. to a neighboring housing authority—because, CIRCULATION CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, 2008 report “Left Behind,” the number of people But many conflate the subgroups to be a syn- Sue and Victor living with HIV in Black America exceeds the HIV onym for “MSMs.” So when the CDC puts out rev. irene population in seven of the 15 focus countries in the data that MSM of all races remain the group the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Re- most severely affected by HIV, and white MSMs Copyright 2011 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media monroe lief (PEPFAR) initiative—a program helping to account for the largest number of annual new Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). save the lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS HIV infections of any group in the U.S., followed Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, around the world in countries like Haiti, Domini- by MSMs of African descent, many in the African and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. can Republic, India and South Africa, to name a American community still think of the epidemic All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy few. as a “white gay disease.” And with more than City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing In other words, if HIV-positive Black Ameri- 18,000 people with AIDS still dying each year in and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, Black America ca were its own country, standing on its own the United States, where gay, bisexual and MSM cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City like Haiti or Nigeria, Black Americans would represent the majority of persons who have died, Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of still thinks AIDS rate ninth with the epidemic in the world. And the homophobia stays in place. a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy the epidemic is heavily concentrated in urban While the data may be accurate about this City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the is a gay disease sexual orientation of such person or organization. While enclaves like Detroit; ; Newark, N.J.; subgroup of men in the African-American com- we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make Washington, D.C.; and the Deep South. munity, the story is, at best, incomplete, and, at this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept To date, more than 230,000 responsibility for advertising claims. There are many persistent social and economic worse, intentionally skewed. have died of AIDS. (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 According to the Centers for Disease Control factors contributing to the high rates of the epi- Although awareness of HIV/AIDS is anemic e-mail: [email protected] (CDC), one in 22 African Americans will be diag- demic in the African-American community—rac- throughout communities of the African diaspo- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com nosed HIV-positive in their lifetime. And, it’s the ism, poverty, healthcare disparity and violence, ra, it is gay and bisexual men as well as MSM to name just a few—but the biggest attitudinal who are more easily identified with having the radio: WindyCityQueercast.com leading cause of death among African-American video: QueerTVNetwork.com women between the ages of 25-34 and African- factor still contributing to the epidemic and virus because they have been and are continu- showing no sign of abating is homophobia. ally tracked in CDC studies; thus, there is more American men 35-44. WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, The inception of World AIDS Day began, many While we know that the epidemic moves along data on these groups. 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA would say, when the world was in need of prayer. the fault lines of race, class, gender and sexual But the truth is this: While nearly 600,000 Af- (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) But that was all we had at the time. orientation, and that HIV transmission is tied to rican Americans are living with HIV, and as many specific high-risk behaviors that are not exclu- 30,000 newly infected each year, there is still Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. In 1988, the World Health Organization des- Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. ignated Dec. 1 as the day to pause and reflect sive to any one sexual orientation, homophobia within the Black community one in five living Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now still continues to be one of the major barriers to with HIV and unaware of their infection—and online only on the magnitude of the devastating effect this Deadline The 10th of month prior. disease was having on domestic and global com- ending the AIDS epidemic. they are disproportionately heterosexuals. And although famous HIV-positive heterosex- As long as we continue to think of HIV/AIDS OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE munities. www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Because there is still neither a vaccine nor a ual African Americans—like tennis great Arthur as a gay disease, we will not protect ourselves Ashe, news anchorman Max Robinson, and rap- from this epidemic. cure, a prayer is sometimes all a person thinks www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com he or she has in the face of an epidemic that per Eazy-E—all died of AIDS, and basketball gi- ant Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who is still living www.WindyCityQueercast.com shows no sign of abating. www.QueerTVNetwork.com with the virus, highlight the fact that anyone But in 2010 we can do more than just pray now. We can act! can contract the virus, many still see the epi- “Windy City Media Group generated “If we don’t work together to stop the spread demic as a “white gay disease,” suggesting be- Send letters and enormous interest among their readers of HIV/AIDS in our community, then who will? ing gay or having sex with someone of the same in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index Let’s take matters into our own hands and stop gender puts you immediately at high risk. viewpoints to Survey. Out of approximately 100 the spread of the epidemic. It is a new day,” One of the reasons, in my opinion, is how data print and online media partners who Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP’s na- from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is Andrew@WindyCity participated in the survey, Windy tional board of directors, wrote in an open letter read and reported on the epidemic that perpetu- City was the best performing regional in November to the Harvard University Center for ates the confusion. MediaGroup.com. media in the U.S. Only survey partners AIDS Research two-day symposium “The Forgot- For example, “MSM,” is the CDC clinical con- with a nationwide footprint were ten Epidemic: HIV/AIDS Crisis in Black Ameri- trol-coined acronym for “men who have sex with Items may be able to generate a greater number of ca.” men,” but it should not be used to depict openly responses.” ­­—David Marshall, Research The symposium examined the increasingly crit- gay or bisexual men individually or collectively. edited for Director, Community Marketing, Inc. ical HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black America. This And the controversial term “down low” (DL)— symposium was the first in what will be a series wrongly accusing Black MSMs for spreading the length or clarity. of meetings, exploring how and why HIV/AIDS virus throughout the African-American hetero- has become an overwhelmingly Black disease in sexual community—should not be used to de- the United States. pict openly gay or bisexual men individually or According to the Black AIDS Institute’s August collectively. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 15 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

Photo by Jason Nocito ‘SKINS’ AND OUTS Windy City Times talks with the actress who portrays the lesbian Tea on the controversial MTV show Skins. Read page 18. THEATER REAL ESTATE EVENTS Out of Africa. Oil’s well that Let it ‘Snow.’ Page 16. ends well. Page 23.

Photo by Lara Goetsch Page 20. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald Photo courtesy of Kelly Fondow

Randolph, 8 p.m. Feb 11-12, 3 p.m. Feb 13; tick- Dancin’ ets ($30-$65) or more information are available at http://www.harristheaterchicago.org or 312- 334-7777. Feats The Seldoms present Stupormarket, a new BY ALICIA WILSON dance theater work choreographed and directed by Artistic Director Carrie Hanson about the The short weeks of February are filled to the economic blowout and the ongoing wobbly re- brim with dance. Dance works happening around covery. This culmination of a three-year long the city features choreography that causes us project about the economy, expands upon two to take a different look at ourselves, our rela- previous short works—Thrift (2009) and Death tionships and the world we live in. From multi of a (Prada) Salesman (2009). Stupormarket also disciplinary collaborations to varying styles of features sound design by Richard Woodbury and dance within one program, dance in Chicago this lighting design by Julie Ballard. month celebrates coming together to share sto- The Seldoms will present Stupormarket at Stage ries through movement. Check out some of the 773, 1225 W. Belmont, 8 p.m. on Feb. 17-19, highlights of what is happening in dance this and 3 p.m. on Feb. 20; tickets ($18) or more in- February: formation are available by visiting http://www. The Joe Goode Performance Group is known theseldoms.org or by calling 773-327-5252. for blending dance, theater, music and spoken Showcasing his new work that explores the word to illustrate the human experience. Cre- complexities of identity, love and parentage ating pieces that touch on strong emotions in non-traditional families, Robert Moses’ Kin and stories of overcoming life’s obstacles, San comes to Chicago. Entitled “The Cinderella Prin- Francisco-based choreographer Joe Goode will ciple: try these on, see if they fit,” the work bring an evening of powerful dance to Chicago. blends virtuosic dance technique with layered On the program is Wonderboy, a collaboration storytelling. A collaboration with award-winning with master puppeteer Basil Twist that tells the playwright Anne Galjour, Moses’ work centers on tale of a peculiar superhero isolated by his gift the process of identity formation within non- of super-sensitivity. The piece is presented in homogenous “constructed” families, and reflects the style of Broadway hit Avenue Q, where the on new ways of looking at and understanding puppet operators are visible and play characters Joe Goode performance. Photo by RJ Muna self definition The piece originated from in- of their own. Wonderboy features music by Carla depth interviews with families throughout the Kihlstdt (Tin Hat Trio) and Matthias Bossi. Also San Francisco Bay area. Other collaborations for on the program Goode’s legendary solo, 29 Ef- Chicago Dance Company), presents its annual Chaves, a piece that compiles his celebrated du- the piece include violinist/composer Todd Reyn- feminate Gestures, a 12-minute piece providing Valentine’s concert. The program features a ets The Mourning, Fixe, and At Last. Chaves will olds and DJ/ beat boxer Kid Beyond. Also on the an insightful exploration into the paradox of piece by internationally recognized tango stars also present Love Will Follow (2001), and Hidden program are two Chicago premieres: Approach- gender language. Sabrina and Ruben Veliz. Titled “Al Sur Del Sur,” Truth (an excerpt from the larger work Forbidden ing Thought and Towards September. Both works Joe Goode Performance Group will be pre- this work for 12 dancers brings a hot Latin feel Boundaries). Rounding out the evening is the feature choreography and original sound scores sented at The Dance Center of Columbia Col- to the company. Music for the work includes Duo full company work Evolution of a Dream (2009), by Moses. lege, 1306 S. Michigan, 8 p.m. Feb. 3-5; tickets De Amor, Eduardo y Juliana and Vuelvo Al Sur by the solo Beat, and excerpts from the Robert Bat- Robert Moses’ Kin will be presented at The ($26-$30) or more information are available at acclaimed Argentine tango composer Ástor Piaz- tle solo Train. A full evening of sensual, spicy Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Mich- http://www.colum.edu/dancecenter or 312-369- zolla, as well as other selections, including Ma y and celebrated dance for the valentine holiday! igan, 8 p.m. Feb. 24-26; tickets ($26-$30) or 8330. Pa by Roberto Alvarez, A La Sombra Del Fueye by River North Chicago Dance Company will pres- more information are available at http://www. With a new name and new logo, River North Victor Lavallen and Pavadita by A. Aieta. Also on ent their Valentine’s Weekend Engagement at colum.edu/dancecenter or 312-369-8330. Dance Chicago (formally known as River North the program is Duets, by Artistic Director Frank The Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. 16 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW Northwestern University and the League of Chi- cago Theatres. Being Harold Pinter Being Harold Pinter is Belarus Free Theatre’s Playwright: Vladimir Scherban signature work. It’s a theater piece without any after Harold Pinter running characters with whom to connect, or a At: Belarus Free Theatre at single arc of action to follow. The production Northwestern University (Feb. 4-13) and uses simple and inexpensive techniques of pre- Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Feb. 18-20) sentation so the show can travel quickly and be Tickets: 1-847-491-7282 (Northwestern); performed almost anywhere: it requires only four 1-312-595-5600 (Chicago Shakespeare); chairs, a large plastic tarp, a few hand props and $20 six actors in black suits. Runs through: Feb. 20 It’s built on excerpts from the plays and speeches of Harold Pinter, the 2005 Nobel Prize BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL winning British author. Pinter’s plays of the 1960s-1980s are considered part of the Absurd- Since performance and religious ritual emerged ist tradition and focus on destructive (although together from the smoke of pre-history, theater often funny) human relationships within domes- has had the obligation to address social and po- tic settings (families, lovers, friends). From the litical issues as art mirrors life. Sometimes this mid-1980’s onward, Pinter’s work became highly results in theater which is far more valuable as political as he used the pen to expose the hor- a statement than as a work of art, which is the rors of torture and repression in Eastern Europe case with Being Harold Pinter. and the Middle East (which, in time, placed him The Belarus Free Theatre was formed in 2005 in opposition to some American policies). Being in Minsk (capital of Belarus) in opposition to Harold Pinter follows the trajectory of Pinter’s the police state government of this former So- work and thought, and interjects first-person ac- viet republic. From its inception, the troupe has counts of brutality and imprisonment in Belarus been subjected to government censorship, legal that echo Pinter’s work, as well as a reference to harassment and physical intimidation. Company In Darfur. Photo by Lara Goetsch Abu Ghraib. members have been arrested and jailed on frivo- The end result is a fast-paced 75 minutes lous charges, been fired from jobs and have been honed to physical perfection by a young com- THEATER REVIEWS Raped and left for dead by government-back forbidden to travel. Sometimes the company has pany which has performed it for several years. militias, Darfuri English teacher Hawa (a soulful had to perform in secret. The recent rigged re- It’s impactful rather than beautiful, choosing to Eclipsed Mildred Marie Langford) journeys to an aid orga- election of Belarus president Alexander Lukash- make a large statement in lieu of telling a story. Playwright: Danai Gurira nization hospital where she is told by the Argen- enko led to street riots which were crushed, and Alas, the story of Being Harold Pinter isn’t one At: Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie, Skokie tine-American doctor Carlos (Gregory Isaac) that severe repression of artistic freedom. With their of fictional characters; it’s a real story happen- Phone: 847-673-6300; $30-$50 she is pregnant. personal safety at risk in Minsk, the Belarus Free ing to real people on a daily basis around the Runs through: Feb. 20 Into the mix comes New York Times reporter Theatre has been embraced in the United States, world, and it’s made the Belarus Free Theatre an Maryka (Kelli Simpkins), who spars with her edi- with their month-long Chicago visit hosted by international cause celebre. tor Jan (Tyla Abercrumbie) in her efforts to find the Goodman and Chicago Shakespeare theaters, In Darfur the perfect source to get the story out to the Playwright: Winter Miller world. At: TimeLine Theatre Company, What follows is a battle of wills between many 615 W. Wellington of these key players as they weigh their agendas Being Phone: 773-281-8463; $28-$38 and actions into what could be disastrous life Harold Runs through: March 20 and death decisions. Miller adroitly stirs up au- Pinter. dience outrage and sympathy in equal measures, Photo by BY SCOTT C. MORGAN making In Darfur a harrowing and important Liz Lauren global drama of our time. Two Chicago-area theater companies are shining Some people might shy away from these dif- uncomfortable spotlights on the horrific treat- ficult plays. But they’re both outstandingly re- ment of women caught up in the middle two alized and compelling in their own ways, and African nations’ crises. hopefully empathetically eye-opening as well. Northlight Theatre in Skokie looks at the lives of four “wives” in a rebel leader’s compound dur- ing the Liberian Civil War of the past decade in THEATER REVIEW Besides a devastating portrait of Lillian, the the regional premiere of Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed, CRITICS’ PICKS focus of the play is on the unseen Paul, a hu- while TimeLine Theatre offers the Chicago pre- Madagascar man monster that both Lillian and June adore The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Shat- miere of Winter Miller’s drama In Darfur which Playwright: J. T. Rogers in almost god-like fashion. In a stew of Freud- tered Globe Theatre at Athenaeum Theatre, shows the struggle to get news out about ethnic At: Next Theatre Company, ian implications worthy of Henry James, Paul through Feb. 27. A revitalized Shattered genocide in Sudan. 927 Noyes, Evanston wants no man and no thing to come between Globe Theatre picks up the pieces of this al- Eclipsed seems less interested in strong nar- Tickets: 1-847-475-1875; himself and them, freely acting on Oedipal and most defunct company to produce a strong rative plot and more focused on the difficult http://www.nexttheatre.org; $30-$40 Electra impulses (as I see it) to destroy his and dramatically satisfying staging of Mar- choices women must make if they hope to sur- Runs through: Feb. 20 family. tin McDonagh’s bleak and violent Irish dra- vive in a war. The choice to become another This is powerful material but it’s not a power- ma. SCM “wife” to a rebel leader or to take up arms as a BY JONATHAN ABARBANEL ful plot. Madagascar isn’t a play of action or Spamalot, Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook child soldier is what faces The Girl, well-played incident, but of character. It requires an astute Terrace, through March 6. You don’t have by Paige Collins first with wide-eyed innocence Madagascar is an onion: it reveals the depths of director and three extremely capable actors to to be a fan of Monty Python’s Flying Circus then churning anger. its characters and basic exposition only layer- make it click and keep it interesting for an au- to enjoy this sublimely silly and Broadway- As a young teenager with more schooling than by-layer. At first, author J. T. Rogers’s literate dience. Fortunately, this Chicago premiere has caliber production that is blatantly (yet the head wife Helena (Alana Arenas) and preg- language alone must hold you, or the hints of the team it needs. This is not material which lovingly) ripped off from the film Monty nant wife No. 3 Bessie (Leslie Ann Sheppard), mystery he drops, for it takes time for anyone can be rushed, and director Kimberly Senior Python and the Holy Grail. SCM The Girl also sees the power and freedom that to comprehend the network of lies, half-truths unzips the onion at a relaxed pace that’s never Travels with my Aunt, Writers’ Theatre, wife No. 2 Maima (Tamberla Perry) wields as a and cloudy memories he eventually unveils. too-slow. Carmen Roman is utterly perfect as through March 27. This intimate work of heartless guerrilla soldier. There’s also peace ne- Initially, we meet Lillian, June and Nathan in the elegant and patrician Lillian, her pain as theatrical fabulosity, adapted from Gra- gotiator Rita (Penelope Walker), who also has an a hotel room overlooking the Spanish Steps in unexpected as her passion. Cora Vander Broek ham Greene’s comic novel, is visually and ulterior motive to find her kidnapped daughter. Rome, but they aren’t there at the same time or as June brings a sense of life-unfulfilled to the verbally stylish. Its dazzling four-man cast Director Hallie Gordon is great at getting the together. Slowly connecting the dots, we learn quiet sister/daughter who is competent but all play the Aunt, and everyone else! Don’t women’s personalities to shine throughout, that Lillian is mother to twins June and Paul, lost. Finally, Mick Weber beautifully underplays miss. JA which is helpful since Gurira’s play is focused and wife to an aloof, powerful and frequently Nathan, the plain-spoken survivor of, and wit- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Step- so heavily on the women’s day-to-day actions absent husband/father. In time, Lillian takes ness to, the family disaster. At the same time penwolf Theatre, through Feb. 13. In 1962, instead of producing a satisfying overarching family friend Nathan as her long-time lover. This Nathan is the unwitting catalyst. what we wanted was catharsis, but recon- conflict. particular hotel room in Rome is where Lillian Jack Magaw’s set nicely captures the sense ciliation is more needed in 2011. Steppen- Much more dramatically compact and unset- always took her children or lover. Growing into of an old palazzo turned into a once-elegant wolf finds both in Albee’s play to render it a tling is In Darfur, which receives a powerful and adulthood, Paul learns of the Lillian-Nathan af- hotel. The room is spacious but stripped-down true American classic. MSB high-tech multimedia TimeLine Theatre staging fair and takes it as betrayal. His response is and bare-bones with peeling plaster. One must by director Nick Bowling. Though playwright a sinister and sick psychological punishment imagine its polished and paneled elegance just —By Abarbanel, Barnidge Miller deals with ethnic cleansing in the Sudan, that pushes his mother and sister to the edge. a few years earlier, when Lillian made it—and and Morgan she makes the drama about the diverging agen- Through the intertwined monologues of Lillian, Rome—the center of her life. Now a-crumble, das of its characters who are trying to do some June and Nathan, often speaking in the past, it’s a metaphor for the family disaster played good amid such chaos. we learn the story. out within its walls. WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 17 THEATER REVIEW The New The New Electric Ballroom Electric Playwright: Enda Walsh Ballroom. At: A Red Orchid Theater, 1531 N. Wells Photo by Phone: 312-943-8722; $25-$30 Michael Runs through: March 6 Brosilow BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE

Maybe it’s just the selection of plays that are exported to the United States, but American audiences might be forgiven the impression the possibilities offered by the outside world that in Ireland, it is always pre-1962, that its lead only to unbearable disappointment. citizens live exclusively in remote villages ser- In the beginning, however, we have no in- viced by mid-1930s technology, and that all its kling of the gloom in store for us. Tragedy is women are either unmarried or widowed, but customarily performed at a slow tempo, but unanimous in their quiet suffering amid both Walsh greets us with Clara reciting the soror- social and geographical isolation. We Yankee ity oath at warp speed with, literally, her face chicks had Betty Frieden and Helen Gurley to the wall. And just when we think we’ve Brown to awaken us to new possibilities—re- stumbled upon Lucky’s speech in Waiting For member that word, by the way—but in this is- Godot, the dialogue screeches to a Pinteresque land nation, we are given to understand, there halt, followed by Patsy bursting in with a tub Trinity River Plays. Photo by Eric Y. Exit is nothing to prevent its female population of Ionesco-expressionist mackerel. And this is rusting away like discarded farm machinery. before Clara and Breda, attired in vintage glad- The crazy ladies in Enda Walsh’s contribu- rags from circa 1958, dress up their gentleman THEATER REVIEW story, the last of the plays, to reconcile Iris with tion to the genre are the sisters Ada, Breda caller in the suit once worn by the Man What her mother’s death and the secrets that continue and Clara (A, B, and C—get it?). Ada—at 40, Done Them Wrong (sharkskin, naturally). Trinity River Plays to haunt her surviving kin. the youngest of the trio—works a desk job in Fortunately, this Red Orchid production boasts Playwright: Regina Taylor No matter how you slice this text into easy-to- the town’s fishing industry where, years earlier, an ensemble of character actors as deft with At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn digest portions (did I mention Iris’ identification Breda and Clara entered the dance club of the neo-absurdist fare as with nose-to-the-dirt re- Phone: 312-443-3800; $25-$78 with cicadas, or the flower garden that might title, returning home that same night never to alism. Under Robin Witt’s razor-edge direction, Runs through: Feb. 20 explain the family’s curious naming of its female venture forth again. Since misery loves compa- Kate Buddeke, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Laurie Larson children?), there’s still no denying the cozy ap- ny, when retellings of the incident with which and Guy Van Swearingen deliver performances BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE peal of tough women and clueless men enduring the elder siblings reaffirm their decision fail to cutting to the core of Walsh’s often-precious trials to emerge triumphant, both physically and persuade Ada to share in their seclusion, they wordplay to reveal the unspoken anguish sim- The recent success of Steppenwolf’s August: spiritually. As portrayed by a carefully-selected invite local fishmonger Patsy to take part in a mering beneath the peaceful surface that con- Osage County and their current production of cast under Ethan McSweeny’s direction, Taylor’s charade designed to prove, beyond doubt, that tinues to embody the Irish ethos. Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? hav- characters are uniformly endearing—even the ing affirmed audiences’ tolerance for long sits villains, before the plot demands that they be- in service of intricate Dickensian yarns, Regina have badly. Steven Cahill’s thunderstorms and Taylor’s “trilogy” may yet become the single Tyler Micoleau’s sunrises generate the requisite play-in-three-acts it wants to be. As it is now, in shock and awe, while Todd Rosenthal’s replica- CULTURE CLUB its present incarnation, the literary structure is tion of a well-tended home with yard and patio that of a two-parter-with-epilogue, even as its in northern Texas exerts a powerful attraction on NOW ON SALE! dramatic arc is that of a one-act bookended by citizens chafing under a snowy Chicago winter. WORLD PREMIERE both a prequel and sequel. Trinity River is, fundamentally, the saga of The first segment (or chapter, or episode), ti- an author searching for her “voice”, its climax tled Jar Fly, introduces the women of the Spears occurring when she suddenly finds herself at a Do The clan in 1978: brainy 17-year-old Iris, whose complete and terrifying loss for the words that single-mom Rose is away for the summer ac- are her solace and protection—an abandonment Hustle quiring the education that leads to managerial that Taylor need never fear. With the exception BY BRETT NEVEU salaries, leaving her daughter in the care of jo- of some protracted phantom conversation in the DIRECTED BY WILLIAM BROWN Performances start January 25, 2011 vial Aunt Daisy, risk-taking cousin Jasmine and final moments, hers is a voice capable of conjur- at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe earthy step-uncle Ray. After precisely the kind ing seemingly endless images as lush and vivid of domestic trauma we expect of such shared- as Mama Rose’s flowers in full bloom. A FATHER AND SON TEAM OF CONMEN family dynamics, we proceed to 1995 and Rain, ARE LOOKING FOR THEIR NEXT MARK. ARE YOU READY TO GET HUSTLED? where we learn of Iris’ successful writing career and failed marriage, all of which pale when Rose is diagnosed with cancer. It remains for Ghost- TICKETS START AT JUST $45—ORDER TODAY! WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG WRITERS’ SPOTLIGHT 847- 242 - 6000 THEATRE Travels With NOW PLAYING!

Affectionately known as “The Glums” in My Aunt BY GRAHAM GREENE the U.K. or more glibly as “Les Miz” in ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY GILES HAVERGAL DIRECTED BY ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR STUART CARDEN the United States, the worldwide smash hit musical Les Misérables returns to Chicago in a new 25th-anniversary tour that (shockingly for some fans) does away “SOPHISTICATED AND WRY… LIGHT AND FANCIFUL.” with the original production’s trademark – turntable. Instead, this new production utilizes lots of digital projection to tell “VIVID, SUPREMELY WELL-ACTED…DELIGHTFUL.” “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” the epic story of a do-gooding convict – CHICAGO SUN-TIMES on the run in 19th-century France. Les Misérables plays through Feb. 27 at the

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. Corporate SELLING OUT Production Tickets are $18-$90; call 800-775-2000 WRITERSTHEATRE.ORG Sponsor or visit http://www.broadwayinchicago. FAST! WRITERS’ com. Photo of Jeremy Hays as Enjoras in ORDER TODAY! 847-242-6000 THEATRE the new tour by Deen Van Meer 18 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES TELEVISION WCT: The show is well known for its thought- their own stories with you? A lot of other ac- ful portrayal of gay and lesbian characters. Do tors receive some very emotional letters from ‘Skins’ debuts in the U.S., you feel any pressure following in the foot- LGBT fans who relate to their characters. steps of these beloved characters? SBD: I guess because we are all just anticipat- SBD: I definitely feel a lot of pressure. I think ing the show coming out right now; I haven’t al- brings on lesbian character all of us feel pressure for different reasons be- lowed myself to think of all the personal things cause the original show is so incredible and we that will happen for me once the show airs. BY CHARLSIE DEWEY are all fans. But like everyone else on the show, [Laughs] Now you’re going to make me think I kind of had to go into it and put that out of about it. I’m excited. I really hope that people Bryan Elsley brought his U.S. version of the show my mind and just accept the fact that we are see how real of a character she is. I think that Skins to the United States via MTV, and it de- creating our own show and I had to create my the decision she makes might throw people off buted Jan. 17. The scripted show follows a group own character. I’m a huge fan. but at the end of the day she’s so human. So of high school students living in Baltimore, Md., The Naomi/Emily storyline is probably my when people relate to that, I think I am a very through the ups and downs of adolescence with favorite, favorite Skins storyline out of all four small part of Tea, and Bryan probably should get all its complications and gray areas. seasons. I think it was beautiful and so touching all of the letters but, yeah, we’ll see what hap- The premiere episode followed closely in the and really great to watch, but Tea is so differ- pens. footsteps of the original British show’s first epi- ent from the other gay characters and so differ- WCT: Do you have anything that you would sode, which aired in 2007, but it is said to di- ent from the other characters that have been like to add about Tea? verge in many ways from the original series as on Skins before. I kind of went into it with the SBD: I think that Tea is going to be one of the season progresses. same mindset as everyone else in my cast that those characters that people are going to look Still, the characters in the U.S. version remain this is our show and we have to make it our at with a lot of ideas in their head prior to her almost identical to the British show, with one own, because trying to repeat any performances even showing up on television so I guess for major exception: The gay male character, Maxx- or live up to any expectations will only lead to now people that are interested in watching, just ie, has become lesbian character Tea. disaster. wait for her episode and wait to see how every- Skins is known for its touching and thought- WCT: Are you prepared emotionally for per- thing plays out before you judge her. ful portrayal of its gay and lesbian characters. sonal responses from the audience, sharing The show has had gay characters in every sea- son and in seasons two, three and four, the gay CIVIL from page 8 civil union. and lesbian characters remained central to the To support families protected by the new law, progression of the show. Despite Elsley’s history Lambda Legal and Equality Illinois launched with LGBT inclusiveness, there has been much Sofia Black-D’Elia, who plays Tea. Photo by the Civil Union Tracker. speculation and questioning around his decision Jason Nocito “We have had a surge of calls to our Legal to change the gay male character to a lesbian Help Desk since November when the law passed character. One theory for the change is that a With teenagers, you usually see a lot of insecure the legislature,” said Camilla Taylor, Senior U.S. audience is more accepting of lesbian sexu- girls so its fun to play a girl that is really secure Staff Attorney at the Midwest Regional Office ality than gay male sexuality. In several inter- in who she is. of Lambda Legal in Chicago, in a press release. views Elsley has denied this as the basis for the WCT: There has been a lot of discussion “[Our] goal is to provide a much-needed ser- character change. and questions around Bryan Elsley’s decision vice to same-sex and different-sex couples in Regardless of the reason, the show has now to change the gay male character to a les- civil unions, and to their children.” aired and brought a new lesbian character into bian character. What are your thoughts about The Civil Union Tracker can be found at this country’s living rooms. Windy City Times that? http://www.lambdalegal.org/take-action/il- spoke over the phone with Sofia Black-D’Elia, SBD: His reasons for doing it are all his own civil-union-tracker. who plays Tea, about the show’s LGBT storyline. and trying to understand that man is extremely Windy City Times: Tell me about Tea. hard because he is brilliant. ... from my view- Sofia Black-D’Elia: I play Tea, who is a very point I think a lot of people have been saying confident girl. She’s openly gay. She’s kind of that the character was changed because it is the wild card of the group. You don’t really easier to have a gay female on television than Gov. Pat Quinn. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald know what to expect from her. She thinks she a gay male. I don’t really see that at all, and I has herself very put together at the start of the watch a lot of TV. series and, as most teenagers come to realize, I think gay characters in general are kind of Several anticipated minutes passed as the gov- she has no idea. She’s also very clever—kind of hard to come by. I think Tea, the way that she ernor signed the bill and passed pens to Harris, too clever for her own good. So she is constantly treats her sexuality, is even harder to come by. Mell and legislators and supporters. U.S. Reps. looking for someone that can compete with her There is no tearful scene when she comes out Mike Quigley and Danny Davis were joined by and make things more exciting. of the closet. All of those things are kind of numerous state elected and appointed offi- WCT: What do you like about her? avoided, because I think when you look at high cials. When Quinn finished signing, the room SBD: I kind of love how she is so comfortable school today, it’s not really the case anymore. erupted in cheers. with herself and how confident she is with her She just kind of represents a large amount of After the signing, most of those gathered headed to another part of the building for a sexuality. ... She’s very honest. She is just such a teenagers that don’t have anyone on television celebration catered by the Hearty Boys and un- confident character. I think that is really great. to represent them. derwritten by businessman/philanthropist Fred Eychaner. Illinois is the sixth state to grant same-sex couples significant partner recognition. Civil unions will go into effect June 1. All couples in Illinois who have married or unionized else- State Rep. Deb Mell. Photo by Hal Baim where, will automatically be recognized as in a

Politicians and appointed officials on stage at the signing included, from left: Mike McGraith, Some of the male cast members of Skins. Photo by Jason Nocito Rocco Claps, Rep. Deb Mell, Sen. David Koehler, Rep. Mike Madigan and Rep. Greg Harris. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 19 very different. For example, I don’t know how would do anything for them. They are so smart JB: No we are not. That was funny. to use a gun. [Both laugh.] Nor can I be seen and very creative, incredibly supportive of the WCT: Did you ever think the movie Flash- backhanding people in the street for various rea- people around them. I loved the character. dance would have such a fan base so many WCT: It was an interesting part to play. years later? JB: Working with Gary Oldman was so much JB: I don’t think of my career in that way. I fun. He made me laugh every day. He is dedi- try to do one project at a time. I try to focus on cated to what he does. He gets in there and the thing before me and not make it into a grand doesn’t give up until he gets it. Frankly, Jason plan. Clarke, from the Code, is very similar in that way. WCT: My friend wanted me to mention that He’s like a dog with a bone, you know? he loved the short-lived television series WCT: I can imagine. 2000 Malibu Road [with Drew Barrymore]. JB: He doesn’t drop it until he’s got it. JB: That’s hilarious, thank you. You know what WCT: I interviewed and met your L Word sis- is fascinating? The guy that filmed the credits ter, Pam Grier, last year. for 2000 Malibu Road was the director for the JB: Oh you did? It was so exciting that she did third episode of Chicago Code: Guy Ferland. It is TELEVISION that book. I am really proud of her. a fantastic episode and actually my favorite. It WCT: It was hard for her to bring some of is the payoff so see it. that up. WCT: I will. So you have different directors Jennifer Beals JB: It must have been. She has had such an throughout the season? amazing life. We had dinner one night years ago JB: Yes and they each bring their own style. cracks with my brother. He is a writer and told her that Guy has a very strong visual sense and a great she had to do a book. We encouraged her to get script. It’s a really interesting show because you the ‘Code’ on it. are dealing with power and corruption, not just BY JERRY NUNN WCT: Speaking of books, Judy Shepard told in the street, but in the halls of politics. You are me you donated proceeds from your book to making the connection between the two. That Jennifer Beals has appeared in more than 50 her foundation. is something that’s compelling. It’s not just for films over the years. She is beginning anew JB: Yes, I did. I really love the Mathew Shepa- the people Chicago, but I think Chicago does it television-related endeavor on Fox, where she Jennifer Beals. Image from Fox rd Foundation and the work that they do. I think best. returns to her roots in The Chicago Code. she is such an extraordinary woman, leader and The Chicago Code rides into your televisions Windy City Times: Hello, Jennifer. I didn’t mother. I had their banner put on my float for on Fox Monday, Feb. 7. Check local listings at realize you grew up on the South Side of Chi- the Thanksgiving Day parade in Chicago. http://www.fox.com/chicagocode. cago. sons. WCT: I saw you speak at the Human Rights Jennifer Beals: I did. I also lived on the North WCT: Did you have a little training for this event years ago. Your dedication to LGBT Side—everywhere but the West Side. show then? rights has been amazing over the years. Why Center’s Oscar WCT: You don’t currently live in Illinois now, JB: There was some because it was so foreign do you feel so connected to us? do you? to me. There were ride-alongs with Detective JB: I think after playing Bette Porter on The L party Feb. 27 JB: No I split my time between L.A. and Van- Folino, who was our technical advisor. He was Word for six years I felt like an honorary member On Sunday, Feb. 27, Center on Halsted, couver. My new show is a mid-season replace- terrific. We had meetings with various adminis- of the community. They are not just gay issues. 3656 N. Halsted, will host its annual “On The ment so we will see if it is picked up for another trators. We realized there was a physicality that They affect everybody because they affect the Red Carpet” Oscar Party. 22 episodes and I will be in Chicago more. I needed so I started boxing a bit and doing fabric of our community. I am in a position to Guests will enjoy sponsored cocktails and WCT: It was great watching the new show more aggressive sports such as swimming and be helpful. buffet while the Academy Awards are broad- The Chicago Code and seeing all the sights. running. WCT: Well, it means a lot to us on our side. cast live on the big screen in the Hoover-Lep- JB: Well, Chicago is really a character in the WCT: That must be how you stay looking so JB: It just seems like a no-brainer. I don’t pen Theatre. For those who prefer to mingle, show, hence the title change. young! understand [“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”]. I do un- video monitors will be stationed throughout WCT: What was it originally called? JB: I don’t understand that. I don’t feel like I derstand that people are indoctrinated and they the third floor—even on the roof garden, JB: Ride-Along, the ride with the cops on their look young. That is not how I experience myself; have their point of view but hopefully slowly but which will be encased in a heated tent exclu- beat kind of thing. if someone experiences me like that then God surely we can help change the paradigm. That’s sively for the night’s event. Guests may bid WCT: I like the name Chicago Code much bless them! what I hope for and it’s happening little by lit- on vacations, spa packages and more in our better. WCT: You have the hottest sidekick, Anto- tle. It’s not easy. silent auction throughout the evening. JB: I do, too. I think it is more evocative of nio, on the first episode. WCT: What is the difference between The L For the first time ever, the center is con- what the show is about. You are dealing with JB: Isn’t he so cute? He is a lovely actor. His Word set and the Chicago Code set? ducting an Oscar prediction competition. For the power within the city and the code for the name is Manny Montana and he was really won- JB: On The L Word set we were very aware of $10, guests can submit a ballot with their different levels and areas of the city. derful to work with. There was no end to the what was going on in the news and various is- predictions before the telecast begins, and WCT: You play the first female police chief amount of teasing that went on around the set. sues. There was a time when I was on the Chi- results will be tabulated throughout the named Teresa. We just had a really great time with each other. cago Code set and in the van with teamsters night. The person with the most correct pre- JB: She is a superintendent, as its called in I have the old-lady taste and he tried to help me and other cast members. There was an amazing dictions will be announced at the conclusion Chicago. be a little more hip with my music taste. milestone that happened for gay marriage over of the ceremony, and will split the winnings WCT: Are you similar in ways to this charac- WCT: I just watched you in the [Denzel the summer and I was cheering in the car. I an- with the center. ter? Washington movie] Book of Eli the other nounced to everyone and they looked at me like Doors open for the red carpet pre-show at 6 JB: Oh gosh, no. I am not nearly as driven or day. I was crazy, like what do I care kind of thing? p.m., and the telecast begins at 7 .pm. Direc- organized. I have to talk out loud a lot in order JB: Oh, that was a really great experience. I was trying to explain how it affects everyone tor-level tickets ($75) include admission to to get myself out the door, to remember where WCT: Was that filmed out in the desert and then thought, “I am in another world now.” the party, and producer tickets ($125) include things are and get them together. I would aspire somewhere? I have a whole other battle here. We are not in reserved telecast seating in the theater with in many ways to be more like her but no I am JB: New Mexico. I love the Hughes brothers. I Kansas anymore! table service. See http://www.centeronhal- WCT: Definitely not in Dorothy’s world any- sted.org. more. [Both laugh.] DaveOuanoPhotography.com Events • Fashion • Fitness

ModelMayhem.com/DaveOuano Jennifer Beals in The Chicago Code. Photo courtesy of Fox [email protected] 20 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES KF: Well, I take steering incredibly seriously WCT: What’s one piece of advice for sellers and I think, as a realtor, we all have to do that. and one piece for buyers? With that said, when I am working with clients, KF: My advice to sellers—and, obviously, I believe it’s professional to help them make it depends on their situation and why they’re decisions, especially if it’s a client who’s not selling—is to not wait, hoping that prices start from the Chicago area. If a person asks me what climbing. Things will [get better], but not neighborhoods are specifically gay-friendly, I quickly. So my advice to sellers is the same as have no problem discussing that. MONTHLY REAL ESTATE SECTION my advice to buyers. WCT: One of the places is cover is River For- A lot of people are waiting for things to est. Admittedly, I know nothing about River change. What we have right now are very low Kelly Fondow Forest. [Fondow laughs.] What can you tell me interest rates that are beginning to [increase]. about that particular suburb? It’s a perfect time for buyers to buy right now. KF: First of all, it has a beautiful housing Interest rates are at 4.75 percent; at their low- talks suburbs, stock; a lot of these houses were built from the est last year, they were 4.35—which is abso- selling—and BP late 1800s to the 1920s. It’s on the Green Line lutely unheard-of. It’s a good time for buyers BY ANDREW DAVIS and the Metra, so it’s a 10-minute [ride] to the and sellers to make decisions. It’s going to be a Loop. It has a very, very strong school system. long time before things get better. Kelly Fondow is a real-estate agent who knows It’s a sister community to Oak Park, and they See http://www.KellyFondow.com. about dichotomy—after all, she shows proper- share a high school. It also has a small business ties to clients in the city of Chicago as well as district it shares with Oak Park. suburbs such as Berwyn and River Forest. Fon- dow—who lives in the Chicagoland area with her Real estate news: longtime partner, RoiAnn—talked with Windy —Buying Berkus: Nate Berkus—the interior City Times about differences between the areas designer who rose to fame through his appear- as well as buyers/sellers, her own background ances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and now has (which includes working with petroleum giant his own New York-based talk show—has listed BP) and “steering.” his seven-room Gold Coast condo for $2.65 Windy City Times: Is this the slow season million. Berkus, 39, paid $1.5 million for the for real estate? condo, which is almost 4,000 square feet, in Kelly Fondow: Well, typically it is deadly slow 2003. In 2006, he paid $550,000 for a one- starting from Thanksgiving through January. bedroom, 550-square-foot unit in Manhattan. Usually, you see the beginning of a “spring mar- Kelly Fondow. Photo courtesy of Fondow —Loehmann’s, Kenneth Cole close: On the ket” right after the Super Bowl. But I’ve been commercial end of things, the women’s apparel busy since the second week of January. discount chain Loehmann’s closed its 27,000- It was a very quiet second half of the year I know it very well. I started in areas I know square-foot State Street store Jan. 29, accord- [last year]. That first-time home buyer’s credit pretty well; I do about half my business in Oak ing to Crain’s. It also has closed a store in Oak went away and the people who bought felt hur- Park, River Forest and Forest Park. I probably do Brook, although the stores in Northbrook and ried—and business just stopped. I think people another 35 percent in Chicago. Plus, I worked Morton Grove are still open. started thinking over the holidays, and people for BP so long in the western suburbs that I Also, Kenneth Cole—the clothing, footwear are ready to buy. It feels to me and people in know that area pretty well, and that tends to be and accessory line—recently closed its shop at my office that it’s been a very nice start to the referral business from BP. 540 N. Michigan after more than a decade in year. However, sometimes are surprised by how the space. It was the only store in the state; WCT: So I was reading about your back- little they can buy for their money, depending two off-price outlets are still in Aurora and ground on GayRealEstate.com... on where they come from. If they come from Gurnee. KF: And who knows what it says there. It’s L.A., for example, there’s not so much “sticker Dorothy Brown. —Going postal: A local real estate invest- been a while since I’ve messed around on there. shock.” ment firm wants to transform a former post of- [Laughs] WCT: Are there any key differences between fice in Streeterville with restaurants and other WCT: ...and it states that you were once in conducting transactions in the city and the retail tenants after paying $5.9 million for the the heart of corporate America. So how did suburbs? Cook County two-story building, Crain’s reported. Newcastle you come to be involved in real estate? KF: Oh, absolutely. What I’ve found is that ev- Ltd. bought the 15,500-square-foot property at KF: I just decided; I worked for BP, actually. ery community has a distinct real-estate person- clerk’s mortgage 227 E. Ontario, which the U.S. Postal Service [WCT: Oooh.] Yes, I know. They were always big ality. recently moved out of after leasing for many oil, but they didn’t always bring a shiver up ev- The transaction, once the negotiation has hap- surplus fund years. “Properties don’t come available in this eryone’s spine when I said it. [Laughs] pened, tends to be pretty predictable. However, The office of the Clerk of Circuit Court of Cook market very often,” says Newcastle President/ I had been in human resources for many, many typically, in the suburbs, listing agents use lock- County, Dorothy Brown, has more than $17 mil- CEO Michael Haney. “We think it’s an excellent years, and the last seven or eight were with BP. boxes; if I’m representing a buyer and make an lion in mortgage surplus money ready to be location for a retail property.” We had worked in London, we had come back to appointment, I can let myself in the house and claimed by Cook County citizens, according to Chicago and they were going to try to move us take my clients through. In Chicago—probably a media release. to Houston—and my partner and I decided that a good 90 percent of the time—an agent repre- Last year, the Clerk’s Office disbursed more we weren’t moving to Houston. If we don’t stay senting the seller is at the property to show it. than $1 million to 37 individuals who were here, our kids will never have a place to come Also, in the city the scheduling is much more owed mortgage surplus funds. In 2009, $2 mil- home to. precise. In the suburbs I can say I’ll be at a lion was disbursed to more than 50 individuals. I took a severance package from them, which place between 10 o’clock and 11 o’clock on a The list of real estate escrow surplus cases goes was nice. And I decided that I didn’t want to be Tuesday morning. If I’m showing a property in as far back as 1990, although the largest con- in the position of handing people their walking Andersonville [in Chicago], I’ll say I’ll be there centration of cases begins in 2000. papers, which I had done for two years at BP. at 10:15, meet the selling agent, take my client The clerk’s office has mortgage surplus It was emotionally draining; it was horrible. I through and then we’ll go to the next property. amounts ranging from 13 cents to $460,000. figured it was a good time for a change, so I held It changes many things, like what I discuss with Many people are owed surpluses in amounts my breath and jumped in. clients in the property; you have two agents between $3,000-$10,000. I started in 2008, when the market was start- there in addition to the home seller. Log on to http://www.cookcountyclerkof- ing to fall apart; I watched a lot of realtors WCT: It sounds like it’s more laid-back in court.org and click on “Mortgage Surplus around me really struggle with the new reality. the burbs, which sounds like a reflection of Search.” For more information, call 312-603- I didn’t know any better; I hadn’t worked in real life itself in the city versus the suburbs. 5455. People may also go to the clerk’s office estate. I just worked really hard and it turned KF: Absolutely. It’s a completely different ani- at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington, and out great. mal. go to the accounting department on the 10th WCT: So when did you know it was for you? WCT: I have a question about a [concept], floor. KF: Oh, within the first few months. Actually, and I hope you can clear things up for me. People who have mortgage surplus money I had the mental chops and it turned out that When I recently spoke with another realtor, because their foreclosure cases are on the list a lot of the personality traits that made me a we talked about the whole idea of “steering.” must then go to the clerk’s office’s chancery good HR director were transferable. You become She said, for example, that you can’t tell a gay division; file a notice of motion (send notice of a shrink and counselor to buyers and sellers. I client that Boystown is a predominantly gay motion to the bank’s attorney) and a petition tend to have very intimate relationships with area of Lake View. for turnover of surplus funds. They will then be my buyers; it’s one of the biggest decisions they KF: Right. given a court date when the petitions will be make. WCT: But when I looked at your profile, it heard before a judge. If the judge grants the Kenneth Cole’s Chicago store has closed. WCT: You cover a pretty large area, don’t said, for example, “Kelly Fondow has provided release of the funds, the accounting depart- Photo of Cole by Andrew Davis you? these details about Berwyn, Illinois: Berwyn ment will issue surplus checks. KF: I do. I’m from Wisconsin, [but] I’ve been is quickly becoming a top destination for Gay in the Chicago area for, what, nine years now? families.” Isn’t that steering? WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 21 BOOKS Wade Rouse speaks the ‘Relative’ truth the trials, the love that all couples experience. By Tony Peregrin My last memoir, At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream, was a Today show Must- Wade Rouse, Saugatuck resident and author of Read and featured in USA Today, and the main- America’s Boy and At Least in the City Someone stream press really celebrated how I depicted my Would Hear Me Scream, is back with another col- relationship of nearly 15 years. I want to be a lection of uproarious essays—It’s All Relative: role model for not only for the LGBT community Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays and 50 but for straight people, too. My parents, Gary’s Boxes of Wine. parents, all of our grandparents, were married Tethered to yearly celebrations we are all for over 50 years, and they worked their asses forced to endure (anniversaries, birthdays, off to make their relationships thrive. They are Thanksgiving), as well as occasions especially my role models, and I want to show the world near and dear to the Rouse clan (Oscar night, that we have a true marriage, no matter what the Miss USA Pageant, Arbor Day), Rouse re- society may think. minds us of all of the ways we love, humiliate, WCT: What is your favorite thing about tour- Wade Rouse. Photo courtesy of Rouse frustrate, and forgive one another—especially ing behind a new book? family members—365 days a year. WR: Touring is a bit like being an actor and Rouse, often referred to as “the sexy Sedaris,” talking about your movie: In both instances, it’s WCT: I hear you have a few, as you call it, can make it. opened up to the Windy City Times about his a project you likely completed a year and a half “dirty Chicago secrets” that you partake in WCT: Your next project is titled I’m Not the new collection of comic essays; book-tour horror or two ago; you’re in the midst of new projects; while in the Windy City. Biggest Bitch in the Relationship”—which stories; and how Chelsea Handler and her dog and you have to revisit the old work, which is WR: When I’m tired, we order a stuffed pizza sounds like a book on dating for gays but it’s Chunk are involved with his new, forthcoming the new work in the public’s mind. and eat it like wild dogs in our hotel room. And, actually a dog anthology. “pet” project—a dog anthology. Thankfully, I’m an author that loves to tour, Gary must, must, must order at least one giant WR: Best. Title. Ever. Right? Yeah, “Bitch” is a Windy City Times: Wade, talk a little about read his work and meet his fans and readers. mixed bag (caramel and cheese) from Garrett’s to humorous dog anthology I created and am edit- how your new memoir is different than all the It’s a part of my job that I adore, and I’m glad, eat in Chicago, and then one to eat as we drive ing, which will be published in November from other family-holiday memoirs crowding book- because it’s a requirement to be an author to- home, or to our next tour stop. Usually, after an NAL/Penguin. I always wanted to do a book store shelves. day. Unless you’re a Franzen, the days where you hour with Garrett’s popcorn, it looks like we’ve about our dogs (Gary and I have two rescue Wade Rouse: This memoir is totally universal. I can just sit at home and write, and do noth- both been shot in the mouth and killed with mutts, Marge and Mabel—we like sturdy, old- mean, what person can’t relate to this book? We ing to promote are long over. You have to meet our bare hands. It’s humiliating. I heard a clerk school, grandma names for our pets—who are all share our family stories and holiday dysfunc- and greet, and blog and build your brand, even in a chi-chi shop once mumble, as we entered, the loves of our lives) that was in my humor tion with friends, neighbors, co-workers, thera- interpretive dance. Many authors are one-and- downing the corn, “F#@&ing tourists!” And, I brand: sarcastic, edgy, hilarious, a book that pists. dones because they don’t promote, or feel it’s yelled, spewing corn, “I’m a proud Chicagoan was sort of the anti-Marley-and-Me, a book that Really, though, this is the first “all-holiday” beneath them, not author-y. But, you can have and, just for that, I’m gonna touch everything made folks laugh, had no tragedy and was about memoir, one not just focused on Christmas, but the most amazing product in the world, and if in here that’s white!” God, I love Chicago. But, the fact that most owners are more neurotic on 34 holidays throughout the year, including the people don’t know about it, it’s doomed. Pub- I will always be a die-hard [St. Louis] Cardinals than their dogs. I also wanted to do something traditional and, well, the not-so-[traditional]. I lishers have cut their workforce, like everyone, fan—sorry. that helped shelters/charities. So, I came up cover Easter, Fourth of July, birthdays, anniver- and a publicist has a ton of books on her plate WCT: What do you think is the biggest mis- with “Bitch,” and worked my pretty little tail saries, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, at any given time, so you must take a lot of it conception of you? off to assemble a great group of hilarious writ- but I also cover the odd holidays, like Arbor Day, on yourself. WR: Misconception? That I want to be Sedaris. ers and comics to contribute essays about their St. Patty’s (all about Chicago!), Secretary’s Day WCT: Writers often have favorite horror sto- I don’t. We’re both funny and gay, but totally dogs, and their relationships with them. I then and Pez Collectors National Convention Day. ries from their time on the road promoting a different. When critics constantly compare me reached out to the Humane Society of the Unit- Really, holidays are our “memory moments” book. What are yours? to him, they’re being lazy. That’s like always ed States [HSUS], which jumped on board and and yet [they can be] the toughest times for WR: I have loads of strange signing/touring comparing Reese Witherspoon to Mae West— is backing the project tremendously. A portion many families and for many gay people. On the stories—a guy once in St. Louis swore he went simply because they’re blonde, straight, female of the proceeds will benefit the HSUS as well as surface, this looks like an essay collection, but I to high school with me, but I couldn’t remember actresses. Give me a break. Think for yourself. contributor charities and shelters. put great thought into which holidays and why, him (or, later, find him in any yearbook). He told WCT: Reveal something about yourself that Chelsea Handler’s dog, Chunk, “wrote” the so the narrative flow is like that of a full mem- Gary, “I know Wade better than you ever will!” might surprise your readers. foreword, and it is amazing. And I have 11 New oir, one that ebbs and flows, and has incredible Which, to me, is code for “He’s going to end WR: I lost 120 pounds. While I was in the York Times best-selling authors on board (in- humor and impact, so that by the end of the up in my trunk without pants and with a lot of closet, I ate nonstop. Now, I’m an exercise nut cluding Chicagoan Jen Lancaster, Laurie Notaro, book, you feel as if you’ve lived in the Rouse duct tape around his mouth.” At the end of the (many critics now call me “the sexy Sedaris”). Rita Mae Brown, Jill Conner Browne, Jane Green, House your entire life. I think holidays are like event, he was waiting outside the doors and be- Running and working out keep my sane and bal- Beth Harbison, Caprice Crane); great comics, like Campbell’s soup: They are life, condensed. gan to follow us. We alerted security, who asked anced, free my mind to be creative, while also Alec Mapa; and even a Tony winner (Jeff Marx, WCT: As you just mentioned, It’s All Rela- him if he needed help to his car. stopping it from spinning constantly. who co-created AVENUE Q). This anthology is tive also lampoons non-traditional holidays There was also the guy who walked up and Also—I had no connections in publishing. I amazing, and I’m so proud of it. like Barbie’s birthday. Does [Rouse’s partner] said, “Draw a kitty cat!” When I asked why, he was discovered in the “slush pile,” meaning my Wade Rouse will be giving a reading, talk, Gary mind that you’ve told the entire world said, “Because I love kitty cats, and no author letter and manuscript were chosen from a bin of Q&A and signing at the Li- that he “believes Barbie is his baby?” Or is has ever said no!” He was sweating and laughing thousands by my great literary agent. I believe brary, 400 S. State, on Wed., Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. he accustomed to your writerly shenanigans like Paul Lynde, and was clutching something in if you have talent, a unique voice, skin of steel, and at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln, on at this point? his pocket. So I drew this hideous cat (I cannot incredible determination and ability to take re- Thursday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. WR: Gary does believe that he birthed Bar- draw —a first-grader draws better than me) with jection while wanting to change the world, you bie (well, all 20 of his Barbies—even his new an arrow pointing to it, beside which I wrote, Thanksgiving Barbie) out of his mangina. Noth- “My pussy.” He was not amused. But I was. ing embarrasses Gary, or really, any of my fam- WCT: You’ll be doing a couple of readings/ Tues., Feb. 22, 7 p.m. ily—which is truly amazing. Gary lets me write signings in Chicago on Feb. 9 and 10. You boys Tracy Baim: The Half Life of Sgt. Jen Hunter about him without edit, which is the biggest live just outside of Saugatuck, so I imagine blessing in the world, although, I must say you and Gary visit Chicago fairly often. As the military gay ban with special guests we’ve had our touchy moments (especially in my WR: We head to Chicago a lot still, either as known as Don’t Ask, Don’t first memoir when I intimated he didn’t know part of work (book signings, lectures, writing Tell nears its end, a new what “parched” meant— which, by the way, he workshops), or just when we need a few days in novel about life as a lesbian and didn’t). That’s the tricky part about memoir: the city to shop, or catch a show. Typically, we in the military is available. You’re writing about those you love most, often stay either with friends (publishers love it when The Half Life of Sgt. Jen Hunter, by lesbian journalist in a very unflatteringly honest light. But, Gary is you save them a buck or two), or Random House Bev Kelli Tracy Baim, takes place the most honest person I’ve ever met, and such puts us up at Sax Chicago or The Majestic. Spangler Strickland during the first Gulf War, in honesty doesn’t make him flinch. He welcomes We usually do hit Boystown one night; we al- the early 1990s, prior to the Come for a reading from the book, it. I think it’s hard because people expect him ways eat at a new restaurant, and we always try compromise DADT law. The and a special performance of to be constantly flighty, for instance, or outra- a new coffeehouse. The one thing we always try military banned all gays and the play Half Life by Bev Spangler. geous 24-7, but readers must remember that I’m and do is find a new neighborhood to explore, lesbians from service, but Play reading by Spangler and Kelli writing about only a piece of our lives. and we also wander Michigan Avenue. Gary and tens of thousands bravely Strickland, who were both in the One of the things I’m most proud of is writ- I always like to run [along] the lakeshore—no served their country. film Hannah Free. ing about my relationship with Gary. I’m one of matter the temperature—when we’re there, and the few gay authors who really writes in-depth we always hit Unabridged Books or The Book 7OMENAND#HILDREN&IRSTs.#LARK   WWWWOMENANDCHILDRENlRSTCOM about his relationship: The beauty, the horror, Cellar. 22 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES BOOK REVIEW coherent mess), the book is eloquent and seam- less. In seven chapters filled with unstinting ac- Queer (In)Justice: counts of detail, acute analysis and historical research, the authors seek to complicate and un- The Criminalization settle what we might understand as the criminal- ization of LGBT people. The fact that they prefer of LGBT People the term “criminal legal system” rather than the more commonly used “criminal justice system” provides one way to understand this book’s in- in the United States tent. For them, this “reflects an acknowledg- ment of the reality that this system has not pro- by Joey L. Mogul, Andrea J. In 2008, Duanna Johnson, a Black transgender duced anything remotely approximating justice Ritchie and Kay Whitlock woman in Tennessee, was picked up by police for the vast majority of people in the United $27.95; Beacon despite no evidence of solicitation. At the police States … but rather bears major responsibility Press; 216 pages station, she refused to answer to an officer who for the continuing institutionalization of severe, called her a “she-he.” She was beaten so hard REVIEW BY YASMIN NAIR persistent, and seemingly intractable forms of that her skull split open. Johnson filed a suit violence and inequality.” Major progress has been made on the road to against the police but, before the matter could Queer (In)Justice pulls no punches in laying LGBT “full equality.” Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell has go to trial, was found shot execution style under out how this system brutalizes the most margin- been repealed, and while gay marriage is only mysterious circumstances. alized while remaining confident that no one will legal in a few states, gay organizations have In each case, the victims were identified as pay attention or care much. In the case of John- already earmarked millions for that fight. Most queer and suffered at the hands of a system that son, Reverend Dwight Montgomery, president of significantly for some, the Supreme Court made a used their gender and sexual identities to mark the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, landmark decision in the 2003 case of Lawrence them as inherently prone to violence and/or de- said that he was appalled but added, “I certainly race, income level and sexual and gender iden- v. Texas to finally end antiquated laws against serving of horrendous and illegal punishment. don’t condone transgender [sic] or homosexual- tity (perceived or otherwise). Thus, “[a] narrow sodomy. Or, as the brilliant and searing new book Queer ity.” At the same time, mainstream LGBT groups telling of the story of sodomy laws also creates It’s Lawrence v. Texas that convinces many LG- (In)Justice forcefully reminds us, “The specter jumped on the opportunity to use the case to mutually exclusive categories of ‘people who are BTs that queers can no longer be criminalized. of criminality moves ceaselessly through the advance hate-crimes legislation, without criti- discriminated against on the basis of race’ and As gay marriage appears on the horizon, LGBTs lives of LGBT people in the United States.” cizing the police department for failing to end ‘people who suffer oppression as queers.’” And stand at the foot of the rainbow ready to hoist Queer (In)Justice’s three co-authors have long what was clearly a systemic problem that could so, Johnson, a Black, poor, transgender woman themselves over it and rappel downwards on the worked on the prison industrial complex and the be handled with existing laws in place. who could not access drug addiction treatment other side to the promised land. criminal legal system. Joey Mogul is well known This is the kind of contradiction that this book programs because she refused to present as a But, meanwhile … in 1999, Bernina Mata, a to Chicago and national anti-death penalty ac- unpicks so artfully: the fact that the mainstream man, was at once ignored by her supposed com- Latina lesbian in Illinois, was sentenced to the tivists, and has represented men who sued Jon LGBT community on the one hand expressly munity of gays and targeted by a system that death penalty in a case where Assistant State’s Burge. Andrea Ritchie is a police misconduct at- wants law and order to work on its behalf even recognized her socio-economic vulnerability and Attorney Troy Owen declared that she had “a torney in , and Kay Whitlock was as it sees the history of how that very system punished her for talking back. motive to commit this crime in that she is a the national representative for LGBT Issues for The book is critical of the mechanisms osten- hard core lesbian … .” the American Friends Service Committee and is sibly designed to provide correctives to such In 2001, Freddie Mason, a Black gay nurse’s now a Montana-based organizer and writer. To cases. In a chapter-long critique of hate-crimes assistant in Chicago, was arrested after a verbal their great credit, despite the presence of three legislation, they point out the fallacy of such. argument with his landlord “and anally raped very distinct individuals with long-standing ties Originating in the 1950s as a way to ensure that with a billy club covered in cleaning fluid by a to their subject matter (which is a delicate way African-Americans would get fair treatment un- police officer who called him a ‘nigger fag.’” of saying: this could have dissolved into an in- der the law, hate-crimes legislation persuades us to ignore the fact that law enforcement it- self specifically targets what might be deemed protected categories (lesbians, Black gay men, transgender women). In addition, they convince us that bias-based violence springs from indi- vidualized and ignorant impulses, allowing us to CLICKTOWIN! forget that “behavior that is racist, homopho- bic, transphobic … does not occur in a political vacuum.” Queer (In)Justice, written in an accessible HOWL style for a general audience, is a much-needed Starring James Franco corrective to the idea that “law and order” oper- ate as just and abstract concepts in a system Win the DVD with special bonuses that will protect the innocent. It persuasively argues that innocence is a shifting category, PLUS a copy of contingent on visible markers of race and class Allen Ginsberg’s book! privilege. A concluding chapter provides al- ternatives to the rush to involve conventional Special edition DVDs of Oscilloscope policing systems. For instance, in Tennessee, Laboartories’ latest film, HOWL, featuring following the Johnson murder, the Tennessee Joey Mogul. a plethora of extra features that help bring Transgender Political Coalition began calling on Allen Ginsberg’s controversial poem to life. transphobic businesses to provide more employ- Accompanying them is a paperback copy ment opportunities for transphobic businesses of the poet’s classic work - the City Lights has consistently worked to deny it the most ba- and for shelters to end their practice of turning Books’ Pocket Poet Series featured in the film sic rights—until relatively recently in our his- away transgender people and forcing them live and the boundary-changing obscenity trial tory, Chicago police could arrest lesbians for on the streets. that surrounded it. wearing trousers that closed in the front, not It’s here, though, that the book runs the risk the back or sides as “ladies” might wear. of occluding the clarity it otherwise provides so The film is available wherever DVDs and Blu- What explains such contradictions? The an- well. In writing about the accomplishments of Rays are sold. swer, as Queer (In)Justice reveals, lies partly in various alternative queer groups, for instance, the mainstream LGBT community’s recent acces- it mentions, a few times, Chicago’s Queer to the sion to a position of power and influence such ENTER TO WIN one DVD and one book by Left (Q2L) for its campaigns against gentrifica- that it genuinely believes that it is above such tion and the death penalty, describing it as a sending an email with “HOWL” treatment. It also lies in the fact that LGBTs in the subject line to “multi-racial, grassroots group.” I was, along extrapolate very specific lessons from the his- with Joey Mogul, a member of Q2L. Even until [email protected] tories that we understand and/or uncover. For by Mon., February 7 to be entered. her acknowledgments at the end of the book, instance, the commonly related narrative about where she speaks of it in the past tense, it’s sodomy laws is that they represented the worst hard to discern that the group in fact no lon- Winner will be selected at random from all of Puritanical impulses and that their repeal now entries and will be notified via email. ger exists. In and for its time, Q2L did excellent means the end of the criminalization of LGBT work but by the time I left in about 2003, some people. months before its eventual demise, it was en- But those most affected unjustly by an already tirely white and mostly male (a colleague wryly unjust criminal legal system are also marginal- ized on account of any and every combination of Turn to page 23 WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 23 ACCOUNTANTS service for homes, small businesses and small buildings. 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place to receive God’s grace and love and to give of ourselves, as well. 10:15am, Urban Village Church, Spertus Institute, 610 S. Michigan, http://www.newchica- gochurch.com Super Bowl Sunday at Scot’s Super Bowl Sunday at Scot’s with the 12th annual Brought to you by the combined efforts of “Slap My Ass and Call Me Sally” chili con- test. Bring in your culinary creation be- fore the game. Judging at half time. 1st ‘CANDY’ GIRL place wins $100. 12 p.m., Scot’s, 1829 Sunday, Feb. 6 W Montrose Avenue, http://www.chica- goscotsbar.com It’s all about the Material Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Open to any sexual orientation, Girl at Berlin, 954 W. Wed., Feb. 2 gender identity, and any racial or ethnic Belmont, when DJ Riley 23rd National Conference on LGBT Equal- EXECUTIVE ORDER group, their parents, family members and York spins Madonna ity: Creating Change More than 2,000 Monday, Feb. 7 friends, and any person who cares about tunes. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender the LGBT community. Speaking will be (LGBT) rights advocates will converge to WCT Publisher/Executive Deborah L. Wilke, a licensed Clinical Pro- strategize and organize for the critical Editor Tracy Baim will discuss fessional Counselor and a Nationally Certi- year ahead and a diverse lineup of keynote her book, Obama and the fied (Master’s Level) Psychologist. 2 p.m., speakers. 12 p.m., Minneapolis, Minn., Gays: A Political Marriage, at 630-415-0622, Unitarian Church of Hins- http://www.creatingchange.org dale, 17 W. Maple, Hinsdale, http://www. Free: Faith Training workshop by PFLAG National-Louis University, 122 pflagillinois.org College Chicago; a frequent contributor Come learn how to initiate dialogue and S. Michigan. Chicago Pride Invitational Annual Super to Time Out Chicago, Red Eye, and Metro- plan a panel discussion in your faith com- Bowl Party Come to North End to watch mix, and a co-founder of Reading Under munity. Not about politics and not about Super Bowl XLV! We will have food, prizes the Influence; Gina Frangello is the au- advocacy, this workshop is about the and lots of fun! Benefitting the Chicago thor of the novel My Sister’s Continent and everyday changes you can make in your Pride Invitational Bowling Tournament the short-story collection Slut Lullabies, executive editor for Other Voices Books faith community. 7 p.m., 708-784-1662, www.saic.edu/exhibitions gress, http://www.auditoriumtheatre.org and Scratch Masters; 5 p.m., North End, Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect and fiction editor for the popular online Hedwig Unplugged Come check out Hedwig The Gritty World Premiere of Bordello 3733 N Halsted, http://www.cpi-chicago. literary collective The Nervous Breakdown Gay Liberation Network organizing meet- and the Angry Inch like you’ve never seen Chicago Dramatists will Present The World org 7 p.m., Women & Children First, 5233 N. ing Monthly organizing meeting of the it before. UNPLUGGED! Local artist Manny Premiere Of Bordello, A Susan Smith Madonnarama Get into the groove at Ber- Clark, http://www.womenandchildrenfirst. Gay Liberation Network. 7 p.m., 773-209- Capozzi interprets the best punk rock mu- Blackburn Prize Nominee, By Resident lin’s Madonnarama with DJ Riley York. 10 com 1187, Berger Park Cultural Center 6205 N. sical ever written in the veil of acoustic Playwright Aline Lathrop. 8 p.m., 312- p.m., Berlin, 954 W Belmont Ave, http:// Sheridan, http://www.gayliberation.net electronica. This month’s featured guest 633-0630, Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. www.berlinchicago.com You’re The Star Karaoke with Honey West musician is the amazing Kyle Greer. No Chicago, http://www.chicagodramatists. Thursday, Feb. 10 Judy Shepard and Riki Wilchins speak Every Wednesday with Honey West! Sing Cover. Come armed with your Hedwig! 9 org Monday, Feb. 7 Out, Louise! Take your place in the spot- “Addressing Hatred & Strengthening the p.m., Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, http:// Tearing Down the Walls performance and Obama and the Gays: a Political Marriage light! There’s not a bad seat in the house. LGBT Community through Personal Action www.hamburgermarys.com/chicago discussion ETA Creative Arts Foundation author talk National-Louis University’s 10 p.m., 773-281-3355, Roscoe’s Tavern, & Professional Support” presentation and SIN Thursdays at Roscoe’s Join Us for the hosts a talk on HIV/AIDS in the African GLBTQA Community Interest Group and the panel, presented by Judy Shepard, The 3356 N Halsted St, http://www.roscoes. HOTTEST Music on Halsted! 10 p.m., 773- American community following the 8 p.m. Public Policy Student Organization pres- Matthew Shepard Foundation and Riki com 281-3355, Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. performance, led by Dr. John Schneider, ent Tracy Baim, author of Obama and the Wilchins, TrueChild. 12:30 p.m., Loyola River, http://www.roscoes.com assistant professor of Medicine and Epide- Gays: A Political Marriage, a rich discourse University Chicago, 25 E. Pearson, Phillip Thursday, Feb. 3 miology at the Medi- on the many facets of policy, politics, and H. Corboy School Of Law, 15th floor The Peculiar and the Particular: A Con- Friday, Feb. 4 cal Center. 8 p.m., ETA Creative Arts Foun- lesbian/gay rights, from gays and lesbians Curators John Corbett and Jim The Vagina Monologues Features the voices versation The State Ballet Theatre of Russia pres- dation, http://www.etacreativearts.org in the military to gay marriage and civil Dempsey will lead a public conversation of women from around the world, their ents: Swan Lake The State Ballet Theatre The Red Carpet of Sound: Musical Pair- unions, issues impacting civil and human in the School of the Art Institute of Chi- stories funny, witty, impassioned, candid, of Russia brings the world’s most beloved ings, a cappella and with Piano Patrick rights, and ultimately, our professional creating an eclectic mix of narratives all cago (SAIC) Sullivan Galleries with art- ballet, “Swan Lake,” to glorious life for Sinozich, a Gay and Lesbian Hall of Famer practice, open to all faculty, students and centered around the experiences of being ists Art Green, Tyson Reeder, Mary Lou one weekend only Feb. 4 – 5 at the Au- and renowned for his work as artistic di- staff. Please see future dates for commu- a woman, fatures original Chicago Me- Zelazny, and curator Lisa Stone. 12 p.m., ditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. rector of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, nity book signings. R.S.V.P to timothy. tropolis cast, through the first weekend in 312.629.6635, The Art Institute of Chi- 7:30 p.m., 800- 982-2787, Auditorium will star. 8 p.m., Wentz Concert Hall, 171 [email protected]. 5:30 p.m., National- May. 8 p.m., 630-896-6666., Paramount cago, 111 South Michigan Avenue, http:// Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Con- E. Chicago, Naperville, http://www.chica- Louis University, 122 S. Michigan, http:// Theatre’s Copley Theatre, http://www. goacappella.org www.nl.edu/glbtq paramountaurora.com Charlie’s Man of the Month 10 p.m., Char- Live Band Karaoke with Amy Armstrong lie’s, 3726 N. Broadway, http://www.char- Host Amy Armstrong ushers you to your lieschicago.com place in the spotlight as you perform live Friday, Feb. 11 with the band at Roscoe’s! There’s not a Tickled Pink fundraiser for Y-ME Tickled Saturday, Feb. 5 bad seat in the house; 10 p.m., Roscoe’s Pink brings together the city’s hip, young or young at heart for a celebration worthy Auditions for Gay Cabaret Seeking ac- Tavern, 3356 N Halsted St, http://www. of any V.I.P, all to ensure no one faces tors, musicians, singers, and dancers of roscoes.com breast cancer alone. At the event, guests ALL AGES for an original theatre piece will walk the pink carpet, sip on deli- at Passion Theatre in Oak Park. 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 8 cious cocktails and dine on hors d’oeuvres 773-426=1168, Passion Theatre 405 S. Eu- Lambda Legal’s 10th Annual “Freedom To and late night munchies by many of Chi- clid, Oak Park, http://euclidumc.org Marry 2011” Gala For the last 10 years, cago’s favorite restaurants. Tickets are 9 to 12 Bowling LGBT bowling league held Lambda Legal has hosted the “Freedom to $75 in advance. Space is limited. 7 p.m., the 1st Saturday of the month at River- Marry” Gala. After this year’s passage of 312-294-8557, The Underground Chicago, Rand Bowl in Des Plaines. 9 p.m., River the Illinois Civil Unions Bill, the tenth an- 56 W. Illinois, http://www.tickledpinkchi- Rand Bowl, 191 S. River, Des Plaines niversary of Freedom to Marry is sure to cago.com CAKE Chicago. February is SO VERY... Fea- be an energetic celebration. 6:30 p.m., turing comedy by Sapna Kumar; music by Mexican Fine Arts Center, 1852 W. 19th, Diva Kai, Humble Tripe, BullFighter and http://www.lambdalegal.org Saturday, Feb. 12 Equality Illinois 20th Annual Justice for hosted by Ripley Caine; 9 p.m., 773-274- Dating for Gay Nerds Annual singles Val- All Benefit Gala Continuing its more than 5463, The Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood, entine’s bash. Includes a cocktail. 7 p.m., decade-long tradition as the largest LGBT http://www.facebook.com/cakechicago Downtown Bar, 440 N. State black-tie gala in the Midwest, Equality Illi- DJ Joe Gauthreaux at Hydrate Superstar DJ 46th Ward Democrats Aldermanic Forum nois hosts this event. 6 p.m., Chicago Hil- Joe Gauthreaux will keep Hydrate’s dance A chance to hear directly from the candi- ton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan, http:// floor pumping until 5AM this Saturday! 10 dates and to ask them questions about the www.eqil.org/gala2/gala2.html p.m., Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, http:// issues; free food and drink specials; open Special Linda Eder offer for Valentine’s www.hydratechicago.com to the public. RSVP Sean Tenner, Sean@ The46thWard.org; 7 p.m., 312-576-8822, show One of today’s truly great contem- Sunday, Feb. 6 Holiday Club, 4000 N. Sheridan porary solo voices, with newly penned originals, great cover songs from pop and Rainbow Brunch North Shore Rainbow country music and new arrangements to Brunch is a social group for GLBT men Wed., Feb. 9 some of her classic hits all for $80. The and women who live in the Chicago sub- Lesbian Love Fest, Dating for Nerds An- offer expires Feb. 4. 8 p.m., North Shore urbs; although all are welcome. Contact nual singles Valentine’s bash. Includes a Center for the Performing Arts, http:// [email protected] for more infor- cocktail. 7 p.m., Downtown Bar, 440 N. www.northshorecenter.org/lindaederwct. mation; 10am, Old Country Buffet, 8780 State WED RECKONING cfm Dempster, Niles Julia Borcherts, Gina Frangello, and Chris- Tuesday, Feb. 8 Urban Village Church service Worship is tine Sneed Fiction readings by three very about coming together as community to talented local writers: Julia Borcherts is make space for God to move in us. It’s a a fiction-writing instructor at Columbia Lambda Legal’s 10th Annual “Freedom to Marry” gala will take place at the Mexican Fine Arts Center, 1852 W. 19th. Get WindyCityMediaGroup.com Photo from 2009 by Emmanuel Garcia : online ChicagoPride.com WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 25

BILLY MASTERS LLiivvee!! SSttaanndd--UUpp CCoommeeddyy EEvveerryy TThhuurrss 88ppmm--99::1155 “We didn’t get a nomination 4 best song! That sucks! Diane’s song is so beautiful! Maybe she would have had a better chance if someone else was singing it?!”—Cher expresses her dismay when “You Haven’t Seen The Last of Me” didn’t get an Oscar nomination. Maybe, like Cher, the Academy voters didn’t see Burlesque. Last week began with a chance encounter in ® an elevator with someone who makes my hair color look natural. Picture it—trapped in an enclosed area for several minutes with Derek Hough. He spent the ride glued to his Blackberry, and when he darted out a few floors before me, I noticed he dropped something. I could have called out to him but the doors were just about to close. (OK, I was more curious to see what Cher is disappointed with the Academy. he left behind.) It was his temporary ID card that the building issues to all people who check in. I earlier noticed him holding it between his Karan, Ingrid Sischy, Andy Cohen, Vera Wang and TThhuurrssddaayy,, FFeebb 33rrdd teeth while he texted. And you know what that her friend, Miss Lysacek—apparently my invita- BBrraaddlleeyy TThhoommaass && AAddaamm GGuueerriinnoo wweellccoommee...... means—DNA! If I can get in touch with that guy tion got lost in the mail! Said invite read: “In who cloned Dolly, I could grow my own Derek the spirit of the New Year and in celebration of LLaauurreenn VViinnoo,, TTaammaallee SSeepppp aanndd JJaammeess FFrriittzz Hough—or at the very least, a sheep with blond Nick Gruber’s birthday, please join Calvin Klein highlights who’ll bottom! for dinner and drinks at Indochine Jan. 21 at 9 You wouldn’t think that a pop princess from p.m. It will be the hottest ticket for New York’s TThhuurrssddaayy,, FFeebb 1100tthh the ‘80s would be breaking news, but last week gay and fashion elite.” I always think that when Bradley Thomas & Adam Guerino welcome... it was all about Tiffany. For those of you who someone refers to themselves as being part of Bradley Thomas & Adam Guerino welcome... don’t know, Tiff and Debbie/Deborah Gibson the “elite,” they probably aren’t. And I wonder KKrriisstteenn SSttuuddddaarrdd,, RRoobbeerrtt BBAArrddwweellll aanndd were promoting their SyFy flick, Mega Python vs. why I wasn’t invited! It might have something Gatoroid, on Bravo’s gabfest, Watch What Hap- to do with me running all sorts of nude photos BBeetthh SStteelllliinngg pens Live. When Andy Cohen asked about her and footage of Nick (pre-reconstructive surgery) dating one of the New Kids on the Block, Tiffany on BillyMasters.com. I’ll run pics from the party, AABBSSOOLLUUTT--LLYY tentatively talked about Jonathan Knight, who too. HHIILLAARRIIOOUUSS she described as quiet and shy. (Gibson piped I’ve been silent about the alleged break-up in “and the cutest.”) Tiffany continued, “He be- of Jake Gyllenhaal and Taylor Swift. Here’s what 33334499NN..HHaallsstteedd came gay later. I didn’t do it—but he’s fabulous.” I don’t understand—why do people think that SSiiddeettrraacckkCChhiiccaaggoo..ccoomm When Cohen asked, “Did you turn him?” (Andy, every guy who has a cup of coffee with Taylor you should know better), Tiff was happy to give is dating her? And if these two did indeed date, more details: “No. See, I had issues with that. I why does everyone think Jake’s the one who was thinking maybe I did. But no. Now looking did the dumping? I mean, look at Swift’s track back, when we were dating, he was so much fun. record. After being “dumped” by every eligible We used to do facials together. I’m like, he was bachelor on both coasts, you might need to look so easy to talk to. And he was fabulous.” May I in a mirror. If I were Jake, I’d certainly enjoy say that if you’re using the words “fabulous” and looking in a mirror—especially given the hi- “facials” to describe your boyfriend, he’s gay. def nude snaps we’ve got of him from Love and In short order, Tiffany was informed that Jon Other Drugs, a film neither I nor most of my fans wasn’t out. Oopsie! She immediately tweeted, saw. Fear not—we’ve got the stills and video on “Really didn’t know that was the wrong thing to BillyMasters.com that reveal Taylor would be a say. Never meant to hurt Jon.” Knight respond- lucky lady if she did, in fact, go out with him. ed, “I’m so devastated.....how can I not remem- And she’d be walking funny... thanks ber getting facials?” There’s that Boston humor Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Yawar in we’re known for! He then said, “Tiff, please don’t Baltimore: “Who is the hot young blond hunky KIRK WILLIAMSON lose any sleep over it! I know you weren’t being guy who is shirtless in the T-Mobile commer- mean and I found it funny.” Days later, he fol- cials?” on his 10th anniversary lowed it up with a blog post which said, in part: Ahhh—we got lots of e-mails about him af- “I have never been outed by anyone but myself. ter the previous commercial, where he gave the with our company. I did so almost twenty years ago. I never knew guy from AT&T a piggy-back ride. Many thought that I would have to do it all over again publicly he was Neil Haskell from So You Think You Can just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived Dance. It’s actually Andrew J. West, who you may my life very openly and have never hidden the recall from “Greek” or more recently $#*! My Dad fact that I am gay!” Incidentally, the exclama- Says. You may not have been able to place him THANK YOU, tion points are his, not mine. because he’s usually a brunette—and if you’re This isn’t the first time Jon’s been outed. shocked to hear he’s not a natural blond, please Last year, an ex-boyfriend of his sold a story stop reading this column immediately. to the tabloids. Said boyfriend was sometime When I’m considering switching my cell ser- KIRK! Brazilian model Kyle Wilker, who was paid the vice, it’s definitely time to end yet another col- princely sum of $8,000—which was likely twice umn. Let me make something clear—my little his annual salary in the motherland. In his ex- jabs at Derek Hough and Andrew West don’t posé, Kyle revealed that Jonathan decided he mean I have a thing against guys who color Kirk joined our company preferred guys after dating Tiffany—so maybe their hair. Let he without Clorox cast the first in 2001 as a sales she did turn him! I’ll run photos of the boys on stone. That said, I do have a problem with bad representative. He has BillyMasters.com. dye jobs. Didya see the pictures of Ricky Martin’s increased his responsibilities Brazilians aren’t the only models cashing in. unfortunate polka-dotted look? You can see him over the years to now Calvin Klein’s relationship with sometime model/ (and everyone else) on www.BillyMasters.com— include managing editor of porn star Nick Gruber seems to still be hot and/ the site that never strays too far from its roots. Nightspots, and art director or heavy since the legendary designer threw his If you’ve got a question, drop a note to Billy@ for all of the boytoy a 21st birthday party. I always think it’s BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to Windy City Media Group lovely when you can coincide celebrating your you before Tiffany admits she also went out with publications. beau becoming legal with when you start col- Jordan Knight! So, until next time, remember, lecting Social Security. The swanky soirée was one man’s filth is another man’s bible. attended by such guests as Anna Wintour, Donna 26 Feb. 2, 2011 WINDY CITY TIMES FITNESS now weighing the lowest I have ever weighed as an adult, even less than I did at high school graduation, and am very near to weighing half Michael Grimes: my former body weight. “This is a secondary reason I see Mike; when one’s skin has accomodated 484 pounds, it does Trainer talks about not know what to do when that person hits the 240s. I needed to tone up and muscle definition; reaching goals all the cardio in the world was not going to give me that. “Since meeting and working out with Mike [for] By Ross Forman So Grimes always preaches the S.M.A.R.T. plan. about eight or nine weeks, I have dropped an Of course, that’s the ritual that includes Specif- additional 10 pounds, as well as a waist and It’s resolution time, so that means fitness goals ic, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. shirt size. Our first meeting was an hour and a for many. “The worst thing to do is initiate too much half long where we discussed my goals, time- Or maybe they’re just dreams. Some are realis- change too quickly,” Grimes said. “That’s why lines, eating patterns, cardio activity, etc. From tic; some aren’t. steady gym-goers know that the gym sucks for there we developed a plan and got to work. Each They are, though, without question, a lifestyle the first two weeks of January—because of all session he checks in with me about my weight, change. the New Years ‘resolutionists.’ After that, 95 my eating and my cardio activity. By week three, “Changing the appearance of your body is ex- percent of the newbie’s have disappeared. Make I had already noticed changes in muscle tone, tremely difficult,” said certified personal trainer sure you know your plan of action. That’ll help strength as well as how clothing was fitting dif- Michael Grimes, who lives in Chicago’s Old Town you be a part of that 5 percent that sticks with Michael Grimes. Photo by Ross Forman ferently. He is energetic, kind, and cares about neighborhood and sees clients at a private gym it.” his clients. I have worked with two other trainers in Lincoln Park. “That’s why most of us don’t before, and while both of them were very good, To that, Grimes stresses learning how to main- look the way we want to look. Start with sim- he is something different. If you are thinking tain good form on your lifts. “Nothing is more More fitness tips from certified personal ple changes and work your way up to the big about giving a trainer a try, give Mike a call. He important than that to keep you from injuring trainer Michael Grimes: ones.” offers a deal for purchasing multiple sessions to- yourself,” he said. “Swallow your pride and cut —About nutrition: “Eat meals rich in protein And definitely start with your diet—don’t just gether: Get the 10-pack to start working on your down on the amount of weight you’re working and complex carbohydrates every two to three focus on how much to lift, or how many miles of six-pack! You won’t regret it, trust me.” with.” hours. Make adjustments to how many calories cardio conditioning to complete. —Final thoughts: “Make sure you tell your And always set realistic goals—or unrealistic you ingest according to weight gain or weight “Focus on your diet,” said Grimes, 33, who has friends and family about your plans and that goals lead to quick failure. loss. When you’re at a bar, everyone wants to been a personal trainer for seven years. “Cardio you expect their support. Making a serious “You will stay more motivated by setting easy see you drinking, so make it a soda water with and lifting are great and necessary supplements commitment to getting in shape will cause you weekly goals, such as, ‘Don’t drink any alcohol a splash of cranberry. That’ll keep everyone from to the achievement of your fitness goals, but to change how you socialize, and your friends all week,’ or, ‘Do cardio three times this week for asking, ‘Why aren’t you drinking?’ more than half of your success is going to come won’t be happy about it when you don’t want a half hour.’ Little changes will make a difference —Three things to make workouts benefi- from your diet. to go out to the bar three nights per week. It in your physique and therefore give you more cial: 1) Walk into the gym with a workout pro- “Eat breakfast every morning rich in protein helps to have a friend to workout with to keep steam to make more and more changes,” Grimes gram. Don’t fly by the seat of your pants. 2) and complex carbs. Do cardio first thing in the each other going. Once you start to see your said. “I understand that you may feel insecure Have proper form. Throwing weights around that morning or after you lift [weights], and lift body change, you will feel more inclined to stay about the way you look, or just feel at sea in a are 25 percent heavier than they should be isn’t three times per week at least. away from your old habits that made you fat, or strange and foreign place when you walk into helping you reach your goal. 3) Eat complex “Don’t be shy about going to a public gym. I skinny, or weak, and that will change your taste the gym. Have a plan of action written out. If carbs before you lift to give you energy to get remember how intimidating it was to step into a in methods of socializing.” you know which exercises you need to do for through your workout. gym for the first time. Everybody looks like they how many sets and reps, you’ll focus more on know what they’re doing. Truth is, most don’t, —Weight lifting or cardio: Both! Weight lift- the task at hand, and less on what’s happening ing increases your metabolism, muscle tone, and so fake it till you make it.” around you. Put those headphones in your ears Grimes graduated from West Leyden High bone density. Cardio is weight lifting for your GAY SOFTBALL and drown out the world around you.” heart, and helps burn off stored energy (fat). School in suburban Northlake in 1995, and then Grimes said a realistic goal is losing one to WORLD SERIES PROFILE the University of Illinois in 1999. He is single —Fitness within the LGBT community: “It three pounds per week, or decreasing your body isn’t easy shaking off the first two decades of and gay, and logs about 32 training hours per fat by 1-3 percent per month. Chuck Jacobson shame instilled in us for being different. Feeling By Ross Forman week, with 14 clients, ranging in age from 24 to “It can take as long as one year to gain 10 better about the way you look improves your 62. pounds of muscle,” he said. “It is unrealistic confidence and makes your life better in many Chuck Jacobson played in the 2008 and 2010 “I have a pretty good mix of [clients who I to think you’re going to look like the dude or ways. When you have more confidence, you will Gay Softball World Series so, of course, he’s train]—both men and women, gay and straight, woman in a fitness magazine in three months.” make better decisions about how you treat your- excited about the 2011 tournament, to be bears, twinks, muscleheads, you name it. I train But, he added, “Exercising not only improves self, how you let others treat you, and how you held in the Chicago area and which the Chi- ‘em all,” Grimes said. “The most common goal your body, it improves your emotional health, treat others.” cago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA) for my clients is to lose fat and gain muscle, which improves every aspect of your life. That’s —About Mike, from client Darryn Dunbar, is sponsoring. but you have the occasional client who is trying worth making time for.” 42, who lives in Lakeview and is a nursing But he just doesn’t want to play—if his to improve flexibility, even out a muscle imbal- Certified personal trainer Michael Grimes professor at Truman College: “I found Mike team qualifies, that is. ance, be better at a sport, or just keep active as can be reached by e-mail at mgrimes311@ sort of by happenstance a couple of months ago. Jacobson also wants to umpire games in they have trouble doing so on their own.” gmail.com. Originally connecting in a chat room, I noticed the 35th annual, weeklong softball spectacle, that he was a personal trainer with a goal to get run by the North American Gay Amateur Ath- into nursing school. Conversely, I’m a nursing letic Association (NAGAAA). professor who was looking for a personal trainer. The series is scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 3 After a couple exchanges back and forth, we de- at field complexes in Elmhurst, Schaumburg cided to meet in person to see if this would and St. Charles. More than 4,000 players from be a good fit. I had already made a conscious North America are expected, and this is the decision to give up my usual team sports of first time Chicago has hosted the event since volleyball and bowling this season to put that 1983. time, and money, into getting more toned and Jacobson, 35, who lives in Roscoe Village “muscularly” fit. Despite being an overweight and drives for FedEx, plays outfield for the guy, I am pretty cardiovascularly fit, having run Green Team Properties/Gotcha Covered Blinds several endurance and short distance events. G-Force, which captured the C-Division cham- “More recently, I had been training for TPAN’s pionship in the annual 2010 Minuteman Clas- AIDS ride, however, an unexpected surgery days sic gay softball tournament in Boston, Mass. before the ride sidelined me from that event. “I’m excited for the World Series to see the My body changing and weight loss journey be- friends I’ve made over the years at softball gan over 7 years ago when I weighed nearly 500 tournaments here in my city of Chicago,” said pounds and turned to gastric bypass surgery as Jacobson, who has participated in the Series a means to assist me in losing weight. One could in Seattle, Wash., and Columbus, Ohio. say I am a gastric bypass success story with the In addition to the on-field excitement, the weight I have lost and kept off. In the fall of off-the-field experiences certainly are part of 2008, I experienced a cycling injury that ren- the series. Participants are expected to have dered me unable to exercise. In the next four fun, and the bars in Boystown will probably months, I quickly tacked on an additional 30 be out of control that week. pounds. Panic set in and it became clear what “What makes the series so special is, you I needed to do. In February 2009, I began a get to see all the players who love to play weight reduction plan using principles of healthy this wonderful sport,” Jacobson said. Michael Grimes (rear) training a client. Photo by Ross Forman eating and increasing physical activity. Since then, I have lost that 30 pounds and 50 more, WINDY CITY TIMES Feb. 2, 2011 27 STEWART from page 10 derman] Joe Moore. That’s part of the uniting in Chicago, but people are still innocent until add? process—building coalitions and giving people they’re proven guilty. Once someone’s convicted, ES: One of the most difficult issues facing the WCT: What are your thoughts on a school an opportunity to effect change. I believe they should step down and have their city is the budget crisis and a huge reason I de- that would be specifically for LGBTQ stu- WCT: Getting back to the race, what do you pensions taken away—and that’s for all city em- cided to run is that no one seemed to be willing dents? feel is your biggest asset and what do you ployees. to stand up to the special interests in the city, ES: I wish it wasn’t necessary but children feel is your biggest liability? WCT: With your finance background, I want- with special interests meaning unions, because need to feel safe and flourish in this environ- ES: I feel that my biggest asset is my cor- ed to ask you this: What do you feel about they wield so much power in the city. Unions ment—and if we can find enough children who porate-finance background and bringing that the state’s recent income-tax hike? should be powerful entities, but we do need in- would want to be in an LGBTQ campus, then I to city council. My biggest liability, I feel, is ES: I felt it was unfortunate but necessary. dependent aldermen who are willling to stand up think it’s great and I would support it. probably name recognition; that needs to be im- We were facing another downgrade of our credit for what is right in the city. WCT: Do you wish there was a school like proved. rating as a state, and that has been lifted. But We’re going to be facing a budget deficit of $1 that when you grew up? There are certain avenues to reach a wide- the pension liability is so great that there’s still billion—and half of that is going to be related ES: [Pauses] I don’t know. We are a minority, spread audience to the community. I’ve been ac- a problem; I doubt there is the political will to to increased contributions to city employees’ and I liked being able to interact with all differ- tive with my local block club and I’ve met with raise taxes high enough to cover all those pen- pension funds. I’m the only candidate who’s ent kinds of people. I mean, it’s a really brave St. Augustine College to make the area around sion obligations. It will help the city, somewhat. been saying that pension reform for current city kid who can come out at 14 years old. But I’m it safe. In addition, I’ve always been active with I don’t agree with the corporate-tax increase employees must come to Chicago; if we don’t do sure there are kids in Chicago who come from the Japanese American Service Committee, and because I think we need to bring jobs here. that, we’re not going to have the services we families where they don’t feel comfortable, so even with my elderly neighbors—taking them to WCT: Are you supporting or endorsing any need to go forward as a city. It’s not that I’m an I’d like to see a lot of diversity with the LGBTQ the hospital, translating for them. mayoral candidate? ideologue; it’s just reality. The City of Chicago is campus. For my community, there are things that are ES: I do respect Rahm Emanuel quite a bit. I not guaranteed those pension funds. I want to But I loved my high school so much, and we important, like organizing a postman’s protest think he has the strength to be a great leader help protect employees, and help get the city had teachers who we knew were gay. One of my for one of the postal workers in the community. for the city. As long as he is on the ballot, I will back on track. religion teachers at St. Ignatius was a gay man He was very much beloved, and got 300 people be voting for him. See http://www.CitizensForStewart.com. who unfortunately passed away from AIDS-relat- to sign a petition. At a rally, we had 40 people WCT: Was there anything you wanted to ed complications when I was a student there. I show up to demand that he be returned to our think Ignatius was a pretty welcoming commu- community. nity. Some people feel that I haven’t been active WCT: Let’s say you become alderman. What in the community. Well, that’s not true; I’ve would you like to accomplish within your first just chosen to serve in a way that has not been 100 days? geared toward running for public office. ES: I’d set up an interactive website; we need WCT: Are there any LGBT-related issues you to bring this operation into the 21st century, al- want to tackle as alderman? though I will have extended office hours. I want ES: I think because the Center [on Halsted] to build some accountability into that system touches the 46th Ward, there are a lot of issues so I can track my office’s performance. If you’re that need to be addressed. I’d like to work with complaining about a missing manhole cover, for the center to make sure it stays open longer, so example, and we farm that out, we need to fol- we’ll see what we can do there. low up to make sure [that task] is completed. WCT: Do you believe that an alderman In addition, I’d like to set up a participa- should step down if he or she is being inves- tory budgeting committee and framework; it’s tigated for illegal activity? something I really admire about [49th Ward Al- ES: No, I don’t. We’ve had a lot of corruption CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS

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