vol 30, no. 32 May 6, 2015 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com John P. Riordan, Army, in Saigon, 1968. Photo courtesy of Riordan Gay Vietnam hero tells his tale By Sarah Toce then the agent said there’s no interest in the publishing in- dustry in this book about Vietnam; people are tired of this On April 3, 1975, Vietnam War hero John Riordan single- story. So this is kind of all through the ‘80s—it just was going handedly took on a secret mission to rescue the Vietnamese nowhere, and I was getting tired of it.” from Saigon as the war was drawing to a close. Saving a total During many incarnations (including the possibility of the of 105 people—including bank employees, spouses and chil- foretold book to become a movie instead), it seemed that the dren—the Citibank assistant manager risked his own life so future best-selling memoir, was a goner. “It finally just petered that others might continue living theirs. out; it was just going nowhere,” Riordan said. “I think we all have these points in our life. Some of us get Still, Riordan’s story fascinated anyone who would listen the chance in the limelight or the camera or something, but and, because of that, he kept sharing it, anyway. a lot of heroic things happen every single day in lives, lots of “I got a call from one fellow by the name of Tom Krause, lives,” Riordan said when referred to as a hero. who is a Vice President in the Asia-Pacific division of CitiBank It took more than 40 years for Riordan to make his book- in New York, telling me, ‘John, this is Tom Krause calling, and writing dream a reality with They Are All My Family: A Dar- Peter Howell, another VP, is on the phone with me. We’re call- ing Rescue in the Chaos of Saigon’s Fall. Not because people ing to tell you that the bank has decided that you are going wouldn’t listen…but because the world simply didn’t seem to close that branch today, and you’re going to take all of your ready for it yet. Truth be told, neither did the publishing hous- employees and their immediate families, and you’re going to es. get on a PanAm 747 jumbo jet that we have chartered, and “For the first several years I was run through all kinds of it’s going to land at Tan Son Nhut Airport in Saigon tomorrow Having a ball writers—I went to San Francisco and a few other places just morning at 12:00. And you’re to take the keys to the vault and Jody Watley talks with WCT. trying to meet these people; a lot of them were on the East the major documents that show the position of the bank over Photo by Albert Sanchez Coast, so I met them there, or didn’t meet them at all, but to the governor of the central bank,’” Riordan remembered. 16 we had correspondence,” Riordan said. “But there was this constant feeling that the story wasn’t developed enough. And Turn to page 8

MARRIAGE ON TRIAL Sabeen Mahmud Gay manga Marriage backers rally in Remembering the Pakistani activist. Part of 2015 CAKE Expo. during Supreme Court hearing. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond Images from Fantagraphics Photo by Matt Simonette 4 7 15 The sTory BEGINS TUESDAY! of frankie Valli & The foUr May 12-24 seasons 800-775-2000 Groups 10+ 312-977-1710 2 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 3 WINDY CITY TIMES INDEX

NEWS Marriage supporters hold rally 4 download Mark Kirk’s pro-marriage stance 5 this issue Passages: Rodriguez, Caldwell 6 and browse the archives at Amigas Latinas folding 6 Celebrating Pakistani activist’s life 7 www.WindyCitytimes.com Gay Vietnam War vet 8 BENEFITING ALCC unveils new name 9 Viewpoints 10 ENTERTAINMENT/EVENTS Scottish Play Scott 11

Knight: Mother’s Day films 14 vol 30, no. 32 May 6, 2015 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com John P. Riordan, United States Army, in Saigon, 1968 Gay manga 15 Photo courtesy of Riordan Jody Watley talks with WCT 16 Gay Vietnam hero tells his tale Book talks children & then the agent said there’s no interest in the publishing in- By SARAh ToCE dustry in this book about Vietnam; people are tired of this On April 3, 1975, Vietnam War hero John Riordan single- story. So this is kind of all through the ‘80s—it just was going handedly took on a secret mission to rescue the Vietnamese nowhere, and I was getting tired of it.” from Saigon as the war was drawing to a close. Saving a total During many incarnations (including the possibility of the 17 of 105 people—including bank employees, spouses and chil- foretold book to become a movie instead), it seemed that the dren—the Citibank assistant manager risked his own life so future best-selling memoir, was a goner. “It finally just petered that others might continue living theirs. out; it was just going nowhere,” Riordan said. “I think we all have these points in our life. Some of us get Still, Riordan’s story fascinated anyone who would listen the chance in the limelight or the camera or something, but and, because of that, he kept sharing it, anyway. a lot of heroic things happen every single day in lives, lots of “I got a call from one fellow by the name of Tom Krause, lives,” Riordan said when referred to as a hero. who is a Vice President in the Asia-Pacific division of CitiBank It took more than 40 years for Riordan to make his book- in New York, telling me, ‘John, this is Tom Krause calling, and writing dream a reality with They Are All My Family: A Dar- Peter Howell, another VP, is on the phone with me. We’re call- ing Rescue in the Chaos of Saigon’s Fall. Not because people ing to tell you that the bank has decided that you are going wouldn’t listen…but because the world simply didn’t seem to close that branch today, and you’re going to take all of your ready for it yet. Truth be told, neither did the publishing hous- employees and their immediate families, and you’re going to es. get on a PanAm 747 jumbo jet that we have chartered, and OUTLINES Having a ball “For the first several years I was run through all kinds of it’s going to land at Tan Son Nhut Airport in Saigon tomorrow writers—I went to San Francisco and a few other places just morning at 12:00. And you’re to take the keys to the vault and Jody Watley talks with WCT. trying to meet these people; a lot of them were on the East the major documents that show the position of the bank over Photo by Albert Sanchez Coast, so I met them there, or didn’t meet them at all, but to the governor of the central bank,’” Riordan remembered. Classifieds; Dish (Rioja festival) 19 16 we had correspondence,” Riordan said. “But there was this constant feeling that the story wasn’t developed enough. And Turn to page 8 Calendar; children’s museum event 20 Billy Masters 21 Matt runs with T2 in support MaRRiagE On TRial SabEEn MaHMud gay Manga Marriage backers rally in Chicago Remembering the Pakistani activist. Part of 2015 CAKE Expo. LGBTQ & Allies Prom 22 during Supreme Court hearing. Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond Images from Fantagraphics Photo by Matt Simonette 4 7 15 The sTory BEGINS TUESDAY! of frankie Valli & May 12-24 of the LGBTQ community. The foUr seasons 800-775-2000 Groups 10+ 312-977-1710 online exclusives at www.WindyCityTimes.com

always in fashion Chicago House held its annual spring brunch and fashion show (left). Photo by Ed Negron

A MATTER OF ‘DIGNITY’ RUN PROUD

with Matt and others.

Designs for Dignity (which Jennifer Preserving history Sobecki, above, heads) helps give The University of at Chicago LGBTQ groups new looks. (UIC) Queer Asian-American Archives Photo from Designs for Dignity (QAAA) Project presented its collection to the school. RIDING THE ‘CAROUSEL’ act two J&R Productions (specializing in films) thrives under a married gay couple.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Find out the latest about Frank Ocean, Melissa Rivers and the Spice Girls. plus Actor Steven Pasquale is in the Civic Opera House’s version of Carousel. DAILY BREAKING NEWS Photo from Brookside Artist Management

nightspots #1142 • April 29, 2015

The fabulous Mr. Chicago Elaine Dame Leather 2015 Show #623 YES, MISTER! Join us Get to know Mr. Chicago Leather 2015 Luis Tipantasig, as he prepares to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather. /nightspots Page 20 T2EA.org/Chicago nightspotschicago www.WindyCityQueercast.com 4 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES

Open To Thinking by Nick Patricca Rand Paul: Libertarian!?

Paul Varnell, a gay writer and activist, Yet, Rand Paul says that the idea of was the first libertarian I ever met. He gay marriage “offends him” and that the wrote a nationally syndicated column in legalization of gay marriage should be gay media. Every time he and I bumped left to the states. One can imagine the into each other on the streets of New legal chaos that would ensue from such a Town, he would drill me on the work of scheme. In my judgment, were Rand Paul Leo Strauss because I received my PhD an authentic libertarian he would hold from the University of Chicago while that the two consenting adults marry Strauss was teaching there. I had never each other and that the state is the legal heard of Strauss but I soon developed witness to this contract not the “valida- a mini-expertise on him just so I could tor” of it. navigate my next encounter with Varnell. “Recognizing that abortion is a sen- Curiously, as far as I could tell, Strauss sitive issue and that people can hold had little to say about libertarianism and good-faith views on all sides, we believe a lot to say about what is wrong with that government should be kept out of modern classical liberalism, which fails the matter, leaving the question to each to see man as a political animal deeply person for their conscientious consider- involved in the pursuit of virtue in the ation.” 1.5 Abortion. Attendees at the marriage rally. polis—not a libertarian theme. In ex- Yet, in March 2013 Sen. Paul intro- Photo by Matt Simonette. Many more photos online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com panding my research into other alleged duced S.583 a bill that would extend to sources of libertarian thinking, I discov- the unborn the equal protection clause of ered another curiosity: Ayn Rand, often the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Consti- Marriage supporters cited as an iconic font for libertarian tution: “The Life at Conception Act leg- thought, frequently voiced her loathing islatively declares what most Americans of libertarians, all sorts of libertarians, in believe and what science has long known gather after Supreme strikingly acerbic rhetoric (See: Mayhew. that human life begins at the moment Ayn Rand Answers: The Best of Her Q & A. of conception, and therefore is entitled p 72. 2005). to legal protection from that point for- Court hearings Varnell, a true public intellectual, was ward,” Sen. Paul said. “The right to life is capable of negotiating the philosophi- guaranteed to all Americans in the Decla- By Matt Simonette problems of being in a bi-national couple, for cal and political traffic jams of theory ration of Independence and ensuring this example, contrasting his own, relatively pain- and practice. Not easily flummoxed by is upheld is the Constitutional duty of all On the evening of April 28, just after the U.S. less move to Chicago from Indiana, with his contradictions in principles and policy Members of Congress.” http://www.paul. Supreme Court heard arguments that will likely husband’s hardship-filled journey from Mexico. statements, Varnell understood that senate.gov/files/documents/LCA.pdf . settle the issue of same-sex marriage bans, “This country has gone so far as to build a politicians often change their minds and Admittedly, there are all types of liber- about four-dozen activists and community wall to keep that border closed with Mexico,” positions in order to get elected. But I tarians: communist libertarians, socialist Holman-Gomez said. “This is particularly an members gathered at Federal Plaza in Chicago libertarians, anar- LGBT concern because of a need for us to know for a press conference in support of marriage chist libertarians, equality. that we can marry our lovers, [and] LGBT, prob- neo-libertarians, A larger rally was planned but organizers said ably more than the population at large, really “Yet, Rand Paul says that the idea of capitalist libertar- some people had gone to a demonstration on have a need, wherever they want, to feel safe, gay marriage “offends him” and that the ians, libertarian-ish the South Side that was in response to unrest whether it’s the lesbian in Capetown, South legalization of gay marriage should be libertarians, and in Baltimore, so a press conference was held Africa; the gay man in Nigeria; me in Indiana; confused libertar- instead, according Andy Thayer of Gay Libera- my husband in central Mexico; [or] the trans left to the states. One can imagine the ians. (See: https:// tion Network. person in Chicago. We need to right to live legal chaos that would ensue from such a en.wikipedia.org/ Thayer pointed out that, even with marriage wherever we want, whenever we want.” scheme.” wiki/Libertarianism equality being available to LGBT Illinoisans, John Harness of Socialist Alternatives asked, .) And, admittedly, the community should continue to be vigilant “Did you know that the majority of LGBTQ politicians must do until it is a right for every citizen. people in the world are working class? Obvi- what they have to “One of the things that I took away from ously they are. There are LGBTQ people at every think that even Varnell would have some do to get elected. Nonetheless, it would listening to the oral arguments today … was Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and Hardee’s that you go trouble explaining how Rand Paul can be be good for Sen. Paul to clearly inform us the danger of complacency on the part of LGBT into.” considered a libertarian. on what his policies should he be elected people and our allies,” he added. “We have not He added that advocates need to push for Rand Paul calls himself “libertarian- president. won this thing yet. In fact, according to some a widespread increase of the minimum wage. ish.” He told Sean Hannity on FOX that The best that I can determine about legal observers, we may be losing this one five- “That is one of the most important ways that he is “either libertarian conservative or Paul is that he is opposed to big govern- to-four, given the tenor of the questions [from] we can put money in the pockets of LGBTQ peo- constitutional conservative.” http:// ment and in favor of maximum freedom the court. More worrying than that, we have to ple and bring them out of poverty and home- www.newsweek.com/rand-paul-real-lib- for the individual. But these two “princi- remember that this was the same, backwards lessness, and give them adequate healthcare.” ertarian-319959 . ples” are next to meaningless if they are Supreme Court that gave us Citizens United. Kim Hunt, executive director of Affinity Com- Let me quote from the Libertarian Party not explicated by specific policy propos- This is the same court that [negatively impact- munity Services, added that the Baltimore Platform 2014: als that demonstrate to us their practical ed] women’s right to choose, and have access events and the Supreme Court hearing being “Individuals own their bodies and have meanings in our society. to contraceptives. This is the same court that on the same day, “made me feel like my worlds rights over them that other individuals, It would be dangerous for us to un- eviscerated voting rights for African Americans were collided—on the one hand, there was the groups, and governments may not violate derestimate Paul and his supporters. Do in many states around the country.” continuing story of the policing of Black com- … .” 1.1 Self-Ownership. not comfort yourself by thinking that he Representatives from several organizations munities, and on the other hand there was this And: “, preference, has no chance of winning the Republican spoke, many pointing out that the struggle for relatively recent story about the fight for rights gender, or gender identity should have no nomination for president. We must hold LGBT marriage rights did not exist in a vacuum for LGBTQ people. impact on the government’s treatment of Paul to a high standard of accountability and instead intersected with numerous other individuals, such as in current marriage, for his statements and public policy posi- struggles. Brent Holman-Gomez spoke of the child custody, adoption, immigration or tions. That is how we show him respect military service laws. Government does and require him to respect us by speaking not have the authority to define, license clearly to what matters most to us—our Property Group. She provides counseling on or restrict personal relationships. Con- liberty. Local attorney part patent, trademark, copyright and social-me- senting adults should be free to choose dia issues. their own sexual practices and personal © [email protected] of nat’l bar board She has been named an Illinois Super Law- The National LGBT Bar Association and relationships.” 1.4 Personal Relation- yer Rising Star in intellectual property, re- Foundation has announced the appointment ships. ceiving the 40 Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 of eight new board members. award last year. One of the members is Nicole Bashor (now Nick Patricca is professor emeritus at Loyola University Chicago, president of For a complete list of association and foun- an affiliate representative), who is an at- Chicago Network and playwright emeritus at Victory Gardens Theater. dation board members, visit www.LGBTBar. torney in Quarles & Brady LLP’s Intellectual org. WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 5

trans students.” Kirk takes part in rally Trans student The original article is at http://www. chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county- petitions for news-sun/news/ct-lns-transgender-stu- outside marriage hearing gender-neutral dent-st-0502-20150501-story.html. The petition is at http://www.thepetitionsite. By Matt Simonette accommodations com/204/217/476/neutral-bathrooms-in- Round Lake High School student Jonas Val- round-lake-high-school/. U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) was the sole Repub- entine—who came out as transgender ear- —Andrew Davis lican politician speaking in favor of marriage lier this year—has lobbied for more gender- equality at an April 28 rally that took place neutral accommodations at the school, The outside the United States Supreme Court while Chicago Tribune reported. HBHC, ALCC and LAF the court heard gay marriage arguments inside, “What happened was, when I came out [as male], they pretty much isolated me off to open joint clinic Huffington Post reported. Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC), LAF the teachers’ locker room to get changed for “When you walk up to this group, it’s a pretty (formerly Legal Assistance Foundation) and gym and to use the restroom. It’s just for raucous left-wing group. I was taking a bit of AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (ALCC) have the girls—the girl teachers,” Valentine said. a risk there,” Kirk said afterward. Other Repub- announced the debut of their joint medical/ “Right now, they have two [gender-neutral lican politicians spoke to the crowd, but all legal clinic. bathrooms] right by the cafeteria, and voiced their opposition to marriage equality. Held at Howard Brown Health Center’s they’re working on two more.” Kirk was the second Republican senator to 4025. N. Sheridan Rd. location, this clinic Valentine (birth name: Alicia Macias) went voice his support for same-sex marriage, which aims at providing civil legal assistance for public with his story by announcing an on- he announced in 2013. The first was Sen. Rob HBHC clients and patients who make an ap- line petition drive at http://www.care2.com, Portman of Ohio. pointment or who are referred by their HBHC a social-networking site that promotes activ- “After my stroke I learned a lot about love medical provider, therapist or case manager. ism. The petition has slightly more than 20 and death,” Kirk added. “I realized that life Open every Wednesday at 1-5 p.m., a legal percent of the signature goal of 1,000. gets down to who loves you, who you love, and advocate sits with patients for a 30-min- In an email to Windy City Times, Round the government has nothing to do with that ute appointment offering high-quality and Lake Area Schools (RLAS) CUSD #116 Pub- decision.” culturally competent review of their legal lic Relations Officer Heather Bennett wrote, U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth has already matters. Depending on the type of case, the “RLAS-116 supports the rights of all stu- tossed her hat into the ring to challenge Kirk patient will receive immediate legal advice, dents. We encourage any student who has in 2016, in what’s expected to be a conten- legal representation by ALCC or LAF, or a re- a concern to speak to an administrator of tious race. The senator admitted that was a key ferral to another specialized legal resource. Round Lake High School. The school has reason for the speech, noting that he wanted For those patients who cannot make taken steps to establish gender-neutral rest- “to stand as a national Republican who signed Wednesday appointments or who have press- rooms for students.” also the amicus brief on this marriage equal- ing legal matters that cannot wait, there is a In a message specifically to Windy City ity case. That we would be a much stronger direct access referral process between HBHC Times, Valentine said, “I’m glad the admin- country.” and ALCC/LAF in place. istrators were open to making the changes Huffington Post’s story is at http://www. Visit HowardBrown.org, AIDSLegal.com or that I felt were needed, and I hope that huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/28/mark-kirk- U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk. LAFChicago.org. gay-marriage_n_7162616.html. things will be much easier for any future

It’s the right time to change the story of HIV, but we can only move forward with your unwavering support.

Our 30th Year Gala will be a rallying point for our most dedicated supporters to stand with AFC in this unprecedented moment in the history of HIV. Recent medical breakthroughs and shifts in the health care landscape have put AFC in its strongest position ever to prevent new infections and better support people living with HIV and AIDS.

Music by DJ Kiss Master of Ceremonies Saturday, May 16, 2015 HILTON CHICAGO Amy Landecker 6:00 p.m. Reception 720 South Michigan Avenue 7:30 p.m. Dinner & Program Dancing until midnight Tickets available at aidschicago.org/gala

SPONSORS MEDIA PARTNERS Aetna Better Health Lady Gregory's Irish Bar & Restaurant A&U Magazine Bell Litho, Inc. MillerCoors BestGayChicago.com Chicago Magazine Chicago Cut Steakhouse Orbitz ChicagoPride.com Cigna-HealthSpring Public Communications Inc. GRAB Magazine Janssen Therapeutics Wilde Bar & Restaurant Windy City Media Group 6 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES PASSAGES Daniel ‘Danny’ Amigas Latinas to Rodriguez By Ross Forman fold after 20 years;

Daniel “Danny” Rodriguez—a popular go-go dancer at many clubs in and around Chicago last event July 10 and who was nicknamed the “Twerk Mas- After 20 years of offering a wide range of adolescents and 20-somethings who identify ter”—died April 27 after a three-year battle support, education and advocacy for Chicago- as LGBTQQ. with a brain tumor. He was at a Chicago area LGBTQQ Latinas, Amigas Latinas has an- —Entre Familia: Developed to provide a safe hospice when he passed that evening, sur- nounced the organization will fold. environment for parents and friends of Latino rounded by his sister and cousins. He was 22. “We did not take this decision lightly, it was LGBTQ persons to meet and talk about their Rodriguez, who came out as gay at 15, over a year-long process,” said board president lives. Most parents attended with their sons graduated from Kelly High School in Chicago. Alma Izquierdo. “But we have to recognize that and daughters. He started working in construction and was despite a vibrant legacy, we no longer have the —Madurando Elegante: A group for women living in North Carolina in 2012 when he was Daniel “Danny” Rodriguez. resources or capacity to continue our work in to explore issues related to aging gracefully as diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was op- Photo from Elizabeth Rodriguez the ways that we think our growing and chang- a Latina who loves and partners with women. erated on the next day in a near-four-hour ing community deserves.” —Projecto Basta: Service Provider Training: procedure. Geneva Ria of Chicago said Rodriguez was a Founded in 1995 as a monthly discussion Training offered to professionals and nonprof- “When I first saw him [after the surgery], “great guy. … All he loved to do was dance.” group, Amigas Latinas was the only Chicago- its who serve Latinas regarding cultural issues I was in tears; I couldn’t stop crying. I Rodriguez danced at Circuit, Antronio’s, land organization specifically serving LBTQQ related to Latina women who love women in couldn’t even recognize him; that was not Lucky Horseshoe, Club Krave and Hideaway Latinas for almost two decades. terms of mental health, substance abuse and my Danny,” said his sister, Elizabeth, who Nightclub, among other nightspots. At its peak, Amigas Latinas offered monthly domestic violence. drove from Chicago to North Carolina to be Russ Eplin, the general manager at Phoe- pláticas (chats) in members’ homes, covering —La Dulce Palabra Spoken Word Ensemble: with him. “He was so skinny; it was shock- nix Bar & Nightclub in suburban Elk Grove topics that ranged from identity, relationships, A spoken word collective comprised of LGBTQQ ing, heartbreaking.” Village, said that Rodriguez was “such a tal- and family issues to mental health, domestic and ally artists who foster self-expression and Two months after the surgery, the tumor ented dancer and amazing person, gone way violence, and legal issues, as well as support creativity. It started as a collaboration be- returned, she said. before [his] time.” groups, workshops, educational training, pub- tween En Las Tablas Performing Arts Center and He then had a month of chemotherapy and John J. Corcoran, the owner of Club Krave, lic programs and events. Amigas Latinas. radiation treatment five days a week for a wrote on Facebook that, “we know and be- Volunteer-run for most of its organizational In recent years, Amigas Latinas found it in- full month. lieve he’s in a better place and not suffer- life, Amigas Latinas advocated to ensure that creasingly difficult to maintain earlier levels of Rodriguez returned to Chicago in December ing anymore. You know he has chosen a nice legislators, funders, and other not-for-profit programming and advocacy. “We struggled with 2012. white puffy cloud, and is twerking that big organizations consider the intersection of is- this decision,” says Izquierdo, “because we “He went through so much pain,” due to ol’ booty off with a smile on his face. Dan- sues faced by LGBTQQ Latinas, who often strug- know that there are still women out there who the tumor, Elizabeth said. “He fought for his iel was one of the most eccentric dancers gle with invisibility or discrimination within haven’t found the community or the support life every day, [battling] a really, really ag- Club Krave has had the honor of dancing and Latina/o communities and within larger LGBTQ they need to come out as LGBTQQ Latinas.” At gressive tumor.” twerking on the stage. Daniel loved perform- organizations. the same time, the board notes that over the Still, he had a dream, she said, and he ing, and he loved life. He had a good heart The organization is perhaps best known for past 20 years there has been a significant ex- worked constantly in Chicago’s Boystown and a great smile, and loved making people its efforts to document the violence and dis- pansion in the availability of services to LGBTQ neighborhood and elsewhere to be an excep- happy. It’s a sad day that our community has crimination, both domestic and external, fac- Latinos in Chicago. tional dancer and entertainer. lost a friend that was taken way too soon.” ing LGBTQQ Latinas. A 2007 study spearheaded The organization plans to archive its history “He was doing what he loved to do,” she Chalo A. Aguirre posted on Facebook that, by the organization entitled Proyecto Latina in collaboration with Gerber/Hart Library. An said. “The go-go [dancing] world won’t be the was the first to survey the specific issues fac- exhibit celebrating Amigas Latinas will take Rodriguez was an avid gymgoer who con- same.” ing LGBTQQ Latinas in Chicago. The findings of place in June. stantly thrived for a physically fit body. The funeral and service was held April 30— that report are still the primary data used to On July 10, founders, former board members, “Working out was his passion,” she said. He and Elizabeth asked that all attending wear cite the health and violence issues facing LG- past and current Amigas Latinas members, also enjoyed music, watching movies and white. Elizabeth said she plans to spread his BTQQ Latinas. friends and families will come together to cel- eating. “He loved food, especially Italian, ashes in Boystown. “I known he enjoyed be- Other accomplishments included: ebrate the organization’s 20-year-long history. [including] my lasagna,” she said. “He had ing in Boystown,” she said. — Amiguitas Youth Group: Created to offer More information will be forthcoming. a strict diet, but he definitely loved junk At Thirsty Thursdays on April 30, held at the first youth group specifically for Latina food, [too].” He also enjoyed shopping and Watra NightClub, 4758 S. Pulaski Rd., there dreamed of one day living in California, she was to be a special ceremony to honor Ro- said. driguez. “I know he wanted to make his dreams A GoFundMe page has been established PASSAGES come true—and that dream was to have the to aid in the medical and burial expenses of J. Robert Caldwell body that he had, to be out there, to be fa- Rodriguez. To donate, go to http://www.go- J. Robert Caldwell, a retired director of Bu- mous, to show his talent, to travel.” fundme.com/ta3b3cb3. reau of Dental Society Services at the Ameri- can Dental Society, passed away April 4. He was 90. Caldwell was a native of Palmertown, Penn- sylvania. He attended Yale University and was a graduate of Penn State, class of 1948. He was also a veteran U.S. Navy officer. Caldwell was the beloved life partner of the late Clissold “Budd” Hill, uncle of Chris- topher Caldwell and brother-in-law of Mildred Caldwell, both of Pennsylvania. He was a patron of the arts for nearly 80 years. Bob will be dearly missed by family and friends, and remembered for his kindness, bril- liant mind, exuberant personality, fantastic adventures and tireless zest for life. Bob had an encyclopedic memory for Broadway musi- cals, stayed in step with local and national af- fairs and culture, and rarely forgot a birthday. Although he was legally blind for many years, he never gave up his passion for reading, which he satisfied through listening to count- less hundreds of books on tape. Bob’s door was always open, and he reveled in the company of his friends. Services are private. In lieu of flowers, dona- tions may be made in his name to the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind (www.chicagolight- house.org) or The American Players Theatre, PO Box 819, 5950 Golf Course Rd., Spring Green, WI, 53588. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illi- J. Robert Caldwell. nois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society. com WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 7 Life of slain Pakistani activist celebrated in Chicago You are invited!

SUNDAY MAY 17, 2015 6:00 P.M.

UPTOWN UNDERGROUND This photo: Attendees at the event for Mahmud. Below: 4707 N BROADWAY CHICAGO, IL Filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal (left) with Fawzia Mirza.

Photos by Gretchen Rachel Hammond i

i Wink & Whisper By Gretchen Rachel Hammond A 1920s LGBT Cabaret T2F (The Second Floor) café in Karachi Pakistan The Guild Literary Complex’s 2015 Benefit was a personal labor of love for its founder, activist Sabeen Mahmud. Many who entered the building described it as an oasis. Nothing was suppressed or silenced there. For eight years it was a place where the limitless freedom inher- ent with artistic expression lined its brightly lit walls and resonated with music, the spoken word and each possibility for change art can generate. “In order to feel idealistic and productive in an environment like this, you have to create some sort of buffer,” Mahmud once said of the evolve and celebrate artists.” café. “In order to protect yourself from the In describing T2F, Mirza said that Mahmud TOP PHOTO: TAMALE SEPP, SECOND ROW PHOTOS (L-R): VALLERY DOLLS, COYA PAZ, DIRTY DEVLIN doom and the gloom and that relentless on- created a world that was as singular from the slaught of bad news because it can get anyone rest of Karachi as it was inclusive. “You walk in Get your shimmy on as we celebrate and Since 1989, the Guild down.” and there’s this pristine room just lined with Literary Complex has been bookshelves but then you go upstairs and you re-imagine the vibrant atmosphere of a community-based literary On April 24, Mahmud wound up an evening’s organization presenting discussion at T2F that centered upon the know it’s a true café intended for people to Chicago’s prohibition-era LGBT nightlife! just be. It’s warm and inviting and you can feel and supporting diverse, people of Pakistan’s Balochistan province who Our evening of whoopee includes music, song, comedy, divergent, and emerging for over a decade have been taken by govern- the energy of thought, ideas and possibility. voices through innovative ment forces determined to quell a movement You can smell coffee but you can also smell dance, and commentary with emcee Tamale Sepp, pianist public programs. The demanding autonomy. The result, according to revolution.” Nick Sula, historian Jennie Brier, performers Vallery Guild believes that vibrant literature contributes to the Human Rights Watch, has been “dozens of Filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal also walked Dolls, Switch the Boi Wonder, Dirty Devlin, Toni Asante into that world. “For my first feature we were society, community, and enforced disappearances [of militants and ac- Lightfoot, Coya Paz, and the Chicago Diamond Trio. good times. tivists] in which the authorities take people looking for a space that would showcase the modern Pakistan,” she said. “I connected with Plus, stay late for an after glow dance party with DJ into custody and then deny all responsibility or Reaganomix (FKA). Wink & Whisper is inspired knowledge of their fate or whereabouts.” Sabeen and when the film was released she did by Chicago Whispers: A History Mahmud drove away from the café with her a special screening. In August I started Paki- Everything’s jake with a selection of complimentary libations of LGBT Chicago before stan’s first screen-writing lab and our launch Stonewall, by St. Sukie de la mother, Mahenaz. They were stopped at an in- and hors-d’oeuvres. Come as you are, or in Roaring Twenties Croix (The University of tersection at around 9:30 p.m., when reports was at T2F. Sabeen was a huge supporter of it. She always figured out a way to work with you fashion*—there will be prizes for best glad rags! Wisconsin Press, 2010). state that gunmen drew up to the car and All proceeds benefit the Guild Literary Complex. opened fire. Mahmud was shot five times and and help you. It was never ‘no’.” The Guild Literary was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother Mahmud’s welcome of any art form seeded *But no firearms, real or otherwise, please. Complex is a 501 (c) 3 non- was seriously wounded. the beginnings of a cultural renaissance in profit. A portion of each Pakistan. According to Mirza, T2F served as ticket price is tax deductible The productive idealism and infectious joy as allowed by law. found in creativity that Mahmud was deter- the venue for Karachi’s first open mic. “It just mined to engender in the country she loved hadn’t been done,” Mirza said. “She facilitated touched so many other lives that the shots so much art that hadn’t been done in Pakistan Questions? which killed her echoed across the world. A before. The night I performed an excerpt of [email protected] 877-394-5061 Facebook Page was started; by May 1, “I Am my play Me, My Mom and Sharmila, there were personalities across the board. Here I am do- Sabeen” had garnered almost 10,000 likes. guildcomplex.org On April 28—three days after her funeral ing this queer play and screening some of my and some 8,000 miles away from T2F—at least very queer videos. There were about 80 people forty people gathered at Daley Plaza. In a mi- who showed up, ranging from 85-year-old aun- ties and uncles to young twentysomething crocosm of the people who were drawn to the (L-R): NICK SULA, SWITCH THE BOI WONDER, TONI ASANTE LIGHTFOOT. café each day there were no divides between girls and people who could have identified as nationalities, age or profession. They each took queer. There was just an amazing diversity in the room.” up a candle protected from the evening’s chilly CHICAGO DIAMOND TRIO 6-7pm wind by a paper cup and stood in a wide circle “I felt very safe in her space and met a lot sharing memories of the woman an editorial in of intellectuals,” Parveen Bilal recalled. “Some MAIN SHOW BEGINS at 7 pm Pakistan’s English-language newspaper Dawn of my best friends in Karachi I met through DANCE PARTY w/ DJ REAGANOMIX (FKA) 9pm-Midnight defined as “one who never backed down.” [T2F]. I’d not grown up anywhere in Pakistan The event’s organizer was actor and writer where if I just walked into a building there was Advance tickets and info at Fawzia Mirza. She told Windy City Times that live music playing. It almost seemed like a vir- she first met Mahmud during a trip to Karachi tual reality that was not the streets of Karachi. guildcomplex.org/wink-and-whisper in December of last year. While there, she per- It was what [Mahmud] wanted to do. She felt formed at T2F. in that city you needed a place for people to Wink & Whisper is an 18+ event “While my relationship with [Mahmud] was escape and it was a very interesting escape be- seemingly not very long, we spent a lot of time cause you could have your left foot out on the together, I learned a lot from her and she was street and your right in the café and you felt Wink & Whisper is sponsored by a huge part of changing my life,” Mirza said. the difference.” “The way she spoke just connected with me. Mirza added that those who found accep- She had so much love for western music, art, tance in T2F included Shia Muslims, the LGBTQ theatre and ideas and she wanted to blend and community and people who had been told by bring a lot of that culture to Pakistan to help it Turn to page 8 Interested in being a sponsor? Great! Email [email protected] for special opportunities. 8 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES VIETNAM from cover

Riordan was instructed to burn all important documents and flee immediately. Two years ago something shifted. Publishers were beginning to discuss the book concept again and this time they felt it would be prop- erly received. “I said, ‘You know, I’m tired of this. It’s been 38 years now; I’m an old man now; I’m happy up here on my farm in Belgium, Wisconsin; I love this place, it’s been in my family for a long time...’ But they pushed me hard.” A man by the name of Marcus Brauchli was interested in Riordan’s story and he was will- ing to tell his friends at CBS’ 60 Minutes all about it. Then, three weeks later when Riordan thought all was lost, again, a producer from the popular show called with an offer. “’What are you doing tomorrow morning?’ And I said, ‘I’m working here on my farm. I’ve got 42 acres that keeps me busy. I don’t raise crops; I raise prairie grasses and trees and stuff like that.’ He said, ‘My associate producer, Alex Polis and I would like to be there about 9:00 in the morning at your house and spend the day with you. Have you got a lot of documenta- tion and photographs?’ I said, ‘Got lots of that stuff, yes.’ He said, ‘Okay.’” The show filmed at Riordan’s farm and then the crew joined Riordan in Vietnam and Angkor First National City Banks’s Saigon staff outside the bank for the branch opening, 1972. Wat for six days. By the time the show aired on Photo courtesy of Riordan televisions across America, Riordan’s story was on the tip of tongues.

table organizations that worked there.” officer—said yes, but he didn’t put the paper it down the table, ‘Do you know John is gay?’ The year was 1968 and Riordan recalled oth- down; he kept reading it. And my mother was He said, ‘Yes, Rosemary. I know. I love him like ers being in the glass closet as well. shocked and then she said, ‘Well, do you think you love him. He’s our son,’” his father said. “Most of my friends were not military peo- that Steven and John could be in some kind of Learn more about John Riordan and his ple—although a few military people were, and a relationship?’ And my father said, ‘Yes,’ but book They Are All My Family: A Daring Res- even one of my bosses was gay,” he said. “There still, the paper’s up, doesn’t bring it down at cue in the Chaos of Saigon’s Fall at www. have been gay people in armies since the be- all. And then she reached over and grabbed the publicaffairsbooks.com/book/they-are-all- ginning of time. Some great stories about paper right out of his hands, you know, pushed my-family/9781610395038. them, too; I’m trying to think of one about Charlemagne and somebody he was hooking up with I think … goes back awhile.” ACTIVIST from page 7 Riordan remembered coming out to his family in 1977. their families to give up on ideas of a career “I was at a barbecue that my brother and his as an artist. wife were having in Chicago. Bill is his name, “Whatever those minority groups were she and he’s a year older than I am, and we were wanted to fight for them and give them a plat- out in the backyard and we were just talking form,” Mirza said. “In Pakistan, people will talk while he’s cooking whatever he was cooking, about LGBTQ issues in very covert ways but and he said something about, you know, I don’t she carried books on her shelves so if someone know, is there anyone in your life? And I said, wanted to read about them they had a place ‘Well yeah, there’s somebody in my life, but not where it was considered OK and normal.” the usual kind of life. You know what, Bill, I’m After Mirza performed the excerpt of her play gay.’ And he said, ‘You know, I don’t care what at T2F, it was premiered in March at a theater people do in their bedrooms.’ And I said, ‘Well festival in Karachi—an achievement she attri- John Riordan. I got to tell you, I don’t always just do it in a butes to Mahmud. bedroom.’” In fact, Mahmud’s effect upon everyone with But one part of the story perhaps not dis- Shortly after that, Riordan told his mother whom she came into contact was so powerful cussed quite as much is the fact that Riordan is and she later told his father. His response was that even those who had met her briefly at an a gay man. a moving one. Oscar party she attended during a visit to Chi- “I had a gay set of friends everywhere I had “My father’s got the Chicago Tribune up to cago earlier this year joined the circle at Daley been since I came out in Vietnam in the U.S. his face as usual, drinking coffee and eating Plaza. Army; that’s where I first met my first love,” breakfast and my mother says to him, ‘Bill, do “Sabeen looked after the voice of everybody Riordan shared. “He wasn’t in the Army, but I you think that John’s friend Steven could be she came across,” attendee Nadir Khan said. was in the Army. He was in one of the chari- gay?’ And my father, being a Chicago police “Her bravery might have been her downfall but it’s certainly not going to be the end of her.” Despite fears that T2F would close without its Nadir Khan at the event for Mahmud. creator and guiding force, on May 1 Mahmud’s Photo by Gretchen Rachel Hammond Ehrlich Dental mother announced that the café was to open “A great dentalGeneral & experience... Cosmetic Dentistry“ for business within two days. “ I have“I have never never felt felt more more at at ease ease in in a a doctor’s dentist’s office.”offi ce...” Over 150 patients have reviewed our work and awarded us a 99.4% positive patient rating! Read reviews for yourself at www.demandforce.com/dentist/ehrlichdental • Licensed Sedation Dentistry • Check Out Our Reviews Online Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago 3118Call N. 773-935-0300 Sheffield Ave. www.ehrlichdental.com Chicago, IL

(773)Joshua 935-0300 H. Ehrlich, DMD PC, General & Cosmetic Dentistry www.EhrlichDental.com3118 N. Sheffi eld Ave. Suite 1N, Lakeview, Chicago, Illinois 60657 EDUCATION BA: University of Chicago, DMD: Tufts University, GPR: Rush University

Serving Lakeview & Beyond! Joshua H. Ehrlich, DMD WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 9

TM

presents:

Kevin Mork (left) and executive director Tom Yates (center) of the newly named Legal Council for Health Justice, at their May Ball, held at the home of Dr. Nabeela Rasheed (right). OUT of the OFFICE Photo by Melissa Wasserman

The council was founded 27 years ago and ALCC Legal Council provides free, immediate legal assistance to Please join us to kick off low-income people with HIV. In early 2014, Pride Month at a festive reveals new name the organization expanded its work through By Melissa Wasserman two long-standing legal assistance programs. after-work LGBTQ One program assists people who are at risk of The red carpet was rolled out at the historical client appreciation mixer homelessness and the other provides legal help home of Dr. Nabeela Rasheed on May 2 for AIDS benefiting: to children with disabilities and their families. Legal Council of Chicago’s (ALCC’s) first-ever All the event proceeds went to support LCHJ’s May Ball—and its last ever as ALCC. legal projects that help low-income individuals Guests came dressed to impress to the venue, with HIV, people at risk of homelessness, and which was recently featured on the HGTV tele- children with disabilities. The celebration had vision network. The enormous house party fea- many supporters and sponsors. tured food, wine and champagne and dancing “It’s growing and I think that it is really im- to the DJ’s music through the evening. “May portant to us that we’re serving more clients Ball: Mission in Bloom” was not just celebra- than we ever have,” said Kevin Mork, LCHJ’s tion of the nice weather finally arriving. It director of development. “It’s not just a new was a birthday party of sorts, as the organiza- name; it’s who we are. One of the things we tion revealed its new name—Legal Council for talk about is we provide legal care. We care for Health Justice (LCHJ). our clients. This became a celebration. There’s “We think that ‘Legal Council’ builds on the reason to celebrate expansion, there’s reason past history of AIDS Legal Council of Chicago to celebrate growth, there’s reason to celebrate and Health Justice is what we’re striving for for stability and the legal council has been that our clients,” said Executive Director Tom Yates for years. We’re excited that we can still do nd in announcing the new umbrella title. “We’re Tuesday, June 2 that and serve more people who need our as- really trying to expand the work we’re doing sistance.” 5:30 to 8 pm for people with HIV/AIDS. In addition, we’re For more information, visit http://www.aid- adding work for kids with chronic health care THE GODFREY HOTEL slegal.com/. conditions and folks who are homeless with se- 127 W. Huron at LaSalle, Chicago vere mental illness.” Open bar sponsored by Ross, executive director and CEO of TransTech Constellation Brands Social Enterprises. She urged the 33 graduates to develop compassion for themselves and all Light fare others they meet on their journey. She noted everyone is in transition from one part of life to another, everyone experiences pain, and the successful people are those who use their pain to grow and accomplish their goals. RSVP TODAY The ceremony was followed by a dinner and at dreamtown.com/lgbt after-party with entertainment. or call 312.373.8900 ‘Kisses from Mom’ Megan Carney at the Lavender Graduation. May 10 at Sidetrack Photo by Chuck Kramer PFLAG will hold a “Kisses From Mom” event event sponsors: on Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 10) 3-9 p.m. in front of Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. UIC holds ninth PFLAG is accepting donations in exchange for a (chocolate) kiss from a mother. About two annual Lavender dozen PFLAG moms will give back this Mother’s Graduation Day by rotating shifts throughout the event. BY CHUCK KRAMER In addition to the event, donations to PFLAG Northern Illinois can be sent online (at http:// On April 29, the UIC (University of Illinois at www.pflagillinois.org/give/) or sent to PFLAG Chicago) Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) Council of Northern Illinois, P.O. Box 734, Elm- held its annual culminating ceremony at the hurst, Ill., 60126. Forum to honor the academic achievements of LGBTQ students and their allies at the school. This celebratory event brought together stu- ? dents, faculty, staff and administration from across the university as well as families and ?LGBTRIVIALGBTRIVIA community members. 1950 N. Sedgwick Chicago, IL 60614 | dreamtown.com/lgbt | 312.373.8900 ? Jason Bateman played a Megan Carney, director of the GSC, pointed gay man in what short- out that the group, which is celebrating its ? lived CBS-TV show in 2001, 20th anniversary, has always advocated for inspired by the film greater recognition and inclusion of LGBTQ students at UIC. Kiss Me, Guido? The keynote speaker was activist Angelica Answer on page 19 10 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES viewpoints zations rose to prominence, like the Human down Pence with the ruthless efficiency of a Rights Campaign, , etc. The A- Gay Pride lioness bringing down a water buf- WINDY Gay activists were saying, “Don’t worry little falo. Gov. Pence is bleeding out on the tundra people, we’ll represent you, leave it up to us somewhere, licking his wounds and hiring a PR the experts. Go back to your bars and bath- company to restore the damaged image of the CITY St. Sukie houses, you’re online sex and your lesbian dis- State of Indiana. I’m trying not to laugh. DE LA CROIX cussion groups.” The unruly rabble put away As the storm continued, businesses stepped their buttons and ACT UP T-shirts and handed in to issue threats and warnings: Salesforce, SENIOR MOMENTS over their anger to wearing Armani suits Walmart, Angie’s List, Nascar, Wells Fargo Bank, TIMES and tailored skirt and pantsuits. The gay pa- American Airlines. Big business knows where VOL. 30, No. 32, May 6, 2015 The Great Jimmy-Jam pers swelled with photographs of soirees at the its customers are. Small businesses, however, The combined forces of Windy City Times, White House and A-Gays posing with politi- don’t. When Crystal O’Connor and her father founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, founded May 1987. Rebellion of 2015 cians or the current president. Kevin, owners of the Memories Pizza in Walk- Not anymore. You can now fight for equality ington, Indiana, raised their scaly heads above On July 4, 1965, homophile groups picketed in your jimmy-jams. the surface of the scummy bigot pond, saying PUBLISHER & EXECUTIVE EDITOR Independence Hall in Philadelphia to celebrate I truly believe there are five elements: Earth, they would refuse to cater a gay wedding, LG- Tracy Baim the first annual reminder to demand equality Water, Air, Fire, and the Internet, and some- BTs in their jimmy-jams came after them. It for lesbians and gays. where out there spinning in the cosmos a was without mercy, not unlike John Snow be- ASSISTANT PUBLISHER Terri Klinsky Forty brave souls attended that day, wearing MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Davis Stonewall Riot just took place. And, this time, heading Janos Slynt in Game of Thrones. BUSINESS MANAGER Ripley Caine jackets and ties for men, dresses for women, nobody got hurt. Not physically anyway. For thousands of LGBTs in their jimmy-jams, DIRECTOR OF NEW MEDIA Jean Albright required garb of the homosexual protestor in When Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a Indiana’s opened a can ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson the mid ’60s. The conventional clothes said: religious-freedom bill allowing businesses to of worms. It lanced a boil of pent-up anger, SENIOR REPORTER Matt Simonette “Look at us, we’re just as boring as you are.” Senior Account Executives Terri Klinsky, Kirk discriminate against LGBTs, he was flanked by leading to hilarious comments left on web- Williamson, Amy Matheny, Chris Cheuvront, Gretchen FAST FORWARD: On June 28, 1969, a ragbag a Victorian freak show of clerics, nuns, monks sites, Yelp and Facebook pages. It also gave Rachel Hammond of hippies, street people, drag queens and and rabbis. All that was missing were acrobats, us a victory that no amount of White House NATIONAL SALES Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 homosexuals rampaged through the streets a tattooed strongman and Simon P. Amazing’s soirees could achieve. SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Tony Peregrin, Lisa of Greenwich Village battling “the pigs” after Keen, Yasmin Nair Dancing Poodles. The image was so bizarre that Suddenly protesting is back in the hands of THEATER EDITOR Scott C. Morgan they raided the sleazy Stonewall Inn. Dress was Facebook burst into flames, as LGBTs in their the masses and it was all done wearing jimmy- CINEMA WRITER Richard Knight Jr. casual that day. jimmy-jams launched a vitriolic campaign. It jams. Perhaps it’s time for the HRC, EI and their BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair In the 1970s, the protests against Anita Bry- was interesting to watch, as discourse on lofty ilk to hang up their suits and slip into their SPORTS WRITER Ross Forman ant and her Inc. campaign ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS subjects like “Equality” and “Human Rights” PJs. It wouldn’t bother me if I never saw a Mary Shen Barnidge, Steve Warren, Lawrence Ferber, spurred a whole new protest fashion. The pro- was reduced to the ins-and-outs of buying piz- grinning LGBT A-lister posing with a politician Mel Ferrand, Jerry Nunn, Jonathan Abarbanel testors then wore Disco tube tops, sequined za, wedding cakes, and the moral objections of or a president ever again. No, that wouldn’t COLUMNISTS/WRITERS: Yvonne Zipter, Jorjet halterneck shirts and spandex shorts; the wom- an auto-repair guy. bother me at all. Harper, Charlsie Dewey, Carrie Maxwell, Billy Masters, en, flannel shirts and combat boots. OK, so I Sarah Toce, Dana Rudolph, Sally Parsons, Melissa LGBTs in rural Kansas or Montana, unable to St. Sukie de la Croix is an internationally Wasserman, Joe Franco, Nick Patricca, Liz Baudler, lied about that part. protest outside “important buildings” or af- published journalist and author of Chicago Rex Wockner, Marie J. Kuda, Kate Sosin, Angelique Many LGBT protest movements have come ford to go to HRC black-tie benefits could now Whispers: A History of LGBT Chicago Before Smith, Meghan Streit and gone since—ACT UP, Queer Nation and let rip on the Internet, causing a blizzard of Stonewall. He lives in California with his SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Mel Ferrand, Hal Baim, the Lesbian Avengers, all with ’80s and ’90s Emmanuel Garcia, Tim Carroll, Ed Negron, Susan uncontrollable chaos. Sitting at keyboards, husband of 27 years. Mattes hair. Somewhere along the way large organi- thousands of LGBTs wearing jimmy-jams took CIRCULATION CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jean Albright DISTRIBUTION: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, Sue tice that is widely expected to be the deciding when the opinion is released. Until then, come and Victor WEB HOSTING: LoveYourWebsite.com (lead vote and who has authored other major cases out, be open, be proud of who you are! THAT, is programmer: Martie Marro) that have set the stage for the expansion of one thing that cannot be undone by any court! rights we enjoy already. This concern however, Casey Cameron, 39, of Saint Elmo, Ill., is a Copyright 2015 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back relieved itself after he made comments stating part-time Chicagoan and long-time advocate issues (if available) for $5 per issue (postage included). Casey the purpose of marriage is about dignity, and for LGBT rights in Illinois. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and CAMERON same-sex couples want that too. And to sort of no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. undo the “millennia” comment, he noted the All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned distance in years between Brown v. Board of for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing Victory is at hand Education and Loving v. Virginia is roughly the Being heard and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, On April 28, the U.S. Supreme Court heard same time as Lawrence v. Texas, which he au- cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own oral arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges, the case and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City thored, and the current case. So he gets it! To the Editor: Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of that will directly answer two questions: If the a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy Chief Justice Roberts, on the other hand, City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the constitution requires states to issue marriage seemed uncomfortable with the idea of a con- Uncle Tom and Uncle James have warned sexual orientation of such person or organization. While licenses to same-sex couples, and if not, are we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make stitutional right to marriage, however he did us children that if they do not see “sig- states required to recognize marriages legally this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept ask why this isn’t a straightforward case of sex nificant improvement” in our behavior at responsibility for advertising claims. performed in other jurisdictions. discrimination. CJ Roberts, in the Affordable the the Gay Pride this year, they just might (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 This case arrived at the court following the Care Act case three years ago, said to not call it take us to the wood shed and move the e-mail: [email protected] or 6th Circuit’s decision that said state bans on [email protected] an individual mandate. Call it a tax! So letting parade elsewhere. To quote, “the parties marriage equality are constitutional. On Oct. 6, an issue pass constitutional muster but under (Ald. Tunney, Cappleman and the mayor’s 2014, the court refused to hear appeals from www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com other terms is not something new for him. I office, among others) are in agreement the 4th, 7th and 10th Circuits, all of which podcast: WindyCityQueercast.com wouldn’t be shocked if he convinced or at least that if there is not a serious improvement ruled in favor of marriage equality. The follow- tried to convince the other five justices to see in the parade’s impact on surrounding resi- WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, ing day, the 9th Circuit which includes most of 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL, 60640 U.S.A it his way. If he is in the majority, he can as- dents’ (straight folks’?) quality of life this the western states ruled in favor of marriage (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) sign the opinion to himself where if he is in year,” recommendations for moving the pa- equality. That, too, was appealed to the Su- the minority, the senior justice of the major- rade out of the Lakeview community will Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. preme Court and they refused to hear that case ity gets to assign the opinion to the justice of be made. Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. as well. OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE their choice. Assuming the vote is five to four, I’ve lived first in the 44th and now in the Later, other states saw their bans fall, includ- www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com that person is Justice Kennedy. Justices Scalia, 46th wards for the last 35+ years. I’ve gone ing Florida. The court let marriage go forward www.WindyCityQueercast.com Thomas and Alito are voting against us period. to all the Pride Parades held during these there too. The most telling point was on Febru- Take it to the bank! The other five, maybe six, years, and I will be damned if I’m going to “Windy City Media Group generated enormous ary 9th of this year, when the Court refused will count. let two aldermen who appear to be more interest among their readers in this year’s LGBT to stop marriages in Alabama. Alabama! That Consumer Index Survey. Out of approximately 100 I think they decided this issue last October. concerned with the opinions of individuals action came after the court had agreed to take print and online media partners who participated They certainly knew what they were doing when at the Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs and up this issue in the current term. By allowing in the survey, Windy City was the best performing they opened up the valve as widely as they did. Special Events and the mayor’s office hijack regional media in the U.S. Only survey partners all of these states to go forward with marriage The Court typically doesn’t get too far ahead our parade. with a nationwide footprint were able to generate equality, 37 states and the District of Columbia a greater number of responses.” ­­—David Marshall, of either public opinion or the laws in the ma- Last year, Cappleman blocked the after- have same-sex marriage, which is about 70 per- Research Director, Community Marketing, Inc. jority of states. Today, 61 percent support the parade celebration by mostly young Black cent of the nation’s population. right to marry and 37 states plus Washington, gays and lesbians over by Montrose Harbor On April 28, we all went into the morning D.C., allow marriage, although Alabama twisted and Beach. I remained silent. That was a FOUNDING MEMBER feeling like the court’s previous actions made it up for themselves. The deck is stacked in mistake I will not make again. marriage equality a done deal. But early in the our favor and their actions since Oct. 6, 2014, arguments, the all-important Justice Anthony positioned themselves to overrule fewer states David Klein Kennedy said marriage between a man and a instead of most states. Chicago woman has been the rule for millennia. That I believe victory is at hand. Whether they made me very concerned, coming from THE jus- take this route or that route will be known

FOUNDING MEMBER

FOUNDING MEMBER

FOUNDING MEMBER WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 11 WINDY CITY TIMES DIVERSIONS THEATER • FILM • ENTERTAINMENT • SPORTS

‘Side’ piece 12 WCT reviews the theatrical production Side Men. 17 19 Photo by Johnny Knight

SCOTTISH PLAY SCOTT A Savage spoof BY SCOTT C. MORGAN who is forced by other drag queens like her mother, Crystal Pain (David Cerda), to wear a Dan Savage is famous the world over for many shock collar around her neck to prevent her reasons. Most know Savage from his syndicated from falling off the stage. Thankfully, the lesbi- sex-advice column, Savage Love, and also as an an activist Annie Sullivan (Elizabeth Lesinski) essayist and author (Skipping Towards Gomor- arrives to teach Helen how to communicate. rah, The Kid). Savage is also an activist both On top of all the crude jokes and outrageous noble (The “It Gets Better” anti-bullying cam- drag humor of MIRACLE!, Savage said he still paign created with his husband, Terry Miller) aims to maintain the message of The Miracle and confrontationally mischievous (with an Worker. And even though many openly criti- Internet search of “Spreading Santorum” pro- cized Savage for being disrespectful to the deaf viding more clues). and blind communities, Savage pointed out But lesser-known job titles for a polymath that practically all those critics didn’t actually like Savage include playwright and director, see the production. since he was a major part of the former Seattle “Deaf organizations came to interpreted per- queer troupe known as Greek Active that was formances in Seattle and they loved it and had notorious in the 1990s for camping up and bur- nothing but praise for it,” Savage said, noting lesquing theatrical classics. Chicago audiences that he had a late aunt who was a disability- are just about to find out how Savage shapes rights activist and that many in the deaf and up as a playwright since Hell in a Handbag blind communities are often treated with “unc- Productions is about to produce the Midwest tuous seriousness.” “Here was a show where a premiere of his 2012 camp comedy MIRACLE! deaf-blind person was the star, and it was the The play was created when Seattle’s strug- kind of show where deaf people aren’t usually gling Intiman Theatre asked Savage to direct allowed to be a part of,” he said. “Why can’t Dan Savage. a play of his own choosing in the style of his deaf characters and deaf people be portrayed Photo by LaRae Lobdell Greek Active days for a summer festival. Sav- in camp theater?” to comic bits, lighting and even choreography. dime and become terribly serious and surprise age settled on spoofing William Gibson’s Hellen Hell in a Handbag Artistic Director David “He was really cool and asked what input you by catching you off guard.” Keller drama The Miracle Worker for a number Cerda first became aware of MIRACLE! when we wanted because he didn’t want to overstep Hell in a Handbag Productions’ Midwest of reasons. playwright Philip Dawkins and former Handbag boundaries,” said Cerda. “And we were like, premiere of Dan Savage’s MIRACLE! plays at “It was partially inspired by an actual drag ensemble member Tracy Hyland both alerted ‘just let us have it.’ And he’s Dan Savage, so he Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., May 14-July queen here in Seattle 25 years ago. There was him to the 2012 Seattle production and point- was very direct even though his persona is not 10. Previews run through May 16 with an of- a big amateur drag circuit and there was this ed out perfect it would be for the company. like what a lot of people would expect from his ficial press opening at 7 p.m. May 17. The one queen who was amazing who was deaf and So Cerda hounded Savage to get the rights to column when he can be very brash. He’s a good regular run performances are at 7:30 p.m. couldn’t really lip-sync,” Savage said during a MIRACLE!, and Savage himself revised it for the Catholic boy from Chicago who is very polite, Thursdays through Saturdays, and 3:30 p.m. recent telephone interview. “The first time you Chicago premiere. Savage even flew to Chicago well-mannered and very funny.” Sundays. Tickets are $17-$35 with VIP re- saw her you thought, ‘What is she doing?’ And on his own dime to observe rehearsals and to “The cast is amazing,” said Savage when served seats available. For tickets, call 800- then everybody just fell in love with her re- give notes. asked about the Chicago rehearsals for “MIR- 838-3006 or visit www.handbagproductions. solve, her courage, her tenacity to just ‘do it “The guy knows his stuff,” said Cerda, adding ACLE!” “I think it’s going be fun and do what org. the way I do it.’” that Savage is truly a renaissance man since he only camp theater can do which is turn on a Importantly, Savage said the performer, iden- had so many helpful suggestions when it came tified by other sources as Jackie Scott, didn’t become just a deaf mascot of sorts but was ac- Something Rotten! with 10 nominations. cepted fully for who she was. And Savage also Tony nominations John Cameron Mitchell will be presented wanted to shake up audiences’ complacency with the , while Wicked when it comes to a familiar classic like The feature Hollywood composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz will Miracle Worker. receive the . “It’s one of those plays that audiences re- thespians Carey Mulligan, Bradley Cooper and Dame According to TheWrap, Tony-related snubs ally don’t watch,” Savage said. “Audiences sort Helen Mirren are among some of the Hol- included Matthew Morrison (Finding Never- of soak in a warm bath of self-regard because lywood stars nominated at this year’s Tony land), Glenn Close (A Delicate Balance), Tyne here we are, we’re being good, dutiful, high- Awards. Daly (It Shoulda Been You), Vanessa Hudgens minded literate people at this play and we’re The Audience star Mirren will face Mulligan (Gigi), Hugh Jackman (The River), Nathan going to wait until we get to that miracle (Skylight), Elisabeth Moss, Ruth Wilson and Lane (It’s Only a Play), Ewan McGregor (The scene and then we’re going to pat ourselves on Geneva Carr in the Best Leading Actress in Real Thing), and the two Gyllenhaals, Maggie our back and go home.” a Play category, while Cooper (The Elephant (The Real Thing) and Jake (Constellations). That’s why Savage tackled MIRACLE! to camp Man) will vie with Bill Nighy, Steven Boyer, Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth will up the original drama and reset it in gay and Ben Miles and Alex Sharp for Best Leading Ac- co-host this year’s on Sunday, lesbian bars to make audiences pay attention Dame Helen Mirren (in The Hundred-Foot tor in a Play. June 7, at the Radio City Music Hall in New and second-guess exactly what might happen. Journey). An American in Paris and Fun Home lead the York. CBS will air the event live. Hence the drama now focuses on the deaf and Image from Walt Disney Pictures total nominations with 12 apiece, followed by blind drag queen “Helen Stellar” (Steve Love), 12 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES THEATER REVIEW duties. Soon Gene’s lengthy working hours on the road clash with Terry’s need for com- Side Man pany, driving the former further into passive Playwright: Warren Leight insularity and the latter into hostile alcohol- At: American Blues Theater at ism. The birth of a child only escalates the the Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. conflict. Tickets: 773-404-7336; “That guy,” announces the clairvoyant www.americanbluestheater.com; $29-$39 Jonesy, upon seeing Elvis Presley on the Ed Runs through: May 24 Sullivan show, “is going to do to horn play- ers what talkies did to Buster Keaton.” War- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE ren Leight’s microcosmic account of the eco- nomic and domestic upheaval engendered by Once upon a time, there was a musician who the waning popularity of Big Band jazz is loved music more than anything in the world, based in observations drawn from his own and a woman, who also loved the music, and family experiences, but unlike many play- the man who made it, as well. Along with wrights nowadays, Leight waited until his their likewise muse-worshipping compan- anger subsided, and with it any remaining ions, they lived happy and contented—until traces of filial rancor, before setting down the music began to die out, compelling them his elegy. to adopt “adult” responsibilities, as defined This brand of romanticized passing-of-an- by mainstream society. Like any endangered age drama is American Blues Theater’s spe- species, some adapted, and some didn’t. cialty, but director Jonathan Berry and his The time was 1953, and the “scene” (as savvy ensemble-tight cast refuse to wallow in “on the scene”—jazzman slang for “here in nostalgic sentimentality, instead convey- and now”) was ’s Upper West ing both the joy and pain inherent in their Side and Greenwich Village districts. Gene is characters’ frivolously chosen lifestyles—the a “side man” trumpeter—a freelance instru- collective ecstasy at listening to a bootleg mentalist hired by an established band for tape of their hero’s final performance, a a night, week or however long his skills are trombone player’s terror at the prospect of needed. His motto, and that of his pals— dental injuries impairing his embouchure, druggie Jonesy, skirt-chasing Al, lisping or the frustration of a young son forced to Ziggy and freewheeling bedmate Patsy—is parent his own hopelessly immature sire “Keep your nut (expenses) small, pay your and dam. Despite its brief two-hour running (union) dues and, as long as you got a place time, the results invoke the grandeur of an Three Sisters. to play and to flop, the rest is gravy.” Terry, epic chronicle distilled to an intimacy as Photo by Evan Hanover on the other hand, is a classically trained sweetly bitter as the ancestral myths of far Boston-Italian flautist whose Catholic up- less humble mortals. bringing spurs her to assume housewifely THEATER REVIEW sartorial crime of matching a lime-hued belt with a pink blouse. This introduces into the Three Sisters scenic and wardrobe design a palette wherein Playwright: Anton Chekhov, the acid-greens and olives we associate with THEATER REVIEW adapted by Geoff Button the future mistress of the household gradually At: The Hypocrites at the Den come to dominate the mauves and maroons of All’s Well That Mainstage, 1329 N. Milwaukee Ave. her husband’s siblings as, one by one, they are Tickets: 773-525-5991; forced to surrender to a usurper’s garish tastes Ends Well Playwright: William Shakespeare www.the-hypocrites.com; $28 in decor. At: Stage Left Theatre at Theater Runs through: June 6 The concept of mobility—geographical, eco- Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. nomical, occupational—is a cornerstone of our Tickets: 773-975-8150; BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE national character, subconsciously reminding www.theaterwit.org; $20-$20 us of opportunities for reinvention despite Runs through: May 24 The biggest obstacle to modern audience our efforts to sympathize with those of more comprehension of Chekhov’s pre-revolutionary limited options. The words uttered by an ag- BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE Russian society is not the frequently over-ac- ile ensemble deftly navigating multiple levels ademic translations of his texts, nor the nos- of consciousness may reduce the distance be- If our story’s premise was that of a maiden talgic distractions of samovars and bell-skirted tween Chekhov’s world and ours, but it also forced into a marriage against her wishes, gowns, but our unfamiliarity with the infra- suggests that the blame for his characters’ un- we’d be in her corner immediately, but when structure of its dramatic universe. Substituting happiness might lie in themselves, not in their a young bachelor is bestowed in matrimony by “Hollywood” for “Moscow,” or an overseas U.S. stars. his king as a reward to the prospective bride, military base for a remote small-town army c the tale is labeled a “problem play” and its dy- garrison—as a few theater companies have— namic reduced to a case study in misogynistic goes only so far in closing the cultural gap to CRITICS’ codependency. To be sure, the reluctant groom the extent necessary to promote identification protests his duty most unceremoniously, but with its inhabitants. PICKS Shakespeare scholars might recall that Kather- Director Geoff Button takes two bold steps ine the Shrew was hardly a compliant newly- toward rectifying this problem in his produc- Billy Elliot, Drury Lane Theatre, Oakbrook wed, either. tion for The Hypocrites. The first is his employ- Terrace, through June 7. Director/choreogra- The dilemma facing the untimely-matched ment of an idiom only minimally adhering to pher Rachel Rockwell works wonders at staging spouses arises, first and foremost, from class All’s Well That Ends Well. the original script, being instead a paraphrase- Elton John and Lee Hall’s 2005 musical adapta- differences. Orphaned Helena, a doctor’s Photo by Johnny Knight based interpretation departing from 19th-cen- tion of the acclaimed 2000 British film. Make daughter, is in love with Bertram, her guard- tury modes of discourse to apprise us instantly sure you have a few hankies as you watch this ian’s nobly born son. After curing the king suspiciously like Miami in the early 1960s, the of the dynamic in progress when, say, the Pro- touching story of a northern English lad who of a fatal disease, her grateful patient offers mini-dresses of its female denizens contrast- zorov sisters bully their little brother and snoot discovers a love of dance during the difficulties his physician, in payment for her services, her ing with Helena’s prim kilts and sweater-sets. his “townie” fiancée (raising the question of of British miner’s strike. SCM choice of a husband. The rebellious Bertram Within this cartoon universe, Helena’s pursuit whether the latter’s subsequent abuse of her The Diary of Anne Frank, Writers Theatre, promptly joins an army preparing to deploy for of the not-yet-ready-to-settle-down Bertram in-laws is motivated, not by spite, but mere Glencoe, through June 28. The revised script foreign posts, leaving his wife to languish in takes on the playfulness of a giddy-young- emulation of the conduct she has observed). of this familiar drama incorporates long-ex- unconsummated marital limbo. Undaunted by lovers comedy—just like its author always said We also grasp immediately Olga’s resignation purgated diary passages that make Anne more this rejection, Helena follows her spouse to it was. at becoming caretaker to the family’s elderly human and less saintly. This production also the Italian wars, where she contrives to win The task of imposing dialects ranging from mother-surrogate, Irina’s decision to “settle” looks afresh at the characters to make them his acceptance through cleverness and sheer Little Caesar to I Love Lucy upon Shakespeare’s for a marriage of convenience and Masha’s less archetypal and more nuanced. SCM perseverance. classic prose meets with varied levels of suc- disappointment at having wed her adolescent Marie Antoinette, Steppenwolf Theatre, Matches rooted in government coercion and cess. Coming off the most verbally adept are crush, only see him turn into a stuffy bureau- through May 10. Move over, Evita—Alana Are- fulfilled by attrition still sit uneasily with mod- Rich Logan’s Royal Highness and Heather crat, driving her into the arms of a lonely offi- nas delivers a rococo rock-star turn as one of ern audiences, so how does Stage Left director Chrisler’s Diana, though Jeremy Trager lends a cer trapped in a likewise troubled wedlock. Oh, history’s most glamorous and misunderstood Drew Martin propose to render his text’s 17th- plummy swagger to the role of the boastful Pa- and don’t forget Solyony, the misanthropic G.I. monarchs. MSB century gender politics palatable? By surround- rolles, Sean Sinitski endows the witty Lavatch whom we now recognize as a PTSD mall-shooter Lips Together, Teeth Apart, Eclipse Theatre ing them in a decor most aptly dubbed “Fan- with suave urbanity, as do Susie Griffith and in the making. Company at Athenaeum Theatre, through May tasy Mafia.” The Paris court affects roaring-’20s Kimberly Logan as a pair of spritely matriarchs. Button doesn’t stop at altering our central 24. Gay playwright Terrence McNally makes a motifs, with guards wielding tommy-guns and The real star of the show, however, is Jeffrey verbal metaphor, but adopts an expressionistic compassionate case for a het quartet searching a monarch sporting a chalk-stripe three-piece Levin’s ebullient score of Sinatra-era pop. Play- visual approach to his period setting as well. on a Fire Island Fourth of July in 1991. MSB and Borsalino hat, while the city of Florence, goers unafraid of revealing their age are wel- In an early scene, Olga chides Natasha for the —By Abarbanel, Barnidge and Morgan where Bertram’s hit squad is billeted, looks come to sing along during the intermission. WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 13

The erd BY RORYH KINNEAR Sense and Sensibility Photo by Liz Lauren DIRECTED BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER FRANK GALATI

THE HERD is captivating audiences and critics THEATER REVIEW Much more likely to sing is the other main Dashwood sister, the impetuous and unafraid- Sense and Sensibility to-speak-her-mind Marianne, who is played Book and Score: Paul Gordon with a knowing vivacity by Megan McGinnis. At: Chicago Shakespeare Her two love interests also make for more likely “ 4 stars. Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. sung interaction, particularly the tall and dash- Tickets: 312-595-5600 or ing Willoughby (Peter Saide) in contrast to the A family drama that www.chicagoshakes.com; $48-$78 more morose and doubtful Col. Brandon (Sean Runs through June 7 Allan Krill), whose music is much more intro- sticks with you… spective along the lines of Elinor (but he also this is Steppenwolf BY SCOTT C. MORGAN has one of the more memorable repeated tunes in “Wrong Side of Five & Thirty”). acting at its best” You might not think that Jane Austen’s 1811 Since so much musically happens with the – Chicago Tribune novel Sense and Sensibility would lend itself to characters’ interior thoughts, there is more adaptation as a musical. of a flowing recitative structure to the show But the folks at Chicago Shakespeare Theater than flashy self-contained songs. Oftentimes feel otherwise since they’re currently present- this understated approach is wholly appropri- “Caustic humor ing a new world-premiere musical adaptation ate, but other times there feels like there’s too of Sense and Sensibility featuring a book and much music when a strong scene of dialogue and love here… score by Paul Gordon, who is best known for would be more prompt (particularly with Wil- vividly acted… his 2000 Broadway musical adaptation of Jane loughby’s final impassioned appearance). Eyre and his internationally toured adaptation Director Barbara Gaines oversees a hand- stellar cast” of Daddy Long Legs (which previously played some production with gorgeous Empire-line – Chicago Sun-Times Skokie’s Northlight Theatre). costumes by Susan E. Mickey, though Kevin One potential drawback to making Sense and Depinet’s scenic design of a large swirling line Sensibility sing is that one of its main char- coupled with Donald Holder’s lighting design acters is the reserved and refined Elinor Dash- might divide some audiences. It certainly wood (Sharon Rietkerk). She falls for the in- helps to fill the space of the Courtyard Theater, articulate and slightly awkward Edward Ferrars though the LED backlighting effect makes you (Wayne Wilcox), so these are not exactly the feel that you’re at a modern-day shopping mall kinds of characters you’d expect to sing out rather than early 19th-century England. their hearts to one another. So though there are plusses and minuses to Yet Gordon hits upon a good device to have Sense and Sensibility as a musical, overall this the songs largely express the inner thoughts sung adaptation will likely please Austen fans of his characters. He also gives Elinor a lot with its tunes helping to augment the romance of under-her-breath sarcasm to comment on of it all. But for others, the addition of music plenty of unfair or awkward situations to make may just be too much at times. the character much more palpable to modern audiences. Whether that would be true to the character is very debatable. SPOTLIGHT e John Patrick Shanley’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning 2005 “Well-blended drama Doubt: A Parable, receives a site-specific staging by gay director mix of humor… William Brown in the library space of Glencoe Union Church. authentic and See how the drama plays out in emotionally such an appropriately environ- mental space as you watch a stern searing” nun’s maneuvers once she suspects – Daily Herald a new and reforming priest of being a sexual abuser. Writers Theatre’s production of Doubt: A Parable continues through July 19 at Glen- Now Playing coe Union Church, 263 Park Ave., Glencoe. Performances are 7:30 steppenwolf. org | 312-335-1650 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 Official 2014/15 Season p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and Corporate Presenting Sponsor Corporate Production Sponsor Lighting Sponsor 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6 p.m. Sundays. There are 2 p.m. matinees on select Wednesdays. Tickets are $35 to $75; call 847-242-6000 or visit www.writerstheatre.org. Photo courtesy of Writers Theatre 14 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES KKNIGNIGHT at the movies

By Richard Knight, Jr.

Movies for Mother’s Day

As mom’s annual holiday approaches, the usual assortment of mother-offspring movies beloved by Our People (Mommie Dearest, Mildred Pierce, Carrie, The Exorcist, Terms of Endearment, Steel Magnolias, Postcards from the Edge, Suddenly Last Summer, The Guilt Trip) are no doubt be- ing trotted out for giddy viewing. Those are all Soul Boys of the Western World. fantastic choices to put a camp spin on the celebration—which I heartily recommend— tory Anne Dorval) are like comedic arias. It’s Far from the Madding Crowd—A remake offer plenty of comedic snark between tunes. but here are some new choices to add to the sensationally entertaining. Dolan has gone on of late, gay director John Schlesinger’s 1967 Mad Max: Fury Road (5/15)—The apoca- list of movies for Mother’s Day. to make a slew of rapturously received films, romantic film adaptation of the Thomas Hardy lyptic Australian movie series that made Mel Blue Sky (1994)—Jessica Lange won a including 2014’s Mommy, in which he returned novel, set in the English countryside, starred Gibson an international sensation in the early much-deserved Best Actress Oscar for her por- to the theme of a single mother (again played Julie Christie as the gorgeous lass fought over 1980s is remade by its original director, George trayal of Carly Marshall, Army wife of Tommy by Dorval) and a difficult son (a much more by a trio of would-be lovers played by Terence Miller, this time starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Lee Jones and mother to their two teenage disturbed one) who finds solace in her friend- Stamp, Peter Finch and Alan Bates. Carey Mul- Theron, Nicholas Hoult and Zoe Kravitz co-star. daughters. Carly is a sultry sexpot—too hot to ship with Suzanne Clement as a mysterious new ligan (The Great Gatsby) steps into Christie’s Soul Boys of the Western World (5/15, trot to be cooped up for long by the rigid tradi- neighbor. Both films are worth seeing. role, and Tom Sturridge, Michael Sheen and 5/16, 5/18, 5/20)—It’s an entertaining tions of life on an Army base and the conserva- Helicopter Mom (2014)—When My Big, Fat Matthias Schoenaerts are the suitors. (thanks to the vintage footage) though hard- tive late 1950s era in which she lives. So Carly Greek Wedding’s Nia Vardalos becomes con- 5 Flights Up (5/8)—Academy Award winners ly balanced look at the ‘80s New Wave band acts out (a lot), but her sexy antics constantly vinced that her teenage son Lloyd is gay, she Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton star in this Spandau Ballet (“True”) who, along with Duran get her in hot water with her daughters and brings a new definition to the word “support- comedy about an aging couple, an artist and Duran, Ultravox, Visage and Heaven 17, helped husband, and it’s clear she suffers from manic ive.” Not only does mom out Lloyd to his entire his schoolteacher wife, whose simple decision bring the New Romantic music genre (pretty depression. Lange is marvelous in the late bi- school, but she signs him up for gay dating to sell the Brooklyn apartment where they’ve hairdos, lots of make-up, lavish costumes and sexual director Tony Richardson’s final film. The sites and applies for LGBT college scholarships lived since the 1970s because the stairs have delectable, pulsating synth-n-soul pop) to the film has just been released for the first time on his behalf. The only problem is that Lloyd become untenable sets into motion a series dance floors of England and then the United on Blu-ray from Olive Films. http://www.olive- isn’t sure yet about his sexuality and he has a of urban calamities. Out actor Cynthia Nixon States Back in the Day. Screening at the Gene films.com/films/blue-sky-blu-ray/ crush on the school’s most popular and pretty plays the couple’s niece, a realtor who lists Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; http:// Mamma Mia! (2008)—Meryl Streep, Amanda girl. Will mom learn to love her not-quite-sure- their now-coveted apartment. VOD and play- www.siskelfilmcenter.org/soulboys Seyfried, Colin Firth, Pierce Brosnan, Christine he’s-gay son? Now available on VOD; https:// ing exclusively in the Chicagoland area the- Limited Partnership (5/16)—It’s a docu- Baranski and Dominic Cooper’s sensational abs www.facebook.com/HelicopterMomMovie aters at the AMC South Barrington (175 Studio mentary about a gay couple who took on the star in this modern-day variation on the sun A Place to Call Home (2014)—Speaking of Dr., Barrington); http://www.focusfeatures. government decades before DOMA and Prop 8 controlling mothers, the matriarch at the head com/5_flights_up became part of the gay-marriage landscape. of the family in this Australian miniseries (now Mother’s Day with Mamma Mia! (5/10)— There’s a free screening presented by Chicago in its second season) could give Mommie Dear- See details above. Community Cinema at the Chicago Cultural est a few lessons in domination. Set in the Cinema Q V (5/14)—The fifth annual Cinema Center. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/ 1950s, this lavishly produced nighttime soap Q film series continues at the Chicago Cultural depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_communitycin- series from Acorn TV has the usual array of fam- Center, 78 E. Washington St., with a screening ema.html ily secrets (including some hot ‘n’ heavy gay of 2013’s Violette, a biopic of the French bisex- Dyke Delicious 12 Annual May Shorts ones) and is a guilty pleasure worth tracking ual feminist writer. The series is co-presented (5/16)—It’s a collection of thought-provoking down. Season one is available on DVD while by the Queer Film Society, Reeling, the Leg- and humorous lesbian-themed shorts back for season two is now streaming online. https:// acy Project, and the Chicago Cultural Center. its 12th year, curated by Sharon Zurek and acorn.tv/franchise/placetocallhome http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/ shown at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St. Eat with Me (2014)—This low-key LGBT dca/supp_info/cinema_q.html Presenters are Chicago Filmmakers and Reel- character study from Daniel Au (making his Pitch Perfect 2 (5/15)—The Barden Belles, ing, with by Black Cat Productions co-spon- film debut) is quietly winning—a subtle look the female collegiate a cappella group, is back, soring. The social hour is at 7 p.m., screening at the relationship between an Asian mother this time trying to win an international sing- at 8 p.m. http://chicagofilmmakers.org/cf/ who moves in with her gay son, a restaurant ing contest. Anna Kendricks (Into the Woods), content/12th-annual-may-shorts cook, when her husband abruptly decides he’s Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld and Brittany had enough of marriage. The son’s burgeon- Snow once again lift their voices in song and ing romance with a sweet bass player becomes complicated (naturally) by the mother’s pres- ence in the son’s apartment though an ener- Rainey; and Oscar winner Mo’Nique as blues getic neighbor (played by Mad TV’s Nicole Sulli- Queen Latifah legend Ma Rainey. Jessica Lange in Blue Sky. van) helps smooth the way. Although the food starring in Several sources have stated that Smith was Photo from Olive Films metaphors lose their flavor and some of the bisexual. It is not known how much the film film’s other contrivances barely squeak by, Au’s ‘Bessie’ May 16 will delve into that aspect of the late singer’s ‘n’ surf Frankie-Annette beach pictures of old contemplative film has plenty of winning mo- HBO has confirmed the debut date for Bes- life. (with a silly plot just as whisper-thin). Front ments for patient viewers. George Takei cam- sie, with the HBO Films presentation sched- and center of course are the raft of 1970s Abba eos. On VOD from Wolfe Releasing; http://wol- uled to debut Saturday, May 16, at 7 p.m. CT. tunes belted out with gusto by the energetic feondemand.com/productions/details/1102/ Starring Oscar nominee Queen Latifah (Chi- cast. Eat-With-Me cago) in the title role, Bessie focuses on leg- This Sunday, May 10, the second annual endary blues singer Bessie Smith’s transfor- Mother’s Day with Mamma Mia! screening event Upcoming movie calendar mation from a struggling young singer into kicks off at Noon at the Music Box Theatre, Highlights from films opening in Chicago, “The Empress of the Blues.” 3733 N. Southport Ave. It will feature a ‘70s May 8 and May 15 (or available digitally) The film also stars Michael Kenneth Wil- preshow costume contest, interactive audience She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry (5/8)— liams as Bessie’s husband, Jack Gee; Khandi guide and sing-a-long screening with mimosas The acclaimed documentary about the women’s Alexander as Bessie’s older sister, Viola; Tory available in the Music Box lounge. It’s hosted movement in the 1960s and 70s returns to Chi- Kittles as Bessie’s older brother, Clarence; by my alter ego, Dick O’Day. http://www.mu- cago for an engagement at the Gene Siskel Film Mike Epps as Richard, a bootlegger and ro- sicboxtheatre.com/events/mother8217s-day- Center, 164 N. State St. Special guests include mantic interest; Tika Sumpter as Lucille, with-mamma-mia-2015-may-10-sun-1200pm Anne Ladky (at the Sunday, 5/10 at the 5:15 a performer and romantic interest; Oliver I Killed My Mother (2009)—Canadian gay p.m. screening) and Judith Arkana (Wed., 5/14 Platt as photographer/writer Carl Van Vech- filmmaking auteur Xavier Dolan set the bar at the 8:15 p.m. screening). http://events. ten; Bryan Greenberg as and very high with this debut film in which Dolan colum.edu/event/undressing_israel_screen- music critic John Hammond; with Charles S. Queen Latifah in Bessie. himself plays a gay teenage enfant terrible ing_and_qa#.VTNjvfnF_JU Dutton as Ma Rainey’s husband, William “Pa” Photo by Frank Masi/HBO whose battles with his single mother (a revela- WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 15 Chip continues to be an inspiration to ev- oughtn’t to be brokered by people or fellows eryone not the least of whom is myself, as a in the same “category.” It’s a big top issue, for New gay manga designer with sharp-shooter ability to identify sure. I just don’t know how to respond to that. what makes a book work (and conversely, what I mean, I hesitate to get on any side because won’t work) on the visual level. He’s also just a I think it all depends on context. It’s hard to anthology gives art mountain of information and connected to so know the “correct” way to establish affinity many champions of gay letters. And he has a with the world, but intentions are transparent, really cute butt. We love him. I think, and I’d like to say ours are all awe- form legitimacy WCT: You and Graham traveled to Japan some. to conduct these interviews. After meeting Massive: Gay Erotic Manga And The Men by Tony Peregrin these artists, what surprised you the most, Who Make It is currently in its second print Anne? run and is available http://www.amazon. What is the big idea behind Massive: Gay Erotic AI: I was really taken aback—pleasantly com/Massive-Gay-Japanese-Manga-Make/ Manga and The Men Who Make It? Featuring so—at how into adorableness they all are, you dp/1606997858. illustrations rarely seen in the United States know, they enjoy looking at pictures of pets for Fantagraphics, which publishes Massive, outside of pirated, poorly duplicated content example. Some of the comics are pretty brutal, will be part of the CAKE (Chicago Alternative available online, Massive showcases big, hy- but I realized that they all have this blunt, soft Comics Expo) at the Center on Halsted, June permasculine men with soft edges, along with side. 6-7, featuring comics for sale, workshops, nine in-depth interviews of some of the most WCT: Do you identify as a straight, lesbian, exhibitions and panel discussions. talented comic artists producing work for a gay cis or transgender person, Anne? http://www.cakechicago.com/ male audience in Japan. AI: [Laughs] I am just bendy—I don’t have a Massive—which Chip Kidd designed and sexual orientation. Anne Ishii and Graham Kolbeins edited—is a WCT: How do you respond to people who follow-up to The Passion of Gengorah Tagame: may be uncomfortable with you, as a wom- Master of Gay Erotic Manga and marks the sec- an, co-editing a project like Massive that is ond the time the trio have worked together in so gay male-centric? this genre. With Massive, now in its second AI: I haven’t actually received criticism for print run, the Western world is introduced to being a not-gay male in this context but, if the first English-language anthology featuring cornered, I could make a pretty good case for the masters of Japanese gay manga. Graham and me being one complete gay Japa- @windycitytimes1 Fantagraphics, which publishes Massive, will nese man. I’ll do the talking, he’ll do the bonk- participate in CAKE (Chicago Alternative Com- ing. ics Expo) at the Center on Halsted on June 6-7, But I suppose what you’re asking is about featuring comics for sale, including Massive, whether any significantly different culture along with workshops, exhibitions and panel discussions. In an effort to get the big picture on Mas- Image from the manga publication Massive. BOOK REVIEW sive, WCT chatted with Ishii to discover how Photo from Fantagraphics gay manga is shattering sexual and cultural A Matter of archetypes. ern culture. At worst, Asian male sexuality has Windy City Times: How are Massive and gay been grossly mis-caricatured as neutered or Breeding manga content similar to Tom of Finland? perverted. I think, therefore, literally any other by Michael Brandow Anne Ishii: Massive and gay manga are simi- iteration of positive Asian male representation $18; Beacon Press; 288 pages lar to the style of Tom of Finland’s illustration in the West would be a boon. by TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER work in that there are specific artists from Ja- More philosophically—and specifically per- pan that delve into the hard-core macho gay taining to Japanese gay manga—this may have The cur at the corner of your couch is one of look and BDSM culture. Certainly, the caliber of to do with a size obsession in U.S. culture that the best dogs you’ve ever had. artwork is matched by the impact of the con- doesn’t translate into Japanese culture. That’s He’s smart, he’s friendly, and he loves the tent, which is to say, the activities depicted— not to say there isn’t a size obsession in Japan kids. Ever since he was a puppy, he’s been like being peed on by someone in a cop uni- but that it’s not apples to apples. We hear a lot scrupulously clean, inside and out. He watch- form—may be similar. Gay manga [specifically] of well-intended questions about our artists’ es over you, he makes you laugh, and you refers to literally all gay comics from Japan, work along the lines of “…but Asians aren’t can’t imagine life without him. primarily intended for a gay male audience. big or hairy. Why do these artists depict them So what kind of dog is he? The answer Naturally, that encompasses other styles not as such?” Well, for two reasons—comics are al- is complicated, as you’ll see in A Matter of limited to this style, so it’s not really fair to lowed to be fantasies, and who actually looks Breeding, by Michael Brandow. compare an entire universe of artwork to one exactly like the media portrays us? Like most Manhattan-based dog walkers, artist. WCT: What was it like working with the Michael Brandow met plenty of pooches. He WCT: Can you summarize the general highly-respected graphic designer and au- was paid to walk them, play with them, and theme or concept behind Massive? thor Chip Kidd? help them burn energy—and in the mean- AI: Chip Kidd is a hero for book design and AI: Elicit and tacit romance is a resounding time, he saw canine fads come and go. When you bring a dog home with you, you comics art and gay visibility. We started work- theme for the whole book. A number of years ago, Brandow walked naturally expect to have many happy years ing together around 2003 at Vertical, Inc. WCT: Massive offers more iterations of di- a lot of Jack Russell terriers. Then he saw with him. Here, LGBT author Brandow sounds where he was moonlighting as the art director verse Asian archetypes of masculinity than scads of Shiba Inus, beagles, Frenchies, the alarm: happy years might not be pos- and where I was the publicity and marketing we typically see in [U.S.] media and popular each “dog du jour” replaced by another in sible. director. We continued to work together after culture. Why is that important? short order, each with a different “standard” For a dog lover, that’s horrifying, as is this: each of us left Vertical, and a few years later AI: I am only speaking on my own behalf but for their breed. But those physical traits purebred Bulldogs have major, human-made we discovered that Graham was interested in I believe that, at best, representations of Asian weren’t always in the dogs’ “own best inter- health issues. The low-slung look of modern doing a survey/ introduction to gay manga. masculinity has been underwhelming in West- ests,” though they’re mandatory in the show German Shepherds isn’t natural. Docking tails ring. Measurements, coat color, head size, and cutting ears is almost never necessary. paw shape, they’re all required for purebred That made me cringe, though Brandow ex- dogs—even when genetics and health de- plains how those cosmetic issues are increas- CCULULTTUURERE CCLUBLUB mand otherwise. ingly being rejected. It didn’t begin that way, says Brandow; in But A Matter of Breeding isn’t just informa- fact, “breeds as we know them are… new in- tive; it’s also an outraged rant against dog ventions…” Dogs used to be just dogs and if shows, the pedigree industry, breeders, and a mutt could do a job, that was fine because owners of purebred dogs. Eventually, it feels they were all mutts anyhow. incessant, and that tends to overwhelm and But then dogs became status symbols, even numb a reader. It also can detract from complete with individual breed clubs and the books’ main point. fusses over curly tails versus high tails, and And yet, though it’s not easy reading, I do black coats instead of brindles. The British think this book is worthwhile. Just beware: initially set those pesky standards, a sort of It could start a few arguments, too. Depend- class war raged in England and North Ameri- ing on where you sit, with mutt or unmix, ca, the aristocracy spoke up, the pedigree in- your side in A Matter of Breeding could land dustry “showed an uncanny ability” to make someone in the doghouse. certain dogs fashionable, and dogdom was Want more? Look for Woof! A Gay Man’s never the same. Guide to Dogs, by Andrew DePrisco and Jason But the dirty little secret? Purebred dogs O’Malley; or Paws and Reflect, by Neil Plakcy are hardly that; most were mongrel-bred at and Sharon Sakson. some point in their ancestry. Says Brandow, of your dog and his, “… they’re all mutts at the end of the day.” 16 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES seriously with the stopping, the passing-off fans—even my gay fans, even when it wasn’t and the bait-and-switch. popular to do that. Early in my career, I would Jody Watley. WCT: Tell me about reloading Shalamar. get flack from my label to not acknowledge Photo by Albert Sanchez JW: The new members are Nate Allen Smith that. I was told, “Don’t talk about your gay fan and Rosero McCoy and we’ve already sold out base.” So it was walking again in my own path shows in Japan, New York, Atlantic City and and I appreciate the love and I think that ev- Oakland. Being the owner of the name, you eryone who is a fan of mine feels that from me. can’t just register it and not use it. In life or WCT: Who are some of the newer artists in business, you have to be smart enough to be [who] you listen to? open to the universe. To collaborate with Nate JW: I still love—and they are not really well- and Rosero and share ideas is fun and it doesn’t known—4hero, who I had the pleasure to col- feel like a rehash when we do the classic mate- laborate with on a song called “Bed of Roses.” rial—it feels new. They are very orchestral and beautiful drum WCT: When can we expect new music from and bass. A lot of the things that I like are not Shalamar? really on the commercial radar. JW: We’ve recorded a new song [that] will In commercial music, I like Rihanna. A lot come out in June. of my fans say that they can see me in her

MUSIC Jody Watley:

Songs, legal battles Jody Watley and the new Shalamar. and reloading Shalamar Photo by Viktorija Paschuta

WCT: On April 11, you performed at the ever-changing style. And also she takes more 29th annual “Night of A Thousand Gowns,” chances with her music—she is a little less which benefits The Center and The National predictable with her collaborations. Quite a Gay and Lesbian Task Force. What songs did few people on Twitter and Facebook say that you perform? Solange Knowles reminds them of me. I was in JW: I performed “Nightlife,” then I did a my car over a year ago listening to KCRW (89.9 little bit of “Don’t You Want Me” and a little bit MHz FM) which is obviously NPR, and they play BY TERRI-LYNNE WALDRON cial media. In the past with the , of “Real Love.” It was a fantastic event with really great eclectic music. Solanges’ last EP they would sometimes test the song, take it to everyone in opulent ball gowns—I love that. came out and I said, “Wow—that sounds like Chicago native Jody Watley was a teenaged a radio station and they might play it at mid- WCT: You are a gay icon. What do those me!” And also because of her style. She has dancer on the iconic TV show Soul Train and in night and see if anybody would call to request words mean to you and does it come with created a very distinct style for herself. the late ‘70s she became a member of the R&B/ it. Now, when Paradise came out “Dancer” was any responsibility? Jody Watley will be at The Shrine, 2109 S. pop trio Shalamar. the immediate one that everyone was asking, JW: I’m here with music, fabulousness, de- Wabash Ave., on Saturday, May 30, at 9:30 She quit the group in 1983, and found suc- “Are you going to do remixes?” or “Is this go- termination, overcoming obstacles, owning p.m. For ticket information go to www.the- cess as a Grammy Award-winning solo artist re- ing to be the next single?” who you are and being yourself no matter what shrinechicgo.com/ For more on Watley visit leasing signature songs like “Looking For a New WCT: In May 2014, you became the legal people think about you. www.jodywatley.net/. Love” and “Friends.” In 2014, Watley tapped and registered trademark owner of Shala- I have never been shy to embrace all of my into disco and funk grooves for her current CD, mar. Two of the former members—Howard Paradise, and she has also reloaded Shalamar Hewitt and Jeffrey Daniel—along with Caro- with two new members. lyn Griffey, continue to tour under the name Windy City Times: You released your latest Shalamar. How can they do that? Chicago Artists record, Paradise, in 2014 and the first single JW: That part is still being sorted out from it was “Nightlife,” which came out in through my attorneys. The former members Chorale has 2013. When can we expect the new song, had been going to the U.K., not doing shows May 19 concert “Dancer,” to be released? in America. With regard to trademark law, there The Chicago Artists Chorale—a new group Jody Watley: That’s probably coming out at are a different set of trademark and laws. We’re of more than 50 members from the area’s the beginning of June. It will be the “Dancer” dealing with the United States and then we professional arts community—will present remixes: the singles. The thing about digital will be dealing with the rest of the world. So the second concert of its inaugural season is that you kind of write your own rules and that process is ongoing but they can’t work in on May 19 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 there’s no real time frame. People are still dis- America, obviously. N. Southport Ave., at 7:30 p.m. covering Paradise. It started with false advertising—where they The first portion of the concert will focus WCT: How do you decide which song would were using my likeness from the early days on composers from the British Isles, with be the next single? when I was in the group—to help market their songs by British composers Ralph Vaughan JW: I am able to get the reactions from fans shows. My attorneys looked into it, because Williams and John Rutter as well as Irish because I am so directly involved with the so- the former members were not really taking it composer Charles Stanford. The second por- Adam Lambert to tion will highlight the importance of U.S. ensemble singing through each decade from release CD June 16 1940 to 2015. Out singer/ Adam Lambert will Tickets may be purchased by calling the release his third studio album, The Original box office at 773-935-6875 or visiting www. High, on Tuesday, June 16, through Warner athenaeumtheatre.org. Tickets are $30 for Bros. Records. adults ($12 for students and members of the The album was recorded in Stockholm, theater industry). Sweden, and Los Angeles with Max Martin and Shellback (Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Pink, etc.) as executive producers. May 10 show to Among the 14 tracks are “Ghost Town,” benefit HBHC (the first single) “Underground,” “Heavy “Option Up!”—the musical theater cabaret Fire” and “Evil in the Night.” Three songs— and talk-show—celebrates co-host Christo- ”After Hours,” “Shame” and “These Boys”— pher Pazdernik’s birthday with “Chris’ Birth- will only be available on the deluxe edition day Belt-Fest,” a concert to benefit Howard of the CD. Brown Health Center on Sunday, May 10 at Lambert is set to make a number of na- 7:30 in The Cab at Stage 773, 1225 W. Bel- tional television appearances in support of mont Ave. The Original High, starting with the Ellen De- Tickets are $10; call 773-327-5252 or by Generes Show on April 30. visit www.stage773.com. See www.AdamOfficial.com. WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 17 “Rainbow Train,” which will be released May 12, is a musical “mish-mosh” featuring latin, ‘Rainbow Train’ on jazz, disco, hip-hop, pop, folk, a ballad and children’s voices in dialogue. The target age is 4-9-years-old, but Rothman insists the songs do not talk down to kids. The themes surround- track to children’s ing gender identity and expression are ageless. The album is a collaboration with many in- dividuals. Along with Rothman, the core musi- gender expression cians include Bill Moriarty, Stuart Fuchs, Sarah Carlisle and Francois Zayas. Many other artists By Melissa Wasserman been given the opportunity to stand behind the lent their musical talents, but Rothman makes thing we believe in about children’s freedom of special mention of Mya Adriene Byrne, who co- Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter and mu- expression and freedom to be who they are,” wrote the song “Everybody Gets to Choose their sic educator Chana Rothman may look like she Rothman said. “Our obligation as parents is to Own Name.” Byrne came out as a transwoman lives a mainstream life with a male partner, her support them no matter who they are and how and is a trans activist. 4 and 2 year-old sons and a baby on the way. hard it is or how harshly they may be judged in “I intend this as a tool for parents and edu- However, she plays an unconventional tune, the world or no matter how attached the world cators and for children and for anyone who re- which has gone into her first children’s album, might be to their gender presentation.” ally cares about freedom—freedom of expres- Rainbow Train. “Rainbow Train” was created with a grant sion and gender freedom,” said Rothman, who Rothman grew up in Toronto, Canada. Her and based on feedback from diverse focus was partially inspired by some of the books she musical track began at 14, when she went to groups Rothman devised. The children’s album, read. “I really intended this to be a soundtrack a music camp. The last chair flutist, each week she adds, is a project with meaning beyond Chana Rathman. for a growing movement. I feel like any good she participated in musical challenges where herself and her family. Photo by Andrea Nunez social movement needs some good music to go she and another camper would play in competi- “I feel like this project has a sense of mean- with it. I’m really excited to present this as tion and the losing musician would go down a ing that’s much deeper than the music I’ve different pieces of myself as an educator, as a a companion to this really exciting movement level. This activity, Rothman remembers, was written before,” Rothman said. “I’ve always musician, as a parent, as an activist. It really toward gender liberation that’s happening.” when she realized she did not want music to be written about consciousness and social justice feels like a culmination of my life’s work and For more information, visit http://chan- a devastating experience for anyone. and spirituality, but there’s something about it feels like something I really think is larger arothman.com/rainbow-train. At the age of 18, Rothman came out as bi- having had the opportunity to combine all the than myself.” sexual, which she explained became a signifi- cant part of her identity. Rothman started writ- ing her own songs during those high school years, listing Ani DiFranco and the Indigo Girls as huge influences along with Tracy Chapman, a female artist who did not abide by female stereotypes. She played less of the flute and picked up the guitar. Through the years, she has babysat, taught Hebrew school and outdoor education and was a song leader in the Jewish community. Her love of kids, music, culture, religion and spiri- tuality, has lead up to her career as a music educator. “I really experienced and witnessed how powerful it is to be part of a music-making community and a community that is working toward justice,” said Rothman. “It’s meaning- ful to be in groups of people who are interested in changing things that need to be changed in the world and talking about things that need to be changed and they’re doing that work. I have found, as a musician, that there’s always a place for that work. Music always has a space. It always has something to offer and always has a way of bringing people together.” Her style has changed over the last decade and she enjoys incorporating folk, pop, hip- TickET hop and rock into her music. “My goal there is to really introduce children to as many kinds of sounds as possible while building community and musicality and confi- givEaway! dence,” Rothman said. Her awareness and dislike of unfair stereo- types and gender expectations began at a young child. Having two brothers who played OpEning hockey, she also wanted to play, but being a girl, she was denied. Following unconventional suit, at a clothing swap two years ago, her oldest son fell in love gaME with a dress he picked out. Rothman’s peers in the inclusive community she intentionally sur- Fri., June 5, 2015 rounds herself in, encouraged him. “I think any of those things are terrifying to us because it doesn’t matter how progressive vs indiana you are, we are raised in a culture that is really transphobic and sexist and really misogynist,” 7:30 p.m., said Rothman. “Anything feminine is consid- ered a target whether it’s on the male, female, allstate arena transperson, or gender non-conforming person. It was sweet to see he was comfortable and I was proud of him for being free to be himself gREaT floor and even though I don’t think he perceives himself center court tickets! that way. I will say as time went on and that’s what he wanted to wear, I had a lot of my own fear and bias to fight past.” Searching for tools as a parent and for her project, “Rainbow Train,” Rothman joined a Email [email protected] for your chance to win parents’ support group on Facebook and read the books “Gender Born, Gender Made,” “Ja- Deadline May 15, 2015 cob’s New Dress,” and “Raising My Rainbow.” “I leave it open and as a gift that we have 18 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES

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Bravo Top Chef Carlos Gaytan, from the res- taurant Mexique, stirred up a tasty sauce to ac- company his dish—one that had many going the DISH for seconds. Weekly Dining Guide in Ceviche from Vera restaurant and shrimp sand- WINDY CITY TIMES wiches from Mercat gave samplers something to bite into while enjoying an overwhelming amount of wine that afternoon. Proceeds from the Rioja Wine & Tapas Festival Rioja Wine Festival will benefit culinary scholarships at the James BY JERRY NUNN Beard Foundation. The weekend featured many activities surrounding the James Beard Awards, On May 2, the Rioja Wine & Tapas Festival which took place May 4. packed in a huge crowd, with more than 50 Follow www.riojawineandtapasfestival.com winemakers represented inside Union Station for more upcoming events in the Windy City. on Canal Street. More than 30 chefs prepared Some tastings in May will be held at The Wine Rioja inspired tapas to accompany the tastings, Goddess in Evanston through May 10, with an- including a jamon bar, a variety of cheeses plus other called A Taste of Rioja at Bascula Wine enough blood sausage to appease any meat Bar now through May 31. ter alumni and culinary supporters of the orga- eater. Trotter Project, nization, including Michael Taus, vice president A live band played relaxing tunes as lines of The Trotter Project and owner of Chicago res- for samplings stretched around the large event United join forces taurant Taus Authentic; Della Gossett of Spago space for four hours. Beverly Hills; and Richie Farina, former execu- Rioja is a wine region in Spain. It is the only United Airlines and The Trotter Project are join- tive chef at Chicago’s Michelin-starred Moto one in the world that does not release its wines ing together to boost travelers’ in-flight dining Restaurant and contestant on reality show Top until they are ready for consumption. experience, with alumni chefs of Charlie Trot- Chef. Tempranillo was the most represented vari- ter’s legendary Chicago restaurant and their cu- etal in the building, with the grape being from linary peers working with the airline to design the D.O.C. (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) new premium-cabin and United Economy meals. region in Rioja. Many wines are blended from United will also be the official airline of The ? grapes grown in three zones in Rioja : Rioja Trotter Project, a nonprofit organization com- LGBTRIVIALGBTRIVIA Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa. ? From page 9 mitted to continuing Trotter’s legacy through ? Notable wine companies included many fam- mentoring and internship programs for youth ANSWER: ily names like Muga and Familia Martinez, with interested in the culinary arts. ?Some of My Best Friends some family descendants in attendance to show Chef Carlos Gaytan at the Rioja Wine and United and The Trotter Project hosted their Questions from That’s So Gay! A Game of LGBTQ off the family legacy. While most wines were tapas festival. Discovery, a 2400-question board game available from first menu-development workshop in March, Women & Children First Books and on Amazon.com. red, there were some white and blush wines to Photo by Jerry Nunn with United’s team of chefs joining some Trot-

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Friday, May 8 ter, Tico Valle, and Mary Morten. Free. To Rita Moreno Award-winning actress will be COMMUNITY Melancholy Play: a chamber musical by participate in the Celebrity Bowl, by rais- the speaker for Northeastern Illinois Uni- Sarah Ruhl Bank teller Tilly’s melancholy ing funds through securing pledges, or get versity’s spring commencement ceremony. is of an exquisite quality. She turns her information, contact Dick Uyvari by phone. She has won the Oscar, the Emmy, the CALENDAR melancholy into a sexy thing, and every 10:30am - 12:15pm Waveland Bowl 3700 Tony and the Grammy, and the Screen Ac- stranger she meets falls in love with her. N Western Chicago 773-769-5115 http:// tors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award. One day she becomes happy and havoc www.GLHallofFame.org 4:00pm UIC Pavilion 525 S. Racine Ave. Wed., May 6 reigns. Thru June 7, 2015. $20-35 7:30pm Dyke Delicious Series: May Shorts screen- The Female Male Illusionist Celebrating Spring Wine Tasting Party Sample more Piven Theatre Workshop, 927 Noyes St., ings Thought-provoking and rib tickling Mother’s Day. Hosted by Chicago Gay & than 100 wines from around the world and Evanston 847-866-8049 Tickets: http:// films and videos by and about lesbians. Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee DJ Sheron enjoy light hors d’oeuvres from J&L Cater- www.piventheatre.org Presented by Chicago Filmmakers and Webb. Emceed by Trina TruLuv. Featuring ing. Bottles and cases of wine will also be She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry Resur- Reeling, The Chicago LGBT International Prince Silk St. James, Kameo Dupree, Tra- available for purchase (subject to prior rects the buried history of the outrageous, Film Festival and Co-Sponsored by Black vis Hard, Ryder Reeves, Art Hamilton and sale and limits) so you can have your fa- often brilliant women who founded the Cat Productions. Curated by Sharon Zurek. Papi Capone. Tickets: $20 in advance/$25 vorites to serve at your upcoming holiday modern women’s movement from 1966 to Social 7 pm. 8:00pm Chicago Filmmakers at the door. 6:30pm - 11:30pm Baton parties and occasions. Some wines will be 1971 from intellectuals like Kate Millett 5243 N Clark St., http://www.chicagofilm- Show Lounge 436 N Clark St., http:// available to take away that evening. For to the street theatrics of WITCH (Wom- makers.org www.thebatonshowlounge.com just a $20 donation to Equality Illinois, en’s International Conspiracy from Hell!). you will get to enjoy delicious wines that 8:15pm Gene Siskel Film Center 164 N Sunday, May 10 Tuesday, May 12 cater to all palates and budgets. 6:30pm State Chicago Tickets: www.siskelfilmcen- Super Jocks in Super Jocks w/ Bianca del Pride Idol: Audition Round An ongoing - 9:00pm Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St SIGN OF THE RIMES ter.org/shesbeautifulwhenshesangry Rio The Crochet Empire jockstrap fashion talent competition for the ultimate prize Chicago http://www.sidetrackchicago.com LeAnn Rimes LIVE LeAnn is one of pop/ show to benefit TPAN and The Ride for of a $1000 prize package. Open to all tal- Doubt: A Parable Pulitzer Prize-winning Friday, May 8 country music’s biggest superstars of the AIDS Chicago. This sexy, fun-filled night, ent. If your act can fit in a bar and you play about authority, suspicion, ambiguity past century with over 37 million albums hosted by the incomparable reigning think you have what it takes, then give it and religion: a progressive young priest’s Singer LeAnn Rimes will sold worldwide and countless awards, in- queen of drag Bianca del Rio, is sure to a try. Audition rounds through May. Finals conduct comes under question. Writers perform at Roscoe’s, 3356 N. cluding the Grammy award for best new entertain and scintillate. 10 of Chicago’s in late June when the top three finalists Theatre presents through The show runs Halsted St. artist of 1997. Doors open at 10 pm. $40 sexiest men will be strutting their stuff perform at Pride North onstage. 7:00pm - July 19. Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 7:30pm in super hero-inspired jockstraps made by 12:00pm The Glenwood Bar 6962 N Glen- PR photo advance ticket sales, $20 general admis- (with select 2 0pm Wednesday matinees). sion. Tickets guarantee admission and are The Crochet Empire (www.thecrochetem- wood Ave Chicago http://www.facebook. Thursdays & Fridays: 8 pm, Saturdays: extremely limited. They can be purchased pire.com). $20 general admission; $35 VIP com/theglenwoodbar 4:00pm and 8 pm, Sundays: 2 pm and 6 by calling 773-281-3355, ext. 2, or by (includes two drink tickets and a meet and ments and appetizer. Cost: $20, $15 mem- pm 7:30pm Glencoe Union Church, 263 emailing [email protected]. 10:00pm greet with Ms. del Rio.) Tickets can be pur- Wed., May 13 bers and students 6:30pm Chicago His- Park Ave, Glencoe - 2:00am Roscoe’s Tavern 3356 N Halsted chased at http://www.brownpapertickets. HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day AIDS Foundation tory Museum 1601 N Clark St., http:// Rufus Wainwright The Best of Rufus Wain- St., http://www.roscoes.com com/event/1387444. 6:00pm - 9:00pm providing bus and food for those going wright. Doors 6pm 8:00pm - 11:00pm www.chicagohistory.org/planavisit/up- Hydrate Nightclub 3458 N Halsted Chicago to Springfield to respond to budget that comingevents/out-at-chm City Winery Chicago 1200 W Randolph St Saturday, May 9 http://www.hydratechicago.com contains a $1.6 billion cut to Medicaid, a Cinema Q V Film Series I Am Divine (2013): Chicago http://www.citywinery.com Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Option Up: Chris’ Birthday Belt-Fest A Ben- $6 million slash to HIV funding line rep- Jeffrey Schwarz’s dishy documentary por- (LGBTQ) Support meeting to talk about ill- efit Concert for Howard Brown Health Cen- resenting a 25% cut and a reduction in trait of Harris Glenn Milstead aka Divine, Thursday, May 7 nesses, symptoms, treatment, doctors, and ter, featuring Wicked’s Heidi Kettenring, funding for the African American HIV/AIDS the 300 pound drag-queen. Q&A follow. Cinco de Mayo ALMA Community Net- personal issues such as dating, relation- Les Miserables’ Marya Grandy. Option Up!, Response Fund by 66% to $500,000. Reg- 6:30pm Claudia Cassidy Theater , Chicago working Event Association of Latino/ ships and work. Center on Halsted 3656 N the acclaimed musical theater cabaret and istration free and required for all activities. Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chi- as Motivating Action second annual net- Halsted 11:00am - 12:30pm Center on talk-show, celebrates co-host Christopher 6:00am - 8:30pm Illinois State Capital, cago http://www.ChicagoCulturalCenter. working event. Learn about ALMA’s work Halsted 3656 N Halsted Chicago http:// Pazdernik’s birthday 7:30pm Stage 773 Springfield, IL Tickets: http://wfc2.wired- org in the LGBTQ community. Free. 6:00pm dbsa-glbt-chicago.com 1225 W Belmont Chicago 773-327-5252 forchange.com/o/8810/p/salsa/event/ American Veterans for Equal Rights (gay - 9:00pm Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club 5K Walk/Run For Education Hope For Hai- Tickets: http://www.stage773.com common/public/?event_KEY=72365 veterans) monthly meeting AVER is a 3700 N Halsted Chicago Tickets: http:// tians with Food For The Poor hosts, to United States Holocaust Memorial Mu- non-profit, chapter-based association of www.eventbrite.com/e/alma-cinco-de- provide school supplies for children in Monday, May 11 seum: Some Were Wives, Some Were active, reserve and veteran servicemem- mayo-lgbtq-latinoas-network-event-tick- Haiti. $25 7:00am - 8:15am Kane County TransSafe Drop In Resource Center Trans Mothers: Female Perpetrators during the bers dedicated to full and equal rights and ets-16475755428?aff=eac2 Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., and gender non-conforming. Hang out, Holocaust 7:00pm - 8:00pm Anshe Emet equitable treatment for all present and Out at CHM presents StoryCorps’ OutLoud (Route 31), Geneva Tickets: http://www. socialize, enjoy some food. Access medi- Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, 202-488- former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. StoryCorps founder David Isay and gender HopeForHaitians.org cal, hormones, legal, housing, social, em- 0460 Tickets: http://www.ushmm.org/ 7:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- studies professor Jennifer Brier discusses Hall of Fame GLBT Celebrity Bowl fund- ployment New day and location. 1:00pm events/hitlers-furies-may13 sted StoryCorps’s OutLoud initiative in histori- raiser Celebrities including U.S. Rep Jan - 4:00pm Center on Halsted 3656 N Hal- cal context with other LGBT oral history Schakowsky, Alderman James Cappleman, sted Chicago http://www.chicagohouse. projects. Reception 5:30 pm with refresh- state Rep. Sara Feigenholz, Gary Chiches- org/?post_causes=translife-center

The Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM), lo- cated at Navy Pier, kicked off two months of Children’s museum hosts ‘All Families Matter’ event All Families Matter programming, as part of its commitment to ensure the museum serves the needs of LGBT-led families and gender non- conforming children, with International Fam- ily Equality Day (IFED) at the museum Sunday, May 3. The event included music and lots of ac- tivities, plus an all-families photo on the staircase, which was decorated with rainbow- themed ribbons placed there by the children. Stacy Buehler performed music, including an original song for the event. Her daughter Liken also performed, as did a young transgender performer, Jason, who attended the event with his mom Jill. “Our abiding commitment has always been to all families. This is a unique opportunity to show our support for all of Chicago’s diverse families, and celebrate children with LGBT par- ents and caregivers not just on International Family Equality Day, but every day of the year. We take pride in being a museum where all can play, discover and just enjoy being a fam- ily,” said CCM President and CEO Jennifer Far- rington. Theresa Volpe, who with her wife Mercedes Santos fought for marriage equality in Illinois, helped coordinate the event May 3. The couple were there with their three children. CCM launched its All Families Matter initia- The “All Families Matter” event. tive in 2011. The museum celebrates diver- Photo by Hal Baim sity and believes every family has the right to play, learn and celebrate life without fear, discomfort or shame. See http://www.chica- gochildrensmuseum.org/index.php/about/all- families-matter. See video and more photos online at www. WindyCityMediaGroup.com. WINDY CITY TIMES May 6, 2015 21

BILLY MASTERS Now Open @1pm

own gain.” Why? Although there is a prenup, Saturday & Sunday Rounds would get child support were she to get custody of the kid. Abercrombie & Fitch has just announced that you no longer need to be hot to work there. Stop the insanity!! Back when former CEO Mike Jeffries ran the company, he insisted that all store employees had to be hot. “Because good- looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good- looking people. We don’t market to anyone oth- er than that.” Since cool, good-looking people are getting their clothes elsewhere, A&F has decided to broaden their appeal by marketing Sam Harris is living the sweet life. to everyday folk—they call it being “more in- Photo by Ray Garcia clusive and diverse”. If I wanted to see every- day folk selling clothes, I’d go to Target! “Mark my words: If gay marriage goes through Things are heating up in Provincetown. I’ve the Supreme Court and gay marriage becomes already told you about the gaggle of celebrity fine and they can put teeth in it so now they concerts headed to our little seaside retreat. can go after churches, like the president’s law- But now the stakes have been raised. Sarah yer says, 50 percent of our churches will fall Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick will be away.”—Conservative radio host Glenn Beck’s appearing with Seth Rudetsky at Town Hall un- rant about gay marriage ruining the churches. der the aegis of the Provincetown Art House. But enough about the positives... This will mark the first time the married couple I’m for gay marriage as much as any gay man has appeared in concert together. The special who hasn’t had a permanent paramour this cen- event takes place Aug. 17—the birthday of Big tury—yeah, it’s really important to me! While Mama Masters and Belinda Carlisle. You can get we’re waiting to see how the Supreme Court tix at PTownArtHouse.com. rules, there’s gay-marriage news elsewhere Another performer heading to Provincetown in the world. When put to a vote, citizens of this summer is my bon ami, Sam Harris. Rather Northern Ireland rejected legalizing same-sex than wait, you can experience Sam immedi- marriage.... for the FOURTH time. Meanwhile in ately. Until now, only a select few got to savor Ireland, a referendum to approve gay marriage every delicious morsel of Sam Harris in their as an amendment to the Irish Constitution will mouth. But that’s all changed. We are pleased ® be voted on May 22. The most recent polls to announce the Sam Harris Sweet Life Bar. The only in Chicago milk chocolate bar also features caramel, sea show 72 percent of the respondents in favor 3349 North Halsted of the referendum. It will be interesting to see salt and dark chocolate cream. Sam says, “I be- SidetrackChicago.com @sidetrackbar what happens. lieve a little chocolate every day is the key to Scouts for Equality (SFE) raised $50K (and a sweet life!” I’d understand if Mario Cantone CMI_Full_Page_v4_Final_Print.pdf 1 3/3/15 9:20 AM counting) on Challeng.org, and they’d like to made this statement, but it’s a strange senti- donate the money to the Boy Scouts of Amer- ment to hear from a man whose mate is white ica (BSA). But there’s a catch. The SFE says, as the driven snow (and congrats to the couple “If they meet this challenge and vote to end on their recent 20th anniversary). You can grab their ban on gay adults, the proceeds from this this and other celebrity-named confections at campaign will be donated straight to the Boy SweetLosAngeles.com. Scouts of America. But if they don’t vote down Our “Ask Billy” question comes from Jason the ban, your donation won’t be processed.” I in Chicago: “I heard the paparazzi took photos don’t know which way would make me respect of Zac Efron walking around the set of his new the BSA more—if they take the money or if movie nude. Do you have the pics?” they don’t. If they turn it down, it could be This is a strange situation because Zac isn’t quite a sizeable amount since the fundraiser nude, but he isn’t exactly clothed, either. I’ve ends May 22. previously told you all about the “cock sock”— Grab a coffee,e Another U.S. institution was in a potential a flesh-colored garment that is placed over a pickle—what would General Mills (makers of man’s genitalia while filming a nude scene. Wheaties) think of Bruce Jenner coming out There is also a variation of this garment which take a survey, as transgender? We didn’t have to wait long is basically a nude brief. This is what Zac was for an answer: “Bruce Jenner continues to be wearing during the filming of Dirty Grandpa ... change the world. a respected member of Team Wheaties.” It’s with a twist—his brief has some sort of a bum- been said that Jenner could again make history blebee plush toy attached to the front. He’s should Wheaties put him/her on the cover as walking around the set in this ridiculous outfit, C Making a Difference is Easy. a transgender athlete. First, he’s gotta master talking on the phone, sometimes leaning on M Y trash cans, all the while holding his bumble- walking in those pumps! CM

By the way, Bruce Jenner (or Heather Jen- bee in place. But crazy as it sounds, he actu- MY Take the 9th Annual ner) is being sued for negligence and wrong- ally looks really hot. At some point, a small CY ® ful death by the stepchildren of the woman boy approaches him to ask him a question or CMY LGBT Community Survey who was killed when her car was pushed into take a photo or pat his bee. The cameramen K oncoming traffic. The suit doesn’t specify an captured Zac bending over in this flesh-colored amount, but states that the death of 69-year- brief, showing off his impressive assets whilst old Kim Howe is a great loss—which is intrigu- simultaneously evoking the essence of the late LGBTsurvey.com ing because Kim’s friends say that she had “vir- Jayne Mansfield. It goes without saying that tually no relationship” with her stepkids. Even you’ll find a variety of these photos on Billy- more intriguing is that these stepkids are not Masters.com. included in her will! Howe’s entire estate is be- When Zac’s showing off his stinger, it’s defi- ing left to various charities—primarily animal nitely time to end yet another column. I ask related. Although the case is still being inves- you, where else would you get a Zac Efron/ tigated, Mr/s Jenner has not been charged with Jayne Mansfield comparison? Only at www.Bil- any crime. lyMasters.com, the site that’s always cutting This week, the eye of the scandal moves to edge. If you have something for me to inves- Rosie O’Donnell. According to court documents, tigate, drop a note to [email protected], her estranged wife Michelle Rounds is suing for and I promise to get back to you before Sam full custody of their 2-year-old daughter, Dako- Harris melts in your mouth, not in your hands Proudly LGBT-owned and -operated A pioneer in LGBT research, founded in 1992 ta. Since the child was adopted by both ladies, (or anywhere else). Until next time, remember, Your information is confidential, used for research purposes only. neither has an edge in this case. A representa- one man’s filth is another man’s bible. You will not be contacted for marketing purposes. NGLCC-Certified LGBT Owned Business Enterprise tive for Rosie said, “This is an absurd and des- perate attempt to use the child for [Rounds’] 22 May 6, 2015 WINDY CITY TIMES LGBTQ & Allies prom the biggest one yet By Gretchen Rachel Hammond glad I was able to be at this.’ Another common question is ‘are you going to have this again The students from high schools across Chicago next year?’ It’s really exciting that we can con- who journeyed to Northside College Prep on the fidently say ‘yes’.” evening of May 1 discovered their heart’s desire When it comes to support for the event, Wi- was no farther than their own backyard. From eselman and Padowitz aren’t the only one’s giv- wall to wall, the Emerald City of Oz had been ing that answer. “We’ve had tremendous sup- conjured in the school’s gymnasium by North- port from our community partners all over the side’s students for the annual LGBTQ & Allies city, to Northside’s administration to CPS,” Wi- Prom. eselman said. “This has been a story of people Instead of the green-tinted spectacles Doro- saying ‘yes’ and we are so grateful.” thy and company had been given as protec- Padowitz said that the prom ended up at tion from being too “dazzled by the brilliancy Northside at the request of the school’s gay- of the wonderful city,” however, prom attend- straight alliance (GSA), whose students also ees were offered glow-stick necklaces before picked the theme. they entered a world lit with a wall of green “A lot of things at Northside are student lanterns and covered by a ceiling of twinkle driven” Northside College Prep Principal Kelly lights that served well as the beautiful stones Mest told Windy City Times. “I think it’s great of L. Frank Baum’s famed city. On one side of that the students are engaged. We have a com- the room, fabric screens showed scenes from mitment to the community and to be global the 1939 film that cast their own bewitching citizens. Our students feel that and they act light on the people dancing in front with such upon it.” undiminished joy that when technical difficul- Among those who arrived at the Emerald City ties cut the music for a few minutes, they sang were Northside 9th graders Mandy Gomez and LGBTQ & Allies Prom attendees. their own song. Alice Sickler. It was their first LGBTQ & Allies Photos by Gretchen Rachel Hammond According to co-organizer and Chicago Public prom. “Everything is so beautiful,” Sickler said. Schools (CPS) social-worker Noa Padowitz, this “It’s awesome that we all get to celebrate this fourth annual prom has grown exponentially together. “ Moreno speaking at even from last year’s event. “We have over 200 “Everyone is just so much more comfortable students this year. From as far away as Lisle, in their own skin,” Gomez added. “With or NEIU commencement Glenview, Niles, they’ve come from all over without music.” Award-winning actress Rita Moreno will be today,” she told Windy City Times. “We have Once Columbia University Assistant Direc- the speaker for Northeastern Illinois Univer- over 38 schools here. We’ve had CPS funded bus tor of Diversity Recruitment Initiatives Pre- sity’s spring commencement ceremony on pools to bring students in.” cious Davis and performer Khloe took the floor, Monday, May 11. “I haven’t been able to find another district- that comfort turned into wild excitement. The event will take place at the UIC Pavil- endorsed LGBTQ prom in the country,” added Yet to miss an opportunity to perform at the ion, 525 S. Racine Ave., at 4 p.m. co-organizer and Sonia Shankman Orthogenic prom, both Davis and Khloe seemed to revel in Moreno belongs to an elite group of per- School Special Education teacher A.J. Wiesel- Baum’s own advice to “never give up. No one formers, having won each of the entertain- man. “We might be the only one. Most often knows what’s going to happen next.” ment industry’s most prestigious awards: the kids come up to us and say ‘thank you I was so More photos are online. Oscar, the Emmy, the Tony and the Grammy. In 2014, she became the 50th recipient of the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achieve- ment Award. Rita Moreno. During the commencement ceremony, Photo by Mark Hill Moreno will be awarded a Northeastern Illi- nois University honorary doctorate degree in recognition of her achievements. Dar Williams’ ‘Emerald’ out May 12 Backstreet Boys Singer Dar Williams will release Emerald on Tuesday, May 12. movie out May 13 The album will feature collaborations with The movie Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What friends such as Jill Sobule, Richard Thomp- You’re Made Of will be in select theaters son, Jim Lauderdale, the Milk Carton Kids, Wed., May 13, 1t 7 p.m. the Hooters, Lucy Wainwright Roche and The film will look into the lives of the boy mother Suzzy Roche, among others. band’s members as well as offer an acoustic Raised in Chappaqua, New York, Williams performance of songs such as “As Long As spent 10 years living in the thriving artistic You Love Me,” “Show ‘Em (What You’re Made community of Northampton, Massachusetts, Of)” and “I Want It That Way.” where she began to make the rounds on the Tickets are available now at participating coffee-house circuit. 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