THE VOICE OF CHICAGO’S GAY, LESBIAN, BI AND TRANS COMMUNITY SINCE 1985 Sept. 9, 2009 • vol 24 no 49 www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com Showdown on the Hill: Congress tackles gay bills
By Lisa Keen Keen News Service
‘Hannah’ writer It’s show time in Washington, D.C.: time to talk turkey and put Claudia Allen page 15 some money where the mouth is, and time to put the pedal to the Miss Opportunity metal and the rubber to the road. Congress is back for the last three months of the Obama administration’s first year in the White House and, suddenly, every bill is on fire—8-12 appropriations bills in the Senate; bills to steady a still wobbly economy facing an almost 10 percent unemployment rate; and bills to address climate change, renew estate tax provisions and decide whether a government (or public) health insurance option should be part of healthcare-insur- ance reform. Most media spotlights are on healthcare. It is the Obama admin- istration’s self-selected showdown against the federal government’s tendencies toward what the president calls “inertia” when it comes to helping people who can’t afford healthcare. Passage of some meaningful healthcare bill will either make or Kristine break the Obama legacy for all time, according to many pundits. But while that’s the sort of hyperbole necessary to get most people page 17 W to read real news, the eventual bill could have real significance to the LGBT community. For instance, some of the current versions of healthcare-reform bills include provisions to collect data concerning sexual orientation and to provide better for early treatment of HIV. “We have provisions that have survived committee [votes], but they still need to get all meshed together in whatever bill comes out,” said Allison Herwitt, legislative director for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). HRC is widely recognized as the LGBT community’s voice on Capitol Hill. Herwitt says HRC is “hopeful” that, when leaders of the Demo- cratic majority in Congress sit down with White House staffers this month “and figure out what they want the final bill to look like,” those LGBT provisions will survive. Tony Midnite “They’re very much a priority for us,” said Herwitt. Labor Day weekend means barbecue and beauty—the latter on show at the Dies page 6 So is a defense-spending authorization bill. That’s because the Matthew Shepard hate-crimes legislation, adding sexual orientation annual Miss Continental pageant at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage. Photo by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com); see more on page 21 and Turn to page 4 at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com UMC group to honor Rev. Greg Dell By William Burks sive-progressive theology.” UMC policy forbids the ordination of openly non-celibate gay or The Rev. Greg Dell, retired minister of Broad- lesbian clergy. way United Methodist Church in Chicago will Rev. The movement sprang from Dell’s witness in Wanda be honored with the Gilbert H. Caldwell Justice Greg the 1990s, when he celebrated more than 30 Sykes page 16 Ministry Award as the culmination of a weekend Dell. commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples. conference on “The Journey to Justice,” Sept. Photo by When a 1998 ceremony was reported in Windy 25-26. Hal Baim City Times, Dell was reported to his bishop, Sponsoring the conference and award is Church tried before an ecclesiastical court for breaking Within A Church (CWAC), a movement within the church rules forbidding such ceremonies, and United Methodist Church (UMC) whose goals in- banned from exercising ministry in the UMC. On clude providing “a pathway [to ordination] for appeal, his sentence was reduced to a one-year qualified people denied ordination in the United ban. www.WindyCityQueercast.com Methodist denomination because of sexual ori- entation, gender identity/expression, or inclu- Turn to page 9
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n in g h t s p o t s OUR 1000TH ISSUE!!! ONLINE INDEX Lessons begin October 1 September 2, 2009 OUR #1000 ROCKIN’ ROBIN 1000TH State treasurer candidate Starting at $105, you get four lessons ISSUE! Robin Kelly (on the right, over four weeks taught by top pros. with State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz) recently held You’ll also enjoy two parties, our Continentally Yours Labor Day weekend means Mr. and Miss Continental. an LGBTA reception at practice lanes and fitness center. page 7 inSIDE The many shades of Pet The pie hits the fan at the Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant. Equality IL Pie Toss. page 18 page 21 Sidetrack. Don’t have a racquet? Photo by Sharon Garchitorena We’ll lend you one. Busy schedule? ACTIVIST BACK TO REALITY (tv) We’ve got tons of times JIM PICKETT Meet trans person Jaila to choose from. SHOW# 325 Sims (left) of Making His Band and lesbian Lulu Midtown membership of the newest America’s not required. www.WindyCity Next Top Model cycle. Space is limited. Queercast.com 773.235.2300 History lesson TVN LGBT historian John QueerTVNetwork.com D’Emilio (right) entertains and educates with a column about Chicago’s Check out our gender police. 2020 West Fullerton Avenue video channel for new videos weekly Chicago, IL 60647 midtown.com www.QueerTV Network.com 4 Sept. 9, 2009 Secretary of State’s signature validation process. of names, they are still going to qualify,” said tities: the National Organization for Marriage States prepare The lawsuit asked a state court to stop the Sec- Smith. ($160,000); the Portland diocese and affiliated retary from certifying the petitions, contending Nevertheless, the secretary of state is expect- groups ($152,000); and the state chapter of Fo- for marriage that the Secretary accepted some petitions that ed to announce that a measure to repeal the cus on the Family ($31,000). do not meet state requirements. A King County state’s newly passed marriage-equality law has Meanwhile, the key group working against battles judge refused Sept. 2 to interfere with certifica- been certified for November’s ballot. That puts the referendum—“No on 1: Protect Maine By Lisa Keen tion of the ballot measure, and the Secretary of the law, which was set to go into effect this Equality”—has raised $143,290, of which only Keen News Service State then certified Referendum 71. month, on hold. $35,000 has come from national groups ($25,000 The group seeking to overturn the domestic The battle against same-sex marriage licens- from the Human Rights Campaign and $10,000 In what is being described as perhaps the “nar- partnership law, Protect Marriage Washington, ing in Maine is being led by anti-gay newcomer from the ACLU). Equality Maine, another group rowest margin ever for qualifying for the bal- also filed a lawsuit—in federal court—seeking Bob Emrich, pastor of an independent Baptist working to defend the equal-marriage law, has lot, the Washington State Secretary of State’s to seal the petitions from public scrutiny. The Church in Plymouth, Maine—population 1,257, raised $63,561—of which $20,000 came from office announced Aug. 31 that opponents of group claims that pro-gay activists will harass according to the 2000 census. a national group, the National Gay and Lesbian gay relationships in that state collected enough voters who signed the petitions. The state Public Since forming its campaign committee in Task Force. valid signatures to secure a ballot measure this Disclosure Commission has already rejected the June, the Stand for Marriage Maine coalition Read the full article—including what’s November. The measure, which will be known group’s request to conceal the signatures and a has taken in $343,690 in contributions—99.7 happening in California—online at www. as Referendum 71 or R-71, seeks to overturn federal judge issued a temporary order stopping percent of which has come from only three en- WindyCityMediaGroup.com. Washington’s domestic partnership law, which release of the signatures, pending a final deci- provides same-sex couples with “everything but sion. marriage.” The Washington secretary of state’s Web site CONGRESS from cover The news comes as same-sex couples became has been making daily reports about the count eligible to marry Sept. 1 in Vermont. The leg- process and the lawsuits during the past month and gender identity to the existing federal hate islature there overrode a gubernatorial veto in as election officials examined each of 137,689 crimes law, has been attached to that funding the spring to enact an equal marriage law there signatures turned in by Protect Marriage Wash- bill in the Senate. Because the House passed beginning Sept. 1. Early reports suggest only a ington.” The group needed 120,577 to qualify for a stan-alone hate-crimes bill, a House-Senate relatively small number of couples applied for the ballot. Early indications suggested the rejec- conference committee must wrestle this month licenses, which they could do beginning in July, tion rate of signatures might be high enough to to come up with a final version of the defense perhaps because many could obtain marriage prevent the group from reaching the requisite funding bill to send back to both houses. Her- licenses in one of several others states that pro- number. According to the Web site, the rejection witt and others seem pretty confident that the vide for equal marriage licensing. rate on petitions has been about 18.5 percent Democratic leadership will fight to keep the And meanwhile, Maine’s secretary of state is historically, but Protect Marriage handed in a hate-crimes provisions in the defense bill. expected to announce in the next few days that much smaller number of signatures, meaning Originally, the president had threatened to a ballot measure seeking to overturn that state’s it had to reach a rejection rate that was under veto the defense bill because it included provi- newly minted equal marriage law has been certi- 12.4 percent to qualify. In the end, its signature sions such as funding for F-22 jets. But the fied for the ballot there this November. rejection rate was 11.8 percent. objectionable provisions have reportedly been U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin. mitigated and “there is a strong will in the Washington: Referendum 71 And then there’s Maine leadership and the White House,” said HRC “Then we’ll work with senators and try to put While the Washington Secretary of State’s of- Having enough signatures has not been in Policy Vice President David Smith, to pass the together a plan,” says Merkley. Merkley says fice has validated enough signatures to enable question in Maine. There, a coalition of groups hate crimes legislation. he has not yet had a conversation with the an anti-gay ballot measure there in November, called “Stand for Marriage Maine” turned in more That sort of “robust” support is imperative, White House about ENDA but signals from the the office has not yet officially certified the than twice the 55,000 signatures they needed. said Clinton White House staffer Richard So- staff have been “very supportive” and Merkley measure for the ballot. Betsy Smith of Equality Maine said bluntly carides, who said he thinks the hate-crimes says he will ask President Obama to “support Washington Families Standing Together, a weeks ago that certification for the ballot was a measure will become law this year. the bill in a public manner.” But HRC’s Herwitt group seeking to preserve the domestic partner- foregone conclusion. “I think the mood in the country and Con- is hopeful a Senate hearing could take place ship law, filed a lawsuit Aug. 27 challenging the “Even if they throw out tens of thousands gress is pretty good for a robust gay civil-rights sometime this fall. legislative agenda,” said Socarides. “But you Four other bills are languishing far behind, need to put the force of the president behind with no one in the Senate lined up yet to in- it. You need to put some vigorous advocacy be- troduce them and prospects in the House fairly hind it. A sort of agenda that gets a lukewarm uncertain: push to it or doesn’t have a lot of firepower —Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) repeal has behind it is going to go nowhere.” not yet been introduced in either chamber, al- The strength of Obama’s firepower behind though Herwitt says she hopes a bill will be LGBT-related legislative goals lingers as a bit introduced in the House this month; of a rub between the LGBT community and the —“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy (DADT) repeal Obama administration. Candidate Obama prom- has been introduced in the House and may be ised much for the LGBT community; and Presi- introduced in the Senate this fall, says Herwitt. dent Obama reiterated many of those promises But Frank and HRC say they don’t imagine DADT to quell a growing chorus of impatience in will get a floor vote in the House before next June. year. Rep. Alcee Hastings announced in August At a small Oval Office ceremony, calling for that he was withdrawing an amendment he had federal agencies to provide whatever benefits prepared seeking to prohibit the Defense De- they could to the partners of gay federal em- partment from spending any federal funds to ployees, President Obama gave a verbal nod enforce its DADT policy against gays; to a bill seeking to ensure equal benefits for —Immigration legislation aimed at reunit- the partners of gay federal employees—The ing families has been introduced in the House Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act only, and is pending some effort to address im- (DPBOA). The bill’s chief sponsor, Rep. Tammy migration issues overall, an effort that is wait- Baldwin, D-Wis., said the bill “really got a boost ing in line behind all the other urgent matters by [the president’s] strong endorsement.” of Congress; and Baldwin could not be reached for this article, —Family-leave inclusion legislation, an ef- but HRC’s Herwitt said the DPBOA bill might fort to ensure that LGBT families are covered get a floor vote this fall in the House and a under the federal Family Leave law has also committee vote in the Senate. That puts it been introduced in the House only. No one has right behind hate crimes for likely action this come forward in the Senate to introduce the fall. bill. Everything else tends to look more uncer- And so the chorus of LGBT complaint is be- tain—with “maybe” hearings this fall or as- ginning to warm up again. yet-unidentified sponsors to introduce them. Speaking to a gay Democratic event in San The Employment Non-Discrimination Act Diego Aug. 22, the Obama campaign’s openly (ENDA) has been introduced in the House and gay deputy Steve Hildebrand said “all of us the Senate and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., need to put pressure on [the president] and put thinks the all-inclusive bill could get a com- pressure on Congress to do the right thing.” mittee hearing this month and a vote on the Socarides said he thinks “we can get hate House floor this fall. The Senate is less promis- crimes, an inclusive ENDA, and end to [DADT] ing. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., took over cham- before midterm elections [in November pionship of the bill from the late Sen. Ted Ken- 2010]—but not without an aggressive push nedy. He says hate crimes have to come first; by the administration. And so far I don’t see then, ENDA supporters need to “check in with” [it].” senators who haven’t weighed in on the legis- ©2009 Keen News Service lation in four years. Sept. 9, 2009 5 the House of Deputies. “For the Church to take [trans-inclusion] on NATIONAL in such a supportive way gives me hope that the church I love so much has in a very clear Hubby way said that it does care about me and what ROUNDUP BY ANDREW DAVIS Hubby those in the larger society think and say,” he ice explained. Ben & Jerry’s is celebrating the beginning of cream. For secular society, Tavolaro added, “The same-sex marriage in Vermont with the symbol- Image church sends to the LGBT community such a ic renaming of its well-known ice cream flavor courtesy wonderful message that we are an inclusive “Chubby Hubby” to “Hubby Hubby,” accord- of Sean church, not perfect but we’re trying hard.” ing to a press release from Freedom to Marry. Green- A self-described “overall church geek,” Tav- To kick off the celebration, Ben & Jerry’s and wood. olaro has served in Episcopal parishes in music, Freedom to Marry will publicly support the first youth, and acolyte ministries. This summer he is marriages of the state’s same-sex couples and a staff member for vacation bible school. Tavol- Dee Tavolaro, 19-year-old Rhode Island trans- raise awareness for marriage equality by urg- aro is also considering—“discerning” in church death lawsuit with Sacramento County for man, addresses fellow delegates from the ing people to visit FreedomToMarry.org. “Hubby language—a vocational call to the priesthood. $1.45 million, according to the Bay Area Re- floor of General Convention. Photo courtesy Hubby” will be served through Vermont Scoop Comparatively speaking, the 2.1 million-mem- porter. Sams, whom a jail document once called of Chuck Colbert Shops throughout September. ber Episcopal Church, the U.S. branch of the 77 “flamboyant,” died from a perforated peptic In New Jersey, former officer Robert Colle million-member Anglican Communion, is not the ulcer in June 2006, days after being arrested has settled a lawsuit against the police de- first to advance trans-inclusive denominational for cocaine possession. Sams was deemed medi- TransEpiscopal: partment for $415,000 after accusing his policy. And yet, with the adoption of four trans cally fit to be in jail, but died “a slow, painful superior and fellow officers of harassment and resolutions in Anaheim, the Episcopal Church— death.” A move toward discrimination based on sexual orientation, Ad- often considered a denominational bellwether— Read more national-news items online at vocate.com reported. Colle, who had been on inclusion is now the largest U.S. church to go officially www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com, including: leave for two years, has permanently resigned as by Chuck Colbert pro-trans. —the latest concerning the June 28 raid on part of the settlement. To find out what other trans activists have Texas’ Rainbow Lounge; and In California, the mother of late gay inmate They were a party of nine: five transgender to say, visit www.WindyCityMediagGroup. —the LGBT connection to the next possible William Sams recently settled a wrongful- women, two transmen, a gay man and a straight com. Mass. senator. woman ally. They told friends, “We’re going to Anaheim,” not too far away from Disneyland. They were also change agents. By the end of the their church’s triennial gathering (July 8-17), this band of sisters and brothers made Episcopalian history with the advent of trans- Casa Vista Los Arcos inclusive action and convention-floor testimony Puerto Vallarta’s gay-owned, elegant Spanish hillside villa from a 19-year-old transman believed to be the first openly transgender deputy. “Members of TransEpiscopal made an incred- ible difference by giving incarnational witness to the “T” in LGBT and—in the process—moving The Episcopal Church further toward its goal of being a truly inclusive and welcoming church,” said the Rev. Susan Russell of All Saints Church in Pasadena, Calif. Russell is president of the organization Integ- rity, the denomination’s LGBT advocacy group. Dedicated to spiritual enrichment and empow- erment, TransEpiscopal (http://blog.transepis- copal.com/) serves as a support and advocacy group for the denomination’s transgender mem- bers and significant others, families, friends, and allies. Altogether, the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church adopted four resolutions. Two of them support enactment of civil sector anti-discrimination and hate crimes, legislation protecting transgender people at local, state and federal levels. Voting in separate legislative bodies (Houses of General Convention), the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops, convention depu- ties—lay persons, clergy and bishops—also ad- Ask about our opted two other resolutions, one adding “gender boys’ and identity and expression” to its nondiscrimina- girls’ weeks! tion policy for hiring lay employees and another Nestled on a hillside with amazing ocean views, the beautiful, calling for the revision of church paper and elec- open-aired villa accommodates up to 10 with 4 ensuite bedrooms, tronic forms to allow a wider range of gender 3 kitchens, large outdoor area with heated pool (perfect for parties identifications. A fifth resolution, an effort to add “gender & weddings). English speaking staff, wireless internet and free identity and expression” to the church’s ministry calls to and from The U.S., Canada and parts of Europe. non-discrimination canon, or church law, passed in one house and was amended in another house Proud supporter of: by striking various categories—for instance, race, age, and ethnicity, among others—and substituting “all people.” Nonetheless, the trans-inclusive steps already taken are a remarkable turnaround from the last triennial gathering. “We’re taking the ‘T out’ of ‘LGBT’ and letting it stand alone,” said Dee Tav- olaro, a convention deputy and college student from Lincoln, R.I. Three years ago, an effort failed to bring even one resolution out of com- mittee, he explained. This time, however, Tavolaro, along with straight ally Sarah Lawton and Mass. State Rep. Byron Rushing successfully co-authored, two resolutions, both of which were adopted. Tav- WWW.CASAVISTALOSARCOS.COM olaro even testified in favor of trans-inclusion at a committee hearing, as well as on the floor of 773-960-5721 6 Sept. 9, 2009 who has requested for the purposes of this ar- medical report form; psychiatric or physician drag. LOCAL NEWS ticle to be called “Sharon,” the club used to ac- statement; or other document that shows a sex The problem, she said, is that many transwom- cept a person’s regular ID if a girl removed her change has or is in the process of taking place. en are not comfortable going out to the DMV in Hunters’ wig or there was a distinct resemblance to the Sharon—who has not had and does not plan drag given the risk it might pose to their day photo. Now, she says, the club has even turned on having a gender change—said she was able jobs or regular lifestyle if they were recognized. trans-ID away friends of hers that she considers regulars to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles But without that alternate ID, transgender if they didn’t have an ID of themselves in drag. (DMV) and thoroughly explain the situation. persons will likely not be admitted to Hunters— controversy “These people spent money [at Hunters], She received a state ID identical to her license which would have a major impact on that com- By STEVEN CHAITMAN didn’t cause any trouble and [Hunters] wouldn’t in terms of information, but it pictures her in munity. let them back in,” she said. Hunters Night Club in Elk Grove Village has a long She said the crowd of transwomen at Hunters Church’s gay/lesbian support group. He was history of serving Chicago’s LGBT community. on the weekends has gone from an estimated 30 also the editor of the church’s newsletter, The But over the last couple of years, policy changes to 40 people back in 2007 down to fewer than Net, and a board/vestry member. regarding proper identification for transgender 10 on an average weekend night. Welther’s breadth of activism on behalf of the and cross-dressing individuals have barred much Cindy C, a transwoman who says she has fre- LGBT community led to him being nominated of that crowd from entry, leaving some Hunters quented Hunters in the past, told Windy City for the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame patrons feeling marginalized. Times that she believes the stricter policy is dis- last year. One endorser, the Very Rev. James The changes are largely due to a few incidents criminatory. H. Dunkerley (the retired rector of St. Peter’s), that have threatened the club’s liquor license. “The requirement by Hunters management that stated, “I have known Earl for the early [‘80s] Hunters manager Peter Landorf said the inci- the ID match the look is solely to keep trans and have found his openness and support of dents involved transgender individuals doing people out of their establishment on weekends,” the Gay and Lesbian community from day one, inappropriate things in public and soliciting sex she e-mailed. “It is their place, I guess, but they as both [courageous] and daunting.” on the classified ads Web site Craigslist. should be straightforward in their desire to dis- Tony Midnite in 1953. As a result, the club decided to be more cau- criminate within the community.” tious of who it lets inside. Landorf said transgender people are more than PASSAGES “With all the stuff going on with Craigslist be- welcome at Hunters, but explained that in his 10 years there, he’s had to kick out far more Tony Midnite ing watched by the police department, the last Tony Midnite—a member of the Chicago Gay transwoman than men, so he needs to make sure thing I need them saying is ‘Meet me at Hunt- and Lesbian Hall of Fame who was an activist, he knows the people he’s letting in are who they ers,’” Landorf said. female impersonator and costume designer— appear to be in order to decrease liability. Landorf said he recognizes Hunters has come died in Las Vegas, Nev., on Aug. 31. Midnite “Are all of them trouble? Absolutely not,” he down hard on the trans community (and trans- was 82. said. “It’s always the minority that makes it hard women in particular), but the reasoning is to Midnite (real name: Tony Murdoch)—who on the majority.” protect the business and its license—its fore- was born in Texas, Sept. 20, 1926—first came Regardless of the intent behind the stiffening most responsibility. to Chicago as a female impersonator in 1951, of the policy, some members of the transgender “Unfortunately, you become tough on that according to his Hall of Fame bio. Two years community feel marginalized. community, I understand that,” Landorf said, later, he opened his studio as a costume de- “I don’t believe that if a T-girl has a legitimate “but the bottom line is I have to protect the signer and eventually fielded requests from [regular] ID that they should bar her because business. It is a fine line.” around the world. Earl Welther. Photo by Israel Wright she [doesn’t feel comfortable going] in drag to Hunters’ policy—in accordance with Cook Defying the Chicago Police Department in the DMV to get [a fem ID],” Sharon said. “To Memorial Mass Services for Earl Welther will County law—requires a person’s ID picture to the early 1950s, Midnite booked the Jewel Box change [policy] like that is just wrong.” be held Sat., Oct. 10 at 3 p.m. at St. Pe- match his or her appearance. When strictly up- Revue (a group of 25 impersonators and a les- Obtaining an ID picturing oneself as another ter’s Episcopal Church, 621 W. Belmont Ave., held, this can naturally be an impediment to a bian, Storme De Laviere, who was a male im- gender is possible, but it is a difficult process. 773-525-0844. In lieu of flowers, donations transgender person whose alternate look is not personator, according to Queermusicheritage. According to Secretary of State Jesse White’s can be made for Earl’s funeral expenses, made permanent. us) at a South Side bar called the Roberts Show According to a transgender Hunters regular office, an alternate ID can be obtained with a payable and sent to Robert Welther at 4722 Lounge. W. Berteau Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 or sent to Ever the activist, Midnite was part of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with the memo: for 1977 Medinah Temple demonstration against Earl Welther’s funeral expenses. anti-gay advocate Anita Bryant. He was also in the Daley Center protest against police harass- The Honorable Jan Schakowsky and the Honorable Mike Quigley PASSAGES with co-chairs Todd Armbruster, Doug Ferguson, Scott Silverman ment at gay bar Carol’s Speakeasy while Jane and Josh Titus cordially invite you to attend Byrne was Chicago’s mayor. Mary Head Midnite was a book reviewer for several pub- Mary Head, known to many in the Lakeview lications, including GayLife. In 1978, he was LGBT community as an employee at Boystown the subject of a three-part GayLife series that bar Bucks Saloon, has passed away, according focused on local gay history from the 1950s. to the Chicago Sun-Times. Midnite was inducted into the Hall of Fame Head was born in Los Angeles, Calif., as Mary Nov. 12, 1996. He moved to Las Vegas in 2000, McWherter, to deceased parents Mary Price and where there was a Jewel Box Revue reunion Robert J. McWherter. She was later adopted, the following year. Female impersonator Jimmy along with late brother Robert, Jr., by Nonnie Tai wrote on Members.cox.net that “Many re- and Bebop (both deceased), where they gained member The Jewel Box Revue, but it was Tony’s two sisters: Denise and Shar. After attending costumes that were most vividly remembered! Seattle University, Head moved to Chicago. Tony did the planning for a Jewel Box reunion She eventually married (and divorced) George in Las Vegas on August of 2001. He dined us “Ted” Head, and worked at First Chicago (later, TPAN’s signature fall fundraising event out and we had a memorable time, thanks to Bank One). featuring the talents of dance music Tony Midnite.” She retired early and became a community singing artist Kristine W. activist, concentrating on the areas of gay Saturday, September 12 PASSAGES rights and animal rescue. Head was an active Ravenswood Event Center member of Triangle Neighbors/LVCC, and a sta- Kristine Earl Welther 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave. W ple of Direct Aid Chicago and Bucks Saloon. Earl Welther, a gay-rights advocate who Raffle Upon her death, Head was a single mother ö VIP Reception: A Mix and Mingle Prizes founded Midwest Men’s Center of Chicago, Inc., with Kristine W. to Gary (partner Elizabeth Capua) Head and died Sept. 3. He was 67. ö Tableau of Fine Cuisine Eric Zich, and an aunt of Gentry McWherter and ö Libations, Libations, Libations Welther was born May 22, 1942 in Chicago, many more. ö Silent Auction and attended Wright Junior College 1960-62, Jim Darby, a friend of Head and member of ö Raffle Prizes according to his profile on LinkedIn.com. the Chicago Chapter of American Veterans for - Puerto Vallarta Villa and ORBITZ Airline Tickets In 1979, he was part of the Chicago Men’s - VIP Tickets to Chicago Takes Off Equal Rights (AVER), e-mailed Windy City Times - Tickets to Dance for Life Ravenswood Gathering, a pro-feminist, gay-affirmative Billboard that “Mary has attended many of our [d]inners FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS, LOG ON TO Factory men’s group. In 1982, Welther joined the pro- WWW.TPAN.COM OR CALL (773) 989-9400, EXT. 233. and probably all of BBQ’s over the years. Mary test of The First Church of Christ, Scientist and [good friend] Robin came to many of our in Boston, Mass., when it started prohibiting Sponsors Media [d]inners, not only to bid on some of our items Sponsors gays and lesbians from teaching or even being CLASSIC that no one else bid on, but also to donate PARTY members. In the late 1980s, he started Mid- RENTALS items to our silent auction. She has always EVENT SPECIALISTS • Chicagopride.com west Men’s Center of Chicago, Inc., an umbrella been such an supporter of AVER. We will truly • Gay Chicago Magazine organization that included Men Nurturing Men • GRAB Magazine miss her.” • Nightspots and, later, Windy City Gay Naturists, a group A memorial service will take place Sunday, CNA Insurance • Columbia College Chicago • Print Services, Inc. • Walgreens • Windy City Times that provided social opportunities for nudists. Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. at the park located at 815 In 1991, Welther joined St. Peter’s Episcopal W. Roscoe. Donations can be sent in her name Church and became involved in Integrity, the to www.arfhousechicago.org.
AA_Ultra_WindyCityTimes.indd 1 8/20/09 11:47:04 AM Sept. 9, 2009 7 the same responsibilities—and allowing gay and See www.alexiforillinois.com. perjury; false imprisonment/kidnapping; ob- lesbian couples the right to marry, much like Find out what Alexi Giannoulias has to say struction of justice; and fraud to illegally obtain heterosexual couples [can], is the right and fair about HIV-positive individuals and the travel overtime pay for court appearances for false DUI thing to do. ban at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. arrests. WCT: Let’s talk about parts of the platform. Despite the pending litigation, Fiorito is So are you saying that you’re in favor of fed- still on patrol in the 23rd District, a decision eral recognition of same-sex marriage and a Court denies that prompted members of the gay community total repeal of DOMA [the Defense of Mar- to voice their concerns at the precinct’s LGBT Fiorito’s motion subcommittee meeting Aug. 26. At the meet- riage Act]? By STEVEN CHAITMAN AG: Yes. I recognize that individual states ing, a resolution was passed recommending “command-level Chicago Police staff to remove should give same-sex couples the right to marry, A District Court judge denied a motion to sever Officer Richard Fiorito’s police powers pending and that the federal government recognizes the the 19-plaintiff joint complaint against belea- resolution of the serious internal and federal repeal of DOMA. guered cop Richard Fiorito, a 23rd District police civil rights charges pending against him.” WCT: I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but officer who has allegedly made false DUI arrests The litigation against Fiorito will continue Windy City Times ran an item earlier this year harbored by an anti-gay attitude in order to ob- with a status hearing Wed., Sept. 23. in which it turned out that a friend of yours, tain overtime pay for court appearances. Alexi Giannoulias. Barack Obama, supported same-sex marriage Judge Matthew Kennelly turned down the re- back in 1996, when he ran for the state sen- quest Aug. 31, a decision that plaintiff attorney UCAN & BYC ate. He has since changed his tune, although Jon Erickson told Windy City Times he expected start youth Giannoulias’ he supports civil unions. What assurances do back when the defendants—Fiorito and the City we have that you won’t change your mind? of Chicago—initially sought to separate the housing program LGBT platform AG: It’s pretty simple: I stick to my principles. claims. UCAN (Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network), And while the president and I may not agree “This is a giant step towards justice for the in partnership with Howard Brown Health Cen- By ANDREW DAVIS on this issue, I think it’s extremely important. victims of Fiorito’s ongoing criminal enterprise,” ter’s Broadway Youth Center, is introducing a Again, it’s about what this country was founded housing program for LGBTQ homeless youth Current state treasurer and U.S. Senate candi- Erickson said. on: fairness and equality. And, as far as I’m con- called the LGBTQ Host Home Program. date Alexi Giannoulias recently unveiled a plat- In the opinion, Judge Kennelly wrote: cerned, this is reflective of other equal-rights The LGBTQ Host Home Program (HHP) part- form that focused on rights he feels the LGBT “The defendants’ request for separate trials struggles. Regarding the struggle for racial ners LGBTQ homeless youth with LGBTQ adults community should have, including marriage is premature. The case has not progressed far equality, JFK said, “We are confronted primarily and heterosexual allies who open their homes equality; the right to serve openly in the mili- enough for the Court to determine whether sev- with a moral issue—that all Americans should to provide shelter and stability for the youth. tary; and protection against hate crimes as well erance for purposes of trial is appropriate … As The aim of the program is to support youth in a as discrimination on the job. The statement be- be afforded equal rights and equal responsibili- the case develops, the degree of overlap among “permanent” transition from homelessness to in- gan with, “Everyone is part of the American fam- ties.” the various plaintiffs’ claims and the prejudice dependence by creating a safe home where they ily, regardless of sexual orientation, and must WCT: You have also included “Don’t Ask, that each side would experience from a joint can pursue their educational and career goals. be treated equally under the law. All Americans Don’t Tell” in your platform. trial or separate trials will become easier to as- Program administrators are looking for caring should enjoy the same freedoms and share the AG: Yes. I think it sends the wrong message sess.” adults, who will have to meet several require- same responsibilities. As a U.S. Senator, I will do when he ask our brave men and women to serve, The joint complaint, which was filed at the ments, including a criminal-background check. everything I can to protect those rights.” fight and even die for their country—but only if suggestion of the Court, alleges that Fiorito has engaged in a “continuing course of conduct” of Community meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Windy City Times: How did you craft this they deny who they are. We’re fighting two wars civil-rights violations over six years that was mo- Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m., at Gallery Guichard, 3521 S. policy? How did you come to put this togeth- and dealing with the constant threat of global tivated partly by hostility towards gay people. It Martin Luther King; Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m., er? terrorism, and we can’t afford 13,000 otherwise- also contains a civil RICO (Racketeer Influenced at Las Manos Gallery, 5220 N. Clark; and Tuesday, Alexi Giannoulias: I think it’s a matter of qualified soldiers dismissed simply because of and Corrupt Organizations Act) count claiming Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m., at a private home in Oak Park. equality and fairness, which are the core prin- their sexual orientation. The U.S. military and Fiorito engaged in a racketeering conspiracy to Contact Bonnie Wade at wadeb@ucanchicago. ciples of this country. I believe that all Ameri- the people of this country deserve the best and defraud the tax payers of money by committing org or 312-738-5966 for more information. cans should have the same freedoms and share the brightest people who are willing to serve. COMFORT ELEGANCE FUNCTION LAKESIDE INTERIORS
A full-service interior design firm experienced in KITCHENS BATHROOMS 1129 McDaniel Avenue Evanston, IL 60202 FURNISHINGS ph. 847-512-5045 CUSTOM BUILT-INS www.lakesideinteriors.com WINDOW TREATMENTS 8 Sept. 9, 2009 ley-Hall, has sparked discussions in Jacksonville we’re trying to create one. is a Web site and magazine; there was no media about sexual orientation and discrimination. WCT: You said that you’ve been in Peoria at all for the gay community in central Illinois. “Scott is very open with his lifestyle, and I for a year and a half. Where were you before From that, I saw a need for Peoria Pride so think that is something that is a real positive,” then? we started a not-for-profit organization called Hinchen said. “[He and Joel] are very comfort- DB: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. the Central Illinois Alliance for Diversity and able with who they are, and they give so much WCT: That city has a pretty vibrant scene. Equality. We formed that to run Pride, and will of themselves and their talents to the commu- DB: Oh, yeah—and we lived in Chicago before use that organization to try and open a gay and nity.” Fort Lauderdale. And we’re certainly not trying lesbian community center. Perhaps unexpectedly, Tinsley-Hall is a Re- to make [Peoria Pride] on the magnitude of Chi- WCT: Downstate Illinois, even central Il- publican. He said his party affiliation is largely cago’s Pride Parade. We just want to have a nice linois, has a reputation for being staunchly driven by his economic views, and he said he place for friends and families to come together conservative. Have you witnessed any sort of believes that homophobia is just as prevalent and learn about what’s going on. anti-gay activity? among conservative Democrats as it is in parts WCT: What can attendees expect at Peoria DB: Not really, and I can comment on this. of the Republican Party. Pride? Having lived in Chicago and Fort Lauderdale— “Social issues to me are more driven from the DB: There’s the main stage area, which will which have vibrant gay communities—there was Ald. Scott Tinsley-Hall. ground up, society really dictates where we go have entertainment going on all day. We’ll start a concern about conservatives. A lot of people on social issues,” he said. “And economic issues with a traditional small ceremony, [Chicago’s] use that as an excuse for not making any issues are driven from top down, so that is why I have Lakeside Pride Freedom Band. We also have a public. We came with that attitude of not hav- Gay alderman always associated myself with the Republican gentleman by the name of Joel Tinsley from Jack- ing to live in the closet and, honestly, there’s Party.” sonville, who’s a baritone. [Editor’s note: Tinsley been very little [negative feedback]. It’s not as shakes up Tinsley-Hall said he has been interested in is married to Jacksonville Alderman Scott Hall.] bad as some people want to make it out to be. politics since his childhood. He decided to run There’s also a local band called Rachel’s Hippo, Peoria does have “sexual orientation” as part of for his first elected office a few years after he central Illinois which is an ‘80s pop band with a good follow- its nondiscrimination policy. and Joel moved to Jacksonville from Seattle. So By Meghan Streit ing. See www.peoriapride.com. far, Tinsley-Hall said he has been well-received WCT: I also see that there’s going to be a by other council members and the community as The first openly gay elected official of Jackson- performance by the Bradley University Speech the first out elected official. Indiana city ville, Ill.—Ald. Scott Tinsley-Hall—is working Team. What will they do? “It’s a fairly conservative area we live in,” he to add sexual orientation to the conservative DB: I actually saw them first at the Acorn rejects amendments said. “I’ve kind of broken the mold since I got downstate community’s Human Relations and Equality Fund breakfast last year, and they do elected to the city council this year.” In Indiana, Goshen’s city council rejected add- Disabilities Commission Ordinance. this really cool skit where there are some of ing sexual orientation and gender identity to its Jacksonville’s human-rights commission was them onstage. Well, it’s actually more of a read- civil-rights ordinance, the Chicago Tribune re- established in 1964. Like most non-discrimi- Peoria’s pride ing—and it was really well done—about diver- ported. Almost 150 people spoke over six hours nation laws, the original ordinance prohibits sity. It got this natural standing ovation from before the council voted 4-3 to not add the cat- discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, shines through everyone. egories to its statute. national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status By ANDREW DAVIS We’re don’t want people to get bored, so we’re Councilman Chic Lantz was concerned that ap- and unfavorable discharge from military service. mixing it up with music, entertainment and proving the proposal would subject the city to a The Jacksonville commission added physically In an event that will showcase the diversity of other things. Nonprofits, such as Equality [Il- lawsuit, saying, “I don’t want Goshen to have to and mentally disabled people to the list of pro- the LGBT population in central Illinois, Peoria linois] and Lambda [Legal], will get a chance to go through that.” tected groups in 2008. will hold its first-ever Peoria Pride Sunday, Sept. speak. The debate among Goshen’s residents was just “Jacksonville is progressive enough, I think 13, at The Landing on the Peoria Riverfront. WCT: Tell me about the planning of this as involved as the final vote, with people on we can add sexual orientation to that clause,” Windy City Times talked with organizer Dave event. both sides of the debate. Gina Liechty said, “The Tinsley-Hall said. “So the city attorney helped Barker about the event, and about Peoria in DB: We started around February or March. I ac- communities which are thriving and growing are me draft proposal and we submitted it to the general. tually started OutAndAboutIllinois.com, which those that are welcoming to minorities and vari- aldermen.” Windy City Times: First of all, what is the ous sexual orientations and women.” Others said No objections were raised when the ordinance LGBT scene like in Peoria? they did not want to support sinful behavior. change was first submitted to aldermen Aug. 24, Dave Barker: I think we have a very substan- E-mail inquiries sent to Goshen’s mayor were Tinlsey-Hall said. The council will formally con- tial community here, but they tend to be qui- not addressed before Windy City Times went to sider the change Monday, Sept. 14, and a vote is eter. We’re trying to get people to work together press. scheduled for Monday, Sept. 28. a little more. Ald. Michelle Hinchen, who was elected to the WCT: And this is the first Pride event of its AFC announces council at the same time as Tinsley-Hall in April, kind? said she supports adding sexual orientation to DB: Yes. In years past, they’ve done smaller Direct2Food.org the ordinance. events. I’ve only been here a year and a half, so The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has an- “My reaction initially was, ‘Of course, why I don’t want to come out as negative [regarding] nounced the debut of Direct2Food.org, an online not?’” Hinchen said. “I think it is something other events, but they have had Pride picnics tool that connects people to food-assistance re- that should be in there.” and other types of things. We’re just trying to sources in Cook and collar counties. Direct2Food Hinchen said Tinsley-Hall’s public presence as bring Pride to the forefront, and central Illinois is designed to help food insecure people and an openly gay alderman and as an active member doesn’t really have a significant Pride event so Dave Barker. Photo courtesy of Barker families, and the providers who serve them, learn of the community with his husband, Joel Tins- about and access food-assistance programs. After entering basic information, the site pro- vides a tailored response listing the various pro- grams for which the user may be eligible. With Direct2Food, Cook and collar county residents Saturday, Sept. 19 can be linked to food pantries, soup kitchens, Sappho’s Salon: A home-delivered and congregate meal programs, Provocative Night WIC offices and government offices where they of Lesbian Diversions can apply for food stamps—all in one place.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 Hall of Fame 5:30-6:30 p.m. auction Sept. 22 Sara Paretsky The 17th Annual Hall of Fame Celebrity Auc- Hardball tion—benefiting the 2009 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame—will take place Tuesday, Select Italy Travel Sept. 22, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted. The registration reception, silent auction, and raffle Rome Florence begin at 7 p.m., and bidding starts at 8 p.m. Venice Contact Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911 or the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame at 773- 5233 N. Clark 281-5077. (773) 769-9299 You’re definitely not in Kansas anymore! Corrections In the Sept. 2 article “LGBTQs take education Your Italian travel experts since 1997 to the streets,” it should have stated that De la Cruz school has not been shut down for a year; 303 W. Erie Suite 410 [email protected] it closed this past June. Also, the acronym UNO Chicago, IL 60654 www.womenandchildrenfirst.com stands for “United Neighborhood Organization.” www.selectitaly.com/wct Parking Available Windy City Times regrets the errors. Wheelchair Accessible 800-877-1755 Sept. 9, 2009 9 Local library boasts Bleue trans collection Benton. QUOTELINES by STEVEN CHAITMAN BY REX WOCKNER
When the Oak Park Public Library (OPPL) evalu- Q ated its collections back in 2005, there was one “The reason I signed DOMA was—and I low chances are further weakened.” — The Los glaring hole in its diversity collections. There said when I signed it—that I thought the Angeles Times editorial page weighs in Aug. 17 were books and other materials for the “LGB” question of whether gays should marry should on the battle between gay rights groups over portion of the LGBT community, but there was be left up to states and to religious organiza- when to attempt to repeal Proposition 8—in very little for the “T.” tions, and if any church or other religious body 2010 (the Courage Campaign’s plan) or 2012 Since 2007, the OPPL has amassed a collec- ton said. “For years they had to get information wanted to recognize gay marriage, they ought (Equality California’s plan). tion of around 150 transgender-related books sources from adult bookstores.” to. We were attempting at the time, in a very and other resources, making it the first public Greer Daniels, a regular columnist for the CGS reactionary Congress, to head off an attempt “For conservatives who don’t like library outside of San Francisco, Calif., to have a newsletter The Primrose, wrote about her posi- to send a constitutional amendment banning what I’m doing, it’s, ‘If he just had someone trans collection. tive experience visiting the library last March. gay marriage to the states. And if you look at in his family we’d forgive him.’ For liberals it’s “We were looking under the GLBT umbrella and “It’s nice to know it’s there,” Daniels said, the 11 referenda much later—in 2004, in the such a freakish thing that it’s, ‘He must have realized we had completely missed (the trans- “That there’s a place you can go or direct some- election—which the Republicans put on the someone in his family, otherwise a conserva- gender community),” said OPPL Collection De- one to if they’re having issues, questions.” ballot to try to get the base vote for President tive couldn’t possibly have these views.’ It’s velopment Manager Bleue Benton. Daniels said that the librarian who assisted her Bush up, I think it’s obvious that something frustrating that people won’t take it on face The Transgender Resource Collection contains was extraordinarily helpful, directing her to the had to be done to try to keep the Republican value.” — Famed conservative lawyer Theodore resource books such as information on gender online catalog to look up the materials, which Congress from presenting that. The president Olson, whose federal lawsuit seeking to over- reconstructive surgery, non-fiction memoirs, are spread throughout the library, not central- doesn’t even get to veto that. The Congress turn Proposition 8 is likely headed to the U.S. magazines, audio non-fiction and both feature ized in one section. Daniels said she found the can refer constitutional amendments to the Supreme Court and could legalize same-sex mar- and documentary film DVDs. memoirs to be the most interesting. states. I didn’t like signing DOMA and I cer- riage nationwide, to The New York Times, Aug. OPPL applied for and received a $3,000 Li- “For those that are searching for themselves tainly didn’t like the constraints that were put 18. brary Services and Technology Act grant in 2006 a little bit, it’s nice to see things that address on benefits, and I’ve done that helped pay for the collection. An extensive what it’s like to be TG,” she said. everything I could—and I self-study was conducted, resulting in a detailed The OPPL has information about the collection am proud to say that the report on how to make the library more trans- on its Web site (www.oppl.org/media/trc.htm) State Department was the Any closeted gay gender friendly and consequently a guide on ap- along with links to the self-study findings and first federal department person who votes propriate training for library staff. “The $200 Transgender Bookshelf,” which is a to restore benefits to gay partners in the Obama ad- against the
To promote the collection to the transgender list of all the transgender titles that OPPL rec- Davis Andrew by Photo community, OPPL worked with the Chicago Gen- ommends. ministration, and I think interests of gay der Society (CGS). OPPL has lectured many times we are going forward in people and is about their collection and self-study findings Note: Be sure to read the world roundup on- the right direction now outed ... is and also appeared at this year’s Be-All conven- line this week at www.WindyCityMediaGroup. for federal employees.” — tion, Chicago’s transgender conference, back in com. Among the items are Serbia’s first gay- Bill Clinton speaking at the getting what June. film festival and the Indian government’s de- Netroots Nation conference they deserve” “CGS has told us how meaningful it was to cision regarding the recent decriminalization Aug. 13 in Pittsburgh. —Joe Solmonese them to be welcomed in a public library,” Ben- of gay sex. “Any closeted gay person who votes against the interests of gay people and “The (Olson/Boies federal) lawsuit DELL from cover works UMC churches who acknowledge being ac- is outed because of it is getting what they de- comes as societal views on same-sex mar- cepting congregations. She then began working serve. My only concern is that sometimes the riage are rapidly evolving. Six states have Rev. Kevin Johnson, the openly gay pas- with Dell in planning how to approach the 2000 sensational aspect of outing somebody gets us now authorized gay couples to marry, and the tor of Bloom in the Desert Ministries of Palm General Conference of the UMC. At that confer- to lose sight of just what it is that was so bad politics of the issue increasingly defy conven- Springs, Calif.—founded by Broadway UMC in ence, in Cleveland, CWAC’s social actions in- about them. And they get drummed out of of- tion. President Obama, for example, has said 2002—found Dell an inspiration to return to cluded at which some of those protesting church fice and are replaced by somebody who is just he opposes same-sex marriage, while former ministry and to step outside UMC structures to policies—including Dell—were arrested because as bad.” — Human Rights Campaign President Vice President Dick Cheney, whose daughter is pastor to the LGBT community. As one of the of their actions. Joe Solmonese to U.S. News & World Report, a lesbian, supports it.” — The New York Times, earliest CWAC churches Bloom in the Desert Min- The group’s focus on education led it to spon- Aug. 7. Aug. 18. istries functions within the Methodist tradition, sor the two-day conference surrounding the but apart from UMC oversight in part because of award and banquet honoring Dell. Workshops “Though this page will back same-sex “I’m running on the gay marriage, no the ban on “practicing” gay or lesbian clergy as topics include the CWAC movement itself, media marriage no matter what the year, we religion, legalization and taxation of mari- well as the hierarchical strictures of the UMC, advocacy, intercultural competence, homopho- hope the Courage Campaign will rethink its juana platform. I don’t have a chance (at be- under which the bishop appoints the pastor for bia and South African choral music as inspira- timing. Gay-rights activists must recognize coming mayor of New Orleans). I don’t have each congregation. tion for change. that their lackluster campaign did little to a chance. ... That’s my answer. I don’t have a CWAC strives to be an example to the UMC that Presenters at the conference include Rev. Dr. sway the public, especially considering the chance. That’s not what I do best.” — Actor “being an inclusive church and being successful Susan Brooks Thistlewaite, professor of theology misleading ads by gay-marriage opponents. So Brad Pitt on TV’s Today show, Aug. 13. is possible” Johnson said. “Because the message and Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS); Rev. far, the Courage Campaign has not articulated that keeps being put out by the United Method- Vernice L. Thorne, associate pastor of Broadway a sophisticated strategy for changing this. ist Church is that when you’re inclusive, you’re UMC; and author and CTS professor Theodore W. Without other gay-rights groups by its side, its —Assistance: Bill Kelley destined to failure.” Jennings. A Sept. 24 book signing and lecture CWAC Executive Director Cathy Knight de- by Walter Wink will be held at Graham Taylor scribes CWAC’s ministries as justice—especially Chapel and is co-sponsored by CWAC and CTS. anti-racism and white privilege—inclusiveness Knight believes that despite advances this for LGBT people at all levels of church participa- summer for lesbian and gay ministries in the Makom Shalom tion, church development for models of inclusive Lutheran and Episcopal churches, “the United ministry, and extraordinary ordination of quali- Methodist Church still doesn’t get it,” but “it A Jewish Renewal Community fied LGBT persons and those supportive of those does create more pressure. You know, there’s a Invites You To FREE who have been barred from ordination within tipping point—when you’re the only one in the the UMC. room who doesn’t like to wear red, pretty soon, High Holiday Services When she arrived in Chicago 10 years ago, you’re going to be alone. So, you might just Knight’s first Sunday at Broadway UMC happened want to start wearing red, and seeing that the Open and welcoming to all to be the last Sunday Dell preached before his world does not end.” one-year suspension. “I walked into that faith The Justice Ministry Award is named for the community that had just been wrenched and Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell, a pioneer African-Amer- Free High Holiday tickets (donation) wrung-out over denominational politics. And ican Methodist pastor, now retired, who was ac- when I heard Greg preach, I was just, I melted, tive in civil-rights issues throughout his minis- Prayer, song, poetry I cried, I was sort of finally given air to breathe. try. Caldwell was the first recipient in 2007. This Old and new melodies I knew there was something big going on here, year’s “Journey to Justice” conference and ban- much beyond myself, but it so validated who I quet honoring Dell will take place at the Ramada Held at Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn (South Loop) thought I was in the sight of God.” Inn, 4900 S. Lake Shore. Additional information Knight soon began working for the UMC’s is at www.cwac.us. For more details visit www.makomshalom.com Reconciling Ministries program, which seeks to In next week’s issue: How the Rev. Gregory change church policy on LGBT issues and net- Dell made history RSVP to Jaqi at 312-458-9040 or [email protected] 10 Sept. 9, 2009
VIEWPOINT VOL. 24, No. 49, Sept. 9, 2009 The combined forces of Windy City Times, founded Sept. 1985, and Outlines newspaper, tophersen and Linda Bubon never shied away vere competition from big-box retailers and on- founded May 1987. from including lesbians, bisexuals, gay men and line stores, although Women & Children First is TRACY transgendered as featured writers. Some “femi- part of a great online database where you can PUBLISHER & Executive EDITOR nist” groups and businesses used to be afraid of get pretty much any book you see on Amazon. Tracy Baim BAIM the queer label, but this store always embraced com or other places. As a media company, we Assistant Publisher Terri Klinsky it. Out, proud and in retail. A rare thing back in face many of these same challenges of competi- MANAGING Editor Andrew Davis 1979. tion and increasing costs. It is not easy com- Business manager Cynthia Holmes Second, Ann and Linda have always supported municating the value of supporting a “business” Director of New Media Jean Albright community groups through donations of prod- vs. pitching someone to donate to a non-profit ART DIRECTOR Kirk Williamson account managerS: Amy Matheny, Kirk Building blocks of ucts, gift certificates, ads in program books, group--even though our community’s businesses Williamson, Cynthia Holmes, Carlos Paret sponsoring sports teams, and providing a place have an equally important role to play for our Promotions director Cynthia Holmes our community: to gather. The bookstore has been a de facto future: economically, politically, culturally, le- NIGHTSPOTS MANAGING Editor Kirk Williamson community center, from its early years on Armit- gally, you name it. National Sales Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 W&CF marks SENIOR WRITERS Bob Roehr, Rex Wockner, Marie age and then Halsted, and now on Clark Street. Back in 1995 I started the Chicago Area Gay J. Kuda, David Byrne, Tony Peregrin, Lisa Keen, 30 years In fact, Andersonville’s growth as an LGBT- and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in part to Yasmin Nair, Emmanuel Garcia friendly neighborhood is in large part because recognize how important small businesses are to TheatER Editor Scott C. Morgan of the early anchoring of Women & Children First the vitality of our community. Now, more than Cinema WRITER Richard Knight, Jr. The LGBT community of Chicago has gone BOOKS WRITER Yasmin Nair through massive changes these past 30 years, in that area. ever, they rely on your support, and your dollars, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WRITERS with non-profits and businesses providing the Third, as individuals, both Ann and Linda have to survive. Mary Shen Barnidge, Jim Edminster, Steve Warren, Lawrence Ferber, Mel Ferrand, Catey Sullivan, necessary building blocks for a more stable fu- helped many groups, serving on boards, advisory Please join me in supporting Women & Chil- councils, political committees, and much more. dren First Bookstore as they celebrate its 30th Zachary Whittenburg, Jonathan Abarbanel ture. But few institutions have survived as long, Columnists/Writers: Yvonne Zipter, Susie and done as much, for our community as Women They have helped move the debate on LGBT is- anniversary this fall. The store is hosting a “Cel- Day, Jorjet Harper, Lee Lynch, Steve Starr, Joe & Children First Bookstore. sues in the mainstream, and have helped fight ebration and Benefit” Saturday, Oct. 3, featuring Rice, Dan Woog, Marie-Jo Proulx, Lisa Keen, Chris Crain, Charlsie Dewey, Michael Knipp, Mark Corece, We often think of non-profits when it comes for small bookstores nationally. national lesbian literary treasures Alison Bech- Fourth, as a small business, they are very in- del (Dykes to Watch Out For and Fun Home) and Sabine Neidhardt, Sam Worley, Billy Masters, John to supporting those in need, especially during Fenoglio tough economic times. But our community’s volved in their local business district, employ- Dorothy Allison (Bastard Out of Carolina). PHOTOGRAPHERS Kat Fitzgerald, Mel Ferrand, small businesses have been equally vital in pro- ing people, participating in business networking The event will be at The Breakers of Edgewater Steve Becker, Steve Starr, Emmanuel Garcia ARTISTS/CARTOONISTS Alison Bechdel, Mikeoart viding a safe space and support. That support and strengthening. They are mentors to many Beach, 5333 N. Sheridan, with an after-party at CIRCULATION comes in many forms, and what Women & Chil- other small business owners. I remember back in Big Chicks, 5024 N. Sheridan. Cocktails and ap- the 1980s sitting on their Halsted street stoop petizers are at 5:30-7 p.m., with a buffet din- Circulation director Jean Albright dren First has done is immeasurable. But I will Distribution: Ashina, Allan, Dan, John, Renee, try to provide some reasons here in asking for with Ann, asking for her advice on starting my ner and dance 7-10 p.m. Tickets range from $60 Sue and Victor your support of the store as it marks its 30th own paper, Outlines. She was so generous and for the buffet and dance to $100 for the entire anniversary with a celebration this October. giving with advice, and they have always sup- event. Cocktails include a wine-tasting with Al- First, back in the 1970s when they opened— ported every crazy adventure and newspaper I pana Singh. See www.womenandchildrenfirst. and, still to some extent today—the store was have been involved in. They are personal friends com or call 773-769-9299. Another option is to a safe haven for authors and readers. They and feminist role models to me. send a check payable to The Crossroads Fund to nurtured many writers now prominent today, Small businesses are struggling against many Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark, Chicago, without regard to sexual orientation. And while great odds. The economic downturn is just one Ill., 60640. they are a feminist bookstore, owners Ann Chris- of many burdens. As a bookstore, they face se- Copyright 2009 Lambda Publications Inc./Windy City Media Group; All rights reserved. Reprint by permission only. Back issues available for $3 per issue (postage included). Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, before there was anything that even resembled first: “What would Del do?” and photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and KATE an LGBT movement and not even one positive No one could do better than that. no responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials. image or visible leader, she and Phyllis began (Del Martin, May 5, 1921-Aug. 27, 2008) All rights to letters, art and photographs sent to Windy City Times will be treated as unconditionally assigned KENDELL the creation of both—with the founding of the Kate Kendell is executive director of the Na- for publication purposes and as such, subject to editing Daughters of Bilitis, the first lesbian organiza- tional Center for Lesbian Rights. and comment. The opinions expressed by the columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are their own tion in the world. They also began publishing and do not necessarily reflect the position ofWindy City The Ladder, the first lesbian publication in the Times. Publication of the name, photograph, or likeness of a person or organization in articles or advertising in Windy world. There were many more firsts, and almost City Times is not to be construed as any indication of the all of them at a time of unchecked hostility and sexual orientation of such person or organization. While we encourage readers to support the advertisers who make WWDD? (What ignorance about LGBT people and our lives. For- this newspaper possible, Windy City Times cannot accept tunately, they both lived long enough to see a responsibility for advertising claims. would Del do?) different world—a world of powerful and effec- (773) 871-7610 FAX (773) 871-7609 tive organizations, a breadth of activism and e-mail: [email protected] Aug. 27, 2009—Today marks the one-year anni- leadership, greater tolerance and inclusion and www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com versary of Del Martin’s death. Even writing that safety, and the public celebration and recogni- sentence is hard. radio: WindyCityQueercast.com tion of their relationship and marriage on June video: QueerTVNetwork.com Yes, Del lived a full and amazing life. Yes, 16, 2008. One of my sweetest memories came she accomplished more than most people ever at the end of the whirlwind of events the day WINDY CITY MEDIA GROUP, dream. Yes, she had 54 years of love and laugh- of their marriage. As the reception of friends 5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640 USA (MAILING ADDRESS ONLY) ter and conversation with her partner—and then and family celebrating this milestone was wind- legal spouse—Phyllis Lyon. But still, to have ing down, I bent down and asked Del if the day Windy City Times Deadline every Wednesday. Del gone at a time when it feels like we need her was everything she had hoped. She looked me Nightspots Deadline Wednesday prior to street date. most just isn’t fair. straight in the eye and quietly said, “It was per- Identity (BLACKlines and En La Vida): Now In the year since Del died it feels like events online only fect.” Cleve Jones in 1978. Photo by Jerry Pri- Deadline The 10th of month prior. to fill a decade have passed. Barack Obama was Since Del’s death, I’ve had the pleasure of tikin OUT! Resource Guide ONLINE elected President, Prop 8 passed our community spending many hours with Phyllis. I know she www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com rose up and caught fire, debate swirls about misses Del far more than any of the rest of us Letter to next steps and best strategy, the administration ever could. One of my favorite memories is just www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com fights to win health care overhaul in the face sitting in their living room, listening to the two the editor: www.WindyCityQueercast.com of ridiculous and vicious attacks, we are still in of them discuss—and at times debate (just like www.QueerTVNetwork.com two wars, the economy sputters and lurches, and an old married couple)—the latest current polit- Keeping up with the Jones our community struggles to find a way forward. ical event or recount some long-past movement In times like this in the past, you could always controversy. Sitting there, listening to them dis- I always regretted that I did not attend the count on Del to give perspective and context. In sect this or that event or bit of history always gay march in Washington in 1979, and I have her no-bullshit, clear-eyed style, she would tell helped me understand the issue better or ap- no excuse for not being there this time. I “Windy City Media Group generated you what was what. She would dismiss self-pity preciate the moment in our past more. I always seldom join gay organizations because they enormous interest among their readers and excuses. Her mantra could have been “just left their house feeling better up to whatever kowtow to the corporate 500, rather than in this year’s LGBT Consumer Index do it,” long before Nike ever owned the phrase. challenge faced me back at work. gays of all ages, who can not afford to at- Survey. Out of approximately 100 While the loss of Sen. Ted Kennedy is an enor- Del was the personification of fearless and tend black-tie events. However, I was at the print and online media partners who mous blow to all of us, I like to think that before fierce. We all suffer her loss to our work and Aug. 29 “Evening with Cleve Jones” event, as participated in the survey, Windy he’d even had a chance to take in the view from community—to say nothing of her wicked wit noted in [the Sept. 2] Windy City Times. I was City was the best performing regional wherever he may be now, Del sidled up to him and sparkling blue eyes, even to the end alive inspired by Cleve’s words and leadership, and media in the U.S. Only survey partners to enlist his help in doing all they could, from with fiery intensity. Over the past months—and also impressed with a group of new young with a nationwide footprint were their new vantage point, to influence the right no doubt, in the coming months, there will be gay activists in the “Join the Impact/Chicago able to generate a greater number of outcome on the health care overhaul. It was a many future challenges. I may not always come Chapter, who only charged $5 to meet with, responses.” —David Marshall, Research passion Del and the senator had in common. Director, Community Marketing, Inc. up with exactly the correct action or response, Turn to page 18 For Del, nothing was impossible. In the 1950s, but I will come close if I remember to ask myself Sept. 9, 2009 11 GOINGS-ON WINDY CITY TIMES’ ENTERTAINMENT SECTION
LOVE AND H8 Singer Kristine W (seen here in an anti-Prop 8 campaign) will headline TPAN’s Aware Affair this weekend. See page 17. MOVIES TV SPORTS ‘Free’ agent. Wanda woman. Spin is in. Page 15. Page 16. Page 22.
Photo by Hal Baim Photo by Renee Brown Photo by Ross Forman
more than free-associated studio time. A live im- accompanied by musician Samuel Robinson for Dancin’ Feats provisation on double bass accompanies a dance a dance promising enthusiasm and, intriguingly, by Zachary Whittenburg trio by members of CMC, Lucky Plush Productions “costumes that transform from black & white to and Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak showpieces that Technicolor.” Putting her personal experience di- A full rundown of the fall dance season is coming point to the companies’ own performances in rectly into her art, choreographer Ayako Kato— shortly so I won’t get into enumerating the heap October, and Same Planet Different World will who gave birth just two weeks ago—will medi- of great performances coming our way. Deserv- share “Sextet,” new to that group’s repertoire. tate upon the event for her solo dance, “Born.” ing of its own rundown, however, is this month’s Breakbone DanceCo. and Mordine & Co. Dance The ever-incisive Carrie Hanson will show “Death eighth occasion of the Other Dance Festival, Theater both unveiled pieces earlier this year— of a (Prada) Salesman,” which interrogates the a three-week compendium of the modern-dance “Excavation of Remains” and “New Ground,” luxury-goods market through the lens of Arthur scene’s busiest exponents. ODF (or simply “The respectively—which they’re reviving for the Miller’s play, and Hedwig Dances, celebrating Other”), as its name suggests, was originally Other’s second weekend. “As I entered so will it’s twenty-fifth anniversary, shows a dance in- called into being as a fringe event, showcasing I leave” by Cindy Brandle will take its bow as cluded in its October program, “Rein, Bellow” by work by artists unaffiliated with or uninvited to a quartet previewing an upcoming evening. Colleen Thomas and Bill Young. the larger Dance Chicago festival. But as Dance Brandle’s not alone in assessing the state of our The Other Dance Festival runs Thursdays and Chicago was moved toward the end of the cal- selves, split as they are into real and virtual rep- Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-18, 24-25, and endar and altered its scope to be inclusive of resentations, but as a prevailing cultural ques- Oct. 1-2 at the Hamlin Park Fieldhouse Theater, student and suburban companies, the Other has tion of our time it certainly bears investigating. 3035 N. Hoyne. Single admission is $15, and $12 Donnell Williams in Peter Carpenter’s “My been able to stretch out into repute and rec- Margi Cole, also a faculty member at Columbia’s for students and seniors; festival passes for all Fellow Americans.” Photo by Cheryl Mann ognition, becoming one of the best-attended Dance Center, has recently taken her work deep- three programs are available for $35. Call the and most-anticipated events of the season. It’s er into multidisciplinary territory and continues Chicago Moving Company at 773-880-5402 or er performers from within the Dim Sum/Moving all but outgrown its home at the Hamlin Park to fold text and video into her work, this time visit www.chicagomoving company.org; tickets Architects circle, marks her debut as a choreog- Fieldhouse theater, with its six shows frequently in collaboration with dancer/costume designer are at www.brownpapertickets.com. rapher and producer. It will be at the Life Force selling out and latecomers often left standing or Jeff Hancock. Matthew Hollis, beloved by both Arts Center, 3148 N. Lincoln., Sept. 11-12 at 8 sitting on floor cushions. the dance and queer communities, will perform Coming up: p.m. Tickets are $12/$10 artists; visit www.jes- The Other is a production of the Chicago Moving “That Afterschool Special Feeling,” plumbing his —Jonathan Meyer’s Khecari Dance Theatre sicawrightdance.org and www.lifeforcearts.org. Company (CMC), a 37-year-old company in resi- personal history for a tale of his first love, Jim. opens his evening-length work “The Waking —The Chicago Dancemakers Forum (CDF) dence at the theater but, more specifically, it’s Rounding out the evening, Janet Schmid brings Room” on Thursday. Seemingly narrative but in- presented a fascinating series of presentations helmed by CMC’s Managing Director, Kay LaSota. back “Craptastic,” a dance about wipe-outs and tentionally resistive of conclusive readings, the and discussions at Wicker Park work/perfor- (Elizabeth Lentz was a longtime co-producer un- near misses that zooms out to address grace dur- work’s three men are observed in a sort of ritu- mance venue Silverspace last season by dance- til her relocation to Seattle last summer.) LaSota ing instability. alistic power struggle played out in distressed makers and other practitioners in the field; by manages the logistical feat of programming 16 ODF’s third weekend coincides with a number of costumes reminiscent of late-19th-century springtime they were consistently packed with companies’ appearances and the technical as- great events around town, including the return French court attire, but Christopher Preissing’s a huge variety of curious folks. The series kicks pects of organizing lighting and sound designs of Merce Cunningham Dance Company following original score sets the action in a more contem- off another round Sept. 14, when CDF, Links for as many works. Encouraging attendance with the death of its namesake last month, a 30th porary—possibly even future—moment. Per- Hall and the Goethe-Institut co-present “Body, “open minds and eyes,” LaSota doesn’t shy away anniversary celebration for Links Hall, Nora Chi- formances are Sept. 10-19 at the Co-Prosperity Space, Music,” a free performance and talkback from curating evenings that underline the vast paumire at the MCA and Miami City Ballet at the Sphere, 3219-21 S. Morgan, and tickets are $15. with Raimund Hoghe, German choreographer and breadth of techniques and styles employed by Auditorium. Nevertheless, intrepid folks will be Call 773-837-0145 or visit khecari.org for de- dramaturge for 10 years with Pina Bausch Tan- Chicago’s dancemakers. able to fit it all in, and should. Peter Carpenter’s tails, dates and times. ztheater Wuppertal. Hoghe will dance, read and Of the Other’s offerings this month, week one “My Fellow Americans” is a portrait of Ronald —Dim Sum Dance’s creations may take place present video from his recent investigations; finds Columbia College dance instructors Paige Reagan drawn from the point of view of those more rarely as its artistic director, Julie Mayo, Dancin’ Feats strongly recommends you attend. Cunningham and Darrell Jones looking at move- whose needs and voices his policies consistently temporarily relocates to California to continue It will be at the Goethe-Institut Chicago, 150 N. ment as athleticism with a premiere duet. Wear- tried to suppress; Carpenter and his dancers will her studies. However, Jessica Wright, a superb Michigan, Suite 200, 6-8 p.m. Read up on the ing pulse monitors and exercising to the point of perform an excerpt from what will premiere in exemplar of Mayo’s style, is sticking around and artist at www.raimundhoghe.com; call 773-281- fatigue, their creative process has been one that full the following weekend. The Humans, about producing some work of her own. “A Chosen Pick 0824 for more information. resembles an Olympic hopeful’s training regimen whom I’ve written much in this space, will be of the Decided Spot,” danced by Wright and oth- 12 Sept. 9, 2009 THEATER REVIEW boiled” detective story, pioneered by Hammett, it purely on a lark in 2004, plus Sunday School is not restoration of the social order, but an at- Cinema not long after it opened in 2007. CRITICS’ PICS The Thin Man mospheric stroll through its secret, seedy, and Saints & Sinners replaces Sunday School Cin- Playwright: adapted by Terry McCabe, frequently sordid underside, where everyone has ema in the Late Nite Catechism rotation, and it Ballad of the Sad Cafe, Signal Ensemble from the novel by Dashiell Hammett a secret and no one is what they appear to be. doesn’t deviate much from the template. What through Sept. 12. Edward Albee’s adapta- At: City Lit Theatre at Edgewater A narrative whose personnel are comprised you get is a stern nun expounding and heavily tion of Carson McCuller’s piquant Southern Presbyterian Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr almost wholly of liars and betrayers requires improvising upon the finer points of Catholicism Gothic tale is too dependent on narration, Phone: 773-293-3682; $25 a number of “re-cap” speeches, in which our in a Catholic school classroom setting. but the acting is all aces and the live blue- Runs through: Oct. 11 guides review who knows what, who suspects But the first stumbling block with Saints & grass band provides tasty mood music. JA whom, and what was said when. If these are to Sinners is the premise. Instead of being a class Cabaret, Drury Lane Oak Brook, through BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE be prevented from slowing the action, they must that adults have paid for, Saints & Sinners be- Oct. 11. Without explicitly mentioning it, be delivered with speed and precision. Fortu- gins as a volunteer fundraising meeting for Our the Holocaust looms around the dark edges Structurally, The Thin Man almost meets the def- nately, the cast assembled by director Adrianne Lady of Good Fortune parish. of Jim Corti’s masterful take on Kander and inition of a “cozy”—the detectives are private Cury prove themselves more than equal to the This situation immediately diminishes the Ebb’s brilliant musical. Moreover, the cast citizens, the murders occur offstage, and both task. The wordplay on opening night may have authority of the Mother Superior (alternately absolutely gets the horror just under the sleuths and suspects occupy a small, isolated, succumbed to the occasional stumble, but a played by Lisa Buscani and Elaine Carlson). Now debauchery of Weimar Era Germany. CS and closely-knit community. But the commu- verbally adroit ensemble, led by Wm. Bullion as the audience (always a huge part of the Late Graceland, Profiles Theatre, through Nov. nity, in this case, is New York City’s high society the smooth-talking shamus, never allowed the Nite Catechism experience) realizes that they’re 15. You thought growing pains were only for in 1932, and our snoops are a pair of moneyed pace to lose momentum for an instant, sprinting technically participating in the roles of volun- kids? Profiles’ premiere production of Ellen West Coast idlers whose rare forays into useful through their rat-a-tat repartee with a nimble teers instead of students. Fairey’s tart-n-sweet comedy about adults activity are scheduled around martinis before alacrity to keep us invested in the chase right Perhaps it was the tame opening-night audi- coming of age has been extended for the breakfast, cocktail parties in the afternoon, up to the final disclosure. ence, but I didn’t witness the same kind of fear- third time, moving down the street to Na- speakeasies in the evening and bootleg scotch based good behavior or deliberate hellion antics tional Pastime Theater after Sept. 13. MSB before bed. THEATER REVIEW that former Catholic school students often re- The History Boys, TimeLine Theatre, ex- This Christmas week, however, their indolent gress to when confronted with a stern teaching tended through Oct. 18. If you’ve been holiday is interrupted by an old acquaintance’s Saints & Sinners nun. dragging your feet to see this superlative spoiled daughter, fleeing her rich-but-troubled Playwright: Vicki Quade with Some fundraising ideas are briefly touched production of Alan Bennett’s award-winning family—creepy True Crime-aficionado brother, Lisa Buscani and Elaine Carlson upon (with humorous commentary by the Mother drama, consider yourself lucky. TimeLine has gold-digging mother, the latter’s current con- At: Nuns4Fun Entertainment at Superior), but eventually the show boils down extended the show yet again, so get your sort, and a long-estranged patriarch who may— Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted to a discussion of what famous Catholic saints tickets now while you can. SCM or may not—have killed his secretary/mistress/ Phone: 312-988-9000; $30 and sinners should be featured in a fundraising blackmailer. After the introduction of a few more Runs through: Open calendar. —By Abarbanel, Barnidge murders, guns, cops and shady underworld ar- Unfortunately, that allows for some of the Morgan and Sullivan chetypes, a reluctant Nick Charles and his cheer- BY SCOTT C. MORGAN same jokes from previous Catechism shows to be fully sportive wife, Nora, have no recourse but recycled. The inevitable jokes about St. Joseph to discover the source of these dirty doings, so You can’t blame playwright and producer Vicki helping to sell real estate get unearthed again, of this sort, to wit: When re-conceptualizing a that they can resume their vacation. Quade for milking as much as she can out of the as do after the long-standing saints who lost classic, write your own script first, and then in- Audiences hoping to guess whodunit ahead of wildly successful Late Nite Catechism franchise. their official status after Vatican II. sert sections of the original text. If the hybrid the hawkshaws are warned not to even try—plot But the formula is starting to feel a tad stale With such a narrow focus on famed saints and product is to avoid running the length of two was never a major concern of author Dashiell with the latest sequel, Saints & Sinners. sinners, the show started to feel a tad preachy plays, every additional stunt, no matter how Hammett, and though Terry McCabe’s adaptation Now I must admit that I haven’t seen the hit and repetitious. A last-minute attempt to open cleverly planned or smartly executed, must be for City Lit Theater folds a labyrinth of clues, 2005 sequel Put the Nuns in Charge!, which is things up with a general question-and-answer balanced by a reduction in the time passed by revelations and double-crosses into a cool two still in repertory with Late Nite Catechism. But session comes off as being tacked on. (Buscani’s personnel standin’ around talking. hours, the twists and turns come so fast as to in- I did enjoy the original show (co-authored with Mother Superior appeared to be disappointed duce vertigo. Anyway, the hallmark of the “hard- Marapat Donovan back in 1993) when I caught when the opening night audience opted not to be too confrontational.) Still, Saints & Sinners should appease fans of the whole Late Nite Catechism franchise. It’s THE ONE, THE ONLY, THE ORIGINAL definitely more of the same, which can be a blessing since you go in already with a general idea of what you’re going to get.
THEATER REVIEW The Taming of the Shrew The Taming of the Shrew Playwright: William Shakespeare At: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre at the No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood Phone: 773-347-1109; $20 Runs through: Oct. 4 The Taming of the Shrew. Photo courtesy of Theo Ubique BY MARY SHEN BARNIDGE
The first—and biggest—”ta-daaa” moment in To be sure, a two-and-a-half-hour Shakespeare this adaptation of Shakespeare’s venerable rom- production can hardly be called protracted, es- com occurs right at the top of the first scene, pecially when Jeremy Van Meter’s and Jenny when the commedia-styled players mischievous- Lamb’s squabbling lovers command the stage ly remove the stage’s backdrop to expose the during every second of their fiery courtship No Exit Café’s sheet-glass window, and in doing (conducted as a pro-wrestling match, courtesy so, giving us an unobstructed view of Glenwood of violence designers R&D Choreography) and Avenue, the colorful mural on the El station wall equally tumultuous honeymoon. Many of the topped by gently swaying foliage, and the ever- physical turns, too—Hortensio’s rubber-limbed changing spectacle of passing cars, trains and descent from his balcony, the full-company pedestrians (pulling a hearty laugh when Petru- food-fight that crowns the wedding reception— chio demands that his bride kiss him, drawing are likewise exemplary. But this brand of clown- her protest, “Here? In the street?”). Throughout ish ambience mandates a pace that never flags the evening, non-verbal buffoonery will spill for an instant—a task exceeding the stamina of outside its architectural confines, its perpetra- some performers on opening night, making for tors acknowledging sidewalk spectators as oc- slow spots bordering precariously on children’s casion demands. theatre. And while this is technically not a musi- NOW ON SALE • OCTOBER 13–18 If the level of delighted surprise induced by cal, closer attention to vocal pitch is necessary that initial invitation could have been sustained to do justice to Ethan Deppe’s cleverly crafted 800-775-2000 • for the entire performance, this collaboration songs. Ultimately, playgoers looking to discover of the Theo Ubique and Blindfaith—the latter what won Theo Ubique its seven Jeffs last spring home to adapter/director Nick Minas—aesthetic are advised to allow this flawed production a TICKETS AVAILABLE AT ALL BROADWAY IN CHICAGO BOX OFFICES OR ANY TICKETMASTER OUTLET: would have emerged an inarguable success. But little settling-in before cataloguing it as repre- #!23/. 0)2)% 3#/44 (/4 4)8 3%,%#4 #/#/.543 &9% 34/2%3 s '2/503 Minas overlooks a fatal principle in experiments sentative of its hosts’ artistry. Sept. 9, 2009 13 tor with a snappy period hat (Derek Ryan) deliv- ers March’s rhyming couplets with the deep bass and rapid staccato of a ringside commentator. SHARON GLESS IN While a three-piece band riffs in the background, the acting ensemble pantomimes through the prologue: As a champ, Pansy (Toby Lee Tay- lor) lived large, draped in fur and floozies. But Pansy’s party ends with a bigamy charge and a stint in prison. Post-prologue, we meet the for- mer fighter: Penniless and bordering on fat but willing to enter the ring again in one last shot at glory. Enter back-alley, rat-faced fixers Cohn (Nathan Paul) and MacPhail (Noah Bazis), sniff- ing out a profit in a fixed fight between Pansy and the white Sailor Gray (Scott Coyne.) While narrator Ryan batters away in rhyme (of- ten sounding like a caricature of a beat poet), the fight commences and a quintet of multiple- role playing cast members fill the stage in bit parts as pool hall harlots, bartenders, Mobsters and petty thugs—the group is nothing if not The Set-Up. efficient in quick change switcheroos. But between the wholly unconvincing fight THEATER REVIEW choreography and the lack of emotional authen- Meet Sharon Gless ticity, it’s tough to find the heart in The Set-Up. The Set-Up Taylor’s Pansy is a two-dimensional blank with a Playwright: Joseph Moncure March knack for fisticuffs. Coyne’s barrel-chested Sail- Sept. 26 At: Silent Theatre Company or Gray is the same. The band (which opening at Prop Thtr, 3504 N. Elston weekend consisted of bassist Paul Gilvary, pia- “Hannah Free is achingly beautiful, both in the rich, textured Phone: 773-597-5403; nist Teddy Stuebi, trumpet player Steve Wright) material and fine performances.” — Notes From Hollywood $15, $10 students, seniors is the most dynamic element of The Set-Up. As Runs through: Oct. 4 a concert, that would be fine. As a stage play? “Sharon Gless brings grit, authenticity and dimension to the title Not so much. BY CATEY SULLIVAN character. She commands the screen.” — San Francisco Chronicle “Hannah Free reminded me of Fried Green Tomatoes - only the women Silent Theatre Company is billing The Set-Up as Jeff Awards a spectacle, but that’s overselling things sig- were allowed to be lovers in this! Sharon Gless dominates the film and nificantly. The piece is a slight diversion. And Oct. 19 is funny and touching and real.” — Greg in Hollywood while its execution is original and occasionally The 41st Annual Jeff Awards ceremony— shows glimmers of potential, its emotional heft which honors excellence in professional is featherweight. The tragic tale of a washed-up theatre produced in the immediate Chicago Hannah Free in Chicago Sept. 25-Oct. 1 boxer should pack an emotional wallop. Instead area—will be held on Monday, Oct. 19, at the , it’s merely mildly enjoyable and eminently for- North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Gene Siskel Film Center of the gettable. What leaves the impression isn’t the 9501 Skokie, Skokie. story or the thinly drawn characters but rather A pre-show appetizer buffet will take place School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. State the live band that nimbly accompanies all the 6-7:30 p.m., and the awards ceremony begins action. Directed by Nick DuFloth, The Set-Up is at 7:30 p.m. See www.JeffAwards.org. Sharon Gless (Queer as Folk, Burn Notice, Cagney & Lacey) Friday Sept. 25 50 minutes of noirish atmospherics that seems stars in the drama Hannah Free, a film about a lifelong love more like a backdrop for a main event rather affair between an independent spirit and the woman she than the main event itself. Online This Week: calls home. The film is the story of six decades in the life of a Based on a 1928 poem by John Moncure lesbian partnership. March, The Set-Up is short, brutish and violent. And while it bluntly deals with the racism en- Tix thru the Film Center Box office or Ticketmaster, countered by washed-up fighter Pansy Jones, its 800-982-2787, www.ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster portrayals of crooked, money-grubbing Jews and ——All My Sons snarling, whiskey-toting Scots as lowlife “lice of outlets. The Film Center and its Box Office 312-846-2800 the ring” are stereotypes straight out of Old Hol- (24-hour movie hotline) or 312-846-260, or visit www. lywood Central Casting. siskelfilmcenter.org. The piece is a less-than-successful departure for the Silent Theatre Company which usually— RIPE FRUIT FILMS PRESENTS SHARON GLESS IN “HANNAH FREE” Sunday Sept. 27 per the name—presents silent theater, staging TAYLOR MILLER MAUREEN GALLAGHER ANN HAGEMANN KELLI STRICKLAND www.windycitymediagroup.com ingenious adaptations of golden oldies from the JACQUI JACKSON Executive Producers SHARON ZUREK CLAUDIA ALLEN TRACY BAIM Monday Sept. 28 days before the talkies. By contrast, the Set-Up Music by MARTIE MARRO Makeup Designer JILLIAN ERICKSON is a motormouth of a show, as a slouching narra- Costume Designer IRIS BAINUM-HOULE Editor SHARON ZUREK Production Designer RICK PAUL Tuesday Sept. 29 Director of Photography GRETCHEN WARTHEN Written CLAUDIA ALLEN Produced by WENDY JO CARLTON MARTIE MARRO SHARON ZUREK TRACY BAIM Wednesday Sept. 30 Directed by WENDY JO CARLTON SPOTLIGHT www.HannahFree.com Thursday Oct. 1
70% Sold! Special Event featuring 6+$521*/(66 and the cast and crew of Hannah Free $100 Ticket to benefit the film. Limited number of seats! 6CVWTFC[6GRV — 7 p.m. Show at Gene Siskel Film Center — Q&A following the film Redmoon Theater returns to its outdoor spectacle collaborations with the Chicago Park District — Chance to win autographed items with a brand new show: Spectacle ‘09: Last of My Species The Fearless Songs of Laarna Cor- — Gala event at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel, One West Wacker, one block taan. Billed as part pop concert and part theatrical event, Spectacle ’09 features Norwegian diva Laarna Cortaan with Redmoon’s armory of imaginative sets and mechanical objects. Spectacle north of the Film Center. Includes: Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and soft drinks. ‘09 plays just south of Belmont Harbor in Lincoln Park (pedestrian access at Barry Avenue). Per- Tickets only available by emailing [email protected] with formances continue at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10-13. Tickets are $15; $10 for kids ages 10 and under. your contact info or call 773-387-2394. Space limited. Call 312-850-8440, ext. 111, or visit www.redmoon.org. Photo courtesy of Sean Williams. 14 Sept. 9, 2009 right wing, with the author on a book signing tour the couple (Cohen as producer, Winston as director) ended up filming a series of interviews KNIGHT with residents of the state and eventually fo- cused on portraits of three conservatives that AT form the basis of the movie. THE What emerges is less a filmed version of the book—which attempts to answer how Kansas, MOVIES once a home to progressive liberals has become a seemingly proud land of right wingers and religious zealots—but, rather, a sort of sequel which continues to explore Frank’s original the- sis and proceeds to capture the waning influ- ence of conservatives on politics (signified by the 2006 midterm elections) and on social is- sues. The filmmakers do a good job of humanizing their subjects but eventually the rigidness of The September the evangelical mindset and the two primary hot button social issues that drive it along (abor- Issue; ...Kansas?; tion, gay marriage) cancel out any common bond liberals (yours truly included) might feel. Film notes As always, I wonder after watching a documen- By Richard Knight, Jr. tary about these folks what happened to true Christian values which don’t seem to have much What do you suppose was the impetus for Vogue to do with the evangelical movement and cer- editor Anna Wintour to agree to an insider docu- tainly not the conservative one. One of the cam- era subjects, M.T. Liggett, a good ole boy and mentary about the magazine—and ostensibly The September Issue. herself? Did the parade of merciless dragon-lady sculpture artist summed up my feelings exactly when expressing his opinion about the conser- knockoffs of her by an increasing list of actress- fully offering her observations to obsequious interesting. We don’t even get to see one of her es—topped by Meryl Streep’s in The Devil Wears vative opposition to abortion and gay marriage members of the fashion media. icy tantrums or get any sense of an inner life. when he opines, “Who gives a shit!” Prada—finally get to her? Did she want to set The movie, which details the staff putting The movie confirms that Streep’s galvanizing, the record straight on her legendary hard-as- What’s the Matter with Kansas? is having its together Vogue’s largest yearly issue (the 2007 fictional portrayal has eclipsed interest in the Chicago premiere at the Gene Siskel Film Center, nails, take-no-prisoners persona? Have the op- one is shown here), doesn’t so much contain a real woman. portunity to outdo her imitators? 164 N. State, Sept. 18-24. Winston, Cohen and portrait of Wintour as it does another tissue thin So with this powerful but boring subject as Frank will be present for audience discussion on One can only guess at Wintour’s motives. For layer. She’s so guarded and obviously was so par- the centerpiece of his movie what does director the Anna Wintour “revealed” in The September Sept. 18-19 at 8:15 p.m. See www.siskelfilmcen- simonious with her time (all the talking head Cutler do? Cutler, who has approached documen- ter.org. Issue, R.J. Cutler’s documentary, isn’t much stuff with her seems to come from one or two tary filmmaking from a creative stance in the different than the silent, regal Anna Wintour interviews) that the director’s inclusion of much past (especially in American High) looks further that sits season in, season out in her trademark Film notes: of the footage of her seems a kindness rather a field, into Wintour’s staff and luckily finds a —Queer Cinema 102, the five-film series that pageboy and Jackie Kennedy sunglasses at the than a necessity because it’s not even remotely camera subject so compelling, humorous and couture shows, rarely cracking a smile and care- focuses on offbeat camp “classics” chosen and filled with heart, that one willingly sits through hosted by queer film critics continues Monday, the rest of the bla-bla-bla Wintour fashion mus- Sept. 14, with Roger Vadim’s 1968 camp sci- ings and the tired Andre Leon Talley big ole fi extravaganza Barbarella. Jane Fonda, David CULTURE CLUB queen melodramatics to get back to Grace Cod- Hemmings and hunk du jour John Phillip Law dington. star in this comic-book camp fantasia. The “Thank God for Grace Coddington,” Cutler must screening, hosted by Time Out Chicago film sec- gSOab\ObW]\ have thought after encountering Vogue’s cre- tion editor and critic Hank Sartin, will take place bVSb`Wc[^V]TZWTS ative director (who started at the magazine the in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the Center on same day as Wintour). This grand dame of fash- Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, at 7 p.m. Admission ion, gliding around the narrow halls through the is a suggested donation of $5 at the door and rows of designer dresses and accessories, mut- O\Sd]ZcbW]\O`g\Se an audience Q&A will follow the screening. Han- tering witty retorts under her breath in her pre- nahFree.com is helping to sponsor the series; `]QY[caWQOZT`][bVS cise British accent and rolling with the punches see www.queerfilmsociety.org. B]\g/eO`ReW\\W\U as her impossibly and beautifully styled shoots —The Boy with the Sun in His Eyes, an ultra- e`WbS`a]TC`W\Sb]e\ are cut from the issue, is the secret weapon the low-budget queer-themed movie partly shot in movie needs. Paris, Milan and Berlin by director Todd Verow The portrait of Coddington—who began as (who will appear at the film’s Sept. 11 screen- a model herself during the Mod 60s—and her ing) is part of the 16th Annual Chicago Under- travails with the magazine (read: Anna) is so ground Film Festival which features an assort- PSUW\aAS^bS[PS` pervasive that quickly she becomes the reason ment of experimental features, documentaries bWQYSba\]e]\aOZS for the movie. Finally, even Wintour is forced and shorts. The fest runs from September 10- to acknowledge Coddington’s genius and her %%! " ' " # 17 from at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. importance to the magazine. Wintour, the eas- State; see www.siskelfilmcenter.org. eee ObQeSP ]`U ily parodied face of Vogue has certainly been Check out my archived reviews at www. essential to the magazine’s continuing success windycitytimes.com or www.knightatthemov- but as The September Issue reveals, without the ies.com. Readers can leave feedback at the creative Coddington toiling away in the back- latter Web site. HELD OVER & Jeff Recommended ground her reign has meant nothing—and that’s “Camp comedy at it’s best.” something worth seeing. 86HID; Speaking of fashion, Valentino: The Last Em- peror, out director Matt Tyrnauer’s richly enter- &&H>C<>C< taining look at the retired fashion designer and &&96C8>C< life/business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, is out &&86EH>O>C< on DVD with several special features, including a more extensive look into the couple’s lavish 1")1#&&-/,0#0 homes. To celebrate the release, a signature red “parody of the (cult classic) Valentino couture gown giveaway sweepstakes film plus the songs provide is going on until the end of the year. Visit www. high-concept camp delights” valentinomovie.com. -Chicago Tribune Hell in a Handbag Productions at Married couple Laura Cohen and Joe Winston, Thur, Fri & Sat - 8pm, Sun - 5pm Chicago residents who had dabbled in filmmak- Chopin Theatre Tix $25/29 @ chopintheatre.com ing, felt so passionately about Thomas Frank’s 1543 W. Division or 800-838-3006 2004 best-seller What’s the Matter with Kan- 773-278-1500 FREE PARKING sas? that they optioned the rights from him in order to make a movie of it. Traveling through What’s the Matter with Kansas? the ultra conservative Kansas, a bastion of the Sept. 9, 2009 15 Writer Claudia Allen: ‘Free’ agent with new film by Jorjet Harper public readings at Chicago’s Women & Children First bookstore, including, in 1991, Hannah “In college I thought I was going to be a law- Free. In 1992, it had its stage premiere at Baili- yer,” recalled Chicago playwright Claudia Allen. wick, directed by Laurie Attea—who, years later, “Then I stumbled down the hall to a playwriting worked as an assistant director on the Hannah class, and my life changed.” Free film. After its Chicago premiere, Hannah Free Today, Allen is perhaps the most prolific con- was staged by many small companies around the temporary writer of lesbian-themed plays. Of country. The first professional [Equity] produc- her repertoire of 24 produced plays to date, 11 tion of Hannah Free was at Victory Gardens in have either a lesbian relationship as the central 1996. Claudia Allen on the set of Hannah Free. Photo by Hal Baim focus or a major character who is lesbian or bi- In Hannah Free, Allen explored new territory in sexual. Allen’s plays have been produced around the dramatic depiction of lesbians. At the time performances and, in some cases, she called nah in the film, and thought this was meant to the country, and have won a number of awards. she wrote the original stage version of Hannah particular actors to let them know that the film be.” Chicago’s Bailiwick Repertory recognized Allen’s Free, the few well-known plays about lesbians of Hannah Free was in the works. Taylor Miller, cultural as well as artistic contribution by hon- that existed at the time “tended to show us in who was a television star on All My Children for Permanence and resonance oring her, in 2000, with its Trailblazer Award “for a dramatically sealed lesbian world—for exam- many years, had been in Allen’s play Unspoken Allen has enjoyed watching the process of demonstrating excellence in playwriting and for ple, six lesbians at the shore (Jane Chambers’ Prayers five years ago at Victory Gardens, and making the film. “I haven’t watched every min- moving lesbian plays from the theatrical fringe acclaimed Last Summer at Bluefish Cove), or a Allen thought she would be perfect for the role ute of every day, but it was fun to sit at the to the artistic center.” group in somebody’s apartment,” she explained. of Marge, the adult daughter who keeps Hannah monitor and see the words come alive, and to In 2008, the artistic center of Allen’s work ex- “I wanted to show us woven into a bigger life, and Rachel apart. “When she came in to audi- think that this—Sharon’s version and Taylor’s panded to include screenwriting, when her stage a larger framework.” Some of the inspiration tion I think a lot of people thought, ‘Oh, she’s version—is going to be the permanent version play Hannah Free, the story of a lifelong les- for Hannah Free came from an ongoing lesbian too pretty or something like that,’” Allen said. of this story. And Meg Thalken as the Mail Lady bian relationship, was made into a film. By then custody battle in the late 1980s that had been “But she really knows how to work in front of a is the funniest mail lady I’ve ever seen.” Hannah Free had been produced in many theater widely reported in the gay press at the time: les- camera, and she brings so many shadings to that Although the play about two lesbians kept venues—among them Boston, Miami, Austin, bian Sharon Kowalski, who had been disabled in part.” apart by prejudice takes place in the recent past, Texas, Oregon, Arkansas, and North Dakota. “It’s a car crash, was put in a nursing home where her the situation raised in Hannah Free still reso- kind of covered the country,” said Allen. “It’s life partner, Karen Thompson, was denied visita- Star power nates today. “Hannah Free as a play has always my most frequently produced play.” Allen is very tion by Kowalski’s family. “I wanted to write a The casting of a major Hollywood star like Sha- been, unfortunately, too topical,” said Allen. pleased that, as a film, Hannah Free can now fictional, not a literal, version of that situation,” ron Gless for the lead role of a small film would “Every time it’s done there are issues of lesbian reach even wider audiences. said Allen, “and dramatize the legal rights—or be any independent filmmaker’s dream, and es- and gay rights that are still not addressed in the Allen grew up in the very small town of Clare, the lack of them—of women in committed les- pecially for a lesbian film. Gless has a large and way that they should be. And in the midst of Mich. She moved to Chicago in 1979, and the bian relationships. At the same time, I wanted devoted following among lesbians that goes all working on this film, the whole Prop 8 thing in following year her play Freedom Rider was staged to explore the impact of aging.” the way back to her work on Cagney & Lacey, California, the whole anti-marriage issue, came at the Playwrights’ Center. Later she became as- television’s first drama series featuring two fe- up. So in an unfortunate way, the play, and now sociated with one of Chicago’s most respected From stage to screen males as leads. Gless’s lesbian fan base grew still the screenplay, is still very topical. But then, theaters, Victory Gardens, as a playwright-in- When plans for a film version of Hannah Free larger from her work on five seasons of Queer As that’s important. I’ve always written fairly en- residence, and has had 11 full-length plays pro- were developed, Allen was the natural choice to Folk as live-wire waitress and PFLAG mom Deb- tertaining plays to keep people awake in their duced there. Allen credits director Sandy Shinner write the screenplay. Allen also became an ex- bie Novotny. seats, so they pay attention to what the mes- as a mentor and collaborator, and Victory Gar- ecutive producer of the film, along with Tracy Allen has known Sharon Gless since 1994, sage is. I think the film Hannah Free has a lot dens as a wonderful home theater for her work. Baim, who spearheaded the entire project. “I’ve when Gless and Tyne Daly appeared in a radio of message but it’s also very entertaining and “The first production of mine that Sharon [Gless] been turning my friends upside down and shak- version of Allen’s drama Deed of Trust. After- pretty hot.” was in was at Victory Gardens, and Julie Harris ing loose the change,” said Allen. “But it’s actu- ward, Gless and Allen stayed in touch, and Sha- “Theater will always be my first love, and I’ll did a couple of my plays there as well.” Allen ally been fulfilling to see how many people want ron returned to Chicago to appear in Allen’s play always come back to it,” Allen reflected, “but also continued to have plays produced by other to support this film. I think people have been Cahoots. When the Hannah Free film began to I’ve enjoyed working on this film. I hope I get Chicago theater companies. Her light, humorous pretty happy about doing it. At this point it’s materialize, Allen asked Gless to star in the up- a chance to work on several more films. Right gay spoofs have been popular at gay theaters in way beyond my ego and the story I’m telling. It’s coming film project, and she was enthusiastic now I have a whole bunch of things I want to town, including Xena Live! at About Face and a big story that we’re all telling.” about doing it. “She felt she’d had a wonderful write. We’ll see what actually comes out.” Al- The Gays of Our Lives at Zebra Crossing. Allen tends to stay in touch with people who time on Cahoots, and in an odd way, doing Ca- len is also in negotiations about the possibility have been in her past productions, and as a re- hoots in Chicago had led to her getting her role New territory sult, during the casting of Hannah Free, she was on Queer As Folk and a bunch of other things,” Turn to page 16 A number of Allen’s plays have had their first able to draw on her knowledge of actors’ past Allen said. “So she said she’d like to play Han-
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Campaign �inanced with aid from the European Union 16 Sept. 9, 2009 ask you to insult them as if they’re Larry Da- Wanda Sykes: vid? WS: Of course. And I’m looking at people like they’re crazy. You have to do something first, I Being herself can’t just rip into you for no reason. By Lawrence Ferber LF: Like spill a drink on you? WS: No, that’s a fight. And I’m extra mad be- Fall is truly Wanda Sykes’ season. Last Novem- cause you’re wasting alcohol. ber she came out at a post-election anti-Prop LF: Did coming out last November change 8 rally, revealing she had a wife, to boot. (She your life? What effect has it had? married wife Alexandra in California prior to Prop WS: It’s been great. Liberating. Total freedom. 8’s passage, and in April Alexandra bore twins, I’ve giving it a plug. I highly recommend it. Olivia Lou and Lucas Claude.) This fall sees a LF: And was your family cool with it? What quadruple dose of Sykes on TV. In addition to was their reaction? her supporting role as Barb on CBS’s “The New WS: Oh no. No, no. It was more just loud nois- Adventures of Old Christine” (with season five es. Something about praying for you. Let’s just Jim Verraros. Photo courtesy of Cobalt debuting Wed., Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.) and an ap- say [they’re taking] baby steps.” Crow pearance on the season premiere of HBO’s “Curb LF: You have a wife, Alexandra, and two Your Enthusiasm” (airing Sunday, Sept. 20, at kids. Do you mind them being in the public Entertainment 9 p.m.)—on which she regularly berates trou- Wanda Sykes. Photo by Craig Blankenhorn eye or do you want them to be completely ble-stirring star Larry David—HBO will debut a shielded, like “Blanket” Jackson? news Former American Idol (and onetime brand-new stand-up special, “Wanda Sykes: I’ma LF: Any guests you would love to invite? WS: I don’t think anyone wants anyone to be Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree) Be Me,” in October. In addition, FOX launches WS: Condoleezza Rice. Wouldn’t that be like Blanket. That’s just not nice. My wife is a Jim Verraros married Bill Brennan, his boy- her late-night talk show, The Wanda Sykes Show, great? private person and has her own career and I friend of four years, Sept. 6 in Oak Brook, on Nov. 7. LF: Sure, two lesbians in a room. think it’s only right she gets to keep and main- Ill., according to People.com. The couple wed As summer nears it close, Sykes shared some WS: [Laughs] I did not say that. tain that. I’m the one in show business. I love at the Oak Brook Hills Resort in Illinois, and details about these Fall time projects—includ- LF: Who else? having that divide. We don’t want to be a Hol- exchanged their own vows. Verraros, 26, wore ing which deceased celebrity she wants to have WS: Michael Jackson. Yeah. lywood couple. And I don’t know if you know a tuxedo by Ermenegildo Zegna and shoes by as a talk show guest—and her personal life. LF: I hear he’s not doing press. this, but the paparazzi don’t really mess with the Christian Dior, and walked down the aisle Lawrence Ferber: You lobbed some fero- WS: I can get him. [Laughs] black people too much. It’s great. I don’t know if to a classical trio playing Johann Sebastian ciously funny, controversy-stirring snark- LF: Would you settle for LaToya? it’s a fear thing or what but it’s wonderful. Bach’s “Air.” Same-sex marriage is currently bombs at conservatives, including FOX’s Sean WS: No. No. I would have to have Mike. LaToya’s LF: Is there anything else LGBTs can do to not legal in Illinois. Hannity, during May’s White House Corre- starting to look more like Janet. Notice that? win the struggle for equal rights? The Showtime series The L Word is about spondents Dinner. So do you feel conflicted She shifted. She was going straight for Mike, and WS: Just be vocal and let them know we’re to become a reality-TV show, according to about your talk show being on FOX? I think she ran out of money and went, “Ah, let here and demand our rights. Variety. Nine episodes of “The Real L Word: Wanda Sykes: You know what? I’m not on FOX me go with Janet. Too much work.” LF: Jumping back to the talk-show thing, if Los Angeles,” from L Word creator Ilene Chai- News, the Bill O’Reilly FOX. I’m on the “American LF: Will you try and get FOX’s Hannity and Ellen’s trademark shtick is dancing and Rosie’s ken and reality producers Magical Elves (Top Idol” FOX. I’m on the Adam Lambert FOX. Beck on your show? was singing and giving away stuff, what will Chef), have been approved. The show—which LF: What will make your talk show unique WS: Oh no. We want to have fun. be your show’s signature Sykes-ism? will follow six lesbians in Los Angeles as they from all the others? LF: Does Larry David deserve the heaps of WS: Maybe it’ll be the “Sykes shot.” I’ll do a go about their lives—will debut sometime in WS: Well, let’s start with me—and there you abuse you and other characters lay on him all shot at the end of the show. How about that? 2010 if all goes according to plan. go. We’re not trying to reinvent the late-night the time? We’ll have a drink of the night or something. talk-show format, except instead of a white guy WS: Of course. He’s asking for it. you have me. LF: When people see you in public do they ALLEN from page 15 Center Box Office, 164 N. State St. Both general admission and Film Center member of making another of her plays, Movie Queens, tickets are available through Ticketmaster, into a musical. “I thought, when I hit 50, that 800-982-2787, www.ticketmaster.com and a musical was the one thing I hadn’t done. I all Ticketmaster outlets. The Film Center and started out in high school with musicals, and its Box Office are open 5-9 p.m., Monday- I thought ‘you know, I really should write one Friday; 2-9 p.m., Saturday; and 2-6 p.m., of those.’“ Allen smiled mischievously, adding, Sunday. For more information about the “That would be singing, dancing lesbians on Film Center, call 312-846-2800 (24-hour Broadway...think it’s high time.” movie hotline) or 312-846-2600 (general For the complete Claudia Allen interview, information, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday), see www.windycitymediagroup.com. In com- or visit www.siskelfilmcenter.org. A special ing issues, there will be more interviews and 7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26 show will feature Sha- articles about Hannah Free. ron Gless and the cast and crew, followed Hannah Free will have a one-week limited by a gala; tickets are $100 and can only be engagement in Chicago Sept. 25-Oct. 1 at purchased by e-mailing info@hannahfree. 2009 auction & brunch the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School com or calling 773-387-2394. of the Art Institute of Chicago, 164 N. Jorjet Harper was an extra in Hannah Free, State. Tickets to each screening are $10/ and some of her paintings can be seen in general admission. Other ticket prices are the film. Center on Halsted $7/student and $5/Film Center members. Also, read an interview with Hannah Free Silent & Live Auction and Brunch All tickets may be purchased at the Film star Sharon Gless online. Sunday, September 27, 2009 11am - 3pm Center on Halsted
WITH PERFORMANCE 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago BY MEKOLE WELLS $50 per person. Spend the afternoon sipping complimentary cocktails, listening to live music featuring MeKole Wells, enjoying the company of great friends and of course… bidding on wonderful vacations, artwork and other treasures.
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From left: Sharon Gless, Claudia Allen and Rosie O’Donnell at the Hannah Free world pre- miere at the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco June 28. Photo by Hal Baim Sept. 9, 2009 17 “It’s just odd that I wrote Be Alright about Windy City Times: Do you feel like the four years ago,” said W, who then was getting network’s vision changed over the years that out of the hospital as a leukemia survivor. “That you were there? What do you think caused phrase just kept popping up all the time [while that change? in the hospital, from doctors and others]. CPM: It was always about ratings, but it be- “I’m very proud of that song because it’s such came even more about ratings and that defined an honest song, and I’m kind of surprised that who was the audience that would be the most people really embraced it. I was writing it back interested. And then you got to, who is our then about trying to get better, but now people audience? Who is our audience that we care embrace it as a song about surviving today’s about? Not just who’s watching, but who’s hard [economic] times. It really fits what’s go- watching who’s got disposable dollars? Whose ing on nowadays. dollars do we want? “I love the fact that people have attached WCT: Had you done anything about HIV be- themselves to the song and find comfort in that Claudia Pryor Malis. fore [filming Why Us?]? song. It makes me very proud.” CPM: The very first time I did when I was a W admitted she’s kind of surprised at the MOVIES producer at World News Tonight. I did a story song’s success: “At first, I thought it was very about how HIV was going to move from the powerful and knew it touched a nerve. But, for Claudia Pryor white gay male population—this was 1987— ‘Be Alright’ to go to No. 1, especially consider- to minorities. And we had a hard time selling ing all of the competition it’s up against, that’s Malis looks at that in 1987. The anchorman said to me, that’s really big. When I perform that song live, the ridiculous, this is a white gay male disease. reaction [from the crowd] is pretty incredible.” Blacks and HIV And the irony of that is, the very last story be- The Power of Music has been nothing short of by SAMUEL WORLEY fore he died, years later, was interviewing some sensational. After all, its first four single releas- Black men who were basically on the down low. es—”Walk Away,” “The Boss,” “Never” and “Love After more than three decades, Claudia Pryor ABC did a very wonderful, smart documentary Is the Look”—each landed at the number-one Malis gave up a career as a network news pro- Kristine W. on HIV in the Black community. So I’ve always spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play List. ducer to make independent films. She is cur- been tickled by that piece of irony. But in She said that the song “One More Try” is her rently finishing work on a documentary on the 1987, it was like, what? favorite “because it really evokes a lot of emo- prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Black communities. WCT: How did you find the narrator? She Kristine W’s tion in people, even though people interpret the Called Why Us?: Left Behind and Dying, Pryor was very good. song in a lot of different ways.” Malis made the film with the help of a group CPM: Tamira [Noble]. I found her in a biol- ‘Affair’ of W said “Love Is the Look” is one of the most of students recruited from a Pittsburgh high ogy class. It was one of the classes we went baffling songs on her resume. She just never school. Students transition from the role of in- to to recruit students for this research project. truly thought it’d shine as brightly. terviewee to the role of interviewer—though the heart The kids were extremely hostile. She was no- by ROSS FORMAN “There’s just something about that tune,” she they are themselves put in front of the camera ticeable because she was so quiet. She never said. “It’s a fun song and the lyrics are clever. I and questioned, they maintain a strong voice said a word, she just stared straight at me the Kristine W will again perform in Chicago, ap- just never really thought it would be a hit.” over the course of the film through their ques- whole time. Then she was one of twenty who pearing Sept. 12 at the Ravenswood Event Cen- When asked what song did not perform like she tions to HIV/AIDS experts, community activ- eventually signed up. The third session, she ter, 4011 N. Ravenswood, for Test Positive Aware hoped it would, W responded, “Save My Soul:” ists, and people living with AIDS. One student, said something that knocked my socks off. She Network’s (TPAN’s) “Aware Affair: Ultra Lounge” “It’s a great song, a great message. I was blown Tamira Noble, narrates the film. said, she recalled being in a health class once fundraiser. away that song wasn’t a crossover success.” Windy City Times recently talked with Claudia and having someone come in and talk about “Chicago is one of the best cities in the world, Pryor Malis while she was in town for a family being HIV-positive, and her reaction—she lis- period,” said W, 38, who performed last month at More Kristine W: gathering. She began by explaining her deci- tened to the woman’s story and at the end the Northalsted Market Days. “There’s so much going —Last name: Weitz sion to leave network television and pursue her woman said, “I have HIV,” and [Tamira] said, on [in Chicago]; it’s so diverse with such a wide —What’s life like on the road, considering own vision: oh my god, that woman touched my desk! Am range of people. Chicago has a lot of great art, you spend more than 100 nights per year in Claudia Pryor Malis: There was a meeting one I going to be all right? And she said, I never along with a lot of very creative people, actors, hotels? “There’s always something neat, some- day in which a senior producer said, “I want want to be that ignorant again. And the more music and musicians. Chicago is just an electric thing exciting, something different about every you guys to come up with ideas, and they need that I worked with her, the more that I knew city; I really love it there. city. I love to check out the stores, the restau- to be about”—I’m paraphrasing—“they need that it had to be in her voice. It absolutely had “I had a ball at Market Days. There was so rants, the temperature of every city. I’m a trav- to be about kids, because kids really get the to be. much going on there [at that event]; it was so eler, an adventurer; I just love to travel. I love audience going—[kids who are] blond, blue- more information about the documentary much fun. I was really excited to be a part of it. to go places I’ve never been before.” eyed.” She actually said that. It was one of can be found at www.diversityfilms.org. To It was great, a lot of fun.” —Favorite cities: Seattle, New York City, At- those moments where I just froze, and I re- watch the trailer, go to www.youtube.com/ Everything seems to be fun—and successful— lanta and Chicago alized that there was movement all around watch?v=9a7_iO48OTY. for W, who now has her 14th number-one Bill- —Least favorite city: Detroit (“The city just me, other people were listening, talking, and read more about Pryor Malis’ vision and board hit, “Be Alright.” depressed me because of the economy.”) breathing—except for me. And it was like, I the difficulties of the editing process at As of Sept. 12, Billboard.com ranked Be Al- —Thoughts about American Idol: “I think can win little battles here, but I am not going www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com. right at number 10, but just the company on it’s neat because it gives people the chance to to win this war. that list speaks volumes to W’s talent. “Sweet get out there and perform, to get recognition.” Dreams” from Beyonce is currently number one, —Would you have tried out on Idol?: “If I and the Top 10 also features Madonna (“Celebra- was still in high school, and had the opportunity “ tion”), Mariah Carey (“Obsessed”) and Shakira to get on [Idol,] yes, I definitely would have RUN, DON’T WALK, TO (“She Wolf”). done it.” (Kristine W signed with her first record ‘ ’ ” W’s string of number-one dance hits also in- label at age 18.) THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE! cludes “Land of the Living,” “One More Try,” —What musicians do you enjoy listening – Glamour “Stronger” and “Feel What You Want.” “Be Al- to? “I really like great vocalists, like Donna right” is the fifth release from The Power of Mu- Summer, Diana Ross, Annie Lennox, Al Jarreau, “ sic album. Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, THIS IS THE REAL Her last full-length album, Fly Again, was re- George Michael and Luther Vandross.” ‘ ’” leased in 2004, and it featured four number-one DEVIL WEARS PRADA. To attend TPAN’s “Aware Affair: Ultra – Krista Smith, Vanity Fair dance singles. Lounge,” see www.tpan.com. Mika’s 2nd CD out Sept. 22 Multiplatinum recording artist Mika will re- lease his sophomore album, The Boy Who Knew Too Much, Tuesday, Sept. 22. This record is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2007’s Life in Cartoon Motion (featuring the songs “Grace Kelly” and “Love Today”), which sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. The first single, “We Are Golden,” is available DON’T MISS THE SMASH HIT OF THE FASHION SEASON! on iTunes. A video for the track, helmed by Swedish director Jonas Akerlund, is streaming EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENTS START FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 at www.mikasounds.com. Other songs on the AMC RIVER EAST 21 LANDMARK’S CENTURY CENTRE CINEMARK CINEARTS 6 NORTHBROOK COURT Near North 888/AMC-4FUN Chicago 773/509-4949 Evanston 800/FANDANGO 942# Northbrook 888/AMC-4FUN new CD include “Dr. John” “Blue Eyes” and “Toy CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED Boy.” MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text SEPTEMBER With Your ZIP CODE To 43KIX (43549)!
Area Codes: (219), (312), (630), (639), (708), (773), (815), (847), (888) Chicago Windy City Times • Wed 9/9 • 2x4.5’’ JobID#: 408439 Name: 0909_Tsi_ChWinTms.pdf #133 *408439* 18 Sept. 9, 2009 WHAT TO DO? Monday, Sept. 14 Wednesday, Sept. 9 sance & Woodlawn $28 registration at by www.HannaFree.com 7 p.m. $5. Nami Mun, author of Miles from No- www.boulevardtour.org Hoover-Leppen Theater, Center on Hal- Divine Décor, Drinks with Benefits to where about a thirteen-year-old Chicago Half Marathon & 5K race along sted benefit Chicago House. Renowned DJ Korean-American girl who flees her Chicago’s south shoreline and skyline. Senior Action in a Gay Environment, Madrid. 6 - 9 p.m. $30 adv at www.chi- dysfunctional family for life on the 7:30 a.m. www.chicagohalfmarathon. SAGE Tea Time; 2 - 3:30 p.m. Enjoy cagohouse.org or 773-248-5200 x303 streets. 7:30 p.m. Women & Children com/Home.htm some tea and friendly conversation. or $40 door; Primitive (rare Asian art/ First Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark St., Coming Out/Saliendo del Closet, “Ne- Center on Halsted. furniture gallery) 130 N Jefferson St. 773-769-9299 www.womenandchil- gotiating Family and Safety/Negocian- “T” Talk; casual, peer-lead conversation Dr. Maya Angelou, celebrated poet, au- drenfirst.com do la Familia y la Seguridaa” presented group for those 18 years and older, who thor, playwright, actress, professor and by Amigas Latinas Proyecto Latina identify as Transgender or are question- civil rights activist. Chicago Founda- Thursday, Sept. 10 Committee. 2 - 4 p.m. Email for loca- ing their own gender 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 tion for Women, 24th Annual Luncheon Chicago Underground Film Festival tion: [email protected] p.m. transgender@centeronhalsted. Speaker. Hyatt Regency Chicago. Spon- through September 17, Gene Siskel Jason & deMarco, winner of MTV LOGO’s org or 773-472-6469 x 495 Center on sorships and reservations, Mariah Pearl Film Center, School of the Art Insti- Music Video of the Year award, part of Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, www.center- Cunnick at [email protected] or 312- tute of Chicago, 164 N. State St. www. an Alternative Worship Experience 10 onhalsted.org 577-2827 siskelfilmcenter.org a.m. at Gregory Middle School, 2621 NewTown Writers Fortnightly Writing Fake, exploring the theme of belief, Springdale Cir. Naperville. www.unity- Tuesday, Sept. 15 Workshop 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. new- OH, BOYS innaperville.org Harris Theater Eat to the Beat, lunch- through November 8. $20. Steppen- [email protected] for location Pet Shop Boys will be at the Chicago Theatre, Peoria Pride Festival on the Peoria Riv- time dance performance featuring Words that Kill. Every 3rd Thursday po- wolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. 175 N. State. Halsted. www.steppenwolf.org erfront., noon - 6 p.m. inaugural event Sons of the Never Wrong, My Witness, etry & comedy series featuring local, Prairie Avenue Gallery presents Burn- will include a full day of entertainers, DanceWorks Chicago, noon, $5. Lunch national touring, and award winning Photo by Alasdair McLellan ham architectural shows and art work- speakers, vendors, exhibitors, great available for purchase. www.harristhe- comedians and poets. Poetry Slam, 2 shops. Architecture students from the food. Hosted by Central Illinois Alli- aterchicago.org or 312-334-7777 bouts, 3 judges , a prize. $5 or canned School of the Art Institute of Chicago, ance for Diversity & Equality. CEFCU goods. The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. Visionary Event Spaces exhibit through Center Stage Peoria Riverfront Peoria Wednesday, Sept. 16 773-728-8934 www.spotchicago.com September 27, Prairie Avenue Gallery, PrimeTimers Open Social, 6 p.m. BYOB. 23rd annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Thursday, Sept. 17 1900 S. Prairie. www.pdnachicago.com $20 for members, $25. non. Ann Sather Conference starting with the Women’s Friday, Sept. 18 Restaurant, 909 W. Belmont. After-din- Forum Breakfast. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. World Music Festival city wide, multi- Friday, Sept. 11 ner: stand-up comedian Marc Peurye. Penny S. Pritzker will keynote at noon. venue through Thursday, September Calvin Harris, DJ Set, Vision Night Club, www.primetimersww.org 312-409-1590 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Register 24. Half events are free, the rest $15 632 N. Dearborn www.visionnightclub. “World Vision Experience: AIDS” www.wbdc.org, or 312 853-3477, x 24 or less. www.worldmusicfestivalchi- com unique, multi-media, interactive ex- Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian cago.org Flesh Hungry Dog Show featuring Dy- hibit that allows Americans to step Issues monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m .at LGBT Mental Health and Chemical De- lan Rice, Congress of Darlings and into the lives of children affected by Affinity Community Services, 5650 S. pendency Care: Creating Sexual Health Bobby Conn and Monica BouBou, Jack- HIV and AIDS in the hardest-hit region Woodlawn. [email protected] or in Psychotherapy 1 - 5 p.m. 4 continu- hammer, 6406 N. Clark St. www.flesh- of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa. Free. call 773-324-0377 affinity95.org ing education credits. $75. Register hungrydog.com Sun, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m; Mon Sept 14/Thu Anti-Defamation League Upper Midwest at www.centeronhalsted.org “New & Guerrilla Girl Bar 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Pops Sept 17.10 a.m. – 8 p.m; Fri Sept 18, chapter will honor Abner J. Mikva and Events, SOGI Seminar. for Champagne, 601 N. State St www. noon – 10 p.m.; Sat Sept 19, 10 a.m. – Newton N. Minow for their work to World Music Festival city wide, multi- sapphicadventures.org 8 p.m.; Sun Sept 20, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.. preserve the five freedoms guaran- venue through Thursday, September Luis Fernando Uribe: New Works, open- Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak teed to every American under the First 24. Half events are free, the rest $15 ing reception 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. through Brook Rd. (31st Street and York Road), Amendment. 4th Annual First Amend- or less. www.worldmusicfestivalchi- Oct. 10. Aldo Castillo Gallery 675 N Oak Brook www.worldvisionexperience. ment Freedom Award Dinner. 5:30 cago.org Franklin St 312-337-2536 www.artaldo. org p.m. Chicago Hilton. www.adl.org/ com firstamendment Tuesday, Sept. 22 Monday, Sept. 14 Chicago NOW’s annual cocktail recep- Hall of Fame Celebrity Auction benefits Saturday, Sept. 12 aChurch4Me? MCC 21st C. Progressive tion and fundraiser, Women Who Dared. the 2009 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall Financial Literacy Workshop with Fifth/ Christianity Exploration 7:30 - 9p.m. Cocktail reception and silent auction. of Fame. Registration reception, silent Third Bank 10 a.m-.12:30 p.m. Affinity 773-661-0936 www.achurch4me.org 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Flourish Studios, 3020 auction and raffle begin at 7 p.m. Bid- Community Services, 5650 S. Woodlawn Barbarella, hosted by Time Out Chi- N. Lincoln, www.icanflourish.com. $25 ding starts at 8 p.m. Auctioneers are www.affinity95.org cago. CenterScreen: “Queer Cinema in advance or $30 at the door; $60 in- Circuit Mom, Amy Methany of Windy OUTsource, a career transition program 102”, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Center partners cludes Chicago NOW Membership; $10 City Queercast, and Molly Callinan, for the LGBT community, second and with Queer Film Society, Cinema Lesbi- for students. Tix at www.womenwhod- Rock Goddess lead singer of “Catfight” MAYA GOODNESS! third Saturdays, 9 a.m. - noon : Career ana, More for Gay Men, and local LGBT ared2009.eventbrite.com Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted; www.gl- Jump Start, 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. ,Center on film makers. $5 RSVP culture@center- Equality Illinois Annual T-Party. Cel- halloffame.org, sidetrackchicago.com Maya Angelou will be the featured speaker Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted onhalsted.org or call 773-661-0763 ebration for Equality Illinois’ transgen- at the Chicago Foundation for Women’s www.centeronhalsted.org Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, der members, supporters and friends. 6 Saturday, Oct. 3 24th Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency www.centeronhalsted.org p.m.- 9 p.m. Sidetrack, Glass Bar, 3347 Gerber/Hart Library annual benefit, TPAN’s 2009 Aware Affair: Ultra Lounge Chicago, 151 E. Wacker. featuring Kristine W. Ravenswood Bill- LGBTQ Grief Group bimonthly group N. Halsted Street. “Making History: Riot, Revolution, board Factory, 4043 N. Ravenswood with Rainbow Hospice; 7 p.m. - 8:30 Rights.” Keynote speaker David Carter, Photo by Dwight Carter www.tpan.com p.m. Elizabeth K. 847-685-6381 x Thursday, Sept. 17 author of Stonewall: The Riots That U2 through Sun. Sept. 13 at Soldier 1125.Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Hal- Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane Dance Co., Sparked the Gay Revolution. Swedish- Field, 1400 S. Museum Campus Dr. sted, www.centeronhalsted.org world premiere dance theater event, American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark www.U2.TicketsNow.com Pet Shop Boys, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We St. www.gerberhart.org State St. www.chicagotheatre.com Pray, inspired by the Lincoln legacy. Sunday, Sept. 13 The Queer Film Society’s Queer Cinema Q&A with Bill T. Jones after. Ravinia Affinity group joining the Boulevard 102 shows Barbarella hosted by Hank Grand Season Finale. Pavilion Tix, Din- Lakefront Bike Tour 7 a.m. Midway Plai- Sartin, Film Section Editor and Critic, ner, drinks $49. 847-266-5100, www. Time Out Chicago. Sponsored in part ravinia.org
See our online calendar: www.windycitymediagroup.com/calendar
LETTER from page 11 I knew both Harvey Milk and Cleve Jones, and was in the front lines of the early gay-rights listen and talk to Cleve Jones. It was a memo- movement in San Francisco during the 1970s. rable night for the 300 attendees. I left Chicago in the 1960s because being or WE PARKVIEW PET I am taking advantage of their bus trip (only knowing someone “queer” was considered ta- SUPPLIES $100 round-trip) to be in Washington D.C. for boo. Times have changed—and, yes, we have EST. 1921 the “Equality Now” march [on Oct. 11]. I urge made progress— but the progress has been slow. everyone, no matter their age, to join in this This march can help make a difference, to help important moment in gay history. I also notice get all gays the equal rights we deserve in mar- 5358 N. Broadway that 140 so-called gay leaders have endorsed riage, the armed forces and everyday life. 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Diana Thorpe CI/ CT/NIC Master, Nationally Certified Interpreter, 20 Sept. 9, 2009 BILLY MASTERS he took a shot at “acting” on “Days of our Lives” “Would you like some watermelon juice? It’s and decided to become Trevor Donovan. Who low-calorie. I’m trying to lose a little weight.’”— cares? He’s gorgeous, bleached blond (I’m see- Barbra Streisand offers an interviewer a refresh- ing a trend) and shaved within an inch of his ment. Now, let me get this straight—watermel- life (the trend continues). He joins the cast of on juice? Does Tropicana make that or does it “90210” playing “Teddy Montgomery”, who he come in crystals? Knowing Babs, her watermelon calls “a new kid at West Beverly High”. Playing a is probably fresh-squeezed every morning by high school student sounds like quite an acting James. challenge for this 31-year-old! I haven’t heard I’m seriously considering undergoing Baliage. 8 such ridiculous casting since...well, since the 18 10 It was all the rage back when Billy was a mere original “90210” was on FOX! Be that as it may, 2 undergrad....er, high school student, strike the paparazzi caught him shooting a surfing that, junior high student. It’s a highlighting 4 scene in Marina Del Rey. He was later snapped technique used on people with short hair who walking along the beach with his wet suit rolled 16 11 want it to grow in naturally—and if there’s one 9 1 down below his waist. The drool-worthy pics can thing I want, it’s for my unnatural color to look be found on BillyMasters.com. 17 as natural as possible! Now I’ve just gotta find 12 3 Our “Ask Billy” question follows the natural 6 19 55 someone in WeHo who’s old enough to Baliage 14 5 progression of this column. Ron in Orlando asks: 15 13 with the best of them. “Did you see ‘The Ugly Truth’? In one scene, Eric Discussing frosted hair and the ‘80s brings 7 Winter is naked. Aside from his hot ass, I swear up one of my favorite people—Belinda Carlisle. you could see his dick.” Last September, I told you that Belinda would 58 I must confess that it takes a lot for me to go 46 48 be playing ice queen “Velma Von Tussle” in the 47 to a Katherine Heigl movie—no offense. But the 60 44 Broadway production of “Hairspray”. Before that 45 promise of every angle of Eric Winter tempted could happen, the show closed. Babe really 54 me to get off my ass and check out his. Well, 59 wanted to play the part so now, a year later, I’m my dear Ron, it was well worth the hardship— 50 thrilled to announce that she’ll join the London and I mean that almost literally. Certainly Eric 52 production starting on October 26th. I’m gonna 25 49 Winter is fabulous to look at from the waist up. 37 22 51 book my trip FAST! 24 26 I remember touching that very torso in Kathy 32 When I met Derek Hough from “Dancing with Griffin’s kitchen...but that’s another story for the Stars”, I was sure he was gay...and I mean another column. In “The Ugly Truth”, Winter’s that as a compliment. Hot little body, frosted 33 character has just gotten out of the shower, clad 31 30 56 hair, overly tanned skin—it was almost like 23 only in a towel, and he’s flossing when Heigl, 53 39 28 38 looking in a mirror, albeit one in a funhouse! 41 57 the first lady of film, falls out of a tree holding 36 Of course, Derek was dating Shannon Elizabeth, 40 29 27 her pussy! I’m not making this up, you know. 21 43 who we all know has never met a gay man she Eric dashes out of the house to help her, the 42 didn’t like. When the couple split, the “Enquirer” 34 towel goes flying, and there is his ass. But if you 20 decided to turn speculation into fact. Accord- focus on that, you’ll miss the very brief glimpse ing to the rag, the schism was caused by his of his penis. Well, you won’t miss it after we sexuality—or, rather, the wagging tongues. Al- post it on BillyMasters.com. 35 legedly, Shannon never believed the rumors, but they took a toll on her. I, for one, refuse to be- lieve it. At least, I refuse to believe it was only ANDERSONVILLE 18 Touché 35 Manhandler 52 Jeffrey Pub a rumor! 1 @mosphere 6412 N. Clark St. 1948 N. Halsted St. 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. 5355 N. Clark St. ToucheChicago.com 36 minibar/winebar Is it just me, or is Heidi Klum saying “Welcome atmospherebar.com 19 Wild Pug 3341 N. Halsted St. THE BURBS to Project One Way”? I love her, but I think she’s 2 The Anvil 4810 N. Broadway Ave. minibarchicago.com 53 Club Krave 1137 W. Granville Ave. WorldsGreatestBar.com 37 North End 13126 S. Western Ave. turning into the Barbra Walters of Lifetime. Lots 3 Big Chicks 3733 N. Halsted St. Blue Island, IL of my readers are totally into contestant Logan 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. BOYSTOWN NorthEndChicago.com ClubKrave.com Neitzel—another one who looks gay, but is alleg- BigChicks.com 20 3160 38 Pie Hole 54 Hideaway 4 Cattle Call 3160 N. Clark St. 737 W. Roscoe St. 7301 W. Roosevelt Rd. edly straight. At least that’s what “Project Run- 1547 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago3160.com PieHolePizzaJoint.com Forest Park, IL way” alum Chris March says on his blog. While CattleCallChicago.com 21 Berlin 39 Roscoe’s 55 Hunters 5 Crew 954 W. Belmont Ave. 3356 N. Halsted St. 1932 E. Higgins Rd. recapping the pregnancy challenge, he writes, 4804 N. Broadway Ave. BerlinChicago.com Roscoes.com Elk Grove Village, IL “Logan, even though he has sex with girls, has WorldsGreatestBar.com 22 Bobby Love’s 40 Scarlet HuntersNightclubs.com never gotten one pregnant.” Sounds a lot like 6 Eagle 3729 N. Halsted St. 3320 N. Halsted St. 56 John L’s Place 5001 N. Clark St. BobbyLoves.com ScarletBarChicago.com 335 154th Pl. another Shannon Elizabeth situation! Straight or ChicagoEagle.com 23 Bucks Saloon 41 Sidetrack Calumet City, IL gay, he had the good sense to have his shirt off 7 El Gato Negro 3439 N. Halsted St. 3349 N. Halsted St. 57 Maneuvers 1461 Irving Park Rd. BucksSaloonChicago.com SidetrackChicago.com 118 E. Jefferson St. while making an omelet on the show. You missed ElGatoNegroBar.com 24 Cell Block 42 Spin Joliet, IL it? Check him out on BillyMasters.com. Happy nuptuals to Chicago’s very own Jim 8 The Glenwood 3702 N. Halsted St. 800 W. Belmont Ave. JolietManeuvers.com Elsewhere in the world of reality television, 6962 N. Glenwood St. www.CellBlock-Chicago.com Spin-Nightclub.com 58 Moda VIP Verraros and partner! TheGlenwoodbar.com 25 Charlie’s 43 Steamworks 2409 N. Mannheim Rd. fans of Scott Herman from “Real World: Brooklyn” 9 Hamburger 3726 N. Broadway Ave. 3246 N. Halsted St. (bath) Franklin Park, IL can’t get enough of the abs-olutely gorgeous fit- Mary’s/Mary’s CharliesChicago.com SteamworksOnline.com myspace.com/modavip Could it be that a certain rocker of yesteryear Attic 26 Circuit 59 Rumors ness model. We’ve seen pretty much every inch has traded in life on the stage for life in traf- 5400 N. Clark St. 3641 N. Halsted St. DOWNTOWN 2433 Desplaines Ave. of him—except the most important inches. But HamburgerMarysChicago.com CircuitClub.com 44 The Baton North Riverside, IL fic school? His inability to tell green from red 10 Jackhammer 27 The Closet 436 N. Clark St. RumorsPubOnline.com we’re getting closer. The hottie has been film- has landed him in hot water twice in the past 6406 N. Clark St. 3325 N Broadway Ave. TheBatonShowLounge.com 60 Velvet Rope ing video vignettes for fans, and the most recent couple years and has most certainly not filled Jackhammer-Chicago.com 28 Cocktail 45 Second Story Bar 728 W. Lake St. one raised more than our eyebrows. It’s direct 11 Joie De Vine 3359 N. Halsted St. 157 E. Ohio St. Oak Park, IL him with glee. It’s not always about the destina- 1744 W. Balmoral Ave. CocktailBarChicago.com VelvetRopeOakPark.com from his shower, and he talks about the impor- tion. Sometimes it’s about the journey. 12 Man’s Country 29 FireFly NEAR NORTH tance of getting a close shave on his torso when 5017 N. Clark St. (bath) 3335 N. Halsted St. 46 Club 2506 INDIANA When I’m falling for Winter’s full moon in the MansCountryChicago.com FireflyOnHalsted.com 2506 N. Clybourn Ave. 61 Dick’s R U Crazee? prepping for a fitness photo shoot. “Now, you summer, it’s time to spring ahead and end yet 13 Scot’s 30 Halsted’s Bar & 47 Crobar 1221 E.150th St. have to be really careful because you don’t want another column. Let me slip in a last minute 1829 W. Montrose Ave. Grill 1543 N. Kingsbury St. Hammond, IN to cut your nipples, because that hurts....a lot! ChicagoScotsBar.com 3441 N. Halsted St. 48 The Prop House DicksRUCrazee.com item about my pal Jim Verraros. The openly gay 14 SoFo HalstedsChicago.com 1675 N. Elston Ave. 62 Encompass I’ve done it once or twice. It hurts like a bitch if contestant from the first season of “American 4923 N. Clark St. 31 Hydrate 2415 Rush St. you cut it.” Riveting. Not the brightest bulb, but SofoBar.com 3458 N. Halsted St. Lake Station, IN Idol” married his boyfriend this past weekend. 15 Spyners HydrateChicago.com THE SOUTHSIDE EncompassNightclub.com he does look hot in the shower. We’ll post the vid OK, so the ceremony was in Illinois where gay 4623 N. Western Ave. 32 Kit Kat 49 Club Escape on BillyMasters.com. marriage isn’t yet legal, but why quibble? Con- Spyners.com 3700 N. Halsted St. 1530 E. 75th St. Since this is going to keep coming up, I have 16 Star Gaze KitKatChicago.com ClubEscapeChicago.com grats, boys. Don’t forget to check out www.Billy- 5419 N. Clark St. 33 Little Jim’s 50 Escapades to make a decision—do I start calling Trevor Masters.com for all your gossip needs. If you’ve StarGazeChicago.com 3501 N. Halsted St. 6301 S. Harlem Ave. Neubauer by his “Trevor Donovan” moniker? In 17 T’s LittleJimsChicago.com 51 InnExile got a question, write to [email protected] 5025 N. Clark St. 34 Lucky Horseshoe 5758 W. 65th St. truth, when he was born in 1978 he was called and I promise to get back to you before Luke TsBarChicago.com 3169 N. Halsted St. InnExileChicago.com Trevor Donovan Neubauer. As a model, he didn’t Perry gets cast as Trevor’s younger brother! So, put much thought into a stage name. Clad in un- until next time, remember, one man’s filth is an- dies for such brands as A&F, Jockey, and Calvin other man’s bible. Klein, his name wasn’t so important. In 2007, Sept. 9, 2009 21
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The annual trans competition known as Miss Continental 2009/2010 Pageant took place Sept. 7 at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage——and, when the dust (or sequins) settled, Miss Florida Continental Armani (second from top, right) came out on top. Carmella Marcella Garcia was the emcee, and among the judges was Miss America 2004, Ericka Dunlap. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com). See more photos in next week’s issue of Nightspots. 22 Sept. 9, 2009 ies so more teams from more cities attend each Chicago shines year, which brings many benefits on and off the field. This was one of the largest and also most in World Series competitive [World Series] that I can remember. By ROSS FORMAN The [associated] events also were first-class and the weather was ideal for softball all week. They did it the hard way, advancing to the fi- “This was my 15th Series and I rate it high- nals of the annual North American Gay Amateur ly.” Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) Softball World Series The 2010 NAGAAA World Series will be held in through the loser’s bracket. And when the Chi- Columbus, Ohio. cago Spin Cougars ultimately met the Orlando Here’s a look at the top four finishers in the Crush in the finals of the B Division on Sept. 5 in open divisions: Milwaukee, Wis., the Cougars had to win back- A Division: to-back games to claim the championship. —1st: Phoenix Toros Well, the Cougars did just that, becoming the —2nd: Orlando Force first champion in the gay softball World Series —3rd: Phoenix Diablos from Chicago since 2006 (Jackhammer Heat in —4th: Atlanta Sluggers the D Division), the fifth-ever Chicago-based champion dating back to 1977 and the first-ever B Division: Chicago-based champion in the B Division. —1st: Chicago Spin Cougars Chicago does not have any A Division teams, —2nd: Orlando Crush which is the top tier; and when Chicago Side- —3rd: Los Angeles Killer B’s track won the 1983 World Series, there was only —4th: Dallas T.K.O. one division. The six-day NAGAAA World Series is predominantly male, although some women Spin Cougars. Photo by Carmelo Duarte C Division: played. —1st: Fort Lauderdale Cyclones —2nd: Seattle Maulers The Amateur Sports Alliance of North America “Winning the championship was fantastic,” The star Cougars included: —3rd: Austin Shady Ladies held its six-day, all-women’s World Series in said Johnmarc Alban, 32, the Cougars’ catcher. —Kevin Ball (pitcher), who had three home —4th: Twin Cities Edge Madison, Wis. There were seven Chicago-based He was playing in his sixth World Series and was runs on the final day of play; teams participating, yet none finished among a World Series winner several years ago in the D —Charles Piper (shortstop), who was excep- D Division: the top four in any division. Final results were Division and has been playing the last few in C tional defensively and smacked two home runs —1st: Nashville Players not available before Windy City Times went to Division. Sept. 5; —2nd: Seattle Avengers press. “The fields were good, the [associated] events —James Platt (outfielder), leadoff hitter and —3rd: Twin Cities Swingers “[The Cougars winning is] an amazing accom- were great, the competition was great,” Alban the team’s fastest player; —4th: Fort Lauderdale Bombers and Atlanta plishment,” said Chris Vernald, player-manager said. “It was just a very, very well-run tourna- —Mark Febonio (third baseman); Avengers for the Cougars. “We’ve been working on this for ment, a really good time.” —Jim Bulawa (outfielder); and several years now. We’ve come close the last few This seemed especially true when Cougars’ first —Cameron Turner (outfielder). years, but weren’t able to finish it. This time, we baseman Todd Wickens leaped to snag a line The Cougars scored six runs in the first inning Sky’s game finished things.” drive for the third out in the seventh inning of of the first game against Orlando en route to The Cougars finished third in 2008, fourth in the second game, eliminating Orlando and giv- an 18-3 rout. Chicago claimed the title with a for AIDS groups 2007 and second in 2006. ing the gold to Chicago. 14-11 win in the second game. AIDS Foundation of Chicago (code: AIDS), Test The difference this year, Vernald said, was that “We were in such a groove [heading into the “It was close throughout in Game Two,” Alban Positive Aware Network (code: TPAN), and the the team did not endure as many injuries as in finals]; you could almost just tell that we’d win,” said. Chicago Women’s AIDS Project (code: CWAP) in- the past. Plus, the team had a larger bench, so Alban said. “The team played awesome. Everyone “I’m glad the Cougars won; it’s great for the vite fans to join them to support AIDS aware- they were able to make more strategic moves had their role on the team. We had power, great city [of Chicago],” said Marcia Hill, president ness Thursday, Sept. 10, as the WNBA’s Chicago toward the end of the game, “and that helped defense, clutch hitting. Our big players played of the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association Sky take on the Indiana Fever at the UIC Pavil- a lot,” he said. big in those last two games.” (CMSA). “It’s great that one of CMSA’s top teams ion, 525 S. Racine, at 7 p.m. The three chari- broke through and won the championship.” ties will receive a portion of the ticket proceeds The Cougars were the only Chicago-based for any 2009 Chicago Sky home games when the team to finish among the top four in the B, C tickets are purchased through the charities’ pro- or D divisions. motional code. “This was a special World Series for Chicago,” See www.wnba.com/sky. There’s Power said Brian Redar, an outfielder on Chicago’s other B Division World Series team, the Road- house 66 V2 Dragons. “Three Chicagoans (Phil Nine to Twelve to Runions, Sam Coady and Bobby Nicholson) were start 31st season in Our Pride. inducted into the NAGAAA Hall of Fame and the Nine to Twelve, the longest-running GLBT Please participate in the largest Spin Cougars finally brought a B Division cham- bowling league in the suburbs, will start its 31st pionship home; they played an amazing tourna- season Saturday, Sept. 19, at River Rand Bowl, LGBT Community Survey in history, ment. Milwaukee did a terrific job as the host 191 S. River, Des Plaines, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. and help demonstrate the growing city. We hope to live up to the standard they set The Nine to Twelve league bowls monthly on when Chicago hosts [the NAGAAA Softball World the third Saturday of each month from Septem- Power in Our Pride. Series] in 2011. ber through May. League members are invited to “NAGAAA continues to grow as it adds cit- Everyone who completes the survey by August 31, 2009 Hunter’s after the evening concludes and receive will be entered into a drawing to win one of 25 Amazon a pass for free entry to the club. or iTunes credits for $20, or the Grand Prize of a $500 Due to the success of the Nine to Twelve Visa gift card. League, a second league—Nine to Twelve No Tap—began five years ago. The No Tap league bowls on the first Saturday of the month; it Please take the survey today, and tell your friends! starts Oct. 3 and continues through May. Interested persons should contact the league www.LGBTsurvey.com secretary, Rob, at [email protected]. Tremendous strides toward full equality have been achieved by our communities over the past decade. There’s Free workouts Power in Our Pride. Power to make a difference: • Gay and lesbian survey studies have opened doors (and minds) in leading corporations and organizations, which in turn have in Millennium Park recognized the value of their LGBT employees through the establishment of equal hiring policies and domestic partner Millennium Park and McDonald’s are hosting benefits. This has been a catalyst, leading to sweeping changes in political and social inclusivity. • Demographic reports also influence marketing investment. Virtually absent until recently, we now see a growing variety of workouts on the Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker products and services represented in gay media, celebrating our diversity. Ads keep LGBT publications and websites Pavilion in Millennium Park. Workouts are open in business, serving their communities with independent news and information. • Beyond simply advertising, though, these companies support us in many ways, including sponsoring community events to people with all levels of experience, are 45 and funding community-based charities in order to earn our loyalty. minutes long and will be held 7-11 a.m. every • Taking an annual pulse on market trends through surveys helps demonstrate the LGBT community’s growing power, and influences positive change. Saturday through Sept. 19. Each week, instructors from Lakeshore Athletic We respect your privacy. All personal survey data is held confidentially by Community Marketing, Inc., (CMI) an independent market Club—Illinois Center will lead classes in Tai Chi research and communications firm based in San Francisco (founded 1992, and proudly 100% gay-owned and -operated) and will not be sold to third parties or used for marketing purposes. CMI is an NGLCC-Certified LGBT-Owned Business Enterprise. Thank you! at 7 a.m., yoga sessions at 8 a.m., Pilates work- outs at 9 a.m. and martial arts/aerobic dancing A member of the Spin Wildcats, which at 10 a.m. Visit www.millenniumpark.org or call 312- ® 2009 Community Marketing, Inc., 584 Castro St. #834, San Francisco CA 94114 USA www.CommunityMarketingInc.com competed in the C Division. Photo by Ross Forman 742-1168. Sept. 9, 2009 23 CONNEXIONS MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS
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Download each issue of Windy City Times and Nightspots at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com 9_10_09_windy_city_full:Layout 1 9/4/09 1:36 PM Page 1 24 Sept. 9, 2009 “HOLD ON TO YOUR HATS!” SEPTEMBER 17 AND 19 • TWO DAYS ONLY – NEW YORK TIMES BILL T. JONES’S MOST IMPORTANT WORK TO DATE
"I LIVE WITH THE UNEASY FEELING THAT SOCIETY HAS THE GRANDEST GRAND SHAPED ME AS A RESULT FINALE OF ANY SEASON OF SOMETHING THAT WAS STOLEN FROM US WHEN ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS WORLD-PREMIERE KILLED. THE CYNICISM AND DANCE-THEATER EVENT ALIENATION THAT I FEEL IN MY HEAD AND HEART AROSE Fondly Do We Hope . . . BECAUSE OF THIS STRANGE Fervently Do We Pray TURN OF DESTINY." The Bill T. Jones/ —Bill T. Jones Arnie Zane Dance Company “THE POLITICAL LION OF MODERN DANCE” —NEW YORK TIMES Tony-winning dance legend Bill T. Jones
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STAY FOR A Q&A “[JONES] PUT HIMSELF ‘ON WITH THE ARTIST THE ANALYST’S COUCH’ TO SORT OUT WHAT LINCOLN MEANT TO HIM PERSONALLY, BEFORE JOIN BILL T. JONES AS HE MODERATES A Q&A PULLING OUT BIOGRAPHICAL NUGGETS THAT DISCUSSION BETWEEN YOU AND HIS CREATIVE TEAM HE COULD CONVERT INTO DANCES FOR HIS AFTER THE WORLD-PREMIERE PERFORMANCES ON MULTIETHNIC TROUPE.” SEPT. 17 AND 19. —WALL STREET JOURNAL
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